Negros Occidental News December 2016

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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.

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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.

‘Lights of Bago’ musical fireworks show advocates safe New Year revelry

(PNA), PGL/NLG

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- For the ninth consecutive year, Bago City in Negros Occidental is holding the “Lights of Bago” fireworks show on January 1 to show support to the “Iwas Paputok” campaign of the Department of Health (DOH).

This year’s theme of the DOH advocacy is “Iwas Paputok, Fireworks Display ang Patok! Makiisa sa Fireworks Display sa inyong Lugar.”

Mayor Nicholas Yulo will showcase with his constituents in presenting the Lights of Bago, a grand musical fireworks display, for a safe celebration of the holidays through the conduct of community fireworks display.

The City of Bago said the staging of the annual Lights of Bago has led to a significant decrease in the incidence of firecrackers-related injuries in the southern Negros city.

According to the City Mayor’s Office, the 2017 show will pay homage to the legendary King of Pop Michael Jackson. It will focus on the theme “Heal the World,” based on a medley of songs popularized by Jackson.

The musical fireworks display will be showcased with a medley of hits of the King of Pop “in synch with jaw dropping displays of color in another new year’s night of bringing the Bagonhon community together and attracting visitors from all over Negros Island to the annual spectacular event.”

The city government will also launch the Lights of Bago Photo Contest for photographers and hobbyists.

Category A (Conventional) is for DSLR camera users while Category B (Mobile) for smartphone and tablet users.

Entries will be displayed at Robinsons Place Bacolod from January 6 to 15.

Bacolod City gathers support for Autism Awareness Month in January

(PNA), PGL/NLG

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 28 (PNA) -– The city government here is gathering support for the observance of Autism Awareness and Support Advocacy Month in January.

Councilor Sonya Verdeflor, who authored the resolution requesting the Office of the City Mayor to support and implement the autism awareness ordinance, said Wednesday copies will also be sent to the Special Education schools and the Department of Education (DepEd) for their information and appropriate action.

City Ordinance No. 651 or Autism Awareness and Support Advocacy Program for Children with Autism and Special Needs took effect on July 19, 2013.

Section 4 provides that every month of January of each year is designated as Autism Awareness and Support Advocacy Month.

The City Government of Bacolod in coordination with the Division of City Schools, SPED Section of the DepEd, the Sangguniang Panlungsod through its concerned committees, private organizations of parents and professionals advocating for the cause of children with autism and special needs, and the Bacolod City Special Children’s Board will then come up with a month-long program of activities.

This is aimed to encourage awareness and full support for the development, rehabilitation, and benefit of children with autism and special needs.

An amount of Php500,000 has been provided for in the said ordinance for the Autism Month celebration.

Verdeflor said the observance of the Autism Awareness and Support Advocacy Month will be effective and successful if spearheaded by the Office of the City Mayor together with the City Council, and government and private institutions advocating for the cause of the children with autism and special needs.

More than 2,000 NegOcc provincial employees to get Php27,000 additional bonus

(PNA), PGL/NLG/MPE

BACOLOD CITY, Dec 28 (PNA) –- All 2,543 employees of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental will receive an additional bonus of Php27,000 before the year ends.

This was confirmed Wednesday by Second District Board Member Salvador Escalante, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on appropriations, budget, finance, ways and means.

Escalante said the fund totaling Php70 million will be sourced from the 2016 savings on Personal Services (PS).

He added that there is no need for the Provincial Board to pass a resolution for the allocation since the bonus is also under the PS budget.

Last week, the Capitol employees also received the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) bonus.

Provincial Budget Officer Jose Percival Salado Jr. said each of the employees received Php8,000 as incentive bonus amounting to Php20.32 million.

Salado said the CNA incentive is an annual obligation of the provincial government to its regular and contractual employees as well as elected officials.

The fund was sourced from the Capitol’s 2016 savings from its travel, communication, and utility budget.

Salado said the employees received the CNA incentive because the provincial government has reached 70 percent of its target projects, programs, and activities as of October 31.

The CNA between the provincial government and the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees will expire on October 2017.

DOST pushes for more bamboo product innovation in Negros Occidental

(PNA), PGL/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is pushing for the development of more innovative bamboo products in Negros Occidental to tap the industry’s huge potential.

DOST-Negros Island Region Director Engineer Rowen Gelonga, who concurrently heads the DOST-Western Visayas, said in a report Tuesday that bamboo is a natural and renewable resource which holds so much potential.

Gelonga added that bamboo is currently used for handicraft and furniture making, but even in these traditional areas, there is still need to innovate.

“Even in the construction industry, we still have to maximize the potential of bamboo,” he said, adding that “it is a very good construction material but our level of technology in utilizing the commodity has yet to be improved.”

DOST has provided PHP1 million worth of equipment to the province’s Bamboo Innovation Center, which is being constructed at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Through the center, the DOST is eyeing to partner with other institutions like the academe as well as with different government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for various product development initiatives.

Through this collaboration, Gelonga said there will be a mass of new technologies vital in producing products that are viable in the market.

“We have done a lot for bamboo, but there are still a lot to be done,” he added.

The Provincial Enterprise Development and Investment Center (PEDIC) had earlier said that under the province’s Bamboo Development Plan, addressing the production aspect is currently its main concern.

For DOST, Gelonga said supply and market are two areas where the government should step in.

“On our side what we are trying to focus on would be developing the market through producing new products so that eventually the production side or the availability of the raw material can be pulled up,” he said.

Market and product development should be pushed for people to realize that bamboo is such a beautiful resource that can provide them livelihood, Gelonga further said.

Negros Occ. athletes ready for NIRAA

(NAB)

The 10 school divisions in Negro Occidental are ready to sent their student athletes to the 2 nd Negros Island Regional Athletic Meet scheduled February next year in Dumaguete City.

Powerhouse Bacolod City Division will be sending the winners in the Dual Meet with the NOPSSCEA while the Negros Occidental Division will be composed of the winners in the division meet that ended this Wednesday.

The divisions of San Carlos, Escalante, Sagay, Cadiz, Silay, Bago, La Carlota, and Kabankalan will also be fielding their separate entries.

The athletes from the Occidental side of NIR will be competing against the six divisions from Oriental – Bais, Bayawan, Dumaguete City, Guihulngan City, Tanjay, and Negros Oriental Division.

Unlike in the 1 st NIRAA hosted by Negros Occidental in February this year, the 2 nd NIRAA in Dumaguete City will be bigger with 16 delegations from the two provinces of Negros Island.

“It will be like a mini-Palarong Pambansa and we hope that everything will go smoothly,” a technical official at the Negros Occidental Division Meet said.

He observed that Bacolod and Negros Occidental divisions are going to be the teams to beat since its athletes had a tougher qualifying round.

Bacolod City will be composed of athletes from both the public and private schools in the city while the Negros Occidental team will be composed of athletes from the six Clusters of the division.

During the 1 st NIRAA, Negros Occidental competed as one delegation against the six delegations from Oriental. Occidental won the overall championship with its athletes comprising the bulk of delegates from Negros Island to the 2016 Palarong Pambansa in Legazpi City.

Bacolod establishments earn P10B in tourist receipts

By Erwin P. Nicavera

TOURISM accommodation establishments in Bacolod City have earned more than P10 billion in tourist receipts for the first 11 months of the year, records of the City Tourism Office (CTO) showed.

The amount was spent by 516,272 tourists, who were booked in at least 70 accommodation facilities in the city such as hotels, inns, pension houses, resorts and apartelles, among others.

The total tourist arrivals from January to November comprised 470,799 domestic and 45,473 foreign tourists, records obtained by Sun.Star Bacolod further showed.

The domestic tourist arrivals have translated to total visitor receipts amounting to about P8.4 billion while that of foreigners totaled to P1.7 billion, it added.

Topping the list of foreign tourists visited in the city are those from the United States of America, 6,636.

Other countries included in the top 10 foreign market as of November are: Korea, 6, 376; Japan, 3,716; China, 2, 321; Australia, 2, 287; Russia, 1, 908; Germany, 1,668; United Kingdom, 1,415; Singapore, 1,408; and Spain, 1,019. Ma. Elma Gerasmo, city chief tourism operations officer, said they have yet to consolidate the tourist arrivals and receipts for the month of December.

Gerasmo added that to reach the target 20 percent increase in tourist arrivals this year, there should be almost 323,000 tourists who will visit Bacolod this month.

In 2015, total tourist arrivals in the city was 699,061 and the target this year is 838, 813.

Last year’s arrivals increased by eight percent from 647,021 in 2014.

“Aside from the MassKara Festival in October, long holidays in December is also a peak season for tourists including balikbayans thus, we are optimistic that there will be an increase in the number of tourists this year,” Gerasmo said, adding that “the more tourists coming, the more revenues generated by local establishments.”

Employees of NegOcc provincial gov’t, Bacolod city gov’t to receive CNA bonus

(PNA), PGL/NLG/MPE

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 23 (PNA) -- Employees of both the Province of Negros Occidental and City of Bacolod are set to receive their respective Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) bonuses.

Provincial Budget Officer Jose Percival Salado Jr. said as of Friday, various Capitol departments and offices can already process the payrolls.

Each of about 2,500 employees will receive P8,000 as incentive bonus amounting to PHP20.32 million.

Salado said the CNA incentive is an annual obligation of the provincial government to its regular and contractual employees as well as elected officials.

The fund will be sourced from the Capitol’s 2016 savings from its travel, communication, and utility budget.

Salado said the employees will receive the CNA incentive because the provincial government has reached 70 percent of its target projects, programs, and activities as of October 31.

The CNA between the provincial government and the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees will expire on October 2017.

In Bacolod, more than 1,000 employees of the city government will receive a CNA incentive of PHP3,500 each for a total of PHP4.715 million.

Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairman of committee on appropriation and finance, said Friday the appropriated amount will be received by regular and co-terminus employees.

The councilor added that the CNA incentive is a bonus for the employees for their excellent performance.

Earlier, the city government regular and co-terminus employees also received their 13th and 14th month pay, PHP5,000 cash gift, and PHP5,000 Productivity Enhancement Incentive pay.

Coffee farmers, buyers in Negros Occidental trained on standards, grading system

(PNA), PGL/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 22 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is working on equipping coffee farmers and buyers in Negros Occidental with the knowledge and skills on understanding standards.

DTI-Negros Occidental Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist Rachel Nufable, who spoke at the seminar on “Understanding the Coffee Standard and Grading System” held at the Business Inn Hotel here Thursday, said local coffee sector players need to better understanding on standards.

Nufable said that through the seminar, participating farmers will be able to know how to identify the different qualities and characteristics of coffee, which is one of the priority-commodities of the province.

“We want the farmers first to understand what they are producing and what the buyers would require them,” she said, adding that the current buying price is low because farmers cannot yet distinguish the variety of coffee beans they are harvesting.

The Negros Occidental Coffee Association had earlier expressed optimism that farmers and producers in the province will be able to finally produce the “Negros Coffee” next year.

The association, however, said that in order to achieve the target “traceability” they still need assistance from the government, particularly in equipping them with the knowledge and skills in identifying coffee varieties.

Its vice president Emilio Hilado III pointed out that there are still many local farmer-producers who are challenged in identifying varieties.

“In order to produce the best and pure coffee, we have to identify and segregate them according to variety,” he added.

Aside from farmers, the seminar was also participated by coffee shop owners in the province.

DTI-Negros Occidental noted that it is also important for local buyers to understand standards to ensure quality of their products.

Nufable said that by identifying the varieties they are buying, “coffee processors particularly coffee shop owners can have their own mix of coffee beans.”

P1-B bulk water project kicks off

By Merlinda A. Pedrosa

THE groundbreaking for the P1.1-billion Bacolod Bulk Water Supply Project on a 2,500-square meter lot in Abada-Escay Road, Barangay Granada was held Monday for the start of the construction of water treatment plant.

The groundbreaking rites was attended by personnel of Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. (BBWI), Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) along with the city and barangay officials.

Ryan Yapkianwee, chairman of BBWI, said that on September 15, 2016, they received a notice to proceed from Baciwa.

He said the BBWI will start supplying potable water to Baciwa in the fourth quarter of 2017.

“Our combined technologies will be soon be commercially ready to address Bacolod City’s bulk water needs and relieve pressure on Baciwa’s dwindling well water supply,” Yapkianwee added.

BBWI will use the Ngalan River in Barangay Granada as surface water source.

The construction of the water system covers the water treatment plant with an initial capacity of 30,000 cubic meters per day for the two injection points, escalating to 150,000 cubic meters per day through a 20-kilometer long water supply pipeline directly connected to the reservoirs of Baciwa located at Barangays Granada and Mansilingan.

Yapkianwee said the project will utilize at least six million cubic meters of water each year from BBWI’s surface water sources.

He added that the project will provide immediate access to quality and affordable water to Bacolod residents for a healthier environment, improving sanitation and hygiene conditions.

The bulk water project will provide water supply to Baciwa at a blended rate of P9.35 per cubic meter.

“The 25-year bulk water supply contract signed on March 22, 2016 between Baciwa and a consortium led by Tubig Pilipinas Group Inc., Mactan Rock Industries, and TVG Builders Inc., formed a special purpose called BBWI to undertake this project,” he added.

Yapkianwee said they have complied with all the requirements and are securing permits to start the construction.

He said at least four surface water sources will be utilized, including three rivers in Injection Point 1, and one river in Injection Point 2. The BBWI is using Baciwa’s water rights permit and after seven years, they will turn over the system to the Baciwa management for free.

“Hopefully, with this project we will not only be able to supply water shortage, but will also be able to help the new applicants for the new developments in Bacolod,” Yapkianwee said.

Engineer Mario Macatangay, general manager of Baciwa, said the bulk water project will augment the shortage of water supply in the city. Macatangay admitted that Baciwa is short on water supply by an estimated five million liters per day.

“The production of this facility (bulk water project) is 15 million liters per day so by October next year, we hope that we can serve our consumers better,” he said.

Macatangay said there are areas in Bacolod with only four to six hours of water supply.

“This project has been long awaited and we will show to our critics that we are really keen on pursuing our objectives of providing potable water to all consumers of Baciwa,” he added.

NegOcc division meet brings hundreds of student-athletes

(HGD)

CLOSE to a thousand student-athletes and delegation officials from 26 local government units in Negros Occidental are converging Bacolod City for the inaugural 2016 division meet scheduled December 18 to 22.

Eugenio Lacson, vice governor of Negros Occidental, said that while this event is new, he is hoping the best athletes from the province will stand out. “Expectations are high that Negros Occidental will do well in the regionals. And for other local government units, it will also be a challenge for them to compete against the province,” he said.

Lacson added that through sports events, characters of athletes can be developed. “If you’re in sports, discipline is important in molding the character. That’s more important than winning the medals,” Lacson added.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.’s message stated that sports competitions do not only hone the physical and mental abilities of the Negrense youth, it also instill the values of discipline, hard-work, and excellence.

Marañon added that the athletic meet is a welcome activity and a fitting occasion to awaken school pride and spirit of sportsmanship among the students in the newly-created region.

Director Gilbert Sadsad, Department of Education-NIR, said that the historic event will brings them closer to their dream of strengthening One Negros as they mold their values, skills and talents toward a future society of well-disciplined and talented individuals.

“I rally behind our theme, School Sports: Training Ground for Future Champions and Leaders. This event will have a deep impact on our learners as they excel in sports, and educators as they motivate and venture towards development of local as well as global sports and talent skills standards.” Sadsad said.

DOST turns over Php1.7-M worth of projects in Negros Occidental

(PNA), PGL/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 19 (PNA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) turned over Monday Php1.7 million worth of equipment and packaging technology assistance to the provincial government of Negros Occidental, and micro enterprises in the province.

Of the amount, the province received Php1 million for the purchase of one unit each of bamboo splitter, thickness planer, twin rip saw, and laminating press.

These equipment which will be used for the Bamboo Innovation Center being constructed at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here.

This is under the agency’s Grants-In-Aid (GIA) project aimed at harnessing the country’s scientific and technological capabilities by providing financial grants to various programs in order to spur sustainable economic growth.

DOST Negros Island Region (NIR) Director Engineer Rowen Gelonga, who led the turnover rites at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, said they hope the project will support the development of bamboo industry not only in Negros Occidental, but also in the entire region.

Gelonga, who also heads DOST Region 6, said bamboo is a renewable resource, and people only need to learn new ways of maximizing the commodity that will further bring in economic development.

"Through this partnership with the provincial government along with the support of other agencies, we hope to mainly achieve product innovation,” he added.

Provincial Administrator Leonardo Eusebio, who represented Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., thanked the agency for extending the assistance to develop the bamboo sector, which is one of the province’s priority-commodity now.

It will hugely contribute to the province’s measures to develop the local bamboo industry, Eusebio added.

Meanwhile, the remaining amount of about Php720,000 for packaging technology assistance was distributed to 72 micro enterprises.

Through the project, which is now in its second phase, DOST-Negros Occidental assisted the biggest number of recipients from Sixth District, with 28.

In Second District, 13 micro enterprises availed of the packaging services; Fourth District, 12; Lone District of Bacolod, 11; First District, four; and Third and Fifth Districts, two each.

DOST Provincial Director Engineer Allan Francis Daraug said the agency has recognized the need for local micro enterprises to improve their label and packaging.

Color-coded agri guide to impact Negros farmers

By Erwin P. Nicavera

THE National Color-Coded Agriculture Guide (NACCAG) Map which the national government will be launching this month is seen to impact positively on the farmers in Negros.

Joyce Wendam, officer-in-charge of the Department of Agriculture - Negros Island Region (DA-NIR), yesterday said the program will complement the government’s initiatives to further improve agricultural productivity in the country.

Wendam said NACCAG Map is very important in terms of guiding the farmers on ensuring crop suitability by helping them identify what type of soil they have in their farms and what kind of crops are ideal.

Aside from crop suitability, Wendam said the program will also provide them vital information like soil nutrients as well as the climate risks and hazards that they must be prepared for.

“Through this program, investors will also be guided on where and what crop to invest,” she said, adding that “by ensuring crop suitability and risk resistance, farmers can surely lower their production wastage and increase input.”

Under the program, all the information would be accessible through smartphones and computers which DA is expected to distribute to the farmers and fisherfolk organizations in the country starting next year.

The NACCAG is part of the agency's Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture (Amia) project mainly designed for climate change preparation.

Wendam said the president will also lead the unveiling of the website during the launching of the program.

Using the application, agricultural investors for instance , will only have to type name of the crop that they would like to invest in.

It will then generate the list of areas where this could be grown ideally.

It will also provide regular weather updates to local farmers, Wendam said.

After the launching, seminars and workshops will also be conducted to equip farmers and fishermen with the skills and knowledge on how to access ans explore the application, she added.

PHP3.9-M Negosyo Center opens in southern Negros town

(PNA), PGL/NLG/EPN

HINIGARAN, Negros Occidental (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and municipal government of Hinigaran unveiled Wednesday afternoon the PHP3.9 million Negosyo Center in this southern Negros Occidental town.

Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo, who led the opening rites, said the local government is banking on entrepreneurship due to its huge potential in further alleviating the lives of the residents.

Arceo added that he has high regards in the capability of the people, which could really go high when necessary support is provided.

The Negosyo Center here is the eighth facility opened in Negros Occidental.

Last December 6, the seventh Negosyo Center in the province was unveiled in Bacolod City.

The DTI-Negros Occidental in partnership with the respective local government units (LGUs) also opened Negosyo Centers in cities of San Carlos, Victorias, and La Carlota earlier this year.

The Negros First Negosyo Center at the Provincial Capitol Complex here was opened last year along with those in the cities of Kabankalan and Sagay.

Next year, DTI targets to open at least 100 Negosyo Centers nationwide. Of which, nine will be in Negros Occidental.

The establishment of Negosyo Centers is provided under the Republic Act 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act.

It provides MSMEs the ease of doing business, and facilitates access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, and shared service facilities, among others.

The law also aims to ensure management guidance, assistance and improvement of the working conditions of enterprises, and facilitate market access and linkaging services for entrepreneurs.

The Go Negosyo Act has a provision to include in the General Appropriations Act the funding for the creation of Negosyo Centers, which is normally in a counterparting scheme with the host cities and municipalities.

Negrense irrigators get Php15-M worth of agricultural equipment

(PNA), PGL/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY (PNA) -- A total of Php15 million in agricultural equipment and tools were turned over Wednesday by the Negros Occidental provincial government to 128 irrigators’ associations in the province.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. led the turn-over rites held at the National Irrigation Administration-Negros Island Region Irrigation Office (NIA-NIRIO) in Bago City.

Marañon said the provincial government plans to implement more irrigation projects for Negrense farmers, whom he urged to take good care of the projects provided to them by the government.

The governor was joined by Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region Executive Director Joyce Wendam; Engineer Mario Sande, NIA regional irrigation manager; and Rosemary Caunca, provincial consultant on Local Governance and Inter-Local Government Alliance for Agricultural Productivity.

The project dubbed “Purchase of Farm Equipment and Machineries and Operationalization of Rice Processing Center,” is funded by the provincial government of Negros Occidental through grants and donations.

The farm machineries include 50 units of hand tractor with engine, 50 units of thresher with engine, four units of rice mill, one rice cart trolley, one unit of heavy duty weighing scale, and five push carts.

Recipient-associations also received 50 units of pump and engine with suction for mobile irrigation, 10 units of motorized grass cutter, and 10 units of knapsack sprayer, among others.

The project also covers the installation of electrical and water systems for the rice processing center located at Barangay Bagroy, also in Bago City.

The processing center was provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to the Federation of Irrigators’ Association Central Negros (FIACN).

Caunca, who is also the president of the League of Government-Assisted Federation of Irrigators’ Associations in Negros Occidental (LEGAFIANO), said the project is anchored on the government’s initiative in helping local farmers generate more income.

Bacolod City to host 5th Negros Island-Regional Development Council meeting

(PNA), PGL/NLG

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 14 (PNA) -- The City of Bacolod will host the 5th regular meeting of the Negros Island- Regional Development Council (NI-RDC) at the Planta Hotel, Thursday.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he coordinated with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-Negros Island Region (NIR) Office to facilitate the preparations.

“We are honored to host the RDC meeting as we believe in the establishment of the NIR,” Leonardia said.

The NI-RDC is chaired by Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., with NEDA-18 Regional Director Efren Carreon as vice chairman.

The members include the two governors, Marañon and Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, the 13 city mayors of Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, and the six city mayors of Negros Oriental.

Other members are the 22 heads of the different regional agencies in the NIR, 15 private sector representatives (PSR), and the two presidents of the leagues of municipal mayors of the two provinces.

The NI-RDC held its first organizational meeting in Bacolod on December 4, 2015 to mark the start of operations of the NIR. The NI-RDC Executive Committee held its first meeting in Dumaguete City on January 15, 2016, where Marañon was elected chair.

The second meeting was conducted in Dumaguete City last March 11; third meeting, Kabankalan City, June 29; and fourth meeting, Mabinay, October 25.

In his Executive Order No. 183, former president Benigno Aquino III said the NIR was created “to further accelerate the social and economic development of the cities and municipalities comprising the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, and improve the delivery of public services in the aforementioned provinces.”

Negros Occidental coop to host pilot demonstration field for organic sugar production

(PNA), PGL/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 13 (PNA) -- The Organic Producers in the Island of Negros-Multipurpose Cooperative (Option-MPC) in Sagay City, Negros Occidental will host a pilot demonstration field for production of organic sugar in the province.

This is part of the efforts being initiated with the assistance of Australian Steve Bartolo, an organic certifier and consultant, who is presently in Negros Occidental.

He said in a report Tuesday that they will introduce to sugarcane planters a system of farming which can significantly improve their production.

“We are not changing the culture of sugarcane farming drastically, but only small changes in the industry to better the production outcomes and also set a difference in the marketing of organic sugar,” said Bartolo, who has engaged in organic sugarcane production for 20 years.

He added that they have started conducting initial works such as complete soil testing.

Edgardo Uychiat, president of Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (NISARD) Foundation Inc., said they will ask the private sector, especially the mill districts, to help fund the establishment of the pilot demo farm.

With the 500-ton per day capacity of Option-MPC, the goal is to develop a 2,000-hectare organic sugarcane farm gradually, mostly in northern Negros.

Uychiat added that the in southern Negros, Kalibutan Cooperative in Kabankalan City has already converted to organic about 20 hectares of its 120-hectare farm.

They can also be further assisted, he said.

Uychiat noted that if the initiative will be implemented, Negros can be the first and only island that produces organic sugar in Asia.

NegOcc investment center welcomes bill on development of bamboo industry

(PNA), PGL/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 12 (PNA) -- The Provincial Enterprise Development and Investment Center (PEDIC) of Negros Occidental lauded the proposed measure aimed to further strengthen the country’s bamboo industry, which is seen to complement the province’s development initiatives.

Pending before the House committee on agriculture and food, the proposed Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Act of 2016 also known as House Bill 3357, aims to promote the rapid, steady, and continuous integrated development and growth of the industry.

Engineer Jose Maria Amugod, project development officer III, said Monday that bamboo is one of the province’s top priority commodities thus, measures to develop the sector are already being implemented.

Through the Provincial Bamboo Industry Development Program, Negros Occidental is currently in the process of establishing the bamboo innovation center at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here.

The provincial government has also established a bamboo nursery and treatment facility beside the Negros First Rice Processing Center in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City.

Amugod said the nursery houses 3,000 bamboo propagules targeted to produce about 12,000 seedlings for distribution to local farmers next year.

“It is very timely that the national officials are also taking steps for the development of bamboo industry which the province has already started on its level,” Amugod said, adding that the legislation is seen to impact positively Negros Occidental by augmenting the provincial government’s initiatives.

Authored by Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin, representative of AAMBIS-OWA partylist, the bill aims to formulate a framework for development which will encompass site identification, scientific propagation and development, production support, and quality assurance for health and proper trading, among others.

It mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) to procure at least 25 percent of its annual school desk and armchair requirements for public elementary and secondary schools nationwide with the use of local bamboo.

For the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the bill also directs the implementation of bamboo livelihood programs.

“Despite its versatility, economic potentials, and environmental contributions, bamboo remains to be one of the underdeveloped industries in the country,” Garin said, adding that to fully harness its immense potential, the binding constraints to the industry’s growth and development need to be addressed.

P500-M fund seen to help revive NegOcc mango industry

By Erwin P. Nicavera

THE proposed Philippine Mango Development Act of 2016, which includes the provision of P500 million as initial development fund, is seen to help in reviving the mango industry of Negros Occidental.

Joyce Wendam, officer-in-charge executive director of the Department of Agriculture in Negros Island Region (NIR), said mango is an "export winner" that has high market value.

Citing the 2015 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Wendam said Negros Occidental has 2,812 hectares of plantations with annual production volume of 11,631.25 metric tons.

It is lower than Negros Oriental’s 3,967 hectares of plantations with annual production volume of 20, 512.41 metric tons.

“Unlike in Negros Oriental, mango was not included as priority commodity of Negros Occidental,” Wendam said, adding that the proposed bill, if approved as law, is vital for the regional line agency’s move to revive the province's mango industry.

The Department of Agriculture (DA)-NIR official recalled that the province’s mango industry had experienced major setback when most of the plantations, including those of the Cojuangcos’ ECJ Farms in southern Negros, were converted into sugarcane fields.

Pending at the committee on agriculture and food is House Bill 3538 authored by Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin, representative of Aambis-OWA partylist.

The bill seeks to develop a five-year development framework to help increase production of export quality fruits, produce comprehensive research, modernize post-harvest facilities and techniques, and formulate effective marketing and promotion strategies.

“It is vital that we develop and promote a globally competitive mango industry to increase production and generate higher income for mango farmers, growers, traders and other stakeholders,” Garin said in a report.

According to the DA, 73 percent of the total area planted is owned by small farmers.

The industry is burdened by irregular and relatively low yield, susceptibility to insect pests, diseases and disorders, among others, it added. Under the proposed law, the initial budget of P500 million will be taken from DA's existing budget.

This allocation will fund the propagation, production, research and development, post-harvest handling and processing, marketing and promotion of Philippine mango.

For Negros Occidental, Wendam said the mango development interventions will specifically impact the province in terms of research and development.

In order for the province to revive its mango industry, Wendam said soil analysis should be conducted.

“We need to identify more favorable areas for mango production in the province,” Wendam said, adding that the DA is optimistic to produce mangoes like those of Guimaras.

NegOcc potential platform for inclusive business

By Erwin P. Nicavera

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Negros Occidental is a potential platform for inclusive business which can still be further improved and replicated by other provinces.

DTI-Negros Island Region (NIR) Director Asteria Caberte, who concurrently heads DTI-Central Visayas, said inclusive business is characterized by a very active “sourcing” in the locality.

She said that in this type of business, players are committed to source their materials within the community to include small sectors, like entrepreneurs and farmers, in the entire supply chain.

“Inclusive business is sourcing everywhere which Negros Occidental has very huge potential,” Caberte said, adding that many enterprises in the province are already practicing inclusive type of businesses.

To further boost inclusive business in the province, as well as in the region, DTI said it will work on capacitating the smaller ones, especially the micro entrepreneurs, to be able to penetrate the industry chain.

Caberte said the agency’s shared service facilities (SSF) will address the production gap between the farmer-producers and the market.

“We will put more concentration on providing facilities to the small industry sectors,” Caberte said, adding that these equipment will help them fully deliver their role as important part of the industry.

In this initiative, stronger collaboration is also needed between the public and private sectors, the DTI official further said.

San Carlos City in Negros Occidental unveils Php180-M hospital

(PNA), PGL/NLG

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- San Carlos City in northern Negros Occidental has unveiled its Php180 million, 225-bed hospital in Barangay Palampas.

The City Information Office said, after the opening rites Friday, that the hospital is located on a 1.9-hectare property about 700 meters from the City Hall

Dr. Archilles Ponferrada, chief of hospital, said the operations of the new health facility will start as soon as the electricity and other essential installations will be completed before the year ends.

The new facility expands the services of the previous 50-bed city hospital.

Ponferrada said the old hospital can no longer accommodate the increasing number of patients.

He added that they also cater to patients from neighboring areas, including Calatrava, Toboso, and Escalante City in Negros Occidental, and Vallehermoso, Canlaon City and Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental.

The new hospital requires the services of 27 doctors, but it has only 22 physicians at present, thus the city government will hire additional personnel.

“We also plan to bring in additional services for ultrasound, computed tomography or CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),” Ponferrada said.

Initially, the first three phases of said building will be opened.

Phase one consists of the administrative office, doctors’ offices, outpatient department, clinical laboratories, blood bank, pharmacy and emergency rooms while phase two includes two operating rooms, delivery room, nursery, central sterile supply room, and three OB wards.

The ground floor of the two-storey phase three is composed of two surgical wards, intensive care unit, medical ward, pediatric ward, two isolation wards, eight isolation rooms and an eye center while its second floor with elevator consists of four general wards and 12 semi-private rooms.

More than 10,000 entrepreneurs to get boost through Negosyo Center

By Erwin P. Nicavera

THE newly-opened Negosyo Center in Bacolod City is positioned to boost the trade of more than 10, 000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

DTI-Negros Island Region (NIR) Director Asteria Caberte, who led the launching of the city’s Negosyo Center in Barangay Villamonte on Tuesday, said the center is a manifestation of the government’s support and inclusive assistance to the local entrepreneurs.

Caberte, who also heads DTI-Region 7, lauded the creativity and enthusiasm of the private sector in Negros Occidental, particularly Bacolod City, which are vital in sustaining industry development.

“Through this Negosyo Center, we hope to cater to more entrepreneurs in the province and help them to become a more successful part of the entire industry chain,” she added.

The Negosyo Center in Bacolod City, located adjacent to the Philippine Statistics Authority-Bacolod office, is the seventh center in the province.

Earlier this year, DTI-Negros Occidental in partnership with the respective local government units (LGUs) opened Negosyo Centers in cities of San Carlos, Victorias, and La Carlota.

In 2015, the agency also launched the Negros First Negosyo Center at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Bacolod City, and those in the cities of Kabankalan and Sagay.

On December 14, the agency will open its eighth Negosyo Center in Hinigaran town, the last of the five centers targeted in Negros Occidental this year.

DTI-Negros Occidental Director Lea Gonzales said the Negosyo Center in Bacolod City is lodged within the provincial office.

Meaning, DTI fully takes charge of the rental payment for the space on top of refurbishing, basic equipment, and other components like trainings, Gonzales added.

“In terms of services, the Negosyo Center in Bacolod City will also provide the same as those in other cities like providing entrepreneurs the ease of doing business,” she said, adding that it will also help MSMEs in accessing various trainings, grants and other forms of financial assistance, and shared service facilities, among others.

The establishment of Negosyo Centers is provided under the Republic Act 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act.

Moreover, along with the launching of the Negosyo Center, DTI-Negros Occidental also held the blessing of its new office yesterday.

Since December 1, the provincial office started it operations in its new office located beside the Negosyo Center.

“We can now conduct the business name registration in one location, unlike in other LGUs where we are only doing mobile registration,” Gonzales said.

339 join Dole job fair, 50 hired on-the-spot

By Erwin P. Nicavera

THE Department of Labor and Employment in Negros Island Region (Dole-NIR) registered a total of 339 job seekers who joined the job fair at the 888 Premiere Mall in Bacolod City on Tuesday.

As of 7 p.m. last night, Dole-NIR records showed that of the number, 50 were hired on-the-spot. Forty were accepted for local jobs, and 10 for overseas.

Mary Agnes Capigon, technical support services division chief of Dole-NIR, said the job fair is part of the agency’s celebration of its 83rd Anniversary.

Capigon said the activity, which was held in collaboration with 27 companies and nine agencies, is the third job fair initiated by the agency this year.

“Holding jobs fair is one of Dole’s measures to address unemployment and underemployment in the region, particularly in Negros Occidental,” she added.

For this job fair, Dole-NIR said there were 3,792 job vacancies for local employment, mainly in business process outsourcing (BPO), construction, manufacturing, retail and wholesale sectors.

For overseas, about 6,500 available jobs are offered mostly for skilled workers like welders, carpenters, mason, cashiers and drivers, among others, in countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

Agency records further showed that of the 339 registrants, 301 were for local employment, and 38 for overseas jobs.

The Dole-NIR also recorded 146 qualified applicants, comprising of 115 and 31 for local and overseas jobs, respectively.

Of the 118 job seekers scheduled for final interview, 93 were for domestic jobs, and 19 for overseas, it added.

DA set to implement Php20-M in feed mill projects for 2 Negros provinces

(PNA), PGL/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to implement Php20 million worth of feed mill projects for Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental early next year.

Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said in a report Monday that Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Livestock Enrico Garzon Jr. visited both provinces over the weekend to finalize the project implementation.

Decena said that before Garzon came to Negros Occidental, he also went to Negros Oriental to facilitate the project. Each province will get Php10 million in funds.

He added that the DA is targeting to transfer the funds to Negros Occidental within the year for the start of the construction in early 2017.

The requirements include land donations and evaluation of beneficiaries.

Garzon discussed the project with Decena, who was joined by DA-Negros Island Region Executive Director Joyce Wendam and Cynthia de la Cruz, president of Association of Hog Raisers Association in Negros Occidental.

Negros Occidental's fund of Php10 million will cover the establishment of four feed mills in Himamaylan, Hinigaran, Victorias City, and Sagay City. It will benefit 20 hog raisers associations in the province.

A Php2 million fund will be allocated for each facility, with Php500,000 worth of startup capital each for the purchase of feed ingredients.

The project was proposed by recipient-associations in collaboration with the DA-NIR and Provincial Veterinary Office.

Decena said that 70 percent of the expenses of raisers goes to the feeds thus, it would be efficient if they are the ones producing their own feeds.

25 Japanese language scholars in Negros Occidental complete 3-month training

(PNA), PGL/NLG

BACOLOD CITY, Dec 5 (PNA) -- A total of 25 trainees completed the three-month training course in Japanese language and culture training sponsored by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.

This was announced by the Capitol Monday after the completion rites held at Organization for Industrial, Spiritual, Cultural Advancement (OISCA) Bago Training Center in Bago City.

The live-in training course is being initiated by the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program (NOSP) Division through a “Study Now, Pay Later” scheme in partnership with OISCA, whose volunteer teacher Yoshiaki Kato was the lead instructor.

“There is a great opportunity for Negrenses to work in Japan, but there is a need to bridge the gap on issues of language barrier and difference in culture, that’s why the provincial government initiated the training,” NOSP head Karen Dinsay said.

The Basic Japanese Language and Culture Scholarship Program, conceptualized by Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. earlier this year, aims to produce qualified professional and skilled Negrenses to work in Japan.

Dinsay said the 25 graduates, who belong to the first batch, will be endorsed by the provincial government to accredited companies in Japan.

Marañon lauded the graduates for passing the rigid training, adding that a brighter future awaits them if they will adapt well to Japanese work ethics.

“If there is discipline, if there is hard work, there’s no reason that you will not progress,” the governor said.

Some graduates will go to Japan on a scholarship grant to continue their Japanese language training, and will be allowed to have a part-time work and will receive an allowance.

Previous scholars Roan Tanguan of Talisay City, who was hired by a Japanese newspaper company, will leave for Japan in March next year along with nurses Sarah Jane Batayola of Escalante City and Florante Ligalig of Sagay City.

Bacolod starts 2017 Asean hosting preparations

By Merlinda A. Pedrosa

THE Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) 2017 National Organizing Committee (NOC) on Thursday, December 1, formed the Task Group Bacolod in preparation for the city’s hosting of the summit meetings in March next year.

Some 160 delegates are expected to arrive on March 14-16 and 22-24.

The task group is headed by Chief Superintendent Renato Gumban, director of Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region, as commander.

It is comprised of 21 national government agencies, including, among others, the Philippine National Police, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Tourism, Department of Health, and Bureau of Fire Protection.

“(In terms of security), we need to prepare the province and the city as early as now,” said Gumban, who led the first orientation meeting at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel on Thursday.

A series of conferences among the members of the task group will follow, he added.

On November 30, the Asean 2017 NOC team arrived in Bacolod for an ocular inspection of the venues and the billeting areas.

The NOC, led by Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., director-general for Operations of the Asean 2017, inspected the SMX Convention Center Bacolod, Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel and Residences, L’Fisher Hotel, Business Inn, and Circle Inn.

The Philippines’ hosting will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Asean.

Founded in 1967, the Asean is composed of member-states Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar.

The selection of Bacolod as host was finalized in October. Mayor Evelio Leonardia then received a letter from Paynor, confirming Bacolod as among the host-cities.

“As one of the founding members of the Asean, the Philippines will host the Asean meetings in 2017 as part of its endeavor to intensify community-building though enhanced regional cooperation and integration among its member-countries,” Paynor then said.

He also informed Leonardia that the meetings that will be convened by various lead government agencies and will be attended by high-level delegates such as senior officials.

“Bacolod City has a critical role in this national hosting,” Paynor said.

Leonardia, for his part, said “We are thrilled and honored to host this very significant event especially in the light of the Asean integration program which can affect our daily lives.”

“We can no longer think of ourselves as simply a Philippine city, we must now think of Bacolod as a city of Southeast Asia and align our goals with this,” he added.

In September, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma. Hellen de la Vega, director-general for Asean Philippines-National Secretariat, visited Bacolod and revealed that the city is being considered as one of the host-cities.

Negros Occidental to get PHP9.2-M coffee sector assistance from DA next year

(PNA), PGL/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 2 (PNA) -- Coffee farmers in Negros Occidental will receive almost PHP9.2 million worth of interventions from the Department of Agriculture (DA) in 2017.

This was confirmed by Joyce Wendam, Officer-in-Charge Regional Executive Director of DA-Negros Island Region, at the 2nd National Coffee Expo and Annual Project Assessment at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel here, which concluded Friday.

The DA is trying to achieve coffee sufficiency in the region especially in Negros Occidental, she said.

The assistance for Negros Occidental is the biggest allocation out of the PHP16.3 million allocated for various coffee sector interventions in the region next year.

The PHP9.2 million will cover 257,000 pieces of coffee seedlings worth PHP8.9 million to be distributed to farmers in 23 cities and municipalities in the province.

Also included is the technology package, including two farmers consultations amounting to PHP200,000.

The allocation for Negros Oriental of about PHP3.2 million will go to nine local government units. This will include 90,000 pieces of coffee planting materials.

The DA will also distribute 35 units of coffee dehuller, depulper, roaster and grinder, totaling to PHP3.9 million to 11 LGUs in the region.

Wendam said the total fund will be taken from the national expenditures program of DA-NIR coming from Regions 6 and 7, adding that they have already prepared the purchase request.

The inputs are expected to be fully delivered by the second quarter of 2017.

“With these planting materials and other interventions, we hope to reduce the supply deficit and eventually become a coffee self-sufficient region,” Wendam added.

In Negros Occidental alone, records of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist showed that the province’s coffee supply deficit is 10,000 to 15,000 metric tons annually.

Bacolod City targets to plant 1-M trees starting next year

(PNA), PGL/NLG

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 1 (PNA) -- Mayor Evelio Leonardia said Thursday this city aims to plant one million trees starting next year.

Leonardia announced this during the City Development Council Assessment and Evaluation Workshop held at Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel.

The mayor said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) committed to provide seedlings for Bacolod.

With the cooperation of barangay officials, Leonardia said the city government will initiate the tree-planting program.

He added that the initiative is seen to elevate the level of environmental consciousness and awareness, and love for trees of the people of Bacolod.

The mayor urged the private sector to take part in the program, and also encouraged homeowners who have vacant lots to plant trees.

In June this year, the DENR-Negros Island Region offered to provide free seedlings to each barangay in Negros Occidental.

The agency maintains an Php80 million mechanized nursery project in Ayungon, Negros Oriental. It is one of the 11 mechanized nursery projects in the country, and among the first five sites opened.

The nursery, which also provides services to three other Visayas regions, can produce up to 250,000 seedlings a day.

DENR-NIR Director Al Orolfo said those interested must submit their letter of intent to avail of the seedlings.

The DENR-NIR is also willing to partner with the private sector, he added.

“The dream of greening the Negros Island is with us, we just have to use this," said.

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