News briefs
LIFEGUARD ORDINANCE TO ENSURE SAFETY
THE near-drowning of a 12-year-old girl at the Cebu City Sports Center swimming pool last week was a wake-up call, said Councilor Richie Osmeña.
The ordinance he sponsored requiring lifeguards in all swimming pools and beaches in Cebu City was passed on final reading last week.
It requires at least two lifeguards to be assigned at the poolside the entire time the pool is used and a tower for the lifeguards.
The lifeguards should be properly trained, licensed and accredited by the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) or the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA).
The ordinance applies to commercial and public pools but not to private swimming pools.
Violators face a P5,000 fine or a one-year sentence or both at the discretion of the court. Correspondent Edison delos Angeles
PHILHEALTH CARDS IN LAPU-LAPU
NEARLY 20,000 people will receive Philhealth cards distributed by the Lapu-Lapu City government in Pajo Gym last Friday.
The cards are valid for one year and a half until Dec. 31, 2013.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said the city will continue to distribute PhilHealth cards to more beneficiaries next year to help them cover the cost of medical care. Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza
