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Negros Occidental News July 2011

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Negros Occidental Province - Archived News

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Caravan of social services goes to Negros Occidental

(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 20 (PIA) -- True to its mission of promoting integrity, efficiency and high ethical standards in public service, the Office of the Ombudsman is embarking on a caravan of social services as it gathers national government agencies to bring its services to the people.

The Caravan of Social Services, which has already reached the provinces of Antique in 2008, Iloilo in 2009, Aklan and Capiz in 2010 is set to visit Negros Occidental on August 5 and September 9 in the cities of Kabankalan and Sagay, respectively.

Associate graft investigation officers Evangeline Nuñal and Maria Luvilla Gaurana met with Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco and Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. together with their respective department heads and other partners like representatives from the Social Action Center and the PIA to finalize the dates and preparations for the caravan.

Zayco said he is happy for his constituents for they need not go to Bacolod City or Iloilo to transact with the different national government agencies; all they need to do is go to the Kabankalan Catholic College Gym on August 5 to deal with these agencies.

Together with the agencies that provide social services, the Caravan of Social Services will also conduct Medical Mission.

Nuñal during the meeting with Zayco revealed that the Department of Health in region 6 has already pledged some P50,000 worth of medicines for the medical mission during the caravan.

The Social Action Center in the Diocese of Kabankalan was tasked to invite the beneficiaries for the caravan together with the local government of Kabankalan.

Zayco is also inviting those from neighboring towns and cities of Kabankalan who wish to avail of these services.

A Public Accountability Seminar is also set in Kabankalan City on August 4 which will be attended by all 32 barangay captains, barangay treasurers and barangay kagawads who chair the committee on finance.

Expected to deliver their services during the caravan are the Office of the Ombudsman, Professional Regulatory Commission, Department of Agrarian Reform, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Health, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, among others.


Bacolod City to host water convention

CAD/JCM//PIA6/BACIWA)

BACOLOD CITY, July 19 (PIA) -– The Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) and the Association of Negros Occidental Water Districts will host the 6th National Annual Convention of the Water Environment Association of the Philippines (WEAP), on July 21-22, 2011 in Bacolod City.

The convention theme is “WEAP 16 Years and Beyond...Committed to Protect the Water Environment.”

The event will be participated in by representatives from water districts, local government units, private companies, manufacturers, suppliers and consultants who will address the challenges of environmental protection.

It aims to renew the genuine friendship and to foster true camaraderie among stakeholders of the water industry.

Highlights of the convention are the technical sessions and a product and services exhibit. These will include topics for addressing the environmental issues and the latest innovations and technologies in the water industry.

Bago Resort Set to Reopen Today

Buenos Aires Mountain Resort, a resort owned and operated by the City Government of Bago, popularly known for its over-flowing crystal clear spring water is set to reopen today, July 18, 2011 after a year of closure due to major renovations.

Expected to arrive for the blessing and reopening ceremonies are Department of Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta, Provincial Government officials headed by SP Committee on Tourism Board Member Nehemias dela Cruz, 4th District Board Members Mae Javellana and Jose Benito Alonso, Bago Mayor Ramon Torres, Vice Mayor Nicholas Yulo, City Officials and tourism stakeholders from the province and the city.


Cadiz City officials launch in-school feeding program

(Cadiz City/JSC/LOL-PIA6 Negros Occ.)

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occ., July 17 (PIA)-- Cadiz City officials led by Mayor Patrick Escalante and school superintendent Dr. Xz Dignadice launched last July 6 the city's school-based feeding program in support of the school health and nutrition program for all 51 elementary schools from pre-schoolers to Grade 3.

The PAT project dubbed as “Pagkaon Aton Tatapon” is a supervised eating program in all schools aimed to address the malnutrition problem and improve delivery of health and nutrition services and academic performance in public schools from kindergarten to Grade 3. It is a collaborative effort of the local government, Dep-Ed, Parents Teachers Association (PTA), and barangay officials.

Mayor Patrick Escalante said that “by keeping the children in school, increasing their nutritional status and at the same time improving their intelligence, the PAT project is just like hitting three birds with one stone. It would minimize tardiness, improve health, and maintain attendance in school.”

Based on the report, last year, Cadiz City ranked number two in the number of having the most number of malnourished children, but due to continuous feeding program, the record shows that the number of malnourished children had decreased.

The city has appropriated P3.7M taken from the city's general fund, 20 percent city development fund, and adopt-a-school program fund to finance the PAT project for one year.

The children had been weighed and dewormed before the feeding and their weights were regularly monitored by the city health workers. They will be fed at least three times a week - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Under the program, the children will acquire incidental learning such as preparing the table, setting the table napkins, proper use of eating utensils, good manners, saying grace before meals, washing hands before and after eating, and other practical values like sharing food with others. The parents are tasked to do the preparation and cooking.

The program will be evaluated as to the increase in academic performance, children’s participation, rate of drop-out, and school children’s gain in weight at least every three months.

Finance officers train on natural resource management

(JCM/EAD-PIA6/PEMO Negros Occidental)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 16 (PIA) - - Financial officers, Sanggunian committee chairpersons on appropriations, budget officers and city or municipal accountants will undergo training on the Natural Resource Management (NRM) conducted by the provincial government and the European Union on July 19-20 at the Mambukal Mountain Resort.

This second batch of the training will have the financial officers of LGUs from the Central Negros Council for Coastal Resources Development (CENECCORD), Kabankalan-Himamaylan-Ilog Integrated Coastal Area Management Council (KAHIL-ICAMC) and Southern Negros Coastal Development Management Council (SNCDMC) areas.

The training activity aims to orient participants on natural resources management and generate their support in ensuring that NRM budget are reflected in the Annual Investment Plan.

Topics to be discussed involve the environmental situation of the upland, coastal and urban sectors.

There will also be sharing of best practices on NRM and Fund Management Models from alliances such as the Water Levy Fund of San Carlos City and the Sagay Marine Reserve Experience of Sagay City.

The first batch of the training held July 13-14 was participated in by 13 Local Government Units of Northern Negros Aquatic Resources Management Advisory Council (NNARMAC) and Northern Negros Natural Park Management Council (NNNPMC) from San Carlos City to Murcia town.

Participants of the first batch were brought on a guided tour approach on how the forest came about and how to protect it by resource speaker former Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Executive Director Raul Geollegue, who was one of the resource speakers.

At the end of the training, participants were made to do an action plan where they identified issues and concerns as to the delay in processing of budget and set recommendations on how to increase allocation on the NRM programs of their LGUs.

This is in line with the joint project of the Province of Negros Occidental and the European Union on “Effective Natural Resources Governance through Inter-LGU Alliances” (ENRG) in collaboration with Department of Interior & Local Government and German International Cooperation (GIZ). *

== DENR, Himamaylan City lead planting of 2,560 seedlings

(EAD-PIA6/PENRO Negros Occidental)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 15 (PIA) -- the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the local government of Himamaylan contributed to the success of the National Greening Program by planting 2,560 seedlings.

The tree planting was done in a 5.12 hectare area in the city’s watershed in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan.

The NGP targets the planting of 1.5 billion trees.

An orientation regarding NGP was held before the deployment of groups to the NGP sites located at Sitio. Daat, part of the Daat Watershed presently co-managed and protected by the DENR and the City Government of Himamaylan.

The activity was headed by Mayor Agustin Ernesto G. Bascon and Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Edgardo M. Rostata of CENRO Kabankalan City.

Himamaylan City Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon committed his full support to the program, and by encouraging and convincing the participants to maintain the trees planted considering the importance of the watershed to the lives of the people in the city.

The tree planting was participated in by various stakeholders totaling to 419 from the city government, DENR, Local Water Utilities Administration, Department of Public Works and Highways, 47th IB and 542nd Engineering Battalion of the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, South Negros Bible Institute, students and teachers of Carabalan National High School and the barangay officials.

Recently, the DENR and the City Government of Himamaylan had conducted training to 36 proposed members of the Deputy Environment and Natural Resources Officers.

The three-day training is a requirement for issuance of Deputation Order by the DENR.

Neg Occ farmers get medical attention

by Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. (JCM/LOLO-PIA6)

NEGROS OCC., July 14 (PIA) —- The medical mission of the combined team of the provincial government and multinational biotechnology firm Syngenta surpassed its expected number of clients to be served as well medicines to be distributed.

From a target of 300, more than 500 farmers took advantage of the consultation while medicines given reached close to 15,000.

“There was an overwhelming positive response to the medical mission with most farmers expressing elation over the free check up and medicines given them,” Syngenta Sales Supervisor Loy Martinez III told Philippine Informationa Agency (PIA).

Most of those who came for examination were adults but there were also children, he added.

The Bayanihan spirit of Filipinos was also brought to life in the activity because their medical supplier, upon learning that they will conduct a medical mission, also donated boxes of medicines, Martinez said.

Furthermore, Aksyon Radyo also donated about 600 canned goods through its manager JJ De Ocampo.

Martinez also commended the government physicians who attended the patients in the recent medical mission- they are: Dr. Ma. Teresa Gonzaga and Dr. Orlando George Gonzaga, Dr. Giovanni Alvarado, Dr. Laarni Pornan, Dr. Hazel Pornan and an infirmary nurse Kilmer Villanueva.

Aside from the medicines given, Syngenta also turned-over One Blood Pressure apparatus each to Brgy Sagasa and Brgy. Tabunan Bago City and Brgy. Payao in the town municipality of Binalbagan.

Because of the success of this program, Martinez said they will propose to their higher office that the medical mission be made a continuing activity.


Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan bus now in Sagay City

(JCM/EAD-PIA6/Sagay Negros Occidental)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 13 (PIA) -- The Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan of the Department of Health is now in Sagay City--one of the two cities in Western Visayas and one of the 10 local government units nationwide--where the project is being piloted.

Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan is part of DOH’s universal access to health program which aims to increase awareness on practices related to maternal and child health nutrition with the main message, “Walang Iwanan sa Byaheng Kalusugan.”

The program is anchored on a traveling bus that brings health services, information and entertainment through health festivals in target provinces.

Tali-ambong Activity Center was filled with project stakeholders, city officials and beneficiaries from the 25 barangays of the city during the launching held recently.

Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva hopes that LBK will boost and strengthen Sagay City’s health program, one of the priority projects of his administration, as he called on his constituents to work together to eradicate malnutrition and strive to make Sagay a healthy city.

Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, Provincial Health Officer II of the Province of Negros Occidental congratulated Sagay City for successfully launching LBK and being the only recipient city in the province.

Dr. Marlyn Convocar, DOH Assistant Regional Director for Region VI urged Cueva to utilize the City Information Audio-Video Van to advocate health care programs in all its 25 barangays and called on the health stakeholders to advocate and implement correct health care information and methods in order to change the attitudes of our people towards positive health practices.

Dr. Irma Asuncion, DOH Director for National Center for Health Promotions thanked the local government of Sagay for its full support to LBK.

“This program values our health and our life and that good health is everyone’s responsibility,” Asuncion added.

Eight hundred-fifty families registered to participate in this program to avail of free check-ups, medicines, health classes for both expectant and lactating mothers and fathers as well.

LBK is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Victory Liner Inc., Melawares, Air21, OMF Literature, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Dakila, Center for Community Journalism and Development, Manila Broadcasting Company, UNTV, Probe Media Foundation, Philippine Press Institute, and the Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates International, Incorporated.*


Gov. Marañon: NEGROS FIRST Family Health Cards “Beyond Politics”

(Capitol News)

With its cardholders reaching to almost 5,000 at present, Talisay City is among local government units (LGUs) having the most number of NOCHP beneficiaries in the province.

This was revealed by Gov. Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr. during the simultaneous distribution of health cards to different barangays in Talisay City over the weekend, as he stressed that the distribution of the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP) cards or the Negros First Family Health cards, is beyond politics.

As a matter of fact, he said, it was in Talisay where he got the biggest margin of loss during the last elections. Despite that, he said that all qualified indigents in Talisay City will be given the Negros First Family Health Cards.

Meanwhile, Talisay City Mayor Eric Saratan thanked the governor for giving priority to the Talisaynons and added that that the enrolment of members and distribution of cards will continue until it covers the 14,000 target members in the city.

At present, a total of almost 50,000 indigents from all over the province are NOCHP beneficiaries and Gov. Marañon named Rep. Albee Benitez of the Third District as the strongest NOCHP advocate.

Rep. Benitez said he is working hand in hand with Gov. Marañon as they share the same agenda of ensuring the public’s health.

Health services is one of the priority programs of the provincial government as embedded in the NEGROS FIRST Development Agenda of the administration of Gov. Marañon and Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez, Jr., with some 40 percent of the province’s budget allocated for health.

Present in the distribution were Rep. Albee Benitez, Third District Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko, the members of the City Council and barangay captains, NOCHP Program Manager Roy Balicas, Executive Asst. to the Governor, Nonong Verdeflor, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator and NOCHP Core Group head, Ma. Lina Sanogal, and NOCHP Management Office Head, Mina Pellejo, among others.

Bacolod City growing, reaps awards

by Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.(JCM/LOL-PIA6)

ACOLOD CITY, July 11 (PIA) -- Bacolod City has grown consistently in many fronts over the years, as shown by the awards and recognitions it has received from credible local and international awarding body and from surveys commissioned by well-known institutions.

During the recent Peace and Order Council meeting here, Mayor Evelio Leonardia cited a project of the Asian Institute of Management, German Technical Cooperation and the USAID, which listed Bacolod as one among the areas of growth in the country.

In the survey, the city ranked no.2 in dynamism of economy based on infrastructure, cost of doing business, manpower and training and quality of life.

Bacolod ranked 1 in the area that measured the responsiveness of the government or LGUs; that is, whether it hinders or facilitates the business.

The city also ranked high on the quality of life that took into account the security of the people noting that POC has always been on the top five most outstanding councils in the country every year and was once on the second spot.

From the its previous 5th place among New Wave Cities of the country, Bacolod is now on the 3rd spot where it ranked 1st on the aspects of business environment and risk management.

In the past, Bacolod City was also chosen as the Most Business Friendly City in the whole country by the Chamber of Commerce Organization of the Philippines.

Through the years, he said, the awards and recognitions given are consistent.

“These are all apolitical and professional giving award bodies,” he claimed.

With these accomplishments, he told the council that the city should further move forward and not rest on its laurels.

Meanwhile, he said the recent graduation of 24-man SWAT team complements the growth of the city, now having a population of 540,000.

The team finished a 25-day intensive training partly sponsored by the city government.

The city also gave P1 million worth of equipment and gears to its members.

P1.22-B Infra Projects in NegOcc Completed

By Danny B. Dangcalan

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed P1.22 billion worth of infrastructure projects in Negros Occidental, the website of the Office of the President reported.

According to www. president.gov.ph Negros Occidental, which has five district engineering offices, has the biggest share of the budget, out of the P2 billion for Western Visayas, mostly for the construction of roads and bridges.

Negros is followed by Antique with P825.4 million; Iloilo City and Iloilo province with P551.3 million; Guimaras with P48 million; and Capiz with P18.7 million, the website read.

DPWH Western Visayas director Evelyn Barroso said the completed projects during the first half of 2011 include repair and rehabilitation of roads, de-clogging of canals and drainage systems, and construction of bridges, multi-purpose buildings and health centers.

The implementation of projects were fast-tracked by Barroso through holding regular meetings with various contractors and project engineers of the Region and the 15 District Engineering Offices to remind them of the order by DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singsons policy on no suspension-no extension due to "unfavorable weather condition under ordinary circumstances."

Barroso emphasized that project’s suspension or extension is not allowed because the usual number of rainy days has already been calculated in the original computation of project contract duration.

However, the request for project extension or suspension due to extraordinary circumstances maybe allowed, subject to evaluation, she said.

A contractor shall be compelled to pay liquidated damages for failure to complete the project on schedule or their contract will be terminated or rescinded if it incurs a negative slippage of beyond 15 percent, she stressed.

District engineers in the region were also ordered not to process requests for digging or excavation permits unless the policy on diggings or excavations on national roads are complied, Barroso added.*


Bizmen, Cops Acting On Call Center Woes

By Gil Alfredo B. Severino

The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) took up the cudgels yesterday in behalf of the eight Bacolod-based Call Centers by initiating the first of a series of meeting involving the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).

Top of the agenda was the issue of call center agents’ safety and security which is threatened by various street crimes especially during graveyard shifts or the wee hours of the morning.

No less than BCPO Chief Ricardo de la Paz and Deputy City Director for Operations Santiago Rapiz attended said meeting held at the MBCCI office at the DOST Building along Cottage Road, to personally address safety and security issues besetting call center agents through various means.

Presided by MBCCI Vice President Jose Maria Zayco, 15 officials representing eight Bacolod-based Call Centers aired concerns; they lauded the impressive performance of BCPO in reducing incidences of crimes against call center agents then identified time and critical areas when or where these crimes are committed for the Police Chief to respond.

It was highlighted also that the solution to criminalities is not just the concern of call centers but the concern of the entire community therefore efforts must be exerted to prevent them.

Call centers showed willingness to help the BCPO logistical concern.

De la Paz responded by disclosing strategies which was deemed effective, among them, are the so-called "buddy-buddy" system patrol (two-three policemen seen patrolling the streets), check point operation, mobile and foot patrol, Oplan Sita, operation bakal.

He reminded the call centers that BCPO is tasked to "police" a 530,000 highly urbanized city population (1: 1,300+ ratio, way below the ideal) thus urged them to do their part by conducting a thorough background check of all their security personnel; "inside job" is a possibility in the commission of crimes.

De la Paz appealed that call centers should augment their cafeterias or canteens for agents to avoid going out of their respective premises during critical hours, stressing, "deny opportunities for crimes to be committed."

BCPO Deputy Chief Rapiz assured the call centers of 24/7 operation and gave his personal mobile phone number for all agents to access.

Meanwhile, MBCCI’s VP Zayco lauded the Bacolod-based Call Centers as "jobs generators" therefore deserved A-1 treatment and as a business chamber, to address their needs sends strong signals for other prospects to locate in Bacolod.

Zayco explained that yesterday’s meeting was the first of a series, saying, "among the agenda lined up are PUJ rerouting, addressing issues on manpower mismatch, cumbersome cost of application and power situation briefing from Ceneco".

Secu at New Jail Tightened

by DBDangcalan

Security at the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Brgy. Tabunan, Bago City is being tightened as an inmate was stabbed to death Monday night at the Negros Occidental Provincial Jail (NOPJ) on Gatuslao St. in Bacolod Bacolod.

Supt. Ignacio Panti, regional director of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Western Visayas, said the order for strict security is expected to avoid similar incident as the inmates from NOPJ are being transferred to NODJ. Of the more than 330 inmates at the NOPJ, 102 have already been transferred to the NODJ, and the remaining inmates will be fully transferred by July 15, Provincial Jail Warden Lt. Dionisio Silva said.

The NODJ, costing more than P100 million, was inaugurated last month by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and officials of the BJMP that will soon take over the operations under the three-year transitory provisions of the memorandum of agreement between the provincial government and BJMP.

Suspects Mario Aburido, 21, of Calatrava, and Rolando Ramos, 28, of Murcia, stabbed several times Irish Enrile, 28, of Valladolid using a sharpened spoon and an angle bar, Monday evening, Silva said.

Enrile was rushed to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital but was declared dead on arrival, Silva said.

Aburido has been jailed for murder charges, Ramos for cattle rustling charges, and Enrile for homicide charges, Silva said.

The stabbing incident happened at the maximum security cell of NOPJ at 8:20 p.m., he added.

An inmate identified as Eduardo Francisco of Murcia was also found dead in his bed possibly from "bangungot" Monday morning, Silva said, adding that an autopsy is being conducted on the body to determine the cause of death.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. has ordered for a speedy investigation on the death of two inmates. Marañon believes that the cause of stabbing was more than the argument over water, but when pressed to specify, he declined to elaborate.

In his report to the governor Tuesday afternoon, Silva said the two suspects admitted to him that another inmate Juan Palma had promised them P10,000 each if they can "liquidate" Enrile.

Silva said Aburido and Ramos were transferred Tuesday to the NODJ pending further investigations.

Panti and Chief Inspector Gilbert Peremne, chief of the Personnel and Records Management and Community Relations Service, yesterday met with Provincial Legal Officer Jose Maria Valencia at the Provincial Capitol to discuss the final transfer of inmates from the NOPJ to the NODJ.

Peremne said that measures are also taken into consideration to ensure the security of the inmates in the new facility. He said the new jail will be secured by at least 75 jail officers, 30 of whom will be jail guards of the old Provincial Jail that will be absorbed by the BJMP.

The provincial government has asked the BJMP to fasttrack the transfer of the inmates to the new facility, he said.*

DENR holds consultative meeting on NGP

by Easter Anne D. Doza(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 6 (PIA) -- A consultative meeting with various stakeholders was conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources here on the National Greening Program (NGP) at the Bacolod Pavillion Hotel.

The meeting tackled issues and concerns as well as the role and responsibility of various stakeholders of the NGP pursuant to Executive Order No. 26 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

DENR 6 Regional Technical Director Livino Duran said during the consultation that Negros Occidental has approximately 8 percent remaining forest cover which is far from the global average of 31 percent.

“We have a long way to go with the NGP but hopefully, at the end of 2016, we could increase our forest cover even just to as much as 15 to 16 percent which will already be a laudable effort,” Duran said.

In Bacolod City, the Department of Education committed 28,000 planters as the agency’s participation and contribution to the target 1.5 billion trees required by the program.

Meanwhile, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Valentin Talabero said that the issue is not only on planting as many trees but also to ensure the survival of the trees planted.

The stakeholders present signified their commitment of support to the NGP as required by the Executive Order either to plant 10 seedlings per year, establishments of nursery to grow seedlings or provide the logistics for the tree planting activities.

The National Greening Program aims to consolidate and harmonize all greening efforts of the government, civil society and the private sector, implement sustainable management of natural resources through resource conservation, protection and productivity enhancement and mitigate climate change by expanding forest cover.*

SP Requests CEO, BTAO for Pedestrain Lanes Near Schools

By Edith B. Colmo

Councilor Caesar Distrito will sponsor a resolution for tomorrow’s session in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, requesting the offices of the City Engineer and Bacolod Traffic Authority, through the City Mayor’s Office, to put pedestrian lanes in front or near the public and private schools in Bacolod City.

He said it is the thrust of the Government to secure the safety of the students, teachers and other members of the society in crossing the street. Most of the schools in Bacolod City do not have pedestrian lanes, thus the students are prone to accidents.

It is observed that there are elementary schools without the pedestrian lanes, the school children of these schools are not safe in crossing the street, since some of them just run across the street where large and fast driven vehicles are running.

But, when there are pedestrian lanes, the school children and other citizens will be safe because they have the proper area in crossing the street.*

OISCA Sent 3,526 Pinoy Trainees to Japan

by DB Dangcalan

The Organization for Industrial, Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) Philippines Chapter has sent a total of 3,526 Filipino trainees to Japan, and this endeavor has uplifted the lives of trainees as well as contributed to the improvement of their mindset and work ethics when they came back to the country, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said.

Marañon, who is also president of OISCA Philippines, said these hundreds of Filipinos who were changed by imbibing the discipline and admirable work ethics while being exposed to the Japanese culture will slowly but positively impact on their fellow Filipinos around them.

"There is big future of OISCA in the Philippines. It has done a lot for Negros," the governor said, who also hopes that the OISCA "spirit" of discipline, teamwork, and other positive values will be instilled on Filipinos "so that the Philippines will be great again."

Marañon, together with OISCA officials from Negros Occidental Chapter, composed of Bago, Silay and Sagay cities, invited everyone to the 50th International Anniversary of OISCA, which the OISCA-Philippines will be hosting on August 23-25 this year at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan.

OISCA’s anniversary will also be in joint celebration of the Negros Eco-Tourism and Food Fair, which will showcase OISCA’s "Food First" and "Love Green" agenda and how the provincial government of Negros Occidental is working towards food security, environment protection and capacity enhancement of the province’s manpower resource, Marañon said.

The three-day celebration, with the theme "Forging Stronger Partnerships for A Sustainable World," will also promote OISCA-Negros Sustainable Development Program, and also the tourism and investment potentials of the province, the governor said.

Marañon said they are expecting hundreds of delegates from other countries like Japan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, as well as from various provinces of the Philippines like Abra, Nueva Ecija and Vizcaya, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Manila, Negros Occidental (Bago City, Silay City, Sagay City), Negros Oriental (Canlaon City, Bayawan City), Ajuy-Iloilo, Dipolog City, and Zamboanga del Norte.

Established in 1961, OISCA International is a civic, non-government organization founded by Dr. Yonosuke Nakano in Japan. It is extending help to developing countries mostly in Asia and the Pacific mainly in the field of agriculture. It has adopted the mottos "FOOD FIRST" and "LOVE GREEN" in line with the priority programs of food production and environment rehabilitation.

OISCA has long been promoting development cooperation, as it is founded on the mission to contribute to humanity’s environmentally sustainable development through a holistic approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of agriculture, ecological integrity and the human spirit.*


Bacolod's first flyover to bolster economic activities

by Virgil Lopez(Sunnex)

MANILA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the flyover project in Bacolod City is around 92 percent complete, which is three months ahead of schedule.

Secretary Rogelio Singson said the project will help increase the existing road capacity and mitigate traffic especially during sugar milling season, where truckloads of sugarcane products frequently pass through junction of Lacson Avenue-Lacson Circumferential Road.

It will also lessen the travel time by more than 30 minutes going to and from the Bacolod-Silay Airport and Banago Port, thus improving business and tourism opportunities in the area, he said.

Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, head of the DPWH project management offices, said the double-lane 195-lineal meter project was funded with a loan from the French government worth P365.43 million.


4 Western Visayas provinces eye renewable power

By Teresa Ellera-Dulla

BECAUSE of the high cost of power, four provinces in Western Visayas said that it is high time to develop and rely on renewable sources of energy.

The provinces of Guimaras, Antique and Aklan are now looking forward for power supplies from biomass, hydro and wind power.

Among the provinces in Western Visayas, Negros Occidental has the lowest power rate. Several investors for renewable energy have already signified interest in putting up their power plants in the province but they are still conducting feasibility studies for their respective projects.

Among those investors are Alto power for a hydro power plant tapping the Bago River and a Korean firm, which identified E.B. Magalona town as its site for solar power.

Meanwhile, Guimaras Governor Felipe Nava said the island province expects to produce wind power by year 2012 to 2013, as TransAsia is already laying the groundwork for the production of 54 megawatts of wind power.

The construction phase is expected to start next year, he said.

Guimaras consumes only 5 megawatts of power, so the rest of the generated power can be sold to Panay Island electric cooperatives, he added.

On the other hand, Rey Malleza of the Department of Energy - Visayas Field explained that the present high cost of power is due to the privatization of the power generating sources.

After the National Power Corporation (Napocor) was privatized, the government no longer subsidizes the generation cost which resulted in the increase from P3 to P7 per kilowatt hour.

303rd Brigade 25 Years Today

By Edith B. Colmo

Weeklong activities have pre-emptied the 25th Anniversary of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, stationed at Brgy Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental.

Sunday, June 25, there were essay writing and poster making contests at the new government center; June 27 - pulong-pulong with the residents at Hda. Riverside, Victorias City, Negros Occidental; June 28 - CMAG meeting at the kabankalan Seminary in Kabankalan City, attended by top officials of the army led by Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, commanding general, Philippine Army; June 29-series of activities: in th morning, a 4-kilometer fun run around the perimeter of the Camp Gerona, participated in by policemen, soldiers, CAFGUs, with 47th IB, 62nd IB, I scout ranger Battalion, 543 combat battalion, alpha Battery, 6FAB; 33 CMO Company, Delta company, 62ndIB, and civilian populace; afternoon events. Yesterday afternoon was blood letting. Blood donors were soldiers, CAFGUs, and scout ranger battalion. Out of 46 donors, there were 46 soldiers with various blood types, 20,700 CC donated which were also turned over to the people.

Expected to attend the 25th anniversary celebration today are dignitaries in the whole province and stakeholders in peace and development effort.*

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