What's Up in Oriental Negros

A CALL FOR VIGILANCE
Editorial
Metro Post – March 27 to April 02, 2005
Page 04

Despite the fact that the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police are on Red Alert, and are on the lookout for possible terrorist threats, we in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental (again) seem to be taking it easy.

Security checks leading to our bus terminals, seaports, and airports are too laxed, and could easily allow even a terrorist-in-training to ship through.

Sure, we pride ourselves as a City, or even a province of Gentle People. Sure, no right-thinking Dumagueteno would think of doing such a dastardly act as a terrorist attack.

That may be a logical and comforting thought, but we are talking of a threat by elements who are not gentle people and who live not too far away from us.

As they say, the chain is strongest at its weakest link. Sloppy security personnel could attract the attention (if they haven’t done yet) of would-be terrorists to enter Manila or Cebu through our ports. By the time we realized it, it would have been too late.

Despite the increasing price of gasoline, the peso is still strong compared to its performance in the previous months. The last thing that could pull us a few notches down again is one stupid terrorist act.

SAY ‘ORIENTAL NEGROS’, SAYS GOV.
Metro Post
March 27 to April 02, 2005
Page 03


Gov. George P. Arnaiz has called on the media to support the move of the Provincial government to use the name Oriental Negros when referring to the province, in order to boost the ongoing promotional activities meant to encourage tourism.

The call was made during the inauguration of the Mahardika Travel and Tours at the Ever Mall last Wednesday, the latest travel agency to open in Dumaguete.

Mahadika Travel and Tours is a business venture of six investors who include a local couple, Reno and Sheila May Ghent, and the mayor of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, Norbi Edding.

Arnaiz said the provincial government is spending its own money to promote its tourist attractions, even before the Department of Tourism decided not to include the province in the list of tourism spots in the country to be promoted by the national government.

The failure of the DoT to promote Oriental Negros resulted in a serious backlash in the DoT program in the province, after Dumaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices ordered the removal of the 500 streamers displayed by the DoT and Smart Communications all over the City. Perdices said the streamers were displayed without a permit.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, in a bid to mollify the provincial leaders, assured that Dumaguete and Oriental Negros will be included in the second theme of the tourism advertisements in June, which will highlight food.

“We are thankful that there are travel agencies sprouting in Dumaguete because they can help advertise Dumaguete and the province,” Arnaiz noted.

The governor, who also chairs the influential Regional Development Council, said that the terms “Negros Oriental” and “Oriental Negros” can be used interchangeably without a need for legislation in congress.

Mayor Edding, for his part, said he decided to invest in Dumaguete and Oriental Negros because he was encouraged with the peaceful state of the place. “Even the governor can walk around without a bodyguard,” he noted. Edding said that in the travel industry business, the peace and order condition plays a very big role in its success.

For Reno Ghent, opening a travel agency was the nest best thing, after having spent some time as a travel organizer for inbound visitors. “I believe this is the only province where we have multiple destinations—lakes, dive sites, dolphin watching, waterfalls – we have everything.

He said that the reason why travel agencies are sprouting in Dumaguete is because it is geographically positioned to reach tourist destinations in Central Visayas.

“This is the low-cost and peaceful jump off point to these destinations – Aliguay, Siquijor, Balicasag, Apo island, Sumilon, Moalboal – all dive sites in Central Visayas and northern Mindanao are very near and will cost tourists less when you come from Dumaguete. If you’re a diver, a naturalist or a hiker, you don’t want a noisy place to sray at night. Oriental Negros is where the rubber meets the road. We really have a product to sell,” Ghent said.

TAYASAN WANTS TO TAX NORECO 1
Metro Post March 27-April 02, 2005
Page 03

The local government unit of Tayawan has enacted a law to tax has enacted a law to tax the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative 1 (NOREC1)

Ordinance No. 2004-021, declares a distributor of electricity as one of the business taxable under the Municipal Tax Code of Tayasan.

Electirc cooperatives today enjoy some form of tax exemptions by virtue of a provision in the Cooperative Development Code which exempts them from paying realty taxes.

The Tayasan Municipal Council, however, passed the ordinance after the treasury department of the Capitol informed Tayasan officials that taxes from Noreco 1 are paid directly to the Bindoy local government, even while they also do business in Tayasan.

The Tayasan government said this is detrimental to their interest and that even the provincial government failed to exercise its power to tax.

The town legislators pointed out that they have a claim to the taxes of Noreco 1 by virtue of their own municipal tax ordinance.

They said that the cooperative physically had been doing business in their area because Tayasan residents who are their member-consumers have been paying their bills through roving collectors and station collectors. (Edmund Sestoso)

PENRO TO PUT UP WILDLIFE RESCUE CENTER
Metro Post – March 27 – April 02, 2005
Page 02

A wildlife rescue center will be established in the City of Bayawan and in the town of Zamboanguita, particularly at the zoo of the late environmentalist and conservationist Eleuterio Trop in Bragy. Salngan.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Antonio Cabrido said the rescue center will be the depository facility for wildlife that may be confiscated, apprehended or rescued from illegal sources.

These centers are a joint project of the Province of Negros Oriental, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR), the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) and Fr. Tropa’s Spaceship 2000 E.T. World Peace Mission.

He said the establishment of the center is in line with their efforts to implement Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2004. Bayawan City Mayor German Sarana has signified their willingness to open the facility in an area originally planned to construct an aviary and an enclosure for its spotted deer farm.

NORSU, on the other hand, will be responsible for conducting a public information and education drive within the area and some parts of the province.

They will also conduct studies, research and recording of important information observed on these species. (Edmund Sestoso)

ARNAIZ SCORES DOT, SMART, FOR ADS
February 27 to March 2005
Metro Post
Page 02

Governor George Arnaiz has reacted sharply to the non-inclusion of Negros Oriental tourist spots in the “I Love Philippines Biyahe na!” campaign of the Department of Tourism and Smart Communications.

Arnaiz called Tourism Secretary Ace Durano on his cellphone Tuesday, to convey his displeasure at the DoT’s snub of the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Smart Communications, Inc., the partner of DoT in this project, posted hundreds of posters in Dumaguete encouraging the public to visit the tourist spots of Central Visayas, but only mentioning the ones found in Cebu and Bohol.

Mayor Agustin Perdices immediately ordered the removal of the posters, not only because they did not include the tourist spots in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental, but because Smart posted the controversial materials without a permit from the General Services Office of the City.

“We consider you as our promoter being from region 7 and as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) for Central Visayas and this is what you are doing,” Arnaiz told Durano on the cellphone in front of reporters at the Provincial Capital.

“We are spending our own money without your help and here you are doing things which are counterproductive to our efforts,” Arnaiz, who is also the chair of the influential Regional Development Council, admonished Durano.

He also threatened to block Smart Communications from operating in Negros Oriental if they do not include Negros Oriental in their campaign.

“I’m not kidding. We might do that!” he said, adding that while Smart has a big market here in Negros Oriental, the province does not get anything from them. “If Smart doesn’t love us, how can we love Smart?

They must reciprocate,” Arnaiz said. The same sentiment was echoed by Perdices, who said that Smart has continually been ignoring their requests for sponsorship during important occasions in the city. “Ever since, Smart has never helped us. It has always been Glove,” Perdices said.

But Durano stood pat on their stand against including Negros Oriental in their campaign, as he told Cebu reporters that Negros Oriental lacks facilities for tourists. “so I opted not to promote these areas yet so that his department will not be blamed.”

He said if DOOOT would promote these provinces and yet, the tourists will find out later that they cannot be accommodated because of lack of facilities, DOT will be blamed.

Tourism 7 regional director Patria Aurora Roa, however, made another explanation to appease the officials of Negros Oriental. She said these areas will be included in the next round of the TV advertisement.

Roa said the DOT has already received the materials from Negros Oriental and Siquijor that will be used in the advertisement.

CITY TO MONITOR JUNK SHOP DEALS
Metro Post
March 27-April 02, 2005
Page 03

The city government will soon be regulating the operation of junk shops to check on reports that they buy stolen products.

“Scavengers-turned-thieves have found in these shops, a very convenient and accommodating buyer who asks no questions,” Councilor Samuel Dicen, the proponent of the Ordinance, said.

Other city councilors also found out that while these junk shops are buyers of supposedly discarded materials, valuable metal works and other construction materials may be found in these junk shops. These was the case when the expensive metal frames owned by the provincial government was found in one of the junk shops.

To regulate its operation, the proposed ordinance will require junk shops to keep a record of all their transactions, indicating the identity and address of the seller, including the dates and a brief description of the item.

And to track stolen items, the record book must also be made available to the police authorities when requested, the proposed ordinance states. (Edmund Sestoso)

A CURIOUS INCIDENT
Metro Post
Light & Shadow by: Gilbert R. Arbon
March 27 to April 02, 2005
Page 05

As I write this trying to think of Easter, I recall with both sadness and amusement the curious incident that took place yesterday evening while I was waiting outside the Jollibee fastfood.

Now we all know where this popular fastfood joint lies – at the main crossroads of commerce in this City, which is definitely not a bad place to be from the marketing point of view. Even mendicants would agree on this point, for they know exactly where to flock.

So there I was on my parked motorcycle, oblivious to the flow of humanity around me, when who should intrude into my private bubble but humanity in one of its despised, though tragic, forms – a grimy-looking beggar boy with empty plastic tumbler in hand. What follows is a reconstruction of our rambling conversation:

“Sir, give me a Christmas present.” “Christmas? It’s no longer Christmas.”

“Please, sir, a Christmas present.” “Why? Where is your father anyway?”

“My father’s dead.” (He points to his chest.)
“Heart attack?”
“Yes.”
“So where do you live?”
“Cervantes street.”
“Do you go to school?”
“Yes, West [City Elementary School].” (At this point, the thought that I might meet him in one of my work related visits to that school crossed my mind.)
“So what would you do with the money?”
“Buy puso (rice) at the market.”
“How much does it cost?”
“Five pesos.”
“What’s your viand?”
“Fried egg. At four pesos and fifty cents.”
“Do you eat the food alone?”
“No, I share it with my sister.”
“How many brothers and sisters do you have in the family?”
“Three, but one is dead. Now there’s only two of us.”
“How many time do you get to eat in a day?”
“Two times, lunch and supper.”
“You don’t eat breakfast?”
“Well, we only have painit (bread) in the morning.”
“Do people try to drive you away?”
“Yes, some guys kick at our containers if we sit at the sidewalk.”
“Do you try to quarrel with them?”
“No, we can’t fight them.”
“To whom do you give the money you get?” (I was wondering if he was part of a syndicate.)
“My mother.”
“Does she work?”
“She watches our neighbor’s kid.”
“For how much?”
“Twenty pesos a day.”
At this point, my wife arrives. I fish a few coins from my pocket, and plunk it down the yawning hole that was the street urchin’s means of daily survival.

So what does my encounter with the street urchin have to do with Easter? Honestly, I don’t know. But I do know one thing: Life on earth is a struggle, and the forces of death always threaten to overwhelm it. Yet, in the end, life is more powerful than death. I should say the curious incident of Christ’s empty tomb proves this.

PHCCI SELLING PRCC
Metro Post
March 20-26, 2005
Page 03

The Perpetual Help Credit Cooperative, Inc. is putting the PHCCI Resort and Conference Center (PRCC) in Barangay Banilad, on the auction bloc to avert further losses from its continued operation.

The PRCC was officially closed on February 28, more than one year after its members agreed to let go of this asset.

"We could not afford to drag this deficit any longer. It had become a white elephant in our operation," said Eddie Lantaca, PHCCI manager.

The PHCCI Resort and Conference Center, a two-story building sitting on a 1,800 square meter a lot along the national highway, is being sold for P17.5 million.

This property was acquired by the PHCCI on December 1995 but the PRCC only started operations in April 1996.

It earned profits only during its first year.

The PHCCI, established in 1971, with 33 members and P586 in assets.

Now it has 35,447 members and has capital assets of over P630 million. It is one of the most stable and biggest cooperatives in the country today.

When asked for the Coop's formula for their success, Lantaca said they rely on their proven formula.

"It's no secret, actually," said Lantaca, "but I would give credit to education. Education is a must among coop members and the staff so we could acquire technical know-how to effectr better deliverance of services. The second thing is lots of work. Work, work, work. If you don't work, nothing will happen."

The Cooperative will hold its 34th Annual General Assembly on sunday, March 20 at the Cong. Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center.

TUTING PUZZLED BY DOT'S 'FOOD' THEME OFFER
Metro Post
March 20-26, 2005
Page 02

"FOOD? Why would tourists come to Dumaguete because of food?"

For a City whose only claim to culinary fame is the "budbud kabog," Mayor Agustin Perdices is taking Tourism Secretary Ace Durano's offer to put Dumaguete under the "Food" tourism category with a grain of salt.

Durano made the announcement during his visit to Dumaguete last week with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, two weeks after he was assailed by political and business leaders for failing to include Negros Oriental in the Department of Tourism's "Biyahe na!" promotions.

The DOT TV plugs under the Food theme is being produced and will start airing in June.

Perdices, however, said he finds it awkward. "I don't see how we can convice people outside to come here because of food. It's out of place.!"

He said it would be more appropriate to inclued Dumaguete and Negros Oriental in the "People and Culture" theme, the third batch of promotions being prepared by the DOT.

Perdices said he hopes he could meet with Tourism Regional Director Patria Aurora Roa to discuss their position on the matter.

Governor George Arnaiz, meanwhile, disclosed that the Province will continue to sell itself through natural attractions.

He said the province's thrust is to promote tourism that is environmentally friendly, wholesome and good for family visits.

STAY HOME, TRANSCO PRESIDENT TELLS COSCA GRADUATES
MetroPost - March 20-26, 2005
Page 02

At a time when many college graduates think of going abroad to start a life, a simple message proclaiming that there is hope for the country could be enough to drive some people to tears.

National Transmission Company (Transco) Presidnet and CEO Dr. Alan Ortiz exhorted the 134 graduates of the Diocese of Dumaguete's Colegio de sta. Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA), to choose to live, pursue careers and retire peacefully here in the Philippiens.

"Like many of you, I have close relatives who have lost hope in our country and migrated abroad," said Ortiz, who is also a director in a nursing placement company.

But many Filipinos abroad, he said, are affected by the by the strain of having multiple jobs.

He said that if the Philippines offered better opportunites, many Filipinos will not have to see leaving the country as an immediated recourse rather than a last. "I dream of a time many of you can and will be able to say that staying in the Philippines is a decision you took instead of a sad reality that you accepted," he said.

Ortiz expressed confidence that with stable power from his company, Dumaguete may be able to attract more IT-based businesses who will take advantage of its fiber optic cable network, which is among the most advanced in the world.

Ortiz said Transco will build the electricity infrastructure that will power communities, invite new investments and boost the economy, to allow many Dumaguetenos to stay and pursue careers without having to cut their roots. He said that the Philippines now has a new generation of enlightened leaders in all sectors of society. I have met them, talked to them. their passion for progress is real.

Their commitment to elevate our development status is genuine."

Fr. Enrique Balongag, COSCA vie presidnet for academic affairs, noted that many students and parents were in tears. "Ortiz" message was, by far, the most powerful graduation speech I had heard," Fr. Balongag said.

STAY HOME, TRANSCO PRESIDENT TELLS COSCA GRADUATES
MetroPost - March 20-26, 2005
Page 02

At a time when many college graduates think of going abroad to start a life, a simple message proclaiming that there is hope for the country could be enough to drive some people to tears.

National Transmission Company (Transco) Presidnet and CEO Dr. Alan Ortiz exhorted the 134 graduates of the Diocese of Dumaguete's Colegio de sta. Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA), to choose to live, pursue careers and retire peacefully here in the Philippiens.

"Like many of you, I have close relatives who have lost hope in our country and migrated abroad," said Ortiz, who is also a director in a nursing placement company.

But many Filipinos abroad, he said, are affected by the by the strain of having multiple jobs.

He said that if the Philippines offered better opportunites, many Filipinos will not have to see leaving the country as an immediated recourse rather than a last. "I dream of a time many of you can and will be able to say that staying in the Philippines is a decision you took instead of a sad reality that you accepted," he said.

Ortiz expressed confidence that with stable power from his company, Dumaguete may be able to attract more IT-based businesses who will take advantage of its fiber optic cable network, which is among the most advanced in the world.

Ortiz said Transco will build the electricity infrastructure that will power communities, invite new investments and boost the economy, to allow many Dumaguetenos to stay and pursue careers without having to cut their roots. He said that the Philippines now has a new generation of enlightened leaders in all sectors of society. I have met them, talked to them. their passion for progress is real.

Their commitment to elevate our development status is genuine."

Fr. Enrique Balongag, COSCA vie presidnet for academic affairs, noted that many students and parents were in tears. "Ortiz" message was, by far, the most powerful graduation speech I had heard," Fr. Balongag said.

CITY STARTS WASTEWATER PROJECT AMID PROTESTS
Metro Post - March 20-26, 2005
Page-01

The City of Dumaguete broke ground Wednesday for the county's first domestic waste septage management system in barangay Camanjac amid opposition from nearby residents.

Claiming that they were not consulted during the planning of the project, the residents expressed fears that the project, to be built with technology from the United States of America, would become a health hazard.

Officials, led b y Mayor Agustin Perdices, arrived at the scene that morning and found himself assuaging about 20 angry protestors, who complained that they were never consulted of the City's plan.

While the City says the 3.7 hectares of land where the project will be built on is government land, the residents were claiming it as their own.

Perdices assured the residents that he will ask the City Council to hold a public hearing after the Holy Week to thresh out the complaints. With that assurance, he pushed through with the groundbreaking ceremony while the protesting residnets watched from a distance.

"Lets not be suprised that there is opposition. That's normal, especially for people who do not understand our aim," Perdices told the people who witnessed the rites.

He siad he is confident that the opposition to the project will ease the moment they understand what it is all about.

When interviewed by the MetroPost, Anastacial Infante,53, said her 63-year-old husband Arturo had been cultivatinbg this land, belonging to Gregoria Arabejo, since he was 17 years old. "We will insist on our right to till the soil," she demanded.

Another resident, Llito Dales, 68, said the project will be built on his land. "We were not have money for medicine if we get sick from inhaling the fumes."

"They did it the wrong way. The talk is that the barangay council had already approved this project before they called for a hearing," said Liberta Diputado, 63.

Camanjac Barangay Captain Romeo Inguig acknowledged that his residents opposed the project when he called for a public hearing last Saturday, but nevertheless vowed to support the project, undertaken byt the Local Initiatives for Affordable Wastewater (LINAW) of the US-Asia Environmental Partnership (ISAEP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

"We will pass a resolution favorably recommending this project," he assured, adding that those barangay councilors who will not approve the resolution may have "a differecnt political agenda."

Vice Mayor William Ablong, who is a member of the national technical working group tasked to draft the internal rules and regulations of the Clean Water Act, said this project which will serve as a showcase for the other local goernment units in the country, consists of eight laggons where the septic waste will be processed. During the processing, the water will be treated biologically and the sludge will be made into fertilizer.

Ablong said the project, once completed, promises to become a tourist destination for Dumaguete. "The City has been receiving visitors for our environment program and this project will become the best study site for biology students as we envision this to become a wildlife sanctuary," Ablong said.

MAAYO SHIPPING BUYS BIGGER SHIP; ADDS MORE TRIPS
Metro Post – March 20-26, 2005
Page 03


The Maayo Shipping has sought to improve its ferry service between Tampi, Negros Oriental and Bato, Cebu by acquiring a bigger landing craft to service the growing needs of the riding public.

Dante Matiao, Officer-in-Charge of Maayo Shipping, said their new ship, the LCT Wilcox, will start crossing the Tanon Strait next month. It is currently being refurgished in their Tampi drydock.

The LCT Wilcox will be the fifth and biggest ship in the Maayo9 fleet, which could accommodate seven ten-wheelers and one prime mover, an equivalent of 35 cars. It used to cross between.

This boat also makes it possible for Maayo shipping to increase their number of crossings between Bato and Tampi from 9 to 12 trips every day at intervals of from 1 ½ to 2 hours, with the first trip leaving at 5 a.m. and the last trip leaving at 11:30 p.m.

“Traffic is increasing between Negros and Cebu, especially after the President opened the strong Republic Nautical Highway which made Negros Oriental a vital link betweenthe western and central Philippine highways,” Matiao noted.

CITY STARTS WASTE WATER PROJECT AMID PROTESTS
Metro Post – March 20-26, 2005
Page 01

The City of Dumaguete broke ground Wednesday for the country’s first domestic waste septage management system in barangay Camanjac amid opposition from nearby residents.

Claiming that they were not consulted during the planning of the project, the residents expressed fears that the project, to be built with technology from the United States of America, would become a health hazard.

Officials, leg by Mayor Augustin Perdices, arrived at the scene that morning and found himself assuaging about 20 angry protestors, who complained that they were never consulted of the City’s plan.

While the City says the 3.7 hectares of land where the project will be built on is government land, the residents were claiming it as their own.

Perdices assured the residents that he will ask the City Council to hold a public hearing after the Holy Week to thresh out the complaints. With that assurance, he pushed through with the protesting residents watched from a distance.

“Lets not be surprised that there is opposition. That’s normal, especially for people who do not understand our aim,” Perdices told the people who witnessed the rites.

He said he is confident that the opposition to the project will ease the moment they understand what it is all about.

When interviewed by the Metro Post, Anastacia Infante, 53, said her 63-year-old husband Arturo had been cultivating this land, belonging to Gregoria Arabejo, since he was 17 years old. “We will insist on our right to till the soil,” she demanded.

Another resident, Lito Dales, 68, said the project will be built on his land. “We were not informed of this project. We are poor and we don’t have money for medicine if we get sick from inhaling the fumes.”

“They did it the wrong way. The talk is that the barangay council had already approve this project before they called for a hearing,” said Liberata Diputado, 63.

Camanjac Barangay Captain Romeo Inquig acknowledged that his residents opposed the project when he called for a public hearing last Saturday, but nevertheless vowed to support the project, undertaken by the Local Initiatives for Affordable Wastewater (LINAW) of the US-Asia Environmental Partnership (USAEP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“We will pass a resolution favorably recommending this project,” he assured, adding that those barangay councilors who will not approve the resolution may have “a different political agenda.”

Vice Mayor William Ablong, who is a member of the national technical working group tasked to draft the internal rules and regulations of the Clean Water Act, said this project which will serve as a showcase for the other local government units in the country, consists of eight lagoons where the septic waste will be processed. During the processing, the water will be treated biologically and the sludge will be made into fertilizer.

Ablong said the project, once completed, promises to become a tourist destination for Dumaguete. “The City has been receiving visitors for our environment program and this project will become the best study site for biology students as we envision this to become a wildlife sanctuary,” Ablong said.

DUMAGUETE SCIENTIST WIN IN US CONTEST
Metro Post - March 20 – 26, 2005
Page 01

A graduate student of Silliman University has captured a major prize at the recently-held 7th University of San Francisco Business Plan Competition for making fish sleep without water for more than 12 hours, boosting the competitiveness of Philippine fish traders in the world market.

Bonifacio Comandante, who is completing his doctoral studies in Marine Biology, was the first Filipino to win the Best International Business Award—a major award in this annual competition from March 9-12, dominated by business students from big-named schools such as Oxford, Wharton, Standord and many others.

“I felt very nervous,” Comandante told this reporter in a text message.

Comandante’s waterless fish transport technology seemed out of his league from the start, as most of the venture capitalists from Silicone Valley who judged the contest were on the lookout for inventions in information technology, semiconductors and biomedicine.

The predominantly Caucasian panel decided on the winners based on whether they were willing to write a check for the business plan being presented.

The University of San Francisco’s business plan competition is regarded by both industry insiders and academic observes as the premier event for judging technology ventures.

Competition judges are executives and partners from numerous companies and investment firms.

“There was just one problem,” Caucasians are not fond of live fish.”

The 20 semifinalists were already handpicked from over 150 entries submitted by over 100 universities from 18 countries, but the race to the top was the most grueling of all, Comandante recalled.

The first round consisted of the 90-second “elevator pitch”. This was followed by the second round, which was the semifinals, where the contestants were divided into four groups of five contestants each. Comandante was able to show the sleeping fish being awakened when placed in a water-filled plastic bag in both the semifinal and final rounds. “They couldn’t believe their eyes!” he said.

The technology, according to the judges, is fantastic since it is not based on anything currently existing. But the problem lies in the fact that US venture capitalists are not ready to invest in the technology.

The two top prizes went to the University of California Berkley and North Western University. Comandante, for receiving the third and last major award, received a $2,500 cash prize and a plaque, which he said, he wants to present to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

“I feel very happy and accomplished. Winning against the odds is great!” he said.

With the prize money, Comandante said he will help alumni of the Oriental Negros Innovation Awards focus on developing their business.

“Garnering the award proves that there is a good prospect of the technology in the United States and throughout the world,” Comandante said, who spent the remaining days after contest consulting with patent lawyers in the United States.

Since winning the grand prize in the Oriental Negros Innovation Awards last year, Comandante has been receiving offers for business partnerships from all over the world. His company, Buhi Marine Worldwide Supply, Inc., has been joined by investors from Negros Oriental, Japan and Australia and is now called the Buhi International Group (BIG), a P5 million company.

Comandante’s technology of putting fish to sleep without water was accidentally discovered in 1987, when, as a young scientist, he experimented on the sex reversal of groupers in Palawan.

He kept the technology to himself until he could scientifically replicate it, by presenting it as his thesis for his masters degree in Coastal Resources Management at Silliman University in 2003.

Comandante is scheduled to return to the Philippines next week.

ANTI-CHILD LABOR GROUPS TO JOIN PROVINCIAL EFFORTS
Metro Post
March 6-12, 2005
Page 07

A group of advocates against child domestic labor visited the province last week and briefed Negros Oriental Governor George Arnaiz on the present situation and their work as part of the non-government organization’s endeavor.

The Visayan Forum Foundation Incorporated conducted the briefing meeting at the Bethel Guest House last Wednesday.

Atty. Joaquin Garaygay, Visayan forum’s chairman of the board said that it was very recently when policymakers have come to realize that in fact children in domestic work are most vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

He explained that the province has also its own program to combat the same menace.

Garaygay said that with governor’s support, they hope that the plans and programs of the group will immediately be put in to action for the child domestic workers in Negros Oriental.

A 2002 survey on working children bared that there are 230,000 children working in private households, almost half of them work away from their homes.

The group explained that these particular sector of children remain invisible and marginalized both economically and socially.

They also face multiple vulnerabilities because of their young age and the fact that an overwhelming percentage of them are female. (Edmund Sestos)

HABAL HABAL OPERATIONS TO BE REGULATED
Metro Post – March 06-12, 2005
Page 07

While the law closes its eyes on the operation of the hazardous habal-habal, the Dumaguete City government is thinking of legitimizing their operations here.

Councilor Samuel Dicen, who chairs the Committee on Transportation,, said he will study all the aspects of the operations of the habal-habal so he would be guided in the making of an Ordinance to regulate their operations.
Habal habal started operating in Dumaguete early part of last year without the knowledge of City government officials.

Operators and drivers of tricycles are opposed to the entry of the habal habal as it directly compete with tricycles as they only operate at night.

The habal habal operations reach far barangays in the city from 11pm until dawn. (Edmund Sestos)

ENVIRONMENTALIST BATS FOR ‘COASTAL PURIFICATION’
Metro Post – March 06 – 12, 2005
Page 06

A Cebu-based environmentalist has warned that we are threatened by hazardous and unfriendly environmental conditions, and is pushing for what he called the “purification of the coastal waters” of Dumaguete.

Engr. Teresito Nemenzo, of the Castle Integrated Project Consultancy Inc., said there is available technology that could rid the Dumaguete waters of existing pollutants.

He said the waterfront is “polluted beyond tolerable levels” set by the World Health Organization. He also cited studies made by US Peace Corps volunteer Jennifer Zung that showed the same findings. He said the results of the study have been forwarded to Mayor Agustin Perdices.

Earlier, Perdices sent Vice Mayor William Ablong and Councilor Noel de Jesus to join a Lakbay Aral in search of a “suitable, effective, and affordable solution” to coastal problems.

Nemenzo lauded the Mayor’s initiative for the “ambitious restoration” of the polluted coastal seawaters to environment friendly levels.

“The beautiful and famous Dumaguete boulevard could once again be clean and healthy for swimming for locals and tourists alike,” Nemenzo said, adding that his “earth-saving revolution” technology is a product of “painstaking researches and tedious brainstorming” with other experts.

He said the technology was first discovered by Japanese scientist Dr. Tirou Higa, an advocate of non-chemical and organic treatment of polluted waters.

The technology in Dumaguete – a first among any other local government unit – would usher in the “most effective, economical and sustainable solution” to the boulevard coastal water pollution, Nemenzo said.

He also said that along the purification process, the main channel of polluted runoff water would be the Banica River that can be transformed into a tourist spot for fishing hobbyists, and boating enthusiasts a la gondola style.

Nemenzo committed to volunteer his technical to volunteer his technical services for the establishment of the “innovative pro-ecological project.”

He said he could discuss the specifics of his proposal to the local officials.

“The dream of Mayor Perdices to recreate the Dumaguete boulevard and the Banica River into environment-friendly and healthy public resorts will cease to be wishful thinking, at a cost much lower than the conventional high-tech infrastructure earlier planned by the City,” Nemenzo said. (Edmund Sestoso)

ARNAIZ SCOUTING FOR RECOMPRESSION CHAMBER
Metro Post – March 06-12, 2005
Page 02

Gov. George Arnaiz has revived efforts to purchase a recompression chamber following last week’s diving accident that claimed the life of a Filipino diver from Bacolod City and injured his diving buddy off Apo Island in Dauin town.

The fatality, Raymod Gonzaga, 30, died after surfacing from a deep dive, while his dive buddy, Michael Sarros, 35, a nephew of Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Maranon, was airlifted to Cebu City for treatment at Camp Lapu-lapu – the only recompression chamber in the Visayas.

“I have long been batting for the acquisition of recompression chamber but no one has offered to supply us with one yet,” Arnaiz said.

A recompression chamber (not decompression chamber, as is usually mentioned) is an equipment where a diver is treated for bends or decompression sickness.

Decompression sickness, or “the bends”, happens when nitrogen bubbles that enter the bloodstream because of breathing compressed air, remain in the diver’s body after a dive. This could be immensely painful as the bubbles could get lodged in the joints, or fatal, if the bubbles could get lodged in the joints, or fatal, if the bubbles are lodged in the brain.

To prevent the bubbles from reaching the head, injured divers are positioned diagonally with the head lower than the feet, and are made to inhale pure oxygen.

Gonzaga and Sarrosa were part of a team of about 15 divers who cam on board a pupboat from Malatapay, Zamboanguita Saturday morning.

Apo Island Brgy. Capt. Mario Pascobello said the divers dove without a local dive guide, and were separated from the group.

After 28 minutes underwater, both divers surfaced but Gonzaga collapsed after getting into the pumpboat. He never regained consciousness, Pascobello said.

Sarrosa, on the other hand, found a spare scuba tank, and was able to go back underwater for a decompression dive.

A decompression dive is staying underwater at a fixed safe depth for several minutes to allow the nitrogen gas accumulated in the body to escape from the bloodstream.

Data on their portable dive computers indicated that both divers went far beyond the safe diving depth of 130 feet.

Pascobello said one diver registered having gone to a depth of 100 meters, or about 300 feet, but surfaced after only 28 minutes – it was not enough time for them to decompress.

Reading the divers’ dive computers, Pascobello said they first went to a depth of 94 meters, where they stayed for four minutes. Then they went back to 94 meters, and spent 20 minutes. Then they climbed to 15 meters, and Sarrosa surfaced four times “as if seeking assistance”.

Pascobello said Gonzaga was probably the fifth diver, and the first Filipino diver, to die while diving off Coconut Point in Apo Island. The other casualties were two Japanese, an American, and a German national.

Pascobello stressed that the incident could have been avoided had they hired local dive guides who are familiar with the currents in the various dive spots in the Island.

Apo Island is a top dive site in this part of the world because of its state of health and its variety of underwater species. It is frequented by many research and fun divers from all over the world. It is also famous because it is the world’s first coastal resource that has been successfully managed by the community. Apo Island is replicated in the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, USA, as a typical example of a Philippine coastal community.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO TO KNOW (when she comes to Dumaguete on March 10)?
Metro Post – March 06 to 12, 2005
Page 03

Dumaguete City and the province of Negros Oriental are ready for big investments, particularly in the area of information technology, biotechnology, food processing, and tourism, among others. – Atty. Gloria Futalan, SU College of Business Administration

What steps would you take to remedy the exclusion of Negros Oriental from DOT’s program of “Biyahe Na”?—William Christopher S. Dichoso, manager, Dumaguete Rural Bank, Inc.

The term “child-friendly” largely remains a rhetoric unless it takes into consideration the needs of children with diabilities. – Analou Suan, physical therapist, Caring Hands to Inspire & Link with Disabled Children (CHILD)

You are bleeding us to death with your VAT increase. I have yet to see a significant improvement in the basic serve delivery by your national government. – Prof. Roy Olsen de leon, biology professor, SU College of Arts & Sciences

Madam President, my name is William E. Ablong. The Dumaguete city Legal Officer and I have been suspended for 90 days without pay. We also paid a P30,000-bail bond for the warrant of arrest issued us. The reason: for allegedly causing undue pain to a lotto operator after we closed down her outlet because of the absence of a Mayor’s Permit and a provincial Franchise. The decision to arrest and suspend us was made only after a few days. Why was it such a quick decision compared to the multimillion not-totally-brand new-heavy-equipment issue? We filed that case in 2001 yet. It’s been five years, and the Ombudsman here in the Visayas has yet to resolve the issue. Isn’t this unfair to and to the City Legal Officer who were just doing our jobs, enforcing our City and Provincial ordinance, fighting what is right and morally-acceptable? Why did the Obudsman support one lotto operator who is not even a resident and taxpayer of Dumaguete? Granting that she was “injured”, this is a very negligible issue compared to the people the LGU of Dumaguete who have been greatly wounded by the heavy equipment case to preserve the dignity, credibility, and integrity of out justice system. Than you very much and God bless. – Dumaguete City Vice Mayor William e. Ablong. Madam President, kindly visit our web site: www.dgte.org – Eng. Wilan Bigay, software developer, Nestwood Computer Development Services

Please consider appointing an advisor from here, this being a University Tow, to help you solve the nation’s problems. Preferably a new face – Atty. Mikhail Lee Maxino, Environment Lawyer.

I raise my two-thumbs for your brilliant proposal to change our Presidential bi-cameral government to Unicameral Parliamentary Federal form of government. This system actually can allow the Local Government Units to be creative and attuned to development, and become responsive and Relevant Education (not just Quality as all schools claim) must be the Top Priority of the new Form of Government. – Rolo Cena, manager, Entheos IT Inc.

If given the right attention, Dumaguete and Negros Oriental have a lot of potential in terms of international standard eco-tourism (if properly developed), and a large potential in agricultural and job market. All it needs is proper development. – Mon del Prado, animator

Improve the economy, improve the life of millions of Filipinos suffering in their poverty. It’s not necessary to travel abroad; if it is, the entourage should be limited. For the province, we need more development projects. – Myla Abellana, OIC, Provincial Tourism Office

An environment office should be created in all Local Government Units to look into all environmental concerns. – Engr. Rolly Clamonte, head, City Environment & Natural Office.

Madam President, since Dumaguete is tagged as a University City, I hope your administration will give outmost attention to the city’s educational status to have quality yet affordable education to the less privileged.—Erlyn Villaflores, pol sci tudent, Foundation University..

PIONEER MT COMPANY OPENS
Metro Post March 06-12, 2005
Page 01

With the promise of immediate employment in the United States after graduation, Jessica (not her a real name) enrolled in Physical Therapy. Four years after passing the board exams, she was still in the Philippines, unemployed. Needing to earn her keep, Jessica found herself working in menial jobs that were not necessarily related to her course.

Jessica’s story is but one of the many stories of underemployed professionals in Dumaguete, whose four universities produce some 7,000 graduates each year. With not enough jobs in the City, Dumaguete’s graduates have to “work in just about anything that comes along,” notes Victor Vicente G. Sinco, vice president of Foundation University here.

One day, Jessica saw an advertisement in a community newspaper by local medical transcription company that was looking for graduates in nursing, PT, medical technology, and the allied medical sciences.

She applied, took the exams, got the job, and is now part of the pioneering batch of 16 medical transcriptionists in Dumaguete in Sinco’s company, Entheos IT Inc.

Entheos IT, an offshoot of Sinco’s other business ventures in Hawaii where he owned an architectural firms, was incorporated late last year in response to the opening up of Negros Oriental to Information & Communication Technology business.

Offering a skilled human resource base, stable power supply, a peaceful environment, and a high-speed fiber optic facility that is marched only by the technology found in Germany, Negros Oriental hopes to attract more environment friendly ICT businesses this year, said Gov. George Arnaiz.

Medical transcription is the process of converting to written form the dictations of doctors and other healthcare professionals regarding patient diagnosis, care, and therapeutic procedure, among others.

Sinco is eyeing to grow into a 150-seat company working on double shifts. He said the new federal law in the US requiring documentation of patient care to facilitate healthcare services has made medical transcription a promising business opportunity on a global basis. “However, our growth can only be possible through quality work, “Sinco added.

With about 60 medical transcription companies operating in the country, the Philippines is fast becoming a favorite source of medical transcriptionists by US companies, whose domestic pool of MTs is getting smaller.


Philippine Medical transcription companies charge from $0.05 to $0.12 per line.

“One thing good about Dumaguete is its good human resources, where up to 50 percent of the applicants pass the tests, in contrast to the passing average in Manila which could be only about three percent,” Sinco says.

Applicants are expected to have an operational mastery of English, in addition to a familiarity with medical terminology.

With starting salaries ranging from P8,000 to P10,000 per month, workers can expect to receive as much as P50,000 to P80,000 monthly as they become more experienced and move up the ladder to become operations managers.

“We give our workers a chance to work and play – and even die (hopefully, happily)—in this place where they grew up, “Sinco adds with a laugh.

JUST DO IT – CITY DADS ASK DOT
Metro Post
March 06-12, 2005
Page 03

To avert an escalation of hostilities between the local officials of Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental on one hand and Secretary Ace Durano of the Department of Tourism (DOT), the city council sought a middle line by urging the tourism agency to include the province in its campaign as a tourist destination in the country.

The Council’s request was the gist of a resolution authored by Councilor Harrison Gonzales, who also chairs the city’s Liga ng mga Barangay, one week after local officials took Durano to task for announcing that the province was not yet prepared for tourism.

The local officials earlier were very much surprised and dismayed by the non inclusion of the province and the city in the television advertisement of DOT’s” I Love the Philippines Biyahe Na”.

Included in the TV promotions are the provinces of Cebu and Bohol for Central Visayas.

“Dumaguete City and the province are blessed with a wide array of beautiful attractions which are comparable or more beautiful than the ones included in the TV ads,” Gonzales noted.

The councilor cited a few places, such as the world famous Apo Island and the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes in Sibulan and the Dolphin-and-Whale watching tours in Bais City.

The councilor also said that the DOT secretary’s pronouncements could have a backlash on the economic and tourism activities in the province.

In defense of the sentiments of the local officials, the resolution pointed out that it is the belief of the local officials that the tourism agency should instead exert every effort to spread the tourist trail instead of neglecting the other provinces such as Negros Oriental.

“After all, the success of the tourism industry here is also the success of the DOOOOT,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales said he hopes to personally hand over the resolution to the president when she visits on Thursday. (Edmund Sestoso)

DEADLY LESSON
Metro Post - Editorial
March 06 – 12, 2005
Page 04

Last week’s diving accident in Apo Island is one learning experience that shouldn’t be ignored.

A Filipino diver from Bacolod had died after apparently getting “the bends” during a dive in Apo Island while his buddy, a nephew of Negros Occidental Gov. Josept Maranon, had to be airlifted to Cebu for treatment in the recompression chamber.

A recompression chamber is where a diver suffering from decompression sickness is admitted to allow his body to release the trapped bubbles from his bloodstream. These microscopic bubbles normally enter the body as a result of breathing compressed air from the scuba tanks.

There are only for recompression chambers in the Philippines, and the nearest one from here is in Cebu City. The injured diver had to suffer for four hours, before he could be admitted to the chamber.

For a country that prides itself with the world’s second longest coastline with thousands of picturesque dive destinations, having only four recompression chambers is not very encouraging for tourism.

Yet, the beauty alone of our dive spots, and the lesser cost of scuba diving here, bring in thousands of tourists every year to Negros Oriental.

Although scuba diving is only safe for divers who stay within the bounds of the rules, the incident still underscored the need to have the right facilities in place before inviting tourists over. Medical care for tourists, especially scuba divers, is one thing we have not focuses on.

Ironically, the dive incident happened after Tourism Secretary Ace Durano excluded Negros Oriental from his “I Love Philippines Biyahe Na!” due to lack of facilities.

His remarks may have caused an uproar among our political and business leaders who have been trying to develop tourism facilities in the Province, even with limited local funding, but Ace’s comments were not necessarily false.

Maybe a recompression chamber and the assurance of emergency medical care could encourage more tourists to further help promote our Province as the tourist destination.

PGMA TO VISIT NEGOR THURSDAY
Metro Post
March 06-12, 2005
Page 03

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is scheduled to visit Negros Oriental a new on Thursday, March 10.

The President’s itinerary had still to be drawn up as of Friday, but among the things she is scheduled to do is to lead the groundbreaking rites for the expansion of the SPI Technologies in Bacong town.

The SPI Tech is a Miami-based editorial and pre-publishing company, which is the first Information and Communication Technology-based industry to relocate to Negros Oriental.

President Arroyo is also expected to inaugurate the Entheos IT Medical Transcription company, inside the Foundation University campus.

From Negros Oriental, the President is scheduled to visit Siquijor province on Friday.

SU – JOLLIBEE INK AGREEMENT FOR DRIVE-THRU STORE
Metro Post
March 06-12, 2005
Page 02

After the entry of Globe Telecom last January, another big business will soon make its presence felt within Silliman University campus.

SU President Dr. Agustin Pulido last week signed an agreement with the Jollibee Food Corporation, to have the burger giant’s first drive-thru in Negros Oriental within the university campus.

The drive through will occupy a 1000 square meters lot leased by Jollibee from Silliman University for a period of 15 years.

The signing parties however have not divulged the monthly rentals of the said lot.

The Jollibee drive-thru will be built along Real Street at the back of Silliman church.

In his remarks prior to the signing, President Pulido stressed that their entering into agreements with private companies and establishments is primarily aimed at contributing and helping in the economic growth and development of the city as well as Negros Oriental. (Edmund Sestoso)

NOT READY
Metro Post
February 27 to March 05, 2005
Editorial - Page 04

So much controversy has been generated by the non-inclusion of Negros Oriental (and Siquijor) in the Department of Toursim's "I Love Philippines Biyahe Na!" promo.

The tourism campaign, which focused only on the tourist attractions of Bohol and Cebu, was a result of the arbitrary decision of Tourism Sec. Ace Durano, who said he believes that we as a Province are not ready to accept tourists.

In Durano's view, only Cebu and Bohol are ready to accept tourists because of the infrastructure which is already in place. He said his Department might be blamed once tourists come over to Negros Oriental only to find that our Province is lacking in facilities.

Obviously, the comment of the Tourism Secretary will force Negros Oriental to take a long and hard look at what it really has to offer to tourists.

The not-so-happy state of Negros Oriental tourism (except for the diving tours) is also a result of government neglect for smaller cities and towns. Government has not even raised a ho as to why both Supercat and Ocean Jet had to be drudocked at the same time, causing inconvenience to thousands of travelers.

For such a comment to come from the Tourism Secretary and the Cabinet Officer for the Regionan Development for Central Visayas, Durano has done something a little less than the magnitude of the tsunami which devastated several countries in South Asia.

As the country's salesman, it is not Durano's task to put any Province down. He should instead encourage and support its promotional efforts, which Negros Oriental has been doing at its own expense.

ARNAIZ SCORES DOT, SMART, FOR ADS
February 27 to March 2005
Metro Post
Page 02

Governor George Arnaiz has reacted sharply to the non-inclusion of Negros Oriental tourist spots in the “I Love Philippines Biyahe na!” campaign of the Department of Tourism and Smart Communications.

Arnaiz called Tourism Secretary Ace Durano on his cellphone Tuesday, to convey his displeasure at the DoT’s snub of the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Smart Communications, Inc., the partner of DoT in this project, posted hundreds of posters in Dumaguete encouraging the public to visit the tourist spots of Central Visayas, but only mentioning the ones found in Cebu and Bohol.

Mayor Agustin Perdices immediately ordered the removal of the posters, not only because they did not include the tourist spots in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental, but because Smart posted the controversial materials without a permit from the General Services Office of the City.

“We consider you as our promoter being from region 7 and as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) for Central Visayas and this is what you are doing,” Arnaiz told Durano on the cellphone in front of reporters at the Provincial Capital.

“We are spending our own money without your help and here you are doing things which are counterproductive to our efforts,” Arnaiz, who is also the chair of the influential Regional Development Council, admonished Durano.

He also threatened to block Smart Communications from operating in Negros Oriental if they do not include Negros Oriental in their campaign.

“I’m not kidding. We might do that!” he said, adding that while Smart has a big market here in Negros Oriental, the province does not get anything from them. “If Smart doesn’t love us, how can we love Smart?

They must reciprocate,” Arnaiz said. The same sentiment was echoed by Perdices, who said that Smart has continually been ignoring their requests for sponsorship during important occasions in the city. “Ever since, Smart has never helped us. It has always been Glove,” Perdices said.

But Durano stood pat on their stand against including Negros Oriental in their campaign, as he told Cebu reporters that Negros Oriental lacks facilities for tourists. “so I opted not to promote these areas yet so that his department will not be blamed.”

He said if DOOOT would promote these provinces and yet, the tourists will find out later that they cannot be accommodated because of lack of facilities, DOT will be blamed.

Tourism 7 regional director Patria Aurora Roa, however, made another explanation to appease the officials of Negros Oriental. She said these areas will be included in the next round of the TV advertisement.

Roa said the DOT has already received the materials from Negros Oriental and Siquijor that will be used in the advertisement.

What's the Edge of Oriental Negros Over Cebu & Bohol as a Tourist Destination
Metro Post - February 27 - March 05, 2005

None. Cebu and Bohol are world-class tourist destinations with superior hotels, restaurants, white sand beaches, history, drams, etc. We still have a lot to learn. Can't compare, ---Manolet Teves, writer, Visayan Daily Star

We have more ecotourism attractions than Bohol and Cebu. We have more than just white sand beaches. --Michelle Villanueva, proprietor, Dumaguete Outdoors Tours

More than the top drive spots around, and the highly accessible beaches, sandbar, waterfalls, and lakes, Oriental Negros has that refreshingly laidback island lifestyle, complemented with the creatively vibrant and youthful energy of the locals. -- Snda Fuentes, marketing manager, Orientwind Travel & Tours.

I have seen most of what the three provinces offer. We have the better sites to see. Ungortunately, we rank the lowest among the three in terms of how we promote, package, follow through with what we have. --- Engr. Jufer Villanueva, sports instructor, Bradford Woods Challenge Education Center, Indiana University, USA

In Cebu and Bohol, one visits as a tourist and leaves those places as a tourist. In Oriental Negros, one visits as a tourist, sees the many business opportunities, experiences the peaceful community and infectiously-gentle people, and decides to stay as a resident. Christine Dayrit, columnist, Philippine Star.

Oriental Negros has more potential tourist destinations, but these are not properly marketed and coordinated as one tourist package.-- Bobby Duray, president, United Architects of the Philippines Negros Oriental.

Your edge over Cebu and Bohol is the gentle people of Dumaguete. Apo Island is a bonus. -- Cecille Murga, visitor from Virginia, USA.

Frankly speaking, we have not yet graduated from the state of being a potential. Thus, in terms of being a destination, operatively speaking, we do not have an edge. That is why a number of tourist still end up going to Cebu or Boholdespite our superior sites. --- Atty. Ebenezer Y. Lim, Businessman.

Let's not think of competing with the neighboring islands. Our proximity to Cebu and Bohol can even be to our advantage. We should develop and promote our own strength, individuality, and uniqueness. The potential is vast; it only needs an enhancement of the tourism campaigning and marketing. -- Mayor Josie Sy-Limkaichong, La Libertad

Good question. It got me thinking ... Our edge is the proximity of the estinations, the general serenity of the place, and the simplicity (not complex) of life here. -- Councilor Cidni Mapa, Tanjay City

Diversity. We not only have beaches to boast of, but mountains, caves, lakes, waterfalls - most within short distances between them. I guess the question should be "What needs to be done for Oriental Negros to maximize its tourism potentils?" Then actively work on the solution. --Atty.. Christine Cuisia-Remollo, legal counsel, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.

1) Oriental Negros is at the heart of President Arroyo's Strong Republic Nautical Highway that connects Luzon to Mindanao. 2) Oriental Negros links western Visayas to Central Visayas through trans infrastructure. 3) Oriental Negros is a Center of Excellence in Education and offers hig quality education. 4) Oriental Negros offers a lot more, and more diverse tourism landscapes and natural attractions. -- Saul Paa, media relations & accreditation officer, Malacanang.

Oriental Negros is safer and less congested, and our tourist spots are more accessible. -- Menka Ponce de Leon, proprietor, Dumaguete Outdoors Tours & Services

We ahve the potential for ecotourism sites that are still pristine. I hope our local governments will make the necessary regulations that would ensure the protection of these sites. Access and infrastructure must be well planned. But recent developments are alarming. It seems that some programs are ill-advised, and poorly-implemented. I heard that most consultants and advisers are too preoccupied with the aesthetics improvements. We may have the advantage right now but we may lose it in a snap if we are nbot too careful. -- Jose Marie Jonathan Antonio, head, SU Student Organizations & Activities Division

Our boulevard is safe, serene, and simply awesom. And of course, in the entire Philippines, we are the only ones who have a Christmas House that allows people to come inside during the Chritmas season.--Dr. Rico Absin, anesthesiologist, Silliman Medical Center.

We have more variety, nicer people, better roads, less pollution.--Dr. Agri Bautista, project manager, World Wildlife Fund NegOr. Hometown: Los Banos, Laguna

Two words: Apo Island. The marine sanctuaries around the province are unbeatable. The beautiful layout of Dumaguete is much nicer that Tagbilaran's of Cebu's.-- joe Specher, Peace Corps volunteer from Maryland.

I'm sorry to say that I don't think we have an edge over them. First impressions are lasting. For the itinerant tourisst on his own, with no one to meet him or her, his first impression would be one of absolute chaos and anarchy. Porters and pedicab drivers jostle with each other to hijack the innocents; their only goal in life is to rip off first-time travelers straight off the place or ferries, destroying whatever PR efforts the Province undertakes. If we can address even just this, that would be one big competitive advantage over the other two provinces. -- Ana Patrice C. Montebon, traveller

People here are more friendly, more outgoing, and look happier. Other than that, I don't think there's much difference. -- Andrew Scribner, The Atrim Business center. Hometown:Maine, USA.

The warmth of its people and the natural wonders of its environment. -- Atty. Rose Liza Eisma-Osorio, director, Coastal Conservation & Education Foundation.

Oriental Negros has everything tourists look for that are accessible in a span of minutes or a couple of hours. Plus the fact that the gentle people make visitors like me want to make the Province our home.--Phil Oliver Quingco, writer, Discover Philippines Magazine

The playfull dolphins which are closer to the shores of Oriental Negros, the magical scuba diving and snorkeling at the Apo Island's marine sanctuary the awesom caves of Mabinay (beginner, advanced, extreme caving - take your pick), and Dumaguete's Unitown appeal. All of which are ready for visitors. Too bad our DOT head (Sec. Joseph Ace Durano] doesnt knoww that. -- Jackie V. Antonio, Dumaguetena.

I cannot think right now of any dege that Negros Oriental has over Cebu and Bohol. -- Atty. Salvador Diputado, editor-in-chief, Bohol Times

Oriental Negros has Dumaguete that has the cosmopolitan feel of a big city like Cebu but wihtout the dirt, crime, and ugliness; and the small town feel of Bohol but with more conveniences. -- Dr. Laurie Jeanne Hutchison Raymundo, University of Guam Marine Laboratory

We have some of the best spots in the country when it comes to ecotoruism. The charm being its state of "underdevelopment". Foreign tourists are especially impressed by naturally-preserved locations. -- Engr. Jojo Monaterial, mountain biker. From Baguio City.

Oriental Negros offers natural attractions, unspoiled in terms of ecotourism; our Province and City are safe from typhoons; the people are friendly, highly-educated, and cultures; the pace here is not strssful. This is a family destination ideal for all ages. --Annie Jalandoni, tourism officer, Dumaguete City

Oriental Negros ahs potentials, bu the physical and social infrastructure are not in place. Besides, our local leaders are not tourism-oriented as shown in their laws prohibiting night diving, for instance. NegOr is ill-prepared for. --Atty. Joel Obar, legal counsel. Migrant from Baguio City

The high level of education of its residents, the low crime rate, the hih degree of moral values, and of course, the pronvincial,, city, and municipal officials who work without thinking of political affiliations. We also have natural environmental attractions that have not been "citified" thus, retaining their natural allure. -- Verna Mamicpic Alih, SU Medical Center Clinical Lab. From Siquijor

Oriental Negroshas Apo Island in the municipality of Dauin. -- Brgy. Capt. Mario Pascobello, Apo Island

We cost a lot less. Cebu and Bohol are very expensive so we should make as some-one our relatively-cheaper rates on food and accommodation. -- Annblyth Tia, Presidential Management Sstaff, Malacanang

Oriental Negros is not overdeveloped. The landscape looks nicer and there are more interesting heritage. And there are less jologs. -- Dennis Ladaw, weiter, Manila Times

Our sites are still fresh. Our niche is different. More of targetting a smaller, more select market, but who can afford to spend more. It's not a question of having an edge over Bohol and cebu but more like defining our market, and coming up with the appropriate strategy and complementing others. Tourism is a big industry. Everybody can have his and her share. From a marketing point of view, the whole of Central Visayas will be stronger as a destination if we could get our act together as the four provinces offer a host of diverse experiences for tourists.--Nanette calumpang-Arbon, provincial director, Department of Trade & Industry-Siquijor

People in Oriental Negros are very kind. And the place is very clean. --Noni Reyes, photographer, Discover Philippines Magazine.

Almost every town in Oriental Negros has untapped and truly beautiful natural attractions. Local and foreign tourists alike are usually impressed with all these. Cebu and Bohol only have a few tourist spots they can "boast" of --Anale Aves-Dancel, homemaker.

Oriental Negros has friendlier people, lower cost of living, less pollution, and a lot more pretty ladies. -- Voltaire Santilla, wrier/segment producer, NBN Channel 4>

You have the real deal. Cebu is such a beat-up track with its resorts; Bohol is just riding on a bus the whole day. We are blessed with natural wonders, still quite pristine with relatively minimal human impact. I hope our leaders understand this edge before they start altering them into man-made monstrosities. In marketing, our leaders should think in the line of product differentiation, not appropriation..--Babu Wenceslao, proprietor, Cafe Memento

I can think of the Apo Island marine sanctuary, Cuernos de Negros mountain climbing, and the PNOC geothermal production fields. -- Dr. Jay Quevenco, homemaker. Migrant from Zamboanga city

Silliman University's presence in Dumaguete plays a big part in defining our edge over Cebu or Bohol. -- Annabelle Lee-Adriano, proprietor, Antual Beach Resort

Cebu and Bohol are the "bigguys" but they still have to make it to the world market. Our edge is that we ahve it all and that we're still starting off, not wanting to commit the same mistakes that Cebu of Bohol did. Sites should be properly done, vivisotrs regulated, services properly delivered. Oriental negros should be free from noise, pollution, garbage, insurgents. Dayon!--Pinky Lautner, proprietor, Lautner Ads & Services.

VALENCIA TO ESTABLISH TILAPIA HATCHERY
February 27 to March 05, 2005
Metro Post - Page 07

Valencia – The town leadership here has decided to establish its own tilapia hatchery due an increase in demand of its fingerlings.

This was bared by Mayor Rodolfo Gonzales who said that the project will also improve its upland fishery program.

Its implementation will be facilitated by the Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources whose personnel have conducted a five-day skills training to 21 prospective growers here.

The training was conducted by specialists Yvonne de Dios, and Joel Capuno of the Cebu-based Fisher Training Center.

BFAR Provincial Head Leonardo Aro said that Valencia has a “bright future” for tilapia propagation due to the abundance of freshwater in the area.

Valencia is host to the remaining watershed and forest reserves in the Province.

Genetically improved tilapia can be harvested within five to six months and can be sold to as much as P100 per kilo. The same breed will be provided to this town’s growers.

Mayor Gonzale’s decision was inspired by the success of tilapia propagation in countries like Taiwan since 1995.

It was found that the success in other countries was due to the proper use of a technology that has been made available to them by their government.

The Mayor lamented that here, we lag behind because Filipinos fail to property use technology.

Tilapia propagation, Mayor Gonzales told the growers, is a promising income-generating activity.

He said this also will serve as an alternative livelihood to farmers living in the hinterland barangays.

7.2M FARM TO MARKET ROAD TURNED OVER TO BAIS
February 27 – March 5, 2005
Metro Post – Page 07
(Aileen Alaban)


The rehabilitation of Manlipac-Dansulan farm to-market road, with a project cost of P7,253,545h has been completed, and turned-over to the local government of Bais City.

This farm to-market road funded by the Belgian Integrated Agrarian Reform Support Programme (BIARSP) and the counterpart LGU was implemented under the direct administration by the City of Bais through the financial cooperation in coordination with the Department of Land Reform and the BIARSP.

The project was turned-over to the city government of Bais for project operations, maintenance, and sustainability to provide access road to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and their dependents, as well as other residents in the barangay in transporting their crops and other goods.

The rehabilitation started December 2002, and was completed December 29, 2004.

Belgian programme coordinator Peter D’Huys, national program coordinator Elmo A. Banares, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Stephen M. Leonidas, MARO Lumel Dael-Chiu, Bais Mayor Hector “Tata” Villanueva, and the barangay captains of Manlipac and Dansulan attended the turn-over..

Mayor Villanueva expressed his thanks to BIARSP and DLLR for the assistance to Bais, and assured they will maintain the road for its operation.