Negros Occidental News June 2015

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Bacolod government center 02.jpg
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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.

News Feature: Adlaw sa Suba - a day of celebration for Himoga-an River

(EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 30(PIA6) - - A day of celebration for Himoga-an River, the rest of the 364 days are for protection.

Himoga-an River that stretches and benefits the communities along its banks covering barangays Paraiso, Fabrica, Himoga-an Baybay, Old Sagay, Taba-ao, Malubon and Maquiling, Puey and Bato of Sagay City was once a vital system serving the world’s biggest hardwood mill.

Insular Lumber Company (ILCO) was established in the early 1900’s in Barangay Fabrica, Sagay City and Himoga-an River would serve as the gateway of the company’s processed lumber for export to Japan and the rest of the world.

This is but with a trade off - the denudation of Sagay’s forest until 1975.

Thus, the present local government of Sagay together with the Sagay City Cooperative Development Council, Sagay City Government Employees Union, People’s Organizations and most importantly the members of the community spend one day in a year for the past seven years to celebrate Himoga-an River through the Adlaw sa Suba (Day of River) event.

Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III in his message during the Adlaw sa Suba celebration, June 10, said the several years of holding the occasion is a constant reminder to protect the environment especially the Himoga-an river which is the source of life for the communities.

Marañon who recalled the rich history of Himoga-an as told by the older generations told the present generation to remember the lessons of the past.

“While this same generation (who tells us stories of the River’s glorious past), was part of those who did not mind taking care of the environment, I hope ours will be part of the generation that will be remembered as the one who restored it,” Marañon said.

Various activities were held for this one day celebration from Carabao race, boat race and swimming relay, tree growing activities, walk for a cause, and Puga Laba sa Suba, among others.

During the Puga Laba sa Suba contest, Sagaynon women washed their clothes at the riverbank using 100 percent organic detergent that us not harmful to the environment.

According to City Information and Tourism Office head Helen Cutillar, the word Himoga-an came from the word "puga" or to wrench clothes, thus Himoga-an River.

Sugarcane Act IRR being finalized: Villar

By GILBERT P. BAYORAN

The monitoring of the newly-approved Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA) continues, with its Implementing Rules and Regulations now being finalized by the Sugar Regulatory Administration, Senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Foods, said yesterday.

Villar, in a press statement, assured Negrenses that she will closely monitor the SIDA, until it is fully implemented.

Republic Act 10659, or the Sugarcane Industry Development Act, was enacted into law by President Benigno Aquino III in December 2014. It seeks to improve the country's sugar industry through the implementation of a productivity improvement program, farm support, research and infrastructure support, among others.

The government has allocated P2 billion annually for SIDA's implementation. Rep. Alfredo Benitez, who authored SIDA in the House of Representatives, said last week that the SRA recently met with the Department of Budget to discuss the funding requirements.

The law states that 50 percent of the fund given to SIDA will be allocated for infrastructure programs, Benitez said.

So, I think the way we map out all of the areas needed to be cemented or paved, have already been submitted to the SRA for validation, he added.

Villar, on the other hand, said the bulk of the P2 billion annual appropriation of SIDA will go to Negros Occidental as 60 percent of the country's sugarcane production is in the province, with the rest in Tarlac and Bukidnon.

She added that the appropriation was arrived at and became the major feature of the law as a product of her consultation with the industry stakeholders, who pinpointed which areas will benefit from the P2 billion fund.

Benitez also said that he will make sure that SIDA is properly implemented. “That is why we had a session with local government units,” he added.

The remaining 50 percent of SIDA fund is being earmarked to credit financing, research and scholarship programs, among others, Benitez said.

Meanwhile, Villar said the annual fund will already be included in the 2016 General Appropriations Act.

With the Sugarcane Law, farmers are expected to be more efficient and competitive in facing the challenge of the Asean Economic Integration, Villar added.

Councilor seeks lifeguards, safety signs in pools

By MAE SINGUAY (PN)

BACOLOD City – A proposed ordinance requires resorts or hotels with swimming pools – or those near beaches – to employ lifeguards and put up safety signs.

Drowning is the fourth leading cause of death among Filipino children aged 14 years old and below, said Councilor El Cid Familiaran, citing data from the United Nations Children’s Fund.

The lifeguards must be trained on emergency rescue and skilled in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, said Familiaran, the ordinance proponent.

The signboards, on the other hand, must be displayed prominently so the public may be amply reminded to be cautious when swimming, he added.

Under the proposed ordinance, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office shall issue a certification of compliance to resorts or hotels.

The certificate will be the basis for the issuance of the business permit.

Violators of the ordinance will be fined P2,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense and P5,000 for the third and succeeding offenses.

The proposed ordinance is scheduled for final reading in the Sangguniang Panlungsod on July 1.

Mayor to deliver SOBBA July 1

By CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella will report on the accomplishments of his administration in the last year at the lobby of the Bacolod Government Center July 1.

Puentevella said his report will not be called the State of the City Address but the “State of the Booming Bacolod Address”.

This might be his last SOBBA in his first term as mayor because next year will be elections already, he said.

Meanwhile, Puentevella said he respects the decision of the Sangguniang Panlungsod which passed a resolution requesting the Bacolod City Water District management to suspend or postpone the July 1 and 2 opening of sealed bids of bidders for the bulk water project.

Puentevella said the resolution has no binding force and effect on the decision of Baciwa.

He will respect whatever decision Baciwa makes because he believes they know what they are doing, Puentevella said.

“We really need water. How can Bacolod boom if there is no water? If we lack water and electricity, we will be affected. We cannot overtake other cities, so whatever the decision of Baciwa, we have to respect it,” Puentevella said.

Baciwa has decided to pursue the project, he said.

Puentevella also said nothing but the court can stop the implementation of City Ordinance No. 08-14-700 that sets the new property tax rates for Bacolod.

“We will respect their decision but the show must go on. Those who want to pay under the new rates should just pay,” he said. Because if the court will decide in favor of the city, the taxpayers might be paying more.

Puentevella said if he does not implement the new tax ordinance, he might be held liable by the Ombudsman for not implementing the law.

The Local Government Code states that every three years, the zonal valuation of real properties should be adjusted. The ordinance was not adjusted for the last 10 years. If he does not do his obligation, he might face charges, he said.

City Legal Officer Rayfrando Diaz II said they have not received a copy of the new resolution of the Department of Justice declaring C.O. 08-14-700 null and void.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima was acting on a consolidated appeal of Proxima Centauri Realty and Development Corp. and the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. versus the Bacolod City government, Puentevella, the SP, and City Assessor Maphilindo Polvora as appellees.

Diaz said, “For us this is already moot and academic because we already filed an appeal before the court of competent jurisdiction.”

If the decision will be in favor of the petitioners, they will go to the Supreme Court. But if it will be in favor of the city, the petitioners can also go the SC, Diaz said.

The city is growing, so the value of properties is also multiplying, he said.

Incentives for Bacolod traffic aides pushed

By MAE SINGUAY (PN)

BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here is pushing for more benefits for traffic disciplinary officers in the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO).

It approved a resolution Wednesday requesting the BTAO and the city’s Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) to study if the city government can give hazard pay and other incentives to regular and casual traffic disciplinary officers.

Currently, the traffic disciplinary officers here do not have hazard pay, said Councilor Alex Paglumotan, SP committee on transportation and traffic management chair.

Traffic disciplinary officers enforce the city’s traffic rules and regulations; they must be given just benefits, said Paglumotan.

“Our traffic work force” are confronted by “risks and hazards” when working, he said, adding that some of them even work beyond the required number of hours.

BTAO head Reynaldo Ebreo and HRMO head Erman Aguirre are tasked to conduct the study.

The results of the study will be given to the Civil Service Commission and the SP, said Paglumotan.

It will be used in drafting a legislation that seeks to give incentives to the traffic disciplinary officers, he said.

DepEd: K-12 senior high vouchers available

By Carla N. Canet

THE Department of Education (DepEd) will provide government subsidy through the Senior High School Voucher Program to finance or subsidize Grade 10 completers from public high school, who want to transfer to private high schools, or private or public colleges and universities for their Grades 11 and 12.

This was stressed by Education Assistant Secretary Elvin Uy, who attended the 2nd Education Summit for Negros Occidental’s Third District in Silay City Tuesday,

For the City of Silay, it will be P17,500 per student per year if the student comes from a public high school. If the student is from a private high school, he or she will get 80 percent of the P17,500, or P14,000 per student per year. If the student will enroll in a public college or university, they get half of the P17,500 or P8,750.

This can help parents defray expenses for senior high school education, Uy said.

He added that DepEd will ensure that there will be enough physical facilities for next school year.

“By January 1, 2016, we should start the hiring for senior high school teachers once the 2016 budget is in effect. DepEd is on track as far as K to 12 is concerned,” Uy said.

He acknowledged that there are costs associated with senior high school education apart from tuition fees such as transportation, uniforms, projects, allowances, land earning materials.

“But such costs are also investment. Before K to 12 became a law, we look at studies here and abroad, and the return of investment of additional education, it has been proven worldwide that additional years in education have good benefits to the individual and to the household,” the DepEd official said.

For every 100 high school graduates right now, or those who finish the four-year high school program, only about half of them go to college.

The other half either stay idle for a year or two or try to find work as a minor wherein they are prone to abuse.

“So what the senior high school program does actually is give everyone two more years of good education that prepares them for different tracks and specialization to enrich them or prepare them for further education.

That is a worthy investment for the family and even for the government,” Uy added.

DAR-North NegOcc receives P20 million in farm tractors

By Erwin P. Nicavera

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-North in Negros Occidental recently received six brand new heavy-duty tractors worth P20.7 million under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (Arccess).

Milagros Flores, OIC-provincial agrarian reform program officer I, said in a press statement that these tractors will be distributed to deserving agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (Arbos) in the northern part of the province to help ease farming activities, lessen expenses, and improve their productivity.

The units are John Deere four-wheel drive tractors with 90 horse power, four cylinder diesel engines, and turbo charged intercooler.

The tractors, together with its respective implements such as mounted disc plow, trailing disc harrow, and three-ton heavy-duty trailer are now parked at the grounds of Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) office in Bacolod City.

Flores said there are three more tractors to follow for the second batch of farm-beneficiaries in the province.

Arccess is DAR’s strategic intervention to retain the awarded lands of agrarian reform beneficiaries through helping them in increasing production as well as providing engagement in agri-based and related enterprises.

Through this program, the government also hopes to help farmer-beneficiaries become viable entrepreneurs, Flores added.

4 start-up firms sign up with Negros First Cyber Centre

(PNA), RMA/NLG/PR

BACOLOD CITY, June 23 (PNA) -- Four start-ups have joined the Technology Business Incubation Center (TBIC) of the Negros First Cyber Centre in Bacolod City.

Founders of SwapRose, Simplex Gamelabs, Audacity Studio, and Aardvark signed an application agreement to be part of the TBIC program and avail of the facility, equipment, and mentorship support provided under the program in rites held Monday witnessed by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.

The start-ups are companies in their initial stage of organization and are composed of students, young entrepreneurs, and mentors. To be accepted at the TBIC, the start-ups must be engaged in developing business models that utilize and incorporate information and communications technology (ICT).

The TBIC start-up program was a concept of the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Federation for Information and Communications Technology (BNEFIT), recognized by the ICT Council of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), led by Bacolod City Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue.

BNEFIT is recognized to promote the competitive advantages and the growth potential of the Province of Negros, including the City of Bacolod in the Philippines’ IT-BPO industry, and created as corporate entity under the Security and Exchange Commission (SC) with an equal composition of government, business and private sector, academe and training sector, and industry.

BNEFIT also partnered with the Department Of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 6 for the development of startups under the program “ICT Startups Equipment Support (ISES)” program to unite under the vision of scaling up the province’s potential for ICT to encourage the development of start-up companies and entrepreneurs by assisting in programs, projects, and activities such as but not limited to start-up fora, ICT entrepreneurship trainings, and development of technology incubation programs.

The start-ups will receive mentoring from successful business owners and managers, and will be required to participate in seminars, information meetings, and other such activities sponsored by organizations related to improving their business marketing and management skills. The TBIC will tap available various local business leaders and operators to volunteer in mentoring.

Bacolod solon facilitates P2.2B in infra projects

By Carla N. Canet

BACOLOD Representative Evelio Leonardia has facilitated P2.2 billion worth of infrastructure projects for the Lone District funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways and other government agencies since he assumed the congressional post in 2013 up to this month.

In 2013, he was able to work for the implementation of about P500 million worth of projects, and about P700 million in 2014.

In 2015, about P1 billion worth of projects were funded and 50 percent of it was already implemented.

"I am very preoccupied with my job as your congressman. In terms of filing bills, I am following this up not just to see to it that it gets the approval in the committee, in Congress and in the Senate which takes time. We have to deal with various agencies of government such as the Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, among others. If we talk about infrastructure projects, we are dealing with billions of pesos," he said.

The latest project he got from the Road Board is the installation of street lights worth P50 million. The congressman said he got the commitment of Road Board executive director Adolfo Escalona for the said project.

“(For the location of streetlights) I am recommending the entrances of Bacolod including the flyover,” he said.

In terms of tourism related projects, he is able to get around P350 million worth of projects.

Political plans

Asked if he is running for mayor in the May 2016 elections, Leonardia said whatever position that the people give him; he gives his full dedication to serve them best.

"Since my contract with the people is to serve them as their congressman, then I will serve them as their congressman. When they voted me as their mayor, I also served them with my best," he said.

He assures the people of Bacolod that he knows where he stand.

Negros Occ. prov’l coffee board pushed

By FRAIRE ACUPAN (PN)

BACOLOD City – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Sag-ang Coffee Producers Association (SCPA) and the Organik na Negros! Organic Producers and Retailers Association (Onopra) proposed the creation of an ad hoc coffee board in Negros Occidental.

“Negros Organic Coffee Board” is seen to boost the organic coffee industry in the province by guiding coffee farmers “from planting to brewing,” said Onopra president Ramon Uy.

It will teach coffee farmers how to earn more money from organic coffee by making their own local coffee brands.

“For a farmer to become rich, one needs to be an ‘agripreneur,’” said Uy.

Based on the experience of Onopra members, they earned more after venturing in agricultural entrepreneurship, he said.

“We encourage [farmers] to create their own brand because every coffee origin has its own flavor,” he added.

Negros Occidental has 3,000 hectares of organic coffee plantations, according to Uy.

Onopra, DTI and SCPA were yet to present their proposal to Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.

Negros Island Region is Region 18

By Teresa D. Ellera

THE newly-created Negros Island Region (NIR) was officially designated as Region 18 during the first meeting Friday of the Technical Working Group (TWG) presided by Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II at the DILG central office in Quezon City.

Ma. Lina Sanogal, provincial planning and development officer of Negros Occidental, and one of the members of the Occidental panel in the TWG, said that 14 regional offices will hold their interim offices in Negros Occidental while Negros Oriental will temporarily host 16 regional offices.

The regional offices that will be located in Negros Occidental are those of the Agriculture and Land Cluster – Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board.

Peace and Security Cluster – Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, and Office of the Civil Defense; and Governance Cluster – Department of Budget and Management, National Economic and Development Authority, Commission on Audit, and Commission on Elections.

Agencies that will be located in Negros Oriental are those that belong to the:

Human Development Cluster Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Commission on Higher Education, Civil Service Commission, National Statistical Authority or National Statistics Office, and Professional Regulation Commission.

Industrial and Labor Cluster Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, and Securities and Exchange Commission.

Infrastructure Cluster. Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation and Communication and offices under it, including the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and National Telecommunications Commission. Sanogal said the interim regional offices of NIR will start their operations on October 1, and are expected to be fully operational by January 1, 2016 through the “scrap and build” operation.

She added that Roxas asked the DBM to determine the savings of the regional offices of Western Visayas and Central Visayas minus the budget for the two provinces to be used for the interim regional offices of the NIR. The agencies will assign their respective OIC-regional directors for the NIR.

Roxas also tasked Undersecretary Austere Panadero and the Office of the President to send a memorandum to the national government agencies, formally informing them about the creation of the NIR to guide them in their budget preparations for 2016.

The two provinces are also tasked to start looking for available offices and existing equipment and make a budget to temporarily host the respective regional offices.

Sanogal said it was agreed on Friday that the regional center of Region 18-NIR will be established at the 40-hectare area owned by the Central Philippine University at the boundary of Kabankalan City and Mabinay town.

The setting up of the regional center that will house the regional offices will take three to five years, she said.

President Aquino through an executive order will appoint the chairs of the Regional Development Council and the Regional Peace and Order Council.

The OCD regional director will automatically sit as chair of the Regional Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Bacolod city council endorses solar power projects

By Carla N. Canet

The City Council of Bacolod passed an omnibus resolution favorably endorsing the proposed solar power plant projects by proponents Asian Solar Options Corp. and Negros PH Solar Inc. to be established in two separate locations in the city.

Councilor Alex Paglomutan, chairman of the City Council committee on energy, in his consolidated report dated June 15, 2015 said that the City Council has favorably endorsed the to the Department of Energy the 200-megawatt solar power plant in Barangay Felisa and the 120-megawatt, in Barangay Vista Alegre by the two companies for the approval of their application for the renewable energy service/operating or re-service/operating contract.

The City Council resolved further to endorse both projects to the concerned line agencies and other related offices and instrumentalities of the government purposely to process and secure permits, clearances, and licenses as required necessary for the realization of the said projects.

Maria Celia Ramona Monfort, president and chief executive officer of Asian Solar Options Corp., who also represents Negros PH Solar Inc. as its president and CEO sought the favorable endorsement of the Bacolod City Council last May 7.

The Barangay Council of Felisa, as reflected in their Barangay Council Resolution No. 15-029, approved the proposed project March 30, 2015.

Also, the Barangay Council of Vista Alegre passed and approved Resolution No. 095 on April 10, interposing no objection to the said project.

Two new transport terminals to rise soon

(CNC)

BACOLOD City Mayor Monico Puentevella said Thursday that the city government has started to work on the establishment of the new north and south terminals with the private investor.

In a matter of weeks, the north terminal will be transferred to a new location which is just near the existing North Terminal being operated bybusinessman Crispin Chua.

For his part, Chua said he is not aware of the plan of the mayor to transfer the North Terminal.

"I have not known of a place that can be utilized as the next location of the North Terminal," he said.

Chua has signed a 25-year contract to build and operate the North Terminal starting 2010.

Moreover, Puentevella said the south terminal will be subject to a public bidding.

There are many investors who are interested to build the south terminal which is being eyed in Barangay Alijis, he said.

14 ARB organizations in NegOcc potential pilot recipients of World Bank-funded projects

(PNA), LAP/NLG/EPN

MANAPLA, Negros Occidental June 17 (PNA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has identified 14 agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in Negros Occidental as potential pilot recipients of the World Bank-funded Inclusive Partnership for Agricultural Competitiveness (IPAC) project.

The ARBOs are from seven barangays of Manapla town and Cadiz City in northern Negros.

Representatives of the ARBOs gathered Tuesday in a multi-sectoral consultation workshop held at Northland Resort Hotel in this municipality.

During the consultation-workshop, the ARBOs presented their project proposals which will be reviewed by DAR for World Bank funding in a form of either loan, grant, or soft projects like farm-to-market road.

Teresita Mabunay, OIC provincial agrarian reform program officer II, said the IPAC project, targeted to be implemented next year, is aimed at helping farmers alleviate their standard of living, reduce poverty incidence, and develop the agri-business industry in the province.

Mabunay said the project is awarded to organizations already capable of propagating their respective cooperatives. It will also enable them to continue existing farm programs through support services and access to loan.

Milagros Flores, OIC provincial agrarian reform office I, said that DAR is now in the process of validating the profile of the proposed development project called “North Negros Sugarcane Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) Cluster,” which is a requirement for IPAC.

“Organizations should also be strong and with readiness to handle enterprise projects since we are pushing for agri-business development,” she said.

Flores added that the said ARC cluster composed of seven barangays are already qualified, but still subject for the provincial and regional development endorsement and approval of the National Economic Development Authority.

First meeting of Negros Island Region-TWG reset to June 19

(PNA), FPV/NLG/MPE

BACOLOD CITY, June 16 (PNA) -- The Negros Island Region-Technical Working Group (NIR-TWG) will hold its first meeting on June 19 at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) central office in Quezon City.

DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero, in a letter to Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. dated June 11, said they are constrained to move the date of the meeting from June 15 to June 19 in view of the work demands where DILG is involved.

The TWG, composed the Office of the President, the Department of Budget and Management, the National Economic Development Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and representatives of the two provinces, is tasked to formulate a roadmap to put in place the institutional arrangements.

Panadero also requested the two Negros governors to send two representatives to a small group preparatory technical meeting, which he will chair, Tuesday in Manila.

Marañon said the advance party, including former governor-now Capitol consultant Rafael Coscolluela and assistant provincial legal officer Mary Ann Manayon-Lamis, attended Tuesday’s meeting.

The TWG will finalize the draft on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the newly-created region.

The chairmanships of the Negros Island Regional Development Council, Negros Island Peace and Order Council and the Negros Island Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council will also be discussed.

Other members of Negros Occidental to the TWG are Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Frank Carbon, Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco, Third District Rep. Alfredo Benitez, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Ma. Lina Sanogal, Provincial Budget Officer Percival Joy Salado, Provincial Environment Management Officer Wilfred Ramon Peñalosa, Provincial Public Information Officer Karen Dinsay, Executive Assistant to the Governor Eric Loretizo, and University of St. La Salle Research Center Director Romeo Teruel.

OFW group in Negros Occidental bats for more benefits for overseas workers

(PNA), LAP/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY, June 15 (PNA) -- The Federation of Overseas Filipino Workers (FOFW) in Negros Occidental is pushing for more benefits and services for thousands of migrant workers.

Salvacion Barrios, president of FOWF in Negros Occidental and in Western Visayas, said that the fund for OFW services is insufficient.

Barrios said they will lobby with Senator Nancy Binay for additional programs that will cater to the OWFs who were left behind in terms of benefits and services.

Binay was guest of honor and speaker during the Migrant Workers’ Day celebration at Robinsons Place Bacolod over the weekend.

FOFW records show that in Bacolod alone, there are now about 18,000 OFWs, excluding those of other associations in the province.

Barrios said that balikbayans who were not able to continue working outside the country should be given livelihood assistance through skills training and financial support.

Meanwhile, through the Migrant Workers’ Day celebration, Barrios said they are strengthening existing OFW associations in the province as well as encouraging local government units to create their own organizations that will push for the protection, benefits and overall welfare of overseas workers from their respective locality.

In Negros Occidental, there are only three existing OFW associations — those in Bacolod, Talisay and Toboso, Barrios said.

”We are also doing a barangay to barangay campaign to organize OFW associations to let them know the benefits and programs the government is offering and how to avail of it,” she said.

Barrios said that through the government's National Reintegration Center for OFWs, distressed workers may avail of the P10,000 assistance.

Join drive vs piracy, Bacolod residents urged

(PNA)

BACOLOD City – Residents of this city were urged to join the campaign against piracy.

“[Report] such illegal activity to the Optical Media Board (OMB) or your local government unit,” said OMB Registration and Licensing Division head Esperanza Coronel.

OMB recently held an Awareness Campaign and On-Site Registration and Licensing at the Bacolod People’s House (city hall).

It aimed to help the government and private sectors identify if items being replicated and distributed were pirated or counterfeit, and if there were violations of OMB rules.

OMB officials discussed registration and licensing, laws and policies regarding sales distribution, compact disc burning services, Internet café tips on identifying and preventing further distribution of illegal items, anti-child pornography, and other OMB advocacies.

City government employees, barangay officials and optical media product distributors attended.

Local government departments, like this city’s Permits and Licensing Division, should ensure that establishments engaged in optical media products are not violating the law against piracy, Coronel said.

OMB also asked the city government to strengthen the enforcement of ordinances pertaining to Internet shop operations.

She noted, however, that piracy is a minor problem in Bacolod City compared to other areas like Metro Manila.

Piracy in the Philippines has been minimized through OMB’s continuous apprehension of distributors of pirated products, Coronel claimed.

78 hired on-the-spot during Kalayaan Day Job Fair in Negros Occidental

(PNA), RMA/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY, June 13 (PNA) -- A total of 78 jobseekers in Negros Occidental were hired on-the-spot during the Kalayaan Day Job Fair held at the District North Point Ayala Mall in Talisay City Friday.

A total of 834 applicants sought employment with 24 local companies and eight overseas recruitment agencies.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 organized the jobs fair with its partner agencies to provide work opportunities to thousands of job seekers from Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.

Aside from providing job opportunities, employers and employees, as well as house helpers having labor-related concerns were catered by members of the DOLE-6 Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) through a help assistance desk set up simultaneous with the career fair.

35 sugarcane block farming sites in Negros Occidental to get funding from DAR

(PNA), FFC/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY, June 12 (PNA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will provide funding support of up to PHP1 million to each of the 35 sugarcane block farming (SBF) sites in Negros Occidental.

Rizalina Yuguing, OIC-chief Agrarian Reform Program of DAR-Negros Occidental-North, Thursday said that out of the 87 SBF sites identified in the country, the biggest number are located in the province.

Yuguing said that of the 35 sites, 19 are agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) from the northern part of the province. Of this number, 16 are collectively owned and managed and are already into block farming.

DAR records show that 19 SBF sites will cover a total area of 1,220 hectares for north of Negros Occidental only.

Under the SBF projects, farms will be consolidated and synchronized through crop diversification and intercropping mainly to increase productivity and income.

"Through block farming, sugarcane can be intercropped with corn, peanuts, and other homogeneous products," Yuguing said.

Officials of DAR conducted a writeshop Thursday to finalize the work and financial plan for each SBF site.

It will then be submitted to the national office for approval and downloading of fund, she said.

Yuguing added that they will partner with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and Department of Agriculture (DA) thus, SBF sites will receive additional fund and support services on top of DAR's allocated budget.

The target implementation period of the project is from July 2015 to December of 2016.

‘Brighter, peaceful future’ in NegOcc

(TDE/EPN)

NOW considered “insurgency-free,” Negros Occidental was declared “peaceful and ready for further development” in rites held in Bacolod City Wednesday led by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., with Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr.

“This is an assurance of a brighter and peaceful future," said Marañon during the ceremony held at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center.

Resolution No. 2015-09, adopted unanimously by the Provincial Peace and Order Council, stated that Negros Occidental is now considered “insurgency-free” because the peace and order situation here has significantly improved.”

It added that “security measures and elements are effectively functioning, and that its people have become aware and resilient, accepting their shared responsibility against threats and risks to public order and safety.”

The resolution also stated that “the occurrence of violence, criminality, insurgency and subversion has become negligible and isolated, thus an enabling environment has been initiated in the province for the effective delivery of basic services, promotion of the general welfare, protection of the environment, and eventually for a sustainable growth and development.”

This event is historic because the whole province, including Bacolod City, is declared peaceful giving way for more development, Marañon said.

He recalled that during his inaugural speeches in 2010 and in 2013, he has emphasized the importance of having lasting peace to ensure the success of the 11- point agenda of his administration.

The governor has also been reiterating his invitation to the rebels to come down and join the mainstream society and fight poverty together with the provincial government.

Marañon also acknowledged the efforts of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police for the peace in Negros Occidental.

For his part, Catapang said that by winning the peace, the entire Negros will also gain economic progress.

He also acknowledged the timing of achieving the total peace of the province with creation of the Negros Island Region, which is now in the best position to be the best region in the Visayas.

Attractive to investors

Meanwhile, Frank Carbon, president of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), lauded the declaration of Negros Occidental as “peaceful and ready for further development.”

“With the approval of the Sugarcane Act followed by the creation of Negros Island Region (NIR), and now the said declaration, all of these contribute to the attractiveness of the island to mega investors,” he said, adding that “the best is yet to come for Negros.”

NIR Command

Moreover, Catapang said that Armed Forces of the Philippines NIR Command will be created within the year.

“There will be a Negros Island Command. We will constitute our forces to let them know that the force could come around anywhere in the Negros Island Region," he said.

Marañon said the province will provide an area for the camp of the NIR Command within the fifth district of the province.

“We will discuss it with the governor and the commanders here. It will be an integrated approach together with other government agencies and units. It will be an inter-agency peace and order committee or organization to include all armed services. We will put up new camps in the middle of the two provinces to cover both sides," Catapang said.

BFP-Negros Occidental steps up information campaign in schools

(PNA), LAP/NLG/EPN

BACOLOD CITY, June 10 (PNA) -- As classes start this month, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Negros Occidental has intensified its information campaign through a series of fire drills and symposiums in schools.

Supt. Fred Trajeras, provincial fire marshal, said about 60 percent of public schools in the province, including Bacolod City, failed to implement some provisions of the Republic Act 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines.

Most of the violations are non-installation of fire safety equipment like fire extinguisher and direction signage, including fire safety exits, especially among schools with two-storey buildings.

He added that some private schools and universities are also still in the process of securing permits from BFP.

A BFP permit is one of the documents required before they are given business permit by city or municipal government.

“We already ordered all city and municipal fire marshals to frequently inspect and inform school heads about prevailing fire safety concerns in their respective areas,” Trajeras added.

The BFP official urged schools not implementing fire safety measures to be compliant.

Trajeras also encouraged students, teachers, and staff to report unsafe conditions in their buildings especially fire hazards through the BFP hotline (0999)6582243.

DA starts construction of P182-M FMR projects in Negros Occidental

By Cielito M. Reganit [(PNA), CTB/CMR]

MANILA, June 9 (PNA) --The Department of Agriculture, through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), has started the construction of two farm-to-market roads (FMRs) traversing sugarcane farmlands in Negros Occidental that are expected to bring in various benefits to farmers in the said region.

The 4.2 kilometer Sitio Magtu-od and Sitio Vergara FMR in Toboso, and the 12.46-km Barangay Caduhaan to Sitio Aluyan FMR in Cadiz City are the first sub-projects approved under the DA-implemented rural development project in Visayas.

DA Undersecretary and PRDP Project Director Emerson Palad said the construction of these FMRs that are worth over P181.99 million is expected to directly benefit 2,992 households in the area.

PRDP is a six-year national project that aims to establish a modern, inclusive, value-chain oriented, and climate resilient agriculture and fisheries sector.

It is implemented through the partnership of the DA, World Bank and local government units LGUs).

Palad, who led the ground-breaking ceremony for the twin projects last May 26 with Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., stressed that the FMRs will have a multiplier effect among the farmer-beneficiaries around the service area.

“Various business opportunities will come along the way with the construction of these FMRs, which are 11 inches thick to accommodate big trucks that bring out harvested sugarcane,” he said.

He said that the FMRs are part of the I-BUILD component under the PRDP that aims to improve agriculture production and marketing through establishment of strategic infrastructure support.

Through PRDP, the DA will provide 90 percent equity to the project, while the LGU will only need to provide 10 percent of the project cost.

“Farmer-beneficiaries should feel a sense of ownership and cooperate to maintain the quality of the project,” the DA official said.

“I urged local officials, especially from the barangays involved, to pass an ordinance requiring load limits in the utilization of these FMRs to preserve and maximize their use,” Palad said.

Meanwhile, local officials, farmers and other beneficiaries of the project expressed their gratitude to the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III for extending such projects that directly benefits local farmers.

Marañon said that with the FMRs, his constituents in the project areas could now plant various commodities, diversify their respective areas and not only rely on sugarcane production.

“Our sugarcane farmers can now look forward to planting cacao and other high value crops which are really suited for our soils,” the governor said.

Danilo Ducay, a 59-year old farmer from Sitio Vergara, Toboso, said that after decades of trudging muddy roads amidst sugarcane farmlands to deliver their goods in the market, farmers can now expect a sweeter life once the two farm-market-roads in the province are completed.

“It is really difficult to bring in fertilizers in the farms because of the uneven and narrow dirt road that turns muddy during the rainy season. With the construction of the FMR, we are anticipating better incomes because we can now deliver our goods at a cheaper price,” he said.

In the meantime, even school children can benefit from these FMRs once they are completed.

Liezel Dalin, head of the Sitio Vergara Elementary School, said that travel time from the town proper to Sitio Vergara and Sitio Magtu-od would be shortened from one and a half hours to 40 minutes because of the FMR in thier village.

She said that with the new road, students would not have to skip classes anymore during rainy days when the dirt road gets flooded and muddy road makes it dangerous to attend school.

“With the FMR, we are expecting that students can now attend classes even during rainy days as vehicles will be able to easily pass the road,” Dalin said.

DILG chief enjoins Negrenses to be responsible for ‘historic opportunity’ under one-island region

(PNA), LAP/NLG

BACOLOD CITY, June 8 (PNA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II enjoined Negrenses to be responsible for the “historic opportunity” given to them under the newly-formed Negros Island Region (NIR).

“This a moment of historic opportunity. For the first time, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental can come together and make a coherent plan for the entire island,” Roxas told officials of Negros Occidental during a preliminary meeting on the NIR held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol here Monday afternoon.

Both Negros provinces have a combined population of 4.5 million.

Roxas met with officials of Negros Occidental for the first time since he announced Friday that President Benigno S. Aquino III signed on May 29 Executive Order No. 183, creating the NIR.

Before giving his message, Roxas turned over to Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. the President’s Copy of the EO 183, drawing applause from the audience that also included leaders of the sugar industry, congressmen, mayors, vice mayors, councilors, barangay officials, and employees of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“With this instrument, you can write your own destiny, you can write your own destination, you can write your own itinerary, and you can write your own plan on how to arrive there,” Roxas added.

The DILG chief also told officials here that Negros Occidental, being the bigger and the richer province, has the burden of leading the region towards faster progress.

“Mind you, this is not easy now.(But) you will no longer have the excuse. The challenge, the inspiration of taking the future in your hands (means) you are also now responsible for your future,” Roxas said.

He added: “The decisions are yours, the responsibilities are yours because the authority is yours as well. The Regional Development Council will be led by Negrenses. The Regional Peace and Order Council will be led by Negrenses. The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council will be led by Negrenses.”

Roxas, who has been instrumental in pushing for the approval of the NIR before the Office of the President, considered as an anomaly the fact that in the country, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental are the only provinces that belong to the same island, but don’t belong to the same region.

He admitted that the transition of the two Negros provinces into becoming a one-island region will “not be easy” and will be “a very big responsibility.”

“But I know that you can do it. Negros has always stood tall, faced many challenges,” he added.

Bacolod searching for most child-friendly brgy

By MAE SINGUAY (PN)

BACOLOD City – Which of the city’s 61 villages are the most child-friendly?

The city government and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) have launched this year’s Search for the Most Child-friendly Barangay.

Officials said the search is a prelude to the nationwide search for the most child-friendly city.

In 2014, Bacolod was recognized as one of the Top 5 most child-friendly cities (highly urbanized category) in the Philippines along with Davao, Pasig, Cagayan De Oro, and Puerto Prinsesa.

Bacolod should defend its title by pursuing child-friendly initiatives at the barangay level, DILG-Bacolod City director Cheryl Tacda said during the launch of the local search Friday at the MKK Annex Hall of the Bacolod People’s House.

In last year’s awarding ceremony for the national search at the Philippine International Convention Center, Mayor Monico Puentevella suggested that a barangay search may also be held, she said.

The Search for the Most Child-friendly Barangay was a “result of discussions and agreement” after the national search, she said.

It aims is to strengthen Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children, generate child-friendly best practices, and serves as vehicle for continuous advocacy on children’s rights protection, Tacda said.

Barangays will be judged based on the following criteria: organization, 10 percent; meetings, 10 percent; policies, plans and budget, 30 percent; and accomplishments, 50 percent.

The first placer will get P50,000 cash; second placer, P30,000; and third placer, P20,000.

Villages will be evaluated from July to September. Winners will be recognized in October in time for the Children’s Month celebration.

59,000 has. in southern Negros still up for distribution - DAR

By Erwin P. Nicavera

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) South Negros still has a land acquisition and distribution balance of 59,000 hectares, its top official said.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (Parpo) II Lucrecia Taberna said yesterday that of the total land area with notice of coverage (NOC), they are targeting 24,000 hectares from Bago City to Hinobaan town to be distributed this year.

Taberna added that the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (Carp) will continue for those land holdings issued with NOC before June 30, 2014.

“We are doing our best to complete the balance despite many challenges by making the beneficiaries fully understand the process of land acquisition and distribution,” Taberna said at the sidelines of the 27th anniversary program of Carp at Bacolod Pavilion Hotel yesterday.

Moreover, Parpo I Ronald Gareza said that DAR has already released P66.8 million in support services this year to 17 agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (Arbos) in southern Negros.

In terms of production loans, Gareza said the government has already extended P309 million in grants to 17,000 ARBs.

“We are reminding the beneficiaries to pay their loans before the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) program ends so that we can enroll them in regular lending window of the Land Bank of the Philippines,” Gareza said.

He added that 11 Arbos in Negros Occidental had also received support in the form of eight farm tractors last year. This year, three more tractors will be distributed.

During the program that was preceded by a caravan, the DAR-South distributed 284 certificates of land ownership award to 25 beneficiaries, covering 181 hectares.

President Aquino signs Executive Order creating Negros Island Region

(PNA), SCS/PND/RSM

MANILA, June 5 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Executive Order 183 creating a Negros Island Region (NIR), comprising of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

The President signed the Order last May 29 “to further accelerate the social and economic development of the cities and municipalities comprising the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental and improve the delivery of public services” in the two provinces.

The Order stated the formation of a NIR-Technical Working Group (NIR-TWG), composed of the Office of the President (OP), Department of Budget and Management, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and representatives of the two provinces.

The group will formulate a roadmap to put in place the institutional arrangements for the NIR by 2015-2016; recommend to the OP the preferred Regional Center; arrange the requirements for organizational development, staffing and budgeting of regional line and regulatory agencies, as well as the imperatives for development planning and investment programming.

The Regional Councils and the government agencies designated as their interim secretariats are Negros Island Development Council-NEDA; Negros Island Peace and Order Council-DILG; and Negros Island DRRM Council-Office of Civil Defense.

The Order stated that the funding for the NIR-TWG will come from the implementing agencies of the NIR-TWG and the two provinces, subject to the availability of funds and upon compliance with all applicable laws and budgetary, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations.

It also directed all departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and government financial institutions, to extend the working group their full assistance.

Construction of 42-MW hydro power plant in Negros seen to start in 2016

By Marchel P. Espina [(PNA), CTB/NLG/MPE/EDS]

BACOLOD CITY, June 4 (PNA) -- The construction of the proposed USD 140-million, 42-megawatt hydro power plant in Negros Occidental is expected to start in 2016.

On Wednesday, representatives of Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. (ACR) owned by the Mindanao-based Alcantara Group, gave a presentation of its Bago River Hydro Project before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The 42-MW power plant will have a powerhouse in Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City with an installed capacity of 8 megawatts; Barangay Igma-yaan, Don Salvador Benedicto, 8MW; Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, 15MW; and Barangay Bacong-Montilla, Bago City, 11MW.

Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the proposed hydro power plant will address the power demand not only in Negros, but also in other areas.

"It’s possible that whatever they can come up with the project, it will be transmitted to the grid. This could be a source of power for the whole country," he added.

Lacson added that the proponent presented the project to them because they would need an endorsement from the Provincial Board by issuing a resolution interposing no objection to the project.

The vice governor said he is confident because with the company they are “very reputable.”

“They are into diesel and coal. Now, they’re focusing on renewable energy,” he added. “They are looking at 2019 for the commissioning, and the construction could start as early as 2016.”

Lacson said the Provincial Board will also consult Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. on the project.

According to the proponent, the benefits of the hydro power plant include clean, reliable and economic power supply; taxes; employment opportunities; and community development projects like education livelihood projects and training, reforestation and watershed, health care, and community electrification.

This year, the company is expected to finalize its feasibility studies, which include upkeep of gauging stations, updating of hydrology data, and site environment confirmation survey; permits; and updating of financial model.

City sets Ordinance Awareness Week in August

By MAE SINGUAY (PN)

BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlugsod (SP) here recently approved an ordinance declaring the third week of August as Ordinance Awareness Week.

Authored by councilors Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and Archie Baribar, the measure seeks to increase public awareness on various city ordinances.

It also aims to educate Bacolodnons about local laws to help them practice “responsible citizenship.”

A massive information campaign on the Ordinance Awareness Week will be held to update the people about the purpose of all ordinances, especially the newly approved ones, said Sigue.

Competitions and workshops, exhibits, and displays will also be held in line with the information campaign.

All SP members and their presiding officer, Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya, will lead the observance of the Ordinance Awareness Week.

World celebrates Environment Day June 5

By Easter Ann Doza (JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 2 (PIA6) - - The province of Negros Occidental joins the world in celebrating the World Environment Day on June 5.

This year’s theme “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care” reminds the public of its consumption and production patterns that threaten the carrying capacity of the planet, thus, positive changes are encouraged to ensure a healthy environment.

The theme and logo is the winning entry of the on-line voting facilitated by the United Nation Environment Program or UNEP which focuses on sustainable lifestyle.

During the World Environment Day celebration which will be held in Talisay City, there will be a Pick and Walk activity, a clean-up of sorts, wherein participants pick up trash along the walk route.

The celebration is also a prelude to the 23rd Provincial Environment Month with localized celebrations among participating local government units aside from the Provincial Environment Management Office initiated activities.

PEMO will also launch on the same day the Let’s Do It Philippines campaign that seeks volunteers for the country’s version of a massive one day global clean up.

Activities lined-up for the Provincial Environment Month include exhibits, fashion show, football cup, tree growing activities, awarding of the Seal of Good Environmental Governance, among others.

SM holds seminar on caring for PWDs

(Visayan Daily Star)

SM City Bacolod conducted a seminar Wednesday on caring for customers with special needs for its tenants, security and housekeeping personnel, and employees.

This sensitivity initiative is a regular activity of SM to further educate all who work in the front lines and the back offices in providing the better service to persons with disabilities (PWDs), a press release from SM said yesterday.

Melchor Aidan Tumbos, Disabled Filipino of the Year in the distinguished President Apolinario Mabini Awards 2002, spoke to the attendees on PWD rights and privileges under RA 9442.

SM Supermalls' program on persons with disabilities promotes a barrier-free and disability-inclusive environment, the press release said.

Also an Apolinario Mabini awardee, SM holds the distinction of being the most PWD-friendly mall in the country, designed to enable customers with special needs make their shopping and malling experience easier, friendlier and more enjoyable, it added.

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