FLOATING BOOKSTORE TO SAIL IN SAN FERNANDO ON MAY 23

Wednesday 22nd of May 2013
SAN FERNANDO CITY, May 22 (PIA) -- The group behind the international floating bookstore will hold parallel events on top of its book fair when it begins to dock at the Poro Point here on May 23. Event coordinator Guillermo Suco said that the group also provide need-based services to communities wherever the MV Logos Hope docks in every port. “We will visit jails and poor children,” Suco said during a press conference held on Monday. Coordinator Joanne Li said that the group had visited hundreds of communities in different regions in the world while the floating bookstore is docked in those areas. Based on record, the floating booksto...
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YMA introduces youths to social discovery activity
CEBU CITY, May 22 (PIA) -- The Young Minds Academy (YMA)-Season7 of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) introduced and exposed the Cebuano young scholars in a 'Social Discovery Walk' facilitated by RAFI's Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) on April 30. The activity is intended for the young minds to gain relevant community exposures that will provide valuable insights on this season's theme, urban development. There are 87 scholars-participants that were divided into six teams who accomplished ch...
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KKS-Sine Mobile project set to launch in Tandag City
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 20 (PIA) – To intensify the fight against sex trafficking of children and women, the Karl Kubel Stiftung (KKS) Sine Mobile Project will be launched on May 22 in Tandag City. The will be held at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel. The project has four Local Government Units (LGUs) beneficiaries coming from Surigao del Sur, the City of Tandag & Bislig, Municipality of Barobo and Cantilan, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer May Navidad Salinas said. Salina...
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  • Sec. Coloma reminds Rotarians of ethical virtues essential in serving the greater good

    BAGUIO CITY, May 20 (PIA) -- Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma reminded Rotarians of the ethical virtues that are essential in serving the greater good, in his keynote address during the DITAS (District Assembly) 2013 of Rotary International District 3790 at the Baguio Country Club here last Saturday. Coloma, a former district governor and a Rotarian for 29 years now, was invited as guest speaker by District 3790 under governor Linda Win...
  • Hedcor to plant at least 200,000 trees this year

    DAVAO CITY, May 20 -- Hedcor reaffirmed its commitment to protect the watershed through its reforestation efforts in Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. For the first quarter, close to 14,000 trees were already planted after a series of tree planting activities which covered 14 hectares in Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and Tamugan, Davao City. Over 100 volunteers both from Hedcor and from the community took part in the tree planting. “We started early in our tree planting activ...
  • Dog run for wellness held in Baguio

    BAGUIO CITY, May 20 (PIA) -- In the call for dog wellness, Renderfarm Sports once again held its Shibam Dog Run last May 11 at the Burnham Lake Drive with more than 50 pooches and their owners participating in the event. Shibam Dog Run is named after Renderfarm Manager Philip Pacle’s two dogs, Shimmy and Bambi, which both participated in the run. On its third year, Shibam aims to give dogs a little exercise along with their owners. The run does not only encourage dogs to exercise duri...
  • 470 patients benefit from free medical-dental mission

    TADIAN, Mountain Province, May 17 (PIA) -- The medical-dental mission jointly conducted by the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital (LHMRH) in Abatan, Bauko and the Seventh Day Adventist in barangays Lenga and Pandayan in this municipality, has benefited some 470 patients. School nurse Febe Cawilan of Tadian District II said of the total patients, 214 availed of the free medical consultation and free medicines; 166 availed of free dental extraction and prophylaxis; 24 availed of the free eye ...
  • Starting them young in creativity, critical thinking

    Cebu City May 17 (PIA) -- Young Minds Academy (YMA) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) introduced 87 young Cebuanos to a seminar workshop on "Think Quest and Idea Lab" on April 26-27 to encourage creativity and critical thinking among the youth. Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) spearheaded the workshop with YMA's regular modules. It aims to help the scholars identify factors that influences their creativity and nourish their critical young minds. The seminar also all...
  • PRC Baguio celebrates World Red Cross; elects new officials

    BAGUIO CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Baguio City Chapter joined the celebration of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on May 8 with the theme “Let us be together for a more responsive Red Cross Chapter in our own city”. May 8 marks the birth of Father Henry Dunant (May 8, 1828), the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. In celebration of this event, the PRC Baguio Chapter held its 10th Biennia...
  • Diocesan Electoral Board notes election-related problems in NegOr

    NEGROS ORIENTAL, May 13 (PIA) – Situations in polling centers in the province remained calm as elections ended peacefully in Negros Oriental. However, the Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB), a non-government organization here which calls for a fair and clean election, has noted problems on Election Day in the province. The DEB operation center inside the Dumaguete Cathedral compound received reports from their roving teams on field over an alleged vote-buying incident in Brgy. Lo-oc, Bais City...
  • PNoy approves new high school for Nueva Vizcaya

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, May 13(PIA) – President Benigno Simeon Aquino recently approved a bill creating a national high school in this province. The bill, proposed by incumbent Rep. Carlos Padilla (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya) will benefit the youth especially those who come from poor families and indigenous communities in upland and remote barangays. House Bill 1210 as Republic Act 10482 or an “An Act Establishing a National High School in Barangay Dagupan in Quezon town called the ...
  • COMELEC replaces 13 PCOS machines in NegOcc

    NEGROS OCC., May 13 (PIA6) -- Negros Occ. Election Supervisor Wil Arceno confirmed the replacement of 13 PCOS machines that malfunctioned after the final sealing and testing conducted here last week. He also requested the replacement of seven defective cards and one defective PCOS battery. Defective machines came from the cities Bacolod 2, Escalante 1, San Carlos 1, Toboso 1, Talisay 1, Victorias 1, La Carlota 1,Sagay 1 and from the towns of Isabela 1, Cauayan 1 and Hinigaran 1. Defective car...
  • Nueva Vizcaya bishop asks voters to check candidates well and vote wisely

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, May 12 (PIA) -- Bishop Ramon Villena of the diocese here and in Quirino province urged voters in the province to cast their votes wisely and in accordance with their conscience for the national and local elections on Monday. In a statement, Villena said that there are already vote buying attempts and incidents in the province such as in the form of distribution of grocery packs, liquors with appetizers, conduct of seminars and provision of cash assistance among local...
  • COMELEC Abra says Voters’ Information Sheet available in municipal election offices

    BANGUED, Abra, May 9 (PIA) – The Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor here reiterated that Voters' Information Sheet (VIS) is free of charge and is available in all election offices in the municipalities where the voters are registered. The information sheet includes the voter's name, address, the precinct and the place where he is registered, and simplified instructions as to the casting of votes.This is important for voters as they will be easily guided which polling precin...
  • Tagum Coop gives value to voluntary blood donation

    TAGUM CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- On its eighth year of its Mass Blood Donation Program, Tagum Cooperative has again inculcated the importance of giving blood. Tagum Cooperative Board of Directors Chairperson Miriam Baloyo highlighted the relevance of donating blood during the opening ceremonies of the Mass Blood Donation activity last Saturday at the conference hall of Tagum Cooperative Main Branch. With facts gathered through her research, Baloyo debunked the common notion that donating blood...
  • Abra youth leaders sign manifesto on anti-elections fraud

    BANGUED, Abra, May 10 (PIA) -- Youth and student leaders of the different organizations in Abra have joined other sectors in calling for a clean, honest, meaningful, and peaceful elections in the province. About 22 youth representatives of the different unions and religious sects gathered at the Audio Visual Room of Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST)to sign a manifesto on anti-election fraud last May 9. The manifesto reads: “We, the Youth and Student Leaders of ...
  • News Feature: Lions club continues giving light to visually-impaired persons

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- Visually-impaired persons may still see the light under the Sight-First Program (SFP) of the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). Since 1990, the SFP has helped restore eyesight of more than 30 million people around the world. The LCIF said that more than $200 million had been invested in surgeries, improvement of hundreds of eye care facilities and training thousands of eye care professionals. The program has supported sustainable rehabilitation and ...
  • Antique PPCRV all set for May 13 elections

    SAN JOSE, Antique, May 9 (PIA) -- The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique is all set for May 13 elections. Pio Evangelio, lay leader of PPCRV-Antique speaking on behalf of Fr. Joey Escote said the PPCRV was organized in all parishes province wide undertaking various activities for the upcoming election. PPCRV committed to put up voters assistance desks in all parishes on election day which will be run by volunteers themselves. There are ...
  • Antique PPCRV assures all set for May 13 elections

    SAN JOSE, Antique, May 9 (PIA) -- The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique is all set for May 13, 2013 elections. Pio Evangelio, lay leader of PPCRV-Antique speaking on behalf of Fr. Joey Escote, Clergy coordinator said that PPCRV was organized in all parishes provincewide undertaking various activities for the upcoming election. PPCRV committed to put up voters assistance desks in all parishes on election day which will be run by volun...
  • Cagayan media offers mass for safe election coverage

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- Media practitioners in Cagayan offered mass today to seek blessings for the safe conduct of the election coverage on May 13. The mass, led by the Philippine Information Agency Region-2 and was held at its Conference Hall, was attended by representatives from different media institutions in the province. Officiating priest Fr. Domingo Langcay encouraged media practitioners to serve as instruments of truth during the election and to campaign for fair election. He...
  • Red Cross celebrates 150th anniversary

    BACOLOD CITY, May 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Red Cross, Negros Occidental-Bacolod City Chapter joins 99 other chapters nationwide in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the world’s largest humanitarian network this month, with a series of activities today. The activities include a summer youth camp, a motorcade, recognition rites for donors and volunteers and the unveiling of the 150th year commemorative marker at its chapter office at 10th Lacson Street, Bacolod, a press s...
  • La Salle-Zobel holds workshop for boys in conflict with the law

    TANAY, Rizal, May 8 (PIA) -- About 150 boys in conflict with the law sheltered at the National Training School for Boys (NTSB) underwent a two-day workshop organized by the Social Action Office and Campus Ministry of De La Salle Zobel recently. The workshop focused on self-awareness and team work among the boys who worked together in their respective cottages. Jayjay Jacinto, program manager of the Social Action Office, said three group dynamics activities were primarily utilized in the works...
  • 3,200 PPCRV volunteers ready for poll duty

    ILOILO CITY, May 7 (PIA) -- With less than a week before the May 13 midterm polls, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) said that the 3,200 of its volunteers are ready for their poll-watching duties. PPCRV Archdiocesan Coordinator Msgr. Meliton Oso said volunteers are capable and equipped with the knowledge as poll watchdog on election day. Oso said that they are into the final preparation stage to enhance the visibility of the volunteers in polling places and assistanc...
  • Power firm provides fund for solid waste management project in Ifugao

    ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao May 6 (PIA) -- The SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) Magat has provided more than half million pesos to fund the implementation of the Lagawe Solid Waste Management Project (LSWMP). The P.555 million was allocated under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund of SNAP to pursue community projects consistent with the company’s key result areas for its host communities. It was requested by the LGU through a project proposal which SNAP has evaluated and found the stated LSWM...
  • PPCRV encourages public to guard 2013 elections to avoid fraud

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- The Parish Pastoral Council for responsible Voting (PPCRV) in the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao has conducted a forum to present possible frauds in the 2013 midterm elections. Fr. Archie Intenggan of the PPCRV presented to the participants from different sectors the unrevealed fraud happened last 2010 automated elections which might again happen in the incoming May 13 elections. Intenggan stated that based on the review of the automated elections there were three sa...
  • Baguio leaders forum helps voters choose candidates

    BAGUIO CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- The recently-concluded Baguio Leaders Forum has been successful in fulfilling its objective of educating and helping the public know better the candidates vying for various positions in the city. Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony De Leon reported that based on the feedback from the public, the BLF was successful in helping them choose the right candidates who will be leaders of the city. “...
  • MinCARED calls for mainstreaming of renewable energy in Mindanao

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- The Mindanao Congress of the Advocates for Renewable Energy and Rural Electrification and Development (MinCARED) reiterates their efforts in seeking for sustainable solution to the Mindanao power situation through a renewable energy that is reliable, affordable and sustainable during a press conference held here last April 30. In collaboration with the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperative (AMRECO), Mindanao University of Science and Technology ...
  • Moro NGO strengthens youth participation in community development

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 2 (PIA) -- The Moro People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment, Inc. (Moro People’s CORE) in Kabacan, North Cotabato empowers youth participation in order for them to contribute in the community’s advancement. In connection, the group conducted recently a lecture on capability build-up. Moro People’s CORE Executive Director Zaynab Ampatuan said that participants of the activity were students of Kuntaw Silat in Barangay Poblacion. Kun...
  • Smart trains student, teacher volunteers for story-telling drive

    CEBU CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has trained 40 volunteers from its partner-schools in Cebu on storytelling in line with their campaign to enhance the learning skills of beneficiary grade school pupils. Storytelling advocate Rey Bufi, a former Smart employee, trained the volunteers composed of students from universities in Cebu as well as teacher-volunteers during the storytelling seminar. Bufi volunteers for Smart’s Read To Be Smart program, where employees read...
  • DavSur electric coop asks for public understanding on brownouts

    DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, May 1 (PIA) -- The Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. has asked for public understanding and patience on the continuing brownouts in the province. DASURECO general manager Engr. Godofredo Guya raised the need for the residents to be more enduring of the power situation as they announced through text blast to the media that the province could experience longer brownout period starting April 25. Guya explained that the prolonged brownout was due to “severe po...
  • 11th Search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations is on

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 30 (PIA) -- The Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Foundation Inc. is encouraging all youth organizations in Eastern Visayas to join the TAYO 11 search. The TAYO Awards search accepts entries from interested groups, organizations, clubs and societies whose memberships and leadership are composed of at least 15 members who are 15 to 30 years old. Entries must be a recently concluded or an ongoing project by the organization. Except for last year’s T...
  • The “Statesman” literary folio won second Literary Folio award

    VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 30 (PIA) -- The Catanduanes State University (CSU) official tertiary student publication’s literary folio won second place award in the 73rd National Student Press Convention of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) recently at University of San Carlos, Cebu City. The sixth edition of the CSU Statesman’s Abacatanduanes: Ikaanim na Paghahabi book bagged the 14th Gawad ERJ Ikalawang Pinakamahusay na Literary Folio award, along with the Philippine Normal...
  • Cebu biz chamber to hold bowling tournament

    CEBU CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- A two-day bowling tournament for members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be held at the SM City Cebu Bowling Center on May 3 to 4, 2013. The tournament is an annual event intended to cultivate sportsmanship and solidarity among its members. In the previous year, there were a total of 21 teams that participated during the tournament, with four members each. This year, around 35 teams are expected to join the tournament, still with four members eac...
  • Pinoy solar integration, dev’t company holds solution to Mindanao power crisis

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 — A Filipino company that provides renewable energy solutions for all types of property owners said that solar energy is still the best option to solve the so-called Mindanao power crisis. Solar energy is a solution to the power crisis in the southern Philippines and in the pursuit of a lasting and ultimately cheaper power sources in Mindanao, said Engr. Winston Lorenzana Mendoza, chief executive officer of Mendoza Solar, LLC. Mendoza Solar, LLC is an energy com...
  • SPF13 promotes peace, love for environment

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- The Summer Peace Festival 2013 (SPF13) headed by Good Karma Productions, Muni Productions and Ministry of Mushrooms, Inc. highlights various activities on April 26-May 1 for the promotion of peace, environmental recovery, support for local products and appreciation for culture and music. According to Siri Svegler, one of the performers of the event, “Peace really comes from within and it is a step by step process that starts from awareness.” Part of ...
  • N. Cotabato school pushes community participation in project sustainability

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 29 (PIA)--The Southern Christian College (SCC) in Midsayap, North Cotabato through its Community Education, Research and Extension Administration (CEREA), is pushing for stakeholders’ participation and project sustainability by strengthening community organization. In a seminar workshop on community organizing and basic group facilitation methods-Technology of Participation (TOP), program main convener Dee Bat-og emphasized that participants who we...
  • Female inmates in Gensan receive legal aid, hygiene kits from Twin Star Jaycees

    GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Some 128 inmates at the City Jail Female Dormitory received last week a free basic legal education seminar and hygiene kits from the Junior Chamber International (JCI) General Santos “Twin Star” or Twin Star Jaycees. The activity dubbed “Beyond Prison Walls” was part of the local organization’s 2013 JCI Week celebration which “objective is to help the correctional community (people inside the jails/ prisons) in their total human development ba...
  • Laoag village starts building ‘court of inspiration’ through bayanihan

    LAOAG CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Driven by the desire to provide their community with its first real basketball court, officials of Brgy. San Guillermo here brought residents together for the ground breaking of the “Court of Inspiration” last April 21. The Court of Inspiration-project is line with Alaxan FR's “Ang Galing Mo!” campaign which honors people who have worked hard for their own communities. According to Jules Veloso of GeiserMaclang, the promotion partner company of Alaxan FR, ...
  • Rotary Club, BCSAT provides baking and pastry-making training to 26 Baguio inmates

    BAGUIO CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- Twenty six inmates of the Baguio City Jail have something to look forward to after they serve their sentences as they have just received their certification for completing a 15-day baking and pastry-making skills training. The inmates were beneficiaries of community based training program led by the Rotary Club of Baguio Summer Capital, in partnership with Baguio City Schools of Arts and Trade (BCSAT), a TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development A...
  • Bata Muna campaign reels off; urges candidates to stand up for children

    GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 25 (PIA)--- Stand up for children! This is what the 20-member spokespersons for the Bata Muna Campaign said during its launch Wednesday, April 24 at the East Asia Hotel here. Sixteen-year-old campaign spokesperson Jesza Marie Aljentera, student representative who read the statement she shared with other children called on government leaders and political candidates to consider children issues and concerns in their political agenda and governance. “In the Phili...
  • PNRC reimburses four members in Marinduque treated for dogbites

    BOAC, Marinduque April 25 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC)-Marinduque recently released checks amounting to P21,000 to three students and a councilor from Bgy. Balancan, Mogpog. These checks were given as medical reimbursement for the expenses they incurred from treatment of dog bites which is prevalent this summer. A Department of Health advisory said dogs are prone to rabies and irritation because of too much heat. The patients are “classic members” of the PNRC. PNRC Di...
  • Cebu NGO urges voters to apply 'laser test' to elect right leaders

    CEBU CITY, April 24 (PIA) – Electing the right leaders into public office requires careful discernment as Cebu non-government organization Dilaab Foundation urged voters to apply the LASER test. Jenny Tan, project coordinator for Circles of Discernment for Empowerment Project of the Dilaab Foundation said the LASER test is an appropriate tool to assist electorates in making the right choice on May 13. LASER is an acronym of lifestyle, action, supporters, election conduct and reputation which...
  • Google calls on volunteers for precinct-mapping project

    DAVAO CITY, April 24 (PIA) -- Google Philippines is calling for volunteers to contribute to its Map-Your- Precinct Project 2013. The Map-Your-Precinct project aims to help Filipino voters to find their precincts or voting centers using Google maps. The system entails the help of mapping volunteers which inputs details of the locations of precincts to Google mapmaker. The project started in 2010 was conceptualized with the entry of automated elections which made changes in precincts due to clu...
  • Ilagan diocese vows to help gov’t in environmental awareness campaigns

    ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, April 24 (PIA) -- The Diocese of Ilagan vowed to help the government in its environmental awareness campaigns to mitigate the effects of climate change as part of Earth Day observance. April 22 each year is declared as Earth Day where various activities from the government and non-government organizations are conducted in support to the Earth Day observance but the diocese of Ilagan has reset it on Saturday. Fr. John Couvreur, parish priest of Quirino, Isabela and an envi...
  • Multisectoral group for people empowerment, good governance launched

    NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 24 (PIA6) -- The Hinigaran Multisectoral People’s Assembly (HMPA) has held a public launching and induction of officers. The HMPA is composed of various grassroots formations coming from the small fishers and farmers, rural women, farm workers, youth and students, and faith-based groups, an HMPA statement said. It is the multisectoral partner alliance of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) in Hinigaran town. More than 1,000 leaders and members spread ...
  • XU to stage candidates’ fora

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 24 -- Xavier University through its Research and Social Outreach (RSO) Office will be holding a couple of candidates’ fora to assist the electorate in identifying political candidates who are suited to meet the development needs of the city. The congressional candidates’ forum is set on Thursday, April 25, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Capitol University Gym. Another forum for the city level local government unit (LGU) will be conducted on April 30, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at ...
  • Veterans Association lobby for increase in old-age pension of veterans

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Veterans Federation of the Philippines Sons and Daughters Association, Inc. (VFP-SDAI) is lobbying for an annual increase of P1,000 in the old-age pension of war veterans across the country. Veterans presently get P5,000 per month. If the proposal is approved, they will get an additional P1,000 per year until it becomes P6,000 for next year, P7,000 for the next, and so on. Miguel Angelo C. Villa-Real, deputy regional vice president for NCR-South sa...
  • LENTE conducts accountability training for truthful elections

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) in partnership with World Vision Foundation, Inc. organized a Voter’s Education for Good Governance Training with the theme “Hatid ng Boto ko, Pagbabago” here last April 18-19. Ryan Tampus, project officer for LENTE Mindanao, said the main purpose of the accountability training is for the participants to be aware of several forms of election offenses, gather evidence before and on election day and fil...
  • Bohol plants 2nd peace monument

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 23 (PIA) –- Another 'Peace Pole' with the message and prayer, "May Peace Prevail On Earth” carved on its four sides, was planted at the Carlos P. Garcia Park in Tagbilaran City on April 11. This is the second 'Peace Pole' for Bohol. It may be recalled that the Millennium Vigil and Watch in 2000 capped in an early morning ritual of peace pole planting, the first of these poles reaching Boholano soil. Bohol planted its first peace pole at the peak of a Chocola...
  • Organic farming group seeks stronger collaboration with government

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 23 (PIA) -- Officials of the Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc. (DBFSDI), the leading biodynamic and organic farming organization in Mindanao region expressed desire to establish more government partnerships in advancing organic farming activities in the country. Early this month, DBFSDI and the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 held a Farmers’ Field Day in Brgy New Antique, M’lang of the said province. Highlighted in the...
  • Kabog officers inducted, promotes Bohol as tourism haven

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 23, 2013 (PIA) – Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto recently inducted the officers and members of the Kahugpungan sa mga Bol-anong Tour Guides (Kabog) Incorporated recognizing the group’s efforts to promote the province as an ideal tourism haven Kabog is a Securities and Exchange Commission registered group of the Department of Tourism Accredited Tour Guides. At the ceremony recently held at the main hall of the second floor of the People’s Mansion, Chatto profusely pr...
  • Kalinga MCCT beneficiaries train on Natural Farming System

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 22 (PIA) -– The International Association for Transformation (IAT) in partnership with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has conducted livelihood trainings for some 200 beneficiaries of the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). IAT head Sison Paut said the two-day training was conducted for the first 100 recipients in the municipality of Rizal, Kalinga from April 15-16 and 100 recipients...
  • News Feature: Human person, foundation and purpose of political life

    SIQUIJOR, April 20 (PIA) -- The biblical message about Jesus and political authority provides endless inspiration for Christian reflection on political power, recalling that it comes from God and is an integral part of the order that He created. Parish priest of Lazi, Siquijor and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) chair, Rev. Fr. Leonard Tan in his message during the Peace Covenant signing in Lazi recently shared the church perspectives on election and the Biblical Aspects...
  • Free anti-rabies vaccination, workshop highlight Askal Day in Baguio

    BAGUIO CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- More than 70 pets particularly cats and dogs were given free anti-rabies vaccines and other services while pet owners had workshops during the 2nd Askal Day at the People’s Park Malcolm Square last week. According to Animal Kingdom Foundation Education Officer Kristine Bien, the event aims to promote equal importance among animals especially “asong kalye” or the askals and now being popularly known as the Aspin or Asong Pinoy. “We want to impose equal im...
  • Red Cross-Butuan reports Feb, March accomplishments

    BUTUAN CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte – Butuan City Chapter unveiled recently its Basic Disaster Management accomplishment report for the months of February and March at Con Con Hall, Balanghai Hotel Convention Center, this city. Based on the report, series of training were conducted by the chapter such as eight classes on Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support Healthcare Providers Training Course, three classes on Tailored First Aid and Basic Life ...
  • Moro NGO strengthens speakers’s bureau for FAB campaign

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 19 (PIA) -- Moro rights advocate Kalilintad Development Foundation Inc. (KDFI) is empowering its members as well as area coordinators and coordinators with regard to communicating the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) by holding a speakers’ bureau training. The training held in nearby Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province from April 15 – 16 was conducted in partnership with the Blas F. O...
  • NUJP reminds journalists to be responsible in doing election coverage

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 18 (PIA) -- The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) reminded journalists to be responsible in covering the 2013 national and local elections. NUJP Chairperson Rowena Paraan said journalists play a crucial role during elections and how they do their coverage have implications to the public. “Journalists are active participants in the election process as they inform voters about what type of persons are asking for their votes and what they stand f...
  • DavSur PWDs received free artificial legs

    DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, April 18 (PIA) -- Some 114 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the province here have recently benefited from a leg prostheses grant amounting to about P3 million from the Fil-American Association of Central New Jersey (FAACNJ). The FAACNJ assistance for the PWDs was in partnership with Davao del Sur Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). Rosula B. Aldanese, PSWDO focal person for PWDs program, said 95 of the beneficiaries were fitted and have ...
  • Rotary Club distributes wheelchairs to PWDs

    PAGADIAN CITY, April 18 (PIA) -- Another set of brand new wheel chairs were distributed recently by the Rotary Club of Pagadian West (RCPW) to persons with disabilities (PWDs) at the Executive Conference Hall, Provincial Capitol Complex this city. Eight members of the Pagadian City Federation of Disabled Persons (PACIFEDEP) received the wheelchairs. They were Edgar Cabañog, Roberto Gemeniano, Nilo Gomera, Jeniffer Indio, Editha Mangogtong ,Jessie Paulma, Anecito Piñero, and Julieto Talledo, a...
  • NGO launches 'Ako Responsable, Huwaran!' campaign in Sorsogon

    SORSOGON CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- Federation of Associations for Communities and Children’s Empowerment Incorporated (FACE) launched today its "Ako Responsable, Huwaran!" campaign in this city to strengthen public awareness on the Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH). The advocacy campaign, which aims to develop responsible youths, also intends to promote the on-going effort of FACE and the Child Fund Philippines in support to the government programs for Filipino youths. FACE community mobili...
  • Samarnon youth learn to play musical instruments for free this summer

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 17 (PIA) —While other youth are engaged in summer classes and sports this summer, other Samarnon youth are learning how to play musical instruments courtesy of Ezer Foundation Performing Arts. Ezer Foundation Performing Arts (EFPA) arrived for the first time in Samar to conduct a three- day musical instrument clinic for free on April 16 to April 17 in Catbalogan City and Paranas, Samar. EFPA’s members are 400 former street children aged 4-17 who have bee...
  • Borongan Diocese to lead provincial candidates forum

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, April 17 (PIA) -- Most Reverend Crispin B. Varquez, Bishop of Borongan is set to lead a candidates forum on April 19, Friday, at the Nativity of Our Lady College Seminary, Baybay Boulevard, this city. The forum which expects the presence of the provincial candidates would be an avenue where the provincial seats aspirants can “present their platforms of governance and address a wide range of issues that affect the province”. Likewise, it is said that the Pro...
  • Bicol surgeons sponsor benefit concert for cancer patients

    NAGA CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- The Pay it Forward Project Asia Foundation, Inc. (PIFPAF), in partnership with the Philippine College of Surgeons-Bicol Chapter (PCS-BC), slated a Charity Dinner Concert on April 20, 7 p.m. at The Tent, Avenue Plaza Hotel here for the benefit of cancer patients. The benevolent endeavor aims to specifically help thyroid and breast cancer surgery patients to have a renewed chance to live a normal life after medical intervention. The surgical procedure will be given f...
  • Church group, Namfrel trains coordinators in CamSur's cities, towns

    NAGA CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- The Archdiocese of Caceres, through the Caceres Social Action Foundation, Inc. (CASAFI), recently launched the Voter’s Education Program through an orientation attended by its municipal coordinators. The orientation aims to strengthen the church’s contribution in ensuring a peaceful, honest and fair election this coming election. National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) provincial coordinator Fr. Jeffrey John Briones, also the concurrent assistant direc...
  • Basilan holds compact signing for peaceful, free, fair 2013 elections

    ISABELA CITY, Basilan, April 16 (PIA) -- The civil society organizations in Basilan together with the military, police, and a number of local candidates in various elective positions have gathered on April 11 for a compact signing to ensure peaceful, free, and fair 2013 elections. The historic event dubbed “Payapang Bayan, Payapang Halalan (Peaceful Nation, Peaceful Election)” campaign was convened by the Consortium on Electoral Reform (CER), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Phil...
  • Australia-based NGO partners with military for medical mission in Ormoc City

    ORMOC CITY, LEYTE, April 16 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army’s 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion led by 1LT Rod Vincent F. Babera has partnered with a Bisayan Community Club based in Victoria, Australia, in the conduct of a medical mission to poor families of Ormoc City on April 14. The medical mission was conducted at the Claretian Mission Centre at Barangay Milagro, Ormoc City by army soldiers and the members of Share-Me-A-Dream, a Bisayan Community Club in Victoria, Australia. The whole day...
  • News feature: William 'Billy' Esposo: A man larger than life itself

    MANILA, April 13 (PIA) -- Words have the power to cut through even the most impenetrable force. When aired through media, even the most benign-looking words could influence people and change a whole nation. Former Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director-General William “Billy” Macgregor Esposo used the power of words and the influence of media to steer the country to oppose dictatorship, oppression, and communism; and to put a mother figure, a nurturer of an abused country at the helm ...
  • Red Cross Kalinga opens new office

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Kalinga Chapter recently inaugurated the first floor of its new office here where its new blood bank center is established. Lucia M. Beltran, the PRC Director for Chapter Development Manager, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the inauguration, commended Kalinga Chapter Administrator Glorina Diaz and the Board of Directors chaired by Atty. Macario Duguiang for making the “dream of Red Cross Kalinga a r...
  • Feature: Building a new community—the ‘Bayani Challenge’ way

    The urgent call of building homes, changing lives, and bringing hope to others, is once again triumphant. This, after the more than 1,000 volunteers here joined the nation in the recent ‘Bayani Challenge 2013’ event with the theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan,” in Sumilao town. Harvey Maraguinot, coordinator for North Mindanao Gawad Kalinga (GK), the organization overseeing the event here under the umbrella of Pilipinas Natin, said workers from different walks of life demonstrated th...
  • 50 Ifugao teachers train on photography

    BANAUE, Ifugao, April 12 (PIA) –- Fifty teachers from the different municipalities of the province were trained on photography here recently by seasoned photographers from the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc. (FPPF). The two-day photography workshop dubbed “Photoeskwela” is part of the 'Bachang' program that aims to revive the spirit of bayanihan among Ifugao and the rest of the Filipino communities through the restoration of the Ifugao Rice terraces. “We do ...
  • Samar women ventilate inner feelings of conflict in creative workshop

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 12 (PIA) -- Women in Samar carrying the burden of silent suffering vented their pent up feelings in a creative workshop facilitated by Sulong Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). The organizers heard stories of women in conflict in Samar, some were hesitant to do so, and others are still in trauma. Sulong CARHRIHL visited Samar for the second time to reach out to these women and hear the traumatic stori...
  • Bataan scholars get P4,000 increase in grant

    CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, April 12 (PIA) -- Access to quality college education will become more affordable in Bataan after top officials in the province announced that the scholarship grant will increase from P6,000 to P10,000 annually. Under the Iskolar ng Bataan program, thousands of scholars from the 2nd District of the province will get an additional P4,000 in the coming months as a retroactive grant even if this school year has ended, said Governor Enrique “Tet” Garcia, Jr. It is cla...
  • BCBP’s renewed call against corruption conforms with ‘daang matuwid’ drive

    ILOILO CITY, April 12 -- The Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) renewed its call for its members to lead in changing the business sector towards one that practices Christian values that denounces corruption and dishonesty. The BCBP issued the call as it kicked off its 33rd National Anniversary Celebration themed “Change the Face of Business” at the Ateneo de Iloilo in Iloilo City, April 12. The stand of the organization conforms with the “Matuwid na Daan...
  • Sugar workers get free medical-dental services

    NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 11 (PIA) -- More than 400 sugar workers and their dependents availed themselves of health services during the 130th medical dental mission of the Sugar Industry Foundation Inc. (SIFI), conducted in Brgy. Bato, Sagay City in Negros Occidental. In a statement, SIFI said among those involved in the mission were barangay health workers, teachers and principal of Bato Central Elementary School, soldiers of the 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Batallion, headed by Corporal Jeffrey Ma...
  • Tabuk coop distributes P18.4M in dividends share

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 11 (PIA) –- Tabuk Multi-purpose Cooperative (TAMPCO), the largest grassroots cooperative in the Cordillera Region, distributes P18,464,262 in dividends share to its members for 2012. TAMPCO Chief Operations Officer Petra Baguiwen reported the figure is higher than that of the previous year’s P16,738,646. Baguiwen attributed the increase in dividends performance to the improved operations of the cooperative for the period. Based on its latest membership book, TA...
  • JCIP, UHI launch Tofarm 2013 search in Mindanao

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 10 (PIA) -- The Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCIP) and Universal Harvester Inc. (UHI) are reviving and institutionalizing the Search for The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines (Tofarm). Tofarm , a search and award program to honor the outstanding Filipino farmers of the year, was started last year by the JCIP and UHI to highlight the potential of the country’s agriculture sector. The program aims to honor the efforts and sacrifice of Filipino farme...
  • Basketball league sports development and scholarship for youth opens

    BAGUIO CITY, April 9 (PIA) -- The 4th Miners’ Cup, a basketball tournament for boys 16 years old and below, which aims not only for physical activity and sports development to youth but also offers scholarships to deserving youths, opened here Saturday. The Miners’ Cup, being held at the Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) Gymnasium, is led by the Philippine Mine Safety Environment Association (PMSEA) and Philippine Safety of Mining Engineers (PSME), Team Minero and Ang Minero Party...
  • NGO, academe inks MOA on quality education

    CEBU CITY, April 6 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) inked an agreement with the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) to help improve the quality of instruction of teachers handling Kindergarten and Grades 1-3 pupils in public schools on March 21 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center. Through the “Certificate Program on Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) for Public School Teachers”, 80 teachers from Cebu province will be given intensive tra...
  • Baguio, Benguet remain solemn during Holy Week

    BAGUIO CITY, April 6 (PIA) --Tourism and government officials say that the city of Baguio and the province of Benguet are solemn places during the observance of the Holy Week compared to other places in the country. Luzon Tourism Congress Vice President and Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony De Leon said that the city of Baguio is one of the “holiest” places during Holy Week despite the influx of visitors. De Leon said that in other places, they have parties, concerts, bikini...
  • Diocese of Baguio launches voters’ information advocacy on air

    BAGUIO CITY, April 5 (PIA) -- The Diocese of Baguio through its Social Action Center and in partnership with radio stations DZWT-AM and DZWR- FM 99.9 Country, started Wednesday the voters’ information campaign. For the initial airing of the election forum with a theme, “Botante Namnama ti Umili” (Voters are the hope of the nation), the invited panelists were candidates for the lone district of Baguio namely incumbent Baguio Congressman Bernardo Vergara, Nicasio Aliping Jr. and ...
  • Feature: Rising from the Bayani Challenge 2013 in Basilan

    A new community in Pamucalin village in Lantawan, Basilan part of the “highway of peace,” is rising, and these are being built from the sweat and passion of hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life within and outside the province. At Pamucalin village, some 18 kilometers from Isabela City, 18 of the 30 houses are taking form with hundreds of volunteers actively participating in the Bayani Challenge 2013 in this island province. The village is eyed to be the show window for several ...
  • 36 homeless families to benefit in the GK Bayani Challenge 2013 in Camarines Norte

    DAET, Camarines Norte, April 4 (PIA) -- Some 36 homeless families will benefit from the houses built last March 23-27 through the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Bayani Challenge 2013 at the GK Friendship Village, Brgy. Laniton, San Lorenzo Ruiz this province. With the theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan”, GK Provincial Coordinator Honorio Estravez said during the project's closing that of the 36 houses, 30 were almost finished while the other six has been started to built. He said that the volunteers ...
  • Mining industry losses a 'hero'

    TUBA, Benguet, April 4 (PIA) -- The mining community of this province and of the country is mourning the loss of a hero. Joel Son, 59, engineer and manager of the Philex Mining Corporation, unexpectedly passed away on Good Friday after suffering from a stroke. Son was a well known mining engineer, a recipient of various awards for rendering selfless service in the field of rescue operations all over the country. Son, who served for 37 years in Philex, was often called to lead rescue and re...
  • University identifies ‘environment’ as main problem, ‘basic services’ as need of Kagay-anons

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 4 (PIA) -- Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan through its Kinaadman Research Center identified the ‘environment’ sector as primary concern and ‘basic services’ as prime need of the residents here based on their “Barangay-level Community Problems and Needs Identification” with an accompanying 2013 poll survey conducted just recently. It appeared in the research that the environment ranked first in the problem identification and basic services as prime ne...
  • World Vision sets voter’s education campaign in Davao

    DAVAO CITY, April 4 -- The World Vision in partnership with the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) is set to hold a voter’s education campaign dubbed “Eleksyung Pinoy 2013” on Thursday April 4 in the city. World Vision Advocacy Specialist in Mindanao Vina Villar said major discussions in the voter’s education include social accountability, political dynasty and party list system. “We’d like to advocate the holding of clean, honest, orderly, peaceful and credible election...
  • Catholic priest tells voters: Do not accept money from candidates

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 4 (PIA) -- The Archdiocese of Palo in Leyte has enjoined voters in the diocese to refrain from accepting money from any candidate seeking for elective posts this midterm election. Fr. Amadeo Alvero, spokesperson of the diocese, said that the act of accepting money is an indication of voting for the candidate from whom the money comes. He said that the popular saying prevailing in the region which says “accept the money but vote according to your conscience” does...
  • Civic group continues to reach out to disadvantaged Abreños

    BANGUED, Abra, April 2(PIA) -- The AbraCadua (AC), a group of Abrenios who have developed special friendship on the social networking site and decided to embark on its own outreach programs continues reaching out to more disadvantaged Abreños with about 300 families in three towns as the latest beneficiaries. AC recently distributed sets of sleeping mats and blankets to more than 150 poor families in Brgy. San Isidro in Lagangilang, and another 150 needy families in Brgy. Namit-ingan, ...
  • Mabinay town gets award for largest no. of volunteers nationwide in Bayani Challenge ‘13

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 3 (PIA) -- The Municipality of Mabinay in Negros Oriental received an award for successfully gathering the biggest number of volunteers nationwide with over 7,000 in the recent Bayani Challenge 2013 held last March 23 to 27. Mabinay was one of the 43 sites from 34 provinces throughout the country that joined the Bayani Challenge event. The army’s 302nd Brigade formed part of the strong army of volunteers that provided 2,000 town residents with free medical and dental ...
  • Rival publications unite for women's cause

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, April 3 (PIA) -- Two local newspapers--Northern Forum and Northern Digest--made history here when it published the same set of stories, including layout, as part of Women’s Month celebration this year. The lay-out was provided by PIA as a guide for the weeklies and was expected to follow its own editorial policies, Philippine Information Agency Director Purita S. Licas said. The Northern Forum is a pioneering local paper in Cagayan Valley while the Northern Digest...
  • PMAP calls for more resiliency in the workforce

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 3 -- The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP)–Cagayan de Oro City Chapter calls on leaders and managers of business and service organizations to heighten their efforts in enhancing workers’ resiliency amidst rapid changes in the business climate brought about by advancements in technology, liberalization and the challenges of globalization. PMAP CdO Chapter President Aida May de Guzman made this call during a seminar–workshop entitled “Resi...
  • Water district top official appeals for gov’t financial assistance

    NAVAL, Biliran, April 2 (PIA) -- The top official of the association of water districts here in Region 8 has strongly appealed for government leaders to look into their financial predicament that affect the delivery of potable water supply to the public. “I admit that the efficient and effective delivery of potable water supply to the public is hampered by the lack of financial capacity of the water district,” said Cyril Luis L. Arradaza, president of the Eastern Visayas Association of Wate...
  • Comval GK Volunteers offer love and sweat for Holy Week

    COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE, April 1 (PIA) -- It is a week-long sacrifice under the scorching heat of the sun and being away from home but it is all worth the effort as attested by the Team De La Salle University from Manila. This as the National Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge in Barangay Osmeña, Compostela drew to a close last March 27, just in time for the Holy Week. “It is fulfilling. We see that it is beneficial to both volunteers and builders. Natuto kaming mahalin ang kapwa (we learn...
  • DOH’s ‘Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan’ benefits over 1,700 poor families in Nueva Vizcaya

    BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya, April 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Health’s conduct of its ‘Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan’ or RP on Wheels in this town has served more than 1,700 poor families. As a component of the five-day Bayani Challenge 2013 event that focuses on health, the one-day activity featured the provision of free dental, minor surgical, medicines, medical check -up and lectures on nutrition, family planning, PhilHealth benefits and responsible parenthood, among others for the children...
  • Hundreds of volunteers join BAYANI challenge in Tupi, South Cotabato and GenSan

    GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 1 (PIA) --Volunteers from the municipal government of Tupi, South Cotabato trooped to “Bayani Challenge” sites in the municipality to share their time and lend a hand -- all in the spirit of volunteerism. The Bayani Challenge which is a vital component program of the Pilipinas Natin and in partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK) opened on Saturday, March 23 in 37 different sites in the country. Herbert Jugador, municipal assessor said the participation of the muni...
  • Help the poor, Maasin Bishop urges government

    LIMASAWA, Southern Leyte, April 1 (PIA) -- Bishop Precioso Dacalos Cantillas, leader of more than half a million Roman Catholics in the Diocese of Maasin called on the government to ease the plight of the poor. The Diocese of Maasin covers the entire Southern Leyte province up to Baybay, Leyte. In his keynote address marking the 492nd observance of the First Mass in this historic Island yesterday, Cantillas, the guest speaker, challenged the civil leaders in the barangays, cities, municipali...
  • Bayani Challenge 2013 tests youth's love of service to poor communities in Antique town

    SAN REMIGIO, Antique, March 31 (PIA6) -- It was a tiresome but inspiring activity that tested the youth's endurance, sacrifice and love for country through volunteerism. This was the assessment of Jofred M. Martinez, program head of the Bayani Challenge 2013 for the more than 300 student-volunteers who for five days have extended the much needed services in San Remigio, Antique. “We have been refurbishing public elementary schools, conducting medical mission, greening program, paraisong pa...
  • Heroes rise for homeless in Sta. Cruz, Davao Sur

    STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur, Mar. 31 (PIA) -- The local chief executive here found heroes and heroines from the volunteers who shared their efforts, skills, time and resources in the five-day “Bayani Challenge 2013” which aimed at building homes for disaster survivors. Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez has only praises and appreciation for more than 700 volunteers from various sectors in the municipality which was among the 37 towns and cities nationwide that participated in the simultaneous Gawa...
  • Bayani Challenge in San Remigio draws thousands of volunteers

    CEBU CITY, March 31 (PIA) -- Thousands of local and foreign volunteers joined the five-day volunteerism for nation-building event dubbed “Bayani Challenge” in San Remigio, Cebu. As the event drew to a close March 27 a total of 2,018 volunteers took part in the challenge in San Remigio, according to Gawad Kalinga (GK) Cebu. GK is a non-government organization that works with private and public sectors to build communities for free. It is the main organizer behind the Bayani Challenge. Thi...
  • 300 sites eyed for Bayani Challenge 2014

    ILOILO CITY, March 29 (PIA6) -- From 37 this year, Bayani Challenge will go to some 300 municipalities in various provinces of the country next year. This was announced by PIA Director General and Presidential Communications Operations Office for Special Concerns Chief Jose Mari Oquiñena during the closing ceremony of the Bayani Challenge 2013 held March 27 at the Gawad Kalinga Village in Brgy. Cabugao, New Lucena, Iloilo, the house build site of the five-day event. "As we close BC 2013, we...
  • Nueva Vizcaya Bayani Challenge 2013 volunteers end mission with success

    DUPAX DEL NORTE, Nueva Vizcaya, March 29 (PIA)-- Three initial houses built, more than 5,700 sandbags done, various schools were repaired and more than 1,500 tree seedlings prepared these are some of the gains by recipient communities after the conduct of the Bayani Challenge 2013 from March 23 to 24. The more than 1,700 participants composed mostly of youths ended their volunteerism work with musical entertainments, dances and testimonies from local officials and students and a joint ‘b...
  • Bayani Challenge stirs rustic barangay into a bustling community

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 28 (PIA) --The Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge has transformed this rustic Dinagan barangay into a bustling community. Since March 23 with the opening of the GK Bayani Challenge, Dinagans (part of Calbayog) have never seen so much visitors. “Sobra pa hin fiesta san kadamo san tawo ngan mga buruhaton,” (The number of people here now far exceeds the number of guests and events during fiestas.)Barangay Chairman Felecisimo Daguman told this writer in an interview. ...
  • Bishop urges Baguio media to be bearers of truthful, good news for the people

    BAGUIO CITY, Mar. 28 (PIA) -- "Be an instrument of God to be bearers of truthful and good news to the people to boost their confidence in building up a better Baguio City." This was the message of Baguio-Benguet Vicariate Bishop Cenzon to the members of local media in his homily during the Holy Wednesday Mass sponsored by the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) at the media camp along Burnham Park,here. Cenzon, in his homily, offered his prayer and support for the BCBC office...
  • Bishop calls on people to reflect this Holy Week

    BAGUIO CITY, March 28 (PIA) -- Diocese of Baguio-Benguet Bishop Carlito Cenzon called on the public to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ this Holy Week and make a change in their lives. Cenzon, in an interview, said that the Holy Week is a time for the people to dwell and reflect on the life, the sufferings and sacrifices of the Lord this Holy Week and make conversion of their old ways. “Malaking biyaya kung mayroon tayong kahit maikling panahon para pag-isip isipan ang ginawa ng panginoo...
  • Tuguegarao bishop urges devotees to meditate this Lenten season

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 28 (PIA) --Tuguegarao archdiocese Archbishop Sergio Utleg has called-on Catholic devotees to meditate during the Holy week observation. Utleg said before visiting known tourist spots or elsewhere, the people must participate in the observation of the days of sacrifices of Lord Jesus Christ to redeem the sinful world. “It is not bad to go and enjoy the vacation but we advise the people to seek first God’s kingdom and reflect on His sacrifices, above all, God is our sa...
  • Feature: Bayani Challenge: A picture of involvement, with stories of giving back

    “Helping build and improve communities is my way of giving back after others have helped me rebuild my life.” These words were from single mother Tess Malazarte, 46, who is one of the volunteers of the Bayani Challenge 2013— a five-day volunteerism event to showcase the Filipino bayanihan spirit community-building activities. Aling Tess, who lost her house in a fire, has been active in outreach projects, especially those conducted by Gawad Kalinga (GK) after she had witnessed the goodnes...
  • News Feature: Bayani Challenge – Building homes, building a nation

    ILOILO CITY, March 27 (PIA6) -- The five-day Bayani Challenge event in New Lucena, Iloilo which culminates on March 27, demonstrates what the bayanihan spirit can do. In this case, it’s creating a new community, building homes for its homeless or indigent residents, and helping them find their place under the sun. The site of the new community is the 2.2-hectare lot in Barangay Cabugao, located about 7 kilometers from the poblacion. Mary Rose Cacho, the head for Iloilo of Gawad Kalinga (GK...
  • Bayani Challenge 2013 promotes culture of love and care

    ILOILO CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- Aside from the goal of building homes for the less fortunate, the Bayani Challenge 2013 also aims to promote the culture of love and care among its volunteers and beneficiaries. Joane Christine Rabulan, head of the Bayani Challenge 2013 in New Lucena, Iloilo, said that they hope they were able to inculcate positive values to everyone participating in this five-day volunteering event. “Through this event, we could come together, to continue to show our love an...
  • Pilipinas Natin Program builds 30 houses for homeless and typhoon victims in Veruela, Agusan Sur

    BARANGAY SAMPAGUITA, Veruela, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 26 (PIA) -- Thirty houses are now being built here in Sitio Anilao, dedicated to poor, homeless residents and victims of typhoon Pablo that hit Agusan del Sur on December 4, 2012 . This is part of the “Bayani Challenge” led by Pilipinas Natin, the flagship volunteer program of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) headed by Sec. Sonny Coloma. On Saturday, a thousand local residents with Veruela Mayor Salimar Mondejar , s...
  • NewsFeature: ‘Bayani Challenge’ a quieter, more passionate challenge to reclaim Pinoy pride

    CEBU, March 26 (PIA) -- Some 30 families of San Miguel, a mountaintop barangay of San Remigio, Cebu never in their wildest dreams thought they could own houses for free. San Miguel barangay captain Nichol Almojel was in for a big surprise when he was informed that his barangay was chosen as one of the sites for this year’s Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge 2013. “Kinsa gud intawon ang magtuo nga mapilian gyud mi sa Gawad Kalinga, kay layo na bya mi sa highway, unya dili pa gyud sayon kaayo an...
  • Bayani Challenge opens in Siargao

    SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Mar. 26 (PIA) -- The 8th Bayani Challenge opened on March 23 at the GK build house site in Brgy. Lobogon, Del Carmen, Siargao Island, this province. Del Carmen Mayor Afredo “JR” Coro officially declared the opening of the 8th Bayani Challenge with this year’s theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan,” followed by a community dancing to the tune of the Gawad Kalinga (GK) theme songs and human chain activity dubbed “PASALOAD,” a community 'bayanihan' of forming a lengt...
  • Gov't, private groups vaccinates 290 dogs in Nueva Vizcaya

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 26(PIA) – Government and private groups conducted an anti-rabies campaign in three barangays here. At least 290 dogs were given anti-rabies vaccines by members of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines(F&), Provincial Veterinary Office(PVO), Rodeo Club Philippines(RCP) and veterinary students of the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU)covering three barangays in this town. Medik Ralleta, F& Worshipful Master said the activity is an annual collaborative ...
  • Bayani Challenge in Ilocos Sur: Volunteerism spawns sense of fulfillment

    VIGAN CITY, March 26 (PIA) -- For Corporal Lito Ferrer, he found fulfillment in serving the community through the volunteerism movement Bayani Challenge. Ferrer is the team leader of the 21 volunteer–soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 81st Infantry Batallion which is responsible in constructing a stage for the schoolbuilding at the Bagani Ubbog Elementary School in Candon City. The Bayani Challenge is a five-day community volunteerism happening simultaneously in 37 sites in 33 provinces f...
  • Bayani Challenge in Pangasinan: A picture of unity for the love of country

    ALAMINOS CITY, March 26 (PIA) -- Volunteers to the Region 1 leg of the Bayani Challenge expect to build at least 44 day care centers, 39 basic sanitation services, four houses and a nation which continues to plant hope and nurture friendships all for the love of country. This was the general picture that was replicated in 33 provinces where simultaneous volunteerism activities took place beginning March 23. The Bayani Challenge is a gathering of volunteers who express their love of country by ...
  • Couple Dudut and Mikee Jaworski encourage more volunteers for nation building

    STO TOMAS, Isabela, March 26 (PIA) – Celebrity couple and volunteer advocates Mikee Cojuangco and Robert “Dudut” Jaworski, Jr., called for more volunteers to join the Bayani Challenge for nation building in Isabela province. Dudut Jaworski, in a media interview, said his family has been active in volunteerism activities and advocacy. “The essence of volunteerism here, especially in the Gawad Kalinga house building concept, is not just building a home for the homeless but it is more on ...
  • Naga parochial school accepts girls, grade 7 students

    NAGA CITY, March 25 (PIA) --- The Naga Parochial School (NPS) marked another milestone when it finally decided to accept girls and Grade 7 students. This comes at a time when more and more exclusive schools veer towards co-educational set-up. Fr. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, NPS school director, confirmed this in a press conference Friday. The elementary school had been exclusively for boys in the past 65 years. Changes in admission policies will take effect in school year 2013-2014. “This decis...
  • Stakeholders sign commitment in water cooperation

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 25 (PIA) -- Stakeholders from public and private sectors here signed a commitment for water cooperation in the recently held United Nations World Water Day 2013 International Year of Water Cooperation with the national theme “Tubig para sa lahat, lahat para sa tubig.” Engr. Edgardo C. Demayo, Office of the Senior Deputy Administrator Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), said water is everyone’s concern. We are here because this is an important issue. Wat...
  • Provincial government chiefs of offices, employees volunteered their day for Bayanihan Challenge

    AGUSAN DEL SUR, Mar. 27 (PIA) -- As early as 7 a.m. hundreds of local residents, youths and chiefs of offices and employees of the provincial government led by provincial administrator Jesusimo Ronquillo today swarm along the road from barangay Sampaguita to Barangay Sinubong, Veruela in to locate their assigned areas for tree planting. Tree planting opened up the fourth day of the Bayanihan Challenge’s hectic activities. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources have provided the...
  • Gawad Kalinga chief urges more volunteers to join nation building

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 25 (PIA) - Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Luis Oquiṅena urged volunteers to continue to help in nation-building. “What is your stake for nation building?” Oquiṅena asked the participants as he urged them not depend solely on the government, but to take active part thru volunteerism. Among the local volunteers professionals and students. More than a thousand volunteers have signed up this year. There were only a hundred volunteers when GK began ...
  • PLAN International holds Climate Change Sensitization orientation

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 25 (PIA) -- PLAN International Inc., Hernani Chapter conducted the Climate Change Sensitization for barangay officials on March 21 at Panay Beach Resort in Barangay Garawon, Hernani, Eastern Samar. Some 40 barangay officials who are members of Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (BDRRMC) attended the said activity. The purpose of this activity was to increase awareness of the Local Government Unit (LGU) on Climate Change and its link t...
  • Bayani Challenge kicks off in Cadiz City, Negros Occ.

    CADIZ CITY, Negros Occ., March 25 -- Considered the Biggest Volunteer Event of the Year: The Bayani Challenge with a theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan” took center stage in Cadiz City Saturday, March 23, with more than 2,000 youths taking part, a press release from Cadiz City said. The event is a five- day test of courage, endurance and love for the country of volunteers coming from the different parts of Negros Occidental, Cadiz PIO Chief Celina Ibanez said. Jordan Sun, Cadiz City Gawad...
  • 10 metal firms benefit CBI’s export coaching program

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 25 -- Some ten companies in the metal sector will be provided training in European export-related matters this October to better prepare themselves for their participation in a trade show in Europe sometime March or April next year. The export coaching program (ECP) designed for qualified companies to penetrate the huge European Union (EU) market is being undertaken by the Netherlands-based Center for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI). “These...
  • Pilipinas Natin, a ‘bayanihan’ for nation building is now in OrMin

    CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, March 24 (PIA) -- Pilipinas Natin with Gawad Kalinga (GK) is currently staging a volunteerism event dubbed Bayani Challenge 2013 that thrives on the peoples’ continuing response to the call for change. The province of Oriental Mindoro is one of the 37 locations nationwide where the event is being held which kicked off, Saturday March 23 until March 27. A simultaneous ‘bayanihan’ activity in barangay Mayabig, Baco and Villaflor, Puerto Galera is ongoin...
  • Over 2,000 volunteers gather for Bayani Challenge opening in Maasin

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Mar. 24 (PIA) -- Over 2,000 volunteers, young and old alike converged on Saturday March 23 at the Anatalio Gaviola Plaza to join the opening of the five-day Gawad Kalinga (GK) Bayani Challenge to build communities. With shouts of “Walang Iwanan” the audience responding with “O-Ha!”, and vice-versa, emcees at the makeshift stage fronting the five-century old Maasin Cathedral literally led the crowd into a festive atmosphere as everyone danced the Unity D...
  • Bayani Challenge can combat poverty in the country - GK Founder

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Mar. 24 (PIA) -- Gawad Kalinga (GK) Founder Tony Meloto called on the Filipino youth to show their love of country by developing the culture of heroism, as this could become a leverage in combating poverty. The call was sounded by the GK Founder at the opening ceremonies of the March 23-27, 2013 Bayani Challenge, held at Bulua Covered Court in Cagayan de Oro City, attended by volunteers from various schools, government agencies and non-government organizations in the city...
  • Region 1 leg of Bayani Challenge: Biggest volunteer camp takes place in Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur

    DAGUPAN CITY, March 23 (PIA) -- Pangasinan is one of 33 provinces in the country where simultaneous activities take place for the biggest volunteer movement dubbed, Bayani Challenge 2013 starting March 23. Some 3,000 volunteers are expected to flock to Alaminos City, the site of the five-day volunteer camp, for a test of courage, endurance and love for country as they engage in various nation-building activities ranging from construction and refurbishment of homes and schools, education session...
  • News Feature: Talisay School gets computers, printer units

    NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 22 (PIA) - - Cabatangan Elementary School, first time recipient of computer units equipped with monitors, printers and computer tables, was in festive mood during the turn-over of these equipment. The three sets of equipment from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and the Central Negros Electric Cooperative were received by school principal Nemia Laud who said that at long last, the students will be able to touch a real mouse and see a real computer and ...
  • DILG orients civil society, NGOs on their role in community dev't

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 22 (PIA) - - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial office here is conducting orientation seminars to civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) on their role in community development. Francisco Gamatero, DILG provincial director, said the series of seminars aim to enable CSOs and NGOs participate actively in bottoms-up planning and budgeting in order to help local government units address the needs of thei...
  • Social workers monitor Pamana project implementation in Ifugao

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, March 22 (PIA) -- The Ifugao Association of Social Workers, Inc. (IFASWI) will monitor all Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Program (Pamana) projects implemented in the province under the Office of Presidential Affairs for the Peace Process (OPAPP). According to IFASWI Board of Director Mario Indopia, OPAPP had approved recently the group's proposal for the community-based monitoring of Pamana projects for the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Arm...
  • Women and men should work together towards “Matuwid na Daan,” urges NGO chief

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, Mar. 22 (PIA) -- For women to be the “guide” towards development, there should be mainstreaming of their participation and equality with men in all aspect of life and not be marginalized, said Ms. Maisie Faith Dagapioso of the “Katilingban Para sa Kalambuan” (Society for Progress) in yesterday’s forum held by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on women’s concerns. Ms. Dagapioso further said “it is not enough that women serve as guide towards development but th...
  • Naga council fortifying local democracy through People's Council

    NAGA CITY, Mar. 21 (PIA) -- The Naga City People's Council (NCPC) is pushing for the program, “Expanding and Fortifying Local Democracy through People’s Council in the Philippines,” before the city officials of this city, members of various people's organization and other stakeholders recently in pursuit of empowering members of the community by encouraging their participation in various programs of the government. NCPC program director Johann P. Dela Rosa said the project aims to rouse t...
  • CSU studes rally for clean, fair election

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- Hundreds of tertiary students of Cagayan State University (CSU),registered voters, joined the candle lighting last night to rally for clean, fair, and clean election this May 2013. Janine Arevalo, campus student government governor, said, “The Youth Rising for Change” is an advocacy encouraging young voters to be actively involved in the conduct of clean, fair and peaceful election on May. In a declaration of commitment involving all the participants, eve...
  • Pro-RH groups launch Purple Vote

    QUEZON CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- Reproductive Health (RH) advocates launched on Wednesday the Purple Vote campaign in support of national and local candidates who will push for the implementation of the Reproductive Health (RH) law also known as Responsible Parenthood Act. In a statement, former health secretary and Purple Vote lead convernor Esperanza Cabral said, "Purple vote speaks of the right to informed decision-making. Through Purple vote, we shall use our right to vote to guarantee everyt...
  • PAAC kicks off 3-day surgical mission

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Mar. 20 (PIA) -- The Philippine-American Association of Connecticut (PAAC) in partnership with Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, Inc. (OB Philippines) and Capitol University Medical City started their three-day Tulong sa Kapwa 2013 Surgical Mission for Filipinos with serious health problems during a recent press conference. Dr. Gino Ang, M.D., PAAC president; Dr. Kim April Pascual, chief operating officer OB Philippines; Dr. Rosalinda R. Deleste, CUMC president; ...
  • 500 Basilan volunteers expected to build 30 homes in Bayani Challenge

    ISABELA CITY, Basilan, March 20 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Basilan and partner organizations are expecting some 500 volunteers to converge at Matarling in Lantawan, Basilan for the nationwide simultaneous Bayani Challenge 2013 where 30 houses will be built. These 500 volunteers in Basilan were part of the race for the 100,000-strong Army of Hope Builders who will enlist for the 8th Bayani Challenge scheduled on March 23-27, 2013. A new kind of People Power will be manifested in 37 ...
  • PCWWI prexy bats for more women empowerment

    NAVAL, Biliran, March 20 (PIA) -- No less than the top official of the women’s organization in Biliran province has emphasized in a radio program of what women should have to be amidst modern complexities. “The woman of today must be more empowered,” Dr. Cecillle M. Espina, said during her appearance as guest to the PIA Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan at Radyo Natin-Naval recently. Espina, president of the Provincial Council for Women’s Welfare Incorporated (PCWWI) in Biliran provinc...
  • ComVal to host a weeklong National Bayani Challenge

    NABUNTURAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE, March 20 -- Simultaneous with the other 33 provinces nationwide, ComVal will be hosting a weeklong National Bayani Challenge on March 23-27, 2013 at Barangay Osmeña, Municipality of Compostela. There will be 50 duplex-type Gawad Kalinga (GK) houses to add the existing SOP Kahiusahan Uswag GK Village, tapping as beneficiaries those poor families still living at the evacuation centers due to fully damaged houses caused by Typhoon Pablo. National and in...
  • Isabela green ladies reminded of rights, privileges to society

    ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, March 20 (PIA) – The Isabela Green Ladies Organization (IGLO), a women organization that delivers the welfare of Isabela women, were reminded of their rights and privileges in the community and in the country as a whole. In a simple women’s month celebration held at capitol last week, the capitol women employees and IGLO chapter leaders converged at the capitol and conducted a unity walk from capitol to St. Ferdinand cathedral as part of the . At the cathedral grounds...
  • Private, public sectors team up for Women’s Month activities

    BALIWAG, Bulacan, March 19 (PIA) -- SM Baliwag has teamed up with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and Zonta Club in its activities this Women’s Month 2013. In a statement, the mall said, “Our activities began with a Zumba Pink Party that was participated in by hundreds of ladies. This Latin dance workout, which seeks to promote a healthy lifestyle, is now regularly being held every Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 nn.” The ingenuity of the ladies of Bustos is currently bein...
  • Cagayan clergy welcomes new Pope

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 19 (PIA) -- The clergy of the archdiocese of Tuguegarao here in Cagayan province welcomed with gladness the result of the conclave and welcomed the newly elected head of the Catholic church worldwide--Pope Francis. In a radio interview, Archbishop Sergio Utleg said the result of the conclave was done through the guidance of the Holy Spirit that is why the clergy believes that Pope Francis’ leadership will bring reforms for the furtherance of catholic church’ developme...
  • F.A.N. Day nationwide roadshow for PWDs goes to Iligan

    ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, March 19 (PIA)-- The campaign to get more Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to participate in the coming May elections had their last stop in Iligan City on March 14 and 15, 2013. Dubbed Fully Abled Nation (F.A.N.) Day, the nationwide roadshow aims to make the elections easier and more convenient for the PWDs. The roadshow forum also aims to strengthen the engagement with the identified audience of the campaign -- the PWDs through the Disabled peoples organizatio...
  • Advocacy and support group for autism holds briefing

    BACOLOD CITY, March 19 (PIA6) -- Some 180 students, teachers, health workers and supporters showed up the New Government Center’s Masskara Hall, recently to listen to the series of talks by the Negros Alliance of Parents & Professionals for Autism (NAPPA) entitled “Autism: Varying Perspectives from A Doctor, A Teacher and A Parent”. A press report from the organization said the initial project and launch was to introduce NAPPA to the city. The speakers were Dr. Maricar Alejan...
  • Pamana: Beyond delivery of basic services

    DAVAO CITY, March 18 (PIA) – “The people should know that the gains of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) [Peaceful and Resilient Communities” is beyond the delivery of basic services to the community,” an official of the Pamana said. Speaking before the information officers during the training held in one of the local hotels here today, Mr. Johnnel Raneses, Pamana Central Mindanao Manager pointed out that the government, through the designated information officers should let the p...
  • Baguio Bishop lauds Pope Francis

    BAGUIO CITY, March 16 (PIA)-- Bishop Carlito Cenzon of the Diocese of Baguio and Benguet expressed his faith and admiration in the leadership and simple lifestyle of Pope Francis, the chosen successor of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the recently concluded Papal conclave in Vatican City on Wednesday. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina or now known as Pope Francis is a humble pontiff and an advocate in the alleviation of poverty in the world, the Bishop describes. ...
  • Gawad Kalinga taps DPWH, other agencies for project to benefit poor Pinoys

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar March 16 (PIA) --Gawad Kalinga (GK) representatives Marvin Obon, and volunteer workers Jiffy Baltazar, Zytel Santos and John Edward Baltazar invited the DPWH Samar First Engineering District to participate in the Gawad Kalinga’s Bayani Challenge. This is a team building activity at Tomasino Gomez Dinagan GK Village, Brgy. Dinagan, Calbayog City, Samar on March 23-27, 2013. Baltazar said that Gawad Kalinga’s mission is to build a nation empowered by empowered by peop...
  • Catholic faithful in Archdiocese of Palo welcomes new Pope

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 16 (PIA) -- The Archdiocese of Palo like the 1.2 billion Catholic faithful around the world welcomed the election of Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio as the new Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church with jubilation and celebration. The new Pope has chosen the name of Francis and will be known as Pope Francis. Fr. Amadeo Alvero, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Palo in Leyte said that all Masses scheduled yesterday within the Archdiocese was made in celebrati...
  • Filipino women admired by Asia Pacific counterparts

    CEBU CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- Women in the Philippines admired by counterparts in the Asia Pacific. This was reiterated yesterday during a session of the 27th Confederation of the Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) entitled Women Entrepreneurship. CACCI-Women Entrepreneurial Council former president Mukta Nandini Jain, told the participants that women in the Philippines are being look up to by the rest of the Asian counterparts. “We are looking up to women in the Philip...
  • Bangsamoro communities in N. Cotabato, to benefit from free eye check-up

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 15 (PIA) -- A medical outreach activity is set to be held in different barangays of Midsayap in North Cotabato, to bring the needed medical services to Bangsamoro communities. The activity will be spearheaded by the 1st Congressional District office in partnership with optical clinics who will provide free eye-check up to the Bangsamoro residents in line with the office's Liwanag Para sa Kapayapaan Program. Beneficiaries will undergo an actual eye-scree...
  • Interfaith leaders in Midsayap, N. Cotabato join seminar-workshop on LCP

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 15 (PIA)--Religious leaders from the ten partner communities of Southern Christian College in Midsayap, North Cotabato are currently undergoing a three-day Local Capacities for Peace (LCP) seminar-workshop. The event is aimed at introducing to participants the LCP framework as a tool for analyzing the relationship between aid or project and conflict in order to avoid worsening tensions, and to support communities’ local capacities for peace. Highlight ...
  • Keep watch of bullying trends in the family, parents told

    CEBU CITY, March 14 (PIA) -- Parents are told to be on watch for “bullying” trends among children. Whether it is cyber or physical bullying, the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Cebu Chapter calls on parents to be on alert for signs of children being bullied or bullies themselves. PMHA officials and the academe were the recent guests of this week’s Kapihan sa PIA Cebu discussing about “Cyber Bullying.” Dr. Glenda Basubas, chairman of PMHA-Cebu, said that cases of bully...
  • Capiz IOs set for 3rd 'Dugtong Buhay' bloodletting

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 13 (PIA) – A mass bloodletting activity dubbed “Dugtong Buhay” is set on March 15 at the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Capiz Chapter in support of the local blood bank. The initiative, now on its third year, is spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency through the support of the Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers, Inc. (Cagpio) and Philippine Dental Association (PDA) – Capiz Chapter. “We are encouraging everyone to join us a...
  • SONO holds fire safety seminar

    BACOLOD CITY, March 12 (PIA) -- The Safety Organization of Negros Occidental (SONO) has conducted a Fire Safety Seminar at the Sugar Workers Developmenty Center, Bacolod City. It was attended by all safety practitioners, company representatives from different sectors all over Negros Occidental and Junior SONO members of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation, SONO said in a statement. Resource speaker Jessie Otañez was tapped to talk to the general membership about the “Fire Extinguishing te...
  • Nominations for 2013 Search for Outstanding Citizens of Baguio now open

    BAGUIO CITY, Mar. 12 (PIA) -- Do you know someone or some group that have made a significant contribution to the development of Baguio and its citizen? Send in your nominations as the 2013 Search for the Outstanding Citizens of Baguio is now officially open. The search, which is an annual project of the City Government of Baguio and led by the Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB), is open to individuals 18 years old and above or a group, in various fields of endeavor whose ...
  • Australia Awards need scholars from Region-08

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 12 (PIA) – The Australia Awards is looking for scholars from Leyte and Samar. This was announced by the team who was in town recently to encourage government employees who have at least rendered service for two years, to enroll in their one-year program in post graduate studies. The following areas of study are open for applications: Basic Education, Climate Change Adaptatin, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Foreign Relations, Organizational Devel...
  • SWS: Surveys are done to guide voters, not to influence elections

    QUEZON CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- Pre-election surveys reflect voters understanding of news, and information about candidates. These are not meant to influence the outcome of elections. Social Weather Stations President Mahar Mangahas said people would likely vote a candidate because of “his records or accomplishments, or favorable news where the candidate is the star.” "It’s the voters who might be changing their minds. They may be growing in strength for a certain candidate or diminishing...
  • Cebu, Bohol pilot for GIZ ‘green tourism’ project

    CEBU, March 11 (PIA) – The German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) chose Cebu and Bohol as its pilot areas for Phase 2 of the ‘green tourism’ project. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) regional director Asteria Caberte said that it is probably because of the successful implementation of the Promotion for Green Economic Development (ProGED) strategies in Cebu and Bohol that made these provinces suited for the ‘green tourism’ project. Recently Bohol’s champions of g...
  • PhilAm assn conducts medical mission in Siquijor

    SIQUIJOR, March 11 (PIA) -- Around 60 practitioners of the Philippine-American Medical Association of Georgia (Pamag), in coordination with the provincial government of Siquijor, conducted a five-day medical-surgical mission from February 25 to March 1, 2013 at the Siquijor Provincial Hospital. The team is composed of surgeons, opthalmologist, anesthesiologist, nurses and other medical practitioners. The association has been in the mission for 22 years, according to Pamag chair Dr. Romulo Par...
  • Foundation turns over water system in Sablan

    BAGUIO CITY, Mar. 9 (PIA) -- The Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc.(JVOFI) inaugurated and turned over the rehabilitated water system to the local government and to the community water users association of Barangay Banangan in Sablan, Benguet, Tuesday. Foundation President Dr. Reynaldo Bautista led the turn over and inauguration together with Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan, Sablan Mayor Arthur Baldo, other local government officials, and representatives from the Department of Interior and Local...
  • Agusan del Sur, recipients of COSERAM program

    AGUSAN DEL SUR, March 8 (PIA) –- This province became one of the recipients of the Conflict Sensitive Resources and Asset Management (Coseram) program that supports an integrated approach of poverty reduction and peace building in Caraga Region. Started in October last year, the joint program of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Philippine government will end on June 2014 with German contributing EUR 1,750,000, through the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Acco...
  • New leadership of Cebu biz chamber to continue promoting PPP

    CEBU CITY, March 7 (PIA) -- The new leadership of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is expected to continue the chamber’s mission of enhancing private-public partnerships (PPP). Prudencia Gesta, CCCI immediate past president, is enthusiastic that the new set of officers will continue to promote PPP in Cebu. Gesta, in a statement, also said that he is confident that the new leadership will pursue “trade development and economic advocacy for the welfare of Cebu’s business ...
  • Red Cross Volunteer Run 2 in Kalinga nets P85,560

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Mar. 5 (PIA) -– The Red Cross Kalinga Chapter has collected a net proceed of P85,560 during the recent Million Volunteer Run 2 with the theme “Run to Save Lives” in the province. Kalinga Red Cross Administrator Glorina Diaz said that as of press time, gross collections has reached P133,200 where P55,990 was utilized for incidental expenses. There were 512 who registered while 490 came for the actual run, which she said composed mostly of sponsored students. The coll...
  • Gender group bares Women's month activities

    ILOILO CITY, March 4 (PIA) -- The Ugsad Regional Gender Resource Center in Western Visayas and the University of the Philippines Gender and Development Program are encouraging gender advocates to celebrate the 2013 Women’s Month by participating in the various activities lined-up this March. Representatives and GAD Focal Persons of Ugsad member agencies in the region are likewise invited to join in the exhibit that will showcase their GAD activities. The exhibit which will be held at the Uni...
  • Free and peaceful elections make armed struggle irrelevant in changing Philippine society

    QUEZON CITY, March 4 -- The need to wage an armed struggle to change Philippine society has become irrelevant with democratic space obtaining in the country. This was the reason why some members of the political Left who used to shun elections, especially during the Martial Law period, do so now. In an episode of the TV talk show Paghahanda Para sa Hatol ng Bayan, Commission on Human Rights Chair Etta Rosales said, "There is no space for armed struggle for as long as you can do things peacefu...
  • Drugstore chain celebrates 68th Anniversary with Oplan Bigay Lunas

    ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, March 4 (PIA) -- Around 1,500 young and adult residents here availed of a free medical check-up dubbed 'Operation Bigay Lunas' in Iligan City. The project is part of Mercury Drug Corporation's celebration of its 68th Anniversary on March 1, Friday held at the Children’s Park, Barangay San Miguel, said Dr. Rolando Cuizon, designated project chairman representing the city government. Included in the activity is the distribution of free medicines and vitamins, Cui...
  • News Feature: Addressing classroom shortage thru TEN Moves

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 3 (PIA) -- The Entire Nation (TEN) Moves or TEN moves, a campaign to address shortage of classrooms, now estimated to about 66,000 in the country, was recently launched in Eastern Visayas. During the launching, Rey C. Abellanosa, manager, Ayala Foundation Inc., explained that TEN Moves is a campaign that aims to address the classroom backlog of the Philippines. While government budget for building classrooms increased this year and is being increased again next yea...
  • DOH, RAFI talk about link between Sin Tax Law & cancer

    CEBU CITY, March 03 (PIA) -- The Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) cited some facts as to how the implementation of the Sin Tax Reform Law (RA-. 10351) can be significant to prevent cancer. EJACC program coordinator, Ronald delos Reyes said that liver cancer and lung cancer are the leading cancers in Metro Cebu. “Lung cancer ranks first not just in terms of incidence but also in mortality cases,” Reyes noted. In a radio program “Pagtuki,...
  • North Samar launches Ten Moves Project

    CATARMAN, Northern Samar, March 1 (PIA) -- The province of Northern Samar launched the “Ten Moves Project” at Bulwagan ng mga Guro, DepEd Division Office, Catarman, on February 28. Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ronelo Firmo said TEN Moves is part of the Bayanihang Pampaaralan of the 57-75 Education Reform Movement campaigns for the construction of classrooms in public schools, of which the Division of Northern Samar will be a recipient. Dr. Firmo was also thankful to the Samar Island...
  • NGO holds stakeholders forum on disaster, climate change

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 1 (PIA) --The Sarangani Province Empowerment and Community Transformation Forum (SPECTRUM) Inc. organized on Thursday a stakeholders forum on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) intended to provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City. The activity was aimed at informing the stakeholders on the current situations and initiatives as well as to generate standpoints and develop ways to strengthen...
  • Cebu young leaders gather for good governance summit

    CEBU CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) --- Student leaders from Cebu universities gathered at the University of San Carlos (USC) for a summit on good governance dubbed "Young Public Managers and Developers Summit for Good Governance." The two-day summit that started yesterday aims to engage the youths and future leaders and demonstrate how their collective efforts can positively contribute to governance and development. One of the guest speakers, Philippine Information Agency Jose Mari Oquinena, in his spee...
  • Tarlac school turns local cuisines into masterpieces

    Envisioned to be a center of excellence in higher education and responsive partner for sustainable agro-industrial development in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, the Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA) has risen to the challenge of time and proved that the farming industry has still much more to offer in improving the lives of Filipinos. Standing firm since 1974, TCA found ways to “generate if not diversify its financial or revenue base by using to the fullest advantage all the reso...
  • Sunstar reporter elected as Baguio media club president

    BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- A sports writer of the Sunstar Baguio, the only daily newspaper in Northern Luzon, is the new president of the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC), the longest running media club in the Cordillera. Elected president is Roderick Osis who won over Edong Carta of DWIZ in an election held at the Philippine Information Agency regional office here, Tuesday. He will take over from incumbent president Harley Palangchao of the Baguio Midland Courier....
  • SM Foundation turns over school building in Olongapo City

    OLONGAPO CITY, Feb.28 (PIA) -- SM Foundation recently turned over a newly built school building in Barretto National High School, Olongapo City. In a press statement, SM Foundation said that the one-floor edifice has two classrooms each equipped with armchairs, blackboards, teacher’s desks, ceiling fans, wall clocks, desktop computers, and toilet facilities. The undertaking is part of the mall chain’s advocacy to help improve the country’s education system and in support of the Departmen...
  • 383 houses up in Pangasinan thru Gawad Kalinga partnership

    ALAMINOS CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) – This city’s poor communities are now proud homeowners of some 383 housing units under the Gawad Kalinga (GK) volunteerism movement. Beneficiary-families have started moving in to their new homes after the GK foundation and a multi sectoral group including homeowners completed building the units. Beneficiaries include: Bangusville in barangay Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City with 203 housing units; barangay Leet (40 units) and barangay Matic-matic (100 units ) in S...
  • Enhancing Filipino workers global competitiveness tops PMAP Agenda

    CAGAYAN DE ORO, Feb 27 -- Increasing the competitiveness of Filipino workers amidst the fast-changing global economy and the growing demands for highly skilled and productive workforce remain the top priority of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). PMAP National President Evelyn Grace Sorongon echoed this call to all Human Resource (HR) practitioners and people managers during the First General Membership Meeting (GMM) and Induction Rites of 2013 Officers of PMAP Cagaya...
  • PIA chief, Gawad Kalinga visit Basilan; Bayani Challenge 2013 launching set

    ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- Newly installed Director General of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) visited Basilan Friday to prepare for the local launching of the national event dubbed “Bayani Challenge 2013.” DG Jose Mari Oquiñena together with a team from Gawad Kalinga (GK) paid a courtesy call on Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar to discuss the housing projects for the province as part of the simultaneous nationwide Bayani Challenge launch in 34 provinces. Bayani Challenge is...
  • Indonesia, UNFPA reps observe Aklan's repro health practices

    KALIBO, Aklan, Feb 26 (PIA) -- The province of Aklan was recently visited by some 35 Indonesians, United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) representatives and Commission on Population Central and Regional offices staff as one of the showcases in Region 6 and the whole country for the Indonesia-Philippines Strategic Approaches in Mainstreaming Adolescent-Youth Reproductive Health (IPh-SAMA). Aklan merited a visit from the group, having been chosen as the country and Western Visaya...
  • Mall aims to plant 50,000 trees, strengthen green advocacy

    BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- SM City Baguio officials joined by city government heads and celebrity guests, marked the planting of the 30,000th tree in support of the National Greening Program (NGP) within the mall premises in the heart of Baguio last Wednesday. The “Green Road to 50,000” photo exhibit was also opened inside the mall featuring photos during their tree planting activities in the city and surrounding communities. As they marked the 30,000th tree they have pla...
  • Fil-Chinese businessmen donate school buildings to Tacurong city

    TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Feb 25 (PIA) -- Two barangays here are the latest recipients of school buildings from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) in fulfillment of the group’s pledge to address classroom shortage in many parts of the country. Tina Elementary School in Barangay Tina and San Emmanuel National High School-Annex in Barangay San Pablo each received one storey two-classroom building. FFCCCII vice presidents Alex Yap Cho Ty...
  • Korean mission benefits 400 residents

    NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Feb 25 (PIA6) -- Some 400 indigent residents of communities being served by AlterTrade Corporation (ATC) were served by a medical mission of volunteers from the Da Ham Group of Goyang, South Korea. The two-day mission, with the theme “Getting Together, Reaching Out, and Helping People,” was held at the Dama Farm Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, and in Brgy. Ilijan, Bago City. The medical outreach mission was also in cooperation ...
  • CDO Bloggers, Inc. holds first two Tipok-Tipok for 2013

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 25 -- The Cagayan de Oro Bloggers, Inc., holds the first two meet-up for this year, last February 9 and 23 at two different fast food chains in the city. The meet-up was dubbed “Tipok-Tipok” which was organized by Eldie “Ding” Aban, CDO Bloggers Board Member and Venus Mabale, the Vice President for Internal Affairs. “Tipok-Tipok” aims to welcome interested members and a venue for sharing tips on blogging. The existing members help new members setup their...
  • International NGOs working with gov’t for Kalinga's poor

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- Two non-government organizations (NGO) are coordinating with four national government agencies for possible tie-up projects that would help address poverty, empower the poor, and care for the environment. Heifer International Philippines (HIP) and the International Association for Transformation (IAT) are working with the offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for livelihood projects, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) fo...
  • Pantawid Pamilya families urged to be non-partisan

    SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA), Feb 22 -- Pantawid Pamilya families are urged to be non-partisan in the coming national and local elections. Jeffrey Gabucay, Provincial Coordinator of Pantawid Pamilya, appealed to 28,205 families covered by Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino program in the province to be non- partisan and avoid being used by politicians come election time. The members may have their own candidates to vote, and they are free to enjoy their right of suffrage, however, what is not allowed is f...
  • Cebu Archdiocese to hold summit for credible Cebu elections

    CEBU CITY, Feb 22 (PIA) -- Around 1,000 voters and candidates are expected to attend a gathering tomorrow to address election issues in Cebu. The Cebu Archdiocese is initiating the Summit on Credible Cebu Elections to propose concrete actions for electoral reforms, said Msgr. Rommel Kintanar during a press conference held at the Philippine Information Agency Cebu. Kintanar said the Archdiocese is holding the event at the Cebu Mariners’ Court in coordination with the Commission on Elections (...
  • 10,600 malnourished schoolchildren to benefit from P21-M feeding program of LGU, NGO

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 21 (PIA) -- Following the success of its initial support to South Cotabato provincial government’s feeding program, a church-based organization is set to expand its partnership with the LGU this year. Rev. Donald Soriano, executive director of the Bethesda Ministries International confirmed Wednesday, the second batch of assistance to the provincial government’s supplemental feeding program, which will cover at least 1...
  • PWD talent search to launch in Bohol

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 21 (PIA) -- In order to ensure that all persons with disabilities (PWDs) are not deprived of their political rights especially the right to vote, a non-government organization (NGO) is launching a talent competition for them in Bohol. Ronald Gutierrez, executive director of Upholding Life and Nature (ULAN), disclosed that the talent contest billed, “K Factor: Lahat Tayo May K” is set sometime in April. The underlying theme is,“Everyone, including PWDs have th...
  • Priests organize 1st Diocesan Media Association in Marinduque

    BOAC, Marinduque, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The Diocese of Boac recently organized the first Diocesan Media Association in Marinduque in a meeting held at the former convent of Sta.Cruz Parish in this municipality. The meeting, which was headed by the Rev. Fr. Jovin P. Grimaldo, Director of the Commission on Social Communication and Mass Media and the Rev.Fr. Millimar Perin, Director of Commission on Liturgy, aims to orient the media practitioners on the proper behavior or etiquette inside the church. ...
  • Bohol invites volunteers to Bayani Challenge ‘13

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 20 (PIA)-- Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto urged volunteers to participate in a five-day showcase of love of country and bayanihan spirit in Bayani Challenge 2013 on March 23 to 27 in the towns of Antequerra and Talibon. Chatto in his weekly 'Kita ug ang Gobernador' told Boholanos to join this opportunity to help build communities here. Under the Bayani Challenge event, volunteers are engaged into building homes, repairing schools, participating in health missions, joini...
  • PPCRV releases guidelines for Catholic voters

    MANILA, Feb 20 (PIA) -- The Church-affiliated poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has released guidelines to Catholic voters on how they should choose their candidates in the May 2013 automated elections. PPCRV said the guidelines aims to help voters choose the right candidates who will lead the nation. PPCRV national chairperson Henrietta de Villa in a statement said the manual is about the power of voters “that is equal in value with the rich and famous…...
  • Abrenian associations give back to poor townfolks

    BANGUED, Abra, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- A total of 117 cataract patients in the province were recently operated at the Abra Provincial Hospital here by the ophthalmologists of the Surgi-Med Volunteers Association of Sacramento, California, USA. The surgical mission was successfully brought to Abra to serve the poor Abrenios through the sponsorship of two Abrenian Associations here and abroad. These are the Abrenian Association of America, Inc., in San Jose, California, led by Atty. Gloria Acena...
  • Church group donates P98-M worth of medicines to South Cotabato

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 20 (PIA) -- Rev. Donald Soriano, director of the Bethesda Ministries International yesterday turned over to the provincial government of South Cotabato P98 million worth of drugs and medicines. Soriano visited the province to check out the progress of the feeding program the ministry has recently implemented with the provincial LGU and personally deliver the medicines which were shipped from the US to Cagayan de ...
  • Red Cross-Quirino rakes P1-M gross from run

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- Philippine Red Cross-Quirino chapter administrator Jesusa N. Leal thanked runners, volunteers, and supporters of the Million Volunteer Run 2 for their contribution in the attainment of their goal to raise P-1 million fund for the chapter’s rescue, relief and rehabilitation programs for victims of calamities in the province. “It was really an ambitious goal but we made it through the help of our supporters, Leal said, adding that Gov. Junie Cua who is ...
  • South Cotabato town to host ‘Bayani Challenge 2013’

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 19 (PIA) -- The municipality of Tupi, this province, will hold the ‘Bayani Challenge 2013’ on March 23 to 27. The said town is one of the 39 sites from 34 provinces across the country set as the venues for the event. The five-day event is expected to gather over 78,000 volunteers all over Philippines. In a forum, Mindanao area coordinator Noel Griño encouraged residents of Tupi to take part in the challenge by volunteering on the activities prepare...
  • Cebuanos invited to join 2013 Bayani Challenge

    CEBU CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- As the biggest volunteer event in the country draws near, Cebuanos are encouraged to respond to the annual call for nation-building by the Gawad Kalinga (GK). GK Executive Director and newly-installed Philippine Information Agency Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena invited his fellow Cebuanos to join the Bayani Challenge from March 23 to 27. “I encourage everybody to take part in the challenge to discover the hero in us and to connect with other heroes. For five...
  • Tagum Coop provides P.5-million fund for drug rehab chapel

    TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between the Tagum Cooperative and the Province of Davao del Norte for the grant of a half million financial assistance that the former will provide to the Luntiang Paraiso Regional Rehabilitation Center in New Corella, Davao del Norte. “The MOA binds the two signatories to work together in making a difference in the lives of alcoholics and drug dependents undergoing rehabilitation in Luntiang Paraiso,” ...
  • 150 years of humanitarian action in the midst of armed conflict

    GENEVA (ICRC) -- On 17 February, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) marked its 150th anniversary and commemorate the beginning of its efforts to bring relief to millions and improve the lives of countless people adversely affected by armed conflict. At a time when people are suffering the agonies of war in Syria, Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and elsewhere, the ICRC is more determined than ever to carry on with its humanitarian mission. "This anniversary provides u...
  • Nueva Vizcaya civic orgs donate blood

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, February 18(PIA) –The Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines(F&), Amaranth Sierra Madre Court No. 43 and health workers of the Veterans Regional Hospital(VRH) in this town have conducted a blood-letting activity to raise the level of blood supply for their blood bank. Magat Lodge Worshipful Master Medik Relleta said the joint activity with the Bongolan Lodge is a regular program designed to sustain the supply of sufficient blood at the VRH’s blood bank in th...
  • Students' book cart project needs volunteers, books

    DAVAO CITY- A group of mass communication students from Ateneo de Davao are calling for volunteers and book donors to their Tulak adBOOKasyon project which will be held this Saturday (February 16.) Charles Tolosa one of the organizers of the event said that the project aims to use push carts to collect books at Dona Vicenta Subdivision. The collected books will be donated to Davao City’s Balay Pasilungan street children center. Tolosa said they are looking for volunteers to push the carts an...
  • Isabela bishop understands, respects Pope Benedict XVI resignation

    ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Feb 15 (PIA) -- Isabela Bishop Joseph Nacua expressed his understanding and respect to the decision of Pope Benedict XVI to resign as the highest leader of the Catholic Church effective February 28, 2013. Nacua said that Pope Benedict XVI may have felt that he might not be able to completely perform his duties and responsibilities as the Catholic leader due to his deteriorating health. Nacua added that the pope’s resignation might be the right decision and this decision...
  • Prelate to candidates: Preserve peace in polls

    VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur, Feb 13 (PIA) -- A Catholic leader here said candidates seeking election should police their ranks and show sincerity in holding peaceful elections in May. Bishop Ernesto Salgado, Archbishop of Nueva Segovia, advised candidates to look after their supporters to ensure that they do not engage in acts that can foment tension and violence. The prelate’s statement was made following the successful peace covenant signed by at least 99 candidates from all the towns and citie...
  • Foreign, Pinoy doctors cure cleft lips and palates in Quezon City

    QUEZON CITY, Feb 14 (PIA) -- Now on its fifth day of mission proper operations in Quezon City, the Philippine American Group of Educators and Surgeons (Pages) have operated on 60 children with cleft lips and palates for free. For the past 23 consecutive years, the group has been providing free medical services to mostly less fortunate children in the Philippines affected by an impairment of normal physical function such as cleft lip or palate that impedes verbal communication. This year, Pag...
  • Wheelchairs distributed to PWDs

    CARMONA, Cavite, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- Five kids with cerebral palsy recently received custom-made wheelchairs from an international charitable institution which is part of their continuous support to the local governments for persons with disability (PWDs). During the regular Monday flag-raising ceremony held at the town plaza, Mayor Dahlia Loyola thanked the Latter Day Saints (LDS) Foundation for their continued support to the programs and projects for the PWDs. This valuable program has the full ...
  • Feature: Changing times for PWDs

    The 1980s was the time when women played smaller roles than men, when women were relegated to domestic tasks, while men chose their careers and followed their ambitions at will. It was also the time when even the more socially advanced country as the United States still referred to both sexes as "he;" when gays were portrayed primarily as laughing stocks in the movies; when "probinsiyanos" were deemed less sophisticated than city folks; when adoptees still inherited meager sum from their adopte...
  • Tarlac legislator among Outstanding Legislator for 2012

    TARLAC CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- Superbrands Marketing International Inc. (SMI) has named Tarlac Representative Susan Yap as one of the 20 Outstanding Congressmen for 2012. In a statement, SMI President Harry Tambuatco said Yap got the accolade for authoring and co-authoring bills that promotes the welfare of women and children such as Mandatory Immunization for Children, Foster Care Act, Anti-Trafficking Act amendments, Universal Healthcare Coverage, Reproductive Health Act, Kindergarten Educati...
  • Local filmmakers hope for industry’s development

    CEBU, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- Local filmmakers in Cebu show optimism that the rapid increase of the Cebuano film will lead to a vibrant film industry here. An award-winning Cebuano director, Remton Zuasola envisions that there will be a Cebuano film industry. "We continue to produce quality films; we don’t lose hope because we know we’ll reach that goal. At present, its Cebuano film scene only, we can’t call it industry yet. It’s still a community of filmmakers,” he said. Zuasola, exp...
  • Nueva Vizcaya’s Million Volunteer Run 2 attracts over 4,500 runners

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Feb. 12(PIA) -- The recent conduct of the Million Volunteer Run 2 in the province has attracted more than 4,500 participants from all walks of life. Organized by the Philippine National Red Cross(PNRC), the Million Volunteer Run 2 started at the Tomas Dacayo Gymn in Solano town and ended at the provincial capitol in Bayombong town offering more than 7 kilometer-distance run. Maragarita Dumlao, PNRC Nueva Vizcaya Chapter head said, the Million Volunteer Run 2last S...
  • Baguio Vicariate cites importance of mass media in shaping values of young people

    BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- The Catholic Vicariate of Baguio underscored the importance of mass media in shaping up the values, thinking and lifestyle of the young people. Monsignor Andy Cosalan, Vicar General of the Diocese of Baguio, in his homily during the inauguration mass of Mountain Province Broadcasting Corporation’s (MPBC) local radio station DZWT – Radyo Totoo new building Wednesday, said that mass media, has become the language of the world, which aside from being a so...
  • Aklan broadcasters urged to focus on Climate Change

    KALIBO, Aklan, February 12 (PIA6) -- To be responsible broadcasters and at the same time stewards of the environment. This was the challenge Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez issued to Aklan’s new batch of Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) officers when they were inducted into office, recently. Marquez posed the challenge, impressed upon hearing that last year, KBP-Aklan and other stakeholders and volunteers were able to plant some 3,000 three seedlings on a 3-hectare gover...
  • Nueva Vizcaya PLGU’s aid targets Gawad Kalinga communities

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- The provincial government here have started to distribute packages of assistance to various Gawad Kalinga sites in the province as part of its program to help poor families. Willy Delizo, provincial government’s executive assistant on housing said free gift items, food packs and vegetable seedlings among others are now being distributed to seven GK sites such as the KL Lumabang-Queensland Australia GK Village in barangay Bascaran in Solano town, KL ...
  • Caraga youths turns-over proposed Butuan City Youth Code to vice mayor

    BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- The Butuan City Youth Code, crafted and proposed by the Caraga Youth Leaders' Network (CYLN) through its CEO and chairperson Rex F. Ybanez, was formally turned-over to Vice Mayor Atty. Lawrence Fortun on Monday at the latter's office here. Ybanez said that should the Youth Code pass, the local government of Butuan City will be the first local government in Mindanao to have such legislative mandate to provide sustainable services and programs for the youth. The Yo...
  • Group launches voters' awareness campaign for a better Baguio

    BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) - - The Baguio Heritage Foundation Inc., (BHF), in line with its thrust of fostering a culture of caring and advocating a better future for Baguio in terms of preservation of the city’s cultural heritage and identity, has launched the voters' education campaign in a kapihan media forum, Tuesday. In the said forum, Foundation vice chairman Michael Pearson, disclosed that as private citizens concerned on where Baguio is going and what Baguio should be, they de...
  • ARMM media, LGUs, CSOs hold interface sessions

    ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Feb 11 (PIA) -- Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local Government Units (LGUs), and the media of the three provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) gathered for a two-day interfacing session on roles, capacities, and commitment in project monitoring in the region. “This is a project that involves the media, the civil society, and the local government in terms of monitoring projects under the Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP),” said Red ...
  • PPCRV calls for poll watchers, technical assistants

    MANILA, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The Catholic Church-based poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) is calling for volunteers to help monitor during the local and national elections on May 13. PPCRV national chairperson Henrietta de Villa said they need more precinct poll watchers and technical assistant watchdogs. She said they would put up desks in all Catholic parishes across the country to accept applications. “The richest resource in recruiting volunteers will alwa...
  • Sugar farmers, tricycle operators share best practices with Belgian visitors

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb 9 (PIA6) - - Sugar farmers in Barangay Lugta, Laua-an and tricycle drivers and operators in Tibiao and San Jose, Antique shared the best practices of their association and how they collaborate with government through dialogues, with Belgian visitors on Thursday. Jesie Natan, owner of Natan Muscovado Mill, briefed the foreign visitors on the operations of sugar mill from the extraction of cane juice to processing, until muscovado sugar is derived. He likewise told them h...
  • PRC invites Abrenios to ‘Run to Save Lives’

    BANGUED, Abra, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Abra Chapter is working double time to reach out to all Abra residents to support the Million Volunteer Run( MVR2) set this Sunday, February 10, to raise the needed funds for the training of the 143 Red Cross Teams. The MVR2 with the theme, “Run to Save Lives” will be simultaneously carried out all over the country. In Bangued, the run will start from the Bangued Town Plaza at 5 a.m. along the Abra-Ilocos Norte Nationa...
  • Capiz media urged to partner for development

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb 9 (PIA6) -- Media practitioners should be partners in the delivery of services for the welfare of the people. Capiz Chief Legal Officer and Provincial Administrator Jose Villanueva challenged media practitioners of Capiz to always stand for the truth and must always maintain the quality of credibility and integrity. Villanueva, who was the guest speaker during the induction of officers and oath-taking of new members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas-Capiz...
  • PPCRV, NSPDF to monitor May 2013 elections

    CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb 8 (PIA) – The local Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the Northern Samar Peace and Development Forum (NSPDF) are joining forces in preparation for a peaceful National, ARMM Regional and Local elections come May 13, 2013. The NSPDF is a multi-sectoral group and comprises church, government, academe, civil society and youth organizations working for peace and development. The NSPDF will serve as coordinating arm of PPCRV, which is an accredited ...
  • ‘Hapag-Asa’ to feed more children

    MANILA, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- The Archdiocese of Manila’s feeding program ‘Hapag-Asa’ (Table of Hope) is aiming to feed more undernourished children in 2014. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle said the archdiocese’s feeding program of the ‘Pondo ng Pinoy’ will benefit hungry children around the country. “Next year, the target is to feed at least 250,000 children, of which, 25,000 will come from Pondo ng Pinoy member dioceses,” Tagle said in a statement. Likewise, the...
  • Medical mission team gives free services in Boac, Marinduque

    BOAC, Marinduque, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Patients from the area and various neighbouring towns and barangays of Boac flocked the Dr. Damian Reyes Provincial Hospital’s new building to avail the free services of the medical mission team on February 4. The medical mission team, with 25 foreign and local delegates that include five surgeons and four other medical practitioners from the Risen Savior Missions and Feed My Starving Children organization, provided free consultations, free minor operations,...
  • PPCRV-ARMM volunteers to undergo voters education training

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 7 (PIA) – Election volunteers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will undergo training on monitoring and safeguarding the May 13 polls. Over a hundred Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)-ARMM coordinators from different municipalities of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City are expected to attend the launching of a voters education program on February 16 and 17. Other groups involved in the program are the Commission on...
  • Cebuanos urged to join PRC’s ‘Million Volunteer Run 2’

    CEBU CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- Cebuanos are invited to join the “Million Volunteer Run 2” organized by Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Cebu Chapter on Feb. 10, 5 a.m. at Sumilon Road, Cebu Business Park. On its second stint this year, the run aims to raise funds to finance the major services of PRC chapters while creating a culture of volunteerism in the country. In Cebu province, there are two PRC chapters, namely Cebu Chapter and Lapu-Lapu Chapter. To date, there are still less than a thousand...
  • Rotary donates bikes to beneficiaries in conflict-affected areas

    SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA6) -- Fifteen mountain bikes donated by 10 Rotary Clubs of Muntinlupa (RCOM) were turned over to the 82nd Infantry Battalion, Alpha Company based in San Remegio town as part of the program "Bikes for Peace." The bicycles, prioritized to benefit conflict-affected communities in most need of alternative and cheap transportation, are part of the more than 102 bikes given for the Visayas and Mindanao areas. Panay Island got 46 and Negros Occidental 24. It was during the Rota...
  • Cebu candidates urged to answer locally-developed tool to guide voters

    CEBU CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- A non-government organization in Cebu is appealing to local candidates to provide vital information that will help voters vote wisely during the May national and local elections. Dilaab Foundation Inc. urged candidates to answer a questionnaire called the LASER Test, or the Lifestyle, Action, Supporters, Election Conduct, Reputation Test, and send this back to the group for posting on its website. LASER Test is a tool developed by Dilaab Foundation Executive Dire...
  • Senatorial candidates invited to ‘discernment recollection’ in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Senatorial candidates for the May 2013 synchronized national and local elections are welcome to attend the one-day “Discernment Recollection” activity initiated by two Church-based organizations in Cebu City. Dilaab Foundation, Inc. and the Couples for Christ have earlier teamed up to hold a one-day gathering for May 2013 candidates, election stakeholders, and voters on Feb. 15 at the Convention Hall of Sacred Heart Center, this city. Manila Archbishop Jose Anto...
  • Naval civil society identifies 13 projects for 2014

    NAVAL, Biliran Feb 6 (PIA) -- The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) involved in the identification of projects under the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB) in the municipality of Naval identified 13 projects for implementation in 2014. The identification of the 13 projects was a result of separate workshops conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) held January 18 at the Naval Community Credit Cooperative Conference Hall and on February 5 at the Naval State University Audi...
  • P75-M housing project in DavOr to emerge soon

    BAGANGA, Davao Oriental, Feb 5 (PIA) -- After the devastation caused by typhoon Pablo, hope sparks the town of Baganga as the first 300 shelter homes funded by the PLDT-Smart Foundation under the Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) Group of Companies, is on its way to emerge soon. The housing project will benefit 300 families currently displaced and temporarily sheltered in bunkhouses in the village of Lambajon, after the storm demolished their houses. Led by Smart Communications, PLDT-Smart Foundati...
  • Caritas to help rehab ‘Pablo’hit areas in Mindanao

    MANILA, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The Catholic Church’s social action arm, Caritas Philippines will help hundreds of victims of typhoon "Pablo" that struck Mindanao last December. According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Caritas will prioritize typhoon-ravaged areas in Cateel, Davao Oriental, and in Gabi, Siocon, New Alegria and Laak in Compostela Valley. “The project will eventually move towards recovery efforts and distributing shelter materials for the construction...
  • May 13 election candidates in Cebu invited to a 'discernment recollection'

    CEBU CITY, Feb 5 (PIA) --- Two Church-based organizations in Cebu have teamed up to hold a "Discernment Recollection" session for candidates running for May 13 elections. The Dilaab Foundation Inc. in partnership with the Couples for Christ (CFC) here have invited electoral candidates and election stakeholders in the province and in the region for a gathering on February 15 (Friday) from 8 am to 5 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Center, D. Jakosalem St., this city. The gathering, dubbed ”Discernme...
  • 30 Tacurong schools receive computers from Comfac Global Group

    TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Feb 5 (PIA) --Thirty public schools in the Tacurong City recently received one unit personal computer each from Comfac Global Group (CGG). School principals and administrators received the computers in a turnover ceremony last week at the city gymnasium. Mayor Lina Montilla, city administrator Eduardo Nicolo, councilors Rodrigo Jamorabon and Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz, and the LGU Information Technology Section facilitated the turnover of said equipment. ...
  • Isabela consumer group urges public to be vigilant against overpricing

    ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Feb. 2 (PIA) -- The Isabela Consumer Watch Group is asking the help of the public in reporting any establishment overpricing goods and commodities. The Isabela consumer watch group is a non-government organization in the province that helps the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) monitor prices of goods and commodities. Isabela Consumer Watch Group head Raffy Jacinto said his group and the DTI in the province are not enough to monitor the prices of commodities that is...
  • Comelec-2 urges media to follow political ads time limit

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections in Region 2 (Comelec - 2) urged media institutions to strictly follow and monitor as well the time limit rule on political advertisements of candidates for the coming 2013 elections. Atty. Julius Torres, regional director, said that media has a very important role to play in the upcoming elections not only in disseminating election related information to public but also to monitor strictly the observance of the advertisement time lim...
  • Number of poor Filipinos in Mindanao down-DSWD

    DAVAO CITY. Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said that while the 2009 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey show 9.4 million Filipinos could not afford to lead decent lives, the number of poor people in Mindanao has greatly decreased over the years. “Malaki ang difference ng pagbaba ng poverty incidence sa Mindanao (there is a big difference in the reduction of poverty incident in Mindanao) based on the latest SWS survey,” DSWD Communication Developmen...
  • PRC distributes P1.4M to flood victims in Laguna

    SANTA CRUZ, Laguna, Jan 31 (PIA) --The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) led the distribution of P1,482,000 cash relief assistance for the flood victims of the monsoon rains which caused flooding last year in the first district of Laguna. A total of 494 families from the municipality of San Pedro (424) and the cities of Binan (46) and Santa Rosa (24) each received P3,000 from PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon during his recent visit to the said areas. The financial assistance is intended to be ...
  • CSU Student Services train student leaders

    VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- Ninety-nine student leaders of several student organizations of Catanduanes State University (CSU) and other private schools in the province have participated in a workshop on transformational leadership. The workshop themed: “Responsible Leadership Anchored on Excellence and Commitment a CSU Way,” was held at the CSU HRD building last January 23. The one-day workshop led by CSU’s Office of Student Services intended to gather student leaders for a gr...
  • Samar indigent PWDs given wheelchairs

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 31(PIA) -- A number of Samar indigents who are persons with disability were given wheelchairs through the efforts of the Philippine Army. These were given at the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army on January 28 at the 8th ID Headquarters Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan City. The One World Institute, a US-based non-profit organization that provides free wheelchairs to the “poorest among the poor” donated 101 wheelchairs through the Central Co...
  • PBSP hands over Spanish-funded schoolbuilding in Caraga

    AGUSAN DEL NORTE, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- Providing access to basic education; this is the driving force behind the humanitarian endeavor funded by the Government of Spain for depressed communities of Agusan del Norte in Caraga Region. Newly-completed school buildings will be formally handed over to DepEd officials and recipient communities on Thursday, January 31 at Rizal Integrated School in the town of Buenavista. Rafael C. Lopa, executive director of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PB...
  • MVP to turn over P750,000-worth classroom in Apalit

    CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- Kapampangan businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) will turnover on February 12 a P750,000 worth classroom that he funded at Sampaga Elementary School in Apalit town. “The classroom is around 170 square meters and is ready to accommodate pupils beginning school year 2013-2014,” said Manny So of People Power Volunteers for Reform - Angeles City which identified the school-beneficiary for the project. He added that aside from the construction ...
  • US doctors hold medical mission in Bulacan

    CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- Fifty doctors from the United States of America are now conducting a surgical and medical mission at the Bulacan Medical Center. Sponsored by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) Medical Mission Foundation (MMF) of Greater St. Loius, Missouri and the Bulacan provincial government, the five-day joint project which started last Monday provides free surgery, urology, anesthesia, diabetes and hypertension screening, dental, ophthalmology, plastic surge...
  • Capiz registers over 1900 blood donors

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan 30 (PIA6) – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Capiz Chapter had registered 1,949 blood donors in 2012. About 66 blood letting activities were conducted by different groups in the province last year. These groups include media entities, government agencies as well as associations, schools, local government units, barangays, socio-civic and religious – based organizations, among others. The “Dugong Bombo” of Bombo Radyo station last November topped all bloodle...
  • Ifugao farmer groups get livelihood assistance

    HUNGDUAN, Ifugao, Jan. 29 (PIA) - - Seven farmers association in the province received recently a P.7-million worth livelihood aid to fund their various projects. Brenda Bakakew, information officer of the governor’s office, stated that the livelihood assistance was given by SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) Magat Power Company to farmers organizations from the municipalities of Hungduan, Kiangan, Lagawe, Lamut, and Tinoc. “Each association received P100,000 to fund various livelihood projects lik...
  • 3 Bohol resorts are in Top Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2013

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan 29 (PIA) – Three resorts in Panglao Island in Bohol made it to the prestigious Travelers Choice Awards in the top 20 small hotels in the Philippines for 2013, as summed by TripAdvisor. These three resorts are the Amarela Resort in Libaong, Panglao which landed 10th spot among the top 20, the hip Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa at 12th spot while charming Ananyana Beach Resort and Spa is on the 18th in the list, the tripadvisor website declared. The awards, gathered fr...
  • Volunteers in Tarlac construct 'Court of Inspiration'

    PANIQUI, Tarlac, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- Local volunteers in Barangay Canan in Paniqui town started constructing last Saturday a basketball court they call a “Court of Inspiration.” “The building of the basketball court is in line with the Galing Mo! Campaign. It is slated to be finished by February with the Philippine Basketball Association legends holding an exhibition game,” said Geri Pacleb of Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications Inc. who organized the event in behalf of their client A...
  • Nueva Vizcaya bishops calls on cops to be apolitical

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Jan 29 (PIA) – A Catholic bishop in Quirino province has urged policemen in the province to be neutral and ensure the conduct of a peaceful elections in May this year. “We are asking you to be apolitical and assist our voters so that they will not fall prey to vote-buying,” said Bishop Ramon Villena of the diocese here. The bishop made the call during the courtesy call of Police Senior Supt. Valfrie Tabian, police provincial director and his staff early this mon...
  • Maynilad partners with DOH, Y&R to fight dengue

    QUEZON CITY, Jan. 27 (PIA) -- West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and Y&R Philippines, Inc. (Y&R), one of the leading global marketing communications companies recently launched the anti-dengue mosquito trap. The do-it-yourself project is designed to help curb dengue cases in communities. “We want to teach people a simple, innovative and affordable way to help prevent dengue cases in their communities. Through this progra...
  • IBP-Cotabato Chapter bags 3 awards at 14th National Lawyers Convention

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 25 (PIA) -- The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cotabato Chapter brought home three awards during the 14th National Lawyers Convention and 40th Founding Anniversary of IBP. IBP Cotabato was awarded as Most Outstanding Legal Aid Committee (Category B) for its exemplary and inspiring performance in rendering legal aid through its dedicated members and handling both traditional and developmental legal aid cases, projects, and activities of national impact. A...
  • DOST, DTI to assist small entrepreneurs in Bicol

    NAGA CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- The Consuleo “Chito Madrigal Foundation (CCMF) Bikol Inc., a non-government organization for poverty alleviation, has launched its Special Loan Product, increasing the maximum loan amount available to its micro-finance members to P50,000. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Camarines Sur Provincial Director Edna Tejada said during the CCMF’s general assembly that the new product adds to the production loan and multipurpose loan already in place for small entr...
  • Volunteers in NE construct 'Court of Inspiration'

    GAPAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, Jan 24 (PIA) -- Local volunteers in Barangay San Vicente in Gapan City started constructing last Sunday a basketball court billed “Court of Inspiration.” “The building of the basketball court is in line with the Galing Mo! Campaign. It is slated to be finished by second week of February with Philippine Basketball Association legends holding an exhibition game,” said Geri Pacleb of Geiser Maclang who organized the event in behalf of their client Alaxan-FR. Build...
  • Biggest surgical mission sets in Bohol

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan. 23 (PIA) --The 7th biggest surgical mission from the 30-man surgical team of the Association of Filipino Physicians of Southern Illinois (AFPSI) is set on February 17-23, 2013. This is the biggest surgical mission in the province all through these years led by Dr. Renato Rivera who is set to arrive on February 16 for this event. A Philippine team will also join the mission. Its members are expert American surgeons and experienced nurses from Southern Illinois and ...
  • Red Cross- Butuan City reports accomplishments for 2012 4th quarter

    BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- The different committees under the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter chaired by City Prosecutor Felixberto Guiritan recently reported its accomplishments for the 4th quarter of 2012. The Disaster Management Services Committee bared that the chapter was able to conduct relief operations last December 15, 2012 after a fire incident destroyed 40 houses affecting 72 families at Barangay Baan-Km.3 in Butuan City. Red Cross staff and volunt...
  • Therapy, kins ease burden of Autism

    QUEZON CITY, Jan 22 - Autism still has no cure, but modern therapy plus family support can turn around the lives of people afflicted with this lifelong disability. People must understand Autism so they can help create an environment where persons with Autism learn to survive and be a productive member of the community, Carmen Almendrala of the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) said in a forum at Philippine Information Agency (PIA). As a neurological disorder, Autism impairs or delays th...
  • NGCP complains of trees planted under transmission lines

    BALO-I, Lanao del Norte, Jan 22 -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) complained about people planting trees under the transmission lines. Trees and vegetation that grow or are planted inside or adjacent to NGCP’s existing transmission line right-of-way (ROW) are known to cause trippings or power outages when they breach prescribed safety clearances for high-voltage power lines. NGCP singled out Mindanao, specifically the Balo-i area, as particularly troublesome for NGC...
  • PPCRV urges Iloilo residents to vote wisely

    ILOILO CITY, Jan 21 (PIA) -- The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has urged voters in Iloilo to vote wisely in the May 2013 polls. PPCRV Archdiocesan Coordinator Msgr. Meliton Oso said voters should not engage in “vote buying” for it is the "cancer in the electoral process." “Politicians have been using various vehicles to buy people’s votes such as medical or dental missions which can be considered as virtual vote-buying,” said Oso. He also coined the term ...
  • Environmental NGO to conduct training on state of watershed reporting

    ILOILO CITY, Jan 21 (PIA6) – A trainors training on the use of the handbook on the State of the Watershed Reporting (SoWR) will be held on January 22 to 24. Among the participants are technical personnel of the Iloilo Watershed Management Council, provincial and municipal environment offices and from selected watershed boards. The handbook is considered first of its kind in the Philippines, according to environmental planner Elmer Mercado, who was commissioned by the Canadian Urban Institu...
  • Red Cross provides aid for 280,000 typhoon survivors

    MANILA, Jan 20 (PIA) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) are continuing their effort to help victims of Typhoon Bopha (locally known as Pablo). More than a month after the typhoon swept away communities in eastern Mindanao and left more than 1,800 people dead or missing, needs are still immense. In Davao Oriental province, almost 95 per cent of the roads, houses and crops have been destroyed. The ICRC and the Philippine Red Cross worked hard...
  • Holy Angel U develops online system review for board examiners

    ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Jan. 20 (PIA) -- Holy Angel University (HAU) will launch on Monday, January 28, its online review for board exams to its students and alumni. Developed by the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) along with the different faculty members from other colleges, HAU is now considered one of the first schools in the Philippines to offer this kind of program. “The review is for those taking board exams for certified public accountants, engineers, teach...
  • 2 Mt. Province towns receive school bldgs from ABS-CBN, army

    NATONIN, Mt. Province, Jan. 18(PIA) -- Three barangays in the far-flung municipalities of Natonin and Paracelis were the latest recipients of newly constructed two-room school buildings from the giant TV network ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya Foundation, Inc (ASKFI) and the Philippine Army. Beneficiaries of the two-classroom DepEd standard size school buildings are barangays Pudo and Poblacion both in Natonin and Barangay Bantay in Paracelis municipality. ASKFI Project Director Tina Monzon Palma ...
  • IBP–Ifugao chapter serves indigent clients

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in the province has provided free legal services to 32 indigent clients in 2012. Based on the report of IBP-Ifugao, among the legal aid provided by the chapter covering the period January to December 2012, included 22 criminal cases and 10 civil cases handled by members of the chapter. Out of the 32 cases handled, one was amicably settled; completed – one; submitted for decision – one; and 29 cases are pending ...
  • Anti-Child Abuse Network conducts planning workshop

    BAGUIO CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- Towards the realization of its vision of a community where every child is a happy child, protected and nurtured in an environment that is free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and provided with the opportunity to fully develop the child's potential towards becoming a productive member of society, the Anti Child-Abuse Network (ACAN) members met on Thursday to review network vision, mission and goal statements, protocols and effects to partners and to evaluat...
  • RAFI-KAC program supports grade school curriculum

    CEBU CITY, January 18 -- Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) introduces the Integrated Learning through Adventure Education (iLead), the first KAC program integrated in the grade school curriculum of Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC). The program's pioneering group are a hundred grade 6 students of SHS-AdC last year. iLead is an urban backpacking program that provides students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned through their ac...
  • Day care pupils get new school, playground

    CEBU CITY, Jan. 18 -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), through its Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund (DACF), recently turned-over a day-care center and a playground funded by Vereniging Haarlemmermeer Cebu (VHC) to Barangay Pooc, Talisay City. The day-care center, built to meet DSWD accreditation standards, will benefit 58 three- to four-year-old pupils of the barangay. The classroom features elements that foster independence and self-sufficiency such as child-sized toilets, sinks, d...
  • Hedcor plants thousands of trees to preserve watersheds

    STA. CRUZ, DAVAO DEL SUR, Jan. 17 – Renewable energy developer Hedcor reaffirmed its bid to preserve and protect watersheds by planting thousands of trees. Recently, the company attained a milestone of over 600,000 trees planted in watersheds across the country. “This year our target is to plant at least 200 thousand trees in our watersheds,” Jabonillo said. “We will also strive to maintain a survival rate of 90% or more,” he added. Hedcor has long recognized the importance of wa...
  • Brahma Kumaris – Baguio turns 25, calls for harmonious living among people and the environment

    BAGUIO CITY, Jan. 17 - - The Baguio Brahma Kumaris Center in celebration of its 25th year anniversary, launched its environment initiative: “Living in Harmony Program” in coordination with the city government of Baguio in kapihan forum last Tuesday at the City Hall here. Brahma Kumaris Philippines National Coordinating Council Head Becky Ortega explained that through the initiative, the organization aims to awaken people to a greater environmental awareness and to promote a su...
  • RAGCOM organizes outreach program

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- The Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM)-X organized an outreach program to one of the rehabilitation centers in the city, Jan. 4. The activity centered on gift-giving primarily to the children of the rehabilitation center here. “We also want to offer our services as volunteers if you need some,” RAGCOM President Jeanette Marie S. Soldevilla said. They conducted fun-filled activities with the children and offered additional serv...
  • 30 Ifugaos donate blood

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- About 30 folks here donated blood at the Philippine National Red Cross (PRC) Ifugao Chapter yesterday. Randy Blanco, PRC Ifugao officer-in-charge, said that the donated blood will be reserved for emergency cases for local patients. “In fact there are three patients at the Ifugao General Hospital who are waiting now for blood to be donated to them,” Blanco said. Blanco disclosed that the voluntary blood donation is a regular program of the PNRC that seeks...
  • School's gensets help restore power, water supply in DavOr, ComVal

    TAGUM CITY-The generator sets loaned by the Ateneo de Davao University to the communities in Davao Oriental and in Compostela Valley have alleviated the typhoon-affected communities’ need for power and water after the tragedy brought by Typhoon Pablo. “We initially wanted to help restore the electricity of the affected communities but realized that the generators were also helpful in charging up the water pump stations,’ Atty Romeo Cabarde, chairperson of the Ateneo’s University Commun...
  • PRC-Quirino to have 7,000 volunteers for 2nd Million Volunteer Run in Feb

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Jan 14 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross-Quirino chapter is confident it will reach its 7,000-runners target for the Million Volunteer Run 2 on February 10 with the support of the different stakeholders. Jesusa Leal, chapter administrator, said they are expecting at least 875 runners from the provincial government, 1,654 from the Department of Education, 190 from Maddela, 100 each from the other five municipalities and at least 550 from the three campuses of the Quirino St...
  • Eco-tourism sites get gears, equipment

    ILOILO CITY, Jan. 12 (PIA6) -- Eco-tourism sites in upland Iloilo covered by the Tigum-Aganan Watershed area were given gears and equipment for community-based tourism projects. The gears and equipment were donated by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), which has been helping the municipalities identify and develop their eco-tourism potentials through training. CUI Project Officer Jerilee Cameña said the gears consist of safety harness/carabeeners such as static ropes, seat harnesses, ...
  • Housing developer in Maasin City reiterates social concern

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan 12 (PIA) -- “When you see a happy family transferring to their new home, with children playing around, that image is fulfilling and rewarding enough.” Arnel Joshua, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Joshua Cruz Armamento Development, Inc. (JCAD), told company staff as he encouraged them to pursue corporate social responsibility, specifically to help respond to basic human need for shelter. Speaking before a select group of marketing personnel,Joshua shared...
  • Private employees share funds for Nueva Vizcaya schoolers

    KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya, Jan 12(PIA) – Employees of a mining company OceanaGold Philippines, Inc.(OGPI) here continue to share small amount from their salaries in a bid to help schoolers of barangay Didipio here in uplifting their personality and community exposure and involvement. Rhodora Songayab, OGPI's Human Resource Manager said several employees of their company have agreed to participate in a voluntary contribution under the project and movement called Children’s Hour. Through the ...
  • Hedcor reaches out to orphans and children with cancer

    DAVAO CITY, Jan. 11 -- For the second year running, Hedcor and the Aboitiz Foundation distributed gifts to children with cancer at the House of Hope in the Southern Philippines Medical Center. The gifts consisted of toys, books and other essential items. "The gifts give the kids a reason to smile," said Hedcor's Rolando Pacquiao in a statement. Hedcor also distributed gifts to children in three other orphanages, namely, the Field of Dreams and the Haven of Hope orphanages in Davao and the DSW...
  • Over 600 candidates vie for 277 elective posts in NegOr on May 13

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 11 (PIA) -- A total of 277 elective positions in Negros Oriental are up for grabs with more than 633 candidates vying for local public posts in the upcoming May 13 polls. In preparation for the May 13 polls, the Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) will conduct voters education campaign in and outside college campuses, training of poll watchers, peace covenant signing, and candidates forum, among others. DEB convenor, Monsignor Julius Heruela of the Diocese of Dumaguete said th...
  • Cebu based NGOs join 1st World Blogathon

    CEBU CITY Jan. 11 (PIA) -- Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS) organized the first World Blogathon wherein participating organizations from Cebu in the offline event include Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), Island Rescue Organization (IRO), AIESEC, MIND7, Love Yourself, World Vision, and “Dok Buboy”. The said activity held last December intended to promote social advocacies through the digital media as representatives from each organization introduced their respective advocacies. RAFI commu...
  • Zambo. Norte Red Cross sets bloodletting on Valentine’s Day

    DIPOLOG CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- Expect a 'red' Valentine’s Day here as the Philippine National Red Cross -Zamboanga del Norte (PNRC-ZN) chapter will again hold a bloodletting activity come Feb. 14. PNRC-ZN chapter administrator Joshua A. Bicoy has disclosed that everything is ready for the conduct of blood donation campaign set on Valentine’s Day at the Lee Plaza City Central this city. Bicoy also said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the organizations parti...
  • Politicians told to 'behave' during Sinulog Festival in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, Jan 9 (PIA) -- With the 2013 midterm elections a few months away, organizers of the Sinulog 2013 Festival warned politicians to “behave” during the Sinulog festivities. The Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) have received calls from several politicians, especially from the national level, requesting to be invited during the celebration. “This is understandable since it’s now election season,” said SFI Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros during a Kapihan forum held by the Phi...
  • Dolefil calls on indigent patients of R12 to take advantage of its free surgical mission

    GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- The Dole Philippines Inc. (Dolefil) is encouraging indigent patients of Region 12 who are in need of surgery to take advantage of its free surgical mission on January 13-19 at Howard Hubbard Memorial Hospital in Polomolok, South Cotabato. Dolefil Human Resource Director, Atty. Melquiades Hernandez III said this is one rare opportunity where volunteer surgeons, nurses and medical staff from the Philippine Medical Society of Florida (PMSF) will be coming over...
  • Black Nazarene devotees urged to keep celebration garbage-free

    MANILA, Jan 8 (PIA) -- Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition urged devotees of the Black Nazarene to observe a garbage-free celebration tomorrow. In a statement, Tin Vergara of the EcoWaste Coalition appealed to the devotees to protect Quiapo and its environs from trash, abuse and destruction. “Keeping the surroundings garbage-free – from Luneta to Quiapo and all the way to our communities – is not only a civic duty, but an act of worship and devotion as well,” Vergara said. She ...
  • International body donate books, medical supplies to Misamis Occidental

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- Assorted books and medical equipment loaded in some 35 units of the 20-footer container vans have been donated by the Children International Philippines, Inc. (CIPI) to the provincial government of Misamis Occidental. The medical equipment included wheel chairs, medicines and personal hygiene items were turned-over by Gertrudes Gauiran, Program Coordinator of CIPI, who assured the Provincial Government of their continued support. This is ou...
  • NGO, real estate brokers group conduct feeding program in Angeles City

    ANGELES CITY, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- A non-government organization and a group of real estate brokers on Saturday conducted a feeding program in Angeles City benefitting 53 children of Ang Duyan ni Maria orphanage. “This is our way of touching the hearts of the kids, this our way of giving back our blessings to our community. When we arrived there, they came running towards us and you could see that their eyes are glimmering, they were all smiles and really eager to meet you even if they haven’t k...
  • News Feature: Japanese group, Plan collaborate to donate primary school in Daram island town

    Daram, Samar, Jan 5 (PIA) – Gone are the days when Cloie and her classmates would rush outside their classroom to find safer place during rainy days and to avoid scorching heat when the weather is warm. Gone, too, are the times when the school children could not concentrate on their lessons for fear that their dilapidated school building may collapse anytime. Thanks to the Toyota Boshoku and the Toyota Boshoku’s Managers Association in collaboration with Plan Philippines, Cloie and her c...
  • Red Cross – Kalinga organizes 2013 “Million Run”

    Red Cross – Kalinga organizes 2013 “Million Run” by Larry Lopez TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Jan. 4 (PIA) -– The Red Cross- Kalinga provincial chapter is now organizing the 2013 Million Run in the province following the success of the first Million Run last December 4, 2012. Menchie Gamongan of the provincial chapter said, this is part of the nationwide volunteer run dubbed 'Million Volunteer Run 2' with the theme, “Run to Save Lives” which is aimed to raise funds to support its pr...
  • Top 10 2012 news highlights featured in Pagtuki

    CEBU, Jan. 4 (PIA) - The December 30 episode of “Pagtuki,” the official radio program of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), wraps up the top ten news makers of 2012―from big political names, current events to weather forecast, among others. The suspension of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia tops the list. Garcia asked the Court of Appeals to stop the suspension order against her that stemmed from an administrative case in 2010. Garcia said that police could only stop her if they will physic...
  • Youth org, LGU facilitate gift-giving activity for IPs

    BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Jan 4 – The Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through our Youth Incorporated (Pointy Inc), a newly organized youth leader’s organization in Northern Mindanao, has partnered with the local government of Kitcharao, ADN and the 402nd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, for its gift-giving activity at Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte dubbed as “Bagong Taon, Bagong Pag-Asa Para Sa Atong Mga Igsoong IP” held recently. More than 500 Indigenous Peo...
  • Assembly gathers businesswomen

    CEBU CITY, Jan. 4 (PIA) - "Starting small is not a hindrance to improve the business if you are prepared to accept help from others." This was the statement made by Virgilia A. Bonghanoy, Most Outstanding Client of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Micro-finance (RAFI Micro-finance) Client Awards 2012, said in her inspirational speech during the 9th General Assembly held recently at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex, this city. Bonghanoy said that her family’s prayers is the most...
  • Coops in Luzon, Visayas donate funds for typhoon Pablo victims

    COMPOSTELA, Compostela Valley, Jan 3 -- Cooperatives in Luzon and in Visayas have coursed their donations through Tagum Cooperative to reach out to Typhoon Pablo victims in Compostela Valley province. Tagum Cooperative Board Chair Norma Pereyras said a total of P370,000 in donations was entrusted to Tagum Cooperative. The fund comprises P300,000 from the Cebu CFI (Court of First Instance) Community Cooperative, P10,000 from San Jose Del Monte Cooperative in Bulacan, P20,000 from Novaliches D...
  • Displaced miners assn expands services to non-members

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Jan.2 (PIA) - - The Displaced Miners Association (DMA) here is expanding its beneficiary coverage to include non-members including other farmers and fix income earners engaged in farming in its lending services. Joseph Pacao, DMA vice president, said they approved to widen their lending coverage to also help others cope with the burden in agriculture production by allowing non-members to avail of their low-interest borrowing system. He said they offer borrowers 2.5 inter...
  • IBP-Cotabato Chapter leads Cotabato City youth summit

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 2 (PIA) – To highlight the role of the youth in nation-building, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) - Cotabato Chapter has institutionalized a developmental legal aid program for the youth dubbed “Ang Batas at ang mga Kabataan”. The youth summit and peace concert held on December 28 at Southseas Mall aimed to strengthen the leadership skills of the young leaders and enhance their delivery of quality service to their respective communities. T...
  • Bayanihan in E Visayas reigns

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 2 (PIA) -- Army units and other stakeholders in Samar and Leyte provinces joined by “bayanihan (oneness)” spirit in donating assorted relief goods for typhoon “Pablo” victims in the Mindanao region. A total of 281 sacks of used clothing, six boxes of assorted canned goods and noodles, and three sacks of rice were donated by army personnel, military dependent, and other stakeholders to the typhoon victims via Cokaliong Shipping Lines from Calbayog City to Ce...
  • Local journalists share blessings to Baguio inmates

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 30 (PIA)-- Baguio City and Benguet based journalists played Santa Claus as they bring joy and the spirit of Christmas to inmates of the Baguio City Jail. Members of the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club and other media clubs in the city shared their blessings through basketball and shooting games at the Baguio City Jail last week. Media men gathered donations of new and used clothes, canned goods, noodles and toiletries from fellow journalists, sponsors and other ki...
  • Kalinga hotels, resto owners to promote rights of workers

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Dec. 28 (PIA) - - Hotel and restaurant owners in Kalinga formulated their own standards towards the promotion of good industry practices and agreed to promote both the rights of workers and employers. This was highlighted in the “Code of Voluntary Compliance and Good Industry Practices” of the Provincial Industry Tripartite Council (PITC) recently crafted to complement existing mechanisms of government in areas of labor management relations, labor standard enforcement, ...
  • Typhoon-affected families get P4.2M cash grant from HRC

    TAGUM CITY Dec. 28 (PIA)--The Human Response Consortium-Oxfam has distributed P4,212,000 unconditional cash grants for the 2,808 families affected by Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. “The unconditional cash grants were given to vulnerable groups like the elderly, and residents in the affected areas whose houses were badly damaged by the typhoon,” HRC-Oxfam Information Management Officer Eula Ganir said. Ganir said this is just one of the interventions of HRC in the a...
  • Pangasinan’s Team Sual Corporation wins DOLE Award of Excellence

    PANGASINAN, Dec. 28 -- The Team Sual Corporation (TSC) received the Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan Award of Excellence - Institutional Category from the Department of Labor and Employment for the fourth time. The Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan Award is one of the five seals of good housekeeping under the DOLE’s Incentivizing Compliance Program, with the Tripartite Seal of Excellence being the highest. It is part of the DOLE-OSHC’s Zero Accident Program (ZAP) which gives due recognition...
  • First land transport industry union now organized

    QUEZON CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- More than 60 unions and transport workers organizations converged for the first time for the founding convention of the Philippine Land Transport Industry Union (PLTIU) held recently at G Hotel in Manila. The congress was jointly opened by Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP-ITUC) President and former Senator Ernesto Herrera and International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Regional Secretary Noriyuki Suzuki, and Singapore’s National Trade Union Congr...
  • Hydro developer plants 600,000 trees for reforestation

    DAVAO CITY, Dec. 27 -- Run-of-river hydropower developer Hedcor has planted more than 600,000 trees to date. The milestone was reached during this year’s reforestation activities in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Davao City, and Davao del Sur. This year alone, the company planted close to 300,000 trees. Over the years, Hedcor has consistently planted trees to contribute to the protection and conservation of watersheds. Every employee takes part in the environmental effort. Each team member is commit...
  • 50 families get gifts from Nueva Vizcaya mediamen

    SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya, Dec. 23 (PIA) -- At least 50 families here received assorted gift items from the members of the Nueva Vizcaya Press Club (NVPC) as part of its mission to give joy and meaning to the indigent sector this Christmas season. “This is one of our many ways in celebrating the spirit of Christmas in our hearts. We hope we can do this again next year,” said Victor Martin, president of the NVPC. The NVPC gave assorted food packs, vitamins, medicines, toys and used clothing to...
  • PIA recognizes media practitioners, partner agencies

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) region 2 commended some media practitioners, stations and agencies as strong partners on information dissemination and advocacies in a recognition rite and year end gathering yesterday, here. Awardees include the stations of Philippine Broadcasting Service- Radyo ng Bayan, DZGR-Bombo Radyo, FBN-DZCV, DZYT-Sonshine Radio, Clearview Cable Television and RBC Cable Master System. For the individual awardees, Edmund Pancha a...
  • Boholana chanter shines at Nat'l Theater Fest ‘12

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- A young teacher from Bohol who is a cast of Bohol’s official entry to the 4th National Theater Festival (NTF) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines was hailed among the best featured musical actress and stars in the theater circuit in 2012. At the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Bravo, Best of the Theater 2012 Awards, singer Geraldine Pancho, who is now teaching in Legazpi City was cited among the Honorable Mentions Best Featured Actress in Musica...
  • TUCP, JILAF train 35 union leaders on industrial relations, productivity, LMC

    TAGAYTAY CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) - Some 35 youth and trade union leaders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao coming from sectors identified as key employment generators have completed the National Workshop on Industrial Relations (IR), Productivity and Labor Management Cooperation (LMC), focusing on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Collective Bargaining. Led by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP-ITUC) and supported by the Japan International Labor Foundation (JILAF), the five-d...
  • Bicol U represents Phl in World Biz Confab

    LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA/BU) -- Bicol University in Albay province joined the ranks of business and organizational leaders in the World Business Capability Congress on December 6, 2012 at the University of Auckland Business School, Auckland, New Zealand. Philippines, as represented by Bicol University president Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya and BU’s ISO technical adviser, Gilbert M. Llovit shared to the world business leaders the paper on ‘Academe’s Journey to Total Quality Management...
  • International NGO helps typhoon Pablo victims in Agusan Sur

    PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Dec 20 - An international non-government organization (NGO) will help typhoon Pablo victims of the two most affected municipalities in Agusan del Sur. According to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council office (PDRRMC), Save the Children Foundation will provide water system to barangays Awao, Sayon and Angas in Sta. Josefa town and Sinobong, Candiis, Sta. Emelia and Del Monte in Veruela in response to the need of potable water by the res...
  • PET/CT Scan donated to Butuan City

    BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- The World Medical Relief, Inc., through its president and chief executive officer George V. Samson recently turned-over the pacemakers and the Positron emission tomography - computed tomography otherwise known as the PET/CT Scan to the city government of Butuan headed by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., and Vice Mayor Law Fortun through Dr. Josephine Chua, the officer-in-charge/hospital director of the Butuan Medical Center (BMC). The said medical equipment is a small ...
  • Media spends time with abandoned children

    SOLANA, Cagayan, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- Some media practitioners gave a Christmas treat to abandoned and neglected children at the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in region 2. The media practitioners who are members of the Informers Club (i-Club) turned over two baby strollers which were earlier included as priority need of the center for babies. The group is spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), which chairs the i-Club, together with the Philippine Broadcasting Ser...
  • OMF conducts relief mission in Compostela Valley

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- The Oblates Missionary Foundation (OMF) in coordination with the Oblates Media and Communications Group distributed on Wednesday relief items to Pablo victims in New Bataan, Compostela Valley. Aside from food and water, the group also delivered clothing items for the affected municipality. The goods were gathered from establishments, religious organizations and private individuals from the provinces of North Cotabato and Maguindanao. Oblates Fo...
  • Cebu stakeholders to gather for planning workshop on sustainable city, region

    CEBU CITY, Dec 19 (PIA) -- Stakeholders from different sectors in Cebu City will gather for a Mega Cebu Communications Planning Workshop headed by the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) Research Program and Organizations Development (RPOD) with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI). The activity is designed to formulate and realize the vision, brand and planning process of making Mega Cebu a smart, inclusive and sustainable city. The workshop will be held on December 21,...
  • Butuan City gov’t receives $1.2-M PET CT scanner from World Medical Relief, Inc.

    BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA) -- World Medical Relief, Inc. President and CEO Mr. George Samson along with World Medical Relief, Inc. Ambassador of Health Dr. David Zarate turned over to Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. the 10 pacemakers donated by World Medical Relief, Inc. to the City Government of Butuan during the Turnover Ceremony of Donated Medical Supplies and Equipment recently held at the city hall grounds. Already the third batch of donations received from the World Medical Rel...
  • Townmates pitch in to help stricken DavOr town

    DAVAO CITY Dec. 18 (PIA) -- Cateelenos from all over the world are pitching in to help their townmates devastated by typhoon Pablo which struck the region last December 4. Cateel was one of the east coast towns of Davao Oriental hardest hit by Typhoon Pablo destroying houses, infrastructure and farmlands. Cash donations totaled P233,000 as of December 17. In 12 days after the calamity they were able to send 10 trucks of relief goods reaching 13 out of the 16 barangays in Cateel. Several Cateel...
  • Foundation repairs classrooms for Asturias

    CEBU, Dec. 18 (PIA) -- A private foundation rehabilitated several classrooms benefiting hundreds of pupils here. The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) through its School Rehabilitation Program (SRP), recently turned-over 15 classrooms to the teachers and school administrators of four public elementary schools in Asturias here. Four school buildings of Asturias Central School, Agbanga Elementary School, Agtugop Elementary School, and Tag-amakan Elementary School were repaired, benefiting ove...
  • Pagtuki tackles Cebuanos’ disaster preparedness

    CEBU, Dec. 18 (PIA) -- When the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) said that typhoon Pablo would cross to Central Visayas on December 4, the local government units of Cebu Province immediately took preventive measures. In the city, classes and work were suspended on Dec. 4 and 5 in all school levels and government offices. The mayor also held a meeting with the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Council. While the typhoon hardly affe...
  • Lumads in N. Cotabato train on audio-visual production

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 17 (PIA)--Some 30 lumads in Southwestern Mindanao have undergone a week-long training on audio-visual production. They will complete the training today. The participants include Aromanon Manobos from North Cotabato, T’bolis from South Cotabato and Dulangan Manobos and Tedurays from Maguindanao. The training which was held at DXND auditorium in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato was funded by the U.S Embassy in cooperation with the I-Watch. Father Eduardo ...
  • Siquijor opens coastal resource management center

    SIQUIJOR, Dec 17 (PIA) -- Siquijor has been one of the strongest supporters of marine management and the first island in the Philippines to create and implement a marine protected area network, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation Inc. (CCEF) board secretary and co-founder Evangeline White reported during the inauguration of the Provincial Coastal Resource Management (CRM) learning in center in Larena, Siquijor recently. White said that with her husband CCEF president, Dr. Allan White,...
  • PNVSCA names 2012 Outstanding Volunteers

    QUEZON CITY, Dec 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) recognized five individuals who manifested dedication and commitment to volunteerism to help strengthen Filipino communities and create positive impact to nation building. Maria C. Ang, Dr. Roberto C . Licup Sr., Bro. Martin Francisco, BSMP, Bacolod Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade, and Sr. Eva Fidela C. Maamo, SPC, MD, were hailed as the Outstanding Volunteers 2012 in a ceremony held last Wednes...
  • Aboitiz Group reaches out to ‘Pablo’ victims

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 14 (PIA) -- The Aboitiz Group, led by the Aboitiz Foundation, is now accepting donations for typhoon victims, particularly in devastated Mindanao, most badly hit by typhoon Pablo. Thousands of families in several areas of Mindanao including New Bataan, Compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Iligan and Davao, as well as in Negros Oriental and Dumaguete City in the Visayas, are still in need of help, according to Aboitiz Branding and Communication Specialist Yhol Colegado. For the dona...
  • Human trafficking tackled is modern-day slavery, Plan Int'l official says

    CATARMAN, Northern Samar, 14 Dec. (PIA) – Trafficking in persons is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation and the most common scheme is recruitment for job placement. This was the statement made by Mike Reynaldo of Plan Philippines during the the culmination of 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women at Farmer’s Training Center, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar. The event coincided with...
  • Red Cross-Tarlac launches “Pledge 25”

    TARLAC CITY, Dec. 13 (PIA) -- Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Tarlac Chapter recently launched its “Pledge 25” program at the Bulwagan ng mga Gobernador in Provincial Capitol. The program is aimed at encouraging young donors ages 18-25 years old so that blood of all types will readily be available in the province. “Tarlac’s population is around 1.4 million. If we can only encourage one percent to donate, then we will have around 14,000 regular donors," Governor Victor Yap said. Serving a...
  • MSU-IIT wins 2012 Steag Energy Quiz

    VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental, Dec. 12 -- The Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) bagged this year’s championship award during the recently concluded 2012 STEAG Energy Quiz held at the SM City in Cagayan de Oro City. Now on its 8th year, the annual event seeks to promote awareness on energy issues, as well as develop special interests among students in the fields of science and energy. It has become one of the much awaited interschool “battle of the brains...
  • Cebu professor to launch book on urban governance

    CEBU CITY Dec 12 (PIA) -- A book featuring the results of a research on urban form of governance in Cebu City from early 1990s to mid-2010 will be launched on December 12, 4:30 p.m. at Ayala Activity Center, Ayala Mall, Cebu Business Park. The book entitled: "People Participation in Urban Governance in Cebu: A Reader" is authored by Prof. Felisa U. Etemadi, a college professor from the University of the Philippines. It is published by Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) and reviewed by Dr....
  • LCDe 8 aims national award in ‘Search for Outstanding Volunteer Organizations’

    By: Marivic Alcober PALO, Leyte, Dec 12 (PIA) – The Leyte Center for Development (LCDe) in region 8 recently bested other non-government organizations in the region in the Search for Outstanding Volunteer Organizations and now aims to win at the national level. LCDe qualified for the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA) category, while LCDe Executive Director Jazmin A. Jeruzalem has been chosen as the regional nominee in the adult individual category. The VLAA Achievement Award is c...
  • Save the Children helps develop Lutayan public schools SPG officers

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato Dec11 (PIA) – Elementary pupils belonging to their schools' student government in Lutayan town have undergone leadership education and training from Save the Children, a global children's rights organization. Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) officers from eight public schools from Lutayan 1 District took part in a two-day training held at Cresta del Rio Resort in Koronadal City on December 10-11, 2012. Most of them said it was their first time to sleep in air-c...
  • Finding the “we” among the “I’s”, the Gus Dur way

    ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Dec 12 (PIA) – An open and tolerant Islam has made Indonesia what it is today, “a non-Islamic State that is home to most Muslims of the world” that enjoys peace and progress amidst diversity. This was the gist of the message of Alissa Wahid, daughter of the first elected president of Indonesia Abdurarahman Wahid also known as Gus Dur who visited Zamboanga and Isabela Cities recently to promote the legacy of her father, the GusDurian way of finding the “we” among...
  • Kalinga Red Cross conducts AIDS awareness campaign

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- The Kalinga Red Cross has conducted awareness campaign on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in observance of the World AIDS day. Glorina Diaz, Kalinga Red Cross Chapter Administrator, said there will be a month-long observance through information, education activities about HIV and AIDS. Activities will be done in schools, offices and communities by the Department of Health (DOH)'s Center for Health Develop...
  • Hedcor Sibulan bags DENR's environmental performance award

    STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur, Dec. 11 – Hedcor Sibulan was recently recognized as among the most earth-friendly companies in the country this year. The company based in the municipality of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur province was awarded the Seal of Approval by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its efforts in incorporating green policies in its business platforms. In a statement, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said "the (winners) were chosen because of their exempl...
  • IPs in San Miguel receive 'Give a Gift' from GMA Kapuso

    SURIGAO DEL SUR, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- The GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc's "Give a Gift Alay sa Batang Pinoy” distributed Noche Buena package to students of School for Indigenous Knowledge Arts and Traditions (Sikat) school and community of Indigenous People (IP) identified as a conflict area in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on December 7-8 according to the Philippine Army. Capt Rowel Caacbay 36IB CMO officer revealed the “Give a Gift” activity was successfully conducted through a Bayanihan effort i...
  • Feature: Butandings back in Bohol

    TAGBILARAN CITY, December 10 (PIA) –They are definitely back. Thought to be critically endangered and rarely sighted in Bohol seas after these meek sea giants were almost hunted to extinction, whale sharks (butandings) have returned to Bohol seas. According to Kristina Pahang, a researcher marine biologist who joined an international group of researchers documenting the butandings in Bohol seas, more than 105 butandings have been identified when sighted in Bohol seas just this year. Pahang...
  • Phil Red Cross to distribute relief Kits to the victims of Pablo in Lingig town

    SURIGAO DEL SUR, Dec. 11 (PIA) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will distributed today the relief kits to the victims of typhoon “Pablo” in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross in Lingig town. Lingig is among the towns here that was devastated by the recent typhoon “Pablo” that destroyed several houses and uprooted trees and claiming several lives and properties in Caraga region as well as in Compostella Valley As per report from the PDRRMC as of December 10...
  • PRC Abra leads blood letting activity, World AIDS Day celebration

    BANGUED, Abra,Dec. 10 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) spearheaded the blood-letting activity at the Provincial Capitol Atrium during the celebration of the Abra Week for Peace 2012. James Emmanuel Laygo, the Administrator of PRC-Abra Chapter said men in uniform from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Army under the 503rd Infantry Brigade and its battalions, the Citizen Armed Forces Geographic Unit (CAFGU) volunteers, ROTC cadets, and some civilians from the province d...
  • Dagupan poised to be a transaction center, says WWF

    DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) – This city will not just be known as a place where fishes are cultured, but more so a center where deals are made. Jose Lorenzo Tan, Vice president and Chief Executive officer of World Wide Fund-Philippines presented possible business options for this flood-prone city if it can transform its local vulnerability into development opportunities. “Dagupan City is at a crossroad. From old school extraction of fishes, it engaged in production for sustainable develo...
  • 300 indigents benefit from SLU high school batch outreach program

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 7(PIA) -- More than 300 indigent residents of City Camp area here benefited from an outreach mission of a high school alumni group. Saint Louis University - Boys High Club 7882 conducted a medical, dental, and optical mission for the indigent residents including senior citizens and children of Barangay City Camp Proper and City Camp Central at the City Camp Proper Youth Center last week. Club 7882 President Joselito “Itong” Tan said that the project, which was in coor...
  • BENECO installs 24 CCTV cameras in Baguio, La Trinidad

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BENECO) has installed 24 Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera units in strategic locations in Baguio and La Trinidad, Benguet to help keep peace and order in the community. BENECO General Manager Gerardo P. Verzosa, in a kapihan forum held Wednesday, said the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic areas in Baguio and La Trinidad is part of the electric coop’s corporate social responsibility. Verzosa cited...
  • Fil-Am golf tourney helps promote city’s tourism industry

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- The annual Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament, the country's oldest and biggest amateur golf competition continues to sustain the city's tourism industry. Mayor Mauricio Domogan said this during the ceremonial tee off of the 63rd Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament during the weekend opening this year’s regular season. Domogan said that the largest amateur golf tournament being held in the city is one of the tourism drawer in the city of Baguio. A golf afici...
  • 3 govt mediamen among 2012 Kafagway Journalism awardees

    BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- The Blessed Association of Retired Persons Foundation (BARP) awarded plaques of recognition to 10 outstanding journalists in the city of Baguio including three from government. Presidential Communications and Operations Office employees based in Baguio City were among the 10 recipients of the 2012 Kafagway Journalism Award for Leadership and Service awarded during the BARP Foundation annual general assembly recently. Philippine Information Agency – Cordillera Inf...
  • Kalinga Cancer Ministry holds Christmas bazaar

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Dec. 6 (PIA) -– Members of the Kalinga Cancer Ministry will hold a three-day Christmas bazaar on December 13-15 near the Land Bank of the Philippines (LDP) grounds, here. The project aims to generate funds to help members, particularly those in dire straits, to cope with the high cost of cancer medication. Member-organizers plan to sell various house wares, decor items, gifts, ready-to-wear items (RTWs) and other personal items. Aside from providing financial help to...
  • Feature: Guarding museums, heritage sites

    It is a growing challenge to museums and heritage sites to safeguard precious artifacts while allowing visitors a chance to see valuable pieces of history. The recent burglary in Fort San Pedro Museum raised questions in the public mind about the security of museums and heritage sites. During the Nov. 24 episode of “Pagtuki,” the official radio program of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), SPO4 Romeo Cabrera, deputy chief of Cebu City Tourist Police, revealed there is a shortage of p...
  • PPI, PCS hold confab on journalism excellence, ethics

    QUEZON CITY, Dec. 6 -- The Philippine Press Institute (PPI) and Philippines Communication Society (PCS) will hold a joint conference dubbed "Making Sense of Journalism Today" on December 7 at St. Mary's College, Quezon City. This is PPI’s final salvo for 2012 on a series of seminar-workshops on scholastic press as part of its outreach program. The previous workshops were held in Davao, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. PCS, a group of communication scholars and media practitioners, believes that ...
  • News Feature: Philippines, Japanese unions making ‘Progress’ in pioneering productivity initiative

    MANILA, Dec. 6 (PIA) – After 17 years of partnership, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP-ITUC) and Japanese unions through the Japan International Labor Foundation (JILAF) are preparing again for another round of national capacity programs to scale up productivity efforts at the workplace. The Program on the Role of Trade Unions in Empowerment and Strategic Steps to Decent Work (Progrress) is an action-oriented model initiative which integrates industrial relations, corporate...
  • RAFI holds Pablo relief operations

    CEBU, Dec. 5 (PIA) - The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) is conducting relief operations in response to super typhoon Pablo, which made landfall Tuesday early morning. For donations in kind, you can bring them to either of the following drop-in centers: RAFI Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC), 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City and University of San Carlos (USC) Main Campus, Sanciangko gate. For cash donations, you may deposit to Unionbank account number 00-278-000266-4 (Ramon...
  • Hedcor grants technical training for OSY

    STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- Hedcor has given opportunities to five out-of-school-youths (OSY) to complete a Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) course under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). The course calls for 268 hours of practical training where upon completion, the scholars will be qualified for Tesda’s assessment toward a level 2 National Certification (NC) in SMAW. The National Certification will help the youth land higher-paying jobs wher...
  • PPA-DOJ-8 clients avail of free medical, dental services

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- Some 400 clients and their families from Tacloban City and Leyte province availed of the free medical and dental services conducted by the Parole and Probation Administration – Department of Justice (PPA-DOJ) at the Community Corrections Development Center, Bulwagan ng Katarungan in Tacloban City, November 27. Parole and Probation Officer Lovella C. Libertad said the clients who came as far as Abuyog availed the medical consultation, dental extraction an...
  • RAFI Micro-finance joins Pilmico Expo

    CEBU CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Micro-finance participated in the 1st Pilmico Expo, held recently at the SM Cebu Trade Hall, this city. The event gave RAFI Micro-finance the opportunity to showcase its products and services, such as loans, capital build-up, and insurance. More than 400 expo attendees visited the RAFI Micro-finance exhibit booth. They were given an orientation on the RAFI Micro-finance program and other programs of RAFI. “Our exhibit gave ...
  • Top CV mediamen give tips to restrain ‘errant media’ (Visayas RADIO Conference forge partnerships)

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- Two media luminaries from Central Visayas provided tips to weed out the “hao shiao,” or illegitimate media from the legitimate media ranks in a bid to pave the way for a more “responsible media” in the country. At the regional convention of the Regional Association of Development Information Officers (RADIO) held at the Bohol Tropics recently, media icons Leo Lastimosa and Marlon Baula, KBP president, spoke before government information disseminators o...
  • 2,500 Novo Vizcayanos get free medical, dental, surgical services

    STA. FE, Nueva Vizcaya, Dec 3 (PIA) -- The recent celebration of Bonifacio Day in the province coincided with the conduct of a free medical, dental, surgical and gift-giving which benefited more than 2,500 villagers in this town. The project was also attended by villagers from adjacent barangays organized separately by the local government unit and a family clan here. The Caramat, Lodevico, Acosta and Soriano (CLAS) Clan conducted the free medical, dental, and surgical mission in Barangay Ta...
  • Rotary Clubs donate P900K-worth projects in Tolosa

    TOLOSA, Leyte, Dec 3 (PIA) -- Nearly P900,000-worth of community projects were donated by various Rotary Clubs from Rotary International District 3830 and 3860 in the recently conducted “Rotary Project Caravan 2012” in Tolosa, Leyte November 28-29. This was revealed by Marco Pascual, president of the Rotary Club of Makati East in a press conference conducted November 29 at Tadyaw Beach Resort in Tolosa together with five other presidents of different Rotary Clubs of Makati. The projects, ...
  • Maritime school acquires seafarers training equipment

    TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) has acquired several training equipment as part of its program of ensuring premium quality training for its students. Executive Director Forter Puguon said these equipment are five search and rescue transponders (SART), one smoke generator and two Neil Robertson stretchers. Pugon added that NMP is the first maritime school in the Philippines to have state-of-the-art facilities as it offers specialization and upg...
  • Foundation, Nolcom turn over 6-two classroom school buildings in Mt. Province -(for Nov. 30)

    BONTOC, Mt. Province, Nov.30 (PIA) -- ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation Inc. and the North Luzon Command (Nolcom) held a ceremonial turnover of the six newly constructed two-classroom school buildings in the province to the Department of Education (DepEd) last November 23 in the municipality of Paracelis. Corporal Joel Campilis of the 54th Infantry Battalion said school recipients are the Amolong Primary School of Poblacion and Balindan Primary School of Bantay, both in the municipal...
  • All is set for week of peace celebration in Basilan

    ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- Several activities have been lined up for the Nov. 29-Dec. 5 observance of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2012 in Basilan. A motorcade held Thursday kicked off the celebration. Prior the start of the celebration, series of multi-stakeholders meeting were held to plan out the activities for the meaningful observance of the annual week of peace celebration with this year’s theme “Love of God, Love of Neighbor, Together for Sustainable Peace: A Challenge for...
  • Cordillera women officers talk about women, peace, security

    Cordillera women officers talk about women, peace, security By Vency D. Bulayungan BANAUE, Ifugao Nov. 29 (PIA)-- Officers of the federation of women in the Cordillera region convened here on November 27-28, 2012 for the “Punhahapitan di Binabai” (dialogue among women): Women, Peace and Security, highlighting the role of women in keeping peace and security at home and in the community. Aguinaya Cabanayan of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) said tha...
  • Tolosa LGU benefits from Rotary Project Caravan 2012

    TOLOSA, Leyte, November 29 (PIA) – The local government of Tolosa, Leyte is the beneficiary of the Rotary Project Caravan which started today until tommorow at the Tolosa Municipal Gym. Mr. Creighton L. Gonzales, president nominee of the Rotary Club of Makati East said that the activity with the theme “Kaunlaran Para sa Kapayapaan,” is now on its second year in focusing how the private sector can partner with the government in catering the needs of the people and fast tracking developmen...
  • Baseline survey on sanitation program completed

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Nov 28 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) local chapter has completed the baseline survey under its Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) program for areas covered under Phase 2, here. The 401 families who were target respondents of the survey were from the Barangay of Laya West of Tabuk City with 150, Barangay Cagaluan, Pasil – 120, Barangay Dupag, Tabuk City – 71 and Barangay Balbalan Proper, Balbalan – 60 families. PRC-Kalinga PHAST Prog...
  • Outreach program of St Louis U alumni to benefit indigents

    BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- At least 100 indigent residents of City Camp here will benefit from the medical mission of school alumni. Saint Louis University - Boys High Club 7882 will conduct a medical, dental, and optical mission for the indigents of Barangay City Camp Proper and City Camp Central on November 30 from 8 a.m. to 12 nn at the City Camp Proper Youth Center. The alumni of class 1982 of the SLU Boys High School will once again share their blessings to the needy and indigents. T...
  • International NGO launches child-centered climate change adaptation project in Aurora

    BALER, Aurora, Nov 28 (PIA) -- Save the Children, in partnership with Plan International and Institute for Sustainable Futures of the University of Technology Sydney, yesterday launched its 30-month "Child-Centered, Community-Based Climate Change Adaptation" project in Aurora . William Azucena, Save the Children program manager, said “the project aims to prepare households on what to do and how to reduce risks of earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and floods through a localized information, educ...
  • Donated classrooms big help to DepEd, says education exec

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 27 (PIA) -- An official of the Department of Education in Eastern Visayas lauded a private sector organization for responding to the classroom shortage in the region through the donation of two-door classroom to the Pawing Elementary School in Palo town, Leyte province. Rebecca Ragrag, DepEd regional director officer-in-charge, disclosed that the classroom shortage in the region is being addressed through the cooperation of the national government offices, local govern...
  • Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc. strengthens biodynamic and organic farming in Mindanao

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc. advances the promotion of biodynamic and organic farming not only in Soccsksargen but also in the whole Mindanao. Social Enterprise General Manager Romano Laurilla said that with the international certification they received lately, the foundation will be gearing up to further give quality service to the community. “We are very happy to have the international organic certification, the ...
  • 147 kids now smile after surgical mission

    SILAY CITY,Negros Occidental, November 27 (PIA6) - - The Operation Smile Medical-Surgical Negros mission in Silay City recently gave new smiles and hope to 147 children with cleft lip and palate deformities. Operation Smile is an international program that provides free reconstructive surgery to indigent children and adults born with cleft lip and palate, and other facial deformities. The mission ran from November 9 to 17 at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospi...
  • Roxas hails civil society's role in budget reform preparation

    Roxas hails civil society's role in budget reform preparation MANILA, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has lauded leaders of civil society groups who have taken an active part in the preparation of the national budget to ensure that the country’s resources are maximized to the fullest and are able to meet the most basic needs of the people. In his keynote during the 5th Congress of the Caucus of Development NGO Network or CODE-NGO at the Ateneo de Manila Uni...
  • COPS info campaign held in Lucena

    LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- An information campaign about the 2013 Metrobank Foundation Search for the Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS) was held at Quezon Police Provincial Office this city last November 16. The event was attended by all Chiefs of Police with their respective Municipal Executive Senior Police Officers. Hero Hernandez of Metrobank Foundation Inc (MBFI) discussed the application and qualifications needed. He added that this is their way of ...
  • Mining firm opens information office in Nueva Vizcaya

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Nov 26 (PIA) -- A mining firm here recently opened their information center in this town to cater to various clients needing information about their operations. The information center was opened by OceanaGold Philippines, Inc.(OGPI) at the Manaig Building in front of the provincial capitol in this town. “This information center will serve as a our nerve center where we can address the people’s needs on information regarding our project,” said Brennan Lang, Didi...
  • USAID, BPI offer financing options for SMEs

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 24 -- Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the cities of Batangas, Cagayan de Oro and Iloilo have another financing option to grow their businesses. A $35-million credit facility was launched recently by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and the BPI Family Savings Bank (BFSB). "We hope that this facility will expand access to capital for Filipino entrepreneurs to allow them to improve ...
  • 1st GK Cebu run set on Nov. 25

    CEBU CITY, Nov 23 (PIA) – The 1st Gawad Kalinga (GK) Cebu Run dubbed ‘Takbo Ng Mga Bayani” is set this Sunday, November 25 at Park Mall in Mandaue City. There are four categories for the run --- 3K, 6K, 12K and 21K. The activity is in line with honoring ordinary heroes who will help change Cebu and our country by running. All proceeds of the run will go to the general fund of GK Cebu for its different projects including our Sibol schools, health and productivity among others Those who...
  • Kaya Natin! launches "Gov 101: A New Voter's Guide to the Philippine Government"

    QUEZON CITY. Nov 23 (PIA) -- The Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership (KN) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) have launched yesterday "Gov 101: A New Voter's Guide to the Philippine Government" at the Ateneo de Manila University-School of Government. "Gov 101" is a manual that outlines and explains how the Philippine government works. It aims to educate ordinary Filipinos in the roles and functions of government officials, agencies, and offices. Kaya Natin! ...
  • Disop visits PRRM areas inCamiguin

    MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, Nov 23  (PIA) -- The Philippine  Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) hosted this year's Disop (Dienst voor Internationale Samenweking aan Ontwikkelings Projecten or Organisation for International Co-operation on Development Projects) Annual Conference in Camiguin. Some 36 participants coming from 18 partner non-government organizations (NGOs )of Disop visited various people organizations (POs) initiatives and social enterprises implemented by the POs organized under CB-CR...
  • Ingenious designers, local crafts producers to feature newest Christmas decors in CdeO

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- Using indigenous raw materials, the Misamis Oriental Multi-Fiber Cluster Inc (Momci), a group of craft producers and designers in Misamis Oriental, will display their most recent creation of Christmas decors on November 23, 9:30 a.m. at the Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Showhouse, Plaza Divisoria, this city. “Great selections every season,” is the theme for the third year of Momci Christmas Bazaar 2012. Engr. Vivian B. Libao, Momci president, said it ha...
  • Publisher assures Cavite chapter of support

    TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc (PAPI) President Luis T. Arriola assured the local chapter in the province of his support to further improve the local newspapers’ existence despite the growing number of competitors especially in the form of high-tech social media. Arriola made the assurance during the recent meeting with the Cavite Publishers Association (CPA) officers and select members held at the Century Park Hotel in Manila. Du...
  • North Cotabato to celebrate 16th Mindanao Week of Peace

    Koronadal city, South Cotabato, Nov. 21 (PIA) -- The 16th Mindanao Week of Peace will be celebrated on November 28 – December 4 in Alamada, North Cotabato. Activities in the celebration include concert for peace, fun run, livelihood training for women, peace photo contest, peace forum and many more. The framework agreement and other initiatives regarding the GPH-MILF Peace talks will also be tackled. Civil Peace Service Coordinator Elvira Angsinco said they are expecting over three thousan...
  • DA-8 funds capability building of agri-fishery councils

    TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, November 20 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 8 approved and allocated P500,000 for an Agriculture and Fishery Council Consultative Meeting cum Capability-building through the assistance of the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) led by Center Director Paulino T. Cabahit. Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council chairman Edgardo Codilla lauded the Department of Agriculture Region 8 headed by Regional Executive Director Antoni...
  • Medical, dental mission to benefit Eastern Visayas media

    TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, November 20 (PIA) - A medical and dental mission to benefit members of the media in Eastern Visayas and their families is set on November 23. This is in line with the third anniversary of the gruesome Maguindanao Massacre, the murder of innocent civilians, among them were colleagues in the broadcasting industry. It is also in line with the commemoration of the International Day to end Impunity which is celebrated on the same day. The UNTV Leyte correspondents and employee...
  • Fortun elected anew as BANFA prexy

    BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 20 (PIA) – Vice Mayor Lawrence “Law” Fortun was elected anew as President of the Butuan-Agusan Norte Football Association (BANFA) during the general assembly and election of officers held recently by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF). Fortun was elected by consensus as there were no other contenders for the post during the election supervised by Mr. Eric M. Pacon, General Secretary of Agusan del Sur Football Association who was also the official representative of...
  • ISSAAS Congress underlines role of agriculture in achieving MDGs

    LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- Over 300 local and foreign participants convened here for the 2012 ISSAAS International Symposium and Congress held November 13 to 16. The event aimed to promote greater awareness on the role of agriculture in reducing poverty toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Bicol University Research and Development Center (BURDC) hosted the said meeting together with the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS) and th...
  • Coop receives seed fund from Peace and Equity Foundation

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 19 -- Members of the Xavier Ecoville Multipurpose Cooperative (XEMC) can soon avail of loans for livelihood opportunities as the cooperative has received a seed fund from the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) recently. The Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) on November 8 has turned over P500,000 to Xavier Ecoville, the Xavier University-led resettlement community for tropical storm Sendong survivors in barangay Lumbia, this city. Prior to the fund release, they are req...
  • Kalinga-Apayao electric co-op to lower power rate under new supplier

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Nov. 19 (PIA) -- Power rate in the franchise area of the Kalinga-Apayao Electric Cooperative (Kaelco) is expected to decrease by 0.5794 centavos per kilowatt hour from P5.5342/kwh to P4.9548/kwh under a new supplier. This was the result of a public hearing held at Kaelco office on November 15 presided by hearing officer Atty. Robiel Masigan of the Energy Regulatory Commission and attended by lawyers Jennifer Deleon Sanchez and Vladi Miguel Santos Lazaro of the Aboitiz Powe...
  • Ifugao civilians organize to support uniformed service providers

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- Civilians in the province have organized themselves to support men in uniform to create a good working relationship between government enforcement agencies and the public. Calling themselves Angels Behind the Shield (ABTS), the organization is composed of civilians who have the passion to help uphold the men and women in uniform. "We recognize and value their efforts and sacrifices for the country,” said Juliet Guidangen as she disclosed the plans of t...
  • Non-profit foundation in search for top ideas of the Philippines

    GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- A top official of a non-profit foundation is encouraging residents of the city to join the national search for brand new ideas on technology entrepreneurship. Earl Martin Valencia, president of IdeaSpace Foundation, Inc. (IdeaSpace) disclosed on weekend that the search for the country’s top ideas is the “first private-led comprehensive incubation program in the Philippines” for aspiring technopreneurs and startups. Valencia said IdeaSpace has been g...
  • German doctors donate medical equipment to Siquijor hospital

    SIQUIJOR, Nov. 17 (PIA) -- A team of surgeons and paramedics from Germany and the United States recently donated medical equipment and supplies to the Siquijor Provincial Hospital during the team’s visit to the island recently. Donations include anesthesia machine, mobile x-ray machine, mammogram, hospital beds, stretchers, storage cabinets, refrigerators, autoclave, medical supplies like gauzes and IV lines, nebulizers, ECG machine and spirometer, says Team leader Dr. Dennis Jumawan- Borces...
  • Foundation to build 100 ram pump water system projects in Phl

    NAVAL, Biliran, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- The project officer of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFI) said the company envisioned to build 100 ram pump water system projects in the country. Victor Manlapaz, CCFI project officer, said the plan to build 100 ram pump water system project in the country is in line with the 100th anniversary of the company next year. “The installation of these water system projects is one way of giving back to the community the water being utilized by the c...
  • Plan International to show gratitude to partners

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 15 (PIA) -- Plan International, Inc. is holding today an event dubbed Women and Children Protection Learning Conference Recognition of at the Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City. This is to show its gratitude to Plan partners who have helped the organization in uplifting the lives of children. The activity will start with film showings and video clips of the various programs, projects, and activities of Plan. After the film showing, Plan’s Area Manager Mr. Rodel C. Bon...
  • Seminar-workshop for media practitioners, info officers set on Nov 20-22

    BAGUIO CITY,Nov. 14 (PIA) – The Cordillera News Agency Foundation, Inc. (CNA), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency in the region, will be conducting a three-day back-to-back event for media practitioners and public information officers all over the Cordillera Administrative Region from November 20-22, 2012 at the Hill Station, Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road here. Dubbed “A Convergence of Communicators for Development,” the event will focus on the tools and necessitie...
  • Over 6,000 families in Quirino to benefit from modified CCT

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Nov. 13 (PIA)—Pantawid Pamilya provincial link Ma. Belen Ong reported that around 6,254 households will be validated for possible inclusion in the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) next year. Ong said these households are among those who were not listed under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction or NHTS-PR. The MCCT will target poor families with 0-14 years old and who are in...
  • Antique NGOs group launches public-private partnership project in local governance

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov 14 (PIA6) -- The Antique Federation of Non-government Organizations (AFON) has launched the project dubbed “Strengthening Social Accountability Mechanisms in Local Governance” at Adelaide Tourist and Travellers’ Inn Function Hall, this town. Romeo Baldevia Executive Director of AFON in a briefing said the project hopes to strengthen partnership among agencies of government, local governments, civil society organizations (CSOs) and community people in general in th...
  • Cebu-based NGO to inaugurate country's 1st adventure education center

    CEBU , November 14 (PIA) -- A non-government organization is set to inaugurate the country’s first fully dedicated adventure education center by next year. Roberto Aboitiz, president of the Cebu-based Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), said the Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) will be located in Balamban. "It is a big responsibility we assume. There are other institutions in the Philippines involved in team building and adventure. Many also just for entertainment and leisure. Kool Adventure ...
  • Federation of Senior Citizens urges congress to pass HB 2292

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- The Federation of Senior Citizens Association (FSCA) Region 2 has expressed its full support to the passage of the House Bill 2292 which is an act providing for the appointment of a representative from the senior citizens in the local legislative bodies. Romeo Allam, regional president, said if the youth sector and some other sectors are well represented in the local sanggunian and other law making bodies, it is also necessary that a seat be provided for senior...
  • Fil-Chinese chamber donates school building to a Catbalogan community

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov 13 (PIA) -- The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc donated a two-room school building to the Bliss Community School at Barangay Canlapwas in Catbalogan. The officers and members of the Chamber in Manila along with Gil Jao and Albert Uy of the Chamber in Catbalogan City turned-over the classrooms on Thursday, November 8. In behalf of Catbalogan, Councilor Stephany Uy-Tan was present during the turn-over ceremony along with Roy Gabi...
  • Indigent Manila PWDs receive gifts from Korean NGO

    MANILA, Nov 11 (PIA) - - Donations worth around P.5 million were given to indigent persons with disabilities (PWDs) of the City of Manila by a Korean-based organization. The AnYang City Center for disabled Independent and Living headed by its chairman Lee Yong Hoon and social welfare director Lee Yoong Woo donated wheelchairs and other assistive devices that would benefit PWDs from the city’s districts 1 to 6. The donations which consisted of electric and manual wheelchairs, hearing aids, wa...
  • Phl Red Cross sets 2nd Million Volunteer Run in February 2013

    MANILA, November 10 (PIA) – After the successful run last December 2011, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is set to hold its 2nd Million Volunteer Run on February 10, 2013. PRC Chairman Richard Gordon in a statement said that the Red Cross Million Volunteer is aimed at recognizing the important role of volunteers in the humanitarian field, especially in times of disasters and other emergencies. Gordon cited that the country has to be prepared by getting more volunteers and training them with ...
  • Aboitiz facilitates rehabilitation of school infra

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- Pupils of San Rafael Elementary School in Tacurong City are now happier with their newly rehabilitated comfort rooms. Thanks to Aboitiz Foundation, pupils of one of Tacurong’s most distant barangays can now enjoy a more sanitary abode. Aboitiz Foundation representatives Theodore U. Bisnar and Kenneth Manzano graced the turn-over ceremonies on Wednesday. The rehabilitation of school Infrastructure project is part of Aboitiz’s corporate s...
  • Community faith leaders, a huge help in promoting peace

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- Community faith leaders from different barangays in the 1st District of North Cotabato participated in the Culture of Peace Trainers’ Training conducted at Southern Christian College (SCC) in the Municipality of Midsayap. Culture of Peace Training Facilitator Victoria Bat-og said the activity aims to teach the participants techniques and mechanisms on promoting peace especially to the grassroots level. Bat-og added that every Culture of Peace T...
  • Samal Boy Scout bags general championship in prov'l jamborette

    ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, Nov. 08 (PIA): Boy Scout of the Philippines-Island Garden City of Samal(BSP-IGaCoS)contingent was awarded as the General Champion in all scout sections in the recently concluded 27th Council BSP Jamborette/Kab-o-Rama held at Cambanogoy Central Elementary School, Asuncion, Davao del Norte last October 27 – 30, 2012. IGaCoS City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan, without second thoughts during the Local School Board Meeting prior the said jamborette, approved the additional b...
  • Samar women participate in an experimental research on enhancing retinol in breastmilk

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov 8 (PIA) -- Some 75 women from Sta. Margarita, Samar will be joining an experimental research on enhancing retinol in breastmilk. This is a joint project of the Helen Keller International (HKI) and University of California, Davis, USA, Felecita Borata, chief of the Samar provincial health technical services, said. The study will center on the responsiveness of breastmilk retinol concentration to short term daily supplementation with small daily amounts of B carotene...
  • Feature: Helping your kids develop healthy lifestyle habits

    Childhood obesity remains a challenge, due to its serious impact on the physical and social well-being of today’s children. The notion that plump children are cute and healthy is fading fast. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), obesity promotes insulin resistance, which in turn, is related to a number of lifestyle-related diseases including type-2 diabetes mellitus. Addressing obesity through lifestyle changes is an important step towards achieving healthy habits. H...
  • Graduating high school students invited in SM College Scholarship

    CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, November 8 (PIA) – Graduating high school students from Bataan public schools are invited to take the SM College Scholarship Program. Based on the scholarship guidelines, the applicant must be a graduating student from a public high school and has a general weighted average of not lower than 88 percent in the second or third grading period. In a move to give chance to poor but deserving students, the total annual income of the applicant’s family must not exceed P15...
  • Bukidnon to hold 1st gen membership meet, business dev't forum

    MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Nov 7 (PIA) -- The Bukidnon Kaamulan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BKCCI), in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), invites the business community leaders to its first general membership meeting and business development forum on November 21 at 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Loiza’s Pavillion, Malaybalay City. The event would bring together business leaders from all over the province to share and discuss various challenges and issues faced in the ...
  • Learnshop highlights parenting

    Parenting styles affect the character children develop as they grow to adulthood. During the October First Friday Affair (FFA) of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), employee-participants underwent a learnshop on character-centered parenting, wherein theories and practices of developing a child’s character were discussed. “A child grows in the family. The type of parenting goals you have will affect you and your child. We should be the person we want our children to become,” Joanne An...
  • NGO opposes United Nations' call to legalize prostitution

    DAVAO CITY, Nov. 6 (PIA) --A non-government organization working for the welfare of women and children in prostitution here expressed opposition to the United Nations call to legalize the flesh trade worldwide in order to prevent the spread of human-immuno virus (HIV). Jeanette Ampog, executive director of Talikala said the best way to stop the spread of the disease is to take women and children out of prostitution. She said women and children are at risk of infectious diseases because they ...
  • News Feature: Ilocos Sur town youths join workshop to help preserve bodies of water

    SAN JUAN, Ilocos Sur, Nov. 6 (PIA) -- The 41 members of the Integral Youth Ministry and nine couples of this town convened at Pekkang Falls located at barangay Malamin recently to discuss the role of the youth in preserving bodies of water and join a workshop in making videos on water preservation that will be shown during local events and in the social media. “Kabataan Kilos Kalikasan” (Youth action on environment) was formed during this gathering which was conducted by the Parish Priest...
  • Calungsod’s canonization brings immense faith, miracles

    CEBU, Nov. 3 (PIA) --- Devotees in Cebu believe the canonization of the second Filipino saint Pedro Calungsod will encourage the youth to renew their faith to the Catholic church as exemplified in the saint’s life. Saint Pedro Calungsod de Cebu was a sacristan and missionary catechist who suffered religious persecution and martyrdom in Guam in a missionary work in 1672. He was killed at 17. Parish pastoral council member and devotee Mario Joel Baylosis said the canonization of Saint Pedro...
  • Mangangingay women’s org launches KPMS Boulevard project

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Oct 31 (PIA) -- The Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Barangay Mangandingay, one of the biggest women’s groups in the province, launched last October 26 its Kadyos, Papaya, Malunggay and Sigadilyas (KPMS) Boulevard. This is in support to the nutrition and "clean and green" programs of the provincial government. Zenaida Valdez, RIC president, said it is a special project aimed at promoting and advocating vegetable gardening among households with special emphasis on the K...
  • Missionary, Central Luzon’s bet to Search for Outstanding Volunteers 2012

    SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan, Oct 31 (PIA) -- The regional selection committee picked the Blessed Sacrament Missionaries of the Poor Inc. missionary and Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society President Bro. Martin Francisco as Central Luzon’s bet to the 2012 Search for Outstanding Volunteers. Bulacan-based Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society is an advocacy group, which aims to save Sierra Madre Mountain ranges from the destruction of its historical, physical, socio-economic, and cu...
  • Tarlac school bags 4th straight PopQuiz reg'l crown

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Oct 31 (PIA) -- Tarlac National High School moves a step closer in reclaiming the national Population Quiz (PopQuiz) title after bagging the Central Luzon Regional level crown of the contest for the fourth consecutive year. Sixteen-year-old Maria Christina Bala bested other division champs in the three-round contest by garnering 31 points. Placing second was Franz Loraine Marie Trijillo of Graceville National High School in the San Jose Del Monte City while Rotsen ...
  • Mangrove reforestation in Sagay City gets support

    SAGAY CITY, Negros Occidental, Oct 30 (PIA) -- The Rotary Club of Bacolod North and Tahoe-Incline Nevada of the United States of America held a mangrove reforestation activity in Barangay Tabanao, Sagay City in Negros Occidental on October 23. The project was in coordination with the Sagay City government and the Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, a statement from the Capitol said. The activity aims to implement sustainable activities that protect communities against risi...
  • DOST-7 partners with NGO in promoting technology, harmonious community

    CEBU CITY, Oct 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) inked a memorandum of understanding with the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creations – Integrated Development Center Inc (JPIC-IDCI). Under the agreement, DOST and JPIC-IDCI agreed to foster cooperation on empowering communities through the application of Science and Technology interventions. DOST-7 is tasked under the agreement to provide technical support and other necessary assistance relative to the obligatio...
  • Mountaineers climb Mt. Nangtud in Panay island, disperse seeds

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct 30 (PIA) -- Seventeen mountaineers from Antique and other provinces took off for a mountain climb to the highest mountain in the island of Panay, the Mt. Nangtud in the town of Barbaza, in central Antique on October 27 with members of the Antique Trekkers Association as their lead. The Mt. Nangtud climb is part of the activities being pushed by the Antique Trekkers Inc, a group of mountaineers in Antique under their project “Gokos Torokayaw (a journey with a dream).” ...
  • TEN Moves campaign launched in Negros Oriental

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 29 (PIA) -- Negros Oriental has joined the roster of local governments that partnered with the The Entire Nation Moves (TEN Moves!) campaign to help the government address the classroom gap in the country. The TEN Moves campaign was officially launched in the province on Oct. 26 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center. Around 500 teachers, students, and representatives from local government units attended the event. Gov. Roel Degamo said the provincial government’s pa...
  • NGO extends aid to Lamlahak, Lake Sebu evacuees

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 29 (PIA) -- International children’s rights group Save the Children on Friday extended assistance to families and their children in Lamlahak, Lake Sebu who have been displaced because of potentially hazardous occurrence in their area. Fanny Divino, program manager of Save the Children South Central Mindanao, led the Save the Children staff in distributing non-food items (NFIs) to 138 households who left their homes...
  • Abrasa co-op is Gawad Saka national winner

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Oct. 27 (PIA) -- Abrasa Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the second largest cooperative in the province was adjudged Gawad Saka national winner for outstanding small farmers and fisherfolk’s organization (OSFFO) group category. Namnama Biquio of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture here said their office had been informed of Abrasa MPC’s victory over two other entries. On July 30-31 this year, a team headed by Petronilo B. Jabay of Fiber Industry Development Authority (...
  • Congress eyes amendment on Consumer Act—Bataan solon

    CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, Oct 26 (PIA) -- To clear issues regarding internet sales promotion especially on social networking site Facebook, Congress is mulling the amendment of the 20-year old Consumer Act of the Philippines (CAP), the House Committee on Trade and Industry chair disclosed. Republic Act No. 7394 or the CAP and the Price Act are undergoing scrutiny to “attune” them with the current Philippine landscape entwined with internet use after netizens voice out queries if sales promot...
  • PUP to form Institute of Islamic Studies

    QUEZON CITY, Oct. 25 (PIA) -- The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) will establish an Institute of Islamic Studies to transform PUP into an epistemic community, a statement from the university said. “By establishing an Institute for Islamic Studies here in PUP, we are now given a chance to further study the history, beliefs, customs, traditions, aspirations and noble causes of our Muslim brothers and sisters. Throughout the centuries, Islam has been perceived and portrayed in d...
  • Heifer 'Passing on the Gift' project continues to benefit communities

    BAUKO, Mt. Province, Oct. 24 (PIA) -- The Passing on the Gift project of the Heifer International Philippines in partnership with non-government organizations (NGOs) continues to benefit communities in the province. Heifer Project International is one of many nongovernment organizations involved in rural development around the world. It works at the grassroots by providing animals and training to organized local groups that request assistance. For the month of October this year, the project...
  • Abrasa Multi-purpose Cooperative's eco-V now certified organic

    DIFFUN, Quirino, Oct 23 (PIA) -- The Abrasa Multi-purpose Cooperative’s organic fertilizer known as eco-V has been certified by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines. This would enable the cooperative to apply for full license to produce from the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards. The eco-V is an organic fertilizer made of pure cast of African Night Crawlers which are kept and tended at the coop’s vermicomposting site in Barangay Rizal. It can be applied ...
  • Cagayano youth joins Calungsod canonization

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Oct 23 (PIA) -- Over 600 individuals celebrated the canonization of the country’s second Saint during the San Pedro Calungsod festival at St. Paul University Philippines and University of Cagayan Valley, this city, yesterday. Fr. Caloy Evangelista, in his evangelization, urged youth leaders to allow Jesus in their lives, read gospels and spread God’s message. “Start your spiritual journey with Jesus and be a model in your respective parish,” he said. Likewis...
  • Kiangan senior citizens benefit from medical mission

    KIANGAN, Ifugao, Oct. 23 (PIA)-- More than 200 members of the Kiangan Federation of Senior Citizens’ Association (KFSCA) here recently served in the medical mission sponsored by Board Member Victor Bunnol Jr. at the municipal gymnasium here last October 18. The mission provided medical consultation and treatment to the ailing senior citizen members and free eye check-up and eye glasses to those with poor vision. The activity coincided with the general assembly meeting of the KFSCA where...
  • Tabuk City co-ops plant 1,700 tree seedlings

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Oct. 23 (PIA) -- Various people’s cooperatives in Tabuk planted 1,700 assorted tree seedlings to kick off this year’s Cooperative Month celebration in this city. Spearheaded by Tabuk Multi-purpose Cooperative (Tampco), the largest people’s cooperative in the Cordillera, the group selected the campus of Sumadel National High School-Bulo Annex in Barangay Bulo, Tabuk as tree planting site. City Cooperative Development Officer Segundina Magtanao said organizers decid...
  • Laoag women weavers venture on water lily-weaving

    LAOAG CITY, Oct 23 (PIA) -- Women weavers in five villages in the city have attended a skills training for conversion of water hyacinth, commonly known as water lilies, to functional and decorative items from bags, footwear, gowns and accessories. Attendees were from the villages of Cataban, Navotas A & B, Madiladig and Caaoacan. The training was provided by the Villar Foundation, which has been behind the training of hundreds of housewives to become entrepreneurs. The women were later orga...
  • Basco parish joins the universal church in Oct 21 thanksgiving mass

    BASCO, Batanes, Oct 23 -- The Basco parish enjoined all Catholics in the thanksgiving mass last October 21, simultaneously held in the country and around the globe for the canonization of the second Filipino to sainthood, Pedro Calungsod. A banner of Pedro Calungsod, the youngest among the seven saints canonized recently, was prepared for the mass. Before singing the Gloria, Arnold C. Hortiz, president of the Basco Catechists Organization, and Leonila G. Mirabueno, former president of the cate...
  • "A Convergence of Communicators for Development" seminar set on Nov. 22-24

    HINGYON, Ifugao Oct. 23 (PIA) -- Local chief executives and information officers in the province are invited to attend the seminar-workshop dubbed "A Convergence of Communicators for Development" to be held at the Azalea Residences, Leonard Wood Loop, Baguio City on November on November 22-24, 2012. The invitation was extended by Cordillera News Agency (CNA) Foundation, Inc. president Baboo Mondonedo to all interested municipal mayors and their respective information officers including the...
  • Mati City fest to recognize gay community

    MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, Oct 22 (PIA) -- The gay community in Mati City, Davao Oriental will have a grand time in this year’s 12th Sambuokan Festival, which will simultaneously be held with the 109th founding anniversary of Mati. City Mayor Michelle Rabat allowed the Mati City gay community who bonded themselves into a group called “Pink Society,” to hold an event dubbed, “Pagkamalipayon, Ipadayon (Let’s continue the happiness),” City Information Officer Juvy Tanio said. Slated o...
  • Environmental group pushes for Cagayan de Oro watershed rehab plan

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct 22 (PIA) -- Coalition of local environmental groups and socio-political organizations “Sulog” has urged funding institutions, private companies, and all other agencies and sectors to help rehabilitate the Cagayan de Oro Watershed. Raoul Geollegue, former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-10) regional executive director and now a member of Sulog, sounded the call in the dialogue held at the DENR office in Region 10, where he presented the Cagayan ...
  • 'Hardin ng Lunas' to hold first harvest festival today

    MONCADA, Tarlac, Oct 22 (PIA) -- "Hardin ng Lunas" project will hold its first harvest festival today in its showcase garden in Barangay Camangaan East, Moncada town, Tarlac. Project leader Dra. Isabel Cojuangco Suntay said visitors may, without paying a fee, harvest vegetables such as pechay, pak choi, mustard, kangkong, pepper used for sinigang, chili pepper, sweet pepper, talong, okra, upo, alugbati, string beans, cucumber and watermelon. Cojuangco Suntay said, “The project, which started...
  • LGU Calamba holds Alay Lakad,Alay Linis campaign

    CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental, Oct. 21 (PIA) –- More than a thousand individuals participated in the combined “Alay Lakad/Alay Linis” (Walk-for a-Cause/Clean-for- a-Cause) project conducted by the local government, here, recently. An annual fund-raising activity, the project was aimed to support the out-of-school youths (OSY’s) of the municipality, who can no longer attend school because of their financial difficulties, Mayor Luisito B. Villanueva, Jr., said. More than just the usual wal...
  • Nueva Vizcaya NGOs express support for food sufficiency program

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Oct 20 (PIA) -- Several non-government organizations (NGO) in the province have expressed their support to the government’s food sufficiency program through the promotion of organic farming and preservation of the environment. The Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (Masipag) and the Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Novo Vizcayano para sa Kalikasan (Annvik) expressed their concern in support to the World Food Day celebration and in commemoration of the P...
  • Construction of $434 Samar road project commences

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct 20 (PIA) -- The long-awaited dream of the people of Eastern Samar to obtain a cemented road will finally become a reality. This, when the 220-kilometer, four-lane road project from Wright, Western Samar to Guiuan, Eastern Samar is completed. The road project, costing $434 million, is funded by the U.S. government under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) fund. No less than the chief executive officer of the MCC, Daniel Yohannes led the groundbreaking ce...
  • Nutri-Juice feeding program benefits 10,000 school kids

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Oct 20 (PIA) -- The Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc., in partnership with the Department of Education, launched its Nutri-Juice Feeding Program which will benefit some 10,000 school children from 167 schools in the province. The nutri-juice was developed by the company, in partnership with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), to advocate good health and improve the nutrition status of malnourished children, E...
  • Nueva Vizcaya NGOs to conduct forum on organic farming

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Oct 19 (PIA) -- Non-government organizations in this province will be conducting a program designed to raise the level of awareness among several stakeholders on the effects of chemically produced agricultural and organically grown products. The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) and its partner Global Links Management Institute (GLMI) will conduct a Farmers’ Conference on October 20 in Barangay Consuelo in Sta. Fe town. Josie Almirol, project coordinat...
  • Zambo PWD elected PBU president

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 19 (PIA) -- Teddy Kahil, head of the persons with disabilities (PWD) unit of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) was elected president to the Philippine Blind Union (PBU) Inc. during the organization’s annual general assembly in Manila. PBU is the only national federation of the blinds that is a member of the World Blind Union (WBU) and has been in existence for a decade now. Kahil, dubbed the “Helen Keller” of Zamboanga, expressed gratitude for the...
  • Operation Timbangan at Pagadian City public market

    PAGADIAN CITY, Oct 19 (PIA) -- Vendors at the Pagadian City Public Market were surprised with the conduct of Operation Timbangan from ConsumerNet, a group of several government agencies whose thrust is to protect the interest of consumers at large. Among the government agencies that joined the operation were the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Office of the Pagadian City Market Superintendent. The activity i...
  • Maynilad pipe replacement in Pasay to start today

    QUEZON CITY, Oct 19 (PIA) -- Motorists are advised to expect light to moderate traffic along Andrews Avenue and Sales Avenue in Pasay City as Maynilad Water Services, Inc. will implement today its pipe replacement. According to Maynilad, the P140-million project include installation of almost 5 kilometers (km) of new primary and secondary lines along Sales Road and Andrews Avenue, near Gozar Street to Domestic Road to address the old age problem of water lines that are already prone to leakage...
  • Oroquieta Dad joins BSP-Mis. Occ. Prov’l Exec Board

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- The chief executive of this city has been elected Member of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Executive Board- Misamis Occidental Council. Mayor Jason P. Almonte was elected by a province-wide delegates of scout masters, executives and coordinators during the 2012 Annual Council Meeting held at the Oroquieta Town Center, recently, Almonte will serve the BSP Provincial Council as Executive Board Member for three years. Congressman Jor...
  • Volunteers initiate school clean-up in Asturias, Tuburan

    CEBU, Oct 18 (PIA) -- About 1,200 community volunteers composed of parents, teachers, barangay officials in Asturias town in Cebu, nanays (mothers) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Micro-finance Balamban Branch, members of the Barangay Luz Youth Coalition (BYLC), and Coalition for Better Education initiated a schools clean-up of eight elementary schools in Asturias and Tuburan towns in Cebu. The beneficiary schools include Agtugop Elementary School, Agbanga Primary School, Tag-amakan...
  • Iselco II implements Oplan 'Linis Linya'

    ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Oct 17 (PIA) -- The Isabela Electric Cooperative (Iselco) II is regularly conducting the operation plan (Oplan) “Linis Linya,” which started in July to solve brownouts in its area of operations. The Iselco II management has found out that one of the causes of brownouts in the area of operations are tree branches touching the electric lines, which cause the power to trip off and at worst, shut transformers down. Dave Solomon Siquian, general manager of Iselco II, sa...
  • Red Cross-Pangasinan creates Blood Coordinating Council

    DAGUPAN CITY, Oct 17 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) - Pangasinan Chapter formed a Blood Coordinating Council, which is tasked to create programs that will promote blood donation to sustain the great need for sufficient blood supply. Florame Magalong, PRC chapter administrator, said that having this council marks history in the chapter as it is the first time that such organization has been made. Election of officers for the Blood Coordinating Council was conducted on Monday at the o...
  • KBP SarGen leads broadcastreeing project in GenSan

    GENERAL SANTOS CITY, October 17 (PIA) --The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Sararangani-GenSan chapter led on Saturday, Oct 13 Oplan Broadcastreeing 2012, a tree planting activity in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). KBP SarGen chapter chairman James Catalan described the event as most important undertaking so far of the KBP-SarGen this year. “We all know about global warming and climate change. So this effort is our way to save th...
  • P’que cooperative bags CDA award

    PARAÑAQUE CITY, Oct 17 (PIA) -- Parañaque’s Multi-Purpose Employees Cooperative (CPMEC) has bagged the Most Outstanding Cooperative (Small Scale Category) Award during the International Year of Cooperatives-11th National Cooperative Summit. The recognition was made during the 2012 Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) National Gawad Parangal on October 10, 2012 at the Atrium Center, Cagayan de Oro City. In a statement, Parañaque City Mayor Jun Bernabe lauded the cooperative, especially ...
  • Chevron-Phil turns over medical equipment to Kalinga

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Oct. 17 (PIA)-- Chevron-Philippines has turned over P1.7 million- worth of laboratory equipment to boost the diagnostic capability of the Kalinga Provincial Hospital as premiere government health facility in the province. In a simple turn-over ceremony, Chevron-Kalinga Project Manager Jeff Roberts handed the equipment to Gov. Jocel C. Baac, witnessed by health officials and other leaders of Kalinga. The new diagnostic equipment include hematology analyzer, blood chemi...
  • ICRC, PRC Butuan to conduct Media Workshop

    BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 16 (PIA) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), with the support of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Chapter, will be holding the Media Workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Humanitarian Reporting on October 20, 2012 at the Dotties Place Hotel, this city. Reporter or correspondent per media outfit in Caraga region covering issues related to the armed conflict will be participating in this one-day event. In a press st...
  • Bishop urges sectors to integrate women concern in their works

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Oct 16 (PIA) -- Bishop Prudencio Andaya Jr. of the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk has urged sectors to put women concern a primordial component in their development agenda. He made this call during the two-day orientation workshop on the implementation and localization of the Philippine National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 held on October 12 and 13 at the Man-uugudan Hall, Tabuk Pastoral Center. “Women play a big role in maintaini...
  • Schoolchildren participates in Global Handwashing Day

    KORONADAL CITY, Oct. 15 (PIA) -- Schoolchildren from different schools in South Cotabato get themselves counted in the Global Handwashing Day celebration led by a non-government organization and the Department of Education (DepEd). Save the Children coordinator Melchi G. Uyasan disclosed to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that around 5,000 schoolchildren from the three school districts piloted in the province participated in the global affair. Uyasan said each year, 200 million people...
  • SK-KC celebrates Columbus Day with tree planting

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 15 (PIA) -- Almost five hundred bamboo seedlings were planted by members of the different councils of Knights of Columbus in the province of Sultan Kudarat. After a meeting yesterday, KC members planted the bamboos in the river bank of Allah River along Barangay Bambad of capital town Isulan. The planting activity is also part of the celebration of Columbus Day. The tree planting activity was in coordination with the Barangay Council of Barangay Bambad und...
  • RAFI sets activity for kids to value culture, heritage

    CEBU CITY, Oct 15 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI) is holding the fourth run of Kids at the Museum every Saturday for the observance of Children’s Month and Museum Month this October. The first phase of the activity was held on October 6 at the Casa Gorordo Museum in Cebu during which participants aged three to five years old engaged in a “Going on a Chair Hunt.” The activity will culminate on October 27 with a program to be held at the Cebu Normal University (CNU). The ...
  • Feature: There’s always hope for women afflicted with breast cancer

    The battle against breast cancer is never an easy one. Millions of women around the world hope that their battle against the disease would soon end. “When I discovered I have breast cancer, I thought it was the end of my life. I was really shocked and suddenly thought of my mother,” said 41-year-old Elma Dinoy, breast cancer patient. During the October 6 episode of “Pagtuki,” the official radio program of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), Dinoy narrated that her mother...
  • Int’l body donates books to Misamis Occidental LGUs

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Oct. 14 (PIA ) -- A total of 34,084 assorted books were donated by the Children’s International Philippines (CI-Phil), Inc., to different local government units (LGUs), this province. These books, which were loaded in two units of the 40-footer containerized vans, will be used by elementary pupils and high school students, Gertrudes Gauiran, program coordinator of CI-Phil, said. Gauiran said one of the vans containing 14,444 books were donated to the Associat...
  • Campaign for children launched in Northern Samar

    CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct 13 (PIA) -- A campaign for children, dubbed “Because I Am A Girl,” was launched in Catarman, Northern Samar last October 11 as part of the Children’s Month's celebration observed every month of October. The launching was in line with the first International Day of the Girl based on United Nations declaration, according to Mike Reynaldo, Northern Samar program unit manager of Plan Philippines. Plan Philippines organized the activity, in coordination with the...
  • UNWFP launches Disaster Preparedness and Response Project Phase II in Benguet

    LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Oct 13 (PIA) -- The Disaster Preparedness and Response Project Phase II under the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) is all set to expand to two towns in the province. The good results of the Phase I UNWFP- funded project on disaster preparedness and response propelled the second wave of the project to include the municipalities of Kibungan and Kapangan. Michelle McGonagle, UNWFP-Philippines Disaster Preparedness and Response (DPR) coordinator, said the results...
  • RAFI, FAPC conduct synergy program

    CEBU CITY, Oct. 13 (PIA) -- Fast Auto World Philippines Corporation (FAPC) Mandaue Branch employees went through a Team Synergy Integration Program held recently at the Sacred Heart Ateneo de Cebu organized by Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) Professional Development Programs of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) The program aims to promote and share best practices among FAPC employees and to inspire commitment in applying learning from the activities. The participants underwent activities that pr...
  • KBP Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Chapter joins nationwide tree planting activity

    BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 13 (PIA) – Members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Chapter participated early this morning in the nationwide tree planting activity at the Mt. Mayapay, Barangay Bonbon here. Chapter President Israel Palero said during this morning's short program that the tree planting activity in Mt. Mayapay, Brgy. Bonbon is in support to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ National Greening Program (NGP). “Today’s a...
  • Children, parents get Minsac support

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct 12 (PIA) -- As the country celebrates Children’s Month, the Mother Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center (Minsac) said it will continue to work for the welfare of families upstream barangays. Ten families in Brgy. San Gabriel, this city attended the Family Life Enrichment Workshop for 16 sessions. The same workshop was given to another set of 10 parents in barangays San Jose, Siha, Surok and Calingatngan. In the workshops, parents are oriented on the b...
  • Peace ambassador pledges books, classrooms for Bangsamoro children

    ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Oct 12 (PIA) – Filipino-American singer and volunteer peace ambassador apl.de.ap of the world-famous Black Eyed Peas expressed his desire to expand the programs of the Apl Foundation to include school-feeding programs and book donations for school children in Bangsamoro areas. In a press release, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process disclosed that the U.S.-based singer has learned about the historic framework agreement reached by the Philippine go...
  • KBP embarks on ‘Broadcastree-ing’ in Pangasinan

    DAGUPAN CITY, Oct 12 (PIA) -- The Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas-Pangasinan Chapter will embark on another tree planting activity on October 13 called “Broadcastree-ing.’ Chapter President Bernie Errasquin said this is one of KBP’S advocacy for the preservation of Mother Earth. The greening activity will cover 10 barangays in San Fabian town from Brgy. Longos to Brgy. Rabon, which serves as the boundary of Pangasinan and La Union. “Soon, the highway in San Fabian town would be t...
  • GK to conduct 5-Day ‘Bayanihan’ Challenge

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Oct 11 (PIA) -- The Gawad Kalinga(GK) will be mobilizing a nationwide volunteerism feat next year to bring the spirit of "Bayanihan" or community cooperation in building new communities for the poor. Wilfred Ross Delizo, executive assistant on GK projects of the provincial government, said the five-day event dubbed "Challenge the Impossible" which will be done sometime in March 2013 will be conducted in collaboration with the Presidential Communications Operations Offi...
  • Local church partners with LGU Ozamiz in MDG-FACES implementation

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Oct. 11 (PIA) -- Happy Church, here, has declared its partnership with the City Government in the implementation of the Millenium Development Goal, Family-Based Actions on Children and their Environ in the Slum (MDG-FACES). This is in support of the program of Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez, who has started to implement the MDG-FACES in San Antonio and Villa Consuelo Barangays, Pastora Elvie Go, of the church said. It is also in response to the call ...
  • UNFPA, Plan Philippines highlight rising teen pregnancy on 1st International Day of Girl Child

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, October 10 (PIA) – Teenage pregnancy has increased by 65 per cent over a 10-year period from 2000-2010 despite the decline in teen marriages. The issue will be highlighted during the observance of the International Day of the Girl Child on Thursday October 11. Lead organizations are the United Nations Population Fund and Plan Philippines. “Teenage pregnancy is becoming an epidemic. And this is why I continue to say we are failing our young people. We all know that a y...
  • TeaM Energy conducts skills competition for Sual power plant employees

    SUAL, Pangasinan, Oct 10 (PIA) -- TeaM Energy, the corporation that operates and maintains the Sual Coal-Fired Power Plant in this province, has conducted the second Skills Improvement in Control Analysis Tournament (Sicat) Olympics today to enhance its operations teams’ skills in ensuring reliable energy supply to the nation. TeaM Energy, a partnership between Tokyo Electric and Marubeni, is one of the largest private producers of electricity in the Philippines with more than 2,000 megawatts...
  • Red Cross-La Union observes Global Handwashing Day

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Oct 10 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) La Union Chapter has renewed its “Clean Hands Save Lives” campaign in the province for the promotion and observance of Global Handwashing Day on October 15. Through its project “Kalusugan ay Abot sa Malinis na Pamumuhay (K.A.M.A.Y),” the PRC-La Union Chapter urged the public to involve themselves in promoting hygiene by sponsoring a child's hygiene kit today for only P100. This can help save more lives because...
  • 4000 cooperators join 11th National Cooperative Summit in CDO

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 10 -- After a decade, the Cagayan de Oro, the City of Golden Freindship, will again host the 11th National Cooperative Summit from October 10 to 12. This is in time with the celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives as United Nations Declared. Four thousand cooperative officers, delegates and advocates all over the country are attending the Summit. The National Cooperative Summit is held biennially with the Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) as the Lead C...
  • Red Cross – Abra coordinates medical mission, blood-letting activity

    BANGUED, Abra, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Abra Chapter recently coordinated a medical mission for children and blood-letting activities in the province. In an interview with James Manuel Laygo, officer-in-charge of PRC-Abra Chapter, the medical mission was sponsored by the ABS CBN Foundation that provided the medicines and supplies including food for the doctors. Dr. Dexter Apolonio of the Abra Provincial Hospital led the pediatricians of the Abra Medical Society in p...
  • GenSan teacher bags national outstanding teacher award

    GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Oct 9 (PIA) -- City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio honored a local teacher here who landed in the Top 10 of Metrobank Foundation’s Search for Outstanding Teachers Award. Marivi L. Castro, teacher of the General Santos City Special Education Integrated School (SPED) has won the award besting other 38 finalists nationwide. "I did not expect to win," she said at Monday's Flag Ceremony of the city government employees. Teacher Marivi’s story inspired Mayor Custodio enco...
  • Peace constituency crucial in peace talks success

    DAVAO CITY Oct. 9 (PIA) -- A strong peace constituency is needed to ensure the success of any peace talks. Mary Ann Arnado of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus said that the recent landmark draft framework agreement forged by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines was made with the support and presence of a broad peace constituency which involved peace networks, grassroots organizations, religious, academe and business sectors. Guesting during the Kap...
  • Maynilad Water bags Global Honor Award

    QUEZON CITY, Oct 9 (PIA) -- The Maynilad Water Services, Inc. has bagged the prestigious Global Honor Award by the International Water Association (IWA) in Busan, South Korea. The IWA, based in the United Kingdom, is a global network of over 10,000 water professionals who collaborate to promote the development and implementation of innovative and effective approaches to water management. The Global Project Innovation Awards recognizes innovation and excellence in water engineering projects arou...
  • PPCRV urges Filipinos to vote wisely

    MANILA, Oct 8 (PIA) -- Church-affiliated poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) urged voters to vote wisely in the May 2013 polls. In a statement, PPCRV Chairperson Henrietta de Villa said it is about time to put new public servants who are more capable to hold important positions in the government. “The voters need to be alerted. They should carefully examine the candidates to make sure they will be voting those with skills, principles and love for the nation...
  • ROTC cadets donate blood

    PAGADIAN CITY, Oct 8 (PIA) -- Blood saves lives. And since the need for blood is great, the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets of Southern Mindanao Colleges (SMC) responded to the call in a blood-letting activity at the SMC main campus here over the weekend. Dr. Mae Lyn Estrada, team leader of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Zamboanga del Sur chapter, said of the 25 cadets screened, only 22 were allowed to donate since three of them were found with low hemoglobin. Each cadet donate...
  • DLPC donates computer units to San Vicente national high school

    PANABO CITY,Oct. 8 -- San Vicente National High School in Barangay San Vicente this city is a recipient of five computer units from the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC). The computer units will be used by students under the “Hello World Computer Project” of the Department of Education where high school students with computer subjects shall have the opportunity to expand their knowledge on the use of computers. “Blessed kami kay gi recommend mi ni Mayor Silvosa nga mahimong recipie...
  • Mariveles magnates run for cleaner waterways

    BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Oct 6 (PIA) -- A team of company executives from the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) in Mariveles town joined the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) fund-raising run which will help clear waterways flowing to the congested Manila Bay. The choked-up Manila Bay was seen as a contributing factor to the haunting seven-feet high flood that hit Bataan towns this August as floodwater could not flow to the bay due to clogged waterways, displacing thousands of f...
  • Broadcasters to plant mangroves

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 6 (PIA) -– Broadcast practitioners in Capiz are set to hold a mangrove-planting activity here on October 13, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) - Capiz Chapter President Ely Abarra said. Abarra said the activity dubbed as KBP-DILG Broadcastreeing Project 2012 is a partnership effort of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, local governments, and other national government agencies. He said the project, which will be done by KBP chapters natio...
  • University in Cavite donates relief goods to local government

    GEN TRIAS, Cavite, Oct 5 (PIA) -- A reputable computer university in this premier province showed their support to the disaster preparedness initiative of the local government as they gave relief goods to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of this town. The turnover of relief goods from AMA University to the MSWDO was held at the General Trias Municipal Hall. Municipal Administrator Hernando M. Granados, who represented Mayor Luis A. Ferrer IV, received the goods. Gra...
  • Red Cross turns over 320 shelters for displaced families in Iligan

    ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Oct. 5 (PIA) –- Three hundred twenty permanent houses were turned over to tropical storm Sendong survivors at the Red Cross Village located at a four-hectare property owned by the city government at sitio Mangga in Barangay Digkilaan, this city. These houses worth P25.6 million were completed in three months through the funding support of the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) which provided 250 houses; 50 from the Australian Agency for International Development ...
  • Isabela-based local radio station is CMMA national awardee

    ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Oct 5 (PIA) -- An Isabela-based local radio station bagged a prestigious award from the Catholic Mass Media Award (CMMA) held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) last week. The Bombo Radyo DZNC-Cauayan is one of the awardees for category of Best Drama Program of the CMMA. The radio station’s drama entry “Noche Buena” on its drama program “Pagsarmingan” was the winner of the said search. Bombo Radyo-Cauayan defeated two national finalists on the said...
  • Benguet senior citizens call for construction of own building

    LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Oct 5 (PIA) -- The province’s elderly group is clamoring for the construction of a senior citizen building and educational center for their use. In their chance to sit as Senior Citizen Official For A Day last October 1, the senior citizens in the provincial board passed a measure requesting Benguet Rep. Ronald M. Cosalan to allocate P1.5 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund for the construction of a senior citizens building-educational center in Wangal....
  • Rotarians turn over water project to Marinduque

    BOAC, Marinduque, Oct. 5 (PIA) -- The Isok 1 Potable Water System Project under the Matching Grant Program of Rotary International has turned over its management to the people of Isok 1, Boac, Marinduque. The program was held at Barangay Hall of Isok 1, Boac, Marinduque and was graced by the district governor of Rotary International District 3820, Dennis Sunio. The Rotarians of RC Marinduque North headed by its newly-inducted president, Ana Marie Hidalgo visited the site of the water source, t...
  • Qatar Red Crescent gives Arabic translation of Mi Ultimo Adios to Phl Red Cross

    MANILA, Oct 4 (PIA) -- The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) turned over a special gift to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Monday, October 1. In a statement, PRC said the Arabic translation of Mi Ultimo Adios, the famous poem written by National Hero Jose Rizal, was a personal choice of QRCS President Dr. Mohammed Al Maadheed to be handed over to PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon by QRCS Secretary General Saleh Al Mohannadi. Gordon along with PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang and Mohannadi a...
  • BSP bares Ten Outstanding Scouts of 2012

    QUEZON CITY, Oct 4 (PIA) -- The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) announced the winners in the search for the 2012 Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts (TOBS) of the Philippines at the awarding ceremony held at Makati City Hall on Monday, Oct 1. They are: scouts Danilo D. Tabilas Jr., Cagayan North-Tuguegarao Council; John Ernest Mari Y. Cruz, Bulacan Counci; Austin Bennett L. Ong, Manila Council; Charles C. Li, Manila Council; Anton Joshua DC. Del Rosario, City of Santa Rosa Council; Genesis Lance U....
  • Power firm gives medical services to 190 schoolchildren

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Oct 4 (PIA) -- A power firm in Cagayan Valley has provided medical services to schoolchildren in Ramon town in Isabela province to help uplift the health and wellness of its covered communities. The SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) conducted a medical mission and served 190 villagers in collaboration with the local government unit and the Department of Education (DepEd). The medical mission was led by Municipal Administrator Arthur Bartolome, SNAP-Magat Operations...
  • Benguet to hold third co-op convention

    LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Oct 3 (PIA) -- The province is set to conduct the third Benguet Cooperative Convention in celebration of Cooperative Month this October. The convention on October 17 and 18 will be graced by Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Head Emmanuel Santiagel on the first day, and Ponciano Payuyo, Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) party-list representative on its second day. It will be highlighted by a program, educational forum, mini-trade fair and parade...
  • EU turns over P400,000 post harvest facility to St.Bernard farmers

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct 3 (PIA) -- The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) turned over a post harvest facility to the farmers of St. Bernard to complement the capability-building activities in its disaster preparedness program. ECHO, through its disaster preparedness program, also provided livelihood activities to be undertaken in relatively safe locations so that the stakeholders are protected during disaster events, European Union Ambassador Guy Ledoux said dur...
  • i-Club reaches out to children with special needs

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Oct 3 (PIA) -- The Informers Club (i-Club), a media organization here, has served 29 children with special needs at the Cataggaman Elementary School as part of its outreach program for these children and their families. The group reached out to the children with disabilities (CWDs) in a medical mission, and family packs were also distributed. Each child was given multivitamins and medicines while their parents were given some medicine stocks prescribed by the medical doctor ta...
  • High school writers move vs smoking in Bataan

    BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Oct 3 (PIA) -- Student journalists from Bataan National High School (BNHS) vowed to step up anti-smoking campaign in their school after Balanga City government officials challenged them to curb the increasing number of student smokers. During the Kapihan on Renal Health Care and Disease Prevention here, city administrator Rudy de Mesa solicited the help of writers from “The Bataan,” the official publication of BNHS, to inform the almost 4,500 students of the biggest hi...
  • Families get banana project for livelihood, kids’ education

    ALABEL, Sarangani Oct. 2 (PIA) -- Almost 200 families in barangay Alegria here received livelihood assistance in the form of cardava banana seedlings with training on its proper planting and growing. Chairman Hilario Villamora expressed his gratitude to organizations behind the project which he said would greatly help their community. “Let us take care of the banana seedlings given to us because these could help our families and the education of our children,” Villamora told the be...
  • Chamber Int'l breaks ground for study center in Xavier Ecoville

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct 1 -- Study habits are best developed at a young age. Believing in this and in the value of education, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Macajalar 24K, in partnership with Xavier University (XU), committed to build a children’s study center at Xavier Ecoville, the XU-led resettlement site for tropical storm Sendong survivors in Barangay Lumbia. This will be the second M24K Children’s Study Center in the city, with the first one built in Sitio Macanhan last year....
  • Silliman University assists in coastal resource mural project in Mati

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept 28 (PIA) -- Silliman University took part in helping establish an 87-meter long mural painting depicting the threatened marine mammals in Mati City, Davao Oriental. The mural is a project of the Regional Integrated Coastal Resources Management (RIC) hosted by the Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOSCST) as part of its advocacy campaign. Silliman University Office of Information and Publications (SU-OIP) Director Mark Raygan Garcia said the campaign...
  • Forum speakers express differing opinions over divorce bill

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Sept 28 (PIA) -- A local discussion on the issues confronting the Filipino family inevitably turned towards the controversial house bill introducing divorce in the Philippines with the panel of speakers divided over whether the bill should be passed or not. “It’s hard for us to accept this because we talk of the sacredness of married life. Marriage is universally accepted as an exclusive one-man-one-woman relationship,” said Dr. Sylvia Flores, director of...
  • NGO launches mother-tongue based project in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 27 (PIA) -- International children’s rights-focused organization "Save the Children" yesterday launched a project that will support the national government’s efforts to promote mother tongue-based education in children’s formative years. Bonna Duron, Save the Children’s basic education advisor said, the project “Promoting Quality and Equity in Education for Children in Marginalized Communities in South Central Mindanao” will be implemented fro...
  • Waterfront Davao hosts media forum anew

    DAVAO CITY, Sept 27 (PIA) -- Hermes Club, a monthly gathering of the Davao media will again be hosted by Waterfront Insular Davao, 20 years after it was conceived within the confines of the prestigious hotel. Named after Hermes, the messenger of gods in Greek mythology, the Hermes Club gathers newsmakers and the local media in a Greek-inspired forum, where members of the media are considered as demi-gods in session under the guidance of Zeus and Titan. The role of Zeus is bestowed to Efren Elb...
  • Antipolo health office leads bloodletting activity

    ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Sept 27 -- The Philippine Red Cross Rizal chapter – East Rizal Branch and the Antipolo City Health Office led a bloodletting activity held at the Mulawin Covered Court in Barangay San Roque. The bloodletting activity with the theme “Dugo Mong Alay Dugtong sa Aking Buhay” aimed to collect at least 300 to 500 quality blood donors. It also seeks to increase public awareness about the importance of blood donation in saving lives. “Aside from providing basic medical s...
  • Cebu Medicine Week Celeb values universal health care

    CEBU CITY Sept 27 (PIA) -- The Cebu Medical Society (CMS) under the umbrella of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) tackled universal health care in lectures and discussions on different diseases in line with this year’s Medicine Week Celebration on September 23-28. Department of Health (DOH-7) Director Asuncion Anden said the theme of the celebration, “PMA-Nagkakaisa Tungo sa Kalusugan Pangkalahatan,” is very timely as DOH programs and projects are mostly geared toward universal ...
  • 2,000 college students join University Summit

    BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Sept 27 (PIA) -- Some 2,000 college students in Balanga City joined the University Town Summit 2012, which top officials here said was a “wise investment” in priming the city into a world-class university town by 2020. The third annual summit convened students from 12 colleges in the city for a day of learning and fun. Motivational speakers for the event were Bro. Harold Espeleta, family pastoral minister of the Holy Family Center of Studies and Francisco Sauceda Jr., ...
  • Rotary Club initiates Peace Forum in schools.

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept 26 (PIA) -- The Rotary Club of Antique initiated a Peace Forum in San Pedro National High School, San Pedro, San Jose, Antique as part of the International Peace Day celebration. The forum aims to bring long and lasting peace not only in the countryside but also in the hearts and minds of young students. The club, headed by Fe M. Osorio, president, took time out to be with students and teachers of the school together with several speakers to talk about topics on drug a...
  • Dipolog chamber holds general membership confab

    DIPOLOG CITY, Sept 26 (PIA) -- Five more businessmen have been admitted as regular members to the Dipolog City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCI) , during its general membership meeting at the West End Court Hotel in this city recently. These businessmen are Apolinario Pinsoy of Narvel Services, Atty. Eyahiya Malon of S.A. Malon, Joseph Lim of YSL Builders, Edna Capili-Chan of Seabreeze Lodge and Café and Ruena Emily C. Galleposo of Care Canada Consultancy and Immigration. The new ...
  • Pangasinan to observe World Rabies Day

    LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Sept 26 (PIA) -- Pangasinan province supports the globe in celebrating World Rabies Day this September which aims to reduce the number of rabies cases worldwide. Aside from rabies awareness information dissemination campaigns conducted annually, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVET) will sponsor additional activities in observance of the World Rabies Day, said Eric Jose Perez, provincial veterinarian officer-in-charge. Among the activities are poster and slo...
  • Rotary Clubs to hold peace event on Sep 28

    MANILA, Sept 25 (PIA) -- Around 20 clubs of Rotary District 3830 will host a peace event on Friday, September 28. This event, with the overarching Rotary theme “Peace Through Service,” will be held in cooperation with the Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (Opapp). This is also in line with OPAPP’s Campaign dubbed “Ikaw.Ako.Magkakaiba.Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan.” Opapp Secretary Teresita Deles welcomed the initiative of the Rotary. “Meaningful participation can be a...
  • Rotary Club distributes wheelchairs to PWDs

    PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Sept 25 (PIA) -- Five persons with disabilities (PWDs) received new wheelchairs from the Rotary Club of Pagadian West on Friday during the turnover ceremony at the Executive Function Hall at the Provincial Capitol Complex here. “I am very happy to be chosen as a recipient of a wheelchair. Finally, my old one will now be replaced,” said John in the vernacular. John, 12, physically handicapped, is now in the second grade. “This is of great help to him. ...
  • Child development center opens in Mabinay

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept 25 (PIA) -- A learning facility for undereducated children and adults opened its doors in Mabinay town. The Mabinay Bidlisiw Child Development Center (MBCDC) was inaugurated early this month and witnessed by officials from the provincial government led by Gov. Roel Degamo and the Mabinay local government led by Mayor Ernie Uy. MBCDC was initiated by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Mabinay Central aimed at educating undereducated children in Mabinay, aged ...
  • EJACC, partners to hold the nine-year awareness drive

    CEBU CITY, Sept 25 (PIA) -- The Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) will hold the 9th Moonwalk: A Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness on October 2 in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Moonwalk is an advocacy that aims to promote a collective effort in fighting breast cancer through a massive awareness campaign focused on the early screening and detection of breast cancer, such as observing monthly breast self-examination for women aged 20...
  • Youth promotes change through debate on social issues in Laoag

    LAOAG CITY, Sept 25 (PIA) -- Members of the youth sector are promoting change for a better nation by raising awareness on social issues in Laoag City. To do so, the Youth for Change, a non-government organization, is conducting an inter-collegiate debate among college students. Jasper Dawang, national executive president, said the activity aims to make the youth aware of social issues, promote change, develop camaraderie and enhance the logical intuitions of the youth. The Youth for Change...
  • Boy Scouts of the Philippines bares TOBS finalists

    QUEZON CITY, Sept. 25 (PIA) -- The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) has announced that the winners of the search for Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts (TOBS) of the Philippines will be known on Monday, October 1 as they released the names of the 23 national finalists of the 2012 search. In a statement, the finalists were chosen from hundreds of aspirants from the BSP’s 117 local councils nationwide. They will represent their respective regions in the competition. They will compete in the last l...
  • Free medical checkup kicks off Medicine Week 2012 in Ilocos Sur

    VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur, Sept 25 (PIA) -- Medical screening, interpretation of laboratory results and medical advice were given to 767 residents of the province. This is the first activity of the Philippine Medical Association’s Medicine Week at the city’s Plaza Burgos, said Dr Esperanza Lahoz, president of the Ilocos Sur Medical Society. The theme of the celebration is “PMA, Nagkakaisa Tungo sa Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (PMA unites towards health for all).” Lahoz said she decided on ...
  • U.S. Embassy, CMFR ink agreement to promote responsible journalism

    MANILA, Sept 24 (PIA) -- The United States Embassy in Manila has partnered with the Center for Media Freedom & Responsibility (CMFR) to promote press freedom and responsible journalism through a seminar-workshop on news media ethics for “blocktimers.” CMFR was organized in 1989 as a private, nonstock, nonprofit organization involving the different sectors of society in the task of building up the press and news media as a pillar of democratic society. Its programs uphold press freedom, prom...
  • Int’l Fil-Am singer hands over new school building to Cagayan de Oro City students

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept 24 (PIA) -- Apl.de.ap, a Filipino-American singer and member of the famous American rap musical group Black Eyed Peas has returned to the Philippines to hand over a new school building to students in Cagayan de Oro Apl.de.ap is in the country to fulfill a promise he has made during a visit to student survivors of Tropical Storm “Sendong” at Balulang Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro City on February 2012. “I will come back when this school is...
  • Power corp supports egg production in Ifugao town

    MAYOYAO, Ifugao, Sept. 22 (PIA) -- Folks from this town received recently funds from the SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) -Magat, Inc. for their commercial egg production. Rhoda Santos of SNAP said they downloaded a total amount of P375,000 to the municipality to fund the livelihood project to alleviate their economic situation.This is under the livelihood component of SNAP-Magat’s corporate social responsibility program. A table egg production project of the Majawjaw Environment Guide Associati...
  • NGO starts biodiversity conservation project in Cagayan

    STA. ANA, Cagayan, Sept 21 (PIA) -- A non-government organization for environmental conservation, Process Luzon, has already started its “Biodiversity Conservation” project at Barangay Rapuli and Palui Island, this town. Romulo Sitchon, president and chief executive officer, said the project, which was funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was conceptualized in partnership with fishers and environment protectors’ associations in the area to mobilize the people to rehab...
  • Street children, elderly benefit from feeding and medical outreach program in Ozamiz

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Sept. 20 (PIA) -- Close to 400 residents were benefited by the recent Feeding and medical/dental outreach program sponsored by the Mt. Malindang Eagles Club in Purok 8, Barangay Carmen, this city. The beneficiaries included the senior citizens and street children who availed not only of the food but also of the medical check-up and dental services provided by the members of the medical/dental team. Aimed at helping the indigent families in the area, the pro...
  • Lanao Norte kids receive free surgery from Maharlika Charity Foundation

    TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Sept 20 -- Sixty nine children, aged eight months to 10 years old, from different towns of this province received free surgical operation from the Maharlika Charity Foundation Incorporated (MCFI). The three-day medical mission held September 10 to 13 at Lanao del Norte Provincial Hospital in the town of Baroy was intended for indigent children suffering from cleft lip, cleft palate, hydrocele and hernia. For its part, the local government of Lanao del Norte provided the...
  • Japan Red Cross completes shelter assistance to Ifugao typhoon victims

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Sept. 20 (PIA) --The Japan Red Cross (JRC) recently completed the delivery of materials for the construction of houses destroyed by typhoons Pedring and Quiel last year. Provincial Red Cross Ifugao Chapter Head Randy Blanco received the materials consisting of concrete posts, galvanized iron sheets, and other aggregate housing materials as shelter assistance of the JRC to the 43 families rendered homeless by past calamities in Banaue, Kiangan, Lagawe, and Lamut. According to...
  • Mall in Davao adopts green archi

    DAVAO CITY Sept. 20 (PIA)-- SM City’s newest premier mall in the Davao City, which is set to open on September 28 this year, takes malling to a new level with the adoption of green architecture components in the construction of the SM City Lanang Premier. “We have installed a rain-catchment system capable of handling 550 cubic meters of water in accordance with the new city ordinance requiring a rainwater catchment system for all new constructions,” SM City Lanang Premier mall manager Cl...
  • Training for nurses, midwives on communication planning

    NAGA CITY, Sept 20 (PIA) -- A three-day interactive workshop for nurses and midwives in Camarines Sur will be conducted by resource persons from the Health Action Information Network (HAIN), an organization established in 1985 to serve the information and research needs of community-based health programs in the Philippines. The training is slated from October 4-6 here in Naga City. Dubbed “Developing a Strategic Communications Plans for Nurse and Midwives: the Smart Chart Approach,” the ...
  • Crown-of-thorns fair game for “scubasureros"

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Sept. 20 (PIA) -- Boholanos from various walks of life trooped to the coasts for the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) day on September 13. Clad in wet suits and strapped in self contained underwater breathing apparatus, a group of volunteer divers scoured the reefs close to the shores for the usual tangle of cellophanes, discarded nets, broken plastic implements, rubber tires and yes, crown-of-thorns starfish (dap-ag) scientifically called Acanthaste Planci. Acc...
  • Greenpeace-Phl in Bicol to set out global campaign for ocean's protection

    LEGAZPI CITY, Sept 18 (PIA) -- Greenpeace Philippines has visited the coastal waters of Burias and Ticao Pass in Masbate province of the Bicol region to gather data for scientific and objective intervention on the problems threatening the marine ecosystem. “The visit is part of the peaceful global campaign set out by the Greenpeace to protect and preserve our oceans. We are advocating for changes to ensure that our needs are met without harming our environment,” said Vince Cinches, Greenpea...
  • School publications in Pangasinan soon to be digital

    LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Sept 18 (PIA) -- School publications in Pangasinan will soon be digitized. This developed as the provincial government proposed to student journalists and school paper advisers in an orientation-seminar to create a digital counterpart of their school papers. Governor Amado Espino, Jr. said many print and broadcast content providers and information sources as well as other media websites, both local and foreign, have shifted from traditional media into using digital media ...
  • Baguio City groups engage in tree planting activities

    BAGUIO CITY, Sept 15 (PIA) -- More groups in Baguio City and Benguet are engaging in tree planting activities. News reporters and staff of the ABS-CBN TV3 Baguio planted 500 pine and callandra tree seedlings at the Puguis Communal Forest in La Trinidad, Benguet last week. ABS-CBN Baguio Station Manager Bernie Aldana said that they have planted trees in a 250,000-square meter area of the forest reserve area in Puguis, which they have adopted as their forest land area. Aldana said that the tree...
  • Local artists to get royalty fees from hotel, resto sector

    BAGUIO CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA)--Local Filipino artists are now assured of royalty fees from the hotel and restaurant sector in Baguio City after a memorandum of agreement was signed last week. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio led by Chairman Moises Cating and President Anthony De Leon signed the MOA with the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Songwriters Inc. (FILSCAP) headed by its President Noel Cabangon during the 9th Hotel and Restaurant Tourism Weekend at the Baguio Cou...
  • ISELCO II resolves intermittent brown outs in service areas

    ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Sept 14 (PIA) -- The Isabela Electric Cooperative II management is resolving the issue of intermittent brownouts that are experienced by consumers in the last few days. ISELCO II General Manager Dave Solomon Siquian and the whole ISELCO management are now looking at the causes of brownouts and will make necessary solutions to resolve problems that are arising in the electric distribution utilities. Siquian said his office was swamped by complaints from barangay captains t...
  • Schools unite for Iloilo watershed area dev’t

    ILOILO, Sept 14 (PIA) -- Five major tertiary institutions in Iloilo City signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to undertake convergent initiatives in developing the potentials of the Iloilo Tigum-Aganan Watershed area. It is a big opportunity for the local government units (LGU) to be recipients of the academe’s expertise, technical assistance and results of studies that can push their respective initiatives forward, Alimodian, Iloilo Mayor Juanito Alipao, president of the Tigum-Aganan W...
  • Ifugao youth leader initiates distribution of books to school libraries

    HINGYON, Ifugao, Sept 13 (PIA) -- A student leader here initiated the sourcing of books from the Children International Philippines in Quezon City and distributed general reference books to government schools in three municipalities in the province. Jessie Bognadon, 21, a graduate of the St. Mary’s University in Nueva Vizcaya and who hails from this municipality, led the distribution of two crates of donated books from the said institution to Wangwang Elementary School in Tinoc town, Antipo...
  • Newspaper union in Pangasinan to host journalism ethics seminar

    DAGUPAN CITY, Sept 13 (PIA) -– The newly-formed Pangasinan Union of Newspaper Publishers (PUNP) will host a seminar on journalism excellence and ethics on Friday, September 14 at the Narciso Complex in Lingayen town. Celso Manuel, president of PUNP, said the conduct of the half-day seminar is very timely in the organization’s desire to further professionalize the media industry in the province. Resource speakers for the seminar include multi-awarded investigative journalist and Ateneo le...
  • Good Governance signature campaign launched in the 1st Jesse Robredo Youth Leadership Seminar

    DAET, Camarines Norte, Sept 13 (PIA) -- The local initiative “A call for transparency, accountability and good governance” signature campaign was launched during the 1st Jesse Robredo Youth Leadership Seminar. It was held September 9 by the Mabini Colleges-College of Business Administration and Accountancy Central Council at the Daet Heritage Center here. Professor Rex Bernardo said it is their appeal, being conscientious citizens of Camarines Norte, that they have deeply reflected to take...
  • "Paindis-indis sa Binalaybay" entries till Sept. 21

    ILOILO CITY, September 13 (PIA6) -- Entries for the 2012 Dr. Graciano Lopez Jaena poetry contest or Paindis-indis sa Binalaybay are now being accepted until September 21, 2012. The contest with the theme “Ang Paghimud-os ni Graciano Lopez Jaena Para sa Kahilwayan Sang Pilipinas” (The Endeavors of Graciano Lopez Jaena for the Freedom of the Philippines) is open to students of public and private high schools in this city. Graciano Lopez Jaena Foundation, Inc President Engr. A...
  • Philippine Red Cross, Rotary Club launch ‘Blood Samaritan Project’

    DAGUPAN CITY, Sept 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Pangasinan chapter and the Rotary Club of Dagupan East launched the "Blood Samaritan Project" on Monday to address the humanitarian need for safe, adequate and equitable distribution of blood supply. The Blood Samaritan Project is a resource generation activity initiated by the Philippine Red Cross to help indigent clients gain access to blood and blood products. The strong and stable collaboration with Rotary Club led to the "RC-RC ...
  • Peace Conveners Group partners with groups to sustain peace initiatives

    BANGUED, Abra, Sept 13 (PIA) -- The Abra Peace Conveners Group has implemented programs in partnership with different groups and individuals to sustain peace initiatives in the province. Last September 6 to 8, the group together with the Abra Cascaron de Dadapilan, Inc., (ACDDI) and the Network Internationale for Children Empowerment (NICE) – Abra organized a three-day seminar on Understanding Child Delinquency and Community Responsibility. The seminar aimed to equip participants with skil...
  • Supplemental feeding program of Bethesda Ministries to benefit 489 Tantangan kids

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 13 (PIA) -- Malnourished kids in Tantangan town are expected to receive health packs from a known Christian group leading the campaign against hunger and malnutrition in the Southeast Asian nations. Health packs containing 12 vitamins and minerals for the nourishment of about 489 children aging 0 to 71 months are to be given by Bethesda Ministries International to identified malnourished children in the nine out of the 13 barangays of Tantangan, acting mun...
  • Feature: Info officers also save lives

    CAPIZ, Sept 13 (PIA) -- Government information officers will go beyond the usual promotion and education advocacy of government’s policies, programs and accomplishments. They will now be among the heroes for saving the lives of their brethren in Capiz by being blood donors. Carlette Pretta, president of the Capiz Association of Government Information Officers (Cagpio) has been a regular blood donor of the Philippine Red Cross-Capiz Chapter for many years now. “Every year, I see to it that...
  • Birdwatch Palawan steps up bird awareness and conservation campaign thru photography

    PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Sept 12 (PIA) -- Birdwatch Palawan Ornithological Society (BPOS) is partnering with Wild Birds Photographers of the Philippines (WBPP) in advancing bird awareness and conservation campaign through the conduct of “Wild Birds of Palawan–Avian Treasures of the Philippines.” Birdwatch Palawan Ornithological Society is a group of birdwatchers and bird enthusiasts composed of government employees, nongovernment workers, conservation professionals, ecotourism front...
  • Red Cross-Ifugao receives materials for shelter assistance

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, Sept 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) - Ifugao Chapter received today materials for the construction of houses to replace those that were totally damaged by typhoons Pedring and Quiel which devastated the province last year. Randy Blanco, PRC chapter head, said that the materials from the the project dubbed as Transitional Shelter Assistance, will be distributed to the following municipalities: Lamut-6; Kiangan-12; Banaue-7 and Lagawe-8. “The corrugated galvanized i...
  • 224 residents benefit from medical-dental mission in remote Itogon barangay

    BAGUIO CITY, Sept. 11(PIA)-- More than 200 indigent residents from the far flung areas of barangay Virac in Itogon, Benguet benefited from the medical and dental outreach sponsored by a mining firm. Barangay Captain Noel Bilibli led 224 of his constituents in availing the free services and medicines brought by Benguet Corporation to one of its host communities, which is one of the least accessible barangays in the municipality. Among the services made available to the beneficiaries inclu...
  • Dagupeño, a new JCI Phl prexy

    DAGUPAN CITY, Sept. 11 — The national organization of the Junior Chamber International (JCI), one of the largest secular youth service organizations in the world, is now being led by a Dagupeño. City Secretary Ryan Ravanzo was elected 65th National President of the 6,000 member-strong JCI Philippines in a consensus election conducted in the simultaneous Area Conferences in Iligan, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Bulacan and Isabela last September 9. Backed by a strong track record of performance thr...
  • Nueva Vizcaya groups to sponsor music fest for dengue awareness, prevention

    BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya, Sept 10 (PIA) -- Community organizations in Nueva Vizcaya will sponsor a rock music festival to raise the level of awareness on dengue prevention and to generate blood supply for dengue patients. The Rock Against Dengue Music Festival and Blood Letting will be sponsored by GJ’s Music Studio, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation, Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), Alpha Phi Omega International Fraternity and Sorority, Supreme Student Council (SSC), Nueva Vizcaya Sta...
  • SSS celebrates 55 years of service

    MANILA, Sept 10 (PIA) -- The Social Security System celebrated its 55th anniversary with President Benigno S. Aquino III as guest of honor and speaker at the Ramon Magsaysay Hall of the SSS Main office in Quezon City. This year's theme, "Sa SSS, Kabuhayang Pinagsikapan, Seguridad Maaasahan," centers on the continuous collective efforts of the workers, employers and the men and women of the SSS, as inspired by a government geared towards a straight path, to ensure that adequate social security p...
  • ALFI scholars thankful for educational assistance

    QUEZON CITY, Sept 10 (PIA) -- Scholarship grantees from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) expressed their gratitude to the Alay Lakad Foundation Inc. (ALFI) for its “generous help” in realizing their dream of becoming productive citizens of the country. “Your generosity will allow us to pursue our dreams, and for that, we cannot thank you enough. Though we pursue different courses, we will continue our goals: to finish our studies and to be productive citizens of our co...
  • Aboitiz pays P72.5M realty taxes in two provinces

    RAMON, Isabela, Sept 6 (PIA) -- The SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) - Magat paid its tax obligations to two provinces, Isabela and Ifugao, where the power plant is operating. The provincial government of Isabela, represented by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Karen Abuan together with provincial treasurer Maria Theresa Flores, received from SNAP Magat a check amounting to P30,350,455.20. Meanwhile, the province of Ifugao, which was represented by Gov. Eugene Balitang, got P42,190, 830.48. Lawyer Mike...
  • UP Law Center conducts legal education seminar

    GENERAL TRIAS, Cavite, Sept 6 (PIA) -- All 33 barangay captains, including several members of their respective councils, attended the recent Barangay Legal Education Seminar (BLES) conducted by the University of the Philippines (UP) Law Center (Training and Convention Division). The said seminar, which was held at the municipal town hall, aimed to enhance the understanding of law for barangay officials so they can effectively handle their sworn commitment to the community. The local government...
  • New PRC-AdS Board of Directors sworn into office

    PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The Board of Directors (BOD) of the Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur (PRC-AdS) for 2012-2014 took their oath of office before Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza in simple ceremonies last September 4. “I am very glad to see you, our partners and volunteers that will compose the Board of Directors of the PRC-AdS, while feeling the responsibilities that we will share in the service of the Agusanons, especially during disaster. I am...
  • Phl Girl Scouts pay tribute to its first executive director Mariquita Castelo on her 100th birth anniversary

    MANILA, Sept. 4 (PIA) -- The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) said in a press release that it celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of its first National Executive Director, Mariquita S. Castelo at the GSP National Headquarters, Manila on August 30. Her term started in 1953 and ended in 1979. GSP officials present were National President Dr. Salud A. Bagalso, First National Vice-President Dr. Cristina L. Yuson, Second National Vice-President Susan R. Locsin, International Commissioner Dr. ...
  • Binga Dam receives ERC certificate of compliance

    ITOGON, Benguet, Sept. 4 (PIA) -- The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) recently awarded the Certificate of Compliance (COC) for the new 31.45-megawatt (MW) Unit 1 of SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet’s (SNAP-Benguet) Binga Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP). The COC, which attests to adherence to environmental, technical and financial standards of generation companies and facilities, is a prerequisite to the commercial operation of a power plant and is valid for five years. The new Unit 1 turbine...
  • Xavier University holds SSWM EP&R workshop

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Sept. 4 -- Xavier University’s Sustainable Sanitation (SuSan) Center together with Seecon International gmbh and the Southeast Asia Rural Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN) conducted a six-day workshop on Sustainable Sanitation and Water Management (SSWM) and its role in emergency preparedness and response (EP&R) cycle on August 13-18. Fifteen groups from government agencies, NGOs, religious institution and the academe participated in the training. The first part of the ...
  • DSWD-7 receives cash, other donation for Habagat victims

    CEBU CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the region (DSWD-7) received cash worth P17,330 and other kinds of donations from various organizations, government offices and individuals for the Habagat victims in Metro Manila. One of the resorts in Cebu donated used clothing, slightly used towels, pairs of assorted slippers and sandals, assorted native hats and new female underwear worth P9,030. During the 4th weekly meeting of the “Task Force Tabang for Hab...
  • Energy firm, ABS-CBN give educ TV packages to schools

    TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental, Sept 1 -- Energy-firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) and ABS-CBN Foundation have provided elementary schools with educational television (ETV) packages, with Gracia and Maribojoc Elementary Schools in Tagoloan being the latest recipients. SPI manager Ghaye Alegrio and Tagoloan Mayor Paulino Emano led the simple turn-over rites for these packages in the area. Designed to enhance classroom teaching and learning process, the ETV program has so far gained marked improveme...
  • European Parliamentarians express support for Phl's RH bill

    QUEZON CITY, Aug. 31 (PIA) -- European parliamentarians who are in the Philippines for a study tour said in a press briefing today that the Filipinos need a reproductive health law in order to have better access to health services. In a statement, Ricardo Baptista Leite, member of the Parliament from Portugal, said an RH law can help people live better lives. A medical doctor by profession, Leite said an RH law will give "true information so the people can make informed choices" about various ...
  • City turns 636 houses to calamity survivors

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug 31 -- The mayor here led the turn-over of 636 more houses and lots to displaced families who were affected by tropical storm Sendong, as one of the highlights of the Kagay-an Festival 2012. Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas, city councilors, department heads, together with Ferdinand Constantino, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) executive, and Charlie Ayco, Habitat for Humanity chief executive officer (CEO), among others, took part in the program held at the city’s relocation s...
  • Ifugao studes organized to do environmental, community services

    LAMUT, Ifugao, Aug 30 (PIA) -- Students from the municipality of Kiangan and studying at the Ifugao State University campus here organized themselves to help achieve progress. Brandon Gullunan, newly elected president of the Kiangan Students’ Organization (KISO), said among the programs the group will implement are environmental and community services. Gullunan said the school administration has identified an area in the school campus where members of the organization will clean, plant and b...
  • Hedcor-donated classrooms benefits Sibulan kinder pupils

    STA. CRUZ, Davao Del Sur, Aug 30 (PIA) -- Kindergarten pupils in a remote public elementary school here have pioneered in benefiting from a newly-built and colorful school building furnished with educational facilities. From an old wooden structure without concrete flooring, the Sibulan Elementary School at Barangay Sibulan has been accommodating since June this year 45 kinder students in a one-storey building with two classrooms designed for more conducive learning. The little learners are us...
  • Samar holds Advanced Media Skills Training for the youth

    DARAM, Samar, Aug 30 (PIA) -- Thirty children and youth participated in the Advanced Media Skills training conducted on August 24 at Barangay Saugon in the island town of Daram, Samar. The participants aged 11 to 17 were from the municipalities of Daram, Gandara and Santa Margarita, all in the province of Samar, according to Janice Tapil, a Plan Philippines youth volunteer. The training was led by Plan Philippines, a non-government organization that advocates and protects the rights of childre...
  • Kalinga to launch contest on Rizal’s "Mi Ultimo Adios"

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Aug. 29 (PIA) --- Reciting the immortal last farewell of Dr. Jose Rizal will be contested anew in commemoration of his 151st death anniversary this year. This will be the second year of putting into a contest the recitation of his “Mi Ultimo Adios” (My Last Farewell) in celebration of the national hero's death anniversary on December 30. The contest is again sponsored by Dr. Amelia Belandres Miranda, a private eye physician and a respected civic leader ...
  • Electronic products store brings free laundry facilities to evacuees

    SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna, Aug 29 (PIA) -- Concerns of evacuees over laundry were solved when the Panasonic Helping Hand Service Clinic came to this city last August 23-25. Grace Francisco, a representative from Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corp., said they brought the clinic so they can help affected families who had problems dealing with their laundry since they are in evacuation centers. The facility was placed at the city plaza. She said this is the first time they brought the clinic...
  • Bicol Harvest spearheads essay writing contest on the legacy of Sec. Robredo

    DAET, Camarines Norte, Aug 28 (PIA) -- An essay writing competition to honor the late Secretary Jesse Robredo’s exemplary governance as mayor of Naga City and head of the Department of Interior and Local Government will be held in the Bicol Region. The Bicol Harvest Magazine, in cooperation with the Kaya Natin Movement and the ABS CBN, has proposed the contest dubbed “Bicol 2012 Essay Writing Competition on the Living Legacy of Secretary Jesse Robredo.” Tito Sarion, publisher of the Bic...
  • South Cotabato cop wins Metrobank Foundation 2012 COPS

    KORONADAL CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) -- It's a blessed year for a Koronadaleno police officer of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office. Senior police officer 3 Renjun O. Bagaman is named one of the ten Country’s Outstanding Police in Service (COPS) of the Metrobank Foundation Inc. for year 2012. Bagaman, who joined the police force in 1997, said he was surprised when his superior called him earlier this month and presented a confirmation of an award he will receive on September 5, 2012 fr...
  • Roadshow set in Dumaguete to prepare PWDs for 2013 elections

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Aug 28 (PIA) -- The Foundation for Communication Initiatives, Inc. (FOCI) is set to hold a Fully Abled Nation (FAN) Day national roadshow in September in Dumaguete City to increase active participation of persons with disabilities in 2013 elections. FOCI Managing Director Criselle Capistrano said the FAN advocacy campaign is implemented by the Asia Foundation (TAF) with the support from Disability-Inclusive Elections program of Australian Agency for Internationa...
  • Ecolink Phils, DILG, PNP join the nation in mourning the late Sec. Robredo

    PAGADIAN CITY, Aug 28 (PIA) -- The Ecolink Philippines, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a candle lighting ceremony in front of the Jose Rizal monument, city complex here on Thursday evening. Ecolink Philippines is a civil society organization in Mindanao that promotes good governance, social accountability, and campaigns for anticorruption. The ceremony started at 6 p.m. and was attended by members of Ecolink Phils, ...
  • RMN turns 60 today, Aug. 28

    ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Aug 28 (PIA) --The Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) celebrates today, August 28, its 60th Anniversary, serving the people on air nationwide, with the mother station RMN Cagayan de Oro-DXCC in Cagayan de Oro City. Joining its mother network is RMN Iligan-DXIC 711 (Kasama Mo) in Iligan City who celebrated the year with a medical mission. Over 1,000 individuals citywide have benefited from the health services conducted by RMN Iligan last August 25, in partnership with...
  • 3,500 families in Silang, Cavite receive rice donation

    SILANG, Cavite, Aug 28 (PIA) -- A total of 3,534 families affected by the southwest monsoon in the municipality received 20 kilos of rice from the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Philippines. Alfredo T. Li, chief executive officer of the Taiwan-based Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, said their involvement in relief efforts is their way of giving back to the Filipinos who have accepted them as residents of the country. “This is also in accordance with the teaching of our founder Dharma Master Cheng ...
  • Students join Nat’l Greening Program tree planting

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 28 (PIA) -- Student’s organization in Guintas National School, Hamtic, Antique joined the nationwide movement on tree planting for the National Greening Program. More than 200 students members of Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) and Student’s Supreme Council of the said school joined the tree planting activity on Wednesday. About 600 seedlings of fruit and timber trees were planted in about 1.5 hectares planting site near the school. Aside ...
  • Time to move on, live the ‘Robredo Spirit,’ says local priest

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Aug. 28 -- “We could see the ‘Robredo magic’ on how his death has brought together the rich and the poor, how he touched so many lives. But magic is fleeting, so we all have to move on and live the Robredo Spirit which is sacrifice for the common good, a sacrifice for the people.” Father Joker Gamatero, a young Catholic priest left this message to local officials, government employees and the public during a mass offering for the late Department of Interior and Loc...
  • PBA legends urge Bacolod youth to reach for dreams

    BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Aug 28 (PIA) -- Legends of the Philippine Basketball Association urged young people of Barangay Taloc to strive and reach for their dreams during a turnover of a basketball court here in Purok Langka. Former PBA stars Benjie Paras, Jerry Codiñera and Ronnie Magsanoc, over the weekend, led the turnover of the basketball court in Barangay Taloc, Purok Langka through Alaxan’s “Court of Inspiration.” The half court-size play ground was constructed purely by...
  • Telco embarks on key initiatives to accelerate operations in Eastern Visayas

    TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, August 27 (PIA) -- As the local economy continues to grow, one telecommunications company operating in Eastern Visayas has embarked on several initiatives to further accelerate its dynamic operations in the Region. Among the key initiatives are the opening of new point-¬of-presence at Barangay Bagacay, creation of a Senior Citizens Lane and the establishment of a Day Care Center. Bayan Chief Operating Officer (COO) Rafael T. Aguado said these initiatives are being rolled ...
  • Abrasa co-op vies for Gawad Saka national award anew

    DIFFUN, Quirino, Aug 26 (PIA) -- Abrasa Multi-Purpose Cooperative, a small cooperative that is booming and aiming to be one of the giant cooperatives in the province, is again among the three finalists chosen from 11 entries all over the country for the Gawad Saka search for Outstanding Small Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization (OSFFO). As part of the evaluation process, the cooperative was visited for a two-day assessment recently by national evaluators from the Department of Agriculture. ...
  • BCC employees ready to respond during fire, disasters

    BAGUIO CITY, Aug. 25 (PIA) -- The Baguio Country Club (BCC) is ready to respond to any disaster and to help the disaster risk reduction and management council and other volunteer responders in the city. BCC Health and Safety Manager Leonard Cancio said at least 155 BCC employees finished their Fire Brigade Training and are now ready to respond to any fire incident in the city of Baguio and nearby areas. Cancio said the fire fighters and employees have been equipped with the knowledg...
  • Rotary club donates computers to Siquijor elem schools

    SIQUIJOR, August 25 (PIA)-- The Rotary Club of Siquijor Island Incorporated (RCSI) donated half a million worth of computers to some 24 elementary schools in the province, says a report by Al Lagasse, the chairman of the committee for the project. Lagasse said the RCSI has sourced out funds from England following the proposal for the project that aims to provide computers to all elementary schools. The club received the financial assistance in June this year, out of which P50,000 is allocated...
  • PRC launches Pledge 25 program, calls support for blood donation

    SIQUIJOR, Aug 25 (PIA) --The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) launched the 'Pledge 25' program to support its call for blood donation, says PRC administrator Rowena Maputi in an earlier report. Maputi said the program that was launched in July during the celebration of blood donor month is a program of the Red Cross Youth that encourages individuals ages 18 to 25 to donate blood regularly to augment the blood availability in the Siquijor. It’s a social responsibility and there is nothing to be afr...
  • University of Southeastern Philippines unveils gym and cultural center

    DAVAO CITY, Aug 24 (PIA) -- The University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) has unveiled the USEP Gymnasium and Cultural Center in its inaguration last August 17. “Right now you are witnessing the best and modern gym in Mindanao,” said Dr. Perfecto Alibin, USEP president, during the inauguration of the 7,0000-seater gym. Alibin said that the maple flooring along with the Porter basketball goals is the only Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA)-accredited basketball court in th...
  • Indigent families from Cavite receive rice aid

    TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Aug 24 (PIA) -- Ten thousand qualified indigent families in the towns of Carmona, Silang and General Mariano Alvarez (CarSiGMA) have received 20 kilos of rice each donated by the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines in partnership with the Taiwanese Chamber of the South Philippines (TCSP). The recipients of the rice aid were equally divided among the indigent families in the fifth district which comprised the municipalities of Carmona, Silang and General Mariano ...
  • Maria Reyna-Xavier University Hospital inaugurates new building

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug 24 -- A new three-story building of the Maria Reyna-Xavier University Hospital (MR-XUH) was inaugurated on August 20. The structure houses an additional 30 private patient rooms and a cafeteria. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma SJDD led the rite of blessing assisted by MR-XUH President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ and Fr. Gil Escalante. The private rooms have a stand-by medical apparatus, a sleeping chair, telephone and wall-mounted cable television. This newly completed projec...
  • Mining firm turns over health kits to South Cotabato health centers

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 23 (PIA) -- Mining firm Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) has turned over health kits yesterday to the provincial government intended for all barangay health stations in the province. Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Josephine Leysa received 620 health kits in behalf of the provincial local government from Leonardo Cortez Jr., SMI’s regional and provincial affairs superintendent. “The don...
  • World Vision program gains support of Misamis Occidental

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 23 (PIA) -- The Child Health Now (CHN) Advocacy Program of the World Vision, Inc. has gained the support of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Government. This, after Governor Herminia M. Ramiro saw that the CHN, which was launched by the World Vision-Himaya Oroquieta City Chapter, recently, extends services not only to its members but to all the residents in the community. The CHN advocacy is in line with the objectives of the Millennium Development ...
  • Bishops urge vigilance in selection of new DILG chief

    MANILA, Aug 23 (PIA) -- Two Catholic bishops stressed the need for vigilance among Filipinos as the government is set to appoint the next chief of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). In a statement by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo believe the position left by the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo is crucial to the government, thus the need for serious public atten...
  • Feature: Performance Governance System key towards community progress

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug 23 (PIA) -- The Center of International Private Enterprise (CIPE) emphasized that strengthening public governance is crucial in strengthening participatory democracy in the Philippines. Based on this, nongovernmental organization Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) is committed to improving governance practices among local governments, civil society groups and public agencies beginning 2000. Hinged on the Harvard Business’ Balanced Scorecard technology, I...
  • ONE Rescue gets new ambulance for free emergency medical service

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 23 (PIA) -- The Oriental Negros Emergency Rescue Foundation, Inc (ONE Rescue EMS) received on Friday, August 17, a brand new ambulance for their free emergency medical service (EMS). First District Representative Josy Limkaichong turned over the 2012 model Hyundai Grand Starex ambulance to ONE Rescue president Atty. Riodil Montebon, after which Archbishop John Du of Palo, Leyte led the blessing ceremony together with Monsignors Gamaliel Tulabing and Julius Heruela. The ambu...
  • Tabuk youth observe Aug. 21 with tree planting

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- In observance of the the death anniversary of the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., Tabuk City youth held a tree planting activity. One hundred sixty members of Tabuk City Youth Community Service Club planted 500 assorted tree seedlings at the campus of Bulu National High School in Brgy. Bulu here. As a community project, the activity was joined by officials from the city, school, barangay and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). Ta...
  • Kapampangan book competes in 2012 National Book Awards

    ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Aug 21 (PIA) -- A book that provides eyewitness accounts of Kapampangans during the aftermath of the 1991 Pinatubo eruption is now competing under the Science category of the prestigious 2012 National Book Awards. Entitled "Pinatubo: The Volcano in Our Backyard," the book was penned by Holy Angel University-Center for Kapampangan Studies director Robby Tantingco and published in time for the 20th anniversary of the eruption in 2011. In an interview, Tantingco said, “I...
  • Amazing race highlights celebration of International Humanitarian Law Month 2012 in Abra

    BANGUED, Abra, AUg. 20 (PIA) -- This year’s International Humanitarian Law Month celebration in the province was highlighted by the 'amazing race' during the Youth Camp 2012 organized by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Abra Chapter. Mr. James Manuel Laygo, officer-in-charge of the PRC-Abra Chapter said the 'amazing race' is dubbed as the Ultimate Sirmata Challenge where students of various secondary and tertiary schools in the province competed in essay writing, quiz bee, poster mak...
  • Pinoy overseas group educate Quirino residents on anti-trafficking law

    MADDELA, Quirino, Aug 18 (PIA) -- Emigrant officers of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) conducted information and education campaigns on the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act in several towns in Quirino. The CFO educate people about the Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, this time in the municipalites of Diffun, Cabarroguis and Mandela on August 16 and 17, CFO Emigrant Services Office II Graciel Antonett A. Paguinto said. “We send requests to the local...
  • Negros Oriental LGUs commit to reduce child labor in sugarcane areas

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 17 (PIA) -- Five local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental are committed to support World Vision's Pag-aaral ng Bata para sa Kinabukasan - Livelihood, Education, Advocacy and Protection (ABK3-LEAP) program to reduce the 1,990 child laborers identified working in sugarcane plantations in the province. According to ABK 3 project director Daphne Culanag 18 barangays from the municipalities of Mabinay, Manjuyod, Sta. Catalina, Siaton and Tanjay City will receive the assis...
  • GMA Kapuso extends assistance to 500 families in La Union

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug 17 (PIA) -- Ilocanos and at least 500 families from Barangay Catbangen affected by tropical storm "Helen" benefited from the assistance extended by the GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc (GMA KFI). Maricel Tarrayo, GMA KFI project staff, said in an interview that this was done through the provision of packed relief goods worth P250 each. The items given included noodles, canned goods, coffee, milk and biscuit. There were also new and used clothes, detergent powder and s...
  • Capiceña PWD scholar earns int’l master’s degree

    ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug 17 (PIA) -- A Capiceña was among the 10 scholars who graduated for the degree in the Master’s in Comparative and International Disability Policy (CIDP) program during the inaugural convocation ceremony on August 14 at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. Della Leonor, only scholar for the program in Western Visayas and among the six Filipino graduates for the degree, studied online at the American University of International Service based in Washington DC from Augu...
  • Kalinga students, agri-base producers attend entrepreneur summit

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Aug 16 (PIA) -- Students taking up business administration and entrepreneurial course at the Kalinga-Apayao State College (KASC) and agri-based producers participated in a community entrepreneur summit and trade fair here last Tuesday. Maximo Garming, extension director of KASC, said the entrepreneur summit held at the Kalinga Sports Center, was intended to enhance the capability of small business entrepreneurs, to set promotion of Kalinga products and to develop enterpr...
  • Displaced persons in Maguindanao get assistance from ICRC

    KORONADAL CITY, August 16 (PIA)--Two thousand two hundred internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in the province of Maguindanao received household items yesterday from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The families were affected by the recent armed conflict in the province. The ICRC in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross visited 468 war-affected families temporarily sheltered in Ampatuan National High School, Madrasah public market in Barangay Kauran,and Mahat Islamic...
  • DSWD-7, Jolibee nominate model families for its 2nd Jollibee Family Values Awards

    CEBU CITY, Aug 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – 7 in cooperation with the Jollibee Foods Corporation, Inc. will choose a Filipino model family for its 2nd Jolibee Family Values Awards (JFVA) next month. Jollibee asked the DSWD-7, the government’s welfare arm, to nominate any Filipino family who have demonstrated positive Filipino values from among its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries in Central Visayas. Five Filipino families will rece...
  • Media groups join forces to support FOI Act

    CEBU CITY, Aug 16 (PIA) -- Several media organizations and editors joined forces in its efforts to push for the immediate passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. The Philippine Press Institute (PPI), the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition decided yesterday, August 15, to be marked as "FOI Day" to place emphasis on the importance of the said act. The said activity also served as the beginning of the organizations’ plans in observing...
  • Accounting students joins Regional Leadership Congress in Ilocos

    BATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte, Aug 16 (PIA) -- Accounting students from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) joined the Regional Leadership Congress this year. this year. With the theme, “Ilabas ang Cool-it,” the event was spearheaded by the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA). One of the major thrusts of the NFJPIA is to hone leaders and professionals to take the lead in business, commerce and finance. As the melting pot of all cultures, school leader...
  • 50K trees to help reforest Ipo watershed

    QUEZON CITY, August 16 (PIA) -- More trees will soon be planted in the Ipo Dam Watershed in Bulacan to prevent calamities such as erosion and flooding. Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has started its “Plant for Life” tree-planting activities for 2012 and has pledged to plant 50,000 saplings this year. Maynilad said from 2007 to 2011, 164,000 saplings were planted. Likewise, 6,600 saplings were also planted in July celebration of Maynilad’s chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan’s 66t...
  • Australia supports Philippine disaster preparedness through WFP rice contingency stock

    MANILA, Aug. 15 (PIA) -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a grant of $AU1 million, approximately P43.8 million, from the Australian government to boost WFP’s contingency food stocks for enhanced disaster response capacity in the Philippines. The contribution, made through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), will be used to dispatch rice to flood-affected people, augmenting the Philippine government’s relief response. “WFP is grat...
  • Eco tour guides offer taste of upland living experience

    ILOILO CITY, Aug 15 (PIA6) -- High School student Frecy Cagud, of Cabardo National High School in the upland town of Alimodian, says she now knows the proper way of welcoming visitors to her barangay. Danny Capilitan, a mountain guide from Cabacanan Alimodian said he realized that there is life beyond the mountains and the forests. Frecy Cagud and Danny Capilitan were among those who underwent a series of On-site Eco-Tour guiding Training for the upland towns of the Tigum-Aganan Watershed ar...
  • Ilocos Sur residents urged to volunteer for Red Cross 143

    VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur, Aug 14 (PIA) -- Residents of Ilocos Sur are urged to volunteer for the Red Cross 143 program, to provide information to residents in disasters and become responders to any calamity that might strike the province. "Filipinos must always be ready in any disaster and must be prepared to take care of their families and their own barangays particularly during storms and other calamities. This is the goal of Red Cross 143 program of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)," Ilocos Sur...
  • ILO spearheads seminar on child labor, human trafficking

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 14 (PIA) -- The International Labor Organization spearheaded a three-day seminar on witness protection, child labor and human trafficking in Ormoc City, Leyte on August 7 to 9. Ruperto Golong, lawyer, who heads the Regional Task Force on Human Trafficking (RTFHT) in Eastern Visayas and was one of the speakers, said human trafficking usually thrives in areas where there is high incidence of poverty. He added that the most number of cases in human trafficking come from ...
  • Local youth org to offer free art workshops to Angeleños

    ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Aug 14 (PIA) -- Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan (Karatula) or Youth Artists for Genuine Freedom-Pampanga chapter invites young people of Angeles City to its free visual arts, theater and poetry workshops slated on August 25 at Central Luzon Youth and Students’ Development Center, beside the city library. The workshop billed “ARTspiring towards INKspiring,” seeks to give young artists, specifically those who live in the urban poor communities, a chance t...
  • RAFI taps youths to promote Cebu as culture, heritage site

    CEBU CITY, Aug 14 (PIA) -- A non-government organization here led the campaign in promoting Cebu as a cultural and heritage destination as it partnered with the academe to tap, prepare and strengthen youth volunteers of the Kabataan, Kultura ug Kabilin (KKK) in the promotional drive. The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Culture & Heritage established a partnership with the University of San Carlos Department of Anthropology, Sociology and History (USC-DASH), in creating a team building acti...
  • Phl Red Cross -La Union leads celebration of International Humanitarian Law Day

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug 14 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) here, in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights, spearheaded the commemoration of the “International Humanitarian Law Day” in the province to raise consciousness and promote greater awareness on the principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). It will espouse the theme “Itaguyod ang IHL, Sibilyan Pangalagaan.” Executive Order 134 declared August 12, 1999 and every 12th day of August thereafter ...
  • Cebu LGU, RAFI inks partnership to address classroom shortage

    CEBU CITY Aug 14 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and its partners have turned over 12 classrooms in the four public elementary schools of Asturias town. These include Bago Elementary School, Tubigagmanok Elementary School, Manguiao Elementary School and Ubogon Elementary School. The local government of Asturias shouldered the P1.3 million labor cost of the renovation of the classrooms while the RAFI donated the P4.4 million for the material costs of the repair and rehabilitati...
  • News Feature: TEN Moves built schools for Sendong-hit CdO and Iligan

    MANILA, Aug 13 (PIA) -- Many were surprised and caught unprepared when typhoon Sendong hit the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. The typhoon destroyed vital infrastructures, sources of livelihood, not to mention precious lives lost in the tragedy. However, Sendong failed to extinguish people’s hope and determination of moving on. After the series of relief operations has been launched, rehabilitation efforts commenced. Damaged schools have been repaired while new classrooms were built. In...
  • Social media: A boon to Rotarians-Sec. Coloma

    BACOLOD CITY, Aug 13 (PIA6) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. urged fellow Rotarians to strengthen the use of the social media in reaching out to society and in getting members who will carry out their goals to improve the lives of mankind. During his speech at the Rotary International seminar at L’ Fisher Hotel, Coloma rallied more than 300 delegates from the Visayas and Mindanao Rotary Districts 3850, 3860 and 3870 to put family first on ...
  • APO holds Int'l Conference on Productivity and Sustainable Inclusive Dev't

    QUEZON CITY, Aug 8 (PIA) -- The International Conference on Productivity and Sustainable Inclusive Development in the Asia-Pacific is set in Taipei on August 9-10. In a statement, the Development Academy of the Philippines said the event is organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in collaboration with the China Productivity Center, and is part of activities to mark the APO’s 50th anniversary. The APO is an intergovernmental regional organization established in 1961 which aims ...
  • WFP supports government relief efforts for flood-affected communities

    PAMPANGA, Aug 13 (PIA) -- In the wake of monsoon rains that have brought severe floods to Central Luzon and Metro Manila, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has mobilized logistics and food support to complement the Philippine government’s emergency relief efforts, working closely with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Luzon, Metro Manila and nearby provinces. “WFP is saddened by the humanitarian impact of the non-stop rains over the last week in ...
  • News Feature: Philippine trade unions right on top of “greening” enterprises, workplaces

    True to their promise for renewed joint collaboration, Japanese and Filipino unions are continuing to support nationally-identified issues and concerns in the Philippines. As a follow up to 2011’s program on decent work and green jobs, this year’s activity (third of its kind since the program was launched in 2010) paid more attention to engaging social partners and scaling up existing initiatives and opportunities for green and decent work promotion and creation. Many things have changed dr...
  • Private firm supports “Say No to Indiscriminate Fogging” campaign of DOH

    QUEZON CITY, Aug 11 (PIA) -- The Leads Environmental Health Product Corp is supporting the campaign of the Department of Health, as the private firm launched its own program against Dengue called “Mission: Iwas Dengue Para Sa Barangay.” Leads conducted last August 5 a fogging and misting activity in Sta. Elena, San Pablo City, a zone which has been reported to have 293 dengue cases from January to July 2012. Spokesperson Jerry A. Cabalce said the activity is part of the company’s corp...
  • Philex Mines cleans tailings leak

    TUBA, Benguet, Aug 11 (PIA) -- Philex Mining Corp has started cleaning up the river systems affected by the recent leakage of its tailings pond. The Philex Mining environmental team, headed by vice-president for community relations Victor Francisco, was deployed to conduct cleaning operations along the Agno and Balog Rivers going to the San Roque Dam. In a statement, Philex said that they mobilized a task force to facilitate the cleanup of tributaries affected by the recent tailings leak ...
  • Red Cross Kalinga organizes youth councils

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Aug 10 (PIA) -– Red Cross Kalinga Chapter is organizing school-based and community youth councils to deliver major services. There are three school-based Red Cross councils being organized that include Junior Red Cross in the elementary level, Senior Red Cross in high school and College Red Cross in the tertiary level. The organization is also extended to out-of-school youth or OSYs for the community-based council in order to draw wider participation from the entire yout...
  • Maasin City Dad to honor two MCC agriculturists board passers

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 9 (PIA) --The Maasin City government will give honor to the two the first board passers of the educational institution since it operated, Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco, also president of the Maasin City College (MCC), said. Agnes Doctor Dicen and Melvin Z. Ablon, the two graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) from MCC, were among the 1,334 successful board passers on the Agriculturist Licensure Examination held July 29, 2012. Mayor Samac...
  • AGAPP turns over 28 pre-school “Silid Pangarap” classrooms to DepEd, region 10

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 9 (PIA) -- Twenty eight pre-school “Silid Pangarap” classrooms have been turned-over by the “Aklat, Gabay Aruga Tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP)” Foundation to the Department of Education (DepEd), region 10, to help solve its classroom shortage, this year. The module is one structure per school containing two preschool classrooms measuring some 49 sq.m., each or about 100 sq. m. in total area with one shared bathroom and lavatory in ...
  • World Vision to campaign for child sponsorship in Davao

    DAVAO CITY, Aug. 9 (PIA) -- The World Vision’s fundraisers team is opening up a week-long campaign in the city on August 13-18 to promote its child sponsorship program. Crislyn Felisilda, World Vision communications specialist, said their Davao City Caravan intends to engage capable individuals “to be part of our ministry.” The caravan seeks to draw more kind and generous individuals for 50 poor children and its families and communities, Felisilda told the media Wednesday in time for t...
  • Rafael M. Salas' books now open to the public

    BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Aug 9 (PIA) -- Seven thousand of the 11,000 personal book collection of the late Rafael Montinola Salas, former executive secretary and former Executive director for the United Nations Fund for Population Activities are now housed at the RMS Library at the Negros Museum and are open to the public. Carmelita “Menchu” Salas, Rafael Salas’ wife and former ambassador to Czechoslovakia, together with former senator and chair of the Rafael Montinola Salas (RMS) ...
  • Efforts to amend smoke-free ordinance in Dumaguete fasttracked

    DUMAGUETE CITY, August 8 (PIA) -- Smoke-free advocates are pushing for the amendment of the Smoke-Free Ordinance in Dumaguete City which is set to be enforced in all public places and government-owned buildings in the city on September 1, 2012. In a press conference called by the city government Tuesday, Bernie Maniego of the Seventh-Day Adventist Health and Communication Center disclosed that they are pushing for Dumaguete Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria to issue an urgent appeal to the city council...
  • US Gov’t to provide aid for disaster relief efforts in Metro Manila, nearby provinces

    MANILA, August 8 (PIA) – After heavy rains lashed Metro Manila and nearby provinces that resulted to severe flooding, the United States Government will provide assistance amounting to $100,000 (P4.3 million) to support disaster relief efforts. In a statement, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. said, “On behalf of the U.S. government and the American people, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to those who are displaced and who have lost homes and livelihoods due to the f...
  • Phl Red Cross goes 24/7 vs floods in Valenzuela, other parts of Metro Manila

    QUEZON CITY, Aug. 7 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said Tuesday it is responding round the clock to the worsening flood situation in Metro Manila and nearby provinces triggered by continuous southwest monsoon rains which prompted hundreds of families to evacuate to higher grounds. PRC said in a press release that the Red Cross Emergency Response Teams have rescued 250 persons in various flood-stricken areas in Valenzuela City, Quezon City and nearby towns of Rizal Province. The Red ...
  • DOLE 2 commends Cauayan City-based company for adhering to labor laws

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Aug 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment-2 (DOLE 2) commended a company based in Cauayan City, Isabela for immediately granting separation pays and other monetary claims to 11 of its affected workers after one of its branches ceased operation earlier this month. Attorney Erwin Aquino, DOLE 2 mediator-arbiter, said the company, which was not named, has requested the assistance of DOLE in handing monetary claims to affected workers last Friday, August 3 at t...
  • Movie star reaches out to the less-privileged children in Abra

    DOLORES, Abra,Aug. 7 (PIA) -- Pupils from barangay Cardona, this town, received school bags filled with school supplies and slippers from movie star, Diether Ocampo, last week. Aboard a rubber boat, Ocampo and his team dared the heavy rains brought by typhoon Gener and raging rivers in Abra in order to reach the people of Brgy. Cardona where the KIDS Foundation, Inc., which he heads, intends to construct a multi-level school building. Ocampo wanted to have a look into the actual cond...
  • Davao’s gay community ups HIV-AIDS awareness advocacy

    DAVAO CITY, August 6 (PIA) -- A group of homosexuals from Davao are intensifying advocacy awareness on Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV) across the city with the growing cases of HIV infections particularly through men having sex with men (MSM). Roy Diaz, executive director of Iwag Davao, said they are doing their best to help prevent HIV infection in their community through the conduct of more Information, Education Communication (IEC) campaigns, condom...
  • Socio-civic org grants assistance to Romblon porters, pier vendors’ kids

    ROMBLON, Romblon, Aug 6 (PIA) -- Socio-civic organization Kuatrohanon has granted financial assistance to 44 scholars who are children of Romblon porters and pier vendors in its 11th anniversary celebration program. Schools Division Superintendent Eve F. Fajutag and Mayor Gerard S. Montojo graced the program celebration. Kuatrohan has the advocacy to develop youth, help communities, protect the environment, and preserve culture. Its members are mostly Romblon professionals and youth. The Kuatr...
  • News Feature: PWDs mentored in jewelry-making

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug 6 (PIA) -- The celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week has highlighted the accomplishments of persons with disabilities (PWD) in Antique. The week-long observance opened doors to more opportunities for those who are not yet in the loop by opening their eyes to the importance of being counted as a member of this big organization of about 8,000 registered members all throughout the province. For one, the provincial government has channeled...
  • PRC recognizes Tabak troopers as modern day heroes

    PAGADIAN CITY, Aug 4 (PIA) -- Tabak troopers of the military were chosen as one of the modern day heroes by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Zamboanga del Sur chapter, in the culmination of Blood Donors’ month Tuesday afternoon at City Commercial Center here. 1st Infantry Tabak commander BGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III was grateful that the officers and men of the headquarters were chosen by the PRC. In his message delivered by assistant division commander BGen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, th...
  • Local groups show desire to partner in Kalahi-CIDSS implementation

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug 3 (PIA) -- Thirty-five representatives from civil society groups, nongovernmental organizations, people’s organizations and the private sector expressed their commitment to aid the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the implementation of Kalahi-CIDDS community-driven projects in the region. DSWD has already partnered with the Zuellig Family Foundation to enhance delivery of health services, especially in the identified poorest areas. “But still, m...
  • Tagum co-op joins Int'l Year for Co-ops in India

    TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Aug 3 (PIA) -- Tagum Cooperative, an affiliate of Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) joined the celebration of the 2012 International Year for Cooperatives a month ago in Shirdi, State of Maharashtra, India. This was upon the invitation of the Maharashtra Federation of Cooperative Credit Societies (MAFCOCS). The Tagum Cooperative delegation was composed of the Director Norma R. Pereyras, chairperson; Director Monica L. Salido, vice-chair...
  • Negornet to assist LGU in disaster preparedness

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 3 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental Network of non-government organizations and people’s organizations (Negornet) linked up with the provincial government of Negros Oriental to support the latter's disaster risk reduction activities. In a press conference for Negornet's 9th Annual NegOr NGO & PO Week from August 1 to 6, Negornet President Msgr. Merlin Logronio said NGOs can provide skills and material resources to assist the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Co...
  • USAID strengthens commitment with local partners

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 2 (PIA) -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) plans to work more closely with a greater number of local organizations in the country . This will enable it to deliver its programs more effectively, USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele said in a press statement. This expanded engagement with local organizations is part of "USAID Forward," an ambitious reform effort, USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah said. This will help modernize and strengthen th...
  • XU opens student mall to public

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 2 -- Xavier University and Pryce Corporation Inc inaugurated the Xavier University – Pryce Center for Entrepreneurship on July 29 during the celebration of the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola. The student-run shopping and business center is under the University’s Student Entrepreneurship Program (SEP) and designed to train students to become successful entrepreneurs. At the ground floor are shopping stalls operated by students taking up entrepreneurship courses whil...
  • Municipal social welfare office organizes women with disability

    DIFFUN, Quirino, Aug 2 (PIA) — The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office here has organized women with disabilities (WWDs) in the municipality. Elected as officers are the following: for president, Consolacion Villanueva; vice president, Milagros Antalan; secretary, Rosalina Erana; treasurer, Mary Ann Bernandez; business manager, Sinamar Tubaran; auditor-Ma. Clarita Titras; public information officer, Paloma Orbillo; and sergeant at arms, Leriza Pagurogun. Villanueva said that thro...
  • Blood donation campaign gains more ground, aids hospitals

    NAGA CITY, Aug 1 (PIA) -- Some hospitals in the region have utilized a total of 450 units of blood from the Philippine Red Cross – Camarines as of June this year. These hospitals include the following: St. John Hospital, Mother Seton Hospital, Dr. Nilo Roa Hospital and Bicol Medical Center (BMC), all in this city; Our Lady of Mediatrix Hospital in Iriga City; and Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital and Sto. Niño Hospital in Daet,Camarines Norte. Nanette Rodrigazo, PRC Camarines Sur chapt...
  • PRC ZamboSur chapter to honor blood galloners today

    AGADIAN CITY, Aug 1 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)–Zamboanga del Sur chapter will end its month-long celebration of Blood Donor’s month today at 4 p.m. at the City Commercial Center. PRC Administrator Hildaliza F. Muñoz said plaques and certificates of recognition will be presented to blood donors, sponsors and supporters, who continue to give blood and save people in emergency situations. Blood galloners Noel Quicoy, Victoria Gutierez, Champrix Galeza and John Delmar Maglinte ...
  • PNRC honors blood donors

    LAOAG CITY, August 1 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC)-Laoag City chapter gives recognition and appreciation to their blood donors in the province. Around 66 awardees received their plaques of recognition, certificates, red cross pins and other gifts from the PNRC. The awardees include government organizations, private organizations, leaders, local government units and individuals who took part in the Red Cross’ activities and a constant blood donor. The awards given are the...
  • First Kinaray-a textbook launched

    SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug 1 (PIA) -- The Province of Antique launched the first ever Kinaray-a Textbook for Grade 1, August 1 at the University of Antique with Secretary Bro. Armin A. Luistro, FSC of the Department of Education and Ambassador Bill Tweddell, Australian Ambassy to the Philippines as guests of honor. Worktext (Textbook) Project for Grade 1 in mother tongue (Kinaray-a) is a concerted effort of Sibalom Education Community in Sibalom, Antique supported by Ayala Foundation under its p...
  • Medical mission serves 560 patients in Ifugao town

    HUNGDUAN, Ifugao, July 31 (PIA) -- Five hundred and sixty persons were served in a two-day medical and dental mission at the municipal hall here. The medical mission was spearheaded by the Christ is the Answer Church of Lagawe, Ifugao and the Hingwa Methodist Church of Singapore, and assisted by the 86th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in the province, the local government unit of Hungduan, the provincial government of Ifugao, and the Department of Health (DOH). The event i...
  • Rizal residents benefit from Tzu Chi Foundation’s rice relief program

    ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, July 31 (PIA) -- More than 14,000 families from several barangays benefited from the rice distribution program of the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines in coordination with the provincial government of Rizal. Provincial officials headed by Rizal Gov. Jun Ynares, Vice Gov. Frisco San Juan Jr., Congressman Joel Duavit, and barangay captains of Antipolo joined Tzu Chi Foundation officials and volunteers in the distribution of rice to thousands of be...
  • Greenpeace urges Gensan fishers to practice sustainable fishing practices

    GENERAL SANTOS CITY, July 31 (PIA) -- Greenpeace Southeast Asia along with two foreign fishing experts visited the Tuna Capital last week to campaign for sustainable fishing practices. Greenpeace is advocating the pole and line method of catching tuna to address the ongoing decline of the fish's population in the Philippine seas. “We are running out of fish and running out of time. For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few fish left to catch,” said Vince Cinches, ocea...
  • Women empowerment movement takes oath

    BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, July 31 (PIA) -- The Federated Women Empowerment Movement/Rural Improvement Club took their oath before Rep. Aurora Cerilles of the 2nd District of Zamboanga del Sur last Friday, July 27 at the municipal gymnasium. The mass oath taking was attended by municipal officials headed by Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr, and barangay chairmen, together with Marilyn Bersales, provincial agriculturist and Arlene Zacal, WEM/RIC provincial coordinator. Cerilles congratulated the wome...
  • PRC says climate changes affect demand for blood

    ILOILO CITY, July 31 (PIA 6) -- There may be increased demand for blood transfusion due to health issues brought about by extreme weather situation as a result of climate change. This was the message of Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang who was in Iloilo City to lead the recognition program for some 128 blood donors. "Still the demand of our country for blood is not sufficient, in terms of collection. We only achieved 70 percent last year," Pang said as she urged th...
  • Cagayan Red Cross inaugurates its new blood station

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, July 31 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross- Cagayan chapter has inaugurated its new blood station at its provincial office, here. Aileen Torres, administrator, said the blood station will now cater to walk-in blood donors. Torres said the newly installed blood station was generated through the initiatives and efforts of the chapter’s board of directors through the leadership of its chairman, 3rd district Congressman Randolph S. Ting. She expressed gratitude to the new sets o...
  • Agusan del Sur Red Cross elects Board of Directors

    AGUSAN DEL SUR, July 31 (PIA) -- Members of the Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur Chapter (PRC-AdS) have re-elect five, and elected two new members to the 14-member board of directors (BOD) during the 7th Biennial Chapter Assembly and election conducted last July 28 at the Provincial Training Center, Government Center, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. In his welcome address, PRC-AdS Vice Chairman of the Board and provincial administrator Jesusimo Ronquillo said, PRC-AdS has been one of the very...
  • Ex-chamber of commerce prexy in Butuan backs mining law

    BUTUAN CITY, July 30 (PIA) -- A former president of the Butuan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (BCCIFI) said the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 79, otherwise known as the Mining Law of the Philippines has acted on issues and concerns confronting the mining industry of the country. Speaking before the local tri-media here during the recent press conference as a prelude to the city’s hosting of the 21st Mindanao Business Conference on August 2-4, Alfredo Baluyut, BCCIF...
  • PRC-Baguio encourages more blood donation

    BAGUIO CITY, July 28 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross-Baguio City Chapter is encouraging the public to donate blood regularly. During the ‘Give Blood, Live More’ bloodletting event sponsored by SMART Communications, PRC-Baguio Chapter administrator Anastacia Tamayo encouraged everyone to become regular blood donors to ensure sufficiency of blood supply in the city. Tamayo said there should be adequate supply of blood and it should be available any time it is needed, especially during ...
  • Penablanca, Baggao receive Sandugo Award

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- The municipalities of Penablanca and Baggao of Cagayan received the prestigious National Sandugo Award for their initiatives in conducting massive bloodletting activities in their towns. The two were awarded in Manila for their exemplary performance and innovations in helping the blood services bureau to collect blood units for the patients of hospitals needing blood transfusion. Excelsis de Leon, social welfare officer of Penablanca, said they keep conductin...
  • Mindanao business leaders gather for Butuan conference

    EDIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, July 27 (PIA) -- Business leaders from all over Mindanao and other parts of the country and key government officials will converge for the 21st Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) on August 2 in Butuan City. Jointly hosted by the Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. and the city government of Butuan, the conference will run for three days with the theme, “Invest Mindanao, towards a more inclusive, progressive and greener futur...
  • 200 volunteers plant 3500 trees

    DAVAO CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- Some 200 volunteers planted about 3,500 trees in simultaneous tree planting activities held on July 21 in Davao City and in the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Local officials of Barangay Tawantawan Davao City, representatives from the Philippine National Police, the Bagobo-Tagabawas and employees of Hedcor were able to plant 2,000 cacao and 1,500 narra trees. “The most recent endeavour is mainly for the sustainability of our very own Talomo Watershed...
  • Public-private collaboration essential to success of NGP

    SAN JOSE, Antique, July 28 (PIA) -- The General Leandro Fullon National School (GLFNS) in Fabrica, Hamtic, Antique has forged partnership with other government agencies, non-government organization, community groups and local officials in support of the National Greening Program. According to Rizalina Sebuan, Head teacher III of GLFNS about 300 participants joined in the tree planting activity on Wednesday facilitated by GLFNS in the two- hectare DENR designated treepark for urban greening of ...
  • 2012 RM Award winners announced

    QUEZON CITY, July 26 -- The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) announced today the six winners of the 2012 Ramon Magsaysay Award. The awardees were from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Taiwan. A press statement from RMAF said hen Shu-Chu, from Taiwan, is being recognized for “the pure altruism of her personal giving, which reflects a deep, consistent, quiet compassion and has transformed the lives of the numerous Taiwanese she has helped.” Romulo Davide, from ...
  • Bacoor launches school feeding program

    CITY OF BACOOR, Cavite, July 26 (PIA) -- Some 440 students from 11 public schools benefited from the “Busog, Lusog, Talino” (BLT) feeding program meant to increase the weight of undernourished grades 1 and 2 students which was launched recently by the city government. This is in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), the city social welfare and development office (CSWDO) and the Jollibee Foundation. Students were treated to a hearty and healthy lunch of rice and chicken “...
  • 2 Pangasinenses named Outstanding Philippine Soldiers

    LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 26 (PIA) -- The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro named two Pangasinense soldiers as winners in this year’s search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS). They are Col. Raul Tangco from Bayambang town and Sr. Master Sgt. Augusto Reyes from the town of San Quintin. Tangco was selected under the Technical and Administrative Service-Corps of Professors Category. He is the dean of academics of the academic group at the Philippine Mi...
  • Samar high school gets one new fully furnished library

    BORANGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 25 (PIA) -- Spouses Dr. Victor A. Gutierrez and Sesenia Candido–Gutierrez from Plainview Texas, USA donated a school library building to boost the school’s mission of promoting the students’ educational development. The building, inside the premises of the Pedro E. Candido Memorial National High School (PECMNHS), Hernani, Eastern Samar is furnished with with books and computers, furniture, even an aircon, and a restroom. This well-equipped library wil...
  • Private orgs laud PNoy’s SONA

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, July 25 (PIA) -- Private organizations here have expressed appreciation regarding the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno S. Aquino III yesterday. Lily Alcantara, chief executive officer of the PROCESS Luzon, a non-government organization for environment and people's development, said the SONA has reached the expectations of the public on government accomplishments across sectors and the targets. She further lauded the statement of the President on responsi...
  • Smart Growth for Mega Cebu Program

    CEBU CITY, July 25 (PIA) -- In line with the Mega Cebu Program, the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI), with the support of the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE), has conducted a learning session on smart growth at the RAFI-EADSC building. The two-part event, entitled, “Smart Growth 102: From Theory to Practice” discussed the applicability and practicability of the concept in the local context. Smart growth is a theor...
  • "Adopt a School Project" feeds Antique kids

    SAN JOSE, Antique, July 25 (PIA) -- The Council of Human Resource Management Practitioners or HRMP – Antique Chapter has launched a feeding program in Pantao Elementary School, San Jose. This is in line with the group’s ‘adopt a school project’ where about 200 pupils are expected to benefit from the feeding program, said Corazon Jarandillo, human resource management officer of Antique. HRMP led by Alma Melicano launched the feeding program on July 17. The program which aims to impro...
  • World Bank consultant urges CFAD to be more inclusive

    TAGUM CITY, July 24 (PIA) -- People’s organizations (POs) should open their membership to those who wish to benefit from the livelihood facilities funded by the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD). World Bank (WB) CFAD Consultant Luningning Bondoc said lowly members and farmers should get an equal opportunity in availing the projects under the CFAD, which is the livelihood portfolio of the WB-financed Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP). This is to ensure that developm...
  • OXFAM’s “Scale up, Build Up” project to launch in Surigao Norte towns

    SURIGAO CITY, July 24 (PIA) -- The OXFAM International launched recently its new expansion project dubbed “Scale Up, Build Up” in the municipalities of General Luna, Mainit, Malimono, Placer and Socorro, Surigao del Norte. OXFAM is an international aid organization that works with other organizations to end poverty and human suffering. Arturo Cruje, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, said the project was aimed to support the implementation of R.A. 10121, otherwise known as t...
  • Senior citizens laud city gov’t for unwavering support

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 24 (PIA) -- Members of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association in Zamboanga City expressed appreciation over Mayor Celso Lobregat’s concern for the welfare of the elderly through implementation of various projects and programs. The federation on Friday had its citywide Consultative Evaluation Conference (CEC), where members assessed the group’s accomplishments and discussed the plan of action for the next 6 months. The federation, headed by Pres. Corazon Herico, ...
  • 26 hospitals nationwide tie up with Phl Red Cross for stronger disaster response

    MANILA, July 23 (PIA) -- Twenty six hospitals nationwide have now forged partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for stronger disaster response. In a release, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the PRC and the 26 hospitals will ensure maximum emergency service, triage and trauma services in place for victims of Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) in addition to medical intervention. Under the Agreement, PRC will establish Red Cross welfare desks in the hospitals that will be ready ...
  • Central Luzon IT educators group gather for 10th anniv, assembly

    CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) in Region 3 will hold the 10th PSITE Region 3 General Assembly on July 26 to 27 at Venetia Hotel, Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo City. The assembly and election of officers is in line with the society’s celebration of a decade of service and endeavor toward academic innovations and development. Some 200 PSITE members and representatives from 50 colleges and universities in the ...
  • Feature: A peso a day for a classroom

    Pupils of the Naval Central School (NCS) voluntarily put one peso in a milk can coin bank placed on their teacher’s table as soon as they arrive in school everyday, This has been the daily practice of the more than 1,400 pupils presently enrolled in NCS for a week now which started July 9. In a week’s time, P5,660.75 was generated which was deposited in the Rural Bank of Naval. The daily voluntary one-peso-coin deposit of each elementary kid in NCS is anchored on a fund-raising initiativ...
  • Butuan receives more donations from WMR

    BUTUAN CITY, July 20 (PIA) -- The city government here has received the second batch of donated medical supplies and equipment from World Medical Relief, Inc. (WMR) for use at the Butuan City Medical Center. WMR was founded in 1953 by Irene M. Auberlin to help orphaned children during Korean War. It later expanded into a global mission to aid millions of sick and poor people around the world. WMR’s first batch of medical supplies here arrived in January 2011. The donations, which originat...
  • Ifugao univ holds mass oathtaking of student officers

    LAMUT, Ifugao, July 20 (PIA)--Newly elected officers of 50 students’ organizations of Ifugao State University (IFSU) took oath yesterday as they officially start their duties in their respective organizations for school year 2012-2013. In a mass induction and turn-over ceremony held at the main campus at Barangay Nayon here, Victor Bunnol Jr, board member, urged the officers to make a difference in their respective organization, school, and community. “This is a tough job, but believe ...
  • DTI to hold Film, Animation, and Gaming Congress 2012

    QUEZON CITY, July 20 (PIA) -- The Film, Animation, and Gaming Congress 2012 will be held on July 26-27 at the Little Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The Congress is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) along with Half Ton Truck Productions, ActivAsia Inc. in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation. Stakeholders coming from several sectors will attend the event. These include filmmakers (directors/pr...
  • Power firm gives P94M for projects in 3 provinces

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, July 20 (PIA) -- More than P94 million has been donated by the power firm SN Aboitiz Power Group for a number of community projects in the provinces of Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, and Isabela. Tess Adzuara, SN Aboitiz corporate social responsibility manager, said the amount was for 151 projects and 79 sponsorship activities from 2007 to June 30, 2012, with social infrastructure and governance having most of the funds at 79 percent, education with 27 percent, health at 19 pe...
  • Cebu Archdiocese holds conference today on political engagement of public servants

    CEBU CITY, July 20 (PIA) -- The Archdiocese of Cebu, in partnership with religious and lay organizations, will hold the Cebu Discernment Conference on Political Engagement of Public Servants in Cebu City today, July 20. Under the theme, “God’s Love: Everybody Called to Share Responsibilities for Public Welfare,” the conference will gather some 1,500 public servants - elected and appointed in the local government units, schools, business, professional organizations, civic clubs, advocacy p...
  • Pangasinan State University partners with a Thai university

    LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 20 (PIA) -- The Pangasinan State University (PSU) partnered with the Maejo University in Chiang Mai, Thailand to forge university sisterhood. Dr. Chamnian Yosraj, president of the Maejo University came to Pangasinan to sign the memorandum of agreement with PSU President Victoriano Estira during the 33rd foundation anniversary of PSU on Wednesday. Yosarj said the partnership will serve to deepen the relationship between the two institutions. “We have a common rol...
  • PRC celebrates blood donors' month

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 20 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross is once again celebrating the Blood Donors Month this July, with the aim to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products. PRC said this year’s celebration is centered on the theme “Every Donor is a Hero.” According to PRC, the campaign for blood donation focuses on the idea that every one of us can become a hero simply by donating blood voluntarily. Hence, everyone is invited by PRC to commit a “heroic...
  • Laguna Red Cross recognizes partners and supporters

    STA. CRUZ, Laguna, July 20 (PIA) -- The Laguna Red Cross recognized the support of several partners, supporters and stakeholders during the 2011 Membership and Fund Drive Awarding ceremony held last July 4 at the Cultural Center of Laguna in Santa Cruz. A plaque of excellence for Outstanding Service and Leadership was awarded to Dr. Myrna P. Pamplona of the Department of Education (DepEd) Calamba City. DepEd Calamba was awarded as a 10-year top membership provider while DepEd Santa Rosa City...
  • Red Cross Laguna celebrates Disaster Consciousness Month this July

    STA. CRUZ, Laguna, July 20 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Laguna Chapter joins the country in the celebration of Disaster Consciousness Month this July with the theme, “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan.” With the onset of typhoon season, the PRC Laguna Chapter and all its 29 municipal branches have intensified recruitment and training of Red Cross 143 volunteers – the flagship volunteer program that recruits and trains 143 volunteers in every barangay, school and work place...
  • Catholic Bishops offer prayers for Filipino Olympic athletes

    MANILA, July 20 (PIA) – With one week to go before the much-awaited 2012 Olympic Games in London, Catholic bishops offered prayers for the Filipino athletes. In a release, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Jose Palma during a send-off Mass for Filipino athletes Wednesday, July 18 at the Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club, Mandaluyong City said that like the two Filipino saints--San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod--the Filipino athletes have somet...
  • Local network celebrates 13th anniversary

    RAMON, Isabela, July 20 (PIA) -- A primary local television network operating in Cagayan Valley celebrated its 13th year of operations last Saturday, July 14. The network also led the planting of at least 300 forest and herbal tree seedlings inside the ecology park of Camp Vizcarra. ABS-CBN Cagayan Valley which was established in 1999 is located at 3rd floor JECO building, Victory Norte, Santiago City. The station has its regular news program from Monday to Friday, bringing the people of Cag...
  • Metrobank names soldier from Tarlac as one of 10 Oustanding Soldier

    TARLAC CITY, July 19 (PIA) -- The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and the Rotary Club of Makati named Colonel Milfredo Mamaclay Melegrito of the Philippine Army, as one of the winners in its 2012 search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldier (TOPS). TOPS is an annual search which recognizes and pays tribute to the outstanding gallantry, dedication, commitment, professionalism, and integrity of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Melegrito, who is currently assigned at Camp O’Don...
  • New officers of Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian Press Club take oath

    PAGADIAN CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- The new set of officers of Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian Press Club, Inc. (ZPPI) for 2012-2013 gathered for their oath taking ceremony at the ZAMSURECO’s Heroes hall last Saturday, with the theme “Nagkakaisang Mamamahayag Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan.” "Let me congratulate and commend the newly-inducted set of officers of the ZPPI for accepting the responsibilities conferred by their respective offices. It is through your leadership that will lead and steer the c...
  • Marinduque college to hold product packaging, labeling seminar

    MARINDUQUE, July 18 (PIA) -- The Marinduque State College will hold a seminar-training on product packaging and labeling on July 23 at its College Audio Visual Room. Department of Science and Technology Provincial Director Bernard T. Caringal will share and discuss important trades and ways of product empowerment through proper packaging, labeling and maximizing its potential to the market and to consumers. Taking genuine initiative towards the implementation of a real Quality Management Syste...
  • Hedcor to plant 282,500 trees in 2012

    DAVAO CITY, July 18 -- Hydro firm Hedcor aims for 282,500 trees to be planted in Benguet, Ilocos Sur and Davao for 2012. For the first two quarters of this year, the company has already planted 45,000 trees. To achieve this year’s goal, Hedcor will conduct more tree-planting activities from July to October, identified as the rainy season in Benguet and Ilocos Sur to ensure the seedlings’ survival. “We need to speed up our tree planting to increase carbon sinks for CO2 that contribute ...
  • PNoy inaugurates P5.2-B water improvement project

    QUEZON CITY, July 17 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III today inaugurated the second phase of the P5.2 billion Angat Water Utilization and Aqueduct Improvement Project (AWUAIP) at the La Mesa Dam complex in Lagro, Quezon City, along with Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing. During the event, Aquino thanked Ma for China's support for the new Angat Dam facility. “Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa pondong ipinagkaloob ng bansang Tsina upang maisakatuparan ang mahalagang proyektong ito. Tunay nga pong sa...
  • Organic advocate demonstrates banana circle composting

    BASCO, Batanes, July 17 (PIA) -- The office of the provincial agriculturist (OPA) conducted a three-day training on organic production wherein an advocate demonstrated banana circle easy-way composting. Jeffrey Smith, a Canadian advocate, who is presently based in Davao City, demonstrated this at the demo farm of the OPA. The demo started with the preparation of degradable materials; cutting banana stalks into smaller pieces; separating dried banana leaves or removing the leaves from the leaf...
  • SSS has 16-hour call center for inquiries

    MANILA, July 17 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) reminded its members that they can make phone inquiries about their contributions, benefits, loans, and other SSS concerns beyond regular business hours with the new SSS call center, open to callers 16 hours every weekday. In a statement, SSS president and chief executive officer Emilio de Quiros Jr. said SSS service personnel will respond to inquiries through SSS hotline numbers 920-6446 to 55, Mondays to Fridays, from 7 a.m. until 11 p...
  • South Leyte mall hones earthquake and fire prevention skills

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 17 (PIA) -- The leading superstore in the city of Maasin has participated in the National Disaster Consciousness Month nationwide celebration and successfully conducted their earthquake and fire prevention drills yesterday. Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) provincial officer Marichu Tan noted that the said superstore has already organized their own preparedness teams such as medical, rescue, communication, evacuation from among their workforce during the co...
  • Experts urge farmers to upgrade technology to boost prod'n

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 17 (PIA) -- Experts urged South Cotabato’s farmers to adopt appropriate technologies and avail of assistance from research and development institutions to boost their production. Addressing over 500 farmers during the recent farmers’ field day at the South Cotabato research and demonstration farm in nearby Banga town, Sultan Kudarat State University President Teresita Cambel said farmers need to be updated on innovations and news technologies for be...
  • PRC- Santiago City conducts series of blood-letting activities

    SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela, July 17 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Santiago City chapter has conducted a series of blood-letting activities in the city as part of “Blood Donors Month” observance. This year's theme for blood donor’s month is “Every donor is a hero.” In a blood-letting activity conducted at the district office of Representative Giorgidi Aggabao, PRC earned 19 bags of blood from 90 individual donors on July 14. In Cauayan City, the city’s Rescue 922 also led a ...
  • Manila Archbishop call on game developers to create more Bible-based online games

    MANILA, July 16 (PIA) -- Manila Archbishop Antonio Tagle called on online game developers to produce more online games based on the Bible. Tagle made the call during the 1st Catholic Social Media Summit Saturday, July 14, 2012 at the Renaissance Convention Center, Marikina City. In a statement by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Tagle said, “I hope there are more games based on the Bible in the internet. Why don’t (game developers) create games based on the Be...
  • DBM regional chief elected president of CL state directors group

    CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 16 (PIA) -- The regional chief of DBM has been elected as the new president of Central Luzon Association of Regional Officers (Claro). DBM Regional Director Elisa Salon will serve the unexpired two-year term of Remigio Mercado of National Economic Development Authority, who was transferred to Mimaropa. Salon, who was previously the group’s treasurer, will serve until April 30,2012 along with Andrew Villacorta of Department of Agriculture as First Vice Pre...
  • Zambo University confers city dad honoris causa in humanities

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 16 (PIA) -- The Western Mindanao State University Board of Regeants conferred the degree of Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa) to Mayor Celso L. Lobregat today morning at the Dr. Juanito A. Bruno Gymnasium. The conferment is pursuant to a BOR resolution following the recommendation of the Academic Council, making Lobregat the first recipient of an honorary degree from WMSU under Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho’s presidency. Lobregat, now serving his third term as mayor of Zam...
  • Search for 2012 outstanding volunteers now opens

    BUTUAN CITY, July 15 (PIA) -- Nominations for the 2012 Search for Outstanding Volunteers is now officially open, said Venus Derequito, chief administrative officer of the regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Caraga during Wednesday’s meeting with member-agencies of the regional search committee. According to Derequito, the annual search will highlight and recognize the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in building stron...
  • Media serves 818 patients in medical, dental mission to 4Ps

    PEÑABLANCA, Cagayan, July 15 (PIA) --The Informers Club (i-Club), a media group here, has initiated a medical, dental and surgery mission in Pantawid Pamilya areas, covering Barangays Lapi and Minanga, this town on July 12 and 13 which served 818 residents. The mission was conducted in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) region 2 and initiated as contribution of the media group in the convergence initiative for the 4Ps beneficiaries to help in the governme...
  • Red Cross-Laguna chapter to give recognition to blood donors anew

    SANTA CRUZ, Laguna, July 14 (PIA) --The Philippine Red Cross - Laguna chapter has organized a blood donor recognition ceremony on July 27, 2012 to highlight the Blood Donor’s Month celebration this month of July. The event will be held at the Cultural Center of Laguna in Santa Cruz where various institutions and individuals are expected to come. Among the awards to be given include Aphresis Blood Donors Award, Bronze Medal, Silver Medal and Gold Medal. The Gold Medal is given to individu...
  • SPUD high school newest PAASCU-accredited institution in Dumaguete

    DUMAGUETE CITY, July 14 (PIA) -- More academic institutions in Dumaguete City, which is known as "University Town," are earning accreditations from the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP). St. Paul University Dumaguete (SPUD) has announced that its high school department was granted the Level II re-accredited status from the FAAP. This after FAAP accreditors found the high school department to have satisfactorily fulfilled the requirements and standards set by the Phi...
  • NYC pushes for local sectoral representation

    MANILA, July 13 -- The National Youth Commission (NYC) has pushed for the election of local sectoral representatives in local legislative bodies. A press statement from the NYC said the commission called for the full implementation of Republic Act No. 7160, “An Act Providing for a Local Government Code Of 1991.” The NYC seeks for the immediate and full implementation of Section 41 (c) of the Local Government Code, which mandates the election of local sectoral representatives in local legis...
  • 6th Bright Leaf Awards opens search for best works of agri journos

    QUEZON CITY, July 13 (PIA) -- Agriculture beat journalists and photojournalists will have a chance to show their best practices through the 6th Bright Leaf Awards for Agriculture. Bright Leaf Awards is a nationwide search and is open to all practitioners of agriculture journalism from print and broadcast media. Organizers said in a press conference at Sulo Riviera Hotel in Diliman, Quezon City Thursday morning that the search is open for the best works of journalists who through their print s...
  • Hedcor to plant over 3000 trees to protect Davao watershed

    DAVAO CITY, July 13 (PIA) -- Hedcor, the largest developer and producer of run-of-river hydropower plants in the Philippines, will plant over 3,000 seedlings this month at Talomo District to support the sustainability of Talomo Watershed. Cacao, durian, rambotan, narra (endemic trees) and rubber are among the species that Hedcor will plant in the area as requested by the host community. This week, Hedcor will plant 1,000 trees in Barangay Tawantawan, Baguio District part of Talomo Watershed. ...
  • Red Cross promotes community disaster readiness

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, July 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is promoting disaster risk reduction consciousness in communities this month. As part of Disaster Consciousness Month observance, the PRC and its 100 chapters nationwide have further intensified its recruitment and training of Red Cross 143 volunteers – the flagship volunteer program that recruits and trains 143 volunteers in every barangay, school and work place. It is also organizing emergency drills. Red Cross ...
  • Del Monte Phils qualifies for DOLE’s Kapatiran program

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 12 (PIA) -- Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI) has been identified as a potential contender for the Kapatiran program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Western Misamis Oriental. This, however, will depend on the acceptance of nomination by DOLE management. “Kapatiran” is a concept of brotherhood attentive to the needs of every individual in the organization. Grounded on a similar idea, a large company enrolled under the Kapatiran Program is referre...
  • 6th RAFI Triennial Awards opens nomination

    BUTUAN CITY, July 12 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation (RAFI) is now accepting nominations for the 6th RAFI Triennial Awards for the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual and the Eduardo Aboitiz Award for Outstanding Institution. The RAFI Triennial Awards is conferred every three years to honor men, women, and organizations who through their efforts and selfless commitment bring about change in the lives of the less privileged in various groups and communities in the Philippines. Th...
  • CdO confirms MOU with USAID for cities dev't initiative

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 12 -- The 16th city council confirmed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) entered between Cagayan de Oro and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the USAID/Philippines Cities Development Initiative. The council, headed by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas during its regular session, this city last Tuesday set this with Cagayan de Oro represented by city mayor Vicente Y. Emano. Last June 29, Mayor Emano signed the MOU with USA Ambassador ...
  • PRC collects 123 bags of blood on Blood Donor’s Month kickoff ceremony

    PAGADIAN CITY, July 12 (PIA) --The Philippine National Red Cross – Zamboanga del Sur chapter collected 123 bags or 55,350 cc of different blood types, during the kickoff activity of the Blood Donor’s Month at the City Commercial Center here. Administrator Hildaliza Muñoz said the blood was collected from walk-in donors, Department of Agrarian Reform employees, and 53rd Infantry “Matapat” battalion and 5th IB officers and men. Muñoz said July has been declared as Blood Donor’s Mo...
  • Cebuano youth leaders bring local culture to Europe, promote better understanding

    CEBU CITY, July 12 (PIA) -- Fifteen Cebuanos including 12 youth leaders were sent to an exchange visit in the cities of Haarlemmermeer in the Netherlands and Kortrijk in Belgium from April 14 to May 6 through the Young Minds on Xplore (YMX) Season 3 program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated (RAFI). The program was made possible through the partnership with Vereniging Haarlemmermeer Cebu (VHC), the Meerlanden Youth Cebu, and the City of Kortrijk. This was also intended to have a cultu...
  • Catholic bishops send condolences to family of Phl “Comedy King”

    MANILA, July 12 (PIA) -- Catholic bishops have sent their condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the esteemed actor-comedian Rodolfo ‘Dolphy’ Quizon, In a statement, former CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said the Comedy King has served as an institution in Philippine showbiz and an inspiration to Filipinos. “We thank God for the gift of Dolphy who served the country with his films, making all kinds of viewers cry and laugh through their shared experiences in life...
  • Dan Hill holds concert for Tagum’s chairs program

    CITY OF TAGUM, Davao del Norte, July 11 -- The one-night concert-for-a-cause of Grammy award-winning international artist and composer Dan Hill last July 6 benefited the local government of Tagum’s “Care for School Chairs” (CFSC) Program. Saying that he was humbled and inspired, the 58-year old Canadian singer expressed admiration of the program initiated by Mayor Rey T. Uy whom he paid a courtesy call to at the Tagum City Motorpool in the morning of the day of his concert. “The futu...
  • Davao del Norte owes progress to banana magnate – Guv

    TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, July 11 (PIA) -- The province of Davao del Norte owes its progress to a businessman in Mindanao, said the governor of the province. Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario said the province is indebted to banana magnate Don Antonio O. Floirendo Sr. for transforming the province from a swampy jungle 50 years ago into the present booming agro-industrial economy and investment haven in the south. “We really owe a lot from Don Antonio Floirendo in so far as the manner the pr...
  • Entries for 6th Bright Leaf Agricultural Journalism Awards still open

    VIGAN CITY, July 10 (PIA) -- Submission of entries for this prestigious agricultural journalism contest nationwide is still open, the secretariat of the 6th Bright Leaf Awards announced last Friday here. According to Maria Theresa O. Cuisia of the Cozoz Incorporation, the submission of entries is until August 31, 2012. The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards started in 2007. It is the premier annual nationwide competition that seeks out the most important agricultural pieces of our time ...
  • South Cotabato LGU to partner with Yuchengco Group in surgical mission

    KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 9 (PIA) -- The provincial government will hold a surgical mission in South Cotabato in partnership with the Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco Foundation Inc. (AY Foundation) on July 28 to 31, this year. Leonilo Tinquinto, AY Foundation’s project coordinator for the surgical mission, said they will be bringing in at least 25 medical specialists for surgical mission. “The team of medical specialist will include general surgeons, anaesthe...
  • Red Cross urges youth to donate blood

    ILOILO CITY, July 8 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Red Cross-Western Visayas Regional Blood Center will hold Blood Program Youth Awareness activities on July 9 to 11 as part of the observance of the Blood Donors Month this July. The three-day event will be held at the Central Philippine University in Jaro. It will start July 9 with a foot parade at the university parade grounds to be followed by a program and a youth forum. One highlight of the event is the CPU Blood Olympics, a contest participat...
  • Girl Scouts in CAR installs new officers

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, July 8 (PIA) -- The Girls Scouts of the Philippine Kalinga-Apayao Council presented its new set of officers through a solemn installation rites held recently. The newly installed set of officers is Presentacion Bartolo, president; Namnama Lumines, vice president for field; Christine Wangdali, vice president for ways and means; and Priscilla Daligdig, vice president for international part; Pansy Aquino, secretary; Rosa Garcia, assistant secretary; Margaret Balbino, treasu...
  • PASWI Davao meets July 13

    DAVAO CITY, July 6 --The Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc., (PASWI) Davao City Chapter invites all professional social workers to its Annual General Assembly on Friday, July 13, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Philomene Labreque Hall, San Pedro College, L.M. Guerrero St., Davao City. “We enjoin all social workers to attend this event to affirm their dedication and commitment to their profession,” urges PASWI Chapter President and DSWD Chief for Institutional Development Division Estrella...
  • 52 Payatas students get scholarships

    QUEZON CITY, July 6 (PIA) -- The Quezon City government gave college scholarships to 52 deserving students from families earning a living as scavengers at the Quezon City integrated waste disposal facility in Payatas. This is in line with the city government's continuing commitment to make quality education accessible to all. Of the 52 program beneficiaries, 36 are scholars at the city government-run Quezon City Polytechnic University (QCPU) while the remaining 16 students had been included i...
  • Blood supply ample in Pangasinan today, says Red Cross

    DAGUPAN CITY, July 6 (PIA) -- Blood supply in the province today is sufficient and has even exceeded the required daily stock of the Philippine Red Cross. This was due to donors who continue practicing the spirit of volunteerism, Florame Magalong, PRC chapter administrator, said 507 units of blood including are available today at its Dagupan office, exceeding the required 119 stock of blood supply daily mandated by the Department of Health. From January to May, PRC has already exceeded its ta...
  • Vet warns of rabies, offers free vaccination

    BACOLOD CITY, July 6 (PIA) -- A private veterinarian here is offering free dog and cat vaccination on July 14 as his contribution to a rabies-free Bacolod. In a television interview over Premier TV 14-‘Pamilya kag Banwa,’ Dr. Dante Nick Ortiz said rabies remains a fatal disease but is very much preventable. Death due to rabies is unnecessary because government offers the vaccination as he challenged Bacoleños to become responsible owners of their pets, he added. In 2011, the city ...
  • Red Cross warehouse soon to rise in Pangasinan

    DAGUPAN CITY, July 6 (PIA) -- A two-storey warehouse of the Philippine Red Cross will soon rise in Pangasinan to serve as a centralized stocking area of the blood institution. Florame Magalong, chapter administrator of PRC Pangasinan, said the need for the warehouse arose during the recovery and rehabilitation process, after typhoon ‘Pepeng’ wreaked havoc in Pangasinan in 2009. She said there were many donors but there was no place big enough to accommodate the donations. “We want to c...
  • Vigan City joins Jollibee Foundation’s school feeding program

    VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur, July 5 (PIA) –- Vigan City joined the Jollibee Foundation’s Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) School Feeding program for the first time. Jollibee Foundation embarked on the program to work with public and private sectors in the local communities to address hunger among Grades 1 and 2 public school pupils and help them stay in school and learn better. Celerina Agcamaran, city social welfare development officer, said five elementary schools were selected beneficiaries of t...
  • Red Cross-Ifugao implements P7M worth of assistance projects

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, July 5 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) here said recently that it is ready to disburse a total of P7 million for their livelihood and shelter projects in the province. Randy Blanco, head of RC-Ifugao chapter, said in an interview in the daily program “Humangan with PIA” that the beneficiaries are victims of typhoons Pedring and Quiel that badly hit the province last year. Blanco said that there are 700 family beneficiaries for the livelihood projects in the municip...
  • Archdiocese of Lipa spearheads multi-sectoral ecological summit

    LIPA CITY, Batangas, July 4 (PIA) -- Former Lipa Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales organized a multi-sectoral ecological summit at the Minor Seminary in this city. The summit aims to protect the environment and preserve the natural resources Batangeños are proud of and to reject mining in the whole province. Rosales said all the local chief executives (LCES) must lead in protecting the environment in the province to avoid the effect of mining experienced in the provinces of Marinduque a...
  • SNAP-Benguet allots P7.5M for community projects for Bokod, Itogon

    LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, July 5 (PIA) -- The municipalities of Bokod and Itogon will receive P7.5 million worth of community projects from SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) in Benguet through its Community Social Responsibility (CSR). Benguet Governor Nestor B. Fongwan and Mike Hosillos, SNAP-Benguet vice president for corporate services, signed an agreement for the implementation of community projects in the towns of Bokod and Itogon, which host Ambuclao Dam and Binga Dam respectively. The projects includ...
  • Xavier Ecoville celebrates "Balik Tanaw sa Larong Pinoy"

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 5 -- Xavier Ecoville’s education cluster headed the opening of "Balik Tanaw sa Larong Pinoy" last June 30, Saturday. A celebration of the Pinoy games and a means of embracing our identity as Filipinos, this will run up to July 21. The event will be held at Xavier Ecoville, the Xavier University-led resettlement site for tropical storm Sendong survivors, where the the young ones and the young-at-heart are rediscovering patintero, sipa bola, takyan and other old-time f...
  • Cebu LGUs, private foundation to rehab decrepit schools

    CEBU CITY, July 5 (PIA) -- Two mayors from Tuburan and Asturias in northwest Cebu as well as the school heads of eight beneficiary schools in both towns inked an agreement with a private foundation to have decrepit schools rehabilitated. The memorandum of agreement was signed last June 13 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Studies Center in Cebu City. The eight school-beneficiaries in said towns are the second batch of recipients of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated's (RAFI) School Rehabilitation ...
  • Provide livelihood support, to avoid pawikan poaching

    CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, July 4 (PIA) -- The Bantay Pawikan Inc. (BPI) asked for government help in providing alternative livelihood to fishermen who might resort to egg poaching as turtles will soon breed along the shores of the town. BPI chair Manolo Ibias said poaching is a “perennial problem” in the town because the pawikan nesting season peaks on November and coincides during the lean months of fishing due to storms. “Because of poverty, some people resort to poaching because there ...
  • Community brigade, volunteers initiate school rehabilitation

    CEBU CITY, July 4 -- The School Community Brigade initiated by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) mobilized around 1,000 volunteers to conduct school rehabilitation in the municipal communities of Catmon and Bantayan last May 24 and 26. Various stakeholders from different organizations, volunteers and other concerned individuals through the brigade gathered together with collaborative endeavors to improve school facilities with the aim of giving schoolchildren of the two municipalities a...
  • Red Cross Zambo to conduct training on disaster response anew

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Zamboanga City Chapter this month will conduct another emergency response training under its Project “Barangay 143.” Under this program, barangay residents who are organized into groups are trained on disaster response, social services and health care by the PRC, said Red Cross Administrator Vic Liozo. Liozo said PRC has targeted all the 98 barangays in the city. “During our first round of training for project ‘Barangay 14...
  • AVE Partylist turns over new classroom to MOSTHS

    OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 4 (PIA) -- A newly completed classroom have been turned-over by the Alliance of Volunteer Educators (AVE) Partylist to the Misamis Occidental Science and Technology High School (MOSTHS) in Barangay Pines, this city, recently. This was a welcome development for faculty and students of MOSTHS as the school needed more classrooms, City Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Emmalinda Duhaylungod, said. “I really thank the AVE Partylist for making MOSTHS ...
  • Outstanding Southern Leytenos awarded on 52nd founding rites

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 3 (PIA) -- A mix of young and old achievers, distinguished in their respective areas of discipline, grabbed the spotlight as the provincial government of Southern Leyte recognized them, Sunday, in a ceremony marking the 52nd founding anniversary of the province. Topping the list of the Rajah Kolambu awardees was incumbent Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco who was cited for the many recognition the city reaped under his leadership, an acknowledged champion in t...
  • Red Cross-Kalinga acknowledges supporters of raffle draw for a cause

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, July 3 (PIA) -– The Red Cross (RC) Kalinga Chapter generated gross proceeds of P187,500 in its June 25 raffle draw culminating the week-long festivities of Tabuk City’s 11th Matagoan Festival. Red Cross Kalinga Chapter head Glorina Diaz said the activity was part of the chapter’s initiatives to raise funds for its operations and for its on-going building project, which serves as Red Cross operations center in the province. Diaz admitted that the amount was short ...
  • 700 pupils benefit from Co-op’s gift-giving activity

    ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, July 3 (PIA) -- About 700 schoolchildren of the Pantay Elementary School (PES) in this city were treated to free lunch, haircut, and gifts by Tagbac Multi-purpose Cooperative (MPC). In coordination with the school's officer-in-charge Raymund Capistrano, representatives from the co-op selected 10 children per level as recipients. Each pupil received a complete set of hygiene and school supply package containing a pair of slippers, toothbrush and toothpaste, coloring mater...
  • Rapu-Rapu Minerals receives citation for responsible entrepreneurship

    LEGAZPI CITY, July 3 (PIA) -- Rapu-Rapu Minerals, Inc. (RRMI) received the top honors in the Social Empowerment category of the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA) 2012 for South East Asia, Friday, June 29. RRMI president Rogelio E. Corpus and vice-president Cecille Calleja represented the RRMI during the awarding ceremony at Orchid Ballroom of the Marina Bay Sands Resorts in Singapore, which is this year’s awards host country. The mine company in Rapu-Rapu, Albay - which defines...
  • 12 Cebu youth leaders explore Europe

    CEBU CITY, July 3 -- Twelve youth delegates and three adult leaders from Cebu were sent to an exchange visit in the cities of Haarlemmermeer in the Netherlands and Kortrijk in Belgium through the program Young Minds on Xplore (YMX) Season 3 of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) from April 14 to May 6 this year. In a press statement, RAFI's communication team writer Hanna Aranas said, the program was in partnership with Vereniging Haarlemmermeer Cebu (VHC), the Meerlanden Youth Cebu and th...
  • Cebu youth leaders, people's organization work for road improvement

    CEBU CITY, July 3 (PIA) -- A team of youth leaders from Cebu belonging to the Young Minds Academy (YMA) partnered with a local people’s organization Kadasig Parents Association Inc. (KAPAI) for a road improvement project in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City. The road improvement is seen to provide better access to vehicles and safety to children. With the collaborative efforts, the footpaths were manually created by mixing garbage with cement. KAPAI members worked together in placing the footpaths ...
  • Red Cross encourages public to donate blood

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, July 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – La Union chapter is encouraging everyone to voluntarily donate blood to save lives of others who are at risk. During the "Danggayan” radio program over DWLU, this city on June 27, administrator Almira V. Abrazado said their personnel were ready to serve anyone as their blood bank is open 24 hours a day due to the increase of dengue cases. However, Abrazado said there are some requirements to consider before don...
  • 9th Golf for Kidney Care raises funds for patients

    QUEZON CITY, July 3 (PIA) -- The 9th Golf for Kidney Care Tournament was held on Wednesday, June 27, at the Philippine Navy Golf Club in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. The charity golf aimed to raise funds for kidney patients needing dialysis assistance and transplant. According to Kidney Foundation of the Philippines (KFP), organizer of the event, 77 players joined the 18-hole tournament at the hilly par 70 layout, and P450,000 was raised. Celebrity players included Lawyer Raul Lambino, journa...
  • 19 PWDs in Sultan Kudarat receive wheelchair from NGO

    KORONADAL CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- Nineteen persons with disability (PWDs), including nine children, in Sultan Kudarat province were recently given wheelchairs by Mahintana Foundation Inc. (MFI) in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12. Information from DOLE 12 said 12 wheelchairs were awarded to beneficiaries in Kalamansig town on June 20. Christabel Grace Uy of MFI confirmed today, seven more wheelchairs were handed t...
  • US Navy treats Catbalogan street kids to a fun-filled day

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 2 (PIA) -- Pacific Partnership 2012 United States Navy servicemen and some Japanese partners treated 32 Catbalogan street children to a day of fun activities. The US service men met the street children through the City Social Welfare and Development Office in partnership with Waray-Waray Youth Advocates (WARAYA) on June 30 at the Guinsorongan Beach, Catbalogan City. The city government of Catbalogan organized the activity dubbed, “Street Children Interaction Day....
  • Parents clean school in support of anti-dengue campaign, Brigada Eskwela

    KIANGAN, Ifugao, July 2 (PIA) -- Two hundred fifty parents of a private school here converged this weekend and cleaned the surroundings, made some minor repairs, and painted the classrooms in support of the clean and green program and Brigada Eskwela of government. Gemma Cantes, the school principal of the St. Joseph’s School here, said the support shown by the parents is a manifestation of their concern for their children against the dreaded disease caused by the dengue-carrying mosquit...
  • Lanao civil society holds Solidarity Walk

    MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 2 (PIA) -- Civil society organizations led by the Lanao del Sur Peoples’ Council (LDSPC) will be holding a solidarity walk today, July 2. Dubbed "Walk for Ranao," the solidarity walk will start at the Sarimanok Station going up to the Provincial Capitol Complex at around 10:00 a.m. where a short program will be held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall. Prior to the solidarity walk, members of the LDSPC will conduct a fish dispersal and tree planting in Puga...
  • Red Cross breaks ground for its blood testing center

    DAGUPAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross held a groundbreaking ceremony in Brgy. Herrero-Perez, this city, where a warehouse will be constructed for Region 1 on June 30, Saturday. The warehouse, which will be built adjacent to the Red Cross office, will also serve as the blood testing center for the region. “The center will serve as a quick response mechanism upon which we will be able to send supplies where they are needed within the region so that we don’t have to wait for...
  • Southern Leyte business sector conveys position on wage set in EV

    MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 30 (PIA) -- The 13 Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Eastern Visayas are trying to analyze the economy in Region 8, with the economic clusters involved throughout the region. This was the statement made by Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLLCI) President Robert Castañares on the groups' position on the wage set by the Department of Labor and Employment-Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (DOLE-RTWPB). The minimum wage through...
  • Lions Club distributes free eye glasses to indigents in Ifugao

    HINGYON, Ifugao, June 30 (PIA) -- The Lions Club of Baguio City and Nueva Vizcaya held free eye screening and distributed free eye glasses to indigent folks in the town. Modesto Imayaho Sr., president of Baguio City Lions’ Club and Antonio Binhaon of the Nueva Vizcaya Lions Club led the activity. The activity catered to about 400 patients from the 12 towns who were invited by the local government headed by Mayor Mario Bayuccan. Binhaon said they have distributed 350 free eye glasses to thos...
  • US Ambassador visits Xavier Univ

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, June 30 (PIA) -- The United States Ambassador to the Philippines visited Xavier University (XU) for a roundtable discussion with alumni of the Congressional Internship Program for Mindanao Youth Leaders (CIPYML) on June 28 at XU’s American Corner. US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. met with about 10 graduates of CIPYML who shared with him their experiences while completing the internship program. “Keep on being role models and ambassadors not just fo...
  • XU hands over 500 chairs to Lumbia Central School

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 29 -- Xavier University (XU) has donated 500 plastic chairs with armrest to the Lumbia Central School Southwest District. The chairs were turned over last June 25 at the school’s covered courts, led by Roel Ravanera, chair of the XU Lumbia Resettlement Project. “I cannot explain in words how happy I am,” said Dr. Daisy Lu, master teacher II, as she, together with some of her pupils, received the chairs. This donation is XU’s response to the shortage of clas...
  • Hedcor distributes school supplies to around 3500 students

    STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur, June 29 -- Hedcor and the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. provided free school supplies for around 3,500 school children in 10 Davao del Sur public schools during the first week of classes. Hedcor is the largest developer of run-of-river hydropower plants in the country. "For years, we have been giving school supplies to the schools hosting our hydropower plants, I am still moved to see jubilant smiles of these young children when they receive the pack of school materials,...
  • Philippine Red Cross calls for more blood donors

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 29 (PIA) – Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Zamboanga City Blood Bank Manager Dr. Kelly Geronimo called on the public to donate blood to ensure regular supply for those in need. In an interview with Dr. Geronimo during the PIA Media Forum, he said there is a need for more blood donors to effectively serve the public as blood demand increased dramatically after Philippine Red Cross-Zamboanga City was declared the Regional Blood Bank. “We noted an increase in the demand fo...
  • Fil-Chinese group donates 4 new classrooms in Pampanga

    Dapat po ba tanggalin yung paragraphs 7, 8, 11 and 12? Para po kasing sinasabi niya na the gov’t cannot address shortage of classrooms. ARAYAT, Pampanga, June 29 (PIA) -- The Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FCCCII) and other Filipino-Chinese officers led the inauguration of four public school buildings in four towns in Pampanga under their “Barrio Schools Program.” Board Members Monina “Monz” Laus and Ricardo Yabut said these new classrooms will serve as the s...
  • Spanish grant extends aid to Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries

    BUTUAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) -- Caraga once again becomes a recipient of an international grant as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) finalizes a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Spanish government and three local government units (LGUs) here this month to complement the implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Now on its seventh and final year of implementing the community-driven development (CDD) project Poder, Agencia Espanola Cooperacion Internacional ...
  • 1,000 volunteers join school community brigade in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, June 28 (PIA) -- About 1,000 volunteers joined the School Community Brigade initiated by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) in the municipalities of Catmon and Bantayan last May 24 and 26. The brigade is a collaborative endeavor that seeks to involve various stakeholders from different organizations, volunteers, and other interested individuals in improving school facilities to provide students a better learning environment. Participants of the two-day activity include paren...
  • USNS Mercy Ship surgery helps 200 Samarnons

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 28 (PIA) -- The United State Navy Ship (USNS) Mercy attended to almost 200 patients since the first day of accepting 40 patients per day inside the USNS Mercy Ship. The USNS Mercy Ship has 12 surgery rooms, four x-ray equipments, a physical therapy center, computed tomography (CT) scan unit, pharmacy, dental suite, angiography suite, optometry and lens laboratory, two oxygen-producing plants, and a blood bank with 5,000 units of blood. It is a floating hospital wit...
  • Phl Red Cross, Valenzuela hospitals ink agreement for stronger disaster response

    MANILA, June 28 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) recently partnered with five hospitals in Valenzuela City to further strengthen disaster response and actions during emergencies. PRC together with Fatima Medical Center, Santicissimo Hospital, Polo Emergency Hospital, Calderon Hospital and Calalang General Hospital signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) last June 23 that will establish joint emergency response systems in cases of mass casualties and big disasters. In a release, PRC Chair...
  • NGCP is now IMS certified

    SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, June 27 (PIA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) recently received its Integrated Management System (IMS) certification. With the certification, power customers are assured that services are delivered with utmost quality, with due consideration to the environment and the safety of its employees and stakeholders. According to NGCP information officer Lilibeth Gaydowen, through the TUV Rheinland Philippines, a third party auditing firm special...
  • Power firm cited for contribution to development

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, June 27 (PIA) -- SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, Inc. (SNAP-Magat) recently received a citation for its contribution in uplifting the lives of the people in Ifugao. The award was given during the Gotad Ad Ifugao 2012 festivities of the Ifugao province last week in celebration of its 48th foundation day. Ifugao provincial government formally recognized SNAP-Magat’s regular payment of taxes and other fees as major contributor in the implementation of development programs for ...
  • Tabuk city hotel launches “celebrity tree” project

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, June 26 (PIA) –- The Grand Zion Hotel and Garden Resort launched the "celebrity tree” project, for all its celebrity guests to plant a tree at its hotel yard. During its launch at recently concluded Matagoan Festival, Glennifer Perido, title holder of Ms. Earth Philippines – Air, planted the first celebrity tree, witnessed by other visiting tourism promoters who graced the festival and were billeted at the hotel. Grand Zion used to be the top choice of guests and ...
  • Mining firms conduct medical mission for IPs

    BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, June 27 (PIA) -- Three mining firms provided free health services to 650 residents of this town during a medical mission last June 23, in coordination with the local government. The Bayog 9 Meals Corporation, Alpha First Asia Mining Corporation and Alpha Prime Pacific Mining Corporation brought the mission to indigenous communities composed of the Subanen Tribe of Barangays Liba, Conacon, Bobuan, Datagan, Bantal, Canoayan and Matin-ao, as social commitment of the min...
  • Rotary Walk for Peace slated on July 1

    ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, June 26 (PIA) -- The Rotarians enjoin all Christians, Muslims, and Lumads to walk as one people and show to the entire nation that the areas of Iligan and Marawi are geared toward peace and its promulgation. “This is a better way to start off a new Rotary Year (RY), with the theme, 'Peace through Service,' joining together the two cities for a walk for peace,” expressed District Governor George Hamoy, Rotary International, District 3870, RY 2012-2013. "We anc...
  • Cebu mining firm spends P18.4 M for community dev't

    CEBU CITY, June 26 (PIA) --- About P18.4 million of livelihood projects, infrastructure assistance, and educational and medical programs were spent by Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) last year benefiting a number of mining communities in Toledo City, Cebu under their social development and management program (SDMP). Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 Regional Director Loreto Alburo said government recognizes that development of the mining community that hosts the mining project as well as s...
  • Electric coop explains series of brown-outs

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, June 26 (PIA) -– The Kalinga Apayao Electric Cooperative (KAELCO) Office recently explained that the series of brownouts experienced by the province especially in late afternoons that drew complaints from their consumers. KAELCO general manager Corazon Tomas, in a statement, explained that brownouts were caused by blasted power fuses when there are lightnings in the late afternoons. She said that tree branches extending to power lines attract lightning bolts that ...
  • Search is on for 2012 Freedom Project

    CEBU CITY, June 26 (PIA) -- Initiatives that bear participatory democracy, good governance, human rights and competition that exemplify and promote freedom may be nominated to the ongoing search for the 2012 ‘Freedom Project.’ The Freedom Project aims to recognize outstanding initiatives that promote, safeguard and maximize the benefits of freedom. It seeks to translate freedom from a mere concept to actual programs that influence how individuals perceive themselves in relation to their rol...
  • Hongkong OFW crowned as Ifugao “Balikbayan” 2012

    MAYOYAO, Ifugao, June 26 (PIA) -- A former overseas Filipino worker (OFW), who worked in Hong Kong, from this municipality was crowned as the province’s Balikbayan for 2012. Grace Marie L. Lumayna, 55 and a mother of six, bagged the crown, besting eight co-OFWs participants from other municipalities during the search for Ifugao Balikbayan 2012 as part of the 46th founding anniversary celebration of the province. Lumayna worked as a domestic helper in Hongkong for four years. According to h...
  • I-Club runs for poor children

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, June 26 (PIA) -- To reach out to the poor children in the province of Cagayan, the Informers' Club (i-Club) has initiated a "Fun Run for a Cause," a fund-raising activity for selected marginalized schoolchildren. The i-Club is a media organization under the supervision of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) region whose primary thrust is to help government and the civil society in information dissemination and advocacies on programs and projects. The media members said the...
  • New Cainta River Council officers take oath

    ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, June 26 (PIA) -- The Cainta River Council took their oath before Cainta First Lady and Chairperson Veron Ilagan, last June 23 at the People’s Center, Cainta Municipal Compound, Cainta, Rizal. Municipal Mayor Ramon Ilagan officiated the oath taking ceremony for the new set of CRC officers, committee and board members including Vice Chairman Manny Jacob, President and Cainta Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Prof. Norman Idanan, Vice President Ana Liza Fr...
  • Cebu City's Badjao community uplifts living conditions

    CEBU CITY June 25 (PIA) -- The Badjao community in Cebu City is exerting effort in making their community in Sitio Pungtod, Alaska Mambaling, Cebu City, a clean and orderly area through the aid and support of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Bajau Integrated Area Development Project (BIAD-P). The 10 cluster leaders of the Badjao community were designated to lead the community’s efforts of keeping their surroundings clean and safe as the rest of the community were also taught proper sanita...
  • Preparations underway for Red Cross 8th Biennial Chapter Assembly

    BUTUAN CITY, June 25 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte – Butuan City Chapter is now preparing for the conduct of the 8th Biennial Chapter Assembly on July 27, 2012 here. The event, which is anchored on the theme: Philippine Red Cross @ 63: 24/7 in service to Humanity, will highlight the conduct of the election of the PRC Board of Directors. According to Tedoro Cairo, PRC Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter President, candidates must have attained, by virtue of demonst...
  • Ifugao LGU recognizes SN Aboitiz Power

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, June 25 (PIA) -- The provincial government awarded a plague of appreciation to SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) – Magat hydro power plant for its contribution to the economic development of the province. The award was given during the Ifugao Day celebration last week. According to provincial treasurer Samuel Marinay, this in recognition to the power company in paying its taxes, fees and other impositions to the province. “These taxes and fees had contributed to the attainment of...
  • C. Luzon science scholars win int’l awards

    CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, June 25 (PIA) -- The Philippine Science High School in Central Luzon Campus (PSHS-CLC) bagged a back-to-back victory in two international competitions as six scholars excelled in essay writing and science and technology. The students wrote on the theme, “Dear Mr. United Nations Secretary-General International Schools Essay Writing Contest” under the Secondary Schools Category. Joshua Miguel Danac landed as finalist while Samantha Beatrice de Guzman and Stephanie ...
  • State college wins Dangal ng Kalikasan award

    VIRAC, Catanduanes, June 25 (PIA) -- For sustaining the gains of its environmental protection program and initiating more eco-driven policies and projects, the Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) won the academe category of the Governor Joseph C. Cua Dangal ng Kalikasan Award. CSC SUC President III Dr. Minerva I. Morales received the recognition during the opening ceremonies of the Linggo ng Kalikasan celebration at the Catanduanes Provincial Capitol compound on June 18. Governor Cua, togethe...
  • Red Cross chapter to hold "bingo-for-a-cause"

    BUTUAN CITY, June 24 (PIA) -- In time with the 8th Biennial Chapter Assembly slated July 27, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter will be holding a "Bingo-for-a-Cause" on July 7 at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center here. The 8th Biennial Chapter Assembly is anchored on the theme “Philippine Red Cross @ 63: 24/7 Service to Humanity.” According to PRC Chapter Administrator Teodoro Cairo, each ticket will cost P500, which includes one snack and five bin...
  • Water company builds 1,800 homes for the homeless

    PARAÑAQUE, June 23 (PIA) -- The city government of Parañaque commended the Maynilad Water Services, Inc. for recently donating P1.82 million to District 3830 Rotary Homes Parañaque Foundation, Inc. for the construction of 1,500 homes for informal settlers in the city. “It is our vision to see that our marginalized constituents have access to decent housing as well as potable water. We commend Maynilad for their contribution to our efforts in making this vision a reality,” Parañaque Cit...
  • 2012 ‘Freedom Project’ award open for nominations

    ILOILO CITY, June 22 (PIA6) -- The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom – Philippine Office is now accepting nominations for the 2012 “Freedom Project” award that aims to recognize outstanding initiatives that promote, safeguard and maximize the benefits of freedom. These initiatives include legislation, policies and programs that made an impact in the national or local scene, and that transplanted the concept of freedom into practical ideas that engage the public. Foundation Country...
  • Quirino Communicators’ Network formed

    CABARROGUIS, Quirino, June 22 (PIA) -- Information officers from six municipalities, national government agencies (NGAs), and non-government organizations (NGOs) in the province convened last week to formally organize and come up with plans aimed at popularizing the policies, programs, and activities of all local government units (LGUs), NGOs, and NGAs. The Quirino Communicators’ Network shall be under the supervision of the Philippine Information Agency-Quirino Information Center. Its primar...
  • Mining company empowers community thru training

    MRL Gold Philippines, Inc. has provided training and helped people find jobs since it began operations in 2006, said Ms. Jesalyn A. Guingguing, Environmental Manager and OIC for Community Relations. The company has organized training on solid waste management, coastal resource management, marketing, among others. Among the sectors that attended these were indigenous people, farmers, fisher folks, women, youth and children. The said trainings were conducted in partnership local government units,...
  • Floirendo Foundation welcomes more scholars

    DAVAO CITY, June 21 -- Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation continues to strengthen its scholarship program as it welcomes 70 new scholars for the school year 2012-2013. On its 11th year of providing scholarship grants to dependents of employees of the ANFLOCOR Group of Companies, the Floirendo Foundation now has a total number of 169 scholars under its program. “The Floirendo Foundation is very happy that the number of scholars is growing year on year,” said Russell U. Barrizo, Prog...
  • 51 gets home under adopt-a-child project

    VIRAC, Catanduanes, June 21 (PIA) -- Fifty-one children from selected barangays of Virac benefited from the Adopt-a-Child project of the Rotaract Club of Virac. The activity, held last June 17, aims to provide support to less fortunate kids from selected barangays of the town by giving school supplies, toys, and treating them in a fast food chain. It is also part of the club's community service being conducted monthly, which also includes gift-giving projects and feeding programs. Rotaract Cl...
  • Search for country's most outstanding volunteer launched

    CEBU CITY, June 20 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) launched a search for the Most Outstanding Volunteers in the country to recognize the contribution of Filipino volunteers in building strong communities in the country. The search is open to all Filipino citizens and Filipino volunteer organizations and local chapters of the foreign volunteer organizations that render volunteer assistance here in the country. Two types of awards will be conferred...
  • MPI conducts 2-yr training on tribal leaders

    PAGADIAN CITY, June 20 (PIA) – Some 31 tribal leaders from Zamboanga Peninsula have undergone a two (2) year training from the Mindanao Peace Building Institute (MPI). The first set was conducted on June 5-9 at Anastacia Pension House here. The MPI who was established in the year 2000, is an Asian training institute grounded in the Mindanao, Philippines context using models developed and adapted for and by Asians. MPI a resource for peace builders provide skills, conduct research, and build ...
  • Bago ethnic group raffles piglets to members

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, June 20 (PIA) - - Twelve piglets produced from a swine dispersal project of an ethnic group were raffled to its members during their recent assembly here. The Bago Cultural National Society of the Philippines, Inc. (BCNSPI), Kalinga chapter applied the raffle scheme to avoid the issue of favoritism since the original piglet dispersed that grew to become sows did not give birth at the same time or others were not impregnated. Abraham Dang-awan, BCNSPI Board of Director...
  • Forum set on educating children with disabilities

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, June 20 (PIA) -- The Great Physician Rehabilitation Foundation (GPRehab) in partnership with the American Studies Resource Center (ASRC) of Silliman University will hold a forum on “Educating Children with Disabilities: Sharing of Experiences” on June 26 at 1:00 pm at Silliman Library. American Professor from the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. James Patton will share the American experience in educating children with disabilities while for the Philippine...
  • RAFI Micro-finance to establish more branches in the Visayas

    CEBU CITY, June 20 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Micro-finance, Cebu-based NGO, is set to establish more branches in the provinces of Leyte, Bohol, and in Cebu City to serve and help more women micro-entrepreneurs. In a press release, Micro-finance Leyte area manager Noneto Gonzales said that there are plans of putting up additional branches in Central and Eastern Visayas, especially in rural areas. A branch in Jagna will soon open for Bohol clients. More branches in the no...
  • News feature: Save lives, donate blood

    ILOILO CITY, June 19 (PIA6) -- Will it hurt? Can I do it? These questions crossed the mind of twenty-year old Hanna Chrissane Montano when she thought of donating blood like her dad, Christopher Montano, did. The elder Montano is board director of the Philippine Red Cross-Iloilo Chapter. To find out, she decided finally to donate blood herself. With her Dad’s consent, Hanna gave her first bag of blood at the age of sixteen when, together with some of her classmates at Assumption-Iloilo, ...
  • Phl franchise sector provides over 1M jobs

    CEBU CITY, June 19 (PIA) -- Over one million Filipinos have gained employment from the franchising sector, as the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) aggressively pushed for the expansion of the industry to generate more jobs. PFA President Elizabeth Pardo-Orbeta bared that as of last year, 1.1 million Filipinos have been employed nationwide by the franchise sector largely composed of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In 2000, the number of employed in the franchise sector was re...
  • Thousands of families, students affected by Typhoons Pedring & Quiel benefit from PRC projects

    MADDELA, Quirino, June 19 (PIA) -- A total of 3,713 families and 1,624 students in the municipalities of Maddela and Nagtipunan who were affected by typhoons Pedring and Quiel in September last year were benefited by the rehabilitation projects of the Philippine Red Cross. The projects which were recently turned over to the beneficiaries by PRC Chairman Richard Gordon include rehabilitation of health facilities and classrooms, health equipment and supplies, community health education, and basic...
  • Aeta pupils learn basic grooming

    SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, June 18 (PIA) -- A total of 155 pupils at a public elementary school in the remote village of Kanawan in Morong, Bataan, learned proper grooming and proper hygiene through a lecture conducted by volunteers from this free port. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority-Public Relations Department (SBMA-PRD) facilitated the Kanawan outreach project, which was a joint undertaking of the Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic Freeport and international personal products manufacturer John...
  • Palawan Red Cross opens new building

    PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, June 18 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Palawan Chapter opened last week its new building to house a provincial blood center as a post-celebration of World Blood Donor’s Day. PRC Chairman Richard Gordon led the inauguration of the building, which is already be equipped with machines. The provincial blood center is equipped with blood refrigerator, refrigerated centrifuge, rotator, and apheresis machines that can now split blood into its separate compon...
  • Search for the best agri stories launched

    NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur, June 18 (PIA) -- A search for best agriculture stories has been launched to recognize the chroniclers of Philippine agriculture who shared inspirational insights on the best stories that have shaped the lives of our people. Phillip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation, Inc. (PMFTC) has launched this afternoon the sixth Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards at Villa Caceres Hotel, putting premium on the vital role that agriculture plays in the lives of every Filipino....
  • PNP ladies club distributes school supplies, chairs in Ifugao

    HINGYON, Ifugao, June 17 (PIA) -- The Ladies Club of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera Region distributed 100 school bags and donated 60 arm chairs to school children in Bangtinon Elementary School in Barangay Bangtinon, a depressed barangay here. Another 250 bags with school supplies were distributed to children in Baguinge Elementary School in Kiangan town. Mrs. Arlyn Magalong, wife of Cordillera Police Regional Director PCSupt. Benjamin Magalong, and the Club Coordinator, said th...
  • Winning life's battles is real freedom

    CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental, June 16 (PIA) -- “Gaining independence is not only winning the battle from foreign rule but also gaining experience to stand and strive hard to win the real battle of life.” This was the message of Kristin Co Lim, President for Administration, College of Communication, Information and Technology (CCIT) of Calamba, who was the guest of honor, during the town’s 114th Independence Day celebration, last June 12. A teacher by profession, Lim also highlighted the i...
  • ACE, Rotary Club of Butuan turn-over service vehicle to Balay Silonganan

    BUTUAN CITY, June 17 (PIA) -- The Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) and Rotary Club of Butuan turned-over the service vehicle to Balay Silonganan on Friday at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga Regional Covered Court, this city. Rotary Club of Butuan President Sisinio Narisma together with 47th District Governor-Elect for District 3860 Peter “Perok” Rodriguez, Past President Victor Plaza, ACE President and Commission on Election (COMELEC) Caraga Regional Director...
  • PRC-Baguio advocates voluntary blood donation

    BAGUIO CITY, June 15 (PIA) - - The Philippine Red Cross – Baguio Chapter (PRC-Baguio) joined in the celebration of World Blood Donors Day through an Open House Blood Donor activity at their office here along Harrison Road on Thursday where more than 30 volunteers donated blood. According to PRC-Baguio Chapter Administrator Anastacia Tamayo, World Blood Donors Day which is being celebrated every June 14, aims to raise awareness on the need of safe and adequate supply of blood and its deriv...
  • Community college opens door to poor but deserving Ilonggos

    ILOILO CITY, June 15 (PIA 6) -- A community college here has recently been established to help poor but deserving high school students go to college. At the blessing and launching ceremony of the Iloilo City Community College, donated by Dr. Edgar “Injap” Sia II to the city government, Mr. Joel Adrias, President of the INJAP Foundation, Inc., represented and read the message of Dr. Sia. “Let this be a breeding ground that will incubate Ilonggo youths to be potent tools for nation buil...
  • Private firm donates traffic signages

    ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, June 15 (PIA) -- Around 40 traffic standard signages were turned over by the Petronas Lubricant Incorporated (PLI) as assistance to the Iligan City Traffic Management Office. The traffic signages composed of “No Left Turn,” “No Right Turn,” “No Loading and Unloading,” and “No Parking” shall be placed along the city streets. These were turned over by PLI officials Garret Gil Yañez, Tony Alejo, and Arniel Mamauag during the flag-raising ceremony ...
  • Manjuyod town library receives 156 volumes from SU

    NEGROS ORIENTAL, June 15 (PIA) -- The Manjuyod public library has received 156 volumes of books recently from Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library. University Librarian Lorna Yso facilitated the donation of children's books and teachers' references to Barangay Bagtic Elementary School. Earlier, the school's head teacher wrote Silliman University President Dr. Ben Malayang III expressing the need for library resources. According to the Office of Information and Publication director Mark ...
  • It's more fun planting in Ifugao Rice Terraces

    BANAUE, Ifugao, June 14 (PIA) -- Employees of a Laguna-based electronics company found it more fun planting rice seedlings in the Ifugao Rice Terraces. A total of 50 employees from Toshiba Information Equipment Philippines, Inc. (TIP) came in Banaue on June 8 to sign for the adoption of portions of the Ifugao Rice Terraces in Barangay Batad, for the company to maintain. Led by TIP executive vice president Isao Morita and its two vice presidents Hirofumi Sato and Noboyuki Inukubo, the TIP team ...
  • President’s sister turns over 21 kinder buildings

    DAVAO CITY June 14 (PIA)-- About 21 kindergarten school buildings were turned over to the Department of Education by the education advocacy group AGAPP (Aklat Gabay Aruga Tungo sa Pagunlad at Pag-Asa) led by its chair Pinky Aquino Abellada, sister of President Benigno Aquino III. The construction of the buildings were realized thru the P75- million funding support given by Aboitiz Foundation led by its president Jon Ramon Aboitiz. The turn-over ceremony was held last June 13 at the Marco Polo...
  • 28 Nueva Vizcaya families get new houses from TV network

    DUPAX DEL NORTE, Nueva Vizcaya, June 14 (PIA) -- A total of 28 homeless families in this town yesterday received newly-constructed houses donated by TV 5 Network in barangay Macabenga here. The bungalow-type fully-painted housing units, complete with tiled floor, beds, comfort room, dining tables, and chairs and other facilities were funded under the TV 5 network’s Extreme Home Makeover project, hosted by Paulo Bediones. “This is a true sign of independence because our homeless constituent...
  • PAFELA gives out school supplies to schools

    NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 12 (PIA) -- The Pag-IBIG Fund Employees Labor Association (PAFELA) – Bacolod Chapter held an outreach program last week by giving school supplies to the elementary school students in Bacolod City and Sagay, this province. Mae Ramos, chairperson of PAFELA, said the outreach is a way of helping students coming from indigent families to have free school supplies this school year. Meanwhile, vice-chair Roland Gilo said the theme for their outreach program is “GAMIT P...
  • Maynilad completes new facility in QC

    QUEZON CITY, June 12 (PIA) -- The Maynilad Water Services, Inc. recently completed its P25 million sewage treatment plant (STP) located along Congressional Avenue in Quezon City. Maynilad President and CEO Ricky P. Vargas said wastewater management plays an important role in protecting the health and sanitation of communities and the environment. “This is why we continue to accelerate our projects for the proper treatment and disposal of wastewater in our concession area. This is the commi...
  • DOLE-Caraga chief urges stakeholders’ support to promote OSH in Butuan City

    BUTUAN CITY, June 11 (PIA) -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga Regional Director Ofelia Domingo has urged private and public stakeholders to support occupational safety and health (OSH). During Friday’s meeting with the technical working group member-agencies composed of national government agencies, the local government unit in this city, and the Butuan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Domingo emphasized that through the creation of OSH convergence, the public will be...
  • PRC chair leads turnover of basic disaster response equipment, first aid kits to Surigao Norte

    SURIGAO CITY June 11 (PIA) –- Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gordon on Saturday led the turn-over of basic disaster response equipment and first aid kits to six barangays in Surigao del Norte. The event was held at Andres G. Acelo Gym in Claver town attended by the barangay officials of Quezon, Mansayao and Tagbuyawan of Mainit and barangays Tayaga, Magallanes and Urbiztondo of Claver as part of the Partners Resilience (PfR) Program of Philippine Red C...
  • Pawikan guardians appeal for health support

    CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, June 9 (PIA) -- As the migration and breeding period of the endangered pawikan approaches, volunteers from the Bantay Pawikan Inc. (BPI) in Morong town are appealing for health care assistance to aid them in protecting the threatened species during the typhoon season. Physical ailments and absence of medical checkup have hindered the 17 volunteers of BPI from hunting down poachers along the coastal areas of Morong particularly in Barangay Nagbalayong, said BPI president...
  • Rotary Club serves schoolchildren with poor eye sights

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, June 9 (PIA) -- The Rotary Club Tuguegarao-Rainbow has served some schoolchildren with poor eye sights through the visual acuity and eye glasses distribution in Cataggamman Elementary School, here. Purita S. Licas, club president, said that after the visual acuity, which was conducted last January 6 this year, the group delivered the first batch of the eye glasses to five pupil beneficiaries in the said school. Licas said 350 elementary schoolchildren underwent visual testing ...
  • SM donates school building for K+2 program

    SARIAYA, Quezon, June 9 (PIA) -- The SM Foundation (SMF) donated one school building with two classrooms in Gov. Natalio and Susana Enriquez Elementary School in Barangay Sampaloc II to augment the classroom shortage in the town. “So far we have built 46 school buildings in the entire country and four of these are located in Quezon Province. These school buildings are fully furnished with chairs, tables, blackboard and with own comfort rooms and electric fans which are comfortable for learnin...
  • Toshiba adopts portion of Ifugao Rice Terraces to maintain

    BANAUE, Ifugao, June 8 (PIA) -- Laguna-based Toshiba Information Equipment Philippines, Inc. (TIP) signed a covenant with Ifugao rice terraces owners to adopt some terraces at Barangay Batad for maintenance, protection, and preservation. TIP executive vice president Isao Morita and vice presidents Hirofumi Sato and Nobuyuki Inukubo led about 50 Japanese executives and employees in this town on June 7 for the launching of the “Adopt-a-Rice Terrace Program.” According to Marietta Hangdaan of...
  • Power firm's school makeover benefits 440 schoolers

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, June 8 (PIA) -- Two elementary schools within the coverage area of a power firm here recently received refurbishment efforts in preparation for the opening of classes this school year. SN Aboitiz Power ‘s (SNAP) school brigade program benefited the Binga Elementary School in Brgy. Tinongdan in Itogon, Benguet and the San Antonio Elementary School in Brgy. San Antonio in Ramon, Isabela last May 29 to 31. “This program is intended to assist our host communities b...
  • Girl Scouts' eco-park project in Ifugao lands 2nd in national search

    ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao, June 8 (PIA) -- A project of the Girl Scout of the Philippines (GSP) in this municipality was declared second place winner in the nationwide search for the Pilar Hidalgo Lim (PHL) Troop Achievement Award Scheme. According to Ifugao GSP council executive Felisa Gumangan, the San Quintin Elementary School Junior Girl Scout Troop’s eco-park project was ranked next to Palawan, the overall winner of the PHL award scheme. For this feat, the school received P35,000 as priz...
  • CRS to launch resource, marketing project for Mindanao farmers

    DAVAO CITY, June 7 (PIA) -- The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) will be launching on Friday, June 8, a three-year resource strengthening and marketing project to benefit 32,000 farmers in seven provinces in Mindanao. The implementation of the “Farmer Alliances for Resource Strengthening and Marketing,” or FARM project of CRS, will have its formal start on the said date at the Apo View Hotel this city. With funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), FARM will assist its...
  • SOLABC to boost business industry in Rizal

    TAYTAY, Rizal, June 7 (PIA) -- Business enterprises and other stakeholders from Southern Luzon will converge in Rizal during the 21st South Luzon Area Business Conference (SOLABC) 2012. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Rizal (PCCI), in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Rizal will host the conference with the aim to boost the business industry in Rizal along with its neighboring provinces. The discussion will revolve on the theme, “PCCI Invest 2012: Driving Business ...
  • Nueva Vizcaya gun owners join range officers' seminar

    BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, June 7(PIA) -- Several gun owners here recently attended the range officers’ seminar to hone their skills on firing range management, gun handling assistance among shooters, and administration of shooting competition in the province. The seminar, conducted recently was sponsored by the Vizcaya Gun Club (VGC), Sambisig Gun Club (SGC), National Range Officers Institute (NROI), and Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA). The seminar was attended by more than...
  • Red Cross chair to visit Caraga Region

    BUTUAN CITY, June 7 (PIA) –- Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman Richard Gordon is set to visit Caraga Region on June 9 and 10 to turnover response equipment and first aid kits to its provincial offices in Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Sur. In a phone conversation with Jingjing Romero, PR consultant of the PRC chair, he said the activity is part of PRC’s commitment to better serve the people in the region, especially in the aforementioned provinces. Romero also said Gordon will grace th...
  • AFP, DepEd, ABS-CBN ink MOA to build more classrooms

    QUEZON CITY, June 6 (PIA) –- To start the school year right, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has joined hands with the Department of Education (DepEd) and media company ABS-CBN in forging an agreement in constructing school buildings and providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HA/DR). The Memorandum of Agreement signing held Tuesday, June 5, is in time with the opening of the classes and onset of the rainy season. In a release sent to PIA-NCR, it said that the par...
  • Kalinga Blood Council sets bloodletting activities for June

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, June 6 (PIA) -- The Kalinga Blood Council is set to conduct three bloodletting activities (BLAs) this June in the municipalities of Pinukpuk and Rizal. Scheduled for BLA on June 14 are the clustered barangays of Camalog, Cawagayan, and Mapaco of Pinukpuk to be held at the 21st Infantry Batallion Camp in Kapanikian of said municipality. Pasil municipality, through its Municipal Health Office, will also host a BLA on June 18 in the locality. The third activity on June 2...
  • LCDE launches medical, dental, relief mission in North Samar

    TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 6 (PIA) -- The Leyte Center for Development (LCDE), a disaster response and development-oriented non-government organization (NGO), spearheaded the launching of a medical, dental, and relief mission to poor villagers in nine interior barangays in Catubig and Las Navas in Northern Samar. According to LCDE executive director Jazmin Jerusalem, the humanitarian mission which was conducted last May 8-13 this year granted free medical, dental services, as well as minor surg...
  • Local inventors pitch pyro-clave for hospital wastes

    DAVAO CITY June 6 (PIA) -- A group of Dabawenyo inventors pitched their locally developed pyro-clave technology to the Davao City government. They are proposing to build an infectious medical waste processing facility in the New Carmen sanitary landfill. Pyro-clave is a non-burn waste processing technology where infectious wastes from hospitals and medical facilities are converted into charcoal. The proponents named RAD Green Solutions won acclaim when their pyro clave project was named as o...
  • 22 Nueva Vizcaya volunteer teachers undergo pre-school seminar

    DUPAX DEL NORTE, Nueva Vizcaya, June 6 (PIA) -- A total of 22 volunteer teachers of Gawad Kalinga (GK) in the province recently underwent free pre-school teaching seminar in preparation for the opening of classes this June. The volunteer teachers, who came from Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, and Quirino provinces, attended the seminar from May 21 to 25 at the Philippine Illinai SIBOL School in barangay Malasin in this town. Wilfred Ross Delizo, GK area coordinator team member and acting GK head in Nu...
  • Phl mining corp distributes school bags

    MONKAYO, Compostela Valley Province, June 6 (PIA) -- A mining company has distributed school knapsacks for around 100 pupils from the kinder, Grades 1 and 2 levels of Matanagad Elementary School and Malinao Primary School in Brgy. Upper Ulip, Monkayo, Compostella Valley on Monday, June 4. Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC) Community Relations Officer Ferdinand Dobli said the school bag distribution was a project under PMDC’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program dubbed a...
  • Xavier Ecoville holds blessing, "padugo" of permanent site

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 5 -- Xavier Ecoville with Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) had its ground blessing and "padugo" ritual for the permanent site last June 2, a day after completing the transfer of more than 500 households to its temporary shelters in Barangay Lumbia for tropical storm Sendong survivors. Among the attendees were Xavier University President Fr. Roberto Yap SJ, HFHP Regional Program Manager Leonilo Escalada, and Lumbia Barangay Captain Wilhem Valencia. Workers from...
  • PRC restores 10 typhoon-affected schools, health centers

    ILAGAN, Isabela, June 2 (PIA) -- With the upcoming opening of classes next week, at least six public schools, two health centers, one communal toilet and one water system that were partially destroyed by typhoons Pedring and Quiel last year are now ready for use after the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Isabela funded the immediate restoration of the said facilities in the three towns of Isabela. In a report handed to PIA, PRC- Isabela chapter administrator Antonietta Asis said the restoration ...
  • 137 school children benefit from free school supplies from local TV network

    ECHAGUE, Isabela, June 2 (PIA) –- As the country officially starts the opening of classes on June 4, 2012, a local television network operating in the region distributed free school supplies and bags to indigent pupils in the four distant barangays of this town. The ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya foundation has gone to the municipality of Echague and personally delivered school supplies and bags to selected indigent pupils of barangays Dammang East, Dammang West, Dugayong and Salay all of Echague,...
  • Makati transport groups to give free ride to students on June 4

    MAKATI CITY, June 2 (PIA) -- On the first day of classes, June 4, Monday, student passengers will be treated to free rides in jeepneys and discounted fares for tricycles in Makati, according to a statement posted on the local government's website. Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay thanked the Unified Transport Federation of Makati (UTFM) and Ang Bagong Makati Tricycle Federation (AB-MATRIFED) for the said initiatives aimed to show their support for the city government as the entire city celebrates ...
  • 19 barangays benefit from Red Cross health and first aid trainings

    ILAGAN, Isabela, June 2 (PIA) –- The Philippine Red Cross – Isabela Chapter reported that 19 barangays in three southern Isabela towns are beneficiaries of the community-based health and first aid (CBHFA) volunteer trainings conducted from January to April this year. The towns of San Agustin, Jones and Echague are the three towns which benefitted from the CBHFA as part of the humanitarian activities of the agency in helping localities that were hit by calamities. Antonieta Asis, PRC – Is...
  • Footwear retail wins PBSP BiD challenge, tickets to int’l marketplace event in Netherlands

    QUEZON CITY, June 1 (PIA) -- A footwear retail promoting social entrepreneurship by making fashionable shoes from scrap cloths and rubber won the top prize of the 5th Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Business in Development (BiD) Challenge Philippines last Wednesday night in Pasay City. This was announced by PBSP executive director Rafa Lopa in a press release sent to the PIA-NCR. Lopa said Habi Footwear, a start-up business managed by 22-year-old Albert Go, will compete in the I...
  • Habi footwear, pineapple fiber wins PBSP BiD Challenge

    QUEZON CITY, June 1 (PIA) -- Habi Footwear, shoes that care by Albert Go; and Pineapple Fiber Production of Batas Multi-Purpose Cooperative by Shiela Vergara emerged winners Wednesday night in the Business in Development (BiD) Challenge at One Esplanade, SM Central Business Park. This was announced by the organizer, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in a press release sent to the PIA-NCR. PBSP executive director Rafa C. Lopa said the two top winners will represent the country to...
  • News Feature: Leyte adopts PPP strategy to make pioneering sports program sustainable

    By adopting the public-private partnership strategy, the Provincial Government of Leyte is assured that the Leyte Sports Academy will be sustained. This was disclosed by third-termer Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla during the launching of the Smart-Leyte Sports Academy (LSA) Partnership on May 30 at the Leyte Sports Development Center Social Hall. Under the partnership, Smart, through its Smart Sports program, shall extend support to the sports development and promotion program of the provi...
  • Cebu, RAFI presents TV program to improve LGUs’ status

    CEBU CITY, June 1 (PIA) -- The Cebu provincial government and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) are working together for a project aimed on educating local government units (LGUs) on how to improve and uplift their status through the Expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures Our Cebu program on Sugbo TV, which began last May 22. Dubbed "Atong Sugbo," the show is a series of segments aired three times a week on primetime telecast which will highlight the best practices and s...
  • 44 Marinduque public high schools receive book donations

    BOAC, Marinduque, June 1 (PIA) -- A total of 44 public high schools in Marinduque have been given boxes of books by the Books of Asia Foundation, Makati City on May 30. All nine districts of Departmet of Education-Marinduque from the municipalities of Boac, Mogpog, Sta. Cruz, Torrijos, Buenavista, Gasa will benefit from the donation. Boac Bishop Rey Evangelista, in coordination with the MarinduCare Foundation, Inc., initiated the book donation request and turnover ceremony at Don Luis Hidalgo ...
  • RAFI offers kayak program

    CEBU, June 1 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) offers a kayak program that aims to develop and enhance leadership skills. The program is open to both corporate professionals and youth groups. “This is not just a recreation program. This is a leadership development program using kayak as a tool. With all the beautiful and rich marine biodiversity and potential islets in Cebu, there is no reason for us not to have this kind of water activity,” Antho...
  • UNIDO holds forum for business enterprise development

    DAGUPAN CITY, May 31 (PIA) -- The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on Monday led a forum at the University of Luzon here for developing and tapping possible local small and medium enterprise (SME) ventures. Discussed during the forum was the proposed Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC), which will be established in the university. The UNIDO will help create the center through the Arab Regional Center for Entrepreneurship and Investment Training (ARCEIT) based on...
  • Business leaders air support for Aquino Administration's pro poor projects

    MAKATI CITY, May 31 (PIA) -- Some of the country's leading business leaders on Wednesday expressed continued support for the President Benigno C. Aquino III's pro-poor programs. The industry leaders gave their assurance at the sidelines of the launching of the League of the Corporate Foundation (LCF) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Expo 2012 at the Ayala Museum in Makati City. Among the business leaders were PHINMA Corporation president Ramon del Rosario, Ayala Foundation president Lourd...
  • Int'l Federation of Red Cross provides homes to typhoon-affected Quirinians

    CABARROUIS, Quirino, May 31 (PIA) -- At least 42 families from Villa Ylanan of Maddela town, whose houses were destroyed by typhoon Pedring last year, will soon have their permanent shelters through the housing project funded by the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) through the Philippine Red Cross. Ahmed Nazri Zacharias, IFRC Malaysian delegate, said they are currently validating the identified beneficiaries with the assistance of the local officials in the area. “We will be forg...
  • Navotas welcomes Habitat Youth Build volunteers

    QUEZON CITY, May 30 (PIA) –- Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco said Tuesday that he welcomed partners and participants with more than 1,000 volunteers in a Youth Build at the Navotas Socialized Housing Site in Barangay Tanza. Tiangco said the project will house 500 families affected by Typhoon Pedring last year. The city mayor felt privileged that Habitat for Humanity chose Navotas to be the recipient of their selfless efforts to provide homes to many of their needy and homeless member...
  • Hedcor builds fence for DavSur school

    STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur, May 30 --A P50,000-worth of perimeter fence at Sibulan National High School of this town was built by Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. in support to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela. “In Sibulan, the construction of P50, 000 worth perimeter fence will assure students’ safety and help teachers guard their students during school hours,” said Hedcor Vice President Rolando Pacquaio. Hedcor, a subsidiary of AboitizPower, hopes that the 10-meter fence proj...
  • Red Cross-Kalinga inaugurates office, classroom building

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, May 30 (PIA) - - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)- Kalinga Chapter now has a building of its own to be inaugurated on June 24. to be graced by PRC National Chairman Dick Gordon. PRC Kalinga Chapter Administrator Glorina Diaz said that simultaneous with the inauguration is the opening of a one classroom structure to accommodate pupils coming from around 50 families. According to Diaz, funds for the school building were sourced from the International Federation of the Red Cro...
  • Boy Scout workshop for APR correspondents set June 22-25

    QUEZON CITY, May 30 (PIA) -- The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) announced Tuesday it will host the first Asia-Pacific Region (APR) Scouting Workshop for Correspondents, organized by the World Scout Organization’s Asia-Pacific Region in Los Baños, Laguna on June 22-25. BSP said in a press release the venue is at the Executive Hall at Philippine Scouting Center for APR, Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna. It is expected to draw 50 correspondents from 25 member countries of the World Scout O...
  • NGO, DepEd distribute slippers, school supplies to children in far flung Ifugao villages

    MAYOYAO, Ifugao, May 29 (PIA) -- A non government organization, in coordination with the Department of Education here distributed slippers and school supplies to 500 schoolchildren in remote villages here and in Alfonso Lista. DepEd supervisor Jane Dulawan said the Juan Day Organization led by Eunice Crisostomo distributed the said items to schoolchildren of Barangays Little Tadian and Talupurak in Alfonso Lista town and Barangays Guinihon, Tulaed, and Epeng of Mayoyao municipality. With the g...
  • Silliman, AusAID launches research project in Masbate

    DUMAGUETE CITY, May 29 (PIA) -- The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), together with the Silliman University, launched on May 24 a project dubbed "Participatory Evidence-Based Research and Learning (PERL) in Masbate Province." "This is the first time AusAID will be supporting an initiative of its kind," Counsellor Andrew Egan of AusAID said of the project "We believe that Silliman University has a great potential to contribute to the growing development in the Philipp...
  • Negros Occ, private foundation conduct medical tour for farmers

    NEGROS OCC., May 29 (PIA6) -- The provincial government and the Syngenta Foundation, Inc through its Corporate Social Responsibility, recently conducted a medical tour in the province benefiting close to 500 beneficiaries. Richell R. Recoter of the Foundation said close to P25,000 medicines were given free to patients in four areas in Negros Occ. in coordination with local television network ABS-CBN. In Malingin, Bago City 108 patients were served; in Alijis, municipality of Valladolid 108 p...
  • Reading volunteers get bikes for schooling from BfP

    ALABEL, Sarangani, May 28 (PIA)---Seventeen “Sarangani Big Brother: Reading is Fun!” volunteers each received a bike, shoes, bag with tumbler and school supplies and a helmet from Bikes for the Philippines (BfP) at the kick-off program of LBC Ronda Pilipinas Wednesday (May 23) at the Capitol grounds. The recipient volunteers were the top 17 out of 72 applicants who were in dire need of bicycle in going to school. Applicants were asked to write an essay on why they deserved to be given ...
  • PBSP-Citibank Business in Development (BiD) Challenge Philippines Marketplace and Awarding rites May 30

    QUEZON CITY, May 28 (PIA) –- Marketing experts from all over the country will be converging at One Esplanade, SM Central Business Park in Pasay City on Wednesday, May 30 at 1 p.m. for the BiD Challenge Philippines. The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) said in a press release it is an annual business plan competition which aims to generate new and innovative business ideas that combine poverty reduction and profit, where viable ideas are matched with potential investors. PBSP sa...
  • Caraga execs to hold golf tournament for a cause

    BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, May 28 (PIA) -- An open golf tournament with a cause sponsored by the Association of Caraga Executives (ACE), an organization of all regional directors and heads of offices of government offices in the region, will be held on July 6 to 8 at Pueblo De Oro Golf and Country Club (POGCC) in Cagayan de Oro City. Proceeds of the Caraga Executives Open (CEO) Golf Tournament will go to the Por Cristo Foundation, Inc., a home for abandoned elders in the region. According ...
  • 2,000 patients benefit in Zambo medical mission

    PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 28 (PIA) -- Around 2,000 poor patients have benefitted from the five-day free medical mission conducted on May 21 to 25 at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZSMC) and rural health unit in Aurora. The medical mission was jointly organized by the Philippine-Australian Medical Association (PAMA), University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, Rotary Club of Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur Medical Society and the provi...
  • Red Cross thankful to local radio’s bloodletting activity

    BUTUAN CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Chapter has expressed gratitude to a homegrown radio station here for yielding some 72 bags of blood in a bloodletting activity held Saturday outside their station. Dubbed “Give Love, Give Blood Part II,” the bloodletting activity is part of the corporate social responsibility of 103.9 Radyo Trumpeta, a homegrown FM radio station here which was established a year ago by broadcaster-turned businessman N...
  • US Navy holds humanitarian missions in Catbalogan

    CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 27 (PIA) -- The Pacific Partnership 2012 (PP12) of the United States Navy will be extending its various humanitarian missions to Catbalogan City from June 25 to 30 as revealed in a meeting on May 26 in the office of the city Mayor Coefredo “Tekwa” Uy and a team from the PP12. Present during the meeting were Hon. Stephany Uy-Tan in behalf of Mayor Coefredo Tekwa, Dr.Gerarda Tizon and Dr. Amalia Tirazona from the City Health Office, and Dr. Antonio Cinco from the C...
  • Rotary Metro-Baguio salutes outstanding village chiefs

    BAGUIO CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- Four barangay captains were catapulted to the Hall of Fame while 10 others were honored as this year’s most outstanding in the Rotary Club of Metro Baguio’s search for the city’s top performing grassroots leaders. Installed in the Hall of Fame for winning for the third straight year were village chiefs Aurora Abellera of City Camp Proper, Gloria Corazon Dalisay of Quezon Hill Proper, Michael Karl Flores of Kabayanihan, and Arturo Rapelo of Imelda Village. ...
  • News Feature: Fisherfolks director promotes food security in Easter Visayas

    TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, May 26 (PIA) -- Enriqueto R. Galero, this year’s Mangingisdang Direktor for Eastern Visayas, spent the whole month of May going around the Region in order to exhort his fellow fishermen to help ensure food security. Galero, 52, a fisherfolks leader from Pambujan, Northern Samar, was chosen to be the fisher folks director for one month under the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Mangingisdang Direktor program in connection with ...
  • News Feature: TVIRD, GK turn-over houses to Subanon families

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 26 -- Seven Subanon families will now start to live in townhouse-like homes. This, after TVI Resource Development Phils. Incorporated (TVIRD) through its partnership with Gawad Kalinga or GK made true its promise to provide them with decent homes in their own homeland in a simple turn-over ceremony held recently. TVIRD’s Chairman, Mr. Clifford M. James, accompanied by the company’s senior management and GK Partnerships Manager, Tito Cajulis, handed over the symboli...
  • Electric coop supports Brigada Eskwela

    DIFFUN, Quirino, May 26 (PIA) -- The Quirino Electric Cooperative (Quirelco) has thrown its support to the Brigada Eskwela of the Department of Education by providing free electrical wiring check-up in schools to ensure safety of students during the opening of school year next month. Cesar Gulla, Quirelco technical division manager said a maintenance team has been visiting schools since Monday to check if they have problems in their electric lines. “Initially, we have provided free services a...
  • AIDS Watch Council calls for convergence in promoting health, rights of people with HIV

    BAGUIO CITY, May 26 (PIA) - - The Baguio City AIDS Watch Council (AWAC) called for cooperation of all sectors in promoting the health and upholding the rights of people living with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)/AIDS(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Baguio City AIDS Watch Council (AWAC) President, Dr. Charles Cheng, made the call during the city’s commemoration of International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day, which was held at the People’s Park here Friday morning. AWAC, compose...
  • Ifugao town passes ordinance creating water and sanitation body

    ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao, May 25 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Bayan here passed an ordinance creating the Alfonso Lista Water and Sanitation Authority (ALWASA), for the proper management and operation of water resources in the municipality. Vice Mayor Joseph Angowan said that the ALWASA ordinance aims to acquire, improve, and operate water supply for the benefit of the people of Alfonso Lista. “ALWASA will be operated and maintained by the municipal government under the supervision and control o...
  • Ifugao State U masteral students conduct gift- giving to inmates

    KIANGAN, Ifugao, May 25 (PIA) - - Masteral students of Ifugao State University (IFSU) conducted a gift- giving activity to 57 inmates of the Ifugao district jail here last week. According to Elena S. Pedro, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) professor, 12 MAT students under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) subject participated in said activity. Assorted gifts given to the inmates included secondhand clothes, biscuits, noodles, and other personal needs that were solicited from kind-hearted...
  • Red Cross Agusan del Sur chapter bags prestigious award

    AGUSAN DEL SUR, May 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Sur Chapter bagged another prestigious award of excellence, adding to the numerous awards they received in the previous years. The most recent is the “Resource Generation Award of Excellence” received three weeks ago in Manila, by chapter administrator Cristyll Basan. It was signed by PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang and PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gordon, that reads “Surpassing all expect...
  • PNB inks partnership with Silliman University

    DUMAGUETE CITY, May 24 (PIA)-- The Philippine National Bank (PNB) and Silliman University (SU) in Dumaguete City signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) today offering a tuition fee loan program. PNB executive vice-president Joven Hernandez and SU President Dr. Ben Malayang III formalized the partnership that provides tuition fee loan assistance to students. Hernandez said this student financial aid with an interest rate of only 1% monthly is the first pilot program offered exclusively for Sil...
  • 'Sendong' affected Police officers in Region 10 receive financial assistance

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 24 -- After the regular Monday flag-raising ceremony of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-10 held last May 21 at the grandstand of Camp Alagar, this city, 372 police officers received cash donations from Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund, Inc. (PSMBFI). The tropical storm Sendong that devastated cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and some areas of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental has left three police officers and other residents dead and a number of displaced families. ...
  • Phl publishers’ group to hold media confab

    CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, May 24 (PIA) -- The Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) will hold its 2012 Midyear Media Conference, awards presentation and election of new officers on June 23 at the Makati Sports Club in Makati City. Some 300 publishers, editors, journalists in various fields, including those in broadcast, print, digital governance and press freedom advocates are expected to attend. With the theme “Shaping the Future of News Publishing in the Philippines,...
  • LGU management team undergo orientation through EQUIP-CEBU Project

    CEBU CITY, May 24 (PIA) -- The municipal government of Liloan, Cebu in cooperation with Department of Education (DepEd), Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), Educational Development Unit, and Synergeia Foundation conducted a half-day pre-organizational orientation to the EQUIP-CEBU Project Management Team last April 25 at the Panfil Municipal Market of Liloan. This was headed by Tanya Flores, RAFI senior program officer for Education, and Reve Gabriel, project assistant. The RAFI’s EQUIP-CE...
  • Ozamiz campus journalists win in NSPC tilt

    OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 23 (PIA) -- Campus journalists from the Ozamiz City Schools Division (OCSD) were recently declared as champions in the Radio Broadcasting Event of the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held in Palawan. Richard Pala, Jr., Paulino Ramayarat III, Kimberly Allen Pinar, Mary Grace Tayong, John Andrew Bagafria, Sharen Lynne Roxas and Rikki Mae Egbus, all from the Ozamiz City National High School (OCNHS) won first place in the said event in Filipino, High Sc...
  • Sendong survivors in Iligan avail Solar Cooker

    ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 23 (PIA) -- A fabricated Solar Cooker prototype was recently donated for tropical storm Sendong survivors temporarily sheltered at the Siao Box evacuation site, Luinab, Iligan City. The donor EG Solar Germany, in partnership with the Philippine Electronics Communication Institute of Technology (PECIT) of Butuan City, turned over the unit to the site's camp managers, in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Lanao del ...
  • Introducing "Basuraskwela"

    CEBU CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- The Cebuano Youth Ambassadors (CYA) and the mothers of Tingub Urban Poor Community introduced its socio-environmental project called "Basuraskwela". Basuraskwela is taken from two words: Basura and Eskwela. This aims to recycle all used tarpaulins into a creatively customized bags, wallets, and other usable items for sale. The money they may earn from these products will be used to provide education for at least 50 elementary and high school students this coming Jun...
  • Central Luzon starts own football league

    IBA, Zambales, May 23 (PIA) -- Following the rise to fame of the Azkals who popularized football as one of the “global sports” our country can compete, Central Luzon (CL) opened its first ever Central Luzon Regional Football League (CLFL), kicking off last Sunday, May 20, at the Jose V. Yap Sports and Recreational Park. “We organized the league to showcase CL’s football talents and improve individual and team tactics. More importantly, this league gives players a venue to play the beaut...
  • Nat’l Red Cross hosts Asia Pacific Red Cross, Red Crescent leaders meet

    MANILA, May 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) hosted a two-day meeting of Red Cross and Red Crescent leaders in Asia-Pacific zone on May 21 and 22. In a release, the two-day meeting of leaders in Manila was aimed at building the capacity of the National Societies in the region in preparation for bigger disasters and other threats brought by climate change as well as other hazards. “This meeting is very timely as we prepare for the growing humanitarian challenges ahead. I c...
  • SMART Coops works to link farmers to banks

    QUEZON CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- A group of students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) of Boston, USA said in a press release that they want to start a business in the Philippines to bring a marketplace and mobile banking platform to cooperatives, using both short messaging system (SMS) and Internet applications. SMART (Sustainable Management of Agricultural Resources and Trade) Coops aims to link farmers with banks, crop input suppliers, and produce buyers using mobile phones, hopi...
  • ISECO board proposes P3-M refunds for its members-consumers

    SANTIAGO, Ilocos Sur, May 23 (PIA) -- Members of the board of directors of the Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO) recently passed a resolution proposing the allocation of P3 million patronage refund this year for its member-consumers for their all-out support to the management and operations of the cooperative. Under the resolution, ISECO’s OIC - General Manager Egdon A. Sabio told Tuesday, the qualified recipients of the refund are the members–consumers who are good payor and are up...
  • Coop trains youth on savings and entrepreneurship

    TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, May 22 (PIA) – The Tagum Cooperative held a training for youth dubbed Summer Saya 2012 on May 19 with the theme “Enhancing the Cooperative Movement through Youth Involvement.” Now on its sixth year, the event was participated in by 252 young savers of Tagum Cooperative. It offered sessions on art workshop for 5 years old to seven years old, building youth leaders for eight years old to 12 years old, and building entrepreneurial skills for 13 years old to ...
  • News Feature: Libraries promote arts and culture too

    SAN JOSE,Antique, May 21 (PIA) -- Libraries are not only centers for reading books, research and leisure. They are also venue for promoting culture and arts and enriching cultural exchanges. This was the gist of the talk given by Dr. Maria Laosunthara, an Antiqueño based in Thailand and once involved in library services in a University back home. "That the primary role of libraries is to inform the people. Librarians should promote reading also to those who don't come to the library to read. ...
  • North Cotabato experiences power interruption

    KORONADAL CITY, May 22 (PIA) -- Over an hour of power interruption occurred in the service areas of Cotabato Electric Cooperative or COTELCO, May 21. The electric cooperative immediately explained that the primary cause of the brownout was the uprooted Marang tree which hit the 69KV line or much known as the Mount Apo line of COTELCO. In an interview, COTELCO spokesperson Vincent Lore Baguio said that the power interruption took long since there was a delay in finding the affected electric l...
  • Yoga enthusiasts light up candle vs. HIV in Quezon City

    QUEZON CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- About 100 yoga enthustiasts joined their colleagues worldwide Sunday evening as they lighted up candles at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City to commemorate International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. Yoga for Life spokesman Evan Tan said they wanted to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and support those living with it and affected by its impact. Tan said similar events happened in 500 towns and villages in 115 countries around the world. Accor...
  • Save the Children org turns over school cleaning kits in Brigada Eskwela kick off

    ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 22 (PIA) -- Program Coordinator Norman Gagavin of the Save the Children organization handed over school cleaning kits to Cabili Village Elementary School, Iligan City in a simple ceremony, in a simultaneous nationwide Brigada Eskwela campaign, May 21. Gagavin said they also provided the same kits to four other barangays with elementary schools, this city, specifically those that have been affected by flash floods or had been used as evacuation centers. A ...
  • Training workshop to prevent spread of HIV slated

    KALIBO, Aklan, May 22 (PIA) -- A non-government organization (NGO) here will be conducting a workshop-training aimed at capacitating communities in preventing the spread of HIV and to advocate people from all walks of life considered vulnerable to acquire the disease. Abante Aklan Inc., will be conducting a three-day live-in training from May 24 to 26 at the Dona Crispina Hotel and Resort in Numancia, Aklan, dubbed Channels of Hope (CoH) Workshop Training for Area Development Partner (ADP) Akl...
  • ‘Anak OFW’ summer camp to tackle migrant workers condition

    DAVAO CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- Around 80 children of migrant workers in the city aged 13-25 years old will be converging in an awareness-raising summer camp on May 26-28 here aiming to discuss the current situation of their parents aboad. The first Anak OFW (children of Overseas Filipino Workers) Summer Camp 2012 also intends to enhance the children's leadership skills and talents through training and other capability-building exercises. Maybelle Himonda, vice-president of Young People’s Actio...
  • Former PBA Stars conduct basketball clinic for police dependents

    TUGUEGARAO CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2), in cooperation with the Mighty Corporation, conducted a two-day basketball clinic to the dependents of regional command personnel on May 15 and 16, with the theme, “Preparing the Youth for Excellence.” The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable Player, Kenneth “Captain Marbel” Duremdes with former PBA player Marc Stevens Victoria, led the basketball clinic at the Valley Cops basketball court. The team...
  • 10th placer in civil eng’g exam attracts more enrollees to Samar university

    BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 21 (PIA) -- An influx of engineering enrollees has flocked Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) after one of its graduates made it to the top 10 of the recent civil engineering examinations. Engr. Grace Manlapas, head of ESSU said, after Engr. Vincent Tegio placed tenth in the civil engineering examinations, more students enrolled in the university. ESSU used to fill a class with 40 students but last Friday, they decided to increase it to 60 per class to acco...
  • Cebu-based NGO launches 'Run to Plant for Greening PHL'

    DUMAGUETE CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), a Cebu-based NGO launched the 2012 “Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines” program recently at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Conference Room. This year, 'Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines' is a running and planting activity which targets to plant 220,000 native tree seedlings on June 30 all over Cebu Province. RAFI chief operating officer Dominica Chua said “the idea of this activity is not just to plant or for photo p...
  • Xavier U hosts 35th philosophical confab

    CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- Xavier University’s (XU) Philosophy Department is hosting the 35th annual conference of the Philosophical Association of Visayas and Mindanao (PHAVISMINDA) from May 24 to 26. A total of 24 scholars and professors from at least 17 universities and schools will discuss the theme, “Philosophy and Democracy: A Challenge to Responsive Governance,” and answer the question, “What universal democracy, if there is any, serves as ‘generic blueprint’ on man...
  • CPAs assure implementation of integrated financial system

    ILOILO CITY, May 20 (PIA) -- The Government Association of Certified Public Accountants (GACPA) president Lourdes Castillo said they will see to it that the government integrated financial management information systems (GIFMIS) is implemented. The GIFMIS automates and integrates all government transactions of national government agencies to ensure transparency in appropriations and reimbursements of public funds. The GACPA held its 34th Annual National Convention in Iloilo City from May 16-...
  • Power firm donates school buildings in DavNor towns

    DAVAO CITY, May 20 (PIA) -- A brand new three-classroom school building is soon to rise in the campus of Sto. Tomas Elementary School in Sto. Tomas town of Davao del Norte. This is courtesy of Aboitiz-owned electric utility Davao Light and Power Company in coordination with its social development arm, Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., and with support from the local municipal government. The partnership was formalized last May 17, 2012 with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that will ...
  • Aussie mining firm supports DepEd's Brigada Eskwela

    KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya, May 20 (PIA) -- As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and social development management program (SDMP), OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc., an Australian mining firm operating in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, is fully supporting the Department of Education’s National Schools Maintenance Week or “Brigada Eskwela” on May 21 to 26 as it continues its Adopt-a-School Project here. Chito Gozar, OceanaGold senior vice president for communications and exter...
  • FPOP supports passage of RH bill

    SAN MATEO, Isabela, May 19 (PIA) -- Newly installed Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) president and Isabela Sangguniang Panlalawigan ex-officio member expressed support for the immediate passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, which is pending in Congress. Napoleon Hernandez made the support as he sees the effectiveness of implementing the country’s reproductive health program if the RH bill becomes a law. The FPOP now has started an advocacy and information and e...
  • UP Baguio presents study on waste management of barangays along Balili River

    BAGUIO CITY, May 19 (PIA) -- The University of the Philippines Baguio presented a study on the waste management of residents along barangays within the river system in Sagudin River in the city and Balili River in La Trinidad, Benguet The study covered selected cleanest and dirtiest barangays in the city connected to Sagudin, the headwater of Balili River, namely Brookside, Dizon-Manzanillo, South Drive, Sto. Nino-Slaughter House, Crescencia Village and Leonila Hill-Trancoville and Kilometer 3...
  • Libarian’s forum to open Phl-Thailand Library Friendship project

    SAN JOSE, Antique, May 19 (PIA) -- A Librarian's Forum will open the sixth Philippines-Thailand Libraries Friendship Project today May 19 in Antique. A one-day gathering of librarians from all over Antique will participate in the forum with a theme, “The role of libraries in the development of sustainable arts and culture.” Dr. Aree Cheunwattana, a professor on library science at the Srinakharinwirot University will be the resource speaker. Her talk will focus more on the role of libraries...
  • “Lapis ug Papel” tutorial program set in Liloan

    LILOAN, CEBU, May 18 (PIA) -- The Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) campers of Lilo-an National High School (LNHS) are currently conducting their “Lapis ug Papel Tutorial Program” in the sitios of Mahayahay II, Bonbon and Pamutungan in Lilo-an, Cebu. The program's tutorial sessions started in April this year and will be conducted for two Saturdays each month until October this year. More kids from the daycare centers in the sitios of Lilo-an, Cebu, are expected to benefit from the program as it t...
  • La Salle-Bacolod lines up activities for 60th anniversary

    BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, May 18 (PIA) -- As the University of St. La Salle (USLS)-Bacolod kicks off the 52-day countdown for its 60 years of La Sallian education in the province, it has lined up flagship projects for the community as well. During the media launch and press conference for the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the university and in time for the feast day of St. John Baptist de La Salle on May 15, the universal patron saint for all teachers, university officials and board of ...
  • Kalinga blood council centralizes depository bank

    TABUK CITY, Kalinga, May 17 (PIA) -- The Provincial Blood Council (PBC) approved to centralize operation and management of a blood depository bank and to synchronize all activities. Dr. Bernadette Andaya, Team Leader of the Center for Health Development here, disclosed that the council met yesterday and agreed to make the Kalinga Provincial Hospital the province’s depository bank and the council to work as a team. In the past, she said the Philippine Red Cross was independently doing blo...
  • Ifugao young girls org draws more members

    LAGAWE, Ifugao, May 17 (PIA) -- The Maximizing Out-of-School Time (MOST), a group of young girls aged 12 to 24 years living in Ifugao province, is drawing more members since its organization in 2010. MOST was Organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and US Peace Corps volunteer, Delicia Kawolo. Its main objective is to organize young women, develop leadership skills among them, connect them to network of professional women in the province, promote the bond ...
  • Environmentalist group warns parents against toxic found in children’s rainwears

    QUEZON CITY, May 17 (PIA) -- The Ecowaste Coalition advised parents to be careful in buying children’s rainwears as they have found some to have that were recently found with high levels of toxic substances lead and cadmium. The group said that out of the 14 rainwears bought, 13 were found containing dangerous levels of harmful chemicals. Aileen Lucero of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect said out of the 14 raincoats the group bought from retailers and wholesalers in Divisoria on ...
  • Business firms unite for Brigada Eskwela ‘12

    MANILA, May 16 (PIA) -- Various groups are set to converge this weekend for this year’s National Schools Maintenance Week, widely known as “Brigada Eskwela.” Corporate-led Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) has mobilized its member companies for a Brigada Eskwela operation at Maliksi Elementary School in Bacoor, Cavite, 7 a.m. on May 19. Brigada Eskwela is a cumulative effort all over the country where students, teachers, parents and volunteers all team up to prepare and repa...
  • Luzon children's congress kicks-off Saturday

    TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, May 16 (PIA) -- Almost 100 future child leaders in Luzon will come together to draw history anew in the historic town of Kawit, which is the “Birthplace of Philippine Independence” . The 2012 Luzon Children’s Congress, to be attended by children aged, has for its theme, “Batang Luzon, Ikaw Na! Ang Susunod na Henerasyon.” The event will commence on May 19, Saturday at the Tejeros Grand Ballroom at the Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park. The program will be ...
  • PWDs to hold concert in Dumaguete

    DUMAGUETE CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- A group of musicians with physical disabilities from Quezon City, the Rondalla On Wheels (ROW) will perform in Dumaguete City on May 25 to June 2. According to Great Physician Rehabilitation (GPRehab) coordinator Rolando Villamero Jr., the week-long concert of ROW presents will showcase the talents of persons with disabilities’ (PWDs). GPRehab executive director Analou Suan said, “We take pride in inviting ROW to be in Dumaguete City to raise the awareness ...
  • Butuan Rotary Club launch ‘Adopt-a-Village’ project

    BUTUAN CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- The Rotary Club of Metro Butuan (RCMB) has recently launched the “Adopt-a-Village Project” in Barangay Tagabaca, a replication of its project accomplished in Barangay Nongnong, here. During the launch, Rotarian project partners from Sebastopol, California in the United States of America graced the activity and promote sustainable partnership with the local rotary clubs in Butuan. Rotarian Frank Mayhew, past president of RC Sebastopol said that they welcome the ...
  • Swimming contest in Cebu advocates for clean marine environment

    MANILA, May 16 (PIA) -- The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), in partnership with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA), is inviting all professional swimmers and swimming enthusiasts to the fifth Olango Challenge on May 19 at Tambuli Beach Resort, Buyong Maribago, Lapu-lapu City in Cebu. The open-water swim competition is an annual raising event set to benefit the people of Olango Island in Cebu. It also serves as an advocacy campaign to highlight the importance of a c...
  • Peanut butter microentrepreneur earns loan from Plantersbank

    MANILA, May 16 -- Planters Development Bank (Plantersbank), a bank for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) recently granted a Small Bizloan facility to Ehje’s Peanut Butter, a brand of peanut butter available in supermarkets today. The loan facility will be used by Ehje’s Peanut Butter as additional working capital and to fund their expansion. From a microenterprise, Ehje’s Peanut Butter has now grown to become a small enterprise with plans of exporting soon. Instrumental in incubating th...
  • PNRC-Zambo. Norte celebrates World Red Cross, Red Crescent Day

    DIPOLOG CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Red Cross-Zamboanga del Norte (PNRC-ZN) chapter has celebrated the world red cross and red crescent day last May 8 with bloodletting and training on disaster and safety preparedness and leadership development to youth volunteers. PNRC-ZN administrator Joshua Bicoy bared that some 48 bags of different blood types were collected during the bloodletting activity. In a related development, a medical team from the city government here also condu...
  • 18 families from Cebu City receive condo units from GK

    CEBU CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- The Gawad Kalinga (GK) did a turnover ceremony for the three-storey building, Condoville 1, located at Barangay Lorega-San Miguel, to its beneficiaries, wherein 18 families were given the first units. Tanny Go, GK Project Director, said that there were criteria in choosing the beneficiaries. On the part of GK, there is this Kapitbahayan Membership Training that the beneficiaries should attend. Another is Values Formation, which constitutes 10 sessions. Lastly, is the ...
  • Medical mission in Cebu provides free harelip, cleft palate operation

    CEBU CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- Unspoken joy written in their faces, 15 children from poor families benefited from a free harelip and cleft palate operation conducted by a medical mission group from Australia, assisted by the Mandaue City Government and a local civic organization. The 12-member volunteer mission group from Australia included two specialist surgeons, two anesthesiologist-pediatricians, six registered nurses, and two coordinators. The group brought with them an electric cautery machin...
  • Cebu-based foundation holds jungle survival training with Aetas

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, May 15 (PIA) -- Facilitators from Cebu-based Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) has recently conducted a two-day jungle survival training with the Aetas in Zambales. The overnight training also tackled the practical application of KAC’s “Leave No Trace” trainers’ backpacking program. The training was held at the Pamulaklakin Forest trail in Subic Free Port last February 11 to 12. A statement from RAFI said the training wa...
  • Keppel-GK eco village houses 60 poor families

    BAUAN, Batangas, May 15 (PIA) -- A handover ceremony for the third group of 20 needy families have received their certificate of occupancy at the Keppel-GK eco Village on May 14,2012. Keppel-GK Eco Village is a 60-unit housing development project jointly undertaken by the local government of Bauan,the charity organization Gawad Kalinga(GK) and the Singapore-based multinational Keppel group. Keppel group donated a total of P10.5 million to the development of the Keppel-GK Eco Village. A proport...
  • 1st ASEAN trauma conference held in Bacolod

    BACOLOD CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) and the Philippine Society for the Surgery of Trauma (PSST) is co-hosting the 38th PCS mid-year convention and the First Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Trauma Conference at L’ Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City, recently, a press release from the City said. More than 1,000 surgeons from all over the country converged in Bacolod City to hear local and international surgery experts share their scientific knowledge. ...
  • 35 barangays in Pampanga benefit from European assistance project

    CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, May 15 (PIA) -- A total of 35 barangays in Apalit, Candaba, San Simon, San Luis, and Masantol towns benefited from various relief assistance services provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) under its emergency humanitarian relief assistance to flood affected populations project in Pampanga. Funded by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), the project provided emergency primary healt...
  • Japan grants P21.3-M for organic farming in Nueva Vizcaya

    SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya, May 14 (PIA) -- Organic farming here recently received a big boost with the grant coming from the Japanese government amounting to P21.3 million. The P21.3-million project is expected to improve the livelihood of around 100 poor farmers in Dupax del Sur, Kayapa, Sta. Fe, Kasibu, and this town through the production of organic and chemically-reduced agricultural products. The project was turned-over through a program at the Balai ni Gloria here attended by provincial of...
  • 3,000 Red Cross volunteers joined World Red Cross Day rites

    QUEZON CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- More than 3,000 Red Cross 143 volunteers joined the celebration of the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day last May 8 at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City. Red Cross 143 is the flagship volunteer program of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) which recruits and trains 44 volunteers in every barangay – one team leader and 43 members to serve as disaster responders on the ground. The PRC highlighted the World Red Cross Day celebration with the launch of Million Volu...
  • 6th Bright Leaf Agri Journalism Awards extends to Zambo City

    ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- Bright Leaf Awards formally invited local tri-media personalities in the city to participate in the 6th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism contest in a press briefing this morning. The contest’s aim is to search for the best write up, television program or segment, radio program, and photos focusing on the current agricultural issues and best farming practices on environmental care, safety, and crop sustainability. COZOZ Incorporated’s Mr. David Isaac Buenav...
  • Ateneo School of Government recognizes Dumaguete City as model for good governance

    DUMAGUETE CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City is among the local government units in the country that are recognized as models of good governance for engaging their citizens to monitor government programs and projects as part of the efforts to promote transparency and accountability. In an event organized by the Ateneo School of Government on May 3 in Manila recognition were given to the programs initiated in the following LGUs: Dumaguete City was awarded for engaging the public in ensuring th...
  • PNRC offers summer safety institute

    SIQUIJOR, May 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Red Cross-Siquijor sub-chapter recently conducted a summer saftety institute that offers training courses on Basic Swimming Lessons, First Aid Training, Basic Water Safety & Rescue and Basic Life Support. There were eight participants from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)-Larena that attended the training on first aid, basic water safety and rescue and basic l