Lito vice chairman of biofuels board
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes has designated Sugar Regulatory Administrator Rafael “Lito” Coscolluela as vice chairman of the National Biofuels Board.

Coscolluela, former governor of Negros Occidental, will be responsible for preparing the plans, programs and budget of the NBB, Reyes said.

He is also tasked to ensure the effective implementation of the programs and projects of the NBB, supervise the day-to-day operations of the NBB, and act on other matters as directed by the chair, Reyes said.

Biofuels are produced from agricultural crops grown in the Philippines, including sugarcane for ethanol, Reyes said.

Increased consumption of biofuels creates new markets for Philippine farm products, creates new jobs in rural communities and keeps money circulating throughout the domestic economy, he said.

Producing a percentage of our fuel at home also reduces our dependence on foreign oil and increases our national energy independence, he added.*CPG

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/July/28/topstory5.htm

PIA Press Release
2008/08/04

Negros population group, solemnizing ministers push for RH bill
Negros Occ. (4 August) -- A group of local ministers officiating marriage here joins the League of Population Officers and Workers in the Philippines (LEPOWPHIL) in pushing for the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.

The Community of Solemnizing Officers (CSO), a multi-denominational group of preachers and professionals license to conduct marriage in the country, said they are supporting for the passage of House Billl 4110 and stressed the freedom of the couples to exercise their choice- scientific or natural method, in planning their family.

West Negros University Social Science Professor Joy Vingno and Executive committee head of CSO said "we leave the matter to the bedroom of the husband and wife in their own privacy to adopt and practice RH program of the government which include both natural and modern methods of spacing or management of the family size according to their own belief, education and wisdom."

He said their stand on the issue is anchored on sound philosophical tenets and on Philippine constitution.

"Whatever human positive law in the Ethical Philosophy either by the church or state, the CSO is following the constitutional provision of Art. 2 Sec. 6 and Art. 3 Sec.5 where freedom of religion is enjoyed here in our society by all sects equally, regardless of size without discrimination to any by historic European-Hispanic hegemony.

Earlier, the LEPOWPHIL cited the health of the women as one of the pressing reasons why RH bill should be passed.

According to the study of Guttmacher Institute in 2006, ten mothers die everyday due to pregnancy and child birth complications while one out of six women has an unmet need for family planning.

"We know the sufferings of women in the community and their desire to access reproductive health services," LEPOWPHIL national president Evangeline Golveque, said (PIA-LOL)

PIA Press Release
2008/08/05

Thousands of Negrense kids avail of PGMA's food-for-school program
Negros Occ. (5 August) -- More than 15,000 pre-school and grade one pupils in the province availed of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Food-For-School Program.

Records from the Department of Education, Provincial Schools Division, revealed that there were 15, 791 grade one pupils and 127 pre-elementary kids who availed of the supplementary feeding of the government designed to fight hunger under the government's program to fight poverty with the theme "Labanan and Kahirapan."

DepEd Clinic In-Charge Sheryl Escanlar said the figure represents 184 schools in 17 districts of the province implemented last March 26, 2008 to April 11.

Total rice distributed were 582,225 kilograms or 11, 645 bags costing P11.8 million.

Schools that availed of the program include Candoni 18 schools, Toboso, 14, Calatrava I- 1, CalatravaII- 2, Cauayan I-14, Cauayan II- 25, E.B. Magalona 2, Ilog I- 13, Ilog- 12, Isabela I-2. Moises Padilla 7, Murica I -13, Murcia II-14, Pontevedra I-9, Pontevedra II-12, Escalante I – 14 and Escalante II-12. (PIA-LOL)

Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Revival of idled prawn farms in Negros Occidental eyed

THE revival of about 4,000 hectares of idle prawn farms in Negros Occidental is being eyed as part of a rehabilitation project of the fishing industry in the province with about P300-million budget from the Department of Agriculture (DA), said Cadiz City Mayor Salvador 'Bading' Escalante Jr.

Escalante, in a press conference at the Capitol Tuesday said Gov. Isidro Zayco has instructed him to include the revival of prawn farms in the province, especially those in Bago City, E.B. Magalona, Silay City, Talisay City and Cadiz City, in the rehabilitation program of the fishing industry that once struck by typhoon 'Frank.'

The P300-M budget will be provided by DA's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) thru the Asia Fund as per order by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to help revive the fishing industry in Negros, especially in Cadiz - the worst hit by Frank, said Escalante.

Any amount to be given to Negros fishing industry in the form of soft loan for three to seven years is free of monthly interest.

"With the governor's recent request, it showed that our rehabilitation plan on our fishing industry will not only limit to the repair damaged commercial fishing boats or procurement of new boats in our city but will also include the revival of idled prawn farms to be utilized later for the province's food security program," Escalante told reporters.

It aimed at giving more concentration on tilapia growing, which is now one of the most lucrative businesses in the country, especially in Negros Occidental, he added.

"That's why each of the 36 commercial fishing operators in Cadiz City was asked to submit their individual rehab plan for us to assess and consolidate later. And based on initial agreement, for every P3 million proposed rehab plan, P2 million will be provided by Asia Fund while the remaining P1 million will be provided by the fishing boat operator," Escalante said.

"So having P1 million saving per P3 million proposed rehab plan, the Task Force Mananagat will still have funds to be used also in the revival of our prawn farms to be utilized then for tilapia culture later," he added.

A final proposal for the entire Negros Occidental for this P300 million fishing industry rehab budget will be submitted to Zayco's office on Thursday, Escalante said.

Meanwhile, on the contentious 15-kilometer territorial waters for fishing operations, Escalante said: "This is now a law stipulated under Fishery Code of the Philippines so we don't have choice but to implement this."(Erwin Ambo Delilan)

PIA Press Release
2008/08/06

Escalante City launches indigent program
Negros Occidental (6 August) -- The local government of Escalante City is launching its Indigent Program designed to benefit constituents below poverty line or low income earners with malnourished children.

City Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. issued Executive Orders 08-10 to constitute and mobilize a task force on local indigent program and Executive Order 11 creating the implementing policies and guidelines on hospitalization assistance.

Indigent beneficiaries qualified to avail of the hospitalization assistance must be bonafide resident of Escalante City for at least six months, certified by the Brgy. Capt.or the Brgy. Kagawad, not gainfully employed, a registered voter of the city except those incapacitated to register due to physical or mental disabilities, and with Medicare Para sa Masa number.

When patient is a minor, his/her parents should meet all of the mentioned requirement.

Some Indigent Identification Cards were already handed to the barangays of the city through the City Social Welfare and Development office and the Barangay Nutrition Scholars. The bearer of the ID and his/her legal dependents are entitled to all the rights and privileges under the Indigent Program of the city. It must be presented when availing of services from the city government.

The program underscores the importance of the government to give priority to health as a strategy for improving the quality of life of its constituency. (Escalante City/PIA/EAD)

Thursday, August 21, 2008
Livelihood projects turned over

A TOTAL of 28 heads of parent stock piglets were turned over by the Provincial Veterinary Office to swine raisers in the municipalities of Pontevedra and San Enrique and La Carlota City, in a ceremony at the Pontevedra public plaza Wednesday.

The symbolic turnover was facilitated by Governor Isidro Zayco and Gretchen Cojuangco.

The governor was assisted by 4th District Representative Jeffrey Ferrer, Mayor Jose Ma. Alonso of Pontevedra, Mayor Demie John Honrado of La Carlota City, Mayor Jilson Tubillara of San Enrique, and Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Renante Decena.

Kabir chickens were also given to ECJ Farm Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Pontevedra.

Sacks of feeds and boxes of veterinary medicines were also distributed to swine and poultry raisers while the town's daycare pupils were given fresh milk as part of the milk-feeding program.

Governor Zayco thanked Mrs. Cojuangco for supporting the livelihood projects of the provincial government, especially in the 4th District.

He added that he is continuing what the former governor had started as he wanted to focus more on food production in the province.

Cojuangco encouraged the beneficiaries to take care of the piglets.

They were also told to multiply and give to others.

A swine raiser, Romeo Espin of barangay San Isidro, Pontevedra expressed the collective thanks of the beneficiaries of the program.

Also present in the activity were Provincial Information Officer Marlin Sanogal, Executive Asst. to the Governor Gerard Tupas and Pontevedra Vice Mayor Edgar M. Tomas.

GOVERNOR SAYS
We’ll keep close watch on mining
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday said the provincial government will consider applying for carbon credits for trees it is planting at the Northern Negros Natural Park, and will keep a close watch on planned mining exploration activities in Binalbagan and Himamaylan to ensure the protection of the environment.

Zayco, who presided over a Northern Negros Forest Reserve Management Council meeting yesterday, said the provincial government has seedlings ready for planting along the strict protection zone of NNNP as part of its reforestation effort.

The Kyoto protocol provides that countries that have high greenhouse gas emissions may buy carbon credits from other countries to offset their emissions.

Buying carbon credits could mean funding projects like reforestation or planting mangroves, which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Zayco said the provincial government will keep a close watch on mining exploration activities planned by Epithermal Gold Corp.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau of Region 7 had granted the firm a permit to conduct mining exploration activities on 1,994 hectares in Central Negros for gold and copper.

Among the areas to be covered by the exploration on the Occidental side of the island are Binalbagan and Himamaylan City, and Jimalalud and Tayasan on the Oriental side.

Zayco said he is not in favor of mining because of the pollution it causes, but it is the national government that has the authority to grant permits, not the local government.

There is a lot of resistance to mining in Negros Occidental and its generating income for the local economy should be weighed over the possible damage to the environment, he said.*CPG

PIA Press Release
2008/08/22

Negrense scholars complete TESDA training
Bacolod City (22 August) -- A total of 255 student-scholars of Rep. Ignacio Arroyo (Neg.Occ. 5th Dist.) recently completed various skills trainings in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Negros Occidental.

The community and technology based training program from April to June this year was made available to the youths of Himamaylan City, La Castellaña, Hinigaran, Isabela, Moises Padilla and Binalbagan.

The trainings were on preventive maintenance and defensive driving, shielded metal ore, welding, plumping, small engine repair and maintenance, engine tune-up, and overhauling of small and medium fishing boat.

Yolanda C. Porschwitz, TESDA provincial director said that Rep. Arroyo provided P1million budget for this year, in addition to the P 1million he coursed through TESDA in 2007.

The trainees are now holders of National Certificate Level I which they can use to apply for jobs locally and abroad. (PIA/cad)

PIA Press Release
2008/08/22

Swine raisers in Negros Occidental receive aid
Bacolod City (22 August) -- The provincial Veterinary Office of Negros Occidental turned over 28 heads of parent stock piglets to hog raisers in the towns of Pontevedra, and San Enrique and La Carlota City, recently.

The ECJ Farm workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Pontevedra received Kabir chickens while swine and poultry raisers were also given feeds and veterinary medicines.

Fresh milk were distributed to Pontevedra Day Care pupils as part of the milk feeding program.

The symbolic turn-over was facilitated by Neg. Occ. Gov. Isidro Zayco, 4th Dist. Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, Mayors Jose Ma. Alonso of Pontevedra, Demie John Hondrado of La carlota, Jilson Tubillara of San Enrique and Prov'l. Veterinarian Renante Decena and Grechen O. Cojuangco, wife of business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.

Neg. Occ. Gov. Zayco thanked Mrs. Cojuangco for supporting the livelihood projects of the provincial government especially in Fourth District.

Mrs. Cojuangco encouraged the beneficiaries to take care of the piglets they have received and try to multiply and give them back to others to receive also.(PIA/cad)

PIA Press Release
2008/08/26

San Carlos City promotes recycling through contest
Negros Occidental (26 August) -- In an effort to promote recycling among public elementary and secondary school students, the local government of San Carlos City launched a year-long "Schools Recyclable Drive Year 2 – Raising the Bar".

City Mayor Eugenio Lacson awarded recently the winners of the contest bagged by Andres Bonifacio Central School and Quezon National High School for the elementary and high school respectively.

The awarding was held at the DPC Bishop's Home in the city where Andres Bonifacio Central School received a brand new Nikon digital camera and a certificate while Quezon National High School received a unit of 21" Sanyo colored TV and a certificate from the city government.

Special awardees were Quezon Elementary School as "Cleanest School" and the school with the "Highest Residuals Contained", Andres Bonifacio Central School as the school with the "Highest Recyclables sold in kilos and in pieces", District III for the active support and participation of the 17 schools of the district, Iliranan Elementary School and Malindog Elementary School were also recognized for the active support and participation of their PTCA during the contest.

The contest which lasted from September 2007 to March 2008 carries the theme "Empowered children and youth as ecological waste management advocates-Raising the Bar Year 2" and was participated by public elementary schools from District I to V and public secondary schools like Don Carlos National High School, Quezon National High School and Julio Ledesma National High School. (San Carlos City/PIA/EAD)

DA pushes sorghum
for ethanol
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Agriculture Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat yesterday pushed for the production in Negros Occidental of sweet sorghum, which she described as the highest yielding bioethanol feedstock.

Puyat spoke at the 1st Sweet Sorghum Techno-Investment Forum conducted by the Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp. and the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.

Puyat said today bioenergy technologies form an important part of the country’s re-energized bid to become less dependent on imported oil amid surging prices of fuel in the world market, and to bring productivity to idle lands.

The objective is to spare the country some P35 billion in oil importation annually, she also said.

To achieve this goal the Biofuels Act of 2006 requires that within two year’s from the effectivity of the law gasoline distributed in the Philippines should be blended with bioethanol to the extent of five percent of its volume, and further to 10 percent in four year’s time, Puyat pointed out.

The law also mandates 1 percent biodiesel blend for all diesel engine fuels within three months from the law’s affectivity increasing to 2 percent in two year’s time, she added.

Sweet sorghum, she said, is just one of the three bioethanol feedstocks included in the country’s bioethanol program, the other two being sugarcane and maize.

Sugar-rich juice suited for ethanol production can be squeezed from the sweet sorghum’s stalk, and the biomass after the extraction of juice is rich is micronutrients and minerals that can be used as forage for animals, she said.

The sorghum grains can also be ground into flour, its leaves are good feeds for small ruminants, and its roots can be used as fuel wood, she added

It is easier and cheaper to grow sorghum than sugarcane and maize, and profits are higher, she said.

Farmers growing sweet sorghum can earn as much as P130,000 per hectare for two cropping seasons a year, which is equal to the projected earnings in corn farming but higher by P30,000 in sugarcane farming, she said.

Puyat pointed out that the country needs 223 million liters bioethanol by 2009 but only two companies – The Leyte Agribusiness Co. and the San Carlos Bio Energy in Negros Occidental – are expected to be on stream by then with a combined capacity of 39 million liters per year.

Thus the DA will continue to assist perspective investors in identifying appropriate areas in the country where they can locate, engage in the commercial planting of sweet sorghum and establish ethanol distilleries, she said.

She said a Canadian funded P800 million sweet sorghum bioethanol distillery with a capacity of 40,000 liters a day combined with a 5-megawatt power generation plant will be completed in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija in 2010.

It will be the first of its kind, not only in the Philippines, but in Southeast Asia, she said.

“We expect our joint efforts will enable us to see the day when millions of liters of ethanol from sweet sorghum will start flowing out of our distilleries across the country,” she added.*CPG

‘Negros can be next Taiwan in terms of rice production’

Negros Occidental can be a “next Taiwan” if planters focus on producing more rice instead of sugar, Agriculture professor Jin-Chuan Tsai from Taiwan said yesterday.

In a forum organized by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Tsai said that the Philippines has a greater volume of rainfall every year compared with Taiwan, making the country more suitable for rice production.

The existence of the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna is another plus point for the country to develop new varieties of rice as an answer to the present global food supply problem.

As an important food crop among Asian nations, the government should protect the rice industry and adjust the policy on rice-related projects to improve production, Tsai said.

This has been done in Taiwan, and it can also be done in Negros Occidental, he added.

Tsai has conducted various researches on rice, among them, the effects of planting date on yield, yield components, and chemical composition in rice plants.

He stressed the importance of research and experimentation to improve crop production.

Tsai also expressed optimism that Negros Occidental can become another rice exporter in Asia, although at present, it is one of the provinces in the Philippines that relies on rice imports to augment its supply and stabilize market prize.

As a first time visitor in the Philippines and Negros, Tsai he was amazed to see the rich natural resources available in the country and the richness of its soil.

Aside from rice, he said planters should also look into the potential of mango production as another prime industry.

Tsai teaches Applied Meteorology at Fo Guang University in Iilan, Taiwan and was former chief of the Laboratory of Agricultural Meteorology of the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute in Taichung.*NAB

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/August/29/businessnews1.htm

Excerpts from Feedback with Primo Esleyer

Talking of domains, I stand behind Gov. Isidro Zayco petitioning the government that the two provinces of Negros Occidental and Oriental be made separate Region, taken off from Region 6 with its capital in Iloilo and Region 7 with its capital in Cebu.

I am not sure of the statistics now but Negros Occidental is something like 46 percent of the population of West Visayas.

Negros is one of the country’s big islands and it has the most number of cities, thirteen of them. And they all qualified on the basis of income.

Negros Occidental is the richest province with income well distributed all over. In other provinces, wealth is concentrated in the capital city.

Negros Oriental has many cities, too.

Let us all contribute to the clamor to make Negros island one region.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008...0/feedback.htm

September 3, 2008
Road widening project mulled (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/September/03/negor6.htm)
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

The City Legal Office is negotiating with lot owners for the construction of a 20-meter wide diversion road that will connect the boundaries of Dumaguete City and Sibulan town, Negros Oriental.

City legal officer Neil Ray Lagahit said the project costs P.5 billion. The funding has been approved by the Regional Development Council, while the local government units involved have to shoulder first the expense in the preparation and opening of the road in their jurisdiction.

The opening of the 20-meter diversion road was undertaken at the portion of the Uypitching property in Bajumpandan, that will connect to the existing road in Cantil-e, then to Cadawinonan and Batinguel going to Magatas in Sibulan.

The first phase includes the opening of a one-kilometer road and widening of existing ones along that area. The diversion road is intended to decongest traffic in the poblacion areas and spread the economic activities to the rural areas.*JG

Kabankalan eyeing
‘Techno Gabay’


Kabankalan City is eyeing the implementation of the Techno Gabay, a banner program of Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development, it said in a press release.

Mayor Pedro Zayco Jr. met recently with Nick Banquero, focal person of the regional Techno Gabay Program, to discuss the proposal to launch the program in Kabankalan.

Techno Gabay aims to provide information and technology services in agriculture, forestry and natural resources, complement the local government unit and rural-based organizations’ efforts in providing information and technology services and strengthen the link among the technology generators, technology services and technology adaptors.

Banquero said the program will also require the establishment of the farmers’ information and technology services center to provide information on technologies, support services, internet access, exhibits, and sale of information, education and communication materials, the press release said.

If Kabankalan pushes through with its implementation under the agriculture office, it will be the fifth LGU in Negros Occidental to host Techno Gabay Program.

i heard from my fellow CHICKSmate there is a mall will soon rise near of the u/c airport of kabankalan,,,we dunno what's the name of the said mall

i heard from my fellow CHICKSmate there is a mall will soon rise near of the u/c airport of kabankalan,,,we dunno what's the name of the said mall

ano na siya ang CHICKSmate migs? and whats the update about the project that you revealed before?

^CHICKS are composed of candoni, hinobaan, ilog, cauayan, kabankalan, and sipalay

San Enrique Sports & Cutural Center is near to finish- San Enrique

Concreting of highways from Dancalan via Candoni to Sipalay- progress

unknown mall near kabankalan airport- kabankalan- proposal

south highway concreting- himamaylan- progress

Foundation Technology Institute- Bago- new open

Candoni Urban Master Planning Development:
PROPOSAL:
-Sugar Central
-Bahay Kalinga
-Plaza beautification
-Market reconstruction
-Lynda Ville II
-Hospital
PROGRESS:
-Government Center renovation and ground beautification
-Bus & Jeepney Terminal
-Lynda Ville I
-Diamond Field
NEW COMPLETED:
-Negros State College of Agriculture relocation
-Payauan National High School

Future plans for tourism as stated by Atty john Orola

2009 Visit Bacolod Year or
2009 ViNOY - Visit Negros Occidental Year
2010 or 2011 NONOY - Negros Occidental Negros Oriental Year

Isn't this great

isulong ang
ONE ISLAND, ONE REGION.......
NEGROS ISLAND REGION!

^^Very nice!:cheers:
Go Negros!

^^ hahahaha HAHAHAHA hahaha HAHAHA!!! very nice :)

^^tani may acronym man ang visit bacolod year...what i have in mind isn't pleasant to hear...:lol:

September 5, 2008
Guv, solon to attend iTax forum in Germany (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/September/05/negor2.htm)
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

Gov. Emilio Macias II and Rep. George Arnaiz (Neg. Or., 2nd District) will meet with officials of the Federal Government of Germany on Sept. 17-19 in Berlin, Germany, and attend a forum on Integrated Taxation, or the iTax system.

The invitation for the forum was made through the German Agency for Technical Cooperation. The iTax project was accepted by the province during the term of Arnaiz, as governor.

With Macias and Arnaiz is Ernst-Dieter Fuchs of the GTZ Decentralization Program team, who is presently providing technical assistance to Negros Oriental in the implementation of iTAX.

As guests, the two Negros leaders will share their experiences in implementing the iTAX before members of the German Parliament.

The forum will focus on iTAX as a tool to improve local government financing, through an efficient tax collection system, specifically from local taxes, which module is now being used in Negros Oriental.

The iTAX was piloted in Negros Oriental after the Philippine Government entered into an agreement with the Federal Government of Germany, represented by the GTZ.

The iTAX team plans to cover all local government units in Negros Oriental with the system in the middle of next year.*MA

^^tani may acronym man ang visit bacolod year...what i have in mind isn't pleasant to hear...:lol:

what is it migs?Share man sa amon palihog lang.:D

eptember 9, 2008
Sagay Water District eyeing P200M hydro electric plant (http://visayandailystar.com/2008/September/09/topstory4.htm)
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Sagay Water District is looking at investing P200 million in a hydro power plant that will generate 100 kilowatts of electricity and provide potable water to residents, an international hydraulic engineering consultant, said yesterday.

Bruce Sharp, a director of Burnell Research Laboratory in Australia, said that, in three years, the investment in the plant will have been recovered and from then on a profit can be made.

The water for the hydropower plant will be tapped from Barangay Minapasuk, Calatrava, Sharp said.

Hydropower is the cheapest and most environmental friendly way of generating electricity, he said.

“It ought to be done everywhere in Negros, there are many places in the province that could be developed to generate hydro power,” he said.

The project is in the planning stage, its just a matter of getting a quote from Australia, Japan and other places for the turbine needed, Sharp said.

“I am hoping we can also get international funding for it,” he added.

Sagay Mayor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the Sagay Water District is looking for a funding source for the project and is lucky to have been able to tap Sharp’s services pro bono.

“We could not afford to pay him for his expertise,” Marañon said.

“We asked him to help us because of his knowledge and experience in tapping hydro power,” he said.

“One of our richest resources in Negros Occidental is water,” the mayor pointed out.*CPG

September 17, 2008
Legacy wins hospital bidding (http://visayandailystar.com/2008/September/17/topstory4.htm)
BY NIDA BUENAFE

Legacy Construction of Alex Abelido submitted yesterday the lowest bid for the renovation and expansion of the Valladolid District Hospital among the four contractors who joined the biding for the project, with an approved budget contract of P19,339,354 from the Negros Occidental provincial government.

Legacy Construction’s bid was P15,936,980.99 while Galeno Construction’s was the second lowest bid at P16,616,790.31.

B.E. Construction came in third with its bid of P18,330,913.50 while MicroAsia Builders’ bid proposal was P19,180,979.63.

Bids and Awards Committee chairman Percival Salido Jr. said they will immediately start with the post qualification procedure for Legacy Construction to verify the details stated in its bid documents.

If Legacy fails in the post qualification, Salado said the BAC will consider the second lowest bid which belongs to Galeno Construction.

The renovation and expansion of the Valladolid District Hospital was the third multi-million project subjected to public bidding by the provincial government recently.

The BAC has started post qualification procedures for B.E. Construction which submitted the lowest calculated bid for the two-storey Male Detention Building of the New Provincial Jail in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City last week.

Pearly Construction’s documents are also being verified by the BAC for the renovation and expansion project of Gov. Valeriano Gatuslao Memorial District Hospital in Himamaylan City.
“Hopefully, by the first or second week of October, we will be able to issue the Notice of Award and the Office of the Governor can sign the Notice to Proceed for the projects,” Salado said.

Meanwhile, Max Cordero of the Social Action Center in Bacolod City said the bidding for the multi-million projects of the provincial government was transparent and the BAC strictly observed the procedures.

The playing field was even for all the bidders and the committee was open to questions and clarifications from all observers, Cordero said.

The SAC, he said, will continue to monitor, not only the bidding process for government projects, but also their implementation.*NAB

September 16, 2008
Mayor favors island-state in Negros, too (http://visayandailystar.com/2008/September/16/topstory2.htm)
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said he is in favor of having Negros Occidental and Oriental form a one-island-state if a federal form of government is adopted in the country.

“If I am asked by the provincial officials, particularly the governor, I will be behind him in the quest to make Negros province a separate entity, including the islands in the vicinity of Negros island,” Leonardia said.

He said that he had already been batting for a one-island-region concept even when he was still working at the Department of Tourism.

Senate Joint Resolution No. 10 on the shift to federalism proposes the creation of 11 federal states with Negros Oriental falling under Central Visayas and Negros Occidental under Western Visayas.

Leonardia said he believes in a one-island-one-region concept, considering the proximity of Negros Occidental to Negros Oriental. Because the two provinces are located in one island, they can use their resources to the max, he said. He also said he believes the division of the two provinces is only imaginary because, in reality, these are one, he added.

When he was the Provincial Tourism officer of the DOT, Leonardia said they had already proposed that Negros should be one region. Aside from the economic dimension, the tourism angle is very valid, he said.

However, Leonardia also pointed out that Negros Occidental is the biggest province in the region, and if the one-island-state is pursued and Siquijor will join it, so much the better, he said.

Negros Oriental Gov. Emilio Macias II had earlier said that if a federal form of government is adopted, he prefers to have his province and Negros Occidental form a one-island-state.

Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco had also said he would much rather have his province merge with Negros Oriental, for a Negros Island Federal State.*CGS

^^Halos the entire Negros pabor gid nga mangin one state bilog nga isla.Go Negros!:banana:

I sure agree with this one...! One NEGROS would be better, and diverse...! Bisaya and Ilonggo all together, defying peoples opinion about the Bisaya-Ilonggo relationship.. Dako pud ni nga bulig natong tanan, kinsa bang dili ganahan ani...? Dibala, kung ako yah, ay namian gd ko nga one island, one region. Panumduma bala ang mga tourism possibilities nga madala ya sa'ton..? Mao jud..!

But the question is, if we make Negros a one island state, where will we put the sate capital, knowing that the distance between Dumaguete and Bacolod is very far. It would be difficult for the people of the other city to process government papers, etc, if we choose any of these provincial capitals. Based on my experience as an Ilonggo from Bacolod and at the same time a student at Dumaguete, going home is a bit tiring and difficult for me.. Ti, unsa-on man naton ni..? Ano mahambal niyo..?

But if you weigh the real value of the idea, it would be more appropriate to unite the two provinces and its neighboring islands perhaps... XD

I sure agree with this one...! One NEGROS would be better, and diverse...! Bisaya and Ilonggo all together, defying peoples opinion about the Bisaya-Ilonggo relationship.. Dako pud ni nga bulig natong tanan, kinsa bang dili ganahan ani...? Dibala, kung ako yah, ay namian gd ko nga one island, one region. Panumduma bala ang mga tourism possibilities nga madala ya sa'ton..? Mao jud..!

But the question is, if we make Negros a one island state, where will we put the sate capital, knowing that the distance between Dumaguete and Bacolod is very far. It would be difficult for the people of the other city to process government papers, etc, if we choose any of these provincial capitals. Based on my experience as an Ilonggo from Bacolod and at the same time a student at Dumaguete, going home is a bit tiring and difficult for me.. Ti, unsa-on man naton ni..? Ano mahambal niyo..?

But if you weigh the real value of the idea, it would be more appropriate to unite the two provinces and its neighboring islands perhaps... XD

IMO, i think it's better than crossing the sea just to process government documents. Bacolodnons would have to go to Iloilo and Dumaguete people will have to go to Cebu. :bash:

There are a lot of road networks now connecting NegOr and NegOcc in-between. We have one in Kabankalan and one I think in Don Salvador Benedicto. So....Negros provinces unite! :banana:

IMO, i think it's better than crossing the sea just to process government documents. Bacolodnons would have to go to Iloilo and Dumaguete people will have to go to Cebu. :bash:

There are a lot of road networks now connecting NegOr and NegOcc in-between. We have one in Kabankalan and one I think in Don Salvador Benedicto. So....Negros provinces unite! :banana:

this is true. I agree with you migs. :) I support one negros island state. In this way, people need not to travel just to process documents. If they can make this happen, it'll be of great convenience for the people in Negros.

this is true. I agree with you migs. :) I support one negros island state. In this way, people need not to travel just to process documents. If they can make this happen, it'll be of great convenience for the people in Negros.

Tani bala ibalik to nila ang eroplano nga de-elise sang una haw... Which would take you to any of the two cities in less than an hour.. Ina balang tiyugon mo pa ang propeller sa tubang antis maglupad... Haha.. About the road route, it had been there ever since, and I think the Mabinay route is shorter than going up to DSB. And, it's a 5-6 hour trip. Others are even saying to put up Kabankalan as the State Capital because it's located halfway each. Pero it's up to the government to decide, and maybe also for the majority to like... Hehehe.. Let's just wait for it to be tackled in the Congress. Besides, both Negroses would benefit naman eh, diba..

Tani bala ibalik to nila ang eroplano nga de-elise sang una haw... Which would take you to any of the two cities in less than an hour.. Ina balang tiyugon mo pa ang propeller sa tubang antis maglupad... Haha.. About the road route, it had been there ever since, and I think the Mabinay route is shorter than going up to DSB. And, it's a 5-6 hour trip. Others are even saying to put up Kabankalan as the State Capital because it's located halfway each. Pero it's up to the government to decide, and maybe also for the majority to like... Hehehe.. Let's just wait for it to be tackled in the Congress. Besides, both Negroses would benefit naman eh, diba..

yah, its going to be a long journey. Lets wait. but do you think Kabankalan is ready to the Ctate Capital of Negros. IMO, Bacolod is more equipped to be the State Capital. But if it will turn out like that, its going to be alright. Kabankalan is just an hour and a half away from Bacolod :)

yah, its going to be a long journey. Lets wait. but do you think Kabankalan is ready to the Ctate Capital of Negros. IMO, Bacolod is more equipped to be the State Capital. But if it will turn out like that, its going to be alright. Kabankalan is just an hour and a half away from Bacolod :)

Gani. That's what's playing on my mind. Is Kabankalan ready? It's another developing city man guid tuod but I don't think they're ready for this. I hope gani nga the provincial governments will think of a way to make transportation between these two key cities faster.

BTW,

As far as I know, both provincial governments have already talked about this long time ago na. And they were not able to settle this agreement because of the State Capital problem, IDK lang ha if it's true.

^^ how about San Carlos City? Is it feasible? :?

well, san carlos City is also booming but its quite far na gid migs. i guess its better if they will really sit down and talk it over. I know its going to be a BIG debate as to who will be the State Center if this one negros island state will push through.

Kurek. San Carlos is also an option, but still, mapasugot man ayhan ang duwa ka siyudad..? In choosing pa lng gani on either the two of them, nobody would dare give up, ayhan pa nga intrahan other cities. Hmm. Ti, ano ni mayu man...?

^^ Well since both provinces including Siquijor are open to the idea of creating the Negros State naman, I think it would be finalized soon para madala sa proposal. :cheers:

^^ Well since both provinces including Siquiror are open to the idea of creating the Negros State naman, I think it would be finalized soon para madala sa proposal. :cheers:

yeah...!!! agree

I second the motion...! One Negros, One Region... Plus Siquijor, and maybe Guimaras... Hehehe....

I second the motion...! One Negros, One Region... Plus Siquijor, and maybe Guimaras... Hehehe....

Ayos! Cheers for the Negros State! :cheers::cheers::cheers:

pero i doubt about Guimaras because i think it's a sub-province of Iloilo before. hmmmm... we'll see na lang... hehe

Ay huo gle noh... Bitaw.. Hehehe.. Kanus.a, pa ni ayhan..? Basta as far as I'm concerned, damu guid ni ma-happy if they could think of an easier and faster way to reach both cities. Kana bang murag usa ra ka oras nga travel, or better, less.. Dibala...

Ay huo gle noh... Bitaw.. Hehehe.. Kanus.a, pa ni ayhan..? Basta as far as I'm concerned, damu guid ni ma-happy if they could think of an easier and faster way to reach both cities. Kana bang murag usa ra ka oras nga travel, or better, less.. Dibala...

Once ma create na ang state migs, i think mas dasig pa gid na ma implement mga additional road networks.hehe

thats true and the best pa gid migs kung railroad network naman ang ila na planuhan para mas dasig :)

thats true and the best pa gid migs kung railroad network naman ang ila na planuhan para mas dasig :)

yup may ara naman kita nga daan mga railroad network nga gina gamit mag transport tubo. :)

exactly....tani magka budget kita dira if ever:) hehehehehe

Ahaha... Gani noh.. Another wonderful idea.. The return of the IRON GIANTS in Negros..! That would be yet another tourism hit here in Negros.. Hala hala.. How I wish I could go home na and share the idea to the City Government.. Ehhehe... Ge lang bala, I'll try... Brilliant idea gid yah...

BTW, Ga-bisyo2 ang SSC noh...

Neg. Occ. NGO wins
SIPAG award anew

Non-government organization Quidan Kaisahan Negros Occidental is one of the awardees in the program partner category of the SIPAG Awards 2008 given by the National Livelihood Development Corporation.

Through the SIPAG Awards, the NLDC, an attached agency of the Land Bank of the Philippines, commends microfinance institutions for their accomplishments in providing access to microfinancing and other assistance to people not deemed bankable and who have no collateral.

The awarding rites will be held on September 26 at the LBP Diosdado Macapagal Hall in Manila.

Quidan Kaisahan, which has helped strengthen about 140 barangays in Negros Occidental through its various initiatives, was also an institutional awardee in 2006.

It is one of the awardees from the Visayas, that include First Agro Industrial Rural Bank and Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative, both of Cebu, and Almeria Seafarers Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Biliran.

NLDC president Gondelina Amata said the rural banks and cooperatives who will receive awards have made it a serious commitment to help sectors in the rural areas. They provide loans to farmers, fishermen, and agrarian reform communities for their livelihood projects, Amata said.

The awardees were carefully selected out of NLDC’s network of 126 partner institutions.*NLG

September 24, 2008
More officials backing Negros state (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/September/24/topstory7.htm)
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The mayors, vice mayors, councilors, and barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials of Negros Occidental are supporting the bid for a Negros Island Federal State that will include Siquijor Island, Gov. Isidro Zayco and Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante said yesterday.

Escalante, who heads the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Negros Occidental chapter and the Association of Chief Executives in the province, said the Negros Occidental mayors signified their support for the move yesterday. He said they will pass a resolution, along with the other local officials of Negros Occidental, on their stand.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental had earlier also unanimously passed a resolution supporting the call for a merger of the province, with Negros Oriental and Siquijor into a federal state.

Zayco said similar resolutions are also expected to be passed on the Negros Oriental side.

All these resolutions will be submitted to Senator Aquilino Pimentel who is spearheading the move towards federalism, for consideration, Zayco said.

Under the Pimentel proposal, 11 federal states will be created with Negros Oriental falling under Central Visayas and Negros Occidental under Western Visayas.

Zayco and Negros Oriental Governor Emilio Macias, however, have said that if a federal form of government is adopted, they prefer that their provinces merge for a Negros Island Federal State. The governor of Siquijor has also said he would like his province to be part of the Negros state, Zayco said.

HEALTH PLAN

Zayco yesterday met with the mayors of Negros Occidental at the Capitol in Bacolod City to discuss means of providing adequate health insurance to their constituents.

He said their plan will be a mix from PhilHealth and a private insurance firm.

The provincial government has already allotted P10 million for the PhilHealth insurance and may increase the amount in 2008, Zayco said.

The town and city governments will also set their own budgets depending on what they can afford, Zayco said.

“This is a priority project of the province and the mayors, we want to provide better and more health insurance to our constituents,” Escalante said.

Next week a technical working group will meet to discuss the setting up of the health insurance system, he said.*CPG

September 24, 2008
More officials backing Negros state (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/September/24/topstory7.htm)
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The mayors, vice mayors, councilors, and barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials of Negros Occidental are supporting the bid for a Negros Island Federal State that will include Siquijor Island, Gov. Isidro Zayco and Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante said yesterday.

Escalante, who heads the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Negros Occidental chapter and the Association of Chief Executives in the province, said the Negros Occidental mayors signified their support for the move yesterday. He said they will pass a resolution, along with the other local officials of Negros Occidental, on their stand.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental had earlier also unanimously passed a resolution supporting the call for a merger of the province, with Negros Oriental and Siquijor into a federal state.

Zayco said similar resolutions are also expected to be passed on the Negros Oriental side.

All these resolutions will be submitted to Senator Aquilino Pimentel who is spearheading the move towards federalism, for consideration, Zayco said.

Under the Pimentel proposal, 11 federal states will be created with Negros Oriental falling under Central Visayas and Negros Occidental under Western Visayas.

Zayco and Negros Oriental Governor Emilio Macias, however, have said that if a federal form of government is adopted, they prefer that their provinces merge for a Negros Island Federal State. The governor of Siquijor has also said he would like his province to be part of the Negros state, Zayco said.

HEALTH PLAN

Zayco yesterday met with the mayors of Negros Occidental at the Capitol in Bacolod City to discuss means of providing adequate health insurance to their constituents.

He said their plan will be a mix from PhilHealth and a private insurance firm.

The provincial government has already allotted P10 million for the PhilHealth insurance and may increase the amount in 2008, Zayco said.

The town and city governments will also set their own budgets depending on what they can afford, Zayco said.

“This is a priority project of the province and the mayors, we want to provide better and more health insurance to our constituents,” Escalante said.

Next week a technical working group will meet to discuss the setting up of the health insurance system, he said.*CPG

Very nice to know this...! XD

^^daw indi na gid mapunggan migo...that speaks well of what the majority of the negrense people want...:)

hey people.....why not this in the future

THE FEDERAL STATE OF NEGROS AND SIQUIJOR

Province of Negros Occidental - Bacolod City (Capital)
Province of Oriental Negros - Dumaguete City (Capital)
Province of Siquijor - Siquijor (Capital)

Mabinay - Fedral Administrative Capital (suggesting only:lol:)

But possible Federal Admin. Capitals could be:

La Castellana, Negros Occidental
Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
Canlaon City, Oriental Negros

^^the issue of choosing a state capital is gonna be messy...but we can meet halfway. portion of it may come from the oriental side and part from the occidental side. the boundary between mabinay and kabankalan is i think the best option.:)

^^Migs Champ,after Kabankalan is Mabinay man.

^^yup. but dapat half portion mabinay kag the oether half kabankalan para fair. hehehe

^^hehehe sa tunga gid ya?:D

^^yup. but dapat half portion mabinay kag the oether half kabankalan para fair. hehehe

If you want it, Kabankalan and Mabinay would give up a chunk of their areas at the provincial boundary to be created as FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT/ZONE. But I think that would be more difficult. I think Mabinay would be the best because its halfway from all points of Negros Island...its sitting above a plateau at the center. Canlaon City is very central to be exact but its too difficult to travel and the dangers of an active volcano ^^

what if sa siquijor na lang bi migs para fair na gid sa tanan...hehehe

what if sa siquijor na lang bi migs para fair na gid sa tanan...hehehe

ma intra na lang ko sa western or central visayas if ever matabo na :) hahahahahaha!!!!

^^hehehe

i'm not biased but IMO i really think Bacolod should be the state capital. We have a good seaport and the international airport is just near. I think amo na ang mga vital structures needed by the state capital. Not to mention mga government and private facilities na already available na.

^^i've heard migs that in the oriental side they are not as keen as we are on the one island state. there are already some opposition especially with cong. teves. he states that its easy for them to travel to cebu which is a mere 45 minutes as compared to going to bacolod if indeed it's chosen to be the state capital. and this is what makes it messy. they are still in the wait and see attitude while on our side, our leaders have been unanimous in its stand. so, as a compromise as i see it, we have to meet halfway...:)

hey people.....why not this in the future

THE FEDERAL STATE OF NEGROS AND SIQUIJOR

Province of Negros Occidental - Bacolod City (Capital)
Province of Oriental Negros - Dumaguete City (Capital)
Province of Siquijor - Siquijor (Capital)

Mabinay - Fedral Administrative Capital (suggesting only:lol:)

But possible Federal Admin. Capitals could be:

La Castellana, Negros Occidental
Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
Canlaon City, Oriental Negros

got an acronym for this....

THE FEDERAL STATE OF NEGROS AND SIQUIJOR

hehehe. the STATE OF "FESONS":lol::lol::lol:

hey people.....why not this in the future

THE FEDERAL STATE OF NEGROS AND SIQUIJOR

Province of Negros Occidental - Bacolod City (Capital)
Province of Oriental Negros - Dumaguete City (Capital)
Province of Siquijor - Siquijor (Capital)

Mabinay - Fedral Administrative Capital (suggesting only:lol:)

But possible Federal Admin. Capitals could be:

La Castellana, Negros Occidental
Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
Canlaon City, Oriental Negros

HahA...! Thumbs up...! XD

i love it when youre talking about politics...

i cast my vote for the Federal State of Negros for the coming soon nearest asap Federal Republic of the Philippines...

if this is the case, Negros as a whole will be able to handle its growth and not going to hope for a mere bargain from the national government funds.

in the Near Future, Negros Island will be more progressive than Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. And Even surpassing Singapore. But i want to retain the Laid Back Lifestyle of the Province but with a touch of class.

i love it when youre talking about politics...

i cast my vote for the Federal State of Negros for the coming soon nearest asap Federal Republic of the Philippines...

if this is the case, Negros as a whole will be able to handle its growth and not going to hope for a mere bargain from the national government funds.

in the Near Future, Negros Island will be more progressive than Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. And Even surpassing Singapore. But i want to retain the Laid Back Lifestyle of the Province but with a touch of class.

i agree with you...that is what myfriend from manila told me...negros got a laid back lifestyle yet with a touch class. hahahaha!!! parehas gid :)

October 03, 2008
Paderna one-man exhibit slated in Silay (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2008/10/03/life/paderna.one.man.exhibit.slated.in.silay.html)

RAFAEL N. Paderna, a multi-awarded artist since 1961 to the present, is scheduled to hold a one-man exhibit of his artworks at the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum in Silay City on Saturday, October 11 to Sunday, November 16, 2008.

A graduate of Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Pontifical University of Sto. Thomas, he had already exhibited his works since 1975 to date in places such as in the Manila Peninsula,PhilAm Manila, Long Beach U.S.A. and at Rico Renzo Galleries in Makati, his most recent one in November 2007.

Among some of the 1st prize awards he has received are: The Holy Week Painting Competition of the Philippines in 1975, The Republic Planters’ Bank Art Exhibit in1978, The Anaheim Art Association, U.S.A. Painting Category in 1996 and in 2001.

Paderna is also recognized as the most outstanding alumnus of his Alma Mater UST, Negros Chapter in 1980 because of his works and in 1981 as gold medalist in sculpture category of the Art Association of the Philippine (AAP).

On the occasion of the centennial celebration of the building of the Bernardino Jalandoni ancestral house and the 15th year anniversary of being a museum, Paderna brings his art to Silay City, known as the seat of culture and arts and is considered by many tourist as well as artist as a “City with Soul”, considering that it has 31 heritage houses recognized by the Historical Institute (NHI) and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCAA) with three existing museums and a history to tell as the “Paris of Negros” in the 1920s.

October 4, 2008
8 investors bid for 3 Visayas power plants (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/October/04/businessnews1.htm)

Three investors have expressed interest in bidding for the Amlan hydropower plant in Oriental Negros and five for the Panay-Bohol power plant package at the pre-bidding conference conducted by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. earlier this week.

The investors satisfied all the preliminary requirements of PSALM and will participate in the second round of bidding.

The 0.8-megawatt Amlan hydroelectric plant, located in Sitio Pasalan, Brgy. Silab, consists of two horizontal shaft type 400-kilowatt turbine generators and is designed to operate as a base-load plant supplying power to Amlan town and its nearby villages.

The Panay Diesel Power Plant includes the 36.5-MW Panay 1 Diesel Power Plant and the 110-MW Panay 3 Diesel Power Plant situated in Dingle, Iloilo. Panay 1 was commissioned in 1979, while Panay 3, also known as the Pinamucan Diesel Power Plant, was relocated from its Batangas site in 2003.

Meanwhile, the 22-MW Bohol Diesel Power Plant, originally constructed together with the 1.2-MW Loboc hydro plant to provide electricity to nearby towns, now consists of four 5.5-MW identical generating units.

These power plants in the Visayas will be sold along with the decommissioned 108-MW Aplaya and 22.3-MW General Santos diesel power plant package, and compose the remaining assets in PSALM's auction list for 2008.*NLG

October 6, 2008
International swimming coach may retire in Dumaguete City (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/October/06/negor1.htm)
BY ALEX PAL

He’s retiring but he’s not quitting.

International swimming coach Rick Powers is planning to spend his retirement years in Dumaguete City.

Powers arrived in Dumguete Friday, with Philippine Amateur Swimming Association president Mark Joseph, who introduced him to the two swimming clubs in the city.

“When we heard that Rick was thinking of retiring in the Philippines, we tried to think of where he would enjoy it most and we thought of Dumaguete,” Joseph said, to the applause of the swimmers and their parents.

Dr. Dale Law, Pasa vice president for the Visayas, said Powers had coached for about 40 years at the club, high school, and university levels, as well as the national teams of Ecuador, Israel, Brazil, Venezuela, Malaysia and Kuwait.

Powers’ former swimmers, to include Philippine Olympian Ral Rosario, have participated in six Olympic Games and many other international meets.

Many of his swimmers were in the Top 16 U.S. age group rankings, Junior National finalists and Senior National qualifiers. Rick has given clinics in 25 countries, written articles for swimming magazines both in the US and overseas and speaks four languages.

Joseph said the plan is for coach Rick to be based in Dumaguete, but
he would be traveling all over the country to help the PASA come up
with courses for athletes, parents and even for those who want to be
in the masters category.

Powers will accompany the swimmers from the Silliman Red Snappers and the Negros Oriental Blue Dolphins to Bacolod for the Maskara Swimming competition on October 18 and 19.*AP

State college-Dutch school sisterhood eyed

BACOLOD City – The Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (NONESCOT) in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental particularly its School of Nursing and a school in The Hague, Netherlands are eyeing to come up with a sisterhood agreement.

NONESCOST, which is a beneficiary of PUM, a Dutch development assistance agency, is currently undergoing assessment and evaluation to avail the foreign agency’s assistance, particularly, in providing advancement training for the college’s nursing education.

Piet De Jager, an expert from PUM who first visited the state- run college, said the initiative with NONESCOST is under the PUM’s Project Sending Out Managers that provides enabling environment for an educational institution.

De Jager said during his visit to the college three years ago, he was able to find out the need for some enhancements and upgrading of the nursing program of the state college to level off with other nursing schools in the country and to meet the standards of the European Health Care program.

“If NONESCOST wants to send its nursing graduates to the Netherlands in the future, it must implement a curriculum that must conform to the European nursing standards,” he said.

He added that he is also facilitating the possible training of two nursing instructors of NONESCOST in Netherlands and a donation of hospital equipment to the college.

De Jager is one of the thousands of Dutch experts sent by PUM to many small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Central Europe.

Meanwhile, Rufino Suyao, chief administrative officer of NONESCOST, said the possible tie up between the state college and a Dutch school, and the proposed faculty exchange program would greatly help the state college.

He admitted that the college lacks needed facilities to better enhance the learning of its students./PN

October 7, 2008
Province awaits fund for MRI (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/October/07/negor4.htm)
BY RENE GENOVE

The Negros Oriental government will soon acquire a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine for the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, Gov. Emilio Macias II said yesterday.

Macias said he had instructed the Bids and Awards Committee to start the bidding process for the acquisition of a top-of-the-line MRI machine that is expected to cost about US$ 1.5 million, or P65 million.

Three companies are selling high-end MRI machines and are being eyed to join in the bidding, Macias said, adding that the province wants to acquire the best medical equipment.

He said the usage fees for the machine for patients will be a lot cheaper, compared to the running cost being charged by private hospitals.

The machine is a medical imaging technique, most commonly used in radiology to visualize the structure and function of the body. Unlike its predecessor, the CT scan, the MRI uses no ionizing radiation and is generally a very safe procedure.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in her visit to Dumaguete last year, promised to extend cash assistance to enable the province to acquire the equipment.

i agree with you...that is what myfriend from manila told me...negros got a laid back lifestyle yet with a touch class. hahahaha!!! parehas gid :)

that's actually the province's reputation...everybody says that...

MOA expands MKNP
‘rainforestation’
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Government officials, farmers’ groups and the Broad Initiatives for Negros Development Inc. yesterday signed a memorandum of cooperation at the provincial Capitol in Bacolod City for expanding and connecting rainforestation in the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

The project that is an NGO-initiated activity supported by the local governments, taps agrarian reform beneficiaries around MKNP to plant native trees in their private spaces, Benedicto Sanchez, BIND program director said.

Targeted for planting are 35,500 trees on 89 hectares for one year in La Castellana, La Carlota, Bago and Murcia, he said.

This is supported by the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation and is a debt for nature swap facility between the US and Philippine government, he said.

Local government support is expected for the Kanlaon Green Brigade who protect the MKNP forest, Sanchez added.

The Memorandum of Cooperation was entered into by Governor Isidro Zayco, mayors Nicolas Nicor of La Castellana, Demi John Honrado of La Carlota, Ramon Torres of Bago City, Esteban Coscolluela of Murcia, Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco – Negros Occidental provincial police director, Brig. Gen. Jose Gaverza – 303rd Infantry Brigade;

BIND, the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mandayao-Gomez Farmers Workers Association, Kasiguruhan sang Asosasyon ka Mangunguma sa Pagkaon, Nailab Farmers for Ecological Sustainability and Food Security, Ilijan Sustainable Farmers Association, Mailum Sustainable Farmers Association, and the Tabadiang Organic Farmers Association.

The memorandum said the planting of trees is the project stakeholders’ contribution to carbon sequestration and creates micro-climates in the face of worsening global warming.

The rainforestation in the project areas could serve as baselines for application to Clean Defense Mechanism benefits and the creation of agro-ecological tree parks, it added.*CPG

October 9, 2008
GP Rehab, DepEd sign MOA for disabled persons (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/October/09/negor3.htm)
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

With the signing of a memorandum of agreement between a non-government organization and the divisions of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental, differently-abled children can now be integrated in the regular schools.

The program is called Process of Inclusive Education through the Great Physician Rehab Foundation Inc., the only existing rehabilitation center for children in Dumaguete.

The MOA was signed by GP Rehab Australian business volunteer Ken Butler, DepEd provincial Supt. Dr. Ma Milagros Velez, City Division Supt. Dr. Profiteza Lim and Analou Suan, project director of GP Rehab.

Velez said that, even without the program, it is constitutionally provided that access to education is not only for normal children but for all.

Suan, meanwhile, said that GP rehab is also assisting persons with disabilities in their quest for independence, self-reliance, better quality of life and empowerment in all aspects.

It has lined up five programs: holistic and functional development, community-based rehabilitation, advocacy networking and referral program, human resource development and asset building and sustainability.

As a child-friendly city, Dumaguete has a lot of programs for children, to include street education program, early childhood development, establishment of Casa Esperanza for abused children, healthy start program, scholarships, among others.

“It’s sad to say that there is no single program in Dumaguete that caters to disabled children. It’s not because we don’t care for them but we don’t know how to handle them,” Suan added.

PIE coordinator Rolando Villamero Jr. said that since 2005, GP Rehab has a total of 44 beneficiaries who are enrolled in different pilot schools from Dauin, Bacong, Valencia, Sibulan and Dumaguete.

Of the number, 31 are enrolled this year, while six are enrolled in private schools.

To qualify for the regular schools, differently-abled children have to undergo several steps, one of which is the pre-assessment to be conducted by RP rehab physical therapists and occupational therapists to extensively determine the nature of the child if it is ready to be sent to the regular school.

The children will also undergo post assessment to evaluate their performance based on their learnings during the tutorial period.

Gov. Emilio Macias II yesterday said he was happy that the Process of Inclusive Education has been adopted by the education division of Negros Oriental.*JG

October 10, 2008
Mabinay cave 2nd longest in country (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/October/10/negor1.htm)
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

Mabinay town in Negros Oriental is fast becoming the cave capital of the country being the only municipality with more than 400 caves, with the Odlongan cave being the second longest in the country.

Vice Mayor Ernesto Uy said yesterday that they will increase fees charged to cave goers as the municipality will be developing these sites.

Resolutions were approved for continuous exploration and development of these caves, with more funding requirement for the acquisition of equipment, among others, he said.

Uy said that of the 400 caves, less than 50 have been explored and developed. Mabinay is also organizing extreme sports activities, from caves to the rivers with kayaking and rapelling as part of the competition.

There are caves in Mabinay that are really intended for experts like the Odlongan Cave, which has a spring inside, Uy said.

The municipality has also recently discovered a 70-meter high falls, called the Bugsok Falls, where a hot spring is located.

The municipality is recommending to Gov. Emilio Macias II and Rep. George Arnaiz (Neg. Or., 2nd District) that funds be allocated for the Bugsok Falls.*JG

Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Caravan for peace arrives in Negros

NEGROS Occidental played host to the caravan for peace for ride last Saturday participated by nine motorcycle organizations nationwide - five from Manila and four from the province - following a successful leg in Luzon recently.

The caravan was sponsored by the Motorcycle Philippines Federation and the Sea Oil Company.

The more than a thousand motor bikers rode from the Bacolod New Government Center going to the upland municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), some 46.32 kilometers east of Bacolod. Movie actor Robin Padilla and Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr. graced the occasion.

Governor Isidro Zayco said the caravan has created an image of advocating for peace through a safety road highlight thus boosting the province's peace efforts, especially in DSB, which was once a rebel-infested town.

"I hope that this will encourage more motorbike enthusiasts to push for relevant measures that will ensure motorcycle rights and road safety of the public at large," he said.

The caravan was also aimed at highlighting the Helmet Bill and the Mandatory Helmet and Kids' Off Motorcycle Bill of Senator Revilla.

The caravan started from the Motorcycle Riders Congress in Los Baños, Metro Manila, Bataan, Negros Occidental and soon in Mindanao Region which Revilla said will also create the same impression of promoting peace on the road. "We will have another show of force soon in Mindanao to bring peace."

Last August, the Bacolod City government started implementing the ordinance on the use of helmet for motor and tandem riders plying the city proper to insure road safety.

Three traffic enforces, 11 policemen, four jail guards and two barangay captains were among those apprehended by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for violating the ordinance.

Bacolod Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., chair of the City Council committee on transportation and traffic, said the apprehended government officials and employees were issued tickets and were made to pay fines before they were able to get their confiscated drivers' licenses.

October 14, 2008
Buglasan to open Thursday (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/October/14/negor3.htm)
BY ALEX PAL

After it seemed like it was doomed to obscurity with its resetting last year to the month of December, the Buglasan Festival is back to its original October schedule as it opens on Thursday.

Opening the 11-day festival of festivals is the Family Farm Congress on Thursday at the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office, which will end with the ecumenical service at 4 p.m. at the Sidkalang Negros stage at the Sidlakang Negros Village at E.J. Blanco Road.

A total of 25 local government units, including Siquijor province, will open their booths to the public on Friday at the Sidlakan Village at 5 p.m., which kicks off a series of weekend events like the Duet and Quarter Competitions, a cultural show, a cooking festival called Lutong Garbo sa Sidlakang Negros, and many other events.

Board Member Mariant Escano-Villegas, overall festival chair, is enjoining everyone to take part in this annual celebration of Negros Oriental, which now has its own permanent venue at the Sidlakan Village.

The Buglasan traces its roots to the year 1981 when Foundation University and the Balikatan sa Kaunlaran of Negros Oriental, upon consultations with Bayanihan founder-choreographer Lucresia Reyes-Urtula, organized an activity that would choose the performing group to represent the province in the National Folk Arts Festival.

The activity was called Buglasan after the name Buglas, the old name of Negros island.

Buglasan was dormant for many years until 1990, when it was revived as part of Negros Oriental’s centennial as a province. Buglasan was applied to the entire celebration. It has since evolved into a “Festival of Festivals,” bringing together the finest street dancing contingents of 20 established festivals of the province, for a day of competitions.

These festivals are highlights of fiestas everywhere in the province. Two of these are school-based: the relatively new Hugyawan Dalansayaw of Central Visayas Polytechnic College, and the Kasadya-an December Festival of Foundation University which, at over 50 years, is the longest-running Mardi gras of Negros Oriental.

Along with the Sandurot Festival of Dumaguete City, Tawo-tawo (scarecrow) of Bayawan, Yag-yag (crab-spawning) of Cangmating, Hudyaka of Bais City, and Bacon of Bacong these festivals are secular (non-religious) in nature. The rest are based on legends surrounding local patron saints and religious practices: Gapnod of Sibulan, Saulog of Tanjay, Sinulog de Jimalalud, Libod-sayaw of Bindoy, Kanglambat of Vallehermoso, Nabintuan of Mabinay, Pasayaw of Canlaon City, Ayuquitan of San Jose, Budyas of Amlan, Kasubhan of Sta. Catlina, Kinaiyahan Festival of Dauin and Kasaulogan of Valencia.

Villegas said the Buglasan Festival of Festivals brings all these together for a “one-stop shop” of Negros Oriental’s festivals, experienced in all their pageantry and color in one day of fellowship and merrymaking.

The idea of making the Buglasan as the Festival of Festivals of Negros Oriental was started as a yearly activity by then Gov. George Arnaiz, now representative of Negros Oriental's 2nd District.

Upon his assumption as governor of Negros Oriental last year, Dr. Emilio Macias II moved the Buglasan Festival last year to December because he did not want to utilize the grounds at the provincial capitol as a venue for the festivities. Macias said the festival was also moved to December because the Sidlakan Villege could not yet be finished by October, and that, there was a need to celebrate the founding anniversary of Negros Oriental on January 1.

The provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental were created from the single Negros province on January 1, 1890.

The Buglasan Festival, for the first time ever, will be held back-to-back with the National University Games (Unigames), which will be held in Dumaguete and in the City of Tanjay and the Municipality of Valencia, from October 24-30.

A total of 256 teams from 44 schools from all over the country have confirmed their participation in this annual sporting event.

Victor Vicente Sinco, vice president of Foundation University, which is the lead host of the six-day event, said the Unigames will bring into Dumaguete a total of 2,332 athletes and 256 coaches, based on the number of schools that have confirmed their participation.*AP

P1.08-B budget proposed
BY ROMY AMARADO

A P1.08-billion budget for 2009 is being proposed by the executive department of the Negros Oriental government, provincial administrator Marilou Kho yesterday said.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is expected to begin discussion on the proposed appropriation during their regular session today.

Of the proposed budget, P505 million, or 46.65 percent, will go to the social services sector, which includes health, nutrition, population, education and manpower development, culture and arts and other social services.

The economic services sector follows with a P358 million proposed appropriation. This is 33.10 percent of the entire budget, and is intended for agriculture, veterinary, engineering, operation of economic enterprises and public utilities, projects to lower the cost of electricity, livelihood, and aid to the barangays.

Meanwhile, P164 million, or 15.2 percent, is being proposed to go to the general services sector, which includes the expenditures for the executive and legislative departments, planning and development and coordination, budgeting, treasury, accounting, auditing, legal and property.

The proposed allocation will be bankrolled by the projected income from the provincial government’s beginning balance, share of the province from the Internal Revenue Allotment, local taxes, permit and licenses, service income, business income, share from the national wealth, hospital services, sports facilities and grants, among others.

The proposed appropriation for 2009 is a little over P25 million to this year’s budget which is P975.3 million.*RA

October 22, 2008
14 high schools join Internet literacy program (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2008/10/22/news/14.high.schools.join.internet.literacy.program.html)

THE City of Silay has come up with the “Gearing up Internet Literacy and Access for Students (Gilas)” program to address the problems of public high schools that showed below average total mean in the recently concluded National Achievement Test (NAT).

City Councilor Michael Maravilla, chair of the Council committee on education and information technology (IT), said 14 public high schools will be benefiting from the government’s initiative to make the learning system in the country more accessible and easy just by a click away through the Internet literacy program.

These schools include the Guimbalaon National High School, Lantawan Integrated School and Sibato Integrated School in barangay Guimbalaon; DADDJIS in Barangay Balaring; Don Felix Lacson NHS and Violeta Integrated School of barangay captain Ramon; Napilas Integrated School in E. Lopez; Silay Sped Center in Barangay III; and Guinhalaran IS.

These are the nine of the 14 public schools that would get an Internet literacy program through the Gilas project of the Department of Education (DepEd) in partners with the local government unit (LGU).

The Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School (DMLMHS) in Barangay Rizal, along with its four other extension campuses in barangays Bagtic, Patag, Hawaiian and E. Lopez, would likewise be benefiting from the program.

“We hope that as soon as the program would be implemented, the students would then dedicate their efforts and perseverance to their studies for the betterment of their future,” said Maravilla.

He also expressed optimism that this program would eventually end the city schools division’s low performance in the annual NAT and for the school’s records to improve. “We definitely want a much higher rank in the nationwide NAT. And we can only achieve it by helping the students to study very well, the teachers to function very well on their responsibility to teach, and we in the government to look after their concerns and needs for the better.”

Meanwhile, the three-day division meet of the DMLMHS, with all the school’s extension campuses competing in various sports event, will end Thursday.

Winners in various sports activities will be known Thursday and will represent the school in the forthcoming Area Meet 2008 in December. (Jerson O. Coronica)

October 22, 2008
Banking village launched in Pulupandan (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/October/22/people.htm)

The Rotary Club of Bacolod West launched a village bank for 100 women clients in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, recently, a press release from the group said.

The project is a joint undertaking of RCBW, Canadian Rotary Clubs of Cranbrook Sunrise, Beaver Valley, and Nakusp under the Rotary International Matching Grant No. 63706.

Negros Women for Tomorrow is the co-operating organization implementing the Grameen Banking methodology in the project, the press release said.

At the launching were the women client-beneficiaries, NWTF-Project Dungganon Bago branch manager Sol Argel and loan officers Joy Duran and Connie Gatoc, with RCBW president Myrna Desabelle, treasurer Letty Yee, and past president Elmira Magsalang, the press release added.*

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Lagdameo: Geothermal project better option
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Monday said that, in line with his advocacy for the use of renewable energy to solve power deficiency, he believes the Energy Development Corp has chosen a better, practical and environment friendly means of producing power through its geothermal project in Negros Occidental.

Lagdameo stated this in a letter to EDC chairman Oscar Lopez whom he thanked for providing him with information on the EDC steam augmentation project in the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park buffer zone.

The archbishop said he hopes that other stakeholders may receive the same information. “I pray for God’s blessing on your project which will benefit the people of Northern Negros and hopefully even beyond,” he wrote.

Lagdameo admitted that when he signed a petition to save Mt. Kanlaon, he thought that he was signing against the presence of coal in the protected area, Frances Ariola, EDC Corporate Communications Officer, said in a press statement.

Members of the Save Mt. Kanlaon Movement are opposed to the entry of EDC into the KMNP buffer zone.

It was only when EDC acquainted Lagdameo with the project by sending pertinent data that he fully understood the issues, the EDC press statement said.

In his letter, Lagdameo also said, “We must take advantage of the gifts of nature which offer healthier and less destructive options. If out of necessity, trees are to be cut and environments are to be restructured, it must be for a greater reason, in accordance with approved laws and in the spirit of true stewardship of creation for the benefit of all.”

EDC is currently utilizing 12.5 hectares of the MKNP Buffer Zone to augment the steam supply of its 40MW Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant. The company has committed to supply power to Negros Occidental by 2010-2011, its press statement said.

Lagdameo, in his letter, also said he was informed that EDC is committed to reforest 400 hectares within MKNP for the next five years to replace the trees that will be affected by the project. EDC was able to get a permit to cut 4,213 trees.

The EDC press statement said the company is doing its best to save as many trees as it can, in fact, EDC expects to save more than a thousand trees in its area of operation in the buffer zone.

Lagdameo also said that he was made to understand that a comprehensive reforestation program, as well as effective watershed management is necessary and important for the continuous operation of a geothermal project. Water which is saves by the forest feeds and renews the source of geothermal energy kilometers below the earth.

Lagdamo said that when he was Bishop of Dumaguete, he became aware of the Palimpinon geothermal project in Negros Oriental.*CPG

October 23, 2008
Education-tourism dev’t eyed (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/October/23/negor2.htm)
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

The Value Chain approach to develop the education-tourism industry in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental was introduced to stakeholders in a two-day workshop recently.

The seminar was spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry, in cooperation with the German Technical Cooperation.

Participants came from the academe, transportation industry, small and medium enterprises, producers, processors, traders and distributors, people who provide souvenir items for tourists, among others.

Provincial head Javier Fortunato of the DTI said the city and the province can be leading destinations for education-tourism. Not only is Dumaguete considered a university town, it is also a jump-off point for other tourism sites in the province, he added.

Fortunato said there are a number of Koreans enrolling in different universities in the city to learn English, and that, some schools even have sister relationships or tie-ups with Korean universities.

Many will benefit from the education-tourism program, and it is for this reason that we want to make sure that everybody is connected and make sure that everybody knows their respective roles to be more competitive, Fortunato pointed out.

In the Visayas, tourism was recommended by the DTI as the priority sub-sector where all the players have to be coordinated. Tourism is a common sector that is dominant in all the four provinces.

Fortunato said that each province, being an emerging sector, had focused on sub-sectors such as Cebu for health and wellness tourism, Bohol and Siquijor as an eco-tourism destination, and Negros Oriental as education tourism destination.

Regional director Asteria Caberte of DTI-Region 7 stressed that all sub-sectors play equal roles in putting forward one product, which is educational-tourism.

With the value chain approach, Caberte added, the workshop hopes to come up with specific interventions.*JG

Friday, October 24, 2008
Producers’ market day set

THE Producers’ Market Day 2008 will allow consumers to show support and encouragement to local farmers to produce more food in an effort towards a food-secured Negros Island.

The event is an opportunity for consumers and producers to meet and exchange views and insights as well as develop mutual trust in addressing the issues regarding food security and safety.

Alter Trade facilitates the producers’ market day to show the advantage of a fair trade where producers directly link with consumers.

With products at farm-gate prices, producers can earn more income while the consumers can avail of good quality, organic or naturally-grown products.

Consumers are assured that products grown via ecologically-sustainable ways are free from harmful chemicals that may pose hazard to their health.

The Producers’ Market Day 2008 is set on October 25 and 26.

On sale are various organic and naturally-grown agricultural crops and other diversified products from Alter Trade partner-producers from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, including the Pag-isa sa Sustenido nga Agrikultura (PAG-ISA), United Producers for Sustainability of the Land (UPLAND), Pederasyon sang Balangon Producers-Negros Occidental (PBP-NO) and Federation of Organic Balangon Producer – Oriental Negros (FOBAP-ON).

Also participating are the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation (AID), Broad Initiatives for Negros Development(BIND), Negros Center for People Empowerment and Rural Development (NCPERD) and Asian Rural Institute (MC-ARI). (Press release)

Kabankalan inaugurates computer rooms

The Kabankalan City government has inaugurated new computer classrooms at the Kabankalan Training Center at Brgy. 1, a press release from the city said yesterday.

The fully-airconditioned computer room is divided into two classrooms housing 26 computers donated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The training center will offer PC Operation NC II and Computer Hardware Servicing as additional courses. Existing courses are plumbing, welding, masonry and carpentry, the press release said.

The blessing was officiated by Fr. Norberto Contreras of the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and the ribbon cutting by Mayor Pedro Zayco Jr. and Yolanda Porschwitz, TESDA provincial director.

Speakers were Porschwitz, the mayor and Board Member Adolfo Mangao Sr.

Present were Councilors Mamerto Mayoga, Jeorge Largado, Jose Dumaguete and Ricardo Regalia, acting vice mayor, the press release said.

Members of the KTC advisory council are Zayco, Rudica Mangao – women’s sector, Erlich Cabalatungan – labor sector, Grace Hughes – TVET sector, Danila Lopez – industry sector, Cornelio Somodio – management sector, and a representative from TESDA.

KTC is headed by Noel Sevilla and his staff, Jupiter Lescano, Romeo Rivera Jr., Arnel Gepanaga, Karen Grace Idquila, Ma. Joy Gayomale, and Christy John Velasco, the press release added.*

Sibulan wins Lutong Garbo tilt

The grilled shrimps in buko salsa of the municipality of Sibulan was declared first prize winner of the 20 menus contesting in the 3rdgrand cook fest “Lutong Garbo” ofNegros Oriental which was held Oct. 18 at the Provincial AgricultureSocial Hall, Dumaguete City.

Piyanggan manok with gabi spiced grilled chicken of Dumaguete City got second place and the third prize winner was the “TABUSI” (tabugok, butong with sili) of Jimalalud.

The first placer cook, Angelita Licerio, received P10,000 ; Rogelia Alderete of Dumaguete City accepted the P7,000 cash and 3rd placer Lorwin Serillo, P5,000 plusgift packsandtrophies each from Negros Oriental Tourism Council.

Sylvia Uy, vice-chairman of the Provincial Tourism Council said, the Lutong Garbo competition was a successful one so that the winning contestants can now their own food business.*

Business
RP posts record harvest of 2.45-M tons sugar in H1
By Rudy A. Fernandez
Monday, October 27, 2008


The Philippines produced a record of 2,454.523 metric tons (MT) of sugar in crop year 2007-2008.

“This was the highest in 25 years,” said the Philippine Sugar Research Institute Foundation, Inc. (Philsurin).

In a report, a copy of which was furnished The STAR, Philsurin said that the last time the country achieved a similar production was in crop year 1982-83 when it produced 2.463,789 MT of sugar.

“However, in terms of productivity, last year’s average of 68.40 tons cane per hectare was a historical high,” pointed out the institute, a private entity established in 1995 through the initiative of the National Council of Sugar Producers to promote the local sugar industry’s advancement.

Philsurin, a not-for-profit sugarcane research, development, extension (RDE) organization, reported that the leading province in sugar production is Negros, which produced 1,351,726 MT of sugar last year equivalent to 55 percent of total Philippine production.

High-yielding varieties (HYVs) and good weather were responsible for the record production.

In Negros, new varieties accounted for 93 percent of all sugarcane planted in crop year 2007-2008.

The leading varieties included VMC 86-550, VMC 84-524, VMC 87-599, Phil 80-13 and Phil 88-39, which accounted for 71 percent of varieties planted in the province.

Philsurin was responsible for the massive distribution of new HYVs in Negros and other sugarcane-growing provinces in the country.

Over the past decade, the institution has organized mill district development councils (MDDC) in all the country’s mill districts.

MDDCs are entities in sugar-producing areas created primarily to identify productivity concerns and problems of the district. Represented in an MDDC are sugar planters, millers, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and other organizations.

“Philsurin funds development and extension activities of the MDDCs. We have also constructed various infrastructure projects to enable the districts to serve their respective stakeholders,” explained Philsurin Director General Leon Arceo in an earlier report titled “Technology – Key to Sustainability and Profitability of Sugar Production: The Philippine Experience.”

Each MDDC has an office, a greenhouse to rear tissue-cultured plantlets, nurseries, hot water treatment facilities and a weather station.

Monday, October 27, 2008
Kabankalan to enter joint venture with agri-biz firm

KABANKALAN City, a corn-producing local government unit in southern Negros, has applied for a joint venture partnership with the National Agribusiness Corporation (Nabcor) to develop and operate a corn compost-harvest processing and trading center.

Its application was made through the office of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap.

If realized, this center would tentatively be located in Barangay Tapi, a corn area in the city.

To qualify for the joint venture, Nabcor requires the city to have a warehouse building and office, fence land and site development, three-phase power line installation, transformer and metering, and waterline and connection, among others.

A Nabcor representative was also invited to Kabankalan to further discuss the program mechanics and validate the eligibility of the city as a joint venture partner, said Dr. Nemesio Cañete, Kabankalan City agriculturist.

Cañete said the demand for corn, which is used as feeds for livestock and as bio-fuel by other countries, is steadily increasing.

To cope with the demand, the country has to address the shortage of corn during lean months, provide adequate infrastructure to allow the flow of corn within and between the geographically dispersed supply and demand areas, improve the quality of corn delivered to end users, and provide opportunities for corn farmers to improve their livelihood and income, said Cañete.

With the establishment of a corn postharvest processing and trading center, the city will have a sufficient supply to meet the demand, Cañete added.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bac/2008/10/27/news/kabankalan.to.enter.joint.venture.with.agri.biz.firm.html

Quezon officials
hold lakbay-aral
IN KABANKALAN

Officials of Brgy. Bagbag, Quezon City in Metro Manila headed by Barangay Captain Carlito Bernardino visited Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental for their Lakbay-Aral program, recently, a Kabankalan press release said.

Earlier, the group, which included barangay kagawads and Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Irelle Bernardino, was in Dumaguete in Negros Oriental before stopping in Kabankalan, where they visited the Balicaocao Island Resort, Mag-aso falls, demo farm in Sitio Overflow, mangrove site in Sitio Bagacay, Daan Banua and the material recovery facility in Brgy. 9.

Tour participants took part in “Bakhaw” tree-planting at the mangrove being developed by the city of Kabankalan, the press release said.

Kabankalan Mayor Pedro Zayco Jr., who welcomed the group, along with tourism officer Vir Gerongani, introduced them to members of the city council, presented various development projects of the city, and toured the group around the locality.

From Kabankalan, the visitors proceeded to Mambukal Resort in Murcia and Bacolod City, the press release added.*

RIARC staff visits
Murcia swine farm

Personnel of the Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Center at the La Granja Agricultural Research and Development Center in La Carlota City recently visited the hog farm of Enrico Jingco in Murcia that employs the swine restocking system, a press release from the Mayor’s Office said.

The group, led by RIARC chief Hermilando Miniel, observed the operation of the swine farm in relation to the Department of Agriculture project on feeds subsidy.

They also looked into the possibility of having their students spend on-the-job training on the farm.

Jingco practices organic farming and conducts research on agricultural technology on making use of Murcia’s biodegradable refuse under the town’s Solid Waste Management program, the press release added.*

November 3, 2008
Dumaguete City maintains child-friendly recognition (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/November/03/negor2.htm)
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

Dumaguete City has maintained its award for being a child-friendly city throughout Region 7 or Central Visayas.

City social welfare officer Marina Mendoza and members of the city council for the protection of children will receive the regional Presidential Award for Child-Friendly City on Thursday during the 18th regional children’s contest at SM entertainment plaza in Cebu City.

As a regional winner, Dumaguete will receive a child-friendly seal and cash prize of P50,000, as well as a plaque of appreciation, being a regional finalist.

This is the fourth time that the city had been adjudged as a regional winner. It first received the award in 2000 and then in 2005, 2006, and 2007.

For the first to third class municipalities, Tubigon in Bohol was the regional winner and for the fourth to sixth class municipalities, the regional winner was Pilar, Cebu.

Meanwhile, Olivier Bulfa, 10, of Barangay Banilad, Dumaguete and a Grade 5 pupil at Hermenigilda Gloria Elementary School in Banilad was also the regional winner in the search for local Junior Ambassador. He will receive his award on Nov. 6 in Cebu.

The search aims to increase awareness and to support the Bright Child program of the government.

On the other hand, three barangays in Dumaguete were awarded for having the most functional barangay council for the protection of children.

These are barangays Cadawinonan, Poblacion 8 and Bajumpandan. They were given plaques of appreciation and P5,000 in cash during the Children’s Congress Friday in Dumaguete.*JG

November 4, 2008
NegOr eyes reg’l sports meet hosting (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/November/04/negor4.htm)
BY RENE GENOVE

The Negros Oriental government is eyeing the hosting of the Regional Meet of the Department of Education, a school-based sports competition program, which is a preliminary to the Palarong Pambansa.

Local key sports and education officials in the province will hold a meeting on Friday to discuss the possibility of hosting by the province. It will be presided over by Licerio Napao, former Provincial Schools Division Superintendent, who now sits as the provincial government’s consultant for education.

Napao said Negros Oriental is capable of hosting the event because of its upgraded sports facilities. The meeting will also lay down guidelines for the full implementation of NOSDEP or Negros Oriental Sports Development Program.

Napao was formerly the principal of Negros Oriental High School, then DepEd Division Superintendent of Tanjay City. As consultant on education he advises the governor on matters pertaining to education and helps Gov. Emilio Macias II oversee the implementation of the “Basta NegOr Education 104” program.

Meanwhile, the DepEd recently gave the huge number of participants in the “Stand Up and Take Action” events around the country, urging government leaders to end poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

It mobilized elementary school students through a vegetable gardening activity in most of the elementary schools nationwide.

The event that took place from October 17-19 was aimed at sending a message to government leaders that they should start taking concrete action leading to the fulfillment of the campaign in ending poverty around the world.*RG

NegOr eyes reg’l sports meet hosting
BY RENE GENOVE

The Negros Oriental government is eyeing the hosting of the Regional Meet of the Department of Education, a school-based sports competition program, which is a preliminary to the Palarong Pambansa.

Local key sports and education officials in the province will hold a meeting on Friday to discuss the possibility of hosting by the province. It will be presided over by Licerio Napao, former Provincial Schools Division Superintendent, who now sits as the provincial government’s consultant for education.

Napao said Negros Oriental is capable of hosting the event because of its upgraded sports facilities. The meeting will also lay down guidelines for the full implementation of NOSDEP or Negros Oriental Sports Development Program.

Napao was formerly the principal of Negros Oriental High School, then DepEd Division Superintendent of Tanjay City. As consultant on education he advises the governor on matters pertaining to education and helps Gov. Emilio Macias II oversee the implementation of the “Basta NegOr Education 104” program.

Meanwhile, the DepEd recently gave the huge number of participants in the “Stand Up and Take Action” events around the country, urging government leaders to end poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

It mobilized elementary school students through a vegetable gardening activity in most of the elementary schools nationwide.

The event that took place from October 17-19 was aimed at sending a message to government leaders that they should start taking concrete action leading to the fulfillment of the campaign in ending poverty around the world.*RG

54 Chess Players Register for 9th Negrense Chessfest

With two more days to go before the deadline on Friday, organizers disclosed that there are already 54 chess players who have registered in the 9th Negrense Professional (Degree Holders) Individual Chess Tournament to unfold Sunday, October 9 at the lobby of New Top’s Millennium Plaza Bowling Lanes along 10th-Hilado Streets, Capitol Shopping Center, Bacolod City.
Leading the list is defending champion Felix Gonzales and several times champion Ted Ian Montoyo.

The event, now in its 9th year of existence is organized by Game Royale Aficionados of Negros headed by Dr. Alfonso Teorima.

Tournament director and chief arbiter Dodz Felisilda said the tournament is seven-round Swiss System (1-hour 0 moves + 1 hour to finish the game) competition.

The tournament is exclusive for professionals who are holders of four-year baccalaureate degrees.

Those who are participating for the first time are required to present proof of their having graduated in a four-year degree course and must present photo copies of either their diploma or transcript of records. They also must know how to record chess games in either Descriptive English Notation or Algebraic Notation. They must also provide their own tournament size chess set and chess clock during every scheduled match.

Prizes at stakes are cash prizes and trophies. The champion will get P3,000 gift certificate plus42-inch, four legged “king” trophy courtesy of Roy Villa, president of Buglas Bio-fuel Seedbank & Development Corporation; P2, 000 gift certificate plus 38-inch, four-legged “queen” trophy courtesy of Dr. Eleuterio Bernardo, Ph.D., vice president of Research and Development, Buglas Bio-fuel Seedbank & Dev’t Corp. for 1st runner-up; P1, 500 gift certificate plus 34-inch four-legged “rook” trophy courtesy of Mr. James Noel Araneta, vice president for Operations, Buglas Bio-fuel for 2nd runner-up; P1, 200 gift certificate plus 30-inch four-legged “bishop” trophy courtesy of Sungem Pharma; P1, 000 gift certificate plus 26-inch four-legged “knight” trophy courtesy of Mai Grace Galve, sales specialist, Sealand Industrial Supply.

The 6th to 20th place finishers will each receive Globe SIM cards with P100 worth of load courtesy of Globe Telecom through Ms. Ma. Sharon Villar Ciocon, SM Center head.

Those who wish to beat the registration deadline are advised to contact the following; Engr. Nathaniel Viaje, project director at (091945 50494); Dr. Alfonso Teorima, tournament chairman at (09209041953; or Mr. Dodz Felisilda, tournament director and chief arbiter at 091760 78373.*


“Villards Festival” Qualifying Rounds Expect Foreign Entries

The 1st Senate President Manny Villar Cup qualifying round will draw local, national and foreign entries when they slug it out this coming Nov. 8-11, 2008 at Celebrity Billiards and Bar in Bacolod City.

This will be possible after they qualify for the proper tournament slated November 13-16 at the same venue. Eight winners will mix it out with national and foreign players against the likes of Efren “Bata” Reyes, Alex Pagu-layan, Ronnie Alcano, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Lee Van Corteza and previous Villar Cup winners Warren Kiamco, Gandy Valle, Baco-leño Ramil Gallego, Roberto Gomez and World No. 1 Dennis Orcollo.

Aside from these players, the local winners will also compete against foreign entries like newly-crowned Guinness 9-ball Tour Grand Champion Yang Ching-shun of Chinese Taipei, former world champion Wu Chian-lin and Chungjun-lin both of Chinese Taipei, top-ranked Chinese player Fu-Jianbo, veteran internationalist Marcus Chamat of Sweden and Netherlands’ Christian Johannes-sen, among others.

This Bacolod tournament is organized by the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines in cooperation with the Bacolod city government and the Negros Billiards Stable of Bacolod businessman Jo-nathan Sy.

It is also supported by Bacolod Global Entertainment Marketing Services Corporation, Bugsy Promotions and Puyat Sports and sanctioned by Games and Amusements Board (GAB).*

Negros honors heroes

Today is a public holiday throughout Negros Occidental as the province marks the 110th Cinco de Noviembre anniversary of its liberation from Spain.

Gov. Isidro Zayco said the celebration will honor the heroes who fought for Negros’ freedom.

A flag raising ceremony will be held at the Provincial Capitol Park in Bacolod City at 7:30 a.m., to be followed by a forum Negros Occidental’s history and culture.

The celebration will be highlighted by a cultural show in the afternoon that will be dedicated to the families and descendants of the Negrense heroes of the historic and triumphant uprising on Nov. 5, 1898.

They will be honored by the provincial officials led by Zayco at 5 p.m. also at the Provincial Park.

Bago will mark the day with the a parade of cannons along its city streets in honor of Gen. Juan Araneta and his men who bluffed the Spaniards with their fake armaments that led to their surrender on Nov. 6 1898.

The display of cannons is dubbed as the “Sigabong sg mga Kanyon” participated in by the 24 barangays of the city competing for the loudest boom and the best reenactment of the first bloodless coup in the Philippines.*

AT MKNP
EDC starts ‘rainforestation’

To fulfill its commitment to preserve the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park as it operates in its adjacent buffer zone, the Energy Development Corp. will pilot the use of premium endemic species in the natural park, Erwin Magallanes, NNGPF’s Environmental Senior Supervisor, said yesterday.

This reforestation strategy is called “rainforestation”, Magallanes added.

The Church and some environment groups have opposed EDC’s entry into the MKNP buffer zone in Bago City to tap more geothermal power, saying the cutting of trees in the area would destroy an irreplaceable rich biodiversity.

A case filed by concerned Negrenses seeking to stop EDC operations in the buffer zone is pending before the Bacolod Regional Trial Court, with another hearing set tomorrow.

Through the EDC entry into buffer zone, the firm expects to augment the steam supply of its Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field by 25-30MW in 2010-2011, Magallanes said.

EDC has committed to reforest 400 hectares or plant about 160,000 trees within MKNP for the next five years as part of the stringent conditions set by the Negros Occidental provincial government for its entry into the MKNP buffer zone.

“No fast growing or exotic tree species will be planted on those 400 hectares. We will only plant a variety of prime seedlings which are found inside the park to ensure biodiversity conservation and restoration of ecosystem functions in Mt. Kanlaon,” Magallanes said.

“These premium species will consist of the indigenous tree species found inside MKNP and propagated in our nursery in NNGPF,” he said.

EDC has established a nursery inside the NNGPF that already has 14 of these prime indigenous species, including the first man-made Almaciga plantation in the country. These are being maintained using the mist irrigation system. Mother trees that will serve as sources of seeds for natural regeneration and production of reforestation planting materials will be generated in this nursery, he said.

“We will replicate in Mt. Kanlaon what we did in Mt. Apo,” Magallanes added.

Studies show that monoculture reforestation or the process of planting exotic species does not actually produce the ecological benefits that we need, Magallanes said.

“On the other hand, rainforestation is an effective way of bringing back our original forests, which is what we aim to achieve in Mt. Kanlaon,” he said.

Rainforestation is just one of EDC’s environmental plans for the MKNP buffer zone, he added.

The company has laid out its mitigating measures to minimize the impact of its operations on the environment, which included its efforts to save as many trees as it can inside the buffer zone, he said.

“We have rerouted our paths several times just to avoid as many trees as possible. Out of the ceiling of 34 big trees allowed by the province, we have only affected 12 big trees so far and we are sure to cut below this ceiling. We are confident that we will be able to save at least a thousand more from the 4,213 trees that are allowed in our permit,” Magallanes said.

EDC has already awarded reforestation contracts for 95 hectares to the Minoyan Integrated Forest Protection Farmers’ Association and Minoyan Agrarian Reform Association as part of the 400 hectares that the company committed to reforest in a span of five years. Both have already started their site preparation. They are expected to start planting in the next few days, Magallanes said.

This brings to 135 hectares the total number of reforested areas that EDC will be able to complete by the end of 2008, in compliance with the Memorandum of Agreement that the company signed with the provincial government, he said.

EDC advanced its reforestation for its expansion in the MKNP buffer zone when it established the other 40 hectares last year, he said.

EDC targets to finish its rainforestation project within the next two years to allow time for plantation maintenance for the remaining three years and ensure survival of planted trees, he said.

The company has already reforested 536 hectares and planted 650,000 trees since 1994, Magallanes added.*

Good Morning Negros....! Do you have any idea about the 2008 Negros Wildlife Month...? Thanks in advance...! XD

November 8, 2008
Streamlining of biz permits set next year (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/November/08/negor3.htm)

Efforts are underway to streamline the processing of business permits and licensing system among local governments in Negros Oriental, in order to encourage small and big businesses to register and raise revenues.

A seminar workshop was conducted for the local government units of Dumaguete City, Tanjay City, Valencia and Bayawan City, and Siquijor and Larena from Siquijor province, recently. It was spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry and the German Technical Cooperation.

Regional coordinator Miriam Bacalso of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development for Sustainable Employment Program, said the German government is extending technical assistance to LGUs to come up with a streamlined system for business permits application. This will reduce the waiting time, the number of signatories and without hustle, she said.

She added that, based on experience, the steps can be reduced without necessarily affecting the quality of the product, which is the business permit.

Although most LGUs use the so-called BOSS method or the Business One Stop System, the long line of business permit applicants, especially in the month of January, will also result in delays, so a shorter method will reduce the number of hours in processing the permits, Bacalso added.

With the seminar, Bacalso said, they hope to come up with a prescribed system or model for all the LGUs.

Regulatory division chief Angeline Gonzales of the DTI said that with a streamlined business permit processing, businesses operating underground will be encouraged to register, thus raising revenues for the government.

In this way, employment generation in each LGU will be known, and the operation of all business including the small and medium enterprises will be legitimized, Gonzales said.

Target implementation of the streamlined system is January 2009, the DTI said.*JG

OT Guys. This is a friendly reminder for everyone. Please be reminded of our policy on signatures.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/announcement.php?f=964&a=307

Thanks and regards,
Ph Man

'Rainforestation' comes to Mt. Kanlaon


By Carla Gomez
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 22:30:00 11/09/2008


BACOLOD CITY, Philippines--To fulfill its commitment to preserve the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park as it drills geothermal energy in the parks' buffer zone, the Energy Development Corp. will use premium endemic species in the park.

The reforestation strategy is called "rainforestation," according to Erwin Magallanes, environmental senior supervisor of EDC's Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field (NNGPF).

The Catholic Church and some environment groups in Negros Occidental have opposed EDC's entry into the forest buffer zone in Bago City to tap more geothermal power, saying the cutting of trees in the area would destroy an irreplaceable rich biodiversity.

Some concerned Negrenses went a step further by going to court seeking to stop EDC's operations at the buffer zone. The case is now pending before the Bacolod Regional Trial Court.

By drilling at the buffer zone, the firm hopes to augment the steam supply of its Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field by 25 to 30 megawatts in 2010-2011, according to Magallanes.

EDC has committed to reforest 400 hectares or plant about 160,000 trees within Mount Kanlaon for the next five years as part of the stringent conditions set by the Negros Occidental provincial government for its entry into the buffer zone.

"No fast growing or exotic tree species will be planted on those 400 hectares. We will only plant a variety of prime seedlings which are found inside the park to ensure biodiversity conservation and restoration of ecosystem functions in Mt. Kanlaon," Magallanes said.

"These premium species will consist of the indigenous tree species found inside the Mount Kanlaon Natural Park and propagated in our nursery in Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field," he said.

EDC has established a nursery inside the production field that already has 14 of these prime indigenous species, including the first man-made Almaciga plantation in the country. These are being maintained using the mist irrigation system. Mother trees that would serve as sources of seeds for natural regeneration and production of reforestation planting materials would be generated in this nursery, he said.

"We will replicate in Mt. Kanlaon what we did in Mt. Apo," Magallanes added.

Studies showed that monoculture reforestation or the process of planting exotic species would not actually produce the ecological benefits needed, Magallanes said.

"On the other hand, rainforestation is an effective way of bringing back our original forests, which is what we aim to achieve in Mt. Kanlaon," he said.

Rainforestation is just one of EDC's environmental plans for the MKNP buffer zone, according to Magallanes.

The company laid out its mitigating measures to minimize the impact of its operations on the environment, which included its efforts to save as many trees as it could inside the buffer zone, he said.

"We have rerouted our paths several times just to avoid as many trees as possible. Out of the ceiling of 34 big trees allowed by the province, we have only affected 12 big trees so far and we are sure to cut below this ceiling. We are confident that we will be able to save at least a thousand more from the 4,213 trees that are allowed in our permit," Magallanes said.

EDC has already awarded reforestation contracts for 95 hectares to the Minoyan Integrated Forest Protection Farmers' Association and Minoyan Agrarian Reform Association as part of the 400 hectares that the company committed to reforest in a span of five years.

Both have started their site preparation. They would start planting in the next few days, Magallanes said.

This would bring to 135 hectares the total number of reforested areas that EDC would be able to complete by the end of 2008, in compliance with the Memorandum of Agreement that the company signed with the provincial government, he said.

EDC advanced its reforestation for its expansion in the Mount Kanlaon buffer zone when it established the other 40 hectares in 2007, he said.

EDC has been aiming to finish its rainforestation project within the next two years to allow time for plantation maintenance for the remaining three years and ensure survival of planted trees, he said.

The company reforested 536 hectares, so far, and planted 650,000 trees since 1994, Magallanes added.

November 10, 2008
Toboso to allocate funds for upcoming projects (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/local-news/toboso-allocate-funds-upcoming-projects)

THE municipality of Toboso is eyeing more projects in its 19 villages by yearend, Mayor Evello Valencia Jr. said.

Valencia said that he and the rest of the town officials are happy to receive a P2.7-million developmental fund from Negros Occidental Governor Isidro Zayco last month. The amount, he said, is intended for more projects to be built in each of the barangays in the municipality.

"I am very happy and grateful to our governor (Zayco) for allocating us the amount and we will use it for several projects in 19 barangays here in Toboso," he said.

Zayco earlier said that he wants to see every city and town living in progress and that his office is ready to support developmental projects.

Valencia said the barangays need more agriculture and health projects. "By yearend or the first part of 2009, we will push for projects on health and agriculture because we want to show our constituents that they can rely on their government."

Valencia also said that his municipality has been peaceful and progressive for the past months. He also lauded the municipality police office for maintaining peace and order within the town jurisdiction. "Credit the secured and peaceful Toboso to our police officers for their total commitment in service to our public. My hat is off to them."

In Silay City, Mayor Jose "Oti" Montelibano said several big investors who are planning to put up businesses in the city have been contacting him. However, he said he was sorry because he cannot assure steady power supply.

"Silay is only generating about four to six megawatts and that kind of power is not enough for big businesses being offered to be built here," Montelibano said.

Montelibano added that a certain businessman showed interest in putting up a mall in the city, which could be a very important asset for Silay. But he was saddened by the fact that while Silay is capable of hosting such kind of business, its power is insufficient.

"How I wish Silay will have malls here. It's another 'plus' for Silaynons on their lists of something they can be proud of their city. But we have to accept the fact that we are facing a serious problem and that is the threat of power insufficiency," he said.

However, the mayor is hopeful the Energy Development and Research Center (EDRC) that is soon to rise in Bago City could help solve the city's power problem.

"Our economy and all the businesses in the entire province and island are being ran by electricity -- from the mega malls to little stores. And if we won't be able to find a solution to the problem, then I fear the total power shortage by 2011 or 2012 would come true and if it happens, then expect for economic crisis," Montelibano said.

He also clarified that although the project of having a mass transit (Light Railway Transit) has been approved, still it would not be implemented within years from now because of the same energy crisis reason.

"Our airport cost us 10 long years before it was totally completed and that LRT project I think would cost us another 10 or 15 years if the problem of too low energy supply in the city would not be addressed," he said.

The approval made by the Silay City Council on the P15.9 billion proposed budget of the LRT made city councilors Marie June Castro and Michael Thomas Velez to comment, saying they are "ashamed" of the city for having that costly project.

They even called the project "unrealistic" and "unreasonable".

But Montelibano had earlier said the city will not be shouldering the total cost of the project, but it will be based on the Build, Operate and Own (BOO) and Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) system, with budget coming from the pockets of the interested investors from China and Germany.

"Silay won't cost even a single cent on this (LRT) project," Montelibano said.

November 10-11, 2008
NEGROS - a new front of US War of Terror? (http://www.thenegrostimes.com/nov1008front2)

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

United States Ambassador the Philippines Kristie Kenny was in Negros Friday to induct and orient US Peace Corps volunteers in the region.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) however believes that “the United States is considering making Negros as newest war front of its global war of terror. It is the hidden motives behind the recent visit of US Ambassador Kristie Kelly in Bacolod and in Negros Occidental.”

In its statement, Bayan said “it is expected that after Ambassador Kelly visit, US intelligence operatives and even combat troops will follow. It is not therefore surprising that a naval ships or a transport plane will visit Negros in the coming months. “

We are verifying a report that a joint US-RP naval exercise will be conducted in the Visayan Sea and that the US troops will be arriving in Cebu soon, Bayan said.

Bayan further asks, what could be the real interest of the US in Negros that it wants to protect and secure? Are big US mining, energy or biofuel firms and companies coming into Negros Island? Is the presence of US troops directly connected with the increasing US economic interest in the island?

As of now, Negros is considered as a priority area of the government anti-insurgency program Oplan Bantay Laya 2 whose strategy and tactics were conceptualized by the US military advisers staying in the country. Whether or not the strategy is successful is yet to be seen in the Negros experimented, Bayan claimed.

Bayan also scored Army chief General Victor Ibrado for trying to realign his troops in Negros Island as a result of the advice of US military advisers to reposition army troops along where US economic interests exist or to plan to be established.

Bayan foresees that with the US in direct hands of counter-insurgency operations in Negros, human rights abuses could escalates, and urged the people to condemn and oppose it.*

Environmentalist satisfied
with EDC buffer zone work
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

An environmentalist, who is a member of the Monitoring and Compliance Oversight Committee, yesterday expressed satisfaction over the compliance by the Energy Development Corp. with requirements imposed on them, in connection with its geothermal activities at the buffer zone of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

“They did what they were supposed to do,” Paul Lizares, chairman of the board of Northern Negros Forest Ecological Foundation Inc. who represents the environmental group in the oversight committee, formed by Governor Isidro Zayco, said.

Environmentalist Green Alert yesterday slammed Board Member Mae Javellana, chairperson of the oversight and monitoring committee, for denying its request for them to join their next visit to the buffer zone.

Green Alert Negros Coordinator Mark Cervantes asked “Is there anything to hide from us and the public why Javellana rejected our request to join their next area visit?”

Cervantes said they were told by Javellana in a letter dated Oct. 22 that Green Alert is part of the petitioner who had sought a temporary restraining order to stop EDC from operating inside the buffer zone.

Lizares, who had visited and inspected the EDC work at the buffer zone with other monitoring committee members four times already, said the concerns he had raised in the cutting of trees inside the buffer zone, have all been answered.

EDC has almost completed the initial clearing of 3.3 kilometer road length inside the buffer zone, and within the two geothermal pads, on which they expect the civil work to start January or February next year.

Lizares said EDC tried to avoid as much as possible the cutting of century-old trees, by diverting the road network inside the buffer zone.

EDC records show that the buffer zone has potential resource of 25 to 30 megawatts.

EDC is under fire from environmentalist groups for its geothermal development within the Mt. Kanlaon buffer zone, and they are also being supported by priests and some bishops in Negros island, contrary to the stand of Bishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

Environmentalist groups also sought a temporary restraining order from the court, to stop EDC from its geothermal expansion activities.

The MKNP Protected Area Management Board reported that 2,498 of the 4,213 trees affected by EDC geothermal expansion activities, of which 60 percent are small, were already cut as of this time.

EDC reported having planted more than 650,000 trees already in 536 hectares since 1994, within the Mt. Kanlaon Natural, with 80 percent survival rate, and long before their entry to the buffer zone.

The company also said it is committed to plant 160,000 more trees within in the 400-hectare area of the park, which is 10 times more than what they are required to plant.

Lizares said the oversight committee headed by Board Member Mae Javellana also wants to be part of a team to monitor the reforestation project of EDC in the park.

He added that they were told by EDC of its plans to plant premium endemic species of trees, to the 400-hectare reforestation project.

As to the impact of EDC operations on biodiversity as well as on flora and fauna, Lizares said the impact, which is negligible, is limited only to the 12.5 hectare buffer zone, but not the whole MKNP area.

EDC has established a nursery inside the NNGPF that already has 14 of these prime indigenous species, including the first man-made Almaciga plantation in the country, which being maintained using the mist irrigation system.

Lizares also said the monitoring committee has not received any complaint from the community, against the operations of EDC within the buffer zone.*GPB

November 15, 2008
Silay dads to tackle P280-M '09 budget (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/silay-dads-tackle-p280-m-09-budget)

MEMBERS of the Silay City Council are looking at the immediate approval of the P280-million proposed budget for next year.

City Councilor Rosalinda Caja said the Council is expected to approve the proposed 2009 budget of P280,003,845 by Tuesday next week.

What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers

"I am quite confident that the SP will approve the budget. Delaying the approval of this budget will cause delayed public service to our constituents and that is something we do not want to happen. We, as public servants, should be there when people need us the most."

This after the supposed approval of next year's budget in Wednesday's regular Council session was shelved due to some technicalities.

But Councilor Jose Raymundo Locsin, chair of the council committee on finance, said they will push for the approval of the budget next Tuesday.

Silay's current budget is a little over P267-million.

Of the proposed budget, 76.49 percent has been allocated for general services of the city.

Mayor Jose Montelibano, in his budget message, stressed that "the value of life of Silaynons will always occupy center stage and its human growth and development will always be given priority".

This particular message got the attention of Councilor Marie June Castro as she clarified, at the SP's session also attended by City Administrator Ignacio Salmingo and City Budget officer Ramon Dumancas, that she also hopes for the implementation of projects and programs in the list of priorities to be funded by the 2009 budget.

She noted that several programs, like the skills developmental program for the youth, were allocated P500,000 for 2008 and have not been implemented to date.

She also cited the P3-million annual budget intended for the health insurance of Silaynons.

Salmingo clarified that part of the P3 million was already used to pay for the health bills of target beneficiaries, adding that as of now, less than P1 million is left.

Salmingo also said they are still looking for a place where trainings and skills developmental programs for the city's youth could be conducted since the initial proposed area, as per actual checking done by the City Administrator's Office, is not safe for youth gatherings and sports practices.

Meanwhile, over P214-million or 76 percent of the 2009 budget, has been allocated for projects that would promote the city's order and public safety, for judiciary system, administrative overhead and regulatory functions of the city.

Silay policemen would also receive a monthly incentive of P1,000 each.

An amount of P24,549,000 or 8.76 percent of the entire proposed budget would go to social services. (Jerson o. Coronica)

Negros observes month of wildlife
Negros island is celebrating Wildlife Month aimed at increasing awareness about the need to protect and conserve its diverse, colorful and remarkable endemic wildlife, a press release from the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Inc. said.

The program kicked off Tuesday with an essay writing competition at the West Negros University in Bacolod City. This week, it will start with an on-the-spot poster making contest at Robinsons Place today at 9:30 a.m. among high school students.

In the afternoon, the fourth Provincial Wildlife Quiz Bowl will be held at Robinsons Place starting at 2:30 p.m. Both programs are in partnership with La Consolacion College-Bacolod and Robinsons Place Bacolod, and with a donation from the recent Ramos family reunion, the press release said.

Winners of the Quiz Bowl will compete with teams from Negros Oriental in the second Negros Island Wildlife Conservation Quiz Bowl to be held on November 28 in Bacolod. Occidental teams will defend their crowns having taken first, second and third places over Oriental teams last year in Dumaguete City.

A highlight of the week’s activities will be the annual “Animals of Negros” foot parade in Bacolod on November 19 featuring students from local schools plus government and non-government organizations dressed in costumes to show many of the endangered species of Negros including rare hornbills, spotted deer and Visayan warty pigs. The parade will begin at the Capitol Lagoon at 7:30 a.m.

It will end at the Bay Center where schools will present their “gimiksâ” – a cheer dance competition. Awards will be given to schools for the best costumes and masks, the most number of participants and best gimmick to draw attention to wildlife issues, the press release said.

On November 26 at the WNU, there will be an extemporaneous speech competition regarding conservation-related issues.

The celebration is organized by NFEFI, in collaboration with the Governor's Office through the Provincial Environment Management Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, LCC-B, WNU, and the Silliman University-Center for Tropical Conservation Studies in Dumaguete, the press release added.*

November 26, 2008
Silay joins 7th national bookweek celebration (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/silay-joins-7th-national-bookweek-celebration)

DOÑA Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School (DMLMHS) in Silay City joins the country in the 74th National Bookweek Celebration from Nov. 24-30.

The theme of the celebration is: "Ang Batang Palabasa, Dalubhasa Sa Kultura".

DMLMHS has lined up a series of activities from Nov. 24-28 which includes the impersonation of literary characters, essay writing, poster-slogan contest, battle of the brains, spelling competition, film showing and word bingo on synonyms and antonyms.

Alfredo Hermosura, principal IV, said that the DMLMHS library has been converted to a fantasy land of books and visual wonders featuring various literary characters. It is open to students, teachers and other book enthusiasts outside of Silay. Hermosura added that this is DMLMHS's share in the education-culture-tourism program of the Silay City government.

The mini-library display sponsored by four year levels will receive awards at the closing program on Friday.

Christina Loredo, Eng. Dept. head, is inviting everybody to witness the parade of literary characters at 2 p.m. on Nov. 28.

Biblical personages, legendary heroes, book characters and cartoon personalities will be featured. Prizes will be given to the best portrayed character, best in costume, most authentic performer, darling of the crowd and the striking face of the day.

The force behind the Eng. Dept. are Gerry Artieda, Mary Ann Ardiente, Mary Leilani Javines, Mercy Cobrado, Sebastia Moraña, Ann Marie Pastoral, Ma. Ana Pioquinto, Nelfa Pioquinto, Melita Melendres, Ruby Doloso, Lorevic Bermejo, Lina Santillan, Diana Discutido, Roselyn Pacete, Ruth Leyretana, Diadema Asuncion, Nanette Sudayan and Jessica Gacuma.

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Call for Participation

November 11, 2008

Greetings from the City of Gentle People, Dumaguete City!

You are invited to attend the NEGROS ORIENTAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXPO 2008 on December 1 – 2, 2008 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center.

IT EXPO 2008 is the biggest IT event of the year in our university town. It is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in cooperation with the Negros Oriental ICT Council. It will have Exhibits, a Conference, and Special Events that include an Offsite Web Design & Logo-making Competition and a DOTA LAN party.

The main objectives of the EXPO are to highlight the capabilities of local IT companies, enable business-to-business interaction, generate recruitment opportunities for both employers and talented prospective employees, and strengthen the industry-academe-government ties that have been forged within the past 4 years.

The target market for this IT Expo are the academe (students, teachers and administrators), government (both LGUs as well as NGAs) and the private sector in Negros Oriental and the neighboring provinces of Negros Occidental, Cebu (south), Siquijor, Bohol, and of Northwestern Mindanao.

Early Bird Registration (November 26, 2008) = Php 500.00 (inclusive of: attendance to exhibit, special event & conference; 2 lunch; 4 snacks; conference CD; program & certificate)

Onsite Registration Fee (December 1, 2008) = Php 600.00 (inclusive of attendance to exhibit, special event & conference; 2 lunch; 4 snacks; conference CD; program & certificate)

Registration per Session (December 1 & 2, 2008) = Php 250 (inclusive of 1 snack, program & certificate)

You may visit the office of the Department of Trade and Industry, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental or call us at (035) 422-5509, or email at dtinegor@gmail.com, for inquiries or confirmation.
Thank you very much.

Respectfully,


Dave E. Marcial
Conference Chair, Negros Oriental IT Expo 2008
Dean, College of Computer Studies, Silliman University

Noted by:


Jong Fortunato
Over-all Chair, Negros Oriental IT Expo 2008
Provincial Director-DTI, Dumaguete City


SPONSORS
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Negros Island water council ok’d

Negros Occidental and Oriental headed by Governors Isidro Zayco and Emilio Macias II respectively, agreed to form the Negros Island Integrated Water Resources Management Council, at a meeting in Kabankalan City yesterday.

The council will serve as the governing body for integrated water resources planning and management within the Ilog-Hilabangan River Basin that covers the towns of Ilog, Cauayan, Candoni, Himamaylan, and Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental; and towns of Bayawan, Tanjay, Mabinay, Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalaud and Bais City in Negros Oriental, Zayco said.

The council will be composed of stakeholders from both provinces and will be headed by someone with the passion for environmental protection and management and academic qualifications duly set by the body, he added.

Members of the council will be nominated and forwarded to the two governors for their perusal.

The Executive Committee will also be created to manage the actual implementation of the plans and decisions approved by the council and will be headed by an Executive Officer duly appointed by the council.

Both the governors and vice-governors of the two provinces will serve as advisers of the council.

The body also agreed to have one common center that will serve as an office located between the two provinces for easy access and transport.

Teambuilding and strategic planning for the council and Execom is also set to be taken up in the upcoming meetings.*

PIA Press Release
2008/12/05
San Carlos City gets funding for development program for children (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p081205.htm&no=45)

Bacolod City (5 December) -- San Carlos City Mayor Eugenio Jose Lacson received a check worth P2,044,181.21 representing a partial payment of the 40 percent counterpart fund from the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), for the city's implementation of its three year Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program.

San Carlos City is the second self-starting local government unit in the country to implement the ECCD program out of its own initiative with an appropriation of P5 million from its own coffers for the ECCD program.

Moreover, the city is also the first and only component city in Negros Occidental to implement the ECCD program. (PIA/cad)

EDC priority for 2009
bid to get Palinpinon
BY CARLA GOMEZ

DUMAGUETE CITY – The No. 1 priority of the Energy Development Corp. for 2009 is to bid for the acquisition of three National Power Corp. power plants, including Palinpinon in Negros Oriental, EDC president and chief operating officer Paul Aquino said.

Aquino, who was in this city for an EDC Christmas Party for its staff Friday, said the firm plans to bid for Palinpinon and the NPC power plants in Tongonan, Leyte and Bacon-Manito in Bicol with a total rated capacity of 455 megawatts.

“Our number one priority to make sure we join the bidding and win. We already supply the fuel, we might as well go full integration,” he said.

Bidding for the Palinpinon geothermal power plants I and 2 that has a total generation capacity of about 192.5 megawatts is expected in July.

EDC currently provides the geothermal steam that in converted into power for distribution by NPC’s Palinpinon plants.

Aquino said power plants have an estimated economic life of 25 years and the Palinpinon plants were built in 1983. If EDC acquires Palinpinon it will have to dismantle it for repairs to ensure its continued operations, he said.

While he admitted that such activity could affect the power supply of Negros Island, he said they will do it during a period when power consumption is low.

He reiterated that not enough power plants are being built to meet the growing power needs in the areas covered by the Visayas grid.

Geothermal power is the cheapest next to hydro power, and we will be able to continue to offer it at competitive rates, Aquino said.

Wind is more expensive than geothermal power and it is intermittent, he said.

Meanwhile, he said EDC thinks it has a solution to its calcite problem in its Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field in Bago City outside the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park buffer zone, and will be able to produce 15 to 20 megawatts by March next year.

He expects production within the buffer zone to be about 30 megawatts.

The plant at full capacity will be at 49 megawatts, he said.

Peter Garrucho, EDC director, said the firm’s goal is to go for the production of more indigenous clean power.

Inspite of the global economic problems, he said EDC is faced with so much opportunity to do so much better than in the past not only in the Philippines but abroad.

On Friday EDC’s employees from its geothermal sites in Leyte, Southern Negros, Northern Negros, Mt. Apo and Bacon-Manito (Bicol) also gathered in this city to showcase their mega tractors in the company’s off road 4x4 challenge.

They created the all-terrain 4x4 tractors out of the company’s junked Toyota Land Cruisers.*CPG

December 19, 2008
Korean company eyeing jatropha plantation in Bais (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/December/19/negor2.htm)

A Korean firm has signified its intent to embark on a large-scale bio-fuels project in Bais City, Negros Oriental by 2009, but Mayor Hector Villanueva of Bais City, however, said the local government is cautious about the proposal.

Villanueva said the project will entail vast tracts of land and the city might not be able to comply with the requirement.

If the project pans out, he said he would be coordinating with adjacent municipalities to provide the required 5,000 to 10,000 hectares of land for jatropha plantations.

Villanueva also said they need to study the project offer to ensure that there will be a steady market for jatropha.

"We don’t want to wake up one day only to find out we have invested so much into this and there are no buyers", he said.

The proposal comes as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently signed into law the Renewable Energy Act designed to make the Philippines 60 percent energy-self sufficient by 2010.

Villanueva said he is hopeful the proposed jatropha plantation in Bais City will be viable as it will not only respond to the country’s efforts of using clean energy but it would generate more jobs for locales as well.

Part of the proposal will be the setting up of a processing plant in Bais City and a nursery for jatropha seedlings, he added.*JFP

Friday, December 19, 2008
Initiatives for greener Negros heightened

STAKEHOLDERS and members of the Center for Environmental Initiatives (CEI) gathered Thursday at the Governor's Hall for the 25th Environment Forum to reiterate support to the government to protect the environment.

The forum was attended by various sectors composed of environment offices from the province's towns and cities, non-government organizations, private organizations, other environmentalist groups and companies.

Topics include forest and wildlife conservation, water and reforestation, pollution, mining and infrastructure, coastal resource management, environmental laws, enforcement and prosecution, education, information and advocacy, and research.

Lawyer Edwin Abanil, provincial environment officer and convenor of CEI, said that for the province to achieve a healthy environment, strong support from the local government units (LGUs) is needed by mobilizing people in the community to participate in every environmental undertaking. "Environmental awareness of the people in the community must be intensified."

He cited that the LGU, whose function is to implement the government's thrusts, should always be there for law enforcement.

Abanil said that while the province has 31 cities and municipalities, only 19 LGUs are strongly involved in the cause.

In Bago City, local officials are active in their composting project, which already highlighted its campaign on solid waste management.

Abanil also noted that the provincial government, through his office, is renewing its thrust to fully implement in the next 25 years the province's cause to fight the environmental crisis.

Meanwhile, Engr. Sherwin Salinio, pollution officer of the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC), emphasized in his presentation that since the provincial government wants a cleaner source of power, the company has also maintained its commitment by providing the safest and cleanest source through geothermal.

He noted that with geothermal energy, burning fossil fuels is no longer necessary, which translates to a decrease in carbon emissions thereby reducing global warming. Not only that, about 5.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide is avoided.

Salinio added the Philippines ranked second to United States of America (2,923 megawatts) as the world's largest geothermal power-producing country at 1,970 megawatts. Other countries in the top 10 include Indonesia-992 megawatts; Mexico-953 megawatts; Italy-810 megawatts; Japan-535 megawatts; New Zealand-472 megawatts; Iceland-421 megawatts; El Salvador-204 megawatts and Costa Rica-162 megawatts. (George dela Cruz)

December 20, 2008
Watershed reserve mgm’t signing held in Kabankalan City (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/December/20/people.htm)

The signing of the Ilog-Hilabangan Watershed Forest Reserve Amended Co-Management Agreement and election of officers was held at the SP Session Hall in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, Tuesday, a Kabankalan press release said.

Among those present were Kabankalan Mayor Pedro Zayco Jr., Vice Mayor Delia Anacan and Councilor Jeorge Largado, chairman on committee on environment, natural resources and ecology, and some city councilors. Also present was Mayor Carminia Bascon and Vice Mayor Luz Bayot of Himamaylan City and councilors, the press release said.

The IHWFR aims to rehabilitate, conserve, protect, enforce forestry laws, rules and regulation on watershed and bio-diversity.

Principal signatories were Mayors Zayco and Bascon, Barangay Carol-an Captain Felicimo Montecino, Barangay Buenavista Captain Mary Jane Faduga, MUAD-Negros executive director Reyneic Alo, Kabankalan water district general manager Aquiles Zayco Jr., Barangay Tan-awan Captain Benjie Miranda, Councilor Largado; and Jaime Verano, general manager, Himamaylan water district, the press release said.

Elected chairman and vice chairman of the first IHWFRCMC are Mayors Zayco and Bascon, respectively, the press release added.*

Merry Christmas from SSC-Cebu

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

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From SSC-Zamboanga Family

December 24, 2008
Organic farming prioritized (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/December/24/negor3.htm)
BY ROMY AMARADO

Organic farming will be one of the key programs of the Negros Oriental government next year, and Gov. Emilio Macias II said he is confident the people will not go hungry if the country is hard hit by the global economic crunch.

Macias assured that agricultural products are available in the province, and that about P3 million was allocated for an agricultural program to be augmented by a supplemental budget if there is a need for it.

He said production of organic fertilizer and other farm stimulant is not expensive. The budget for agriculture will be used for the purchase of earthworms, called the African night crawler, and further training of farmers.

Provincial agriculturist Gregorio Paltinca had earlier said that these earthworms are fed with leftover or discarded materials such as vegetables and fruits and their manure will be used as fertilizer.

Macias said the province had adopted the natural method of farming using organic fertilizer, indigenous micro-organism and the naturally fermented solutions through the Negros Oriental Go Organic-Nutrients of Worms project.

He added that farmers from 135 barangays in the province were trained on vermin-composting.

Macias said that organic farming will rehabilitate and restore the fertility of soil, and that, it is environment and health friendly.

Meanwhile, he said, Negrenses are resilient and that, if indeed the country will be hit by the global recession next year, there are available agricultural products, especially root crops that they can eat.*RA

Taken from The News Today
Iloilo City, December 19, 2008

Bacolod City adjudged as Best Performing City in WV
By JC Locsin

BACOLOD CITY -- Bacolod City was adjudged recently by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Western Visayas as Excellent in Local Governance. This was confirmed yesterday by City Administrator Dr. Roger Balo after he attended an awarding rites held last December 17, 2008 in Iloilo City.


Balo said that the DILG categorized different parameters and areas before the selection process was achieved. Parameters included in evaluation were: Local Legislation, Administrative Governance, Social Services, Economic Development and Environmental Management.

He further said that the awards cited is a strong indicator that we have a strong economic development.

He also announced yesterday that Brgy. Taculing situated also in Bacolod City was adjudged as best in Lupong Tagapamayapa. Balo also welcomed the development that the province of Negros Occidental got the title best performing province (see related story).

The awarding rites, Balo said, was also attended by other key cities in Western Visayas such as Roxas, Capiz, Iloilo, Kabankalan, Passi, San Carlos, Victorias. Bacolod City was also recognized by DILG Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta as Best Performing City along with the town of Miag-ao in 1st to 3rd Class Category and Guimbal, Iloilo City and Pulupandan in 4th to 6th class municipality.

Kabankalan City, on the other hand, won the title for environmental management category.

Monday, December 29, 2008
'Paskuhan sa Escalante City 2008' wows residents

THE City Government of Escalante launched its Christmas celebration with nightly activities from December 16-23 dubbed as "Paskuhan sa Escalante 2008" at the public plaza.

The opening salvo was sponsored by the Manlambus Escalante Commission for Culture and the Arts (MECCA) with its chairperson, Councilor Virgie Abong Pastor.

Prior to the program was a torch parade and competitions participated in by government employees, Department of Education from Escalante Districts I, II and III, and the barangay councils from 21 barangays.

The winners are Barangay Mabini for barangay level, Mabini National High School for the secondary school level, and Zone 7 Elementary Schools composed of Binaguiohan, Dian-ay and Pinapugasan Elementary Schools.

The activity was highlighted with the lighting on ceremony and fireworks display while the different schools of Escalante City presented cultural numbers to enhance and promote the history and culture of Escalante City.

Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. led the city officials and department heads in the switch on of dazzling lights posted around the city plaza, the City Hall and at the public market's façade as well as at the rotunda.

In time with the Paskuhan activities was the annual fiesta of Barangay Balintawak from December 18-21.

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ADVANCE HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

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ALL AROUND THE WORLD CELEBRATES TONIGHT


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From SSC-Iligan City

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!!

From SSC Naga

Firm asked to put up bond
for hydro plant in NegOr

ICS Renewables, the power company that won the bid for the 0.8-megawatt Amlan Hydroelectric Power Plant in Negros Oriental, has been directed by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. to put up a 10 percent performance bond.

PSALM gave ICS Renewables 10 days to put up the bond, which is equivalent to $23,000, based on the Asset Purchase Agreement.

The newly-incorporated, Filipino-owned company involved in the manufacture of alternative fuels, headed by Juan Eugenio Roxas of Dumaguete City, was named the winning bidder after it offered $230,000 for the hydropower facility last December 10.

PSALM said in a statement it issued that the amount exceeded the reserve price set by its Board for the generating asset.

The Notice of Award and Certificate of Effectivity for the Amlan plant, situated in Sitio Pasalan, Brgy. Silab in Amlan town, was released to ICS Renewables on January 8.

The power facility is operating as a base-load plant, supplying power to is host town and nearby villages.

Following the sale of the Amlan hydropower plant, PSALM completed the government’s power privatization program for 2008 more than its targeted 70 percent of the National Power Corporation’s generating assets in the Luzon and Visayas grids.

Last November, also divested its assets in the 146.5-MW Panay and 22-MW Bohol power plant package.*NLG

January 15, 2009
Sagay, Kabankalan corn center priority sites: DA (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/January/15/businessnews2.htm)

Sagay City in northern Negros Occidental is among the first 15 sites across the country that will host corn post-harvest processing and trading centers in 2009 through the National Agribusiness Corp., the Department of Agriculture said.

Sagay has 55,642 hectares of corn fields. Another site in Western Visayas is Sara town in Iloilo which has 39,510 hectares.

These corn centers, expected to be completed in February, are being set up in partnership with local government units or multi-purpose cooperatives. They are located within the GMA Corn Program cluster areas or within GMA Corn Program new areas of at least 1,000 hectares, and are accessible to transportation, communications and market centers.

Kabankalan City in southern Negros has also been identified among the next 15 priority sites as both DA and Nabcor will invest in more corn centers this year.

Assistant Secretary Dennis Araullo, national coordinator of the GMA Corn Program, said the project aims to raise rural incomes and increase corn production by establishing market linkages and reducing post-production losses for corn farmers.

He said corn demand is steadily increasing with the growth of the livestock industry and the shift to corn as a biofuel feedstock.

Investing in corn centers is part of the DA policy overhaul, focusing on big-ticket projects covering irrigation maintenance, postharvest facilities, farm-to-market roads and rural extension work, Araullo added.*NLG

16th Panaad sa Negros Festival Set

The 16th year of Panaad sa Negros Festival is set to be celebrated on April 18-25, 2009 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Gov. Isidro P. Zayco, Panaad Executive Committee chairman, said this year’s celebration is even more significant after Panaad sa Negros Festival was adjudged as the country’s “Best Tourism Event - Provincial Festival Category” by the Department of Tourism and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines during its annual national convention in Iloilo City last October 4, 2008.

Dubbed the “Festival of Festivals”, Panaad brings together the 13 cities and 19 towns of the province of Negros Occidental into one colorful and jubilant presentation of individual festivals and in an array of theme pavilions that showcase their history, arts and culture, tourism, commerce, trade and industry. Panaad is Hiligaynon for a vow and its fulfillment. It is a thanksgiving celebration for the blessings received from God Almighty as well as a showcase of the best of Negros Occidental.

According to Provincial Information Officer and Panaad Festival Executive Director, Marlin Sanogal, this year’s festivities will also showcase the Provincial Government’s development thrust of “Public Service with Compassion thru HEARTS PLUS” under the leadership of Gov. Zayco and Vice Gov. Emilio L. Yulo III.

She said Gov. Zayco has invited Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairman Efraim Genuino and PAGCOR’s world-class “Wanders” musical show whose cast include top Chinese, Russian and Filipino artists, to perform as one of the major attractions in this year’s festival.

Panaad festival attracts thousands of the 2.8 million-strong Negrenses, their balikbayan relatives and friends, as well as domestic and foreign tourists who get a glimpse of the best offerings of the province, including local dishes and pasalubong treats, in a tour of the uniquely designed pavilions laid out Nayong Pilipino style.

Provincial Tourism Officer Jennylind Cordero, Panaad Festival Secretariat head, said the Best Provincial Festival Award given by DOT and ATOP will serve as an inspiration for the organizers, especially the towns and cities, to elevate further the level of competition in the various Panaad events, such as the Lin-ay sang Negros Pageant, Festival Dances, Latin Dancesport, Negrense/Ilonggo Dances, Pop Song Writing and Interpretation, Skills Olympics, Sports and products competitions, among others.* (Capitol News)

^^:banana::banana::banana:

Ilonggo martial arts in Hollywood flick


By Carla Gomez
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 19:44:00 02/02/2009

Filed Under: Cinema, Sport


BACOLOD CITY, Philippines -- A Palace official is encouraging local communities to turn to Filipino martial arts, as a tool in maintaining peace in the city's villages.

Presidential Deputy Spokesman Anthony Golez launched on Saturday a training program to teach the city's village watchmen the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali system -- an ancient Ilonggo martial arts used in such Hollywood blockbusters as the Bourne Identity and Steven Seagal’s Undersiege -- at the Barangay 38 gym in Bacolod City.

The Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is described in the website http://www.bladefighting.com as a close-quarter, in-fighting combat system against multiple opponents. It is a system of complete strategies and tactics using close quarters weaponry such as the sword, knife, baton, bare hand, that provides protection from strikes and attacks, and ensures the destruction of opponents’ weapons as well as the domination of any combat or self-defense situation, it says.

Mastering the art of Pekiti Tirsia Kali would allow law enforcement people to neutralize criminals, Golez said.

"A lot of people are getting mugged, and one of the things we need to do is to empower the people, especially the civilian volunteers and police enforcers, on how to control an assailant," he said.

Golez said Pekiti Tirsia Kali skills were even used in the movies Bourne Identity, Bourne Ultimatum, Bourne Supremacy, The Hunted and Undersiege by Steven Seagal and Daniel Craig because their Hollywood instructors were also students of his instructor Negrense Rommel Tortal.

Golez said Tortal, who was with him, during the training held Saturday would stay to train those in other villages as well.

Tortal, 34, is a descendant of Segundino Tortal whose father Norberto Tortal developed the martial arts in the 1800s and a nephew of Grand Tuhon Leo B. Gaje Jr., Golez said. The Tortal family hailed from Panay and Negros islands.

Gaje has been recognized as the present keeper of the Pekiti Tirsia Kali system, he added.

Gaje introduced the martial art in the United States and was certified by the US Criminal Justice System Training Association and of the United States Police Defensive Tactics Training Association, Golez added.

Gaje's nephew, Rommel, said he trained Francis White and Louie Navasco, stunt choreographers and fight directors, in the movies of Segal and Craig where the two actors used the Pekiti Tirsia skills.

Golez said scenes in which a knife was used as the main weapon and in which a folded magazine or a pen could turn deadly came from the Pekiti Tirsia training.

The village watchmen, if trained in the Pekiti Tirsia Kali martial arts, would not have to wait for the arrival of the police to capture an assailant or snatchers, he explained.

Golez, who has been practicing Pekiti-Tirsia for about three years now, demonstrated the ways on how to subdue assailants to about 50 watchmen present at the launching.

He said the Bacolod Defensive Tactics Federation has been teaching the G.O.L.E.Z (General Orientation on tactics for Law Enforcement in the barangay Zone) training method, focusing on the law enforcement and control dynamics system.

Learning Pekiti-Tirsia would give law enforcers, security personnel and civilians an effective edge during real-life combat, using batons and sticks as their weapons, Golez said.

Golez also distributed batons to the Barangay 38 tanods Saturday.


ILONGGO PRIDE!!! :banana2::banana2::banana2::banana2::banana2::banana2::banana2:

^^thanks for posting migs. something to be really proud of. man dugo negrosanon kag ilonggo maisog.:lol:

^^thanks for posting migs. something to be really proud of. man dugo negrosanon kag ilonggo maisog.:lol:

tsakto ka gd migs! bsan dri ga tahap sila sa mga Ilonggo ky kis-a lng kuno mangakig mga Ilonggo pro ga urma ang inagyan hehehe!:lol::lol::lol:

Capitol sets P15M for food-for-work
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday said the Negros Occidental provincial government is allocating P15 million for food-for-work programs for sugar workers during the dead season in the industry.

Zayco said he has also written to the National Food Authority for the purchase of 15,000 bags of rice from part of the fund to be used for the purpose.

The governor made the announcement at a Provincial Sugar Industry Task Force meeting chaired by Board Member Enrique Miguel Lacson at the provincial Capitol in Bacolod City yesterday.

It was attended by representatives of sugar planters and labor groups, the Department of Labor and Employment, Sugar Regulatory Administration, PhilHealth, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Fr. Anecito Buenafe of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Bacolod.

Zayco said the task force was informed by the DOLE that the unavailed of and forfeited Social Amelioration Fund in its possession is about P16 million that can be processed for assistance to the sugar workers.

Meanwhile, Zayco said the provincial government’s allocation of P15 million for the food-for-work program is what it can afford, the sugar planters and DOLE must also put in their share of programs to alleviate the situation.

Zayco noted that during lean season in the sugar industry in the past, sugar planters have taken care of their workers and they have assured that they will continue to do so.

Participants in the meeting yesterday asked if the NFA can make cheap rice available as part of their dead season mitigating measures.

The governor said a request will have to made before the national leadership of the NFA.

Marjorie Cabriezo, PhilHealth Negros head, said her agency also has a package to aid the sugar workers that it will propose to the sugar planters and congressmen for consideration.

Buenafe urged government and sugar planters to encourage workers to start planting cash crops now to tide them over the dead season. This could provide the workers with food on the table and crops to sell for added income, he said.

He said government could assist with seeds and by encouraging the workers to produce organic fertilizer for their use and to sell.*CPG

P82M add’l budget ok’d
FOR NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental yesterday approved the P82.4 million supplemental budget of the province, earmarked for various infrastructure projects of seven local government units and that of the provincial government.

Vice Governor Emilio Yulo III yesterday said almost 50 percent of the supplemental budget will be utilized in the improvement of the E.B. Magalona public market and for fuel for the repair of the town barangays roads in the amount of P2.8 million, P23.7 million for road concreting and the construction of bridge in Sagay City, P4.2 million for the repair of an overflow in Brgy. Salvacion and concreting of Alegria road, all in Murcia, P6 million for the construction of gymnasium in Sipalay City, concreting of Batuan road in San Enrique, and P2 million for rural road network in Cadiz City.

Yulo said the funds will be taken from the retained earnings of the provincial government of Negros Occidental in the amount of P73,074,977, and P9,419,013 from the 2008 Internal Revenue Allotment differentials.

It has also earmarked P13 million for the special projects funds and P15 million for various priority projects in Negros Occidental barangays, P5 million for rehabilitation of Mambukal Resort, P1 million for renovation of food terminal market, renovation of Provincial Comelec Office, P600,000, and P500,000 for tourism programs.*GPB

Arroyo leads
inauguration of infra projects

Rep. Ignacio Arroyo (Neg. Occ., 5th District) led the groundbreaking and inauguration of two infrastructure projects in Moises Padilla and in Hinigaran recently, and met with the OYSTER scholars who underwent TESDA training on welding, a press release from his office said.

Arroyo, with Provincial Board Members Dr. Melvin Ibanez and Enrique Miguel Lacson and Mayor Francisco attended the groundbreaking of a 2-storey building at Negros State College of Agriculture which will house 24 classrooms.

Arroyo said the initial budget of P1 million for the project came from the President's Social Fund.

Arroyo has also approved the asphalting of the road at NESCA in the town. He said that he will allocate from his PDAF P100,000 for each barangay of Moises Padilla for projects, the press release said.

Arroyo also met with a batch of OYSTER scholars in Moises Padilla to lead the distribution of their two-week allowance, in the presence of TESDA Provincial Director Yolly Porschwitz, Administrator Specialist Thelma Tubungan and Training Center Administrator Art Guancia.

The training was made possible under GMA's pro-poor livelihood and emergency employment program. The scholars started their 34-day training and they will have a 16-day on the job training at DPWH with a daily allowance of P100, the press release said.

Arroyo also led the inauguration of a newly-concreted road in Sitio Bulobito-on, Brgy. Miranda, Hinigaran, in the presence of Mayor Hermilo Aguilar and Brgy. Captain

Planting of mangrove set in Silay

The IKAW-AKO Japan-Negros Partnership for Environmental Protection is bringing the 47th batch of Japanese volunteers involved in coastal tourism program of Silay City and the Association of Tourism Officers of Negros Occidental, a press release from Silay said.

Prof. Yorihisa Goto, IKAW-AKO director, and Mari Kurata, coordinator, will undertake massive mangrove seedling planting in Brgy. Balaring, Silay City on Feb. 16, the press release said.

Leo Canson, IKAW-AKO chairman, said that the activities will include mini lectures on beach erosion, damage from sea surge and storms, increased sea levels and decrease in water supply.

The Japanese volunteers will plant the seedlings in Cauayan and will proceed to Danjugan Island for lectures on marine life, then on Feb. 18, the group will move to Sipalay City also for a mangrove reforestation activity, the press release said.

The last activity will be a coastal clean-up in Silay on Feb. 21 with the University of St. La Salle Education Council, Silay boy and girl scouts, the Balaring Mangrove Planters’ Association, and Balaring youth participating.

Mayor Jose Montelibano said that this program is designed to promote community involvement and to increase tourist length of stay, the press release added.*

Thursday, February 12, 2009
Local governments urged to support organic farming

A GROUP has called on local government units in Negros Occidental to put in place a support system that would encourage farmers to go into organic farming.

Atty. Efren Moncupa, lead convener of Go Organic! Philippines, said institutional support from local governments and the private sector, particularly rural banks and other credit financing institutions, is needed to promote organic farming especially during these trying times.

An International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) expert had predicted that another rice crisis is expected to hit poor Asian countries like the Philippines. It will be brought about by the global financial crisis, which is expected to trigger a global economic slowdown.

Hunger and poverty incidence, especially in rural communities, are expected to worsen in the coming months, said Moncupa.

To fight hunger and poverty and increase farmers' incomes, the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) launched last year the organic field support program (OFSP), which aims to promote organic farming in the Philippines.

Go Organic! Philippines, a consortium of nongovernment organizations and organic farming advocates led by Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) and La Liga Policy Institute (La Liga), is taking the lead in implementing phase I of OFSP. The group is now aggressively promoting organic farming.

This is in preparation for the conversion of 10 percent of the 1.9 million hectares of rice fields into organic farm sites by 2010.

Fields or fertilizer, irrigation systems and other rural infrastructure like farm-to-market roads, education and extension work, loans, dryers, and other post-harvest facilities, and seeds are DA’s tools to achieve its rice self-sufficiency target.

Moncupa, a former Agrarian Reform undersecretary, said the support system they are asking for can come in the form of technical assistance and subsidies.

Support from LGUs can be in the form of extension services and subsidy, or even cash incentive, for those who choose to go organic. Rural banks and other financing institutions can provide low interest rates on loans to allow farmers to cultivate more of their productive land that remains uncultivated due to lack of capital, Moncupa said.

US-based ocean power development firm eyes RP
By Donnabelle L. Gatdula Updated February 13, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - An ocean power development company based in the United States is planning to invest in the Philippines, a Department of Energy (DOE) source said.

The DOE source said Deep Ocean Power Philippines, a unit of California-based Deep Ocean Power, is currently conducting studies on at least 36 sites for possible ocean power sources.

These sites are located in Laoag, Zambales, Mindoro, Isabela, Panay, Negros and parts of Mindanao.

“They applied for 36 sites covering 21,450 hectares, however the areas are still subject to verification under the prescribed blocking system of the DOE,” the source said.

At present, Deep Ocean is engaged in the business of using ocean thermal energy conversion which makes use of the temperature differential between the warm surface waters of the oceans, heated by solar radiation, and the deeper cold waters to generate electricity.

Based on the proposed business plan, Deep Ocean will construct a land-based power plant but its pumping station will be located in the deep ocean.

Ocean power is one of the energy sources being promoted by the DOE as part of renewable energy development.

With the passage of the Renewable Energy Act last year, the DOE is optimistic that more investments will come in including those for ocean power development.

The DOE has conducted several studies in the past which identified at least 16 potential ocean power sites.

These areas are: Camarines, Northeastern Samar, Surigao, Bataan Island, Catanduanes, Tacloban, San Bernardino Strait, Babuyan Island, Ilocos Norte, Siargao Island and Davao Oriental.

There is an existing study on tidal current systems in the Hinatuan Passage in Surigao and San Bernardino Strait between Leyte and Samar for possible power development.

Ocean energy resource is abundant in the Philippines with potential capacity seen to reach up to 170,000 megawatts. This exceeds the 4,350 MW additional power requirement of the country in the next six years.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization launched several years ago a project aimed at promoting and disseminating in the Asian region the use and application of marine current technology. The UNIDO project involved the Philippines , China and Indonesia.

A few years back, a feasibility study was supposed to be conducted jointly by the ASEAN Center for Energy and the governments of these three countries.

Ponte di Archimede, an Italian company, provided the technology called Kobold Turbine, made for the purpose of exploiting marine currents and can produce more than 70 kilowatts of power.

The proponents of the study were optimistic to put up 10 units that could provide electricity to far flung areas in these three countries. The technology test will run up to two to three years or until 2008.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=439753&publicationSubCategoryId=66

US-based ocean power development firm eyes RP
By Donnabelle L. Gatdula Updated February 13, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - An ocean power development company based in the United States is planning to invest in the Philippines, a Department of Energy (DOE) source said.

The DOE source said Deep Ocean Power Philippines, a unit of California-based Deep Ocean Power, is currently conducting studies on at least 36 sites for possible ocean power sources.

These sites are located in Laoag, Zambales, Mindoro, Isabela, Panay, Negros and parts of Mindanao.

“They applied for 36 sites covering 21,450 hectares, however the areas are still subject to verification under the prescribed blocking system of the DOE,” the source said.

At present, Deep Ocean is engaged in the business of using ocean thermal energy conversion which makes use of the temperature differential between the warm surface waters of the oceans, heated by solar radiation, and the deeper cold waters to generate electricity.

Based on the proposed business plan, Deep Ocean will construct a land-based power plant but its pumping station will be located in the deep ocean.

Ocean power is one of the energy sources being promoted by the DOE as part of renewable energy development.

With the passage of the Renewable Energy Act last year, the DOE is optimistic that more investments will come in including those for ocean power development.

The DOE has conducted several studies in the past which identified at least 16 potential ocean power sites.

These areas are: Camarines, Northeastern Samar, Surigao, Bataan Island, Catanduanes, Tacloban, San Bernardino Strait, Babuyan Island, Ilocos Norte, Siargao Island and Davao Oriental.

There is an existing study on tidal current systems in the Hinatuan Passage in Surigao and San Bernardino Strait between Leyte and Samar for possible power development.

Ocean energy resource is abundant in the Philippines with potential capacity seen to reach up to 170,000 megawatts. This exceeds the 4,350 MW additional power requirement of the country in the next six years.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization launched several years ago a project aimed at promoting and disseminating in the Asian region the use and application of marine current technology. The UNIDO project involved the Philippines , China and Indonesia.

A few years back, a feasibility study was supposed to be conducted jointly by the ASEAN Center for Energy and the governments of these three countries.

Ponte di Archimede, an Italian company, provided the technology called Kobold Turbine, made for the purpose of exploiting marine currents and can produce more than 70 kilowatts of power.

The proponents of the study were optimistic to put up 10 units that could provide electricity to far flung areas in these three countries. The technology test will run up to two to three years or until 2008.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=439753&publicationSubCategoryId=66

SUPER NICE... it is environmentally friendly... good bye OIL which is very pollutant and expensive... if that will happen(smiling mischeivously)

JICA turns over equipment in Sagay

The Japan International Cooperation Agency turned over P3 million worth of facilities and equipment to the city government of Sagay and the Barangay Council of Rizal, recently, a Sagay City press release said.

Turned over was the newly-constructed Materials Recovery Facility for Brgy. Rizal erected on a 780 square-meter lot provided by the local government. It consists of an MRF office and a processing building and support equipment and tools, the press release said.

Also given were a service vehicle and multi-media equipment.

Mayor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said that Sagay, a recipient of the project from JICA and the Japan Official Development Assistance, hopes to benefit from cooperative efforts and projects for Sagaynons, the press release said.

JICA Philippine representative, Makoto Iwase, vowed to push for an enhanced solid waste management program for the city, which is part of the three pilot cities of the JICA project on the Establishment of Ecological Waste Management System.

Also present was Brgy. Kagawad Proserpina Destua, who thanked JICA in behalf of Brgy. Capt. Donato Marañon, the press release said.

At the ceremony were JICA team members Takashi Goto, Masaharu Takasugi, Sampei Nakanishi, and Masashi Watanabe; JICA local staff Danny Castillon, Management Council executive director Manual Lopez, Sagay Planning and Development officer Rodnel de los Reyes, city engineer Nick Butch Bustillo, Danny Jolipa, School of the Future principal Nenita Gamao, barangay officials, teachers and other guests, the press release added.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/February/18/pix/bais.jpg
Jose Montinola photo

TOURISM. The Bais City sandbar is one of the many tourist attractions of Negros Oriental*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/February/18/pix/bais.jpg

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/February/18/pix/bais.jpg
Jose Montinola photo

TOURISM. The Bais City sandbar is one of the many tourist attractions of Negros Oriental*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/February/18/pix/bais.jpg

hello migo champ... ive been here and all i can say is...

wooooooooooooooow!!! the best guid!!!

^^i really enjoy going to the oriental side from escalante down to dumaguete. the view along the hiway is simply amazing, crystal clear water and the sea cliffs are a sight to behold.:)

^^there is also a sandbar in Sagay City Marine Reserve...Sagay Marine Reserve was 1 of the 9 finalists for the 2007 National Outstanding Marine Protected Areas Support Network Awards and Recognitions Event,,,and it was awarded 2nd placer...Topping the event was 1st place Handumon Marine Sanctuary of Bohol, while the 3rd place went to Twin Rocks Marine Sanctuary of Batangas.

Royalty Fees to Geothermal LGU-Hosts Released


President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to immediately release the long overdue royalty fees due various local government units (LGUs) in the country for the harnessing of their geothermal resources.

Rep. George Arnaiz (2nd district, Negros Oriental) brought home the good news as he disclosed over the weekend that the development came following a meeting with the President late last week.

In that meeting, Negros Oriental Gov. Emilio Macias II, Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jr. and other local chief executives from host LGUs in the country raised their concerns to President Arroyo regarding the delay in the release of their royalty fees from the Energy Development Corporation (EDC).

LGUs that host the EDC’s geothermal power plants in Negros Oriental, Leyte, Bicol and North Cotabato have not received their royalty shares starting from the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2007 after the full privatization of the PNOC-EDC last year.

Prior to this, the royalty fees were being paid directly to the host LGUs. However, with the company’s privatization, the same fees are now being remitted to the Department of Energy and then on to the DBM.

With this, the royalty fees have yet to be included in the General Appropriations Act before these can be released to the recipient host LGUs, such that this has affected several development projects in the host LGUs.

Provincial and local officials in Negros Oriental earlier questioned the DBM authority on the royalty fees, citing conditions as provided for under RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

Rep. Arnaiz, chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, believes that unless otherwise amended, it seems clear that only the computation is required to be submitted to DBM, but the allocation and releases adhere with Section 286 of the local government code and Article 390 of the IRR.

Both provide that the share of each LGU shall be released without need of any further action directly to the provincial, city, municipal or barangay treasurers within five days and which shall not be subject to any lien or hold back that maybe imposed by the national government.

President Arroyo, after having been enlightened on the matter, ordered Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya, Jr. to make the necessary computations and forward these to National Treasurer Bobby Tan for the immediate release of the royalty fees, said Rep. Arnaiz.

In Valencia town alone, host of the 192-MW Palin-pinon I and Palinpinon II geothermal power plants, the royalty shares covering the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2007 would reach an estimated P86 million, said Valencia information officer Desiderio Tilos, Jr.

Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jr. had earlier initiated a position paper, which was circulated among the other host LGUs, seeking the immediate release of royalty shares as many employees from his town have lost their jobs. These employees receive their salaries from the EDC’s royalty shares, said Mayor Gonzalez, Jr.* (PNA)

February 24, 2009
Town sets mobile passporting (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/February/24/people.htm)

Rep. Ignacio Arroyo Jr. (Neg. Occ., 5th District) will bring the Department of Foreign Affairs Passporting Service to Moises Padilla on March 21 to 22, at the Municipal Auditorium from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Director Reynaldo Cardenas will be the team leader for the passporting service, a press release from Arroyo’s office said.

The DFA will accommodate a total of 600 applicants or 300 applicants each day.

The applicants are advised to bring their birth certificate, marriage contract authenticated by the National Statistics Office and other necessary requirements attached on the application form, the press release said.

They must also secure extra copies of their birth certificate and marriage contract in SECPA from the NSO as documents submitted to the DFA will be considered as "DFA files," Cardenas said.

Passport fee is P750, Cardenas said, and that, personal appearance is a must for new applicants.

Arroyo said the activity will be open to residents of the fifth district, who can save money and time if they avail of this mobile passporting service, the press release said.

The release of the new passports will be on April 18, Celeanor Pacaña, releasing team leader, said.*

NegOr gets hospital equipment
BY MARICAR ARANAS

The German Ministry of Defense, Humanitarian Help Department through the Sampaguita Deutsch-Philippinischer Club, donated P2.5 million worth of minor surgical diagnostic equipment to the Community Primary Hospitals in Negros Oriental, recently.

Dr. Chelsa Cacaldo, Community Primary Hospitals Supervisor, said the equipment will be distributed to six community hospitals in the province. These include the Kalumboyan in Bayawan City, Amio – Santa Catalina, Nabilog – Tayasan, Pacuan – La Libertad, Inapoy – Mabinay and Isabela in Guihulngan.

Sampaguita Deutsch-Philippinischer Club chairman, Araceli Bejar-Heimann, said this is the second batch of donations from the German Ministy of Defense.

The first was on September 18, 2006 for various medicines given to the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital.

Heimann said there could be more medical surgical equipment to be donated to the province, “if only there will be less bureaucracy in the government system.”

Gov. Emilio Macias II, who was present during the turnover, said he was elated at the support of the German Ministry of Defense and to Araceli Bejar-Heimann for helping Negros Oriental improve its medical services.

He added that the purpose of opening community primary hospitals in far-flung communities is to bring the basic services of the government closer to the people.

These hospitals also serve, not only residents of Negros Oriental, but also the neighboring barangays in Negros Occidental.

Macias said majority of the poor residents in the mountain cannot afford to be hospitalized due to lack of financial resources. He added that he will find more ways to help improve the community primary hospitals. This will also help decongest the patients at the provincial hospital that has recorded an increase in admittance of patients every month, Macias said.

The governor said he is planning to put up infirmaries in strategic towns in the province including an emergency clinic in Lake Balanan in Brgy. Sandulot, Siaton.*MA

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/February/28/negor3.htm

Escalante City, LBP ink P97M loan for road improvement (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2009/02/05/escalante.city.lbp.ink.p97m.loan.for.road.improvement.html)
By Bobby J. Mahadali

BACOLOD CITY -- Escalante Mayor Melecio Yap and the officials of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) here signed a loan agreement amounting to P97 million for the road improvement for the 10 barangays, namely, Buenavista, Rizal, Lagub, Malugtungan, Hapitan, Washington,Cervantes, Alimango, and Binagyhan.

Mayor Yap said they availed of the loan because of its low interest.

He said this loan is part of the P220 million loan which will finance the construction of the Integrated Bus Terminal, water facilities, slaughterhouse and coliseum.

The collateral of the loan is the city's Internal Revenue Allotment particularly the 20% Development Fund. It will be payable in 10 years.

The council of Escalante authorized the City Mayor to negotiate with Land Bank of the Philippines.

Cong. Jules Ledesma also gave the LGU an allocation for some of its projects and Gov. Isidro Zayco also gave every barangay P200,000 last year.

He said, "It's my dream to have good roads in Escalante. Hope to finish it before my term ends."

IN NEGOR
Bayawan as agri capital eyed
BY MARICAR ARANAS

Bayawan City is aiming to become the agriculture capital of Negros Oriental, Mayor German Sarana, in his State of the City Address on Monday said.

The city has vast irrigable areas highly potential for agriculture development and production. A total of 140 hectares are planted to permanent crops mainly coconut, banana, rubber tree, coffee and other fruit bearing trees, he said.

The city also conducted an Organic Agriculture Forum which was facilitated under the auspices of the Development of Agriculture Sustainable Initiative for Growth program, funded by the National Economic Development Authority with P1 million allocation.

The City Agriculture Office has also produced 2,450 bags at 50 kilograms per bag of organic fertilizer. A total of 1,446 thousand cavans of rice seeds worth P1.16 million were distributed to farmers in Bayawan, Sarana said.

Bayawan is consistently one of the top three rice producers in the province.

Sarana said the Technology and Institutional Development Section of CAO also produced 20,508 packs of Bio-N to 4,100 farmers. Organic agriculture is the most healthy way of farming because it does not use any harmful chemicals that can damage the environment, and contributes to the conservation of the environment that is now affected with the erratic weather pattern due climate change, he said.

The mayor believes that the erratic weather pattern is an indication of the effects of global warming or climate change. He said the devastating effects of global warming and weather changes affect the local agriculture and industry.

The city has started implementing environmental programs and projects to provide local measures to adopt to climate change or at least mitigate its effects.

Among the environmental projects adopted by Bayawan is the implementation of the Forest Land Use Plan. The local government units has acquired the 200 hectares in Danapa, Barangay Nangka for watershed management.

Sarana said these areas are mostly idle lands with varying levels of vegetative cover. The open areas are planted to fast growing tree species that include 3,460 trees of acacia mangium, 4.610 of mahogany and several native species.

Other areas with existing vegetations are being assisted for natural regeneration and enrichment planting, Sarana said.*MA

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/March/05/negor3.htm

Twin springs developed as tourist site
BY MARICAR ARANAS

Dauin Mayor Rodrigo Alanano said they the twin spring in Barangay Baslay in the municipality is being developed to become a tourism destination in Negros Oriental.

Alanano said they plan to construct an exclusive pool for senior citizens and for persons with physical disabilities. Gov. Emilio Macias II allocated some P5 million for the sheds and comfort rooms near the area which has a boiling sulfuric spring and a natural cold water spring.

The spring is located downhill and has an estimated 300 steps, making it difficult for senior citizens who cannot sustain prolonged walking, Macias said.

Alanano said the pool will be constructed near the main road. The sulfuric hot water from the spring will be extracted through a water pump from the source to the pool.

The sulfuric hot spring is believed to have healing effects especially for skin diseases. The tourist site is fully accessible to all types of vehicle after the construction of the Barangay Bunga-Baslay road was completed.*MA

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/March/06/negor4.htm

Canlaon to host national mountain bike competition
BY ALEX PAL

The National Mountain Bike Challenge, a yearly project of the Office of the 1st Congressional District, will be held in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, this weekend.

Fritz Gubaton of the Canlaon City Bikers said the contest, scheduled March 14 to 15 in the "City in the Sky", the 2nd National Mountain Bike Challege will have cross country and downhill competitions.

Last year, Guihulngan and La Libertad hosted the event which attracted around 200 mountain bike enthusiasts from all over the country.

The Downhill Open Expert scheduled on March 14 comes with a prize of P15,000, P8,000 and P5,000 for first, second and third, respectively.

While the Executive, Intermediate and Novice have prizes ranging from P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000.

In the Cross Country competition scheduled on March 15, categories include Open Expert, Senior Sports, Veterans, Masters, Executives and Beginners.

Prizes for Open Expert are P10,000, P5,000 and P3,000 for first, second and third, respectively.

All the other categories have top prizes of P5,000, P3,000, and P2,000 in the cross country, Gubaton said.

Registration starts on March 13 at the Canlaon City Children's Park with a registration fee of P350.

Gubaton said interested bikers may call him at 09085384423 for more details.*AP

‘We’re living one-island dream now’
BY NANETTE GUALDAQUIVER

BRGY. INAPOY – Oriental Negros Gov. Emilio Macias II yesterday said both Negros provinces are already reaping the benefits of working together in their common projects even if their dream of having a “one island, one region” will not be realized.

“Even if we don’t do it, we’re already playing it. We’re already living it, and experiencing the benefits of working together,” Macias said.

This village is situated in the boundary of both provinces, between Kabankalan City in Occidental and Mabinay town in Oriental.

One of first joint projects of both provinces, the Inapoy Primary Community Hospital, here is located in the Inapoy, Mabinay side, where Macias and Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco met yesterday for the meeting of Negros Island Integrated Water Resource Management Council and the 12th year celebration of the ICPH.

The ICPH, managed by both provinces, was established in 1997 under the Negros Island Development Plan through the initiative of Macias and his Occidental counterpart, then Gov. Rafael Coscolluela. Zayco was mayor of Kabankalan at that time.

The hospital serves about 40,000 residents in the far-flung barangays of Inapoy, Pinaguinpinan, Bantayan, Tagoc, Tabugon, and Tapi in Kabankalan and Inapoy, Arebasore, Kauswagan, New Namangka, Manlingay, and Barras in Mabinay.

A similar hospital project is located at the boundary of Brgy. Sikatuna, Isabela and Brgy. Luz, Guihulngan.

Another joint initiative is the Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation Inc. which promotes organic farming among Negrenses.

“This only shows that while there is no law uniting both Negros provinces politically as one region, people who inhabit this island have a strong desire to be one,” Macias said.

Zayco also acknowledged that life has been made better for many Negrenses with the joint implementation of various projects by both Negros provinces.

He mentioned the Kabankalan-Bayawan friendship highway and the overflow bridge and auction market between Kabankalan and Ayungon.

Zayco added that the improvement in the road networks across the island has also made accessibility between the two provinces better than before.*NLG

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/March/10/topstory6.htm

^^

^^It sounds very pleasant to the ear Migs.One Negros,One Island.:cheers::cheers:

^^kon ang the other side mag agree on us, dako gid potential sang negros island nga mangin progressive. we become formidable!!!

^^daw wala man guro problema sa mga taga-oreintal kag natural resources sa Negros amo gid ang magpamanggaranon sa aton isla.
Ang road link mayo naman pero i hope nga magka train kita para dasig ang pagtabok sa pihak sang Negros.

^^daw wala man guro problema sa mga taga-oreintal kag natural resources sa Negros amo gid ang magpamanggaranon sa aton isla.
Ang road link mayo naman pero i hope nga magka train kita para dasig ang pagtabok sa pihak sang Negros.

amo gid ina migo ang kinanglan kay i think amo na ang number concern nila nga kon ang regional center nila subong which is cebu, mga 45 minutes lang ato na sila didto. amo man sa aton sa bacolod. but the thing is, kon ikaw ya may kaugalingon nga salakyan, you can't get the same comfort and convenience when you drive your own. i hope ang LRT project sang silay madayon kag palambuton asta dumaguete naman dayon. baw, wala na sang makapyirde pa.

^^or maskin ang mga locomotive na lang sang mga central anay gamiton.At least pwede ang riles sa tubo kag pwede man pampasahero.Later on na lang na ang ala bullet train nga klase:lol::lol:

^^pareho sang PNR nga mga trains migo...hehehe. daw wala sang mya gasakay kay kalaw-ay.:lol: kag isa pa migo, ang mga yanson basi maapektuhan. got an idea, ngaa ayhan ang mga yanson kay tungod nga ara na sila sa transport industry indi na lang mag-invest sa sina nga project.

^^ang sa PNR lain na ya ang storya kag dapat kon magsakay ka didto indi ka sa bintana kay basi mahabuyan ka sang....:lol: Sa kanami-on sang mga view nga ma-agyan sa Negros both sa oriental kag occidental sigurado damo man maganyat magsakay kag fresh na fresh ang hangin.:D
Basi pa lang mapisaran na nila sa dili madugay Migs kag kabay pa.Pwede gid sa pangcargo kag pampasahero ang train.Mas madasig ang pagbyahe sang tawo kag sang mga produkto.

if the federalism state is successfully formed, how i wish to be name it United Negros (UN)

PIA Press Release
2009/03/11

DSWD Sec. Cabral visits Silay City (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p090311.htm&no=99)

Bacolod City (11 March) -- DSWD Sec. Esperanza I. Cabral went to Silay City, Negros Occidental recently.

Cabral distributed "Katas Ng VAT: Tulong Para Kay Lolo at Lola" a financial assistance program for the senior citizens.

Silay Mayor Jose Montelibano said that 500 senior citizens of the city received P500 each at Natalio Velez Sports and Culture Center.

Cabral also turned-over seed capital for 1 SEA-K Association of Silay City.

Cabral was met by Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano and Cong. Jose Carlos Lacson at Bacolod –Silay Airport.

The secretary and her entourage were toured in Silay City tourist attractions. (PIA/cad) [top]

March 14, 2009
Talisay hacienda energized (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/March/14/people.htm)

The City of Talisay in Negros Occidental and the Central Negros Electric Cooperative held a switch-on ceremony in Hda. Alasigan, Barangay Dos Hermanas, recently, a Talisay press release said.

The project costing P1,468,611.50 includes the extension of an 18-span, single phase primary line, 16-span open secondary line with third wire, stringing of 7-span under build-secondary line with third wire and installation of 2-10 KVA DIST transformer with its accessories.

Mayor Eric Saratan led the ceremony with CENECO Talisay Field Office manager Henry Garde, Councilors Renel Garcia, Gorgonio Treyes III, Felix Hiballes and Edwin Pahilanga, and barangay officials headed by Barangay Captain Fernando Dolendo.

Saratan reiterated the commitment of the city government for development efforts in the grassroots level, the press release said.

The City Engineering Office also reported that Hda. Esmeralda II is scheduled to be energized next, the press release added.*

^^or maskin ang mga locomotive na lang sang mga central anay gamiton.At least pwede ang riles sa tubo kag pwede man pampasahero.Later on na lang na ang ala bullet train nga klase:lol::lol:

i hope this will come true :) no more boundaries for NegrOr and NegOc... :)

March 23, 2009
EDC drills first well at MKNP buffer zone (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2009/03/23/edc.drills.first.well.at.mknp.buffer.zone.html)
By Bobby J. Mahadali

MAILUM, Bago City – The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) has started to drill the first well at the Buffer Zone of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field Resident Manager Gino Dela Cruz said that the drilling of the first well has already reached 358 meters out of the 2,700 meters. Two pads will be constructed at the buffer zone and each pad will compose five wells and the drilling period will take 90 days.

He said that they are expecting to put on line the geothermal steam from the buffer zone by 3rd quarter or mid next year.

The drilling operation is done on 24-hour basis.

Mr. Erwin Magallanes, EDC Environmental Management Supervisor, said that they are currently widening the pad M2 and they will have an all weather road going to the pads.

They expect the operation of the power plant at its full capacity of 30 megawatts, Magallanes said. He also assured that the power to be generated from the Northern Negros Geothermal Power Field will be supplied in the province based on the agreement signed by the company and the provincial government. The company will abide with the agreement, he said.

Moreover, there were 2,525 trees out of the 4,213 trees they were allowed to cut. Out of the 34 century old trees, only 12 trees were cut.

With the completion of the road network going to the pads, EDC has adopted a mitigating measure citing the cogon matting to avoid soil erosion.

2009/03/19
First Basura Summit 2009 held in Cadiz City (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090319.htm&no=83)

Cadiz City (19 March) -- City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. foresees Cadiz City as a zero waste society in years as he initiated the First Basura Summit 2009, recently at the Laura Seafront Beach Resort in the city.

Escalante said the summit aimed to awaken the local religious sectors and get them involved in all government programs on environmental protection and solid waste management. It was also to eliminate the sectarian attitude of the church leaders.

The one-day sumposium tackled the focal issue on the implementation of R.A. 9003.

Elmer Espeja, project officer of the Provincial Environmental Management Office, advocated on the Climate Change and Key Features pf R.A.9003. Other speakers talked about the overview and problems in the implementation of R.A.9003, presented the LGU solid waste management paln of action for 2009.

Open forums and workshops for SWOT analysis and the role of each sector in the implementation of R.A.9003 were conducted immediately every after discussion. (PIA/cad) [top]

Road project to improve peace, order
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Governor Isidro Zayco yesterday lauded the proposed construction and improvement of a P1-billion Isabela-Sikatuna road in Negros Occidental and Sikatuna-Guihulngan roads in Negros Oriental, saying it will further improve the peace and order situation in central Negros.

The project has been endorsed by the Western Visayas Regional Development Council.

The boundary of Isabela and Guihulngan that used to the battleground of the New People’s Army rebels and government forces, will be accessible to the people in transporting their goods to the market, Zayco said.

The proposed project under the 28th Yen Loan Package of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, includes the improvement of an all-weather road, and the construction of new road sections for a total of 56 kilometers from the Isabela poblacion to Brgy. Sikatuna in Negros Occidental, and from the provincial boundary to the Guihulngan poblacion at P642.96 million.

Zayco said there are also proposals to connect Himamaylan City and Tayasan , as well as Binalbagan in Negros Occidental to La Libertad in the Oriental side.

At present, there are roads connecting La Castellana to Canlaon City, Kabankalan City to Mabinay, as well as Bacolod-Don Salvador Benedicto to San Carlos City.

*GPB

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/April/02/topstory6.htm

13 CITIES...................19 MUNICIPALITIES....................ONE PROVINCE...
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
PANAAD SA NEGROS 2009

April 18-26, 2009, Panaad Park and Stadium, Bacolod City
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

"Dali na sa Negros kag mamyesta, Sa Negros may tubo kag madamu pa!!"

April 2, 2009
Road project to improve peace, order (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/April/02/topstory6.htm)
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Governor Isidro Zayco yesterday lauded the proposed construction and improvement of a P1-billion Isabela-Sikatuna road in Negros Occidental and Sikatuna-Guihulngan roads in Negros Oriental, saying it will further improve the peace and order situation in central Negros.

The project has been endorsed by the Western Visayas Regional Development Council.

The proposed project under the 28th Yen Loan Package of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, includes the improvement of an all-weather road, and the construction of new road sections for a total of 56 kilometers from the Isabela poblacion to Brgy. Sikatuna in Negros Occidental, and from the provincial boundary to the Guihulngan poblacion at P642.96 million.

Zayco said there are also proposals to connect Himamaylan City and Tayasan , as well as Binalbagan in Negros Occidental to La Libertad in the Oriental side.

At present, there are roads connecting La Castellana to Canlaon City, Kabankalan City to Mabinay, as well as Bacolod-Don Salvador Benedicto to San Carlos City.

The RDC is requesting for an augmentation of human resource and heavy equipment from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for the implementation of 81 projects in 36 Kalahi Para sa Kalayaan Program barangays in Region 6.

The Western Visayas RDC also passed three resolutions urging the OPAPP to provide funds for the signages of K4K projects, calling for the National Food Authority Council to apply the price of rice given to Tindahan Natin and Tindahan sa Parokya outlets for RPA-ABB rice retail oulets operating in Kalahi areas of the region, and for the Department of Public Works and Highways to come up with a standard design and program of works for the construction of P500,000 worth of classroom building.*GPB

full story (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/April/02/topstory6.htm)

‘Opposition of Tamlang municipality premature’
BY JUDY F. PARTLOW

Rep. Henry Pryde Teves (Neg. Or., 3rd District) described as “premature” the objections raised by some quarters to the idea of creating Tamlang Valley into a municipality Thursday.

He said there is no formal proposal yet as it was just an idea that has to go through a rigid process, such as public consultation with local officials and other stakeholders.

Early this week, local officials raised concerns at a public consultation that their towns would stand to lose part of their internal revenue allotments if the Tamlang Valley municipality would cover some of their land area.

“I won’t ram it in their throats,” Teves said, adding that, right now, the proposed creation of Tamlang Valley into a municipality does not even have specific areas of coverage and fixed boundaries.

If any, the proposal should come from the residents of Tamlang Valley, as they are the ones to benefit from the creation of a new municipality in the area, Teves added.

Tamlang Valley straddles the boundaries of Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Sibulan, Pamplona and Valencia.

Barangays within the valley are hardly accessible due to the bad conditions of existing roads.

The villages that are situated within the boundaries of Tamlang Valley are Talalak in Sta. Catalina, Mantiquil and Apoloy in Siaton, Dobdob in Valencia, Enrique Villanueva in Sibulan and Calicanan, in Pamplona.

A new municipality, therefore, would address the needs of the people in the valley, as it would mean better roads, infrastructure, schools, security forces, access to health and medical care, and its own revenue shares and other development efforts, the solon said.

Furthermore, developing the valley will address the problem of insurgency, Teves said.

Teves also said he understands the initial reaction of the local officials who have objected to the idea of a Tamlang Valley municipality.

He pointed out that all stakeholders must have an open mind to the idea, as there will be a compromise agreement before coming up with an arrangement that is favorable to all.

On Internal Revenue Allotment shares, he said this is intended for the people so it does not really matter where the money is being coursed through.

Teves said he would be happy to be invited to the next consultative meeting spearheaded by the Provincial Board so he can interact with the local officials and other stakeholders.

He reiterated his confidence in Board Member Mellimore Saycon capability to lead in the consultations on the proposed Tamlang Valley municipality because of his experience with Don Salvador Benedicto town in Negros Occidental.

Don Salvador Benedicto, which was once affected by the insurgency, is now a thriving municipality, Teves said.*JFP

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/April/04/negor3.htm

Environmentalists explore Negros rainforest (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20090407-198272/Environmentalists-explore-Negros-rainforest)

A team of environmentalists from the United Kingdom and the Philippines set off on Sunday on a two-week biological expedition into the interior of the North Negros Natural Park to explore unchartered areas.

Robert Harland, a director of the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc., said the 13-man Negros Interior Biodiversity Expedition team included scientists, biologists, mountaineers, teachers and logistics experts.

It is led by London-based James Sawyer, a veteran of many similar expeditions to 25 countries and in environmental protection projects, including five years of managing the Negros Rainforest Conservation Project.

“This is the first biological exploration of the interior of the NNNP, a unique area not scientifically explored to date,” Sawyer said.

With a land area of 80,454 hectares, the NNNP is the largest forested area on Negros Island and is home to many rare, endemic and endangered species.

It covers the cities of Talisay, Silay, Victorias, Cadiz, Sagay and San Carlos and the towns of E.B. Magalona, Murcia, Toboso, Calatrava and Don Salvador Benedicto.

Sawyer described the NNNP as “a biodiversity hotspot of great importance.” But its rare and endemic species “are under grave threat from illegal logging, hunting, exotic pet trade and unauthorized land use,” he said.

Rated as one of the top ten most important areas of forest in the world, the NNNP is home to a multitude of rare and endemic species, while also playing a vital role in watershed protection for surrounding communities, Harland said.

“We all feel very privileged to have the opportunity to be part of this ground-breaking expedition,” Sawyer added.

The expedition is partnered by the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation, Inc (NFEFI), which undertook biodiversity surveys between 1999 and 2006 with Coral Cay Conversation in parts of the NNNP covering Talisay, Murcia and Silay, which are all part of the watershed of Bacolod City, Harland said.

Paul Lizares, chairman of NFEFI, said they supported the initiative as it would raise the profile of the park’s threatened habitats.

“As a key recipient of data from the expedition, and of all other benefits, we will work with the team to ensure that maximum benefit comes from the venture,” he said.

The expedition also includes seasoned British filmmaker Tara Watney, who has produced many documentaries, dramas, feature films and commercials. She will make a documentary that is expected to be aired by television stations in many countries.

April 13, 2009
Massive roads concreting in Dumaguete starts today (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/April/13/negor2.htm)

Massive cementing of major city streets and national roads in Dumaguete will start today, with funds sourced by the office of Rep. George Arnaiz (Neg.Or., 2nd District).

In a recent press briefing, Arnaiz and Dumaguete Mayor Agustin Perdices had asked for the understanding of the motorists and the public, for the temporary inconvenience what will last for three months.

They assured the public that the project will be completed in time for the opening of classes in June.

Scheduled for concreting are the stretch of Real Street from corner Silliman Avenue to the new bridge in Barangay Tabuc-Tubig which will incur P37 million; P64 million for the concreting of the road in Barangay Calindagan to the city limit in Banilad/Bacong; and P10 million for the concreting of the road from Junob to Talay.

Also scheduled is the road project at Silliman Avenue corner Real Street to Rizal Boulevard, and concreting is going on at the Saint Paul’s area, Mango Avenue in Piapi and airport road.

The public is encouraged to obey traffic signs and the rerouting scheme, so as not to create traffic congestion in areas in the project areas.

The massive concreting project is part of the more than P500 million road cementing and widening project of the entire second district.*JG

April 14, 2009
Cadiz City, EB Magalona PNP tops 1st Quarter evaluation (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2009/04/14/cadiz.city.eb.magalona.pnp.tops.1st.quarter.evaluation.html)

For the nth time, the city police station of Cadiz and the EB Magalona PNP Station top the 1st quarter Performance Evaluation Rating of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.

Police Chief Inspector Rico Santotome Jr, NOPPO spokesman, said that based on the 1st quarter rating for the perion 01 January to 31 March 2009, Cadiz City Police Station ranked first with 86.12% followed by San Carlos City Police Station with 85.99% while Talisay City Police Station came in third with 85.16%.

The 2008 City Police Station of the Year awardee, Cadiz City Police Station is under the command of multi-awarded officer, Police Chief Inspector Jefferson Descallar while San Carlos and Talisay have Police Superintendent Harold Tuzon and PSupt Thomas Joseph Martir, respectively, as chiefs of police.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]

In the municipal police station category, EB Magalona Police Station took first honors with a rating of 82.59%.. Under the leadership of Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mina, the station also was named as the Municipal Police Station of the Year in 2008 in Negros Occidental.

Hinigaran PNP, with Police Senior Inspector Sonny Boy Bernus as chief of police, placed second with 80.97% rating while Manapla Police Station headed by Police Senior Inspector Jose Laboyo edged Valladolid PNP for third spot with 78.36% rating.

The Valladolid Police Station, which was awarded as Best Municipal Police Station in 2006, placed fourth with 78.35% under the leadership of Police Chief Inspector Alexander Munoz.

Meanwhile, the 612th Provincial Mobile Group bested three other PMGs with a 73.95% rating followed by the 613th, 614th and 611th PMGs in particular order. PSupt Roderick Alba is the Group Director of 612th PMG.

The first quarter evaluation of the 12 city, 19 municipal police stations as well as the four PMGs includes rating on accomplishments in operations, intelligence, investigation, personnel, logistics, human resource and police community relations according to PSupt Antonietto Canete, chef of NOPPO's Operations and Plans Branch.

Cadiz City PNP, EB Magalona Police Station and the 612th PMG will receive a certificate of merit this coming Monday during the flag raising ceremony at Camp Alfredo Montelibano in line with NOPPO's action plan "TEAM NEGROS" and under the able leadership of Police Senior Superintendent Manuel Felix, NOPPO director.

RDC endorses reg’l tourism project
BY MARICAR ARANAS

The Regional Development Council has endorsed the Strategic Destination Area project for tourism development under the Department of Tourism, for the four provinces in Central Visayas.

Under the SDA, tourism sites such beaches, resorts, natural or manmade attractions are identified for redevelopment or improvement in a particular province.

RDC chairperson and Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia had earlier emphasized that the four provinces of Region 7 should be part of the SDA, unlike in the original endorsement proposal where only Cebu and Bohol are included, while Dumaguete City only belonged to an emerging SDA.

Also part of the emerging SDA are Sibulan, Tambobo Bay in Siaton and Bais Bay in Bais City, all in Negros Oriental.

Negros Oriental Gov. Emilio Macias II said Dumaguete is not Negros Oriental, and there are plenty of areas in the province that can be developed into tourism destinations.

He suggested the inclusion of the province of Siquijor, one of the prime tourism destinations and tagged as the mystic island of Central Visayas. It is more fitting to give priority to Negros Oriental and Siquijor as these are still behind in terms of tourism development compared to Cebu and Bohol, Macias added.

He also stressed that there are several tourism destinations in Negros Oriental that needed infrastructure development, to help the province and the region sell more in terms of tourism, invite investors, and create jobs.

The SDA program will identify the needs, especially infrastructures support, to further improve regional tourism.

Central Visayas was identified under the Supra regions for tourism destination in the country, by President Gloria Arroyo.*MA

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/April/15/negor1.htm

San Carlos City sets education summit (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090416.htm&no=90)
PIA Press Release
2009/04/16

Negros Occidental (16 April) -- The local government of San Carlos City with the San Carlos Development Board, Inc. (SCDB) and the Department of Education is initiating an Education Summit to provide strategic direction for improving basic education in the city.

The summit, dubbed as the "San Carlos Education Summit: Basic Education Excellence Towards MDG Realization," is set on April 22-23, 2009.

This summit is the city's response to realize the national commitment to attain the Millennium Development Goals 2 which seeks to attain Universal Primary Education.

Bro. Rolly Dizon, FSC, former Chairman, Commission on Higher Education will be the main speaker of the summit. The event will also be graced by Mrs. Mildred Garay, Assistant Regional Director and OIC, Office of the Regional Director, DEP-ED Region VI.

San Carlos Development Board, Inc. (SCDBI), the first of its kind in the country is a non-stock, non-profit foundation, created to coordinate the development of the city in line with the city's Master Development Plan, spearheads the initiative.

The summit will establish a balance between rural and urban development, as well as social and economic development.

The focus of the summit is on basic education as a critical poverty alleviation mechanism since lack of access to education results to poor access to economic resources. This also aims to upgrade the city's human resource base to attain its economic development thrust.

The San Carlos City Master Development Plan, as well as the creation of the SCDBI, are initiatives by San Carlos City local government to become attain sustainability. Such initiatives brought the city national recognition as a Gawad Galing Pook 2008 awardee for excellence in local governance. (San Carlos/PIA/EAD)

April 21, 2009
Macias opens farm-to-market roads (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/April/21/negor2.htm)
BY MARICAR ARANAS

The P2-million farm-to-market road leading to Lake Balanan in Barangay Sandulot, Siaton, Negros Oriental, was inaugurated by Gov. Emilio Macias II recently.

The Sandulot-Managobsob-Kantiban road connects several barangays of the municipalities of Siaton and Sta Catalina, without passing through the national highway.

The province has allocated P2 million for the opening, widening of existing barangays roads and other improvements. Some portion of the Sandulot-Managobsob-Kantiban road already exist that compliment the opening of the new farm to market road.

Macias said this will provide accessibility to the residents of San Francisco in Sta. Catalina to visit Lake Balanan without passing through the national highway. He also observed that, through the road access, most farmers could bring their products to the market directly.

The new road connects some hinterland barangays from Kantiban in Siaton to Sitio Hingles of Barangay San Francisco, Milagrosa and Manalongon, Santa Catalina.

Macias said he was amazed by the rice terraces found in these barangays, which, he stressed, is also a good site for tourism and could help support the food security program of the province.

Aside from rice production there were also some plantation of root crops and high valued vegetables. Some of the farmers slowly practice adopting the organic farming method in rice production.

The Provincial Agricultures Office is promoting the organic farming system through the Government Agriculture and Development Center and Barangay Agriculture Development Centers.*MA

TIGHT ROPE
WITH MODESTO P. SA-ONOY

Place names

One of the interesting areas of study of history is tracing the etymology or origin of the names of places. Names, whether of persons, places or things have their own history.

Sometimes we find that the name of a place is a result of mispronunciation by a foreigner or the sheer ignorance of the right word. This perpetuates the error through the years.

For instance: Is the name of the two provinces of the island of Negros right? Is it Negros Occidental or Occidental Negros for the western side and Negros Oriental or Oriental Negros for the eastern part?

The eastern side of the island has already officially adopted Oriental Negros as its name, one of the reasons being to distinguish it from the western side.

Quite often events in that province are credited to the western side to the chagrin of people there, although not so if the publicity is bad.

Both names are correct but only if one used the right language.

If we are writing or speaking in Spanish, Negros Occidental (or Oriental) is grammatically correct, but if we are using English, Occidental Negros is the right way of writing it.

This is due to the difference in grammar. In Spanish, the adjective comes after the noun; it is reversed in English, and ironically, the Hiligaynon language follows the same as English – the adjective coming before the noun.

What then is the official name of the two provinces?

The Administrative Order issued by the Philippine Commission in 1901 designated their official names when the island was divided (again) into two provinces after being briefly reunited as one Republic in 1898.

The western side was to be called Occidental Negros (not Negros Occidental) and Oriental Negros for the eastern side.

If one looks at the façade of the Capitol Building of Occidental Negros the correct name is inscribed there – Occidental Negros.

The government of Occidental Negros, unfortunately, is perpetuating a grammatically erroneous name, aside from its being inconsistent with the law that created it.

The case of Kabankalan is another problem of language. Pronounce the name of this city as written and you have “ka-ban-ka-lan”, not the way it is popularly spoken: “ka-bang-ka-lan.”

Why is the name pronounced with a “g” and but there is no “g” when written? Is there something amiss?

If the word is pronounced without the “g” then the name of the city is derived from the word “kaban” or a trunk; if pronounced as we usually do, with a “g” then the word is derived from a tree, “bangkal” which is its real origin, meaning a place of bangkal trees.

The culprits here are the Spaniards who could not pronounce the “ng” so they write the word without the “g.”

The same thing happened to other places, like the origin of Talisay City which is “Minuluang” and not “Minuluan” as is popularly believed. Spanish documents wrote without the “g” but the Hiligaynon writer used the right word “Minuluang” in the canonical books.

If the word is without a “g” then its origin is “minulu” or small place but if with a ”g” as is the correct origin, then the word means “cavern” or a “hallow” or big “excavation.”

Bacolod is another case. The correct spelling would be with a “k” not a “c” which the Spaniards used because their language has no letter “k”. Bacolod’s SP, however uses “Bakolod” in the compilation of its book of ordinances and resolutions.

If we have to be historically correct, the name should be “Bakulud” because our original language has no letter “o” only the letter “u” which is pronounced similarly.

The candidate of the Lin-ay from Binalbagan had a snake headdress as if to project its legendary origin that spoke of a snake that was found across the road.

If this were so, then the town should be called “Binalabagan” and not “Binalbagan” as the word is derived from the root, “balbag” which means “beat.” The name refers to a place where someone or something was beaten up.

We can cite other examples of how the colonizers had obscured our historical roots by the mere mispronunciation of place names.

Some countries have junked the colonizer-imposed names and returned to the name as it was with their ancestors, part of a movement for national and communal identity. Can we do the same?*

www.visayandailystar.com

This is interesting all negrense should read this... it has lots of history in it :cheers:

Orginal Link - Sugar and the Origins of Modern Philippine Society (http://www.escholarship.org/editions/view?docId=ft4580066d;brand=eschol)

Negros

While Pampanga experienced considerable change socially and economically in the years between the coming of Spain and the 1830s, Negros showed little growth. At the beginning it might have been different. Between 1565 and 1571, the lieutenants of Miguel Lòpez de Legazpi moved about the Visayas in search of a permanent base within the archipelago, first trying Cebu, then Arevalo on the island of Panay. Had either sufficed, Negros, known initially as Buglas, would probably have been transformed into a major supplier of food and a thriving agricultural community. As it was, the lure of gold, access to China, and abundant available food in the surrounding area dictated the choice of Manila, thus determining Pampanga's transformation and Negros's continued somnolence. Lack of good anchorage contributed to the colonial government's paucity of interest in and late development of the latter area. Spanish officials largely ignored Negros from that time on, and its way of life stagnated until demand for sugar radically changed everything more than two and a half centuries later. Isolation marked the intervening years.

Spanish pilot Esteban Rodriguez circumnavigated the island in 1565 and provided the earliest firsthand information on life in western Negros. He confirmed a story circulating among Spaniards that many Negritos inhabited the island, but he learned they resided chiefly in the mountain interiors, while the coastal lowland belonged to people of Malay ethnic background who practiced the common Visayan custom of tattooing their bodies.[29] Negritos so fascinated early Spaniards that they called the island "Negros" after them, allowing the original name to lapse. The new name
― 36 ―

exudes a certain irony, for the nonaggressive Negritos, whose sole economic role lay in trading small, amounts of jungle exotica for staples, kept largely to themselves and never constituted more than a minority of the island's population.

Initial Spanish visitors to Negros had to tramp inland some distance to find settlements of Visayans, even though they noticed people along the shore as they sailed by. They came upon only one exception: a single large community situated where the mouth of a river, possibly the Himamailan, opened out on the Guimaras Strait. The position of most settlement inland and the reaction of fear or hostility the Spaniards encountered from inhabitants indicated that the people of Negros had experienced frequent difficulties with outsiders, probably Moro slavers, who raided Visayan shores.

Denizens of western Negros already depended on agriculture in 1565, and Rodriguez came across rice fields, while in a native vessel he found rice, yams, and fish. At this early period communities clustered along banks of rivers emptying out on the western and most populated side of the island toward Panay, and soldier-writer Miguel de Loarca observed in 1582 that these places produced much rice, swine, and fowl. Farmers could well have employed wet rice techniques, for they had the right terrain, ample water and, probably, some knowledge of the methods of paddy farming.

But Negrenses probably practiced dry rice agriculture as well, especially the swidden type, in areas away from rivers and on less even ground. Francisco Alzina, the great Jesuit commentator on seventeenth-century Visayan life, though not specifically mentioning Negros, did point out that slash-and-burn agriculture predominated in his time. Evidence suggests that wandering people of ethnic Malay origin farmed dry rice in the southwestern highlands and in forested interiors behind the sedentary coastal and riparian communities. Here they raised crops on temporary fields and gathered forest produce which they traded in the lowlands for cloth and other necessities. Known by such names as Carolanos, Bukidnons, Monteses, Mangyans, Mondos, and Ambaks, the most mobile bands have survived in less accessible portions of Negros for centuries, continually defying those who would change their way of life.[30]

An apocryphal version of the founding of Hinigaran goes as follows:

As far as could be determined, the earliest people in these localities were the semisavage Mondos and Ambaks. Traders in sailboats from Panay used to land at [Barrio] Talisay to replenish their food and water supply and brought back to their home island (Panay) stories of the potentialities of fishing and farming in the land they had visited. Slowly but steadily Ma-

― 37 ―

lay settlers from Panay came and drove the Mondos and Ambaks to the interior. The latter called the intruding settlers "taga Higad," vernacular for "by the side," meaning those who were beside the sea.[31]

Such a story portrays the nature of the original settlement of western Negros, for that side of the island showed cultural, economic, and linguistic affinity with Panay from at least the time of the first Spanish observations of the place. For socioeconomic interactions, western Negros has always looked to Panay, eastern Negros to Cebu, because the waters of the Visayas have served as a link between people, and the mountains have kept them apart.

The pattern of Spanish neglect emerged at the onset of colonial rule, and by the beginning of the seventeenth century, Negros's position within the Empire had solidified; it stayed almost static over the next two hundred fifty years. A corregidor (military-political commander) at Ilog, first appointed sometime between 1608 and 1618, represented colonial authority on the island; tax payments in kind continued going directly to Panay until 1734. In that year, Spain transformed all of Negros into a single administrative and revenue collection district with its capital, or cabecera , at Ilog.

Corregidores seem to have done little to promote better conditions; however, these officials had some excuse for their inactivity, because they faced, without much help from Manila, frequent devastation from Moros who ravaged coastal areas as late as the nineteenth century. Each corregidor after 1734 had a military officer to assist him with defense; still, protection remained inadequate on the west coast, for throughout most of the eighteenth century the government stationed hardly any troops on Negros. At least some corregidores faced the Moro threat by removing to Iloilo, leaving the general population to escape danger by either fleeing temporarily or moving permanently into the interior.[32] The government left Negrenses without any real means of improving their welfare and with imperfect guarantees for their personal safety.

What little support Spain provided came chiefly from the Church. At any given time, from their parishes in the coastal lowlands, a small group of priests, sometimes members of friar orders, at others Spanish or Filipino seculars, offered sacraments, served as missionaries to the wandering peoples, and supplied comfort after Moro raids. From the 1770s until almost the mid-nineteenth century, native priests held responsibility for five very large parishes, including many visitas , that stretched from Cauayan as far north as Silay.

The vast expanse of these parishes meant, necessarily, that pastoral care was attenuated, and one Spanish commentator, Robustiano Echaúz, re-
― 38 ―

ported as late as the 1850s the persistence and prevalence, even in the lowlands, of many old Visayan superstitions and religious practices. Religious care on Negros, although more consistent and substantial than government services, proved deficient because of inadequate commitment on the part of the Church. The attitude of both Church and government in western Negros through the 1840s is reflected in that up until then not a single stone church or permanent public building existed in the region, so that Spanish Catholicism and royal authority were represented only by structures of the most perishable materials.[33]

Agricultural conditions on Negros scarcely showed any real change before the 1840s either. A government report of 1739 revealed that the island still met its tax obligations largely with the same produce as that shipped in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries: rice; cabo negro, a palm fiber woven into ship's cable; and a variety of forest products. When the Frenchman Jean Mallat wrote about Negros in the early 1840s, he indicated that only a small crop of cacao and some coffee and tobacco were being planted in elevated areas behind the lowlands. On the plains, farmers still harvested mainly rice and some tobacco, cabo negro, and abaca, paying their government tribute in kind in these commodities. In some years harvests were so poor that alcaldes had to plead for understanding in the delayed collection of tribute, as happened during a long spell of bad times from 1832 to 1835. The only commercial activity on Negros involved some cottage industry weaving of such native fabrics as lornpotes and sinamay , commissioned by great mestizo cloth merchants from Molo and Jaro, on Panay.[34]

Life in western Negros remained brutish and insecure up through the 1830s. Pillaging by Muslim marauders, hostilities with the mountain folk, and government neglect made habitation in the area dangerous for the indigenous population and lacking in amenities for foreign colonials. The first Moro raid reported in colonial times came in 1599, although they had probably occurred before the Spaniards arrived as well. Periodically thereafter Moros plundered the coastal settlements in search of goods and slaves, usually destroying what they could not carry away. Attacks appear to have happened most frequently in the second half of the eighteenth century, declining in the nineteenth. As late as 1829, however, Moros captured a hundred or so natives from Bacolod, Talisay, and Silay as slaves. They took Spaniards, too. In 1771 the governor of Negros was held captive, and sometime in the 1840s Don Agustin Montilla, Spanish founder of the settlement at Pulupandan, had to be ransomed from the Muslim south.[35]

A wall of distrust and dislike also separated Christians from pagans on Negros, making forays into the interior hazardous. Those who lived be-
― 39 ―

yond the pale of colonial control and the sway of the Catholic Church included nomadic Negritos; other aboriginal groups; former lowlanders called remontados who preferred the isolation of the jungle to the colonial order; and a miscellany of wanderers, bandits, and escaped criminals known collectively as cimarrones . Often Spanish attempts to bring these people "under the bell," that is, within the orbit of civil and religious authority, induced hostile reprisals and armed attacks upon the coastal settlements; and in the 1840s Mallat still advised against overland travel between west and east coasts because of possible hostilities along the way.[36]

The thumbnail sketches of all major communities in both Pampanga and Negros in the mid-1840s that Buzeta and Bravo supplied reveal the sharp contrast between the two regions. The former contained wealthy towns, most with substantial churches, schools, permanent municipios (town halls), and private homes of stone and wood. A network of all-season roads connected these communities, bringing them into regular contact with one another and, via the port of Guagua and the postal road, with Manila; thus, Capampangan, at least those in the central poblaciones, received capital news, market prices, and mail weekly. In contrast, western Negros resembled much more a frontier area than a long settled place. The seven widely scattered main towns boasted few solid buildings, religious, gov-ernmental, or residential; and land transportation consisted of narrow, rough paths crossing rivers often unfordable during the rainy season. Access to the outside world, difficult and infrequent, depended on coasting vessels from Cebu and Iloilo; thus such important items as mail and commercial news were available only infrequently. The low depth of rivers and streams closed off interior communities to all save shallow-draft boats.

In the 1830s, Pampanga already possessed an entrenched native elite, infused with economically aggressive Chinese mestizos who controlled the land, monopolized town political offices, and dominated the local professions of soldier, priest, and lawyer, as well as the lower echelons of the colonial bureaucracy. They had already accumulated knowledge of cane agriculture and the art of sugar manufacture and were, indeed, prepared to take advantage of the expansion of commercial farming when it reached their region. The Negros leadership was not, either by virtue of their agricultural ability or by their absorption of entrepreneurial techniques. Two comments speak to the socioeconomic status and economic preparedness of the pre-1850 Negrense principalia:

All the political power and wealth of the island belonged to one or two caciques in each town who possessed a smaller or larger number of carabao, some gold beads hanging around their necks, a few cavanes of rice, scarcely enough necessities

― 40 ―

to maintain their families, and houses enclosed with thin walls of bamboo.[37]

In his memoirs, Nicolas Belleza, an old resident of Bacolod, originally from Molo, Iloilo, presents a very interesting list of gobernadorcillos from the capital of Negros, when that capital was still situated at Himamailan. The list begins in 1770. . . .

Now then, very few of those distinguished family names from that remote time still exist within prominent social and economic circles in the province: such names as De los Santos, De la Cruz, Maguilan, Vivencio, Palandangan, Espino, Gabaton, Andicoy, Guiouin, Varientos, Dopillo, Muncal, Salomon, Laurente, Guiquin. . . . On the other hand, starting in 1840, at the dawn of the sugar era, mixed with some of those old names on the list appear new ones, new immigrants, new gobernadorcillos. . . some of whom were still living a short time ago.[38]

In short, the old elite in Negros was scarcely better off than the poor farmers around them.

However, western Negros began in the 1830s, and especially the 1840s, to receive more attention from the government and to show signs of emerging from its lethargy. Perhaps the most important circumstance that made change possible was the diminution of the Moro threat. Their raid along the coast in 1829 that netted so many prisoners proved to be their last big success, and from that time on, governmental protection and local resistance reached the point that, while occasional attacks took place, they did not have such devastating consequences. Governors Luis Villasis (1833-40) and José Saenz y Vizmanos (1840-48) attempted to shore up coastal defenses, and in 1844, when Don Agustin Montilla petitioned for official recognition of his new agricultural settlement (estancia ) at the visita at Pulupandan, town of Bago, he assured the government that he could adequately protect his laborers from the Moros who stopped at the nearby island of Inampulugan.[39]

Montilla appeared as the first of a wave of new settlers to western Negros, beginning around 1840. Why they chose this area remains unclear, but it may well have had something to do with the extremely low price of land, extolled by Vizmanos and other government officials. Montilla, a Philippine-born Spaniard married to a mestiza from Iloilo, Vicenta Yanzon Locsin, appears to have been something of an adventurer who resigned from a military career before choosing commercial farming. He left the relative comfort of Manila and Iloilo to become a planter on Negros, raising in those early years rice, coconuts, cotton, abaca, maize, and mongo
― 41 ―

beans. He succeeded very well, as the estancia at Pulupandan represented an extension of his original settlement along the Bago River and involved the effort of 118 laborers. In 1844 he sought the assignment of a teniente de justicia to look after the welfare of those workers; three years later the community had grown so much that Montilla requested permission to erect a chapel, because it was too far for the more than eight hundred villagers to go to Bago for church on Sundays.[40]

Whatever his original motivation, Montilla did not go to Negros to plant sugar. Although he owned extensive cultivations along the Bago River and an iron cane-grinding machine when the English entrepreneur Nicholas Loney visited his hacienda in 1860, he had showed no interest in that crop in 1844.[41] It would appear that he learned about sugar from the second significant migrant to Negros, the originator of commercial sugar production on the island, Yves Leopold Germain Gaston.

A twentieth-century source asserts that in 1836 Negros milled 280 tons of sugar, and by the mid-1830s ships at Manila accepted for export Visayan type muscovado wrapped in bayones; nevertheless, the commercial sugar industry on the island really began with the arrival of Gaston in 1844. A sugar expert by profession, he came from Mauritius in 1837 to make sugar for Domingo Roxas in Batangas. That project failed, and Gaston transferred seven years later to Negros to enter business for himself. His application for permanent residence on the island had the enthusiastic endorsement of Governor Vizmanos, a booster of Negros agriculture. At Buen Retiro, his estate in Silay, Gaston constructed the first sugar mill (trapiche ), built an horno economico (a more efficient furnace for boiling the syrup), and planted the first large crop of cane. By 1848 his influence had spread, and Negros production reached 3,000 piculs, around 190 tons, manufactured by four planters: 1,000 piculs by Montilla at Bago, 400 by a certain "Tia Sipa" in Minuluan, 900 by Gaston, and 700 by Eusebio Ruiz de Luzuriaga in Bacolod. The latter was one of a group of Spanish political refugees moving into Negros in the 1840s and 1850s to pursue agriculture, business, and the professions just as the tide in favor of commercial sugar was coming in. Spaniards from the Iberian Peninsula along with Philippine-born Spaniards and Spanish mestizos were to form a significant component of the emerging Negrense elite.[42]

The changing situation in western Negros is reflected in the rise in population from some 18,000 in 1818 to about 35,000 in 1845. The annual growth rate was substantial for the whole area—2.5 percent—but was most spectacular in that part north of the oldest settled area around Ilog.[43] Indeed, that the demographic center of gravity was gradually shifting is indicated by the movement of the capital of the province northward. In
― 42 ―


http://www.escholarship.org/editions/data/13030/6d/ft4580066d/figures/ft4580066d_00006.gif

Map 7.
Settlement in Early Western Negros

1790 it migrated from Ilog, where it had been since earliest colonial times, to Himamailan; then in 1849 it moved again to its present location at Bacolod (map 7). Population in the region not only increased rapidly, but people settled more permanently along the coast and moved toward new agricultural land where they grew more nonrice crops—all reflections of better security and an improved economy.

Immigration of agriculturalists and burgeoning population did not serve as the only evidence of economic development in western Negros; in 1834
― 43 ―

mail service on a fortnightly basis commenced, connecting Himamailan with Manila via eastern Negros, Cebu, Leyte, and Samar.[44] And in 1849 the Recollect Order of friars acquired pastoral supervision of Negros, assuring more extensive religious assistance for the province and indicating that western Negros had reached the point that it merited more attention from the Church establishment.

^^ This piece is interesting. I have to read the whole of it for research and Negrenses should read about it. :)

it is indeed, im interested if these native indigenous tribes still exist? those carolanos and others. also shocking negros only has population of 18,000 at the start of the 19th century.

^^great find.:)

as to your inquiry, the "ati" or tumandoks are still visible up to the present time usually occupying the uplands of negros island and you can see them during in the "tienda" or what we call market day selling indigenous products from "banig", woven baskets to hebal medicines and they are very typical of the indigenous filipinos found in places like zambales and other areas in luzon.

Evidence abounded of the prosperity that lingered in sugarlandia, even as other indicators began to accumulate revealing that the wealth was becoming more unevenly distributed. Sugar barons behaved in the usual extravagant fashion: the University Club continued as the center of social activity for the Negrense "four hundred," while fancy-dress balls brightened the scene in more rural towns. Even though some of the wealthiest sugarmen removed to Manila, Bacolod persisted as the favorite playground of planters and millers with money. Amidst great pomp it became an incorporated city in 1938, and the government spent one million pesos to construct a spacious, well-appointed capitol. A new pier situated to the south promised to bring greater boat traffic to its door, and in 1936 the University of the Philippines began operating a campus in town.[20]

^^quite interesting. i wonder where this campus was? and why was this discontinued?

159 graduate from Kabankalan City training center (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p090428.htm&no=47&r=&y=&mo=)
PIA Press Release
2009/04/28

Bacolod City (28 April) -- A total of 159 trainees graduated from the Kabankalan Training Center (KTC) under the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship recently.

The trainees received their certificates of completion in short-term courses like shielded metal arc welding (national competency 1 and 2), plumbing, carpentry and building wiring (NC2). An automotive course offered in SONEDCO had joined in the graduation.

There were 89 from the 4th District who graduated in plumbing, carpentry and SMAW as scholars of former ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco.

Neg. Occ. Gov. Isidro Zayco guest of honor during the graduation ceremony, who said they are planning to add more courses in Kabankalan Training Center for the coming batches.

Artemio Guancia, administrator of KTC gave the closing remarks where he expressed his appreciation to the support of local government to KTC by constructing more buildings and adding more facilities. (PIA/cad) [top]

This is interesting all negrense should read this... it has lots of history in it :cheers:

Orginal Link - Sugar and the Origins of Modern Philippine Society (http://www.escholarship.org/editions/view?docId=ft4580066d;brand=eschol)

I learned this thru Mr. Modesto Sa-onoy during the Tour-guiding Seminar for Bacolod City last August 2008

^^great find.:)

as to your inquiry, the "ati" or tumandoks are still visible up to the present time usually occupying the uplands of negros island and you can see them during in the "tienda" or what we call market day selling indigenous products from "banig", woven baskets to hebal medicines and they are very typical of the indigenous filipinos found in places like zambales and other areas in luzon.

Hacienda Fermina in Ma-ao owned by the araneta family used to have, atis as their workers, the owners actually built an entire village for this people..by then it was the largest permanent settlement of atis in negros..

http://pechonjr.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/rogue.jpg

Here is what I add to my collection...

I read the magazine, it makes me feel so glad.

^^ vastly interesting.....although medyo bitin, they should run a second issue, there we so many families and fascinating figures they left untouched,...which from what I remember they did state in the mag, ...that they couldn't possibly cover all of it ..

^^its one honest to goodness review of negrense culture; from movies to food to politics. no sugar coating.

May 5, 2009
Infra projects completed soon – army (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/May/05/negor6.htm)
BY RENE GENOVE

Residents of at least 11 remote barangays in Negros Oriental will benefit from the infrastructure projects of the national government’s Kalayaan Barangays Program, before the year ends, Col. Arnaldo Fernandez Jr. of the Philippine Army’s 53rd Engineer Brigade said.

Fernandez said they will finish P35-million worth of infrastructure projects and troopers have completed school buildings in San Jose and Nagbinlod villages in Sta. Catalina town, and Calango and Najandig villages in Zamboanguita, as well health centers in villages in Zamboanguita.

The construction of five other infra projects is ongoing in the towns of Zamboanguita, Sta. Catalina, and Pamplona, through the help of the local governments and communities.

Pamplona Mayor Apolinario Arnaiz Jr. said former rebels are happy with the development projects. He said most villages in his town used to have no roads, bridges, and access to potable water.

Pamplona received P5 million worth of water pipes from the National Anti-Poverty Commission and this has solved the water problems in the barangays, he added.

Insurgency-ridden villages in five towns in the province have been identified as having benefited from the KBP, in an effort to improve the peace and order situation in the countryside.

Two other recipient local governments are Siaton and Sibulan. KBP projects include farm to market roads, two-classroom school buildings, waterworks system, facilities for electricity and health centers.*RG

http://pechonjr.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/rogue.jpg

Here is what I add to my collection...

I read the magazine, it makes me feel so glad.

who's dat chick :):cheers::nuts:

who's dat chick :):cheers::nuts:


YCIAR CASTILLO, negrense model

^^she's a niece of negrense director peque gallaga:)

^^she's a niece of negrense director peque gallaga:)

KOR

^^ she is hot, i never expect such a rare specie is orginally all the way from here ;) negros not only rich in animal specie variation then but also in human. :D

^^ she is hot, i never expect such a rare specie is orginally all the way from here ;) negros not only rich in animal specie variation then but also in human. :D

well beautiful female homo sapiens here in negros, dont roam that much. madamage ang skin. hehehehe

they have their own enclaves.

May 15, 2009
ORGANIC FOOD SHOWN IN FOOD EXPO (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/May/15/businessnews3.htm)

Six organic products developed and produced by entrepreneurs in Negros Occidental will be the “most important” feature of the Agriculture department at the International Food Exposition Philippines 2009 that started yesterday at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia in Pasig City, the office of the provincial agriculturist said in a press release.

Negros products on sale at the three day fair include Federico’s Island Wine that features Bugnay, Duhat, and Piña variants from Victorias City, and Brown Rice from the Humayan Ministry in Bago City.

Pulupandan town’s Saring Bago-ong Products, Rice Coffee from the municipality of Manapla, Kit’s Herbal products, and Jarvis Red Rice Crunch with Malunggay Leaves from Bacolod City, are also being featured in the expo.
Larry Nacionales, DA Region 6 executive director, said that the department has chosen Negros Occidental to be this year’s main exhibitor for Western Visayas.

He said that the IFEX Philippines is the most relevant food show for the country’s exporters and their international clientele, with the event’s Very Important Buyer segment being mounted annually in response to the global food buyers’ objectives and requirements.

The OPA said its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Section will promote and sell the organic products at the show.*

2009/05/21
Solon gives P1M for trade training in Negros Occidental (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090521.htm&no=63)

Bacolod City (21 May) -- Rep. Ignacio Arroyo (Neg.Occ., 5th Dist.) has allocated P1million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund for the 2009 community based Livelihood Skills Training called "Invigorating Constituent Assistance in Reinforcement Employment".

The budget will fund the scholarship of 200 qualified residents of the 5th District.

The skills training will include Masonry National Certificate, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, SMAW NC II, Plumbing NC II, Building Wiring Installation and Finisging Course for Call Center Agents NC II.

The skills training will be from August to December 2009 at the Provincial Training Center in Kabankalan City and at the Center for Allied Paramedical Studies Inc., in Bacolod City.

Arroyo said that the scholarship assistance will surely aid his constituents to learn the desired skills through his office and TESDA. (PIA/cad) [top]

Tourism gets boost -- Gordon

Senator Richard Gordon, author of the recently signed Tourism Act of 2009, called on Negrenses to take full advantage of the new law to boost tourism within their island.

Gordon is set to speak the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary in their ongoing national convention at the Bacolod Pavilion Resort and Hotel today.

“Negros is poised to lead the pack in Philippine tourism with the signing of the Tourism Act of 2009 and with its Bacolod-Silay Airport. No longer will it be ‘Buglas’ or disconnected as an intensified promotion of Negros under the new law will make it a Philippine gateway to international tourism,” Gordon said.

With its fruitful implementation, the law will precipitate hugely increased foreign tourist arrivals and better management of tourist destinations, he said.

With a burgeoning Negros tourism industry, even the small farmer, fisherman, and even ambulant vendors will experience a dramatic increase in their earnings, he added.

Gordon said that the new law will also lead to an increase in the value of their real property as investors look for land to lease.

“Negros, being right in the middle of the Visayas regions and gifted with many attractions, makes it prime property for foreign investors looking to establish tourism businesses. I am fully confident that the law will make Negros a premium investment destination for tourism,” Gordon said.

The senator also said that increased investments because of tourism will spur the demand for more workers in all sectors of business.

“Increased tourism leads to business growth and this is why we say, ‘Tourism means jobs’. The signing and implementation of the tourism law will generate the jobs needed to replace the jobs that are being lost overseas and even here in the Philippines,” Gordon said.

Negros Oriental is home to the dive site of Apo Island, the Balwarte Rocks and Negros Oriental Marine Conservation Park. Dolphins and pygmy sperm whales can be viewed out in Tañon Strait at Bais Bay. The Bird Sanctuary and Mangrove Park, a 400-hectare protected mangrove forest, allow visitors to view birds and other wildlife, he pointed out.

Another attraction is the Canlaon Volcano, one of the tallest peaks in the Visayas, he said.

Negros Occidental is equally blessed with beautiful natural scenery, unexplored waterfalls and mountains, white sand beaches, and crystal springs, he said.

“Tourism is integral to our fight to provide a better life for our countrymen, for wherever tourism advances poverty retreats,” Gordon said.

The new tourism law will precipitate foreign investments in tourism industries as it provides measures that will make it easier for foreigners to set up business within tourism zones. Section 77 of the law mandates the TIEZA to establish offices where prospective Tourism Enterprise Zone investors can register to obtain incentives and benefits as well as all necessary licenses and permits, he said.

Section 86 of the law provides for incentives such as income tax holidays spanning six years will be given to investors; gross income taxation of only 5 percent; 100 percent exemption on all taxes and customs duties on the importation of capital equipment; and the exemption of transportation and spare parts from tariffs and duties.

Foreign investors will also be allowed to lease land in the Philippines for a period of 50 years, which can be renewed once for a period of 25 years, he added.

Gordon stressed that the Tourism Act of 2009 is actually the distillation of the successful formulas for development which he implemented while he was chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

“Our vision for this law and for Philippine tourism is to give our countrymen the tools and guidance that will enable people to replicate the success of SBMA in every island of the Philippines. Its faithful implementation will hopefully provide our countrymen a way to realize their dreams of a better life in their native Pilipinas,” Gordon said.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/May/23/topstory2.htm

Negros: Home to world’s rarest deer

The Negros Interior Biodiversity Expedition has confirmed that it had found evidence of two groups of the Visayan Spotted Deer alive and well, in the North Negros Natural Park in the Philippines, a press release from the British Embassy said.

The team of experts recently returned from the first scientific exploration of the park interior where they recorded the presence of many endangered and endemic species, with several new species records for the NNNP.

The Visayan Spotted Deer (Cervus alfredi) is endemic to the Visayan islands of the central Philippines, formerly reported on only the islands of Cebu, Guimaras, Leyte, Masbate, Negros, Panay, and Samar, but now thought to remain only on the islands of Panay and Negros.

It is a small deer found only in tropical rainforests up to about 1500 meters and has been hunted from 95 percent of its range. The population within the NNNP was believed to be one of the few viable breeding groups left in world, with possibly no more than a couple of hundred individuals surviving, the press release said.

Heavy hunting pressure has led to the deer not being recorded in the NNNP for many years until the NIBE team found fresh deer droppings in several locations, deer tracks and significant evidence of feeding activity.

James Sawyer, NIBE expedition leader said this is a critically important find to discover such an important animal alive and well in its natural habitat. While this proves that the grass roots conservation initiatives are working on the island of Negros, the deer and similar endangered species in the park need more protection in order to assure their survival, he added.

Finding such a globally important species is great news for conservation scientists but more importantly it shows that the NNNP and Philippine forests still harbour many rare and unique species, found nowhere else in the world. Conservation work is critically under-funded and our partners Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Inc, really are fighting a pitched battle to assure future generations are handed their biological inheritance, added Dr Craig Turner, research leader for the expedition.

During the three-week rapid biodiversity assessment, the team battled difficult terrain and conditions to survey an area completely new to science. The team included a film maker and teacher to assure the story of the expedition is told and new educational resources are made available to both the Philippines and the UK, the press release said.

NIBE’s partners NFEFI are a Philippine NGO based on the island of Negros who have been working to save and reforest the NNNP for the last twenty years. Programmes include: alternative livelihoods, reforestation, education and captive breeding programmes.

NIBE was an independently organised and funded expedition made up of specialists from both the Philippines and the United Kingdom, the press release added.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/May/25/people.htm

2009/05/26
Stakeholders meet on Ilog-Hilabangan river basin feasibility (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090526.htm&no=55)

Negros Occidental (26 May) -- The first stakeholders meeting to conduct a feasibility study of Ilog-Hilabangan river basin by the Japan International Cooperation Agency preparatory study team was held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall in Kabankalan City recently.

Engr. Suzuki Kazuto, assistant general manager of CTI Engineering International presented the preparatory study of the project.

Kabanakalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco, Jr., with the other city officials welcomes the group from Japan. Also present during the presentation were Higino Sixto Garaygay, city administrator and Engr. Rogelio Diaz, city engineer, DPWH heads, and some members of the municipal planning development officers in the municipality of Ilog

The project aims to strengthen concerned Philippine government agency's capabilities on disaster risk management and to mitigate the flood damage in the vulnerable areas.

"This can be done through the implementation of structural and non-structural measures for the improvement of rivers in the high-risk flood damage areas and improve disaster risk management systems, including enhancement of function of LGUs and fund management of emergency response for flood control," Zuzuki said.

Meanwhile, the objective of the study is to prepare the basic materials necessary for the request of loan including the selection of the three objective river basins and core areas for feasibility study; conduct of the feasibility studies for the selected core areas in three river basins; arrange materials to prepare the implementation program to apply the sector loan; and confirm and recommend, if necessary, the current institutional arrangement to manage the sector loan.

2009/05/26
Negrenses farmers, homemakers learn techno Pinoy trades (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090526.htm&no=51)

Bacolod City (26 May) -- About thirty (30) farmers and homemakers were taught composting and food processing techniques at a recent Techo Pinoy training on "agripreneurship" at the Philippine Carabao Center in La Granja, La Carlota City.

The four-day training included lectures and demonstrations on vermicomposting, modified rapid composting, ice cream-making, white cheese-making, pastilles de leche-making, meat processing, salted egg-making, and pineapple packaging and labeling.

Participants learned the economics of these activities by computing the return of investment of each enterprise that they choose as income-generating ventures.

The training is the first joint project of the Techno Pinoy Centers of the Office of the OPA-Negros Occidental, Valladolod, Don Salvador Benedicto, Moises Padilla and the Philippine Carabao Center-la Granja in cooperation with the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development.

Edna B. Garde, FITS-OPA, said the entrepreneurial activities and doable, replicable, and profitable for the participants who came from areas covered by the services of Techno Pinoy.

well beautiful female homo sapiens here in negros, dont roam that much. madamage ang skin. hehehehe

they have their own enclaves.

I know those enclaves....one of em is st. scho parking lot at 4pm.....coffee shops and restos ( pendy's grabe puro meztisa)...:lol:

I know those enclaves....one of em is st. scho parking lot at 4pm.....coffee shops and restos ( pendy's grabe puro meztisa)...:lol:

Ay te, how about us tanned skin and brown? where ta ya ma tambay kay puro mestiza kag mestizo na lang pirmi?..ha ha ha ha:lol::lol:

^^ ang mga tanned beauties ara sa beach, damo man sa st. scho at 4pm....business inn, bascon(the original):lol: ang mga sugar planters bala tanned cause always under the sun (that goes for the guys, ang mga misis ya puti)...


I don't know why but for some reason pendy's attract the spanish meztisos..

^^don't you think the reason why pendy's attract the "spanish mestizo" elite is because its located in the uptown bacolod...

^^don't you think the reason why pendy's attract the "spanish mestizo" elite is because its located in the uptown bacolod...

the owner itself is a mestizo :) hehehehehe the old location used to be our hangout....but sadly, I'm not mestizo....only my friends are :)

^^pwede migs chinese mestizo, or japanese mestizo or korean mestizo. hahaha:lol:

hahahaha, subong ang mga tambayan amo man dyapin ah, with a twist lang galing, nakikijoin ang mga social climbers, end result boring na ang place.

What I noticed sa "ila", they are not into crowded places, they prefer, open spaces, the wider the space the better, "malayo ang tingin" ang drama.

Some when they go out for a vacation, they prefer, solitude, or if they're with their families, secluded lang sya.

thats why patok ang mga |unknown resorts and getaways.

kung sa city man, hmmm, taters, bobs, calea, lourdes-c bldg., bascon, and hey nanotice ko damo man ang gatambay sa "la corona", hehehe something daw sa kusina lang ang atmosphere bala haw, carefree.

^^pwede migs chinese mestizo, or japanese mestizo or korean mestizo. hahaha:lol:

half-igorot b? pwede mo man masalan fil-am? yo yo dude wasup :lol:

half-igorot b? pwede mo man masalan fil-am? yo yo dude wasup :lol:

Fil-am from Hawaii maybe?:)

half-igorot b? pwede mo man masalan fil-am? yo yo dude wasup :lol:

half-black american

damu mga ita kag negrito nga hef-hafers sbng ay... kisa abi mo daw sa new york kalang.. ahahaha

^^pwede migs chinese mestizo, or japanese mestizo or korean mestizo. hahaha:lol:

hahahahaha!!!! gakasal an korean :)

hahahaha, subong ang mga tambayan amo man dyapin ah, with a twist lang galing, nakikijoin ang mga social climbers, end result boring na ang place.

What I noticed sa "ila", they are not into crowded places, they prefer, open spaces, the wider the space the better, "malayo ang tingin" ang drama.

Some when they go out for a vacation, they prefer, solitude, or if they're with their families, secluded lang sya.

thats why patok ang mga |unknown resorts and getaways.

kung sa city man, hmmm, taters, bobs, calea, lourdes-c bldg., bascon, and hey nanotice ko damo man ang gatambay sa "la corona", hehehe something daw sa kusina lang ang atmosphere bala haw, carefree.

we'll ever since damo gid ya social climbers maskin diin diri sa Bacolod kag anywhere:), damo da sa coffee station sa robs, mix with the real socialites of Bacolod :) Right now sa na notice ko ang pendy's, kuppa, Calea, Lfisher, cafe biz, twist and 21, dira damo gid na da socialites :) Bascon naman ya, not much...only in la salle daw damo siguro pero one in Lacson...not so. Starbucks naman, some prefer to have it "to go". But i disagree gid migs sa imo having said that they make the place boring...mind you, REAL socialites doesnt mind the presence of "social climbers"

you mean there is a sort of apartheid going on? between descendants of indio sakadas and descendants of hispanic hacienderos? hahah lolol shits funny lolol

^^its an exaggeration to say the least namn siguro migs to compare it with apartheid. its more of a "i could only care less" attitude lang siguro migs na you mind yours and i mind mine which of course is prevalent in all other philippine cities as well. but believe me. bacolodnons are kind-hearted people.

I can't help to compare the similarities of this to petronius novel satyricon, this was written 2000+ years ago during roman times...


Satyricon - is a wonderful insight into all sorts of social prejudices. One of the big phenomena of the first century AD is the rise of the freed slave, the desire of the freed slave to become a look-a-like real Roman. The characters in Petronius are these ex-slaves who are all trying it on as Romans. They're dining like Romans, they're bathing like Romans. They're trying to quote bits of ancient literature, mythology as if they were proper Romans. They get it wrong all the time. Socially, subtly wrong in a way that a Roman aristocrat such as Petronius can laugh at them.

Quote from satyricon

"We reached the dining room. Boys from Egypt poured cooled water on our hands while others ministered to our feet, removing the hangnails with precision. I began chatting with my neighbor. "Who is that woman running here and there?" I asked. "The host's wife," he replied. "She counts her money by the bushel. But take care you don't scorn the other freedmen here. They're oozing wealth too. See that one reclining at the end of the couch? Today he's worth 800,000. He's newly freed. Not too long ago, he carried wood on his back."

guys, is there a move for a one negros region? do you think this is possible?

^^as far as i can remember, talks of re-unifying the whole island of negros into one island region began in the 90's during the term of gov. coscolluela as governor of neg. occ. while neg. or at that time i presume was gov. arnaiz. as a matter of fact, there were programs where the two provinces collaborated that would pave the way for its eventual re-unification. recently, when talks about federalism surfaced, the 2 governors under gov. zayco (neg. occ.) and gov macias (neg. or.) were amenable to the idea of grouping both the negros provinces into one federal state and the governor of siquijor even hinted that siquijor would join if the plan pushes through. i dunno at which stage the talks are right now because i think this is the least of the priorities of the national government at the moment. the change in the form of government can only be materialized if we change the constitution. but by the looks of it, it still has a long hilly climb before we see it coming.

^^as far as i can remember, talks of re-unifying the whole island of negros into one island region began in the 90's during the term of gov. coscolluela as governor of neg. occ. while neg. or at that time i presume was gov. arnaiz. as a matter of fact, there were programs where the two provinces collaborated that would pave the way for its eventual re-unification. recently, when talks about federalism surfaced, the 2 governors under gov. zayco (neg. occ.) and gov macias (neg. or.) were amenable to the idea of grouping both the negros provinces into one federal state and the governor of siquijor even hinted that siquijor would join if the plan pushes through. i dunno at which stage the talks are right now because i think this is the least of the priorities of the national government at the moment. the change in the form of government can only be materialized if we change the constitution. but by the looks of it, it still has a long hilly climb before we see it coming.

ohhhh this CON ASS!!!!! i love it......we can see the DRAMA once more POLITICS and the Filipino people...

^^that's the dynamics of democracy migs. some may be in favor and some may not. personally, i think we really need to overhaul our constitution to be abreast with the times. we will not know what provisions will be touched unless we give it a chance. anyway, that would still be subjected to a plebiscite and the people still have the final say. the US constitution had undergone 27 amendments so far. it will be our first if it happens.

^^as far as i can remember, talks of re-unifying the whole island of negros into one island region began in the 90's during the term of gov. coscolluela as governor of neg. occ. while neg. or at that time i presume was gov. arnaiz. as a matter of fact, there were programs where the two provinces collaborated that would pave the way for its eventual re-unification. recently, when talks about federalism surfaced, the 2 governors under gov. zayco (neg. occ.) and gov macias (neg. or.) were amenable to the idea of grouping both the negros provinces into one federal state and the governor of siquijor even hinted that siquijor would join if the plan pushes through. i dunno at which stage the talks are right now because i think this is the least of the priorities of the national government at the moment. the change in the form of government can only be materialized if we change the constitution. but by the looks of it, it still has a long hilly climb before we see it coming.

ah ok... thanks for your reply.
even without the federalism yet, they can perhaps make it as one administrative region.:)

Happy 111th Independence Day

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3617299663_afa6a80872_o.jpg

2009/05/26
Negrenses farmers, homemakers learn techno Pinoy trades (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090526.htm&no=51)

Bacolod City (26 May) -- About thirty (30) farmers and homemakers were taught composting and food processing techniques at a recent Techo Pinoy training on "agripreneurship" at the Philippine Carabao Center in La Granja, La Carlota City.

The four-day training included lectures and demonstrations on vermicomposting, modified rapid composting, ice cream-making, white cheese-making, pastilles de leche-making, meat processing, salted egg-making, and pineapple packaging and labeling.

Participants learned the economics of these activities by computing the return of investment of each enterprise that they choose as income-generating ventures.

The training is the first joint project of the Techno Pinoy Centers of the Office of the OPA-Negros Occidental, Valladolid, Don Salvador Benedicto, Moises Padilla and the Philippine Carabao Center-la Granja in cooperation with the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development.

Edna B. Garde, FITS-OPA, said the entrepreneurial activities and doable, replicable, and profitable for the participants who came from areas covered by the services of Techno Pinoy.

**********************

2009/06/16
Cadiz City to buy brand new ambulance (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090616.htm&no=26)

Cadiz City (16 June) -- City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. has been authorized by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental to enter into Memo- random of Agreement between the city and the Philippine Charity Sweeptakes Office (PCSO), to purchase a brand new ambulance from the PCSO.

The P433,000 will cover the three-year Government Service Insurance System insurance premiums, and three-year Land Transportation Office registration.

The purchase of the ambulance is a joint effort of the city of Cadiz and the League of Citires of the Philippines on a 40-60 percent sharing.

The new ambulance will be used for Cadiznons, as well as patients referred by the Cadiz Emergency Clinic to other hospitals.

There is an increasing number of patients coming to the emergency clinic and the ambulance will be used especially during the onset of the rainy seasons, that usually brings about rising occurance of illnesses.

^^don't you think the reason why pendy's attract the "spanish mestizo" elite is because its located in the uptown bacolod...

A long time ago (early 80's :lol:)only Pendy's and Lopue's lang ang places to go in Mandalagan. I remember Pendy's (now Ikthus) had a supermarket featuring frozen strawberries and the yummy snack bar with my favorite half moon cake. And because its proximity to Capitolville, Santa Clara and Villa Valderrama, its the place to be for the "elite" :banana:

well beautiful female homo sapiens here in negros, dont roam that much. madamage ang skin. hehehehe

they have their own enclaves.

Hi, newbie here (but resident forumer of the Philippine Railways Thread), I am lucky to have one (my girlfriend and soon wife-to-be) :lol:

I want to go there in Negros to see my girlfriend's former school (La Salle Bacolod), the sugar farm trains and a lot more.

^^welcome to the club mi amigo....got smitten by an irresistible bacoleña, huh? hehe. sad thing is trains in negros are a thing of the past. some of them are on display for public viewing and some are dumped and are not used anymore. i've seen a lot of these in central hawaiian in silay. anyway, there's more to negros than just these trains.:)

i thought that sugar trains are still operational :cry: i really love to go there and make pasyal and to pay courtesy call to you guys :cheers:

^^well, there are still who use trains in hauling canes but not as frequent as what we've seen in the past.

i thought that sugar trains are still operational :cry: i really love to go there and make pasyal and to pay courtesy call to you guys :cheers:

hindi na bro :) if you like trains we can visit some places na meron silang ganito pero for display na lang :)

Thanks a lot guys for the info regarding sugar trains. hope may makita pa ako operational pag nagkaroon ng time makabisita sa lugar ninyo :)

i hope they revive it, i wonder if these rails are connected to cities and towns.

PAG-ASA Latest Weather Bulletin (http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/wb/tcupdate.shtml)

Severe Weather Bulletin Number THREE
Tropical Cyclone Warning: Tropical Storm "FERIA"
Issued at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Tropical Storm "FERIA" has made landfall over Borongan, Eastern Samar.

Location of Center: (as of 4:00 p.m.) 40 kms South Southeast of Catarman, Northern Samar
Coordinates: 12.2°N, 124.8°E
Strength: Maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and
Gustiness of up to 90 kph
Movement: West Northwest at 22 kph.
Forecast Positions/Outlook: Wednesday afternoon: 70 kms Southwest of Metro Manila
Thursday afternoon: 260 kms West Northwest of Laoag City
Friday afternoon: 500 kms North Northwest of Basco, Batanes

Areas Having Public Storm Warning Signal

Signal No. 2 (60-100 kph winds)

Masbate
Ticao Island
Sorsogon
Albay
Camarines Provinces
Catanduanes
Marinduque
Romblon
Burias Island
Southern Quezon
Oriental Mindoro
Samar Provinces
Leyte Provinces
Biliran Island
Northern Iloilo
Northern Negros
Northern Cebu
Aklan
Capiz

Signal No. 1 (30-60 kph winds)

Occidental Mindoro
Lubang Island
Batangas
Cavite
Laguna
Rizal
Northern Quezon
Polilio Island
Calamian group
Cuyo Island
Bataan
Bulacan
Metro Manila
Bohol
Rest of Cebu
Rest of Negros
Guimaras
Southern Iloilo
Antique
Siquijor
Surigao del Norte
Siargao Island
Dinagat Island
Camiguin


Residents living in low lying and mountainous including coastal areas under signal #2 and 1 are alerted against possible flashloods and landslides.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 11 P.M. today.

i hope they revive it, i wonder if these rails are connected to cities and towns.

Are those rails are narrow gauge?

The Railways and Industrial Heritage Society of the Philippines (RIHSPI) is planning to revive the 100 year old Dagupan steam locomotive of PNR. Maybe they can start with the Negros sugar cane trains first because I presummed that some only need overhauling and minor repairs.

Thanks a lot guys for the info regarding sugar trains. hope may makita pa ako operational pag nagkaroon ng time makabisita sa lugar ninyo :)

during my year tenure in high school (1998-2000), SONEDCO in kabankalan still operational...i guess still now operational...been there many times,,,ngayon wala pa akong time makapasyal don sa mga relatives ko

2009/06/29
P2.76-M dairy facility to operate soon in Kabankalan City (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p090629.htm&no=39&r=&y=&mo=)

Bacolod City (29 June) -- A P2.76 million dairy building in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental is now 90 percent finished and may become operational this year.

The building is located on a five hectare Animal Breeding and Genetic Improvement Center site donated by the Negros State College of Agriculture in Crossing Kanding, Brgy. Camingawan and is a joint project of the Kabankalan City and provincial government.

After the installation of the milking machine and equipment, it will start operating with 40 to 60 heads of milking sow to be provided by the Provincial Veterinary Office.

Three more buildings are expected to rise at the compound to house the swine and goat breeding laboratories and poultry.

Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco, Jr. said the center will benefit NSCA students who can observe at close hand the procedures and techniques in livestock production program.

2009/06/29
P2.76-M dairy facility to operate soon in Kabankalan City (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p090629.htm&no=39&r=&y=&mo=)

Bacolod City (29 June) -- A P2.76 million dairy building in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental is now 90 percent finished and may become operational this year.

The building is located on a five hectare Animal Breeding and Genetic Improvement Center site donated by the Negros State College of Agriculture in Crossing Kanding, Brgy. Camingawan and is a joint project of the Kabankalan City and provincial government.

After the installation of the milking machine and equipment, it will start operating with 40 to 60 heads of milking sow to be provided by the Provincial Veterinary Office.

Three more buildings are expected to rise at the compound to house the swine and goat breeding laboratories and poultry.

Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco, Jr. said the center will benefit NSCA students who can observe at close hand the procedures and techniques in livestock production program.

excellent, this is one of the real development and measures of progress of the island. :cheers:

I thouught Victorias Sugar Central still have those old Iron Dinosaurs and are offering tourists a trip for it.

Are those rails are narrow gauge?

The Railways and Industrial Heritage Society of the Philippines (RIHSPI) is planning to revive the 100 year old Dagupan steam locomotive of PNR. Maybe they can start with the Negros sugar cane trains first because I presummed that some only need overhauling and minor repairs.

they are meant for sugarcane transport to mills, so far i have not seen route maps of it to know if has a potential for inter-city/town transport.

^^it has an intra-district rail network and normally a milling district is composed of towns/cities within the vicinity of a sugar central. biscom has a rail network as far as the outskirts of all towns in the 5th district. the same also with sonedco, VMC and the rest. if we place them from end to end, i think it can cover the whole of negros island.

^^it has an intra-district rail network and normally a milling district is composed of towns/cities within the vicinity of a sugar central. biscom has a rail network as far as the outskirts of all towns in the 5th district. the same also with sonedco, VMC and the rest. if we place them from end to end, i think it can cover the whole of negros island.

hi sir bacolodchamp, sorry now lang post uli dito. naging mainit at mabilis ang usapan sa philippine railways thread kaya naging busy doon. talaga po? wow! gusto ko tuloy mag-tour dyan sa beautiful island ninyo gamit ang tren

map of negros featuring of sugar centrals corridor
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/negrosugarcentral/sugarmillnegros.jpg

,,daw sa lopues lang ni mabakal
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/negros/Negroslopues.jpg

map of negros featuring of sugar centrals corridor
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/negrosugarcentral/sugarmillnegros.jpg

more,,,daw sa lopues lang ni mabakal
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/negros/Negroslopues.jpg

nice migs :) thanks for posting

^^no probs bro

by the way,,,one more sugar central to be put up in the boundary between of cauyan and candoni - proposal

Rhap Salazar and The Young Voices of Negros win top prizes at 2009 WCOPA


LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. 17 July 2009. Team Philippines has done it again at the grand finals of the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown, Los Angeles. ABS CBN’s original “Little Big Star” Brightest Star Rhap Salazar won the coveted titles Junior Grand Champion Solo Vocalist of the World, and the Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World. The vocal quartet The Young Voices of Negros won the title Junior Grand Champion Group Vocalists of the World.
12-year-old Rhap sang a one-minute version of Celine Dion’s “All By Myself” at the final show.

“Hours before the finals, Rhap’s voice was getting tired due to extensive rehearsals for two straight days. He did everything to conserve his voice. Despite the odds, he gave a stellar performance worthy of the top prizes in the junior division. The American judges were simply blown away by his soaring vocals,” said WCOPA Philippine National Director Carlo Orosa.

The judges at the grand finals were composed of high profile agents, record and television producers, choreographers, and Disney theme park directors in California and New York.

On the other hand, The Young Voices of Negros (Katrina, Kristina, Aissa and Kristopherson Madrigal) performed a highly polished rendition of “And I Am Telling You,” from the musical “Dreamgirls, in four-part harmony.

WCOPA’s newest junior champions Rhap and The Young Voices of Negros will be featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America” through the “My Life in Three Words” segment.

Team Philippines’ junior vocalist Mayumi Morales, and senior vocalists Martha Joy and CJ Concepcion also competed at the grand finals.

Kimverle Molina of Saudi Arabia won the title Senior Grand Champion Vocalist of the World while Jo Robinson of Australia won the titles Senior Grand Champion Intrumentalist of the World, and the Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World though.

Other members of Team Philippines Maila Mitra, Evette Pabalan, Oreo Vamenta, Divo Bayer, and Guy Lockwood made it to the semi-finals.

During the weeklong competition, Filipino celebrities showed their support for the team – Isay Alvarez, Louie Reyes, Butch Jimenez, Tricia Jimenez, and Rhap’s best friend Charice Pempengco were among them.

“Filipino talent is highly regarded as world class. This being my last year as WCOPA Philippine National Director, I feel so blessed and honored to have produced three Junior Grand Champion Performers of the World – Aria Clemente in 2007, Catherine Loria in 2008, and Rhap Salazar this year. My heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors, my co-workers Oliver Oliveros and Judith Bueno, STAGES, and most especially to the Office of the President, Her Exellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for supporting us every year,” said Orosa.

“Television producer and director Kitchie Benedicto will be taking my position as WCOPA Philippine National Director starting next year. I know that the triumph our country has earned will be cared for by director Benedicto,” added Carlo.

Since the Philippines joined the WCOPA in 2005, seven Filipino performing artists have won the global competition’s top prizes: Jed Madela (2005 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World), The Cercado Sisters (2006 Grand Champion Group Vocalists of the World), Reymond Sajor (2007 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World), Aria Clemente (2007 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World), Catherine Loria (2008 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World), and Rhap Salazar and The Young Voices of Negros this year.

Two Negrenses: TOSP Awardees

Visayan universities took most of the plum in this year’s Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines program, an annual competition among the best and brightest college students of the country.

The 10 awardees were chosen from 33 finalists who hurdled the rigid screening after the regional qualifying rounds held all over the country.

Six of the 10 honorees – including two from Negros universities – are graduates of Visayas universities while the four others come from Luzon, including two bets of Metro Manila universities.

No Mindanao nominee made it to the Top 10 this year.

The two successful nominees of Negros universities are Carlos Gerogalin Jr. of Hinigaran Negros Occidental and a summa cum laude B.S. Education major in Math graduate of West Negros University and Sillimanian Stacy Danika Sia Alcantara, also a summa cum laude graduate, of the SU Mass Communications program.

The four other Visayans are Miguel Antonio Barreto Garcia and Stephen Alexeus Gorgonio Baltazar, both of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, who majored in Economics and Accountancy, respectively; University of Cebu’s Paul John Basubas Gesta, a management major; and Ann Bernaldez Crusit of the University of Bohol, also an Education graduate.

The TOSP awardees from Metro Manila are Management major Adrian Clark San Pascual Mundin of Ateneo de Manila, and Nicole Marie Regner Villarojo, a Marketing Management and Economcis graduate of De La Salle University.

UP Los Baños’ Aidel Paul Garcia Belamide and Roger Montepio Flores, a naval science graduate of the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio are the two TOSP awardees from Luzon.

The honorees received their awards in ceremonies held in Malacañang earlier this month.

Two Negrenses: TOSP Awardees

Visayan universities took most of the plum in this year’s Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines program, an annual competition among the best and brightest college students of the country.

The 10 awardees were chosen from 33 finalists who hurdled the rigid screening after the regional qualifying rounds held all over the country.

Six of the 10 honorees – including two from Negros universities – are graduates of Visayas universities while the four others come from Luzon, including two bets of Metro Manila universities.

No Mindanao nominee made it to the Top 10 this year.

The two successful nominees of Negros universities are Carlos Gerogalin Jr. of Hinigaran Negros Occidental and a summa cum laude B.S. Education major in Math graduate of West Negros University and Sillimanian Stacy Danika Sia Alcantara, also a summa cum laude graduate, of the SU Mass Communications program.

The four other Visayans are Miguel Antonio Barreto Garcia and Stephen Alexeus Gorgonio Baltazar, both of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, who majored in Economics and Accountancy, respectively; University of Cebu’s Paul John Basubas Gesta, a management major; and Ann Bernaldez Crusit of the University of Bohol, also an Education graduate.

The TOSP awardees from Metro Manila are Management major Adrian Clark San Pascual Mundin of Ateneo de Manila, and Nicole Marie Regner Villarojo, a Marketing Management and Economcis graduate of De La Salle University.

UP Los Baños’ Aidel Paul Garcia Belamide and Roger Montepio Flores, a naval science graduate of the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio are the two TOSP awardees from Luzon.

The honorees received their awards in ceremonies held in Malacañang earlier this month.

Remember migs may ara man ta back-to-back TOSP winners

2001 Maria Theresa Galido BS Mathematics CSA-B
2002 John Iver Solidum BS Nursing CSA-B

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

July 29, 2009
Schoolbuilding inaugurated (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/July/29/people.htm)

Mayor Eugenio Jose Lacson turned over a P1.6-million schoolbuilding to Mag-amihan Elementary School officials in Barangay Punao, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, at inauguration rites, recently.

The three-classroom schoolbuilding is located in one of the mountain barangays of the city, a press release from San Carlos City said.

The project is the city government's answer to the request of the school teachers and barangay officials. Each classroom has individual comfort room, it also said.

English supervisor Eldiza Aleta received the symbolic key from Lacson in behalf of the Department of Education and Mag-amihan Elementary School, the press release said.

Lacson encouraged parents to send their children to school everyday, and said he hoped that, through the building, the teachers will be inspired to improve the quality of education in the city, the press release added.*

2009/07/30
La Carlota City garment center opens (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090730.htm&no=25)

Negros Occidental (30 July) -- The Garment Center of the City of La Carlota, with the Department of Labor and Environment (DOLE) as its partner-agency opened recently, which is expected to boost livelihood skills competence for qualified beneficiaries locally.

The local government unit initially received from the DOLE the amount of P440,229 to purchase 23 high speed sewing machines and for the conduct of a 15-day training on the use of the equipment. There were 20 sewers from the different barangays earlier identified as project qualifiers who underwent training.

Agencies that will extend support to the project are the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) which will act as the project consultant and assist in the implementation of skills training for the beneficiaries. The La Carlota City High School Class ’79, Inc. will continue to assist in the screening of potential members who will comprise the beneficiaries organization and will provide marketing assistance for the finished products.

The center will be supervised by the Pangkabuhayan Task Force. One of its main functions is to promote coordination among other assisting government agencies and non-government bodies.

On the marketing assistance side, the project will tie up with Double G and Company, a garment exporter based in Bago City.

2009/08/03
DTI names best OTOP, supporting LGUs (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p090803.htm&no=33)

Bacolod City (3 August) -- The Department of Trade and Industry here recently awarded the most outstanding Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) and most supportive Local Government Unit.

The Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) won as the most outstanding MSME followed by Veloria's Squid Rings as 1st runner up and Diana's Turones De Mani, 2nd runner up.

Hinigaran bagged the most supportive LGU award followed by Kabankalan City-1st runner up and Talisay City- 2nd runner up. They will vie for the search in the regional level next month.

The winners were awarded during the first Negros Occ. OTOP congress at the Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel and Residences. They received a plaque of appreciation and cash.

DTI Provincial Director Rebecca Rascon said the award aims to recognize the efforts of MSME members in developing and promoting their products.

In the process, they do not only earn profits but also generate employment, she added.

The congress seeks to review OTOP accomplishments after three years of implementation hoping this will encourage other LGUs to see the impact and join in the program.

" The purpose of holding OTOP is to promote awareness that there is such a program, when implemented effectively, can really promote entrepreneurship and at the same time contribute to the solution of poverty." She told PIA.

The New Circle inn hotel and Suites totally a first class hotel in the city

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/4483/photo002pkr.jpghttp://img514.imageshack.us/img514/8035/photo001m.jpg
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/5535/photo003z.jpghttp://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3351/photo005z.jpg
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/5350/photo009noy.jpghttp://img44.imageshack.us/img44/1094/photo008bsa.jpg
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/2441/photo0011njt.jpghttp://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8606/photo009ah.jpg

The New Circle inn hotel and Suites totally a first class hotel in the city

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/4483/photo002pkr.jpghttp://img514.imageshack.us/img514/8035/photo001m.jpg
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/5535/photo003z.jpghttp://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3351/photo005z.jpg
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/5350/photo009noy.jpghttp://img44.imageshack.us/img44/1094/photo008bsa.jpg
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/2441/photo0011njt.jpghttp://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8606/photo009ah.jpg

looks very good. where is this located? bacolod?

looks very good. where is this located? bacolod?

shopping area....

@rodel from what city are you??

updates on the upcoming world famous PJPII tower

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6672/img0418al.jpg

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/9895/img0419a.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8804/img0417aw.jpg

all 7 floors are now built, soon their gonna start with the exteriors...incredible sight.