Sunday, August 1, 2021

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10 San Carlos job-order workers positive for drug use

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 07:43 AM PDT

TEN job order casuals working for the San Carlos City government have tested positive for illegal drugs following a surprise drug testing carried out recently.

San Carlos City Mayor Rene Gustilo said the 10 are part of the first batch of 70 employees who have undergone drug tests last week.

He said the surprise drug tests are carried out annually for all of their city employees to make sure that none of them are drug users.

Gustilo refused to say which office the involved JOs were assigned, however, he said they will no longer be able to renew their contracts.

He added the surprise drug tests will continue so the city employees, who are drug users, will be caught completely off guard.

He also said any regular employee who tests positive for illegal drugs will undergo proper process in accordance with the regulations set by the Civil Service Commission prior to termination.

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Cadiz mayor assures no cause for alarm amid reports on Beta variant

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 07:41 AM PDT

CADIZ City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. has assured his constituents that "there is no cause for alarm and no need to panic" in his city amid reports that a Beta variant of Covid-19 has been detected.

Dr. Glen Alonsabe, regional epidemiologist of the Department of Health, earlier said two Covid-19 variants of concern have been detected in Negros Occidental.

The case in Cadiz City involves a resident who was hit by the Beta variant.

The samples of the two local cases were sent to the Philippine Genome Center and the results were released last week.

The Alpha and Beta variants are four times more contagious than the original Sars-CoV-2, Alonsabe said.

Escalante said the patient arrived in April and was swabbed at the quarantine center, which showed that he was positive.

"After 14 days, he was allowed to go home and required to undergo a seven-day home quarantine. He was swabbed again that resulted in a negative result," the mayor pointed out.

He said "for the past 2 months, Barangay Burgos (where he lives) is Covid- free."

Escalante said it has been six months since the patient was quarantined.

"There is no reason for panic and alarm for Cadiznons," Escalante said.

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Travelers from Panay required to present negative swab test

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 07:40 AM PDT

LEISURE travel between Panay Island and Bacolod City will not be allowed under the general community quarantine with heightened restrictions (GCQ-HR) and travelers from Panay Island, including authorized persons outside residence(APORs), may be allowed to enter Bacolod City, but they need to present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result.

In his Executive Order (EO) No. 42 dated July 31, 2021, extending the GCQ-HR in Bacolod City from August 1 to 15, 2021, Mayor Evelio Leonardia amended Section 2 of EO No.39 A, Series of 2021 on travel protocols between Panay Island and Bacolod City.

Leonardia said all the provisions of EO-39, EO 39-A, and EO 41, which provided for the minimum health protocols and other regulations to govern during the GCQ-HR from July 22 until July 31, 2021, will continue to remain in full force and effect for this extension of the GCQ-HR, except for Section 2 of EO 39-A, which was replaced by Section 3 of EO No. 42 that prohibits leisure travel between Panay Island and Bacolod City.

Movement of all types of goods and cargoes, including their personnel (maximum of five persons) and delivery vehicles, when transporting goods and cargoes between Panay Island and Bacolod City will be unhampered. These delivery personnel will be exempted from some travel requirements.

Travelers from Panay Island, including Apors, may be allowed to enter Bacolod City subject to presentation of negative RT-PCR test result, which must have been obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Bacolod City; Online BaCTrac registration; Online Health Declaration; and S-Pass Travel Coordination Permit, the EO further stated.

Leonardia said all other provisions of EO 39, EO 39-A, and EO 41, all under Series of 2021, that are not modified or amended will remain in full force and effect.

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SunStar Bacolod journo wins Bright Leaf award

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 07:39 AM PDT

SUNSTAR Bacolod journalist Erwin Nicavera bagged the Best Agriculture News Story (Regional) of the Year award in this year's The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards.

Nicavera, who is the social media content editor and reporter of SunStar Bacolod, is the first Negros Occidental-based journalist to win the prestigious award.

His winning story titled "Urban farming gaining ground amid pandemic," discussed how backyard farming can help one become self-sufficient especially during this global health crisis.

Read: Urban farming gaining ground amid pandemic

It emerged as the winner from about 600 entries nationwide screened by an esteemed panel of judges and experts.

Nicavera, in his speech during the virtual awarding rites on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, said he is dedicating the award to all Filipino farmers who are also in the front line, especially in feeding the nation during this coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

"My heart is filled with gratitude as I receive this award. Thank you The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards and its partners for this recognition. The inspiration you are giving us, journalists, keeps the flame within us burning," he said.

For him, the award also serves as a motivation for them to keep the passion for their profession alive, especially during these very trying times when information is of the essence.

Now on its 14th year, The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards renewed its commitment to recognize the exceptional journalists who spotlight the agricultural sector through various media platforms.

The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards was launched in 2007 by Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. (PMPMI).

It is now continued by PMFTC Inc. (PMFTC), the company created in 2010 through a business combination between Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. (PMPMI) and Fortune Tobacco Corporation (FTC).

The award-giving body said as the market leader in the Philippine tobacco industry, PMFTC is committed to bringing much-needed assistance and attention to the country's agriculture sector.

It said what started out with less than a hundred entries during its inaugural year has evolved into thousands of entries scrutinized by top-caliber judges looking for the best agriculture journalism has to offer for the year.

The annual competition honors excellent stories and photos that are published, aired, or broadcasted in print, radio, television and for the first time, online.

"This year's theme, 'Reimagining our tomorrow' is very apt for us, at PMFTC and the Bright Leaf community. Our agility to adapt and pivot were tested in this unprecedented global crisis," PMFTC President Denis Gorkun said.

The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards continues to acknowledge the efforts of the Filipino journalists who painstakingly cover important issues to place one of the most important industries in the spotlight.

It aims to uplift the agriculture industry by honoring the journalists who bring to the fore the issues of the agriculture workers to the general public.

PMFTC Communications Director Dave Gomez told participating journalists that "your stories are the stories that matter to us. Your eyes are our window to our farmers' plight. Your masterpieces are a reminder of the industry concerns we should pay attention to."

Prioritizing health and safety this year, the media professionals were updated online regarding the awards instead of the traditional face-to-face caravan events.

Journalists from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao joined the virtual roadshows via Facebook Live or Zoom platform.

"It is during these times of uncertainty and despair when our desire for creativity is on fire," chairman of the board of judges, Krip Yuson, said.

Other winners included Louise Maureen Simeon of the Philippine Star who brought home the Agriculture Story of the Year award, while Business Mirror's Cai Ordinario was judged winner for the Tobacco Story of the Year and Best Agriculture News Story (National).

For Tobacco Photo of the Year, Wilfredo Lomibao of Sunday Punch (Dagupan) and the Philippine Daily Inquirer was declared winner.

Also awarded as this year's winners are Business Mirror's Erwin Mascariñas for Agriculture Photo of the Year; Baguio journalist Frank Cimatu - Best Agriculture Feature Story (Regional) and Best Story in Tobacco Product Alternatives; GMA Channel 7 blocktimer program Agriprenuer - Best Agriculture TV Program or Segment; Rose Malekchan of DZWT 540 Radyo Totoo - Best Agriculture Radio Program or Segment; Karl Angelica Ocampo - Best Agriculture Feature Story (National); Vina Medenilla of www.agriculture.com.ph of Manila Bulletin - Best Online Story.

This year's awards also included an Oriental Leaf Award winner, Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas, for winning five Bright Leaf awards in various categories throughout the years. (SunStar Bacolod)

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Benitez: Approval of single-use plastic bill a big win

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 07:38 AM PDT

NEGROS Occidental Third District Representative Francisco "Kiko" Benitez applauded the House of Representatives for the approval on third and final reading last week the bill regulating the manufacture, sale, and use of single-use plastic products.

Benitez, who headed the Technical Working Group that drafted House Bill No. 9147, said the bill is a "critical, concrete step towards a sustainable economy. A big win for the environment and for future generations."

The bill seeks to mandate within a year of enactment into law, the halting of production, importation, sale, distribution, provision, and use of single-use plastics. These include drinking straws, stirrers, plastic sticks, confetti and packaging.

Meanwhile, four years are given for cutlery, film wrap, sachets and pouches, beverage containers, and thicker plastics for packaging.

The bill seeks to fine violators between P50,000 and P500,000 for small businesses and P250,000 to P1 million for bigger businesses.

All of the executive departments will implement the law, but the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will formulate a "phase-out plan" to make sure that the country is on track with the law's goals.

Businesses, meanwhile, are mandated to promote reusable products and to charge customers who will ask for plastic bags.

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5th district receives P1.7M Tupad checks

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 07:30 AM PDT

NEGROS Occidental 5th District Representative Ma. Lourdes "Marilou" Arroyo headed the distribution of P1.707 Million Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (Tupad) checks to 12 barangays in the 5th District held at the Department of Labor and Employment-Negros Occidental Field Office in Bacolod City.

The checks distributed to the barangay officials and barangay treasurers will then be released to 420 displaced workers hired for 10 days under the emergency employment program of DOLE.

Each beneficiary will receive a salary of P4,356, including the additional pay for their personal protective equipment and Government Service Insurance System insurance.

"I commend the efforts of our barangay officials who facilitated the early compliance of the documents needed. This resulted in smooth implementation of the Tupad program in our district and helped our workers who lost their jobs because of the pandemic," Arroyo said.

The 12 barangays included under the Tupad program are Barangay Himaya, Aranda and I (Pob.) in Hinigaran, Barangay III (Pob.), Cabanbanan, Nabalian, and Carabalan in Himamaylan City, Barangay Puso in La Castellana, Barangay Montilla in Moises Padilla, and Barangay 7 (Pob.) in Isabela.

Aside from the distribution of the Tupad checks, Arroyo also inaugurated the P1.5 Million covered court project in Mansalanao Elementary School in La Castellana that was realized through the efforts of Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri who supported Congresswoman Arroyo's initiative in promoting education and welfare of students.

"I thank Senator Migz Zubiri for extending his support to our district. This project will enable students to have a comfortable space inside their school to do their school activities once face-to-face classes are permitted," Arroyo added.

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4 LGUs in Negros Occidental ink anti-poverty pact

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 06:32 AM PDT

FOUR local governments in Negros Occidental and one in Iloilo province signed an agreement with the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) for the implementation of the Sambayanihan Serbisyong Sambayanan (3S) poverty reduction program.

The towns of Moises Padilla, Murcia, and Calatrava in Negros Occidental, and Carles in Iloilo are included in the priority areas under the "Adopt 40-10-10", which is a core program of the 3S.

Noel Felongco, NAPC secretary and lead convenor, said the memorandum of agreement that was signed virtually will "pave the way to a deeper connection and stronger partnership in reducing poverty by uplifting the lives of impoverished, oppressed, and marginalized sectors," who are mostly farmers and fisherfolk.

In the agreement, NAPC will provide the direction for the implementation of the program through its accredited volunteers.

The direction has to anchor on core components to include the provision of basic services and access to climate-responsive dwellings, livelihood and employment to the informal sector families, development of infrastructure and financing mechanisms for rural poor, strengthening of rural-urban agri-economic value chains, secure health and general well-being of poor communities, and enhance food security.

The local government units should provide assistance in the implementation of the program within their jurisdiction.

NAPC Executive Assistant VI Antonio Donguines said the provision of quality and sustainable services will never stop amid the health pandemic.

"This program aims to implement a climate-responsive, gender, and culture-sensitive, convergent and participatory anti-poverty strategy," he said.

Also joining in the virtual signing ceremony were priority LGUs from Central Visayas, Western Visayas and Luzon.

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Bacolod gets 28,510 more doses of Sinovac, Pfizer vaccines

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 06:18 AM PDT

AN ADDITIONAL 28,510 doses of Sinovac and Pfizer vaccines arrived in Bacolod City from the Department of Health (DOH) over the weekend.

Emergency Operation Center (EOC) records showed the city received a total of 25,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines and 3,510 doses of Pfizer vaccines on Saturday, July 31, 2021.

The vaccines were brought immediately to the cold room facility at the Bacolod Government Center.

From March to July 2021, Bacolod City has received a total of 193,850 combined doses of Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines from the national government.

On top of this allocation, the City has procured 650,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines using local funds. Of this number, 18,700 doses have already arrived on July 19.

The city will administer the vaccines to priority groups A1 and A3, as well as in priority groups A4 and A5.

From March 5 to July 22, 2021, EOC-Task Force and the Covid-19 Vaccination Council already inoculated a total of 103,925 individuals in Bacolod City.

Of the number, 29,720 persons already received their second doses of Covid-19 vaccines.

The City will accommodate only those who have completed their vaccination registration and have received a call or text from the Emergency Operations Center of their confirmed appointments.

To avail of the free vaccination, Bacolod residents should register online through the link tinyurl.com/bcdceironline or go personally to their respective barangay halls.

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Over P100,000 shabu seized in Bacolod

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 06:17 AM PDT

AN ESTIMATED P108,800 worth of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride was seized in separate drug busts by operatives of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) in Bacolod City on Friday, July 30, 2021.

The operation also led to the arrest Obrien Dela Fuente, 31, of Purok Nami-Nami, Barangay Banago; and Tyron Bellosillo, 35, of Barangay Mansilingan.

Police Major Sherlock Gabana, spokesperson of BCPO, said Dela Fuente was arrested by operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) after he sold a sachet of shabu to a police undercover around 8:20 p.m.

Police recovered from Dela Fuente's possession five sachets of shabu weighing 12 grams with an estimated market value of P81, 600, the P500 marked money and a coin purse.

Gabana said Dela Fuente, who was identified as a street-level individual in Bacolod City, was under surveillance for almost a month before his arrest.

Bellosillo was also arrested by operatives of Police Station 7 in Barangay Mansilingan around 11:30 a.m.

Police recovered from Bellosillo's possession four sachets of shabu weighing four grams with an estimated market value of P27, 200, and the marked money.

The suspects were detained at the custodial facility of Police Stations 1 and 7. Police said they are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

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Lobaton: Possibilities and the votes (2)

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 05:55 AM PDT

THERE are impressions that going into the time of filing in the month of October is not the same as before, referring to the 2019 elections. Simple is the reason. It is because Covid-19 remains unpredictable. Now we are watching the mutation of the coronavirus, known as Delta, which is highly contagious and hopefully not deadly. It could change the figures once it starts its local transmission just like what happened in India and Indonesia.

In effect, this is the main reason why many interest groups or political actors have not signified their decision to run in the coming elections. Although these elections would have a bigger magnitude because it's a national one, we also don't know what would be the status of Covid-19 at the time of voting in May 2022.

We knew that basic to deciding in any position is the resources that a candidate will spend for himself because he could not depend on the support of the political party. There are parties who spend for their candidates while there are also some who can only afford to send party nominations. But the reality of elections in the Philippines, particularly at the local level, speaks about the important role that resources play in the winnability of the candidates.

While there is still time before the filing in October, we don't know how things will change overnight and surprises could come just like the surprises of the coronavirus.

As an update, since the Election Registration Board (ERB) in the city approved the transfer of registration of former congressman Albee Benitez, this means we can witness another historic contest between Benitez and incumbent mayor, Bing Leonardia. Albee himself announced after the hearing at ERB that he decided to run for mayor of Bacolod.

On Albee's camp, he had won the first round over those who opposed his transfer of voting from Victorias City. For Bing's camp, if the contest would not exactly reach the time of elections, the better. The lawyers of those who opposed announced that they are studying the decisions and may exhaust available remedies.

Though I have been away to glance at the politics in the towns and cities, I am grateful to those who kept inviting me to join their circle. I admit that while I love political works, my academic commitments could not allow me at this time. I am still in the "honeymoon" stage of my teaching and I would be happy to observe things unfold being in the academic community.

I told my friends, I had good and bad memories of political works for more than twenty years. But for now, I said, I can only listen and report through my space here at Sunstar. I guarantee anonymity but not the information they share for the readers' consumption.

The peace remains at the provincial level with nobody seemed to have come out to challenge the incumbents. In Kabankalan City, there are rumors that while nobody is going for the mayorship, the vice mayor will be challenged by a councilor who also belongs to the Zayco family. It is to be noted that one with a Zayco family name is Councilor Miguel Zayco who is also the nephew of Kabankalan mayor, Pedro Zayco and former governor, Elpidio Zayco. I am not sure if this rumor would truly lead Miguel to the filing in October or he will be pacified by his uncles.

In Hinobaan, there's clear posturing between sanggunian member Daph Reliquias and Culipapa barangay chair Oscar Daclan for mayor. While for the town vice mayor, the incumbent Jef Encoy will be challenged by the incumbent mayor, Ernesto Estrao, who is already in his last term. Estrao and Encoy both won the 2019 elections for mayor and vice mayor of the town.

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Ombion: Governance, urban dev, pandemic response

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 04:28 AM PDT

AND not the least, rights-based issues are the most relevant issues that everyone should suppose to talk about, or challenge, from now to the run up to 2022 elections, nationally and locally.

Good governance essentially refers to how local government exercises its powers and responsibilities vis a vis delivery of basic services defined by the Local Government Code of 1991 (LGC) that improve people's quality of life; local government unit (LGU) planning and management of its land and natural resources that is adaptive to national and regional thrusts, to climate change, risks reduction and pandemic, and that which adequately met the needs and concerns of the present generation without sacrificing needs of generations after.

It also includes LGU's commitment to open and participatory governance, ensuring effective participation of key sectors and inclusivity of all its development programs and projects; and not the least, LGU's adherence to standard measures for transparency and accountability for all its decisions and actions.

Urban development refers to how local governments organize, reorganize, plan, assess, replan, transform their resources, territorial jurisdiction, their people, their geo-bio-physical peculiarities, experience and knowledge in area and resource planning utilizing all available designs and structures aesthetically enriching and acceptable to humanity. In short, how to democratize and humanize resources, people, structures, and match them with visions and goals of government and its people.

Rights-based issues refer to the respect and support that LGU gives to what matters most to the people, the workers, farmers, fishers, indigenous peoples (IPs), youth, women, urban poor, vendors, transport workers, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), among others.

Pandemic response is something new for us, and so for our LGUs whose systems, programs and projects are not adaptive to the plague. Essentially, it is how LGU and its people, not just the LGU, work together to retard or stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus that has plagued the world, our nation, our city for one and a half years now and still ravaging us.

Blaming the LGUs, a case to most LGUs nationwide, for unpreparedness, inefficiency and poor responses, and even suspecting that its local officials have raked privately funds for public interests are too sweeping accusations by people who expect local officials to be perfect and upright for all times. Let's not be hypocritical about it, had they, the opposition critics and their political partisans, been in the position that confronted the pandemic the first time, they would have been in a quandary about what solutions to take.

But the challenge is also how fast the LGUs have learned their lessons and improve their counter-strategies to the pandemic.

In all, I would truly appreciate it if friends and foes of the LGUs study, learn and level up the issues they want to bring up for the purpose of helping correct local governance, not destroy, local government officials using nasty and dirty propaganda.

Bacolod City government is a case in point. I understand and respect the opposition critics and their political partisans for advocating change and development, for I know and believe that city of Bacolod still needs a lot of rectification and improvement. But it should not overlook or worse, dismiss, or distort the positive changes and transformation that the incumbent government has done vis a vis the fundamentals I have mentioned – governance, urban development, pandemic response, and rights-based issues.

Change and development are noble issues, or even platforms, to advocate. But they should accompany it with more constructive and positive themes and approaches, educative way, and talk in vivid, viable, and doable, even experiential terms, to prevent unnecessary debates between hypothetical propositions or dreams or facades, and the actual realities and dynamics of governance.

And instead of using squid tactics, dirty propaganda, fault-finding, hate-stirring, and highly polarizing divisive issues that obscure the real purpose of themselves offering as alternative with best options, they should offer the best ways and practices for government to function as a social contract, as convergence of forces for change and development using the subjects and themes I have mentioned here.

Changing government for the better is not like creating a crowd in a cockfighting arena. Neither it is short of stirring, fueling people to arms to destroy and topple the government. Such ways are short of waging revolution, albeit with reactionary purpose.

Luckily, we have not totally lost brains, manpower, resources, systems, and mechanisms for more civil, democratic, and humane ways to improve our system of governance.

Just a perspective.

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Negosyo Center poised to create more enterprises in Toboso town

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 04:28 AM PDT

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is pushing for the creation of more enterprises in Toboso through the just-opened Negosyo Center in the northern Negros Occidental town.

DTI-Negros Occidental Small and Medium Enterprises Development Head Engiemar Tupas, who spoke at the unveiling rites on Thursday, July 29, 2021, said the facility in Toboso is the 24th Negosyo Center in the province.

Lodged at the new public market of the locality in Barangay Poblacion, it is also the first Negosyo Center to be opened this year following that in Talisay City, which was launched in 2018.

Tupas said it will bring the services of the DTI closer to the residents which will result in the creation of more enterprises in the locality.

"The Negosyo Center is mainly aimed at providing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) easy access to the programs and services of the agency like training," he said, adding that "if people are aware of the services, especially how to avail them, they will be encouraged to open up more businesses."

The Negosyo Center in Toboso is also positioned to become a convergence of the services of other government agencies which the DTI can assist in terms of bringing them closer to the public.

Tupas pointed out that the creation of enterprises and bridging the people to the programs of the government are important especially during this coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Amid restrictions on the movement of people due to the pandemic, there is a need to further make the government services closer to them, he said.

"Kun indi sila kakadto sa aton, kita ang mapalapit sa ila [if they cannot go to us, we will be the one to reach them]fg," the official stressed.

The establishment of Negosyo Centers is provided under the Republic Act 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act.

It provides MSMEs the ease of doing business, and facilitates access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, and shared service facilities (SSF), among others.

The law aims to ensure management guidance, assistance, and improvement of the working conditions of enterprises, and facilitate market access and linkage services for entrepreneurs.

Aside from these services, the Negosyo Center can also accept and facilitate business name registration applications.

In Toboso, most of about 3,000 micro and small enterprises are expected to benefit from the business name registration service of the center.

They no longer need to apply for business name registration in Bacolod City or nearby cities like Escalante and San Carlos, which already have their respective Negosyo Centers.

In terms of product development, Tupas said they are looking at the town's agro-fishery as one of the priority sectors.

Tupas said the locality is rich in fishery products, thus, residents can be trained on value-adding like dried fish making.

Handicrafts is another potential sector there, he added.

Like other Negosyo Centers in the province, the local government unit (LGU) has provided for the area while the DTI took charge of the signage, furniture and other equipment, among others.

Aside from Toboso, the agency is upbeat to open nine more Negosyo Centers in the province in August this year.

These are in Valladolid, Pulupandan, Murcia, Manapla, Don Salvador Benedicto, Ilog, Moises Padilla, Calatrava and Candoni.

"By that time, all of our 13 cities and 19 municipalities will already have their respective Negosyo Centers," the official said, adding that "it would mean creation of more enterprises in the province."

The Negros First Negosyo Center at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Bacolod City was opened in 2015 along with those in the cities of Kabankalan and Sagay.

In 2016, the eighth Negosyo Center in the province was unveiled in Hinigaran town.

Others that opened that year are those in the cities of Bacolod, San Carlos, Victorias, and La Carlota.

In 2017, eight other Negosyo Centers were opened in the province. These are in Isabela, Hinoba-an, La Castellana, Cauayan, E.B. Magalona, Himamaylan, Bago City, and Sipalay City.

The first three facilities opened in 2018 were those in Binalbagan, Cadiz City and Escalante City.

In the same year, Negosyo Centers were launched in towns of Pontevedra and San Enrique, and cities of Silay and Talisay.

Meanwhile, also present during the launching of Negosyo Center in Toboso were town officials led by Mayor Richard Jaojoco.

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Bacolod Eagles Club marks 2nd anniversary with week-long event

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 04:27 AM PDT

THE Bacolod Eagles Club (BEC), the local chapter of Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles), is marking its second anniversary with a week-long activity this week.

The activity from August 1 to 7 this year included mass, various charity works, tree planting and cleanup drive, among others.

The group, in a press statement, said that despite the tremendous hardships amid the current pandemic, "we all must continue to celebrate the gift of life, love to one another, and perform our duty to help our brothers and sisters while following all the health protocols."

By conducting these kinds of activities, the BEC said "we can ensure that we will not only bolster camaraderie with each member."

These will also embolden its advocacy of strong brotherhood and commitment to the country and God.

"We also believe that helping the less privileged people is our moral obligation," it said, "thus, we need to be part of the solution in helping our own countrymen without expecting any return."

The activities are mass, caravan and orientation of new applicants on August 1; cleanup drive, feeding and Barangayanihan Gift Giving on August 2; Basic First Aid and CPR lecture on August 3; Golf Driving Range Day at Buklod Driving Range on August 4; tree planting at Barangay Granada on August 5; Gun Firing Range Day at NIR on August 6; and Mountain Bike Challenge at Bantug and Fellowship Night on August 7.

For the organization, seeing their fellows being empowered and their lives uplifted, is priceless.

"This is what we should embrace in our day-to-day living," it stressed.

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PH eyes 2nd Olympic gold

Posted: 01 Aug 2021 04:19 AM PDT

WITH the nation still rejoicing on Hidlyn Diaz's historic feat in weightlifting, the Philippines is now on the brink of a potential second Olympic gold medal -- now in boxing after Davao del Sur-pride Nesthy Petecio triumphed over Italian Irma Testa on Saturday, July 31, 2021.

Petecio scored a convincing 4-1 victory in a women's featherweight semifinal clash, assuring her at least a silver medal for the Philippines. She will face Sena Irie of host Japan on Tuesday at the Kokugikan arena.

With the win over Testa, the Davao-pride matched the silver medal of featherweight Anthony Villanueva during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and light flyweight Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Meanwhile, another Zamboanga City-pride Eumir Felix Marcial is assured of another Olympic medal for the Philippines after knocking Arman Darchinyan of Armenia in the 2:11 minutes of the opening round of their fight Sunday.

Another Olympic medal hopeful Carlo Paalam also moved almost effortlessly to the quarterfinals of the men's flyweight division with a 5-0 decision over Algeria's Mohamed Flissi also over the weekend. He will face 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics gold medalist Shakhobidin Zoirov of Uzbekistan Tuesday.

In athletics, the 25-year-old Ernest John Obiena also advanced to the men's pole vault finals after succeeded this third attempt of 5.75 meters following two failed tries. He clinched a seat in the 14-man final round where he is the only Asian to qualify.

However, Murcia-hailed golfer Juvic Pagunsan skied to a five-over-par 76 and fell out of medal contention in the men's golf competition at the Kasumigaseki Country Club. The Negrense pride has an impressive start in the tournament when he was tied for fifth on opening day.

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End of Summer Sale ☀️😎

20% OFF Inside!🤯 ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏...

  • Last Chance - Win over $1,800 in BLEUSALT
    Elevate your Wardrobe. Offer ends Midnight. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ...
  • 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...
  • End of Summer Sale ☀️😎
    20% OFF Inside!🤯 ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏...