CASH AID. Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua delivers his message during the distribution of financial assistance to 250 LGBTQIA+ group members in Virac town on Wednesday (June 15, 2022). He said the activity marks the start of a more inclusive annual celebration of Pride Month in the whole province. (Photo courtesy of Catanduanes provincial government ) LEGAZPI CITY - At least 250 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA+) members from Virac town in Catanduanes received on Wednesday the first-ever financial assistance from the provincial government. Nikko Templonuevo, provincial information officer, in an interview said the assistance is part of the celebration of Pride Month and as a statement that the LGBTQ+ community in Catanduanes is a recognized member of the society. "Each member received PHP2,000 cash assistance," Templonuevo said. When asked if the towns of the province would give a similar assistance, he said, "Wala pa po, for now as
An abaca stripper locally known as "paraha'got"in the province of Catanduanes.(Photo by Jorge Hallare) LEGAZPI CITY - Stakeholders in the abaca industry are optimistic that the newly signed law declaring Catanduanes as "Abaca Capital of the Philippines" will further boost this industry and improve the livelihood of abaca planters. Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua, in an interview on Wednesday, said the new law would provide regular funding from the national government that will help abaca farmers in the province and rehabilitate the abaca industry. "Aside from the rehabilitation, more programs like farm-to-market roads will also benefit the abaca planters," Cua said. Nikko Franco Templonuevo, provincial information officer, in a separate interview, said the funding will sustain the medication, and disease mitigation programs for abaca. "We will continue with skills development programs for the farmers; introduce new technologies in terms of qualiti
Vice President Leni Robredo urged Masbateños on Wednesday to help her institute changes in the government by ensuring that she would be the country’s next top leader. The call was made by the presidential candidate during a rally in Masbate that was held along a thoroughfare named after her husband…