thanks to the everlasting love from Castro. Such a wimp. Imagine concreting the secrets because he loves it r because he loves to see his name in the board. It's the taxpayers money and not from his pocket. I don't think he can afford concreting the road by himself. *bitter me* he he

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1378/680885929_e34eecf26c.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1164/680884799_b9f2f1bd9e.jpg

Happy Birthday Islandjerry! http://www.skyscrapercity.com/customavatars/avatar94367_1.gif:cheers:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1164/680884799_b9f2f1bd9e.jpg

This photo was taken from the TATC... on the left side of that "american house" with a water tank I lived for almost a couple of years (Portillo Apartment).... (in between that house nad River Drive Inn) :D

Thanks for the photo IAMME! Brings back the memory of the place esp for the first time when I ate "Pan de Leche with ICE CREAM! hehehe and also I ate I forgot the term... barbecued "little snakes".... and of course ang DIWAL!

i'm falling in love with the photos. riverside with line of flowers really feels like here in europe.

Capiz finds more ways to enhance tourism growth
By DANNY FAJARDO

ROXAS CITY — The provincial government, with the help of the Department of Tourism (DoT), is determined to seek more ways to improve its tourism program and earn the benefits in terms of increased economic activities and revenues.

DoT 6 Regional Director Edwin Trompeta has expressed his strong support to Capiz’s comprehensive tourism program.

Trompeta conducted a tourism program briefing here at the initiative of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Panay and Guimaras, that is now headed by presidential assistant and former Concepcion, Iloilo town mayor Raul Banias.

The briefing was conducted to improve the capabilities of provincial governments and highly urbanized cities in the Visayas area to identify development of areas of mutual concern and how best they can converge and work together to maximize limited resources and avoid work duplication.

Panay town mayor Dante Bermejo also thanked the DoT as Trompeta promised that the DoT will conduct a tourism promotion seminar to assist the municipality boost its tourism program.

Panay is one of the country’s historic towns for being one of the earliest settlement areas of Spanish colonizers when they arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century.

As an enduring legacy of its early Christianization, Panay has the centuries-old Sta. Monica Parish Church which possesses one of the world’s biggest bells.

Hanging from a belfry, the bells can be heard eight kilometers away.

It also has islets and beaches that have remained pristine as well as healthy mangrove areas that serve as breeding grounds for the town’s diverse marine resources. The town is considering to adopt adventure tourism to carve a niche in the country’s tourism map.

The program’s components including strategic actions on cultural mapping and profiling, establishment of cultural infrastructure, packaging and promotion of eco-tourism, research and documentation, policy advocacy, recognition and support to local artists and cultural organizations, strengthening of festival management, empowerment of Indigenous people’s communities, and conservation, protection and development of natural resources.

The DoT is set to embark on a tourism development and promotion program in line with the overall tourism thrust of President Arroyo for Central Philippines, the country’s tourism belt under the Super Regions program.

source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20071022106459.html)

Support for Capiz dev’t agenda

The assurance given by Presidential Assistant for Panay and Guimaras Dr. Raul N. Banias to Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. that he will draw from his good partnership with the various regional offices of national government agencies to generate their support to the development agenda of the provincial government was applauded by provincial officials.
This assurance was made by Banias, who like Tanco was also a local chief executive being the former mayor of Concepcion town in Iloilo, during an Executive Briefing held here Oct. 16.
He said that the RANGE will complement, partner, network and work with the governor on whatever agenda that each of the national government agencies can contribute to the attainment of the province’s development goals.
RANGE is the acronym for Regional Association of National Government Executives, which is the organization of Regional Directors and Heads of national government agencies in Western Visayas.
He also commended Tanco, who assumed as governor of Capiz in July this year, for coming up with a five-year development agenda that jives with the national development agenda of President Arroyo and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Also acting like a “big brother” to local chief executives during the executive briefing, the new Presidential Assistant stressed that it is in the same framework of collaboration that he was able to make government development programs and basic services more accessible to his constituents thus improving their lives.
Sharing the so-called best practices and experiences he had during his nine-year stint as municipal mayor, Banias said we should put our money where our mouth is. He pointed out that despite meager resources, Concepcion town achieved significant improvements with the help of what he called as “development funders.”
Tanco himself presented the provincial development agenda for the next five years which is focused on economic development, quality and relevant education, eco-cultural tourism, infrastructure support, and health.
The executive briefing hosted by the province of Capiz was the first is a series that the Office of the Presidential Assistant will undertake in the islands of Panay and Guimaras together with the provincial governments and highly urbanized cities, Philippine Information Agency, and RANGE headed by PIA Assistant Director General Dr. Ma. Janet C. Mesa.
The Presidential Assistant for Negros Occidental will also have his own executive briefings for the province and Bacolod City.

from: The Daily Informer
link: http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=8&Itemid=70

what's their strategic tourism plan? I think it's high time for Capiz to push more when it comes to promotion and tourism.

ROXAS CITY (19 October) -- The development agenda of the provincial government under new governor Victor Tanco, Sr. and the concerns of other local government units in Capiz elicited initial commitments of support from national government agencies in Western Visayas during the Executive Briefing held here Oct. 16.

The initial commitments were made by the Department of Agriculture, Fiber Industry Development Authority, Department of Health, Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of the Interior and Local Government, Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences, Philippine Coconut Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department Environment and Natural Resources, and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.

DA Regional Executive Director Larry Nacionales and FIDA OIC-Regional Director Benjamin Gomo said they will consider the request for support presented by Jamindan mayor Ethel Jinon for the development of the abaca project in her municipality including the need to establish farm-to-market roads.

DOH Regional Director Lydia-Depra Ramos also said her office will look into the status of the district hospital in the said municipality which the local chief wanted to improve.

As reported earlier, DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said the DOT will conduct a tourism promotion assistance project to help the municipal government of Panay town gain more headway for its tourism program.

Panay is one of the country's most historic towns with a rich cultural legacy associated with the Spanish presence in the country dating back to the 16th century.

The PFDA and DTI through its Provincial Office considered Panay mayor Dante Bermejo's concerns to develop local small and medium enterprise products and support infrastructure including cold storage facilities for the aqua-marine sector.

Presidential Assistant for Panay and Guimaras Raul N. Banias said he will make the proper coordination with concerned agencies for the need of Sapian town to have potable water supply.

Municipal mayor Arturo Orosco said he is considering a number of options regarding the matter and will choose the most viable and advantageous for his constituents.

DILG Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta offered to Mayor Orosco the option to avail of the government's Rural Water Supply Systems Project which is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). BMG Regional Director Leo Van Juguan said their bureau has conducted a study of potential water sources in the region to determine their potability in order to guide development activities.

BFAR Regional Director Drusilla Ong pointed out that there are ongoing efforts to develop and protect "diwal" grounds in the province. Diwal, also known as "angel's wings," has become a popular bivalve in recent years owing to its succulent and exotic taste. It thrives in certain inter-tidal areas of Capiz.

DENR OIC Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Claudio said they have existing and ongoing reforestation projects in the province that could support Gov. Tanco's eco-cultural tourism program in line with President Arroyo's overall tourism program for the Central Philippines Super Region.

PCA Regional Manager Jose Cruz assured Capiz officials that the PCA has instituted measures to contain the threat from "brontispa longissimus," a hispine beetle attacking coconuts and palm plants in some areas of the country, and to protect other areas not yet affected by the pest to save the country's coconut industry.

PCIC Regional Manager Romeo Escalona said the PCIC can put coconut plantations under crop insurance coverage provided the necessary arrangements are put in place.

The executive briefing hosted by Capiz was the first in a series of briefings to be undertaken by the Office of the Presidential Assistants for Panay and Guimaras and Negros Occidental to harmonize the programs and resources of local government units and national government agencies.

The government agencies belong to the Regional Association of National Government Agencies (RANGE) in Western Visayas headed by Philippine Information Agency Assistant Director General for the Visayas Dr. Ma. Janet C. Mesa.

The briefing was attended by Capiz provincial officials, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, municipal mayors, and regional directors and provincial heads of government agencies. Roxas City was represented by Mayor Vicente Bermejo. Art Cruz, representative of First District Congressman Antonio Del Rosario, was also present.

The RANGE lady president said discussions and collaboration would not stop at the executive briefing but would continue afterwards up to implementation level with the support of the Office of the Presidential Assistant. (PIA (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p071019.htm&no=70))

Capiz is a 1st Class Province

Town’s Income Classification:

1. CUARTERO
4th Class
2. DAO
4th Class
3. DUMALAG
4th Class
4. DUMARAO
3rd Class
5. IVISAN
4th Class
6. JAMINDAN
3rd Class
7. MA-AYON
4th Class
8. MAMBUSAO
4th Class
9. PANAY
3rd Class
10. PANITAN
4th Class
11. PILAR
4th Class
12. PONTEVEDRA
3rd Class
13. PRESIDENT ROXAS
4th Class
14. ROXAS CITY (Capital)
3rd Class Component City
15. SAPI-AN
4th Class
16. SIGMA
4th Class
17. TAPAZ
2nd Class

in as much as I would loved to see all the towns of Capiz improving economically, I wish and pray that Roxas City will become a first-class city in the very near future. This would be very ideal so exchange between Roxas City and Iloilo City will not only improved but grossly enhanced. The same thing happening between Iloilo City and Bacolod City of Negros Occidental where the exchange and trade of good and services are really great. Today, Western Visayas economy is propelled by Iloilo and Negros with both their capital at the very forefront of the economy. And I would like to think that if this happens in these two provinces, Capiz can surely make it too as well. Roxas can be the economic magnet of Northern Panay. All we need to is to help everyone in promoting and selling the province, the island and the region.

Happy Birthday Islandjerry! http://www.skyscrapercity.com/customavatars/avatar94367_1.gif:cheers:

Belated Happy Birthday from me to IslandJerry.
Yours must be just a couple of weeks after mine :-)

Brad

HI to may kababayans! Im a newbie here and I'm proud to be a Capiznon! :-)

welcome febykates!:)

welcome febykates!:)

thanks eonynx! i enjoy reading this thread as well, and love being a true blue Capiznon!:)

^^hope there would be regular updates of capiz develoments as well!:)

^^hope there would be regular updates of capiz develoments as well!:)

yeah! i do hope too. missed capiz so much that i can't wait to be home though. :angel1:

^^where's your location btw?

i would like to think feby is all over Panay BUT I think sa abroad ni siya.

Belated Happy Birthday from me to IslandJerry.
Yours must be just a couple of weeks after mine :-)

Brad
Thank you very much.
Jerry

i would like to think feby is all over Panay BUT I think sa abroad ni siya.

yep! i've moved abroad for almost a year, studied in Iloilo, and my hometown is in Capiz. But I left my heart in these two provinces since these are the places I can call HOME
:)

any more developments for Roxas and Capiz? Any projects of Mar in Capiz?

First time ko sa Capiz

At Roxas City Airport
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC210488-1.jpg

Mambusao Church
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC210496.jpg

Mambusao Plaza

Rizal Monument
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC210495.jpg

Bonifacio Monument
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC210490-1.jpg

Mambusao, Capiz

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC210498.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC210494.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC210497.jpg

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/5579/3bjbxnyrtk5.jpg
:carrot::cucumber::pepper:From SSC-Iloilo:carrot::cucumber::pepper:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/2149006770_ccf53fd88c.jpg?v=0

Hello!!!

I was in Roxas City yesterday. The Roxas City People's Park is now underconstruction and the park is so great. Mas maganda pa siguro sa Baywalk Roxas Blvd. sa Manila. I promise to post the pictures soon.


I also went in Jamindan Capiz

Jamindan Church
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC230521.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC230518.jpg


Cultural Center
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC230519.jpg

Municipal Hall (Under renovation)
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC230520.jpg

Jamindan Plaza
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC230528.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC230523.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC230524.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC230532.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC230533.jpg

^^really? even better than baywalk? that's something to watch then! very good for roxas city!

I was in Roxas last weekend. The Villareal Stadium's oval is now rubberized. They also have a new swimming pool for kids.

^^i think the villareal stadium was rubberized of roxas was host to the last (or the year before last) region-wide games sports competition. i'm not sure though.

I just ofound out this news was posted earlier in the thread. Well, I'm announcing all these improvements are now done.

Bermejo improves Capiz sports facilities

ROXAS CITY – As one of the major legacies of his nine-year administration, Capiz governor Vicente B. Bermejo will be leaving behind a well-renovated Villareal Stadium.

Bermejo told Department of Education (DepEd) and school officials, mediamen and other local officials that the installation of the P20-million rubberized overlay on the oval tracks of the sports facility will start next week.

Inside the oval will be areas for high jump and javelin throw.

The Capiz gym will be fully air-conditioned courtesy of ten 30-tonner airconditioners, before the end of this month, the governor said. He said the basketball court inside the gym, which is at par with the country’s top venues for the said sports discipline, has been resealed as part of its maintenance regimen about two years it was completed and after hosting three out-of-town games of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and one from the ongoing season of the National Basketball Conference (NBC).

To increase the gym’s seating capacity, Bermejo said chairs will be installed in the yellow section of the gym.

In two weeks’ time, a swimming pool for children will become operational. Nearby will rise a pavilion that can accommodate up to 200 persons during a reception.

The pavilion will have a powder room.

http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/




The new Tisa-Banica bridge is also open to traffic. Along with the bridge is a new (and quite long) riverside road that should make available more space for development. Between the road and the river are nipa mangorves.

Roxas City People's Park
Kamo lang judge ah!

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021041.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021048.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021050.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021053.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021042.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021039.jpg


^^really? even better than baywalk? that's something to watch then! very good for roxas city!

^^very nice indeed! especially when it will be fully developed! that could potentially be a crowd magnet in that city.

San Antonio Village Resort

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021020.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021023.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021026.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021027.jpg

WOW! A Shame I didn't bother to check the People's Park! How large/long is it?

^^nakaka miss yung mga seafoods ng roxas!:)

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021042.jpg

I think (and hope) this area will be like this

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1015/681529997_2eb7faa2ef.jpg

^^where is this @iamme? i mean, the pictue below.

Sobrang mahal nga lang ang mga presyo sa Baybay.

^^nakaka miss yung mga seafoods ng roxas!:)


Between one to two kilometers siguro ang haba ng park

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021038.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021034.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021032.jpg

Parking area
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021031.jpg

^^between 1 to 2 km. that's long na for roxas' purpose. i like their lights, though still unfinished!

^^where is this @iamme?

That's a riverside park also in Roxas City. Here are more photos posted in previous pages.



http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1440/681758922_fcca806da6.jpg
Paseo de Catedral, a nice place I've just noticed.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1015/681529997_2eb7faa2ef.jpg
Beautiful riverside park!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1110/680899775_f997c72ddd.jpg
Tourist information center

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1344/681755022_8be8a588c4.jpg
Band stand?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1163/680896001_c2df9ddf9c.jpg
from another angle


Sobrang mahal nga lang ang mga presyo sa Baybay.


Between one to two kilometers siguro ang haba ng park



That's surprising. Last time Bernie and Ivan were there, they said the food was super cheap. Nevertheless, This 1-2 kilometer development is definitely going to be a catalyst for economic and tourism growth in Capiz! I should go back there soon.

^^maybe they are taking advantage of their reputation as a seafood haven, so that's why they hiked their prices!:ohno: their riverside park is picturesque. looks romantic even. the last time i was there, parang wala pa ang mga yan. must be a relatively recent development. thanks @iamme!:)

I guess it would also depend on where you eat. @lewd, where did you?
Ivan ate at Baybayon Seafood Plaza and this is what he has to say:

The food was great and really cheap! We were shocked our bill was just PHP334. The small batya of talaba (oysters) was just PHP25; scallops were PHP5 a piece; the big pusit was just PHP40 a stick; cagaycay (shells) for the soup was PHP35; the slice of blue marlin was PHP80 and the kilawin was just PHP25 a serving. The non-seafoods include pork barbeque at PHP10 a stick and tayuba (liempo) at PHP35.

-Ivan about Town (http://www.ivanhenares.com/2007/08/seafood-binge-in-capiz.html)

^^i hope the Baybayon SEafood Plaza didnt change their prizes

I guess it would also depend on where you eat. @lewd, where did you?
Ivan ate at Baybayon Seafood Plaza and this is what he has to say:

I forgot the name of resto

Ari ang presyo sang ginkaon namon
Scallops : 7 pesos per piece
Pusit : 40 pesos one stick (gagmay)
Blue Marlin : 100 pesos a slice (sinigang)
Batikulon : 20 pesos a stick
Crab : 40 pesos (isa ka bilog)

When you compare diri sa Iloilo specially sa Breakthrough, mas barato pa ang Breakthrough.

^^mukhang mahal nga. i least, from the prices im accustomed to dira sa iloilo. depende gid man sa gin kan-an mo.

Roxas City looks so picturesque, ok ang baywalk at ang riverside walk. tani emulate ini sang Iloilo City.

Roxas City People's Park
Kamo lang judge ah!

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021041.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021048.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021050.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021053.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021042.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/P1021039.jpg

Wow! Nice... when I was there proposed pa lang ina... Mayo kay nadayon gid!

Hopefully its something that iloilo could replicate in Villa Arevalo... :)

^^ay Hu-o gle no, sa Villa Beach also, nice idea.

i love to be in roxas..
and i never been there...
but when i saw the pics...
i decided to be there anytime this month...
awts!!!

the pics are so enticing. It's a\beautiful baywalk. How I wish to see the place one day. Thanks for the pics.

Governor positions Capiz as Super Region hub (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/17/yehey/prov/20080117pro5.html)

ROXAS City: Gov. Victor Tanco wants the province of Capiz to become an eco-cultural tourism hub in the Central Philippines Super Region, reported Panay News.

The goal is one of the “vision pillars” of the Strategic Direction Development Agenda of the province summed in two words—“Captivating Capiz.”

To realize this vision, the Provincial Tourism Office headed by Alphonsus Tesoro will hold a strategic planning workshop on January 14 and 15 at the MVW Restaurant & Tourist Inn here to craft the Provincial Tourism Promotion and Development Plan.

Tanco said the plan is intended to “propel the tourism industry in the province,” the seafood capital of the Philippines and garden center of Panay Island.

Seafood is by all means one of the major products of the province. It includes various kinds of deep-sea, brackishwater and freshwater fishes, shrimps, crabs, oysters, mussels, and the exotic diwal or angel’s wings.

The province is home to wide tracts of gardens and flower farms that have pushed it ahead of other provinces in the island in terms of cutfoliage production.

Capiz also boasts of numerous natural, man-made and cultural tourist attractions and destinations that make it another option besides Boracay Island and other major tourist spots or attractions.

It has “Sinadya sa Halaran” every first week of December as its premier festival. The province is also developing what was once a rural development training center in the municipality of Cuartero into an eco-tourism park.

Tourism contributions to economy cited
By Janice

Roxas City — The tourism industry has been making significant contributions to the national economy, helping make stakeholders in the sector alive and creating jobs and other business opportunities.

Speaking during the provincial tourism development strategic planning workshop organized by the Provincial Tourism Office, DOT Regional Director Edwin G. Trompeta said the government has placed a huge premium on tourism as a contributor to development. He said tourism is an invisible export which creates a flow of foreign currency in the economy that in turn creates a number of benefits.

Trompeta said tourist arrivals to the Philippines have grown 9-10 percent from 2001 through 2006 with the highest rate of 20 percent recorded in 2004 (2.29 million). During the period January to November 2007, tourist arrivals hit the 2.77 million mark and were expected to reach 3.02 million by yearend.

The government hopes to reach its target of attracting 5 million tourists by the year 2010, Trompeta said.

Also in 2007 alone, the tourism industry generated foreign exchange receipts estimated at US$ 2.9 billion, P100 billion worth of investments and P3.49 million worth of jobs.

Its income multiplier effect from tourist expenditures directly benefits travel agencies, hotels and restaurants, transportation, handicrafts and services. Its indirect multiplier effect can come in the form of wages of workers, profits and taxes of tourism-related businesses, and demand for equipment, stocks and supplies.

Nonetheless, Trompeta pointed out that while it creates a positive impact on the economy, the tourism industry faces challenges that need to be hurdled in order for the sector to maximize its potentials.

These include limitations of local infrastructure including hotel rooms, lack of flights to and from the country, limited information abroad, limited number of tour packages, and other factors that need not only the attention of the national government but also the support and cooperation of local government units.

Trompeta said the industry “still has a long way to go” not only in terms of achieving its target for tourist arrivals but also of hurdling the challenges facing it.

The workshop was organized by Gov. Victor A. Tanco to formulate a provincial tourism action plan for the next three years with the Provincial Tourism Office spearheading the effort.

Tanco has included tourism among his priority programs considering that Capiz lies along the Strong Republic Nautical Highway which now makes it easy for tourists to hop from one destination to another throughout the archipelago using an alternative Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) transport mode.

Tanco hopes to make Capiz as an eco-cultural tourism hub in the Central Philippines Super Region, which has been declared by President Arroyo as the country’s tourism belt.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Rep. Monico Puentevella said the approval of the bill by Congress, and its signing into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, would win back for the local civil aviation the Category 1 rating that was downgraded recently by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to Category 2.

Puentevella made the statement amid the apprehensions of travel agencies that the rating downgrade may curb the growth of the Philippine tourism sector especially the gains made by the sector in the North American market.

Capiz 2007 inflation of 3.2% still low, says NSO

by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (17 January) — Capiz had a 3.2 percent average inflation rate in 2007, says the National Statistics Office (NSO) here.

Provincial Statistician Frankie Dordas said that although there was an increase in the inflation rate of the province from September to December last year, reaching 5.2 percent in December alone, the annual average inflation rate was only posted at 3.2 percent.

Dordas pointed out that the rise in the province’s inflation rate was attributed to the price hike of rice, chicken, pork, flour and oil and petroleum products, among others.

He noted that in November and December, Capiz inflation rate was posted at 4.8 and 5.2 percent, respectively.

The purchasing power of P1.00 last year was only 69 centavos based on the 2000 data base year, he said.

On the other hand, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo said that the Central Bank is maintaining its forecast for inflation at 3 to percent.

She said, however, that a prolonged hike in oil prices over the next 12 months would be a cause of concern as it may lead to “disanchoring of inflation expectations.”

The policymaking Monetary Board is scheduled to review rates on January 31, a day after the US Federal Reserve decides on the direction of its own interest rates, Guinigundo said, adding that while market observers expect further cuts in US rates amid signs of a weakening US economy, the Fed’s policy move has less to do with that of the BSP, whose decision would hinge on its own outlook on inflation.

According to BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. the strength of the local currency should continue to cushion the impact of rising world oil prices.

A stronger currency tempers inflation, he said, stressing that it tempers the effect of the rising prices of imported goods such as oil, and other non-oil commodities like grains.

CAPELCO infotxt nets 56 power bandits in 2007

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (17 January) — A total of 56 member-consumers of the Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO) were apprehended committing electricity pilferage activities last year.

The CAPELCO infotxt campaign was launched in May 2007 to encourage wider participation from the cooperative’s member-consumers in the campaign against power thieves in line with its program to lower down system loss.

“A free P300 cellphone load has been given to the tipsters who gave a confirmed report that led to the arrests of violators on illegal use of electricity,” said CAPELCO Public Information Officer Kenneth Tipon.

The free cellphone load is given to tipsters with a confirmed report on a first come or text basis, he added.

Illegal use of electricity is penalized under Republic Act 7832 referred to as the “Anti-electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994.”

The interested tipsters may text the name, address of the power thief and the method of illegal use of electricity to 0216327054 and 09273546815 for Smart and Globe users, respectively.

Task force adopts cohesive force to protect environment
by Glenrose

Roxas City (18 January) — The provincial government of Capiz is mustering the support of national government agencies and community organizations to preserve Capiz’s environment and natural resources for future generations of Capiceños.

This was the primary reason behind the creation late last year by Gov. Victor A. Tanco of the Capiz Provincial Task Force on Environmental Protection whose main task is to “take charge of all complaints concerning environmental protection and preservation.”

It also has the authority to investigate, muto proprio or through the complaints filed by any person or agency, and shall recommend the initiation or filing of appropriate complaint with the proper authority responsible for the enforcement of environmental laws.

The task force is headed by Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Rommel S. Lastimoso, Chair of the SP Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources with Provincial Administrator Zoe Herrera, Jr. as Co-Chair and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Dionisio Molina, Jr. as Vice Chairperson.

During the first meeting of the task force last January 18, Lastimoso said there is a need for collaborative effort and adopt a plan of action to address any environmental concerns.

The task force is mandated to perform the following functions and responsibilities:

* Accept, validate, and act on all complaints concerning environmental protection;

* Deliberate and institute recommendatory measures or solutions to problems;

* Recommend the initiation or filing of appropriate case and assist in the prosecution of violators of environmental laws without prejudice to rights granted to other government agencies under existing laws;

* Assist in the implementation of mitigating measures mandated by laws through concerned agencies;

* Take the lead in information dissemination and education campaign of all activities pertaining to environmental protection in the provincial level;

* Provide continuing program for the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment.

The authority to conduct investigation shall be exercised as much as practicable in coordination with the governmental authority charged with the protection and preservation of the environment as provided for by law.

Its Secretariat is headed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The members of the task force come from a cross-section of government agencies and non-government and people’s organizations in the provincial government’s desire to put up a cohesive force.

Tanco said the move is part of the efforts of the provincial government to preserve, protect and conserve the local environment and biodiversity that will contribute to the health and welfare of Capiceños and maintain Capiz’s title as the seafood capital of the Philippines in line with the overall environmental management program of the government. (PIA)

‘Alternative learning’ earns dollars for enrollees

by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (18 January) — About 15 Capiceños who have been enrolled in the government’s partnership program under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) are already dollar-earners.

Education Supervisor and ALS Coordinator Inmaculada Ocbena of the Department of Education (DepEd) of Capiz Division disclosed that 15 of their graduates in welding and masonry in Mambusao West and Tapaz, Capiz are already working abroad.

Ocbena said that since last year, 38 individuals finished their course in welding, 42 in masonry and 57 in electricity. in Mambusao West alone.

She said that said government program in Capiz was in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Association of Construction of Informal Workers (ACIW) which conducts the intensive skills training and development, the local government unit (LGU) that provides the financial support, as well as the DepEd.

Recently, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said that the country’s “best welders are now employed by Hanjin at its Zambales shipbuilding complex, the world’s fourth largest.

He revealed that the Korean shipbuilding giant plans to build five ships a month, 60 ships a year, “and that requires a lot of welders.”

That’s only for starters, he said, as the labor market for welders is bound to expand significantly when Hanjin opens its shipbuilding facility in Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental.

Hanjin’s second shipbuilding complex will be established inside the 3,000- hectare Phividec Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental.

When fully operational, the facility would employ up to 40,000 workers, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said, stressing that undoubtedly, many of said workers will be welders.

^^a good move for further developing the skills of our industrial artisans. they are worth the attention of our government in its drive for industrialization

Capiz 2007 inflation of 3.2% still low, says NSO

by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (17 January) — Capiz had a 3.2 percent average inflation rate in 2007, says the National Statistics Office (NSO) here.

Provincial Statistician Frankie Dordas said that although there was an increase in the inflation rate of the province from September to December last year, reaching 5.2 percent in December alone, the annual average inflation rate was only posted at 3.2 percent.

Dordas pointed out that the rise in the province’s inflation rate was attributed to the price hike of rice, chicken, pork, flour and oil and petroleum products, among others.




the price hikes are on the necessity goods. i hope this upward trend would not continue in capiz. but a 3.2% inflation rate is still a very good achievement for! this translates to cheaper goods/increased purchasing power for the ordinary consumer.

Capiz ‘on a tour’ to find right formula
by Glenrose

Roxas City — Capiz is taking itself on a tour, to put it figuratively, to find the right formula in its desire to make itself an eco-cultural tourism hub in Central Philippines, the country’s tourism belt.

But Gov. Victor A. Tanco is making this tour for real by crafting a program that would entice more tourists to visit the province and enjoy its attractions and destinations.

And for Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta, Capiz is in the right track insofar as the Local Government Code of 1991 is concerned, which mandates provinces to come up with their respective tourism development and promotion programs.

The program was drawn up by the province during a tourism development strategic planning workshop held here January 14-15 with Trompeta laying down the framework and situationer on the country’s tourism industry and the opportunities and challenges therein.

A glimpse at the tourism potentials of Capiz reveals the following facts and figures:

* the province became the second settlement of the Spaniards in the 16 th century

* Asia’ largest Roman Catholic Church bell (weight: about 10 metric tons) is in Sta. Monica Parish Church in Panay town

* it is reputed as the seafood capital of the Philippines

* it supplies 60 percent of the fish requirements of Divisoria

* it also ships 1 ton of lapu-lapu to Metro Manila daily

* Capiz is the garden center of the Visayas, the only province exporting cutfoliage
* the province exports 2 tons of cutfoliage to Japan every month

* it also exports kaong, nata de coco and ginger to Belgium
* it has the second largest military camp in the country located in Jamindan town (with an area of more than 33,000 hectares)

* it has numerous waterfalls and caves
* Baybay Beach area in Roxas City is one its prime tourist destinations as well as other beaches in the province’s coastal towns

* Capiz produced Manuel A. Roxas, the first President of the Republic of the Philippines
* it has produced at least four cleanest and greenest municipalities (Dumarao, Dao, Sapian and Jamindan) and component city (Roxas City) in Western Visayas under the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran. Sapian became national titlist twice in a row in the yearly competition.

* The 80-foot tall Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary atop a mountain in Barangay Dulangan, Pilar keeps on drawing devotees and was put up as a thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother for her miraculous healing power

* The Panublion Museum in the city possesses cultural and historical value through its collection of religious icons, artworks and memorabilia of illustrious Capiceños. Its edifice was originally a water tank built in 1910

* Its premier festival is Sinadya sa Halaran staged every first week of December jointly by the province and city to showcase age-old traditions of sharing and thanksgiving and the Capiceños’ devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

GDP gets almost 5% contribution from arts, creative sector

By Glenrose

Roxas City the creative talents of Filipinos under the copyright-based industries (CBI) contribute 4.82 percent to the country’s gross domestic product and employ more than 300,000 Filipinos.

This was revealed by Atty. Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr., Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines at a forum on art, history and intellectual property rights held this week at the IP Philippines office.

Based on the Philippine Intellectual Property Policy Strategy (PIPPS), the copyright and other creative industries is one of eight sectors representing the country’s IP assets and approaches to realize the strategy’s objectives.

“Copyright, a form of intellectual property, protects and promotes our creative industries, Cristobal said. “Apart from having a great potential to spur economic development, the copyright sector enriches our culture,” he added.

Public health; patent reform; universities, and research and development institutions (RDI); biodiversity and genetic resources; indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSP), folklore and geographical indications (GI); small and medium enterprises (SME) and; institutional capacity-building and IP enforcement constitute the seven other sectors in the policy strategy.

Copyright pertains to a set of rights of creators or authors for their literary and artistic works. The domain of works includes writings; music; fine art such as photography, paintings, sculptures and; technology-based works like computer programs, websites and electronic databases.

Intellectual property rights violation is one of the issues in copyright. The PIPPS likewise identified the lack of recognition and reward systems in the sector, delays in the issuance of certificates of registration, and the lack of provisions for the protection of copyright owners as other concerns of the industry.

“IP Philippines is addressing these concerns through the five-point strategic action that the office will spearhead starting this year until 2009 to realize our objectives for the copyright and other creative industries,” Cristobal said.

“For one, we will create a comprehensive program and approach that involves the public and private sectors to develop and grow the industry. We will also improve the protection of their intellectual property rights, and enhance the incentives for creativity for the copyright producers,” Cristobal added.

The forum on art, history and intellectual property rights forms part of the closing ceremony of the Tutok Kasaysayang exhibit at IP Philippines’ Alab Art Space. Emmanuel Garibay of the TutoK Visual Artists’ Collective and historian Red Constantino gave lectures on Philippine art and history respectively. Atty. Louie C. Calvario, Copyright Support Services Unit Head of IP Philippines, delved on copyright issues.

Tutok Kasaysayang features more than 100 artworks of 93 individual visual artists and three art groups. It is the fifth group show at Alab since the space was launched on February 23, 2007 as an expression of IP Philippines’ support to the copyright sector.

Some of the luminaries who have graced the exhibitions’ launch events at the Alab Art Space include Professor Virgilio S. Almario, National Artist for Literature; Professor Napoleon V. Abueva and Dr. Abdulmari Asia Imao, National Artists for Visual Arts; Mr. Salvador F. Bernal, National Artist for Theater and Film and; Mr. Eddie S. Romero, National Artist for Cinema.

The provincial government of Capiz is considering harnessing local creative talents to form part of its tourism development and promotion program, in addition to the province’s natural and man-made attractions.

Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus Tesoro said these creative qualities have been part of the Capiceños’ culture and way of life as evidenced by the ornate and exotic designs of costumes, music and dances of indigenous communities, among others.

The province is working out a tourism program that seeks to transform it into an eco-cultural tourism hub in Central Philippines, the country’s tourism belt, and entice more tourists to the garden center of the Visayas and seafood capital of the Philippines.

Capiz is the hone-province of Manuel Acuña Roxas, the First President of the Philippine Republic. (PIA/PNA)

“Bantay Lansangan” to optimize efficiency in DPWH road projects

| By Janice

Roxas City — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. has called on various road stakeholders to operationalize “Bantay Lansangan” (Roadwatch) to help maximize efficiency in public works road projects.

The encouragement was in time with the DPWH’s firming up of partnership with civil society groups in monitoring the implementation of road projects nationwide.

The “Bantay Lansangan” is a partnership of the government (DPWH) and various external stakeholders such as those representing road users, service providers, good governance groups, anti-corruption agencies to include the Office of the Ombudsman and the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC), centers of excellence, transport groups, media groups, and other concerned people’s organziations with the Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) as coordinator, said a DPWH online news.

The “Bantay Lansangan” fuels the resolve of the DPWH to get most out of the road programs for the benefit of all road users in the country, Ebdane said during the first organizational meeting of the group.

“There is the challenge of ensuring that the road network we build will last for generations to come. Add to this the imperative of enabling a culture of transparency and accountability that will guide the operations of public works,” he said.

The DPWH is fortunate to have “Bantay Lansangan’s” manpower and resources in efficiently monitoring the road construction projets, the article stated.

“The good news is that our resolve and our reason for being will be put to test. The more roads and bridges on the drawing board, the more opportunities for “Bantay Lansangan” to implement and act on its mandate,” Ebdane noted.

During the meeting, he also reported on the status of major road projects included in the “Super Region” program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which he said will be fast tracked for completion in 2010. (PIA/DPWH)

Eco-park ‘charms’ await Boy Scouts Jamborette delegates

By Janice

Roxas City — An ecological park that could become a gem in Capiz’s drive to become an eco-cultural tourism hub in Central Philippines awaits boy scouts and scouters to the 21 st Western Visayas Regional Boy Scouts Jamborette slated February 6-10 at the park located at Barangay Matagnop in Dao town.

The park is called Camp Escutin that was established about two decades ago from a 15-hectare lot donated by the family of Don Luis Escutin who had served as municipal mayor of said town.

Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Capiz Council Chair Mark Anthony Ortiz said the scouting event aims to provide the scouts with opportunity to experience outdoor life in an environment of cooperation, friendship and camaraderie where self-reliance, leadership and application of skills in scoutcraft are put to actual practice.

Ortiz said this is the second time for Capiz to host a regional jamborette after the 1 st Visayas Jambotechnics held December 12-18, 1988, also at the camp. Some 4,000 scouts and scouters from the BSP councils of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, and host Capiz will join the jamborette. The province is hosting the event in coordination with the provincial government and City of Roxas.

BSP Capiz Council Scout Executive Leila P. Leonida-Pamati-an said the event will start on Feb. with a Holy Mass at 1:30 P.M. at the Parish Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva in the host municipality. This will be followed by a parade of contingents around the town plaza. From there, the contingents will proceed to the grand arena of the campsite for the opening ceremonies. A camp chief reception will then follow at 7:00 P.M.

PCA registers 25 copra buyers, others in 2007

by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City — The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in Capiz was able to register copra buyers, dealers, lumber processors and chainsaws.

Information Officer Andy Laurilla disclosed that last year, the PCA in Capiz registered 25 copra buyers, 19 dealers, 10 lumber processors and 26 chainsaws and circular saws.

Laurilla stressed that said registration is a mandatory requirement with the office to legalize the business operation.

He said that in 2007 also, they were able to confiscate some 2,040 board feet of coco lumber for their two apprehension activities.

He added that they have also added P278,848.00 to the government coffers from their revenue activities.

PCA Administrator Oscar Garin recently lodged his comprehensive coconut productivity program to boost the coconut industry of the country which is consistent with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Hunger Mitigation Master Plan.

The program hopes to bring about countrywide development through the promotion of efficient, competitive and sustainable coconut farming systems.

Garin’s coconut program is currently focusing on planting and replanting, salt fertilization for improved copra production, and coconut inter-cropping, Laurilla said.

President Arroyo earlier laid down her hunger mitigation measures that include increasing food production, enhancing efficiency of logistics and food delivery; putting money in poor people’s pockets; promoting good nutrition; and managing the population.

Meanwhile, Laurilla disclosed that Capiz has 182 small coconut farmers association and cooperatives with 24,272 members. (PIA)

Capiz attains total salt iodization


Roxas City — A regular salt testing activity is being conducted by the health sanitary inspectors to ensure a complete iodization of salts sold in the markets provincewide.

A market-to-market salt testing in March 2006 revealed that the province has achieved a total salt iodization.

The success of the local implementation of RA 8172 otherwise known as ASIN Law is attributed to the support of various sectors and intensified advocacy campaign on the salt iodization program,” said Provincial Health Office’s (PHO) Nutritionist/Dietician Ma. Divina Bigcas.

The lack of iodine in the body causes goiter or the enlargement of the thyroid gland based on the DOH website. The disease, commonly found in areas where the iodine contents in the soil, water and food are deficient, is a relatively easy disease to cure if diagnosed and treated early.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared every fourth week of January, beginning 2007, as Goiter Awareness Week to give emphasis on the need to promote “a sustained information and education of the population” on the prevention of goiter and other thyroid disorders.

The declaration was mandated in Proclamation No. 1188 designating the Department of Health (DOH) as the lead agency in the information dissemination, education and training, research and preventive measures like the use of iodized salt to prevent goiter.

The President also tasked the DOH to coordinate with the Philippine Thyroid Association (PTA), Philippine Society of Nuclear Medicine (PSNM), Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (PSEM), International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) – Philippines and other relevant stakeholders for the formulation of guidelines and logistics to ensure the success of the yearly event. (PIA) by A. Lumaque

Capiz top cop upbeat on proposed improvement of RP’s police stations

By Glenrose

Roxas City (28 January) — Capiz Police Director Senior Supt. Roberto Villanueva said that the pledge of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. to improve various police stations nationwide is a very good project.

“Umaasa kaming lahat na ma-implement ng tuloy-tuloy yan,” Villanueva, who will mark his one year term as the province’s top cop on February 22, said in a text message when asked about the proposal.

Recently, PNP Chief Razon has ordered the allocation of an additional 50 liters of gasoline each month to 918 police stations in second and third class municipalities nationwide.

He also ordered the Directorate for Comptrollership to increase the fund allocation for Maintenance, Operating and Other Expenses (MOOE) to police stations to support their daily operations.

Razon issued these directives as he vowed to push more resources and logistics to the field to meet the operational requirements of police units and personnel.

He stressed he intends to develop all the 1,500 city and municipal police stations into “fighting units” for anti-criminality and anti-insurgency operations.

According to Police Director Charlemagne Alejandrino, PNP Director for Logistics, an additional monthly allocation of 46,000 liters of fuel will be pushed down to the police stations in the field to support their requirements for mobility.

Alejandrino explained that the additional 50 liters monthly fuel supply is on top of the regular fuel allocation being received by police stations in the country.

“We are adding more patrol cars and utility vehicles to our fleet this year, and we are increasing the gasoline allocation of police units to support their fuel requirements for increased mobility,” he said.

Earlier, Razon announced the additional allocation of P15 million to each police regional office to support their yearly MOOE requirement.

“These additional MOOE funds will be supplemented by another P14 million to buy gasoline and diesel fuel for mobile units used in preventive patrol, police visibility operations, and response to police emergencies,” he said.

SK chairs ready for role as youth reps

Roxas City — Some 123 chairmen of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in Capiz have completed the leadership training.

Llanie Destacamento, Operations Chief of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) of Capiz, disclosed that said SK barangay heads came from the towns of Panay, Pilar, Mambusao and Maayon.

Said SK officials have already completed the 3-day Integrated Sangguniang Kabataan Organizational Leadership and Reorientation Basic Orientation Services (ISKOLAR BOS) for newly elected SK leaders, Destacamento said.

According to her, all newly elected barangay SK chairpersons must undergo said training for them to be oriented on their duties and functions, role on barangay governance and as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Barangay.

“In totality, the newly elected SK heads are oriented and trained on the role of children and youth in nation building,” Destacamento stressed.

Meanwhile, the towns of Sigma and President Roxas, including Roxas City have already scheduled same activity in February, she said.

Capiz has 473 newly elected barangay SK chairmen from the 16 towns and 1 city of the province. by Jemin B. Guillermo

RP wants less dependence on imported oil; pushes quest for more energy sources

By Glenrose

Roxas City — The government is relentlessly pursuing its goal to explore and develop more energy sources to lessen the country’s dependence on imported and expensive fossil fuels.

This is a tall order for a nation that is just reaping the fruits of its effort to draw out fuel stocks from its own backyard but lacks more resources to explore and harness other oil mines.

It may have quite abundant deposits of coal but environmentalists are standing in government’s way to maximize its use.

Thus, the Philippines has been reeling from the shock waves created by any increase in the price of crude oil in the world market which in recent weeks soared to $100 per barrel.

The Department of Energy (DoE) is at the forefront of this effort to gradually wean the country away from imported oil.

Its Philippine Energy Plan for 2005 – 2015 hopes to attain a 60 percent energy self-sufficiency level for the country by the year 2010 and beyond.

Alternative energy sources

For the meantime, the government has started the use of other energy sources, other than fossil fuels, including renewables such as wind energy, solar power, geothermal energy and hydroelectric power.

In Capiz, for example, more or less 400 homes in the hinterland barangays of Tapaz and Jamindan towns have been using panels to capture and store energy from the sun to light up their homes and drive some household appliances.

These are amenities that they had not enjoyed for decades because of their inaccessibility to the conventional power grid of the Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO).

Some homes in Mindanao are enjoying the same energy from the sun. Although it also bears a cost, it is cheaper.

Wind energy is being enjoyed by homes under a pilot project in the Ilocos Region. Like the sun, wind is a natural resource that abounds everywhere.

The government also has started to harness natural gas from offshore mines in the Palawan area but only at a very limited level so as to wean the country from reliance on oil-producing countries.

The development of this source has cost quite a fortune for the government although it was undertaken in partnership with a foreign oil exploration and development company.

Biofuels

The biofuels law of 2007 also paved the way for the mandatory use of blends for diesel called bio-diesel and for gasoline called bio-ethanol. Bio-diesel is derived from coconut crude oil and can be extracted from other oil-producing plants including jatropha while bio-ethanol is presently obtained from sugarcane but can also be derived from cassava, sweet sorghum and other related plants.

The law is facing a hindrance from advocates who claim that massive use of agricultural lands for crops that are sources of diesel and gasoline blends can disrupt food supplies but government is pushing biofuels production that would use mostly idle lands and existing farmlands without jeopardizing food security.

For example, jatropha can be massively cultivated in non-agricultural lands on hills and other suitable areas.

The biofuels law mandates a modest 1 percent blend in its initial stage and would gradually increase later for the purpose of lessening the country’s use of imported fossil fuels.

There are other alternative energy sources that abound in the country such as coal. However the ongoing use of coal in power plants is the subject of objections from environmentalists who argue the fossil energy source produces pollutants.

Coal is cool

Coal mines, such as the one in Semirara in the province of Antique, have been extracting the valuable material from open pits. They supply coal-fired plants in the country that produce tens of megawatts of power for homes, and businesses.

In the said island north of mainland Antique, the mining company operating on the island has put in place measures to make its operations sustainable while supporting national development.

Officials of Semirara Mining Corporation said they have adopted programs to protect workers to promote their general welfare, preserve the environment including mangrove and inland reforestation, and help the island’s communities through free or subsidized education, livelihood, employment, health, electrification, and other basic services.

The island, which belongs to the municipality of Caluya, also gets a share of the revenues being paid by the mining company to the government.

DoE records revealed that worldwide, coal is a sought-after energy source is often the cheapest of the fuel options. Now that clean coal technologies are available, the demand for coal has remained steady despite the current stringent standard on environmental concerns.

The Philippines is largely a coal consuming country with coal having the highest contribution to the power generation mix at 27% in 2005. But, local demand for coal is not limited to power generation. The cement industry utilized 20% of the country’s coal supply in 2005, 1 % went to other industries such as alcohol, sinter, rubber boots, paper and chemical manufacturing, fertilizer production and smelting process.

The quest continues

Government efforts to sustain the present economic surge enjoyed by the country could be stunted due to power lack and the seemingly spiraling cost of imported oil.

This is one of the reasons behind the government’s relentless quest to explore and development more energy sources.

In a move to advance the country’s energy independence program, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was scheduled to meet with the officials of the Aragon Financial Group (AFG) during her stay in Davos, a ski resort city in Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum.

The AFG has available funding for natural gas projects in the United States and is currently looking for clients with existing operations that require funding through build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme, debt finance, equity refinance and even merger.

The financial group could help the government in its policy to ensure continuous and adequate supply of energy through integrated and intensive exploration, production, management and development of the country’s indigenous energy resources such as oil and natural gas.

The natural gas industry in the Philippines began with the operation of the Malampaya gas-to-power project in offshore Palawan that now has three gas-fired power plants with a capacity of some 2,760 megawatts.

However, this output is insufficient to advance the government’s program to utilize natural gas for cheaper public transport operation costs.

Under Executive Order No. 473 that was signed by the President in November 2005, the Department of Energy (DOE) has been tasked to pursue the immediate exploration, development and production of crude oil from the Camago-Malampaya reservoir.

Under E.O. 473, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) that manages the Malampaya operations, or its designated subsidiary, was likewise directed to engage the participation of third parties, if necessary, in the exploration, development and production of crude oil in the country

Capiz farmers to boost harvests with a 3rd crop


by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (29 January) — Some 1,908 farmers in Capiz are now adopting the 3rd palay cropping season.

Seed Coordinator Amy Sagge of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in Capiz disclosed that said Capiceño farmers were the beneficiaries of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Quick Turn Around (QTA) program, who have planted their first cropping on or before September 15.

Under the QTA program, early farmer planters have availed of the DA’s free good seeds and government subsidized certified seeds as well as the Bio-N organic fertilizer, she said.

Sagge revealed that last year, the government has provided Capiceño farmers some 2,827 bags of palay seeds, 500 of which were certified seeds and 2,327 good seeds.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is institutionalizing a third cropping season for palay beginning this year in a long-term strategy to raise yields by at least 20% annually and eventually attain national self-sufficiency for this staple.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said that this high-growth plan, which adopts the 3rd cropping program that the DA effected last year to cushion the impact of the dry spell on farm growth, is in step with the Department’s mandate under the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan to focus on food and jobs.

Yap said that the adoption of the QTA program, which yielded a 20% increase in palay harvests last year by inserting a third cropping season, will help the Department raise palay output in 2008 by 5.78%—equivalent to a historic peak of 17.3 million metric tons (MT)- and achieve a national self-sufficiency level of 92%.

Last year, the DA tapped 101,000 hectares of land for its QTA program, which was implemented mostly in Mindanao, to offset production losses in Luzon farmlands that were hit hard by a mid-year dry spell, he said.

Yap said that for 2008, “the DA will continue with its strategy of opening more irrigated lands and utilizing seed technologies to further increase palay production, which will receive an additional boost with the recent approval by President Arroyo of the Department’s augmentation budget for its post harvest program this year.

DAR land distribution hits 56,000 has. in Capiz

by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (30 January) — The government has distributed more than 56,000 hectares of land to farmer in Capiz.

Information Officer Carlette Pretta of the department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Capiz disclosed that as of December 31,2007, DAR was able to distribute a total of 56,487 hectares to qualified farmer beneficiaries in the province.

In 2007 alone, the Department here was able to distribute 1,840 hectares of land to 1,446 Capiceño farmers, Pretta said, representing 90 percent of their 2,044 hectares target for distribution during the year.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman reported earlier that the Department surpassed its 2007 target of 130,000 hectares, particularly in Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD).

Pangandaman revealed that the actual LAD accomplishment has reached 145,307 hectares or 112 percent of its target last year.

All regions have exceeded their funded targets except for Regions V and X, with only 94% and 82% accomplishment, respectively, he said.

Meanwhile, Pretta stressed that land distribution is part of the government’s effort in realizing the components in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

The CARP’s component programs include land tenure empowerment, program beneficiaries development and delivery of agrarian justice, she said

Roxas City PNP cited region’s best

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (30 January) — The Roxas City Police Station (RCPS) has been adjudged as the Best City Police Station in Western Visayas for 2007 during an awarding ceremony by the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 6 last January 29 in line with the Philippine National Police (PNP) anniversary celebration.

The award was also achieved by RCPS in 2006 and consequently winning the national level as the best police station among component cities category.

“The achievement is a result of the performance evaluation and the annual Operational Readiness, Security Inspection Test and Evaluation (ORSITE),” said RCPS Chief C/Insp. Leo Batiles.

A team from PRO-6 conducted an ORSITE on various police stations in the region to assess the various police stations’ readiness and capability in all aspects of enforcing peace and order in the community.

Batiles said the award is attributed to the support of his policemen, Roxas City government, and residents, among others.

“This will further encourage and inspire us to do more,” Batiles added, noting that the station is scheduled to conduct an anti-drug rally along Ellieta Street here on February 1.

Batiles assumed as the city’s top cop in September of 2007.

Meanwhile, the PNP celebration is annually observed since its activation on January 29, 1991 upon the dissolution of the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police after Pres. Corazon Aquino signed into law Republic 6975 which called for the creation a police force that is national in scope and civilian in character.

Elem schools in 3 Capiz towns pilot peace education

Roxas City — Peace Education has already been integrated in the elementary curriculum curriculum of the Department of Education in Capiz Division.

The integration of peace education is being piloted in the elementary schools of Cuartero, Dumarao and Tapaz towns, Education Supervisor Martha Bermejo said.

Bermejo stressed that the peace education module has been designed for Grades IV to VI pupils.

She said that with the positive result of mainstreaming peace education in the basic and non-formal education curriculum, Bermejo said that plans are underway to expand the areas to President Roxas, Pilar and Maayon towns with funding support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the conduct of training for teacher on Peace Education Module.

Earlier, some 180 teachers from the districts of Cuartero, Dumarao, Tapaz West and Tapaz East in the Division of Capiz were trained on the Peace Education module, Bermejo said.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued Executive Order No. 570, otherwise known as Institutionalizing Peace Education in Basic Education and Teaching Education on September 2006.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus pointed out that “it is very timely that we help our students develop attitudes and skills conducive to peace in the individual, interpersonal, national and global levels.”

Lapus hopes that through the integration of the Peace Education module in the curriculum, the students will understand the processes that lead to harmony or conflict and be made aware of the various approaches to constructive conflict resolution. by Jemin B. Guillermo

Capiz coop boasts lowest power rate in Panay island
by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (4 February) — The Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO) has the lowest rate of P6.06 for every kilowatt-hour compared with other power utilities based on residential rates of capital towns and cities in Panay Island as of December 2007.

This was revealed by CAPELCO General Manager Edgar Diaz in a recently conducted public hearing called by the Capiz Sangguniang Panlalawigan to know the cooperative’s explanations on its recent application for rate adjustment before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

“CAPELCO’s unbundled power rate does not reflect its true cost of service,” said Diaz in his powerpoint presentation.

The cooperative’s application for rate adjustment is in line with the government’s thrust for electric cooperatives to provide reliable and quality electric service to the community.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s anti-poverty and rural development program will soon receive a big boost from the energy sector as government and its partners in rural electrification are set to invest nearly P4 billion over the next two years to ensure full electrification for the Filipino countryside before 2010.

National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban said that the lack of access to electricity in some of the country’s poorest rural communities leads to limited job opportunities and low productivity among residents, which in turn serve to perpetuate poverty.

“That is why both President Arroyo and Secretary Angelo Reyes of the Department of Energy (DOE) are pressing for nationwide electrification before the decade ends,” Panganiban said.

Panganiban said the government, through the Expanded Rural Electrification Program of the DOE, has prepared a massive work and investment program designed to bring electricity to the remaining 1,894 rural barangays throughout the nation that have no access to basic electrification services.

President Arroyo announced last August that the government aims to achieve 100% barangay electrification by 2009.

Feb. 11 is local holiday in Panay Island


by A. Lumaque

Roxas City — February 11 has been declared a special non-working public holiday in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Aklan and Iloilo in line with the commemoration of the 22nd death anniversary of Antique Gov. Evelio B. Javier.

The holiday declaration is stipulated in Republic Act 7601 or “An Act Declaring February 11 of each year Governor Evelio B. Javier Day a Special Non-working Public Holiday in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Aklan and Iloilo” in order to commemorate the martyrdom of the slain governor.

RA 7601 was approved and signed by President Corazon Aquino in 1992.

Gov. Javier was killed on February 11, 1986 by three hooded armed men at the Antique New Capitol Building.

At the initial gunshots, the Antique hero sustained gunshot wounds on his left shoulder and leg but scampered for safety by zigzagging the 50-meter stretch across the circular park away from the Capitol building and in the process collapsed in an artificial moat.

He still managed to seek for safety in a comfort room but he was cornered by his chasing attackers who riddled his body and head with bullets.

Javier was born on October 14, 1942 in Barangay Lanag (now Evelio Javier), Hamtic, Antique.

He was a lawyer and became a governor of Antique via a landslide vote in 1971

Roxas City PNP kicks off anti-drug rallies

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (5 February) — An anti-drug rally was conducted by the Roxas City Police Station (RCPS) last February 1 along Ellieta Street here in line with its effort to reduce demand for prohibited drugs here.

“This will be continuous as we have already lined up barangays targeted for the anti-drug campaign,” said RCPS Chief C/Inspector Leo Batiles.

The RCPS has been recently adjudged as the Best City Police Station in Western Visayas for 2007 during an awarding ceremony by the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 6 last January 29 in line with the Philippine National Police (PNP) anniversary celebration.

The award was also achieved by RCPS in 2006 which consequently won the national level as the best police station among component cities category.

The RCPS demand reduction campaign on illegal drug trade is in support to the Capiz Police Provincial Office’s (CPPO) grassroots anti-drug campaign targeting every Capiceño family’s support in the fight against drug menace.

The camapign is devoted to the demand reduction efforts to deny drug syndicates of their market by mobilizing parents to monitor their children and keep them away from harmful drugs.

In 2005, the CPPO has launched the program “Pamilya Ko Ayaw sa Droga” to empower families in the crusade against drugs by educating them on the ill effects of dangerous drugs and provide them with simple ways on how to combat drug abuse-related problems

malapit na presidential election, ano na ba mga projects ni MAR sa CAPIZ?

saw the pictures of MAMBUSAO...sana mag improved pa ang lugar na yan...

Bermejo seeks higher income
for economic enterprises

By FELIPE V. CELINO

ROXAS City – Mayor Vicente Bermejo is spearheading the campaign to increase the city’s local revenue by stepping up income collection on economic enterprises here. This is following the recent slash of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) to all cities in the country.

Bermejo said the Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center (TATC) is making money. He is impressed by the collection report of the City Treasurer’s Office. The city government was able to collect P22 million this January, very much higher compared to the P11 million collected in January of last year.

Other economic enterprises of the city are the Libas Fishing Port in Brgy. Libas and the slaughterhouse in Brgy. Dinginan.

To make it legal, the mayor has asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Roxas to pass a law declaring the TATC, Libas Fishing Port and Slaughterhouse as economic enterprises. He said the P8 million unused budget for the past years will finance the rehabilitation of the city’s premier market.

The mayor has also reduced the budget for city casual employees which originally pegged at P37.7 million under the Mayor’s Office. But almost half of the fund was allocated for casual employees in the City Council office. Some P14 million of the amount was set aside as project fund, he said.

Bermejo said the 13th Congress had converted the 16 municipalities into cities even if these towns have not met the requirements mandated by the law.

The League of Cities of the Philippines has strongly opposed Congress’ move.

“We are not against the conversion, but they should have followed the proper procedure as what we have done before,” Bermejo said.

He said Roxas City is supposed to get P248 million IRA share but it was reduced to P224 million. The reduction of P24 million could have been used for the construction of a 10-kilometer road, Bermejo added.

Capiz coop vows to improve services to member-consumers
By Janice

Roxas City — The Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO) has sought the support of the local tri-media practitioners in its commitment to improve delivery of services to member-consumers.

The electric cooperative and the media should be partners as both are for public service, said CAPELCO Board of Director Oscar Acolentaba during the recently conducted fellowship night hosted by CAPELCO for members of the media in the province.

For his part, CAPELCO General Manager Edgar Diaz said the cooperative is open to criticisms as long as it is given the chance to answer on issues affecting cooperative operations.

The CAPELCO officials also took the chance to bring before the media practitioners the recent application for rate adjustment before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The cooperative’s last rate adjustment was in 1991.

A separate occasion set by the Capiz Sangguniang Panlalawigan last month in a public hearing for the CAPELCO to explain on the proposed rate adjustment.

The fellowship, which has been institutionalized by the CAPELCO as a yearly event to open up communications between CAPELCO and media, was highlighted by a sing-along contest between CAPELCO employees and media group.

Capiz eyed as eco-cultural tourism hub


Roxas City — “I am so delighted that in just few months, our tourism industry had generated interest and enthusiasm of our major stakeholders, especially the business sector.”

This was announced by Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. during the provincial launching of the National Arts Month last February 4 on the initial gains of the province following a strategic planning workshop which crafted a “Captivating Capiz” vision.

A Tourism Development and Promotion Strategic Planning Workshop was held to plan how to bring about one of our five vision pillars to Capiz as the “Eco-Cultural Tourism Hub” in Central Philippines.

The provincial government has also put up a Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) at the ground floor of the Provincial Capitol Building to promote the province’s tourism potentials.

The provincial initiative to package and promote the local tourism industry is in line with the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) massive tourism campaign to boost further tourist arrivals in the country.

DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the DOT will concentrate on three key factors which are the volume of tourist arrivals, the length of stay of the tourists in the country, and their average daily spending while in the Philippines.

Durano has projected tourist arrivals to increase by eight to 10 percent “year on year.”

Based on this projection, about three million more tourists are expected to visit the country this year, he said. Last year, the three million tourists who visited the country contributed $4.88-billion to the economy.

Durano added that the tourism industry did not only meet its 2007 “quota” but even overshot DOT’s 2010 income target by about $8 million.

Because of DOT’s aggressive tourist promotion campaign, the projected income from the increased tourist traffic is expected to generate an additional revenue of $1 billion for the government this year.

On the second key factor, Durano said that because the tourist season begins to peak at this time of the year, he expects more visitors, specifically those from colder climes such as Europe, to spend more time in the Philippines to enjoy the summer months.

He said Europeans spend about two to three weeks in the country — which means more income for the tourism sector.

“The longer they (tourists) stay in the country, the more they will spend,” Durano said.

On the last key factor, Durano said his agency is “packaging” higher value services which the tourists are likely to patronize.

“Yung strategy natin para mapataas yung daily spending nila ay by promoting higher value services such as wellness services (medical tourism), shopping, convention, and education,” Durano said.

“At the end of the day, what is important is what they spend in our country that will directly benefit our economy,” he added. by A. Lumaque

Feb. 4 to 10 is Pre-need Consciousness Week

Roxas City — The Philippine Federation of Pre-need Plans Companies, Inc. (PFPPCI) has lined up various activities for the 7th Pre-need Consciousness Week celebration from February 4 to 8 this year.

The week-long celebration aims to create a positive image of the pre-need industry and communicate the importance of pre-need plans.

It also wants to show the public that the PFPPCI members are united and are continuously finding ways to further improve the pre-need industry for the benefit of the planholders, said part of the announcement published in a national daily.

This year’s theme “Gearing Up for Tomorrow” is all about taking measures to reform the industry by keeping business viable, protecting its consumers and re-gaining the confidence of the public, added the publication.

“Since 1968, pre-need companies have not only provided pension, education, and life plans for Filipinos but have also employed more than 200,000 Filipinos. Moreover, the pre-need firms have contributed over P2.5 billion in taxes and a combined trust fund deposit of more than P44-billion, making it one of the prime movers in the country’s financial markets,” said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her message for the celebration.

The celebration is embodied in Proclamation No. 52 issued by Pres. Arroyo on May 30, 2001 in recognition of the pre-need’s confidence-building outlook for the future concept, contribution to employment and livelihood opportunities for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos as well as long term savings and revenues for the government, among others.

The PFPPCI which was established in 1990 is a conglomeration of member companies offering any or all of the categories of pre-need plans including pension, education and memorial/life plans. It aims to promote, protect and safeguard the welfare and interest of both pre-need plan companies as well as pre-need planholders by monitoring its constituents for their compliance with good corporate governance principles. by A. Lumaque

^^ Capiz is heading to a stiff competition with Guimaras :banana:

Gov’t to build more classrooms


Roxas City — The government will continue to invest in the construction of new schools at the elementary level.

In addition to the government’s investment on infrastructure to provide access to children for a universal primary education, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vows to bolster the scholarship program for high school students and those ready for higher education.

The President had already ordered for the construction of 10,000 more classrooms nationwide in February 2.

Since 2001, the Arroyo administration had built 16,000 classrooms.

The President said ” by 2006, we had achieved our Medium Plan target ratio of one classroom for every 50 grade school students on double shift. In 2007, we added another 15,000 classrooms.”

The government’s effort of building more schools and classrooms is in response to the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goal target of achieving universal primary education by ensuring that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, would be able to complete a full course of primary school.

In Capiz, Education Supervisor Wilfredo Reoyo of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Capiz Division said that the construction of 25 classrooms for the elementary schools and 7 in the high schools in the province were already completed.

Reoyo said that aside from the construction of new classrooms, budget of which was taken from the 2007 budget of the DepEd, 41 classrooms were also repaired last year.

Last year Capiz division had a budget of P8.834 million for the school-building program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he said, adding that some P4.737 million came from 2nd District Cong. Fredenil Castro and the other P3.366 million came from the budget of former Capiz 1st District Congressman Rodriguez Dadivas.

With the approval of the National Budget, they are hoping for the construction of new classrooms, particularly in areas where there are extension schools for high school, Reoyo said.

He added that part of this year’s budget allocation of the Department for DepEd Capiz under the School Building Program, will be allotted for the rehabilitation of some classrooms at the elementary level. by Jemin B. Guillermo

Capiz guv elated by businessmen’s support to prov’l tourism program

By Janice

Roxas City — Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus Tesoro said Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. expressed elation over the support of the local business sector to his effort to catapult Capiz as an eco-cultural tourism hub in the Central Philippines Super Region, which is being pushed by President Arroyo to become the country’s tourism belt.

Tanco made the statement following the scheduled tour of members of Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Roxas City Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of tourist destinations in the province on February 9 to find out how they can help the local tourism sector.

The tour was arranged for the business chambers here by San Mateo Travel and Tours managed by local tour operator Vicky Alair-Baes. It will take the group, who will be accompanied by local media practitioners, to the towns of Panay, Sigma and Ivisan which have some of the province’s historical, cultural and ecological tourist attractions.

Baes said the businessmen sought her assistance for the tour as part of their commitment to help boost local economic growth through tourism.

Tesoro said Gov. Tanco is happy that the tourism promotion and development program formulated by the province at a workshop held January 14-15 here has generated enthusiasm from the business sector.

Tesoro pointed out that because of their gesture he considered the businessmen not only as tourists but more so as partners of the provincial government in pushing the tourism sector.

It is a big leap for the newly crafted tourism program of the province, he enthused.

Some of the reasons why tourists should visit Capiz are:

# it became the second settlement of the Spaniards in the country and their first in Panay Island during the 16th century

# Asia’ largest Roman Catholic Church bell (weighing about 10 metric tons) is in Sta. Monica Parish Church in Panay town

# it is reputed as the seafood capital of the Philippines, supplying 60 percent of the fish requirements of Divisoria (it also ships 1 ton of lapu-lapu to Metro Manila daily)

# Capiz is the garden center of the Visayas, the only province exporting cutfoliage (it exports 2 tons of cutfoliage to Japan every month)

# it also exports kaong, nata de coco and ginger to Belgium

# it has the second largest military camp in the country located in Jamindan town (with an area of more than 33,000 hectares)

# it has numerous waterfalls and caves

# Baybay Beach area in Roxas City is one its prime tourist destinations as well as other beaches in the province’s coastal towns

# Capiz produced Manuel A. Roxas, the first President of the Republic of the Philippines

# it has produced at least three cleanest and greenest municipalities (Dumarao, Dao and Sapian) and component city (Roxas City) in Western Visayas under the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran. Sapian became national titlist twice in a row in the yearly competition.

# The 80-foot tall Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary atop a mountain in Barangay Dulangan, Pilar keeps on drawing devotees and was put up as a thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother for her miraculous healing power

# The Panublion Museum in the city possesses cultural and historical value through its collection of religious icons, artworks and memorabilia of illustrious Capiceños. Its edifice was originally a water tank built in 1910

# Its premier festival is Sinadya sa Halaran staged every first week of December jointly by the province and city to showcase age-old traditions of sharing and thanksgiving and the Capiceños’ devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

President Arroyo has given due recognition of the role and contribution of the Filipino-Chinese community in the Philippines in national economic growth. And so is the value of Philippine-China relations.

In her speech during the grand spring festival reception hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on Monday on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the Chief Executive said that the country’s relations with China are now more confident, mature, and comprehensive, and punctuated with substantial and important projects not just legal mining activities but as well as many projects aimed at deepening exchanges in a number of areas, including trade and investment.

“On trade, China is now our largest export market and as Ambassador Song Tao has said we have had a substantial trade surplus with China since 2002,” the President said.

“Our framework agreement on expanding and deepening bilateral economic and trade cooperation is further enhancing bilateral merchandise trade with China,” she added.

All heads up high for Capiz livestock

By Janice

Roxas City — Capiz has more than 2.2 million heads of livestock as of January this year, says the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) here.

Capiz BAS provincial head Eric Piansay disclosed that based on the latest inventory last month, the province has 162,200 heads of hogs, 16,770 heads of cattle and 54,287 heads of carabao.

Piansay added that based on said inventory, there are also 46,429 heads of goat with more than 1.7 million and 147,448 heads of chicken and ducks, respectively.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap earlier disclosed that the Philippine Agriculture grew 4.68 percent in 2007, hitting the government’s original target of a 4.5 to 5.0 percent full-year expansion range.

Yap said that the livestock and poultry production managed to surpass the previous year’s levels.

The gross value of livestock and poultry production shot up, respectively, by 5.04 percent to P163.2 billion and by 6.77 percent to P117.7 billion in 2007 at current prices, he said.

Meanwhile, the prevailing price of pork, chicken and beef in the public markets of Roxas City increased by P10.00 per kilogram.

P19.1-M poured into irrigation projects in Capiz

By Janice

Roxas City — The government has spent some P19.1million fund for the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities in Capiz in 2007.

Information Officer Julieta Gallardo of the national Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Capiz, of said project allocation last year, some P1.8 million was spent for the Balikatan Sagip Patubig Program (BSPP).

Gallardo said that under the Repair-Rehabilitation of Communal Irrigation System (RRCIS) program, a total of P1.5 million was used for three communal irrigation projects here.

On the other hand, the government has also spent P1 million under the National Development Corporation Phase IV (NDC 4) program and P0.3 million under the Repair-and Establishment of Ground Irrigation Project (REGIP), respectively, she said.

She added that said irrigation projects are located in the towns of Panay, Tapaz, Ivisan, Dao, Jamindan, Dumalag, Cuartero and Dumarao, covering 579 hectares.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap earlier disclosed that the government spent P3.126 billion last year to restore and rehabilitate irrigation facilities servicing a total of 96,209 hectares, in step with its primary goal of attaining self-sufficiency in rice and other foodstuff and creating enough jobs, especially in the countryside.

In a report from NIA, Yap noted that said restored irrigation facilities now service 55,000 hectares, while the rehabilitated systems cover another 41,209 hectares.

Total area rehabilitated or restored by the NIA represent a 100 percent accomplishment rate for the agency, said Yap in pointing to the government’s unprecedented spending on rural infrastructure in 2007.

Yap said that “the P3-billion allocation by the Arroyo administration for rural infrastructure last year was the first time ever that the Department was able to spend so much on irrigation.

P357.87M earmarked for veggies production


Roxas City — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is now pushing for the Gulayan ng Bayan program as a measure to fight hunger.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap disclosed that the government is setting aside some P357.87 million this year for a vegetable program to produce a total of 1.787 million metric tons (MT).

He said that the programs part of its overall goal to mitigate hunger among urban poor and rural families alike and generate over 58,000 new jobs this year.

Yap said that the 2008 target under this national vegetable growing program, which represents a 9.7% growth rate, will be 157,484 MT more than the previous year’s production of 1.623 million MT.

At the local level, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) of Capiz has taken initial steps to organize vegetable growers in the province.

OPA Information Officer Raoul Perez said that they are also set to conduct season long training as well as post harvest training to vegetable growers for them to increase their production.

Perez said that aside from the technical support to vegetable growers, they will also distribute seeds as well as potted seedlings under its urban agriculture project being pushed by Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, Sr.

Meanwhile, Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) provincial head Eric Piansay revealed that Capiz’ selected backyard vegetable production from October to December last year alone reached 2,819.1 metric tons.

Piansay noted that said selected vegetables include eggplant, ampalaya, squash, string beans, tomato, monggo, peanut, cassava, okra and camote, among others.

He added that in 2007 also, the vegetable production of Western Visayas accounted to 46,082.03 metric tons. by Jemin B. Guillermo

go, go, go for Capiz!
It's nice reading all these articles about Capiz' development!
Hala Bira, CAPIZ! :banana::banana::banana::banana:

^^ Capiz is heading to a stiff competition with Guimaras :banana:
that's right. Capiz is positioning itself as the eco-cultural tourism hub same with Guimaras (eco-agri tourism). The battle between the two will surely benefit the whole of Western Visayas region. Now, that Capiz is gaining more strengths and providing bigger budget to improve their tourism industry, stiff competition in inevitable within Panay-Guimaras provinces tourism promotion will be seen.

that's right. Capiz is positioning itself as the eco-cultural tourism hub same with Guimaras (eco-agri tourism). The battle between the two will surely benefit the whole of Western Visayas region. Now, that Capiz is gaining more strengths and providing bigger budget to improve their tourism industry, stiff competition in inevitable within Panay-Guimaras provinces tourism promotion will be seen.

Originally Posted by iloilocitykid
Capiz is heading to a stiff competition with Guimaras

i think Capiz have no world class beaches nor other spectacular places to see.at hindi din ang taga Capiz nag re relied upon tourism as a source of revenue,sa aquaculture at agriculture malakas ang Capiz:cheers:

malapit na presidential election, ano na ba mga projects ni MAR sa CAPIZ?

saw the pictures of MAMBUSAO...sana mag improved pa ang lugar na yan...

I think Mar Roxas is a major proponent of BPO',call centers but he cannot force the industry kasi lack of manpower ang Capiz and I am not saying that Roxases have done nothing in Capiz,sbi ng kakilala kong taga Capiz makikita molang daw doon si Roxas tuwing eleksyon :lol::ohno:what they have contributed to the Province of Capiz? yon ang di ko alam:lol:

kung walang nagawang project c MAR sa CAPIZ during his term as DTI Sec and Senator, sure na ang boto nya minus 1 at plus 1 naman sa kalaban kahit na CAPIZNON ako...

Paano mapaglilingkuran ng maayos ang buong bansa kung ang sariling maliit na probinsya ay binabaliwala?????

LGUs urged to track down poor families

Feb 16, 2008 By Janice

Roxas City — “The ability to monitor the poverty situation at the community level could help the government in taking the necessary steps in improving the standard of living of every Filipino.”

This was stressed by National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban during the recently conducted 5th Community-Based Monitoring System national conference as he urged local government officials to invest in accurate data monitoring system to help in tracking down poor communities in their respective localities.

The conference was aimed to mobilize local leaders and donor agencies to organize modern data monitoring system for the government to monitor key socio-economic indicators at the community level.

“Winning the war against poverty demands clear thinking, rapid and precise coordination, and a strong resolve to bring the simplest, most practical solutions to problems at the grassroots level. With accurate monitoring system, the government could plan and carry out effective anti-poverty programs, Panganiban said in a NAPC website news.

Citing the United Nation’s mid-term report on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), Panganiban said that the country is on the right track – and that the national gains have trickled down to the grassroots. In the UN report, there is a 15.5 percent decrease in the incidence of extreme poverty among Filipino families. A 12.5 percent in the number of households that have survived on inadequate food is also reduced. The report also indicates that there is a 10 percent reduction in the number of underweight children below five years old.

In the latest results of the Social Weather Station (SWS) survey, the self-rated poverty incidence in the fourth quarter of 2007 went down to 46 percent from 52 percent in three months

DA steps up efforts to put ‘five pillars’ on solid ground

Feb 15, 2008 By Janice

Roxas City — The aggressive efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to strengthen existing export markets and tap new ones for agricultural products are in step with its Five-Pillar program.

The program adopted last year by Secretary Arthur Yap covers higher public spending on (1) infrastructure, (2) technology and extension services, and (3) postharvest and storage facilities; and (4) expanding access to rural credit, and (5) opening new markets here and overseas for Philippine agro-fishery products.

Last February 12, the DA signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) and of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and a private sector-led Export Development Council (EDC) to promote agricultural and fishery products overseas in a bid to find new markets for indigenous farm goods and raise the incomes of Filipino exporters and growers.

Under the agreement, the four entities agreed to pool their resources and efforts to expand existing markets and tap new ones for Philippine farm exports through, among others, the exchange of information pertaining to production, export and investment opportunities, market access issues, and expertise in promoting agri-fishery products.

Yap said the program to sustain and accelerate farm growth and raise the profitability of agriculture for its small stakeholders is in compliance with the mandate by President Arroyo under her Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan for the DA to focus on attaining food security and creating jobs especially in the countryside. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) here said there are nine other projects under the Diversified Farm Income and Market Development Project (DFIMDP) of the Department of Agriculture that are ongoing or lined up in the province as part of DA’s “Five-Pillar” program.

In Capiz, the DA has initiated several farm-to-market road projects in line with its Five-Pillar Program to make it easier for local farmers to bring their produce to the market. One such project costing P5 million, has been completed in the municipality of Panay.

Provincial Agriculturist Sylvia De la Cruz said there are other ongoing projects under the program to include the Packaging Machine of Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc., Mechanical Dryer of TQB (Barangays Tuburan, Quevedo and Bombongan) Multi-Purpose Cooperative of the municipality of Maayon, and another Farm-to-Market Road in the municipality of Dumalag.

Projects that are lined up for bidding include the Refrigerated Van of CMPCI and a Farm-to-Market Road in the municipality of Pres. Roxas.

Documents for two other projects, namely a Trucking Service Facility for Mambusao Cooperatives Federation in the municipality of Mambusao and another Farm-to-Market Road in the municipality of Jamindan are being processed.

Philippine agriculture grew 4.68% in 2007, hitting the government’s original forecast of a 4%-5% full-year expansion range with key subsectors posting ample or higher-than-expected yields.

The volume of production for agriculture and fisheries combined went up 4.68% in 2007, leading to a year-on-year incremental increase in value to P971-8 billion at current prices, according to the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

Yap said that President Arroyo’s recent order for a “surge” in infrastructure buildup will help sustain farm growth this year because it will mean much higher public investments in, among others, irrigation works and postharvest facilities, which are key elements of the DA’s five-point growth agenda.

BIR Capiz tax drive off to a good start


Roxas City — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Capiz was able to raise more than P37.07 million in January 2008.

The collection is more than P0.5 million higher than the collection in January last year amounting to more than P36.57 million.

Capiz BIR Collection Supervisor Socorro Besa disclosed that the January 2008 goal of P41.694 million is 14 percent higher than the collection goal in January last year.

The 2007 revenue collection of the Revenue District Office here reached P390.569 million, Besa said.

On the other hand, Information Officer Ma. Gracia Balgos said that they have already conducted a kick off activity for the launching of the income tax filing season.

Balgos said that a regionwide caravan, led by BIR Regional Office 6, that kicked off on February 13 from Iloilo to Capiz and the other provinces in Western Visayas is a public awareness campaign on the filing of income taxes on time to avoid penalties.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo earlier expressed determination to go after tax cheats and prosecute them, stressing that there would be no “sacred cows” in the campaign against tax cheats.

Meanwhile, BIR Capiz Chief Eralen de Aro vowed to double up their efforts in their campaign towards raising more revenues.

De Aro said that they are also conducting tax mapping operation and other tax campaign initiatives to reach their revenue collection goal that would fund more programs and services as social payback to the public. by Jemin B. Guillermo

P94-M alloted for ‘Captivating Capiz’ dev’t agenda

By Glenrose

Roxas City — The five-year strategic development agenda of the provincial government of Capiz got P94.082 million following the adoption by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of the 20 Percent Development Fund for 2008.

This year’s 20% development fund is approximately 9 percent higher than the P86, 261,875.00 of 2007.

The provincial board adopted the annual investment program for this year’s 20% development fund during its regular session held February 14. A day before, the Provincial Development Council (PDC) chaired by Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. himself convened to approve the funding package.

The investment program was integrated by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) headed by Antonio Asis after it was deliberated and finalized by the Office of the Governor and departments of the provincial government.

Asis said the amount, which represents one-fifth of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Fund share of the province amounting to more than P400 million this year, would be used to fund the priority development programs, projects and activities of the province under Gov. Tanco’s strategic Five-Pillar Vision development agenda dubbed “Captivating Capiz.”

The five pillars of the strategic development agenda are Vibrant Economy, Quality and Relevant Education, Eco-Cultural Tourism Hub, Healthy Capiceños, and Adequate Infrastructure Facilities.

The P94-million development fund is appropriated as follows: Vibrant Economy, P12, 470,000.00; Quality and Relevant Education, P3, 055,000.00; Eco-Cultural Tourism Hub, P4, 025,000.00; Healthy Capiceños, P9, 384,130.00; and Adequate Infrastructure Facilities, P19, 615,444.00. The amount of P45, 659,059.00 has been earmarked for General Administration.

The appropriations have been further classified into General Public Services with P49, 544,503.00, Social Services with P28, 292,825.00, and Economic Services with P16, 245,000.00 for a total of some P94.082 million.

Tanco said he will pursue his priority thrusts in keeping with his commitment to put life to his governance slogan of “Labi sa Tanan ang Tawo.”

President Arroyo has recognized the role of provincial governors in the economic progress and unification of the country in her speech before governors during the 2nd general assembly of the League of Governors at Pili, Camarines Sur last Wednesday.

Citing the progress in the government’s pro-poor and anti-hunger program, which the Capiz provincial government is pursuing, the President said “the rate of poverty is down, employment is up, while education and health care services to the poor are vastly improved.”

Addressing the governors, the Chief Executive said: “We have a long way to go, but only through a strong economy can we improve the plight of the poor together. To that end, together we have turned the corner on our economy.”

“This allows us to invest together in job creation, better healthcare and more educational opportunities. These are the keys to lifting up the poor,” she stressed.

The taxi is coming back

By Glenrose

Roxas City The local business chambers here are considering the proposal to revive the taxi as an alternative means of public land transport here to cater not only to the commuting public but also to tourists and visitors to the seafood capital of the Philippines.

A businessman had tried to operate a taxi fleet in this capital city in the 1970s but ceased the operation after a certain period, as his vehicles could not compete viably enough with the tricycles, presently the major transport mode here.

Jose Neri Ong, president of Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CHCCI), said some members of their group and the Roxas City Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCFCCCI) have expressed interest in investing in a taxi operation business to keep with the economic growth of Capiz province and its capital city.

The city chamber is headed by Leny Albert Apaitan.

He added that three more hotels will soon rise in the city, courtesy of local investors, to cater to the growing demand for hotel rooms.

Ong said the moves are their way of supporting the tourism development and promotion program of the province and city.

The two chambers sponsored a tour last February 9 of selected tourist attractions and destinations in the province in support to the tourism program of local government units and to see for themselves these come-ons.

The tour, arranged by San Mateo Travel and Tours Agency managed by Vicky A. Baes, took the members of the chambers and local media to the towns of Panay, Sigma and Ivisan which possess some of the province’s major historical, cultural and ecological tourist come-ons.

The group was accompanied by Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus Tesoro and Roxas City Tourism Officer Rodolfo Maestro, Jr.

The operations of taxis and new hotels will become part of existing micro-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) here that are being encouraged by government for their role as the backbone of economic activities in the countryside and for their contribution toward sustaining the Philippines ‘ economic growth.

Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director-General Cerge Remonde, who is also the oversight official for MSMEs, stressed the important role played by MSMEs as he noted that 99.6 percent of all registered companies in the country belong to this sector and account for 70 percent of employment nationwide.

malapit na presidential election, ano na ba mga projects ni MAR sa CAPIZ?

saw the pictures of MAMBUSAO...sana mag improved pa ang lugar na yan...

huo eh, taga mambusao ko.. bal-an mo nga damo projects subong ang mambusao muna wala na maintain ang plaza,gina una ang farm to market road.. kon isog ka hambala mayor namon nga iimprove..:nuts::nuts::nuts::)

^^sin o Mayor sang Mambusao haw?,kon huya kamu mag hambal sa mayor nyo, e TEXT nyo nalang:lol::cheers:

^^ sa Passi City Iloilo,may ara na sila nga e TEXT MO KAY MAYOR..may text hotline na sila,pwedi ka mag reklamo,kon may ihambal ka kay mayor pwedi ka ka text, kon may mga crimes pwedi mo e text..etc..pwera lang mag textmate hehe mayor mismo nila ga basa sang mga text:cheers:

Capiz water distributor to hold public hearings on rate hike

By Felipe V. Celino


ROXAS CITY, Philippines — The Metro Roxas Water District (MRWD) finally acceded to the call of local officials here to conduct a public hearing on the proposed 10-percent water rate increase.

In a meeting called by Capiz Governor Victor Tanco Sr. with the interim MRWD officials on Friday, MRWD agreed to hold a public hearing at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Capiz Provincial Capitol.

The MRWD had planned to implement the 10-percent hike in water rates starting January.

In a letter to Capiz provincial government dated January 30, 2008, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) administrator Orlando Honrade said the implementation of the water rates hike was valid and enforceable without the need of a public hearing or further review.

“It must be emphasized that once the proposed water rate increase is duly taken up or discussed in a public hearing and subsequently reviewed and approved by the administration, the same may be implemented as approved in a resolution for implementation by the concerned water district in this case, in accordance with the original time frame or much later at the discretion of the water district board,” Honrade explained.

Capiceno artists converge for summit

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (19 February) — More than 150 Capiceño cultural workers and artists converged at the Provincial Capitol here last February 16 during the first Capiz Arts Summit in line with the National Arts Month celebration this February.

The day-long activity dubbed “Tagbo 2008″ aims to recognize the important contributions of Capiceño artists and cultural workers for the promotion of the province as a viable eco-cultural tourism destination in the country.

Tagbo is a Hiligaynon term which means to come together.

“The participants were also able to formulate plans and recommendations for each sector during a sectoral planning workshop activity of the summit,” said Capiz Tourism Operations Officer Officer-In-Charge Alphonsus D. Tesoro.

The summit was graced by National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) National Committee on Visual Arts head Edgar Fernandez and an Iloilo-based seasoned cultural worker and artist Joseph Albaña.

Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. conveyed his appreciation of the interest and enthusiasm of major stakeholders especially the business sector during the provincial launching of the National Arts Month last February 4.

The initial gains of the province in the tourism industry is a subsequent offshoot of a strategic planning workshop last August 2007 which crafted a “Captivating Capiz” vision.

A Tourism Development and Promotion Strategic Planning Workshop was also held in January of this year to plan how to bring about one of our five vision pillars of Capiz as the “Eco-Cultural Tourism Hub” in Central Philippines.

The other provincial activities for the month-long celebration include an evening of poetry reading dubbed “Ugsad” (Full Moon) on February 21 at the Provincial Capitol Building terrace and showcase of traditional and contemporary Bands called “Tunog Kapisnon” on Feb. 28 at the Provincial Park here.

A series of “Sayaw Pinoy” performances featuring Manila-based and local performing artists has also been set at the Capiz Gym on February 22 and Sigma Community Heritage Center as well as Maayon Civic Center on Feb. 23.

The Dagway Sigmahanon, Inc. and local artist/performing group have “a performance in public spaces” in some towns of the province.

The locally adopted theme of this year’s Arts Month celebration is “Ani ng Sining sa Capiz: Arts in Public Spaces.

Business experts help small traders boost revenues

ROXAS CITY – Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) here will now be able to tap the help of industry experts who could help them boost their operations including competitiveness.

Rebecca M. Rascon, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here, said a component of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program (SMEDSEP) called Business Development Services will be launched here Feb. 21 through a signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) involving the DTI, German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and service provider partners.

The launching and MoA signing ceremony will be held at the Holding Room of the Provincial Capitol.

Rascon said the initial list of local service providers include the Capiz SME Center headed by Lily Ong, Earth Care Consultancy of Maricel J. Jarencio, and RDO Consultancy of Reynaldo D. Orola.

Business Development Services is a technical cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Its umbrella program, SMEDSEP was conceived to help improve business and investment climate in the Philippines in favor of SMEs.

The BDS component will enable SMEs to choose the services they need from a menu of services offered by private service providers.

Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Secretary Cerge Remonde has cited the role of micro, small and medium enterprises, saying they have contributed considerably to national economic growth.

DTI said the sector comprises more than 90 percent of business establishments in the country. (PIA)

from: Manila Bulletin
link: http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080221117505.html

^^ sa Passi City Iloilo,may ara na sila nga e TEXT MO KAY MAYOR..may text hotline na sila,pwedi ka mag reklamo,kon may ihambal ka kay mayor pwedi ka ka text, kon may mga crimes pwedi mo e text..etc..pwera lang mag textmate hehe mayor mismo nila ga basa sang mga text:cheers:

bal-an mo gani damo pa project gina una subong sa mambu... maayo na eh para sosyal mayor txtmate.. ehehe..!!!!!!!!!!!:cheers::cheers:

previous | next


16-JAN-2005

Over P67-M revenues raised Jan-Feb in Capiz

by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City– The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Capiz was able to rake in more than P67 million in two months period.

From January to February this year, the BIR here was able to collect more than P67.31 million in revenue, Collection Supervisor Socorro Besa disclosed.

Besa said that for February alone, the revenue office here raised more than P30.23 million, higher by more than P947,000 than the collection in February last year.

The BIR Capiz goal for February reached P35.141 million, Besa said, adding that more collection measure efforts are also taken to further improve their collection status.

Recently, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has cited Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia, Jr. for his contribution in the improvement of the national tax collection system as well as in instituting administrative reforms.

In the old system of tax payments, a taxpayer would issue a check for his tax payment through the bank, but the bank then had not diligently determined if the issued check had sufficient funds, the President said.

President Arroyo said that under such system, it would often turn out that the payments through the issued checks were not really remitted to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) or to the Bureau of Customs (BoC) accounts because of connivance between some officials and a group of tax syndicates.

The President recalled that part of the proposal of Garcia was to mandatorily ask the banks to scrutinize fully whether the issued check or issuer had sufficient funds to cover the indicated amount on the check.

Meanwhile, The BIR Capiz has been conducting barangay-based tax information campaign, Information Officer Ma. Gracia Balgos said, adding that they have also established a strong network with the various local government units in Capiz to rake in more revenue for the government’s social payback programs.

Roque is DOLE’s new czar »

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City — Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Marianito Roque is now Acting Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

He takes the place of DOLE Secretary Arturo Brion, who was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as associate justice to the Supreme Court.

Roque, who rose from the ranks at the OWWA, was responsible for a number of service improvements involving the special needs of more than eight million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whose yearly remittances have been helping shore up the national economy.

Notable among these service improvements are repatriation of thousands of OFWs, including undocumented ones, from strife-torn host countries, and the transformation of the Philippine Postal Bank into an OFW Bank.

The OFW Bank charges less service fees on OFW remittances than other banks.

Roque also spearheaded the opening of the OWWA Hostel and Halfway Home for OFWs, the activation of the modern OFW e-card, and the educational and other scholarship trainings for the less fortunate and returning OFWs including their families.

Roque was one of the select group of young achievers recruited by the late Sen. Blas F. Ople to join his staff when he was named secretary of labor by then President Marcos.

Among the other Ople protégées who made it to the labor department’s top post were Patricia Sto. Tomas, Ruben Torres and Brion, a 1974 bar topnotcher.

^^ wow fundador....ka active sa imo diri ah...taga capiz ka migs? i miss roxas city...can somebody post some pics here. went to this hotel resort. i forgot the name but they serve good food especially their crispy pata

thanks for bringing capiz here

Kumusta,
Has there been any local updates on the proposed rebuilding of the Panay Railways?
They seem to be dragging their feet with this very important project.
Any updates much appreciated.

Brad

-dp-

New Capiz festival like 'rain in summer'

Roxas City (11 April) -- Department of Tourism (DOT) Supervising Tourism Operations Officer lawyer Helen J. Camarista likened to a rain in summer Capiz's new festivity dubbed "Capiztahan" for breathing fresh air into the local tourism program.

Organized by the provincial government to mark the 107th foundation anniversary of the creation of its local government unit on April 15, 1901, Capiztahan has departed from the existing festivals of the province by focusing on the various facets of the cultural heritage of the Capiceños without the other revelry-type of activities.

Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. has said earlier that the modification or shift is in line with the one of the development thrusts of the provincial government to make Capiz as an eco-cultural tourism hub in the Central Philippines Super Region, which had been identified by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the country's tourism belt.

The province has a joint festival with the city, Sinadya sa Halaran, the premier local cultural and religious festival staged every first week of December and depicts the Capiceños' traditions of giving and sharing and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

It has been recognized by the DOT as one of Western Visayas's major tourism-oriented festivals and has obtained support from the agency.

Speaking at the festival opening, April 11, Camarista, who pitched in for DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta, said that since Capiztahan emphasizes the cultural heritage of Capiz, it ought to make Capiceños proud of their noble cultural heritage.

There are more indigenous activities and presentations lined up for the festival which will culminate April 15, the date of the establishment of the provincial government in 1901 by virtue of Commonwealth Act 115, such as interactive exhibits, products showcase, heritage tour, native games, pag-ulikid or outreach services, concert of Capiznon songs, and tribute presentation for President Roxas entitled "Manoling," among others.

April 15 this year also marks the 60th death anniversary of President Manuel A. Roxas, the first President of the Republic of the Philippines. The nearest Friday to it, April 19, is a special non-working holiday here by virtue of Republic Act No. 9217 to give due honor to Capiz's most illustrious son.

Camarista also enjoined Capiceños to promote tourism activities that would not violate the environment and lead to the exploitation of the people. The DOT Regional Office in Iloilo City has extended support to the ongoing celebration with the theme, "Gintugyan nga Panublion: Handumanan kag Manggad sang Capiznon." (PIA-JSC)

huo eh, taga mambusao ko.. bal-an mo nga damo projects subong ang mambusao muna wala na maintain ang plaza,gina una ang farm to market road.. kon isog ka hambala mayor namon nga iimprove..:nuts::nuts::nuts::)

I was in Mambusao last week. I took these photos around the Mambusao Plaza.

New commercial building constructed near the plaza.
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6358/1000444yc5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Villareal Center beside the Municipal Hall
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6589/1000068jr4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The Municipal Hall
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7116/1000070ul5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Health Center
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/1747/1000074br8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Community Stage at the center of Mambusao Plaza
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/1749/1000069lj6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Barangay Poblacion Hall beside the Mambusao Bus Stop / Plaza
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/650/1000072ia7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Bus Stop at Mambusao Plaza
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8623/1000445xc4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/4441/1000446em2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

After Sunday Mass
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5301/1000450vw8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1431/1000451cj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5620/1000452tz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


'tsura sang mga Pulitiko!!!
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/1981/1000073iq8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Inside the Capiz Gymanisum
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/1784/15730877xn5.jpg (http://img186.imageshack.us/my.php?image=15730877xn5.jpg)

Farmers' Day Opening Program
Villareal Stadium, Roxas City, Capiz
April 14, 2008

Phil. Army's 3rd ID celebrates 34th Anniversary

BY ROLLY ARCANO

ROXAS CITY – The 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army stationed at Camp General Macario Peralta Jr., Jamindan, Capiz under the able leadership of Major General Jovenal D. Narcise, AFP, the incumbent Commanding General of the said Army unit in Western Visayas, celebrates its 34th Anniversary today, May 1, with the theme: "3ID Team Army, God-fearing and United towards Peace, Development, and Progress."

To recall, in the early part of 1974, the unit was upgraded from 3rd Military Area to 3rd Infantry Brigade (Separate) and later became a full-pledged Infantry Division. Since then, the Division has been remarkably accomplishing both the traditional and non-traditional roles as defender of peace and protector of democracy.

Sometime in 1986, wherein increased insurrections and secessions have been spreading in some parts of the country, to gain a strategic influence over its area of responsibility, the Division transferred its Headquarters from Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City and temporarily established at Camp General Adriano D. Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo.

After quite a period of stay at the said place, the Division moved to its permanent station which is now the Headquarters, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army, at Camp General Macario Peralta Jr., Jamindan, Capiz. The Home of the 3ID which is the 2nd largest Camp within the entire country was realized through the wisdom and optimistic foresight of Major General Rodolfo C. Canieso, AFP, then the Commanding General, Philippine Army.

The 3ID was established at Camp Peralta not only because of strategic purposes but also to act as overseer to protect the 33,000 hectares, more or less, Military Reservation covering the tri-boundaries of Capiz, Iloilo and Aklan provinces.

Since the existence of the 3ID, the Army in Western Visayas had been laudably accomplishing its exemplary deeds over enemies of the state, thereby, contributing to the over-all output of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in support and defense of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Moreover, 3ID is not only well-skilled in combat operations but also outstanding in the performance of their traditional role as guardians of peace and democracy. The Division is ever spearheading Disaster Relief and Rescue Operations, Civic Action Programs in considered depressed areas by providing free medical and dental services, free medicines and shiatsu massage to the local populace. The 3ID had also participated in several environmental protection and conservation of natural resources activities through massive tree planting in its area of responsibility.

This year's 34th Anniversary is also a Homecoming for the past officers and men of the Command more particularly the former Commanding Generals who also served the command with flying colors. Said occasion will be attended by Governor Victor A. Tanco Sr. of the province of Capiz, Mayor Ethel R. Jinon, of Jamindan, Capiz and other Local Government Officials who have been part of the successful accomplishment of the Spearhead Division. www.thenewstoday.info

Capiz keen on hosting 2009 'Palarong Pambansa'

ROXAS CITY – The Province of Capiz is keen on "playing big brother" to the 2009 Palarong Pambansa, the hosting of which goes to the Visayas Area after the turn of Luzon this year wherein the school-based sports event was hosted by Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. went to Puerto Princesa City during the Palaro to personally convey to Secretary Jesli Lapus of the Department of Education the intention of the province to host the event next year.

Governor Tanco went there to also meet Puerto Princesa City Mayor Richard Hagedorn together with Emmanuel Billones of the Office of Senator Manuel A. Roxas II and Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Alfonso Bediones, Jr.

Tanco said Secretary Lapus warmly acknowledged the intention of Capiz and made it known to DepEd Regional Directors who attended the national meet to support their respective regional athletic delegations.

With this development, the chief provincial executive said he will formally present the hosting intention at a national conference of the DepEd Regional Directors and other officials sometime this year.

"We will convince them (DepEd officials) that Capiz is capable of hosting the national event given our existing sports facilities at the Villareal Stadium and billeting centers for meet officials and delegations," Tanco said.

The province already has a spacious stadium for the event with a rubberized track oval for running events, covered gym and two outdoor courts for basketball games, Olympic-size swimming pool, outdoor volleyball courts and rooms for other track and field and athletic competitions in a national palaro on an 8-hectare area.

Several out-of-town games of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the country's premier professional caging league, have been played in the fully-airconditi0oned covered gym that also boasts of top-of-the-line facilities that are at par with other leading sports centers in the country.

After the Visayas area, it will be the turn of Mindanao to host the said event in 2010. (PIA-JSC) www.thenewstoday.info

Sapi-an stages Talahong Festival

By FELIPE V. CELINO

ROXAS City – Celebrating the abundance of seafoods in its area, the municipality of Sapi-an in Capiz will stage this May 9 and 10, 2008 the first ever Talahong Festival.

Talahong is coined from the words “talaba”(oysters) and “tahong”(green mussels).

Mayor Arturo “Turic” Agapito Orosco, the sports-minded chief executive of Sapian, said the festival aims to promote the town’s local products; foremost among these are seafoods.

Sapian does not only have the capacity to produce seafoods, specifically oysters and green mussels. Orosco said these delicacies have a distinct taste, superior from those produced by other towns and provinces.

The Sangguniang Bayan passed a resolution recently declaring the second Friday and Saturday of May of every year as Talahong Festival days. The municipality has identified oysters and green mussels as its town flagship products.

Originally, Sapian had its annual Tilibyugan Festival in line with its religious fiesta every July 21-26 in honor of Saint Anne.

Sapi-an, a coastal town, has 10 barangays. It has more than a hundred fisherfolks growing oysters and green mussels.

Sapi-an is in the northern portion of Panay Island, 27 kilometers west of Roxas City. It is adjacent to the province of Aklan, the reason why its inhabitants speak a mixture of Akeanon and Capiznon dialects. It is the town next to Ivisan, northwest of Roxas City.

Sapi-an is bounded on the north by Sapian Bay, on the northeast by the town of Mambusao, and on the west by town of Batan, Aklan.

In 1568 long after Spaniards set foot in Panay, some soldiers wandered on a hilltop settlement. The first person they met was a boy who was to an errand, and he was holding a “salapi” (50 centavos). The soldiers asked the boy the name of the place. Fifty centavo silver coins were said to have been circulated after the Spanish occupation. These coins were locally called “salapi.” The boy thought he was being asked what he had in his hand. He told the soldiers “salapi.”

Thus the Spaniards named the village “salapi.” Shortly afterwards, the town was organized and was called Sapi-an. But no one could tell the exact etymology of the word./PN

www.panaynewsphilippines.com

Land distribution program needs reforms, gov't support

By Florence F. Hibionada

ROXAS CITY -- From a minimum of three years to a maximum of ten, farmer-groups, experts and advocates had a similar call on the proposed extension of the government's Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Gathered Friday for the Panay-Island Senate consultation, farmer beneficiaries, landowners, lawyers, government officials and other stakeholders had a relatively common stand – extend CARP but extend with much-needed reforms and a more responsive government support system.

The consultation was led by Senator Gringo Honasan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agrarian Reform. Host local government unit (LGU) was Roxas City with government officials from various Western Visayas provinces present.

Over-all mood was "yes to CARP" extension yet in corresponding presentations of position came the apparent underlying message – CARP if allowed to continue must face a major government make-over.

Pro-CARP streamers were displayed all over the consultative meeting site as proponents primarily from employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) wore pro-CARP shirts.

Capiz Governor Victor Tanco in his message hailed CARP saying the program was not a failure yet lamented how in his rounds common scenario was that original beneficiaries no longer till the lands.

"I would like to see landless farmers have the land… it is one way of leveling the playing field… but we need to improve the program and make it more beneficial… you see the lands now under CARP became less productive," Governor Tanco said.

Similar sentiments from Iloilo Fifth District Board Member Jett Rojas who stressed full support for CARP extension "but with reforms."

And same message too from Assistant Secretary Raul Banias, Presidential Assistant for Panay and Guimaras.

Banias for his part acknowledged how CARP "may have its flaws and defects," yet the program must be extended "with meaningful developmental reforms."

Aklan Congressman Joeben Miraflores and Governor Carlito Marquez while not present had its position cleared in a massive streamer placed inside the venue. Both with "the people of Aklan" expressed support for the CARP extension beyond 2008.

Meantime, a more elaborate stance from lawyer Gil Alba, representative of the country's over 20,000 farmer-members of the Confederation of Sugar Producers in the Philippines and the Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers.

Alba told reporters present how immediate government reforms such as immediate stop of land re-distribution must be made.

"We have to tell the people and the nation… land conversion does not hold water... we focused so much on land distribution when the safety nets were not there and there was clear need for adequate support services," Alba said.

Fact is, he continued, farmer-beneficiaries no longer have the security of tenure in the present CARP scenario while decrying the lack of management skill thereat.

"Kung malunod ang Pilipinas, lunod kita tanan (If the country drowns, we are all going down)," he stressed.

Alba's presentation generated the loudest in audience applause following his 3-minute opportunity as resource speaker.

Incidentally, a report was submitted to the Committee that laid down recommendations from key members of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC).

Target of the PARC members in said position paper is to make the four million farmer-beneficiaries "successful in the business of farming 6.5 million hectares."

This year's expiration of CARP law, the group said, "gives Congress and the DAR a great opportunity to study the strength and weaknesses of the law and review successes or failures of DAR which implemented the law."

With P120 billion thus far spent, has it really increased productivity, reduced poverty and encouraged landowners to invest in industries in the rural areas? The PARC representatives posed said query.

The group then went ahead to disclose "bare facts" starting off with the recognition as to how the country's agriculture "is now in a state of distress."

"At the macro level, the social and economic conditions in the rural communities are not any better than 10 years ago… globalization has had a negative effect on agriculture. Worldwide economic trends like trade liberalization, increasing prices of fertilizers and crude oil have seriously hurt Philippine Agriculture. And despite of a total of 34 years of agrarian reform, it has failed to significantly reduce rural poverty levels," the recommendation cum report as obtained by The News Today (TNT) went.

Signatories of said recommendation were lawyer Eduardo Hernandez and Marita Alejandro, PARC landowers' representatives and farmer-beneficiaries Basilio Propongo, Jaime Tadeo and Romulo Tapayan.

"Many have a simplistic way of looking at agriculture. Any person who is given land is presumed to know how to farm it or can be easily trained to do so. Yet agriculture is now a knowledge – intensive enterprise needing managerial/entrepreneurial expertise and technology especially now that we need to compete with the world," the group ended. "We therefore need to face the facts. The world has changed and we must change. We need to be efficient and competitive, otherwise Agriculture production will continue to dwindle and our people will continue to starve. We therefore must change our strategies."

RP can now export mangoes to China (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080513124449.html)



PIA/Jemin B. Guillermo


ROXAS CITY — Mango growers in the Philippines expressed appreciation of Beijing ‘s approval for the export of Philippine fruits to China.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said that Beijing has given the go signal for eight Philippine companies to export mangoes to China starting this month.

The positive move is expected to benefit the country’s 2.5 million growers of mango which is a premier tropical fruit export, he said.

Yap stressed that the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) sustained efforts to open more markets overseas for Philippine farm produce is in step with President Arroyo’s "Pagkain sa Bawat Mesa, Negosyo sa Sakahan—- Laban sa Kahirapan" goal.

Mango is among the Philippines ‘ top exports to China , which accounts for about 80 percent of total overseas sales of this tropical fruit.

DA data show that around 500,000 metric tons of mangoes of the total 800,000 MT of annual production will be harvested during these peak months of March and April.

Early this year, the government has sent experts to help improve the mango production in Capiz.

Through the Department of Science and Technology’s (DoST) Science and Technology Experts Volunteer Pool Program (STEVPP), a consultant was sent here to look into the problem of some mango growers in the province.

The treatment of fresh mango against early deterioration, which is part of the post harvest packaging, aside from improving mango production here, was the focus of consultation with Capiceño mango growers. (PIA)

Meanwhile, Yap said that Beijing ‘s move would further strengthen existing bilateral ties between the two countries.



From Manila Bulletin:
RP can now export mangoes to China (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080513124449.html)

Greetings to all Capizenos!

I just wanted to share some photos I took during a brief visit to my wife's home province.

Ang ganda ng Capiz!

Capiz Provincial Capitol

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/CapizCapitol-Roxas.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/CapizCapitolFacade-Roxas.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/CapitolPlaza-Roxas.jpg

Immaculate Conception Cathedral - Roxas City

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/ImmaculateConceptionCathedral-Roxas.jpg

Band Stand by the River - Roxas City

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/BandStand-Roxas.jpg

Roxas Bridge and Panay River - Roxas City

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/RoxasBridge-PanayRiver.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/RoxasBridge.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/RoxasBridge_PanayRiver.jpg

Baybay - Roxas City

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/BaybaySunset-Roxas.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/MyBoys_BaybaySunset-Roxas.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/MyBoys_BaybaySunset2-Roxas.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/MyBoys_BaybaySunset3-Roxas.jpg

Santa Monica Church - Panay

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/StaMonicaExterior2-Panay.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/StaMonicaExterior1-Panay.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/StaMonicaFacade1-Panay.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/StaMonicaFacade2-Panay.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/StaMonicaFacade3-Panay.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/StaMonicaFacade4-Panay.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/StaMonicaInterior1-Panay.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/StaMonicaInterior2-Panay.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/StaMonicaInterior3-Panay.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/StaMonicaInterior4-Panay.jpg

Eco Park - Dao

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/EcoPark-Dao.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/EcoParkPool-Dao.jpg

Town Plaza - Panitan

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/BandStand-Panitan.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj21/bagani_photos/Capiz/TownPlaza-Panitan.jpg

Greetings to all Capizenos!

I just wanted to share some photos I took during a brief visit to my wife's home province.


Everyone, please more photos of Roxas City. One of my favorite Philippine locations.

We visited that church in Panay, from memory it has the largest bell in asia. What an awesome looking building.
The beach also brings back memories. Had dinner there with the family, inc all my maganda nieces. Got some funny photos of a 'on duty' security guard who was busy sleeping :-)

Roxas is a beautiful place - can't wait to return.

Brad

Diversion road to shorten RO-RO travels



ROXAS CITY — Faster and easier travels from Iloilo to Manila via Capiz and Kalibo can be expected upon the completion of the diversion road along Kalibo-Iloilo highway.

In its on-line report, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the Kalibo-Iloilo highway, which is being used for the Strong Republic Nautical Highway Project of President Arroyo, is currently under construction and will be completed soon.

The construction of diversion, or by-pass roads is part of the move by the government to ease the traffic problem that affects motorists using the Roll-On-Roll-Off system.

The 746 lineal-meter Banga Diversion Road Project of the DPWH, which starts at the national road at Mambog, Banga and ends at the Tabayon, Banga junction, is an ultimate solution to motorists’ woes in passing the congested Poblacion area of Banga, Aklan.

Part of the Kalibo-Iloilo National Road, which is a vital component of the Western Seabord of the SRNH that links Luzon through Mindoro, Panay and Negros Island leading to Mindanao, the Banga Diversion Road, will serve as major route of cargo trucks, buses and other vehicles to avoid heavy traffic.

Transportation Undersecretary Maria Elena Bautista recently revealed that three more ports in Western Visayas are up for development, upgrading or rehabilitation this year under President Arroyo’s SRNH major legacy project.

These include the ports of Caticlan in Aklan, Dumangas in Iloilo and Ajuy in Iloilo, Bautista said.

Bautista disclosed that said ports are among the identified 15 Roll-On-Roll-Off (RO-RO) port projects for expansion this year until 2010 based on the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) workplan.

Other identified ports include San Antonio in Sorsogon, Esperanza in Masbate, Daanbantayan in Cebu, Naval in Biliran, Toledo in Cebu, Getate in Bohol, Tabuelan in Cebu, Bogo in Cebu, Balud in Masbate, Taytay in Palawan, Ubay in Bohol and Eagano in Cebu. (PIA)



From Manila Bulletin :
Diversion road to shorten RO-RO travels (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080519124960.html)

Gov't allots funds for farmers,
fisherfolk training

ROXAS City – The government has allotted more funds for training of farmers and fisherfolk, Malacañang said. This is part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's move to increase the country's agricultural production drive.

Malacañang said that some P4 billion fund was set aside by the President for the training of farmers and fisherfolk on new and emerging technologies.

Accordingly, some P2 billion was allotted for research and development; P1 billion for capability building, P1 billion for trainors and technicians, and P1 billion for the agricultural and fisheries education system.

In a recent conference of President Arroyo with the presidents of State Universities and Colleges in the country, she underscored the importance of continuous training of farmers and fisherfolk on new technologies.

The President has also instructed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to continuously implement programs and interventions to improve agricultural production in cooperation with the Department of Interior and Local Government, local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Under the FIELDS Extension and Education, the President tasked government agencies to train more trainors and technicians on new technologies for dissemination to farmers, and to utilize the state colleges and universities (SUCs) in their extension-related programs.

Meanwhile, the Capiz State University (CapSU) is one of the country's 110 SUCs being mobilized in the government's food production drive.

CapSU has about 87.7 hectares for fishpond, 13.1 and 69 hectares for rice and coconut technology demonstration, research and production farm, respectively, aside from allotted areas for timber, orchard, rattan, sugarcane and dairy production. (Jemin B. Guillermo/PIA.PN)

www.panaynewsphilippines.com

Gov't allots funds for farmers,
fisherfolk training

ROXAS City – The government has allotted more funds for training of farmers and fisherfolk, Malacañang said. This is part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's move to increase the country's agricultural production drive.

Malacañang said that some P4 billion fund was set aside by the President for the training of farmers and fisherfolk on new and emerging technologies.

Accordingly, some P2 billion was allotted for research and development; P1 billion for capability building, P1 billion for trainors and technicians, and P1 billion for the agricultural and fisheries education system.

In a recent conference of President Arroyo with the presidents of State Universities and Colleges in the country, she underscored the importance of continuous training of farmers and fisherfolk on new technologies.

The President has also instructed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to continuously implement programs and interventions to improve agricultural production in cooperation with the Department of Interior and Local Government, local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Under the FIELDS Extension and Education, the President tasked government agencies to train more trainors and technicians on new technologies for dissemination to farmers, and to utilize the state colleges and universities (SUCs) in their extension-related programs.

Meanwhile, the Capiz State University (CapSU) is one of the country's 110 SUCs being mobilized in the government's food production drive.

CapSU has about 87.7 hectares for fishpond, 13.1 and 69 hectares for rice and coconut technology demonstration, research and production farm, respectively, aside from allotted areas for timber, orchard, rattan, sugarcane and dairy production. (Jemin B. Guillermo/PIA.PN)

www.panaynewsphilippines.com

'Dali na sa Capiz' show captivates spectators

ROXAS CITY – A musical-dance presentation has treated with awe the spectators last May 19 at the SM Activity Center in Iloilo City in line with the "SM Fiestas in the City" celebration.


The Capiz cultural treat dubbed "Dali na sa Capiz" was composed of songs, theatrical dances, and story telling performances on "Dagway Kapisnon", "Pangabuhi sa Uma", "Alimango", and "Mga Pangabuhi sa Dagat." The presentation with 35 performers also sang local songs like "Capiz Hymn", "Kagang", "Pakitong-kitong", "Kutkutak", "Bukay nga Manok", "Karabao", "Tubugan", "Felimon", and "Ay, Ay Kalisud."

Capiz Governor Victor A. Tanco has invited and encouraged mall shoppers converging in the area to stay for a while for an opportunity to witness the innate cultural heritage of the province.

The 45-minute spontaneous theatrical acrobatic and graceful movements of performers have charmed the crowded onlookers around the SM activity center, said Capiz Governor's Press Bureau staff Ramon Atinon who witnessed the presentation.

The Capiz performers composed of Dagway Sigmahanon, Inc. talents and students from Tanque National High School here, were also almost the same cast who joined the 2007 Western Visayas Regional Tourism Assembly in Bacolod City and bagged the Best Cultural Presentation award.

The celebration was further spiced up by the mounting of a brief showcase of Western Visayas festivals which included Dinagyang and Paraw-Regatta of Iloilo City; Manggahan and Ang Pagtaltal sa Guimaras of Guimaras province, and Jordan, Guimaras, respectively; Masskara of Bacolod City; Mudpack of Murcia, Negros Occidental; Ati-atihan of Kalibo, Aklan; Binirayan of Antique; and Sinadya sa Halaran of Roxas City.

Various Iloilo town festivals also mounted a brief showcase of its festivals like Guimbal's Bantayan, Lambunao's Binanog, Sta. Barbara's Kahilwayan, Pototan's Iwag Christmas Lights, Badiangan's Pandayan, Passi City's Pintados de Pasi, Pavia's Carabao-Carroza, Maasin's Tultugan, New Lucena's Cry of Jelicuon, Leganes' Saad, Cabatuan's Tinuom, Oton's Katagman, Barotac Viejo's Taltal, Miag-ao's Lakayan, Igbaras' Tangyan, and Calinog's Hirinugyaw-Suguidadonay, among others.

A certificate of appreciation was given by a representative of SM City to Governor Tanco during the celebration for his invaluable support and contribution to the development and promotion of Capiz tourism industry.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Alfonso Bediones, Jr., SP committee chair on tourism, said the fiestas in city is a yearly project of SM City together with the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Bediones joined Gov. Tanco, Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus Tesoro and DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta at the Capiz presentation. (PIA/A.Lumaque/CGPB/nomar)

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/05/23/dali.na.sa.capiz.show.captivates.spectators.html

State U brings tertiary education to Jamindan

ROXAS City - Students from Jamindan, Capiz may no longer need to leave their hometown to get a college education. The province's lone state university is bringing it to them.

The municipal government of Jamindan and the Capiz State University (CAPSU) will sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today to officially mark the establishment of an extension campus of the state university in the town.

Jamindan Mayor Ethel Jinon and CAPSU President Dr. Rochellir Dadivas will sign the agreement.

The chief municipal executive has invited Capiz Second District Cong. Fredenil Castro to grace the occasion.

The Sangguniang Bayan led by Vice Mayor Samson Montorio and those from CAPSU will witness the MOA signing at the town's gymnasium.

The extension campus belongs to the unit of CAPSU in Burias, Mambusao, Capiz headed by Chancellor Dr. Genoveva Labaniego. The extension school brings to 11 the number of CAPSU campuses in the province, which has a main campus in this capital city.

The state university is committed to provide advanced instruction and professional training in agriculture, fishery and forestry, science and technology, arts and humanities, education and other related fields.

It also undertakes research, extension services and production activities, and provides progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.

Heeding the directive of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, CAPSU has deferred its planned tuition fee increase for incoming college freshmen this year to help them and their parents cope with the rising cost of oil and food. (PIA/PN)

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/mainnews5.htm

Sigurado ako na proud ang mga taga Capiz sa ginawa ni Mar Roxas sa tax exemption.
At ito ang magiging bentahe ng LP sa susunod ng mga buwan.

Capiz has a story in the June issue of PAL's Mabuhay Miles. Sad to say, there are some glaring errors in the article.



"...abalone (Telescopium sp.)..." >it's Haliotis spp.
"Baybay beach is 16 meters long and one mile wide and is considered the 15th largest natural bay in the world" >Another sentence in the same article says "Baybay beach...is a three-kilometer stretch of.." which I think is more accurate. And how did a beach become a bay? I think they got this from wikipedia.:ohno:
"Bacolod can be reached by an hour and a half ferry boat from Roxas. Fares range from 100-300 pesos (US$2.38-US$7.15)" >What? Can anyone confirm the existence of a ferry service from Roxas to Bacolod that can make it in 1.5 hours?

Morning all,
How did Roxas City fare during the recent typhoons?
Been trying to contact my niece there of late, but have had little success.
Did it suffer much damage there?

Thanks
Brad

^^ Capiz was one of the most badly affected by the Typhoon Frank. Some lines aren't restored yet.

^^ Capiz was one of the most badly affected by the Typhoon Frank. Some lines aren't restored yet.

Thanks for that. We will keep trying.
Had a good talk to thew asawa last night about typhoon proof houses. We wish to one day semi-live in Roxas and would want something we weren't liable to find pieces of on another island after the first typhoon.
A cave may be better :-(

It really is tragic that such a beautiful country always seems to be in the flight path of these disasters :-(

Brad

mayong aga capiz,hope i could visit this place again soon.

I was in Mambusao last week. I took these photos around the Mambusao Plaza.

New commercial building constructed near the plaza.
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6358/1000444yc5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Villareal Center beside the Municipal Hall
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6589/1000068jr4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The Municipal Hall
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7116/1000070ul5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Health Center
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/1747/1000074br8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Community Stage at the center of Mambusao Plaza
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/1749/1000069lj6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Barangay Poblacion Hall beside the Mambusao Bus Stop / Plaza
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/650/1000072ia7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Bus Stop at Mambusao Plaza
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8623/1000445xc4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/4441/1000446em2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

After Sunday Mass
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5301/1000450vw8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1431/1000451cj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5620/1000452tz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


'tsura sang mga Pulitiko!!!
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/1981/1000073iq8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Cool.... I'm a Villareal and I've been to Mambusao only once. Last time i was there was 1997. It's nice to see how the town is doing. =) thanks so much for the pictures

Capiz coop wins DTI, Globe Masigasig Awards

THE Department of Trade and Industry and Globe Telecom recently honored the country’s outstanding micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in this year’s Outstanding MSME Award and Globe Masigasig Awards.

The three regional awardees represented the country’s main island groups

Natomo Manufacturing of La Union bagged the Outstanding MSME Award for Luzon, while Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Capiz and Zaragoza Foods Corporation of Zamboanga del Norte were conferred the Outstanding MSME Award for Visayas and Mindanao, respectively.
These awards give recognition to the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises which have excelled as a result of the assistance provided by government agencies and/or private institutions in the areas of business and investment, labor-management guidance, product development, access to finance and market, and productivity and efficiency.

“Their success is testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and flair alive in the country, and highlights their drive and determination to succeed,” Maridol Ylanan of Globe Telecom said.

A winner of many international and national awards, Luzon awardee Natomo Manufacturing is considered a sector leader in La Union's metal craft industry. The maker of the Super Biomass Stove and other farm equipment, Natomo is a model SME not only because of its pioneering invention but also because of its continuing quest for product excellence. From an initial capital of P25,000, the company grew to become a business leader not only in La Union but the whole Region 1 with an asset of P2.5-million in 2007

Natomo is presently the top business leader not only in La Union but in the whole Region 1.

Visayas awardee Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CMPC) serves as the primary coordinating body of the cutflower and ornamental plant growers in the province which is now known as a major producer of potted orchids and orchid cutflowers, landscape materials, fresh foliages and potted ornamental plants in the whole of the Visayas.

CMPC also helped the province slowly build its name as the premier source of exportable cutfoliages in the country as it already sends its exports to the Japanese market. CMPC has 10 export SMEs participating with a total investment of P20-million and an aggregate area of 15 hectares providing more than a thousand jobs.

A winner of the 2005 National Shoppers’ Choice Awards, Mindanao awardee Zaragoza Foods Corporation (ZFC) is a producer of high-quality food products like Spanish sardines, bagoong, salted fish, and achara. ZFC has efficiently distributed its products all over the country using modern sales methods like direct ordering by phone which comprises 65% of the company’s sales.

Starting with just three people, ZFC now has a total manpower of 119 with a production level of 500 boxes. Their products can now be found in Filipino stores in the United States, Canada, Singapore, and Australia.

One national winner adjudged as the 2008 Outstanding MSME and Globe Masigasig Awardee will be chosen from among the three regional winners based on their masigasig attributes: persistence, resiliency in the face of challenges, opportunity seeking, business creativity, goal orientedness and advocacy.

The winner will be announced July 9 at SM Megamall during the most awaited celebration of SME Week.

Aside from the awards and prizes, the regional winners were given special accommodation at the Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City where they were treated to a luxurious stay courtesy of the hotel’s cozy suites and a complimentary buffet breakfast to start their day.

Globe Business takes pride in giving honor to the country’s outstanding businesses and will continue to recognize their extraordinary achievements and contribution to the economy.thedailyguardian.com

Looking from the picture of Gov. Vic Tanco... He resembles my Dad... hehehe. maybe we are related to him. :LOL:

Revenue collection down;
BIR-Capiz blames ‘Frank’

By JEMIN B. GUILLERMO

ROXAS City – The revenue collection in June was also hit by Typhoon “Frank,” revenue collection officials here said.

Revenue Collection Chief Socorro Besa of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Capiz disclosed that their June collection was a little over P31.388 million only, lower than their P40.393-million goal for the month.

One factor for the significant decrease was the devastation brought by the typhoon. Properties and businesses were destroyed.

The implementation of the new rate for tax exemption, particularly for salary and wage earners, was also contributory in the decrease of the revenue collection.

Besa said they expect the downtrend to continue this July.

Recently, BIR-Capiz called on Capiceño taxpayers to declare damages wrought by the typhoon because the declaration is being recognized and allowed by the BIR as extra-ordinary business deductions or losses.

Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stressed that her decision not to lift the expanded value added tax (VAT) on oil imports was the right thing to do.

She said that "if VAT on oil and power is lifted, how do we replace more than P70 million in revenues, mostly used to fund projects for the poor?"

The President made the statement in response to the calls of her critics for the suspension of the implementation of the VAT, and the scrapping of the Oil Deregulation Law as a means to soften the impact on the people of skyrocketing oil prices.

Meanwhile, Besa revealed that for the first six-month period of the year, the BIR Capiz was able to raise more than P213.592 million in revenues, higher by more than P12.255 million or 6.09 percent compared to the collection in the same period last year. (PIA/PN) www.panaynewsphilippines.com

ROXAS CITY, July 28 (PNA) -– A garden show and products fair will highlight the celebration of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Week in Capiz on July 28 to August 2, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office.

The celebration will be spearheaded by the DTI and Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PSMEDC) chaired by civic leader and businessman Danilo So Chan.

DTI Capiz has a new Provincial Director in the person of Ms. Ermelinda P. Pollentes, who was previously the director of DTI Aklan.

DTI Public Information Officer Ken Quennie Cuñada said this year's celebration will be modest compared to similar events in the past in the wake of the damage inflicted by Typhoon "Frank" on the production facilities and resource areas of some local small and medium enterprises that somehow affected their operations.

Cuñada said the garden show will feature the cutfoliage, processed foods, handicrafts and other SME products in order to highlight their progress and contributions to the economy.

A team from the Philippine-Australian Community Assistance Program (PACAP) led by its Regional Coordinator Lisa Morales will arrive during the celebration to turn over PACAP-assisted SME projects to beneficiaries. They will also meet with the board of directors of PSMEDC and PACAP partners and beneficiaries.

SMEs are one of the segments of the economy which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has identified as capable of generating more jobs in line with her thrust to enable Filipinos to enjoy the blessings of a vibrant economy.

Hundreds of new jobs have been created for Capiceños by local SMEs that are being helped by the government through microfinance and technical assistance and by foreign funding institutions and programs including PACAP.

Providing more job opportunities to Filipinos through micro-financed enterprises are among the targets set forth by the President in her State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2001.
Malacañang said these targets are on track to bring about benefits. (PNA)

Capiz coop wins DTI, Globe Masigasig Awards

THE Department of Trade and Industry and Globe Telecom recently honored the country’s outstanding micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in this year’s Outstanding MSME Award and Globe Masigasig Awards.

The three regional awardees represented the country’s main island groups

Natomo Manufacturing of La Union bagged the Outstanding MSME Award for Luzon, while Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Capiz and Zaragoza Foods Corporation of Zamboanga del Norte were conferred the Outstanding MSME Award for Visayas and Mindanao, respectively.
These awards give recognition to the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises which have excelled as a result of the assistance provided by government agencies and/or private institutions in the areas of business and investment, labor-management guidance, product development, access to finance and market, and productivity and efficiency.

“Their success is testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and flair alive in the country, and highlights their drive and determination to succeed,” Maridol Ylanan of Globe Telecom said.

A winner of many international and national awards, Luzon awardee Natomo Manufacturing is considered a sector leader in La Union's metal craft industry. The maker of the Super Biomass Stove and other farm equipment, Natomo is a model SME not only because of its pioneering invention but also because of its continuing quest for product excellence. From an initial capital of P25,000, the company grew to become a business leader not only in La Union but the whole Region 1 with an asset of P2.5-million in 2007

Natomo is presently the top business leader not only in La Union but in the whole Region 1.

Visayas awardee Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CMPC) serves as the primary coordinating body of the cutflower and ornamental plant growers in the province which is now known as a major producer of potted orchids and orchid cutflowers, landscape materials, fresh foliages and potted ornamental plants in the whole of the Visayas.

CMPC also helped the province slowly build its name as the premier source of exportable cutfoliages in the country as it already sends its exports to the Japanese market. CMPC has 10 export SMEs participating with a total investment of P20-million and an aggregate area of 15 hectares providing more than a thousand jobs.

A winner of the 2005 National Shoppers’ Choice Awards, Mindanao awardee Zaragoza Foods Corporation (ZFC) is a producer of high-quality food products like Spanish sardines, bagoong, salted fish, and achara. ZFC has efficiently distributed its products all over the country using modern sales methods like direct ordering by phone which comprises 65% of the company’s sales.

Starting with just three people, ZFC now has a total manpower of 119 with a production level of 500 boxes. Their products can now be found in Filipino stores in the United States, Canada, Singapore, and Australia.

One national winner adjudged as the 2008 Outstanding MSME and Globe Masigasig Awardee will be chosen from among the three regional winners based on their masigasig attributes: persistence, resiliency in the face of challenges, opportunity seeking, business creativity, goal orientedness and advocacy.

The winner will be announced July 9 at SM Megamall during the most awaited celebration of SME Week.

Aside from the awards and prizes, the regional winners were given special accommodation at the Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City where they were treated to a luxurious stay courtesy of the hotel’s cozy suites and a complimentary buffet breakfast to start their day.

Globe Business takes pride in giving honor to the country’s outstanding businesses and will continue to recognize their extraordinary achievements and contribution to the economy.thedailyguardian.com

Nice one Capiz.... slowly but surely Capiz is on its way to progress. Miss the place and seafoods. :)

it's all pink and clean in Mambusao. Kanami gali sang Mambusao subong. It's a developing town gid iya. Hope to see a more developed town in the next few years. Sa panulok ko lang, it even beats Sigma, in all aspects.

Nice one Capiz.... slowly but surely Capiz is on its way to progress. Miss the place and seafoods. :)

i miss the baybay area kag ang diwaland lukon:cheers:

i heard before that either st. anthony's college or hospital is planning to expand...ambot lang kung nadayon kay wala na dira kakilala ko.:)

it's all pink and clean in Mambusao. Kanami gali sang Mambusao subong. It's a developing town gid iya. Hope to see a more developed town in the next few years. Sa panulok ko lang, it even beats Sigma, in all aspects.

Yup, in terms of development mas damo sa Mambusao kumpara sa Sigma, maybe because Mambusao is your gateway to Kalibo and Iloilo.... :)

i miss the baybay area kag ang diwaland lukon:cheers:

i heard before that either st. anthony's college or hospital is planning to expand...ambot lang kung nadayon kay wala na dira kakilala ko.:)

Same here... Diwal kag alimango/kasag kag lukon. I heard that too... SAC has plans for expansion, Don't know what happened when I left like in November 2005... I stayed in Roxas City for more than a year.

any bigger investors entering Roxas or Capiz territory?

Capiz has 2 Gaisano malls. Will there be a possibility of Capiz having SM, too?

Pantawid kuryente availed by Capiceños this month

ROXAS CITY – Capiceño beneficiaries of the Pantawid Kuryente: Katas ng VAT of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will already enjoy the subsidy program this month.

According to Engineer Edgar Diaz, General Manager of the Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO), the 70,000 Capiceño lifeline users will have their bill deduction already starting this month.

The P36 million budget for CAPELCO lifeline users in Capiz is part of the government's gains from the implementation of the expanded Value Added Tax (VAT), Diaz said.

He added that said budget is intended for a one-time P500 subsidy to lifeline users or those consuming less than 100 kilowatt hours of electricity.

The basis of the electric consumption is the billing last May; however, the beneficiaries will have their bill deduction in August, Diaz stressed.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral disclosed earlier that 90 percent of Meralco lifeline users or consumers in the National Capital Region with an electric consumption of one to 100 kilowatt hours per month have claimed their one-time cash subsidy of P500 each.

Cabral said that of the P2 billion Pantawid Kuryente: Katas ng VAT subsidy allocated initially, DSWD has released more than P768 million to Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP); more than P989 million to the National Electrification Administration (NEA); and P200 million to the Private Electric Power Operators Association (PEPOA) for the payment of the subsidy.

As of August 1, the Land Bank of the Philippines reported having served 972,163 claimants in the Meralco franchise areas in the National Capital Region, Regions III and IV-A who have been paid more than P486 million. Ninety percent (525,301) of lifeline users in the National Capital Region, close to 53 percent in Region III, and 43 percent in Region IV-A have been served.

On the other hand, the NEA has issued more than 1.97 million credit memos to lifeline users worth more than P989 million. The lifeline users issued with credit memos consist of about 42 percent of the 4.7 million targeted lifeline users under electric cooperatives nationwide, she said.

Cabral pointed out that the rest will be provided as soon as additional money, amounting to another P1.4 billion, is released for the purpose. (PIA/Jemin B. Guillermo) www.thenewstoday.info

DPWH: Construction of skywalks needs coordination with LGU

By JOEL E. CAPUNDAN

ROXAS CITY – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut directed the Capiz 1st Engineering District to coordinate with the city government of Roxas with regard to the proposed construction of three skywalks or overpass in the city's main thoroughfares.

The directive was contained in Yabut's letter dated July 16, 2008 addressed to Assistant District Engineer Arturo D. Cabillos of the Capiz 1st Engineering Office.

Earlier, Cabillos said that they will proceed with the construction of the three skywalks despite the opposition from the city government.

He said that the Capiz 1st Engineering District already made coordinations with the City Engineer's Office when they applied for building permit and other pertinent papers for the project.

The city engineer, however, refused to issue a building permit since the proposed project was not course through a periodic consultation with the Local Government Unit as provided by the Local Government Code.

To note, the skywalk projects pushed by Representative Antonio del Rosario are strongly opposed by City Mayor Vicente Bermejo.

Bermejo instead advised Del Rosario to improve the drainage system which is badly needed in the city due to the occurrence of flood during the rainy season.

Del Rosario, however, claimed that no less than the business sector and educational institutions like the Filamer Christian College and President Roxas Memorial School requested for the construction of the skywalks in answer to the need of numerous students who cross the pedestrian lanes causing congestion and vulnerable to accidents.

Bermejo has issued a cease and desist order against the construction of the three skywalks located in front of Filamer Christian College, in front of big mall in San Roque and in front of President Manuel Roxas Memorial School in Arnaldo Boulevard.

Bermejo said the projects are superfluous and unwarranted because these have been identified and financed without prior consultation with the city engineer and planning officer.

anu ba lenghuahe nyo jan? can anyone translate this : "the fishes are here! come out everybody! its time to catch some fish"

anu ba lenghuahe nyo jan? can anyone translate this : "the fishes are here! come out everybody! its time to catch some fish"
I'm not from Capiz but the language generally spoken there is Hiligaynon, the same with Iloilo and Bacolod Cities.

"the fishes are here! come out everybody! its time to catch some fish" - "Ari na ang mga isda! Guwa na kamo tanan! Tiyempo na mang dakop isda :lol: I hope I got it right, it's a very literal translation and it sounds kinda funny. In what social situation can you possibly use a title like this? :lol::lol::lol:

for our KATUTUBONG SAYAW. our dance, the Pasigin, came from Capiz man. so nagtanong ako dito para sa translation haha. thanks anyway. salamat hin madamo!

Filamer Christian College celebrates 104th foundation
By Donna Casio and Adam Jesus Bering


Elementary pupils.Roxas City – The Filamer Christian College here will be celebrating its 104th Foundation Anniversary Celebration on August 26-29, 2008 with this year's theme: "FCC @104: Inspired by the Founders' Legacy, we journey to excellence."

Filamer Christian College (FCC) was established as a "bamboo" orphanage for girls sometime in August 1904 by the American Missionaries then as a Baptist Home School in 1905 and in 1952 the school was renamed Filamer Christian Institute (FCI). It became a college from 1973 until 1984 with its first Filipino President, the late Dr. Agustin E. Masa. In 1985, FCI became officially known as Filamer Christian College (FCC) with Dr. Victor de la Cruz, as its 2nd Filipino President. From 1991 to October 1993, Filamer was run by a management committee with Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Jr. as chairman. It was November of 1993 that Dr. Domingo J. Diel, Jr. became President of the school making him the 3rd Filipino President. August 2000 to present, the college is headed by Rev. Dr. Expedito A. Señeres, as 4th President of the school.


FCC College of Nursing Basketball Team with their
beautiful muses.FCC offers complete education programs from kindergarten to graduate school. At the higher education level, the college has a masteral program and 10 baccalaureate programs. In pursuit of its mission to produce competent and value-laden graduates in nursing, electronics computer engineering, culture and arts, computer science, hotel, restaurant and tourism, teacher and business education through relevant and responsive instruction, production, research and extension services in the province and Western Visayas Island. FCC also envisions of becoming the first private University in Capiz province in the near future.

The week-long celebration kicks off on August 27, 2008 with a foot parade to be participated by the different academic departments with their respective heads, faculty, staff and students.


College of Business and Accountancy
(CBA) athletes.The parade along the major streets of this city will be spearheaded by the FCC Board of Trustees and Corporation, the College President and other key personnel of the school.

A commemoration service will be held August 26, 2008 a day before the opening salvo to remember and honor the founders' legacy as the oldest Christian institution in the province of Capiz.

A series of activities will be highlighted from Sports Competition (chess, table tennis, volleyball, basketball and swimming), Literary-Musical Contest, Quiz Bowls, Dance Sports and Friendship Games with Tri-Media Group, Alumni, PTEA, CEH and CPU basketball teams.


Department Sports Coordinators lead their players
during the foot parade.We congratulate Filamer Christian College officials, faculty, staff, students and alumni on its 104th Foundation Anniversary Celebration and wish them success in all their endeavors!


from: The News Today

I love to visit the captivating Capiz and how I wish I could stay there. It depends if I will meet the man of my dreams there. :) Can you help me find one? Nah, relationship is not searched it comes in the right time and in the right place.

any bigger investors entering Roxas or Capiz territory?

Capiz has 2 Gaisano malls. Will there be a possibility of Capiz having SM, too?


where are these 2 Gaisanos located? is it in Roxas?

yes, there will be a possibility that SM will build in Capiz in due time.

^^ Capiz has two Gaisano Malls? I thought they only had one.

ill be in roxas on nov 29. didto na naman ako ma lamyerda kag mag libot libot

^^ Capiz has two Gaisano Malls? I thought they only had one.

Yeah. aside from Gaisano City, there's also one located at San Roque Street I think.. It is smaller but it looks quite classy.

Yeah. aside from Gaisano City, there's also one located at San Roque Street I think.. It is smaller but it looks quite classy.
Same stuff for the most part. Both have terrible "out of stock" service. Need Robinson's to come in or SM, most likely it will be Robinson

^^ hi Islandjerry, i enjoyed and missed your photo postings. . . .:)

^^ hi Islandjerry, i enjoyed and missed your photo postings. . . .:)
This site was down for a while and it's been so long for me I"ve forgotten how to post pictures on it. lol

Same stuff for the most part. Both have terrible "out of stock" service. Need Robinson's to come in or SM, most likely it will be Robinson

I agree! Give it 2-3 years... hopefully SM I think since I heard a rumor like 2-3 years ago when I was still residing in Roxas City... an SM Mall is planned in the area just a few kilometers from Gaisano City (road going to seaport)... I seems to forgot the name of that road going to Baybay... golly me! :lol:

I agree! Give it 2-3 years... hopefully SM I think since I heard a rumor like 2-3 years ago when I was still residing in Roxas City... an SM Mall is planned in the area just a few kilometers from Gaisano City (road going to seaport)... I seems to forgot the name of that road going to Baybay... golly me! :lol:
Arnaldo Blvd.

^^

Thanks a million Jerry! yes thats it Arnaldo Blvd.... if your bound to Baybay it coming from Gaisano City the location is on the left side of the road. It has a fence if my memory serves me right and its such a wide space. :)

Panay towns revive 'economic union'

ROXAS CITY – The five neighboring towns of Capiz and Aklan have revived their collaborative project "Central Panay Economic Unification" (CPEU) which was first formed in the 1990s by Jamindan and Tapaz of Capiz and Altavas, Batan and Libacao of Aklan to pursue joint economic development.

Jamindan mayor Ethel R. Jinon, CPEU founding chair, initiated the move towards the revival of the economic union that had brought a number of benefits for the member-owns during its first operationalization in the 1990s.

At that time, CPEU was allotted a seat in the Western Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) and gained the attention of the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government, other national government agencies and development institutions in planning and implementing development programs.

The union also opened up other development opportunities for the five municipalities which were bound by a common development agenda.

Jamindan Community Development Information Officer Norma Chavez said their lady chief executive, who had been their town mayor from 1988, made the move to revive the collaborative union knowing the benefits that it could bring to the area.

Altavas mayor Kathryne B. Refol is the present chair of CPEU.

Mayors Rosemarie Gardose of Tapaz, Delfina R. Ramos of Batan, and Charito I. Navarosa of Libacao are all supportive of the economic aggrupation.

One of the current projects being pushed by CPEU is the completion of a road that interconnects the provinces of Capiz and Aklan through the towns of Jamindan and Libacao and its conversion into a national road system.

The CPEU local chief executives pointed out that the road system will contribute significantly to the development of their area. (PIA-JSC)

PanuLce: The sweets stop in Roxas City

BY DONNA CASIO

PanuLce is a food business entity established in October 1995 through talent, hard work, and sheer determination by its founders and owners, Jerel and Yeyeng Angon. It set out as a home-based business that produced sandwiches and pastries, which were sold to friends and to various offices in the local community.

Its maiden shop located in Magallanes Street, Roxas City continuosly enjoys a good flock of customers and after 12 years, has branched out in Gaisano City Roxas and is pursuing an ambition to establish more branches in and outside Capiz province.

PanuLce is a local term in Capiz, which means "dessert". Its root word is "dulce", which is Spanish meaning"sweet" or "candy". The name was received with enthusiasm by the public as it has a local tone and flavor attached to it. Today, PanuLce has become the "word of mouth" of most Capiceñoswhen it comes tocakes and pastries in Roxas City.

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PanuLce abides by its business principles, which aim to utilize its resources in cost-effective ways; operate in a safe, clean, and hygienic environment; promote welfare among its personnel; continue to learn new techniques for product development; adapt to the changingdemands of the market; foster faith and goodwillin the organizationand deliver optimum customer service necessary for the proliferation of the business.

^^

I tried some of their products before and so far they're all great tasting. Worth your money. Since its just a walking distance from where I live. (referring to the Magallanes Branch)

PanuLce: The sweets stop in Roxas City

BY DONNA CASIO

PanuLce is a food business entity established in October 1995 through talent, hard work, and sheer determination by its founders and owners, Jerel and Yeyeng Angon. It set out as a home-based business that produced sandwiches and pastries, which were sold to friends and to various offices in the local community.

Its maiden shop located in Magallanes Street, Roxas City continuosly enjoys a good flock of customers and after 12 years, has branched out in Gaisano City Roxas and is pursuing an ambition to establish more branches in and outside Capiz province.

PanuLce is a local term in Capiz, which means "dessert". Its root word is "dulce", which is Spanish meaning"sweet" or "candy". The name was received with enthusiasm by the public as it has a local tone and flavor attached to it. Today, PanuLce has become the "word of mouth" of most Capiceñoswhen it comes tocakes and pastries in Roxas City.

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/11/13/f_panulce2m_65a9ad8.jpg

PanuLce abides by its business principles, which aim to utilize its resources in cost-effective ways; operate in a safe, clean, and hygienic environment; promote welfare among its personnel; continue to learn new techniques for product development; adapt to the changingdemands of the market; foster faith and goodwillin the organizationand deliver optimum customer service necessary for the proliferation of the business.

^^

I tried some of their products before and so far they're all great tasting. Worth your money. Since its just a walking distance from where I live. (referring to the Magallanes Branch)


i will include this on my itinerary when i go to roxas next week,.

DOH extends mass drug administration program for filariasis elimination to Capiz, Iloilo City

November 24, 2008 1:44 pm by pna

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 24 – The Department of Health-Center for Health Development 6 (DOH-CHD 6) will extend its filariasis mass drug administration (MDA) to Capiz province and Iloilo City next year.

Capiz has signified its intention for MDA coverage after several filariasis cases were confirmed in the province.

Iloilo City, on the other hand, is yet to comply with the creation of a sentinel site for the conduct of deformity and blood smear surveys, and masterlisting of the population to be included in the MDA.

Anna Luz Hibionada, regional coordinator of the filariasis elimination program, said they are also looking forward to the participation of Aklan, Antique and Guimaras provinces to the MDA.

Hibionada said the three provinces have yet to comply with the requirements such as the result of their deformity survey.

Antique and Aklan have no reported filariasis cases yet. (PNA)

FFC/AJP/PGL/vlo

Capiz to host RDC 6 meeting

ROXAS CITY – Preparations including security concerns have been finalized by the Capiz provincial government for the scheduled Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting at the Hall of Governors of the Provincial Capitol here on December 5.

The 4thquarter RDC meeting is in time with the 2008 Sinadya sa Halaran (SSH) celebration from Dec. 4 to 8.

Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. said that all the six governors as well as city mayors and national government agencies regional directors and non-government organizations are expected to attend the meeting.

RDC is the highest policy-making body in the region and serves as the counterpart of the NEDA Board at the subnational level. It is the primary institution that coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts in the region. It also serves as a forum where local efforts can be related and integrated with national development activities.

"A number of special concerns and committee matters needing RDC action shall be discussed in the said meeting," said RDC 6 Chairperson and Antique Governor Salvacion Z. Perez.

A dinner will also be hosted by the province after the meeting. The gathering will also be a Christmas fellowship among RDC 6 members.

The Council's 3rdquarter meeting was conducted July at RDC Conference Hall, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) - 6 Building at Fort San Pedro in Iloilo City. (PIA/A.Lumaque) newstoday iloilo

Sinadya sa Halaran 2008 unfolds Dec. 4

ROXAS CITY – Capiz's premier festival Sinadya sa Halaran will bring the Capiznons' innate culture to the fore during its run this year which will start Dec. 4 and end on the 8th.


Starting with the traditional "Pamukaw-pukaw" in the wee hours of the morning, the five-day festival will feature a series of activities that will depict the Capiceños' rich cultural heritage, religiosity, and way of life in their bid to attract more tourists to the country's seafood capital.

Capiz lies along the nautical highway along the Philippine western seaboard and belongs to the Central Philippines Super Region that has been identified by President Arroyo as the country's tourism hub.

Gov. Victor Tanco said Sinadya sa Halaran, apart from its being the major festival of Capiz, is part of the tourism program being pushed by the provincial government and supported by the city government to make Capiz as an eco-cultural tourism hub of Central Philippines.

The festival is a joint celebration of the province and city that fused the Sinadya fiesta celebration of the city on Dec. 8 in honor of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Halaran cultural festivity of the province.

Capiz is one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the country. Among its newly discovered tourist attractions are waterfalls and caves. (PIA/SSH 2008 Publicity & Promotions)
other panay news
Capiz to host RDC 6 meeting
WV budget officers gather in Capiz for year-end conference
:cheers:

^^ The Province of Capiz is known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.

Discover the Capiz mystic. Explore the rolling hills, mountain peaks and ranges. Enjoy daytime excursions at the province’s wide beaches and isolated coves. Have a fill of a variety of seafoods available all year round. Visit local gardens, historical sites, old Spanish churches, Southeast Asia’s largest bell at Pan-ay Church, and the birthplace of Manuel A. Roxas (first Philippine President).

Experience local festivals like Balintawakan and Sinadya sa Halaran. Go spelunking. A lot of caves are waiting to be explored. Or you can make special arrangements to witness the Mundo tribe dance in Tapaz.

Accommodations in cottages, hotels, and resorts are available in Roxas City and other municipalities outside the city.:)

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

tingala guid ko mo... nga-a kadamu gwapa sa roxas man? hehehe:lol:

tingala guid ko mo... nga-a kadamu gwapa sa roxas man? hehehe:lol:

oo migs dmu gd man da gwapa sa Roxas,dmu ko classmate sng college ko sa CPU nga taga Roxas mga gwapa gd man. ang iban ko nga classmate halin pa sa St. Mary's.:)

Capiz holds product expo

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is mounting the Capiz Product Expo back-to-back with Estilo Capiz at the activity center of Gaisano City Mall December 4-8, 2008.

The opening ceremony was held 3pm last December 4, said DTI provincial director Ermelinda P. Pollentes.

A trade fair and fashion show in one, the expo will highlight handcrafted items featured in the One Town-One Product (OTOP) program which includes bamboo, cane and rattan housewares, coco shell fashion accessories, garments, wood-based giftware, furniture and fixtures, capiz and sea shell products, abaca footwear, home accessories and many more.
This marketing event will also feature processed seafood, fruits, vegetables and other delicacies in innovative packaging.

The activity will cap the year-long product development consultancy services extended by the DTI to the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) particularly in the gifts and housewares and processed food sectors.

For the gifts and houseware sector, international lifestyle designer PJ Arañador was commissioned to provide MSMEs design ideas with potential commercial value using mixed materials and developing new product lines.

Fresh from his stint in India, Arañador collaborated with MSMEs to come up with 120 new products which will be the main focus of the product expo.

Former San Miguel Corporation marketing consultant Abner Villahermosa was also tapped to work with the food processor group to improve and enhance their packaging.

Product development consultancy is a continuing consulting services provided by DTI to local producers to improve the quality, marketability and competitiveness of their products. (R.Melliza/Ken Cunada-DTI Capiz) guardian iloilo

oo migs dmu gd man da gwapa sa Roxas,dmu ko classmate sng college ko sa CPU nga taga Roxas mga gwapa gd man. ang iban ko nga classmate halin pa sa St. Mary's.:)

tuod na migs... 4 ang kilala ko nga taga roxas city before. mga gwapa guid... hehehe. :lol:

Hello.. sin-o nakakwa pics sang Halaran Festival last December 8?

tuod na migs... 4 ang kilala ko nga taga roxas city before. mga gwapa guid... hehehe. :lol:

laban gd eh! my uyab ko daan taga Roxas sng una haha! :lol::lol::lol:

so kmusta gli ang halaran da sa Roxas?

any pics guys.....

laban gd eh! my uyab ko daan taga Roxas sng una haha! :lol::lol::lol:

so kmusta gli ang halaran da sa Roxas?

any pics guys.....

ako man, may miga man ko nga taga roxas city before... hehehe. about halaran? no idea... let's wait from roxas city forumers :cheers:

‘Halad sa Kasimanwa’ adds
glitter to Halaran Festival

ROXAS City - “Nobody is so poor that they cannot give and nobody is so rich that they could not receive”

This is the working premise for the “Halad sa Kasimanwa” project launched during the opening of this year’s Sinadya sa Halaran Festival 2008.

A brainchild of the Provincial Tourism Officer Al Tesoro, the project was conceptualized in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Metro Roxas led by its president, Nonoy Evan Contreras.

Dieter Ehlert and Juvy Benliro chaired the working committee for the “Halad sa Kasimanwa” project. The members of the committee are Rotarians Leah Deslate, Junjun Gallega, Leo Tolentino, Rommel Dadivas, Tonet Delgado, and Joan Denaga.

Jerry Olson played as Santa Claus in the activity that ran from December 4 to 8.

He is a very convincing Santa Claus with his built and Santa costume.

Rotakid Danica So Chan rendered an exemplary service for the project. Other Rotarians and Rotaractors also gave valuable contribution to the project.

The response of the public was overwhelming. However, due to the weather and other unforeseen factors, the collection of gifts from kind-hearted Capizeños was challenged. Lessons had been learned in the improvement of the “Halad sa Kasimanwa” project.

One thing is sure though. That is the birth of a project for the people.
The project would be incorporated to the annual activity of the club in partnership with the provincial government of Capiz and in coordination with other non-government and civic organizations, business establishments, and schools.

The “Halad sa Kasimanwa” activities were held relative to the annual celebration of the Sinadya sa Halaran Festival.

The project aimed to rekindle the spirit of sharing and caring that is inherent to every Capizeños by giving some gifts to our less-privileged kasimanwas.

Capizeños are kind-hearted and loving people. Despite the crisis that is plaguing our economy, they are still willing to share their bounties to others.

“Halad sa Kasimanwa” projects surely brought joy and appreciation to the recipients./PN panay news

'Halad' keeps Sinadya sa Halaran spirit alive

ROXAS CITY – The "Halad sa Kasimanwa" spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Metro Roxas in coordination with the provincial government during Sinadya sa Halaran 2008 was meant to keep the spirit of the festival alive.


Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Esteban Contreras, club president, said the halad activity aimed at rekindling the spirit of sharing and caring that is inherent in Capiceños through the giving of gifts in cash or kind to their less privileged province-mates.

The halad or gift-giving was one of the highlights of the December 4-8 cultural and religious celebration.

Launched at the Provincial Park right on opening day of the celebration, the halad was highlighted by gift-giving and civic activities.

The gift-giving and identification of beneficiaries was done in coordination with the provincial government headed by Gov. Victor Tanco through its Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

There was also a lighting of a huge Christmas tree and light-a-tree participated in by business establishments DANCORR, Pueblo de Panay and MVW Restaurant & Tourist Inn, and government financial institution Land Bank of the Philippines.

A member of the club played Santa Claus and visited public places and department stores for photo opportunities with children and adults alike.

The goodies received by the club from donors were distributed to beneficiaries last Dec. 6. "Service to the Public" activities were also conducted Dec. 6-7 including a beach cleanup, blood-letting with the Philippine National Red Cross, and tree planting with the support of the DENR.

Project cooperators included local government units, business establishments and organizations, other civic clubs, religious organizations, the academe, and other institutions.

Sinadya sa Halaran is a joint religious and cultural festival of the province and city that is anchored on the Capiceños' time-honored traditions of giving and sharing and religiosity in honor of their Patroness, the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus Tesoro said the just-concluded festival was successful and thanked Capiceños for supporting the celebration that depicted local cultural heritage and deep religiosity. (PIA-JSC)

^^ Sang una may parade pa na sila sang Giant Seafoods. La ko kabalo kung asta subong ara pa. Tani my makapost man di pictures san Halaran ba.

^^ Sang una may parade pa na sila sang Giant Seafoods. La ko kabalo kung asta subong ara pa. Tani my makapost man di pictures san Halaran ba.

tani may ma post pictures sang halaran no? mayo guid tani... :cheers:

^^ Sang una may parade pa na sila sang Giant Seafoods. La ko kabalo kung asta subong ara pa. Tani my makapost man di pictures san Halaran ba.

Yup may ara sina. Kag every Christmas may ara sila floating lights display sa suba lapit sa Capitol... :)

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Merry Christmas from SSC-Cebu

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL....

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From SSC-Zamboanga Family

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Photo by when milko shoots (http://flickr.com/photos/when_milko_shoots/)

Happy Christmas Capiz!

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ADVANCE HAPPY NEW YEAR CAPIZ !!!

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ALL AROUND THE WORLD CELEBRATES TONIGHT


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From SSC-Iligan City

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa249/illpic/NewYears/x.gif

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n250/bobtaz08/SSC.jpg?t=1230790298

V I V A!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2116/2477611098_b8cb58f9eb.jpg?v=0

P I T S E N O R!!!!!
PARA SACAPIZ

Hala Bira ILOILO !

Come and Join us in ILOILO as we celebrate the Best Tourism Event

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

Hala Bira ! Hala Bira !

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Aside from the famous seafoods Roxas City is well-known of, one great discovery that I'm very happy about when I visited the place was the dessert shop named PANULCE!!! The desserts they offer are delectable and not overrated. I bought so many of their products to give to family and friends in Australia and they were all so delighted about the pastries. Is it true that the shop has a branch now in Gaisano Roxas aside from the one in Magallanes St? ... well done and all the best!

So, it's true that PANULCE has a branch now in Gaisano Roxas. GREATTTT!:banana: Love your cakes and pastries guys! Even better than what we have here in Australia especially the original COCO PANDAN...missed it, yummmm!!!:nuts:

PanuLce: The sweets stop in Roxas City
BY DONNA CASIO

PanuLce is a food business entity established in October 1995 through talent, hard work, and sheer determination by its founders and owners, Jerel and Yeyeng Angon. It set out as a home-based business that produced sandwiches and pastries, which were sold to friends and to various offices in the local community.

Its maiden shop located in Magallanes Street, Roxas City continuosly enjoys a good flock of customers and after 12 years, has branched out in Gaisano City Roxas and is pursuing an ambition to establish more branches in and outside Capiz province.

PanuLce is a local term in Capiz, which means "dessert". Its root word is "dulce", which is Spanish meaning"sweet" or "candy". The name was received with enthusiasm by the public as it has a local tone and flavor attached to it. Today, PanuLce has become the "word of mouth" of most Capiceñoswhen it comes tocakes and pastries in Roxas City.

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/11/13/f_panulce2m_65a9ad8.jpg

PanuLce abides by its business principles, which aim to utilize its resources in cost-effective ways; operate in a safe, clean, and hygienic environment; promote welfare among its personnel; continue to learn new techniques for product development; adapt to the changingdemands of the market; foster faith and goodwillin the organizationand deliver optimum customer service necessary for the proliferation of the business.

^^

I tried some of their products before and so far they're all great tasting. Worth your money. Since its just a walking distance from where I live. (referring to the Magallanes Branch)

Capiz guv hands P1.5 M for MCTC bldg

BY JOEL E. CAPUNDAN

ROXAS CITY – Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, Sr. gave P1.5 million as financial assistance of the Provincial Government of Capiz to the construction and renovation of Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) of Sigma, Sapian and Jamindan located in the town of Sigma.

The check was received by Sigma Mayor Maria Andaya, MCTC Judge Ruben Lambuson with the presence of Sigma Vice Mayor Victoria Quirao at the Heritage Center in Sigma.

In his message, Tanco said that he hoped that the said fund will help in the completion of the said government edifice. He added that the province is not hesitant to give such amount for the noble purpose and for the good of the people.

“The province shall give its support to the local government of Sigma as it is doing good for the people,” Tanco said.

Andaya thanked the governor for donating such amount for the widening of the building and construction of the 2nd floor of MCTC so that it could be of more service to the people. newstoday

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Heritage/IMGP5976.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Heritage/IMGP5981-1.jpg

‘Big Bikers’ to storm city’s streets
By FELIPE V. CELINO

ROXAS City -- Many will get surprised, particularly during occasions, when bike riders will storm the city’s streets here.

Concerned motor bikers recently untied for one cause - to help less fortunate street children in the province.

Named as the “Big Bike Riders Association of Capiz” (BBRAC), the group is the only existing big bike association in the province organized by professional motor bike riders.

According to BBRAC Pres. Alexis Velardo, parading the streets with their big bikes during occasions is their way of promoting the province’s tourism.

One of the missions of the group is to strengthen good relationship among themselves and to help people during calamities and disasters. They are also guided by the values of respect, professionalism and integrity.

The group’s first achievement was sending five scholars at PACE Computer College here.

At present, BBRC has 27 members./PN

source: Panay News (http://panaynewsphilippines.com/capiz%201.htm)

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Heritage/IMGP5981-1.jpg
is it really blue? or too blue? For a cathedral to painted with blue looks really weird (sorry, it's just me). Parang naging chapel ang dating.

is it really blue? or too blue? For a cathedral to painted with blue looks really weird (sorry, it's just me). Parang naging chapel ang dating.

It's just you. Hehe. I mean it's really blue. I took that pic very early morning.. around 630. It might have been bluer if the sun was up...


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SZbxbuCZ3yI/AAAAAAAAIRw/XUNPxYmbVWQ/s640/IMGP5980.JPG

The fountain at the rotunda is really elegant. The upper basin is being held by statues of sea gods. Very appropriate for a province touting itself as the seafood capital of the Philippines! I wish I was able to take a better shot of it.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EudYIdSGMuU/SZbxbuCZ3yI/AAAAAAAAIRw/XUNPxYmbVWQ/s640/IMGP5980.JPG



tahum gid man ang fountain dira...hidlaw na ko magkadto liwat sa Roxas ba:lol: last year, one month gid ko sa Roxas...:banana::lol: ang sa left side pakadto na da Gaisano Roxas mo:banana:

tahum gid man ang fountain dira...hidlaw na ko magkadto liwat sa Roxas ba:lol: last year, one month gid ko sa Roxas...:banana::lol: ang sa left side pakadto na da Gaisano Roxas mo:banana:

Saw this on Flickr...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/3033331053_c7850fe26b_o.jpg

One of the most ornate I've seen...

Photo by benjohilario (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjohilario/3033331053/sizes/o/)

^^^^ wow ! what a beautiful fountain ... amo gid man ini colour niya? Golden?

Saw this on Flickr...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/3033331053_c7850fe26b_o.jpg

One of the most ornate I've seen...

Photo by benjohilario (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjohilario/3033331053/sizes/o/)

..>Woohhh...This is nice...:cheers:

^^^^ wow ! what a beautiful fountain ... amo gid man ini colour niya? Golden?

Huod. Daw "silence". :D

Saw this on Flickr...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/3033331053_c7850fe26b_o.jpg

One of the most ornate I've seen...

Photo by benjohilario (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjohilario/3033331053/sizes/o/)

^^well lighted sya. :)

Capiz wants to be captivating'

Roxas City (28 February) -- Capiz wants to become the hub of eco-cultural tourism in the Central Philippines Super Region.

Gradually, that hub is taking shape and could soon carve out a niche in the country's tourism map. Hopefully, that hub would become captivating.

Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus D. Tesoro said the province said the province is pursuing a provincial tourism development plan to put the hub in place.

The plan is a result of the development vision pillar on tourism adopted by Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. for his administration.

The provincial government has allotted P7.9 million from its P104.3-million 20% development fund for this year for tourism development.

Kicking off with a visioning and strategic planning workshop in August 2007, the province has initiated projects and activities to set the plan in motion.

Notable among these are: conduct of a tour guiding seminar and festival management workshop; creation of tourism councils and organizations; technical assistance; passage of legislation on environmental protection, arts promotion and heritage presentation; year-round cultural and tourism education; forging partnerships with other government institutions, business sector, the academe, and non-government and civic organizations; artistic training and repertory guidance; assistance to performing groups, artists, cultural and historical researchers and indigenous people's groups; holding of Saot Capiz dance season; empowerment of IP communities; production of collaterals for tourism promotion; participation in tourism and culture related events; promotion of creative industries; technical support for the establishment of new tourism facilities and destinations; and, renovation, maintenance, improvement and management of tourism facilities and destinations.

Tesoro said that they have formed the Organization of Tourism Officers of Capiz (OTOC) to muster the support of the municipalities in pushing tourism.

An added push was provided by the passage of resolutions at Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) declaring February as Provincial Arts Month and a Provincial Tourism Week in September.

The first Capiz Arts Summit called "Tagbo" was held with the support of local school Filamer Christian College.

Starting last year, the province commemorated its April 15 foundation anniversary with a festival dubbed "Capiztahan" to highlight the historical and cultural significance of the event.

The provincial government joined hands with the city government of Roxas in hosting the visit of the Ambassador of the State of Israel, Hon. Zvi Vapni during the death anniversary of former President Manuel A. Roxas that also fell on the date of the provincial charter day, with a show of distinctly Capiceño culture through songs and dances.

The province also was able to establish a partnership with the business sector that gave birth to the Capiz Visitors and Convention Bureau, opening of new tourism related establishments and taxi operations.

The provincial tourism plan also launched the first Capiz Ati Festival called "Hirinugyaw Ke Meme Ati."

Capiz also played host to the Visayas Area leg of the Global Peace Festival.

For the first time in Western Visayas, the province initiated a festival of indigenous dances dubbed "Saot Capiz" that was staged on Saturdays during the last quarter of 2008 and culminating in "grand binayle" last December.

Sinadya sa Halaran, Capiz's premier festival, was enhanced with more cultural activities to underscore its value as a showcase of the Capiceños' rich cultural heritage, religiosity and way of life.

Tesoro explained that the big number of culture related activities initiated so far indicates the direction set by the provincial government for its tourism program.

By all means, it is towards the attainment of the goal to make Capiz as an eco-cultural tourism hub.

"We are packaging the culture and heritage of the province together with its natural attractions," said Tesoro.

The culture and heritage of Capiz come in a variety of forms - the Sta. Monica Parish Church with its gigantic bell in Panay town, former President Roxas, national artists Jovita Fuentes (music) and Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana (theater), indigenous people and their living masters (epic chanters) of Tapaz and their centuries-old embroidery, Moro watchtowers, and others.

What we're doing in Capiz has become a benchmark for cultural tourism in the country," confided Tesoro, who has been taped by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as a resource speaker for tourism seminars and trainings in other parts of the country.

The provincial tourism officer also acknowledged the valuable support of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

He added that the level of tourism awareness among Capiceños has gone up due to the activities to which they have been exposed.

Other people have also taken more notice of Capiz as a tourist destination.

Records from the Roxas City Tourism Office headed by Rodolfo Maestro, Jr. showed that of the 51,000 tourists who visited Capiz last year more than 2,000 were of foreign origins.

With the support and cooperation of the city government available as needed, the province is always within sight of its vision.

And, of course, there's the support of the national government.

The declaration by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Central Philippines Super Region as the country's tourism belt has become the major impetus for the provincial government to pursue a tourism program based on the environment and culture.

The upgrading of the Capiz section of the nautical highway - from Sapian town at the Capiz-Aklan boundary to Dumarao at the Capiz-Iloilo border - is going on with a funding appropriation of millions of pesos.

This road network is used by tourists to visit and explore destinations and attractions in the western part of the country.

Tesoro said the tourism program is part of the overall development agenda of Gov. Tanco to make Capiz more progressive, responsive, and capable of serving the needs of Capiceños with the ultimate goal of making the province "captivating," a word that sums up the governor's development vision.

Tourism is one of its charms. (PIA-JSC)

daw wala may gasulod di san roxas thread nga mag taga roxas or capiz guid ya haw? daw extension ni sang iloilo thread ah? :lol:

No documents to support Divino’s claim

By Joel E. Capundan

ROXAS CITY – Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2nd Engineering District employee Gene Divino failed to show documents to support his claim regarding the agency's alleged substandard projects.

Divino along with District Engineer Nilo Gavia and Asst. District Engr. Hector Gargoles were the guests during the question hour in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) regular session last week.

Divino said all projects in the 2nd engineering district are substandard and did not follow the correct specifications.

He said the proper specification and standard quality level are never followed and complied with because materials actually used are different from those specified in the plan and therefore there is an obvious diversion of the project funds into private persons instead of these being used for the projects.

Board Member Ricky Martin asked Divino the documents to support his allegation that funds from the projects were pocketed by private persons, however, Divino admitted he has no documents to support his allegations.

“This is a serious allegation that should be supported and if you don’t have it we have to close the issue,” Martin said.

Meanwhile, Gavia assured that all projects in the 2nd Engineering District follow the specifications.

He said in his 25 years at DPWH he observed that all projects are implemented based ton the desired standard.

Gavia, who only assumed as district engineer recently, said he will lead the conduct of testing of all their projects to prove that they were implemented with the right specifications. newstoday

Capiz wants to be captivating'

Roxas City (28 February) -- Capiz wants to become the hub of eco-cultural tourism in the Central Philippines Super Region.

Gradually, that hub is taking shape and could soon carve out a niche in the country's tourism map. Hopefully, that hub would become captivating.

Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus D. Tesoro said the province said the province is pursuing a provincial tourism development plan to put the hub in place.

The plan is a result of the development vision pillar on tourism adopted by Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. for his administration.

The provincial government has allotted P7.9 million from its P104.3-million 20% development fund for this year for tourism development.

Kicking off with a visioning and strategic planning workshop in August 2007, the province has initiated projects and activities to set the plan in motion.

Notable among these are: conduct of a tour guiding seminar and festival management workshop; creation of tourism councils and organizations; technical assistance; passage of legislation on environmental protection, arts promotion and heritage presentation; year-round cultural and tourism education; forging partnerships with other government institutions, business sector, the academe, and non-government and civic organizations; artistic training and repertory guidance; assistance to performing groups, artists, cultural and historical researchers and indigenous people's groups; holding of Saot Capiz dance season; empowerment of IP communities; production of collaterals for tourism promotion; participation in tourism and culture related events; promotion of creative industries; technical support for the establishment of new tourism facilities and destinations; and, renovation, maintenance, improvement and management of tourism facilities and destinations.

Tesoro said that they have formed the Organization of Tourism Officers of Capiz (OTOC) to muster the support of the municipalities in pushing tourism.

An added push was provided by the passage of resolutions at Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) declaring February as Provincial Arts Month and a Provincial Tourism Week in September.

The first Capiz Arts Summit called "Tagbo" was held with the support of local school Filamer Christian College.

Starting last year, the province commemorated its April 15 foundation anniversary with a festival dubbed "Capiztahan" to highlight the historical and cultural significance of the event.

The provincial government joined hands with the city government of Roxas in hosting the visit of the Ambassador of the State of Israel, Hon. Zvi Vapni during the death anniversary of former President Manuel A. Roxas that also fell on the date of the provincial charter day, with a show of distinctly Capiceño culture through songs and dances.

The province also was able to establish a partnership with the business sector that gave birth to the Capiz Visitors and Convention Bureau, opening of new tourism related establishments and taxi operations.

The provincial tourism plan also launched the first Capiz Ati Festival called "Hirinugyaw Ke Meme Ati."

Capiz also played host to the Visayas Area leg of the Global Peace Festival.

For the first time in Western Visayas, the province initiated a festival of indigenous dances dubbed "Saot Capiz" that was staged on Saturdays during the last quarter of 2008 and culminating in "grand binayle" last December.

Sinadya sa Halaran, Capiz's premier festival, was enhanced with more cultural activities to underscore its value as a showcase of the Capiceños' rich cultural heritage, religiosity and way of life.

Tesoro explained that the big number of culture related activities initiated so far indicates the direction set by the provincial government for its tourism program.

By all means, it is towards the attainment of the goal to make Capiz as an eco-cultural tourism hub.

"We are packaging the culture and heritage of the province together with its natural attractions," said Tesoro.

The culture and heritage of Capiz come in a variety of forms - the Sta. Monica Parish Church with its gigantic bell in Panay town, former President Roxas, national artists Jovita Fuentes (music) and Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana (theater), indigenous people and their living masters (epic chanters) of Tapaz and their centuries-old embroidery, Moro watchtowers, and others.

What we're doing in Capiz has become a benchmark for cultural tourism in the country," confided Tesoro, who has been taped by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as a resource speaker for tourism seminars and trainings in other parts of the country.

The provincial tourism officer also acknowledged the valuable support of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

He added that the level of tourism awareness among Capiceños has gone up due to the activities to which they have been exposed.

Other people have also taken more notice of Capiz as a tourist destination.

Records from the Roxas City Tourism Office headed by Rodolfo Maestro, Jr. showed that of the 51,000 tourists who visited Capiz last year more than 2,000 were of foreign origins.

With the support and cooperation of the city government available as needed, the province is always within sight of its vision.

And, of course, there's the support of the national government.

The declaration by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Central Philippines Super Region as the country's tourism belt has become the major impetus for the provincial government to pursue a tourism program based on the environment and culture.

The upgrading of the Capiz section of the nautical highway - from Sapian town at the Capiz-Aklan boundary to Dumarao at the Capiz-Iloilo border - is going on with a funding appropriation of millions of pesos.

This road network is used by tourists to visit and explore destinations and attractions in the western part of the country.

Tesoro said the tourism program is part of the overall development agenda of Gov. Tanco to make Capiz more progressive, responsive, and capable of serving the needs of Capiceños with the ultimate goal of making the province "captivating," a word that sums up the governor's development vision.

Tourism is one of its charms. (PIA-JSC)

mayo gid ini..kay ang mga taga Capiz ga tinguha man kon paano mapa uswag ang ila banwa..:cheers:

daw wala may gasulod di san roxas thread nga mag taga roxas or capiz guid ya haw? daw extension ni sang iloilo thread ah? :lol:

tama ka pre,daw wala bala taga Capiz nga forumers mo:lol:,pwedi man naton nga tatlo ni tagoy adoptahon ang thread nga ini kon gusto nyo...:lol::lol::lol:

Bolante confirms plans to seek Capiz governorship - report (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151219/Bolante-confirms-plans-to-seek-Capiz-governorship---report)
03/03/2009 | 08:06 PM

MANILA, Philippines — Former agriculture unsecretary Jocelyn Bolante has confirmed plans to run for governor in Capiz province next year, an online news site reported Tuesday.

The News Today (www.thenewstoday.info) said Bolante made the confirmation at a press conference Monday at the Villa Patria in Roxas City.

It also cited a "reliable" source who said the decision stemmed from the plans of many of Bolante's "friends" to seek a congressional seat next year.

Citing its sources, the report said Bolante's "friends" seeking a congressional seat include Vice Governor Felipe Barredo and former city Vice Mayor Alan Celino.

The report also said Bolante decided not to run for second district congressman either because he may be facing Jane Castro, wife of last termer Rep. Fredenil Castro.

On the other hand, Bolante said at Monday's press conference he was "happy" that the investigation into the P728-million fertilizer fund scam is over.

He said the case will now move in the proper forum "where the rule of the law will be properly observed not like in the Senate where the rule of law and even their own rules of procedure is not observed."

Bolante said the issue had been exploited too much for their own political grandstanding, particularly referring to Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Richard Gordon.

“Nakita naman ninyo kon ano ang pag-insulto kag pagbastos nila sa akon pero hindi ako nag-react" (You know how I was insulted and humiliated in the Senate hearing but I never reacted), Bolante said. - GMANews.TV

tama ka pre,daw wala bala taga Capiz nga forumers mo:lol:,pwedi man naton nga tatlo ni tagoy adoptahon ang thread nga ini kon gusto nyo...:lol::lol::lol:

pwede man... hahaha! nami guro islan ta ngalan sang thread nga ni... himuon ta roxas and iloilo thread. bwhehehe! :lol: di puga... daw ga hampang lang ta diri panagu-ay haw... :lol:

Adopted son ako sang Capiz, my wife is from Jamindan. :)

pwede man... hahaha! nami guro islan ta ngalan sang thread nga ni... himuon ta roxas and iloilo thread. bwhehehe! :lol: di puga... daw ga hampang lang ta diri panagu-ay haw... :lol:

Capiz town ‘shines’

ROXAS CITY – The municipality of Jamindan, Capiz has been recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as one of the best local government units (LGUs) in the country in terms of the adoption of the KALAHI process in local governance.

KALAHI, which stands for Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan, and now called KALAHI-CIDSS (Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) is one of the pro-poor programs of the government implemented by DSWD, which presently is being tapped by the government to help Filipinos cope with the current global economic downturn through a comprehensive livelihood and emergency employment program (CLEEP).

Jamindan Community Development Information Officer Norma M. Chavez said their town mayor Ethel R. Jinon was also declared by DSWD as best Local Chief Executive for her leadership and institutionalization of the KALAHI process.

The recognition dubbed “SALAMAT PO” award includes a P500,000.00 worth of project for the best LGU category and P300,000.00 worth of project for the best LCE.

The awarding was done during the 57thanniversary celebration of the DSWD and was designed to give due recognition to partner-agencies of the DSWD innthe implementation of its programs and projects. There were recipients of the award from the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao areas.

Mayor Jinon received the twin awards from DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral.

The KALAHI process is participatory and is also anchored on transparency and accountability.

The lady town mayor is one of local chief executives in the country who have adopted the KALAHI process by institutionalizing the Municipal Coordinating Team (MCT) and conducting Participatory Situational Analysis (PSA) in the identification of community problems and their solutions in every barangay.

Chavez said their chief municipal executive is adopting the process in pursuing her development agenda that is embodied in her vision of “Shining Jamindan.” (PIA/Norma Chavez-CDIO)

Roxas City landmark

http://philippines.bayaw.com/pictures/Roxas-City-Capiz-1.JPEG

^^well lighted sya. :)

Yup! Super bright yan kapag gabi:lol: Pero those four statues look "corny" in my opion...They seem to trying hard to imitate the real golden fountains at versailles or catherine palace. The sculptures really are bad plus the golden paint is peeling of and minsan di na umaandar yung tubig. Tsk pati yung medieval tower thing it's ruening the whole baroque feel. Plus no one is paying atention to the cathedral which is "not" well lighted. Sayang yung dome ng simbahan di pininturahan. Roxas pa yung host ng "west" pero pinaganda naman nila yung stadium! :lol:

Adopted son ako sang Capiz, my wife is from Jamindan. :)

ah gle pre? mayo eh... daw kita kita lang from iloilo thread ang ga sulod di sa roxas thread ah... i hope more forumers from roxas city and capiz would this thread... :lol:

2009 WVRAA Meet opens this Sunday Sen. Roxas to be guest of honor


By Joel E. Capundan

ROXAS CITY – Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas will be the guest speaker in the opening ceremony of the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet on Sunday as Capiz province hosts this big sports event March 15 - 21.


Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, Sr. said in a press conference on Wednesday that the senator will grace the WVRAA as he expects the presence of governors from the other Western Visayas provinces of Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Guimaras and Negros Occidental.

Tanco said the province of Capiz is all set to host the big sports event. Security measures are in place as they already tapped the police forces from the municipalities, he said.

Tanco added he already sent letters to all municipal mayors and he expected them to be present during the affair.

“There's no politics here. This is not my affair but this is a sports event which the province of Capiz is hosting,” Tanco said.

Tanco also said that he expects Capiz athletes to perform well than last year.

It was learned that the Villareal Stadium was refurbished in preparation for the sports event.

Dr. Eveleth Gamboa, Asst. Capiz Schools Division Superintendent, said that two ambulances and several doctors are also ready to attend to whatever medical needs of the athletes and other delegates.

Mr. Pio Bengan of the DepEd said that the sports events will be open to the public while they will be charging fees for the cultural show.

Present during the press conference were provincial capitol press bureau headed by Edward Basilonia, Provincial Administrator Zoe Herrera, and other DepEd officials.

Bolante confirms plans to seek Capiz governorship - report (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151219/Bolante-confirms-plans-to-seek-Capiz-governorship---report)
03/03/2009 | 08:06 PM

MANILA, Philippines — Former agriculture unsecretary Jocelyn Bolante has confirmed plans to run for governor in Capiz province next year, an online news site reported Tuesday.

The News Today (www.thenewstoday.info) said Bolante made the confirmation at a press conference Monday at the Villa Patria in Roxas City.

It also cited a "reliable" source who said the decision stemmed from the plans of many of Bolante's "friends" to seek a congressional seat next year.

Citing its sources, the report said Bolante's "friends" seeking a congressional seat include Vice Governor Felipe Barredo and former city Vice Mayor Alan Celino.

The report also said Bolante decided not to run for second district congressman either because he may be facing Jane Castro, wife of last termer Rep. Fredenil Castro.

On the other hand, Bolante said at Monday's press conference he was "happy" that the investigation into the P728-million fertilizer fund scam is over.

He said the case will now move in the proper forum "where the rule of the law will be properly observed not like in the Senate where the rule of law and even their own rules of procedure is not observed."

Bolante said the issue had been exploited too much for their own political grandstanding, particularly referring to Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Richard Gordon.

“Nakita naman ninyo kon ano ang pag-insulto kag pagbastos nila sa akon pero hindi ako nag-react" (You know how I was insulted and humiliated in the Senate hearing but I never reacted), Bolante said. - GMANews.TV

JocJoc is from Dao, Capiz diba?

Is anyone in this forum interested that capiz is currently hosting WVRAA? Kasi the whole of roxas got pretty much renovated! Kahit papaano presentable naman ang syudad!

Aerial photos of Capiz (from http://capiznon.wordpress.com/photo-gallery/)

http://capiznon.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/panay_aerial.jpg

http://capiznon.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/roxascity_aerial.jpg

Flatrock Beach Resort
http://capiznon.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/flatrock2.jpg

Captivating view of Basiao Beach, Ivisan Capiz
http://capiznon.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/basiao.jpg

Does anyone know the name of this resort? I think this is in Tapaz. I'm not sure though if this is open to the public.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3397095193_b97c7313c4.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3397095115_f3ddcf9b2d.jpg?v=0

Capiz to host next One Visayas expo

ROXAS City – Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia recently turned over the flag of the One Visayas movement to Capiz province, which will host the next arts and culture exhibition after Cebu.

Garcia said the recent One Visayas affair at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Mandaue City achieved its purpose, which was to unite the Visayan provinces.

“We have worked very hard with what we achieved – unity,” Garcia said.

Capiz will host the event in 2011. Antique Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar-Perez, chair of the Regional Development Council of Western Visayas, accepted the flag from Garcia, whom she praised for initiating such regional grouping based on culture and arts.

“We made arts and culture as vehicles of unity,” she said.

A video presentation of Capiz was shown during the turnover.

A One Visayas Summit on Climate Change is also slated within the year.

The week-long exhibition was capped on March 8 with a dance showdown from the different festivals of the Visayas. Some 16 provinces in the Visayas joined.

About 13 to 16 governors showed up at the CICC when the exhibition opened last March 1.
The event was conceptualized by the Regional Development Councils of Central, Western and Eastern Visayas. (PNA) Panay news

Biofuel as source of energy and livelihood

By FELIPE V. CELINO

CAPIZ - Biofuel is a methane product from renewable biological resources such as plants biomass and treated municipal and industry waste. Biodiesel comes from the coconut and “jatropha” while bioethanol is from sugarcane.

One of the sources of biofuel being studied is the “jatropha” plant locally known as tuba-tuba or tubang bakod in Tagalog. It is a drought resistant shrub which produces seed up to 35 years but can live up to five years. It can tolerate wide range of rainfall annually. Capable of flowering nine months after planting, seeds contain more than 30 percent of oil which can be processed into Jatropha Methyl Ester (JME), where economic yield start on its 3rd year. It is cultivated primarily as feedstock for its oil to produce biodiesel.

All these were learned during the two-day workshop for media practitioners at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) in Los Baños, Laguna on March 26-27, 2009.

Jatropha was introduced in the Philippines to generate employment, which can increase farm income, investments and manufacturing process of biofuels can also be within the scope of Small and Medium Enterprises. Energy security is included since our country highly depends on foreign energy sources.

Public apprehension is that “jatropha” propagation can compete with our food production, thereby compromising our food security.

As per evaluation and studies of the National Biofuel Board (NBB), 25 percent of our forest land is idle and 34 percent is in agriculture, therefore it does not and cannot constitute threat in food industry.

Certain laws and provisions are being set by the Department of Agriculture in which they will not allow to grow feed stock on a land devoted for rice and corn. The Biofuel Act of 2006 was signed into law on January 12, 2007, while the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) took into effect on May 17, 2007.

Currently, more than 55 percent of the energy supplies in the Philippines are derived from geothermal power, biomass, natural gas, local coal, local oil and coco diesel. Thirty-four percent are imported while the remaining 10 percent comes from imported coal.

Rafael L. Coscolluela, administrator of the Sugar Regulatory Administration, has reported that with more Filipinos added daily to the current population of 87 million, the use of fossil fuels will also likely to increase. Environmentalists are mostly concerned on the fact that if more fossil fuels were burned, then there would be more carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas cited by experts as one of the culprits for the sudden change of climatic conditions around the world, including the Philippines. “We have to decrease the use of fossil fuels to help mitigate the consequences of global warming,” said Matanog M. Mapandi, the Department of Energy’s assistance secretary.

Although the contribution of the Philippines to climate change is minimal, Filipinos have to act locally as the world think globally. “The consequence of global climate change are so pressing that it doesn’t matter who was responsible for the past; what matters is who is responsible for the future – and that means all of us,” declared actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California. “The rich nations and the poor nations have different responsibilities. But one responsibility we all have, and that is action… action, action, action!”

One of the several actions that the Philippines is committed to do is its contribution in the use of biofuels. These are fuels made from biomass and primarily used for “motive, thermal and power generation” with quality specifications in accordance with the Philippine National Standards.

These biofuels are “added or blended to petroleum fuels to enhance or alter chemical or physical properties and improve performance or usage of the fuels.”

A report released by the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute said biofuels could significantly reduce global dependence on oil. “Although oil still accounts for more than 96 percent of transport fuel use, biofuel production has doubled since 2001 and is poised for even stronger growth as the industry responds to higher fuel prices and supportive government policies,” it said.

Sugarcane is the most important crop for producing biofuels today; it supplies more than 40 percent of all fuel ethanol. Corn ranks a close second and it is the primary source for biofuel in the United States.

Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, the Philippine coordinator for the World Agroforestry Center and a member of the UN International Panel on Climate Change, said the mitigation potentials for bioethanol is between 500 to 1,200 megatons of carbon dioxide. For biodiesel, the mitigation potentials is between 100 to 300 megatons of carbon dioxide.

In Asia, the Philippines is the first country in the region to enact a law on biofuels. The Biofuels Act of 2006 aims to “develop and utilize indigenous renewable and sustainably-sourced clean energy sources to reduce dependence on imported oil.”

The Act, which was signed in January 12, 2007, also envisions to increase rural employment and income, mitigate toxic and greenhouses gas emissions, and ensure the availability of alternative and renewable clean energy “without any detriment to the natural ecosystem, biodiversity and food reserves of the country.”

Marriz B. Agbon, president of the Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corporation, reported that currently 8,889 hectares are planted to biodiesel while only 2,780 hectares are devoted to bioethanol.

The Philippines is the first country to use coconut as source for biodiesel. So far, the energy department has accredited three coco methyl esther manufacturers, whose combined capacity is 114.1 million liters a year.

The current demand for biofuels in the country is estimated at 980,000 liters per year. This represents the biodiesel requirement of different government agencies.

While coconut is the number source of biodiesel in the Philippines, it is the Jatropha curcas that has been given prominence by most experts due to demand of the product abroad. In United Kingdom, an oil company has been producing biodiesel from jatropha oils to meet the demand of the European community for biodiesel. Its refinery can produce up to 8 million liters of biodiesel per year, equivalent to about 22,000 liters daily.

Jatropha’s seeds contain more than 30 percent oil, which can be processed into Jatropha methyl ester (JME). Studies in the Philippines showed that you need at least three kilograms of jatropha seeds to produce one liter of JME.

Planting of Jatropha is on high gear not only in Luzon but also in Visayas and Mindanao. Most of these plantings are a result of the promotion of local government units, according to Dr. Nena O. Espiritu, who conducted a study on biofuels production and its effects on social and economic environments.

On the other hand, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) based in India is promoting sweet sorghum. Similar to grain sorghum, it can be a major source for bioethanol production.

According to ICRISAT’s Rex L. Navarro, the ethanol production process is eco-friendly compared to production from molasses. In addition, ethanol burning quality is superior with “high octane rating” and less sulphur emission than from sugarcane.

But one issue that most people are concerned about is the competition of fuel crop plantation with food production. Dr. Espiritu’s study on jatropha proved otherwise.

For one, there are now new ways of combining food production with energy crop production. In addition, jatropha can be planted in the country’s idle lands, estimated to be about 8.8 million hectares.

Irrigated lands and those lands utilized for rice and corn production can’t be converted to energy crop production. “The land to be used shall be consistent with the natural expansion of the municipality of locality, as contained in the approved physical framework and land use plan,” clarified Agbon.

More importantly, economists and social scientists have found that food insecurity is “a result not simply because of food unavailability but poverty.”

As Dr. Espiritu puts it: “Food insecure people do not have the income to buy that is available. If jatropha production can help raise the incomes of small farmers and rural laborers, then it may in fact lead to improved food security.”/PN
panay news

Gokongwei budget airline to start thrice-weekly flights from Cebu to Roxas in May
BUDGET AIRLINE Cebu Pacific will start mounting a thrice-weekly Cebu to Roxas flight starting May 2 using its new ATR 72-500 aircraft.

The new service will be available at a promotional P488 fare for the carrier’s "Go Lite" package, available to travelers without check-in baggage. The seat sale will run from April 4 to 9 and is valid for travel from May 2 to July 31.

"The opening of Cebu Pacific Airline’s Roxas City-Cebu City route will not only mean convenience for the commuting public but will open new opportunities as well as expand existing socioeconomic and cultural ties that will redound to the mutual benefits of the people of the two provinces," Capiz Governor Victor A. Tanco said in a statement released by the Gokongwei-led low-cost airline.


The new flights will make Roxas in Capiz province more accessible. — BW FILE PHOTO "Our Cebu-Roxas service will increase the accessibility of Roxas to its neighboring provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Local residents from Roxas can also enjoy the wide connectivity of flights we offer from our Cebu hub to other domestic and international destinations," Candice A. Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice-president for marketing and distribution, said.

After the promo period, Cebu Pacific will charge P988 for the Cebu to Roxas service.

Cebu Pacific will also add a Sunday service to the thrice- weekly Cebu to Dumaguete service starting April 13.

Cebu Pacific operates over 500 weekly flights from its Cebu hub to 20 domestic and four international destinations.

The International Air Transport Association, which represents some 230 airlines around the world, expects the global air transport industry to lose $4.7 billion in business this year amid the global economic downturn, which has dampened demand for international air travel.

ROXAS CITY -- A recently concluded Value Chain workshop of the Bamboo sector was jointly organized by the SMEDSEP Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) held at the Governor’s Hall in Roxas City on March 31 - April 1, 2009.


The objective of the Value Chain workshop was mainly to bring all the involved players, including farmers/owners, processors, suppliers, representatives from the Local Government Units (LGUs), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, identify potential growth areas for the Bamboo sector in a participative manner, as well as to identify proposed actions by which these growth areas can be achieved. These proposed actions serve as the basis by which succeeding steps towards bamboo development in Capiz can be addressed.

Exchange of information from the participants coupled with presentations on the initial findings of the status of the Bamboo sector in the province of Capiz were done by the DTI Capiz Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes along with Mr Allan Sayaboc of the Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) proved to be a potent combination in motivating players to optimize their role in the development process.

Value Chain is one of the major interventions in the SMEDSEP program (Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program). SMEDSEP is a development cooperation project between the Philippines and Germany. It aims to improve the business and investment climate for SME in the Philippines, especially in the Visayas. SMEDSEP contributes to the efforts of the Philippine government to improve the framework conditions for private sector development in the country. SMEDSEP is implemented in partnership by DTI at national, regional and provincial levels on behalf of the Philippine government and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

GTZ is an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations owned by the German Government. For 30 years, it has been providing forward looking contributions to political, economic, ecological and social development in partner countries. GTZ supports reform and change processes in an increasingly globalized world, often working under difficult conditions. GTZ`s major approach to facilitate change is promoting capacity development of people and partner organizations as well as improving institutions and frame conditions in partner countries. The joint projects and programs are outcome and impact oriented and contributes towards socioeconomic progress.

Additional information about the event can be secured from the DTI Capiz.

Revisiting The Tallest Statue in Western Visayas
commonly known as the "Agtalin Shrine"
at Brgy. Dulangan, Pilar, Capiz (20min drive from the northern town of Balasan, Iloilo)

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nami cguro ang view da sa babaw noh? tnx gd prince!:cheers:

nami guid da sa ibabaw... especially kung may ga kupo-kupo sa imo part. tapos ang continuation didto naman sa idalum ah. hahaha. :lol:

nami guid da sa ibabaw... especially kung may ga kupo-kupo sa imo part. tapos ang continuation didto naman sa idalum ah. hahaha. :lol:

ah te! daw laban2x gd pre. ano2x lng titanic man. hahaha!:lol:

:lol::lol: pre, daw kita kita lang di ang ga sulod sa thread sang roxas haw? ang mga taga roxas ya, daw ga hipos hipos lang... nanu man? mga shy type? :lol:

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taga capiz man ko!!

good .. at least may ara na from taga-Capiz. Before may naga-post man diri, pero daw sa nadula na sila tanan. Dapat i-promote ang SSC sa Capiz and Roxas City.

gani man... daw naging extension ni sang ssc iloilo ah. dapat i promote man naton ang roxas city and the rest of panay island. kay our economies are intertwined. roxas forumers yuhoo! diin na kamo? hehehe. :lol:

yep. We need to help Panay kung gusto ta nga mas madasig aton progreso. Ang Aklan iya, grabe ila promotion pag-abot sa tourism. And it paid well. Ang Capiz iya, I don't know kung ano ang ila gusto. Basi they are still reeling for Mar Roxas to make Capiz a premiere province. Di dugay pa to. Besides, sa ranking layo gid si Mar. hay ... time to move and promote Capiz and Roxas City.

yep. We need to help Panay kung gusto ta nga mas madasig aton progreso. Ang Aklan iya, grabe ila promotion pag-abot sa tourism. And it paid well. Ang Capiz iya, I don't know kung ano ang ila gusto. Basi they are still reeling for Mar Roxas to make Capiz a premiere province. Di dugay pa to. Besides, sa ranking layo gid si Mar. hay ... time to move and promote Capiz and Roxas City.

tama guid pre... at least ang aklan ga hulag. ambot sang capiz ah? although kadamo man sang mga big time nga negosyante sa roxas city pero daw ka hinay sang hulag sang syudad haw? anu ayhan plano ni mar roxas diri sa syudad nya?

basi isa pa guid ka special economic zone? hehehe. :lol:

Capiz MSMEs have good news to tell

ROXAS CITY, June 9 (PNA) -– Horticultural entrepreneurs in Capiz belonging to Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative Inc. (CMPCI) have kept their export market for cut foliage in Japan and hope to break into the South Korean market.

The group has been shipping cut foliage to Japan since 2006.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) office here reported that the operations of the village-level coconut oil mill in Barangay Ondoy, Ivisan, Capiz have revved up after soft copra prices and inventories stopped the smoke coming out of the mill’s chimney early this year.

Local coconut farmers would be able to earn additional income from copra by planting glutinous corn intercrops, which the PCA would be introducing to them soon.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ongoing Basic Entrepreneurship Seminars to produce new entrepreneurs under the government’s Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP).

Conducted every Tuesday at their provincial office here headed by Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes, the seminars have attracted more than 1,000 participants composed mostly of students, housewives, micro- entrepreneurs, farmers, and the unemployed.

These were some of the positive developments in the micro, small and medium enterprises sector that were reported during the meeting of the Provincial MSME Development Council held June 5 at the Provincial Capitol.

The council is assessing and formulating the provincial MSME development plan in line with the thrust of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote and develop the sector as source of investments, jobs and livelihood and as driver of economic growth in the countryside.

The President has been complementing this domestic effort by reaching to other countries to encourage their businessmen to invest or have business with the Philippines.

Making a pitch among South Korea’s businessmen recently, President Arroyo pushed the Philippines as the best investment haven in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) owing to its stable economic environment.

“We are among the Best Values for Investment in the Region in areas like mining, energy, bio-fuels, technology, tourism and business process outsourcing,” said the President.
The Capiz PMSMED Council is also making preparations for the celebration of MSMED Week on July 6-12, 2009, which will be highlighted, among others, by a One Town, One Product (OTOP) Congress that will showcase successful MSMEs and their contributions to the community and its economy. (PNA)

tama guid pre... at least ang aklan ga hulag. ambot sang capiz ah? although kadamo man sang mga big time nga negosyante sa roxas city pero daw ka hinay sang hulag sang syudad haw? anu ayhan plano ni mar roxas diri sa syudad nya?

basi isa pa guid ka special economic zone? hehehe. :lol:
amo ina ang pamangkuton sang Capiz kay Mar Roxas. Kung indi niya gani mahimo nga mangin progreso ang Capiz or even make Roxas City a highly urbanized city, paano na lang ang Pilipinas? Just imagine nga Roxas City gadala sang ngalan niya pero daw wala ka gid to makita nga progreso brought about by Mar Roxas. Kung mapamaayo niya ang Roxas and Capiz, I will surely support him.

amo ina ang pamangkuton sang Capiz kay Mar Roxas. Kung indi niya gani mahimo nga mangin progreso ang Capiz or even make Roxas City a highly urbanized city, paano na lang ang Pilipinas? Just imagine nga Roxas City gadala sang ngalan niya pero daw wala ka gid to makita nga progreso brought about by Mar Roxas. Kung mapamaayo niya ang Roxas and Capiz, I will surely support him.

amo man na pre ang point of view ko... kanugon sang roxas city. kadako sang ila nga potential to become a dominant city in western visayas. sa aquaculture pa lang sang capiz, grabe na... plus pa ang ila nga sea-bound fishing industry. although, ang development sang roxas city doesnt rest on roxas' shoulder alone, but still he could help initiate some developments sa city of his namesake. and honestly, i love roxas city. especially its people. :)

ngaa may smiley gid sa ulihi, true?

Agree gid ko sa imo regarding Roxas City. They should be actually competing heads on with Iloilo City considering nga sila lang ciudad in northern Panay. Pero mahina ila promotion. I think Roxas City needs a good political leader to lead Roxas into a new competitive era. I'm hoping more for Roxas City to become another highly urbanised city in the future.

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.

More Capiceños train to become entrepreneurs (http://pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090703.htm&no=61&r=r06&y=&mo=)

by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (3 July) -- More Capiceños are focusing on investing on micro, small and medium enterprise to combat the threat posed by the global economic meltdown.

Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Capiz disclosed that the increasing number of Capiceños who are attending their various training on entrepreneurship and basic skills trainings are clear manifestations that more are inclined to go into business.

Pollentes revealed that for the month of June alone where they were able to conduct 13 trainings, 9 of which are on entrepreneurship and 4 are on basic skills training, the participants reached 257.

She said that the basic skills trainings were on fish processing, baking and pastries as well as meat processing.

According to her, from January to June, a total of 2,819 Capiceños, of whom 1,104 were males and the other 1,715 were females, have attended their training dubbed as A Responsive and Innovative Strategy on Entrepreneurship (ARISE).

Pollentes said that ARISE training is part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) that aims to help the most vulnerable group on the threat posed by the global economic crisis.

Pollentes said that training on entrepreneurship is being conducted every Tuesday in their provincial office, however, many are still coming to their office even on other days for additional information.

She said that they are in close coordination with the various local government units in the province for scheduling of trainings as well as responding to business issues. (PIA)