Newsbriefs

CASH DOLEOUT PROGRAM SUSPENDED

THE regional Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) office said the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4p’s) will be suspended for the duration of the election period from March 29 to May 13.

The suspension was spelled out in Resolution No. 9585 of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to avoid use of the conditional cash transfer program as a campaign tool.

“The beneficiaries were informed about the suspension last February,” Aileen Lariba, 4p’s information officer said.

Under the program, beneficiaries receive P500 every month for health and nutrition and P300 monthly per child aged 14 years old and below. A family can get a maximum of P1, 400.

Lariba said the beneficiaries number to 236,000 households including 118,000 in Cebu province and 5,000 in Cebu City alone. Correspondent Renan Alangilan

COUNCIL DEFERS APPROVAL ON CCMC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT RESOLUTION

THE Cebu City Council deferred approval of a resolution allowing the enrollment of non-city residents to the Cebu City Medical Center’s (CCMC) nursing school in its session yesterday.

The resolution authored by Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias sought to add more enrollees to the CCMC’s school of nursing. But the council sought implementing rules and regulations (IRR) to ensure priority enrollment for city residents.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young also wanted a time frame for the accommodation of non-city residents identified so the program can be reviewed. Cabarrubias presented guidelines for the enrollment of non-city residents at the CCMC school.

Requirements for enrollment include the presentation of a voter’s identification card and the identification of the enrollee’s guardian who should be a city resident.

A deadline for the enrollment of non-city residents is also proposed two months before the opening of classes. The CCMC nursing school accommodates 100 students. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac

RAMA WELCOMES PRIVATE SECTOR AID TO RESCUE SYSTEM

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama would welcome assistance from private groups to the city’s integrated emergency response system provided “there are no strings attached.”

“If it’s to enhance their business then it cannot be done,” he said.

The mayor said he’s committed to the program in contrast to the Cebu City Council which is opposed to his programs.

Rama said he wanted Cebu City’s version of the US Rescue 911 implemented especially if he gets re-elected.

Alvin Santillana, operations head of the City Risk Reduction Management Council, said he’s finalizing the terms of reference for the program which may be operational by June this year. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac

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