Monday, July 18, 2022

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New Nonescost President vows to continue upgrade

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 05:56 PM PDT

"BE the rays of the sun."This was the challenge of the newly-installed president of the government-run Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (Nonescost) as he vows to continue upgrading the institution.Dr. Renante Egcas was formally installed as the fifth president of Nonescost during his investiture at the school's Sunn Hotel, yesterday, July 15."Let us all work together to prove that in Nonescost (like a) sun, everybody's future shines brightest," Egcas said, saying that he is the "pandemic president" but it will not hinder him and the rest of the school's employees to move forward.He started his term July 10, 2020 but because of the protocols due to coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the investiture was delayedEgcas said that despite the pandemic, they never stopped working and developed stronger resilience and quicker adaptability not only to survive and thrive but also to excel."As the leader of Nonescost, I am optimistic about the future despite the challenges brought about by the several disruptions, especially the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.His UPGRADE agenda stands for Universityhood, People, Governance, Production and resource generation, Research, technology and innovation, Academic excellence, Development and improvement of sites and physical facilities, and Extension, linkages and internationalization.As he highlights the accomplishments of the school in the past two years under his administration, he thanked all of the teachers, heads, employees, and other stakeholders that supported and helped the school thrive amid the pandemic.Egcas graduated Cum Laude of Bachelor of Science in Education at the Philippine Normal University (PNU)-Visayas in Cadiz City. He also holds a Doctorate Degree in Technology Management.He is also a writer and researcher and was the Editor in Chief of the Torch the School Publication of PNU.The Investiture was attended by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Sagay City Mayor Narciso Javelosa, Jr., Vice Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva and Sangguniang Panlungsod Members.Also in attendance were high-ranking officials of the different state colleges and universities all over the country, officials, directors, faculty, and staff of Nonescost.Former school presidents Doctors Rogelio Artajo, and Romulo Sisno also attended the affair.For his part, Javelosa pledged his support to Egcas' administration and will always look for ways to support the needs of the school as it transitions to become a university.Like Javelosa, Cueva also assured his "unqualified support" to the school to realize the dreams and aspirations of Nonescost.Negros Occidental Second District Rep. Alfredo Marañon, whose father, former Gov. Alfredo Marañon, led the enactment of establishing of the school in 1998, said that this is an important milestone and assured his support by working better towards a sustainable development of the communities reached by the school. (PR)

Two more robberies in NegOcc

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 05:53 PM PDT

TWO more robbery incidents took place in the towns of Toboso and Isabela, Negros Occidental on Thursday and WednesdayJohn Paolo Ramirez, 28 and Kenneth Pontioso, 35, both sales agents of AOB Corporation and residents of Bacolod City said that while collecting sales of their products at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 14, at Sitio Aguinaldo in Barangay San Isidro, Toboso town when three suspects arrived.Ramirez and Pontioso said one of the suspects threatened him with a gun of unknown caliber while two others served as look-outs.They said that the suspects took about P60,000 and two cellular phones before escaping on a motorcycle going to Barangay Bug-ang.A day before the robbery in Toboso, Marvin Gelasing, 25, of Barangay Nagbualao in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental and employed as collector of the Reynaldo Lending Finance Corporation told the police that he was also held up at about 4 p.m.Gelasing said that he was collecting debt from a client at Barangay Camang-camang in Isabela town when two suspects riding on a motorcycle arrived and held him up at knife point.He said the suspects took about P20,000 in cash before fleeing towards an undisclosed location.Police records showed that about nine robbery incidents have occurred in various cities and towns in Negros Occidental this month.

Enforcers told not to shout at drivers

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 05:49 PM PDT

"THE traffic enforcers should penalize the erring public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers. Don't shout or harm them."This was stressed by Councilor Al Victor Espino yesterday after he already talked with the traffic enforcer and the PU driver along with his wife at the Bacolod Government Center.Espino, chairperson of the City Council committee on traffic, said the PUJ driver and his wife admitted that they committed a mistake and they are willing to face the penalty from the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO).On Wednesday, an altercation ensued between Traffic Enforcer Chris Aragon and jeepney driver Regie DesuyoThe video taken by Desuyo's partner Joan Ducay made rounds on social media showing Aragon shouting at Desuyo after the latter allegedly committed a traffic violation.Espino said the traffic enforcer insisted that he just wanted to correct the violation of the PUJ driver and was only doing his job.However, Espino told him that it's still inappropriate to shout at the driver and his partner.If the PUJ driver committed a traffic violation, he added, that the traffic enforcer should have immediately issued a citation ticket instead of having an altercationEspino noted that BTAO was created by the City Council by way of an ordinance and they are responsible for what happens inside the BTAO."I will not tolerate this kind of action in said office," Espino said.He said they will determine first the status of the traffic enforcer if he is a regular or casual employee of BTAO so they can penalize him."I have received a specific instruction from Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez that we should serve not just our constituents in Bacolod City, but we should serve our people with a smile," he added.Espino also gave an assurance to the PUJ driver that in the event that he will be maltreated again by the traffic enforcer, his office is open and he will deal with it accordingly.In a related development, the enforcer and the driver had already patched things up yesterday in front of the councilor. (APN)

Marcos, Duterte-Carpio ‘almost confirmed’ to grace MassKara fest

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 05:41 PM PDT

IT'S almost confirmed that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio will attend Bacolod City's MassKara Festival in October this year.This was announced by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Benitez said yesterday, July 15, that Vice-President Duterte- Carpio reminded him on Thursday that she will attend the city's MassKara Festival in October along with other government officials including the first lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.Benitez said he is not sure yet whether they will arrive at the opening or closing of the MassKara Festival"What is important is that they have confirmed that they are attending the festival," he said.Benitez noted that lawyer and event organizer Pinky Mirano-Ocampo, who was earlier tasked to head this year's MassKara Festival, will also create another foundation that needs an accreditation from the City Council to formalize it.For now, he said due to the old budget, there's no allocation yet for the festival event and they only have less than P2 million available for the said event."We are not sure yet, if it will be given to the foundation (budget) or will be given directly to the barangay that will participate in MassKara Festival activities," he added.The mayor noted that as of now, they are relying on the private sponsors and they are now tapping their corporate friends to sponsor the MassKara.With the plans that they have for the MassKara Festival, Benitez stressed that it will probably be one of the most expensive."I've been calling some of our friends in the corporate world who can help us, so far we have had a positive response," Benitez said.He said they are targeting a grander MassKara Festival this year and they are now preparing for the event.The mayor disclosed that this year's festival will be something memorable, unique, exciting and entertaining.

HVI yields P1.8M ‘shabu’

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 05:37 PM PDT

ABOUT P1.8 million worth of suspected shabu was recovered from a high value individual (HVI) at Barangay Poblacion in Bago City, Negros Occidental at about 3 p.m. Thursday, July 14.The police identified the arrested suspect as Rex Quilong-Quilong, alias "Pedic/Pedik", 42, of Purok Mahinangpanon in Barangay 35, Bacolod City.Aside from 30 sachets of the banned substance weighing about 275 grams, they also recovered a .45 caliber pistol with five live ammunition and P2,553 in cash from the suspect upon his arrest, the police said.Reports from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) show that Quilong-Quilong was arrested after he transacted to a poseur-buyer at about 3 p.m. at Purok Bilaho.Nocppo Director Colonel Leo Pamittan lauded the operatives of the Bago City police for the arrest of Quilong-Quilong.In Bacolod, Romeo Madera, Jr. 33 of Purok Zone 7 in the city's Barangay Handumanan was arrested at his residence at about 8:30 p.m. with nine sachets of suspected shabu weighing 28 grams and valued at P190,000 along with P400 in cash.Madera and Quilong Quilong are now detained at the Bacolod City Police Station 10 and at Bago City Police Station, respectively. Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against them.

Army overrun rebels’ camp in Cauayan’

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 05:34 PM PDT

MEMBERS of the of the 15th and 47th Infantry Battalions (IB) overran a CPP-NPA Terrorist's hideout following an encounter in Barangay Inayawan in Cauayan town, Negros Occidental on July 14.The encounter was a result of the timely information provided by concerned civilians about the presence of armed men at Sitio Hanot who are already tired of the abuses, lies, and deception of this terrorist organization.Upon receiving the said information, the troops immediately launched a combat operation against more or less ten communist terrorists led by alias "Kumpol".After a ten-minute firefight, the enemies abandoned their hideout and scampered in different directions.Military said there were no casualties during the gun battle from both their and the rebels' side.They, however, recovered a .45 caliber pistol with magazine and ammunition, a hand cap grenade; 50-meter electric wire and two cellular phones and a charger.They also recovered a Baofeng Radio, medical paraphernalia, backpacks, food packs, personal belongings, anti-personnel mine paraphernalia, and subversive documents with high intelligence value, the military also said.Lt. Colonel Michael Cuarteros, Commanding Officer of the 15IB, commended the local populace's sincerity in supporting the government's campaign to end the local communist armed conflict especially in Southern Negros by providing precise information on the whereabouts of the rebels' presence."The Philippine Army is currently pursuing the CPP-NPA terrorists in Negros with a commitment to eradicate and destroy these groups who have no other desire but evil in society and prevent them from sowing fear and exploitation to regain their lost masses," he said.Cuarteros reiterated his call to the remaining rebels to abandon violence and embrace peace."We urge the remaining terrorists to turn themselves into the government while there is still a chance while, for those who refuse, we will track you down until you are incapable of victimizing civilians and destroying innocent lives," he added.

DOH-6 to assess NegOcc’s alarming dengue cases

Posted: 15 Jul 2022 05:29 PM PDT

"IT'S alarming."That was how Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson would describe the current dengue situation in the Negros Occidental following reports that the province top of the list of the greatest number of cases in the region.With this, Lacson said, a team from the Department of Health in Region 6 will be arriving in Negros Occidental soon to assess the situation and look for ways to resolve the rising dengue cases.Negros Occidental has the highest number of newly reported dengue cases with 185 cases as of July 2.The DOH reported that the province's cases as of July this year has increased by 777 percent compared to the same period last year while there were three new fatalities caused by the mosquito-borne disease.As to the active coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in Negros Occidental, it may hit more than a hundred in the coming weeks, Lacson said, as he warned the public to continue protecting themselves."I know a lot of people getting hit by Covid...There are talks that using face masks will become optional but while it is still not in place, let's be vigilant that there is an uptick of cases," he stressed.

Traffic enforcers told to apply maximum tolerance following altercation

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:41 AM PDT

THE Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) has called on traffic personnel in the city to "apply maximum tolerance."This was after an altercation ensued between the traffic enforcer and public utility jeepney (PUJ) driver along Ramos Street on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.Major Junji Liba, head of Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), said he already called the attention of the traffic enforcer, whose name is being withheld, and required to submit his written explanation.Liba said the traffic enforcer, who is a volunteer enforcer, was temporarily removed from his post and presently reporting at BTAO while the investigation is ongoing.The direct supervisor of the traffic enforcer was also required to submit his investigation report, he added.A video making rounds on social media showed that the traffic enforcer shouted at the PUJ driver after the latter allegedly committed a traffic violation.The wife of the driver, who was recording the video, tried to defend her husband. However, the traffic enforcer went to her side while pointing his finger."Indi mo pagtolerahon ang bana mo. Sawayon mo ha [Don't tolerate your husband. Stop him from doing that]," the enforcer shouted at her.Liba said that based on the statement of the traffic enforcer, the PUJ driver attempted to take a left turn. However, the traffic light is not yet on the "go" sign for him to make the turn.So, he was called by the traffic enforcer to go straight so that he would not cause traffic in the area around 3 p.m.Liba said the PUJ driver also took a straight direction but while driving, he uttered some bad words to the traffic enforcers."The traffic enforcer approached him to correct his violation. But, a heated argument ensued between them," he added.Liba said they cannot impose an administrative sanction against the traffic enforcer because its status is still a volunteer and under evaluation.He said they also received a communication from the PUJ driver that they are open for a dialogue to clear the incident.Liba reminded all the traffic enforcers to be more patient while on duty to avoid similar incident.

Bacolod City Council urges DepEd, Ched to intensify anti-dengue drive

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:39 AM PDT

THE Bacolod City Council has approved a resolution urging the private and public schools in the city through the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (Ched) to include in their cleanliness drive the intensified campaign against dengue in preparation for the opening of the School Year 2022 to 2023.Resolution author Councilor Claudio Puentevella, chairperson of the city council committee on education, said the DepEd and Ched are the lead agencies in regulating and promoting activities for the enhancement and protection of the welfare of students.He said the Department of Health (DOH) announced on July 4, that the Philippines has logged 51,622 dengue cases from January 1 to June 18, 2022.The figure is 58-percent more compared to the same period in 2021, the agency said, adding that Western Visayas exceeded the epidemic threshold for the past four weeks.In Bacolod City, Puentevella reported that Bacolod City had a total of 308 cases with six deaths from January to July 13 this year, citing records from the City Health Office (CHO).The councilor said dengue cases occur not only in the different residential houses but also in schools where concealed places serve as breeding ground for mosquitoes.He said schools should follow the "4S" strategy which stands for search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection measures, seek early consultation, and support fogging or spraying."There is a need to protect the health and safety of students by promoting programs and activities that will eradicate the incidence of dengue in our school, community and society," Puentevella said.

Contract between Bacolod, AstraZeneca 'missing'

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:38 AM PDT

WHERE is the contract?This is the question that needs to be answered following the report that the written contract between the City Government of Bacolod and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc. for the purchase of vaccines against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) could not be found.Lawyer Lyzander Dilag, spokesperson of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, in a press conference at the Bacolod Government Center Thursday, July 14, said that what was presented to them was merely a draft.Earlier this week, the representative of the pharmaceutical firm arrived in Bacolod to collect the P98 million balance of the Vity Government claiming that they already fully delivered the vaccines as early as last year.Benitez, however, said that he will try his best not to pay the balance."When the mayor said this, it was in the context of several considerations or parameters like how can we pay the people's money on a supposed contractual obligation where there is no original contract to support," he said.Dilag added that "this would be highly controversial or if not, we would not be standing on a very solid ground."The spokesperson of the mayor also said that it was the City Legal Office (CLO) found out that the original copy of the contract is missing, adding that the contract was handled by the previous administration.Once they will have the copy of the contract, he added the CLO will evaluate the contract along with the other department heads then, the city will make a decision.A report from the City Health Office (CHO) showed that 216,000 doses of vaccines delivered by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc. were fully utilized by the city.However, Benitez earlier said the firm insisted that the city still have 434,000 doses of vaccines at the Department of Health (DOH).He said the previous administration has purchased 650,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines.Of the number, some 434,000 dozes were not accepted by the previous administration and are now stored at the facility of the DOH because the city has already exceeded its target number of inoculation."The problem is, the lifespan of the vaccines is only six months and the 300,000 doses are now expired," Benitez lamented.The City Government of Bacolod earlier allotted P300 million for the advance purchase of vaccines against the Covid-19.For Dr. Chris Sorongon, spokesperson of former Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, the tripartite agreement entered into by and between the city government, DOH and the pharmaceutical firm, upon the prodding of the previous national government when vaccine supply was a scarcity, is a contractual obligation that must be honored.Sorongon, in a statement, earlier said it is the call of the new city administration under Benitez, if it will not honor the stipulations contained in the contract as he will be the one that will deal with AstraZeneca officials now."To set the record straight, there are no expired vaccines at the Bacolod storage facility and the expired vaccines he [Benitez] was referring are with the DOH central facility," Sorongon, who used to be the deputy for medical and data analysis of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC), added.

Negrense parents urged to have their children vaccinated against Covid-19

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:38 AM PDT

THE Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Negros Occidental is encouraging parents to have their children vaccinated against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) as they stepped up preparations for the opening of the new school year on August 22, 2022, and the resumption of full face-to-face (F2F) classes by November.Ian Arnold Arnaiz, spokesperson of DepEd Division of Negros Occidental, said that from August to October this year, their office will concentrate on preparing all the public schools in the province for the eventual resumption of F2F classes.Based on the initial information received by the division, areas placed under Alert Levels 1 and 2 will be allowed to hold F2F classes.Since Covid-19 had yet to disappear or declared as endemic, all of the teachers and students are being reminded not to be complacent.At present, a majority of the teachers in the province have already been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, while vaccination rates among minors are still low.Arnaiz advised parents not to hesitate on having their children vaccinated as it would give them additional protection against Covid-19.DepEd Division of Negros Occidental Schools Superintendent Marsette Sabbaluca earlier said the towns of EB Magalona, Don Salvador Benedicto, Pontevedra, Toboso and Valladolid are ready for the resumption of full F2F classes.As of July 12, there were 252 of the 581 public elementary schools and 10 of the 117 private schools ready for in-person learning.On Tuesday, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson met with Sabbaluca and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang to discuss the readiness of public schools in the province for F2F classes.President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. also earlier said he wants the local government units (LGUs) to conduct a large-scale immunization drive for booster shots targeting school children so they can safely go back to school either August or September.Marcos has revealed the government's plan to resume full capacity in-person learning by November this year.The national government currently allows Covid-19 vaccination for aged five and above. Also, it recently released guidelines for additional doses for 12 to 17 years old.

DepEd: 5 Negros Occidental towns ready for F2F classes

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:38 AM PDT

FIVE municipalities in the province are ready for face-to-face (F2F) classes, the top official of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Division of Negros Occidental said.Dr. Marsette Sabbaluca, Schools Division superintendent of DepEd-Negros Occidental, said these towns are EB Magalona, Don Salvador Benedicto, Pontevedra, Toboso and Valladolid.Sabbaluca said, as of July 12, there were 252 of the 581 public elementary schools and 10 of the 117 private schools under the supervision of DepEd-Division of Negros Occidental that are ready for in-person learning."Our data do not include those under the city schools divisions," she said.Sabbaluca said DepEd Division of Negros Occidental is preparing for the in-person classes using the School Safety Assessment Tool as they are targeting all schools in the province to comply with it."This is to ensure that when students return to schools on August 22, these (schools) are ready and safe," she said, adding that "all schools should be open."

Fire destorys over P200,000 in properties

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:38 AM PDT

MOTR than P200,000 worth of properties were destroyed when a fire hit two residential houses in Barangays Felisa and Handumanan in Bacolod City Thursday, July 14, 2022.Around 11:45 p.m., a fire of still unknown origin gutted the house of Jose Harry Ramos in Totong 3, Barangay Felisa.Investigation conducted by Senior Fire Officer 1 John Stewart Mondido and Fire Officer 2 Ronel Ivan Labansauan showed that the fire started in the bedroom of Ador Ramos.The fire was put out around 11:48 p.m. It destroyed P75,000 in properties, the BFP said.Five hours later, three houses in Purok Datiles, Barangay Handumanan also caught fire around 3:18 p.m.The fire, which originated at the house of Eugee Vic Dagoy and spread at the nearby residences of Lovene Pilapil and Sheem Morales, destroyed P150,000 in properties.The fire was put out around 3:45 p.m.No casualties or injuries were reported in both fire incidents.

Salesman loses P120,000 to robbers

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 07:56 PM PDT

MORE than P120,000 in cash collection were stolen by armed robbers from a salesman at Barangay Deliciouso in Ilog town, Negros Occidental at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12.Virgilio Gelera Jr., 32, of Bayawan City in Negros Oriental and employed as salesman of JT Philippines, told the police that he was collecting money at a store in the barangay's Sitio Bagroy when the three suspects arrived onboard a motorcycle.Gelera said two of the suspects threatened him and his driver Marvie Magbanua, 40, of Barangay Inayauan in Cauayan town, Negros Occidental with unknown caliber of firearms and forcibly took his collection money amounting to P120,163 and fled.He said one of the suspects was wearing a mask, another had his helmet on while the other one had no cover on his face.When he checked the rouge's gallery of the town's police station, he identified the suspect without face cover as Nilo Topez Jr., alias "Lolong," about 24 years old and a resident of Purok 5-B Barangay Guiljungan also in CauayanCharges are now readied against the suspect and his cohorts, who fled towards Kabankalan City after committing the crime.*

Farmer, laborer shot dead

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 07:55 PM PDT

A FARMER and a laborer were shot dead in Victorias City and Isabela town, Negros Occidental, yesterday and Tuesday, respectively.Police identified the victims as Roldan Berito, 40, of Hacienda Onson Purisima in Manapla town; and Milky Talanas, 26, of Barangay Riverside in Isabela town.Lt. Ginus David, deputy chief of Victorias City Police Station, said Berito, a farmer, was standing in front of a gasoline station along Osmeña Avenue in the city's barangay 5 when an unidentified suspect shot him at about 3 p.m. yesterdat, July 13.Berito was rushed to a hospital but he did not survive due to multiple gunshot wounds, he said.The suspect was riding a motorcycle driven by his companion and fled towards the northern portion of the barangay, he also said.As of this writing, authorities are still determining the motive behind the shooting.Meanwhile, grudge is the angle being looked into by the local police in Isabela behind the shooting to death of Talanas, a laborer, at the town's Barangay Riverside in the evening of Tuesday, July 12.Lt. Dante Balenario, deputy chief of Isabela town police said Talanas was on his way home after attending the debut party of his neighbor at the latter's house located about 300 meters from his home when the suspect shot him.He said Talanas sustained multiple gunshot wounds on his chest which resulted in his immediate death.Balenario told SunStar Bacolod that Talanas' family claimed that they don't know if he has an enemy because the victim has not received any threats prior to the incidentBut as of yesterday, authorities already have a person of interest.*

BFAR: Mussels in San Enrique safe for consumption

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 07:54 PM PDT

"IT'S safe for consumption."This was stressed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Negros Occidental referring to the tons of mussels washed ashore the coastlines of San Enrique town starting Sunday night, July 10.BFAR-Negros Occidental Officer-In-Charge Provincial Director Marian Jill Abeto said there are two species of mussels found in Negros Occidental, the green and brown mussels.Abeto said those found at the shorelines of the town's Barangay Tabao Baybay and Poblacion are brown mussels.She explained that it is natural for these mussels to be washed ashore by the strong current as they are usually found on shallow waters.It is not the first time that such an event had occurred in San Enrique.Some residents said following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Odette in December last year, thousands of mussels have also been washed ashore at the same area.Meanwhile, Abeto advised the public who are collecting the mussels to make sure that they are fresh.They should clean them thoroughly before cooking and eating, she added.*

Assistance to clean public markets sought

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 07:52 PM PDT

THE Bacolod City Council has approved a resolution enjoining the City Engineer's Office (CEO), City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), and General Services Office (GSO) to assist the market administration in cleaning and improving the surroundings of the three major public markets.Authored by Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the city council committee on markets and slaughterhouse, the resolution was approved during the council's regular session on Wednesday, July 13.Flor said the CEO, CDRRMO, and GSO should assist the market administration to conduct immediate cleaning, flushing, declogging, dredging, and repair pipelines, drainage, and surrounding of the Libertad, Burgos and Central Markets as a stop-gap measure pending full rehabilitation according to the agenda of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.She said the city public markets are part of the daily lives of every Bacolodnon, where a variety of goods, products and services are sold to the public to address their everyday needs."One of the city government's agenda is a clean and healthy public market to make essential goods, products and other services available to the people in a healthy and sanitary environment," she added.On Tuesday, Flor inspected the city's major public markets and discovered various issues that need to be addressed.Among the urgent and apparent issues that surfaced during the inspection are the clogged pipelines, drainage systems in and surrounding the markets, pools of dirty water, garbage, and the overall unsanitary situation, Flor said."This situation causes flooding, renders pathways to be impassable, and even worse, poses health hazards for both vendors and customers," she noted.The official stressed that the mandate of the CEO and CDRMMO include the maintenance of drainage systems, cleaning and declogging of drainage lines.This request serves as a course to further alleviate the unhealthy condition of the city public markets and to abide by the prescribed health and safety standards of the public market for the welfare of the vendors and consuming public, she added.*

P30M alloted for repair of Odette-hit schools in NegOcc

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 07:50 PM PDT

THE Provincial School Board of Negros Occidental has allotted about P30 million for the repair of public schools in the province that have been badly-hit by Typhoon Odette in December last year.But Provincial Schools' Division Superintendent Dr. Marsette Sabbaluca said the amount is not enough."Typhoon Odette badly-hit our schools," she said.Despite this, Sabaluca stressed, the school heads know how to find ways to ensure that the students will be safe come the opening of the school year on August 22, 2022."I know that our local officials and the Parents Teachers Association (PTAs) will always help," she said."We all want our students and learners to go back to school," the DepEd official also said.*

Bacolod City Council concurs appointments of Maghari, Ting

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 07:49 PM PDT

THE Bacolod City Council has concurred on the appointments of lawyers Pacifico Maghari III and Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. as city administrator and legal officer, respectively.Maghari and Ting's appointment were unanimously approved during the council's regular session yesterday, July 13, presided by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran.Before their concurrence, Maghari and Ting were only asked by Councilor Renecito Novero about their exact residences in Bacolod City which they were able to provide.Councilor Al Victor Espino, majority floor leader, said he is hopeful that Maghari and Ting will perform to the best of their abilities for the benefit not just of the administration of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, but for the people of the city."There's a big expectation on this administration and we are hopeful that they will contribute towards that accomplishment," Espino said.On the question of the residency of Maghari and Ting, he said, residency is a particular requirement for both positions.Maghari and Ting also expressed their gratitude to the members of the city council for the confirmation of their appointment."We will make sure that we will take care of the trust given not only by Mayor Benitez, but also by the members of the city council," Maghari said.*

Ceneco officials mull MR against NEA’s suspension order

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 07:47 PM PDT

A MOTION for reconsideration (MR) may be filed this week by some officials of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) who were earlier suspended for 30 days by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) on the grounds of simple neglect.Their lawyer Irish Viceral said the motion to be filed will either be asking the NEA if the officials could pay the fine instead of serving the suspension, or they will ask the agency to look into the merits of the case again.Whether an MR is filed or not, Ceneco President Jojit Yap and Board Members Robert Javellana, Martha Joyce Cuenca, Antonio Panique Eugene Velasco and Fr. Ernie Larida are abiding with the NEA's suspension order as it is already executory, Viceral assured.As to the case of Ceneco's former manager lawyer Danny Pondevilla, she explained that the suspension order is already "moot and academic" considering that he was already recalled from his position in December last year.Pondevilla is currently the general manager of the Northern Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (Noneco)."We cannot suspend him because the supposed infraction was committed when he was still with Ceneco (and) it is not right that we deny Noneco a manager for a month," Viceral stressed.The officials were given at least 15 days by the NEA to either accept the suspension or file an MR.In suspending the Ceneco officials, the NEA cited that they failed to apply for the required exemption from the Department of Energy (DOE) before they entered into the extension of agreement with Kepco Salcon Power Corp. (KSPC) last year for the purchase of a 20-megawatt power supply.The suspension came after Wennie Sancho, who is supposed to be an observer in the bidding, filed administrative charges against the officials.The charges filed by Sancho included grave misconduct, gross neglect, dishonesty, gross insubordination, conduct prejudicial to the interest of the electric cooperative and its member-consumers, and willful violation or non-compliance to NEA issuances, memoranda and other rules and regulations.But in the same suspension order, the NEA explained that the officials only committed simple neglect of duty and they "found no merit" on the charges filed by Sancho.For his part, Larida, in a press conference at O' Hotel in Bacolod City yesterday, July 13, described as "funny" the claims of Sancho that the suspension was the "victory of the consumers" because none of his claims were actually given merit by the NEA.Since their names have been tarnished, he said, they might also file charges against Sancho.As not to hamper the operations due to the suspension, interim officials were temporarily designated in lieu of those who were suspended.
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