Friday, July 15, 2022

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Collaboration poised to provide attain shelter solutions, housing goals

Posted: 12 Jul 2022 04:05 AM PDT

NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has met with Habitat for Humanity International Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Reckford at the Seda Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Tuesday, July 12, for a collaborative project that seeks to provide shelter solutions and achieve housing goals in the province.The governor and Reckford attended the Negros Occidental Impact 2025 (NOI2025) Meeting together with the Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Philippines Mardi Mapa-Suplido, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, Executive Assistant to the Governor Marie June Castro, concerned local government unit (LGU) mayors, and other housing stakeholders.Habitat Philippines partners with LGUs in providing homes to homeless families and communities.Lacson thanked Habitat for Humanity, Hilti Foundation and Base Bahay Foundation for their generosity and dedicated commitment to build houses, and to build sustainable communities for families in Negros Occidental."The sound partnership between the government and private sector is of great consequence in addressing our manifold concerns," he added. (PR)

‘Drug personality’ shot dead in Bacolod

Posted: 10 Jul 2022 07:00 AM PDT

AN ALLEGED drug personality was shot to death by an unidentified person on board a motorcycle in Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City past 9 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022.Captain Armilyn Vargas, commander of Police Station 3, identified the victim as Jovanie Gonzalez, 46, the barangay's Purok Bulak.Vargas said Gonzalez sustained a gunshot wound to his head and died on the spot.She said they recovered an empty shell of an unidentified caliber of firearm from the scene of the crime believed to have been triggered by an illegal drug transaction.Vargas said the victim was a drug peddler and user, adding that they are now coordinating with various business establishments near the area to check their surveillance camera to identify the gunman.Police records show that this is now the third shooting incident that happened in Bacolod City from July 1 to 9, 2022.In San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, a jobless man was seriously injured after his neighbor shot him around 9:30 a.m. Sunday, July 10.Lieutenant Ruby Aurita, deputy chief of San Carlos City police, said victim Roberto Agbay, 41, of the city's Barangay Rizal sustained a gunshot wound on the stomach and will undergo an operation.Initial investigation showed that Agbay was at the Eco-Tourism highway in the barangay when the suspect Jovanie Alora, alias "Banie", 40, approached him.Aurita said Alora was asking Agbay about the speaker he pawned to the latter for P1,000 but a misunderstanding occurred between the two causing the latter to punch the suspect.In retaliation, Alora drew his .38 caliber revolver and shot Agbay, who is now confined at the San Carlos City Hospital. (with reports from APN)

3 suspects fall in drug bust; P500,000 ‘shabu’ seized

Posted: 10 Jul 2022 06:58 AM PDT

THREE illegal drug suspects, to whom the authorities recovered more than half a million worth of suspected shabu, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Punta Taytay, south of the highly urbanized city of Bacolod past 2 a.m. Sunday, July 10, 2022.Following weeks of surveillance, the police finally arrested Cyril Gepielago, 49; Julius Londres, 42; Pearly Mae Panes, 30, all residents of the barangay's Purok Kapawa.A report from the Bacolod City Police Office showed that the three were arrested after one of them transacted with a poseur buyer.Some 20 sachets of the banned substance valued at P523,600 and weighing 77 grams, the P1,000 in mark money and other personal belongings and cash were recovered from the suspect when they were arrested, the police said.Gepielago and Londres were identified by the police as high-value individualsThe suspects were detained at the custodial facility of Police Station 9 while charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against them.

Police Station 1 conducts clearing operation in downtown area

Posted: 10 Jul 2022 06:58 AM PDT

MAJOR Ramel Sarona, commander of Police Station 1, said Sunday, July 10, 2022, that they will continue the clearing operation along the downtown area this week.Sarona said they started the clearing operation along Central Public Market on July 7, and on Saturday, several stalls were also removed in Luzuriaga and Gatuslao Streets."We will conduct the clearing operation every day to ensure that our roads will be passable to our motorists," he added.Sarona said several vendors were already occupying the roads and it caused traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.However, the police official said they are waiting for guidelines from the City Legal Office to determine the legal remedy against the erring vendors."For now, they were only given a warning and policemen were assigned at the downtown area to ensure that they will not occupy the roads," Sarona said.Meanwhile, Sarona reiterated that private vehicles including delivery vans and ambulant vendors are not allowed to park along Gatuslao and Luzuriaga Streets.He is hopeful that the market vendors will not occupy the streets to avoid penalties.In 2019, hundreds of vendors from Burgos Public Market, Central Public Market and Libertad Public Market were demolished and their illegal structures were transferred inside the public markets.The demolition of illegal structures is pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 2019-121 dated July 29, 2019 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, directing the local government officials, from the mayors down to barangay captains, to implement the clearing of roads.

Negros Occidental eager to go back to normal from Covid-19

Posted: 10 Jul 2022 06:58 AM PDT

NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Sunday, July 10, 2022, that the province "would like to go back to normal."Lacson made the statement in response to the call of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for local government units (LGUs) to support his administration's booster shot drive against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).Marcos made the call "so that face-to-face classes could resume and the country may reopen its economy."In a virtual speech before the newly elected governors and mayors in Malacañang on Friday night, Marcos cited the importance of booster shots in building a wall of immunity and moving on from the pandemic.Marcos also said he was open to making face masks optional and said there will no longer be wide lockdowns in the country despite the sharp rise in the number of Covid-19 cases."Let's do this booster rollout and we can make sure (that) there is no more lockdown as we really don't want to have lockdowns anymore," Marcos said.For his part, Lacson said, "at the end of the road, we would like to go back to normal and making the use of facemask optional is a step in that direction."He said that local officials have been reminded to push their respective vaccination drives, especially the poor performers.Lacson, however, admitted that vaccination rates in the province are still below our targets.

Pamet Visayas regional confab set in Bacolod City

Posted: 10 Jul 2022 06:58 AM PDT

THE Philippine Association of Medical Technologists Inc. (Pamet)-Negros Occidental Chapter will be hosting the 11th Pamet Visayas Regional Conference at SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City from July 15 to 17, 2022.Pamet National President Rommel Saceda will be joining the event together with some national officers and chapter presidents from all Visayas regions.The conference will carry a hybrid convention platform, of which a virtual and face-to-face conference, will be done following the minimum public health standards set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and in compliance with health regulations of the local government unit.This year's theme is "Medical Technologists: Moving Forward Through Selfless Service and Dedication in the Midst of Adversities."In 2014, Pamet-Negros Occidental also hosted the biggest gathering for medical technologists in the Visayas. (PR)

Pakiglambigit Youth Summit: Empowering the youth through leadership

Posted: 10 Jul 2022 06:50 AM PDT

THE young are the future of our nation, but in some instances, many of them can not fulfill this mission.That's why several groups and organizations like the Philippine Army are mapping out activities to ensure that the youth of today will remain steadfast in the path that they are traversing.Like what transpired from July 1 to 3, where some 66 young people from barangays Minapasuk, Cambayobo, Hilub-ang and Winaswasan in Calatrava town, Negros Occidental completed a three-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS).Organized by the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), the activity was held at the evacuation center of Calatrava town.It was anchored on the theme, "Pakiglambigit: Advancing Peace Amidst Challenging Times Through Culture of Collaboration."The activity aimed to empower the youth through leadership training; instill among them the spirit of patriotism, nationalism and social responsibility; transform them into active partners of the government in its peace-building initiatives; and protect them from manipulation, recruitment and exploitation of the Communist Terrorist Group.Participant Junwel Orot of Sitio Tinibiangan in Barangay Minapasuk shared the wonderful experience and learning he had during the three-day summit and thanked the Philippine Army for this endeavor."I'm going back to our place and when I come back here, I'll encourage my friends to go with me," he said.Calatrava Mayor Marilyn Era, who was represented by Executive Assistant Mariane Lumanog, lauded the barangay officials for accepting the invitation and for sending their youth to participate in the activity.She also expressed gratitude to the Philippine Army for their support not only in the peace and development efforts of the municipality but also in shaping the minds and hearts of the future generations of Calatrava to become productive citizens and responsible leaders in their community.Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, commanding officer of 79th IB, recognized the determination and interest of the youth to protect and sustain the peace in their respective communities."Consider this leadership summit as a privilege and training as future leaders of your locality," Javines said, as he encouraged the participants to be responsible citizens.He also told them to make use of what they have learned and utilize their talents and abilities to influence others to do the right thing.

Ombion: Substantive change

Posted: 10 Jul 2022 06:50 AM PDT

SUBSTANTIVE change. This is what the people expect and need from the new administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (PBBM) – a substantive rebound from a life made more miserable under the so-called pandemic despite the billions spent on it.Anywhere I go in the country, the cries and the rumblings on the ground are deafening.The majority of the marginalized and vulnerable cry for improvement in their quality of life, peace and security in the environment they live in -- not promises, fantasies, hot-air and lip service, hodgepodge meals.The micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and informal entrepreneurs, the most numerous business force, are groaning from the worsening economic crisis and its crippling impact on them, higher costs of services, and more retrogressive taxes, declining incomes, depleting savings.The small agricultural producers including artisanal fishers are agonizing from soaring costs of farm inputs, post-harvest expenses, and low prices of their products.The low-income middle class and city odd-jobbers can hardly cope with their basic needs.Worse, the increasing unemployed labor force, which is now edging 40 percent of the labor force, increases the risk of anti-social and criminal activities to escalate. The poor on the street and even those with formal education don't need higher degrees in economics and development to see and feel the flaws in the government's fundamentals.The state neoliberal economic policies of liberalization of deregulating or removing state laws and restrictions on agriculture, services and industries to allow market forces to dictate supply and demand like what happened to our oil industry now controlled by the oil cartel, the massive importation of rice and rice tariffication, giving foreign monopoly companies to control hundred percent of our vital industries, among others, are simply destructive.The state campaign of privatization, that of surrendering vital state industries and utilities like water, energy and transportation to private companies is wreaking havoc on our consumers and Filipino entrepreneurs. These policies began three decades ago, followed a non-interventionist approach to economic activities and touted to spur growth, better allocation of resources, and accelerate poverty reduction -- plainly bringing the opposite –- more plunder of our resources and impoverishment of our people. Ibon Foundation is right and sharp in its analysis that the economic top guns of the PBBM administration are no mavericks, and will only pursue the same plunderous and destructive economic policies of the past administrations. This early, PBBM and his team have not lifted a finger on the havoc caused by unabated oil price hikes, instead, focusing on planning to get more state loans and further squeeze the people with more debilitating taxes. These they do while they good time a small fraction of the consumers in the National Capital Region with token-free train and free bus rides, and media-hyped dole out cash assistance. Nationalist economist Alejandro Lichauco was right in his assertion that under the Philippine conditions, which unfortunately have not changed substantially since the 80s, the only way for the state to move forward to agricultural and industrial development is to take effective control of the direction and management of the Philippine economy instead of allowing and watching idly big corporate companies rake super-profits from plundering our resources and bleeding our people dry.The state's full control of the country's economy and economic thrust is the only way to effect substantive change. Anything less would only make the state, and so the administration of PBBM, a mere "tuta, errand boy" of the big corporate interests and swindlers, and limited to the old traditional functions of collecting taxes, repairing roads, delivering social services, giving donations, and worse, looting and pocketing public treasury. Unless this is stopped and reversed, the country's economy and sovereignty are up on the road to final suicide.

Sanchez: Streaming radio

Posted: 10 Jul 2022 06:50 AM PDT

AS AN OpEd columnist for SunStar Bacolod, I make it a point to keep abreast with local, national and international news.As a polyglot, I can speak and write in Hiligaynon, Cebuano, the Tagalog-based national language, English, Spanish and French.I encouraged my high school, college classmates to speak Hiligaynon but in Messenger, we chat in Tagalog, Spanish and English.I often chat in Hiligaynon and Cebuano, American English.I used Google Translate flit from different languages.To keep up with idiomatic expressions, I listen to streaming radio. Español: El que hace un cesto hace ciento. Cebuano: Kaniadto naay nakawat, ning dagan ang panahon kawatan gihapon.As a Catholic charismatic, I frequently listen to streaming radio such as Rádio Chile or watch movies on Netflix with subtitles in Spanish and French.I use two devices using my Android and earphones for the sensor with different layers of sound.But the internet radio (also web radio, net radio, streaming radio, e-radio, IP radio, online radio) is a digital audio service transmitted via the internet. Broadcasting on the internet is usually referred to as webcasting since it is not transmitted broadly through wireless means. It can either be used as a stand-alone device running through the Internet, or as software running through a single computer or smartphone.TV and radio are bundled into one in real-time with the possibility of being replayed for accuracy.Internet radio is generally used to communicate and easily spread messages through the form of talk. It is distributed through a wireless communication network connected to a switch packet network (the internet) via a disclosed source.Internet radio involves streaming media, presenting listeners with a continuous stream of audio that typically cannot be paused or replayed, much like traditional broadcast media; in this respect, it is distinct from on-demand file serving. Internet radio is also distinct from podcasting, which involves downloading rather than streaming.Internet radio services offer news, sports, talk, and various genres of music—every format that is available on traditional broadcast radio stations. Many internet radio services are associated with a corresponding traditional (terrestrial) radio station or radio network, although low startup and ongoing costs have allowed a substantial proliferation of independent internet-only radio stations.The first internet radio service was launched in 1993. As of 2017, the most popular internet radio platforms and applications in the world include (but are not limited to) TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, and Sirius XM.In the US, unlike over-the-air broadcast radio, a FCC license is not required to operate an Internet radio service.Worldwide I have a choice of 3,000 radio stations to listen to the news in various languages. Truly the world is interconnected.

Environment group: 'Negros forest protection, a disaster risk reduction'

Posted: 10 Jul 2022 06:43 AM PDT

THE Group of Environmental Socialists (Goes) is asking the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to act on the issues affecting Negros forests.The group made the call in line with the ongoing celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month themed "Sambayanang Pilipino, Nagkakaisa tungo sa Katatagan at Maunlad na Kinabukasan."For the group, the activity highlights the unified efforts of all sectors and communities toward sustainable development."The group has been consistent in calling the DENR to act against illegal structures which continue to create irreversible damage inside the protected area," it said in a press statement Sunday, July 10.Related to this, Goes said, the best recent example is how the flash floods in Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) affected the forest area.This is a common cause of how illegal structures have replaced natural resources in the mountains, it said.Goes said the DENR should uphold the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 which pushes for the protection of our terrestrial ecosystem."We found out that the Certificate of Stewardship Contract of the Tenured Migrants inside NNNP was canceled by the DENR. Yet, there were no acts of demolition to the structures claimed to be illegally owned by environmental violators," it said.The environment group also claimed that "they [DENR] facilitated the application for the Special Authority for Protected Area (Sapa) with the violating individuals while neglecting the rights of the tenured migrants or locals inside the protected area."They added that the abuse of power leads to an injustice to the ecosystem as well as an insult to the rights of the community and to its intellectual capacity."The Sapa should be abolished," Goes stressed, adding that while the "One Lens for Resilience: Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction" aim to educate the majority, it also states that climate change and natural disasters as social constructs which are therefore due to man-made effects.Thus, the focal point in addressing the impact is to continuously cooperate with the people, which is us, the group also said.Goes said a consistency to promote what is better for the common good leads to the shift of paradigm on policy, programs, and actions.For the group, paradigm-shifting entails that we need to recognize and transform our current practices and lifestyle which contributes to unsustainable development."We know that climate change is inevitable and it will come to us in greater bounds than before. A long-span drought can become possible and frequent, stronger typhoons and floods may arise. Thus, we need to mitigate the possible risk and hazards by protecting our natural parks," it said.Goes said that climate mitigation means reducing carbon emissions and increasing carbon sink and sequestration.It means changing people's lifestyles by reducing carbon footprints and planting more trees and demolishing illegal structures, the group said.It also means the commitment of the government to be decisive by taking drastic measures in carbon emission reduction for long-term effects, they added.Moreover, Goes underscored that the Climate Adaptation/Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) reflects on building resilient communities as a means to strengthen the foundation of safety in our society.By learning how to respond to the hydro-meteorological hazards caused by climate change and human-induced hazards, a call for a unified National Adaptation Plan for Action (Napa) and Strategic National Action Program (Snap) is preferred, it said.The core is to take action to strengthen systems and structures to be prepared for any danger coupled with appropriate prevention and mitigation measures at the community level."We are calling to proactively uphold consistent empowerment to the human rights as a whole to build a foundation of safety," it said, adding that "we heed at providing adequate basic services addressing the basic needs of individuals who are mostly at risk and building hazard-specific knowledge, attitude, and skills for survivability and enhancing the livelihood and well-being of the people towards resilience."For Goes, enhancing and protecting the ecosystem lead toward sustainable usage and benefits for all."As a species with other lifeforms, we will be evolving through time and find ways to survive and bounce back from any misfortunes," it said."Our action points lead to a true shift by focusing on changing the mindset from economic cost-benefit analysis toward a strong sense of moral obligation not only to cut carbon emissions but also to address the root causes of disaster risks," it added. (With PR)

John Becaro: ‘Drawing is like breathing’

Posted: 08 Jul 2022 08:23 PM PDT

"Draw as many as you can, like it's part of who you are"This is the mantra of Negrense John Becaro, who now runs his own illustration firm called Ninja Brush, as he continues to express his artistry through his comics and other drawings.Becaro who hails from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental has made illustrations for Nokia back in 2018 and Toby's Sports for five years since 2011.He was also hired by Glasshouse Graphics, an international full-service animation and comicbook design studio and of Typhoon Productions which is a sketch card company.His passion for drawing started when he was young after seeing his elder brother making illustrations for his sister's school project.Becaro said he got curious and drew until it became his profession, adding that it helped him financially when he started getting paid for his drawings during high school until college."I have many projects done but one that I am so particularly happy to complete is my very own independently published graphic novel called Pintura; Panimulang Yugto," he shared, adding that he was able to finish it with the help of friends back in 2014.His projects and illustrations can be seen through https://johnbecaro.wixsite.com/johnbecaro or his deviantart and youtube accounts.Now based in Cavite, Becaro is set to release two more graphic novels "Hiraya" and "Dugo ng Engkanto," both continuation of "Pintura.""Drawing is like breathing," he stressed, as he told young illustrators to focus on self-development despite it being a long tedious process.It is also important, he said, to be a fan of your own work first and most of all, be open to the world of ideas especially from other people so that you will learn more.Budding illustrators should likewise look for things that inspire them to draw, the artist said.Asked if he would allow his children Chesca and Neo to follow in his foot-steps, Becaro said he would support them.*

Capitol, digital college to provide free education to 100 deserving students

Posted: 08 Jul 2022 08:11 PM PDT

THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental is looking for 100 deserving incoming college students in the province to become recipients of its Abanse Negrense IT and Business Scholarship Program.Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the executives of the Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) at the latter's Learning Hub located at the fourth floor of Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City yesterday, July 8.Under the scholarship program, Negrense students will be able to take Information Technology (IT) and Business Administration courses at MMDC, a new and digital-first college focused on technology and business.Lacson, in his message, said that it cannot be denied that education remains to be a privilege rather than a right for many Filipino youth.He underscored that the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis further aggravated poverty, inequalities and other gaps related to education."Further, it is undeniable that a technology gap currently exists in our schools that prevents our students from enjoying the advantages provided by technology," he added.For the governor, the agreement signing is a big step towards the provincial government's goal of making education accessible, particularly in the field of business and technology, to the less privileged but deserving Negrense students.He thanked MMDC for opening its doors to Negrense students and for choosing Negros Occidental to be its first learning hub in the Visayas and Mindanao.The Abanse Negrense IT and Business Scholarships Program equips 100 deserving students from various localities Negros Occidental, except for Bacolod City, with a free education from MMDC with a choice from majors that could eventually pave the way for in-demand careers and employment.A fully online college, MMDC is directed towards digital-first education in technology and business to make quality education accessible, affordable and flexible.It delivers a cutting-edge online curriculum and offline experiences designed for the modern Filipino student.In terms of specializations, those taking the IT program can choose from Network and Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Software Development.For the Business Administration (BA) program, they can choose from Marketing Management, Human Resources Management, and Operations Management.Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, president of Malayan Colleges Laguna, said the past couple of years has demonstrated how volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous the world is."Now more than ever, we need to invest in knowledge and information as our resource for preparedness," he said, stressing that "we need qualified college graduates who can work and thrive in this challenging environment."Maestrecampo also said there's a need for professionals who can contribute to the agility and sustainability of Negros Occidental to transform it into a center of excellence in business and IT."We at Mapùa Malayan Digital College are honored to have this opportunity to support and innovate the education landscape in Negros Occidental," he said.The Malayan Colleges Laguna official added that, "through our game-changing, digital-first education model for IT and Business college programs, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental students can be confident that they will be prepared for the future workplace."The scholarship is open for incoming Negrense college students for School Year 2022 to 2023 beginning this August 16.Initially, the provincial government has already identified three scholars.One of them is Jeremy Mariño of Murcia town who said that, "by awarding us this scholarship, you have lightened the financial burden which will allow us to focus more on learning.""Your generosity will inspire us to help others and give back to the community," he told the governor in his message.The 100 scholars are on top of regular enrollees, including those from Bacolod City, who applied online or through the MMDC Learning Hub.While tuition fees are as low as P15,000 per trimester, the Abanse Negrense Scholarship allows qualified students to enjoy a full scholarship on matriculation fees for their entire stay at MMDC.Applicants must be incoming college freshmen students, with a high school report card, and must be willing to render volunteer work for the provincial government.To begin the application process, students must fill out the application form on the website, www.mmdc.mcl.edu.ph.The documents that they need to submit include proof of Negros Occidental Residency like Barangay Certificate and Applicant's Personal ID, Grade 12 or High School Report Card/Form 138 indicating "eligible to transfer to 1st year college," PSA Birth Certificate, good moral character, government Issued IDs of parents , 1.5X 1.5 ID photo with white background, and MMDC waiver forms.After submitting documents, the student must then pass the MMDC Online Readiness Assessment.Deadline for the application and submission of documents is on August 5.Moreover, the scholarship is valid for the entire duration of the student's stay at MMDC.The student is expected to fulfill the requirements like maintaining a Term Weighted Average (TWA) of 2.50 per term or better, with no failing grade or dropped subject and a full load per term during his or her studies.Scholars must complete all requirements of the study within the period specified, follow the rules and regulations of the school where he/she is enrolled and must not have been subject to any disciplinary action by the school.Also, they should render one year volunteer work to the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and attend meetings, general assemblies, trainings, and other activities intended for the scholars as required by the Scholarship Program Division.With the Abanse Negrense Scholarship for IT and Business courses, both the Office of the Governor and MMDC hope to provide quality education to deserving students, further empowering them to go places with Mapúan academic excellence.To begin the application process, applicants are also urged to visit www.mmdc.mcl.edu.ph.Meanwhile, also resent during the MOA signing were MMDC Executive Director Engineer Dennis Tablante, Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II, and Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division Head Karen Dinsay, among others.*

National gov’t to fund NegOcc LTO licensing center

Posted: 08 Jul 2022 08:09 PM PDT

BACOLOD City Lone District Representative Greg Gastaya said yesterday, July 8, the national government will allocate funds for the operation of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) licensing center in Negros Occidental.Gasataya said that Republic Act No. 11818 or an Act converting LTO Licensing Center in Bacolod City into a regular licensing center to be known as the "Negros Occidental Licensing Center" lapsed into law on June 2, this year.In 2020, he filed House Bill No.5680 Establishing Negros Occidental Licensing Center aiming to improve the personnel, capacity, and services of the licensing center.Gasataya also said the LTO-Bacolod has been catering to major transactions in relation to motor vehicle registration and issuance of driver's license, adding that its current workforce only consists of four regular employees and nine job order casuals.With this workforce, it could no longer accommodate the big volume of individuals who are lining up at the LTO office, he lamented."It's now part of the proposal that the manpower will increase from four regular employees into more than 20 regular employees," the lawmaker said.Currently, LTO Region 6 Director Gaudioso Geduspan II is also finalizing the new location of their office in Bacolod to accommodate the big volume of individuals who are transacting with the agency.

DRRMO coordinating with DPWH to address Bacolod flooding

Posted: 08 Jul 2022 08:03 PM PDT

THE Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) is now coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to determine the status of the drainage master plan in the locality.Dr. Anna Marie Laarni Pornan, DRRMO head, said yesterday, July 8, that this is to address the flood problem in the city."We have three national roads under the DPWH and we will determine the local and national drainage units in various areas," she said.In 2016, DPWH allotted P16 million for the study of the drainage master plan, but it was reduced to P14 million.The comprehensive master plan involves the national and local roads in Bacolod to address the flood problem in the city.The study was conducted by Pert Consultants, who are based in Bataan, and they already identified 20 local roads that need the inland drainage.These areas are along Lacson Street, B.S Aquino Drive, Lopez Jaena, Burgos Street, Rosario Street, San Sebastian Street, Luzuriaga Street, Rizal Street, Hilado Street, Hernaez Street, Gatuslao 1, Gatuslao 2, North Capitol Street, La Salle Street, Yulo Street, South Capitol Drive, San Juan Street, Rodriguez Street, and Roxas Avenue.Bacolod Congressman Greg Gasataya earlier said it is a great advantage for the city to have a scientific study of the drainage system to immediately identify and replace the malfunctioned drainage units.Earlier this week, four areas in Bacolod City were affected by floods due to heavy rains.Pornan said a surface runoff occured along Gonzaga-Lopez Jaena Streets, Rosario-Mabini Streets, Lacson-Hernaez Streets, Lopues East, Araneta-Magsaysay Streets, and Barangay Mansilingan.She said flood waters subsided after a few hours, adding that her personnel were then directed to check the areas and conduct declogging. (MAP)

NegOcc still has lowest vaccinated seniors, adults in WV

Posted: 08 Jul 2022 08:01 PM PDT

NEGROS Occidental still has the lowest turn-out of vaccinated senior citizens and adults against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Western Visayas, records from the Department of Health (DoH) Regional office show yesterday, July 8.As of July 4, the DOH-6 reported that of the 1.4 million adults in Negros Occidental eligible for vaccination, only 933,682 were inoculated or only 65.31 percent with 99,315 of them or about seven percent have received booster shots.There are also 136,788 senior citizens out of 269,602 have received their jabs or 50.74 percent with only 21,923 of them or 8. 13 percent had their booster shots, the line agency added.To address the issue, the provincial government already conducted house-to-house vaccination but still the inoculation turn-out remains low, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang lamented.Tumimbang admitted that advocacy is one of the things they are lacking, not just for senior citizens but for their family members as well."Some senior citizens won't submit to vaccination saying they are just staying at home anyway... Still, they need it because they might have companions who go out and could be virus carriers," he stressed.Tumimbang added that there are people who refused to be vaccinated thinking that everything now is already normal.Although the new cases in the province are not in the double digits based on the reports submitted by various laboratories, he noted.The doctor also said that those who are fully vaccinated and manifested symptoms usually do not undergo rerse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test anymore."They would rather stay at home and quarantine for five days until the symptoms subsides. There are no more patients in the quarantine facilities anymore, too," Tumimbang said.Meanwhile, the provincial government is now monitoring the number of new cases in the nearby province of Iloilo and areas from Metro Manila before deciding on the closure of borders.Tumimbang said hopefully the number of new cases in these areas will no longer continue to climb.

Army stressed gun battle occur in Binalbagan

Posted: 08 Jul 2022 07:58 PM PDT

"THERE was an encounter."This was stressed by Captain Kim Apitong Spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army yesterday, July 8 amidst the claim of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) that their four colleagues were "massacred" in Binalbagan town, Negros Occidental in the morning of July 6.Apitong said that these statements are not new to them as the CTG is always misinforming the public."We have pictures and the evidence (that an encounter took place) and we even have the pictures of the casualties who were holding their firearms," Apitong said.He said the rebels can deny all they want but the army were able to recover subversive documents that they left behind aside from the reports of the Philippine National Police"Those who were killed were combatants, whether they are sick or not, we don't know about that," Apitong emphasized, adding that the killed rebels were exchanging gunfire with the army.The military spokesperson also said that it is up to the public to decide who is lying.In a statement earlier, Ka Juanito Magbanua, who is the spokesperson of the Apolonario Gatmaitan Command of the New People's Army in Negros Island, debunked the claim of the military that an encounter took place.Magbanua maintained that the 94th Infantry Battalion together with the 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) raided a hut in Sitio Calunakon in Barangay Santol, Binalbagan town, where the rebels were taking refuge as they were sick.Magbanua claimed that the soldiers arrested Roel Sagon, 30, alias "Berio"; Rowel Udtuhan, 40, alias "Jing-Jing/Caloy" both of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental; Nikka Ledesma, 20, of Cebu City and Alden Rodriguez, 20, of Barangay Bantolinao in Manjuyod town and killed them at the nearby nearby Sitio Amelis in Barangay Biao.Sagon serves as the leader of Sentro De Grabidad Central Negros 2 Squad 3 while Udtuhan is is his assistant. Ledesma was the group's political guide while Rodriguez is a member of the Squad 3.

Hinigaran, Cadiz go beyond dengue alert level threshold

Posted: 08 Jul 2022 07:56 PM PDT

HINIGARAN town and Cadiz City, Negros Occidental have already gone beyond the dengue alert level threshold, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang reported yesterday, July 8.But unlike Hinigran, Tumimbang said, Cadiz is now approaching the "epidemic stage" in terms of increase in the number of dengue cases.As of July 2, Hinigaran has 16 dengue cases from 12 while in Cadiz, the number of residents who fell ill to the mosquito-borne disease climbed to 11 from two, he said, adding that the figures may continue to increase.Tumimbang added that La Carlota City and Binalbagan town also remain under dengue alert threshold with 20 and 10 cases, respectively.Records from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) show that five local government units in the province previously in the top ten with the greatest number of dengue cases are no longer in the alert level threshold.These includes the cities of Kabankalan, San Carlos and Bago and the towns of Cauayan and Pontevedra.Tumimbang also explained that despite the fact that the number of deaths due to dengue in Negros Occidental has reached ten, it is still not alarming.It is just a small percentage compared to the total number of cases, he said.The doctor noted that a person manifesting symptoms even without diagnosis is already considered as dengue-infected.Meanwhile, the PHO will only recommend fogging and the use of the larvicidal agents against dengue-carrying mosquitoes in areas where the disease is already considered an epidemic."We will sit down with the LGU and discuss strategies, implementation and response (against dengue) including clean-up drive every Friday after office hours," Tumimbang stressed.In Bacolod City, dengue cases have increased by 179 percent during the first six months of 2022 compared to the same period last year.The local health office reported that from January to June 25, 2022, Bacolod City had a total of 279 dengue cases with five fatalities.This is higher than the 100 cases and two deaths for the same period last year.The fatalities include the 11-year-old boy in Barangay Singcang-Airport; 20-year-old woman in Barangay Pahanocoy; 19-year-old male teenager in Barangay Sum-ag; 75-year-old man in Barangay Tangub and the three-year-old girl in Barangay Mansilingan.Of the 279 dengue cases, Barangay Tangub has the highest number of cases with 25.Followed by Barangay Mansilingan with 22 cases; Barangays Estefania and Singcang-Airport, 21 each; Barangay Sum-ag, 20; Barangay Mandalagan, 19; Barangay Taculing, 17; Barangays Villamonte and Alijis, 15 each; Barangay Granada, 14; Barangay Cabug, 10; and Barangay Banago, 8. (with reports from MAP)
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