GETTING READY. Fritz Enjhay Cepe, head of the Rotary Club of Antique, signs the commitment board to support the Department of Education (DepEd) "Brigada Eskwela" in preparation for the school opening on Aug. 22. Evelyn Remo, DepEd Antique Schools Governance and Operations chief, said on Friday (Aug. 12, 2022) there would be 603 schools that are scheduled to open.(PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay) SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique -Around 168,000 learners are expected to go back to 603 public and private schools in Antique this coming Aug. 22 opening. Evelyn Remo, chief of the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Governance and Operations Division of Antique, said in an interview Friday the 603 schools include 534 public schools, 67 private and two state universities and colleges would conduct face-to-face classes. On Thursday, DepEd held the provincial kick-off ceremony of the "Brigada Eskwela" at the Antique National School (ANS) in San Jose de Buenavist
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