Negros Occidental News April 2014

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Bacolod government center 02.jpg
Bacolod government center 01.jpg
Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL FACTS & FIGURES

Land Area : 7,926.10 sq. km (2004)
No. of Barangays: 661 (As of September 2003)
No. of Municipalities: 19 (As of September 2003)
No. of Cities: 13 (As of September 2003)
Total Population: 2,565,723 (As of May 1, 2000 census)
Population Growth Rates: 1.08 (1995-2000)
Income Class: First Class
Consumer Price Index (2000=100): 116.4 (2004)
Inflation Rate: 4.1 (2004)
Average Family Income: 73,923 (2000)
Average Family Expenditure: 69,241 (2000)
Telephone Loads: 45,348 (2003)
Telephone Density: 1.6 per 100 population (2002)
No. of AM Broadcast Stations: 13 (2003)
No. of FM Broadcast Stations: 15 (2003)
No. of Motor Vehicles Registered: 105,127 (2004)
No. of Elementary Schools:
     Public:    949 (SY 2003-2004)
     Private:  39 (SY 2003-2004)
No. of Secondary Schools:
     Public :   200 (SY 2003-2004)
     Private:  38 (SY 2003-2004)
No. of Tertiary Schools: 39 (SY2003-2004)        
No. of Licensed Hospitals: 22 (2003)
No. of Establishments (3rd Qtr. 2004)
     Business Name Registration: 828   

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.

Retirement hotel eyed for Mambukal

(CPG)

A Japanese group is interested in building a retirement hotel at the Mambukal Resort in Murcia, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said yesterday.

They are looking at building it on the 1,700-square meter property where the lodge at the resort owned by the provincial government is located, he said.

They are proposing that the first floor of the building will serve as the retirement hotel, and the second floor will be used as a training center for caregivers to be sent to Japan, he said.

The trained caregivers will be sent to Japan in batches of 25, the governor added.

The Japanese proponents are expected to meet with the governor today.

Meanwhile, Mambukal Resort needs more cottages to accommodate guests. He said that during the four-day Holy Week break the resort had more than 10,000 guests and earned over P1 million.

Negros Occ. eyed as area for Japanese biotechnology

(CGS)

Three Japanese nationals are planning to introduce a biological farm technology that will improve the chemical condition of soil to help local farmers in Negros Occidental with the quality of their products.

Masaki Koiwai - chief executive officer and agricultural consultant of Japan Bio Farm Co. Ltd., Mitani Yoshishiro - CEO and pharmacist of Vegifull, and Kyoko Nishimoto arrived in Negros Occidental to look for raw materials for the propagation of “bio-farming” for Japan .

They were accompanied by Negrense Eleanor Fukuda in visiting organic farms in the province yesterday.

Japan Bio Farm researches organic practices, that can contribute to the maintenance and recovery of the natural environment, and help build a society in which secure and safe foods are widely available through the human capital development of new types of farmers.

Koiwai, an agricultural doctor, who practices organic farming in Japan using “biological farming” or the theory, said yesterday that they hope to introduce the technology to Negros and to establish a bio-farm in the province. They have branches in Africa and China, he said.

Under the BLOF theory, he produces cells with amino acid and minerals that are essential to plant life, Koiwai said.

If farmers could master his technology they can improve their yield, he said, adding that they will have a Japanese Organic Festival in February where farmers and scientists exchange technology and showcase their products.

The group also visited Salvador Benedicto to see the kind of organic farming being adopted in Negros and later visited the Hawaiian-Philippine Company in Silay City and the Fresh Start Organic and Natural Farm owned by Ramon Uy Jr.

They were toured by Silay City Tourism Officer Ver Pacete and Provincial Tourism Office staff Oliver Dondonay.

Koiwai said Japan ran short of raw materials for biological farming so they are searching outside their country. He noted that there are plenty of sugarcane tops and leaves in Negros that are not used but can be useful in the BLOF theory.

Organic farmers in Negros are doing well in some aspect but there seems to be some sort of deficiency in their products because they do not have the equipment or machinery that can analyze soil condition and requirement, Koiwai said.

“I could see the deficiencies in the color, figure, etc of their products which can be corrected with the use of the bio-farm theory,” he said.

Uy met with the Japanese to discuss organic farming and they plan to work together to improve organic farming in the province, and to help Japanese visitors find raw materials needed for the BLOF theory.

The group said they have been invited by Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon to return for the Organic Festival in November.

Bacoleños celebrate at plaza

BY ADRIAN P. NEMES III

About 500 Negrenses gathered at the Bacolod City Public Plaza yesterday afternoon for the canonization as saints of popes John XXIII and John Paul II.

Before the gathering at the public plaza, a caravan participated in by about 100 vehicles also drove through the main streets of Bacolod to celebrate the canonization of the two popes.

Although there was no live video streaming of the canonization as promised, the ongoing mass at the Vatican was played through loud speakers at the public plaza while portraits of the two popes decorated with flowers were also displayed at the bandstand.

Among those who waited for the canonization of the popes was Rose Jessica Octaviano, who had a close encounter with St. John Paul II during his visit to the Philippines in 1995 for the World Youth Day.

Octaviano recalled that she was one of the two representatives of the Pax Cristi Philippines, a peace advocacy group, at the International Youth Forum at the University of Santo Tomas before the WYD celebration when the former pope held a mass.

She said she received Holy Communion from St. John Paul II, who also gave her a Holy rosary that she keeps until now.

Octaviano added that until now, she cannot believe that she had a close encounter with the former pope who is now a saint.

Like Octaviano, Carmen Tan, also received a Holy Rosary from St. John Paul II in 1999 when she visited the Vatican as part of the Philippine contingent who presented the proposal of putting up the National Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.

Tan, who is now the assistant academic dean of the institution, said she wept for no reason as she went back to her seat after receiving the Holy Rosary.

Meanwhile, 77-year-old Dioscora Dumit-sig of Brgy. 10, Bacolod, said she is praying to the new saints to give her and her family good health.

John Vic Aballa, 11, a grade 4 student, said he only knew the two new saints through the stories told to him by his parents, but he believes that through them, his prayers for himself and his family will be realized.

Msgr. Victorino Rivas , rector of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Shrine, who presided over a mass in Bacolod after the canonization of the two popes, posed a challenge to every Negrense to emulate the love and the compassion the new saints showed in their life time.

PMA cadet graduates from Japan academy

(Manila Bulletin)

Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadet Stephen D. Degojas, of Negros Occidental, has shown how Filipinos make waves even in international scene.

He became the fourth and latest Filipino graduate of Japan’s prestigious National Defense Academy (NDA) in March, according to the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.

The Embassy said Degojas spent five years of cadetship training in Japan’s “Boei Daigakko” or national military academy and graduated together with 448 other cadets belonging to NDA Class 58.

He received a special award among the 14 foreign cadets for excelling in academics, physical training and sports.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe graced the commencement ceremonies at the NDA Compound in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Degojas paid a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez and took his oath of office as Second Lieutenant of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Embassy said.

He will be joining the Philippine Army upon his return to the Philippines.

DTI Diskwento Caravan to feature basic necessities

(KAP)

The Department of Trade and Industry in Negros Occidental will hold its annual “Diskwento Caravan” from May 13 to 15, its provincial head, Rebecca Rascon, said yesterday.

Rascon said several companies will sell basic necessities like milk and bread in discounted prices during the 3-day fair.

School supplies will also be sold for the opening of classes, she said.

The DTI is also planning to invite organic producers to join the caravan, however, the firms' respective managements needs to provide their own refrigeration facilities, Rascon added.

DTI will meet the participating companies on Monday, to finalize the decision on the venue of the affair.

Rascon also said they are looking for an accessible venue like the Bacolod City Hall, where they held the event two years ago and enjoyed brisk sales, compared to their income last year when they conducted at the activity the Bacolod BAYS Center.

House body to push for airport expansion

By Carla P. Gomez

TO BOOST ARRIVAL OF INT'L FLIGHTS

A delegation from the House of Representatives that inspected the Bacolod Silay Airport yesterday promised to push for the expansion of its terminal and the extension of its runway to accommodate bigger aircraft for international flights.

“We will strongly recommend this to the Department of Transportation and Communication, and will see that it is done,” Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, chairman of the House Congressional Oversight Committee on Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and the House Committee on Transportation, said.

They will also push for Customs, Immigration and Quarantine personnel at the Bacolod Silay Airport for international flights, Sarmiento said.

Bacolod Rep. Evelio Leonardia, who is vice chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, said he had raised the need for the runway extension and CIQ system at the Bacolod Silay Airport with DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya last year, and he had promise to act on the matter.

A follow-up lobby will help, he said.

He explained that the 500-meter extension to the 2,000-meter runway is also needed to enable Airbus 340s, which carry more than 200 passengers and are usually used for international flights, to land at the Bacolod Silay Airport.

The extension is estimated to cost P100 million.

The present runway length can already accommodate Airbus 320s that are also used in international flights, Leonardia added.

Sarmiento, with Leonardia , Rep. Albee Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3 rd District), and oversight committee members Rep. Carlo Lopez and Rep. Terry Ridon, who inspected the Bacolod Silay Airport, were briefed on its operations and needs.

Sarmiento said the oversight committee is inspecting airports nationwide to ensure that the country retains its recently-regained category 1 safety rating from the United States Federal Aviation Authority, as it is a big boost to the tourism industry.

“We are ensuring the safety of the planes and passengers, and the comfort and convenience of the public,” he said.

So far, they have inspected the airports of Laguindingan in Misamis Oriental, Davao and Iloilo, and from Bacolod, they will proceed to Mactan in Cebu, and Caticlan in Aklan, Sarmiento said.

During the briefing yesterday, Himelie Fernandez, chief of the Air Traffic Controllers at the Bacolod Silay Airport, reported that, in 2013, the airport earned P200,320,644.86 and had expenditures of P112,291,078.09. They have collected P136,374,200, and their receivables from several airlines amount to P37,642,483.11, she said.

“This airport is gaining and we have an P88 million net income for the year 2013,” she added.

Leonardia said at the briefing that concern was raised over birds flying in the Bacolod Silay Airport runway that no longer respond to sounds designed to drive them away.

Apparently, they have become immune to such sounds, he said.

He said they are considering filing a bill allowing the killing of birds at airports as a safety precaution to save human lives.

If an airplane hits a bird, the plane's wings, and engines could be damaged and it may even force the plane out of the sky, aviation reports say.

Benitez said he will also check reports that the Bacolod Silay Airport is among the airports being considered for private sector management.

Benitez is pursuing the extension of the Bacolod Silay Airport Access Road all the way to Victorias City.

Meanwhile, work has began on its extension to Silay City.

Negros Occidental chosen pilot site for testing tourism guidebook

By Danny B. Dangcalan

THE province of Negros Occidental has been chosen by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the pilot site for testing a guidebook on local tourism and development planning of local government units (LGUs).

Provincial tourism officer Cristine Mansinares said the guidebook is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of LGUs in monitoring and administering tourism activities, and enforce tourism laws rules and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

It also aims to give the LGUs the necessary tools in the formulation of their local tourism development plans, she said.

A three-day workshop on the Development of Tourism Guidebook for LGUs, from April 23 to 25, is being conducted at O’Hotel in Bacolod by the DOT and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED).

Workshop consultants include Lilibeth Coronado, DAP supervising fellow for Development of Tourism Guidebooks for LGUs project, DAP consultants Arch. Maria Lisa Santos, Dr. Donna Paz Reyes, Dr. Julie Catherine Paran, and Rodrigo Millares Jr.; Madel Go of DILG, Francis Gentoral of DILG and LGSP-LED, DOT project officer Ma. Elenita Pajarillo, and Reda Astronomia of DOT-Region 6.

Participants include the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental represented by the Negros Occidental Tourism Center (NOTC) and Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO); and 18 of the 32 LGUs in Negros Occidental which were selected to be part of the pilot testing activity.

Each LGU is represented by its tourism officer and its planning officer in the workshop, Mansinares added.

Negros Occidental provincial agriculturist named outstanding agri engineer

(PNA), LAP/NLG/PR

BACOLOD CITY, April 23 (PNA) -– Negros Occidental Provincial Agriculturist Igmedio Tabianan was chosen as the Outstanding Agricultural Engineer for Agricultural and Rural Development by the Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers.

Tabianan, a registered agricultural engineer since 1985, has pioneered the creation of Agricultural Engineering Division in the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

He spearheaded the implementation of Organic Agriculture Program in the province that paved the way for the province to be declared as the “Philippines Leader in Organic Agriculture.”

Tabianan also conceptualized the Negros First Universal Crop Insurance Program (NFUCIP) was implemented in 2011 and merited a “Pamana ng Lahi” Award from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The program’s scheme was later adapted by the Philippine Crop and Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

It was also under his leadership as the provincial agriculturist that the province has been recognized as one of the top 10 largest rice producing province in the country, thereby, making the province as an Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awardee in 2011.

Tabianan will receive the award during the 64th Annual Convention and 11th International Agricultural Engineers Conference on April 21 to 25 at Visayas State University at Baybay City, Leyte.

Job seekers register for work fair

(APN)

About 2,000 job seekers flocked to the pre-registration activity being conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment at the SM City Bacolod food court for its Labor Day job fair.

May Castro of SM City said 61 firms will join this year’s Labor Day job fair” to be held on May 1 at the mall’s transport hub.

Of the 61 firms joining the job fair, 21 are recruitment companies hiring for jobs abroad while the rest are offerings local employment that includes call center work and positions at the SM Group of companies, she said.

Walk-in applicants on May 1 will still be accepted although those who joined the pre-registration will be prioritized.

The pre-registration will be held until Friday, and will help match job- seekers to the available vacancies on record.

The SM City-DOLE Labor Day job fair this year is already the 7th time that the mall and the agency collaborated for such an endeavor.

Silay City sets activities for Earth Day celebration

(PNA), LAP/NLG

SILAY CITY, April 21 (PNA) –- The City Government of Silay in Negros Occidental will hold various activities as part of its observance of Earth Day on April 22.

To be held in cooperation with IKAW-AKO Japan-Negros Partnership for Environmental Protection, the event is themed “Adlaw sang Kalibutan: Adlaw-adlaw, Bisan Diin, kag Para Kay Sin-o Lang.”

Activities include mangrove seedling planting and coastal clean-up at Barangay Balaring to be facilitated by City Administrator Noel Doloriac, City Agriculturist Jason Benedicto, and IKAW-AKO chair Leo Canson.

Participants will include Silay City employees/officials led by Mayor Jose Montelibano. They will be joined by groups of environmentalists and student volunteers along with members of Balaring Mangrove Planters’ Association as facilitators.

City Tourism officer Ver Pacete said the event is also a tourism project because participants will be able to tour the area as they pass the kilometer-long bamboo bridge under the mangrove canopy before reaching the planting site.

Similar activities will also be held by farmers and IKAW-AKO volunteers in other areas such as Sitio Bungol, Sitio Dapdap, Sitio Hiyang-hiyang, and Sitio Lantawan and in Barangay Patag.


PROACTIVE DISASTER MGT

(PN)

Councilor pushes for barangay emergency response trainings

BACOLOD City – Councilor Claudio Jesus “Kalaw” Puentevella is pushing for emergency response trainings in all barangays of this city as a “holistic, comprehensive, integrated and proactive” disaster management scheme.

“It is high time that our barangays are equipped with the skills and consciousness to address and prevent calamities in their area,” said Puentevella.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved his resolution urging barangays to adopt what he termed as the “Community Emergency Response Training Plus (CERT+).”

Puentevella said public awareness and preparation are keys to minimize the effects of disasters.

The chairman of the Committee on Fire, Natural Disasters and Calamities said CERT+ should involve the city’s constituents, especially those in grassroots communities.

He also said any community-based disaster risk reduction program must be suitable to the characteristics of the barangays concerned.

According to Puentevella, CERT+ is in accordance with Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

The foremost goal of the Act is to strengthen the country’s national disaster risk reduction and management system towards sustainable economic development, by mainstreaming the same in all national and local development processes.

Puentevella said he is also exploring the possibility of having in each household at least one member trained in emergency response.

In a recent information education campaign road show for disaster mitigation dubbed as “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities” of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Secretary Mario Montejo challenged local leaders to use their “vivid imagination” in the context of disasters.

“By using ‘disaster imagination’ our local chief executives and disaster managers can think and act two steps forward by anticipating – using scientific data – the potential of a hazard to wreak havoc in communities,” Montejo stressed.

He remided local government units that they are the front-liners before, during and after disasters.

Due to its location, the Philippines will continue to face disasters with increasing intensity and frequency.

This increasing exposure to hazards means there is a huge work to decrease the vulnerability of communities and impact of disaster risks.

Employer, brod-in-law charged in OFW slay

By CYRUS GARDE and EUGENE ADIONG (PN)

BACOLOD City — The male employer of Maribel Alpas and his brother-in-law were charged in the death of the Negrense overseas worker.

A murder case was filed against Dennis Samson, brother-in-law El Shelo Valdez and a John Doe with the Nueva Ecija Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Cabanatuan City on April 7.

Samson was tagged as the brains behind the death of Alpas, a resident of Brgy. Asia, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental, whose severed head was found in Brgy. San Fernando Sur, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, on March 25.

Police said Valdez fetched Alpas at a bus station with a vehicle driven by the John Doe.

The April 7 filing of the case was contrary to what the Cabiao police, led by Senior Insp. Eric de Venancio, earlier disclosed — that the case was filed on March 31.

Clarifications made with the police also refuted a statement by Hinobaan Mayor Ernesto Estrao, who claimed to have been in close contact with the Nueva Ecija police — that Samson’s wife was being eyed as the mastermind.

Also, Cabiao police did not disclose earlier that Samson was charged while he was in London.

Alpas, 32, was working as a babysitter for Samson and his wife, Nueva Ecija natives working as nurses in London.

She was set to return to London on March 21 after a vacation in Hinobaan when her employers told her to pass by their house in Brgy. Gomez, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, to get important documents.

Alpas was then reported missing. Four days later, on March 25, a farmer found her head in a pail, with some documents and a passport — through which the victim was identified — stashed beside it.

De Venancio had said they found difficulty filing the case when a local physician refused to sign Alpas’ death certificate, arguing that her body was yet to be found.

He said he had to bring in a dentist to verify the victim’s identity through the dentures, eventually convincing the doctor to sign.

Education Summit

By Dolly Yasa

Bacolod City, Negros Occ. (PNA) — Over 200 education stakeholders are expected to attend the city’s first Education Summit on April 21, 2014 at the Bacolod Pavillion Hotel. The event is organized by the Bacolod City government with support from the Department of Education’s City Schools Division and non-government organization Synergeia Foundation led by former Finance Undersecretary Milwilda Guevara with former provincial governor Rafael Coscolluela as a member of the Board of Trustees. The summit aims to review and strengthen Bacolod’s educational competitiveness. “We will come up with strategies to help students excel in school and teachers to impart more knowledge to students,” Mayor Monico Puentevella said.

PNP checkpoints during Holy Week

By Dolly Yasa

Bacolod City – The PNP in Negros Occidental will set up checkpoints in strategic areas as it goes on full alert status this Holy Week.

Supt. Alexander Muñoz, public information officer of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said they anticipate large volume of domestic and foreign tourists this Holy Week.

“Many will go on vacation in the provinces taking advantage of the long weekend,” he said. We also expect large number of pilgrims, particularly those who will visit churches as part of the traditional “Visita Iglesia.”

The Negros Occidental PNP has been in full alert status since April 14.

In line with this, police stations all over the province are expected to have assistance desks in areas of convergence like ports, airports, terminals, churches, etc.

The PNP will utilize the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) to help ensure a peaceful and secure Holy Week celebration.

He reminded the public to be wary of criminal elements who will take advantage of the situation.

Negrense leads int'l assembly sector

(Visayan Daily Star)

A sugar worker-turned-farmer from Negros Occidental was elected to the board of directors of a sector of countries that sent representatives to the General Assembly of the Network of Asia and the Pacific Producers held recently at Pegasus Reef Hotel, Colombo, in Sri Lanka, a press release from ATC said.

Romualdo Noble of the Asosasyon sang Mamumugon sa Nolan based in Brgy. Mansalanao, La Castellana, Negros Occidental was chosen to represent the Philippines, Laos, and Thailand in the 15-seat NAPP board of directors.

AMANO is an agrarian reform beneficiary organization being assisted by Alter Trade Corporation, the press release said.

Noble was among the Small Producers Organizations representatives from the Philippines who attended the NAPP assembly.

The others who were from ATC-assisted farmers groups, are Daniel Diamante of the Dama Farmers and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association based at Sitio Dama, Brgy. Cabacungan, La Castellana; and Sandrico Cornelio of the Nakalang Padilla Farm Workers Association in Bago City.

Present at the gathering were ATC Marketing and Sales manager Elizabeth Mondejar and Darlene Exaltado, head of the Alter Trade Corporation-Internal Control Unit, as well as Ramir Rivera of the Negros Occidental Fair Trade Association, the press release said.

ATC attended the NAPP General Assembly as observer.

As director, Noble is expected to participate in the quarterly meetings and activities of the BOD on the governance, programs, and policy-making of NAPP.

He is also expected to bring issues and concerns of the producers group to the NAPP Board, and relay significant results and updates back to the producers, the press release added.

Roxas Negros bioethanol plant now in full swing

(PNA), LGI/LDV

MANILA, April 15 (PNA) -- Publicly listed bio-sugar and bio-energy Roxas Holdings Inc. (RHI) on Tuesday said its bioethanol plant in Negros Occidental is now in full swing.

“The extended period of repairs is over and we hope that Roxol’s performance will continue to improve and that we can deliver more bioethanol fuel to serve the requirements of oil companies,” said RHI president and chief executive officer Renato Valencia.

RHI’s affiliate Roxol Bioenergy Corp. reported that it was able to produce 15.07 million liters of bioethanol from October 2013 to March 2014 despite several technical setbacks suffered over the past three years from plant contractor KBK Chemical Engineering Pvt Ltd., a subsidiary of India’s Shree Renuka Sugars Limited.

With this, Roxol is now a major profit contributor to the Group, after its operations started to improve in June last year, following a series of plant repairs that spanned three years.

The plant’s six-month bioethanol production of 15.07 million liters ending March 2014 was 558 percent higher than the 2.29 million liters produced the same period last year, catapulting the company as one of the Philippines’ top bioethanol producers.

With this, Roxol has become profitable, reversing the losses suffered the previous years.

“Roxol’s gains are promising. We expect the plant to continue producing at least 100,000 liters of bioethanol fuel every day," said Roxol president and chief operating officer Luis Villa-Abrille.

"With the marked improvement in Roxol bioethanol plant’s performance, the company will contribute significantly to the Group’s net income,” he added.

Bacolod, Negros Occidental officials hail Pacquiao’s victory

(PNA), LAP/NLG/EYA/TDE

BACOLOD CITY, April 14 (PNA) -– Officials of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental hailed the triumph of the “People’s Champ” Manny Pacquiao over American fighter Timothy Bradley in their 12-round rematch in Las Vegas, Nevada that enabled Pacquiao regain the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.

Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella said the result of the fight was a clear redemption for Pacquiao.

According to him, the triumph of Pacquiao was definitely uplifting for the Filipinos.

“We needed this victory today to uplift the spirit of our people as we start our Lenten season," Puentevella said.

Bacolod City Rep. Evelio Leonardia said Pacquiao, an adopted son of Bacolod, has once again proven what prayers and determination can do.

“From the shadows of doubt cast by his questionable defeat two years ago, Manny Pacquiao has risen to prove he reigns supreme in the WBO welterweight division,” said Leonardia, who joined the Team Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Sunday.

“His victory was significant, not only because he reclaimed the title but also because this was Bradley’s first defeat of his career.”

The people of Bacolod share in the pride and glory of Pacquiao’s latest achievement, adding that may Pacquiao’s victory be a lesson in determination and faithfulness, of sticking together through victory or defeat.

Leonardia has joined Team Pacquiao since 2005 for a total of 15 fights, including the two which he lost.

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the championship belt is back to the rightful owner after Pacquiao won over Bradley.

"Clearly Pacquiao still has a lot of fire in him. Looking forward to his next fight," Lacson said.

Third District Rep. Alfredo Benitez said Pacquiao has proven he still possesses what it takes to be a world champion while Fourth District. Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer extended his congratulations to his colleague in the House of Representatives for giving pride to his countrymen.

Second District Board Member Salvador Escalante said Pacquiao’s performance was not bad for a 35-year-old fighter.

Fifth District Board Member Alain Gatuslao said that Pacquiao's victory is a testament to the never-say-die spirit of the Filipinos.

“At a time when the country needs some good news, Pacquiao delivered it to all of us," Gatuslao added.

DILG allots P159M for potable water supply projects in WV

By Joel dela Torre

ACCESS to safe drinking water and basic sanitation remain a challenge especially in far-flung areas of Western Visayas.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government had set aside P159.53 million for various potable water supply projects in the province.

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said the amount was part of the government’s poverty alleviation program fund.

The projects also demonstrated the government’s commitment to pursue the United Nations-Millennium Development Goals aimed at giving half of the number of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water by 2015.

Roxas ordered the DILG’s Region VI Office to fast-track the projects for Western Visayas, one of the areas severely devastated by super typhoon Yolanda late last year.

A total of P133.53 million has been allotted by the DILG as part of its Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process for 56 municipalities in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.

Under the GPBP, the beneficiaries included 15 municipalities in Negros Occidental, 13 municipalities in Iloilo, 4 in Guimaras, 7 in Capiz, 11 in Antique and 6 in Aklan.

Another P26 million has been earmarked for three municipalities in Negros Occidental and Aklan through the DILG’s Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (Salintubig) program. Beneficiaries for this included two towns in Negros Occidental, Hinigaran and Candoni, and Altavas in Aklan.

“Malapit na pong dumating ang panahon na hindi na po natin kakailanganing lumakad ng malayo, umakyat ng bundok, bumaba at tumawid ng ilog, o tumungo sa bayan at bumili, para po sa ating pang-araw araw na pangangailangan sa tubig,” Roxas said.

President Aquino to visit Negros Occidental on May 15

By Teresa D. Ellera [(PNA), CTB/NLG/TDE]

BACOLOD CITY, April 12 (PNA) – President Benigno Aquino III will visit Negros Occidental on May 15 to lead the unveiling of the 22-megawatt solar power plant in the northern city of San Carlos.

This was disclosed Friday by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., who said he will check the itinerary of the President to know if there is a chance he can bring up with him the proposal for the creation of a one-island region for Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

The 20-megawatt power generation project being developed by the San Carlos Solar Energy Inc. (SaCaSol) will be the country’s first commercial solar plant.

SaCaSol is a renewable energy joint venture between Bronzeoak Philippines Inc. and the ThomasLloyd Group.

The San Carlos Biopower Inc. (BioPower) is also developing in the area the P3.5-billion San Carlos Biomass Power Plant.

The construction of the 20-megawatt San Carlos Biomass Power Plant, seen to be completed in 2015, is being funded by investment banking and asset management group Thomas Lloyd, renewable energy project developer Bronzeoak Philippines, and Wuxi Huaguang of China.

In La Carlota City, the South Negros BioPower Inc. led by the group of Roberto Cuenca, is also constructing the 25-megawatt biomass power plant in the village of Cubay.

Food consultancy expands

(PNA), CTB/NLG/TDE

The Association of Negros Producers, in partnership with AFOS Foundation, will start the second phase of the Negros Food Consultancy Group Batch 2 series of trainings in Bacolod City.

First of the series is a training on Food Hazards and GMP Documentation on April 22-25 at the conference Room of the ANP, an ANP press release said, adding that this will expand membership of the NFCG.

The NFCG is a pool of local experts trained in the field of food safety and food technology. The group provides training, consultancy, coaching, mentoring and all other services related to food safety and food technology, the press release said.

With this, local industry players need not get the services of consultants outside the province and pay exorbitant fees to avail of training and consultancy on how to implement Good Management Practices (GMP) and measures in adherence to Food Safety Standards imperative for their

establishments to compete and survive, the press release said.

With the industry-wide awareness on food safety, the consuming public is assured of their health and safety, it added.

Meanwhile, there will be an orientation on Food Technology Program Batch 2: Butchery and Meat Processing 2 p.m. on April 12, it said.

Those interested may call 434-1000 or 0922.944.1815, the press release also said.


Army, police in NegOcc intensify security alert for Holy Week

(PNA), CTB/NLG/TDE

BACOLOD CITY, April 10 (PNA) – As part of the preparations for the Holy Week, the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police in Negros Occidental are intensifying security alert to ensure peace and security for all Negrenses.

Col. Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Brigade of the Philippine Army, said that while civilians are on vacation during the Holy Week, the military will be around to ensure peace and security for everybody.

"We will be on alert against possible atrocities of the rebels and other lawless elements," Aying said.

On the part of the police, personnel will also be detailed especially in seaports and airports, markets and other tourist destinations.

Aying also asked the public to make sure that they secure everything in their homes when the family goes on vacation because that's the time when lawless elements stage criminal activities.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will also set up assistance desks in some transport terminals.

LTO Bacolod chief Renato Novero said he will deploy personnel in some terminals along with their colleagues from the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board and the police.

He said that they will assist motorists in addressing vehicle troubles during travel.

The LTFRB, he said, will check on buses and other public utility vehicles to follow the right routes.

Earlier, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have tightened their watch on all ports in Western Visayas with the influx of foreign and domestic tourists during the Holy Week vacation.

Marina is setting up help desks from April 9 to 20 following the activation of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Uplan Ligtas Biyahe Kwaresma 2014 in all ports in the region, including BREDCO port in Bacolod City.

City SP approves ordinance for CCTVs in public schools

BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

An ordinance approving the installation of closed-circuit television cameras in all public elementary and high schools in Bacolod City, was passed by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on third and final reading yesterday.

The ordinance was authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran, and co-authored by Councilors Archie Baribar, Noli Villarosa, and Alex Paglumotan.

T he employment of CCTV/ Video Surveillance System(VSS) cameras by any entity, particularly by the local government unit purposely to record factual evidence of crime has been proven to be an effective instrument to deter any act of lawlessness, the ordinance said.

T he Sanguniang passed City Ordinance No. 595, series of 2012, called the “ Bacolod City Eye in the Sky Comprehensive Closed-Circuit Television Ordinance” and City Ordinance No. 600, series of 2012, or “ An Ordinance Requiring all Banks and other Financial Institutions as well as Certain Business Establishments within the City of Bacolod to Install Closed-Circuit Television(CCTV) within their premises,” it said.

The ordinance said these local laws, however, do not include schools where recently crimes have been committed against the victims by lawless elements, thereby necessitating the installation of CCTV/ VSS cameras in their campuses or premises.

Violation of the provisions of the ordinance, particularly sections 5 and 7, will render violators a penalty of P2,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offence, and P5,000 for the third offense and an imprisonment or penalty of six months to one year or both fine and penalty at the discretion of the Court.

The SP also approved an ordinance making voluntary blood donation as a settlement instead of fine in violation of traffic regulations.

The ordinance authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran, said scarcity of blood has been noticed, not just by foreign countries or their health providers, but by the International Red Cross.

Nationally, such serious concern was identified when dengue illness hit the country, particularly Bacolod which resulted in the shortage of blood in the hospitals in the city, whereby increasing its cost that contributed to the cause of death of many poor patients, particularly the children, it said.

The ordinance also said PNRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang stated that last 2013 there was shortage of blood, considering that out of the 950,000 units of blood needed by the country, PNRC was only able to collect 440,000 units of blood.

This only representing 49.6 percent of the nation's badly needed blood. And, because of this situation, the global theme: “More Blood, More Life!” for ‘World Blood Day' last June 14, 2013 was adopted by the Department of Health when it observed the National Voluntary Blood Donation Month last July 2013, it said.

Republic Act No. 7719, “An Act Promoting Voluntary Blood Donation, Providing for an Adequate Supply of Safe Blood, Regulating Blood Banks, and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof,” was passed by Congress to institutionalize and ensure an adequate supply of blood. Among the measures considered to generate additional blood for patients is to recognize the voluntary donation of blood by traffic violators in lieu of the mandated fine, it added.

Department of Agriculture to pour in more projects in Negros Occidental - gov

(PNA), LAP/NLG/EYA

BACOLOD CITY, April 8 (PNA) –- Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the province will soon be granted more projects from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

This, after Negros Occidental has availed about half a billion pesos worth of projects for its agricultural and fisheries projects and programs.

The governor said the DA is pouring in projects in the province after proving that these reach the intended beneficiaries and that the resources of the province are also used as counterpart for the said projects.

"Never in our history have we received so much support for the agriculture sector from the national government," he said.

Still, Marañon said "there is still much to do".

“There is a need to produce more rice for our consumption. Our rice productivity is one of the lowest compared to other countries,” he said.

The governor also said, “We need to help our farmers to be efficient. Teach them to mechanize and use hybrid seeds.”

Marañon also noted the demand for organic products produced in Negros Occidental is snowballing and the farmers cannot even meet it.

He added that demand for lamb meat is also high that one restaurant wanted to buy 500 kilos in two weeks.

“We could not meet the request as the province is still building up supply,” he said.

Panaad fest sales hit P5.542 million

BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN

As expected by its organizers, the seven-day Panaad sa Negros Festival in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, ended as a big success, generating sales of P5,542,258 as of 6 last night.

Comparative sales reports issued by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Veterinary Office as and the Technology Livelihood Development Center showed an increase of 1,205,414.25 in sales at the Local Government Unit Pavilions, organic agri fair, regional agri-food fair and livestock and dairy fair this year, compared to 2013.

Provincial Planning Development Officer Maria Lina Sanogal, Panaad sa Negros executive director, said they noted that each year the celebration of the Pana-ad surpasses the previous one.

The income of LGU pavilions rose from P2,672,732 last year to P3,070,684.50, with a difference of P397,952, increase of P35,011.75 for organic agri-fair, and P78,438 for livestock dairy fair, while the sales at the regional agri food fair was not available as of last night.

Sanogal also acknowledged the active participation of the Indigenous People from the different tribes in Negros Occidental, in the organic trade fair and indigenous sport activities.

It was also the first time the regional agri-food fair, organized by the provincial government of Negros Occidental, had participation from provinces of Cebu, Davao, the Ilocos region, Pangasinan, Mindoro, Romblon, Marindoque and Palawan.

The city of San Carlos was declared top grosser with sales of P1,138,050, while Cadiz City, that is exempted ,being a Hall of Famer as top grosser for four consecutive years, posted sales of P716,675.

The awarding of festival winners also capped the week-long festivities.

The city of San Carlos bagged the championship in the festival dances competition with La Castellana as the 1st runner-up, La Carlota City – 2nd runner up, Silay City – 3rd runner-up and Moises Padilla as 4th runner-up.

Kabankalan City won first place in the Panaad Composo competition, followed by Silay City and Isabela as 2nd and 3rd runners-up, respectively.

The municipality of Candoni bagged championship in the Panaad Rondalla, followed by Manapla and La Castellana, respectively.

The championship for the Latin Dance Sport Senior Division was bagged by Silay City, followed by Bacolod and Bago Cities, respectively, as second and third placers. On the other hand, Bago City won the championship in the juvenile division, with Bacolod and Pulupandan, closely trailing behind, respectively.

In the amateur division of the Latin Dance Sport, the city of Cadiz captured the championship with the cities of Silay and Cadiz, ranked second and third, respectively.

The Bayluhan of Cadiz City also bagged the championship in the Philippine Folk Dances competition in the Maria Clara category, followed by Jota Moncadena of Binalbagan and Pandaguiado Buraweno of Escalante, ranked second and third, respectively.

In the rural category , the city of Talisay Surtido-Greenbook was declared as champion, with Murcia (Pamiparamag) and Bacolod City (Regoniza) closely trailing behind, being the second and third placers, respectively.

In the drum and bugle competition elementary level, the first place went to Pontevedra, San Enrique – 2nd, La Castellana - 3rd, Moises Padilla -4th and Bacolod City -5th place.

The city of Sagay got first place (city category) in the destination pavilion and festival costume exhibition, followed by Silay, Bacolod, Talisay and Sipalay. In the municipal category, Calatrava won the first place, Murcia – 2nd, Salvador Benedicto- 3rd, Binalbagan -4th and Pulupandan -5th.

`Festival costume display colorful (city category) – Bacolod; Festival Costume display (municipality) - Moises Padilla, Festival costume display (indigenous) – Silay City and Binalbagan for the municipal category, cleanest pavillion (municipal) - Calatrava while the city category went to Silay City.

Binalbagan bagged the best food security corner in the municipal category and Bago in city category.

Best products in personal accessories for the Pana-ad trade fair and exhibits went to Hinobaan, while Calatrava bagged the home accessories, best product home furnishing- Calatrava, food category (best market potential)- Silay City, food category (innovative and new products)- Pulupandan.

Security cameras in major streets mulled

(PN)

BACOLOD City – Major streets of the city and crime-prone areas will soon be equipped with closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

The City Peace and Order Council approved the Local Anti-Criminality Action Plan that included a provision on CCTV.

The main purpose of the CCTV is to monitor and minimize crimes in the city.

Theft and robbery are the most frequent crimes here, based on the records of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said Chief Insp. Noel Polines, operations head of the city police.

Mayor Monico Puentevella, chairman of the council, said he will look for a budget so the cameras can be purchased as soon as possible.

The installation of CCTV cameras is part of the city’s preparations for its possible hosting of some ministerial meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2015, according to Puentevella.

The CCTV plan was unanimously approved by the peace council and supported by Councilor El Cid Familiaran, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s committee on police.

“The No. 1 consideration of the APEC Organizing Committee is peace and order. We have to show to them that Bacolod City is a safe place and we have the best police security procedures,” Puentevella stressed.

The mayor also asked the help of the Philippine Army.

Aside from CCTV, Puentevella said he also plans to purchase 10 additional police patrol cars and new traffic lights.

Most traffic lights here are not functioning anymore, especially in the downtown area.

VMLP-NOC hosts Panaad golf tourney

(SunStar Bacolod)

THE Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter hosts the Pana-ad Sa Negros Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament today (Saturday, April 5) and Sunday at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Barangay Bata, Bacolod City.

The event is being held for the benefit of the various programs of the VMLP-NOC.

Silay City Vice Mayor Mark Golez, president of VMLP-NOC, said that through the fund-raising event, the VMLP-NOC can proceed with its continuing medical-dental mission, feeding program and related humanitarian endeavors for the less-privileged constituents of the province.

He added that the vice mayors’ league is grateful for the opportunity to highlight its annual golf tournament as part of the Pana-ad Sa Negros Festival 2014.

“The participation of our local players and the visiting enthusiasts once more gave everyone the opportunity to relish a sporting chance on the NOGCC greens,” Golez said.

He added that as president of the VMLP-NOC, he is grateful to the district representatives, provincial officials, the local chief executives of the cities and municipalities, the corporate and private business leaders, and commercial and business establishment managers who extended their wholehearted support to the undertaking.

“You have given us the best of your resources, and you have participated in an undertaking that will positively lead to the improvement of lives in more ways that we surmise,” Golez said.

TESDA trainees in Negros Occidental showcase skills in annual competition

(PNA), JBP/NLG

BACOLOD CITY, April 4 (PNA) – Trainees of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Negros Occidental showcased what they learned during the annual Livelihood Skills Competition held Thursday at the Panaad Covered Court here.

Now on its 18th year, the activity is part of the events in the ongoing 21st Panaad sa Negros Festival.

Karl Joseph Goroy and Alexis Saylo of Bago City were declared first-place winners in Cookery and Fruits and Vegetables Carving events while Gabriel Esparas and Jan Kenny Gallo of Manapla town took the first place trophy in the Dried Flower Arrangement and Table Skirting.

In Cake Decoration, Karen Marie de Asis of Kabankalan City was awarded first place while Rover Paul Vedad of Valladolid town was declared champion in the Flairtending event.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., was joined by TESDA Region 6 OIC-Director Toni June Tamayo and OIC TESDA Negros Occidental Director Teresita Campantero during the opening rites.

“We should continue this skills competition because it is a mandate of TESDA and I am glad that the provincial government of Negros Occidental is supporting this event every year,” Tamayo said.

The top four winners of each category received cash prizes, certificates, and gift packs.

SP okays P251M supplemental budget

BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental unanimously approved yesterday supplemental budget ordinances of the provincial government and its Economic Enterprise Development Department, of P251,454,344.

The P206,286,045 Supplemental Budget No. 1 of the province includes the budget for the construction of the third floor of the Negros Occidental High School in Bacolod City, which was among the issues raised against Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. during the 2013 elections.

Board Member Miller Serondo, who had pushed for its approval, said the provincial government will finance the construction of 15 more classrooms at the Negros Occidental High School in Bacolod City, with the bidding expected to start soon.

It has a budget of P16.5 million.

The provincial government also financed earlier the construction of more than 30 NOHS classrooms, that are now being used by its students.

Serondo said the budget for the 15 new NOHS classrooms will be taken from the newly-approved P206,286,045 supplemental budget number one of the province, aside from payment to variations orders of the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital, Negros First Blood Bank, Cyber Center and PhilRice.

All the board members present at the SP regular session held at the Panaad Park in Bacolod City, that was presided over by Board Member Salvador Escalante Jr., voted for the passage of the two supplemental budgets, that also included the EEDD supplemental budget number one of P45,168,299.

Of the P45 million EEDD supplemental budget, Provincial Budget Jose Percival Salado said that P34 million will be transferred to the general fund, and the rest allocated for insurance payments of hospitals.

More tourism infra projects to be implemented in Negros Occidental

(PNA), LAP/NLG/TDE

BACOLOD CITY, April 2 (PNA) -– Four more big tourism road projects will be implemented in various areas in Negros Occidental this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 said.

DOT-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas, who was in Bacolod for the 21st Panaad Sa Negros Festival, said that under the road convergence program of the Department of Tourism and the Department of Public Works and Highways, almost half of the entire tourism road projects for Western Visayas were implemented in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.

Of the P1.2-billion fund for tourism road projects in Region 6 from 2012 to 2013, P615 million went to Negros Occidental.

Catalbas said Negros Occidental is the second most attractive tourism destination in Western Visayas.

Based on statistics, one-third of the total tourist arrivals in Western Visayas in 2013 went to Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.

Negros Occidental targets to increase organic farming production next year

(PNA), LAP/NLG/TDE

BACOLOD CITY, April 1 (PNA) -– Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maraňon Jr. said the province is aiming to increase organic agriculture production next year to meet the big demand for organic produce.

The target was announced by the governor as the province celebrates this week the 21st Panaad Sa Negros Festival themed “Organik na Negros: Rising to the Challenge of Globalization in 2015.”

He urged Negrense farmers anew to focus on organic agriculture to cope with the challenge of the Asian Free Trade Agreement when tariffs on imported agricultural products would be reduced to very minimal level beginning next year.

Maraňon said that since Negros is already known for producing organic agriculture products, he challenged farmers to produce more.

"We will try to meet the demand as the potential is big. Next year, we will exceed our produce from this year," Maraňon said.

Part of the week-long Panaad Sa Negros Festival is the Regional Agriculture Fair spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture featuring the organic and non-organic crops of six provinces of Western Visayas.

May Ann Grajo, head of the Agri-business Division Department of Agriculture-6, said the fair aims to share the best agricultural practices of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras and Negros Occidental.

Grajo said they started holding the fair at a mall in 2006 in Iloilo City.

In 2008, Negros Occidental was the first province after Iloilo that hosted the fair.

Farmers from the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Davao and Cebu are also participating in this year’s Agriculture Fair.

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