Negros Occidental News March 2013

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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.

Bacolod top cop declares Holy Week ‘peaceful’

(PNA), PDS/JAN

BACOLOD CITY, March 31 (PNA) -- Senior Supt. Edgardo Ordaniel, acting director of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), declared the observance of Holy Week here “generally peaceful."

“It is generally peaceful,” Ordaniel told PNA in text message following reports that no significant or heinous crimes were recorded here during the entire week.

The same report was also confirmed by Police Insp. Lester Leada, head of BCPO Operations and Plans Branch to PNA.

Just like in previous years, Leada said the Holy Week remained peaceful here due to BCPO’s intensified foot and mobile patrols.

BCPO recorded 25 crime incidents, including a shootout during the Holy Week in 2012.

The crime incidents last year were significantly lowered compared to 63 crime incidents recorded on the same period in 2010.

Most of the crimes recorded were physical injuries, robberies and thefts.

Tuition to go up in 38 Western Visayas colleges

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.(Inquirer Visayas)

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Thirty-eight colleges and universities in Western Visayas plan to increase tuition and other fees next school year, according to a report of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

A of March 5, seventeen schools in Negros Occidental have submitted letters of intent to the CHEd disclosing plans to raise fees, 16 in Iloilo, two each in Aklan and Antique and one in Capiz.

In Negros Occidental, the schools are AMA Computer College-Bacolod, Bago City College, Binalbagan Catholic College, Cabarrus Catholic College, Colegio de Santa Rita, Colegio de Santa Rita-Victorias, Kabankalan Catholic College, La Consolacion College, La Consolacion College-Isabela, Mount Carmel College, Southland College, STI College-Bacolod, Riverside College, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, University of St. La Salle, VMA Global College and West Negros University.

In Iloilo, the schools are ABE International Business College, ACLC College, AMA Computer College-Iloilo, Cabalum Western College, Central Philippine University, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, Colegio de San Jose, Iloilo Doctors College-College of Medicine, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo, Saint Therese College (STC) MTC-Tigbauan, STC MTC-Molo, STC MTC-Lapaz, STI College-Iloilo, University of San Agustin and Western Institute of Technology.

The other schools that plan to increase fees are Northwestern Visayan Colleges and STI College-Kalibo, both in Aklan; Pandan Bay Institute and St. Anthony’s College in Antique; and the Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion in Capiz.

Militant youth groups in Iloilo decried the planned increases and called for a moratorium on school fee increases.

“We are alarmed by the increasing number of schools with planned school fee increases,” said Charmane Chin, spokesperson of the Kabataan Partylist in Iloilo.

“The yearly torture of students and their parents have only resulted in dropouts and lost hopes and dreams,” Chin said.

She said the government should impose a moratorium on tuition increases and raise its subsidy to education.

The Kabataan and the League of Filipino Students have also launched a tuition-monitor desk to receive reports from students, parents, and other concerned parties on tuition increases in Western Visayas.

No miracle surface for beleaguered NegOcc Capitol employees

By Jezza A. Nepomuceno [(PNA), DSP/JAN]

BACOLOD CITY (PNA) — No matter how many dozens of candles they lighted in order for their pleas to be granted, employees of the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol remained disappointed.

This is after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) failed to approve the proposed P1.9 billion annual budget of the province for fiscal year 2013 in their regular session yesterday.

The proposed budget include, among others, the fourth tranche of employee’s salary and their P20,000 individual bonus.

The SP adjourned early due to lack of quorum. Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr., the presiding officer of SP and gubernatorial aspirant at the same time, failed to attend the session.

Three of the 12 members of Provincial Board were on official leave, four were absent and some were late.

The SP’s scheduled session yesterday marked the end of 90-day reglamentary period provided under the Local Government Code in event that it fails to enact the province’s annual budget.

“It was unfortunate! no miracle happened,” lamented Ruben Diamante, president of the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) in an interview with the local press.

With the continued delay in the approval of budget, Diamante said they might consider filing administrative complaint against the members of SP.

Members of PACE have long been mourning the non-passage of annual budget by way of vigils.

They were also putting up or tying black ribbons in all the columns of the Provincial Capitol building to reiterate their disgust.

Should the SP failed to enact its 2013 budget, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued an opinion that the provincial government of Negros Occidental will operate using its 2012 reenacted budget.

Lenten musical in Silay City on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday

(PNA), PDS/JAN

BACOLOD CITY, March 28 (PNA) --All roads lead to Silay City in Negros Occidental for the premiere of “MISAYAH”, the city’s special Lenten musical presentation for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

The free musical will start at 7:00 p.m. at the Covered Court of Silay City Public Plaza, said Silay City Tourism Staff Francess Dane Cobrado.

Cobrado said program is the brainchild of Christian Community Theater Inc. (CCT) in celebration of its 33rd founding anniversary.

The city government of Silay has extended full support to its production as part of the observance of Holy Week in the city.

“MISAYAH” will feature the CCT performing artists, Hugyaw Kansilay dancers and the Dona Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School – Special Program in the Arts.

The production is under the direction of Emmanuel Rodriguez, choreography by Ronnie Gumia and script writer Armin Paredes.

The play will also feature songs and music by Armin Paredes and Junjun Davo Jr.

CCT Vice-Chairman Alore Golez said the ‘MESIYAH’ production, last staged in 2002, is an event being looked forward to by Silaynons and is open to the public.

“This production made possible by harnessing the skills and experience of the CCT Members together with the vigor and talent of the youth of Silay,” he said in a statement.

The cast of the musical play include, among others, Rio Villanueva, who will play the role of Jesus Christ, Chris Brian Daulo for Marcus, Ranie Patrona for Judas, and Darel Panelo for Mary.

Karem Alexandra Eva will play the character of Magdalene, Renier Beronia for Peter. Mark Baja for Caifas, Reymark Santillan for Nicodemus, Lloyd Ligad for Pontius Pilate, and Rhen May Ganon for Martha.

The chorus will feature the voices of Demie Rose Rosal, Iolla Marie Delumpa, Oxmelia Sorillo, Dayanara Samson, Marjorie Joy dela Gente and Rina Beronia.

Members of the production staff are Jerry Magoliman (Technical Director), Mike Golez & Rodney Davo Jr. (Musical Directors), Clarisse Salmingo (Stage Manager), Fritzel Deocadiz (Costume and Make-up), Alore Golez (Finance), Greg Deocadiz (Peace and Order), Domingo Gonzales (Transportation) and Darel Panelo (Food).

PVO earning P8 million in fees annually: Decena

(LTG)

The Provincial Veterinary Office in Negros Occidental is earning about P8 million yearly from shipping permits, regulatory and laboratory fees, and farm products, Dr. Renante Decena, provincial veterinarian, said yesterday.

Decena said their income goes into the general fund of the province and shows that the PVO is productive through its own means.

Although what they earn is not directly used for office operations, he said he is proud that the PVO is one of the organizations that is earning.

The PVO has also provided livelihood assistance to rebel returnees, farmers, tricycle and jeepney drivers, fishermen, pastors, paraveterinarians, and barangay cooperatives through the Negros First Animal Dispersal that distributes farm animals for them to raise and manage, Decena said.

They have also organized various livestock organizations for them to regulate their earnings and to avail of programs and projects from the provincial government, he added.

Decena also said they will highlight livestock organizations and local backyard raisers during the Pasidungog sa Mangunguma kag Manugsagod Sapat next month at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

He said they will recognize their organizations and accomplishments to motivate them to continue their contribution in the development of the livestock and poultry industry of the province.

About 4,000 animal raisers are expected to converge at the festival for the 7-day dairy fair. They will take part in the traditional games that is co-sponsored by the Negros Association of Animal Feed and Drug Suppliers, Decena added.

PRC to put up satellite office in Bacolod

(PNA), JBP/AJP/VLO)

ILOILO CITY, March 26 (PNA) -- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will soon operate a satellite office at the Sugar Workers Development Center in Bacolod City.

PRC Regional Dir. Lily Ann Baldago said the satellite office will soon be put up to cater to the needs of professionals in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.

The PRC has been conducting mobile services in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental to bring its services to the grassroots.

PRC personnel will be assigned at the satellite office to permanently serve the needs of professionals in the region -- registration and renewal of licenses and other services related to the regulation and supervision of professionals who constitute the highly skilled manpower of the country.

Bayani Challenge kicks off in Cadiz City, Negros Occ.

(PIO-C. Ibanez/PIA6-LOL)

CADIZ CITY, Negros Occ., March 25 -- Considered the Biggest Volunteer Event of the Year: The Bayani Challenge with a theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan” took center stage in Cadiz City Saturday, March 23, with more than 2,000 youths taking part, a press release from Cadiz City said.

The event is a five- day test of courage, endurance and love for the country of volunteers coming from the different parts of Negros Occidental, Cadiz PIO Chief Celina Ibanez said.

Jordan Sun, Cadiz City Gawad Kalinga chairman and event coordinator, said the teams will conduct Building of Houses and School, ParaisongPambata, Environment and Community Health Development. This will challenge volunteers to change the lives and bring hope to the people of Cadiz, he added.

The activity kicked off with a parade followed by an orientation on the activities that will be undertaken in the days to come.

Yesterday, March 24, the different teams built houses in Brgy. Tinampaan, repainted Pitogo Elementary School, held Tree Planting in Barangays Magsaysay and Andres Bonifacio, conducted TB Awareness and Operation ‘Tuli’ in Brgys. Zone 2 and 6, Sports Clinic/Games, and conducted Health awareness in Brgy. Caduhaan and Burgos.

Building of school will continue until March 27.

Today, March 25, there will be a clean- up drive in Tiglawigan Elementary School, Banquerohan High School and Housing Day Care, Coastal Clean-up in Brgys. Daga and Zone 1-6, Medical-Dental and Dengue Clean-up in Brgys. Zone 4 and 1 and Sports clinic/ health.

On March 26, volunteers will have a Clean-up Drive in Villacin Elementary S & Yee-on Elementary School, Mangrove Planting in Brgys. Daga, Zone 1 &Banquerohan, Film showing in Campsite, Hygiene drill, Feeding of CEC/Health Center, Clean-up Drive in Brgy. Daga and City Health; Sports Clinic and Health Awareness in Brgy. Cabahug and Tinampaan.

On March 27, there will be Painting of East 1 and ABC Hall, Immunization/Breast Feeding, Sports Clinic/Games. There will also be Health Awareness and Values Inculcation in Zone 5 and 4.

Closing Ceremony will be held at the PNU Covered Court in the afternoon.

Mayor Patrick Escalante said he is elated that Cadiz City was chosen as venue for this community volunteering activity of the youths in Negros Occ. with such big number of participants.

GK is teaching the youths to become responsible and help poor people improve their living conditions, he told PIA during the opening program. He hopes that the young volunteers will carry the enthusiasm of helping others as they grow.

For his part, Gawad Kalinga Provincial Chairman Bobby Magalona said there are about 60,000 youths volunteering across the country in 37 Bayani Challenge sites.

Negros wind-power project may start in 2015

By Lenie Lectura (Reporter)

FIRST Maxpower International Corp.’s (FMIC) $122-million wind power project in Negros Occidental targets commercial operation by 2015, its top official said.

FMIC President Francis Paderna said the company’s 50-megawatt (MW) Pulupandan facility is already in the “advanced stage” of construction. The company has also submitted a letter of declaration of commerciality for the project to the Department of Energy.

The said letter informs the energy department that FMIC has already completed the wind resource assessment, feasibility study and secured certificate and other necessary clearances from different agencies as well as conduct public consultation with the community. It is also in the process of pre-qualifying prospective manufacturers for the supply of wind turbine generators and its accessories.

“We are targeting to start construction within the year once all other requirements are complied. The completion or target date of commercial operation is second half of 2015,” said Paderna, adding that the residents of Pulupandan will surely benefit from the wind farm facility due from its share from its gross revenue, local business tax and property tax. “It will also employ many skilled and non-skilled workers during its construction and operation and maintenance of the facility.”

The project will be connected to the existing Bacolod-Kabankalan 138kV (kilovolt) transmission line of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines through a proposed 20 kilometer, 69- kV transmission line that will be installed along the Bago-Maao national secondary road.

FMIC is a Filipino-owned company engaged in the business of power generation, most particularly from renewable energy sources.

Irrigation project groundbreaking held in Victor

(Visayan Daily Star)

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon, Jr. led officials and farmers in the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Gawahon Dos Communal Irrigation Project Thursday in Barangay Gawahon, Victorias City, a press release from the Capitol said.

The project's potential service area, once completed, is 200 hectares and it will benefit more than 100 farmers of the Binintigan Farmers and Rural Farm Workers' Association of Barangay Gawahon.

Marañon stressed that the provincial government supports and prioritizes rice farmers in order for the province to sustain and maintain its rice sufficiency level.

He also reiterated the Negros First Universal Crop Insurance Program of the provincial government that assists farmers in times of crop damage due to typhoon or other calamities, the press release said.

The project, a collaboration with the National Irrigation Administration and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental on a counterpart scheme, has a total cost of over P6 million to be implemented by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in coordination with the Office of the City Agriculturist of Victorias, it also said.

Present during the activity were Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Igmedio Tabianan, and Victorias City Agriculturist Fermin Viñarta, among other local officials and farmer beneficiaries.

Former rebels in Negros Occidental get livelihood assistance

(PNA), LAP/JAN/PR

BACOLOD CITY, March 21 (PNA) -- Fifteen rebel returnees received livelihood assistance from the provincial government in a simple turnover ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol here Wednesday.

The assistance worth P145,338 comprised of 400 heads of free range chicken, 15 heads of piglets, three bags of hog grower feeds and three bags of chick booster mash.

Each of them also received a pair of plastic feeder and water container, veterinary drugs, t-shirts, caps, umbrellas and cash incentives of P5,000.

Gov. Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr. welcomed the former rebels to the mainstream of society and told them that the provincial government is always ready to assist them in their livelihood projects.

He also advised them to prioritize the education of their children because that is the best way to combat poverty.

He also announced that all rebel returnees will be enrolled in Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP), a province-run insurance system.

DOST: Study grant ready for computer machinists

(LTG)

The Metals Industry Research and Development Center, an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology, is now looking for qualified applicants in Negros Occidental to avail of its grant for computer numerically controlled machinists, DOST provincial director Allan Francis Dara-ug, said yesterday.

Dara-ug said the training program for CNC machine tool aims to address the brain drain of machinists that have negative impacts on the metals and engineering industries.

He said the project title is “Development and Implementation of Appropriate Training Curriculum Design for CNC Machine Tool Programming and Operation as Human Resource Intervention for the Sustainable Growth, Productivity and Competitiveness of the Metals & Engineering Sector."

Qualified applicants must either be a vocational/technical graduate or a college student taking mechanical technology or other related courses and must have basic knowledge and skills in conventional machining and basic computer operation, Dara-ug said.

Interested applicants must accomplish an MIRDC personal information sheet, transcript of records, diploma, certification, barangay clearance, community tax certificate, medical certificate, and recent passport size photo.

The forms are available at the DOST office at Cottage Road, Bacolod City.

Dara-ug also said that the 52-day training will include the basic, common, and core competencies of CNC and industry immersion. The training is free for unemployed participants and P300 daily allowance is given to them to defray their expenses while on training, he added.

For employed participants, they need to pay P10,000 for the training fee.

Dara-ug said the demand for CNC machinists is very high in Cebu, National Capital Region, and other areas in the country under the export processing zones. The job is also in demand in South Korea and Canada, he added.

The deadline for application is on the first week of April, he said.


Kabankalan City bags AgriPinoy rice Achiever Award

By Carolina A. Dionela (Kabankalan City/CD/JCM/PIA6)

KABANKALAN CITY, Negros Occidental, March 20 (PIA6) -- Kabankalan City was honored with the AgriPinoy Rice Achiever Award during a ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center, Manila, recently, a statement from the city said.

The city was cited for surpassing its target in self-sufficiency on rice production from 90 percent to 118 percent, for adopting high quality seeds such as registered and certified seeds on rice and high breed seeds on corn.

It was also lauded for having the most number of agricultural extension workers assigned in rice program and its full support on rice program by giving 50 percent subsidy on rice certified seeds distribution since 2006 as well as enough budget allocation for self-sufficiency program.

Kabankalan has 9,116 farmers tilling 5,154.94 hectares.

Meanwhile, Andy Carampatana of the City Agriculture Office was also cited as Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker during the same awarding rites.

Kabankalan City is located at the southern part of Negros Occidental. It is 97 kilometers away from Bacolod City and 100 kilometers from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

100 students set to join BCAN summer clinic

(Visayan Daily Star)

The Basketball Coaches Association of Negros-sponsored basketball clinic scheduled on April 1 to 12 has solicited favorable response from young basketeers in the province.

As of press time, 100 students have confirmed their participation and more are expected to enlist, a press release from BCAN said.

The young aspirants, aged 10 to 12 years old, are from various schools in Negros whose coaches are members of BCAN, its president Bobby Tee said.

A 10-man training team, headed by coach Lito Librodo of Tangub Christian Academy, has been tasked to supervise the basketball training program for children 12 years and under. The clinic will start from 9 a.m. up to noon, Monday to Friday.

Registration fee is pegged at P1,200 with the trainee getting a T-Shirt and a basketball ball upon finishing the course.

Other trainors are Rey Pandoro (Bacolod Tay Tung High School), Nene Sibaya (SJI), Marloni Gonzales (University of St. La Salle), Lyndon Locsin (St. Benilde School), Gerom Aledron (University of Negros Occ.-Recoletos) and Arvin Gustilo (Trinity Christian School), Jake Azucena,(SJI), Elmo Quiatchon (MCA) and Rene Cuizon.

Cuizon will a also take charge of the training that will give premium to basics, conditioning, fundamentals and teamwork.

Organized last year, BCAN aims to solidify its group, promote goodwill among members, develop more children to love the sport and improve their skills, the press release said.

Its members have been trained with the latest teachings in Manila workshops related to National Basketball Training Center's outreach programs in the provinces.

Negros shooters keep int’l titles

(NAB)

Negrense shooters Tootsie Anglo and Janette Gonzaga of the Gun Club of Negros Occidental, successfully defended their titles in their respective events during the 2013 Austral-Asia IPSC Handgun Championship held recently in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Anglo remained undefeated in the Senior Production category, while Gonzaga continued to reign in the Standard Ladies division as both Negros shooters boosted the Team Philippines impressive finish in the tournament.

Held every three years, Gonzaga said the competition in New Zealand drew participation from practical shooters in 25 countries, including those from Australia, United States, Thailand, Indonesia, Germany, Denmark, France, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, among others.

Anglo won his first championship in Thailand in 2007 then replicated the feat in Malaysia in 2010. His victory in New Zealand made him champion for six years now.

Gonzaga, meanwhile, got hold of the title in the ladies category in 2004 in Bali, Indonesia and like Anglo, had a successful stint in Thailand and Malaysia.

Joining them in New Zealand were Stephen Hinojales, Andy Gonzaga, Arian Chua, junior shooter Edmund Villavicencio.

Gonzaga said it was a successful campaign for Team Philippines as the Filipinos brought home a total of 30 gold, 22 silver, and 11 bronze medals from the tournament.

The Philippine contingent was headed by Philippine Practical Shooting Association president Gov. Teng Mangundadatu of Sultan Kudarat, who was glowing with pride as the “Lupang Hinirang” was repeatedy played each time a champion from the Philippines received the award during the closing rites, Gonzaga said.

She added that Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile, founder of the PPSA, cited the team for their fantastic performance that included a sweep in four divisions.

Aside from Anglo and Gonzaga, other members of the team who won the gold for Philippines in the individual categories were six-time world champion Jethro Dionisio, veteran Jeufro Emil Lejano, Nelson Uygongco, Grace Tamayo, Nelson Lee, Edcel Gino, Diomari Tayag, Philip Cua, and Daniel Jacinto.

Negros Occidental banks on its tourism industry

(PNA), PDS/JAN

BACOLOD CITY, March 17 (PNA) -- Foreseeing that the sugar industry will experience slump by 2015, the provincial government of Negros Occidental is counting on its tourism industry as its potential economic driver.

In line with this, the provincial government through its Provincial Tourism Office is intensifying its tourism promotion campaign focusing not only on the province’s beautiful scenic spots but on agriculture as well.

The province has, in fact, been chosen as partner of Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) for this year’s International Food Exhibition (IFEX), the country’s biggest government-organized food exhibition.

The event provides venue for Negros Occidental to feature its organic food brands which include the Gourmet Spices and Specialties Light Muscovado and Organic Coffee Mt. Kanlaon Premium Blend.

The provincial governments of Negros Occidental and Oriental also inked pact aimed at transforming Negros Island as “Organic Food Bowl of Asia” way back in 2005.

Since the establishment of strong ties between the two provinces, the former registered an increase in rice harvest and other agricultural products. In 2012 for instance, Negros Occidental became 96 percent rice-sufficient.

Blending agriculture and tourism as province’s economic driver can be seen in the number of tourism revenues that Negros Occidental incurred from agri-tours and other festivities.

Records from Provincial Tourism Office showed Negros Occidental was able to attract more than a million tourists last year and generated P2.1 billion revenues from them.

Bulk of the tourism receipts last year was contributed by domestic tourists (P1.6 billion) and foreigners (P265 million).

Excursionist gave the province P186 million while returning overseas Filipino workers spent P26 million in province’s resorts, restaurants, and pension houses.

South Koreans remained the province top foreign tourism market with 30, 564 arrivals last year, followed by Americans (3,032), Japanese (1,563), Australians (986), Germans (705), Canadians (663) and British (630).

Most of these tourists spent their vacation in Mambukal Mountain Health Resort in Murcia town while others were attending conventions in metro and component cities of province.

7,000 families get cash grants

(Visayan Daily Star)

Almost 7,000 poor households in Bacolod City, who composed Set 6 of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, received their first cash grants from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, recently.

Belen Gebusion, 4Ps provincial operations officer in Negros Occidental, said the beneficiary-households were validated late last year, and are on top of the more than 3,000 covered by the program since 2010. Bacolod has around 10,346 beneficiaries of health, nutrition and educational grants through the program, a press release from the DSWD said.

She said around P15 million was released to the beneficiaries at the two-day cash grant distribution in Brgy. 4 and the Bays Center in Bacolod, March 7 and 8, respectively, and led by the PhilPost. The money was for the November-December grant period.

The 4Ps, or the conditional cash transfer, is the national government’s flagship poverty alleviation program that provides financial aid to poor households with children aged 14 years old and below. The beneficiaries are required to comply with the program’s conditions on health, nutrition and education, the press release also said.

Negros Occidental to restore kids interest in kite flying

(PNA), LAM/JAN

BACOLOD CITY, March 14 (PNA) -- This summer, close to a hundred children will spend a day just to learn how to fly a kite in Negros Occidental.

The kite flying clinic set on March 31 in Sipalay City is organized by the Philippine Kite Association in partnership with the provincial government.

The recreation activity aims to preserve kite flying by bringing back the interest of children instead of playing electronic games.

But in doing so, the children of today should first experience the thrill and fun of kite flying, said Tourism Officer Cristine Mansinares.

The activity is also a sort of family bonding since the parents or guardians of the participating children will be involved as well, she said.

The children’s creativity will also be discovered during the duration of the activity for they will prepare and create the kites themselves.

Budget will be passed – Alvarez

BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. yesterday assured the 2,300 Capitol employees that the 2013 budget will be approved, amid mounting calls for its approval by the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees.

“One thing I can assure them and the whole of Negros Occidental is that the budget will be approved, we will pay all the financial obligations so that nobody will complain, and even to the point of doubling possibly the (bonus) by December,” Alvarez said.

While he assured them the passage of the budget, Alvarez also charged the PACE for allowing themselves to be used for propaganda.

The Capitol employees are calling on the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental to approve the P2.02 billion budget of the province, which includes the last tranche of their salary increases as mandated by law.

The 2013 budget also needs to be passed for a supplementary budget granting funds for the Capitol employees’ P20,000 extra bonus to be approved.

Alvarez also described the observance of period of mourning by Capitol employees and the recent boodle fight as a “drama”, adding he and even Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., as well as the 15 SP members may even join them, as they are also among those affected by the non passage of the budget.

Board Member Salvador Escalante, chairperson of the SP Committee on Finance and Appropriations, yesterday again deferred for further action the 2013 budget, pending deliberations of the budget of the remaining five Capitol departments and offices.

As expected, the SP regular session yesterday ended briefly, with no other matters discussed, aside from the budget, in compliance with Section 323 of the Local Government Code of 1991.

The 90-day period for the SP to tackle and approve the 2013 budget is expected to end this month. Failure to do so would mean the provincial government of Negros Occidental will have a reenacted budget, based on the LGC.

The SP secretariat yesterday informed SP members the provincial government has almost P98 million savings from the General Fund and Economic Enterprise Development Department, and P24 million School Board surplus last year, based on the report of the Provincial Budget Office.

Board Member Pedro Zayco, chairperson of the SP Committee on Education, said the P20,000 additional bonus, which they are also entitled to receive, can be sourced from the savings of the provincial government.

Zayco, however, said they cannot take it up in the SP regular session, as they are only mandated to tackle the budget alone.

He again clarified they are not opposing the passage of the budget, stressing that some deficiencies on it are still being addressed.

“They (Capitol employees) should not lose hope,” Zayco said.

Alvarez also said he cannot dictate on the board members, as they have their stands on the budget and are looking out for the welfare of majority of Negrenses, stressing he is just a presiding officer.

He reiterated he cannot sacrifice the 2.5 million Negrenses for the Capitol employees. “They should be thankful that they can engage in a boodle fight, while others do not have food to eat,” Alvarez said.

“For the 2,300 Capitol employees, you sacrifice the whole budget of the province? I don’t think that is fair,” he said.

DAR goes to schools

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

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 13 (PIA6) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform is bringing the program closer to the students and starting it out with the young ones.

DAR- South and North Negros conducted an orientation on the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with Extension and Reforms or CARPER, its Implementing Rules and Regulations and other related issues to students through its Speaker’s Bureau Team.

The DAR’s Speaker’s Bureau Team and the OIC- MARO of Himamaylan City conducted an Orientation of Salient Features of Republic Act 9700 (CARPER), history of Agrarian Reform and the Steps on Land Acquisition and Distribution Process to 60 students of West Visayas State University-Extension in Barangay Caradio-an, Himamaylan City, Economics Taxation and Agrarian Reform (ECOTAR) subject.

WVSU-Extension Professor and Campus Administrator Evelyn Tomambo, Ph.D. invited the DAR to talk on the program.

“We believe that understanding of the Agrarian Reform Program is a must for the students especially those with ECOTAR subject”, said Tomambo, a strong advocate of Cooperative Movement.

Tomambo shared how amazed she was with Japan which adopts “cooperative” system as their way of life towards economic progress.

Another orientation was conducted to some 300 students of Carlos A. Hilado Memorial State College (CAHMSC), Alijis Campus through the invitation of Christine D. Bustamante, College Instructress, handling Economics, Taxation and Agrarian Reform (ECOTAR) subject.

“We can teach ECOTAR in our school, but it’s better to invite personnel from DAR who are more familiar not only with the terminologies but also on the implementation of the Agrarian Reform Program specifically, the provisions of Republic Act 9700, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER),” Bustamante explained.

The DAR’s team conducting the orientations includes Mario R. Lagahit, OIC- MARO Luz Rezaga, Himamaylan for the South Negros, OIC- MARO Harlan Tugot for Bacolod City, MARO Victor Montalvo of Silay City and Karen Fajardo and Mark Castillo providing the technical support.

Himamaylan irrigation project to boost food production

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

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 12 (PIA) - - About 130 farmers in Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City got P6,053,694.44 for an irrigation project.

The groundbreaking for the Su-ay-Buenavista Communal Irrigation Project was held recently and the construction is expected to end in seven months or 210 days.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. with Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Igmedio Tabianan led the groundbreaking of the project which will serve 96 hectares (ha) of farmland.

Marañon advised the farmers to make good use of the project given to them and to take care of the project in order to make it sustainable.

Buenavista Farmers’ Association President, Ramy Entierro, said that they are thankful to the provincial government and National Irrigation Administration for initiating the project as it will have a big impact in their rice production amidst the threat of climate change.

Meanwhile, NIA has earmarked P201 million for irrigation projects and repairs and almost half of these will be spent for the repair and rehabilitation of the Bago River Irrigation Systems (BRIS).

Some P20-million will be spent on the existing BRIS while another P80 million will be allocated to augment the water supply of the water system.

Negrense invents ‘Akubo'

BY CARLA P. GOMEZ

A Negrense based in the United States has created “Akubo”, a software to boost fundraising campaigns and operations of non-profit and nongovernment organizations worldwide.

Robin Abello, 42, told the DAILY STAR the software, now used by hundreds of organizations in the Philippines and the United States, was initially created to address the needs of Negros-based Tapulanga Foundation, headed by his sister, Micmic Abello-Golez.

Tapulanga Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that works to uplift the lives of those who were born with less through educational scholarships, healthcare assistance and micro-credit loans, he said. The foundation also runs the St. Francis of Assisi School for children from farm communities in Silay City, he said.

Abello helps his sister with fundraising and overall planning for Tapulanga Foundation from the US. “We initially started with Excel, then we moved to Access but, over time, it became very frustrating to deal with our setup,” he said, because inputs made in the US would not automatically be reflected in their records in Negros Occidental.

Abello is based in Maryland, where he runs his company called Percworks, while his sister runs Tapulanga from Negros Occidental. They needed a software that would enable them to access Tapulanga data from wherever they were in the world, he said.

“We looked for an online database solution and most of the services we found were geared for medium to larger organizations. So we decided to build our own solution starting with a very basic online database and over time, we added more features we needed,” he added.

The software just got better and better and so they decided to share it with other small organizations and businesses that operate the same way they do, he said.

“Akubo” provides the convenience of having your data all in one place accessible from any computer, smartphone and tablet browser, anytime, anywhere, he said.

Abello said he wanted his software for non-profit organizations to be Filipino so he named it “Akubo”, which means a small house for your data.

Users of “Akubo” in the United States are in the hundreds, and it has also been well received in the Philippines, he said.

Among the Philippine organizations now using “Akubo” are Caritas Manila, Operation Blessing, World Wildlife Fund Philippines, Philippine General Hospital Foundation, Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation, Radyo Veritas, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Paul's University Quezon City Alumni Association, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and De La Salle Dasmariñas.

“Akubo gives you everything you need to build your donor and client database, manage and track fundraising campaigns, and send email and snail mail communication campaigns...all in one place,” he said.

Abello, who has a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, and a Masters in Software Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, said “Akubo” is more than a business to him, it's a chance to help non-profit organizations, which means something for him.

In fact, with money earned by “Akubo”, he has built a chapel at St. Francis of Assisi School in Silay City, and provided a college scholarship.

“Akubo” will continue to help Tapulanga's work in Negros Occidental, he said.


72 IPs in NegOcc vie for college scholarship

(PNA), PDS/JAN

BACOLOD CITY, March 10 (PNA) -- Determined to proceed to college, 72 graduating high school students who belonged to various ethnic (IP) groups in Negros Occidental will take the aptitude exam Sunday to become government’s scholars.

The aptitude exam administered by National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) will be held in Negros Oriental High School in Dumangute City for Negros Island.

NCIP-Negros Occidental Development Management Officer Hazel Torrefiel said that most of the applicants are coming from towns and component cities in sixth congressional district of the province.

Aside from passing the exam, Torrefiel said they are also required to pass the medical examination afterwards.

If qualified, Torrefiel said that scholars will receive P10,000 educational assistance per semester from NCIP under its Educational Assistance Program

If they opt to take the merit-based scholarship (MBS), scholars can get P30,000 per semester provided they have no failing grades, she said.

Torrefiel clarified that there should only be one grantee per IP family and qualified scholars should enrol in state universities and colleges.

Other testing center for NCIP’s scholarship aptitude exam will be in Iloilo City for Panay Island.

NCIP’s scholarship programs aim to invest in human capital though the grant of scholarships to poor yet competent IPs. It also helps empower the IPs to become self-reliant and be of help in nation-building.

Capitol, 888 ink lease for jail property

By Teresa Ellera

THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental formally signed Friday the lease contract with 888 Chinatown Square for the 1.1 hectare property formerly occupied by the Provincial Jail at Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City.

The signing of the lease contract was made between Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and businessman William Ong, president and CEO of Bacolod Capitol Hill Land Development Corporation, which owns 888 China Towne Square.

Provincial Administrator Enrique Pinongan said the owner of the 888 intends to build a two-storey mall extension on the leased property, which has been cleared of the structures formerly occupied by the jail. The mall will also construct parking spaces at the area.

The Provincial Jail has been transferred to the Capitol property in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City.

The lease contract between Capitol and 888 is good for 50 years.

Pinongan said the rental is at P75.10 per square meter per month, adding the Provincial Government had already received a total of P11,896,923.28 advance payment for one year and three months rental.

He said the 888 mall expansion will contribute to the economic progress of the province, as he pointed out many stores will open in the two-storey structure.

Pinongan said the gate of the provincial jail, which has a historical value, will be restored for posterity once the building is completed.

P3B power plant construction set

BY CARLA GOMEZ

San Carlos BioPower is investing P3 billion for the construction of an 18-megawatt Biomass-Fired Power Plant in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, and an integrated supply chain system, Jose Maria Zabaleta Sr., chairman of SCBP and Bronzeoak Philippines, said yesterday.

Site clearing will begin immediately, with construction to follow in May. The plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2014, Zabaleta told the DAILY STAR.

The new plant will be located beside the existing integrated sugar mill and ethanol distillery of San Carlos BioEnergy, owned by Menarco Clean Energy and Bronzeoak Philippines, he said.

It will provide approximately 1,000 jobs during construction, and eventually employ almost 400 people during its operation, scheduled to start in early 2015, Zabaleta added.

“We have reached financial closure and so the project is a go,” he said, of the plant that will be powered by waste from sugarcane and other agricultural crops.

“In the future, we plan to add two more power plants in Negros that should help tremendously the income of all farmers, both large and small, as agricultural residue, formerly waste just burned, is now turned into a more valuable resource”, Zabaleta said.

On Nov. 29, 2012, SCBP completed its equity raise and finalized agreements with its group of investors. Following these agreements, the funds have been received by the company to begin project implementation starting yesterday, he said.

SCBP will be owned by a partnership between Bronzeoak Philippines Inc., Biomass Holdings Inc. and WBE International Green Energy Ltd of Hong Kong.

Biomass Holdings Inc. is jointly owned by PSE-Listed Greenergy Holdings Inc., and the German-based ThomasLloyd CleanTech Infrastructure Fund.

During a recent visit by Thomas Lloyd CEO Michael Sieg, he said they were very optimistic about renewable energy prospects in the country and that their investments would also contribute to the continued economic development of the country, especially in countryside and agricultural development, Zabaleta said.

The power plant is to be designed, supplied and built by Wuxi Huaguang Electric Power Engineering, the General Supplier and Contractor of the project, Zabaleta added.

The company was issued its Certificate of Registration by the Board of Investments on Dec. 21, 2012, and on Feb. 13, 2013, was found by the Department of Energy to have satisfactorily met the minimum documentary requirements to avail of the Feed-in-Tariff rates when it begins commercial operations in early 2015, as part of the first 250MW of installed biomass power capacity, he said.

With its completion of all permits and the coming start of construction, the company expects to be among the first 250MW of installed capacity, enabling it to ensure its availment of the FIT rates under the DOE's First-Come, First-Served policy, he added.

DOE Director Mario Marasigan expressed his support for the new project, saying that the DOE is very excited to see the start of construction of one of the first biomass power plants under the Renewable Energy Law.

Good governance drives Negros Occidental to get P10-M rewards

(PNA), LAP/JAN/GMDLC

BACOLOD CITY, March 7 (PNA) -- Excellence in governance is the key why Negros Occidental under the leadership of Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. got P10 million in rewards from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently.

Negros Occidental reaped the rewards after having been recognized by DILG as recipient of Seal of Good Housekeeping (P7 million) and Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (P3 million) in the regional level.

DILG Provincial Director Maria Joy Maredith Madayag explained that the province earned the Seal of Good Housekeeping Award for practicing transparency in all its transactions as confirmed by the Commission on Audit.

The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award, on the other hand, proves the province’s excellence in areas of governance such as administrative, social and economic services, and environmental management, among others, she said.

Madayag said the province, as regional winner, will also be the nominee for the Search for National Gawad Pamana ng Lahi for Excellence in Local Governance.

NegOcc records 23% increase in rice production in 2011-2012

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

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 6 (PIA) -- Negros Occidental is well on its way in realizing its goal of becoming a rice self-sufficient province with a 23 percent increase in its rice production for 2011-2012.

“No province, no region in the country has this increase in rice production,” Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. said, crediting this accomplishment to the efforts of the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Office.

Marañon said because of the province’s program on crop insurance, the national government is increasing the coverage of the insurance from 4,000 hectares (ha) rice land in Negros Occidental to 12,000 ha.

The Negros First Universal Crop Insurance Program (NFUCIP) is an initiative of the provincial government geared towards Marañon's food security program.

Meanwhile, President Aquino has declared 2013 as the National Year of Rice through Proclamation 494. It directs the Department of Agriculture to lead the celebration and to intensify efforts to attain rice self-sufficiency by 2013.

Negros Occidental barangay officials get insurance coverage

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

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 5 (PIA) -- Twenty-seven beneficiaries of the barangay insurance program of the provincial government here have received P1.3 million worth of insurance benefits.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. led the turnover of checks to the beneficiaries in a ceremony during the commemoration of the 27th EDSA People Power Anniversary here.

The barangay insurance program for barangay watchmen was first implemented in 2002. In 2008, the provincial government extended the program coverage to barangay officials and employees. More than 500 beneficiaries province-wide have been given assistance since the program started in 2002 up to early this year.

The program provides P50,000 for natural death claims; P100,000 for accidental death claims and a maximum of P4,000 as medical emergency reimbursement.

The Public Affairs Division of the local government supervises the implementation of the program.

‘Over 10K bags of I-Rice distributed in Neg. Occ.’

(LTG)

The National Food Authority in Negros Occidental has distributed 10,686.57 bags of iron fortified rice for the supplemental feeding program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development as of February, Jobe Chua, NFA assistant provincial manager, said yesterday.

Chua said the NFA still has to distribute 4,007.13 bags to complete the 14,693.70 bags target that will be dispersed in 102 days.

NFA distributes I-Rice for supplemental feeding for children to get additional nutritional values and to help address the problems of malnutrition, he said.

I-Rice is a mixture of white milled rice and iron rice premix (I-Mix) that is processed through fortification. About 4 to 5 grams of I-Mix is mixed with 1 kilogram of milled rice, Chua added.

Last year, NFA-Negros received P73,000 from the United Nations Children’s Fund for the feeding programs and campaigns for the consumption of I-Rice, Cynthia Luz Chua, NFA senior grains operations officer, also said.

Among the beneficiaries are the elementary schools in Banago 1 and 2 in Bacolod City that benefited 1,200 school children, she said.

She said they are intensifying its campaign to help address the problems of school children suffering from iron deficiency anemia and malnourishment.

Nutritional components of I-Rice improve body activities and resistance, prevents infection, control anemia, and help keep the mind alert, especially among school children.

SUCs support rationalization of tertiary education in W. Visayas

(PNA), PDS/JAN

BACOLOD CITY, March 3 (PNA) -- Majority of the eleven state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Western Visayas has expressed support to the proposed amalgamation policy of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to rationalize tertiary education in Western Visayas.

The SUCs in the region include the Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 6 said in a report that a covenant has been signed between CHED and SUC presidents favoring the proposed policy during their consultation-workshop recently.

Under the policy, amalgamated SUCs will be transformed into a Regional University System (RUS) where a single university board will be responsible for the policies, programs, procedures, and systems to be practiced by all public tertiary institutions within the region.

NEDA-6 explained the proposed rationalization is envisioned to improve the quality of academic programs of SUCs and local universities and colleges.

NEDA-6 has been designated by Regional Development Council as the over-all head of the task force that will conduct a comprehensive study for the viability of the proposed amalgamation policy for SUCs in coordination with CHED-6.

The draft of their proposed rationalization of tertiary education in Western Visayas will undergo the scrutiny of the Social Development Committee of RDC-6 and Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) before submission to the Council Proper for adoption and endorsement to CHED.

Women's forum today

(Visayan Daily Star)

A forum on Republic Act 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women, will be conducted today by the local PILIPINA, a national organization of women, at Ting Tings Restaurant at BS Aquino Drive in Bacolod City.

Silay Sangguniang Panlungsod member Marie June Pavillar-Castro of PILIPINA said women leaders from Bacolod, Silay and Victorias cities are expected to attend the forum, with Ma. Conchita Doronila-Antipatia of the Provincial Planning and Development Office of Negros Occidental as resource speaker, a press release from the group said.

The activity is in line with the ongoing Women's Month celebration.

A chapter assembly will also be held after the forum, with the members expected to discuss projects and programs implemented in Bacolod and Negros Occidental, the press release also said.

Fore more details, those interested may contact Pavillar-Castro at 0918-9288652, the press release added.

Panaad kicks off April 8

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. (DAR-G.Canonero/PIA6-LOL/JCM/)

The Panaad sa Negros Festival will kick off on April 8 and will culminate on April 14, at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Now on its 20th year, the “Mother of all Festivals” will showcase Negros Occidental’s history, culture, trade, agriculture, tourism and other industries, a Capitol press release said.

This year’s theme is “Panaad @ 20: Celebrating Negros as the Philippines’ Leader in Organic Agriculture.”

The Panaad Festival Executive Committee is chaired by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., with Board Member and SP Committee Chair on Tourism Nehemias dela Cruz Sr., Provincial Administrator Enrique Pinongan, and the Pag-ugyon Negros Foundation Inc. as members.

Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Lina Sanogal will again serve as the executive director of the festival.

Reservation for rental of kiosks starts on March 4, the press release said. Those who wish for more information may look for Marilou Garcia at the Panaad Park Ground Floor in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, the press release added.

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