AFTERMATH. The passenger vessel MV Kho Ferry 1 and the tugboat MT Super MJ run aground at the coast of the South Road Properties in Cebu City, after Typhoon Odette struck Cebu province on Thursday evening (Dec. 16, 2021). Local government units in Cebu are now assessing the vast expanse of the damage left by "Odette." (PNA photo by John Rey Saavedra) CEBU CITY - Localities in Cebu province on Friday began assessing the extent of the damage from Typhoon Odette, which left six people dead in Mandaue City and rendered many roads impassable and without electricity, water, and Internet connection. The typhoon made landfall in the vicinity of Carcar City in the south of the province, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). According to the townsfolk, the typhoon began lashing houses, trees, and structures at about 9 p.m. on Thursday. Its landfall in Carcar City was the seventh since it first hit Siargao Island at 1:30
REHAB PROGRAM. File photo shows Mayor Junard Chan (center) attending a completion ceremony of Lapu-Lapu City's community-based rehabilitation program on Oct. 26, 2021. Garry Lao (second from left), Lapu-Lapu City's anti-drug czar, on Wednesday (Dec. 1, 2021) said the city will partner with PDEA and House of Hope in organizing a drug rehabilitation program for 'small-time drug offenders'. (Photo courtesy of Garry Lao) LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu - The city government here will partner with the anti-drug agency and a Christian organization in setting up a rehabilitation program for small-time drug offenders, an official said on Wednesday. Garry Lao, executive director of the City of Lapu-Lapu Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (CLOSAP), said Mayor Junard Chan will enter into a tripartite memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and House of Hope for the establishment of the Balay Silangan Reformation Program. Lao said the City Council approved