September 25, 2007

Escalante Bags 1st Place in the Prov'l Tourism Quiz Bee (http://www.negrosdaily.com/sep2507v5)

ESCALANTE CITY - A grade V-star class pupil, Reilan de Padua of Mabini Central Elementary School coached by his teacher Mr. Jason Alpay, was declared 1st runner-up in the Tourism Week celebration-Provincial Quiz Bee on September 20, 2007 held at Gaisano City, Bacolod City.

Son of an hacienda worker, de Padua said that he would use his P2,000 cash prize to buy a house. He's a product of a broken family and did not expect to be able to continue his studies due to financial constraints. By God's grace, he has made it to top in the City Category of the Tourism Quiz Bee and eventually got a place in the Provincial Level despite the hard situation. On the day of the contest, his coach arranged his participation in the Province by providing him with a school uniform and shoes, all borrowed from friends. On his way home, a very touching "thank you and goodbye" from Reilan was bid to the staff of Tourism section led by Mr. Kenneth T. Benignos, Information Officer II.

Ms. Leny S. Sante and Ms. Loorasmae V. Bayadog both from Escalante National High School also participated in the Essay Writing Competition and Quiz Bee Secondary Level, respectively. With these efforts, all participants were very grateful to Mayor Melecio J. Yap Jr. for his full support to the Tourism activities.* (MFS)

September 25, 2007
SIPALAY CITY Tourism week held (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/September/25/people.htm)

Sipalay City in Negros Occidental celebrated Tourism Week on the theme "Tourism: Opens Doors for Women," recently, a press release from the city said.

Activities included tourism quiz for high school and elementary levels, adventure tour for city employees, tourism awareness forum, among others. Quiz winners in the high school category were Ma. Ronesa Baladhay from the Holy Rosary Academy who was declared champion, followed by Analiza Sausa - Gil Montilla National High School and Lorelee Jane Omison - Gil Montilla National High School-Cartagena Extension, for the second and third places, respectively.

In the elementary level, first to third place winners, respectively, were Rachelle Ann Alipater - Holy Rosary Academy, Melvin Oghayon- Agripino Alvarez Elementary School, and Eric Ian Ceasar Salmo - Binulig Elementary School, the press release said.

All first placers represented Sipalay in the recent Provincial Tourism Quiz held in Bacolod City.

Meanwhile, the adventure tour for employees enabled city workers to see the tourism richness of Sipalay. The forum, on the other hand, was participated in by different schools, followed by a film showing called "Sipalay: A Jewel of the Sugar Island," the press release added.*





September 22, 2007
Tourism Week
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The week just past focused on the attractions of Negros Occidental - from natural to human resources - as it celebrated the Provincial Tourism Week with the cooperation of the Association of Tourism Officers of Negros Occidental. The activities were spearheaded by the Provincial Government through the Provincial Tourism Office led by Jennylind Cordero. The celebration, with the theme: 'Tourism Opens Doors for Women'", calendared various activities which also involved multi-sectoral participation, including the youth.

It kicked off with a motorcade and float competition won by Silay City with the Pulupandan and Valladolid entries as runners-up. Towns and cities in the province set up food booth exhibits and a display of photos showcasing their respective attractions.

Also held were a teachers' forum and competitions as well as the First Tourism Adventure Challenge held Friday and Saturday held in La Castellana and Moises Padilla. The challenge involved three members per team which combined skills in, among others, river trekking, swimming and water tubing.

Joe Role Alingasa of San Carlos City topped the tour guiding competition, where entries did role playing on stage simulating their procedures while showing visitors in areas within the boundaries of their town or city. Janella Yuen Sagal of Escalante was adjudged second while Gerle Sulmaca of Silay City placed third.

Tourism quizzes were held in all levels with Anthony Gran Jr. of Himamaylan, Paul Arvin Desamparado of Pulupandan and Marc Daniel Meletindo of San Enrique winning first to third respectively, in the primary level; and Richa Jelo Rodillado of Sagay City, Reilan de Padua of Escalante and Ma. Giedgnah Subong of Murcia dominating the elementary division.

Topping the high school essay writing competition were Venice Marie Anlleza of Sagay City, first; Katherine Cabig of E.B. Magalona, second; and Juliet Clarisse Baylon of Pulupandan, third. .



TOURISM WEEK
FOCUS: NEGROS ATTRACTIONS
Nature Rediscovered

As the country is celebrating Tourism Month and the province observed Tourism Week which ended yesterday, we rediscover that Negros is blessed with natural resources and attractions that beckon those who appreciate Nature and the environment.

From the summit of majestic Mt. Kanlaon, down to the rolling hills and the remaining verdant forests of the sprawling park beneath it, to the cascading waterfalls, the verdant canefields near the rustling rivers rushing to the sea, Negros is a giant canvas of God's masterpiece that reminds us we are stewards of these priceless natural gifts. Because of these blessings, others from far and near come to experience the fun and adventure in the mountains, caves and long stretches of fine beaches, many of which have remained pristine.

And adding a dose of long-lasting measure is the discovery of the culture and the friendship of the Negrenses, the hospitality often unmatched as reflected in the parting thoughts of a recent visitor from the Middle East, who said he will share the good word about the island and its people so that more of his friends will come and promised to return and stay longer.

On this page are some of the scenes - mostly from the southern towns - that have made Negros Occidental one of the major eco-tourism destinations in the country, particularly with the thrust of the national government in making the central part of the country the tourism belt on this side of the world.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/Starlife/2007/September/23/feature3.htm



September 18, 2007
Prov’l Tourism Week highlights Negros women (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/09/18/feat/prov.l.tourism.week.highlights.negros.women.html)

THIS year’s celebration of the Provincial Tourism Month marked a lot of uniqueness.

Women have more space in the campaign of the province for tourism and investment promotions.

This was the reason why this year’s celebration of Tourism Month is themed:” Tourism: Opening Doors for Women.”

Jennylind Cordero explained that “women tourism” in Asia alone earned billions of dollars as women are big shopping spenders.

“Women spend high in health, wellness, and beauty among other things. This is not accounting for the shopping sprees women indulged in every time they travel. As more women now travel, consumer demand for women products becomes an opportunity for the local economy to sell,” Cordero said.

Cordero added, “Imagine the tremendous market this lifestyle can offer to the economy.”

“Locally, our women by themselves have the innate talents for cooking, medical care, management of beauty shops, management of resorts, hotels, among others,” he also said.



September 17, 07
Escalante City Sets to Celebrate Tourism Week (http://www.negrosdaily.com/sep1707l7)

ESCALANTE CITY - The City government of Escalante led by Mayor Melecio "Beboy" J. Yap, Jr. through the Tourism Section headed by Mr. Kenneth T. Benignos, Information officer II, informed the public on September 3, 2007 - Flag Ceremony Sponsorship, of the month of September as the Tourism Month Celebration, themed: Tourism Opens Door for Women.

The month long celebration would take its highlight on September 17-22, 2007 - the Tourism Week.

Various Competitions such Essay Writing (Secondary level), Tour Guiding (Secondary level), Tourism Quiz Bee (Basic Education level) and Logo Making (open to all) were conducted simultaneously last week of the winners to represent to the Province of Bacolod for the Tourism Week - Provincial Competition, except for the Logo Making Contest which was conducted for the Official logo of the City Tourism.

The occasion will begin with a Motorcade in Bacolod City to open the weeklong celebration.

The Association of Tourism Officers and Staff of Escalante City (ATOSEC) headed by Kagawad Alfredo S. Canabe, Brgy. Alimango Kagawad Chair on Tourism, the President of the Tourism organization is also scheduled for a Local Tour in the four upland barangays of the city namely: Dian-ay, Binaguiohan, Magsaysay and Tamlang.

To mark the end of the affair, a Culmination Day on September 28, 2007 is set to award the winners in the different contests and to feast on the delicacies of the twenty-one barangays of the city.* (MFS)



September 17, 2007
Cadiz City marks month of tourism (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/September/17/people.htm#people2)

Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, is celebrating tourism month now on the theme "Katahum sang Cadiz… Aton Tukibon," a press release from the city said.

A motorcade kicked off the celebration followed by an opening program at the Don Bernardo Benedicto Community Center participated in by the business, government and non-government sectors. A visitation of ancestral houses is set Sept. 19, along with symposium of local chief executives, legislators and stakeholders - Sept. 21; mountain trekking at Pacul falls, Brgy. Celestino Villacin - Sept. 22; and photo contest and cultural presentation with live band at the community center on Sept. 28.

Spearheading the activities is the city tourism council headed by Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. as honorary chairman, Arthur Cooper IV - chairman and Councilor Angel Joseph Consing of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on tourism, with overall coordinator and facilitator Juanily Pedrosa, the press release said. Those interested in the activities may call Tel No. 4931142, the press release added.*

^^ Negros Occidental is having a full blast Tourism campaign.

PNOC gives scholarships
BY RENE GENOVE
A total of P1.2 million in scholarship grants will be awarded to 240 high school students by the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corp. in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

The scholars will be from three schools in Valencia, 70 from Pulangbato National High School; and 85 each from San Pedro Academy Recoletos in Barangay Caidiocan and Valencia National High School.

Each scholar will receive P5,000 for tuition, school supplies, stipend and other school fees and needs. The PNOC is also investing P3 billion in science and engineering research and development technology, including scholarships for masters and doctorate degrees in engineering in some universities in the country.

The scholarship program of the company started in 2004, as part of its corporate thrust to provide educational access to poor but deserving students in barangays within the geothermal site. Last week, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed an executive order to launch the GIGA, or the Generating Investments in Geothermal Areas project.

She instructed local government units to set up economic zones near the seven geothermal project sites of PNOC, so that embassies can benefit from the use of geothermal project royalties.

Arroyo said that, these areas, including the Palinpinon geothermal, LGUs have huge bank accounts from royalties, and the money is used to subsidize the electric bills of their constituents.*RG

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/September/26/pix/apo.jpg
NATURE'S SIGHTS. A scuba diver enjoys the beauty of Apo Island's marine reserve in Negros Oriental*

Thursday, September 27, 2007
USDA execs visit Negros Occidental

TRADE Director Dennis Voboril, Counselor Emiko Purdy, Agriculture Attaché David Wolfe and Agriculture Specialist Pia Ang, all of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), met with Governor Joseph G. Marañon and other key officials of the province in a breakfast conference last Tuesday.

The meeting was coordinated by the Office of the Provincial Veterinary (OPV) to look into the livestock industry of Negros Occidental.

They are particularly interested in the Provincial Animal Genetic Improvement Project, one of the Seven-Point Priority Agenda for Development under the Agricultural Productivity and Food Security Program of the present administration.

The USDA delegation recognized the program and the effort of the Provincial Government in improving its livestock industry and welcomed the use of new livestock semen that would come from their breed through Artificial Insemination (AI) to further upgrade the industry.

A 10-minute presentation on the Dairy Programs as well as insights and learning during the Maryland State Fair Agriculture Exhibit last August 24 to September 3, 2007 was given by Dr. Renante Decena.

Present during the activity were 4th District Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, Provincial Board Members Miller Serondo and Adolfo Mangao, Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon, Jr., Provincial Dairy Development Council Vice Chairman Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante III, Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Igmedio Tabianan, Roy Balicas, and Negros Federation of Dairy Cooperatives chairperson Luzinda Elbanbuena, among others.

Voboril and his group also went with Dr. Decena and his OPV staff on a site visit to a Dairy Cooperative in Brgy. Codcod, San Carlos City. This cooperative was provided financial assistance worth P100,000 by the Provincial Government.

The group also visited Mambukal Resort in Murcia and the Panaad Park and Sports Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City. (Capitol News)

Easy Diving and Beach Resort - Sipalay City
Location: Barangay IV, Sipalay City
Facilities: 5 Bungalows with veranda providing a beautiful view of the beach and the sea., Restaurant, Complete latest diving equipment
Website: www.sipalay.com

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Easy Diving and Beach Resort - Sipalay City
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Easy Diving and Beach Resort - Sipalay City

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Where is OrNeg here?

^oh hayan gusto mo na sana 1 region,,,oriental come on don't too be shy...how lovely am i

^^ they do post here too ... not very often though

Negros Oriental Thread is also surviving only 2 of them who are regurlarly posting on Dumaguete Thread,Richie and Nicko.We are just doing our part as Negrosanon.

We should get updates from OrNeg too. :okay:

Yes we do! even where from Occidental,we spread good news from Oriental too.

September 27, 2007
`Teatro: Aksyon, Kanta, Musika' Seminar-Workshop Set Today (http://www.negrosdaily.com/sep2707v5)

Silay City Tourism Deve-lopment Council is sponsoring "Teatro: Aksyon, Kanta, Musika", a theater seminar-workshop at Natalio G. Velez Sports and Cultural Center today.
Sining Kambayoka En-semble performing artists with the assistance of the Cultural Center of the Philippines will handle 300 workshop participants coming from public and private schools of Silay.

This is in preparation for the Ilonggo Sarsuela Competition to be sponored by the tourism council early next year.

CCP technical staff will be helping also Silay City to enhance the light and sound facilities of Sen. Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center and the Natalio G. Velez Sports and Cultural Center.* (Ver F. Pacete)

'NegOr best place to live in the world'
BY MARICAR ARANAS & RENE GENOVE

Governor Emilio Macias II was elated over the report on Islands Magazine citing Negros Oriental as one of the 20 best places to live in the world.

The Department of Tourism reported that the foreign travelers have listed the province, considering its weather condition, language spoken, ease of immigration and accessibility to hospitals.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano said the respondents also cited Dumaguete City as an academic center, and for its Rizal Boulevard and cafes and art galleries. Tourists also cited the world class diving destination Apo Island in Dauin town, marine sanctuaries and the dolphins at the Tañon Strait of Bais City.

Macias said the report will boost the tourism development of the province. He said Negros Oriental will develop more its tourists attractions and sites, infrastructure support and the environmental preparations, and will develop Balanan Lake in Siaton and Hot Spring in Dauin.

Meanwhile, a European Union bank will allocate 11 million Euro for the proposed Negros-Panay Island Community Base Project next year.

The project will be implemented in the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, Panay, Antique, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office said.

The local government units of Bayawan and Sta. Catalina have signified their willingness to provide counterpart funds for the project. Former governor George Arnaiz has been instrumental in the inclusion of Negos Oriental in the six pilot provinces for the Negros-Panay Island Community Base Project. *MA/RG


Web www.visayandailystar.com

Battle of the Bacolod Malls Continues........

Friday, September 28, 2007
Hot rewards at Robinsons Food Court

ROBINSON Place Bacolod Food Court Hot Rewards promo kicks off October 1 until November 5. To be given away are a laptop computer and five USB flash drives during the grand draw.

An Ipod Shuffle and five Globe Call & Text Cards will be given away every week during the preliminary draws.

A customer is entitled to one raffle coupon for single receipt purchase made at the Robinsons Place Bacolod Food Court during the promo period worth P75 and above or P50 and above for students. Customers may exchange their receipts for a raffle coupon during mall hours at the promo booth located at the food court area.

Draw dates are scheduled on October 8, 15, 22 and 29 every 1 p.m. with a grand draw on November 5 which will be held at Robinsons Place Bacolod Food Court.
Sunstar Bacolod

================================================================
Friday, September 28, 2007
Search for SM Little Stars regional finals set Saturday
TEN talented Negrense kids will compete for the regional finals of the search for the country’s SM Little Stars on September 29, 2007 at 4 p.m. at the northwing Event Centre of SM City Bacolod.

The pre-screening has attracted the attention of at least 238 kids coming from different schools in the city, and after careful deliberation, five pairs of boys and girls were chosen by the panel of judges. One of each five pair will go on to the Grand Finals.

The SM Little Stars competition has its roots in SM Supermalls in Xiamen, Jin Jiang, and Cheng Du, China.

In its original form, it was a talent show for every area, and each area would have one winning Little Star. The Little Star project proved to be very successful in China, and initiative was taken to adapt it to the Philippine context.

The Philippine Little Star competition has evolved into a national contest, involving all SM Supermalls.

It aims at finding the brightest, shining little kids that will be named as “Little Stars.” The competition itself is not strictly a formal beauty pageant or talent show, but a fun opportunity to showcase a child’s natural charm, wit and, yes, talent.

An SM Little Star is well-rounded, fun-loving kid willing to have fun and show other people his or her style.

Prizes for the various stages of the competition have been provided for by the sponsors, mostly as cash and toys worth a particular amount. Aside from the cash and toys, the Grand Finals winners will also get a contract to be print models for the department store.

Participating Sponsors are as follows: Banco De Oro, SM Department Store, Toy Kingdom, and Storyland.
Sunstar Bacolod


==========================================================
Mad Science Goes to Gaisano City
Inviting all 5-12 years old students... Come & be entertained on Friday, September 29, as Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall and SC JOHNSON & SON brings you Mad Science featuring "Fire and Ice", a non-stop scientific discovery such as Bubbling Potions, special Mad Science "burp" potion & giant beach balls floating in the air. Students will surely be amazed by sizzling, shivering scissors and special bubbly showers.

The show presentation will range 45-60 minutes of non-stop scientific discovery including the importance of protecting our skin from mosquito bites. This is a very important knowledge that a kid should know now that it is raining season.

Experiments presented will also include things like our stupendous Air Pressure experiments, the Heaven Effect, Bubbling Potions and a lot more!

Mad Science Special Event is an interactive and spectacular science theme presentation animated by professional Mad Scientists, Innovative, Unique, and hassle free.

Registration starts 1:00 p.m. at Gaisano activity center 2nd level food court area.*
http://www.negrosdaily.com/sep2707v4

Friday, September 28, 2007
I am now a former landowner, says Cuenca
By Ma. Ester L. Espina

AFTER several months, sugar planter Roberto Cuenca finally broke his silence and accepted that he is now a former landowner of Hacienda Velez-Malaga in Barangay Robles, La Castellana town.

A clearly emotional Cuenca said “this occasion is for the real beneficiaries of Hacienda Malaga,” as he thanked the negotiating panel and Agrarian Secretary Nasser Pangandaman for “taking time out to witness this event.”

He admitted that it was “all hurting and painful” that suddenly after 31 years, you found yourself no longer owning the land you have “nurtured and developed,” but added that, “there is a law and we have to abide with it as long as the process used is right.”

“For the last 11 years, Hacienda Velez-Malaga was put on the limelight as a place where chaos reigns, but that is finally over,” Cuenca said in a statement.

He added that he and his family are just hoping that they are turning over their land to “the care of the people whom we hope will also cultivate and love the land that we all have fought for.”

Cuenca expressed his personal thanks to Gov. Joseph Maranon for initiating the call to allow local coordination to take place in order to find solutions to the agrarian dispute. He also thanked other local government officials, particularly the congressmen in the province who joined the call of Maranon as well as the Association of Chief Executives, Provincial Board, former Mayor Enrico Elumba, and the negotiating panel.

“It had been a long and arduous journey for me and my family but more so for our people who tilled this land and cherished it as we have. Their quest for justice and recognition of their rights were finally acknowledged,” Cuenca added.

The former landowner also thanked his colleagues in the sugar industry for “their wholehearted support” as well as the local media for “seeking the truth and giving our beneficiaries the chance to be heard.”

Romeo Caram, who represented the cooperative during the signing, was near tears when he addressed the crowd and expressed his hopes that “peace will finally reign in Malaga.”

Clearly distraught and worried over their faith now that Cuenca has been dispossessed of his rights over his land, the former landowner took time out to have lunch with his people and assured them that as long as they would want to work in partnership with him, “my family and I will continue to be there alongside you and your families, and we will carry on this fruitful partnership that we have started which has been beneficial to all, particularly to your children.”

The Cuenca farmer beneficiaries are scheduled to review their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) already on their tenth year and were clearly worried about their benefits, particularly their children, 191 of whom are recognized scholars of management. One in fact is set to graduate this October with a degree in chemical engineering at the Central Philippine University in Iloilo City.

An emotional Cuenca on the other hand said while he is glad for his farm workers, “it is painful that after 31 years, you do not own your land anymore. However, we have to abide with the law and finally this was attained because due process was followed.”
Sunstar Bacolod

^^ Land Reform is quite complicated. CARP doesn't mean giving away lands from the landless alone. Because as according to the law (i forgot what specific section that is) if a property is to be taken by the gov't, then the gov't has to compensate whatever that was lost to the one who was taken off the property. [Please correct me if I'm wrong]

'
ANP Trade Fair FEATURES
'INNOVATION & REINVENTION'


Entrepreneurship must not only be about profit. It must also be used as a way of helping the underprivileged empower themselves through livelihood opportunities they avail of.

This is the spirit behind the growing operations of the Association of Negros Producers which holds Oct. 3-8 the 22nd Negros Trade Fair at Rockwell in Makati. The 2007 trade fair focuses on the theme: "Innovation and Reinvention", which reiterates the ANP philosophy of productivity, industry and ingenuity.

The trade fair attracts an average of 6,000 visitors and have generated about P15 million in annual domestic sales, both on the spot and orders generated, ANP said.

Seventy three Negros-based producers of the almost 100 ANP members who are engaged in micro-small-medium enterprises, will participate in the exhibit which will showcase furniture and furnishing, fashion and garments, food products and gifts and houseware.

Doreen Alice Peña, ANP vice president for trade, fair and marketing, reiterated that the fair serves not only as a shopping venue but also an opportunity to tap new domestic and international markers and strengthen ANP linkage within the country and abroad.

The ANP world market abroad includes the United States, Italy, France, Poland, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Africa, the Middle East and Scandinavian countries. ANP said 70 percent of its estimated annual income of P120 million come from exports.

Today, ANP members employ more than 15,000 full-time workers and sub-contractors who work on the products based on materials that are indigenous to Negros.

EXPORT QUALITY

Children's Wear Almost 25 years ago, Isabel Lovina, a native of Manila who moved to Bacolod city, was in search of good quality dresses for her daughter. She ended up starting her own company-with its factory in Ubay, Pulupandan - which produces top-quality hand-smocked and embroidered children's apparel bearing the Ines Moda Infantil label. Lovina, who owns Vicmik Enterprises, Inc. is one of the ANP members who will display her products in the ANP exhibit at Rockwell.

After starting her venture, Lovina attended product development trainings and trade expositions which resulted in widely-patronized garments for children appealing not only to high-end buyers but also to the U.S. market where she established her clientele through her trade fair contacts. Consequently, her work force increased from about 150 to thousands handling different phases of the production, including subcontracts. At the same time, she invested on better technology for better cost efficiency.

She said because of the livelihood opportunity her business offered, workers have now a regular source of income not only for survival but also for their children's education. In fact, she said, the child of an old-time employees is now working with the accounting staff of her company. It's been almost 25 years since she started her venture.

And Lovina continues to strengthen her business that transforms and empowers workers and their families. Almost a quarter of a century ago, she drew inspiration from her young girl to start the company. That motivation and inspiration have multiplied. This time, she said, they include her grandson. .

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/Starlife/2007/September/30/feature1.htm

COCO DIESEL FEEDSTOCK
Negros has 94,000 has. in idle areas for coconut

Negros Island has a total of 93,659 hectares of idle areas suitable for coconut plantations, figures of the Department of Agriculture Biofuels Feedstock Group show.

Of the idle areas identified, 59,666 hectares are in Negros Occidental and 33,993 hectares, in Oriental Negros. The DA Biofuels Feedstock Group said areas suitable for coconut are also suitable for palm oil. Both coconut and palm oil are used as feedstocks for biodiesel production.

Biodiesel produced from coconuts is called coco methyl ester, or CME.

The DA Biofuels Feedstock Group said there is an opportunity to expand coconut areas in the country as demand for biofuels will continue to increase. Under the Biofuels Act, a minimum of one percent or B1 of all diesel engine fuel in the country has already been displaced by biodiesel starting last May 6.

By February 2009, the law will require a minimum of two percent blend or B2 of biodiesel. Records of the DA show that demand for CME by 2010 will reach 173 million liters a year, with equivalent feedstock volume demand of 274,603 metric tons of coconut and equivalent area for production demand of 269,219 hectares.

For 2007, demand for CME is only 78 million liters.

The DA data also show that by 2015, CME demand is seen to reach 209 million liters a year, wherein feedstock volume requirement will be 331,746 metric tons of coconut, and required areas for production, 325,241 hectares.

The DA Biofuels Feedstock Group said that since CME biodiesel supply is available locally, refinery capacity already meets current B1 requirements and the excess capacity is being exported by producers.

Pre-blended one percent CME or B1 are now available in dispensing pumps in gas stations in the country. Inherent characteristics of CME leads to more combustion efficiency that provide additional and mileage, the DA added.*NLG

Web www.visayandailystar.com

country sides in negros occidental from webshots
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Fantastic pictures!Lush greneeries!Picturesque!

Fiesta dances featured
The "Fiesta Filipiniana", highlight of the fifth day of the Tourism Week celebration in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, was held recently, a press release from the city said.

Presentations were given by the recent Udyakan Festival winners Negros State College of Agriculture, the grand champion; Fortress College, first runner-up; and the Kabankalan Catholic College, second runner-up.

The DepEd folk dancers, from the students and teachers groups, also presented numbers, as well as the Private School Athletic Association in Kabankalan, with winning folk dances in the elementary, high school, and college levels, and special participation of the faculty group, the press release said.

Mayor Pedro Pedro Zayco Jr. said, "The spirit of the performers reflected the nature of Kabankalanons that remains undaunted against all odds", the press release added.*

October 2, 2007
Sipalay Airstrip Reopening Expected to Boost Tourism (http://www.negrosdaily.com/oct0207v3)

The Sipalay airstrip located inside Maricalum Mining Corporation (MMC), could reopen between now and December this year, as soon as both parties - the management and the city government firm up an initial agreement brokered by Sixth District Congressman Genaro "Lim-ao" Alvarez, Jr. The airstrip was previously used only by management of the mining firm.

In earlier interviews, Sipalay City government officials led by Mayor Soledad Montilla and her son, Vice-Mayor Oscar Montilla have stated that the operationa-lization of the airport would greatly boost tourism as foreign tourists could proceed directly to the beach resorts which have sprouted in this southern Negros city. Since some years ago, Sipalay's playground, its beach resorts have proven as a come-on for thousands of tourists who visit the city monthly, earning millions in revenues for resort owners.

In an interview with the talk show, Freedom Forum on Sunday morning over Super Radyo, Alvarez said he had a three-hour long talk with Maricalum Mining Corporation (MMC) owner, Teodoro Bernardino who set five conditions for the use of the airstrip by the city government.

The present airstrip, Bernardino said, will be turned into their tailings pond, but because it would still be some way off, the city government can make use of it temporarily.

If that happens, they will build another aisrtrip later near their tailings pond No. 3.

As to the conditions they want signed and agreed upon by the two parties, Bernardino said they would demand that nobody go inside their hangar and inside their mining plant, and once the airstrip becomes operational, should not be liable for injuries or damages arising from any accident. He also stipulated that the city government must be responsible for the airport's repair and construction which will take only a few days. They must also settle the matter of taxes, the mining firm owes the city government. As for the pending problem related to labor, it is Bernardino who will take care of this.

Both sides are to discuss the airstrip's reopening in Manila with Alvarez as the third party in the discussion and eventual agreement.*(EC)

before they 1st eyed the target operation of this said airport on the next year in times of summer season,,,but maybe due to thousands of tourists has come every month they revise the eyeing target of operation early between from this moth till december ...cheers

^^ It is really good to see both parties are trying to work things out together.It just show that everything can settled if both will sat down and talk.This will be a big boost to the needed access for tourism programs in Sipalay.

GSIS wireless kiosk opens in Sagay City

The Government Service Insurance System recently installed the Wireless Automated Processing System Kiosk at the Sagay City Bus Terminal, a press release from Sagay City said.

Outgoing GSIS provincial manage Ruth Hilado, who led the installation rites, said the eCard Program makes GSIS more accessible to its members, anytime, anywhere.

The kiosk allows GSIS members to avail of cash advances and consolidated loans using the eCard which serves as the official ID of members, which doubles as an ATM card where all proceeds of their loans and other benefits will be credited, the press release said.

The GW@PS kiosk in Sagay will serve GSIS members and retirees in Northern Negros, including the cities of Sagay, Escalante and Cadiz and the towns of Calatrava and Toboso.

City Administrator Perfecto Marañon, who represented the city government at the installation rites, lobbied for a GSIS satellite office in Sagay City, the press release added.*


Web www.visayandailystar.com

Organic aquaculture gets boost with joint initiatives

Organic aquaculture is getting a boost with the joint initiatives of Negros Occidental, the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), German Development Services (DED) and their other partners in looking into the feasibility of such practice in the country.

At the 1st Philippine Aquaculture Symposium in Bacolod City, which ends today, Dr. Uwe Scholz, program adviser of GTZ Environment and Rural Development-Coastal Fisheries Resource Management, said the participants were introduced to the concepts, benefits and trend of organic aquaculture and given an overview on the principles of organic certification.

In today's sessions, the more than a hundred participants, who include aquaculture stakeholders such as producers, processors and feedmillers, will identify current limiting factors which obstruct the promotion of the organic aquaculture sector and develop and action plan and possible pilot programs for the Visayas.

Director Malcolm Sarmiento of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, whose keynote message was read by BFAR division head Nelson Lopez, said he welcomes the initiative of Negros Occidental in holding the symposium to bring together aquaculture sector stakeholders and forge an opener in adopting a bio-safety and ecosystem-based fish farming by introducing organic aquafarming.

"We also commend the GTZ and DED as cooperators in its efforts to promote this farming practices which I guess is not new to us, but that only the guiding principles are the limiting factors," Sarmiento said.

Jose Maria Valencia, chief of staff of Gov. Joseph Marañon, said the governor's dream of making Negros Occidental the organic food basket in Asia is now closer to reality with the introduction of organic aquaculture.

Other officials present were BFAR Regional Director Drusila Bayate; Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III; and PhilShrimp president Roberto Gatuslao.

William Kramer of the Negros Prawn Producers Marketing Cooperative Inc. said organic aquaculture is a golden opportunity in prawn production. With organic farming, a produce can be given an added-value, he said. In yesterday's opening session, Dr. Stefan Holler of Naturland eV Germany gave an "Orientation on Organic Agriculture: Global Market and Demand." Also, Parate Attavipach of GTZ Thailand discussed "Thailand's Recent Approach Towards Quality Assurance of Aquaculture Products;" Prayoon and Sureerath Hongrath of Sureerath Farms in Bangkok, "Experience with Certified Organic Prawn Aquaculture in Thailand;"

Antoine Bui of GTZ SME Vietnam, Organic Aquaculture in Vietnam; Philip Cruz of Cruz Aquaculture Corp., "Promising New Species for Small-Scale Organic Aquaculture in the Philippines;" and Dr. Relicardo Coloso of Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, "Status of Aquaculture Research and Technologies; Prospects for Organic Products."*NLG


Web www.visayandailystar.com

soon if i have more available time,,,i will make a blogsite to promote our sugarland and and it will be featuring of more about resorts destinations and atractions from the cities of Sipalay, Cadiz, San carlos, Escalante, and many more...i was created before of my own website about negros,,,a free hosting from geocities.com but sadly i had made some of the violation and it was deleted the management,,,not allowed kasi linking of more hosting from the other site like the photo hosting of photobucket

OIL IN TAÑON STRAIT ?
Japanese firm, DOE start oil exploration in Nov.
By RANIE S. AZUE

BACOLOD City – The Department of Energy (DOE) Field Office in the Visayas, in partnership with the Japan Petroleum Exploration Phils. Company Ltd. (JAPAX Phil.), will start oil exploration drillings in Tañon Strait next month.

According to Antonio Labios, director of DOE Visayas Field Office, their office has approved JAPEX’s oil exploration drillings along the 1.5-kilometer radius of Tañon Strait covering the territorial waters of Cebu, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
The drillings will last for three months.

Labios said the group has actually started satellite and actual field explorations at the Tañon Strait more than two years ago and the site for oil exploration drillings that will start next month was determined based on the discovered oil sleeks and other tell tale sign of oil presence beneath the seabed.

The group is presently visiting local government offices in the three provinces that will be affected by the oil explorations, as well as other stakeholders like shipping lines that use the sea lanes of Tañon Strait, fishing industry players, coastal barangays, and non-government organizations particularly environmental groups.

During the explorations, Labios said they will close some 1.5 kilometer radius of the area from any maritime activity like fishing and shipping as a safety precaution.

Environment concerns, he stressed, are being addressed by the corporation and they promised that the drillings will not affect the marine life in Tañon Strait.

Labios also said the designated impact area of 1.5 kilometers was carefully studied through oceanography, sea tides and sea currents.

Sea grasses, seaweeds, fish species and the socio economic profile of the immediate community are also being taken into consideration.

Local governments that will probably be affected by the oil exploration drillings include Escalante City, San Carlos City, Calatrava and Toboso in the Occidental side of Negros.

In Oriental Negros, these are Dumaguete, Bais, Ayungon, Vallehermoso, Sibulan, Amlan, Tanjay, Manjuyod, San Jose, La Libertad, Jimalalud , Bindoy and Jimalalud.
http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/negros6.htm

^^ that's very interesting, geothermal power, bio-fuel, ethanol, and now oil...we might end up as the battery of the south...

Best things are yet to come in Negros!:cheers: Sana tuloy tuloy na 'to.

hopefully... this is fuel and power, no small thing, everything starts with it...without it, industry and commerce will be impossible,..and currently the visayas area is suffering from power shortage, this could make us self sufficient and the nation as well...

October 4, 2007
How provinces fare? (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/October/04/feedback.htm)

Feedback Last week in a series of issues the national papers published the 2006 Commission on Audit financial reports for the 77 provinces, 115 cities, and hundreds of municipalities.

I went over them and in this issue I will discuss the provinces, particularly in West Visayas and later I will discuss the operation of the cities, and municipalities, still later. Last year, I also did this with the 2005 COA report that showed that of all the cities, Silay incurred the biggest deficit and La Carlota, too. This time they are now O.K. Publication of reports has its good effects.

At that time, then Mayor, now Congressman Jeffrey Ferrer sent me a letter, which I published, justifying the deficit. Mayor Carlo Gamban of Silay did not react.

* * *

Negros Occidental, said the report, ranks No. 3 in terms of total income among the 77 provinces. But in net income it ranked at No. 21. In WV, Negros Occidental is No. 1 in both total and net income. Even if we combine Iloilo with Guimaras.

Iloilo for the whole country ranks No. 11 in total income and No. 26 in net income. In West Visayas, here's how the six provinces rank nationally. Negros Occidental, No. 3; Iloilo No. 11; Capiz, No. 30; Aklan, No. 45; Antique, No. 49; and Guimaras, No. 73.

Here's the respective total income of the WV provinces. 1. Neg. Occ., P1.477 billion; No. 2. Iloilo, P1,059B; 3. Capiz P632.336M; 4. Aklan, P478.904M; 5. Antique, P466.455M; and 6. Guimaras, P245.332M.

* * *

Here are the top 10 provinces and their respective total income: 1. Bulacan, P1.718 billion; 2. Cebu, P1.620B; 3. Neg. Occ., P1.477B; 4. Cavite, P1.392B; 5. Laguna, P1.387B; 6. Pangasinan, P1.363B; 7. Batangas, P1.344B; 8. Rizal, P1.259B; 9. Bukidnon, P1.245B; and 10. Quezon, P1.059B.

In the ranking of net income, the picture changes. In terms of percentage of net income to the total income, Occ. Neg. has 9 percent of its total income in the net income while Iloilo has 12.

The other provinces are Capiz, 20; Aklan and Guimaras 15 each, and Antique, 14 percent.

If a local government unit spends a bigger amount or percentage of the total income it is either good or bad. An LGU is not profit-driven but service-oriented. It depends on how the money is spent.

* * *

Here's the ranking of the total net income of the ten top provinces: 1. Rizal, 2. Isabela, 3. Bulacan, 4. Pangasinan, 5. Laguna, 6. Cebu, 7. Albay, 8. Quezon, 9. Cavite, and 10. Palawan.

We have not heard much of Isabela but in total income, it was No. 12 after Iloilo but in net income, it's No. 2. It has plenty of savings. Isabela Governor is Grace Padaca, a former Radyo Bombo announcer.

Here are more figures: The highest percentage in net income based on total income is Rizal with 40 percent, followed by Isabela, 38; Albay, 35; and 25 percent for: Cagayan, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Siquijor, Zamboanga del Sur and Davao del Norte.

* * *

The smallest province at No. 77 is Batanes with a net income of only P159 million.

The last ten going up are the following 77. Batanes; 76. Camiguin; 75. Siquijor; 74. Biliran: 73. Guimaras; 72. Marinduque; 71. Oriental Mindoro; 70. Mt. Province; 69. Ifugao; 68. Romblon.

The figures are interesting. As I said, all heads of local government units, Governors, City or Municipal Mayors must study the figures and compare their LGUs' performance with others.

There will be controversies here.

I repeat. When an LGU has spent plenty it does not mean that it is not well managed. The expenses might be for development. The only problem as the common weakness of LGUs is they spend the money for casuals to insure votes in the next election.

MAMBUKAL RESORT, MURCIA, Negros Occidental
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/19-1.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/17.jpg

country sides in negros occidental from webshots
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/countrysidenearbacolod.jpg


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/13.jpg

October 4, 2007
City mulls widening of road (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/October/04/negor4.htm)
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

The Dumaguete City government under Mayor Agustin Perdices is bent on undertaking a multi-million peso Bacong to Sibulan diversion road project.

Perdices met last week with barangay captains whose jurisdictions will be affected by the 20-meter road widening, with a 6-kilometer stretch from the city boundary with Bacong to Sibulan, to cost around P400 million.

The city has negotiated with owners of properties to be traversed by the diversion road for payment of just compensation. It also tries to come up with donations from owners of huge properties, the mayor said.

Perdices said the planning stage is in high gear, despite the meager allocation from the city government. He said, though, a big amount is not needed outright, as the project will be supported by funds from Rep. George Arnaiz (Neg. Or., 2nd District) and the provincial government headed by Gov. Emilio Macias II. Meanwhile, Perdices said the venue of the Buglasan Festival of Festivals is still within Dumaguete, amid disagreements aired by some local government units to transfer the venue and the date of the festivities.

The new site at the provincial nursery compound in Piapi is being prepared for festival participants.

Perdices suggested to transfer the future site of the Buglasan to a more spacious area.

Board Member Marian Villegas, on the other hand, said the governor has his own prerogative that has to be given a try.*JG

Best things are yet to come in Negros!:cheers: Sana tuloy tuloy na 'to.


jay negros is truly blessd from heaven:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: thats why no 3 spot highest income province in the philippines.

jay negros is truly blessd from heaven:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

And you should pray too that the agrarian problems in Negros will be minimized so that it Negros would continue moving forward, away from the monocrop economy as by prophecy of Carlos Locsin himself: "The best thing that Negros Occidental can give is when the sugar economy collapses." It is here where it will test the resiliency and creativity of a Negrense.

_KuHBh94tX0
In this episode of the Correspondents by Abner Mercado, it illustrated the problems in Hda.Velez-Malaga in La Castellana town. There was a breakthrough regarding this issue though, the Cuencas will be giving up their ownership and give it to the farmers. Hopefully that agrarian reform would move on to its true mission, to both hacendero and mang-uuma.

^^ About the Hacienda Velez-Malaga issue has been resolve lately and it's over for the Cuenca's.Slowly there are some reforms happening.It will take's longer before all this trouble will be solve.Let's hope for a peaceful process.

Mambukal Resort is an excellent location for a Spa.The tranquility and surroundings of the resort is a perfect hideaway.The Province can either established themselves or tap investors to build the project.It could be considered a place for honeymooners.I saw different nationalities when went there,and this resort is already a top earner for the province but still it needs better marketing strategy and more attraction.A mini-zoo is also suitable in Mambukal.

Mambukal Resort is an excellent location for a Spa.The tranquility and surroundings of the resort is a perfect hideaway.The Province can either established themselves or tap investors to build the project.It could be considered a place for honeymooners.I saw different nationalities when went there,and this resort is already a top earner for the province but still it needs better marketing strategy and more attraction.A mini-zoo is also suitable in Mambukal.

Its really beautiful and blessed from heaven natural beauty, hope human in nature will not destroy the wonders of mambukal. it is really a paradise. I remembered gov. maranon said it will develop high end condominium in upper mambukal area.:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

PNOC assures more power by mid-2010
BY CARLA GOMEZ

A Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. official yesterday assured that the geothermal power plant in Mailum, Bago will be producing more than 40 megawatts of power by mid 2010.
Agnes de Jesus, PNOC-EDC vice president for environment and external relations, gave the assurance in response to a query of Gov. Joseph Marañon on it's failure to reach its promised 49 megawatt capacity.

The governor said he was informed that the Northern Negros Geothermal Plant in Bago City was producing less than 20 megawatts.

De Jesus said the plant will be producing 20 megawatts by February 2008 and the remaining 20 percent or even more will be mobilized from the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park buffer zone.

She said they will enter the buffer zone this year and will be producing the power requirement needed by CENECO in time for 2010.

The current low output of the plant is also due to well maintenance, she said. NNGP is clearing its wells of calcite clogging the holes, which prevent them from releasing the steam from its source underneath the earth, she said.

Calcification is not unique to NNGP as other geothermal companies worldwide also experience this occurrence, she said.

PNOC-EDC is already taking the necessary measures to solve this obstruction and we target to complete it by February 2008, she said.

The NNGPP was created primarily to address the energy deficit in the province so it is the company's moral responsibility to live up to its objective of supplying Negros Occidental's power demand, she reiterated.*CPG


Web www.visayandailystar.com

i will figure it out

http://www.youtubhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sydP1CkoI4e.com/watch?v=4sydP1CkoI4

4sydP1CkoI4

International I-tax system conference set in province

Negros Oriental will host the 1st International Conference on Local Government Financing set Oct. 29 and 30, with about 500 participants.

The activity is spearheaded by the government of Germany through the German Technical Cooperation, under its Philippine-German Cooperation Fiscal Decentralization Project, provincial assistant administrator Josie Columna said.

The conference will focus on local government financing, specifically, on Integrated Taxation System or I-Tax, a project that has been piloted in Negros Oriental.

The I-Tax is a modern computer-based tax assessment and collection system for all local government units in the Philippines. It was developed by German experts together with Philippine programmers in the province. The event, to be held at the provincial convention center, will be attended by German Ambassador for Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, representatives from donor agencies such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, United States Agency for International Development and AusAid of Australia, among others.

Other guests will include officials from Germany, Peru, Tanzania and the Philippine government, headed by Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, Rep. George Arnaiz (Neg. Or., 2nd District), chairman of the House committee on local government. Provincial governors, assessors, treasurers, and GTZ-Negros Oriental local team leader, Ernst-Dieter Fuchs, will also join the conference, said Columna.*JG


Web www.visayandailystar.com

Marañon open to DOF-WB proposals

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph G. Marañon met with representatives of the Department of Finance (DOF) and World Bank as he welcomed the groups’ proposal to support a particular priority project of the province through grants.

The group representing DOF-WB’s Performance-Based Grant System Project that paid a courtesy visit at the Capitol was composed of Finn Lauritsen, Nyrh Cabance and DOF-WB consultant Elizabeth Makayan.

Makayan said the project also aims to assist local government units’ performance in its capability building and other training needs to be of better service to its constituents.
Marañon and other provincial officials pointed out the “Irrigation Highway” project as one of the possible areas to be funded through a grant from DOF-WB.

He said the project aims to develop the seven major rivers of Negros Occidental to help boost the economy specifically livelihood and tourism, among others, in the countryside. It also intends to provide potable water in identified areas.

The group is scheduled to visit areas suggested by the province as possible grantees for funding for their capability building and training needs.

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/negros4.htm

Saturday, October 06, 2007
Mangrove rehab, crab culture in Silay up for int’l broadcast

A VIDEO documentation on the mangrove rehabilitation project and mud crab cultivation in Barangay Balaring, Silay City was filmed Friday for international broadcast by six visiting journalists from Japan.

BS Japan of the production firm Zenkokusha Innovator Ltd. filmed a one-hour documentary on the efforts of IKAW-AKO and the local government of Silay in preserving its coastal areas.

Yasumune Muramatsu, program director, said the documentary will be aired in Japan in January 1, 2008 while show time in the Philippines will be sometime next year.

Silay Vice Mayor Mark Golez, Councilor Mike Maravilla, and IKAW-AKO coordinator Shintaro Higashiyama initiated the planting along with some 70 girls scouts from Doqa Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School.

Committee Chair on Tourism and Environment Warlito Go facilitated the activity.

Two thousand five hundred seedlings of Pagatpat and Bakhaw bought by the visitors were planted.

Golez, a first-timer in coastal rehabilitation, said he is grateful for the Japanese visitors’ effort in increasing the awareness of the whole world on IKAW-AKO and Silay City s environmental conservation endeavor through the documentary adding that the project of IKAW-AKO has been a big help in the community.

Maravilla also presented the city’s proposal in improving the coastal rehab project in Barangay Balaring.

BS Japan, a television channel that documents environmental protection activities of non-government organization, has also filmed mangrove documentaries in Fiji, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand.

Health benefits pushed

Health services for the poor and new born infants in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, are being pushed by the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Health headed by Dolly Yasa, a press release from her office said.

Yasa, at a recent meeting of the Local Health Board with Mayor Francisco Nazareno and municipal health officer, Dr. Edmundo Janeo, also tackled the Philhealth accreditation of the Municipal Infirmary, for making it a 24-hour emergency clinic.

Local officials agreed to waive the consultation fee of P10 previously charged to residents, the press release said.

It will be integrated in the Local Tax Ordinance to take effect in January next year, as well as the mandatory screening for newborn infants.

Yasa said the screening is needed to determine defects and diseases affecting infants.

While there will be a fee imposed, she stressed it will be very minimal because the municipal government will shoulder the expenses for indigents, as certified by the local social welfare office and their barangay captain, the press release added.*

i will figure it out

meg you got it? if any, don't hesitate to try to pm me anytime

support our new thread Panaad Sang Negros Tourism Thread

Bacolod City, Philippines Monday, October 8, 2007




Feedback
with Primo Esleyer OPINIONS
How municipalities fared?

I have made a study of the 77 provinces and the 115 cities in terms of the financial report of the Commission on Audit. Now, I am going into the municipalities. Some may raise a howl. But you complain to the COA. I am only reporting. I centered my studies on the municipalities of Western Visayas.

There are 115 municipalities in Region 6 or Western Visayas spread as follows: Iloilo, 42; Negros Occidental, 19; Antique, 18; Capiz and Aklan, 16 each, and Guimaras, 4.

The 10 biggest towns in Region 6 are: five in Negros which are Hinigaran, Cauayan, Calatrava, Binalbgan, and Murcia.

Three towns are included in Antique, Caluya, San Jose, and Patnongon. There is one each in Aklan and Iloilo: Kalibo, and Oton, respectively. Capiz did not have one. And so with Guimaras. But Capiz has a city, Roxas.

***

Here are the top 10 towns in the region with their respective total income: 1. Kalibo P104.471 million; 2. Hinigaran, P101.377; 3. Cauayan, P101.010; 4. Calatrava, P100.884; 5. Caluya, P93.666; 6. Binalbagan, P80.809; 7. Murcia, P76.322; 8. San Jose, P73.900; 9. Patnongon, P72.366; and 10. Oton, P72.078.

You don't underestimate Antique. It's a mountainous province but its towns earn well. We used to underrate it as the source of migrant workers in Negros, the sacadas. Now, Antique opens opportunities for investments. Caluya is a mining town. It is an island.

***

Here are the top 10 municipalities of Negros with their respective total income: 1. Hinigaran, P101.477; 2. Cauayan, P101.010; 3. Calatrava, P100.884; 4. Binalbagan, P80.847; 5. Murcia, P78.322; 6. La Castellana, P66.588; 7. Hinoba-an, P65.888; 8. E.B. Magalona, P63.555; 9. Ilog, P59.688; and 10. Valladolid, P58.647.

Let us also have the remaining nine other Negros towns: 11. Isabela, P58.512; 12. Manapla, P56.420; 13. Pontevedra, P51.614; 14. Toboso, P48.782; 15. Moises Padilla, P45.553; 16. Pulupandan, P44.267; 17. Candoni, P39,780; 18. Salvador Benedicto, P31.735; and 19. San Enrique, P28.625.

***

The 10 biggest towns of Iloilo and their respective total income: 1. Oton, P72.618; 2. Pototan, P68.925; 3. Miag-ao, P66.825; 4. Janiuay, P66.628; 5. Dumangas, P66.324; 6. Lambunao, P66.319; 7. Calinog, P63.787; 8. Sta. Barbara, P62.670; 9. Leon, P58.601; and 10. Pavia, P56.567. Figures are in millions.

The smallest town in Iloilo is San Rafael with a total income of only P19.993 million.

Which have the biggest savings? And operating on deficit? Let it be understood that when a town has no savings, it does not mean it is not operated well. The mayor may want to have all the money used. Local government units, we always say, are not for profit.

***

Which towns made the biggest savings?

Here they are for the whole Region 6, computed on percentage on net income over total income: 1. Caluya, 64 percent; 2. Valladolid, 38; 3. Balete, 28; 4. Toboso, 27; 5. Malay, 24; 6. San Miguel, 23; 7. San Joaquin, 22; 9. Hinigaran, 21; and the towns of Calatrava, Dingle, and Mambusao with 20 percent savings each.

This will be a controversial one. Murcia which is the seventh biggest in West Visayas and fifth biggest in Negros Occidental had a deficit of 5 percent in its operation.

Its total income was P76.322 million with expenses of P79.946 million or a deficit of P3.624 million or 5 percent.

No. 2 is Pontevedra in Capiz with total income of P45.216M and expenses of P45.672M or deficit of P461,000 or 1 percent.

No. 3 is Pandan, Antique with income of P34.494M and expense of P34.804M or short of P310,000 or one percent.

No. 4 is Salvador Benedicto, income of P31.725M with expense of P31.804M, short of P29,000.

No. 5 is Mambusao with P48.396M income and expense of P48.398M or shot of P2,000.

I tried to check and recheck. But if you find some errors in my copying the figures, I will be happy to correct them.

Now, within your town, people can start already the debate on the pros and cons.

***

The Ceneco-Kepco contract controversy will continue to be hotly debated. Let it be debated. I talked with Bobby Montelibano and he is open to a debate because he can answer all the questions.

It is not good for him not to answer all the questions. This is good for Ceneco. This is also good for him. And the Ceneco board.*

Bacolod City, Philippines Monday, October 8, 2007



Fisherfolk group hit
DOE, JAPEX visits
Fisherfolk group PAMALAKAYA-Negros called a sham the consultations conducted by the Department of Energy on the scheduled gas drilling operation of Japan Petroleum Exploration Inc. at the Tañon Strait in November.

The group said in a press statement that DOE 7 Director Antonio Labios and Shigehiro Moriya of JAPEX are visiting mayors in northern Negros explaining the oil exploration drilling, but presenting only the benefits of the projects.

PAMALAKAYA-Negros said the DOE and JAPEX excluded "the real stakeholders, the marginal municipal fisherfolks" in the consultations.

"They made us believe that the visits and the information drive are consultations required by the law on Environmental Impact Statement (Presidential Decree 1586) to (make it) appear that there is widespread support for the project," PAMALAKAYA-Negros spokesperson Joan Locsin said.

After meeting with Negros Occidental Governor Marañon last Wednesday, the JAPEX group will visit Escalante Mayor Beboy Yap next, the group said.

PAMALAKAYA-Negros said the JAPEX oil exploration project is facing widespread opposition for its negative impact to the marine environment and the people's livelihood.

More than 70,000 marginal fisherfolk depend on the marine ecosystem of Tañon Strait, which is part of the Visayan Sea Basin and considered by environmentalists as "host to the world's richest marine biodiversity."

"PAMALAKAYA vigorously protests the proposed activity of JAPEX. We urge JAPEX to cease all preparatory activities pending resolution of the protest by the local fisherfolk," Locsin said.

They said the dislocation of fisherfolk and the destruction of their livelihood and of the marine ecosystem are concrete and strong grounds to reject the project.

We must not sacrifice the environment and national patrimony in favor of the profits of transnational companies, Locsin added.*

San Carlos City

San Carlos City is a 1st class city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines.

San Carlos is situated in the heart of the Visayan Islands in the central Philippines, close to the main sea lanes of South East Asia. At the crossroads of four major cities and provinces with a total population of about eight million, it is close to domestic and international trading and communication links of Cebu City. It is then an hour by jet to Manila, two to Hong Kong and Taiwan, and four to Singapore, Korea and Japan.

San Carlos will be an exemplary modern agro-industrial zone and a new town that is distinct, memorable, economically viable, socially responsible and in balance with the environment.

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Exemplary

San Carlos is posed to take a leading role in the agro-industrial development of Negros through the diversification of its productive agricultural base and the adoption of the highest standards in planning and project implementation.


Modern
San Carlos shall provide for a modern and world class living and working environment with or thru:

* Application of new cost-effective techniques to address quality of life issues
* Incentive business activities
* World-class facilities
* Connected to the world
* Safe and healthy environment
* Access and application of new technology
* Sound educational system including vocational & technical schools
* 24/7 Infrastructure
* Provide a variety of recreation & social activities
* Encourages economic development
* Provides quality health care
* Zero squatters

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Agro-Industrial Zone
San Carlos is capable of becoming an efficient agricultural base and a competitive industrial area in numerous fields such as:

* Flower and Ornamentals Production
* High Value Crops Production and Processing
* Aquaculture and Mariculture
* Light industry. Technology & Services
* Knowledge & Skill-based Manpower Development



New Town
San Carlos City shall be a town that exhibits a town-feel character with lots of open spaces.

Distinct
This means that the city would look and feel different not only to visitor and tourists but to residents as well. The Master Development Plan plans to make the city known for the hospitality of its people and for its distinctive mark.

Memorable
What the Master Development Plan really wants is to boost the city's Tourism Industry in turning it into a place where people would always want to come back to.

Economically viable
The Master Development Plan will create job opportunities in order to avoid brain drain. San Carlos City will not only be for a selected few but everybody would be given the opportunity or responsibility to participate.

Socially Responsible
The Master Development Plan shall create a society wherein residents are concerned with the welfare and well-being of everybody.

In balance with the environment
The Master Development Plan envisions the city to have a balance among business, recreation, social, health and family life.

History

San Carlos City was formerly named Nabingkalan, derived its name from Nabingka, a beautiful daughter of a chieftain of the Negrito settlement in the area, who ruled the barrio during the early part in the 17th century. She was famous for her loveliness and mental and physical prowess. After her death, the people mourned for two (2) years, but to perpetuate her memory, something had to be done, and that was to name the barrio Nabingkalan. The settlement was later bought by Carlos Apurado from Badian, Cebu, who, with the help of fellow pioneers, developed the settlement into a thriving Christian Village.Fragments of written history show that in 1856, the Island of Buglas (Negros), as a politico-military province under Spain, was divided into two (2) provinces, the West Negros under Iloilo and the East Negros under Cebu. The barrio of Nabingkalan under Calatrava, was under the jurisdiction of Iloilo. Señor Don Emilio Saravia, the first political-military governor in the island during the Spanish era, renamed the place and established it as a "pueblo".

San Carlos prospered through the years, however, the village lost its "pueblo" category, and in 1890, when Negros Island was divided into Occidental Negros and Oriental Negros, San Carlos was recorded as an "arrabal" or barrio of Calatrava (Hilub-ang).

On October 16, 1898, a parish priest of Calatrava, then the township under whose jurisdiction Nabingkalan, was a barrio, visited the place. He found it more prosperous than the town proper. So he assembled the cabesas de barangay and after a short conference, decided to name the new town San Carlos, in honor of the Patron Saint of the barrio, Saint Carlos Borromeo, whose feast day was November 4, and on the same day, the seat of the town was transferred to San Carlos.

During the first years of the American jurisdiction of the Philippines, the economic and social phase of the activities of the people was gauged on the movements of the big landholders and Spaniards in the lowlands. In 1903, the political arena was a hot place, it being the first taste of the Filipinos to elect their own leader. Since then, the following elections were always a sensational political drama. In 1912, when the sugar central was constructed, the economic life of the people was greatly enhanced. The political activities, however, was closely woven with that of Calatrava, until 1925, when Calatrava was organized into a municipality.

From 1899 to the last days of the administration of the municipality of San Carlos, the following persons have served as presidentes and mayors, has each contributed in one way or another to the progress of the town:

Vicente Flores Bernardino Lazanas Jose Cervantes Pelagio Carbajosa Agustin Ylagan (4 terms) Domingo Medina (2 terms) Vicente Atienza Juan P. Broce (2 terms) Fausto Caballero Eugenio Antonio, Jr.

Festival

Pintaflores was born out of the people's search for a cultural identity and tradition.

If Cebu City has its Sinulog, Bacolod City its Masskara, and Aklan its Ati-atihan, San Carlos City also dreamt of having its own unique festival.

In 1992, after successfully holding two activities, the Nabingkalan Tattoo Festival and the Dances of Flowers as highlights of the city fiesta, the idea of blending the two concepts to come up with a presentation that could be considered the City's very own started what today is one of the most popular street dancing festivals in the region - the Pintaflores Festival of San Carlos City.

Pintaflores is coined from the words Pintados, the concept behind the Nabingkalan Tattoo Festival, and the "flores", the Spanish word for flowers that dominated the theme of the Dances of Flowers. The Pintaflores street dancing and ritual competition highlights the annual Pintaflores festival every November 3-5.

It features rhythmic dances and dance dramas of life and death and the triumph of good against evil that depict the people's thanksgiving of merriment, abundant blessings and success. As part of the Pintados Tradition, the faces, arms, bodies and legs of the dancers are painted with flowers to express gratitude to man and his environment.

The street dancing is culminated by a dance ritual performed at the City Auditorium. Different dance steps and musical accompaniment add to the thrill of the competition. The Human flower formation is another impressive part of the dance ritual which are products of the ingenuity and skill of the choreographers and dancers.

Building a name on the streets of Cebu, Negros and Panay

It takes time to build. but, with Pintaflores, the time to gather frame is at a very young age. Colegio de Sto. Tomas - Recoletos high school students, bested seasoned contestants to land third place in the free interpretation category in the heavinly-competed Sinulog festival in Cebu City in January 1993. In April of the same year, the group bagged the championship in Panaad Sa Negros '93, to province-wide cultural festival in Negros Occidental.

Represented by Barangays II and Quezon, the Pintaflores street dancing contingent emerged first prize in Panaad Sa Negros in 1996. The same group with the participation of Barangay Ermita bagged again the championship in Panaad Sa Negros 1997 and the fifth prize in Sinulog festival '98.

In Panaad Sa Negros '98, the Pintaflores group composed of dancers from Barangays Punao and Palampas and the City Hospital graced the fiesta presentation as guest performers. In Panaad '99. the Pintaflores represented this time by elementary school children, once again proved its unbeatable streak by emerging champions, consequently reaping the Hall of Fame award for topping the fiesta presentation event in four consecutive years.

Having established a name in street dancing, Pintaflores danced performers in such places as Iloilo City (1996) and the Roxas City (1997) as among the best of the best in the region, and in Canlaon City and Victorias in 1999 as the best in the province.

But the best is yet to come to Pintaflores as a new breed of dancers has emerged with the launching of Pintaflores Bata or Pinta Bata in 1996. A street dancing and ritual competition among elementary school children. Pinta Bata thrills one with the children's pleasing gracefulness and versatility that promises a crop of excellent dancers in the years to come.

San Carlos comes alive and colorful every November 5. Its streets become ablaze and animated by the sprightly dance of flower-painted dancers in colorful ethnic-inspired costumes as the traditional Pintaflores festival hits this its peak in a colorful and lively streetdancing competition.

After five years and many awards, including the Hall of Fame awards in streetdancing in the Panaad Sa Negros, the word Pintaflores, like "Daan Sa Kaunlaran" and Homelot program, now has become another byword of the creativity of San Carloseños.

San Carlos Business Park

is an area besides the city hall, which is set to become an export processing zone, it is also the site of the San Carlos City airport set to open in 2010

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People's Park

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Sipaway Island

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Hacienda Fortuna Lagoon
is a park within the 3,000 hectare sugar plantation owned by the Ledesma family of which Rep. Jules Ledesma belongs to

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San Carlos Sugar Mill

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for more information please visit the website http://www.sancarloscity.org/

Monday, October 08, 2007
Group formed to empower women in the farms
By Gil Alfredo B. Severino

FOURTH District Representative Jeffrey Ferrer congratulated the Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Kuatro Distrito (SKKD) for having been organized and officially recognized by the province, therefore, will be entitled to benefits and congressional funds for livelihood projects.

Ferrer was inducting officer of the SKKD officials last Saturday, October 6, 2007 at the Grand Regal Hotel.


Ferrer urged the SKKD to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) so it can sign contract with the his congressional office for the group's other needed resources.

Ferrer explained that, at present, there are eight pending bills in congress designed to uplift women's plight and uphold women's rights, but he does not need to wait for these to be passed.

He then told SKKD, "After my meeting with Tesda, you can already avail of congressional funding to start your training needs."

"It is more difficult for a congressman to extend help than the mayors. But I have brought along with me Pontevedra Mayor Joemar Alonso and La Carlota Mayor Demy John Honrado to assure you that our support for the cause of women is all-out," Ferrer further stressed.

Meanwhile, SKKD president Josefa Alfonso explained that the fight against poverty is long and arduous, saying, "The first priority in women empowerment is herself. She must understand her role and she must have potentials to help in augmenting family income."

"She must, therefore, transcend from her 'minor' role in society to become the leading light," Alfonso added of a woman.

"Along the way, the woman will begin to see vested interest, political evil and substandard public support system around that will stop her from leading a life," she also said.

Alfonso stressed, "This is where the SKKD will come in. Our campaign is to educate women how to source funds from their own barangay but eventually must develop a skill that goes beyond pulling weeds in the farms," she added.

ADB team conducts pre-appraisal mission

A team from the Asian Development recently conducted a pre-appraisal mission in two agrarian reform communities in Negros Occidental as a requirement for the implementation ADB-funded projects in ARCs, the Department of Agrarian Reform-Negros Occidental said in a press release.

The ADB representatives included Manoshi Mitra from India, Mohammed Nasilum Islam from Sri Lanka and Augustina Musa of Indonesia.

They visited ARCs in Brgys. Maaslob and Dolis in Calatrava and Brgy. Camang-camang, Isabela, which are under municipal agrarian reform officers Isaias Solido and Jose Renato Defiño, respectively. In Calatrava, the ADB team conducted an orientation among local government officials and ARC residents, with Arnulfo Figueroa, in-charge of DAR Support Services Office Infrastructure Project, the press release said.

They discussed the proposed projects with Sangguniang Bayan members and department heads involved in the financial aspects of the program. Local officials present were Vice Mayor Micolas Camara, Councilor Ingrasio Dayanan Jr., and Municipal Agriculture Officer Ric Infante, the press release added.*


Web www.visayandailystar.com

Uplift International sets NegOcc medical mission

An ocular inspection of the different Negros Occidental government-run hospitals will be conducted by the Uplift International, for their medical mission in early 2008, a Capitol press release said yesterday.

Head of Mission of Uplift International Jaime Yrastorza, with Drs. Richard Bryan and Martin Helldorfer, Megs Lunn, Dr. Rafael Jocson and RJ Ureta called on Gov. Joseph Marañon at the Capitol recently, and informed him about their mission called "Mending faces…one child at a time."

The group, which conducted its first mission early this year in Kabankalan City, will provide mending care to poor children with disfigured faces, the press release said. Operation "Taghoy" Mission 2008 is their outreach activity next year, wherein a 36-man delegation composed of surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, orthodontists, nurses and outreach personnel will provide free medical/surgical mission, to be conducted at the Teresita Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.

This is cooperation with the provincial government through its Economic Enterprise Development Department's Hospital Operations Division. Marañon encouraged the group to also conduct a mission in the northern part of the province, the press release added.*

check this out, the Famous La Carlota Drum Beaters at the Pasasalamat Festival in their home turf at La Carlota City

9V93AQ8bV2c

BxFjEZJBGM4

Apo Island Marine Reserve Negros Oriental

one of the best dive sites in the country

4-yIDmdIpSM

Province launches PHINO
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

Negros Oriental will launch a program called the Provincial Health Insurance to address health concerns of indigents.

The PHINO intends to enroll all the indigents of the province, which is placed at 32 percent of the total population or approximately 82,000 households.

Conceptualized during the incumbency of Dr. Ely Villapando as integrated provincial health officer, the program is also aimed at serving the underprivileged, underserved, disenfranchised and marginalized sectors.

At an orientation-briefing held Friday attended by mayors from Canlaon to Basay, Villapando said the program will not work without visible LGU support at all levels for sustainability.

Initially, the provincial government has P15 million for the program, with required counterparts from the municipalities. Later on, PHINO will be expanded to include pedicab drivers, self-employed individuals, vendors, marginalized fishermen, farmers, and the like, Villapando said.

PHINO expects a compounded savings for the provincial government, unlike in PhilHealth where investment is lost when not used in a year.

"We are being used by PhilHealth," Villapando said of its stringent requirements, unrealistic standards, delay in the processing of reimbursements, and fixed coverage.

In PHINO, all cases are compensable and coverage may be increased because it is managed locally, he added.

Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Jose Baldado lamented that indigents had to beg and would kneel just to get the needed assistance from politicians.

He said when they are identified with the other political camp, they will be given a run around, or be given less.

The vice governor said the insurance program hopes to bring back the dignity of an indigent patient.

"No Negrense should die for reasons that it cannot afford to be hospitalized or afford a health care program," Baldado stressed.

On the other hand, Gov. Emilio Macias II lamented that even in an ordinary appendectomy operation, PhilHealth cannot pay in full.

In some instances, PhilHealth also decides on what hospital and determines the doctor, the governor, doctor by profession, he said.

If not spent for the year, premiums paid will not be availed by people it was intended for unless renewed the following year, he added.*JG


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Unpaid taxes of CARP lands swell to P1B

By Carla Gomez
Visayas Bureau
Last updated 08:24pm (Mla time) 10/06/2007

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines--The unpaid real property tax for farmlands covered by agrarian reform in Negros Occidental has reached more than P1 billion, Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon said Thursday.

A report submitted by Provincial Assessor Merlita Caelian showed that the real property tax collectibles for agrarian reform-covered property from 1988 to Sept. 21, 2007 amounted to P1.131 billion, excluding pieces of properties in eight cities that have yet to submit their reports.

There were 104,914 hectares of land in Negros Occidental covered by the government's agrarian reform programs, Republic Act No. 6657 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law and the Presidential Decree 27 (land reform on rice and corn lands), the report showed.

The highest amount of unpaid taxes of agrarian reform lands were registered in Manapla at P100.24 million, followed by Pontevedra (P96.18 million), Isabela (P97.39 million), Moises Padilla (P88.78 million), Hinigaran (P88.14 million) and E.B. Magalona (P81.74 million).

Thirteen other municipalities and four cities have unpaid real estate taxes from agrarian reform lands ranging from P65 million to about P3 million.

Meanwhile, Marañon said a study conducted by the provincial government to determine the status of agrarian reform beneficiaries in Negros Occidental showed the need for adequate support services to help them make their land productive.

The study has shown that 41 percent of the agrarian reform beneficiaries in the province are no longer tillers of the land, he pointed out. They have either leased or sold the rights to their pieces of properties, the governor said.

Marañon said he had the study conducted to push for the success of agrarian reform in Negros Occidental.

"Our pushing for the evaluation of the CARP when it expires next year does not mean that we are saying that it should not be continued. We are not going against CARP. We just want its implementation to be improved so it will be responsive to the needs of the beneficiaries," he said.

The Department of Agrarian Reform could continue to cover agricultural properties that were volunteered for coverage by landowners but there should be a moratorium on covering productive lands, Marañon added.


...... okey, this is one of the reason why I have disagreed with CARP, small landholdings are not that productive, in the end if this people starve, they'll just end up selling the land ,..and since they have little choice, will get a small compensation for it.. I prefer agricultural subsidies..

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Alliance building gab held

The Department of Interior and Local Government, in partnership with the Negros Occidental government, held a two-day Alliance Building Workshop that started Monday at the Governor's Hall, Provincial Capitol, in Bacolod City, a Capitol press release said.

It was attended by Vice Gov. Isidro Zayco, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, city and municipal mayors, department and office heads of the provincial government, and representatives of national government agencies. The activity, on the theme, "Negros 2007 and Beyond…One Province, One Voice, One Vision", aims to strengthen alliances among the cities, municipalities, NGA and key stakeholders of the province towards a collaborative development agenda, the press release said.

It also served as an opportunity for the province to exercise its leadership role in determining its vision, mission and goals, together with its component cities and municipalities, NGAs, and key stakeholders

Topics about "Laying the Foundation for Effective and Efficient Transition" and "Building the Team Towards Synergy" were tackled on the first day with Ace Azarcon of the DILG Region VI Technical Services Division, as resource person.

The workshop included lecture-discussions, structured learning exercises, video presentations, and action planning, the press release added.*

PNOC to drill 3 wells IN DAUIN BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

The Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corporation has acquired an environmental compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to drill three wells in Dauin, Negros Occidental, starting January next year.

Each project costs P100 million for a 40-megawatt geothermal power plant PNOC hopes to realize by 2011.

"We already drilled two wells in 1986, and the well in Barangay Magsaysay, Dauin, was hot. The new drills will be hotter than the existing one," PNOC-EDC environmental division head Arnold Nalam disclosed recently.

He said his office has started collecting water samples for analysis, as well as monitoring activities. They will also train technical people for monitoring, sometime in November.

PNOC-EDC was 53 percent privatized in June 2007. The drilling project is part of its privatization strategy to generate more profits, Nalam said, adding that last year the PNOC posted a net profit of P7 billion.*JG


Web www.visayandailystar.com


Is Dauin in Oriental(NegOr)?

^^ It's in oriental, from what I know that's where Apo Island is, I hope that they're careful in drilling for oil...

Ecozone investment pledges rise 88%

INVESTMENT PLEDGES registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, or PEZA, soared by 88% year on year to P109 billion in the nine months to September, driven largely by expansion of big-ticket investors.

PEZA Director-General Lilia B. de Lima told reporters yesterday that the committed investments for that period had already exceeded the full-year target of P100 billion. "This is due mainly to reinvestments by companies that are already here like Texas Instruments, Inc. We hope this continues until the end of the year," Ms. de Lima said.

She added that a number of big projects and investments are coming in the next two months, but declined to give details.

Export earnings grew by 16%, while employment rose by 4% from January to August, Ms. de Lima said.

She said PEZA expects a 20% growth in investments next year, adding that pledges will likely come from China, Japan and India. "We expect investments from three of our major trading partners after the President’s trip," she said.

PEZA and the Board of Investments (BoI), the country’s two top investment promotion agencies, reported a 26% year on year surge in investment commitments to P158 billion from January to August. BoI-registered projects committed investments worth P69 billion, while PEZA investments reached P89 billion.

The two agencies had approved close to 500 projects, which have committed to create 93,164 new jobs. The Trade department has attributed the continued surge in investments to strong investor confidence.

The government in August agreed to provide open access in some PEZA sites to enable locators to enjoy lower power rates, and in turn, entice even more investments.

The areas mentioned were Tiwi, Albay; MakBan which lies between Banahaw and Makiling; Tongonan in Leyte; Palinpinon in Negros Oriental; Mt. Apo in Davao; as well as Bago in Negros Occidental.

Open access is a regime where users can choose suppliers of their electricity.

This is meant to promote competition among electricity providers and, in turn, reduce power rates. — B. S. Sto. Domingo

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Drive to aid ARBs launched
BY NANETTE GUADALQUIVER
The Department of Agrarian Reform yesterday launched in Bacolod City a development intervention project aimed to boost the productivity and lives of 21,000 sugarcane farmer-beneficiaries in the country, mostly in Negros Island.

Dubbed SugarcaneGrow or Sustainable Sugarcane Growing, the project covers three areas that will allow small sugarcane farmers to expand their production from that only of conventional sugar to other sugarcane-based products such as muscovado and bio-ethanol.

The project is a response to the clamor for more support services for agrarian reform beneficiaries, DAR Regional Alexis Arsenal said at the project's provincial launch and orientation at the Sugarland Hotel yesterday.

This is the answer, so that small sugarcane planters can have sustainable production, he said.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Teresita Depeñoso said that through the project, ARBs who plant sugarcane will have the capacity to organize their own micro-enterprises and given the opportunity to be acknowledged in the sugar industry.

The three sub-project of SugarcaneGrow includes the following:

First, the SugarBP or the Sustainable Upgrading of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Production, which assists conventional sugarcane farmers, who supply canes to sugar mills, in enhancing their production systems through improved technologies; Second, the MUSCOSugar, which promotes the production and processing of muscovado sugar especially in marginalized areas as alternative to the conventional raw sugar produced in existing sugar mills; and,

Third, the SugarBio-E or the Sugarcane Production for Bio-Energy, which assists sugarcane farmers in supplying raw materials as feedstock to bioethanol plants. This sub-project is initially eyeing ethanol plants in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental and Kibawe, Bukidnon. SugarcaneGrow, a five-year complementary project package that will be implemented in collaboration with key partners such as the Sugar Regulatory Administration and Land Bank of the Philippines, initially covers both Negros Occidental and Oriental Negros and Bukidnon.

Negros alone produces 60 percent of the country's sugar requirement.

The project will be expanded later to Panay, including Iloilo, Capiz and Antique, and other sugar-producing provinces of Cebu, Leyte, North Cotabato, Batangas, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cagayan and Camarines Sur. According to the DAR-ARB Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Development Program, which coordinates the project implementation, Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Areas contribute a substantial portion of the overall sugarcane areas nationwide.

As of the fourth quarter of 2006, 116,324 hectares of CARP areas are devoted to sugarcane production.

ORGANIZING FOR CLOUT

One of the major project activities is "organizing for clout" to give sugarcane farmer-beneficiaries greater economic clout when dealing with people in the sugar industry, particularly with the sugar mills, planters association, muscovado mill owners, bio-energy plant owners, the SRA and other industry players.

To represent the sugarcane farmer-beneficiaries in Negros Occidental, the Negros Occidental ARB Planters Association was formed and its officers headed by their president Pascual Victoriano were inducted yesterday.

Gomer Tubali, consultant of DAR-AREDP, said that small sugarcane planters are marginalized, and that they have articulated their need to be heared in the sugar industry.

They feel they are given the least priority, he said.

Part of this project provides support to them to organize themselves into a separate association, Tubali added.*NLG


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Kabankalan city cheerdance
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PNOC-EDC acquires laboratory in Valencia
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE
The Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corp. has acquired its own laboratory for environmental monitoring and other requirements in Ticala, Valencia, Negros Oriental.

Having their own laboratory makes it easier for them to conduct regular laboratory analyses of water samples taken from rivers and other bodies of water, Arnold Nalam, senior supervisor of the Environmental Management Office of the PNOC-EDC's Southern Negros Geothermal Production Field, said. It also eases the load of having to conduct other laboratory examinations on their own, instead of relying on another facility as the geothermal fields are up in the mountains of Valencia, Nalam said.

He said their internal environmental monitoring can be cross-checked by people who may want to verify whether operations at the geothermal fields are done within the bounds prescribed by law. Meanwhile, Nalam said that PNOC-EDC would run laboratory tests if the public would make a request, however, the results would be unofficial.*
Web www.visayandailystar.com

San Carlos City Master Economic and Social Plan

Master Plan for Economic and Social Development



Economic and social development are seriously pursued in San Carlos City following a framework provided by a master development plan.

The master plan is carefully and expertly prepared by a group of reliable planning consultants led by Urbis Philippines, Inc. whose expertise ranges from industrial design and development, marketing, infrastructure development, environmental planning, social development, land use, institutional development and tourism.

It puts into proper perspective development priorities and serves as public and private sectors in pursuing development programs in the next 20 years beginning year 2000 that are in tune with the city's vision.

While other development plans focus development in the urban areas, San Carlos City's Master Development Plan (MDP) includes the economic and social development of mountain barangays into rural growth centers or secondary urban growth centers considering their rich agricultural and forestry resources.

The San Carlos Development Board (SCDB), an independent non-profit foundation composed of reputable leaders from local government, the private sector, local non-government organizations and the community, will coordinate and promote all aspects of the master plan to ensure its effective and efficient implementation.

The San Carlos City Master Development Plan was made possible through the financial assistance of Ford Foundation, Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation and JF Ledesma Foundation who trusted in the capability of San Carlos City to rise to expenses.

20-year development plan: government and private sector involvement

Economic Development (Urban) Transportation Infrastructure 2000-2005

* Economic Zone/Industrial Park Development 1

* Old City Expansion * CBD Development

* Fortuna Tourism Estate Development 1 Economic Development (Rural)

* Lowland Agricultural Scheme

* Upland Agricultural Scheme

* Reforestation/Watershed Management Project

* Priority Rural Growth Centers * Agricultural Productivity Center

Social Development Projects

* Private Sector Housing

* Low Cost Housing and In-situ Upgrading

* Community Facilities Provision

* Human Development Center

* Port Access Road and Reclamation

* Circumferential Roads 1& 2

* Rural Roads Upgrading 1

* Community Transport Improvement Scheme

* CBD Traffic Management Plan

* Airport Development 1

* San Antonio Port Feasibility


Utility Infrastructure

* Solid Waste Management Program

* Sanitary Landfill Project

* Power Supply and Distribution Plan

* Rural Power Supply Development 1

* Urban Water Supply Expansion

* Rural Water Supply and Sanitation 1

* Flood Control Project 1

2006-2010 Economic-Based Development (Urban)

* Economic Zone/Industrial Park 2

* San Jose Village Development 1

* San Antonio Waterfront Industrial Park 1

* Fortuna Tourism Estate Development 2

* Sipaway Island Tourism Development 2

* Upland Visitor/Recreation Facilities

Economic-Based Development (Rural)

* Agri-industrial/Agro-processing Development

* Secondary Rural Growth Centers

Social Development Projects

* Private Sector Housing

* Low-cost Housing and In-situ Upgrading

* Community Facilities Provision

* Market Area Urban Renewal

* San Carlos General hospital Transportation Infrastructure

* Rural Roads Upgrading 2

* San Carlos Passenger Port Facilities Upgrading

* San Antonio Cargo Port Development 1

Utility Infrastructure

* Rural Water Supply & Sanitation 2

* Rural Uplands Waste Management

* Water Reservoir Construction

* Flood Control Project 2

2011-2020 Economic-Based Development (Urban)

* Economic Zone/Industrial Park 3

* San Jose Village Development 2

* San Antonio Waterfront Industrial Park 2

* Fortuna Tourism Estate Development 3

* Upland Visitor/Recreation Facilities 2 Economic-Based Development (Rural)

* Agri-industrial/Agro-processing Development

* Prosperidad Secondary Urban Growth Center Transportation Infrastructure

* Circumferential Road 3

* Rural Roads upgrading 3

* Airport Development 2 Social Development Projects

* Private Sector Housing

* Low-cost Housing and In-situ Upgrading

* Community Facilities Provision

* Prosperidad Primary Care Hospital

http://www.sancarloscity.org/government/plan.htm

The Philippines government wants to promote a new growth centre for commerce and tourism - the San Carlos Corridor Development Plan - the objective of which is to develop a 45,000ha agro-industrial zone with an integrated satellite micro-city to serve as a gateway linking the capital cities of the Visayas region (San Carlos City, Bacolod, Cebu City and Dumaguete). The new Bacolod Airport will play an important part in the transportation infrastructure required for the plan.

The Infrastructure
Power supply is not a problem in the city as this is currently being sourced from the Palimpinon Geothermal Field in Dumaguete and is distributed by VMC Rural Electric Service Cooperative, Inc. The city itself has a power substation providing 10 megawatts. The city sources its water from 17 rivers and 28 springs while private water pumps in the city proper number 108. The city waterworks now provide 1,000 gallons per minute (gpm) which cover 90 percent of the city's present needs. Plans are also underway to tap some 7,000 gpm from the water-rich mountains. A water reservoir will also be constructed to ensure sufficient water supply.

Telecommunication facilities are provided by SACATEL, the local franchisee of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. It provides the city with 800 existing telephone lines that provide national and international direct dialing services. Islacom, Inc., on the other hand, has installed new lines, including fiber-optic cables, to make available about 5,000 new lines this year. Cellular phone capability is currently being provided by Smart, Inc. Not to be left behind in the latest information technology trends, Mosaic Communications provides Internet connections for local residents and businesses.

For businesses that need port services, the city has a commercial port for ferries plying the Toledo-San Carlos route and for inter-island vessels carrying both cargo and passengers. The Philippine Ports Authority has allocated P240 million for the expansion of the city piers and the construction of a one-hectare container yard. Additionally, the San Carlos Milling Company has a deep-water wharf which can accommodate ships of more than 10,000 tons for both domestic and international transport.

The city has also one of the best road-networks in the country. It is linked to Bacolod and Dumaguete through the national highway system. This will be enhanced with the construction of a new highway, the Negros Trans-link Highway, which will cut to half the road distance to Bacolod, or by 80 kilometers. These roads have also opened up thousands of hectares of previously inaccessible agricultural lands at an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level.

Business District
The private sector is in the process of creating a new central business district in the 100-hectare master-planned San Carlos City Center. This district will have a business park, a residential subdivision, a commercial center, and a cultural and sports complex. The Gaisano Group recently purchased a 12-hectare property in the district with the aim of constructing a shopping mall complex. The first phase of the residential subdivision has been completed and has already been sold out. ( to date Gaisano has already opened a department store and grocery in the area)

The city will soon be the site of a state-of-the-art industrial and warehouse park for agro-based and light industries. This industrial estate will be located on a 350-hectare property just three kilometers north of San Carlos. The estate will have three modules - a warehouse park to be located beside the feeder airport; a light industry subdivision; and an integrated managed business park which shall include all ecozone components.

Tourism, Agri, and More
With plans to come up with a tourism estate, local residents can expect more opportunities for them to come up with small businesses. The tourism estate will have world class resorts, a health spa, a golf and country club, and retirement villages. All this will be centered around an existing nature-enhanced, manmade lake located on a 1,000-hectare property some 14 kilometers south of the city.

The government will also exploit the city's large span of agricultural lands, particularly those in Prosperidad. The highlands offer 25,000 hectares of agricultural land with rich volcanic soil made accessible by the Negros Trans-Link Highway. Located at 3,000 feet above sea level, the highlands present opportunities to venture into high-value crop plantations and flower, fruit, and vegetable farms. The area is ideal for the development of macro-agricultural projects that can serve as the base for agro-processing industries.

Plans are also afoot for the development of a feeder airport that can handle cargo and passenger aircraft. The proposed airport site is located beside a warehouse park and along a circumferential road just three kilometers from the city. The site could be expanded in the future by reclaiming land from the sea to lengthen the runway in order to accommodate jet aircraft.

Philippines Assures Safety of Oil Exploration Off Negros Island

Asia Pulse Pte Ltd Monday, October 08, 2007

The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) has assured officials of Negros Occidental of the safety of oil exploration in Taon Strait off Negros island, that will start the second week of November this year.

Antonio Labios, DOE's Visayas Field Office Director, along with officials of the Japan Petroleum Exploration (JA-PEX) which will be the service contractor for the exploration
project, paid a courtesy call on Governor Joseph Maranon Thursday as part of their information campaign.

Labios said they have already secured the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and have coordinated with concerned government agencies.

During the exploration, which is expected to be conducted until middle of January 2008, San Carlos City port in northern Negros Occidental will serve as the temporary storage of their equipment and supplies needed.

They will also conduct information drive about the project in areas fronting Taon Strait that include Toboso, Calatrava, Escalante City and San Carlos in the province; and Dumaguete City, Villahermoso, Sibulan, San Jose, Amlan, Tanjay, Bais City, Manjuyod, Bindoy, Ayungon, Guijulngan, La Libertad and Tayasan in Negros Oriental.

The exploration will be within a 1.5 kilometre radius in the marine waters of Aloguinsan and Pinamunga-jan near Toledo, Cebu.

Labios said the potential oil deposit in the area was determined through a seismic survey held in 2005.

"Oil slicks were also noted in the area based on the satellite survey that served as the hint for the seismic survey. Once the exploration starts, the 1.5 kilometre area will be off limits to fishing."

"The area was determined to be not a fishing ground and not in a coral area. All mitigating measures are in place and that they have also addressed the environmental concerns," Labios said.

The exploration is without expense from the Philippine government and during production stage, the sharing would be 60 per cent for the Philippine government and 40 per cent for JAPEX, the service contractor from the net proceeds, he added.

"All expenses for the exploration will be deducted and local government unit from the barangay (village) and town to the provincial government will also have their share," Labios also said.

Maranon, on the other hand, said, as long as environmental concerns are addressed, the project can go on. "The project is for progress and development anyway," he said.

Negrense doctor
sets book launch

A Negrense doctor, whose inventions in the field of orthopedics are being used in numerous countries, is launching a book on Oct. 12 at the Fully Booked bookstore at Fort Bonifacio Global City, a press release from organizers said.

Proceeds will be channeled into the Bone Bank of the Philippine Orthopedic Institute Research Foundation.

Dr. Ramon Gustilo is launching his autobiography "I Will Not Be Poor", an inspirational story of his childhood in Manapla as a farmer's son, and his eventual success as a bone doctor and inventor in the U.S.

Gustilo said the proceeds will go to the bone bank because he understands the importance of the center, being run by a non-stock non-profit body aiming to improve the practice of orthopedics in the country.

He added that there will be another book-launching activity on Oct. 22 in Minnesota, U.S.A., the state that saw the rise of his career and where he served as chairman of the department of orthopedic surgery of Hennepin County Medical Center, a university hospital, the press release said.

The proceeds from the book sale in the U.S. will also go to the Gustilo Medical Education Center, a facility the doctor founded in the U.S. for orthopedic surgeons.

Gustilo said that he hopes his autobiography, which is published by Don Bosco Press, will also be a guide for doctors and other professionals in balancing their career and family life.

A product of Manapla Elementary School and Negros Occidental High School, Gustilo has over a dozen patented technologies under his belt.

His two most successful technologies are the Genesis Knee System and the Biological Ingrowth Anatomic System Hip System. They are widely used in most parts of North America, Europe, and Japan, the press release added.*

Guv proposes P1.1B
budget for Neg. Occ.
BY CARLA GOMEZ
Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday said he is proposing a P1.127 billion budget for Negros Occidental in 2008, an increase of P108 million from this year's budget, to meet the increase in salaries of Capitol employees, benefits of health workers, and the rising cost of gasoline.

The proposed P1,127,882,636 budget for 2008 that needs the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will be composed of P102,570,000 in local income and P1,025,312,636 from the Internal Revenue Allotment, he said.

The budget increase is needed to cover the 10 percent salary hike of Capitol employees totaling P27,210,092 and the subsistence, hazard and laundry allowances for health workers under the Magna Carta for Health Workers totaling P50,310,855, he said.

An additional P40,859,000 has also been added to the Capitol's Gender and Development fund.

Set aside for the 20 percent provincial development fund is P200,061,671 and for the five percent calamity fund -- P53,324,132, Marañon said.

Of the P1.2 billion proposed budget the bulk totaling P519 billion will go to personal services, P251 million to maintenance and other operating expenses and P356 million to non-office expenses, he added.

Meanwhile, the governor said the provincial government has spent P11,564,256 for provincial road maintenance and bridge structures in Candoni town.

The governor issued the explanation following the allegation by Candoni Mayor Ceciro Borromeo that the provincial government has not provided adequate assistance to his town.*CPG

www.visayandailystar.com

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Zubiri donates dump truck to Victorias, P2M to EB Magalona
THE City of Victorias and the town of EB Magalona received dump truck and P2 million cash assistance from Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, respectively.

This was announced by Provincial Board Member Patrick Leonard Lacson of the 3rd District of Negros Occidental.

The six-wheeler dump truck will be used by Victorias City for its solid waste management program (SWMP).

While the P2 million for EB Magalona will be used for the establishment of organic demo farm in the town.

Both the dump truck and P2 million cash assistance were promises of Zubiri when he was still campaigning for senator last May 14 elections to residents of both Victorias City and EB Magalona. (GABS)

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Silay: A City in motion

INSPIRED by a remarkable past and rising from its slump a couple of decades ago, Silay City gets its second wind and is poised to reach greater heights, responding to the demands of the future with a major development strategy.

Ladies and gentlemen, look out. The city known as the "Cradle of Negros Civilization" is spreading its wings.

"Our city is a picture of dynamism and progress. It is a city where the link to the past harmoniously merges with the development of the future. Its well-preserved ancestral houses, collection of steam locomotives, rich cultural heritage, flavorful hometown delicacies, untamed forests and resolute people complement its thrust to become a leading winner destination in the region," said Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano.

From its modest beginnings as a pueblo in 1760, Silay became the nest of a bloodless revolution that sparked the end of the Spanish rule in the island. It then blossomed into Negros' leading commercial center and host to intellectual and socio-political endeavors until the decline of the sugar industry in the 70's. Today, Silay depicts a city in motion, a combination of promise and energy.

While it takes pride in being the "unchallenged seat of arts, culture and eco-tourism" in Western Visayas, the city is more than that. Not only home to the Kabataang Silay Performing Arts and Rondalla Ensemble, it also has 31 ancestral houses all registered under the National Historical Institute.

Yes, it has been called the "Paris of Negros." Yes, it is among the country's top 25 major tourist destinations as recognized by the Department of Tourism. Yes, it boasts of its underground tunnels, sulphur springs, unexplored stretches of rainforest, endemic species of wildlife, and countless waterfalls.

Still, Silay has a lot to put on the table. And we are not only talking of its homemade delicacies which add flavor to the Silaynons' famed kitchen and baking skills, and serve as proof of treasured family recipes that have been passed down to the next generation. The pottery in Barangay Guinhalaran and the embroidery in Barangay Balaring are also a confirmation of the people's craftsmanship and creativity, which are among the many traits that have helped and would continue to contribute to the city's growth.

"Time is of the essence and we cannot afford to dilly-dally in the rapid pace of modern world. We have the winds of change blowing in our direction," adds Mayor Montelibano.

Having the Bacolod-Silay Airport of international standards -- side by side its sizable commercial and fishing port -- means major investments and greater attention to a city named after Kansilay, a legend's princess known for her beauty and courage. And, indeed with beauty and courage, learning from history and journeying towards progress, the sky is the only limit to Silay's flight.

House okays budget for
CARP without cut

MANILA - The House of Representatives has approved the P13 billion Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program budget for 2008 without cut.

Both administration and opposition members of the House were one in approving the budget, saying the CARP allocation is necessary to improve the lives of farmers in the countryside.

The 50-strong Mindanao block led by opposition Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan De Oro also expressed support for the passage of the bill extending CARP.

They lauded Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman for complying with the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to devote 30 percent of the budget to Mindanao's development through various support services such as infrastructure and foreign-assisted projects.

Rep. Edcel Lagman, chairman of the committee on appropriations, sponsored the CARP budget during the plenary debates on the floor.*

www.visayandailystar.com

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/hgggh.jpg

Adjacent to the Old Town, San Carlos City Center is a 100-hectare project that integrates business, commercial, recreational, and residential components and will become the core of the new expanded town, the center of trade and commerce in a city of socio-economic promise.

San Carlos City Center includes the 40-hectare “Business Park”, envisioned to be the new central business district, “South Villa,” a middle income residential subdivision, and the “Center Mall” complex which includes retail spaces, sports and recreational facilities, a cultural center and other establishments. The main anchor of the City Center are the new City Hall in the center, the Bishop’s Palace and Archdiocese Seminary, a National High School and site for the Gaisano Mall, J. F. Ledesma Civic Center, and other key structures.

San Carlos Business Park
San Carlos Business Park was designed to be the premier business and commercial address in San Carlos City. Well-planned and conveniently located on 40-hectares of prime property within the San Carlos City Center, the Business Park boasts of world-class infrastructure not available in other locations.

Wide concrete roads with tree lined sidewalks, efficient drainage, properly engineered waterworks and electrical grid, together with modern communication systems- all designed to meet the most stringent requirements of today’s businessmen and tomorrow’s corporations. The layout also offers a perfect central location for retail and service establishments just minutes away from any point in the city.

When business seems to be moving in the right direction, it might be time to move to San Carlos City’s premier business address.

Center Mall is to be the hub of commercial, social, and recreational activity for San Carlos City. This Sprawling commercial complex being built in stages is to house a multitude of shops and service establishments in an environmentally sound setting.

Three buildings have completed their first phase of construction and shops, restaurant and service establishments have moved in. As the buildings expand, many more shops are expected to add to the critical mass supported by extensive sports, cultural and recreational facilities.

A perfect place to start a restaurant, open your branch, expand your business, or just be self-employed. This is the ideal rental space to catch families shopping, feed hungry sports fans, or simply meet people’s everyday needs.

North of the town center (CBD) is a 212-hectare Special Economic Zone duly approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority as an industrial estate and export processing zone, with some residential and commercial uses. This is one of only 100 such sites in the country allowing businesses locating here special incentives under the law. In particular the SEZ, as part of a larger plan to move the economy away from the dying sugar industry, will be courting a variety of agro-based manufacturing industries.

Detailed design Guidelines are being developed to help structure the over-all development and ensure that quality of the environment within the eco-zone is maintained.

San Carlos City Master Economic and Social Plan

Master Plan for Economic and Social Development



Economic and social development are seriously pursued in San Carlos City following a framework provided by a master development plan.

The master plan is carefully and expertly prepared by a group of reliable planning consultants led by Urbis Philippines, Inc. whose expertise ranges from industrial design and development, marketing, infrastructure development, environmental planning, social development, land use, institutional development and tourism.

It puts into proper perspective development priorities and serves as public and private sectors in pursuing development programs in the next 20 years beginning year 2000 that are in tune with the city's vision.

While other development plans focus development in the urban areas, San Carlos City's Master Development Plan (MDP) includes the economic and social development of mountain barangays into rural growth centers or secondary urban growth centers considering their rich agricultural and forestry resources.

The San Carlos Development Board (SCDB), an independent non-profit foundation composed of reputable leaders from local government, the private sector, local non-government organizations and the community, will coordinate and promote all aspects of the master plan to ensure its effective and efficient implementation.

The San Carlos City Master Development Plan was made possible through the financial assistance of Ford Foundation, Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation and JF Ledesma Foundation who trusted in the capability of San Carlos City to rise to expenses.

20-year development plan: government and private sector involvement

Economic Development (Urban) Transportation Infrastructure 2000-2005

* Economic Zone/Industrial Park Development 1

* Old City Expansion * CBD Development

* Fortuna Tourism Estate Development 1 Economic Development (Rural)

* Lowland Agricultural Scheme

* Upland Agricultural Scheme

* Reforestation/Watershed Management Project

* Priority Rural Growth Centers * Agricultural Productivity Center

Social Development Projects

* Private Sector Housing

* Low Cost Housing and In-situ Upgrading

* Community Facilities Provision

* Human Development Center

* Port Access Road and Reclamation

* Circumferential Roads 1& 2

* Rural Roads Upgrading 1

* Community Transport Improvement Scheme

* CBD Traffic Management Plan

* Airport Development 1

* San Antonio Port Feasibility


Utility Infrastructure

* Solid Waste Management Program

* Sanitary Landfill Project

* Power Supply and Distribution Plan

* Rural Power Supply Development 1

* Urban Water Supply Expansion

* Rural Water Supply and Sanitation 1

* Flood Control Project 1

2006-2010 Economic-Based Development (Urban)

* Economic Zone/Industrial Park 2

* San Jose Village Development 1

* San Antonio Waterfront Industrial Park 1

* Fortuna Tourism Estate Development 2

* Sipaway Island Tourism Development 2

* Upland Visitor/Recreation Facilities

Economic-Based Development (Rural)

* Agri-industrial/Agro-processing Development

* Secondary Rural Growth Centers

Social Development Projects

* Private Sector Housing

* Low-cost Housing and In-situ Upgrading

* Community Facilities Provision

* Market Area Urban Renewal

* San Carlos General hospital Transportation Infrastructure

* Rural Roads Upgrading 2

* San Carlos Passenger Port Facilities Upgrading

* San Antonio Cargo Port Development 1

Utility Infrastructure

* Rural Water Supply & Sanitation 2

* Rural Uplands Waste Management

* Water Reservoir Construction

* Flood Control Project 2

2011-2020 Economic-Based Development (Urban)

* Economic Zone/Industrial Park 3

* San Jose Village Development 2

* San Antonio Waterfront Industrial Park 2

* Fortuna Tourism Estate Development 3

* Upland Visitor/Recreation Facilities 2 Economic-Based Development (Rural)

* Agri-industrial/Agro-processing Development

* Prosperidad Secondary Urban Growth Center Transportation Infrastructure

* Circumferential Road 3

* Rural Roads upgrading 3

* Airport Development 2 Social Development Projects

* Private Sector Housing

* Low-cost Housing and In-situ Upgrading

* Community Facilities Provision

* Prosperidad Primary Care Hospital

http://www.sancarloscity.org/government/plan.htm

The Philippines government wants to promote a new growth centre for commerce and tourism - the San Carlos Corridor Development Plan - the objective of which is to develop a 45,000ha agro-industrial zone with an integrated satellite micro-city to serve as a gateway linking the capital cities of the Visayas region (San Carlos City, Bacolod, Cebu City and Dumaguete). The new Bacolod Airport will play an important part in the transportation infrastructure required for the plan.

The Infrastructure
Power supply is not a problem in the city as this is currently being sourced from the Palimpinon Geothermal Field in Dumaguete and is distributed by VMC Rural Electric Service Cooperative, Inc. The city itself has a power substation providing 10 megawatts. The city sources its water from 17 rivers and 28 springs while private water pumps in the city proper number 108. The city waterworks now provide 1,000 gallons per minute (gpm) which cover 90 percent of the city's present needs. Plans are also underway to tap some 7,000 gpm from the water-rich mountains. A water reservoir will also be constructed to ensure sufficient water supply.

Telecommunication facilities are provided by SACATEL, the local franchisee of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. It provides the city with 800 existing telephone lines that provide national and international direct dialing services. Islacom, Inc., on the other hand, has installed new lines, including fiber-optic cables, to make available about 5,000 new lines this year. Cellular phone capability is currently being provided by Smart, Inc. Not to be left behind in the latest information technology trends, Mosaic Communications provides Internet connections for local residents and businesses.

For businesses that need port services, the city has a commercial port for ferries plying the Toledo-San Carlos route and for inter-island vessels carrying both cargo and passengers. The Philippine Ports Authority has allocated P240 million for the expansion of the city piers and the construction of a one-hectare container yard. Additionally, the San Carlos Milling Company has a deep-water wharf which can accommodate ships of more than 10,000 tons for both domestic and international transport.

The city has also one of the best road-networks in the country. It is linked to Bacolod and Dumaguete through the national highway system. This will be enhanced with the construction of a new highway, the Negros Trans-link Highway, which will cut to half the road distance to Bacolod, or by 80 kilometers. These roads have also opened up thousands of hectares of previously inaccessible agricultural lands at an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level.

Business District
The private sector is in the process of creating a new central business district in the 100-hectare master-planned San Carlos City Center. This district will have a business park, a residential subdivision, a commercial center, and a cultural and sports complex. The Gaisano Group recently purchased a 12-hectare property in the district with the aim of constructing a shopping mall complex. The first phase of the residential subdivision has been completed and has already been sold out. ( to date Gaisano has already opened a department store and grocery in the area)

The city will soon be the site of a state-of-the-art industrial and warehouse park for agro-based and light industries. This industrial estate will be located on a 350-hectare property just three kilometers north of San Carlos. The estate will have three modules - a warehouse park to be located beside the feeder airport; a light industry subdivision; and an integrated managed business park which shall include all ecozone components.

Tourism, Agri, and More
With plans to come up with a tourism estate, local residents can expect more opportunities for them to come up with small businesses. The tourism estate will have world class resorts, a health spa, a golf and country club, and retirement villages. All this will be centered around an existing nature-enhanced, manmade lake located on a 1,000-hectare property some 14 kilometers south of the city.

The government will also exploit the city's large span of agricultural lands, particularly those in Prosperidad. The highlands offer 25,000 hectares of agricultural land with rich volcanic soil made accessible by the Negros Trans-Link Highway. Located at 3,000 feet above sea level, the highlands present opportunities to venture into high-value crop plantations and flower, fruit, and vegetable farms. The area is ideal for the development of macro-agricultural projects that can serve as the base for agro-processing industries.

Plans are also afoot for the development of a feeder airport that can handle cargo and passenger aircraft. The proposed airport site is located beside a warehouse park and along a circumferential road just three kilometers from the city. The site could be expanded in the future by reclaiming land from the sea to lengthen the runway in order to accommodate jet aircraft.

http://www2.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/10/16/article_232222_10-13-2007.jpg
Japan's Ibaraki Prefectural Government Women's and Youth's Division sent a 35-member Youth Study Group in Negros Occidental in coordination with the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement (OISCA)-Bago Training Center headed by Shigemi Watanabe. (Sun.Star Bacolod photo)

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
NegOr chosen as pilot area for USAid program

THE Provincial Government received a cash allocation in the form of a negotiable instrument amounting to some P2.2 million for the implementation of the health program dubbed as "Fourmula One."

Fourmula One is the umbrella program of all USAID-funded health programs in the country wherein Negros Oriental is one of the pilot provinces.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Dante Domingo in his meeting with Governor Emilio C. Macias II disclosed that the cash allocation would be used to implement the initial phase of Fourmula One.

The funds would be used mainly for the creation of the province's Health Investment Plan and for training activities focusing on Maternal and Child Care, Hospital Procurement Procedures, Public Finance Management, Health Reforms, among others, he explained.

The health officer said the programs under Fourmula One would strengthen and firm up the province's existing health programs.

"The funds could not be used for other purposes other than the training because this is only the initial allocation for the series of funds that will be allocated to the province," said Dr. Domingo.

The province is expected to receive another allocation for capability and equipment upgrading next year. (PIA)

Sugarcane areas to expand by 60,000 hectares for bioethanol production (http://www.sancarloscity.org/forum2/index.php?automodule=blog&blogid=3&showentry=42)

Quezon City (1 September) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has already validated a total of 60,250 hectares of new sugarcane areas that can produce a combined 274 million liters of bioethanol, which is more than enough to meet the requirement under the Biofuels Act on the blending of crop-based alternative fuels with gasoline by 2009.

DA Secretary Arthur Yap said these 60,250 hectares of potential sugarcane farms identified by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) are on top of the existing sugarcane farms totaling 38,500 hectares that are more than sufficient to meet the country's sugar requirements.

"These new areas for sugarcane will produce more than enough bioethanol needed to meet the 2009 requirement of 255 million liters," Yap said during a recent agricultural forum in Cagayan de Oro City. "We need about 10 refineries with at least 30 million liters annual capacity to produce this volume."

Yap said in the same forum that the expansion of sugarcane areas for bioethanol production would help improve the living conditions of more than 55,000 farmers dependent on sugarcane harvesting.

In compliance with Republic Act 9367 or the Biofuels Act, all diesel engine fuel are to be pre-blended with 1% coco biodiesel. This blending ratio will double to 2% by February 2009.

The law also requires that a minimum of 5% of ethanol be pre-blended with gasoline by February 2009, with the ratio doubling to 10% by February 2011.

Yap noted that based on SRA studies, a total of 377,182 hectares of land in the country are suitable for planting sugar, of which 17.2% are in Luzon; 53. 3% in Negros; 6.9% in Panay Island ; 4.4% in Eastern Visayas; and the remaining 19.1% in Mindanao.

He likewise pointed out that the Department of Energy (DOE) has reported that at least seven investors with a combined annual capacity of 402 million liters or 46% more than the currently projected cane farms, have already expressed interest in building sugar refineries to produce bioethanol.

This means that additional farms covering at least 28,000 hectares still need to be identified by the government to meet the projected capacity of these seven investors, Yap said.

"We have enough land to meet sugar ethanol refinery requirements," Yap said. "DOE reports more than enough prospective refinery investors. What is only left for us to do is plant the sugarcane."

At present, sugarcane is the most reliable feedstock for bioethanol production because its farming technologies are available in the country, which now enjoys a large surplus sugar produce, Yap said.

Sugarcane is an annual crop with an estimated yield of 4,550 liters of biofuel per hectare.

"Compared with other feedstock, only ethanol from sugarcane can be produced in a totally renewable and environment-friendly process by using bagasse — a sugarcane waste material — to fuel boilers that generate the required steam and electricity for the distillery," Yap said.

The first bioethanol plant in the country using sugarcane as feedstock is the San Carlos Bio-Energy Inc. facility in Negros Occidental, which is due to open in late 2008 or early 2009, he added.

The Biofuels Act, which was signed into law by President Arroyo last January, aims to ease the country's addiction to imported, dollar-draining and pollution-generating petroleum products.

Yap said that with the ever-growing global demand for crops-based alternative fuels, RA 9367 will energize Philippine farms, increase the profitability of small stakeholders in the agriculture sector, and reduce the country's dependence on imported energy sources.

The DA was among the key agencies tasked to draw up the implementing rules and regulations or IRR of the Biofuels Law.

October 16, 2007
Guarantee of Better Lives for Workers with Ethanol Plants

The building of ethanol plants in Negros and the possibility of the expansion of sugarlands, is not a guarantee for the improvement of living conditions of sugar workers in the island's vast plantations, a labor leader of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW), said in an interview with journalists yesterday. Ethanol plants are due to be established in San Carlos, Murcia town and Kabankalan City.

The first ethanol plant which would rise could be in San Carlos as it is being built now. Funding the ethanol plants are foreign investors and China. There is so much hype about ethanol plants and the benefits it will bring to the community and workers, but the same employer-employee relations between the elites and the workers will continue with labor violations still the order of the day, NFSW spokesman, Gerundio Dagoob, said.

Langrabbing of untilled portions of the province and upland areas could ensue because many would want to cash in on the expected proceeds from ethanol, which is to be used in a mix with gasoline to produce fuel for cars.

What ethanol will bring in terms of economic development is still an unpredictable thing, said Dagoob, but the workers' situation will not improve.*

October 17, 2007
Zayco favors Negros, Panay federal states (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/October/17/topstory2.htm)

Negros Occidental Acting Governor Isidro Zayco yesterday said if a federal form of government is adopted, Panay and Negros islands could form two separate states.

Zayco was responding to the call of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the drafting of a roadmap to federalism by 2012. Negros Occidental could stand alone as one federal state, but if Negros Oriental agrees, we could be a one island state, he said.

A federal form of government would be good for Negros Occidental because it would mean the province can use the bulk of its revenues for its own development, Zayco said.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. in a press statement yesterday challenged the Arroyo government to carry out an honest-to-goodness campaign for the adoption of a federal system.

This will address the age-old problems of over concentration of powers in Metro Manila and misallocation of the country's wealth among the various regions, he said.

Pimentel said his advocacy for federalism started long before Arroyo became president and transcends political consideration or differences, so the idea that it should now be discussed is acceptable to him.

The shift from the present highly-centralized unitary system to a federal system of government is a long and difficult process that should be undertaken as early as possible without being hampered by any partisan wrangling or selfish ambitions of political leaders, Pimentel said.

But Felipe Levy Gelle Jr., BAYAN-Negros secretary-general, said food on the table and wage increases are the urgent concerns of the poor, not Charter change.

He charged that Arroyo's pursuit of Charter change for federalism is a ploy to evade answering urgent issues of worsening poverty, unemployment and corruption.

The Filipino people will again hit the streets and frustrate the attempts to tinker with the 1987 charter, Gelle warned.

Gelle also slammed what he called bribes and scandals perpetrated by the Arroyo clique. "It is regrettable that millions of pesos are being diverted to bribe offers while the basic government social services are being neglected," he said.*CPG

"A federal form of government would be good for Negros Occidental because it would mean the province can use the bulk of its revenues for its own development, Zayco said. "


It is the same system being used by some members of The CommonWealth Countries like Malaysia and Australia which is more progressive.

^^this is one what we have battling here about the federalism in negros island ...this state system of proposal is a big and have a great possible to push through...nagkatama ata ang mga kutob natin

October 17, 2007
Zayco Backs One-Negros Federal State for Province (http://www.negrosdaily.com/oct1707l3)

Negros Occidental Acting Governor Isidro Zayco supports the move to change the constitution to a federal form of government by province but not by region as a federal state.

He supports the move to create a One Negros federal state that would combine as one federal state Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. This was planned long ago, he said. Right now, there are already several access roads going to Negros Oriental. This would separate Negros Occidental from Region 6 (Western Visayas) where it belongs now. The Panay Federal State will be composed of Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Guimaras and Capiz. Zayco said that he finds it hard to combine Negros with provinces like Antique, Guimaras and Capiz to one region because the question then would be, "Who will subsidize them?" he said.

Zayco said he is supportive of the moves to change the present form of government to federalism because this would mean independence for the provinces. Instead, the national government shares us the Internal Revenue Allotment, the provinces will only remit portion of its income to the national government. "We can have independence in our revenues, in education, the police even the judiciary without going to the national government. This is good for the province," Zayco stressed. President Gloria Macapa-gal Arroyo made mention about the re-launching of the campaign to change the charter (CHACHA) despite the controversy her administration is facing right now from the controversial ZTE National Broadband Network (NBN) deal to the alleged giving of money to congressmen, governors and mayors in Malacañang Thursday last week. She ordered the drafting of a roadmap to federalism by year 2012. PGMA is set to end her term by year 2010 under the present form of government.

Zayco said there were already local campaigns last year in support for federalism and he has been giving his support to such moves.*

October 18, 2007
Sagay City registry office wins national award (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/October/18/people.htm)

The Sagay City Local Civil Registry Office won first place in the delivery of services from January to December last year, in the large category national level, given by the National Statistics Office, a press release from Sagay said.

Head of LCRO Gloria de los Reyes received the award at the 5th National Convention of Solemnizing Officers held at the Atrium, Betsai Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Mayor Alfredo Marañon Jr. lauded the efforts of the LCRO staff. De los Reyes also thanked Marañon and Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Ceuva for their support to the civil registration pograms, the press release added.*

October 17, 2007
Zayco Backs One-Negros Federal State for Province (http://www.negrosdaily.com/oct1707l3)

Negros Occidental Acting Governor Isidro Zayco supports the move to change the constitution to a federal form of government by province but not by region as a federal state.

He supports the move to create a One Negros federal state that would combine as one federal state Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. This was planned long ago, he said. Right now, there are already several access roads going to Negros Oriental. This would separate Negros Occidental from Region 6 (Western Visayas) where it belongs now. The Panay Federal State will be composed of Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Guimaras and Capiz. Zayco said that he finds it hard to combine Negros with provinces like Antique, Guimaras and Capiz to one region because the question then would be, "Who will subsidize them?" he said.

Zayco said he is supportive of the moves to change the present form of government to federalism because this would mean independence for the provinces. Instead, the national government shares us the Internal Revenue Allotment, the provinces will only remit portion of its income to the national government. "We can have independence in our revenues, in education, the police even the judiciary without going to the national government. This is good for the province," Zayco stressed. President Gloria Macapa-gal Arroyo made mention about the re-launching of the campaign to change the charter (CHACHA) despite the controversy her administration is facing right now from the controversial ZTE National Broadband Network (NBN) deal to the alleged giving of money to congressmen, governors and mayors in Malacañang Thursday last week. She ordered the drafting of a roadmap to federalism by year 2012. PGMA is set to end her term by year 2010 under the present form of government.

Zayco said there were already local campaigns last year in support for federalism and he has been giving his support to such moves.*

WOW this is a good proposal hope will realize in the future and its time to separate with Iloilo.

btw, there is/are a province here in our country that has already promoted to a federalism state or not yet???

btw, there is/are a province here in our country that has already promoted to a federalism state or not yet???

so far wala pa only in region 6......

very very excitement...think this...when the ethanols in negros are being on operation and then our island is being formed to federalisam state,,,expect hows the developments and the progress within this island come out,,,only our local government can avail our income and without going to the national government...well, we need our short/long patience...PGMA has want to make our island into an ethanol corridor from san carlos to tamlang valley i think...next year is the target date of operation of the san carlos ethanol ...in negros occidental cities only the proposed ethanol plants are in victorias, murcia, bago, and two in kabankalan,,, except in san carlos is on development

October 19, 2007
NegOcc bids to host world organic gab in 2011 (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/10/19/bus/negocc.bids.to.host.world.organic.gab.in.2011.html)
By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

NEGROS Occidental will be bidding for the hosting of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement's Organic World Congress and General Assembly in 2011.

The congress will be participated by not less than 1,500 delegates worldwide primarily aimed at fostering the worldwide adoption of the principles of organic agriculture.

It will also focus on uniting the organic world, creating a platform of international exchange, networking inside and outside IFOAM, identifying direct benefits for the development of the federation, having public and media participation, and enjoying and celebrating the organization's cause and achievements.

Among those activities set in this activity are exhibits, pre and post congresses, farm tours, and waste management.

Saturday, October 20, 2007
Negrense judoka is SEA Games flag bearer

BINALBAGAN, Negros Occidental native John Baylon, who is gunning for an unprecedented eighth judo gold medal this December during the 24th edition of the biennial Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Nachon Ratchisima, Thailand, has been named to be the RP contingent's official flag bearer.

According to Negrense commissioner Ritchie Garcia of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) who is co-chairman of the SEA Games task force, Baylon got the post by acclamation.

"The body felt that he stands out against the other contenders because of his impressive showing in the SEA Games," Garcia told newsmen in Manila.

Baylon bested six other illustrious Filipino athletes who were also considered for the honor of carrying the nation's colors during Wednesday's executive board meeting of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headed by Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

"Baylon's achievement in judo in the SEA Games is a solid justification for him to be named as the Philippines' flag bearer in the 24th SEA Games this December," Cojuangco was quoted as saying.

Baylon is one of several Negrense standouts expected to be named to the final list of national athletes who will compose the RP contingent to the December 5-15 24th SEA Games competitions. The others are Jeff Chan (basketball); Joebert Delicano, Sheena Atilano and Julius Sermona (athletics); Arneil Ferrera (archery); Joan Tipon and Mitchell Martinez (boxing); and Rovyl Verayo and Parley Tupas (beach volleyball).

Province to host billiards
BY MARICAR ARANAS
The Sports Facilities Board and Management of the Negros Oriental government is gearing up preparations for the International Billiard 9-ball tournament, Nov. 14-17, at the Lamberto Macias Sports Complex in Dumaguete City.

The event will be one of the highlights during the annual fiesta celebration of the city. Among those expected to join the sports competition are Efren "Bata" Reyes dubbed "The Magician," and other topnotch Filipino billiards champions.

Reyes will lead the Filipino cue artists against foreign foes like Mika Immonen of England and Wu Chia Ching of Taiwan, in the single round contest. Reyes last played against the locals in Dumaguete two years ago.

Board of Management chairperson Glenda Descuatan said the sports spectacle will greatly help the province promote its tourism industry, and push for high level sports development.*MA

Bacolod City, Philippines Saturday, October 20, 2007



Indepth Views
with Juan L. Mercado OPINIONS
Paying the piper

In the wish list of politicians, Internal Revenue Allotments rank alongside Malacañang cash-stuffed envelopes. IRAs are local government share in taxes collected. Our "pols" bicker for bigger slabs. But few heed the yardstick that "to whom much is given, much is expected" .

IRAs now crest at P137 billion, the Commission on Audit reports. When 41,979 barangays' share is tacked on, the total adds up to P166b. This fund grew by 13.4 percent last year.

The top three IRA "billionaire" provinces were: Pangasinan - P1.1b ; Cebu - P1.06b and Negros Occidental - P1.05b billion, COA says in its "Annual Financial Report" on local governments. City top-notchers included : Quezon - P1.9b; Davao - P1.6b and Manila - P1.2b. Municipal pace-setters were : Dasmarinas and Bacoor in Cavite and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro. Their shares ranged from P223million to P153m.
Today, 67 centavos, out of every LGU tax peso, comes from IRAs. They help keep afloat poverty-striken provinces, like those in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. Sulu, for example, earns only P13.4m a year. Small towns, like Pulas, survive because of IRAs. Income of this Lanao del Sur town, barely came up to P2.01m. IRAs were designed to give financially-strapped LGUs elbow room to reinforce their local tax base - which would be the engine for development.. They were never meant to be the main financial prop .But the best plans of mice and men can go awry.

Unconditional grants, IRAs carry no performance criteria. And politicians can sniff a blank check a mile away. So, many rigged IRAs into a mini-pork barrel. They charge against this fund anything : from honoraria, entertainment, seminars, etc. The Catholic Bishops Social Action Secretariat assailed use of IRA funds for barangay officials' "observation or exposure trips", i.e..junkets. Few bother to give report.

The vital "20 Percent Development Fund" has been similarly ravaged. Twenty centavos, out of every tax peso, are earmarked for unmet basic human needs: potable water, sanitation, preventive health care, nutrition, etc. Instead, it's dissipated for everything: from executive bands to attendance at conferences

Indeed, IRAs have emerged as the political Viagra. A new city can dip into IRAs. This triggered an epidemic of creation of cities. In 1990, there were 60 of them. Today, we have 131. Cebu alone has nine and Negros Occidental 11. Many can not meet the basic income requirement set by Republic Act 9009: that they earn P100m a year. Income of Silay City is only P6.3m; that of Ozamiz P8.01m.

"Local governments treat IRA as a unconditional dole," an earlier United Nation study points out. "There's need to reverse this trend" towards embedded beggary. Local income should, in fact, be higher than IRAs. "An ideal initial percentage ratio between local and national government is 50-50," UN suggests. In the long run, LGUs should aim for at least a 70 to 30 per cent ratio. Local taxes (should be ) the mainstay.

The opposite is happening. Landowning officials freeze updating valuation of land and collecting levies.-from them. IRAs have been perverted into a escape hatch from tough tax decisions..

Taxes on land, last year, increased only by a miniscule 2.8 percent, COA notes. Nationwide, only P12.5b.was raised from real estate levies compared to P12.2b in 2005,. Significantly, real property tax on idle land shirvelled by a staggering 44.4 percent. Guess who're the speculators who've cornered untaxed idle land.

LGUs begging for handouts from gambling have been bloated by 17.4 percent, COA notes.. Pagcor and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes doled out P140.2 million, from P119.5m the previous year. There's no shortage of ideas on how to curb today's plunder of IRAs. Here are a few of them: LGUs must show the color of their money. They should match IRAs with local fund counterparts, the UN proposes. "Providing equity to the grant" will scrub today's dole-outs. There's no such thing as a free lunch.

After analyzing track records of 20 cities, 28 towns, in 11 regions, an Asian Development Bank conference on "Performance Measurement Systems". suggested: Pry IRAs loose from its present hand-out mould. Link IRA releases to precise "performance criteria." No action, no shekels.

Officials should report how they use their IRAs, the Catholic bishops Social Action Committee suggested. A community has the right to know how their taxes were used.

Refile House Bill 7845. This "sets targets with specific time frames for achieving them". Incentives are given to those who deliver while penalties imposed on those who flub.

This device is most vital for human development needs. LGUs that make demonstrable progress in curbing malnutrition, providing safe water, improved health services, expanded basic education should be rewarded. Those who deny that to people should be dunned

Dock from IRAs an amount equal to cash advances their officials haven't settled..Unloiquidated advances now exceed P1.21b. Probihit local officials from dipping into IRAs to pad themselves honoraria. The Anti-Graft Law already prohibits such conflict-of-interest decisions.

"Those who pay the piper call the tune". If the IRA piper can not play new tunes, there's danger of skidding back to Square One: "Whoever captures the Palace captures the only government there is."*

back to top

October 19, 2007
NegOcc bids to host world organic gab in 2011 (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/10/19/bus/negocc.bids.to.host.world.organic.gab.in.2011.html)
By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

NEGROS Occidental will be bidding for the hosting of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement's Organic World Congress and General Assembly in 2011.

The congress will be participated by not less than 1,500 delegates worldwide primarily aimed at fostering the worldwide adoption of the principles of organic agriculture.

It will also focus on uniting the organic world, creating a platform of international exchange, networking inside and outside IFOAM, identifying direct benefits for the development of the federation, having public and media participation, and enjoying and celebrating the organization's cause and achievements.

Among those activities set in this activity are exhibits, pre and post congresses, farm tours, and waste management.

Hopefully before 2011, Bacolod can tap a huge hotel investment that have a 300 rooms plus including facilities, not necessarily a 5 star rating, a 4 star at least.:)

October 22, 2007
Congressman Iggy to Qualified Constituents: `Work as Center Agents' (http://www.negrosdaily.com/oct2207h3)
By Carla N. Cañet

Negros Occidental 5th District Rep. Ignacio T. Arroyo has enjoined his constituents to apply as Call Center agents of Cyber City, a US-based Call Center located in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

Cyber City in cooperation with the Office of Cong. Arroyo offer a global call center education program for free. They will conduct a job interview at the Covered Court in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on October 25, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This will open doors to all those seeking stable employment. Cyber City would like them to enjoy the convenience of applying to become a Call Center agent without leaving the comforts of their hometown.

Qualifications to meet: Applicants should either be College graduate or undergraduate. Work experience is not necessary.

For undergraduates, s/he must be atleast 23 years old, has completed 3rd year College and must have at least 1 year work experience. For those who completed 2nd year College, one must have at least 2 years work experience.

The applicants should be computer literate with very good English communication skills and willing to work on shifting schedule.Cyber City shares the same vision with the Congressman in providing employment to the people.

"We are more than happy to work with you in widening the horizons of the youth,"Cyber City representative said.

Meanwhile, Cong. Arroyo said this is a laudable effort as this will open additional employment opportunities to people in his district.

For those who want to inquire, kindly contact Jovy Macapagal at 0927 9834735/ 0918 4498998 and Carolyn Wong at 0917 7110888 or at 441 3286.*

This is a good move of Cong Arroyo.Helping out his district is a way of giving back the trust that his people gave him.This actually good because they will help lessen the traffic to Bacolod,save money and time from travel and help lift up the lives of Binalbagan citizens.

Contact Us About us Home Sipalay Airstrip Reopening Expected to Boost Tourism

Sipalay Airstrip Reopening Expected to Boost Tourism

The Sipalay airstrip located inside Maricalum Mining Corporation (MMC), could reopen between now and December this year, as soon as both parties - the management and the city government firm up an initial agreement brokered by Sixth District Congressman Genaro "Lim-ao" Alvarez, Jr. The airstrip was previously used only by management of the mining firm.

In earlier interviews, Sipalay City government officials led by Mayor Soledad Montilla and her son, Vice-Mayor Oscar Montilla have stated that the operationa-lization of the airport would greatly boost tourism as foreign tourists could proceed directly to the beach resorts which have sprouted in this southern Negros city. Since some years ago, Sipalay's playground, its beach resorts have proven as a come-on for thousands of tourists who visit the city monthly, earning millions in revenues for resort owners.

In an interview with the talk show, Freedom Forum on Sunday morning over Super Radyo, Alvarez said he had a three-hour long talk with Maricalum Mining Corporation (MMC) owner, Teodoro Bernardino who set five conditions for the use of the airstrip by the city government.

The present airstrip, Bernardino said, will be turned into their tailings pond, but because it would still be some way off, the city government can make use of it temporarily.

If that happens, they will build another aisrtrip later near their tailings pond No. 3.

As to the conditions they want signed and agreed upon by the two parties, Bernardino said they would demand that nobody go inside their hangar and inside their mining plant, and once the airstrip becomes operational, should not be liable for injuries or damages arising from any accident. He also stipulated that the city government must be responsible for the airport's repair and construction which will take only a few days. They must also settle the matter of taxes, the mining firm owes the city government. As for the pending problem related to labor, it is Bernardino who will take care of this.

Both sides are to discuss the airstrip's reopening in Manila with Alvarez as the third party in the discussion and eventual agreement.*(EC)

This is really happening:)Sipalay is also very agressive and serious in thier project and joining with them is San Carlos City.This is so amazing how this leaders marching towards the progress of thier city.God Bless Negros!:cheers:

This is really happening:)Sipalay is also very agressive and serious in thier project and joining with them is San Carlos City.This is so amazing how this leaders marching towards the progress of thier city.God Bless Negros!:cheers:

the mayor is very serious about this project, milliions of dollars now pouring into Sipalay City, in fact jay according to my family is getting expensive and turns into hideaways of the rich and famous from people in europe.... small percentage ang pinoy doon, mostly foreigner..... the european people.... I already confirmed the airlines will service on their area, Asian Spirit, and Seair, cebu pacific, air philippines they are expecting international route like macau , and HK only short distance flight lang.

October 25, 2007
P70M allotted for road projects (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/October/25/negor3.htm)

Rep. George Arnaiz (Neg. Or., 2 nd district) has allocated P70 million for road concreting projects this year.

Arnaiz said the concreting and expansion of roads is aimed at easing the increasing traffic flow in Dumaguete City .

He added that he will also push for an alternative highway to decongest traffic in the north national road. Other roads needing repair will also be given attention, Arnaiz said.

He said he had noted while governor of the province, that narrow roads bring about traffic problems.

Wider roads will lure tourists, he said, pointing out that Negros Oriental has been named as one of the 20 best places to live in the world.

He also said the 30 percent of his Priority Development Allotment Fund will be spent on other infrastructure projects.*MA/RG

October 25, 2007
Kabankalan City vying for 'cleanest and greenest' title (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/10/25/news/kabankalan.vying.for.cleanest.and.greenest.title.html)

THE provincial Gawad sa Pangulo Kapaligiran evaluation team visited Kabankalan recently for the search on the 2007 cleanest and greenest city, provincial level.

The team was composed of Marie Flor Cabaylo of Provincial Health Office, Dr. Yvonne Tan of DepEd, Ramil Ledesma of Provincial Environment Management Office and Leni Pendon of Dept. of Interior and Local Government-provincial office.

The group inspected the city’s public market, public plaza, public CRs, health office, garbage segregation site, composting machines, sanitary landfill and the different offices at the city hall.

The team were accompanied in their city tour by Engr. Roger Diaz, city engineer; Dottie Zayco, first lady of the city; Vir Gerongani, tourism officer; Eddie Yap, information officer; and Engineer Glicerio Cabatac, project in-charged.

After the tour, a meeting was held by the team with the city staff to discuss the impressions they had gathered from their inspection.

Kabankalan is at present the cleanest and greenest of Gawad sa Pangulo in the whole Western Visayas for 2006.

SME plan for Neg.Occ. outlined
Stakeholders of the small and medium enterprises sector in Negros Occidental yesterday unveiled the Provincial SME Plan for 2007 to 2010, highlighting four aspects that will spur growth of local SMEs.

At the Provincial Summit Series on SME Development at the Sugarland Hotel yesterday, representatives of the outcome groups outline the existing programs and projects and provincial target contribution of the following aspects: 1) Business and Investment Enabling Environment; 2) Access to Markets; 3) Access to Finance and 4) Productivity and Efficiency.

“Before, the plans were done individually. Now it's been harmonized so that all accomplishments can be easily monitored,” said Lorenzo Templonuevo, regional coordinator of German Technical Cooperation-SME Development for Sustainable Employment Program, partner of the Department of Trade Industry in implementing an SME development program in Western Visayas .

The Provincial Summit Series dubbed “One Shared Dream. One Shared Commitment,” is under the Harmonization of the National SME Development Plan component of the GTZ-SMEDSEP assistance to the DTI.

Anja Gomm, SMEDSEP program manager, said the initiative started last year with the SMED Plan harmonization efforts in 17 pilot provinces in the Visayas.

GTZ provided capacity development support to various provincial and regional support activities on the development of the harmonized provincial SME Development Plans.

Gomm urged the local SME stakeholders to “work together with great zeal passion and commitment in implementing the SME development roadmaps collectively prepared.”

Lea Gonzales, DTI-Negros Occidental provincial caretaker, said that to spur the growth of local SMEs, the sector should converge all its activities, fully use all its resources and seek a more focused assistance.*NLG

Valencia pilots i-tax system
BY RENE GENOVE

The municipality of Valencia , Negros Oriental, yesterday adopted the integrated taxation system of the German Technical Cooperation, making it the first local government unit to implement the system in the entire country.

The province is also the first in the Philippines to implement the tax system that aims at increasing revenue collection efficiency.
The two pilot cities for the program are Bayawan and Dumaguete, and the eight other municipalities are Amlan, Bindoy, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Pamplona , San Jose , Sibulan and Zamboanguita.

GTZ local team leader Ernst-Dieter Fuchs said local government units in the Philippines are 90 percent dependent on the Internal Revenue share for their budget.

Through the implementation of the i-tax, LGUs can mobilize their own resources by identifying potential local revenue sources by way of real property and business taxes, among others, he said.

Fuchs said the iTax is a modern computer-based tax assessment and collection system developed by German experts, including Computer specialist of GTZ Jurgen Seelman, along with Negrense programmers.

Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzales Jr. said they are currently 60 percent tax deficient.

With the new tax system, he said they hope to improve their revenue collection.

Bayawan Mayor German Saraña said the iTax is an excellent system to boost the tax collection and that, his city needs strategies to make use of untitled and unsurveyed lands.

Zamboanguita Mayor Kit Mark Adanza, meanwhile, said he sees a positive effect with the iTax, but added that the people need to pay their taxes.

Adanza added the people must be given livelihood so they can pay their taxes.*MA/RG

wahehehehehe
wala lang hello my test lang ah
wahehehehe
musta mga pipol

Tree-planting held in Dauin
About 1,000 seedlings were planted by government and academe representatives, with personnel of Smart Communications, Inc. within the National Irrigation Administration dam in Dauin, Negros Oriental, recently, a press release from Smart said.

The activity was part of the commitment of the company to plant 100,000 trees by December this year, under the Trees for Life Project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Participating in the tree-planting were employees of the telecommunications firm based in the cities of Dumaguete and Cebu, with volunteers from DENR, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, National Irrigation Administration, and Kappa Sigma FratSor of Silliman University, the press release added

P500,000 for Negros in bank: guv
BY CARLA GOMEZ
He got it.

The P500,000 he asked from the League of Provinces of the Philippines for Negros Occidental has already been deposited with the Land Bank of the Philippines , Gov. Joseph Marañon said yesterday.

On Tuesday Marañon had said that if the P500,000 each given to governors at Malacañang two weeks ago came from funds of the LPP, then he was going to request for the share of his province, too.

Marañon said Antique Gov. Sally Perez informed him that she was the one who filed a motion at an LPP meeting to set up a capacity-building program for the new governors for which P500,000 each was distributed.

Perez yesterday said it was she who moved for the allocation by the LPP of funds for neophyte governors first for alliance building seminars.

She said the priority recipients in Western Visayas are neophyte governors Felipe Nava of Guimaras and Victor Tangco of Capiz.

But she said she was also working for shares for the other governors of Western Visayas. *CPG

October 29, 2007
Housing for the poor set in EB Magalona -- mayor (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/October/29/topstory7.htm)

E.B. Magalona Mayor David Albert Lacson yesterday said 20 to 30 housing units for the poorest-of-the-poor will be constructed on a five-hectare resettlement area in Brgy. Gahit, in his town.

Lacson said the housing project, which is a joint venture of the municipal government of E.B. Magalona and the Gawad Kalinga, is expected to start in December.

He added that 8,000 square meters out of the 5.7-hectare Material Recovery Facility in Brgy. Gahit, E.B. Magalona has been earmarked for about 30 housing units.

Gawad Kalinga officials headed by Roberto Magalona and Lacson recently signed a memorandum of agreement on the construction of housing units in E.B. Magalona.

Lacson said he hopes to construct 100 housing units for the poorest-of-the-poor in his town.

The municipal government of E.B. Magalona recently got P5 million support from the provincial government through Gov. Joseph Marañon, which Lacson said, is being used in the construction and rehabilitation of the drainage system in the town poblacion.*GPB

October 30, 2007

Adobo: A Culinary Tradition – The First National Adobo Challenge (http://www.balaynegrense.com/adoboPress.html)
What’s Cooking in Negros this November

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The Negros Cultural Foundation is concocting something delicious this November. Not only is it inviting both kitchen experts and food lovers from all over the country to feast on what essentially is the Philippine’s national dish, it is going to serve this gastronomic treat somewhere enchanting and nostalgic.

Adobo: A Culinary Tradition “1st National Adobo Challenge” fuses the nation’s flavors and spices, and stirs up a variety of discriminating tastes from the 9th to the 11th of November this year at the historical Balay Negrense Museum (Don Victor Gaston Ancestral House) in Silay City, Negros Occidental.

After 9 years of organizing the adobo competition locally as part of the 5 de Noviembre celebration, “for those who have experienced the Silay event, it is now worth sharing with the rest of the country, in a national exhibition for chefs to create adobo recipes with traditionally gourmet values,” said Lyn Gamboa, NCF president and chair of the adobo festival.

Highlighting the occasion are the students and amateur cooks who will be sending in their original entries. Professional chefs will also be invited to demonstrate their expertise in transforming our traditional adobo into a lavish meal. As in the past, the winning recipes will then be published into a cookbook.

“Food has always been in the midst of Filipino culture. Food influences our lifestyle as much as our lifestyle influences the food we prepare and partake,” Mrs. Gamboa added.

Other enticing activities planned include a fund raiser opening cocktail and dinner, a street party, a food & crafts fair, an organic market, a lounge party, food trips around the towns, heritage tours, exhibits, and a play.

A dish that has not only inspired other food products, but has also charmed both local and foreign food enthusiasts with its distinctive flavor and yet a banquet of versions to choose from, Adobo has become so popular as a recipe that almost everything from squid to kangkong can be cooked Adobo-style. From its Spanish origins and its humble beginnings that involved at least two main ingredients (meat and vinegar), Adobo has since united the Pinoy palates, regardless of age, social standing, home province or region, or occasion.

“Times change how and what Filipinos like to eat. But adobo cooked the old-fashion, slow way is ever present evidence that some traditions can, thankfully for tastebuds, stand the test of time. “ Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, ADOBO: Philippine Variations on a Slow-Food Theme.

For more information about Adobo Festival, please check out details at www.balaynegrense.com. (Press release)

Nice find Sugar!:cheers:

October 31, 2007
Neg.Occ. wants to be business-friendly, too (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/October/31/businessnews1.htm)

Negros Occidental is aiming to be the number one province in Western Visayas in ease of starting a business by 2010, the Provincial Small and Medium Entrepreneur Development Plan shows.

The goal is included in the Business Investment and Enabling Environment aspect of the harmonized SMED Plan presented during the Provincial Summit Series on SME Development in Western Visayas in Bacolod City last week.

Board Member Edgardo Acuña of the 2 nd District, who came in behalf of Gov. Joseph Marañon, vice chairperson of the Provincial SMED Council, said he is optimistic that the province will be able to create an environment that is conducive to business.

“I hope that by 2010, we will realize our goal of making Negros Occidental business-friendly,” Acuña said, as he assured the local SME stakeholders of support from the provincial government.

Under the SMED Plan, existing programs and projects aimed to achieve the goal include streamlining of business permits and licensing process and upscaling of BPL process provincewide; sustained implementation of the Local Investment Code; and advocacy for both tax incentives/exemptions and amnesties and development of new entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, the proposed program is the establishment of Technical Working Group and Quality Management Group, the team that will oversee and evaluate the implementation of the streamlined BPL process.

Other goals under the BIEE aspect are to cluster, assist and develop 10 percent of registered micro, small and medium enterprises in the province by 2010; establish a biofuels industry; and increase the ratio of the number of local government units that are ISO-aligned based on Administrative Order 161 to the number of LGUs in the region.

AO 161 of the Department of Interior and Local Government issued in October last year provides for an institutionalized quality management systems in government.*NLG

Following Bacolod's aggresiveness in attracting investment.Negros, go for it!:cheers:

Negros Oriental among top 20 best places to live

Highland Resort, Mabinay, Negros Oriental
While many Filipinos choose to leave the country and work abroad, more foreign nationals are thinking of staying in the Philippines, which they consider a great place to live.

The Department of Tourism reported that Americans and other foreign travelers have actually listed Negros Oriental as among the top 20 best islands in the world to live.

The DOT said Negros Oriental joined the list of other exotic places such as the Grand Cayman, Gozo in Malta, Carriacou in Grenada and Vieques in Puerto Rico, which all offer a mix of indigenous culture, friendly neighbors, uncomplicated living and adventure attractions.

Islands magazine, one of the widest circulated and most trusted travel publications in the United States, selected Negros Oriental based on a survey conducted among Americans and expatriates who would like to relocate.

The DOT said the deciding factors considered by the respondents included weather, languages spoken, ease of immigration and accessibility to hospitals.


Manhuyod, Negros Oriental
"Negros Oriental earned three out of five rating from the magazine," the DOT said, noting that respondents specifically cited Dumaguete City's academic centers, Rizal Boulevard and the seaside promenade lined with cafes and art galleries.

Located in Central Visayas, Negros Oriental offers divers colorful and teeming marine life around Apo Island, which is home of the Negros Oriental Marine Conservation Park. Tourists can also chance upon playful dolphins and pygmy sperm whales in Tañon Strait at Bais Bay.

But more than the attractions, the people play a big role in giving a warm welcome and creating a positive impression among travelers. Negros Oriental being recognized as one of the best islands to live speaks of an exceptionally hospitable experience that makes people want to stay for the long haul.


http://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/docs/the_good_balita/archived/neg_oriental_top20_places_live.html

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Following Bacolod's aggresiveness in attracting investment.Negros, go for it!:cheers:

not only the city of smiles is functioning and moving so fast but also in every cities and even the municipalities have a great potential to invest and make it also a business hub in the provinces of negros island

Lakbay Alalay activated
The 1 st Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Negros Occidental activated the “Lakbay Alalay” teams to assist motorists and tourists until tomorrow, a press release from the DPWH district under Sanny Boy Oropel said.

Three Lakbay Alalay centers were put up near the public cemetery of E.B. Magalona and San Carlos City proper for both the Bacolod North Road ; and the Don Salvador Benedicto Proper Section for the Bacolod-Murcia-San Carlos Road .

These centers are manned by mechanics who will assist in case of engine trouble, personnel who can provide information on the location of a specific destination and a mobile crew for related services, the press release added.*

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November 5, 2007
Negros PNP No. 1 in WV (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/November/05/topstory4.htm)
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office topped the performance evaluation rating among six provincial police offices in Western Visayas , in the third quarter of 2007, police records show.

On the other hand, the Bacolod police office was outclassed by the Iloilo police in the city police category.

In the provincial police office category, the Aklan Police Provincial Office ranked second, Iloilo Provincial Police Office – third, Capiz Police Provincial Office – fourth and Guimaras Police Provincial Office – fifth.

Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco, provincial police director, yesterday said he expected NOPPO to top the performance evaluation rating, because of the close working relationship between NOPPO personnel and the community.

Police units in Western Visayas are rated every quarter of the year on community relations, operations and intelligence work, and on management of manpower and logistics.

Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Modesto Sanson is expected to be replaced today as Guimaras police director, after he reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 yesterday.

Sanson had been the city police chief of Bago, Sagay and Victorias in Negros Occidental, prior to his appointment as Guimaras police director in November last year.

Among the candidates vying for the position vacated by Sanson are Senior Supt. Pedro Merced, Senior Supt. Vicente Alloro and Senior Supt. Leo Puertollano.*GPB

Tuesday, November 06, 2007
'The bluff' that freed Negros remembered today
By Jerome S. Galunan Jr. and Gil Alfredo B. Severino

NEGROS Occidental Historical Council (NOHC) Executive Director Roque Hofilena recalled the significance of Monday's commemoration as the day when Negrenses under the leadership of General Juan Araneta of Bago and General Aniceto Lacson of Talisay “bravely and creatively” won the battle against the last Spanish military dominance in Negros.

Now dubbed by historians as "Movimiento de Cinco de Noviembre" (November 5 Movement), Hofilena announced a simple but meaningful ceremony at the Capitol grounds fronting the lagoon.

Negros Occidental Governor Joseph Maranon described this as the province's way of honoring our local heroes.

At the same time, Bacolod City will unveil a historical marker fronting the Fountain of Justice courtesy of the National Historical Commission (NHC).

Hofilena said, "This is very meaningful because the surrender and proclamation of the so-called 'Negros Republic' was made in that historic spot."

Hofilena added that Talisay and Bago, being homes to Lacson and Araneta, respectively will have their separate programs.

"At Talisay, NHC Executive Director Ludivico Baduy will be present to deliver a talk on the significance of the event," Hofilena said.

Bago City, on the other hand, will go with its traditional Canon Festival that will highlight Monday's event.

It will also feature a reenactment of how Araneta led the local forces towards the “pueblo” of Bacolod where the Spanish “casadores” Col. Isidro Castro resided.

Participants will reenact guerilla soldiers' clothing while carrying nipa stems with knives at the end looking like real rifles from afar.

At present, both the Araneta and Lacson are helping Negros province through public service and business ventures.

November 06, 2007
'Unity of rich, poor makes celebration significant' (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/11/06/news/.unity.of.rich.poor.makes.celebration.significant..html)
By Gil Alfredo B. Severino

TO MAKE the Al Cinco de Noviembre truly a holiday in the entire Negros Occidental, Vice Gov. Isidro Zayco vowed Monday to initiate the passage of a resolution at the Provincial Board making the said commemoration mandatory for all cities and municipalities in the province.

Zayco led the commemoration of the 109th Negros Freedom Day, popularly known as the Al Cinco de Noviembre, held at the Capitol grounds Monday morning. The program was joined by school heads from various localities in Negros, police and military officials, Capitol employees, provincial officials, and students, among others.

Among the sponsors are the Negros Occidental Historical Council (NOHC) and Provincial Information Office (PIO). In his speech, the vice governor stressed that the very significance of the commemoration is the unity of the rich and poor Negrenses.

"That's why I want Al Cinco de Noviembre to be celebrated in all towns and cities in the province except for Bacolod," said Zayco. NOHC will be tasked to draft guidelines on how to conduct the commemoration while cities and towns will be given the autonomy to think of ways on how to celebrate the historical event in their locality.

"November 5 every year must be devoted to whatever festivity the city and municipal leadership can think of but that they should only recall the history of Cinco de Noviembre," Zayco added.

Meanwhile, NOHC Executive Director Roque Hofilena said, "One big message of Al Cinco de Noviembre is the strong bond created by both the rich and the poor, the 'maysarang' and the 'pigado', under one common enemy - Spain."

"Al Cinco de Noviembre is a revolution of all, not only by the ilustrados in Negros," Hofilena said. He added, "Even the unschooled masa has the right to commemorate this."

The Al Cinco de Noviembre happened on Nov. 5, 1898 after the Spaniards led by Col. Isidro Castro surrendered upon seeing an array of rifles and cannons along Lupit area. The following day, Castro signed the Act of Capitulation stating that they will free Negros from the bondage of Spanish colonization.

Later, they found out that those rifles were only made of coconut frowns while the cannons were made up of bamboo mats and were painted black. Gen. Juan Araneta of Bago City and Gen. Anecito Lacson of Talisay City were declared heroes of the incident dubbed as the "Greatest bluff" that freed Negros from Spanish hands.

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November 06, 2007
An Affordable, Quality School of Nursing (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/11/06/feat/an.affordable.quality.school.of.nursing.html)
By Ma. Cristina B. Orbecido

THE School of Nursing at Northern Negros College of Science and Technology in Cadiz City provides affordable, quality nursing education for the less fortunate. It operates through a consortium between the provincial government and NONESCOST.

Compared with nursing schools in Bacolod City whose tuition fees range from P30,000 to 45,000, the school of nursing in NONESCOST is cheaper at more than half the price requiring only about P10,000 per semester.

Under a 50-50 sharing scheme, the province provided the lot, building equipment, and facilities while NONESCOST provided the administrative needs and faculty for general education. Since its start in 2004, it has earned about a million in revenues.

Atty. Japhet Masculino, head of the Economic Enterprise Development Department, said, "This is one of the legacy programs of Governor Joseph Maranon which will never be forgotten by any graduate of the school. They have availed of education that is affordable and with quality. We already know that if you are poor, we took pains in trying to send our children to school."

"Hopefully before (Governor Maranon's) term ends in 2010 we will have nursing board passers," he added. Aside from the nursing bachelor's degree course, the school also offers allied courses or a short-term course on health aide program. To date, the school already has produced two batches of health aide graduates.

Masculino also revealed their plans to put up their own community college. "We are now finalizing the feasibility study on this proposal. In fact, the ordinance on the provincial college was already approved on first reading," he said. The proposed provincial college will be managed by the provincial government, and it will not only offer nursing and health related courses but will also other bachelor's and vocational courses for the Negrense youth.

This is in support of the thrust of Maranon's education program which is "to bring quality and efficient education services to our people"

:cheers:

Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Negrense pug from Ilog in ASPAC title bout

Following the feat recently achieved in the field of professional boxing by Negrense Donny Nietes, a native of Murcia, Negros Occidental who now resides in Barangay Granada, Bacolod City, another Negrense boxer is seeking to win the International Boxing Organization (IBO) Asia-Pacific super featherweight championship crown in a fight scheduled on December 2.

Evander "Van" Bantilan of Ilog, Negros Occidental, said the postponement of his fight with Indonesian superstar Simson Butar-Butar from November 5 to December 2 is a "blessing in disguise" so he can continue his jogging and sparring sessions in preparation for the title fight.

The fight's postponement, the second in a week, was relayed to matchmaker Aljoe Jaro who immediately informed Bantilan's manager Chad Colocado last Monday.

Bantilan said no reason was given for the postponement but the promoter reportedly apologized to Jaro and offered some cash to compensate Bantilan's camp for the delay.

The fight was originally scheduled last October 26 and was moved to November 5 for no specific reason.

Bantilan said he hopes there will be no third postponement as it would put everything in shambles.

Nietes is one of only three Filipino boxers who currently hold a world pro-boxing title, the others being Gerry Penalosa of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental and US-based Fil-American Nonito Donaire. (HCV)

2007 WV tourism assembly "biggest" in RP, says DOT official

Negros Occidental (6 November) -- In line with the program of the national government of to make Visayas as the tourism capital of the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 is set to stage the biggest tourism assembly in the country on November 12-18 through its 7-day assembly consisting of 9 tourism events.

The assembly aims to highlight, promote and showcase the diversity of tourism attractions, services and facilities of the different areas of Region VI. This event is co-hosted by the City of Bacolod and the Province of Negros Occidental.

DOT 6 Director Edwin Trompeta said this year's theme Entrepreneurial Tourism: Beyond Tourist Arrivals should be translated into generating income to the community through jobs and livelihood going beyond the number of tourist arrivals.

Trompeta said that the WVTA is a summit in the travel and tourism industry that seeks to combine the strength and tourism potentials of the six provinces and two highly urbanized cities in Region 6.

Jennylind Cordero, Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Officer assured that the City of Bacolod and the Province of Negros Occidental are joining forces in hosting the event adding that both party will share in the tourist arrivals and investment opportunities that the WVTA is bringing.

The nine events lined-up for the week long assembly are: Regional Tourism Fair, Regional Travel Exchange, Regional Cultural Showcase, Regional Tourism Congress, Regional Tourism Excellence Awards, Tourism Olympics, Regional Food Festival, Search for Miss Western Visayas Tourism and the Regional Parade of Festivals.

Western Visayas is being positioned by the DoT as the Heritage and Resort Destination. The WVTA is expected to bring in 2,000 to 3,000 participants for the nine events.

DoT Secretary Ace Durano, Senator Richard Gordon, President of League of Cities President and Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr., Camarines Sur Governor Luis Villafuerte and Philippine Economic Zone Authority Commissioner Lilia de Lima are expected to grace the week-long Western Visayas Tourism Assmebly. (PIA/EAD)
http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&rp=4&fi=p071106.htm&no=34&date=#TOP

8 Negrenses in SEAG-bound athletics squad

Eight Negrenses are part of the Philippine athletics team bound for the Southeast Asian Games in Ratchasima Nakhon , Thailand .

They will be led by SEA Games hammer throw king Arniel Ferrera of Cauayan, who is gunning for his third gold medal in the biennial meet, after winning in the Vietnam and Manila editions.

The other Negrenses in the team are Jerro Perater (men's hammer throw), Rosie Villarito (women's javelin) and Loralie Amahit (women's hammer throw) of Binalbagan, Himamaylan's Julius Sermona (5k and 10k races), Escalante's Arnold Villarube (decathlon and 4x100), Joebert Delicano of Victorias (long jump and triple jump) and La Carlota's Sheena Atilano (110-m hurdles), Ferrera said.

Ferrera said he is upbeat of their team's chances of surpassing its nine-gold haul in the previous SEA Games, where he established a new meet record of 60.45-m on his way to the gold.

“So far, so good,” he said of their preparations for the 11-country sports conclave.

Ferrera said he is nearing peak form and has high hopes of improving his record, although he remains wary of his rivals from Indonesia and Malaysia .

Ferrera singled out Indon Dodong Suhenri, fourth placer in the 2005 SEAG, as a threat to his reign but “Indonesian athletics officials dismissed him as a contender because he is semi-retired”

“I don't believe them. Some countries keep their athletes away from pre-SEAG events so they won't be scouted,” said Ferrera, who won the gold in the Thailand Open last month.

Ferrera added, though, that the usual problems in training like the late arrival of supplies could hurt his chances.

“They (Philippine athletics officials) have yet to give me my uniforms and shoes,” he said. “We need to get used to our equipment because it affects our performance”.

The Cauayan-born athlete said the Thailand Open may turn out to be their last warm up event before plunging into action in the SEA Games since the Philippine Air Force team, which he belongs has yet to confirm its participation in the finals of the Philippine Olympic Festival next week.*CPT

Bigger Cinco de Noviembre urged
BY NIDA BUENAFE

Vice Governor Isidro Zayco yesterday said he will encourage the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental to pass a resolution that will make the celebration of the Negros ' Day bigger and more participatory among local government units in the province.

During the commemorative program of the 109 th Cinco de Noviembre celebration at the Capitol, Zayco said Negrenses should pay tribute to the heroism of generals Aniceto Lacson and Juan Araneta who led the revolution against the Spanish rule.

Zayco said the Cinco de Noviembre celebration marks the province's independence and it should be celebrated by all Negrenses.

He said that while the cities of Silay and Bago have their own celebration, it will be more meaningful if the other towns and cities will have their own commemorative activity to remind every Negrense of the historic event that occurred on Nov. 5, 1898 .

Rep. Jose Carlos Lacson (3 rd district, Neg. Occ.), a descendant of Gen. Lacson, said it is sad to see that the young generation fail to understand the significance of the celebration.

He said Cinco de Noviembre activities should not only commemorate the revolt against the Spanish rule but should also pay tribute to the spirit of the Negrenses to stand up collectively and fight for freedom.

He said the biggest threat to the Philippine democracy today is not the armed struggle but hunger and poverty. Lacson, Araneta and the other heroes of the Cinco de Noviembre revolution showed that Negrenses can win this battle if they will be united and engaged in the battle together.

In Bago, there was a parde of “cannons” and a reenactment of the revolt led by Araneta who bluffed then Spanish governor Isidro de Castro by augmenting their lightly-armed men with "cannon" made of bamboo and rolled amakan, and "rifles" carved out of wood and coconut fronds.

Bago City Mayor Ramon Torres said the celebration of the Cannon Festival in the city is their tribute to Al Cinco de Noviembre heroes, Araneta and Lacson.

In Silay, the city government marked the Negros Day celebration with a program at the city plaza attended by the city officials.*NAB

Delicano wins gold in Sri Lanka

Victorias-born athlete Joebert Delicano, who will see action in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next month, ruled the long jump event of the Sri Lanka Open recently.
Delicano leapt to a distance of 7.47-meters to dominate the field as he joined forces with Marestela Torres in spearheading the Filipino charge in the international event.

Torres, the defending champion in the women's long jump in the SEAG, leapt to a distance of 6.04-m.

Also winning gold in Sri Lanka was Emerson Obiena, who topped the pole vault by clearing the bar in 4.60-meters to clinch the gold.

Delicano, who will also compete in the triple jump in the SEA Games, is one of eight Negrenses in the Philippine team.

Also seeing action in the SEA Games are Arniel Ferrera of Cauayan, Rosie Villarito, Jerro Perater and Loralie Amahit of Binalbagan, Julius Sermona of Himamaylan, Arnold Villarube of Escalante and Sheena Atilano of La Carlota City.*CPT

Nietes to stake title vs. Mexican champ
MURCIA PUG'S FIRST DEFENSE
MAY BE STAGED IN BACOLOD
BY CEDELF TUPAS

Mexican champion Sammy Gutierrez has been lined up as the first challenger to World Boxing Organization minimum weight champion Donnie Nietes of Murcia , Negros Occidental.

Nietes' first voluntary defense could be held in Bacolod City with Rep. Monico Puentevella and officials of the Negros Amateur Boxing Association, led by president Monju Guanzon, among those floating the idea of staging the bout in the city where Nietes honed his skills.

In a press release posted at www.philboxing.com yesterday, WBO vice-president for Asia Pacific Leon Panoncillo said the choice of Gutierrez, who is rated No. 4 by the WBO, was decided by the boxing body's championship committee and approved by its president, Paco Valcarclel.

The choice of Gutierrez has been relayed by Panoncillo to Nietes' manager, Michael Aldeguer, the press release added.

At 21, Gutierrez, who hails from the eastern Mexican state of Puebla , is four years younger than Nietes.

The Nietes camp, Aldeguer will start negotiating for the probable date in February of next year, the press release added.

A strong supporting roster will be lined up with some promising boxers from the renowned ALA Boxing Gym stable of prizefighters, it said.

If the championship bout pushes through, it will mark the first time Gutierrez will fight outside Mexico .

Gutierrez, the reigning Mexican minimumweight champion, holds a record of 19 wins in 23 fights with two losses and two draws with 13 knockout victories.

He is coming off a split decision victory over Gabriel Ramirez through a split decision on Aug. 31 in Deportivo Corona, La Paz , Baja California Sur , Mexico .

Before Ramirez, he bowed to unbeaten compatriot Raul Garcia via split decision.

Nietes, who studied at Carlos Hilado Memorial State College and Emiliano Lizares Memorial National High School , has a record of 22 wins, one loss, and three draws, 14 by knockout.

He won the WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight title on Nov. 24, and successfully defended it twice against Thongthailek Por Vorasing in Victorias and Sangpetch Sor Sakuphan, both from Thailand .

Nietes became the country's fourth world champion this year when he defeated Pornsawan Kratingdaenggym for the vacant WBO minimumweight title via unanimous decision.

Nietes also became the 33rd Filipino boxer to become a world champion, the press release said.

Under the tutelage of his uncle Jerson Nietes, Donnie, who has earned the tag of “Ahas” because of his habit of bringing his pet python “Don” to the ring in his matches, started training when he was 9.*CPT

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^^ W O W

November 08, 2007
Come and keep a tradition burning (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/11/08/feat/come.and.keep.a.tradition.burning.html)

The 1st National Adobo Festival this November in Silay City is not only a feast for the palates. It is also about people gathering in the name of a dish that combines the islands' herbs and spices, various cultures, and even cooking styles.

This is an event not only set for the physical senses, but also highlights Negros' history and pride.

For one, the Maghirupay Kita benefit dinner brings just that and more. It caps day 1 on the 9th, which kicks off with the Food & Heritage tours and the Food & Crafts stalls both at the Balay Negrense Museum and SM City.

Negrense Chefs Panco Bringas (of Sugarland), JP Anglo (of Mai Pao and Mu Shu Restaurants), and New-York trained caterer Mia Gonzaga will set the stoves and appetites aflame with special menus that will feature: "Stylized Negrense Cuisine."

Sampling never-before tried recipes using local basic ingredients seems a perfect preparation for the Street Party that will follow at the historic Cinco de Noviembre.

Tickets are at P1,000 per person. Proceeds will go to the renovation of the rain-drenched and rain-holed ceiling of Balay Negrense which is now being supported by bamboo stilts. So people go home both gastronomically satisfied, and with the great feeling of having helped keep a house of heritage and culture intact.

Food Anthropologist Pia Lim Castillo and Cook Magazine editor-in-chief Nancy Reyes Lumen will be sharing on the heritage of Adobo on Nov. 10 at 9:00 am at the West Negros Auditorium.

In the afternoon, the Adobo Challenge for Students' and Enthusiasts' will be held at the West Negros College Gym. The cookfest, which has been locally held for the past nine years in Silay City, gathers both students and amateur cooks from all over the country who will display their expertise and personal interpretations of the Adobo recipe.

The Food & Heritage tours, Food & Crafts stalls will continue until the last day. An adobo demonstration by invited chefs and other guests will take place on Nov. 11 at the Silay Civic Center which shall be followed by food tasting to put a lid on the three-day festival.

"Of course, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. So besides learning a new adobo recipe by watching the cooking demonstrations on festival day, the goodness of eating different versions of it in the beautiful ambiance of the gardens of Balay Negrense is what has drawn Negrenses and even out-of-town visitors to this yearly event," reveals Cristina Montelibano, in the foreword of the Adobo Festival Cookbook.

The Negros Cultural Foundation, which organizes the national event, enjoys the support of the following sponsors: Silay City, Province of Negros Occidental, Department of Tourism, SM City Bacolod, Cong. Jose Carlos Lacson, Globe Telecom, Hawaiian-Philippine Co., LBC, Pioneer Insurance, and Plantation Bay Resort & Spa.

For more information, contact the NCF through these numbers: (034) 708-5080, (034) 431-9451; telefax (034) 433-4764 - Negros Museum. You may also e-mail them at adobochallenge@gmail.com.

Come and have a feast of the senses and keep a tradition of goodwill, hospitality, and harmonious gathering burning beyond the kitchen and the dining table.

Woohoo! Great articles here. :)

^^:hi: You're welcome!
Thanks for dropping.:)

Friday, November 09, 2007
Consular Corps, 'Balikbayans' impressed with Negrense hospitality

MEMBERS of the Consular Corps and officers of the Bacolod Society in America (BSA) were "very impressed with the warm accommodation" given to them by Negrenses during their recent visit here, a press statement from the Office of John Orola Jr., Special Tourism Envoy for North Asia, read.

The Consular Corps, a group representing the different foreign embassies based in Manila, and the BSA, composed of Filipinos from Bacolod, were in Negros Occidental recently to visit its cultural heritage and tourist attractions, the report from Orola, a former Bacolod congressman, read.

Both groups were treated to a cocktail reception at Casa Orola hosted by the John J. Orola Sr. Memorial Foundation with its chairman, John Orola Jr., Remedios Orola and Dr. Elizabeth Salabas.

SKAL International Bacolod also hosted a welcome luncheon for them at Aboy's with Women in Travel headed by Luci Lizares-Yunque. Orola and Yunque are president and vice president, respectively, of SKAL Bacolod. SKAL is a professional organization of tourism leaders around the world, it read.

The Consular group visited the cities of Bacolod, Talisay, Silay and Victorias and were likewise treated to luncheon and dinner receptions by mayors Evelio Leonardia, Eric Saratan, Jose Montelibano and Remedios Bantug, it added.

The Consular group was composed of couple Andrew and Sarah Devlin of the US Embassy, Vicente Carlos of Ivory Coast, Rene Ledesma of Bulgaria, Fortune Ledesma of Monaco, Pete Saad of Lebanon, Oscar de Venecia of Ukraine, Eduardo de Guzman of Gabonese Republic and Antonio Rufino of Mongolia. They were joined by couple Toshiro and Mie Morita, general manager of Japan Airlines, and Armita Rufino of Philippine Heritage Festival.

The BSA was composed of its founding chairman Al Denila, couple Manny and Honey Lazo, president, and couple Fred and Adena Golder, vice president. (DBD )

BY 2010
Sales of NegOcc SMEs seen to increase 10%

Small and medium enterprises in Negros Occidental are aiming to increase their total sales by 10 percent in 2010, the Provincial SME Development Plan shows.

The figure is based on the national indicator of 130 percent increase in sales by 2010, from priority sectors as well as services, tourism, education, health and outsourcing sectors.

The local goal is under the “Access to Market” aspect of the SME Plan which has existing programs and projects being implemented to meet the projected figure.

These include: participation in trade fairs, which involves assistance to member-producers in local and national fairs; skills technical, managerial, productivity and marketing trainings, particularly techno-transfer trainings in creativity enhancement, pricing, costing, among others;

Technology upgrading, specifically for equipment through a program of the Department of Science and Technology; product development clinics, on the improvement of existing products in terms of product design, quality, raw material utilization, to enhance marketability;

Market matching and linkaging, by providing market information and trade opportunities to producers; buying and selling missions, through organizing and assisting local producers in offering their products to identified buyers; and financial assistance programs to members for marketing development, by providing financial package like Purchase Order-Financing.

Aside from Access to Markets, other aspects included in the SME Plan are Business and Investment Enabling Environment, Access to Finance and Productivity and Efficiency.

The formulation of the Provincial SME Development Plan is under the Harmonization of the National SME Development Plan component of the German Technical Cooperation-SME Development for Sustainable Employment Program assistance to the Department of Trade Industry, which implements an SME development program in Western Visayas.*NLG

IN TANON STRAIT Oil drilling set to start
BY ALEX PAL
Environmentalists are keeping a tight watch on the Department of Energy's oil exploration drilling in Tañon Strait , which is scheduled to start this week.

The drilling will take place on board a floating oil rig which was towed to the site, some three kilometers off the coast of the municipalities of Aloguinsan and Pinamungahan in Cebu .

These areas are directly across the towns of La Libertad and Jimalalud in Negros Oriental. But the fear of scientists is the possible harm that the noise of underwater blasting would have on the sea creatures.

Two weeks ago, some 170 marine scientists who had met in Iloilo had

passed a resolution opposing any oil exploration activity in the Ta ñ on strait, citing its unique biodiversity as a protected seascape.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes held a forum with environmentalists,

stakeholders and their contractor, the Japan Petroleum Exploration Company, Ltd., at the University of San Carlos , Cebu City last Wednesday.

Silliman University President Dr. Ben Malayang III accompanied a battery of scientists, legal experts and theologians to the dialog.

Reyes said that the exploratory drilling for oil in the Tanon strait will start on Thursday. He said this date was set some two or three years ago. “This is something that you don't decide on overnight,” he said, as he allayed fears that the welfare of the fishermen and the environment would be ignored.

Sensing that there was nothing anyone could do to stop the exploratory drillings pending exhaustive environmental studies, Malayang offered the expertise of scientists from Silliman University to monitor the water quality and behavior of cetaceans, or marine mammals, while the drilling will continue for two months.

Aside from the formation of a multi-partite monitoring team, lawyer Mikhail Lee Maxino, director of the Salonga Center for Law and Development based in Silliman University , had also demanded that the Japex set up an Environmental Guarantee Fund which could be used to immediately address possible problems that may arise from the operation.

Reyes, however, clarified that this activity that will be carried out by the Japex for a two-month period is only limited to oil exploration. “This is not commercial drilling yet. In the event that oil is found in Ta ñ on strait and its quantity is sufficient and declared mineable, it would need a full-blown environmental study and a law from Congress.

Malayang also pointed out the need to put a value on the present resources found in Ta ñ on strait, which may be very vital in determining whether actual commercial oil drilling will be feasible.

“We might be jeopardizing the vital resource for an unknown commodity,” he said.*AP

FFCCCII, SNFCCCII, NNFCCCII Turnovers Schoolbuilding in Valladolid


By Jun de los Reyes

Almost 5 units school-building 10 classrooms were donated by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., under the Operation: Barrio Schools and the Southern Negros Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., and the Northern Negros Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., Kapwa ko, Tulong in Valladolid, Bago City, and Bacolod City last Thursday and Friday. In Valladolid, spearheaded by the inauguration, blessings and turn-over ceremony were Ang Cho Lim- Director, Welfare Committee, Director Tan Teng Li,, Henry Co (representing donor Mr. Peter Coliangco), Project Coordinators Carlos Legaspi and Jemar Pascual together with Carlos Javellana- Board of Director FFCCCII & President Emeritus SNFCCCII Adolfo Lim- President -SNFCCCII, Executive Vice-President-Nonaldo Chua, Vice-President- Hung Wei Yuan, Assistant Treasurer- Nelson Ng, Director

Aida Uy-Ways and Means, Director- Salvacion Chua- Welfare, Executive Vice-President- Luis T. Chan-NNFCCCII, Director-Lucio Chua- Ways and Means, Director- Crispin Chua- External Affairs, Engr. Sonny Tan Kit among others.

Mayor Rommel Yogore of Valladolid, SBM Dan Yanson, Mrs. Grace Zamora-Prin-cipal,Pacol Elem. School, Dory Nacional-Principal II, Evenezer Gatuslao-Barangay Captain-Pacol, Kagawads- Quirico Frias, Fedel Valencia, Noel Española, PTCA officials, teachers, and students. Rev. Fr. Loreto Tomo- officiated the blessing ceremony.

Ang Cho Lim -Director, Welfare Committee-FFCCCII in his inspirational message said, " This is the project of FFCCCII under Operation Barrio Schools. It is donated through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Ang to the good people of Barangay Pacol, Valladolid. To the students, parents and teachers, please take good care of the schoolbuilding."

Carlos Javellana- Board of Director FFCCCII, & President Emeritus SNFCCCII who facilitated and made the project realized and successful advised the students to study well for their own good considering that the children are the future of our nation." FFCCCII has donated more than 7,000 classrooms and schoolbuildings in the Philippines as of this date and also helped in times of calamities, typhoons, etc.,and donated firetrucks to Escalante City (2), Sagay City (2), Cadiz City, La Castellana, Sipalay under the Fire Prevention Group Project," he said.

Mayor Rommel Yogore in behalf of the Municipal Government of Valladolid heartily accepted the donation of newly built schoolbuildings with the commitment to take good care of the property for the use of the schoolchildren and for the next generation. He gave thanks and lauded the generosity of the Donor Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Ang, FFCCCII, SNFCCCII, NNF-CCCII and all those who made the project succcessful.

Mrs. Grace Zamora-Principal, Pacol Elem. School expressed her gratitude to the donor, Mr. and Mrs. Ang and all the officials of the FFCCCII, SNFCCCII, NN-FCCCII for their concern and care for the welfare of students especially the poor and the needy. Mrs. Dory Nacional-Principal II gave the closing remarks.*

November 13, 2007
Hinigaran inaugurates 'Bagsakan' center (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/11/13/bus/hinigaran.inaugurates.bagsakan.center.html)

REPRESENTATIVE Ignacio T. Arroyo (5th district, Negros Occidental) has provided the Hinigaranons with their own "Bagsakan Center" to address the congestion in their public market.

Arroyo has allocated P2 million from his congressional funds to help the Local Government of Hinigaran provide the market facilities for their vendors and also to give the people the convenience in buying assorted vegetables in a one stop center.

The Department of Public Works and Highways implemented the project and it was inaugurated recently with the presence of Congressman Arroyo.

Hinigaran Mayor Hermilio Aguilar said the Bagsakan Center is a big help to transient vendors as the existing public market could no longer accommodate them.

With the help of the Office of the Congressman, they addressed a need for a place to house the transient vendors.

The Municipal Council of Hinigaran is working on the legislation of a local bill that would govern the use of the Bagsakan Center.

There is a need for a local ordinance before they finally use the Bagsakan Center, Mayor Aguilar said. He extended his thanks to the Congressman for being responsive to the needs of his constituents.

An open question to everyone:

How much is the fare (Ceres) from BCD to DGT? Aircon and Deluxe?

Thanks! :)

Organic agri fair opens
BY RENE GENOVE
Organically grown products are being displayed in a Visayas Sustainable Organic Agriculture Fair that opened yesterday and will run until tomorrow at the Quezon Park , in Dumaguete City .

The Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohiya, a non-government organization promoting and developing appropriate technology is one of the lead convenors of the event featuring organized farmers using organic means for their produce such as vegetables and fruits, rice and corn, and organically processed foods.

This initiative is supported by the Negros Oriental and city governments.

Other activities are demonstrations of indigenous and time-tested local food preparations made of non-chemically treated food ingredients, handicraft shows and a variety of innovatively crafted commodities.

Connie Pino of SIBAT said poor farmers are given marketing opportunities through the trade fair, and access to food safety and security to consumers.

She, however, lamented that farmers have a hard time sustaining their organic farming due to lack of water supply, marketing prospects, and lack of farm-to-market roads.

Part of the 10-point economic agenda of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is to develop two million hectares of land for agribusiness and create two million agri-based jobs by 2010.

A report of the Department of Agriculture indicated that as of August, 777,869 hectares, or 39 percent of target area for agribusiness, have been developed and about 1.195 million new jobs were generated.

The report added that 307,888 hectares, or 40 percent of the total area developed, were planted to coconut, while 37,480 hectares, or 5 percent, was allocated to biofuels.*RG

An open question to everyone:

How much is the fare (Ceres) from BCD to DGT? Aircon and Deluxe?

Thanks! :)

Bern, i saw it on Sassieboy Blog,Negros Island Online.Please have a look in there.

‘Sight for Kids' set

The Provincial Committee on Sight Preservation will conduct a three-day visual screening in public elementary schools, a press release from the Negros Occidental Health Office said yesterday.

The project called “Sight for Kids” aims to give corrective eyeglasses to pupils who have error refraction and is in line with the initiative of Vision 2020 of the World Health Organization.

It will be held in Ilog tomorrow, Binalbagan – Nov. 21, and Himamaylan City , Nov. 22, the press release also said.

Helping in the project are the Lions International, Negros Lions, Sight First Foundation Inc., Department of Education, Philippine Academy of Opthalmology-Negros, Negros Occidental Optometric Society, and Johnson and Johnson-Vision Care, the press release added.*

PNA-NOC gets recognition

The Philippine Nurses Association Negros Occidental Chapter was named Outstanding Chapter for 2007 at the PNA Annual National Convention held recently in Cagayan de Oro City, a press release from the group said.

The theme of the affair was “Nurses at the Forefront: Dealing with the Unexpected.”

Chapter officers attended the event that also coincided with the 85 th Foundation Anniversary of PNA Inc., the accredited professional organizations of nurses in the country, the press release added.*

Negros Solons Help TESDA Expand Scholarship Program
Seven Congressmen in Negros Occidental including the Lone District of Bacolod will help the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) expand its scholarship program in the province.

TESDA Provincial Director Yolanda C. Porschwitz said that Rep. Jules Ledesma (1st District); Rep. Thirdy Marañon, (2nd District); Rep. Jose Carlos Lacson, (3rd District); Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, (4th District); Rep. Ignacio Arroyo, (5th District); Rep. Genaro Alvarez, (6th District) and Rep. Monico Puentevella, (Lone District of Bacolod) have committed P2 million each to help TESDA increase the number of its scholars.

The funds will come from the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) and President Gloria Maca-pagal Arroyo Training For Work Scholarship Program (PGMA-TWSP).

TESDA also has its counterpart fund. She said next year, TESDA will increase its Scholarship fund to P14 million for Negros Occidental alone next year, Director Porschwitz said.

TESDA offers scholarship for vocational courses and other courses with practical application.

Trainings for Call Center agents, Medical Transcription, Computer course and a lot more.

Anybody who is 18-55 years can avail of the Scholarship program.* (CNC)

A conservation model
BY CARLA GOMEZ
SAGAY CITY – Children get to school by walking across a 1.2 kilometer foot walk through the sea, giant jars store rain water because there is no fresh water from wells, and cars and jeeps are non existent in a barangay called Molocaboc here.

This quaint 428-has. barangay in the middle of the sea made up of three islands – Molocaboc Daku, Diut and Matabas -- with a population of 6,000, is part of the Sagay Marine Reserve and model of marine conservation efforts.

Massive mangrove reforestation, regeneration of corrals and marine habitat, and a strict ban on illegal fishing are among the conservation efforts practiced in Molocaboc.

It is also in this barangay where 85 percent of the residents rely on fishing for their livelihood where Mayor Alfredo Marañon Jr., who also served as congressman of the second district of Negros Occidental, introduced sea ranching, Barangay Captain Antonio Pasaylo said.

By creating an artificial habitat on the seabed using used tires and large stones fishermen draw fish to their miracle hole and in three to four months are able to harvest about 20 kilos of fish.

At about a P80 kilo it enables fishermen to earn about P1,600 to P2,000 in additional income, Pasaylo said.

A visit to Molocaboc with its rich marine life is also gastronomic delight with its abundant supply of fresh fish, seashells and crabs.

To reach Molocaboc Daku during low tide, bancas dock at the tip of a 1.2 kilometer cement foot walk leading into the main village of the barangay. The foot bridge disappears beneath the sea during high tide.

Another 1.2 kilometer footwalk also connects Molocaboc Daku to the smaller island of Malocaboc Diut, which construction was made possible by Gov. Joseph Marañon, who had also served as mayor of Sagay .*CPG

GOV'T URGED
Create organic products market
BY MARICAR ARANAS
Negros Oriental Vice Gov. Jose Baldado yesterday suggested that the government put up a market or “Bagsakan” center in strategic areas of the province where only organically grown products can be sold.

Baldado, who attended the Central Visayas Sustainable Organic Agriculture Fair 2007 at the Quezon Park Ball field in Dumaguete City, said only a few people can recognize organically grown fruits and vegetables.

He said people should be aware that using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides can cause diseases and is hazardous to the environment. He urged the Department of Agriculture to focus its campaign on promoting organic farming.

The agri-fair showcases various organically grown products of members of the Negros Oriental Network of Non-government and People's Organizations.

Sansen Maglinte of the Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohiya said Negros island was recently identified as the Organic Island destination in the country, after the policy on Negros Island Sustainable Agricultural Development was signed by the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Negros.*MA

November 15, 2007
Board authorizes Maranon to obtain bank loan (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/11/15/news/board.authorizes.maranon.to.obtain.bank.loan.html)

The Provincial Board approved Wednesday a resolution authorizing Governor Joseph Maranon to represent, negotiate, borrow and obtain an Omnibus Term Loan with the Land Bank of the Philippines in the amount of P900 million.

The resolution gave full authority to Maranon to sign, execute, deliver, endorse, and agree to the terms and conditions of the sub-loan agreements, promissory notes, deeds of assignment and other loan or collateral documents.

The loan will finance the different infrastructure projects of the province which are included in the approved local development plan or public investment program and determined as priority project of the provincial government.

Among the projects that will be financed by this loan is the construction of the district hospitals in Isabela and Escalante City amounting to P100 million. (JSG)

Capitol gets P1.2M from BSWM-DA

The Bureau of Soils and Water Management of the Department of Agriculture released a check for P1.237 million to Negros Occidental through Gov. Joseph Marañon for the establishment of two organic fertilizer projects in the province.

The amount, turned over by Senior Agriculturist Isabel Nasis in simple rites at the Capitol yesterday, will be used for the Modified Rapid Composting Technology Production Farms and the Small-Scale Organic and Microbial Fertilizer Production Plant.

Both projects are needed for the implementation of the National Organic-based Agriculture or “ Agri-Kalikasan ” Program that aims to increase rice production and the level of income of rice farmers through proper use of chemical fertilizers in combination with organic fertilizers and compost from farm wastes.

Nasis said the BSWM is implementing the project “Support System for the Modified Rapid Composting Program” funded under the RP-Japan Increased Food Production Grant as the initial program activity for the “ Agri-Kalikasan ” and in support of the Tipid Abono Fertilization Program.

The provincial government will provide a counterpart of P400,000 for the construction of warehouse, laboratory facilities and office, Marañon said.*

NOPH to hire 9 doctors
BY MARICAR ARANAS
The nine doctors undergoing residency training at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital will be hired by the provincial government, Gov. Emilio Macias II said yesterday.

The doctors include five OB-Gyne and four surgeons, who will be employed as chief physicians of different district hospitals in the province, he added.

He said, however, that these doctors should first undergo anesthesiology training so they can perform secondary operations like appendectomy, and Caesarian, among others.

Macias said he had directed NOPH chief Dr. Dante Domingo to conduct the training to the nine resident doctors, who accepted the offer.

The governor said he wanted to improve the medical services to include secondary health services and operations at the district hospitals in the cities of Bayawan, Canlaon, and Bais, and the towns of Guihulngan, Mabinay, Siaton and Bindoy.*MA

November 16, 2007
Iggy lights up sitio (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/11/16/bus/iggy.lights.up.sitio.html)

NEGROS Occidental 5th district Rep. Ignacio T. Arroyo has set aside P1 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to finance the electrification project in Sitio Balabag, Barangay Candumarao, Hinigaran. Thirty-five houses were the initial beneficiaries of the electrification project of Arroyo.

Many are expected to benefit from this project, said Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (Noceco) Director Alex Vergara. He added that it was a big help to both the residents of Sitio Balabag and the cooperative that the good congressman has generously provided the P1 million for the electrification project.

It all started with Candumarao barangay chief Greg Tiamsing. He requested for the project and without second thought, the congressman approved the allocation of P1 million.

Noceco also had a counterpart of P200,000. Arroyo spearheaded the ceremonial switch on last October in the presence of the concerned beneficiaries, barangay head Tiamsing, Hinigaran Mayor Hermilio Aguilar, Provincial Board (PB) Member Melvin Ibanez and many others.

Arroyo said electricity is very vital in the growth and development of the community and its people, thus he fully supported this project. He hopes to realize the energization of the areas that have not yet been served with electricity in some towns and cities under his district. (PR)

Friday, November 16, 2007
Himamaylan runners off to nat'l Milo marathon finals

TOP Negrense marathoners Eric Panique and Anthony Babiera who topped this year's Iloilo City regional qualifying leg of the National Milo Marathon are slated to leave for Manila Friday to see action in the 31st edition of the event on November 18.

This was confirmed to Sun.Star Bacolod Thursday by former national Milo marathon titlist Rodolfo Rizalde who trains both Panique and Babiera as official trainer of Himamaylan City's athletics team and head coach of the West Negros College athletics team.

Himamaylan City first gentleman and Negros Basketball Association (NBA) president Oscar 'Dodong' Bascon said he is confident that both Panique and Babiera will try their best to perform well. "Eric and Anthony are ready. They have trained well and I just hope they can duplicate what Julius Sermona achieved last year," Bascon said.

Sermona, a native of Barangay Libacao, Himamaylan City, topped last year's 42-kilometer event of the national Milo marathon but is skipping this Sunday's finals run in favor of being a member of the RP team for the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand from December 5-16 where he is slated to compete in 5,000 and 10,000 meters.

Panique and Babiera are members of the Himamaylan City marathon team which topped the last staging of the Run Negros Run marathon relay which unfortunately organizers failed to stage this year due to lack of sponsors.

Panique and Babiera will join the scheduled carbo-loading party starting 5:30 p.m. today at North Greenhills Club House in San Juan which is intended to honor and gather all qualifiers of Sunday's marathon finals.

Also competing in the national finals is Allyn Salas, daughter of Bacolod broadcaster Alladin Salas. (HCV)

‘Procurement ordinance to benefit poor in NegOr'
BY MARICAR ARANAS
Gov. Emilio Macias II yesterday endorsed the proposed consignment and procurement ordinance authored by Board Member Marcelo Adanza, yesterday, at the Provincial Capitol in Dumaguete City .

Macias said the measure can be applied on the purchase of medicines for the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital .

The consignment basis of buying medicines can also lessen the chances of exposed medicines due to storage and handling, he added.

The governor said this will be more practical because the province will pay only for the consumed medicines, while in bulk purchase, the possibility of exposure is very high.

Macias said the procurement plan is in line with his proposal to revive the “Botika sa NOPH,” through which, patients will have the option to purchase cheaper but effective medicines.

The governor said he is also planning to minimize the practice of pharmacy recommendation which is commonly done by some doctors.

He said he believes this practice is inappropriate especially for the poor patients the NOPH caters to.

Macias said the consignment and procurement system is now being observed at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital in Cebu City .

Provincial legislators are now reviewing the details of the ordinance so it will not conflict with Republic Act 9482 or the Procurement Act, he added.*MA

124 CARP beneficiaries installed
BY CARLA GOMEZ
The Department of Agrarian Reform yesterday installed 124 farmer beneficiaries on 179 hectares in Sagay and Escalante cities on properly formerly owned by the Department of Education.

Sixty-two beneficiaries were installed on 77 has. in Sagay City and 62 others on 102 hectares in Escalante City at rites attended by DAR Undersecretary Dominador Andres and Rep. Alfredo Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 2 nd district).

Meanwhile, Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday said a study based on data from the field showing that that the lives of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program beneficiaries in Negros Occidental have not improved will be submitted to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Senate and the House in December.

The study shows that one half of the beneficiaries are no longer the tillers of the land and the other half have not improved their lives, he said.

And the beneficiaries have not been able to pay land taxes and amortization of the property given them, he said.

We are not against CARP, we want it to be successful with the adequate provision of support services, he said.

Priority for CARP coverage should be property already offered by landowners for coverage, the governor said.

There should be a moratorium on coverage of land not offered for CARP so they can undertake long term plans for their lands and on how to improve the lives of their workers, he said.

Definitely the distribution of lands in Negros Occidental has not been successful, he said.

The provincial government is also strengthening its nutrition program to ensure that what happened in Mindanao will not happen in Negros Occidental.

26 Japanese nationals plant trees in Sagay City
Bacolod City (16 November) -- Twenty six Japanese nationals and members of the Sagay Kabingahan Lions Club combined efforts to plant 500 seedlings in Mt. Nabig-a, Barangay Lopez Jaena in Sagay City.

The tree planting is part of the yearly environmental conservation and cultural exchange program of the Toyota Tomei Lions Club in Negros Occidental.

About 35,000 trees are already planted in Mt. Nabiga-a.

The Japanese delegation is composed of seventeen officials and members of Toyota Tomei Lions Club and nine high school students from Kamigo Junior High School and Maebayashi Junior High School.

The group was headed by Hokano MasaFumi, president of the Lions Club, and it was their 17th visit to the province.

The Japanese group turned over karaoke, piano, LCD, amplifiers and various school supplies to Veto National High School and Bato National High School. (PIA/cad)

Marañon pushes for localized Bantay Dalan Task Force

By Ranie S. Azue

BACOLOD City - Concerned by the increasing number of road accidents around the province, Negros Occidental Gov. coordinated with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and local chief executives from the province’s 31 cities and municipalities to implement road safety measures and create their respective Bantay Dalan Task Force.

Marañon said the increasing cases of road accidents, majority of which lead to loss of lives, are very alarming and are usually frequent during the milling season because of the vast numbers of cargo trucks carrying sugarcanes to sugar mills.

A number of vehicular accidents happen during the wee hours of the night because trucks loaded with sugarcane do not park properly along national roads. Some trucks with engine trouble do not put an early warning device to warn approaching vehicles.

Marañon wants to revive the defunct Bantay Dalan Task Force which enforced strict monitoring of highways. This time, however, he wants local government units to implement this program.

He said the LTO Regional Office agreed to provide three authorized personnel in every congressional district in the province to assist Bantay Dalan operatives in apprehending violators. The provincial government will provide logistics and possible additional personnel in making sure roads are cleared of potential hazards.

The governor also appealed to motorists to always be careful while driving, particularly those making long distance trips to be always on alert and practice safe driving.

Bantay Dalan Task Force was abolished after drivers complained of being victimized by mulcting members of the task force.

SMC eyes sorghum ethanol project


Food conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is interested in joining the Sweet Sorghum for Ethanol Consortium (SSEC) as it has declared its extensive diversification efforts even into the energy business.


Already five private enterprises are forming the Philippines SSEC after signing a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) which spearheaded the commercialization of sweet sorghum ethanol.

And SMC, through its Ginebra San Miguel, affiliate may be one of those avid entrants in the biofuel business that is seen to have tremendous growth potential with government’s legislative and comprehensive bureaucratic support for the environment-friendly technology.

SMC has earlier asked the Sugar Regulatory Administration to help the company identify lands for planting sugarcane in Negros where Ginebra has a distillery for its alcoholic beverage business. But the new lands is potentially for sugarcane-based ethanol production, rather than for the beverage.
full news @http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20071118108952.html

Hi. Just wanted to post these photos I took during my recent visit. My mom's from Bindoy, Negros Oriental, by the way. We live is Cebu. :)

Maayo Shipping Lines (Amlan)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2132/1857217326_a96332c8bd.jpg?v=0

Oil Depot
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2217/1857222374_b7d08455ae.jpg?v=0

Bindoy
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2269/1857437016_c1db83379c.jpg?v=0

Mantalip Fish Reserve (Bindoy)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2157/1857403658_f9dc65d334.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/1856633116_889f97d891.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/1855863423_6d35cde7ee.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2018/1856737376_cda2f06e5b.jpg?v=0

Hacienda Villanueva
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/1856510713_368c8d7a6c.jpg?v=0

Splendid shots!!! :applause::applause::applause:

Thank you very much!I've never to this places.The greneeries plus beach is very fascinating....

Hi. Just wanted to post these photos I took during my recent visit. My mom's from Bindoy, Negros Oriental, by the way. We live is Cebu. :)


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/1855863423_6d35cde7ee.jpg?v=0

i notice there is a water devided by colors,,,crystal green and blue,,,maybe there is a divisional fence at the middle

MASA holds tree-planting
A tree-planting activity was held last week by the Movement for the Advancement of Sustainable Agriculture in the cities of La Carlota and Canlaon, and in La Castellana town, a press release from the group said.

About 5,000 various saplings of fruit and timber trees were planted in agrarian reform communities.

The group is also organizing local entrepreneurs, providing business opportunities and markets products of agrarian reform beneficiaries, the press release said.

The group is a national organization conducting dialogs among non-government organizations and civil society, and is assisted by the Bread for the World, a development organization based in Germany , the press release also said.

In the Visayas, its cluster members are the Alter Trade Foundation Inc., Negros Oriental Institute for Rural Development Inc., and the Negros Center for People Empowerment and Rural Development, it added.

Those interested in their projects may call Fritz Jacob at the NCPERD office located at Apt. 14, 13/F, Cokin Building, Libertad Extension, Bacolod City, with Tel. No. (034) 433-7636, the press release further said.*

Kabankalan wins clean, green award

The city of Kabankalan was named for the third consecutive time as the cleanest and greenest city in Negros Occidental for 2007, by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran, a press release from Kabankalan said.

The evaluation team that visited Kabankalan last month was composed of Marie Flor Cabaylo of the Provincial Health Office, Dr. Yvonne Tan of the Department of Education, Ramil Ledesma of the Provincial Environment Management Office, and Leni Pendon of the Department of Interior and Local Government, provincial office.

Dottie Zayco, first lady of Kabankalan, welcomed the team that was toured in the city by Roger Diaz, city engineer; Glicerio Cabatac, project in-charge; Vir Gerongani, tourism officer; and Eddie Yap, information officer, the press release said.

The team visited the public market, plaza, public comfort rooms, barangay halls, health office, material recovery facility buildings, sanitary landfill and the different offices at the city hall, the press release added. *

Hacienda Villanueva
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/1856510713_368c8d7a6c.jpg?v=0

^^ Hmm.. Hda. Villanueva of NegOr. Reminding me of one of the SSC Cebu forumers who is a Villanueva of the said place.

Talisay mayor is advocate of humanitarianism

By Edgar Cadagat

BACOLOD CITY – Talisay city mayor Eric Saratan, a doctor by profession, told journalists his calling has ingrained in him the humanitarian orientation, the primary reason why he has emphasized the implementation of continuing programs and projects to ensure delivery of basic and social services.

Saratan said programs related to health, education, livelihood, shelter and housing complete with specific projects to combat poverty have been put in place in Talisay City.

“As a doctor, I have been concerned about the marginalization and the poverty-stricken, including the less-privileged—the reason why, as chief executive, I have made it a point to concentrate more on basic and social services,” said Saratan.

The pro-poor programs have been carried out since he assumed the mayorship after the unfortunate demise of the late Talisay mayor Anthony Lizares.

Saratan has also made it a point to develop and enhance livelihood projects and productive endeavors, the city being a major producer of agricultural products including sugarcane.

Families in the city’s hinterlands areas produce all kinds of fruits including durian, rambutan, lanzones, and bananas.

As an advocate of humanitarianism, Saratan exudes a pleasant aura—easy to approach and sensitive when it comes to the problems of the poor, his followers say.

Guv insists ban on GMOs

By Ranie S. Azue

BACOLOD City – Despite the drawback from the Department of Agriculture (DA) on banning Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) products in the province, Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon insists to ban products, living or non living inside the province.

Marañon said he was saddened by the fact that the DA cannot support the provincial government’s move to ban GMOs because it runs counter to the policy of the national government on the use of safe and modern biotechnology.

Marañon said the provincial government will stand by its decision to ban such products in the territory of Negros Occidental.

“Besides there is already an ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and approved by my office,” Marañon said.

The said ordinance bans the entry of living GMOs and experimentation and or field testing related to it, planting, growing, selling or trading of living GMOs, which are considered toxic to humans and animals.

Marañon asked the active participation and support of DA in imposing the ban on the entry, importation, growing, planting, selling and trading of genetically-modified plants and animals in Negros Occidental, that was approved by the SP last year. But with the rejection of DA, he is studying other options and the possible of the DA decision on the local government unit.

The ban on GMOs is one of Marañon’s efforts to make the province as the Organic Food Bowl of Asia and to probably host the International Conference on Organic Agriculture by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement or IFOAM come 2010.

New technology eyed for sustainable sanitation
BY RENE GENOVE
Faced with the likely threat of a world crisis in hygiene and sanitation, health and water experts are eyeing an innovative technology touted to promote sustainable sanitation in the country, Noel Ferrero of the Integrated Provincial Health Office said, in a recent forum on hygiene and sanitation at Bethel Guesthouse, in Dumaguete City .

Ferrero, also a member of the Technical Working Group of the Provincial Water and Sanitation Development Council, said the philosophy is called “ecosan” or ecological sanitation.

It is pushed by health and water advocates based on a holistic view of material flows — that what has in the past been regarded as a waste for disposal is now regarded as a resource.

He said ecosan is an effective way of achieving the Millennium Development Goal as it will make access to improved sanitation within reach of cash-strapped municipalities.

“Ecosan closes the loop between agriculture and sanitation,” Ferrero said.

One strategy under it is the switch from conventional on-site/off-site sanitation “drop and store” toilet facility to the “urine diversion” toilet wherein human waste is turned into fertilizer, which then feeds the soil that grows crops.

The ecosan toilet facility is an innovative structure to improve human health by minimizing the introduction of pathogens from human excreta into the water cycle and promotes recycling by safe, hygienic recovery and use of nutrients, organics, trace elements, water and energy.

Ferrero said that one person's excreta can provide enough nutrients for 200 m2 to 400 m2 of agricultural production area depending on soil and plant type.

“With Ecosan, there is no need to buy chemical fertilizers that are more and more expensive for farmers since fossil resources are diminishing,” Ferrero said.

The ecosan toilet is inexpensive, uses local materials and applicable to local sanitation practices, Ferrero added. “It is more sustainable than the conventional water carriage sanitation system of ‘flush and forget' we use today,” he said

With the ecosan toilet system, the urine and feces are collected separately, and water is not used to flush. The feces are sprinkled with ash, sawdust, and rice husk and reused for agricultural purposes, he added.*RG

It may have escaped the notice of most of us. But the Roxas mills have reportedly earmarked P1-billion to build an ethanol plant in Negros Occidental.

Roxas Holdings chair Pedro E. Roxas said the bioethanol plant will use blackstrap molasses, a sugar by product. The ethanol plant will produce 100,000 liters per day, starting in 2009, Roxas said.

And Roxas slapped down possible conflicts between the firm's refined sugar and the ethanol project since it will use molasses and not sugarcane juices.

Actually, company officials admitted that there is a problem that could crop up. This is the transport of ethanol to the oil depots of the big three oil firms.

The transport from Negros to their oil installations in Luzon means that the ethanol must be carried by “special tankers.” The reason is that moisture must be taken out. In short, what could happen will be additional refining at the oil firms' depots.

Meanwhile, the San Carlos Bioenergy Inc. has invited me to attend the site visit of its investors and its stakeholders on November 28 at the ethanol plant site in the San Carlos Ecozone in San Carlos City .

In short, that is a signal that the project may finally take off as earlier anticipated. This is some thing much awaited by Negrenses, especially by sugar farmers.

And the Roxas group's project of another P1-billion ethanol plant now puts the seal on Negros Occidental as the primary source of alternative energy.

This is timely in the face of the escalating price of oil.*

November 23, 2007 issue, from www.visayandailystar.com (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/November/23/fromdcenter.htm)

DOH studies request
for new hospital
A Regional Health Team from the office of Director Lydia Depra-Ramos and the Center for Health Development for Western Visayas will assess the health needs and current health system in Bacolod City .

This is in line with DOH Administrative Order No. 2006-004 that provides guidelines for the establishment of new hospitals in the country, a press release from the office of Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella said.

The press release said the solon has requested Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to seriously consider the establishment of a Bacolod General Hospital .

Bacolod City urgently needs its own hospital to cater primarily to a huge number of poor and indigent individuals and families, Puentevella said in the press release. He also said in his letter to Duque dated Aug. 13, 2007 that the lone government hospital in Bacolod , the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital , is overcrowded with patients.

“CLMMRH is saddled with the perennial depletion of medicines and laboratory materials. In most cases, many of the patients have to compete for rooms and hospital services because it is flooded with patients coming from other towns and cities in the province,” Puenetvella said in his press release.

Duque, in response, said a more comprehensive assessment of the health needs and current health system of the whole Negros Occidental will have an implication in the requested establishment of Bacolod City General Hospital , it also said.

At the same time, Duque requested the assistance of Puentevella for the continued PhilHealth enrollment of indigent families in Bacolod City , the press release said.*

Football festival unfolds Sunday
BY CEDELF TUPAS
Football action shifts to Talisay City Sunday when the Negros Occidental Football Association holds the first grassroots football festical in Northern Negros starting 8am at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College pitch.

A NOFA press release said the participating clubs will come from Talisay and San Carlos City , among others.

NOFA had earlier staged the Central and Southern legs of the festival.

Emerging champions in the Central leg at the Panaad pitch last month were Maao United FC Louisiana in the 9-Under mixed, Andres Bonifacio Elementary School A, C and D, Maao United FC Louisiana, Maao United FC West A in the 11-Under mixed, ABES FC D in the 13-Under mixed, Domingo Lacson NHS FC A in the 15-Under boys' and Handumanan FC in the 15-Under girls.

The Southern leg champions are Valladolid FC in the 9-Under mixed, Himamaylan FC in the 11-Under mixed, Valladolid FC in the 13-Under mixed and Dancalan FC in the 15-Under boys'.

Skills events were also held in the Southern leg with Valladolid 's

Roperto Asillo Jr. and Ronniery Llena of Kabankalan winning the juggling competitions.

Himamaylan's John Philip Torillo topped the slalom dribbling race, while Pontevedra reigned supreme in the group event.*CPT

BCC alumni set reunion

The Binalbagan Catholic College will hold its 45 th Alumni Homecoming and Silver Jubilee Celebration of Batch 1982 on Dec. 15, at the BCC College Campus, in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, a press release from the College Department General Alumni Association Inc. said.

All college graduates from 1962 to 2007 are invited to the celebration which is aimed renewing its commitment and to be a part of the Alumni slogan “BCCnian, Truly I Am”, the press release said.

Darwin Destacamento is the president of the association.

Ernesto Gepes, Batch ‘82 president, has lined up various activities to make everybody enjoy the affair, it added.

Alumni may call Destacamento at Tel. Nos. 09272354663, Marlyn Jordan (09215310910) or Sr. Fidelis Sabio (09109553700), the press release said.*

Malunggay nurseries put up in NegOr
BY MARICAR ARANAS

Private malunggay nurseries are being put up in Negros Oriental, Provincial Agriculturist Officer Gregorio Paltinca said yesterday.

He said PAO technicians have been directed to propagate the malunggay industry, because it does not have commercial mass production of the crops for its own nursery.

Several farmers' cooperatives in the country have ventured into malunggay farming, such as the Malunggay Farmers Development Corp. in Bamban, Tarlac, where members had initially planted 15 hectares of malunggay .

Some have also partnered with local biotech firm Secura International Inc. in their commercial plantation of malunggay.

Secura had earlier said it wants to forge supply contracts with farmers . The company exports moringa oil to various companies manufacturing personal health-care products. It also supplies powdered malunggay leaves to local food processors.

Director Alicia Ilaga of the Department of Agriculture Biotechnology said that private nurseries complement the existing malunggay nurseries of the DA.*MA

DOH studies request for new hospital

A Regional Health Team from the office of Director Lydia Depra-Ramos and the Center for Health Development for Western Visayas will assess the health needs and current health system in Bacolod City .

This is in line with DOH Administrative Order No. 2006-004 that provides guidelines for the establishment of new hospitals in the country, a press release from the office of Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella said.

The press release said the solon has requested Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to seriously consider the establishment of a Bacolod General Hospital .

Bacolod City urgently needs its own hospital to cater primarily to a huge number of poor and indigent individuals and families, Puentevella said in the press release. He also said in his letter to Duque dated Aug. 13, 2007 that the lone government hospital in Bacolod , the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital , is overcrowded with patients.

“CLMMRH is saddled with the perennial depletion of medicines and laboratory materials. In most cases, many of the patients have to compete for rooms and hospital services because it is flooded with patients coming from other towns and cities in the province,” Puenetvella said in his press release.

Duque, in response, said a more comprehensive assessment of the health needs and current health system of the whole Negros Occidental will have an implication in the requested establishment of Bacolod City General Hospital , it also said.

At the same time, Duque requested the assistance of Puentevella for the continued PhilHealth enrollment of indigent families in Bacolod City , the press release said.*

good but they need 1st to facilitate and complete the proposed Corazon Locsin Mentelibano Mem. Regional Hospital for the expansion

good but they need 1st to facilitate and complete the proposed Corazon Locsin Mentelibano Mem. Regional Hospital for the expansion

Ive heard that Lasal wants to buy Corazon Locsin Hospital after this new Goverment hospital comes to reality, because that's the only thing which are lacking to them now, a hospital, since their med school enrollees are increasing sem-by-sem . I think bacolod city will only cater one Goverment hospital here.

^^That would be good.Corazon Loczin Memorial Regional Hospital would be better off in the hands of the Lasalle.

^^That would be good.Corazon Loczin Memorial Regional Hospital would be better off in the hands of the Lasalle.

Almost completo na ang lasal sbng, hospital nlng kulang, nag open na sng last month ang Culinary Course sa lasal which is first in western visayas.

Ive heard pa gid na they will change the name University of St. La Salle Bacolod to DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY BACOLOD. hail hail alma mater hail to de la salle.

Ive heard that Lasal wants to buy Corazon Locsin Hospital after this new Goverment hospital comes to reality, because that's the only thing which are lacking to them now, a hospital, since their med school enrollees are increasing sem-by-sem . I think bacolod city will only cater one Goverment hospital here.

good...but i think the nursing school beside of the CLMMRH is owned or affiliated by LaSalle-Bacolod

Almost completo na ang lasal sbng, hospital nlng kulang, nag open na sng last month ang Culinary Course sa lasal which is first in western visayas.

Ive heard pa gid na they will change the name University of St. La Salle Bacolod to DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY BACOLOD. hail hail alma mater hail to de la salle.

huh de la salle!!!for me its better to remain the USLS name coz only in the phils here we having a name to that,,,there are already a multiple names de la salle university throughout our country...btw,,,hows the status of la salle college in Victorias city? are they want to push it into a university?

Monday, November 26, 2007
4 infra projects inaugurated in 5th District

NEGROS Occidental 5th District Rep. Ignacio "Iggy" T. Arroyo led the inauguration of four infrastructure projects in Himamaylan City, Saturday.

These infra projects include the covered court in Barangay Caradioan; the multi purpose building in Sitio Wayang, Barangay 3; school building at Central School and covered court in Barangay Saraet.

All these infra projects were undertaken by the Office of 2nd Engineering District of Binalbagan under District Engineer Lea Delfinado.

The over all cost of the four infra projects is P4.8 million under the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Cong. Arroyo.

Mayor Carminia "Mencit" Bascon and the respective Barangay chairman and council members extended their gratitude to Congressman Arroyo for providing the facilities that are useful for their constituents.

Bascon said the covered courts can be used in various occasions like graduation, sport activities, benefit shows and other barangay affairs.

The multi purpose building in Barangay 3 will be the temporary Barangay Hall until such time that the newly constructed Barangay Hall is fully completed, said outgoing Barangay chief Jeremias Ban.

Central School Principal Ramon Gatanela said that the school building is a great help to the school and the students.

The school was named Rank 2 in Academics for the whole division of Negros Occidental, said Gatanela.

Arroyo said the people of Himamaylan deserve these projects and he will continue to provide them more under his term.

As these projects are useful to the people, he will be glad to provide them projects to the best he can.
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila.

Almost completo na ang lasal sbng, hospital nlng kulang, nag open na sng last month ang Culinary Course sa lasal which is first in western visayas.

Ive heard pa gid na they will change the name University of St. La Salle Bacolod to DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY BACOLOD. hail hail alma mater hail to de la salle.


as an alumni, i never voted for changing the name, what for? again, better off to have a simple and "sosyal" lifestyle as it was, rather to change names and to have no identity at all.

nanotice ko, daw ga amat2x dula ang the usual la salle character, the 5 c's, form and substance.
naglagaw ko sa skul, susme, daw kadamo sugapa. like, girls, wearing so much make up nga daw pinta na, others, mismatch clothing with no sense at all, unlike before, even as simple as wearing jeans, ma identify mo guid nga la sallian, subong ya, ahay, daw dira bala sa small "plaza" sang golden field".

perhaps, the sensible thing to do is they set a public hearing regarding this name change.

perhaps, the sensible thing to do is they set a public hearing regarding this name change.

well, same concept, school forums, well actually, practically the same, wahehehehe.
for us alumni, we do have meetings, even on sensible community issues.

as an alumni, i never voted for changing the name, what for? again, better off to have a simple and "sosyal" lifestyle as it was, rather to change names and to have no identity at all.

nanotice ko, daw ga amat2x dula ang the usual la salle character, the 5 c's, form and substance.
naglagaw ko sa skul, susme, daw kadamo sugapa. like, girls, wearing so much make up nga daw pinta na, others, mismatch clothing with no sense at all, unlike before, even as simple as wearing jeans, ma identify mo guid nga la sallian, subong ya, ahay, daw dira bala sa small "plaza" sang golden field".

i like to hear and speak USLS than DLSU

Capitol turns over computers

Vice Gov. Isidro Zayco turned over yesterday 30 computer sets to different public elementary and high schools in Negros Occidental, that were earlier committed by Gov. Joseph Marañon, at the Capitol.

A press release from the Capitol said the beneficiary schools were Patun-an Elementary School and Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Elementary School in Calatrava; Buenavista National High School-Main and Langub Extension - Escalante City ; Iglau-an Elementary School - Murcia ; Punta Salong Elementary School - Manapla; Don Benito Lopez Elementary School - Isabela; Don Esteban Jalandoni Memorial Elementary School and Sto. Rosario Elementary School - Hinigaran; Andulauan National High School-Poblacion Extension and Tabu National High School - Ilog; Alejandro Ombi-on Elementary School, Evangel Elementary School, Tiling Elementary School, and Toyum Elementary School and Sibucao Elementary School - Cauayan; Caningay National High School-Banga Extension, Banga Elementary School, Agboy Elementary School, Payauan Elementary School, Haba Elementary School - Candoni.

The nine other units were given to the Department of Education – Negros Occidental and DepEd Sub-Regional Office, the press release said.

Present at the turnover ceremony were Negros Occidental Schools Division Superintendent Eva Belicena, and the principals of the beneficiary schools, the press release added.*

i like to hear and speak USLS than DLSU

me too. as an alumnus of the university also, i'm not in favor of changing the name. i would rather have the name USLS distinct from DLSU-manila or DLSU-dasma.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Delilan: David's 100 days report
By Erwin Ambo Delilan
THE BUZZ

LAST November 17, EB Magalona Mayor David Albert Lacson delivered his 100 days report before a jampacked crowd at Tabigue Covered Court with the newly-elected barangay and youth officials, municipal officials and employees, and school heads in the town.

Dubbed as "The Promise," Mayor Lacson's 100 days report was very simple. Yet, for everybody who heard and saw his report through the power point presentation, it was one special report complete with the mayor's achievements and accomplishments in just 100 days in office as chief executive of E.B. Magalona.

Lacson simply narrated what he had done in 100 days coupled with video and photo documentations.

Lacson's simplicity was simply translated into piece-by-piece accomplishments like in health and nutrition, infrastructure development, education, agriculture and food security, peace and order, administration development, social services, environment, among others.

On health and nutrition, Mayor Lacson enumerated the implementation of anti-dengue campaign, mini-olympics for malnourished kids in town, distribution of free medicines and the holding of Nutrition Month sometime in July.

He also told Saraviahanons that under the infrastructure development, his administration was able to start the repair and rehabilitation of the municipal-wide drainage system with the help of the Provincial Government.

He also made the repair and widening of some barangay roads in town like in Canlusong, San Isidro, Gahit, Tomongtong, Tabigue and Madalag.

On education, Lacson was proud to report the town's hosting of the province-wide 7th STEP Skills, Competition and Conference last September.

He was also proud to announce that seven young Saraviahanons who were supported by his administration also won in the Negros Occidental Division Press Conference in various categories like news writing, editorial writing, cartooning, etc.

The winners, both from EB Magalona National High School and EB Magalona Elementary School, are bound to compete in the regional level in Iloilo soon.

In terms of agriculture and food security, Lacson said that he had already implemented the tilapia dispersal project for upland farmers, the egg machine project for fishermen's group, and malunggay propagation.

For social services, Lacson showcased the construction of Day Care centers in Barangay San Jose and Canlusong, the acquisition of the state-of-the-art fire truck from Tokyo Government of Japan, rescue vehicle from the province, and the immediate action of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office by providing relief goods to all the flood victims in some barangays in town during the onslaught of typhoon Hannah in October.

He said that by December, a GK Housing Project would be realized in Barangay Gahit. Ten families from the "poorest of the poor" will be the first beneficiaries of this project.

On environment, the mayor reported the tree planting in Gahit and the on-going landscaping of the municipal ground and public plaza.

On peace and order, Lacson reported the purchase of new motorcycle for the PNP and the arrest of three alleged suspects who killed a barangay kagawad in Barangay San Isidro.

Judging on Lacson's report, one would say, it's just simple and ordinary. But essence wise, it's meaningful because with his simple accomplishments and achievements, people had really known what had he done for the town even in just a very short period of time.

More are yet to come until Lacson delivers the State of the Municipality Address in August next year.

Mayor Lacson promises that for the Saraviahanons.

Kudos to Mayor Lacson and to the people of EB Magalona for having such a very "hardworking" mayor.

me too. as an alumnus of the university also, i'm not in favor of changing the name. i would rather have the name USLS distinct from DLSU-manila or DLSU-dasma.

baka DLSU-Victorias (in Victorias city, NegOcc) pwede pa if magka-university na ito

baka DLSU-Victorias (in Victorias city, NegOcc) pwede pa if magka-university na ito

ako i would love la salle to change its standards and not the name....

Noceco gets ERC
ok or 2 power projects
The Energy Regulatory Commission has also given a go-signal to the Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative to proceed with its two power projects costing P50.33 million, after its approval of NOCECO's power supply contract with the KEPCO-Salcon Power Corp.

The projects, whose funding will be sourced from the cooperative's Reinvestment Fund, include the P30.21-million construction of a 20-kilometer 69kV line and the P20.11-million installation of a 10 MVA substation in La Castellana town.

ERC, in its Oct. 25, 2007 decision posted on Nov. 21 at its website, approved the application of NOCECO for authority to implement the project.

ERC said in its seven-page decision that “A perusal of the evidence presented showed that the completion of the projects will redound to the benefit of NOCECO's consumers in terms of continuous, reliable and efficient power supply as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001”.

NOCECO said the construction of the 69kV line is aimed to ensure over-all distribution system reliability and meet the growing demands in the towns of Isabela, Moises Padilla and La Castellana.

The project will also enhance power quality of the system by relieving the critically loaded San Enrique and Binalbagan 10MVA substations and comply with the requirements of the Philippine Distribution Code, it added.

Meanwhile, the installation of the 10MVA substation is intended to improve and stabilize the system voltage in the municipalities of Isabela, Moises Padilla, and La Castellana, NOCECO said.

ERC also directed NOCECO to pay a permit fee of P377,497.50 within days after receipt of the decision.*NLG

November 30, 2007
IN SAN CARLOS CITY
Investors, partners visit site of bio-ethanol plant (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/November/30//businessnews1.htm)

About 150 guests, including foreign investors, shareholders and local partners, of San Carlos Bioenergy Inc. visited the development site of the country's first fuel-grade ethanol plant in San Carlos City on Wednesday, the mayor's office said in a press release.

SCBI, the first participant in the National Bioethanol Program, is scheduled to start commercial operations late next year. The plant's 125,000-liter daily capacity aims to meet domestic demand for ethanol as mandated by the Biofuels Act of 2006.

San Carlos City Mayor Eugenio reiterated his administration's continued support for the project and thanked the foreign investors for entrusting their investments in the project, the press release said.

SCBI chairman Jose Mari Zabaleta discussed how SCBI has started and where it is now and also where it is going.

He said that exactly a hundred years ago this year, the first sugar central in the country, San Carlos Milling Company, was also being built as the most modern sugar cane extraction mill then.

SCBI president Louie Villa-Abrille described the plant flow - from the first stage of cane crushing to the final stage of storage, while construction manager Peter Heinzelman of Poyry Energy briefed the visitors of the status of construction, the press release said.

He said he is confident the commissioning will proceed on the last quarter of next year and the commercial operations, by January 2009.

Sech Zabaleta, chairman of Bronzeoak Philippines , the British investor in the ethanol plant, expressed his thanks to all the sectors that pulled their resources together for the success of the project. He is one of the three personalities that envisioned this project, with former Mayor Roger Debulgado and the late Tony Mapa.

Resident manager Mark Mahilum also invited the planters to mill with SCBI, the press release added.*

TravelXchange '08 set in Bacolod

THE 3rd TravelXchange will be held in Bacolod City from February 1 to 3, 2008 featuring not only the country's top tourist destinations but also those within the ASEAN region.

TravelXchange 2008 will bring together sellers from different hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise lines, hospitality and leisure products, tour operators, travel agents, dive resorts, fast-craft operators and destination companies to Bacolod to offer its residents attractive tour packages and rates.

Supported by the Department of Tourism, PAGCOR, City of Bacolod, Office of the Governor and Skal International, the three-day event will feature variety shows and dances from the different participating regions. Attractive travel products and holiday packages will be raffled off daily during the show.

Amongst the early confirmed participants are Cordova Reef Village Resort, Island & Sun Beach Resort (Cebu), Malaysian Tourism Board, White Rock Beach Resort (Subic), Cebu Pacific, Seahorse Tours, DOT Region 10, DOT Region 11, Travel Club, Enchanted Kingdom, Casino Hotel Bacolod, Baron Travel Corporation, Star Hotels, Marist Royal Holidays, Smile Tours & Travel and Mountain Woods Resort (Subic).

Tourism Secretary, Joseph Ace Durano is expected to join local dignitaries in opening the 3rd TravelXchange on February 1, 2008. Travel product updates will be presented by the Department of Tourism for the public during the fair. Tour operators, corporate accounts, and group organizers from Bacolod and Iloilo will attend workshop sessions.

Panay News and Sikat TV also support the event as its media partners.

Parties, within the travel, hospitality, wellness and sports industry, interested to participate may call Selrahco Management (6332) 231.7673 or email: starhtel@mozcom.com, or contact Mr. Toots Jimenez Jr. - 0922-8211705 or 0927-2507080.

Negrense gets Bayaning Filipino award
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

A Negrense teacher has received the Bayaning Filipino Award for molding both children and adults in a place in southern Negros Oriental once dubbed as “no man's land.”

Monica Sison, from Valencia , Negros Oriental, was among the recipients of the recent Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino awards in the teachers category.

She was cited for her passion in helping and teaching children in a rebel-infested Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina, where she was referred to by the people as their “Nanay,” the awarding body said.

The award also states that Sison was instrumental in the construction of more classrooms and a high school in the area, in cooperation with the provincial government.

Her insistence on upgrading the level of education of children has resulted in the establishment of the first “Knowledge Channel” in the hinterland barangay of Sta. Catalina, the citation added.

It also said that, aside from education, Sison made it her business to provide food, and clothing to the residents through donations with several medical missions reaching the area.

With government brought closer to the people in the area, former NPA rebels have decided to come down and returned to the folds of the law. Residents say they will not allow the entry of both the rebels and the army in Sitio Avocado, in their desire to live peacefully in the community where Sison is the head teacher.

The Bayaning Pilipino Awards gives recognition to Filipinos who, in spite of their own weaknesses and difficulties, still put the needs of others above their own.*JG

Municipalities that would qualify for conversion into component
cities whose income requirement is 20 million locally generated (2004)

Region VI:
1.Kalibo, Aklan – Php41,665,180.00 IRA Share(2005) – Php45,183,221.00
2.San Jose, Antique – Php21,065,270.00 IRA Share(2005) –Php36,674,474.00
3.Binalbagan, Negros Occ. – Php20,339,950.00

MUNICIPALITIES APPLYING FOR CITYHOOD EMBODIED
IN HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1, S. 2005

Region VI:
1.Pototan, Iloilo
2.Pontevedra, Negros Occ.
3.Binalbagan, Negros Occ.

These 3 are not converted to city yet.. maybe fails the plebiscite.
The analysis is made by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel. Kinuha ko lng ung sa region VI.

Negros Occidental Town’s Income Classification:

1. BACOLOD CITY (Capital) - 1st Class
2. BAGO CITY - 2nd Class Component City
3. BINALBAGAN - 2nd Class
4. CADIZ CITY - 2nd Class Component City
5. CALATRAVA - 1st Class
6. CANDONI - 4th Class
7. CAUAYAN - 1st Class
8. ENRIQUE B. MAGALONA (SARAVIA) - 2nd Class
9. CITY OF ESCALANTE - 5th Class Component City
10. CITY OF HIMAMAYLAN - 4th Class Component City
11. HINIGARAN - 1st Class
12. HINOBA-AN (ASIA) - 2nd Class
13. ILOG - 3rd Class
14. ISABELA - 3rd Class
15. CITY OF KABANKALAN - 1st Class Component City
16. LA CARLOTA CITY - 4th Class Component City
17. LA CASTELLANA - 2nd Class
18. MANAPLA - 3rd Class
19. MOISES PADILLA (MAGALLON) - 3rd Class
20. MURCIA - 1st Class
21. PONTEVEDRA - 3rd Class
22. PULUPANDAN - 4th Class
23. SAGAY CITY - 2nd Class Component City
24. SAN CARLOS CITY - 2nd Class Component City
25. SAN ENRIQUE - 5th Class
26. SILAY CITY - 3rd Class Component city
27. CITY OF SIPALAY - 4th Class Component city
28. CITY OF TALISAY - 3rd Class Component city
29. TOBOSO - 3rd Class
30. VALLADOLID - 4th Class
31. CITY OF VICTORIAS - 3rd Class Component city
32. SALVADOR BENEDICTO - 4th Class

Negros Occidental Town’s Income Classification:

1. BACOLOD CITY (Capital) - 1st Class
2. BAGO CITY - 2nd Class Component City
3. BINALBAGAN - 2nd Class
4. CADIZ CITY - 2nd Class Component City
5. CALATRAVA - 1st Class
6. CANDONI - 4th Class
7. CAUAYAN - 1st Class
8. ENRIQUE B. MAGALONA (SARAVIA) - 2nd Class
9. CITY OF ESCALANTE - 5th Class Component City
10. CITY OF HIMAMAYLAN - 4th Class Component City
11. HINIGARAN - 1st Class
12. HINOBA-AN (ASIA) - 2nd Class
13. ILOG - 3rd Class
14. ISABELA - 3rd Class
15. CITY OF KABANKALAN - 1st Class Component City
16. LA CARLOTA CITY - 4th Class Component City
17. LA CASTELLANA - 2nd Class
18. MANAPLA - 3rd Class
19. MOISES PADILLA (MAGALLON) - 3rd Class
20. MURCIA - 1st Class
21. PONTEVEDRA - 3rd Class
22. PULUPANDAN - 4th Class
23. SAGAY CITY - 2nd Class Component City
24. SAN CARLOS CITY - 2nd Class Component City
25. SAN ENRIQUE - 5th Class
26. SILAY CITY - 3rd Class Component city
27. CITY OF SIPALAY - 4th Class Component city
28. CITY OF TALISAY - 3rd Class Component city
29. TOBOSO - 3rd Class
30. VALLADOLID - 4th Class
31. CITY OF VICTORIAS - 3rd Class Component city
32. SALVADOR BENEDICTO - 4th Class


wow, kabankalan city pala matuturing na 2nd sa bacolod. :)

ako i would love la salle to change its standards and not the name....

i totally agree with you dude. i'm currently taking MS degree in DLSU-manila and i have noticed that eventhough USLS' engineering have better equipment in ECE/COE labs, the quality of teaching is way different. :ohno: no wonder DLSU-manila almost always have topnotchers in ECE board exams.

Municipalities that would qualify for conversion into component
cities whose income requirement is 20 million locally generated (2004)

Region VI:
1.Kalibo, Aklan – Php41,665,180.00 IRA Share(2005) – Php45,183,221.00
2.San Jose, Antique – Php21,065,270.00 IRA Share(2005) –Php36,674,474.00
3.Binalbagan, Negros Occ. – Php20,339,950.00

MUNICIPALITIES APPLYING FOR CITYHOOD EMBODIED
IN HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1, S. 2005

Region VI:
1.Pototan, Iloilo
2.Pontevedra, Negros Occ.
3.Binalbagan, Negros Occ.

These 3 are not converted to city yet.. maybe fails the plebiscite.
The analysis is made by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel. Kinuha ko lng ung sa region VI.

this is the very latest issue??? Hinigaran hindi pala kasama...can you provide a link sources???thanks

wow, kabankalan city pala matuturing na 2nd sa bacolod. :)

kabankalan has already many times got some of a good citations in a regional level...and already overtake the other cities of negros occidental in terms of progress and development

WE MUST ADOPT A NON-PARTISAN POLICY ON THE CREATION OF CITIES
[Privilege speech of Senator Nene Pimentel at the Senate, September 11, 2006]


Mr. President, my dear colleagues:

With the kind assistance of Director Terry Dumogho and his staff, we present for your consideration the following analysis of the income requirement imposed on municipalities desiring to become cities.

Just to recall, the original requirement on income for municipalities wanting to become cities was P20,000,000, a fabulous sum in 1991 when the local government code went into effect.

Prior to the enactment of the Local Government Code, very few municipalities had incomes of or even near that level.

But after the local government code came into effect and infused millions of pesos into the coffers of local government units, many municipalities breached that income benchmark.

As far as legislative intents go, the P20 million income required of municipalities that aspired to become cities, the intent was that the income should be determined on the basis of locally generated funds, that is without adding on to it the incoming funds allocated by the Code as their internal revenue share.

In the implementation of the law, however, the executive department and the local government units confabulated to interpret the P20m requirement as inclusive of the internal revenue shares of the municipalities concerned.

As a result of that interpretation, bills creating cities literally flew like a plague of locust in the old testament, into the calendar of the Senate from the House. In 1998, I was alarmed at the deluge of bills coming from the House that sought the creation of municipalities. I thought and I said so openly that at the rate we were going, time would come when the country would land in the Guinness Book of Records as the only nation that wiped out all municipalities by the simple expedience of converting them into cities.

Thus, to stop the comical event from coming to pass, I proposed the enactment of a bill that is now law, Republic Act No. 9009. The law raised the level of income of the municipalities that would become cities from P20 million to P100 million of locally generated funds.

During a debate on the floor of the Senate, in answer to a question of the then Senate President Frank Drilon, I said that there were bills for the creation of cities that had already been forwarded in the Senate. These were SBN 1803 for the creation of the city of Bayugan in the province of Agusan del Sur; SBN 1784 for the creation of the city of Carcar in the province of Cebu, and SBN 1789 for the creation of the city of Bogo in the province of Cebu.

These were admittedly excepted from the raised income requirement of municipalities wanting to become cities. The bills have not yet been acted upon.

Now, we are flooded again by numerous requests for the creation of cities: some in provinces which are already dotted with many cities; others in provinces which do not have cities, and still others in congressional districts which have no cities.

What do we do? Do we apply the Lim dictum that the law is the law and “should apply to all, otherwise (to) none at all.”

Or do we bend backwards and accommodate as exceptions:

• 1st, the municipalities or some of them whose applications to become cities were already on the calendar of the Senate at the time the raised income requirement was discussed?

• 2nd, the capital towns of provinces that are not yet cities?

• 3rd, the preferred municipalities of the incumbent members of the House who are pushing for their conversion into cities on the argument that their individual districts should have at least one city?

• 4th, the bills that are included in House Joint Resolution No. 1 Series of 2005, regardless of whether or not they qualify under the raised income requirement?

There may be other possible exceptions to the raised income requirement of municipalities that want to become cities. But I would rather leave that to the floor debates to identify.

The major financial implication of increasing the number of cities in the country is that the internal revenue share of cities would be reduced. And on the side of the municipalities concerned, their conversion would raise their internal revenue shares tremendously.

On the first implication, we certainly would hear howls of protests from the cities.

On the second implication, we would just as certainly hear shouts of hallelujahs from the municipalities benefited by their conversion into cities.

Now, if the municipalities that are aggressively pushing for cityhood have their eyes on the increased internal revenue share, perhaps what we can do as a body is to reduce the internal revenue share of the cities from the central government revenues by 2 percentile points that is from 23% to 21%. And allocate the difference to municipalities so that their share of internal revenues would rise to 36% from the present 34%. That would translate into billions of pesos that would now pour into the coffers of the municipalities across the board.

Since we are a collegial body, we must confront these issues that are brought before this chamber collectively. Hopefully, we do so before the relationship between the House and the Senate deteriorates further.

May we now proceed to a detailed presentation of how we view the moves to create more cities in relation to the income requirement now embodied in the local government code. We look at the problem from different angles.

I hope, however, that whatever we do, we keep in mind the Rule of Law as a tool to advance the welfare of our people.



See this site for more info of all the qualified municipalities for cityhood:

http://www.nenepimentel.org/speeches/Presentation2%20LGC%20Income%20Req.pdf

Escalante candidate for ‘Best Healthy Market’

THE Department of Health regional evaluators assessed Escalante City shopping center for a Healthy Market Evaluation in the regional level on November 28, 2007.

The shopping center, which won first place in the provincial level search for Best Healthy Market, was chosen to represent the province in the regional search.

The market was evaluated according to sanitation, specifically on toilets, eateries or food court, solid waste management, and the use of iodized salt in which the city received a rate of 100%.

The evaluators were first received by City Mayor Melecio J. Yap, Jr. before they proceeded to the marketplace.

Comments and recommendations were then exchanged during the feed backing at the end of the evaluation.

The evaluators were assisted by environment Management Specialist Stephanie Pamati-an.

The annual activity was done to check the cleanliness of the market area which would ensure the physical well-being of the people.

Mayor Yap strongly encourages strict implementation of sanitation in public places. (MFS)

Sipalay City gets COA recognition

Sipalay City was awarded for having the shortest roll-out period and with an up-to-date generated financial statement Electronic New Government Accounting System, among local government units in Negros Occidental, a press release from the city said.

The recognition was given by the Commission on Audit at the E-NGAS users' circle conference at Sulu Hotel, Quezon City , recently.

Sipalay was also recognized as the best emerging destination during the Western Visayas Tourism Excellence Awards held at Nature's Village Resort in Talisay City, the pres release added.*
back to top

The Tanjay City government will construct a boulevard patterned after that of the cities of Dumaguete and Bayawan, Tanjay administrator Erkki Lozarita said yesterday.

He said the project has an initial cost of P10 million and will be constructed starting next year. The city has allocated an initial amount of P4 million for the first phase.

The Negros Oriental government allotted P4 million and P2 million will be sourced from the office of Rep. George Arnaiz (NegOr, 2nd district).

Lozarita said the project will highlight the beauty of Tanjay, and the boulevard will be an added destination aside from the famous delicacy Bod-bod sa Tanjay.

Meanwhile, another project lined up next year is the construction of Tanjay City Urgent Care Hospital, which will be built by the Rotary Club of Connecticut, Melford, USA and the Rotary Club of Tanjay.*MA

December 03, 2007 , Sunstar Bacolod
This is the first in Asia, which is supposed to be showcased in Escalante City, Negros Occidental... Known as the dome house at P800,000 per structure, the model structure found at Barangay Hacienda Fe is now on the verge of collapse... This was done during the time of former mayor Maimai Barcelona under Illac Diaz in memory of her aunt, the late Rio Diaz-Cojuangco...
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/article_238096_11-30-2007.jpg

in Escalante City
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/218997455_5000eeeedd.jpg

Escalante City booth at Panaad Park
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/148179814_44537d1d8b.jpg

this is the very latest issue??? Hinigaran hindi pala kasama...can you provide a link sources???thanks



kabankalan has already many times got some of a good citations in a regional level...and already overtake the other cities of negros occidental in terms of progress and development

ayaw ng tao ng malaking tax. yun ang reason and theres still developments needed to be finished before ma accept ng isa ka hinigaranon na ready na ang banwa nga mangin dakbanwa.

my town is a lively town, even before pa na. hinigaran needs access roads and bridges, aside from the main one, hinigaran bridge. tigulang naman guid ang hinigaran bridge and needs to be rehabilitated. mas nami kung palaparon.

ayaw ng tao ng malaking tax. yun ang reason and theres still developments needed to be finished before ma accept ng isa ka hinigaranon na ready na ang banwa nga mangin dakbanwa.

my town is a lively town, even before pa na. hinigaran needs access roads and bridges, aside from the main one, hinigaran bridge. tigulang naman guid ang hinigaran bridge and needs to be rehabilitated. mas nami kung palaparon.

ang isang lumang tulay nila ay ginawang pook pasyalan...pero much better ang townscape ng hinigaran compare to pontevedra town...kaya lang malaki lang ang income nito

Newly-Renovated Mambukal Butterfly Garden Inaugurated
The newly-renovated Butterfly Garden at the Provincial Government-owned Mambukal Resort is now open to the public after it was blessed and inaugurated over the weekend. The blessing was officiated by Fr. Samson de Leon of St. John Bosco Parish and was attended by Pedro Arimas, the lessee of the Butterfly Garden, and his family, together with Mambukal Resort Manager Ellen Vasquez, Asst. Provincial Engineer Ernie Mapa, and Provincial Information Officer Marlin Sanogal, among others.

The butterfly garden displays the life cycle of butterflies, its different species as well as how they are fed and grown.
Live predators of butterflies found at the resort like tarantula, wild geckos, scorpions, millipedes and centipedes, among others were also displayed for educational purposes.

The garden is a must-see for families on a Mambukal outing and also offers interesting information for students on educational trips.

Arimas is a local expert on butterflies who also breeds several local species in his Minoyan, Murcia home.
The garden also has a souvenir shop selling items such as frames of dried butterflies and printed t-shirts at reasonable prices.*(Capitol News)

ang isang lumang tulay nila ay ginawang pook pasyalan...pero much better ang townscape ng hinigaran compare to pontevedra town...kaya lang malaki lang ang income nito

coz hinigaran is the best performing town in negros occidental, as per report sa visayandailystar, how towns are ranked so far.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/1kabankalan.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/2kabankalan.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/3kabankalan.jpg

KABANKALAN CITY TODAY II
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/4kabankalan.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/5.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/6kabankalan.jpg

KABANKALAN CITY TODAY III
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/7.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/8kabankalan.jpg

Does anyone here know if there is truth to the rumor that Siliman University is planning to put up an extension school next to Central Philippines Adventist College in Murcia?

Would appreciate any posts on this matter.

^^ I'm also interested to know if that's true, but then that rumour has been around for several years now..

Negrense strongman triumphs


He fell short of his target but Negrense strongman Arniel Ferrera once again proved the Southeast Asian Games hammer throw event remains his exclusive domain.

The 26-year-old from Manuling, Cauayan overpowered the field for the a third straight gold medal Saturday at the His Majesty the King 80 th Anniversary Stadium and Nakhon Ratchasima , Thailand and also surpassed the SEA Games record he set in Manila in 2005.

But Ferrera felt no absolute satisfaction with his new record of 60.93 meters, which erased the old mark of 60.47m.

“My target was to breach the 63-meter mark,” the enlisted Air Force said in a text message to the DAILY STAR Saturday night.

Nevertheless, Ferrera said he is elated with his newest achievement, which he dedicated to his parents, Jenny and Fortunato and siblings, Jona, Sheila May, Kenneth Grace. Christelle Jane and John Albert and fiancé May Golveo, who support him in his athletic career.

An alumnus of Man-uling Elementary School , Saint Columban's Academy and Binalbagan Catholic College , Ferrera, whose athletic prowess was discovered by late Columban priest Colum O' Halpin, started training for hammer throw when he was 18.

Three years later, he won his first SEA Games gold medal in Hanoi, Vietnam, before following it up with that record-smashing feat in the Manila Games.

Ferrera admits this year's triumph did not come easy since he was not able to fully concentrate on training because of his duties with the Air Force.

In the buildup to the SEA Games, Ferrera trained for five hours five days a week in Baguio City for six months, joined the Hongkong Inter-City Meet and topped the Thailand Open in October.

He, however, lamented the late arrival of training equipment, especially his throwing shoes, which he said is not available in the Philippines.

Ferrera said he hopes his SEA Games victory will draw support for his plan to train in Europe next year.

“There's a great chance I will improve faster if I train in Europe ,” he added. *CPT

Bacolod City, Philippines Tuesday, December 11, 2007



Himamaylan is top
SPES implementor

Himamaylan City was cited by the Department of Labor and Employment as the Top Implementor of the Special Program for the Employment of Students in Western Visayas at the agency's recent Year-End Planning and Assessment Conference in New Washington, Aklan.

The award, presented by DOLE Regional Director Aida Estabillo, was given in recognition of the city's effort to provide jobs to the highest number of deserving students in the region.

SPES is a program of the DOLE in partnership with the local governments and private agencies that provide temporary employment to students and out-of-school youths during summer and Christmas vacation.

Himamaylan has also been awarded third place in Public Employment Services Office Program implementation for working for the placement of skilled and unskilled workers both locally and abroad.

Under the leadership of Mayor Carminia Bascon, the city government has conducted through the PESO a jobs fair, mobile passport services and special recruitment activities, and provided assistance to OFWs and their families.

Both awards were presented by PESO manager Roslyn Toreta to Bascon during the City Hall's flag raising ceremony last Monday.*

Cadiz wins solid
waste mgn't award3
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in cooperation with the National Solid Waste Management Commission through Executive Director Zoilo Andin Jr. has awarded Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. for his exemplary, outstanding and creative Solid Waste Management Enforcement through the “Kantahan sa Kalinisan” program.

The “Kantahan sa Kalinisan” is a waste management advocacy campaign launched in the city by the Advocacy Team, Market Operations Division and PNP led by Chief Insp. Jefferson Descallar last March to July 2007, a press release from Cadiz said.

Contestants brought 20 kilos of waste/garbage every week as one of the criteria which is 50 percent waste collection and 50 percent actual performance.

The award was given during the recent Second Waste Management Summit in Western Visayas held at Punta Villa Training Center Sto. Nino Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City , the press release added.*

Lucio Tan now controls 21% of Victorias

By Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson
Inquirer
Last updated 06:10am (Mla time) 12/14/2007

Liquor producer Tanduay Holdings Inc., of the tycoon Lucio Tan, has won the bidding for 10.7 percent of sugar producer Victorias Milling Corp.

That will raise the Tan group’s shareholding in the country’s largest sugar miller to about 21 percent, including shares held by Philippine National Bank, which Tan also controls.

Tanduay has offered P85 million for the 10.7 percent.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, Victorias information officer Eva Vicencio Rodriguez said VMC Retirement Committee chairman Abelardo Bugay had informed Tanduay that it had been awarded the 170.13 million shares owned by the Miguel J. Ossorio Pension Foundation Inc.

Philippine National Bank owns 10.6 percent of the sugar miller, Victorias chairman Omar Mier said in a telephone interview.

The 21-percent shareholding will give the Tan group two board seats.

The latest acquisition made the Tan group the single biggest shareholder of the sugar mill.

In 2003, Tanduay made a five-year loan of P300 million to Victorias at very low interest to enable the sugar miller to start its rehabilitation program.

Tanduay was given the option to convert the loan into equity from the third year from April 8, 2003 at a conversion rate of one common share for each P1.00 of principal debt. So far, it has not exercised that option. If it does so, it will gain another 15.8 percent of Victorias.

Victorias started suffering from serious financial problems in 1995 as a result of increased foreign and local competition and of losses arising from unprofitable non-sugar ventures. It failed to settle its debts and sought rehabilitation.

^^ that report is very kind, they forgot to mention the huge bonuses they splurged on their executives...

Saturday, December 15, 2007
By Henry C. Villalva

FANS of James Yap are expected to flock to the West Negros College Gym Saturday to witness Yap strut his wares against the Air 21 Express.

While the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants may not consider their game against the Express Saturday as a test of character considering that they humbled Air 21, 100-81, the first time the two teams met in the ongoing 2007 Smart PBA Philippine Cup, Purefoods fans still expect their homegrown hero from Escalante City to display the kind of stuff that has proven him a star.

Asked whether he looks at this year as another MVP season for him, Yap said, "I entered this season not thinking of an award. Ang gusto ko lang talaga ay mapaganda and performance ko para matulungan ko and Purefoods. Nobody sets his sights on the MVP Award at the start of the season.

Hindi mo puedeng ambisyunin iyon. Dumarating iyon kapag maganda and naging performance ng team. Parang bonus iyon. Dagdag na gantimpala dahil nag-champion and team mo!"

Purefoods team manager and four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio doesn't want his team to take the Express lightly. He said, "Air 21 is a very good team with very talented and very athletic players and I believe they have tried to make adjustments as a result of their defeat to us the first time we met in this conference."

Saturday's match between Purefoods and Air 21 "Laban ng mga Bida will be the second PBA game to be staged at the renovated WNC Gym following the Alaska vs. Red Bull matchup earlier this year. West Negros College and Casino Filipino presented the latter in cooperation with Coca Cola, Rural Bank of Hinigaran, McDonalds, St. Scholastica's Academy, City of Escalante and Ceres Liner.

Tickets for Saturday's game are priced at P200, P400 and P500. Source (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/12/15/sports/james.yap.fans.want.to.get.a.glimpse.of.him.html)

Saturday, December 15, 2007

OFFICIALS of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field, Mailum, Bago City visited the 10-hectare jathropa-kasla demo farm in Murcia town.

The 10-hectare demonstration farm run by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MBCCI) was contracted with the PNOC - Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field, Mailum, Bago City.

PNOC Senior Supervisor and Senior Forester for Environmental Management Department Erwin Magallanes and Albert Azarcon respectively were personally brought by MBCCI officials headed by Roberto Montelibano, Jose Maria Zayco and Frank Carbon to the kasla demo farm to inspect development of the more than a year old kasla plantation.

"Given another one and a half year, this farm will be ready for all to see and follow," Montelibano said.

Montelibano explained PNOC geothermal must be forested for its magma to produce maximum steam. MBCCI got funding support from PNOC for people around Mailum to emulate such plantation.

He added, "Kasla is a multi-pronged plantation. The key, however, is that in reforestation around the PNOC geothermal plant, people must draw livelihood from it. Kasla can be used as a bio-fuel, medicine, cooking fuel, as a sales merchandise."

"So we reforest Mailum, we reforest for PNOC and the people are given livelihood, they forget to take up arms or go into the streets and shout as rallyist because of the financial opportunity," Montelibano explained.

In a conference with Magallanes and Azarcon, Murcia Mayor Sonny Coscoluella joined the MBCCI and Ceneco group in the process of negotiating a contract with power geothermal generation of PNOC.

While PNOC, MBCCI, Ceneco and Coscoluella cannot fully divulged what transpired in their meeting with PNOC group, Bacolod is now assured that soon geothermal energy resource will be made available by Ceneco.

PNOC for now is ready to make an offer to Ceneco. Source (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2007/12/15/news/pnoc.mbcci.visit.kasla.demo.farm.in.murcia.html)

Does anyone here know if there is truth to the rumor that Siliman University is planning to put up an extension school next to Central Philippines Adventist College in Murcia?

Would appreciate any posts on this matter.

It's a big possibility. Right now Silliman's hands are full on its newly acquired 300 has. land in Masbate.

IRA: 13 provinces to get more than a billion each
12/17/2007 | 04:00 PM

Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us Sun.Star: The province of Pangasinan topped the billionaire's league in terms of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for year 2008.

The 2008 IRA of Pangasinan is P1,362,971,958. The provinces of Cebu and Negros Occidental came second and third, respectively, with P1.330 billion and P1.326 billion.

The other members of the billionaire's league are the provinces of Bulacan (P1.183 billion), Quezon (P1.116 billion), Isabela (P1.110 billion), Palawan (1.078 billion), Cavite (P1.053 billion), Batangas (P1.049 billion), Laguna (P1.040 billion), Nueva Ecija (P1.036 billion), Iloilo (P1,003,330,587) and Leyte (P1,003,327,815

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/73189/IRA-of-13-provinces-pegged-at-P1-billion-plus-each

Garbage collectors segregate the waste before processing them at the Eco-Center facility in San Carlos City

SAN CARLOS CITY -- The city government here inaugurated yesterday its Eco-Center solid waste management facility worth P7.5 million constructed in Barangay Guadalupe, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental with assistance from the city's foreign partners.

Mayor Eugenio Lacson said the facility, the first of its kind in Negros Occidental, hopes to set an example to other local government units in implementing Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act.

He said the city collects five tons of garbage everyday which they hope to reduce as the public becomes more aware of the value in waste segregation.

The campaign to segregate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste was brought to the schools and the barangays to heighten public awareness in San Carlos, Lacson said.

While they can not claim 100 percent compliance with the SWM Act, he said residents in the 18 barangays were very cooperative.

Households who fail to segregate their waste will have to live with them since garbage collectors were told not to collect them, Lacson said.

Plans to construct the eco-center facility were made in 2002 and actual construction begun in 2005 with technical assistance from German Development Service, Canadian Executive Service Office and the Genesis Foundation.

With its eco-center, Mayor Lacson said San Carlos will be a destination for educational tours.

German national Klaus Hanuschke said the city government requested their assistance in designing the facility and setting up of the system that will make solid waste management in San Carlos efficient.

He added that the task was made easy by the support provided by the city government and the cooperation of the community.

December 19, 2007
Roll-on Roll-off Project Underway (http://www.negrosdaily.com/?q=dec1907h3)

Congressman Monico Puentevella said recently he did his homework during President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s recent trip to Europe specifically in Spain, of which he was a member of her entourage.

Puentevella said his trip was necessary because he and Spanish officials along with key cabinet secretaries had to discuss the $1.3 Roll-on Roll-off (RO-RO) project intended to be built in several key areas in the country.

“Two of these pre-fabricated RO-RO could be built in Negros, one in the northern portion and the other in the province’s southern area,” Puentevella, chairman of congress’ Committee on Transportation and Communication, said.
He and other government officials also talked with officials of Avengua Compania, one of the biggest companies in Spain, engaged in agriculture.

The company could invest in Negros infusing money for the cultivation of jatropha and cassava, which are raw materials for producing ethanol.

He had said the Bacolod congressman, personally invited Avengua officials to visit Negros and assess the possibility of making land investments here.* (Edgar Cada-gat)

Pips...do you know this song by a classmate of mine Mr. Rogie Bacosa?

Sa diin ka makakita sang matam-is nga yuhum
Nga napalibutan sang mga lin-ay nga matahum
Nabatyagan mo na bala ang mainit nga pag angga
Sa Negros lang abyan imo tanan nga makita

Natilawan mo na bala puto kag piaya
barquillos kag bayi-bayi, kalamay hati sa paya
nagaraguok ang tiyan sa manok nga inasal
sa uga kag talaba, lukon kag tilapia

Dali na sa Negros magbisita
Agud mapamatud-an ang pagkaanyag niya
Dali na agud aton makita
Sa Negros may tubo kag madamo pa

Nakadtuan mo na bala ang tuburan sang Mambukal
mga antigo nga balay, tren kag sentral sang kalamay
Ang matinlo nga baybay kag mabugnaw nga busay
Ang Patag kag Kanlaon aton nga tukibon

Nakasaot ka na bala sa Bacolod Masskara :banana:
Pasalamat kag Sinulog, Sinigayan, Dinagsa
Pasaway, Bailes de Luces, Tigkalalag, Pintaflores
Sa Panaad kadto na kay pwerte ka sadya :lol:

Sa bisan ano pa man nga mga pagkabutang
Ang tunay nga bugal kag kalipayan sang tanan
Sa Diyos, sa banwa kag sa pamilya, mapinalanggaon
Daw tubo sa katam-is, gugmang Negrosanon

Im finishing ther Tagalog version of this....my idea lang..ha ha haha:banana:

Kabankalan City cleanest,
greenest in Western Visayas
The City of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental was named the Greenest and Cleanest City in Western Visayas for 2007 by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Project, a press release from the city said.

The recognition was received by Ann Zayco Lacson, daughter of Kabankalan Mayor Pedro Zayco at the “Pagdayaw” Award Ceremony on Continuing Excellence of Governance, held at the Sarabia Manor Convention Center in Iloilo City Thursday.

Regional director Evelyn Trompeta of DILG, Tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta, and DILG officials Joy Maridette Madayag and Anthony Nuyda gave the award to Lacson, accompanied by Belden Bedayo, Kabankalan local government operation manager, the press release said.

Kabankalan was also first runner-up in the Cleanest Public Restroom in Region VI, and was given Pee-Stops accreditation by the Women in Travel Bacolod City Chapter headed by Luci Lizares-Yunque last year.

The press release added that it will become a Hall of Famer if it receives the cleanest and greenest local government title next year.*

back

Gov wishes NegOcc to be progressive in '08
By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

NEGROS Occidental Governor Joseph Maranon on Friday wished that Negros would be more progressive and peaceful province in 2008.

He hopes to have an impressive tax collection by the local government units and convert it into more progressive public services.

Post your comments here on the Makati siege

Maranon has advised the communities to be careful in celebrating the holidays to avoid landing in the hospitals.

Negros Occidental Vice-Governor Isidro Zayco meantime appealed to the Negrenses to have peace, love and togetherness this season and beyond.

"Le's thank the Almighty God for the blessings that He has given us this year," Zayco said.

January 11, 2008
Valencia Seeking cityhood (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/January/11/negor6.htm)
BY MARICAR ARANAS

Mayor Rodulfo Gonzales Jr. said he is looking forward to making Valencia the seventh city in Negros Oriental.

In his first State of the Municipality Address Monday, Gonzales challenged his fellow officials to take off, as it is now a first class municipality, from being a third class one in 2001.

Present at the SOMA were members of the Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Deodoro Olasiman and barangay officials.

Gonzales said that in 2007, the town collected P149 million in local revenues, and, according to the Commission on Audit, it is one of the top 10 financially sound municipalities in the country.

He said he hopes to improve the local tax collection with a target of P155 million this year, and achieving a P300 million collection by year 2009.

Valencia has increased its population from 1,400 in 2001 to 3,500 in 2007, according to the latest population survey.

The Register of Deeds Provincial office has also recorded that at least 75 percent of its transactions involves property in Valencia , the mayor said.

Gonzales also reported on the electrification program, and education and agriculture development during his SOMA.*MA

NegOr joins Sinulog fest


Negros Oriental will send two contingents to the Sinulog Festival in Cebu , City on Sunday.

The defending Buglasan Festival of Festivals Grand Champion Hambabalud Festival of Jimalalud and the first runner-up of the Pakol Festival of Santa Catalina will represent the province this year.

The Hambabalud and Pakol Festivals are both portraying the message of protecting mother nature and preserving the environment.

Santa Catalina Mayor Ruben Melodia said an added feature to their Pakol Festival is the thanksgiving in honor of the Sto. Niño.

Negros Oriental Governor Emilio Macias II said the provincial government will support the two entries that will carry the name of the province.*MA


www.visayandailystar.com

January 11, 2008
Valencia Seeking cityhood (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/January/11/negor6.htm)
BY MARICAR ARANAS

Mayor Rodulfo Gonzales Jr. said he is looking forward to making Valencia the seventh city in Negros Oriental.

In his first State of the Municipality Address Monday, Gonzales challenged his fellow officials to take off, as it is now a first class municipality, from being a third class one in 2001.

Present at the SOMA were members of the Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Deodoro Olasiman and barangay officials.

Gonzales said that in 2007, the town collected P149 million in local revenues, and, according to the Commission on Audit, it is one of the top 10 financially sound municipalities in the country.

He said he hopes to improve the local tax collection with a target of P155 million this year, and achieving a P300 million collection by year 2009.

Valencia has increased its population from 1,400 in 2001 to 3,500 in 2007, according to the latest population survey.

The Register of Deeds Provincial office has also recorded that at least 75 percent of its transactions involves property in Valencia , the mayor said.

Gonzales also reported on the electrification program, and education and agriculture development during his SOMA.*MA

I hope this would materialize soon so that the Metro Dumaguete area will progress faster.

Negros Daily Bulletin Editorial Page

Hope for Negros

No doubt about it. The brand New Bacolod Silay Airport of international standard in Brgy. Bagtic, Silay City stands today as one of the best arguments why Negros Occidental should look forward to a better tomorrow, a promise for prosperity, higher per capita income for its people and bright economic prospects, generally speaking.

Granting, of course, that the leadership of this province, with all-out support from the higher-ups and the undivided cooperation from an enlightened citizenry. Useless each, without the other.
Political will, vision and determination on the part of local officials, both elected and appointed, must always go together in order for the province’s economic potentials to be fully tapped or exploited, among which are state-of-the-art facilities and modern instrumentalities like the presence of an airport of international standard, like what we have just inaugurated and which is now operational.

Being also declared alternate international airport in the Visayas, like the latest facilities established in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, the Bacolod Silay Airport in this well-endowed province, is easily one of the best reasons for the sugar-producing Negros Occidental to prosper and grow, faster.

Aside from the many economic benefits Negros will realize during the coming months and years, are good prospects expected to further prop up its business and industry, trade and commerce, tourism and travel, among others, that could help propel its economic growth and make it count among the more prosperous and economically-stable provinces in the whole country.

It now depends on the initiative, reliability, dependability and hardwork of all Negrenses, with the utilization of its available resources and facilities, one of which is the brand-new airport of international standard, in order to boost the region’s economic base and eventually raise the economic standard of people here. And, without relying heavily on the volume of dollar remittances from their kins working abroad, notably those in the US, Canada and Japan, among other highly-developed countries of the world.

The magic word, really, is for our people to remain steadfast, resourceful and hardworking.
No matter how well-equipped, or trained and skilled our manpower is, if they dismally lack the will and dedication, all these development factors will just vanish into thin air, become useless and without positive effects, if there is no human component, no political will on the leadership and worse, if theycould not even get their acts together.*

http://www.aranetagroup.com/images/inside_road.gif
Araneta Group of Companies

Progressive Development Corporation

PDC (Progressive Development Corporation) manages investments and property assets of the Araneta Group outside those of the 3 other strategic business units: Araneta Center; Philippines Pizza Inc.; and Uniprom. PDC is also the incubator and nurturing entity for new business.

Major properties within the urban metro are in San Mateo and Rodriguez.

The San Mateo property is 510 hectares 45 minutes drive to the east from the Araneta Center accessible via the Batasan Road or Marcos Highway. The property has undulating terrain with mildy rolling hills and is ideal for mixed-use community development.

The Rodriquez property is 1,640 hectares an hour’s drive to the northeast from the Araneta Center with the Wawa Dam at its southern tip. Its topography is a mixture of stiff to moderate undulating terrain. While ideal for housing and light industrial use, the property is also rich in natural resources such as aggregates, marble and limestone.

Major properties in Negros are within urban Bacolod and less than an hour’s drive from the new International Airport in Silay City due to open in Q4 of 2007.

The former Bacolod Murcia Millsite property is 34 hectares right at the heart of Bacolod City at the corner of Burgos Street and the Circumferential Road. The property is primarily viewed by the Araneta Group as the future Araneta Center of the South.

The former Talisay Silay Millsite property is 24 hectares 15 minutes drive to the north from the Bacolod Airport. It is adjacent to large high-end subdivision developments: Ayala Northpoint and Town and Country.

The Magsungay property is 35 hectares situated between the Bacolod Airport and the newly built SM Mall. The property has an opening to the sea at it southwest portion.

Other investments under PDC include holdings in Atok Big-Wedge, a listed holding company; investments in Wenphil and Philippine Seven, local franchisees of world renowned brands Wendy’s and 7-Eleven respectively; Manila Peninsula, and Makati Medical Center.

I hope this would materialize soon so that the Metro Dumaguete area will progress faster.
right friend...glad to know that guihulngan is now a city...and negros oriental is the one of the philippine highest numbers of cities,,and negros occidental is ranked number one

Negros Daily Bulletin Editorial Page

Hope for Negros

No doubt about it. The brand New Bacolod Silay Airport of international standard in Brgy. Bagtic, Silay City stands today as one of the best arguments why Negros Occidental should look forward to a better tomorrow, a promise for prosperity, higher per capita income for its people and bright economic prospects, generally speaking.

Granting, of course, that the leadership of this province, with all-out support from the higher-ups and the undivided cooperation from an enlightened citizenry. Useless each, without the other.
Political will, vision and determination on the part of local officials, both elected and appointed, must always go together in order for the province’s economic potentials to be fully tapped or exploited, among which are state-of-the-art facilities and modern instrumentalities like the presence of an airport of international standard, like what we have just inaugurated and which is now operational.

Being also declared alternate international airport in the Visayas, like the latest facilities established in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, the Bacolod Silay Airport in this well-endowed province, is easily one of the best reasons for the sugar-producing Negros Occidental to prosper and grow, faster.

Aside from the many economic benefits Negros will realize during the coming months and years, are good prospects expected to further prop up its business and industry, trade and commerce, tourism and travel, among others, that could help propel its economic growth and make it count among the more prosperous and economically-stable provinces in the whole country.

It now depends on the initiative, reliability, dependability and hardwork of all Negrenses, with the utilization of its available resources and facilities, one of which is the brand-new airport of international standard, in order to boost the region’s economic base and eventually raise the economic standard of people here. And, without relying heavily on the volume of dollar remittances from their kins working abroad, notably those in the US, Canada and Japan, among other highly-developed countries of the world.

The magic word, really, is for our people to remain steadfast, resourceful and hardworking.
No matter how well-equipped, or trained and skilled our manpower is, if they dismally lack the will and dedication, all these development factors will just vanish into thin air, become useless and without positive effects, if there is no human component, no political will on the leadership and worse, if theycould not even get their acts together.*

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the appearing of rainbow upon the skies during the airport inauguration is symbolizing the new hopes of negrosanons

http://www.aranetagroup.com/images/inside_road.gif
Araneta Group of Companies

Progressive Development Corporation

PDC (Progressive Development Corporation) manages investments and property assets of the Araneta Group outside those of the 3 other strategic business units: Araneta Center; Philippines Pizza Inc.; and Uniprom. PDC is also the incubator and nurturing entity for new business.

Major properties within the urban metro are in San Mateo and Rodriguez.

The San Mateo property is 510 hectares 45 minutes drive to the east from the Araneta Center accessible via the Batasan Road or Marcos Highway. The property has undulating terrain with mildy rolling hills and is ideal for mixed-use community development.

The Rodriquez property is 1,640 hectares an hour’s drive to the northeast from the Araneta Center with the Wawa Dam at its southern tip. Its topography is a mixture of stiff to moderate undulating terrain. While ideal for housing and light industrial use, the property is also rich in natural resources such as aggregates, marble and limestone.

Major properties in Negros are within urban Bacolod and less than an hour’s drive from the new International Airport in Silay City due to open in Q4 of 2007.

The former Bacolod Murcia Millsite property is 34 hectares right at the heart of Bacolod City at the corner of Burgos Street and the Circumferential Road. The property is primarily viewed by the Araneta Group as the future Araneta Center of the South.

The former Talisay Silay Millsite property is 24 hectares 15 minutes drive to the north from the Bacolod Airport. It is adjacent to large high-end subdivision developments: Ayala Northpoint and Town and Country.

The Magsungay property is 35 hectares situated between the Bacolod Airport and the newly built SM Mall. The property has an opening to the sea at it southwest portion.

Other investments under PDC include holdings in Atok Big-Wedge, a listed holding company; investments in Wenphil and Philippine Seven, local franchisees of world renowned brands Wendy’s and 7-Eleven respectively; Manila Peninsula, and Makati Medical Center.


for me is a breaking news...thanks we have a source na

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I like Kabankalan City planning. they have a nice City Hall, and soon an Airport. Hub Call center has a branch there as well. go go kabankalan.:banana:

Acuña Re-elected President Negros del Norte Planters Ass’n
By Jun de los Reyes

Considered as a consistent fighter for the interest of the Sugar Industry, Atty. Arsenio AL Acuña has been unanimously re-elected President of the Negros Del Norte Planters Association Inc., in the Annual General Membership Meeting Crop year 2007-2008 held at the Victorias Milling Company Golf and Country Club Inc., in Victorias City last Saturday.

Also elected were: Vice-President- Atty. Teodoro U. Benedicto, Secretary/Treasurer- Alexis G. Javelosa. Members of the Board of Directors: Edgardo D. Gargar, Luis C. Locsin, Dr. Jose Jo, Renato S. Lacson, Federico Sola, Miss Sandra M. Fermin, Armando Valmayor, Atty. Edgardo Y. Acuña, Miguel Antonio Lacson, Manuel Frederick Ko, Mrs. Nadina G. Gustilo, Jose L. Montelibano. Managing Director: Atty. Edgardo Y. Acuña.

In his President’s message, Atty. Arsenio “Totoy” Acuña enumerated the most important and significant features and improvements realized by the Negros Del Norte Planters Assn Inc.,. The Victorias Milling Company and the status of the Sugar Industry really benefitted and affected the lives of the planters members.

He likewise lauded and extended his heartfelft gratitude to the officers, staff, management and the rank and file employees for a job well done and to the more than 4,000 planter-members for their continued trust and confidence in the Negros Del Norte Planters Association Inc., as one of the leading Planters Associations in the Victorias Mill District and the whole province.

He also thanked the Panay Planters Association in making (NDNPAI) as their Association of choice in milling their canes with Victorias.*

Neg Occ. solons, local execs meet Danding

BACOLOD CITY - Acting Negros Occidental Governor Isidro Zayco confirmed the meeting between Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco and representatives of different congressional districts as well as local chief executives of towns and cities of Negros Occidental last Saturday January 19.

But he denied reports that it was a political meeting saying Cojuangco hosted the luncheon with the said public officials to discuss Isabela’s provincial health insurance program and the possibility of replicating the health care program in Negros Occidental.

The meeting was held at the residence of Cojuangco, a former ambassador and now one of the country’s most successful business tycoons.

“We never tackled anything related to politics nor the choices of who will run as governor of the province come 2010,” Zayco said.

According to Zayco, former governor Faustino Dy Jr. was present to explain the features of the Isabela Health Care Mutual Assistance Fund.

Zayco said membership is open to all government employees and all permanent residents of the province particularly those who are considered indigents. It covers all kinds of illnesses.

Premiums is only P5 per day or an equivalent of P150 per month or P1,800 per year.

After the presentation, everyone agreed to adopt the health insurance program of Isabela with some modification to suit the local situation of the province.

Zayco said the trust of the provincial government headed by Governor Joseph Marañon is to give sufficient health care program to its constituents. That is why the provincial government-run hospitals are being repaired and upgraded and the program presented by Dy could suit the province.

The six districts of the province and the lone district of Bacolod pledged their number of initial enrollees totaling to 200,000 with an initial fund of P360 million.

Congressmen pledged to sponsor members of their districts.

Present during the meeting are Congressmen Jules Ledesma of 1st district, Alfredo Marañon 2nd district; Jeffrey Ferrer 4th district, Genaro Alvarez of the 6th District, Bacolod City mayor Evelio Leonardia and mayors representing the 32 cities and municipalities in the province.

January 24, 2008
PNOC entry into buffer zone legal – Javellana (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/January/24/topstory12.htm)
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Negros Occidental Board Member Mae Javellana yesterday said the entry of the state-owned Philippine National Oil Company- Energy Development Corporation to the 169-hectare buffer zone of the Mt. Kanlaon National Park for geothermal development, is legal, and allowed by the law, citing provisions of RA 9154, or the MKNP Act.

Javellana, chairperson of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said there is no question about the entry of PNOC to the buffer zone, as it is provided in the law.

She, however, said the state-owned firm sought an endorsement from the SP and Governor Joseph Maranon to enter the buffer zone because there are trees to be cut. To be given a cutting permit, they need concurrence from the provincial council, Javellana added.

The plan of PNOC-EDC to enter the buffer zone got strong resistance, not only from environmentalist and militant group, but also from the Diocese of Bacolod.

The PNOC said the project development will not have a considerable effect on the biodiversity of the area, as the activities will only be confined within 12.48 hectares for road and pad establishment, which is only 7.7 percent of the 169-hectare buffer zone.

Javellana yesterday chaired the joint committee hearing on the proposed geothermal development of PNOC within the buffer zone, that was attended by members of various environmentalist and militant groups, representatives of the state-owned firm and the Provincial Environment and Management Office.

She said her committee will submit a recommendation to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan after hearing the views of all parties concerned.

The PNOC-EDC, in a fact sheet, said ground water will not be extracted for the development of geothermal within the buffer zone. Only the surface water running in creeks and streams will be tapped, which will be done in accordance with the rules and regulation of the National Water Resources Board, it added.

Quoting the Rapid Assessment of the Impact of Tree Removal in Small Portion of the 169-hectare buffer zone, done by Dr. Rex Cruz of the UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources, PNOC said the impact on water budget (infiltration and ground water storage) is projected to be insignificant.

Delia Locsin of the Save Mt. Kanlaon Coalition asked what assurance is there that they fail to generate enough geothermal energy from within the buffer zone, they will not encroach further into the park.

Plant resident manager Gino dela Cruz said that while PNOC-EDC reaffirms its commitment to provide power to Negros Occidental through its Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant in Barangay Mailum, Bago City , which can produce about 30-MW starting April 2010 and 40-MW from January 2011 onwards, the sustainable power outside the buffer zone is only 20MW.

“We have to act now if we want to avert the projected power crisis in Negros Occidental by 2010,” he stressed.

By entering into the buffer zone, PNOC is expecting to produce 20MW more geothermal power supply.*GPB

January 24, 2008
Airline boosts weekly trips (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/January/24/negor5.htm)

A domestic airline recently announced its expansion of domestic operations by increasing the number of flights from Manila to Dumaguete, as well as to six other major cities in the Philippines , a press release from Cebu Pacific said.

Beginning April 3, Cebu Pacific will increase the Manila-Dumaguete frequency from 11 flights a week to 14, generating 450 additional seats using the 150-seater A319 aircraft.

It will also use its 179-seater A320 for its mid-day Tacloban and daily Butuan services, Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and product, said in the press release.*

Cayetano visits Silay

Sen. Pia Cayetano will be the guest of honor of the Silay City government at 3:30 p.m. today at Balay Negrense Museum , a press release from the city said.

Mayor Jose Montelibano and officers of Silay City Tourism Development Council will present the tourism plans and investment potentials of Silay to Cayetano.

The “world-renowned” Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble will feature selected Filipino music to Cayetano and her group, the press release said.

The Silay Native Delicacy Makers' Association will also offer the senator hometown delicacies of Silay, which will be made available soon at the New Bacolod-Silay Airport, the press release added.*

Thursday, January 24, 2008
Pia hails provincial health insurance plan

SENATOR Pia Cayetano lauded Wednesday the initiatives of the Provincial Government in coming up with a localized health insurance plan for Negrenses as she noted that there is a huge disparity among the rich and poor in so far as access to health care is concerned.

The senator, who paid a courtesy call on Acting Governor Isidro Zayco at the Provincial Capitol Wednesday, said a localized health maintenance organizations or HMOs will strengthen the insurance system of an area.

Zayco has announced the Provincial Government's plan to implement an insurance program that will initially benefit 200,000 Negrenses and would require a funding of P360 million.

Meanwhile, as the debate rages on the Cheaper Medicines Bill, Cayetano stressed that the deletion of the right of the doctors to indicate the brand name of the medicine is not included in the Senate version of the bill that was passed in the 13th Congress, adding that their version focused primarily on Intellectual Property Rights.

She said this provision is among the issues that need to be addressed by the Bicameral Conference Committee when it starts to reconcile both the Senate and House version.

The House was not able to pass its version in the 13th Congress and when it finally did last December, the Senate Committee has to start all over again but approved it after the first hearing, says Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Health.

I have consulted with doctors and I am mindful of their concerns, which are rooted on their obligation to prescribe what is best for the patients, she added.

This bill is very urgent and they cannot afford any more delays, she said as she stressed that "everyday that is delayed, access to cheaper medicine is denied to the average Filipino." (EASD)

This is what you call...............

SUGAR...and MORE


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repost

Negros Occidental Governors
Part I
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January 26, 2008
Karatula holds cultural show (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/January/26/people.htm)

A cultural show to showcase the output of a series of trainings and workshops by the Karatula, on the theme “Hugpungan: Kultura Mula at Tungo sa Malawak na Sambayanan” will be held tomorrow, in Bacolod City , a press release from organizers said.

The group, a national organization of youth artists and cultural workers, is celebrating its eight anniversary.

Members will also elect their new officers tomorrow afternoon, followed by a cultural march and rally. Interested parties may call Karatula regional coordinator Clarizza Singson at Tel. No. 0918-475-3277, the press release added.*

******************************************

AT ROBINSONS: Festival of Dances set (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/January/26/people.htm)

Robinsons Place Bacolod will present Festival of Dances Year 2 with an open category Dance Competition at its Fountain Area 4 p.m. tomorrow.

Bacolod 's dance champions, and Dance Studios of Joeval Brodit and Bing Sendico will set the dance floor on fire in an exhibition of skills, style and choreography, a Robinsons press release said.

The Festival of Dances features the Kasadyahan Dance Company which has produced national and international performers like Jed Amihan and Philip Martir of Airdance Manila, and Processo Gelladuga who performs in Hong Kong Disneyland.

Liza Dazo and Leonel Enopia (champions of the NOPSSCEA Latin Dance Sport Competition 2007) and Street Rhythm (Champions of the Panaad sa Negros Hip Hop Competition 2007) will also be performing during the dance exhibition.*

Backyard hog raisers in Neg. Occ.
Get Capitol support, enjoy improved prices

The Alliance of Hog Raisers in Negros Occidental is now in operation as an offshoot of the project of Gov. Joseph Marañon to make swine raising the second largest industry in the province and it has resulted in improved prices for backyard growers, its vice president Ray de la Rama said yesterday.

Our task is to improve the backyard sector through genetics and help hog raisers market their livestock at better prices, de la Rama said.

The alliance so far has dispersed of 180 gilts for breeders and another 180 are coming in the first quarter of this year, he said.

We also distributed 400 piglets for grow-out in the backyard sector, and another 400 are coming soon, he said, adding that, they are worth about P2 million from the governor and we are very thankful for that.

Our thrust is also to help backyard growers to market their pigs at the right prices so they are not taken advantage of, de la Rama said.

We have so far been selling pigs for backyard growers at P9 more per kilo, he said. This will encourage backyard growers to grow more pigs to boost their livelihood, he added.

He also said Negros Occidental now has a surplus in pigs and most of its produce is sold in Cebu that buys at good prices.

This month the alliance has been able to ship four truck loads of backyard pigs worth about P2 million, he said.

Before only commercial farms had a tie up with Cebu buyers, the backyard growers did not have the marketing arm to go into this, de la Rama.

That is why the governor encouraged us to improve the quality of pigs grown in backyards and assist in marketing to equate to better prices, he said.

We are encouraging other backyard raisers to join our alliance, which has 26 member associations, alliance president Rodney Taala said.

As a group they can avail of better prices for their pigs, Taala said.*CPG



Hog caption

Pigs grown by members of the Alliance of Hog Raisers in Negros Occidental.*

St Paul University Dumaguete is the first ISO-certified university in the Philippines


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Solon Assures NSCA to Become a University Soon

By Teresa Ellera-Dulla

6th District Congressman Genaro “Lim-ao” Alvarez has assured the Negros State College of Agriculture (NSCA) it will soon become the Central Philippine State University (CPSU).

Alvarez, father of the Cityhood of Kabankalan and Sipalay, said before December this year, he will make sure that the upgrading of the School will pass in Congress. He made the assurance during the blessing and inauguration yesterday of the newly built swimming pool, pavilion and Product Center which were jointly financed by the school and his office.

NSCA now has branches all over the 6th district in Sipalay, Cauayan, Candoni and Hinoba-an, Ilog and Moises Padilla. Freddie Maningo, President of NSCA disclosed that Hinoba-an mayor Teresita Bilbao already approved the P1.8 million fund for personnel services of the Hinoba-an NSCA campus that will be re-opened this coming school year. He said he has already completed papers and requirements for the first and only state college of agriculture in Negros island to become a university. The School would need about P100 million yearly budget once it becomes a university. At present, it operates on a P32 million budget. Aside from Agricultural courses, the school now offers Masteral and Doctoral Degrees and Engineering courses.

Alvarez said all over the province, the 6th District is privileged to have a college in almost every town and city. He conceptualized the idea of putting up these colleges after a survey came out that out of 100 youths, less than 3 percent have reached college. Alvarez also has hundreds of scholars in different campuses of NSCA. Aside from the swimming pool, Alvarez said a hotel will also rise soon in the school campus for the opening of the Hotel and Restaurant Management Course that will also be offered by the school.*

St Paul University Dumaguete is the first ISO-certified university in the Philippines


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wow.....ang ganda naman nito. :) anyway, where is St. Paul's Located in Dumaguete?...malapit lang ba sa Siliman yan?

^^This is totally amazing.A school that looks like this one.This is more like of a hotel designed buildings.:cheers:

Negros Occidental Governors

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2 Negros solons in Davos
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Foreign businessmen and chief executive officers in Davos are upbeat on investing in the Philippines especially after the Moody's credit rating upgrade of the country from stable to positive, two Negros Occidental solons said yesterday.

Negros Occidental Representatives Jose Carlos Lacson (third district) and Ignacio Arroyo Jr. (fourth district), who are among the members of President Gloria Macapagal's party in Davos, Switzerland , sent a joint text message to the DAILY STAR.

They said the Philippine's GDP rose from 6.9 to 7.3 percent and the President and her economic team in Davos are flooded with requests for appointments from possible investors.

In a recent forum with the Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce, the President announced that the Philippines is no longer using the facilities for foreign loans, the two Negros solons said.

The President, it was noted, has expressed confidence that her programs, particularly in infrastructure and education sector, are strongly in place and the Philippines would continue to reap the benefits of these investments regardless of who succeeds her in 2010.

Corporate responsibility rather than profit took centre stage in Davos yesterday, as the annual get-together of business chiefs turned its attention to issues of health, aid and development.

This year's Davos event has drawn nearly 30 heads of state or government, more than 110 cabinet ministers and several hundred corporate chiefs.*CPG

Negros Occidental Governors

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where did you get all of these jay?...this is cool ha :) but its quite creepy knowing that these people are already six ft under the ground...:)

St Paul University Dumaguete is the first ISO-certified university in the Philippines


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wow world class university...i like the structure yong may naka roof escalates (pic 3)...my friend Ritche anong school sa dalawa ang unang naging university St. Paul of Iloilo City ba or Dumaguete City? Thanks

January 29, 2008
Swine breeding center in Cadiz inaugurated (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2008/01/29/bus/swine.breeding.center.in.cadiz.inaugurated.html)

THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) and Cadiz City Veterinary Office inaugurated its Swine Breeding Center located in Barangay Tinampa-an recently.

The center can house 25 sow and 70 heads for fattening with facilities like farrowing and gestating cage, boar's pen, fattening pen, and concrete structure that meet swine housing standards.

Prior to the opening of the center, the Provincial Government through the OPV provided one head junior boar and three heads gilt worth P73,000 as counterpart for the community to start its own genetic improvement program.

The junior boar shall be used for artificial insemination on swine to maximize its breeding potential.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said the putting up of a breeding center is a key to a sustainable animal improvement program.

Also present during the activity were Cadiz City Vice Mayor Samson Mirhan, Cadiz City Veterinarian Josue Rabang, other local and barangay officials.

Sen. Pia Cayetano promote E-Jeep, Cheaper Medicine Bill in Negros Occidental

Negros Occidental (24 January) -- Senator Pia Cayetano visited this province to promote the use of E-Jeep and to campaign in order to fast-track its classification and registration nationwide.

As chair of the senate committee on environment and natural resources, Cayetano gave her take on the plan of the Philippine National Oil Corporation-Energy Development Corporation to enter into the Mt. Kanlaon National Park buffer zone to tap geothermal power. Cayetano urges stakeholders to discuss the situation and come up with a balanced decision between environmental concerns and sustainable energy for the province.

Also seating as chair of the senate committee on health and demography, Cayetano is campaigning for the Cheaper Medicine Bill which, according to the senator is set to be discussed in the bicameral committee conference particularly the provision prohibiting doctors from indicating the brand name of their choice.

Cayetano also visited the Lorenzo Zayco Memorial Hospital to check on the state of the hospital in Kabankalan City.

In her two-day visit in the province, Cayetano also addressed the Negros Occidental Association of Chief Executives and the Bacolod City Council.

The senator in her meeting with the chief executives and Bacolod City local officials offered to provide funds for the education and health insurance programs of the province particularly in putting up a science and technology high school in Silay City.

Cayetano also promised other interested officials support provided they submit their proposals.


Tree-planting activity

Meanwhile, a tree-planting was conducted by the cadets and officers of the "Spirit of MOL" training ship recently at Mambucal Resort, Brgy. Minoyan, Municipality of Murcia, Negros Occidental.

The participants who were on staying at the port of Bacolod, included Filipino and Indian officers, and Indonesian and Vietnamese crewmen, planted about 300 saplings.

The activity aims to combat global warming, absorb CO2 emissions and prevent soil erosion and landslides in Negros Occidental. (PIA/cad)

I-tax helping pilot areas in province, Mendez says
BY MARICAR ARANAS

The implementation of the Integrated Taxation to the pilot local government units in Negros Oriental yielded positive results, provincial treasurer Danilo Mendez said Friday.

He said the I-tax has helped in getting better tax goals in the pilot areas or Bayawan City , Dumaguete City , Zamboanguita , Valencia , Sibulan, San Jose , Amlan, Pamplona , Mabinay, Manjuyod and Bindoy.

Mendez said, however, that he cannot fully assure the success of the system since it is still on the pilot stage, although it is presently improving.

The PTO is trying to ask for approval from the Commission on Audit to use computer-generated receipts for taxpayers, but until now the COA has not yet commented on it.

I-tax is a computer generated system specifically designed for storing all tax data in a certain locality. It is backed by German technology aiming for a reliable government tax collection.*MA

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BM Patrick Lacson, councilors Anton Magalona and Rob Acaling with the Gawad Kalinga and CFC officers at the ground breaking of GK’s Haydee Yorac village in Brgy. Gahit, EB Magalona recently.*