Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said yesterday he has yet to name the new heads of two key posts at the Capitol, but has appointed Zephard Gerhart Caelian as Provincial Disaster Management Program Division chief.

Marañon said he is still assessing whom to name provincial administrator in place of Enrique Pinongan, who passed away Tuesday. In the meantime, Pinongan's deputy Leonardo Eusebio, will continue to act as OIC provincial administrator, the governor said.

Pinongan, 77, had succumbed to pancreatic cancer. His remains will be brought to the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City today, the governor said. On Saturday, Pinongan's remains will be transferred to the Queen of Peace Church for a 2 p.m. funeral mass, after which he will be laid to rest at Rose Lawns in Barangay Bata, Bacolod, he added.

Meanwhile, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Liane Garcia has retired. Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, will concurrently act as OIC of the PSWDO until a replacement for Garcia is appointed, Marañon said.

Caelian, former Fire Officer 2 and Silay City Disaster Risk Reduction Management officer, has a doctorate degree in development management from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos.

He said the PDMT is closely monitoring the entry of tropical depression "Egay" that had gained strength and speed while moving northwest over the Philippine Sea toward extreme Luzon yesterday afternoon.

Marañon said Negros Occidental will not get a direct hit but will experience rains.

Caelian reminded the public to be on alert and to monitor media reports of the latest weather bulletins.*CPG

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