ARENA-7 gears up for September month celebrations

By Minerva BC Newman

Cebu, Philippines (18 August) — The Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA-7) in Central Visayas gears up for the September month celebrations and observances that include the Civil Service Month, National Crime Prevention Week, Maritime Week and Press Freedom Week.

According to Pedro Noval, ARENA-7 president and DILG-7 regional director, the group has already identified several activities in accordance with the various celebrations in coordination with the Banilad Town Center (BTC) where most of the activities are held.

Cerwin Eviota, BTC marketing manager said the Banilad Town Center, a mini-mall located at Barangay Banilad, Cebu City will celebrate with the ARENA-7 the Public Service month and all the other celebrations by offering special treats and discounts for the whole month of September to all public servants that are covered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

“All that is needed is to show the GSIS eCard, CSC ID or any valid ID issued by the various government offices or agencies they work for,” Eviota added.

Noval said, ARENA-7 is still finalizing the details of the other celebrations however the activities for the 15th National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) here have already been lined up that include a mass at the St. Ignatius Chapel of the PRO-7 followed with a motorcade to the Mandaue City Cultural & Sports Complex for the opening program on September 1.

Deputy Chief PNP for administration, PDDG Geary Barias is this year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker.

The NCPW celebration this year focuses on the family unit and its role in advocating a peaceful and crime-free community with the theme, “Labanan and Krimen, Pamilya Patatagin.”

The highlight of the NCPW in Cebu is the ceremonial signing of the ARENA-7 members to manifest their support to the Central Visayas Regional Peace & Order Council’s declaration of an ‘All-Out-War’ against illegal drugs.

The NAPOLCOM and the PNP units in the Central Visayas will conduct forums at the barangay level on topics such as crime and drug abuse prevention and control; barangay anti-drug abuse program; anti-trafficking of humans; child abuse and safety, among others.

Noval enjoins government units and establishments in the region to join the ARENA-7 in its peace advocacy efforts against crime, illegal drugs, terrorism and other forms of violence.

“They can display streamers and or join us in the various forums at the barangays or simply visit the Banilad Town Center where the bulk of activities are conducted,” Noval added.

Meanwhile, ARENA-7 also bares its Civil Service Month celebration activities that will begin with a trekking or fun walk/run also on September 1.

According to Noval, the CSC month will include activities like a ‘One-Stop-MAC’ (multi-agency consulting); photo exhibits of public servants in action; service fair; ARENA-7 PCSO sports event; and Musikang Binisaya group singing contest.

Highlighting the public service month is the awarding of Cebu’s TOPS or Ten Outstanding Public Servants in the region and a seminar for government drivers on road safety, traffic and anti-red tape.

Communication support to the September celebrations will include various discussions and forums on related topics on crime prevention; ISO transition; public service is public trust; the shipping industry; and press freedom and the government.

These forums will be conducted at the Banilad Town Center with full media coverage in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7), the Association of Government Information Officers in the region (AGIO-7) and Cerwin Eviota of the Banilad Town Center marketing. (PIA-7/MBCN)