NegOr Gov assures new Army brigade chief of continued support
by Rachelle M. Nessia
DUMAGUETE CITY, August 17 (PIA) --- With the recent changing of guards of the Philippine Army's 302nd brigade in Negros Oriental, Gov. Roel Degamo here has assured the new brigade commander of his continued support to the brigade's programs and projects.
Col. Francisco Patrimonio took over the reins as commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade from Col. Manuel Ochotorena during a turn-over of command held last month and witnessed by some local government officials including First District Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong and 3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.
During the ceremony, Gov. Degamo thanked the outgoing commander, Col. Ochotorena, whose projects under the “Oplan Bayanihan” he said has contributed much to the peace and order in the province.
Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo said the Philippine Army has become an important partner of the provicial government in the delivery of basic services especially in hinterland barangays. “These include services involving livelihood, infrastructure, education, agriculture, among others,” said Sedillo.
“Oplan Bayanihan” is a six-year campaign plan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that took effect this year with the aim of ending the communist insurgency in the country before the end of President Benigno S. Aquino III's term in 2016.
Under said campaign, the Philippine Army here have carried out several humanitarian activities in the province, such as free medical and dental services to families in mountain barangays, donation of school supplies to public elementary school pupils, construction of classroom buildings and potable water supply source, etc. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental with reports from Capitol)
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NegOr hosts 29th council GSP encampment
by Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) About 1,500 Girl Scouts delegates from the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor are expected to participate in the 29th Council Junior, Senior, Cadet Encampment at Camp Lily Gamo, Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
According to local Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Executive Officer Rosario Rosales, the encampment will start from September 15 to 18 with the theme: "GSP Saves Planet Earth.”
Preparations are set by different committees on physical arrangements, health and sanitation, security and safety, transportation, publicity and promotions headed by over-all chairperson and Negros Oriental –Siquijor Council President, Dr. Profetiza Lim.
The setting up of facilities necessary in the camp include power connection, installation of water facilities, medical service unit, communication network, among others in coordination with the local government agencies.
The Provincial Health Office pledged to provide a team of nurses to station during the encampment for any emergencies and arrange physical check-ups for campers.
The four-day encampment, the girl scouts will undertake several activities geared towards responding to the challenge of environment, economic self-sufficiency, family life, and emergency preparedness. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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Marina Clinic rescues young sex workers for rehab
by Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) The Marina Clinic of Silliman University Extension Program (SUEP) has rescued five children in prostitution and into drugs early this year in Dumaguete City.
SUEP and Marina Clinic coordinator Ma. Leodel Sorote reported the children aged 16 to 17 years old are now in custody of Mary Queen of Heaven Missionary (MQHM) in Talisay, Cebu for rehabilitation.
Marina Clinic is an extension program of Silliman tasked to monitor the activities and the protection of the sex workers.
The teen-agers were turned-over to a rehabilitation center in Cebu which offer temporary shelter to women and children victims of prostitution and facilitate the transition period to reform.
Sorote admitted that several young girls are secretly working at “Tocinohan” in Barangay Looc, this city, becomes a haven of sex workers.
The children-prostitutes rescued came from different barangays in the city have been identified by some peer educator of Marina Clinic and member of Magdalena.
In 1997, the Marina organized women who work as prostitutes and formed the Magdalena group aims to educate the women about the risk of HIV/AIDS, and the ways to prevent it.
The Magdalena has helped provide education on sexually transmitted disease and create a support network for victims. (PIA NegOr/JCT)