Sunday, May 1, 2022

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Negros Occidental tourism industry perking up

Posted: 01 May 2022 07:46 AM PDT

THE tourism industry of Negros Occidental is slowly getting back on its feet with the increasing number of guests visiting resorts and similar sites in the province, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said."We're hoping that our tourism industry will pick up again," Lacson said.Before the pandemic, the province is next to Boracay Island in Aklan in the number of visitors, he said.Lacson added that it is the same scenario that they would like to reach again.Negros Occidental Tourism Division records showed that resorts and other tourism establishments in the province, which are mostly privately owned, have occupancy rates nearing the numbers before the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic hit."On our part, we have opened Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary again. More people are visiting there. We intend on improving the facilities of the resort," the governor added.Rebranded as the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, the provincial government-owned destination in Murcia town is one of the top tourist destinations in the province.Overnight stays at the resort are already allowed starting Sunday, May 1.On April 20, it was opened anew to accommodate the summer crowd for the first time in two years.It was first reopened in December 2021 but was closed after the resort was damaged during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette."Mambukal is like a symbol of our tourism (and) by having a soft opening, we're saying that we're also opening up our tourism, but of course, we continue to ask our visitors to still practice our minimum health protocols," Lacson said.The southern city of Sipalay, dubbed the "Jewel of the Sugar Island," has also slowly recovered from the health crisis and the destruction of Typhoon Odette.The province's number one in terms of overnight tourist data, Sipalay is known for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking dive sites that draw both foreign and domestic tourists all year round.During the 2021 Negros Occidental Tourism Excellence Awards, it was awarded as the Most Prepared Local Government Unit in Tourism on Covid-19 Responsiveness.In the north, San Carlos City, with its white sand beaches in Sipaway Island, is also a top tourist destination, placing second in overnight tourist data.

Over P7M in Tupad aid released on Labor Day

Posted: 01 May 2022 07:46 AM PDT

OVER P7 million worth of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) assistance was given out during the Labor Day edition of the Integrated Sustainable Assistance Recovery and Advancement Program (Isarap), the second round for the Negros Occidental leg held at the Manuel Torres Coliseum and Cultural Center in Bago City Sunday, May 1, 2022.The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas turned over checks worth a total of P7,271,300 to seven barangays, namely, Barangays 12, 35 and 14 in Bacolod City; Barangay Concepcion in Talisay City; Barangay 1-Poblacion in Hinigaran; Barangay Caradio-an in Himamaylan City; and Barangay 6 in San Carlos City, benefiting some 1,691 Tupas workers.DOLE-Western Visayas Assistant Regional Director lawyer Dax Villaruel read the Labor Day message of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III who acknowledged the challenges faced by the Filipino workforce in the past two years during the pandemic but saluted the same for showing courage and grit amid all these challenges that contributed to the nation's economic recovery."On behalf of the Department of Labor and Employment, I assure you of our relentless commitment to upholding the rights and safeguarding the welfare of Filipino workers," Bello in his read statement said.Meanwhile, Philippine Reclamation Authority General Manager and Lead Convenor of Isarap in Western Visayas lawyer Jan Rubiato said the program just proved that the government has resources.With Isarap, the government can go straight to the people, he said."This is the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte to us. We have the government funds, we have the resources, we need to find a way to reach the people, straight," Rubiato said, expressing elation with the turnout of beneficiaries for the Isarap's final kick. (PR)

P3M in shabu seized in Bacolod City anew; suspect yields gun

Posted: 01 May 2022 07:41 AM PDT

A FEW days after the successful confiscation of P3.4 million worth of suspected shabu in Bacolod, another P3 million worth of illegal drugs was seized in the city over the weekend.Aside from the seized contrabands, drug suspects Baby Girl Villarna, 33, of Barangay Banago and Christian Oliveros, 21, of Barangay 35, all in Bacolod City, and Elmar Gallego, 33, and Edmar Infante, 33, both residents of Silay City, Negros Occidental were also arrested.Villarana, Gallego and Infante were arrested at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, when one of them transacted to a police poseur buyer in Purok Kahirup, Barangay Singcang-Airport.Five sachets of suspected shabu weighing 200 grams and valued at P1.36 million and the P14,500 boodle money were recovered from them after they were arrested, Station 8 commander Major Joerey Puerto said, adding that Infante was also found with a .22 caliber revolver with three live ammunition.A day after, Oliveros was also nabbed with three sachets of the banned substance weighing 250 grams and valued at P1.7 million past midnight Sunday, May 1, in Purok Lampirong, Barangay 2.The police tagged Oliveros as a high-value individual.The suspects were detained at Police Stations 3 and 8 while charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against them.

Leonardia lauds honorary mayor for ‘new dawn’ in Bacolod City at opening of ‘road to recovery’

Posted: 01 May 2022 07:41 AM PDT

"HE BECAME the most functional honorary mayor we ever had."This was said by Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia as he lauded Andrew Tan, founder and chief executive officer of property giant Megaworld Corp., for bringing in more investments to the Negros Occidental capital city.Leonardia, who spoke at the opening of Upper East Avenue within the 34-hectare township project of Megaworld in the eastern part of the city that used to be the Bacolod-Murcia Milling Company compound, said Tan is not just another investor but an honorary mayor of Bacolod."Thank you to Dr. Andrew for giving us a new dawn in Bacolod," he noted.Megaworld earlier announced that it is increasing its capital spending for its township developments in Bacolod City to P45 billion, particularly in The Upper East, as it ramps up construction activities inside the township also located near the Bacolod Government Center.In 2015, the firm announced that it is pouring in P35 billion to develop two townships in Negros Occidental for a period of 10 years.The firm's investment included the Upper East Avenue, which is an eight-lane main avenue inside The Upper East, which Leonardia considers the "most beautiful" avenue in the city.Connecting Lopez Jaena Street to Carlos Hilado Highway, the kilometer-long avenue is positioned to ease traffic congestion on Burgos Street.Calling it "the road to recovery," the mayor said the opening means a lot for the Bacoldonons."This means so much for us, more than the physical looks that it has. The symbolism is that Bacolod City indeed has arrived," Leonardia said.He said, "it was a dream to think of having a boulevard and all these modern buildings and other and even more important symbolism is the fact that it represents for us our graduation from coronavirus disease (Covid-19).""So this for us means that this is going to represent our road to recovery. For us the essence of this opening tells us that we are now towards that good time in Bacolod that was for a while distracted because of Covid," he added.For the mayor, it is a necessity not only just for the traffic "but for us to say that we are now on the road to recovery. "Leonardia believed that if they can open Megaworld all the rest will follow."After the two years that we have to suffer because of the pandemic we are now coming back with a vengeance, this is not just a rebound but more than that," he said.For Megaworld, the opening marks an important milestone for The Upper East as it showcases the kilometer-long stretch of the township with several areas having simultaneous construction activities."Soon, we will also begin the construction of our commercial developments in this township. Indeed, exciting times are ahead in The Upper East," Megaworld Visayas Vice President for Sales and Marketing Jennifer Palmares-Fong said.Secondary roads within The Upper East, which will be at least 20-meters wide, are also now being completed.There will also be an extensive network of bike lanes inside the township to help promote efficient and convenient mobility.Continuing its rise as the city's first master-planned mixed-use community, The Upper East will soon have its own Megaworld Lifestyle Mall, commercial parks, hotel, church and other institutional and recreational facilities, she added.Leonardia earlier expressed elation to the Megaworld management headed Tan for heeding Bacolod's call for support to its post-Covid-19 economic recovery program."We would like to express our deep appreciation to Mr. Andrew Tan for heeding Bacolod's call that the company pours in more investments in the city," he said, adding that "they have been keeping their commitment of support and we sincerely thank them for that."

Organizers: 15,000 gather for BBM-Sara youth assembly

Posted: 01 May 2022 07:40 AM PDT

ORGANIZERS said about 14,000 to 15,000 attended the general assembly of BBM-Sara Youth at the Paglaum Sports Complex in Bacolod City on Saturday, April 30, 2022.Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, a supporter of presidential bet Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. along with Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative Stephen Paduano and Don Salvador Benedito Mayor Marxlen Dela Cruz were the guests during the gathering.Former Murcia Mayor Estaban "Sonny" Coscolluela earlier assured that supporters will deliver a landslide victory to Marcos and his runningmate vice-presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in Negros Occidental.In the May 9 local and national elections, which is only a week to go, Coscolluela, who is the spokesperson of the BBM-Sara campaign in the province, said several organizations like youth, drivers, the lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community, fisherfolk and urban poor, among others, have already pledged support for Marcos.This is on top of the 28 mayors in the province who have earlier declared support for the BBM-Sara tandem.Meanwhile, Ferrer said the schedules of Marcos and Duterte-Carpio are still being finalized for the possibility of the two or either of them returning to the province before Election Day.

‘People's Proclamation Rally’ for Leni in Negros Occidental on May 3

Posted: 01 May 2022 07:37 AM PDT

A "PEOPLE'S Proclamation Rally" and a meeting with political and sectoral leaders in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental will cap the visit of presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo to the province on May 3, 2022.Former Governor Rafael Coscolluela, provincial campaign manager Robredo People's Council (RPC)-Negros Occidental, said Sunday, May 1, that Robredo is expected to attend a mini-rally/whistlestop at the historic Bago City for a late afternoon event that will be followed by a 20-kilometer caravan of Kakampinks.The caravan will end in Bacolod City, where she and runningmate, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, will be endorsed by political and multi-sectoral leaders representing Negros Occidental's 31 component cities and municipalities in an event dubbed as "People's Proclamation Rally."The RPC Bacolod City Chapter led by private sector volunteers, together with Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, congressional candidate Dan Atayde and about eight Grupo Progreso aspirants for councilor, will separately proclaim the Leni-Kiko tandem in a separate program to be held at an adjacent venue, also at the Acacia Hotel, Coscolluela said.The RPC event will also be attended by barangay leaders and coordinators of the local political coalition.Also on hand to assist the RPC during the visit are leaders and volunteers of Laban Leni Negros Occidental, Coscolluela added.The former governor said Robredo appears to have a very hectic itinerary during her Western Visayas visit, with a series of events in Iloilo and Panay areas before flying to Bacolod in the afternoon.He, however, said he is in no position to divulge details yet but "certainly she and Senator Kiko will have more time to interact with Negros leaders up close and personal."Dr. Romana de los Reyes, RPC Bago coordinator, a staunch Robredo supporter and an environmental advocate, said Bagoeños are eager and excited to welcome Robredo"Her visit is a recognition of the overwhelming votes of 46,110 she got here in 2016," de los Reyes said.Bago City, among the province's 13 component cities, gave Robredo the highest number of votes, apparently because of grassroots mobilization as well as the support of the Araneta family when she was Mar Roxas' runningmate.Sagay City, the turf of the late Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., delivered the second-highest number of votes with 43,974, followed by Cadiz City - 41,818; Kabankalan City - 40,759; and Silay City - 36,165, RPC Negros Occidental operations head Edwin Nacionales said.Bacolod, a highly urbanized city, delivered 119,447 votes for Robredo in 2016, Nacionales added.Nacionales said Robredo is visiting the province Tuesday on the heels of a recent survey showing that she and Pangilinan are leading the race in the province that has over two million voters.Robredo is comfortably ahead with 48.9 percent against the 24 percent of the second-ranked presidential aspirant, Coscolluela earlier said citing survey results. (PR)

Comelec, law enforcers to finalize poll preps

Posted: 01 May 2022 07:36 AM PDT

BARELY a week before the elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be meeting with the various law enforcement agencies in Negros Occidental including the Armed Forces Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police to finalize their preparations.Comelec Provincial Supervisor lawyer Roberto Salazar said there are still 18 Election Watch list Areas (Ewas) in Negros Occidental.Salazar said that on Friday, April 29, they already had a meeting with the Regional Joint Security Control Center in Iloilo City.During the meeting, the officials from Police Regional Office (PRO)-Western Visayas, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and the Coast Guard District Western Visayas gave their updates with regards to their respective preparations for the polls.Among their responsibilities include security for both the polling precincts and logistics for the election-related materials.Salazar said the agencies gave their commitment to ensuring the peace during Election Day.Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Negros Occidental also held refresher briefings over the weekend for the teachers who will serve as election workers.At a meeting between Comelec and DepEd last week, they found a few problems regarding the facilities that will serve as polling precincts, like inadequate lights, especially as voting time is until 7 p.m.However, the local government units have already pledged to address this concern.Both the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and local power cooperatives are also hard at work conducting maintenance on the province's power lines in order to make sure that there are no power interruptions during election day.Negros Occidental has a total of 2,906 precincts.

La Castellana government obtains land title for sanitary landfill development

Posted: 01 May 2022 07:35 AM PDT

THE Municipal Government of La Castellana has already obtained the title for the 11.1-hectare property in Barangay Cabacungan that will host the town's sanitary landfill, which is positioned to address the garbage woes as well as provide income and livelihood generation to the locals.Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said the local government can now pay the full amount of the lot worth about P8.8 million to the former owner, the heirs of Rodriguez family.The title was transferred under the municipal government on April 18, 2022, but the check worth P5.3 million that accounts for the remaining payment was just turned over to the family on Friday, April 29.Nicor-Mangilimutan recalled that in 2019, the local government paid an initial P3.5 million after entering a deed of conditional sale with the heirs of the Rodriguez family."Based on the deed of conditional sale, we can only pay the full amount once the title has been transferred already under the name of the municipal government," she said, stressing that this is contrary to what her political critics have been saying against the administration.The mayor said they have been called several times by the Sangguniang Bayan amid allegations that the property to be used for the development of the sanitary landfill has been fully paid for already by the local government."So, I just hope that this will clear things and put an end to the issue. The full payment was made after the transfer of the title to the municipal government," Nicor-Mangilumtan said.She said it was favorable to the local government as we are allowed to utilize the lot following the initial payment provided under the deed of conditional sale, she said.Representing the heirs of the Rodriguez family, Gerlie Rodriquez-Baron confirmed that the full payment was just made last week as it complied with certain processes."We are happy that our property has been chosen by the local government for the sanitary landfill development project that will positively impact the town and residents," she said.For the municipal government, Nicor-Mangilimutan said they are optimistic that the sanitary landfill will address the garbage problems in the southern Negros Occidental locality.She said the town is eyeing the conversion of garbage into useful materials like chairs and tables utilizing the plastic melting machine given by Senator Cynthia Villar.La Castellana will also be acquiring a bio composter machine to produce fertilizer using the biodegradable wastes, and pulverizer to produce bricks that can be used in beautifying the roads."We look forward to not just an ordinary landfill that can address our garbage problems, but also job generation for the constituents near the area and at the same time livelihood for those who want to sell there," she said, adding that "our plan is to make it an eco-friendly sanitary landfill."As initial development, the mayor said they will utilize the P30 million fund from the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental after the election banning period.Nicor-Mangilimutan, however, said that they need more funds so the local government has a loan package proposal for sanitary landfill development that includes heavy equipment, garbage collector and dump trucks for the barangays.She said the P120 million fund needed for sanitary landfill forms part of about P320 million loan they are eyeing to access from the Land Bank of the Philippines or Development Bank of the Philippines.Other components of the loan include the establishment of a college, infirmary, social activity center, drainage system, road and market development, and construction of tourism facilities like a hotel that will cater to the rising number of tourists visiting the town."These programs and projects are all geared towards improving our economy and providing the people of La Castellana more income, employment and livelihood opportunities," she said, adding that the loan was approved by the Municipal Development Council and with authority from the Municipal Council.Moreover, the mayor said they target to complete the sanitary development in the next three years, within her last term if voted again during this May 9 elections.Nicor-Mangilimutan said that as a first-class municipality, La Castellana is fast-growing when it comes to economy, thus, problems with garbage, especially in Barangay Robles, should be addressed."Aside from being a necessity, the establishment of a sanitary landfill is provided under the law. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has been demanding us to have our own facility," she said, adding that the landfill will also cater to nearby localities like Moises Padilla and Isabela.

Kagawad escapes assassination attempt

Posted: 01 May 2022 07:34 AM PDT

A BARANGAY kagawad escaped death after armed men ambushed him at the outskirt area of Barangay Laga-an in Calatrava town, Negros Occidental aaround 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022.Nelson Panogan, 51, was unharmed but his Mitsubishi Pajero vehicle was damaged as it was riddled with bullets, Calatrava Municipal Police Station chief Major Lumyaen Lidawan said.Panogan told the police that he was on his way home from his sister's house when six armed men shot him.He said he has no idea who could be behind the assassination attempt against him as he has no known enemies nor has received death threats.Lidawan said the witnesses claimed that there were only two suspects who came out from the sugarcane field beside the road.The police official added that the shooting could be work-related since aside from being a barangay official, Panogan is also a consultant for a construction company.Asked if there is a possibility that the assassination attempt could have been carried out by the members of the New People's Army, Lidawen said "it is not remote."Policemen recovered from the crime scene a fired cartridge of a .9 millimeter pistol and a deformed slug of the same caliber.Meanwhile, a festival reveler was shot and hacked in Cauayan town, Negros Occidental around 8 p.m. Saturday.Renante Gregorio, 37, of Sitio Mantukdo in Barangay Guiljungan in Cauayan was on his way home when he was suddenly hacked by the unidentified suspect hitting on his both arms.Gregorio said he tried to escape but the suspect later shot him in the back.He is now confined at the Lorenzo Zayco District Hospital in the nearby Kabankalan City.

Patient dies from fall at CLMMRH

Posted: 01 May 2022 07:34 AM PDT

A MALE sexagenarian patient fell to his death from the fourth floor of the West Tower of the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City Saturday, April 30, 2022.The patient, 66, and a resident of Bacolod City, was found lying on the hospital ground shortly before 8 p.m.Investigation showed the patient's daughter went out to buy medicine and was only informed that her father jumped to his death.The watcher of another patient told the police that the victim suddenly closed the door and threw the steel stool into the glass window before jumping.The police said the victim, a laryngeal new growth patient, was suffering from depression and his family also refused a further investigation.In January, a male coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patient also fell to his death from the fifth floor of the CLMMRH.The CLMMRH management has yet to issue a statement on the recent incident.Psychologists said that suicide is not specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders, but it could fall under other non-specified disorders.Website healthline.com said to avoid suicidal tendencies, one should reach out to their loved ones or trusted friends, go somewhere safe and get rid of weapons, avoid alcohol and do something relaxing.There has been a stern warning from authorities that depression, if not properly managed, may lead to suicide.The Department of Health, for its part, has recognized the real threats brought by the pandemic to the mental health of the Filipinos.It has since issued some tips to maintain good mental health amid this global crisis.These include staying positive and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.People are also advised to give time for themselves to reflect, meditate and go back to the skills and resources which had previously helped them lessen their stress.The health agency said if there is a need to talk to mental health professionals, the National Center for Mental Health and Mind Matters Hotlines can be reached through their hotlines 09178998727 and 09189424864, respectively.

Mandalagan National High School-Luis Hervias Extension renamed

Posted: 01 May 2022 07:18 AM PDT

THE Bacolod City Council has approved a resolution favorably endorsing the renaming of Mandalagan National High School- Luis Hervias Extension to Mandalagan National High School and its separation from its main campus.Councilor Renecito Novero, chairperson of the City Council committee on education and who authored the resolution, said that Aries Sobremisana, officer-in-charge principal and headteacher III, of the said school wrote a letter to the City Council requesting for the change of name of the school.Novero said on March 21, 2022, a public hearing was conducted that was attended by the principals of Luis Hervias National High School-Main Campus and Mandalagan National High School-Luis Hervias Extension, as well as the teachers and the district supervisor of the Department of Education.Novero said on March 29, the Local School Board of Bacolod approved a resolution endorsing to the City Council the request of Mandalagan National High School-Luis Hervias National High School Extension to be separated from the mother school, Luis Hervias National High School.

Kinalipay sa Isabela: A celebration of life, hope

Posted: 01 May 2022 04:12 AM PDT

THE annual town fiesta of Isabela town drew a crowd that the police estimated to be around 12,000 at the localty's public plaza to cap the celebration on Saturday, April 23, 2022.On the last day of "Kinalipay sa Isabela," townsfolk and its visitors from across the Philippines and even abroad feast with delight at the last events and activities up until the dawn of Sunday.The week-long celebration made a return after two years of hiatus because of the pandemic, and the first fiesta was held in time of the administration of its municipal Mayor Irene Consunji-Montilla.Tourism Officer-in-Charge Jacel Jane Pineda said, "we have seen the hope to celebrate as Negros Occidental downgraded to Alert Level 2, which allows a maximum of 50 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and 70-percent outdoor venue capacity."She added that this year's celebration listed limited activities, which deviated from some previous traditional activities which are usually crowded with spectators due to the continuous threat of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).Anchored on the theme "Pagpasalamat sa mga Bugay kag Paghigugma," the festival celebrates life and hope, and abundant harvest in agriculture and community excellence.Francis Ryan Pabiania, Member of its Local Culture and Arts Council, said that the fiesta underscored also the importance of its people and communities' contributions to the programs and growth of the municipality, especially in agriculture and highlighted advocacy-based events."The current situations gave us an opportunity to experience and celebrate life's abundance and to connect to communities," Pabiania said.He said that they want to bring people together, promote local identity and celebrate life's abundance to spark hope and happiness amidst these challenging times.Misa Pasalamat and a ceremony that opened Agricultural and Food fairs as well kicked off its celebration on Wednesday, April 20.The opening was led by Montilla, Executive Assistant for Barangay Affairs Juan Miguel Montilla who both cut sugarcanes as a symbolic act to honor farmers and to depict its tourism campaign, Discover Isabela: Sweet Beyond Sugar.Isabela is also known as the "Sweetheart of Negros."Other activities included Hugpong, an outreach for persons deprived of liberty with Isabela pageant holders through the years; Tilaw, a food demonstration of locally sourced "kulitis" and "aratiles" with Chef Mae Selene Resultay; Hampang 'ta, volleyball and basketball tournament and exhibition games; various rabbit activities, cultural shows, and among others.The said celebration was capped with Dayaw, a road tour performance of Kagayon Dance troupe with its artistic director Rudy Reveche, Parada Isabela participated with more than 30 sectors, awarding eight awardees on various fields in Pasidungog: Harvest of Isabela's Excellence, and Kinalipay with celebrity guests KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad, Project Juan band and DJ Ian Caram; and a grand fireworks display.Further, Montilla stressed that she had seen that the people had so much fun and that she's thankful to all sectors who participated, especially to the farmers who served as the "backbone of the agricultural town."She said that this is the time to celebrate after two years of challenges brought by the pandemic and typhoon Odette that strongly hit Isabela last December."It is my hope that in the succeeding years, we will again share happy moments like this [Kinalipay sa Isabela] so that we will have happy memories in Isabela," she ended. (PR)

Ombion: New landscape, bigger challenges

Posted: 01 May 2022 04:07 AM PDT

INDEED, the working-class movement, especially in Negros, must rise to the challenges of a new political and economic landscape that has sprung since the 80s and affected much of its organization and struggles.The working-class movement of sugar farm workers, workers in the manufacturing and services sectors, transport, communication, hospitals, public utilities and schools, semi-proletarians or odd jobber and contractual in Negros Island during the martial law years up to 80s was so powerful and feared that they could make their capitalist and elite employers and bosses easily concede to their demands and interests.Outside of the National Capital Region, the working-class movement of Negros often led nationwide in terms of the number of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) inked, strikes and political actions launched, economic and political demands won, and number of workers becoming full-time worker-organizer.But what was once a solid and powerful movement is now a fragmented and weakened working-class movement whose actions and voices could hardly move the capitalists and elites to respond to their demands.Data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) showed that the number of unions has dropped significantly in private companies and public institutions, and so have the CBAs. Unions and CBAs were the tangible expressions of the workers' strength and their main mechanism to force their capitalist employers to concede to their demands, especially wages, law-mandated benefits, special subsidies and other basic rights.Due to their weakened position, many have been forced by oppressive conditions to swallow management unions and sweetheart CBAs, worse have been forced to various exploitative labor flexibility schemes such as casual and contractual without the security of tenure.In the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB), the workers have practically been begging for wage crumbs and other benefits from the powerful capitalist employers and the DOLE perceived as enforcer of the latter.Several factors have caused the working class to weaken. Foremost are the internal struggles in the working-class movement revolving around orientational debates, opportunism and betrayals. This led to factionalism, splits, breakups and reduction to a generally anaemic working-class movement.Second is the offensive of the state via disbandment of the national wage system and instead creation by the amended National Wages and Productivity Commission of the RTWPB in charge of fixing wages in the province, region and industry, which has localized wages instead of being addressed by the Lower House and Senate.Third is the use of Local Government Code of 1991, which has practically localized the struggles of the workers and other sectors, submitting themselves under the auspices of mostly elite dynasty-controlled local government units (LGUs), and thus forcing the workers to-each-his-own-struggle.Fourth is the rise of the organized opportunist labor non-government organizations (NGOs) and individuals preying on the weakened and helpless workers through legal and technical services.All this has emboldened the capitalists and the elites to conspire and use the state to launch offensives including organized repression and red-tagging, which has substantially brought political and organizational damage to the working-class movement.As workers in various parts of the world rise to "celebrate" International Workers' Month, the Negros working-class movement is called to reevaluate, even to reaffirm and reposition itself in a new local economic and political landscape so it can confront the new challenges and struggles more effectively.The unity of various labor groups like National Federation of Sugar Worker (NFSW), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), National Federation of Labor Unions (Naflu), Partido Manggagawa, National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (Nacusip-TUCP), independent unions, backed by progressive mass organizations, including the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino though held a separate rally, in yesterday's May 1st mobilization, was a fresh start in asserting the voice and power of the working class.The working-class movement positioning against the Marcos-Duterte tandem in Elections 2022 is also an affirmation of its stand against the repressive rule, which has affected many and continues to assault the workers nationwide.But there's still so much to do, and act with decisiveness, comprehensiveness and with tactical wit, especially on issues that have caused its weakening and fragmentation.After all, as the revered father of the working-class movement once said, "the workers have nothing to lose but their chain of exploitation and oppression."

Murciahanons receive P3M in assistance

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 04:34 PM PDT

AS PART of its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, Department of Social Welfare and Development's distributed P3 million in financial aid to thousands of residents in Murica, Negros Occidental recently, a statement from the town government said on Thursday, April 28.The AICS is a social safety net or a stop-gap mechanism to support the recovery of individuals and families from unexpected crisis, such as illness or death of a family member, and other crisis situations like the Covid pandemic.The fund was facilitated by the Office of Senator Christopher Lawrence Go and coordinated with the Municipal Government of Murcia headed by Mayor Gerry Rojas.The provincial staff of the DSWD, assisted by Murcia's DSWD staff, distributed the payout at the Murcia Gymnasium to the beneficiaries who each received P3,000."We thank Senator Bong Go for facilitating this assistance through DSWD for the Murciahanon PWD's, single parents, drivers and other indigent residents," Rojas said, adding that the distribution was already the second tranche of the said cash assistance program.The first distribution was in December last year, he said.For his part, Lawrence Chua, who is the representative of the senator's Visayas Office, reiterated that the funds did not come from the personal money of President Rodrigo Duterte nor from that of Go."This is your money... the taxpayers' money which this government is giving back to you to help you in these challenging times," Chua said."If your LGU is not diligent in collecting and submitting the requirements, and in following up this request, you might not be able to avail of this assistance," he stressed.Chua noted that thousands of Negrenses have already availed of the cash assistance. (PR)

Bacolod, 14 other LGUs under Alert Level 1

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 04:28 PM PDT

"WE DID things right where our policies and practices were hitting the targets."This was stressed yesterday, April 29, by Mayor Evelio Leonardia as Bacolod City will remain under Alert Level 1 in terms of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) transmission from May 1 until May 15, 2022."Thank you for the cooperation of the Bacolodnons and we will remain under Alert Level 1 from May 1 to 15," Leonardia said.Aside from Bacolod City, 14 other areas in Western Visayas were also placed under Alert level 1 by the national Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).Presidential Communications and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Martin Andanar, in a statement, said that Bacolod, together with Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo Province and Iloilo City are placed under Alert Level 1 starting May 1 until May 15, 2022.Also included under Alert Level 1 status are Siquijor, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Ormoc City, Tacloban City, Candoni in Negros Occidental, Tobias Fornier in Antique, Amlan in Negros Oriental, Duero in Bohol, and Matalom in Leyte.Antique and Negros Occidental; Bohol, Cebu and Negros Oriental; Leyte, Northern Samar and Western Samar, meanwhile are provinces, highly urbanized cities (HUCs), and independent component cities (ICCs) placed under Alert Level 2 without prejudice to their respective component cities and municipalities which may be under a different alert level classification during the same period.Alert level classifications of component cities and municipalities under IATF Resolution No. 166-A Series of 2022 not otherwise affected by this resolution shall remain in effect until May 15, 2022, Andanar added.*

EOC intensifies vax amid new Omicron subvariant threat

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 04:19 PM PDT

AMID the threat of the new Omicron BA 2.12 subvariant of Sars-Cov-2, which causes the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the Bacolod City Emergency Operation Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) is intensifying its vaccination drive.Dr. Chris Sorongon, deputy for medical data and analysis of EOC-TF, said yesterday, April 29, that the BA 2.12 subvariant is also part of the Omicron or a new strain of Omicron variant.Sorongon said the BA 2.12 subvariant was detected in Europe as well as in the United States that caused the new wave of Covid cases in said places and it's highly infectious."Here in Bacolod, our vaccination and minimum health protocols are still essential in order to prevent further spread of Covid-19. So if you are vaccinated already, have availed the booster shot, and are following the health protocols, it means you are still on the safe side," he said.Sorongon noted that the country's first case of BA 2.12 Omicron subvariant was female Finnish who arrived from her home country on April 2, 2022 and visited Quezon City and Baguio City for seminars."She entered the country undetected (BA 2.12 Omicron subvariant) because fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to undergo isolation," he said.Aside from intensified vaccination drive, the city still requires travelers to secure the safe, swift, and smart passage (S-Pass), vaccination card while the unvaccinated individuals are also required to submit rapid antigen test result or negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result to prevent entry of the Omicron subvariant."So far, we don't have a surge of Covid-19 cases (and) we are consistent in single-digit of new cases and there were about six days with no cases recorded," he added.Sorongon noted that as of April 29, 2022, 135 percent of the target population in Bacolod City are already fully vaccinated, but only 10 percent of them availed the booster shot."So, we need to intensify our booster shots. We need the booster dose to boost our immune response and our protection against Covid-19 because even the prediction of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated that we might have a surge of Covid-19 after the elections," he added.*

Isko party says Cano Tan not helping; calls to garnish Marcos’ bank accounts

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 04:08 PM PDT

"HE IS not helping. He has no actions."This was the response of Atty. Bobit Roco, vice president of Aksyon Demokratiko, on the move of former Bacolod City councilor Ricardo "Cano" Tan to resign from the party of presidential aspirant Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso.Roco, in a press conference at Business Inn Hotel in Bacolod City yesterday, April 29, said that apparently, before Tan resigned, a new chairman of the party in the city has already been appointed.He is referring to Mario Gerona, who was appointed as new Aksyon Demokratiko chairman for Bacolod City in April this year and the provincial coordinator of Alliance for Isko Movement (AIM)."I believe that is a knee-jerk reaction on the appointment of Mario," he said, adding that everytime Domagoso comes to Negros Occidental, they are trying to keep in touch with Tan.However, it seems that nothing is happening so they have to do something else as the campaign cannot be stopped, Roco said."So, we have to figure out how to make it continue, how to campaign for Isko even if the people on the ground or appointed officials do not move properly or according to how the party wants," he said, adding that "good thing Mario is here to help out."The party said Tan was respectfully asked to move over and be replaced by the new chair, respectively, through a letter.They also cited possible "conflict of interest" with the resignation of Tan, who is running for councilor of Bacolod City as an independent candidate.Roco pointed out that the party has a principal, who is the mayor of Manila, and when Domagoso visits a certain area he has to see the mayor."It's a mayor to mayor [meeting], we still have to pass through certain protocols when we go to certain areas," he added.During Domagoso's visit in Bacolod City on Thursday, April 28, he met with Mayor Evelio Leonardia and other city officials at the New Government Center.The mayor, however, clarified that he is not endorsing the candidacy of Domagoso.On the same day, Tan issued a statement announcing that decided to disaffiliate himself from the Aksyon Demokratiko citing disrespect to his designation as their party's chairman in Bacolod City.The former councilor said he felt disrespected when he was not informed of the several activities of Moreno in the city.As the political campaign progressed, Tan said Moreno's activities were not coordinated with him and being the party chairman in the city, and such acts were damaging to his leadership.He said as the party leader here, it is incumbent that he holds privity to any activity of Domagoso, whom he regarded as a man of integrity and possessed the capability to lead the country."I am a leader who values loyalty and respect (but) since I am being bypassed and disrespected in the position given to me, I would rather disaffiliate myself (from him)," Tan said.Although this is a bitter pill to take, Tan accepted that reality bites where "some have shown disrespect to him," adding that party affiliation is about trust and confidence, respect and loyalty."This is what binds us but if one of these conditions is being circumvented, this will affect our unity and working relations. We have a big goal to achieve and when disrespect sips in, this will only sink the boat," he said.Tan expressed hopes that Domagoso will understand his decision as it is not whimsical.Aside from Tan, New Lucena town Sangguniang Kabataan President Bryan Cerebo also resigned as Iloilo provincial chair of Aksyon Demokratiko on April 28, citing "poor coordination" of the national campaign and difference with the principles and stand of Domagoso.For Aksyon Demokratiko, they are not worried about the resignation made by some party local leaders.Roco claimed that there has been a "big switch" happening in favor of Domagoso like that of the 40 groups from other camps that have shifted support for the Manila mayor."Sila ang dapat kabahan [they are the ones to be worried], '' he added.Garnishment of Marcos' bank accountsMeanwhile, Aksyon Demokratiko has formally asked the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to implement the garnishment of bank accounts "relating to the estate of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to pay the P203-billion tax liability."A letter dated April 21 sent by the party chairman, Ernesto Ramel Jr. to BIR Commissioner CVeasar Dulay, stated that the agency "should immediately and continuously implement collection efforts, whether civil or criminal manner of collection including distraint or garnishment of the bank accounts relating to estate of the late dictator Marcos Sr.""We really need to get what is due. We really need to move faster to ask the Marcos family to pay for their estate tax," Roco said.*

Looters ransack resto in DSB

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 03:49 PM PDT

UNIDENTIFIED suspects ransacked a restaurant at Barangay Igmaya-an in Don Salvador Benedicto town, Negros Occidental Thursday, April 28.Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Police Station Captain Eugene Tolentino said the suspects destroyed the wooden window brace of the Koi Koi's Bistro and carted away P58,000 in cash.Tolentino said that there was nobody inside the restaurant when the looting happened as the personnel who sleeps in the establishment went home.He said that the establishment has no security camera making it difficult for them to identify the suspects.Meanwhile, Tolentino said that the suspects in the robbery incident at Tambayan Café and Carwash also in Don Salvador Benidecto on Wednesday, April 27, could be from the neighboring towns and cities.At about 7 p.m., four men armed with short firearms arrived at the café, pretended to be customers and later declared a hold-up taking about P33,000 in cash from the cashier and the customers.Tolentino said three of the suspects were wearing bonnets while the other one did not cover his face.With the successive robbery and looting incidents in some business establishments in Don Salvador Benedicto, Tolentino warned the owners to implement additional precautionary measures.*

Leonardia denies endorsing Isko

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 03:46 PM PDT

"AS WE approach the homestretch of the election campaign, more fake news and disinformation are becoming a daily fare on mainstream and social media channels both in the local and national fronts."This was the reaction of Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia following allegations on social media that he is endorsing the presidential bid of Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, who visited him on Thursday, April 28."Just like other presidential aspirants and those running for other national positions, who came to see me at the Bacolod City Government Center before him, he (Domagos) was (also) welcomed by Bacolodnons.Leonarida reiterated that it has been his policy to open Bacolod to all candidates for national office no matter which political spectrum they represent."Vice President Leni Robredo was met by an enthusiastic crowd clad in pink when she visited me late last year (while) Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio of Davao City got a festive welcome as well," the mayor recalled.Other personalities who came to Bacolod and met Leonardia, who is a Duterte-Carpio supporter, included Senator Franciss Pangilinan Pangilinan and actress Helen Gamboa, wife of Senate President Vicente Sotto III."I have not endorsed any presidential candidate (and) I have declared this position many times before in various media interviews and public fora," Leonardia said.I hope that this statement sets my position very clearly," he emphasized.* (PR)

BCC aims for university status

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 03:44 PM PDT

MAYOR Evelio Leonardia said yesterday, April 29, that the current administration is preparing the groundwork for the elevation of the Bacolod City College (BCC) to a university status.Leonardia, who established the BCC in 1997, said that is the reason why the local government has invested most recently about P350 million for the completion of various facilities of the institution.Among which is the 1,000-seater capacity, air-conditioned Activity Center, Information Systems Building, Business Education Building and Administration Building with library extension, he said.In fact, Leonardia said, the Information Systems and Business Education Buildings have design provisions for additional two floors."One of the requirements for the BCC to be elevated to a university status is an Activity Center (and) that alone costs P110 million," the mayor noted, adding that there is no other school in Bacolod, Negros or Western Visayas that allotted P350 million for the massive improvement of its locally funded facilities.He stressed that these developments will not only make the more than 12, 000 graduates proud, but will also enhance the administration and enrolment numbers of the school.BCC Administrator Johanna Rabago-Bayoneta said the college's modern facilities will be inaugurated soon."These new facilities will make learning more conducive for students, especially now that they need to be inspired to study well to make a life of their own when the time comes," Bayoneta added. (PR)

WV workers' situation remain ‘precarious’

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 03:39 PM PDT

IT'S unfortunate that as we are about to celebrate Labor Day on Sunday, May 1, the economic situation of the laborers in Western Visayas in general remains "precarious."This was the lamentation of Wennie Sancho, labor representative to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), saying that the wages have not kept up with the increases of fuel, basic goods and services.What is clear, however, is that the minimum remains inadequate to support a decent standard of living for the workers and their families, Sancho said.Citing data from the Regional Wage Board and the Philippine Statistics Authority, he said that workers need an average of about P2,857 in additional income to move out of the poverty line in the first quarter of 2021.The grim economic prediction is that the prices of petroleum products will never go down due to the volatile trend of prices of crude oil in the world market and the worsening situation in Ukraine, he added.Negros Occidental-based labor group General Alliance of Workers Associations (Gawa) also lamented the non-implementation of the wage increase.Sancho, who is also the secretary general of Gawa, said that he already communicated with RTWPB chairperson lawyer Sixto Rodriguez as early as March 7, 2021 through a "Worker's Manifesto" which is the embodiment of the miserable plight of the existence of a "supervening condition" as primordial factor in the issuance of a wage increase.RTWPB scheduled the hearings for the salary increase petition on April 8 in Negros occidental, April 11 in Iloilo and April 12 in Aklan with a schedule for wage deliberation on April 22 and 23 but was later moved on April 28 and 29, this year.Unfortunately after April 12, Sancho noted, they were informed that the wage deliberations schedules would not push through due to the unavailability of the board members representing the management and the government sectors."It seems that the process of minimum wage fixing was going on full speed because there was a marching order from the labor secretary," he claimed.*

Legaspi: What I feared is here

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 09:36 AM PDT

THE Filipino is known to have the value of "ningas-kugon," this is a Filipino term for the tendency of individuals to start a new task with much enthusiasm, only to stop working on it entirely soon after. Virtue ethics proponents had planted this value in the minds of our forefathers and thus was handed from generation to generation.In March of 2020, when coronavirus disease (Covid-19) entered the shores of our beloved country, everyone was cautious and even the government was looking for measures to stop the spread. All health protocols were enforced, and everyone cooperated. Suggestions of how to curb the surge came in from all corners and even businesses cooperated. The behavior of the virus and its variants were studied well. Cure and protection were searched by everyone.When the vaccines came in. Most Filipinos believed that "Manna" from heaven had arrived. It allayed the fears and anxieties of most Filipinos. And in a while, he forgets about the virus and turns back to his old ways and practices. The election fever made it worse. He forgets that every day, there are a lot of "unreported" Covid deaths around the world. Social media wants us to believe that the numbers are down and we need to go back to normal and live with Covid.A sector of the community today is saying that it is the elections that have cured us of the pandemic in the Philippines. News of Covid surges in Shanghai and some parts of Europe do not hamper election activities in the country. Candidates boast of the number of people attending their sorties. If they care, they should have advised their supporters to stay home and help fight the virus. But what happens, a show of force and numbers is the name of the game in the pre-election activities.Is it the election season that has stopped or slowed down the transmission of Covid-19? If this is true, then this is a great medical breakthrough. Medical schools should investigate this and come out with a very good scientific result because, if this is so, then we should schedule elections every time there is a pandemic or even endemic disease. If this is true, then it is a great miracle.For almost two years, a lot of places in the country have been placed under quarantine or lock-downs because of the virus surge. However, lately, we no longer see a surge but the health department continuously reminds us of a possible surge or a possible reproduction of a new virus. All these calls fell on deaf ears and we continued with rallies, sorties, and alike.For more than four months, the Filipino had placed his health concern on lower ranks and had his campaign for his candidate as the top priority. Without fear of getting the virus, he bravely goes out and fights people who are not on the side of his "demi-god". After this fanfare, for sure, when the election fever dies down, the Filipinos start to complain and blame once more the coronavirus and another surge will surely come out.What I fear most is the last two weeks or less before the big day. I fear that one morning, we will wake up with the alarming news that Omicron BA 2.12, "XE" or the stealth Omicron is here and has infected most of us. It is here that we wake up from this dream and that elections are not a cure but opium to the Filipino people!Congratulations to Fr. Don Besana, OAR.

Batapa-Sigue: Is innovation in government achievable?

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 09:35 AM PDT

GOVERNMENT needs a thorough overhaul in the Digital Age. Or it will be the very reason why we are not going to grow as a country. Embracing innovation research of OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in 2017 highlights innovation in government to be about finding new ways to impact the lives of citizens, and new approaches to activating them as partners to shape the future together. It involves overcoming old structures and modes of thinking and embracing new technologies and ideas. The potential for innovation in government is immense; however, the challenges governments face are significant.The OECD report called on governments to focus on several areas in particular to maximize the potential for innovation. First is to signal innovation as a priority. This can be done through political support and capacity building. Innovation is unlikely to take root in government unless senior leaders communicate that it is an important priority. This includes acknowledgement that sometimes failure is an acceptable outcome. This empowers civil servants to try new approaches and take calculated risks. Their capacities should also be strengthened by reinforcing their innovation skills.Second is to enable connections across and beyond government. This includes fostering communication and information sharing across and beyond government, by harmonizing rules and developing connection points and networks. Civil servants should have at their disposal means of connecting with each other formally and informally, and for connecting with the public. Governments can foster these connections by building cross-cutting networks and providing platforms for collaboration across organizations and sectors. Governments should enable these connections through clear policy that ensures civil servants are empowered to reach across boundaries, have conversations and share information.Third is to promote trust through transparency and responsiveness. To build long-term innovative capacity, citizens must trust that the government has their best interests at heart; otherwise, they are unlikely to cooperate with user-centered approaches and accept the outcomes of new policies and services. Governments can help build this trust by being open about activities and decisions that affect people. However, transparency is not enough. Citizen input must be considered and acted on, as appropriate, in visible ways.Finally, the government should forge partnerships with all relevant players. Although many countries are insourcing and building up skills and abilities inside governments, governments cannot do it all. Strategic and ongoing partnerships must be forged with civil society organizations, businesses, experts, and the public. Each of these has unique strengths and competencies, and innovation in government accomplishes its biggest successes when all three come together. Civil servants must therefore have the ability to balance and interpret the sometimes competing priorities of these different groups, and be empowered to make decisions on how to proceed with what they learn. Governments from other jurisdictions and countries can also serve as useful partners, as many share common challenges and may have devised solutions that can be replicated or learned from.The so-called Comelec debt fiasco with Sofitel is a classic example of how public or government finances work. Citizens may surmise all types of allegations here - but for me, I still want to see it as part of the procurement process. Government procurement process is a nightmare. So, for innovators who want to fully actualize and create really mind-blowing impactful programs in government, think again.The government bias toward hard projects is not only a political thing -- it is a whole-of-government mindset. The process, the red tape, the dynamics, the politics, the lack of foresight, and many more -- all rolled into one fiasco. It is easier to procure a ballpen and paper than fund an innovation project. In the middle of my term as councilor, I was forced to choose to recommend a drainage construction instead of a holistic set of interventions to upskill and reskills the workforce for various niche areas like software development, animation, game development and other technologies. I know the drainage work is important and in fact, should be taken from the general fund and not on a project fund supposedly for programs I wish to recommend under my committees.In one instance, I was able to secure a national government sponsorship for a major tourism project in Bacolod -- funds to pay for the convention hall. I rigorously processed the papers but due again to political dynamics and the protracted process, the national fund was never released, and I paid the convention hall on my own in monthly installments because the amount was huge. That is the reality of government finances. This is the frustration of people who want to do more inside government.Today, the government probably, both at the local and national level, is a contender for the greatest number of long-standing accounts with the private sector. Before we criticize people in government about transparency and accountability -- let us understand -- how slow, restrictive, limited, shortsighted public finance is in the Philippines. It is like there is a consensus that every public fund will be stolen, and will be misused, so let us restrict its use, make the process tedious, and limit how it can be used. Sadly, the result is different - for innovators who want public resources to be put to good use -- we leave the system. For those who do not care how it is used, they follow the rules but find a way to misuse the funds.

Lawyers Jan Ivan Y. Misagal & Winnie Ann Lomosad-Misagal: Combining love and law school

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 09:29 AM PDT

WHEN love and law school combined.New lawyers Jan Ivan Y. Misagal and wife Winnie Ann Lomosad-Misagal both passed the 2020-2021 Bar Examinations held last February 4 and 6, 2022, at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City with "flying colors."Misagal obtained an exemplary rating of 85.28 percent, while his wife had an outstanding rating of 84.68 percent."It was a really happy moment, especially since my wife also made it as a 'passer,' although for her, having those recognitions are only a bonus," Misagal said.He said they felt relieved that they will not have to experience the horrors of reviewing for the Bar examination again, and could now spend more time with their three-year-old son.Asked how they prepared for the Bar examination, he said it started from day one at law school and continued reading.However, during the review proper, there were times that he almost got uninterested in reading law books and only bought them to boost his morale.Since the lectures and reviews during the pandemic were pre-recorded, what Misagal did was listen to the lessons repeatedly.The couple both made tremendous sacrifices in studying the law."I'm a Certified Public Accountant, and I got my BSA (Bachelor of Science in Accountancy) degree from the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod and working at Commission on Audit while studying law," he shared.It was a struggle for him to manage his time being a working student and would read cases while at work."When I went home, commuting in a jeepney, I took naps to regain my energy so that I could still study at night. It was never easy to stay up late at night studying, considering I had to wake up early in the morning to report for work," he said.Misagal admitted that the laws can sometimes be technical and, most of the time, boring, thus, complicated to remember. Although, he said the facts are sometimes colorful."A friend of mine got fired from his job for some petty reason and because my friend could not afford to fight it out, he was forced to move on with his life," he narrated.This made him decide to pursue being a lawyer so that he will not experience the feeling of being helpless like what happened to his friend.Injustices happen every day in different shapes, forms and manners, he said.A graduate of the University Of Negros Occidental Recoletos College of Law, he thanked the institution for tailoring a schedule for working students and giving them a chance to pursue Law and keep their job.

Megaworld hikes township investment to P45B, opens ‘most beautiful’ avenue in Bacolod City

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 09:28 AM PDT

PROPERTY giant Megaworld Corp. has announced that it is increasing its capital spending for its township developments in Bacolod City to P45 billion, particularly in The Upper East, as it ramps up construction activities inside the 34-hectare township near the Bacolod Government Center.In 2015, the firm announced that it is pouring in P35 billion to develop two townships in Negros Occidental for the period of 10 years.These included the 50-hectare Northill Gateway at the boundary of Talisay City and Bacolod City, and The Upper East in the eastern part of the Negros Occidental capital city that used to be the Bacolod-Murcia Milling Company compound.Megaworld Visayas Vice President for Sales and Marketing Jennifer Palmares-Fong, who spoke at the opening of Upper East Avenue yesterday, April 29, said that the company is adding P10 billion to its investment for The Upper East."We see great potential and opportunities for this new township, which is now fast rising to be Bacolod's first modern central business district," she added.In The Upper East, the company has already completed the construction of the 12-storey One Regis, its first residential condominium project, which is due for turnover within the year.Just recently, the company topped off the second tower, the 14-storey Two Regis, and is set to be completed next year.Two more condominium towers are in the construction pipeline, the 14-storey One Manhattan and the recently-launched 12-storey Herald Parksuites.So far, the company also has around 1,000 units inventory in The Upper East.Megaworld also formally opened the Upper East Avenue, its eight-lane main avenue inside The Upper East which Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia considers as the "most beautiful" avenue in the city."Not only that, this is, for us, the widest street in Bacolod City," the mayor said in his speech during the opening activity.Leonardia stressed that opening this road means a lot for Bacolodnons because more than the physical looks that it has, the symbolism that Bacolod City indeed has arrived."The other and even more important symbolism is the fact that this represents for us our graduation from Covid. For us, this is going to represent our road to recovery," he said.The essence of the road opening is telling people that the city is now heading towards the good time that was disrupted for a while by the pandemic, the mayor added.The Upper East Avenue is composed of six road lanes and two "on-street" parking lanes.Connecting Lopez Jaena Street to Carlos Hilado Highway, the kilometer-long avenue is positioned to ease traffic congestion on Burgos Street.It is open for both private and public vehicles, subject to the traffic rules and regulations of its own estate management group, which will deploy traffic marshals around the area.For Megaworld, the opening marks an important milestone for The Upper East as it showcases the kilometer-long stretch of the township with several areas having simultaneous construction activities."Our first BPO office tower development, No. 1 Upper East Avenue, has also started its construction. Soon, we will also begin the construction of our commercial developments in this township. Indeed, exciting times are up ahead in The Upper East," Palmares-Fong said.Secondary roads within The Upper East, which will be at least 20-meters wide, are also now being completed.There will also be an extensive network of bike lanes inside the township to help promote efficient and convenient mobility.Continuing its rise as the city's first master-planned mixed-use community, The Upper East will soon have its own Megaworld Lifestyle Mall, commercial parks, hotel, church, and other institutional and recreational facilities, she added.Earlier, Leonardia expressed elation to the Megaworld management headed by its founder and chief executive officer Andrew Tan for heeding Bacolod's call for support to its post-coronavirus disease (Covid-19) economic recovery program."We would like to express our deep appreciation to Mr. Andrew Tan for heeding Bacolod's call that the company pour in more investments in the city," he said, adding that "they have been keeping their commitment of support and we sincerely thank them for that."

VMC conducts river cleanup in Cadiz City

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 09:27 AM PDT

EMPLOYEES and volunteers collected a total of 545 kilograms of waste from various areas surrounding the Sicaba River during the river cleanup program of Victorias Milling Company (VMC) in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental recently.The program is part of the rehabilitation and cleanup commitment of VMC under a Memorandum of Agreement with the Environmental Management Bureau Region of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.VMC river cleanup team leaders, Erollplen Arroyo and Jhonnielyn Joy Fidel, said most of the collected solid wastes are from "domestic sources.""Nearby houses dump their garbage along the riverside of Sivaba in which more solid wastes accumulate and are washed offshore,"Arroyo said, adding that they will recommend a proper dumping site, away from the river which is accessible to garbage collectors.During waste segregation, 310 kilos of waste were biodegradable while 194 kilos were recyclable. The rest were residual and special wastes.VMC President Minnie Chua said this continuing environmental program includes regular water quality monitoring of the river and its tributaries as well as training and advocacy programs for the community."Environment protection has been part of our thrust and this program will help foster better relations with Cadiz and Manapla that are part of our constituency," Chua said, adding that they've solicited the help of "environmental experts to implement a holistic and sustainable rehabilitation program in Sicaba." (PR)

AboitizPower launches data innovation program to improve operations, customer service

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 09:25 AM PDT

ABOITIZPOWER, in partnership with Aboitiz Data Innovation, takes innovation one step further with its recently launched Data Innovation Program underscoring the company's continued foray into artificial intelligence (AI) and technology to create shared value and make real, significant impacts in driving down the cost of electricity and improving power reliability and security in the country.AboitizPower President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Rubio stressed the importance of innovation and data science in making impactful progress to move the bottomline of the company and at the same time, benefit consumers."We seek to not just experiment for the sake of experimentation, but to experiment to solve real operational problems that matter and will provide financial return and the opportunity for market leadership," he said in his opening remarks.The Data Innovation program is anchored to the Aboitiz Group's aim to become the first techglomerate in the Philippines by undergoing transformative and inclusive change.For AboitizPower, it is a concerted effort to make innovation and data science a driving force in all fronts of the business including generation, distribution, and commercial operations.AboitizPower Chief Data Officer and Aboitiz Data Innovation General Manager for Power Industry Luis Gonzalez emphasized that limitless possibilities powered by learning algorithms allow for energy transition to advance sustainability and transformative opportunities in addressing risks and operational challenges."AboitizPower's collaboration with Aboitiz Data Innovation will enable and accelerate business strategies targeted at creating long-term value for its customers and key stakeholders as well as helping reduce impact to the environment and the cost of electricity per kilowatt hour (kWh)," he added.The company is exploring the following innovation projects proposed by AboitizPower team members to jumpstart the program and improve operational efficiency and enable the company to deliver maximum value to its customers:* Battery optimization allowing more usage predictability on the best potential uses of industrial batteries as well as its power sources, thereby improving efficiency and reliability, among others in AboitizPower* Visual Anomaly Detection using satellite imagery analysis to find and predict encroachment of plants and trees on AboitizPower's poles, wires, and other electrical distribution assets, which allows for better planning and execution of tree trimming operations leading to fewer power outages and improved safety performance* Optimization and upgrade of installed field and network equipment across the franchise areas of AboitizPower for more intelligent troubleshooting and preventive maintenance* Intelligent account management and collection leveraging behavior-based analytics and economics to help reduce service disconnections of AboitizPower's Distribution Utilities customers* Predictive analytics to lessen unplanned outages across AboitizPower thermal units through the use of alarms and warnings and help effectively manage dynamic operations and preventive maintenance of power equipment* Provide intelligent benchmarking of AboitizPower-managed plants against industry metrics and performance that leads to a smarter financial forecasting and operational planning"We want to be able to leverage technology to create a better energy future for the Philippines. The lower the cost of service we can provide, the better our customers are going to be, and the better economy we will have," AboitizPower Chief Corporate Services Officer Carlos Aboitiz said in his message during the program launch.Another key aspect of the Data Innovation Program is the strengthening of the innovation culture and digital citizenship within the organization.It nurtures understanding on the importance of data science and provides an encouraging environment for analysis, investigation, and personal growth."The key to success in this endeavor is to keep an open mind, to embrace change, and to relentlessly focus on making data innovation real," Rubio added.This is also a major part of AboitizPower's overarching Digital Transformation Strategy or DigitaLeap program which aims to inculcate a more agile, collaborative, and digital-ready mindset.AboitizPower looks forward to an exciting energy future as the company continues to fulfill its promise of delivering reliable, sustainable, and reasonably-priced power with innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies. (PR)

Bacolod ‘Justice Zone’: Gearing toward case decongestion, management

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 04:52 AM PDT

REPRESENTATIVES from various agencies from the five pillars of the criminal justice system in Bacolod met for the Government and Justice session held at Park Inn hotel in Bacolod City on Thursday, April 28.Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Raymond Javier with European Union representative Christian Eldon met with the various representations of the said agencies involved in the dispensation of justice in Bacolod City.Javier said the Bacolod City Justice Zone 2022 was established in 2018 aiming to promote cooperation among the three major branches -- the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Interior and Local Government.He said it was created last 2018 at the National Government Complex, which former Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin inaugurated.The primordial consideration in the "Justice Zone" is the case decongestion, case management, case docket decongestion, and decongestion of the jail facilities in Bacolod City.This is their second meeting for this year.At present, there are 1,500 plus inmates who are considered persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in the three jail facilities in Bacolod City who have pending cases in our courts."Just imagine 1,500 plus PDLs being tried by our courts, so you multiply that... that's more or less 3,000 to 4,000 cases already in the Regional Trial Courts alone and 80 percent of those cases are all drug-related," Javier said.The optimal capacity of each jail is around 300, he said, which means they are congested by more than 300 percent."We identify problems in the justice sector, and we talk about those problems, and we work out solutions to these problems," the judge said, adding that they want to involve the media about it so that the public will know."Being the fourth estate, the media is part of our attainment of accountability and transparency in the office (to) help restore the public confidence in the justice sector (and) to ensure that justice is being done and served in Bacolod City," he said.For his part, Eldon, who is also the GoJust program team leader, said the European Union has been funding the Justice sector since 2006 and so far they have been doing so in a series of different programs.Eldon, who has been involved in the program since 2016, said the funding is meant to improve justice delivery and strengthen coordination in the sector both nationally and internationally."At the local level, regarding the concept of the Justice Zone, we have our planning session to identify some of the problems the justice sector is facing here in Bacolod and identify some solutions to address them," he noted.Eldon said they work together with the Justice Zone committee representatives from the Philippine National Police, Public Attorney's Office, Prosecutor's Office, the courts, business sector, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the health and water sectors among others."There is no limit as to who could be invited to the sessions of the Justice Zone," he emphasized.
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