Tuesday, March 30, 2021

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/

Guv: Swabbing before entry will be reimposed

Posted: 30 Mar 2021 06:12 AM PDT

NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he will issue an executive order (EO) declaring the province under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) and will re-impose the swabbing before entry policy in airports and seaports for travelers starting April 1.

Lacson said he will take the risk of reimposing the old protocol and put it on the EO because it will still be subject to the review of the Inter-Agency Agency Task Force.

"If they say that we are violating, then we will act. Anyway, we will be complying with the other provisions of Resolution 101 like the S-Pass and StaySafe. We will be abiding by that but there will be a slight change because we will insist on swab upon entry," Lacson said.

Lacson pointed out that all EOs are being reviewed by the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force and whenever they send a notice of non-conformity with the AITF Resolution, "we'll [abide] but we will insist to go back to the old protocol."

Lacson also revealed that the Association of Chief Executives has passed a resolution of also going back to the old protocol of swabbing before entry.

Resolution 101 of the IATF imposed a uniform travel protocol of requiring travelers a certificate of negative result of RT-PCR test 72 hours before travel.

But Lacson noted that there have been a lot of cases where RT-PCR results are being faked.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Bacolod Government Center grounds temporarily closed

Posted: 30 Mar 2021 06:10 AM PDT

BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia has ordered the temporary closure of the Bacolod Government Center (BGC) grounds effective March 29 until April 4.

This came after Bacolod City recorded 33 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, March 29, the highest number of new cases in the city in a day since last week of November 2020.

Of the number, seven are nurses, one doctor and others are close contacts and admitted in a hospital.

Leonardia, in a video message, said that due to the sudden spike of Covid-19 cases in the city, effective March 29 until April 4, the BGC grounds will be temporarily closed.

He said in previous weeks, the city also recorded about 20 to 25 Covid-19 cases a day which had not happened for a long time.

The mayor noted that it was on November 8, 2020 that the city recorded 40 Covid-19 cases in a day.

"We are hopeful that our people will understand us. This is a preventive measure, this is not a lockdown," Leonardia said.

As of March 29, Bacolod City has a total of 6, 037 Covid-19 cases. Of the number, 5, 652 patients already recovered, 198 active cases with 187 deaths.

Leonardia said last month, the city's Covid-19 active cases already dropped to 24 and not its 198 active cases.

"Please continue to strictly follow health protocols and avoid social gatherings. For now, we are also lacking hospital beds because some of the health workers were also tested positive of the virus," he said.

Moreover, Leonardia said they are also finalizing the executive order to regulate the beaches especially on the celebration of Easter Sunday on April 4.

He said it has been observed that during that day, thousands of people were having parties on beaches so they wanted to regulate it.

He added that they will also discuss even the coffee shops and resorts in the area of Barangay Alangilan.

The mayor said these are their plans to prevent the spread of the virus and to avoid the sudden spike of Covid-19 cases in the city.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Guv: Continue to be vigilant against Covid-19

Posted: 30 Mar 2021 06:07 AM PDT

NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called on Negrenses, especially those traveling during the Holy Week break, to remain vigilant and observe health protocols as active Covid-19 cases continue to rise in the country. "To all the Negrenses, please be reminded that the number of Covid-19 cases in the country is increasing by the hour, that we in the Provincial Government are doing everything to contain the spread in our province," Lacson said. "I am urging everyone, especially those who are traveling to be mindful of their actions and practice the mandated health protocols with purposeful vigilance, not with foolhardy efforts meant to comply in form but not in substance," the governor said. "Remember that the nature of the virus and the mode of its transmission remain the same," he pointed out. Lacson said that "people are still the carriers of the Covid-19 virus, hence, let us use our highest form of discretion and caution in our actions and conduct."

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Bacolod-Iloilo sea trips remain normal

Posted: 30 Mar 2021 06:05 AM PDT

THE sea trips between Bacolod City and Iloilo remained normal throughout the day, Tuesday, March 30, as the observance of the Holy Week began this week.

Based on records released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Occidental, as of 3 p.m. of March 30, they have only recorded 522 outbound passengers, while inbound passengers stand at 241 for both the Bredco and Banago ports.

The PCG station also reported that seven roll-on/roll-off and six fast craft vessels were available.

The PCG in the province also noted that they expect the number of passengers to increase by Wednesday afternoon, March 31, as most of the businesses and offices finish their work week prior to the Holy Thursday holiday.

Vessels leaving the Bredco port are also strictly being checked by PCG personnel prior to leaving port, making sure that the ships are in good sailing condition and the passengers are following proper health protocols.

As of Tuesday, the PCG said only ferry operator FastCat had announced that it will suspend trips on April 2 in observance of Good Friday and will return to normal operations on April 3, Black Saturday.

The PCG national headquarters had earlier placed its entire districts, stations, and sub-stations on "heightened alert" to manage the influx of port passengers during the Lenten season this week.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Drug suspect arrested in Bacolod

Posted: 30 Mar 2021 06:02 AM PDT

A DRUG personality was arrested by operatives of Police Station 10 in Purok Paho, Barangay Felisa, Bacolod City Monday afternoon, March 29, 2021.

Police identified the suspect as Ronnie Goboli, 40, of Purok Masinulondon, Barangay Punta Taytay.

Police Lieutenant Ma. Liberty Indiape, spokesperson of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said Goboli was arrested after he sold a sachet of shabu to a police undercover around 5:40 p.m.

Police recovered from Goboli's possession three sachets of shabu weighing 0.30 grams with estimated market value of P2, 040, and the P300 marked money.

Indiape said Goboli was under surveillance for almost a month before his arrest.

The suspect is detained at the custodial facility of Police Station 10.

He is facing charges violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

CPSU to open extension classes in Murcia

Posted: 30 Mar 2021 06:01 AM PDT

THE Kabankalan City-based Central Philippine State University eyed the opening of extension classes for Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in August in Barangay Salvacion, Murcia.

"We mark another milestone for Murcia. Since education is one of my priority projects, we exerted all efforts to bring CPSU here. The establishment of CPSU here will give Murciahanon students the opportunity to finish their tertiary education for free," said Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas during the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement for the partnership last March 26 at the town's covered court.

"We are preparing for the school to open this August. Initially, it will just be an extension class, but we will continue working with CPSU to convert this into a campus. Once this becomes a campus, we might be able to offer more courses. We envision that this school, the first tertiary government school in Murcia, will last for a lifetime and will benefit Murciahanon children for many, many more years to come," the mayor added.

Representing the school in the activity was CPSU President Aladino C. Moraca, PhD.

"When Mayor Gerry Rojas first brought up the possibility of this class extension, I asked him why he chose CPSU, instead of other colleges nearer to the town. He replied that he chose CPSU because he wants to further enhance agriculture in Murcia," Moraca said.

Together with the Technical Working Group headed by Mylene Cornel, PhD, Public School District Supervisor of Murcia District II, CPSU decided to offer Agriculture and Information Technology as flagship courses, because agriculture is geared towards food security, while information technology is now the trend globally.

Moraca said that last March 8, the CPSU Board approved the partnership for the extension class in Murcia, together with that in Valladolid.

Murcia and Valladolid will expand CPSU's coverage to 12 campuses all over the province.

This partnership with Murcia is part of CPSU's horizontal growth. The school has an existing enrolment of 12,700 students, which is expected to increase to 15,000, including the projected enrolment in Murcia, when Academic Year 2021-22 opens this August.

"CPSU is following the international standards for education, through our International Standards Organization certification. Since Murcia extension class is attached to the CPSU main campus, the diplomas of the graduates will bear the ISO seal, which means you are world-class. Moreover, CPSU belongs to the top three of all state universities and colleges in the country in all Level I certification of all of its courses," he added.

Witnessing the ceremony were Murcia Vice-Mayor Johnny Reosura, Sangguniang Bayan members and barangay captains, CPSU Vice-President for Research and Extension Mae Flor Posadas, PhD, and other CPSU officers, as well as 3rd District Board Member Manman Ko.

"As a saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, today we have taken that small step. With the collective efforts of our parents, our teachers and our municipal officials, we can ensure free quality tertiary education for our children here in Murcia. Rest assured that we in the provincial government will fully support you in this endeavor," Ko said.

During the event, the mayor also presented plaques of appreciation to Carmelo Mabayag, owner of A & M Medcare Products Distributors, for donating almost P400,000 worth of medicines to the town since the Covid pandemic began, and to Angelo B. Lacson, for granting right-of-way in Barangay Lopez Jaena, providing small farmers with a shorter, less expensive route in hauling their canes to the transloading stations or mills. (PR)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

NCC engages filmmakers, stakeholders thru webinars, conversation

Posted: 30 Mar 2021 05:59 AM PDT

THE National Committee on Cinema (NCC) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through Cinema Rehiyon 2021 engaged in a conversation and webinars the different participating filmmakers and stakeholders of the festival.

In a virtual Town Hall set-up dubbed as Pintakasi, which means festival and fellowship, NCC chair Rolando Tolentino and the NCC members presented the NCC's own vimeo streaming platform, cash subsidy program, online archiving, Ani ng Dangal accreditation, competitive grants, and ECQ project.

The committee also revisited its stand on national events and issues, like call for government support for artists, bridging Film Development Council of the Philippines and Inter-Guild Alliance protocols, stand on ABS-CBN closure, among others.

Tolentino led the NCC members in realizing the Cinema Rehiyon 2021 by breaking through the online platform despite the limitations of time and the pandemic, which was acknowledged by no less than the NCCA Executive Director Al Ryan Alejandre during the festival launch in March 26.

Meanwhile, the programmed webinars held during the festival dates March 28-30 were aimed to answer the questions LGBTQIA+ in Philippine Cinema Now: Where's the love?; Who has the right to imagine the regions?; Cinema, Cure, Covid: How do we go from here? These questions were also the titles used for the webinars.

The webinar, "LGBTQIA+ in Philippine Cinema Now: Where's the love?," was moderated by Jay Jomar Quintos, with panelists Rhadem Camlian Morados, Cha Roque, PJ Raval and J.E. Tiglao, who all produced and directed films with LGBTQIA+ themes.

Regional filmmakers, festival directors and film scholars Bagane Fiola, Keith Deligero, Juliet Cuizon, Katrina Ross Tan, and Jean Claire Dy discussed their positions to the question, "Who has the right to imagine the regions?"

In the second of the webinar series, Dr. Oona Paredes, a professor at the UCLA served as moderator.

The last of the webinar series deals with "Cinema and COVID-19 in Cinema, Cure, COVID: How do we go from here?"

This session will have filmmakers/film scholar Yam Palma and Adrian Alarilla moderating the panel that will include as speakers the following: Matthew Victor Pastor, Philip Cheah, Teng Mangansakan, Jonnie Lyn Dasalla, and NCC vice head Butch Ibañez.

Free screening of the curated films for Cinema Rehiyon 2021 is still ongoing via the NCCA-NCC vimeo platform, just click on the https://bit.ly/CinemaRehiyon2021_VOD.

Follow, like and subscribe Cinema Rehiyon's Facebook page @cinemarehiyonofficial for more updates. (PR)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Labor group: Jobs, amelioration not lockdowns

Posted: 30 Mar 2021 05:25 AM PDT

"PROVIDE the people with jobs and amelioration, not lockdowns."

This was the call of the local labor group, General Alliance of Workers Associations (Gawa), in reaction to the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and other areas in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Its secretary general, Wennie Sancho, said in a statement that it was generally admitted that "we are in a far worse situation today than we were in August last year."

Sancho said the country is back to square one due to virus mutation, according to the government. But most people are asking: if the response of the government to coronavirus disease (Covid-19) was excellent, how come that NCR was back to ECQ again?

"Lockdown is not the ultimate solution against the spread of the virus, but the strict implementation of standard health protocols, massive contact tracing and to fast-track the vaccination program of the government," he said, adding that people must be employed to survive economically.

The Negros Occidental-based labor group said unemployment brings untold sufferings and psychological trauma to the jobless workers and their families.

Gawa cited the spike of unemployment in Western Visayas from 5.6 percent in January 2020 to 9.1 percent in January 2021. It will lead to an all-time-high jobless rate if there is a lockdown, it said.

Sancho, also the labor representative to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Western Visayas, said it is unfortunate that in the midst of pandemic, majority of the workers particularly in the informal sectors are underpaid, underfed and underemployed.

Sancho said it is exacerbated by the killings of activist-labor leaders who are being "red-tagged."

The chilling effect of these happenings is the sudden decline in labor union organizing, he added.

Gawa appealed to the employers to suspend the no-work-no-pay scheme during the Holy Week to augment the meager income of the workers.

It called for the granting of emergency relief allowances to the workers for those employers who can afford, or provision of a sack of rice every month to the families of the workers as a gesture of compassion in these trying and difficult times.

All workers in general are affected nationwide whether they are under ECQ or not, its official pointed out.

Gawa also supported the call of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to allow the private sector to import Covid-19 vaccine without restriction so that the workers in the private sector can avail of the vaccine.

"The workers and the business sector are the engine of growth of our economy they should be protected so that our economy could recover," Sancho said, adding that "taking care of our health is not a monopoly of the government alone."

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Negros Occidental ASF task force thwarts online selling

Posted: 30 Mar 2021 05:23 AM PDT

FOLLOWING reports from several concerned citizens about online selling of canned pork products from China in Negros Occidental, the Provincial African Swine Fever (ASF) Task Force has conducted an inspection among two online sellers based in Silay City recently.

Based on reports received by the task force, the sellers were offering pre-order sale of a known brand of luncheon meat from China that is currently banned in the country due to ASF concerns.

During the inspection, the products were not yet in their possession.

According to the sellers, these are scheduled to arrive the following week. It is supposed to be their first order of the products.

"However, one of them presented a photo of the receipt from a courier service company which was sent to her by the supplier as proof that her order was on the way after she had paid in full," the task force said.

Upon verification of the said receipt, the inspecting team was able to identify and locate the supplier in Antique.

The task force immediately coordinated with the Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas for appropriate action against the establishment.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena, co-chair of the task force, reminded Negrenses that carrying, transport, shipment, distribution, storing, trading, marketing and sale of pork products from ASF-affected countries and those manufactured or processed in Luzon, Mindanao and Eastern Visayas are prohibited.

The prohibition is provided under Provincial Ordinance 2019-024 or the ASF Prevention Ordinance of Negros Occidental.

"Let us do our part in keeping our province free from ASF to help ensure that we can continue to provide sufficient supply of pork not only for Negros Occidental but also to other provinces that were affected by the dreaded disease affecting swine," the task force added.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

P34K shabu seized in Barangay 2

Posted: 29 Mar 2021 06:17 PM PDT

An estimated P34,000 worth of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride was seized in a drug bust by operatives of City Drugs Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) at Purok Sigay, Barangay 2, Bacolod City Monday, March 29 morning.

The operation also led to the arrest of Romelo Esio, 36, of Purok Sigay, Barangay 2.

Police Lieutenant Ma. Liberty Inidape, spokesperson of BCPO, said Esio was arrested after he sold a sachet of shabu to a police undercover around 2:30 a.m.

Police recovered from Esio's possession four sachets of shabu weighing five grams and the P500 marked money.

The suspect was identified as a street level individual in Bacolod City. He was under surveillance for almost a month before his arrest.

The suspect is detained at the custodial facility of Police Station 2. He is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (MAP)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Drug den dismantled, 7 arrested in San Carlos 

Posted: 29 Mar 2021 06:14 PM PDT

Around 15 grams of suspected shabu with a standard worth of P102,000.00 was confiscated in a drug bust operation on March 27, 2021 at Brgy. 6, San Carlos City.

Operatives from PDEA Negros Occidental Provincial Office, Coast Guard San Carlos City Substation and San Carlos City Police Station conducted buy-bust operation that resulted in the arrests of Erech Ernesto V. Cruz aka 'Erech Villanueva' (drug den maintainer), Johnwyn V. Bora, Romulo D. De Asis,Tsadni T. Mujar, Delfin Y. Mahusay, Patrick D. Delima and Jundelo A. Cabaron.

Operatives recovered about fifteen grams of shabu as well as improvised tooters with shabu residue, glass tooter, scissors and disposable lighters among others.

Cases for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are now being prepared for filing in court against the suspects, PDEA said. (TDE)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Over 5,200 medical frontliners inoculated in Bacolod

Posted: 29 Mar 2021 06:13 PM PDT

A TOTAL of 5,206 medical frontliners in Bacolod City were vaccinated with Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Dr. Chris Sorongon, deputy for medical data and analysis of Emergency Operations Task Force (EOC-TF), said Monday, March 29, that from March 5 to 28, a total of 5,206 medical frontliners from various hospitals and barangays were inoculated with Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines.

He said they already used all the Sinovac vaccines that were earlier delivered by the National Government to the city.

"We already used all the Sinovac vaccine, but some hospitals still have AstraZeneca vaccine and they are set to use it to their personnel this week," he added.

Sorongon noted that they are also waiting for the additional Covid-19 vaccines from the National Government that are set to be delivered this week or after the Holy Week.

Bacolod City earlier received a total of 312 vials of AstraZeneca vaccine from the National Government that will be distributed to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, Riverside Medical Center, Bacolod Adventist Medical Center and The Doctor's Hospital Inc.

Aside from the AstraZeneca vaccine, Bacolod City also received more than 840 doses of Sinovac vaccine that were used for medical frontliners assigned at isolation quarantine facilities, City Health Office, Barangay Health Workers, independent clinics and laboratories.

Sorongon said the vaccine recipient should receive the same brand of vaccine on their first and second doses of vaccination.

"Once they received the Sinovac vaccine in the first dose, they should also get the Sinovac vaccine in the second dose. They should not mix the Sinovac, AstraZeneca or another brand of Covid-19 vaccines," he said. (MAP)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

NegOcc holds Prayer for Peace

Posted: 29 Mar 2021 06:09 PM PDT

Prayers for Peace was held in the province yesterday led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and the leadership of the Philippine Army and the PNP in the province.

"Right now we live in a world where the prospect of peace seems distant and obscure. Yet Jesus promises he will give us peace. And as we wait, let us sow the seeds of peace," Lacson said during the activity held at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon and Park.

A peace caravan was also held.

The prayer for peace and rally is relevant to the observance of the Holy Week.

At the press conference that followed, Col. Michael Samson, Acting Commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade said they presented Aiza of Escalante City as proof that as part of their call for peace and justice they would like to put face on the case presented that threat is real that there is a witness that could testify.

Aiza is an alleged former member of a progressive group in Negros Occidental.

Atty. Ranela dela Fuente, City Prosecutor of Escalante said Aiza Gamao, a former member of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap or Kadamay, expressed her willingness to turn state witness against her former group.

Gamao was one of eight suspected communist insurgents, who were arrested on September 18, 2019 in Escalante City for charges of illegal possession of firearms, and explosives in the city's Barangay Jonob-jonob.

According to Dela Fuente, after a year of detention, Gamao expressed her desire to tell and to testify for the government, thinking that "the cause that she was fighting for was not for the common good; and that her group's doctrine was not meant to bring peace and change, but destruction and unrest."

Atty. Charo Tupas-Fajardo, Gamao's legal counsel, said her client had already executed an affidavit against her former group expressing her intentions, although as of the moment the affidavits cannot yet be publicized as she was not yet presented to the court.

When asked if Gamao's former colleagues will claim that the government forced her to switch sides, Dela Fuente replied that they are already expecting them to make the claims, as prior to her decision she had been repeatedly told by her former colleagues not to pursue her plans.

Because of this, Dela Fuente said Gamao's life may also be in danger and it is the reason why they wanted to publicize her issue to the local media in order to protect her and her family.

"Prosecuting cases involving communists is difficult to do due to the lack of witnesses," Dela Fuente pointed out. "As a matter of fact the prosecution of criminal cases involving communist terrorists in northern Negros has a very dismal record."

Dela Fuente said most of the cases were dismissed due to lack of witnesses. When Gamao came out and expressed her desire in favor of the government, it is a breakthrough for the prosecution and so they wanted to protect her from all harm and let her testify.

Fajardo also showed an audio visual statement of Gamao, wherein she stated that her decision was her own volition and that she was not coerced by anyone.

Depending on her affidavits, the court may place Gamao under witness protection program.

Back in 2019, Gamao, who was then an officer of Kadamay-Negros, was arrested in a police checkpoint in Barangay Jonob-jonob, Escalante City after cops seized six .45 caliber pistols, a .38 caliber revolver, a KG9 machine pistol, three rifle grenades, two improvised explosive devices, and 21 molotov cocktails.

The group initially claimed back then that the firearms and explosives in their vehicle were planted by police. The incident also occurred two-days prior to the city's observance of the anniversary of the Escalante City Massacre. (TDE)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

NFSP lauds SRA for allocating 100% sugar production for domestic market

Posted: 29 Mar 2021 06:09 PM PDT

The National Federation of Sugarcane Planters lauded the Sugar Regulatory Administration for allocating 100% of sugar production for the domestic market, starting April 4.

"We laud SRA Administrator Hermie Serafica for listening to our call to scrap the allocation for 'A' (US Quota) sugar and, instead, classify 100% of production as 'B' sugar for the domestic market," said NFSP President Enrique D. Rojas Monday, March 29.

Rojas disclosed that Serafica informed him, through SMS message Monday, March 29, that SRA will come out with a new sugar order, allocating 100% of sugar production to the domestic market starting weekend April 4.

"This is welcome news for our sugarcane planters, because this translates to more favorable prices for their sugar, instead of sacrificing a portion of their production to the US market, which traditionally fetches a lower price than B sugar," Rojas added.

At the start of Crop Year 2020-2021, SRA issued Sugar Order No. 1, classifying 7% of sugar production as "A" sugar to fulfill the country's export commitment to the US, while classifying the remaining 93% sugar production as "B" sugar earmarked to the domestic market.

Last week, Serafica called up Rojas and informed him that sugar production might drop by more than 100,000 metric tons this crop year. Serafica asked Rojas for his opinion on the matter.

Rojas recommended that the allocation for "A" sugar should be immediately scrapped, and that 100% of forthcoming sugar production should be classified for the domestic market.

"I also asked the SRA head to closely study the projected consumption, considering the drop in demand because of the Covid pandemic. Once we already have a clear picture of the projected demand, we should also conduct a rigid inventory of actual sugar stocks to determine if we really have a supply shortage, and we can ascertain the exact volume of the projected shortage," Rojas narrated.

If importation is really necessary, then we will know how much to import, Rojas told Serafica.

In view of this forthcoming sugar order changing the allocation for sugar production, Rojas further recommended that SRA should take proactive measures to protect the welfare of sugar producers.

"All stakeholders, particularly the planters, should be consulted on the volume of importation and the timing of its arrival, so that it will not adversely affect our millgate prices. If ever we need to import, it should be after the close of the milling season, and the arrival of the imported sugar should be staggered, so as not to adversely affect millgate sugar prices," Rojas further said. (PR)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Yap sends explanation on early vaccination to DILG

Posted: 29 Mar 2021 06:07 PM PDT

Escalante City Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. said that he has already sent an explanation to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) even before he received a show cause order over his alleged violation of the government's vaccination priority list.

Yap said that he has not received any reply from the DILG yet on his explanation.

"I don't think they will send me a reply anymore if they see that my reasons are right," he said.

Yap led the city and hospital officials of Escalante in a ceremonial vaccination at the city-operated Vicente Gustilo District Hospital. Yap became the first mayor in Negros Occidental to be inoculated with a Covid-19 vaccine.

The mayor said that he does not believe that Malacañang is not listening to the reasons of the mayors in other areas of the Philippines that led their vaccination programs by having themselves vaccinated first.

"It is just the media who is blowing it up," he said.

Yap added that every town or city has a different situation. "In fairness to all concerned, we must address the situation on a case-to-case basis," he pointed out.

Earlier, Yap,Jr., said that he is "ready to face sanctions if the DILG will penalize him for getting the Chinese-made Sinovac vaccine earlier than what the priority list of the Department of Health recommended."

He clarified that there are 150 Sinovac vaccines allocated for the hospital but only 47 medical frontliners were willing to be vaccinated at the time. "They were hesitant. Maybe because it was Sinovac. So we decided that all city employees will be classified under quick response so that the hospital personnel will follow the example," he said. The vaccines should be consumed within a certain period of time, so "I decided to be vaccinated at the time," he said.

He said "call of duty" made him decide for the vaccination and to set himself as an example to encourage his constituents to take the Covid-19 vaccines.

Of the mayors who have been issued with the show cause order because of the violation of the vaccination priority plan, only Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez has reportedly sent his answer to the DILG.

Yap's name was not included in the list of mayors reported in the national office of the DILG. (TDE)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

NOCPPO: Power vacuum within Epogon crime group 'very likely' 

Posted: 29 Mar 2021 06:05 PM PDT

Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) director Colonel Romy Palgue Monday, March 29 said that the Epogon crime group is very likely experiencing a "power vacuum" within the criminal organization which had led to several deaths involving the group's alleged members.

Palgue made the statement following another murder incident in the town of Binalbagan over the weekend, wherein the victim was reported to have been a member of the Epogon family.

The NOCPPO director explained that the prospective leaders within the criminal organization may be killing each other in order to get to the top.

Because of this, Palgue again made an appeal to the criminal group's members to surrender before it is too late, assuring them that they and their families will be kept safe.

"If that is what is really happening inside their group, I advice them that if they still want to live, they should just surrender," he added.

Earlier on Saturday, 20-year-old Allen Rivera was shot dead in front of a school in Binalbagan town's Barangay San Pedro.

Rivera, who has a middle name of Epogon, had just been released from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the town on a drug-related charge.

Rivera is also the third alleged member of the Epogon crime group to be killed this month following the deaths of Jose Estaniel on the evening of March 18 in Bacolod City, and Arnold Rivera in Silay City last March 19.

In February of this year, another member, 25-year-old Eddie Epogon, was killed after he opened fire at police officers who were trying to serve his arrest warrant in Sipalay City.

Aside from illegal drugs, the Epogon crime group is believed to be responsible for several high-profile robbery cases in Bacolod City, such as the robbery and murder of Belgian-national Carl Nolens in June 2020, as well as the robbing the house of Dr. Carlitos Orola, brother of City Councilor Bart Orola and former city administrator John Orola. (TDE)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Negrenses save 17.5 megawatts on Earth Hour

Posted: 29 Mar 2021 06:02 PM PDT

Amid restrictions brought about by the prevailing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, Negrenses have conserved a total of about 17.5 megawatts (MW) in electricity during this year's Earth Hour on Saturday, March 27.

The figure accounts for the reduction in power consumption noted by three electric cooperatives in Negros Occidental during the one-hour switch off starting 8:30 p.m.

The Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco), catering to the largest number of electric consumers in the province, noted the biggest reduction in power consumption of 14.25 MW.

The power distribution utility serves consumers in cities of Bacolod, Bago, Talisay and Silay, and towns of Murcia and Salvador Benedicto.

Malou Parocco, head of the cooperative's Promotion Section, said the reduction can mainly be attributed to residential member-consumers.

"Most of the businesses are closed at night," she said, adding that the utility recognized the participation of residential consumers in this year's Earth Hour by putting off their lights in their respective houses.

The Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco), which caters to electric consumers in the north, from E.B. Magalona to San Carlos City, noted a load drop of two megawatts.

For the remaining towns and cities in the south, from Pulupandan to Hinoba-an, the Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (Noceco) shaved off about 1.3 MW in its power demand during the event.

The figure also accounts for the energy conserved by participating local government units (LGUs) and residential consumers, the cooperative said.

The Earth Hour is an annual activity which started in Australia in 2007.

It is part of the global movement initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that demonstrates support for protecting the planet and stopping climate change.

In Negros Occidental, public and private stakeholders in Negros Occidental joined the global event.

Though, unlike the previous years, there were no ceremonial switch off activities held in major establishments like malls this year due to the Covid-19 threat.

The provincial government switched off all the lights at the Provincial Capitol Building and Lagoon in Bacolod City for an hour.

Some employees of the Provincial Environment Management Office (Pemo) lit candles at the Capitol steps to mark the event dubbed #Connect2Earth.

Olive Seruelo, information officer of Pemo, said study shows that the number one contributor of carbon dioxide emission is the energy sector in which sources of transportation and power belong.

In fact, 50 percent of the carbon dioxide comes from this sector, Seruelo said.

"We can be able to contribute in protecting the earth through one, observing energy conservation tips," she said, adding that "switch off, unplug and conserve energy like walking instead of driving."

For the Bacolod City Government, Mayor Evelio Leonardia earlier ordered the switching of lights in the city government facilities including the New Government Center and public plaza.

"All city government employees are likewise enjoined to observe Earth Hour in their respective homes by switching off their lights and turning off their electrical appliances as their own contribution in saving energy and fighting climate change," the city government said.

The City Government of Bago also switched off the lights at the city hall and its other facilities like the coliseum and plaza, among others.

The WWF-Philippines, in its website, said Earth Hour united individuals, businesses and leaders from all over the world to shine a spotlight on the health of the planet, raising awareness on the importance of nature and inspiring action for a brighter future for nature and people.

The group said with Covid-19 safety regulations continuing in several parts of the world, many countries celebrated Earth Hour online, mobilizing millions of people from across the globe to speak up for nature.

As lights dimmed in homes and cities, Earth Hour brought people together to put a virtual spotlight on our planet and the role people can play in global efforts for nature, it said.

"With mounting evidence establishing a close link between nature's destruction and rising incidences of infectious disease outbreaks like Covid-19, Earth Hour served as an unmissable opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of nature, in a year when leaders will take key decisions on nature,?climate change and?sustainable development," it added.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Bacolod logs 33 new Covid cases

Posted: 29 Mar 2021 05:58 PM PDT

Bacolod City recorded 33 new confirmed coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases Monday, March 29, and it is the highest number of new cases in the city in a day since November 2020.

Dr. Chris Sorongon, deputy for medical and data analysis of the Emergency Operations Center Task Force (EOC-TF), said of 33 new Covid-19 cases, seven of them are nurses, one doctor, others are close contacts and admitted in a hospital.

"It is alarming because our hospital's Covid admission will also increase. So don't be complacent because Covid is still there," he said.

The EOC will also check if the seven nurses and a doctor already received their first doses of Covid-19 vaccines that were earlier provided to various medical frontliners in Bacolod.

Sorongon stressed that the public should strictly follow the health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.

"Let's avoid mass gathering as well as dining in restaurants that fail to follow the 50 percent seating capacity," Sorongon said.

He said the business establishments, especially the restaurants should observe the 50 percent seating capacity.

"We noticed that some of the restaurants in the city failed to follow the 50 percent seating capacity," he added.

The city's monitoring team were also deployed to various areas to penalize the violators.

Moverover, Sorongon said they are also preparing the quarantine or isolation facilities just in case the city's Covid cases will continue to surge.

He said the public should observe the social distancing, wearing of face masks and face shields to prevent the spread of the virus. (MAP)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

End of Summer Sale ☀️😎

20% OFF Inside!🤯 ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏...

  • Breaking: Aaron Rodgers teases Jets return this season: 'Anything is possible'
    New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Monday's 22-16 overtime win vs. the Buffalo Bills. If you a...
  • Last Chance - Win over $1,800 in BLEUSALT
    Elevate your Wardrobe. Offer ends Midnight. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ...
  • End of Summer Sale ☀️😎
    20% OFF Inside!🤯 ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏...