What's Up in Oriental Negros

RP-US friendship photo caravan at Main Lib

2006-12-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

December 17-23, 2006 issue - Dumaguete MetroPost

Silliman University is one of only two universities in the Visayas tapped by the United States Embassy to host the “Partnership at 60: Photo Caravan on 60 Years of RP-US Friendship”.

The exhibit was launched on December 7, with guests coming from different schools in Dumaguete City and other sectors. It is open for public viewing until December 20.

Partnership at 60: Photo Caravan on 60 Years of RP-US Friendship is a six month traveling photo exhibit that showcases a unique collection of photos and memorabilia (facsimile) items depicting dynamic bilateral relations and people-to-people exchanges for the last 60 years between the Philippines and the US. It seeks to give students and the public at large an opportunity to understand the evolution of the Philippine-American relations.

The photos and key memorabilia items in the exhibit have been carefully selected by the Creative Committee of the Task Force on the Office of the American Affairs, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Historical Institute, the Department of Foreign Affairs Foreign Service Institute, and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. This committee was established through Administrative Order No. 152, signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on May 26, 2006, “Designating the Department of Foreign Affairs to Take the Lead in the Planning, Coordination, Implementation and Conduct of Programs and Activities in Commemoration of the Philippine-American Friendship Day”.

Dumaguete's OTOP

2006-12-11T23:11:00.000-08:00

FROM THE STANDS By Domini M. Torrevillas
Publication Date: [Thursday, September 14, 2006]

I must confess I felt surprised that 1) the Department of Trade’s One Town, One Product-Philippines program does not only mean delicacies, garments, leather shoes, baskets and furniture and shellcraft, but also information technology; that 2) Dumaguete City’s OTOP is educational institutions that serve the needs of business process outsourcing, and that 3) Dumaguete does not only mean Silliman University but has other learning facilities that offer quality education.

Perhaps it was sheer loyalty that made me think only Silliman made Dumaguete a university town. A recent visit to Dumaguete opened my eyes to the presence of other educational institutions that could boost the possibility of the city’s becoming the technological center in Region 8.

OTOP-Philippines is a priority program of President Macapagal-Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. Through OTOP, local executives of each city and municipality take the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage. OTOP supports micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to manufacture, offer, and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents.

Carissa Cruz, undersecretary for regional operations of the Department of Trade, has been actively working on the implementation of OTOP, traveling to many parts of the country to meet with local executives and look at their product offerings. A trade fair held at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong recently displayed the OTOP products of Luzon.

DTI Provincial (Neg. Or.) Director Javier Fortunato Jr. and two assistants, Araceli Maypa and Tammy Sevilla, took me to heads of four institutions in Dumaguete on whose grounds I had never stepped before. First stop was the 4.9 hectare main campus of Negros Oriental State University in Bajumpandan within the city. (The other 5-7 hectare campus is in Pamplona, a few kilometers away from the city.)

Henry A, Sojor, Ph.D., university president, traced the history of the institution, from its opening by the Philippine Legislature in 1927, to its conversion into the East Visayas School of Arts and Trades (EVSAT) in 1956, then to the Central Visayas Polytechnic College in 1983, and finally to the Negros Oriental State University in 2004.

The biggest in Negros Oriental with an 18,000 college student population, Sojor slowly phased out the elementary and high school levels to focus on higher education. He said the big enrolment is in account of new courses such as geothermal engineering, its graduates topping engineering board exams, the university’s being a pioneer as an internet service provider in the province, and its status as SUC Level 4. It is no secret that NORSU’s tuition fees are very low compared with those of other institutions.

NORSU offers the only bachelor’s degree in geology in the province, and has just opened degrees in accounting, nursing, and law. It has colleges for agriculture and fishery, arts and sciences, business and accountancy, engineering and architecture, industrial technology, maritime education, and technical education. It offers doctoral and master’s degrees as well as evening vocational opportunity classes and a continuing education extension program.

NORSU’s graduates easily find employment after graduation, many of them in Manila and at Cebu’s export processing zone because of lack of job opportunities in Dumaguete which has a few hotels and banks. Fortunato of DTI expressed excitement over the coming of multinational information technology companies to the city that will be hiring globally competitive graduates.

Already, SPI, a business process outsourcing company, has established its offices at the outskirts of Dumaguete, employing 700 copy editors to go over technical/scientific journals of foreign-based publishing companies. Fortunato said 99 per cent of SPI copy editors are graduates of the city’s schools. The DTI executive was able to draw SPI to the city two years ago and he is likely to attract more investors, among them possibly call centers.

A rich source of employees for the multinational outsourcing companies is Foundation University, which offers over 60 specialized higher education areas of study, including information and computer science. It was established in 1949 by its founder and first president, Dr. Vicente Guzman Sinco, a former president of the University of the Philippines, one time Philippine commissioner of foreign affairs, and a signer of the United Nations Charter.

The university received a national award from the Commission on Higher Education in the 2006 Best Student Services Competition as the Best in Student Development for Academic Year 2006-2007. In addition to 20 undergraduate courses, four graduate offerings, four postgraduate courses and non-degree courses, it has retained its kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools.

Foundation University has a competitive advantage with its Cisco Networking Academy Program. From the worldwide leader in networking for the internet, Cisco Systems teaches designing, building and maintaining computer networks to the university’s high school, college students and professionals. It uses the latest methods in information technology and virtual classroom of the future.

Still another feather in the university’s cap is its strategic partnership with Entheos IT, Inc., which provides exhaustive training for medical transcriptionists.

St. Paul University, founded in 1904, is the first of 36 educational institutions owned and administered by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres in the country. A co-educational institution offering doctoral, masteral and undergraduate courses, its biggest enrolment, understandably because of the big demand for nurses, is in its nursing department. More students are now taking up computer science and information technology.

The head of the university, Sister Maria Nilda Masirag, said emphasis is being given to students’ competency in English, and tutorial classes are held towards that end. That’s a good move, as outsourcing companies require mastery of the English language.

Our fourth stop, the Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria, was opened in 1959 by the Most Reverend Epifanio B. Surban, D.D., the first bishop of Dumaguete. It was named after the patron saint of the Diocese of the city. Today the Colegio, popularly called COSCA, is wrapped around the back of the Roman Catholic cathedral, offering 15 courses, and strong in midwifery, hotel and restaurant management, criminology, education, and management.

The president, Father Enrique N. Balongag, told us of the school’s strict entrance requirements. Applicants must pass a qualifying exam and English proficiency test (an enrolled student who fails in his English course must take English-0), and accepted students must take a test in religion (failure means taking a remedial course).

Assuming office only last month, Father Balongag and the new management team have noted a "mismatch between what the institution truly is and what the institution is actually doing." Courses and training for instance, did not address the core purpose for which the institution was established i.e. service to the local community.

The institution’s new direction covers evangelization through catechesis, as well as technical assistance through technological training of its technical formation and human resource formation.

COSCA will not be left behind in the frenzied educational institutions’ race towards preparing their students for employment in five-star establishments. Right now, its hotel and restaurant management majors are taking their practicum in Malaysia and Hongkong.

I did not have to be taken to Silliman to experience the excellence of its IT systems. (My loyalty to my alma mater remains.) But together, Silliman University, Foundation University, Negros Oriental State University, St. Paul University, and the Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria are honing their students’ thinking, writing and oral skills to contribute to the completion of the city’s One Town, One Project image.

Arnaiz is top RP Gov

2006-12-07T23:07:00.000-08:00

By JCC
December 3-9 2006 issue – Dumaguete MetroPost

Gov. George P. Arnaiz on Wednesday received the prestigious “Most Outstanding Governor” award during the 2006 Local Government Leadership Awards (LGLA) ceremony held at the Philippine Senate. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. handed the award.

The Award rites coincided with the anniversary of the enactment of the 1991 Local Government Code. The other awardees are Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casuiarra as “Most Outstanding City Mayor” and Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn as “Most Outstanding Municipal Mayor.”

The LFLA recognizes deserving local elected officials who have shown exemplary leadership traits, innovativeness, good governance practices and made substantial contributions in improving the quality of lives of their constituents. There are three categories: Most Outstanding Governor, Most Outstanding City Mayor, and Most Outstanding Municipal Mayor. Awardees receive a plaque of appreciation and Php1000,000.00 cash grant.

Instituted in 2002, through the efforts of Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Father of the Local Government Code of 1991, the awards are given by a consortium of government agencies and the Philippines’ top academic institutions. At the forefront of this prestigious award-giving body is the Center for Local and Regional Governance (CLRG) of the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance. This year’s expanded National Selection Committee (NSC) includes distinguished members from the academe, government, business, media and civil society.

The partner institutions forming the awards consortium include De La Salle University-Manila, Development Academy of the Philippines, and the DILG’s Local Government Academy.

In receiving his award, Gov. Arnaiz said he “humbly accepts this award on behalf of the 1.2 Million Oriental Negrenses whose abiding faith in our leadership has inspired us to explore new pathways of development and to move forward with confidence and a firm determination to make a difference in their lives.”

He added that the field of local governance has never failed to excite him. “Everyday offers new challenges and endless opportunities to better the lives of our people. We are fortunate to have been given this privilege to serve and in the process recognized for our efforts,” Arnaiz said.

Among the LGLA’s roster of previous awardees were Bulacan Governor Josefine Dela Caruz, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Iligan City Mayor Franklin Quijano, Conception-Iloilo Mayor Raul Banias (2002); Governor Loreto Leo Ocampos, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., and Pamgil-Laguna Mayor Sergio Manzana (2003).

Negros Oriental cookbook eyed

2006-12-07T21:41:00.000-08:00

By Victor L. Camion
November 5, 2006 issue- Sun Star Dumaguete

GOVERNOR George Arnaiz said he looks forward to Negros Oriental having its own cookbook containing local and native menus.

Arnaiz issued this statement after the success of the two-day 1st Grand Cookfest dubbed "Lutong Garbo sa Oriental Negros" at the height of the Buglasan Festival on October 26 and 27.

On opening day, the governor encouraged local cooks to prepare local and native dishes that are

Unique to the province.

Sylvia Uy, vice chairman of the Oriental Negros Tourism Council (ONTA), said the winners of the cookfest could now start their own food business.

Uy said right after the contest, participants had started receiving orders.

Due to the success of the contest, ONTA plans to organize another competition, this time on Negros Oriental beverages in the next Buglasan Festival.

The Spicy Cardisoma of the municipality of Sibulan lorded over the 15 menu-entries in the cook fest held at Negros Oriental High School gymnasium.

Ginataang Steamed Chicken of Bacong won second prize followed by Ginataang Pasayan of Amlan.

First placer cook, Angelita Licerio of Sibulan, received P10,000. Ma. Victoria Morallo of Bacong, P5, 000, and Lucena Sedillo of Amlan, P3, 000.

The winners also received gift pack and a trophy each.

The Board of Judges was composed of culinary experts Michaela "Micky Fenix" Macabenta, Pinoy food columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer; Patricia T. Chiong Sr., vice president for administration of the Philippine Air Lines; and Jessica Avila, proprietor of Chika-an Restaurant in Cebu City.

Or Neg allots P22M, for track oval

2006-12-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

October 29, 2006 issue – MetroPost Dumaguete

SAY GOODBYE to dust and dirt at the Perdices Coliseum soon. The provincial government has scheduled bidding on November 7 for the installation of rubberized track oval.

This major upgrade, estimated to cost around P22 million, will put the facility at oar with world-class track ovals in Bacolod, Cebu, Manila, Cabanatuan, and Iligan, to name a few.

The amount for the rubberized track oval will be taken from a loan made by the provincial government with the Development Bank of the Philippines.

Gov. George Arnaiz said the improvement of the track oval is in line with the construction of the Provincial Convention Center. “This is for the people. It’s a multi-purpose structure. We also want to address the shortage of hotel rooms and convention facilities with the construction of this Convention Center,” he said in a telephone interview.

The pre-bidding for the rubberized track oval was held last Thursday, October 27, 2006, which was attended by three prospective bidders.

But one bidder was reported to have complained that the specifications for the project favored and particular suppliers and excluded suppliers of pre-fabricated track ovals.

Lawyer Ismael Martinez, provincial general services officer, said the specifications set by Bids and Awards Committee are justifiable and above-board.

He said the BAC has decided to use the “wet-poured” material instead of the pre-fabricated material, whose supplier quoted a price that was much higher than the approved budget of P22 million.

Provincial Engineer Susano Ruperto, who is also a member of the BAC, said that there was nothing irregular with their decision to select the “wet-poured” material. “Anyone, even the supplier of the pre-fabricated material, is free to quote a price for the wet-poured technology for the rubberized track.”

“In the end, it is the choice and prerogative of the end-user that will prevail,” Martinez said. “We decided that while the pre-fabricated rubberized track oval may offer the best technology, it is not within our price range, so we chose the technology that will fit our budget,” headed.

SU dance troupe represents country in Macau

2006-07-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

By Nonito Antonio Cuizon
July 16-22, 2006 issue – Metro Post

The Silliman University Kahayag Dance Troupe was the country’s sole representative to the X International Youth Dance Festival last week in Macau, China.

The dance fest is organized every two years by the Education & Youth Affairs Bureau in Macau, China every two years.

The SU dance troupe, founded in 1961, was the brainchild of Luz Jumawan which first focused on ballet and interpretative movements.

From 1979 to 1982, the late Liwayway Serion-Arabe continued its legacy, and applied their teachings to folk dancing. Then through the efforts of Prof. Joseph Basa, acting dean of the College of Performing Arts, the troupe is now called Kahayag, led by Ronnie Mirabuena from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and assisted by Swyline de Jesus, both trained at the Philippine High School for the Arts of the National Arts Center in Makiling, Los Banos. The dance troupe is in Macao with tour manager Prof. Jocelyn Somoza-dela Cruz

PAO awards 12 schools for GPAK program

2006-07-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

By Rachel M. Nessia
July 2, 2006 issue – Sun Star Dumaguete

TWELVE schools that have successfully implemented the province's Galing Pook awardee, Gulayan at Palaisdaan Alay sa Kabataan (GPAK), were awarded by the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) Tuesday morning.

The schools were chosen after an evaluation of participating schools in the three congressional districts of Negros Oriental.

Prizes in the form of projects were given to the three top schools in each district under two categories, namely Gulayan and Palaisdaan.

The winners in the Gulayan category were: First District: Tinaogan Elementary School (Bindoy), First Prize; Pinocauan Elementary School, (Vallehermoso), Second Prize; and Bindoy Central School (Bindoy), Third Prize.

In the Second District, the winners were: Azagra Elementary School (Tanjay City), First Prize; Don Loreto Ledesma Memorial School (Tanjay City), Second Prize; and Bagtic Elementary School (Mabinay), Third Prize.

The Third District winners were: Amres Elementary School (Sta. Catalina), First Prize; Minaba Elementary School (Bayawan City) Second Prize; and Caniogan Valley Elementary School (Sta. Catalina) Third Prize.

In the Palaisdaan category, the winning schools were Maayongtubig Elementary School in Dauin, First Prize; Baslay Elementary School in Dauin, Second Prize; and Liptong Elementary School in Valencia, Third Prize.

The winners received prizes in the form of projects. First Prize winners under the Gulayan category received projects worth P100,000, second prize, P75,000, and third prize, P50,000. The prizes undr the Palaisdaan category were P50,000, P30,000, and P20,000 for first, second, and third prizes, respectively.

GPAK is now on its fourth year of implementation in all public schools in Negros Oriental.

Negrenses capture Muaythai gold

2006-07-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

By Rachel M. Nessia
July 2, 2006 issue – Sun Star Dumaguete

THREE members of the Dumaguete-Negros Oriental Muaythai Team took the gold at the three-day Olympic Day Festival-Philippine Muaythai League 2006 on June 23 to 26 at SM Manila.

The league was part of the weeklong Olympic Day Festival play-offs to select the national contenders for the Asian Games in 2006.

Walter Zaldarriaga, 17, of Dumaguete City, punched and kicked his way to the 54-57 kgs championship title, defeating Narciso Arcibar of Makati City.

Referee Billy Alumno stepped in 45 seconds into the first round to stop the fight after Narciso looked like he could not defend himself from Zakdarriaga's attacks.

In the 32 kgs junior championship title, John Rey Bendijo, 13, from Bacong faced off against Efren Lopez of Caloocan City to win the gold.

At 30 seconds into the second round, Lopez surrendered from a direct punch in the face.
Romnick Pabalate, former Dumaguete Muaythai student from Mabinay and recently drafted to the Philippine Muaythai Team, scored a gold after beating Jayson Basa of Quezon City in their 45-48 kg championship fight.

Bernabe Bustillo coached the team.

Meanwhile, the Dumaguete NegOr Muaythai Team is set for kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts Fight dubbed "Ground and Pound" on July 8 at the New Cebu Coliseum Complex.
PAO awards 12 schools for GPAK programBy Rachel M. NessiaJuly 2, 2006 issue – Sun Star Dumaguete

More tilapia fingerlings to enter Negros Oriental waters

2006-04-26T00:44:00.000-07:00

PIA
Metro Post
April 23-29, 2006 issue

To boost the tilapia production in the fish farms and fish pods in Negros Oriental, some 550,000 genetically enhanced tilapias for excellence (GET-EXCEL) fingerlings were turned to the province today by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The said fingerlings, which came from Clarin Freshwater Fishfarm, Caluwasan, Clarin, Bohol is the biggest dispersal done by BFAR this year.

The fingerlings will be distributed to the fish farms in East Balabag, Valencia, Tanjay City, Maslog, Sibulan and Bayawan City along with the Barangay Agricultural Development Centers (BADC’s) in the province and will be utilized by the Farmers Field School on Tilapia.

The fingerlings were turned over by Mr. Andres M. Bojos, BFAR Assitant Regional Director and Mrs. Anecita L. de la Peña, chief of the Fisheries Extension Training and Communication in BFAR-7.

Marathon Clinic opens

2006-04-18T01:29:00.000-07:00

By Syril G. Repe
Sun Star Dumaguete - www.sunstar.com.ph
April 13, 2006 issue

THE Dumaguete City Tourism Office and The Metro Dumaguete Roadrunners Club launched on April 9 their joint Marathon Clinic at Rizal Boulevard.

The clinic is patterned after the world famous Honolulu Marathon clinic in Hawaii, which trained thousands of people to run their first 42.195-kilometer marathon and founded by world-renowned cardiologist, Dr. Jack Scaff, Jr.

It aims to train runners who would attempt to complete 21-K half-marathon in November to give them the chance to participate in an activity that would improve the physical fitness of the participants.

Regular participation in the one-hour run regimen of the clinic would also serve as a preventive measure to arrest the growing incidence of lifestyle diseases like heart disease, which is now the number killer in the city.

Cecilio D. Tayko, president of the Dumaguete Roadrunners Club, said that the marathon clinic is free of charge and open to everybody interested to join. He said Mayor Agustin Perdices has issued a memorandum urging all city government employees to join the program.

Dr. Perry Mequi of Foundation University is the training consultant of the program.

The sponsors of the clinic are Ramas Uypitching Sons, Paramount Life and General Insurance, Dumaguete Muythai Association, Foundation University, and CTO among others.

Negros Oriental receives 2 additional honors

2006-04-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

By Adrian Sedillo
Sun Star Dumaguete - www.sunstar.com.ph
April 6, 2006 issue

THE Provincial Government of Negros Oriental got two more honors for its agricultural programs.

Provincial veterinarian Antonio Mutia presented the two awards to Governor George Arnaiz in the presence of all provincial department heads and members of the Provincial Board.

The awards received were for Best Local Government Unit in the Implementation of the Artificial Insemination Program and the Loan Breeding Program.

The artificial insemination program has been implemented in the province for the last 20 years and has been expanded to other provinces like Negros Occidental, Cebu, Siquijor, and Zamboanga del Sur.

Mutia told Arnaiz that the provincial program has been acknowledged as the best nationwide.

The loan breeding program gives farmers the means to improve their livelihood through the livestock breeding program involving carabaos and cattle.

The Provincial Government buys the carabao and the cattle and distributes them to farmers through a loan program.

Mutia said the Department of Agriculture noted that the program's management had high collection efficiency.

Lawn chess showdown

2006-04-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

By Syril G. Repe
Sun Star Dumaguete - www.sunstar.com.ph
April 6, 2006 issue

NEGROS Club 64 continues its mind skills battle for the youth this summer, the April Edition for the Open Youth Lawn Chess Tournament, which will reel off on April 22 at 9:00 a.m. at the Lawn Chess Park at the Capitol Area.

Florendo Zamora, tournament director, said the club and its sponsors would award prizes to the top finishers of the tournament.

He said the summer event is part of the club's activities for the youth to engage in sports.

The club's regular patrons, Mart Olendo of Land Bank of the Philippines, Dr. Andres Junco, Jr., and Police Chief Mario Ponce de Leon will sponsor the event.

In the municipality of Valencia, Barangay South Poblacion headed by barangay captain Rene Solamillo together with SK chairman Pipo Sy will launch the 2006 Valencia Summer Inter-barangay Chessfest at the end of this month.

Oriental Negrenses await PBA showdown

2006-04-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

By Syril G. Repe
Sun Star Dumaguete - www.sunstar.com.ph
April 6, 2006 issue

A WARM welcome awaits the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) when it brings its act to the province of Negros Oriental on April 8 at 4:30 in the afternoon at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center at Capitol Area.

Thousands of basketball enthusiasts in the province eagerly await the arrival of Red Bull and Talk "N" Text players who will clash in the out-of-town game, which is part of the Grand Matador Brandy-PBA Philippine Cup.

Negros Oriental Sports and Cultural Facilities Management Board Co-Chair Glynda Descuatan said the PBA game is one of the activities this summer that aims to promote tourism via sports.

Red Bull's key player Enrico Villanueva, Fiesta Conference best player, and number 14th overall pick Larry Fonancier will lead the team of Coach Yeng Guiao.

While Coach Derrick Pumarin of Talk "N" Text will depend on mean tower Asi Taulava, with the support of Jimmy Alapag and Willie Miller.

Rotarians reach out to Siquijor

2006-04-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

By Victor L. Camion
Sun Star Dumaguete - www.sunstar.com.ph
April 6, 2006 issue

ROTARY Clubs Zone D3 in Negros Oriental served thousands of residents in the island province of Siquijor through their free medical, dental, and legal services on April 1 and 2.

Zone D3 is composed of Rotarian members from the cities of Dumaguete, Tanjay, Bais, and Bayawan.

Lawyer Raymund Mercado, president of the Rotary Club of Dumaguete East and public relations officer of Rotary Clubs Zone D3 headed by Assistant Governor Youman Uymatiao, said the medical, dental and legal missions were held in barangays Campalanas in the town of Lazi and Candaping in Maria and Siquijor Provincial Hospital.

The medical mission included circumcision and minor surgeries.

Dr. Danny Olegario headed the medical mission, Dr. Alice Reyes the dental mission and Mercado, the legal mission.

Mercado said volunteers, including undergraduate doctors and nurses, have always been a part of the Rotary's mission to answer the call of "service above self."

Negrenses reap awards in National Trade Fair

2006-04-03T01:48:00.000-07:00

DTI/Tammy Sevilla

Metro Post, April 2-8, 2006 issue

Two local manufacturers from Negros Oriental reaped the top three awards during the recently- concluded National Trade Fair 2006 at the SM Mega Trade Hall in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila.

The Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage (NOAH), OWNED BY Engr. and Mrs. Dodong Yee, garnered the Top Seller Award and the Top Selling Prototype Award while Orient Gifts, owned by Stella Lezama, garnered the Top Seller Award for the Fashion Accessories Sector.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, the NTF is a market promotion for countryside entrepreneurs that have potential to serve both the domestic and international markets.

The other entrepreneurs from Negros Oriental which attended the NTF were the Brown Hands Industries, Babing’s Native Products and La Libertad Weaver’s Association.

The highlight of trade fair participation was the generation of cash sales and booked orders from exporters, export traders, institutional buyers and importers who visited the show. For this year Oriental Negrenses got the show’s top three awards, based on volume of cash sales and booked orders.

NOAH got two highest awards-the top seller award and top selling prototype award, and a consistent winner for four consecutive years. Orient Gifts won the top seller award in the fashion accessories sector. As a result, Region 7 won as the top selling region (on the national level), getting the highest amount of booked sales.

Digital Dumaguete winds up exhibits, job fair

2006-03-29T22:07:00.000-08:00

Metro Post
March 26 - April 1, 2006 issue

The Foundation University Computer Studies department, in cooperation with the Department if Science & Technology recently concluded a three-day annual exposition dubbed “Digital Dumaguete”. This year’s theme was “The future is at your fingertips”.

The activity kicked off with a web cast with Rex Maxiillan, an ArchiCad expert based in Hawaii. This was followed by the opening of the carious booths that joined the expo: Canon Marketing Philippines, AAC Tech, DGTech, Algorithm, Emcor, CAL Philippines, Mozcom Eide Format, Odlanoid, Octagon/IT Outlook, ASTI, CVISNet, Geoplan, TAPI, and DOST.

A series of lectures and product demonstrations were also conducted by the participating companies and government agencies. Student from all over Oriental Negros got the chance to listen to personalities who are experts in the field as they discussed about the latest in the world of technology.

During the Digital Dumaguete, the FU College of Nursing also took part in the event by conducting a Health Fair.

The highlight of the “Digital Dumaguete” was a job fair conducted in the cooperation with the Guidance & Counseling office. The international companies who participated in the job fair were SPI Technologies based in Bacong, Teletech based in Dumaguete, Entheos IT Inc., iCom International, and Island Merchants Corp.

Negros Oriental tops MDG program

2006-03-26T19:13:00.000-08:00

By Victor L. Camion
Sun Star Dumaguete
March 26, 2006 issue

NEGROS Oriental topped all provinces in implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of the United Nations, said a screener of the Galing Pook Foundation who visited Dumaguete City recently.

Luz Lopez Rodriguez was in the province to monitor if the province sustained its program that adapted the MDG.

MDG is a global commitment to address the concerns of the world's poor.

The millennium goals include ensuring that every boy and girl gets a primary education, reducing child and maternal mortality, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, and reducing by half the number of people living in extreme poverty and hunger by 2015.

The Millennium Declaration adopted five years ago, committed world leaders to "spare no effort to free our fellow men, women and children from the abject and dehumanizing conditions of extreme poverty."

Rodriguez said Negros Oriental has successfully reduced its child and maternal mortality rate and empowered the women population. Governor George Arnaiz said the gains were made through the inter-LGU-NGO partnership in health care delivery. "If we make the women strong, the men become stronger," the governor told Rodriguez. The Galing Pook evaluator also noted that the Provincial Board, through Board Member Mariant Escaño-Villegas passed an ordinance to support the programs strengthening women's right. Moreover, she said, the Provincial Government had allotted millions of pesos for scholarship grants to the poor but deserving children to ensure that everybody gets primary education. The United Nations International Children's Education Fund, through the sixth Country Program for Children, has helped the province continue its program to open day care centers in the hinterland areas to bring education closer to the children.

'Mission accomplished!' -- Guv

2006-03-02T22:14:00.000-08:00

by Edmund Sestoso
Metro Post
February 19-24, 2006

“A lot has changed since I gave my first address in 1999.”

That was how Gov. George P. Arnaiz opened his twice-cancelled eight State-of-the-Province Address Thursday that underscored the gained of his administration since he assumed the governorship in 1999 and his optimism for more accomplishments in the future.

“Today, Oriental Negrenses are getting more productive and optimistic of the future,” declared the governor before Capitol and line government officers, business and civic sectors representatives, and member of the Provincial Board that packed the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall.

Titled Now is Not the Time to Stop, the 45-minute SOPA underscored five major points the Arnaiz administration accomplished in the past eight years namely: major awards for excellence in local governance, the Buglasan Festival, exposure trips, the accomplishments of his 2005 11-point development agenda, and sectoral achievements.

For the provincial government’s three successive Galing Pook Awards, the Province received the Award for Continuing Excellence in local governance from the Galing Pook Foundation.

The ACE award is the highest recognition given to a local government unit for successive wins in the Galing Pook Awards and sustaining the programs.

Under Arnaiz’s administration alone, Negros Oriental won the Inter-LGU-NGO Partnership in Health Care Delivery in 2003, the Barangay Agricultural Development Center in 2004, and the Gulayan at Palaisdaan Alay sa Kabataan Program last year.

Previous to the three awards, Negros Oriental received two others-Community-Based Resource Management Program in 1994 and Community-Based Primary Hospital Project in 1995 under then Gov. Emilio Macias II.

The other awards the province received last year were the 2005 Crown Award for its nutrition program, the governor’s selection as Most Outstanding Silliman Award in Public Service and the 2005 Rotary Centennial Service Award for Professional Excellence, recognition as Best Province in Project Implementation, Financial Management, & Monitoring by the European Union, and plaques of recognition from the Department of Environment & Natural Resources, the Bureau of Customs, and the provincial governors’ League of the Philippines.

Last year’s Buglasan Festival was the biggest in terms of events and participation and the most attended provincial event of the year that gained the province international exposure through ABS-CBN’s the Filipino Channel, print media, and international television network Living Asia.

“As a result of our Oriental Negros is now included as the official travel destination of the Cebu and Bohol tour operators, agents, and travel agencies.

Exposure trips

On international exposure, Sibulan’s Yagyag Festival, through the Department of Tourism joined the World Exposition in Aishi, Nagoya Japan in September last year.

A week later, Vice Gov. Jose Baldado headed a delegation composed of Provincial Board Members Henry Pryde Teves and Erwin Macias and officials from Negros Occidental to an international congress in Australia on organic farming systems and observed the cattle industry there.

The trip was in line with the Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development that aims to make the island an organic center For agriculture and livestock industry in Asia.

The following month, on invitation of 3rd District Cong. Herminio G. Teves, the Governor, along with BM Henry Teves went on an exposure trip to China to observe the latest sugar farming and ethanol manufacturing technologies.

“These foreign travels enabled the administration to forge ties and gain insights,” Arnaiz said.

11-point agenda

The 11-point development agenda he outlines in his 2005 SOPA were accomplished almost all in record time and surpassed the targets set for that year, the governor said.

The agenda covered the construction of the 100-seater Provincial Convention Center which us ongoing non-stop, tourism development, increased farm productivity and family income through GPAK and BADC, road network, hospital building renovation, funds for the welfare of children, the elderly, and physically-handicapped through the 6th Country Program for Children of UNICEF, a child-minding center and drug store for senior citizens; funds for the Third Elementary Education 7 Secondary Education Programs, additional high schools in San Jose and Pamplona, improved provincial water and sanitation project with the help of the German Development Service, skills training program through the creation of the Provincial Integrated Skills Training Center, and more BADC sites.

Sectoral highlights

In agriculture, rice yield last year went up to 61,353 metric tons compared to 59,798 in 22004 while corn harvest rose to 73,062 metric tons compared to 70,252 metric tons in 2004.

Likewise, vegetable production increased by 10 percent from 7,184 in 2004 to 7,952 metric tons last year.

In three more areas of development, Negros Oriental signed an agreement with Negros Occidental to set up NISARD, a project that aims to transform Negros Island into an export processing zone of organic produce and an organic food basket of Asia; successfully grew garlic in Vallehermoso that exceeded the national target; and introduced vermiculture in BADC areas.

Plans for 2006

For 2006, Governor Arnaiz committed his administration to a 13-point agenda on continuing and sustaining the delivery of health services that includes the implementation of a P93 million European Union Grant to improve hospital and rural health unit facilities, the nutritional status of children, the supplementation for Grade 1 pupils in 10 pilot municipalities, agricultural productivity, existing livelihood programs, and the Solar Home System province-wide.

Likewise, the Provicne will help provide a more efficient transport system in Dumaguete by building a bus terminal for northbound buses, complete the Provincial Convention Center by September in time for its hosting of the first International Convention of Tour Operators.

He also plans to speed up the mobility of products and people by extending Highway 2000 or the Provincial Trans-Central Highway linking Mabinay, Tayasan to Himamaylan road, La Libertad, Guihulngan, and open more roads and bridges.

Arnaiz also pushed for the creation of a Negros Island Ports Authority, the privatization of the Buglasan Festival, the implementation of the Blood Donation Program, and the continuation of the Province’s support to the Gawad Kalinga Housing Project in the municipalities.

CAVEAT

2005-09-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

CAVEAT
Editorial - Metro Post
September 18-24, 2005 - Page 04

Would you ask a doctor to kill his own patient? Or would you ask a policeman not to arrest a criminal?

In these two instances, one would be asking both the doctor and the policeman not to do the jobs that hey were supposed to do. A doctor's job is to treat patients and policeman cannot just let a criminal go scot-free.

In the same manner, asking a local government unit not to approve the business permit of a competitor may be like luring our city officials into a trap which could land them jail terms and fines. The LGU does not have the power to grant a business exclusivity just because the business gives jobs to people. They can ask for tax incentives, better infrastructure and other benefits, but they can never put Dumaguete in their pocket. Providing jobs is an inherent responsibility of the business -- no ifs. Providing a level playing field for business, and creating a competitive atmosphere where only the best would thrive is the responsibility of the LGU.

Lest we forget, Vice Mayor William Ablong and City Legal Officer Neil Ray Lagahit were fined P30,000 each for confiscating a lotto machine which they believed was operating illegally. What then would be the penalty for people who did something they knew was patently illegal to begin with?

The request of a multinational call center for the City to bend the law in its favor by giving them a three-year exclusive contract, renewable at the call center's option, does not augur well for a healthy business climate. Doing so would be closing the door for bigger and better call centers who may want to invest in Dumaguete City.

We may be pushing this argument too far, but if granting exclusively to first-movers to this University Town was thought to be advantageous to one's business, we wouldn't have had St. Paul University, or Foundation University, or NORSU, or COSCA which all followed Silliman?

WELCOME HOME

2005-09-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

WELCOME HOME!
Editorial - Page 04
Metro Post
August 28-September 03, 2005

We extend a warm welcome to thousands of alumni of Silliman University who have come home to talk part in the annual tradition that is the SU Founder's Day.

There is something magical about homecomings and Founders' Day celebrations. They all make us look back to the time we were students, and wish that we could relive those days. Happy days of school and college, gliding swiftly like a dream. And the things of life and beauty are more nearly what they seem.

For many younger alumni who have returned to celebrate this happy occasion, it is not whether you have made your first, second, or third million. It isn't going to be whether you have been moved up to the top of your company of office. Rather, it will be how you look or behave now in relation to how your classmates remember you that would matter.

That will be the case for the first few reunions until they get tired of doing the same thing year in and year out that they start looking for more noble projects.

"Whenever I attend a graduation at Silliman, I know it would not be the last time I would hear of that batch. I know that someday, they will be back to help their alma mater." Dumaguete Vice Mayor William Ablong said that during the SUHS '51 awarding ceremonies of Sillimanian and Negrense Generals last Thursday.

"Tonight," he continued, "I am again proven right."

The awarding ceremony was how HS Batch '51 demonstrated their appreciation to the deeds of their classmates, fellow Sillimanians, and Negrenses who've helped shape what Dumaguete and Oriental Negros are today.

Such a simple idea had caught on like wildfire, and the response to their appreciation to the deeds of their classmates, fellow Sillimanians, and Negrenses who've helped shape what Dumaguete and Oriental Negros are today.

Such a simple idea had caught on like wildfire, and the response to their call for support has been tremendous -- the trophies even outnumbering the awardees.

And that laudable project had brought smiles to the hundreds of awardees, and their families. Everybody went home happy.

which isn't such a bad idea for other alumni classes to emulate. In this world where we are constantly greeted with bad news, let's make it a point to make other people happy.

And we do that by sharing our blessings with our fellowmen, and working together as a cohesive group to transform our dreams to reality.

Hopefully, this is not the last time that alumni do something good for their alma mater, for Dumaguete, and for Oriental Negros.

Happy 104th founders Day to Silliman University!

NAA CONDUCTS FOOTBALL, VOLLEYBALL TOURNEYS

2005-09-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

NAA CONDUCTS FOOTBALL, VOLLEYBALL TOURNEYS
Metro Post - Page 02
Issues & Updates
September 11-17, 2005

The Foundation University football varsity teams bagged the championship in the recently-concluded Negros Athletic Association (NAA) Football Tournament.

The games, which run for four weekends, were held at the FU North Campus football field.

The Women's Varsity Team A, and the Men's Varsity Team B of Foundation dominated over their contenders in both divisions. FU vice president for student life & external affairs and Sports director, said the NAA aims to provide continuous trainings to prepare local athletes for upcoming national or international competitions. The games also include volleyball and basketball.

The NAA was conceived three years ago by FU BOT Chair Victor Vicente G. Sinco, himself a multi-awarded football athlete in the US.

Depositario said they plan to invite athletic clubs from outside the Province to compete with local athletes to give them exposure. (Kristine Joy Feril).

SIATON RIVERS THREATEN POBLACION

2005-09-15T00:36:00.000-07:00

SIATON RIVERS THREATEN POBLACION
Metro Post - Page 08
September 04-09, 2005

Siaton, Negros Oriental - The town of Siaton could be submerged by waters from the Siaton and Canauay rivers-the two big rivers that encircle the poblacion - unless dikes are built to create a strong wall against future water overflows.

Mayor Vicente Arbolado said the town is threatened by floods, especially during monsoon months. He made the comment after the Pag-asa raised the possibility of more rains between now and February, which are considered the "wet season" in the Philippines.

Last year, heavy rainfall caused the Canauay river to overflow, closing traffic along the national highway.

Arbolado said the rechanneling of Siaton river was not necessary because the threat is seasonal and the solution involved only the construction of boulder dikes. Some residents, however, are opposed to rechanneling the river as they are not convinced that the project would help secure poblacion from flooding.

The mayor, however, said that the threat was real and that unless something is done to address this, he could not assure protection for people who will be affected by future floodings. (Edmund Sestoso)

FR. EKING CHOSEN FOR ROTARY GROUP STUDY EXCHANGE TEAM

2005-09-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

FR. EKING CHOSEN FOR ROTARY GROUP STUDY EXCHANGE TEAM
Metro Post - Page 08
September 04-09, 2005

The Rotary District 3860 has chosen Dumaguete Diocesan priest Enrique "Eking" Balongag as one of the four-member Group Study Exchange (GSE) team to New Orleans in Louisiana.

Father Eking, a columnist of the Metro Post and vice president for Academic Affairs of Colegio de Sta. Catalina de Alejandria, will be with three other professionals, chosen from 54 aspirants from Rotary Clubs in the Rotary district covering Central and Eastern Visayas, northeastern and southern Mindanao.

Gerry Baroy, president of the Rotary Club of Dumaguete and secretary of the Council of Presidents of the Rotary clubs of Negros Oriental & Siquijor, said the other members of the GSE team are Jason C. Magnaye and Roberto Alabado of Davao City, and Lanitesa Gascon of Cebu City.

As a GSE team member, Father Eking is an Ambassador of Goodwill of Rotary District 3860, particularly his nominating club, the Rotary Club of Dumaguete Central headed by Richmond Galon.

The GSE program of the Rotary Foundation is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40, and who are in the early years of their professional lives.

For four weeks, the four team members and their leader will experience Louisiana's institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas with their counterparts there.

Father Eking holds a doctoral degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Sto. Tomas. He is chairperson of the Commission on Catholic education of the diocese of Dumaguete, superintendent of the Diocesan Catholic Schools in the diocese of Dumaguete, and HR consultant of the 1st Multi Industrial Development Corp. e-Scribe Global Data.

Former GSE team members from Oriental Negros include Raymundo Dto Jr. (Kansas), Metro Post publisher Alex Pal (Washington and Vancouver, Canada), and Councilor Myrish Cadapan-Antonio (Australia). (Edmund Sestoso)

SMOKE HAZE

2005-09-14T23:49:00.000-07:00

SMOKE HAZE
Metro Post - Page 05
September 03-09, 2005

As 5pm draws near everyday, I hurry to leave the office to go home to Sam who'll be waiting by the gate for his afternoon walk. but it's getting harder to decide in which direction to walk at that hour in Valencia.

When Sam and I went out to the street yesterday, there was a huge cloud of smoke coming from the south of our street, and a low-lying thick haze coming from the church compound if we headed north. Not much choice, so I held a handkerchief to my nose and walked on.

Virtually every house in Valencia sweeps their yard, sidewalk, and canal, and then strikes a match to the pile of leaves, fresh cut grass, and bits of plastic and paper trash.

Between 4 and 6 pm, hundreds, if not thousands of Valencianons, very many children among them, cannot avoid breathing in the smoke that is the by product of this daily clean-up ritual.

If it is a wind-free day, the smoke continues to hover for a long time. Last night, I sat on my porch at 7pm, and still had to contend with the strong smell of smoke.

Theoretically, burning shouldn't be necessary if people would compost garden refuse, but apparently, no one wants to bother. Sadly, some nice young Manila friends who had settled in Jawa have just decided to pack up and leave again, out of concern for their two year-old's health.

In fact, the burning happens everywhere. Smoke haze hovered over parts of Batinguel, Junob, and Talay several times last week as I drove home.

Maybe it's the fear of dengue that has everybody burning, even though the Department of Health advisories clearly say that smoke does not kill mosquitoes, but merely drives them away for a while.

It could also be that after periods of rain, grass and plants are overgrown, so people cut, trim and burn.

The information does not seem to be disseminated by health authorities that breathing in smoke, suspended particulates, and the carcinogenic chemicals released by burning plastics and rubber causes serious harm to health. children are at most at risk. It's getting so bad, we'll have to put up signs that say "Warning: Breathing is dangerous to your health!"

The Paradox

2005-09-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

The Paradox
Metro Post - Page 04
September 04-09. 2005

The Sibulan Water District is neck-deep in hot water over reports that the water from their main source has a very small amount of arsenic, a chemical which, when taken repeatedly over a long period of time, could cause cancer of the lungs, skin, or liver.

The problem of the Siwad started in February after residents of barangay Agan-an in Sibulan opposed the replacement of their water pipes from the Dumaguete City Water District for the Siwad. Why? Because of a study by the University of the Philippines which found that the arsenic content in the water from Siwad's Magatas pumping station was .022 mcg/liter -- higher than the World Health Organization's standard of .01 mcg/liter.

Now, tests conducted by three other laboratories accredited by the Department of Environment & Natural Resources have revealed that the arsenic levels have decreased to a level that is considered safe.

The Siwad now wants the trust of the Sibulan water consumers so they would patronize their services and, most important, pay their water bills.

But how do you earn trust? The officers of Siwad themselves can convince to the public how safe their water truly is by conducting regular water-drinking sessions directly from Siwad faucets in Sibulan's various barangays.

This suggestion, though, seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

As it turns out, many Siwad officers themselves do not seem convinced about the status of their water. They actually drink only mineral water.

This is the paradox the Siwad officials face: If they themselves are not convinced by their own product, how could they convince anyone else?

Lisa Macuja, Ballet Manila to perform at the Luce

2005-09-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Lisa Macuja, Ballet Manila to perform at the Luce
Metro Post - Page 03
September 03-09, 2005
Issues & Updates

International ballerina Lisa Macuja Elizalde, together with Ballet Manila, will performer Carmen and other ballets on sept.. 16 and 17 at 8:00 pm at the Luce Auditorium.

Organized by the Silliman university Cultural Affairs Committee, Macuja-Elizalde will perform with her Ballet Manila which has done more than 2,000 shows in over 100 cities from Abra to Zamboanga, and 52 full length classical ballet and contemporary numbers in Russia, the US, and Scotland.

ballet Manila, touted not only as one of the world's best professional performing companies but as a formidable training ground for young dancers as well, was founded in 1995, with Macuja Elizalde as artistic director and principal ballerina.

Macuja remains the only Filipino ballerina to have brought home a laureate prize, a silver medal, from the Asia-Pacific Ballet Competition in Tokyo. She also competed and won 5th place into he senior division of the International Ballet Competition in 1990 in Mississippi' and at the International Diaghilev Ballet Competition in Moscow in 1992.

Macuja was a scholar of the USSR Ministry of Culture where she studied at the Vaganova Choreographic Institute (now the Academy of Russian Ballet) in St. Petersburg. Graduating at the top of her class in 1984, she became the first foreigner to be invited to join the Kirov Ballet, a 260-year old institution in dance.

It was at the historical Maryinsky Theatre where Macuja first premiered as principal ballerina in The Nutcraker, Don Quixote, and Giselle. She returned to the Philippines in 1986, and became the artist-in-residence of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

She has since then remained Philippine-based, performing as principal ballerina in major local productions and as international guest artist in Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Cuba, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and New Zealand. She has received numerous international and national citations for her world-class achievements and contribution to Philippine culture and the arts.

For their performance in Dumaguete, tickets for Sept. 16 are at P250, P500, P750 and P1,000. For the Sept. 17 performance, ticket prices are at P300, P500, P600, P800, and P1,000.

For ticket reservations, please contact the CAC headed by Prof. Joseph Basa, dean of the College of Performing Arts; the Friends of the CAC led by Arlene Delloso Rams Uypitching; or the CAC Marketing Committee composed of Uypitching, Jose Mari Jonathan Antonio of the Student Organizations & activities Division, Moses Joshua Atega of the Alumni Office, and Mark Raygan Garcia of the Office of information & Publications.

Be Honest, Gov't. Workers Told

2005-09-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Be Hones, Gov't. Workers Told
Metro Post - Page 02
September 04-09, 2005

To Love and to Serve. These are what matters most in life.
Civil Service Commissioner Cesar Buenaflor Wednesday reminded government workers that nobody gets rich working for government and that life is not about getting rich.

"What would it matter if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?" Buenaflor paraphrased a Bible passage as he admonished the government personnel to remain honest.

Before his stint as Commissioner of the CSC, Buenaflor headed the Presidential Anti Graft Task Force, whose main duty was to run after erring government personnel.

"We have removed many persons from the service who were living beyond their means," he admonished.

The Kapihan forum was held to highlight the 105th Civil Service Month, which is held in September.

Among the programs of the CSC is the implementation of the government rationalization plan, as outlined in Executive Order 366.

The plan calls for the elimination of duplication of government functions and excess people in the government and could mean the merging or collapsing of unnecessary or excess units and having fewer workers in government.

Buenaflor said it was necessary to trim down the bureaucracy. "The government is still the biggest employment agency in the country and almost 80% of its budget goes to personnel services, leaving only a small amount for development projects," Buenaflor bared.

There are about 1.4 million government workers in the country today.

He said that the savings generated from the rationalization plan could justify a salary increase for government workers. Attractive retirement or separation packages are also being eyed for affected government personnel.

"They could be getting more money by retiring now instead of waiting for the mandatory retirement age," he said.

Buenaflor revealed that a total of P30 billion has been allocated for the cash incentives offered by the government for affected employees. Half of the total amount is from the World Bank and the other half is the government's counterpart.

Employees who have been in government service for at least 31 years are entitled to an incentive bonus equivalent to 100% of their basic salary, while those between 20 to 30 years of service will receive 75%. Employees with below 20 years but over 3 years service will be entitled to 50% under the rationalization plan.

Employees who avail of the EO 366 cannot return to government service for a period of five years, except those in the medical and educational services. (with reports from PIA)

Our Congressman Speak on the Impeachment Complaint Against PGMA

2005-09-12T00:39:00.000-07:00

Our Congressman Speak on the Impeachment Complaint Against PGMA
Metro Post - Page 05
September 11-17, 2005

Negros Oriental Representatives were divided once again over the Congress Justice Committee decision to junk the impeachment complaints filed against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the House of Representatives. Except for Cong. Emilio C. Macias II who was absent, here's what They said:

Cong. Jacinto "Jing" Paras: Aol of us stood our ground to defend a cause. All of us persevered to secure the future of our children. I am a father of three young children, ages 15, 12 and 8. Just like any children of this age, they are aware of the burning issues we are discussing extensively today. They all know about Garci. In fact, they have enjoyed the Garci ring tone, and they certainly believe that the woman who spoke to Garci is none other than the President of this Republic.

I am voting no because I don't want my children to ask me, "Papa, did you sell out?" [Because if they were to ask me that,] my answer would be, "No, no my children. Your Papa is not for sale."

Cong. Herminio "Meniong" Teves: We are in conflict crisis, economically and politically. For the past three months... our society, the media, the religious sector has kept track of the jueteng payola, the alleged electoral faud incited by the "Hello, Garci" tapes, and then the impeachment case against her excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and ultimately, the "Hyatt 10" incident.

We cannot deny that the president may have hurt many, and those who were hurt by the president want to avenge their pain by getting even, under the guise of calling for justice as their only bitter revenge.

If the impeachment complaint is elevated to the Senate, the next three to six months will again be centered on the political crisis, and would further aggravate our already-frail economy. I vote yes for the approval of the Justice Committee report, and at the same time, court my honorable colleagues that after this day's voting on the Committee Report, we concentrate on our ultimate goal of improving this country's economy, and solving the current economic crisis.

The Butterfly Effect

2005-09-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

The Butterfly Effect
Metro Post - Page 06
September 11-17, 2005

Sydney, Australia -- It has been said that something as small as a flutter of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world. Wittingly, we may be talking here fo Chaos Theory which is the main theme of a supernatural movie title Butterfly Effect.

But unwittingly, we may be tacking here of super typhoons like Katrina that swirled and devastated across New Orleans, China, Japan, and Spain.

Or more to the point, we may be talking here about the unfolding morality and political play in the Philippines.

Or more to the point, we may be talking here about the unfolding morality and political play in the Philippines.

The movie trailer gives a snapshot of Chaos Theory by Edward Lorenz. It portrays a young man struggling to get over disturbing memories from his childhood.

In his torment, he accidentally finds that he is able to travel back in time and alter events in his past. However, every change he makes transforms his life, and of those around him, often with unexpected and disastrous consequences.

It is like unravelling the cause and effect of every action by time travel that may offer some option to correct unwanted life choices in the past, and explore instead the road not taken.

Still, in every time line, no one can play God; which underscores the need for the right choices every moment in time.

That is where Katrina and other devastating weather disturbances like the tsunami in the Indian Ocean loom large as a clear and present danger to man's accumulated indiscretions with nature. As some perceptive minds have pointed out, Katrina's middle name spells Danger. It goes by the name of Global Warning.

As to the unfolding political drama in the Philippines, my heart sank as cruel fate played a trick on Oriental Negros' 2nd Dist. Rep. Emilio Macias II.

If he were not sick on Monday, as Mr. Clean in the Province's politics, I believe he would have made the Lower House's voting on the impeachment trial 157-52. Who knows, his vote as a small flutter of a butterfly wing might be the big difference in causing a snowball to send the impeachment trial to Senate.

As it stands now, the aborted impeachment trial leaves a bitter political after-taste. As the preferred administration political mantra, every Filipino should submit to the rule of law in seeking truth and justice.

But where is the just legal process in aborting the impeachment trial by mere technicality, by terminating it with the number's game that goes by its other offensive and much maligned name jueteng.

It would have been nice to know that Mr. Clean had made it publicly known that he did not succumb to the juicy pork barrel, nor give in to the more insidious political accommodation by voting yes, and affixing his honorable name to the pro-impeachment cause.

But fate had decreed it that Dodo get sick on Monday. You can't blame the man for a sin of omission -- something not of his own making.

There is no flutter of a butterfly's wing from Mr. Clean, at this point in time.

There is no moral outrage in the Parliament, I mean, in the lower House either.

Mayor Gonzalez Pushes strict Implementation

2005-09-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

With his town experiencing rapid economic and physical boom, Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez Jr. now wants his barangay officials to be deuptized for strict implementation of the National building Code in his municipality.

Gonzalez has asked the Sangguniang Baya, through Vice Mayor Doro Olasiman, to pass a resolution that would require applicants for building, electrical, fencing delolition, and conversion, among others permits, to secure barangay clearance before their request for permit can be granted.

The mayor also wants the resolution to direct barangay captains to monitor and report illegal constrction within their respective area of jurisdiction to the Office of the Municipal Engineer.

"Our Municipal Engineering Office has manpower constraint to effectively respond to this trend, particularly the deparment's task to implement the National Building Code," admiteed myor Gonzalez, who also wants barangay captains to initiate steps in resolving road right of way problem.

Past experiences brought problems on road right of way in Valencia after several lot owners fenced their property without first securing permits and for failure to inform barangay officials on the development of their property.

Recently, Valencia approved its Zoning Ordinance that would regulate and direct the ongoing development activity of the town. The ordinance forms part of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) now being cooked by LGU Valencia. Aside from CLUP, Valencia town has to design its Forest Land Use Plan to direct the development and utilization of its forestal areas located in 11 identified barangays.

One Negros

2005-09-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

One Negros
Metro Post - Page 04
Septembwer 11-17, 2005

Negros an island divided for more than one hundred years, is again trying to unite as Govs. Joseph Maranon of Negros Occidental, and George Arnaiz of Oriental Negros, sealed the establishment of the Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development Foundation (SARD).

SARD envisions Negros to be the Organic Food Island in Asia, producing organic poultry, livestock, sugar, and fertilizer.

The Foundation is optimistic that it can generate 200,000 new jobs for Negrenses, and will make Negros join the market of organic food which earns $25 billion a year, and is rapidly growing by 25 percent annually.

One remarkable feature of the plan is its aim of developing our under-tapped rural areas. This will enable our folks in the rural areas to standardize their products under SARD, through the intorduction of the newest technology and farming techniques, allowing us to be globally competitive.

Laudable visions like SARD should not remain on paper. It would need the determination and political will of our leaders to see the plan through.

SARD should hopefully break down the political, language, and economic barriers between the two Negros provinces to a point that we could really see progress as its planners have envisioned.

WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR COUNTRY?

2005-08-03T00:14:00.000-07:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR COUNTRY?
Metro Post
Economic 101
By: Atty. Francisco D. Yap
July 24-30, 2005
Page 05

We are blessed with a beautiful country, with a happy and genial people. But we have the misfortune of not having an honest President.

What have we done in the past to deserve leaders so corrupt, that most of the Filipino people now believe that any change in the Presidency will be the same: that the next President will be equally, if not more, corrupt than the present?

Our incumbent President admitted that the voice in the wire-tapped conversation with Commissioner Jose Garcillano, whom she appointed Comelec Commissioner, is hers, has asked for our forgiveness, and has told the Filipino people she is sorry for her lapses in judgment.

Is deliberate cheating and the commission of election fraud mere lapses of judgment that the President expects to be simply forgiven? She refuses to resign in spite of the clamor for her to step down from the Presidency.

Well, I agree with her: she cannot resign from an office that she had not been elected to legally.

With the admission that she cheated in the last elections, she is considered not having been legally elected to office, and that she reached that position through election fraud. Hence, she cannot resign from an office which she is illegally occupying.

When the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines declared they were n ot demanding for the President's resignation because the Church wanted to be neutral, they were not actually being neutral.

When one is neutral, you are actually in favor of the status quo, and in this case, the status quo is the rampant corruption, bankrupt economy, and an incumbent fake President.

If you disagree with me on this one, I beg you to please listen first to the wire tapped recordings of our President. I myself have listened to the tape several times, and the more I am convinced the "President" of the country is morally bankrupt.

ALARMING

2005-08-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

ALARMING
Editorial
Metro Post
July 31-August 06, 2005
Page 04

Unknown to may people, 20 percent of Dumaguetenos -- that's more than 20,000 adults--have been using contraceptives from the United States Agency for Ihternational Development for the last 30 years.

These same contraceptives are believed to be the reason why the population growth of Dumaguete has remained within the 2.5 percent annual growth rate.

With the termination of USAID assistance in contraception and family planning methods. City Health consultant Dr. Erlinda Cabrera has sounded the alarm that without such contraceptives, Dumaguete will have more than 200,000 people in 10 or 20 years!

If our City leadership doesn't find that alarming, it might be because they already have a plan to widen and cement all the roads, open new ones, install a working drainage system, ensure therre are enough jobs, power, and water to sustain ourselves in the next four decades.

Or so they think.

Let's not kid ourselves here. NO such plan would be able to effectively meet the demands of a doubled population in just three political terms.

And we're not even talking yet of the attendant garbage problem, pollution, the dwindling fish supply, the very carrying capacity of our tiny city that obviously, will not be able to contain the world's population.

Unless something is done now about our rising population, Dumaguete will only see more poverty, more traffice woes, more congestion, more petty crimes, and who knows what.

If we want to get rid of the street children in our midst, if we want to improve the lives of every Dumagueteno, we have to have a bold, effective, and enforceable policy on population.

To bring down fertility rates by half a point, unremitting commitment over a period of at least 20 years is necessary. Twenty years -- that's about seven political terms.

It brings to mind a newly-elected Dumaguete councilor who was interviewed on TV about his vision for Dumaguete in the next five years. His response ws most curious: "How should I know? My term is only good for three years!"

We can only agree with a poster in the office of mayor Perdices: A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman thinks of the welfare of the next generation."

We look forward to such a decision that would greatly benefit the next generation.

DEPED URGED TO ADDRESS LOPSIDED TEACHER DEPLOYMENT

2005-08-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

DEPED URGED TO ADDRESS LOPSIDED TEACHER DEPLOYMENT
Metro Post
July 31-August 06, 2005
Page 03

Negros Oriental Rep. Herminio Teves wants the Department of Education to promptly address the uneven countrywide deployment of public shcool teachers, saying the problem has left many children behind in terms of access to basic education.

"There is a glaring disparity in the distribution of teachers,; to the detriment of school children in a number of regins, 'Teves lamented.

"For instance, the Cordillera and Ilocos region have an exceptionallly high teacher-pupil ratio of 1:29. In Metro Manila and (the autonomous region of) Muslim Mindanao, the ratio is respectively," Teves said.

FOREIGN FILM DIRECTOR SLAMS RISE IN PIRACY IN RP

2005-08-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

FOREIGN FILM DIRECTOR SLAMS RISE IN PIRACY IN RP
Metro Post
July 31-August 06, 2005
Page 09

A Foreign film director who recently visited Dumaguete City has expressed concern over the rising piracy of produced films in the Philippines despite campaigns done by the national government.

Film director Robert Malengreau said that he was disappointed by the fact that piracy keeps rising in the country which is stealing the talents and hard earned income of the movie industry in the Philippines.

He lauded efforts at some directors who, despite the problem, continue to produce what he called as quality films as compared tot he influx of commercialized films

He said that films should preserve and depict cultures of the people in the country and not the other way around.

He said that films should preserve and depict cultures of the people in the country and not the other way around.

He said that he himself is a witness to a cultural debasement of Filipinos when he expected to see quality Filipino films only to be met with what he called as "American nonsense and stupid films" like Batman.

On the other hand, Ron Heri Tan, founding chairman of the Cebu Film Society (Foundation), Incorporated pointed out that it is lamentable that Filipinos have given more weight on what he called as nonsense films.

He said he also suspects that some of those pirating movies are some personalities within the rank and file in the movie industry who he admitted had received less compensation compared to actors and actresses who are paid hefty sums in every movie project that they had done. (ES)

RALLIES TO GREET GMA'S SONA MONDAY

2005-08-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

RALLIES TO GREET GMA'S SONA MONDAY
Metro Post
July 24-August 30, 2005
Page 02

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be greeted with rallies and demonstrations in Negros Oriental on Monday.

Ronald Ian Eidente, Negros vice chairperson of the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), said the rally will be joined by about 2000 members of peoples organizations, as well as lawyers belonging to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the protestant United Church of Christ in the Philippines, some representatives of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Negros Oriental rallies and mass actions will be held in the major actions will be held in the major streets of the city, particularly at the downtown Perdices Street, the Quezon Park and at the Freedom Park.

Evidente said the rallyists will be coming from Bais City. Guihulngan, Sta. Catalina, Pamplona in Dumaguete City.

Among the politician supporting the anti-Arroyo rally are Rep. Jacinto Paras ofthe United Negros Opposition and Tony Remollo, the provincial chairperson of the newly formed Negros Oriental Movement for the Removal of Gloria (NO MORE GLORIA). Engr. Trelly Marigza, provincial chairperson of the militant Gabriela women's group warned the members of the military and the Philippine National Police not to bar the expected truckloads of peasants, farmworkers and other sectors from other towns and cities in joining the rallies on Monday.

She hopes that the law enforcers will respect the people's democratic and constitutional right to join rallies and to express their sentiments. (Edmund Sestoso)

SOUTH MAGBANUA HONORED ON 42ND ANNIVERSARY OF HEROISM

2005-08-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

South Magbanua Honored on 42nd Anniversary of Heroism
Metro Post
July 31-August 06, 2005
Page 01

Who is Scout Jojo Magbanua? "He's the founder of Scouting!", came the innocent reply.

The absence of a stature honoring Lord Robert Baden Powell at the Boy Scouts of the Philippines building in Dumaguete City may have mixed up some facts in the mind of 12-year-old Scout Ronel Alim of the Herminigilda F. Gloria Memorial School.

Moments earlier that Thursday afernoon, he and some 500 other Boy and Girl Scouts did their yeraly ritual of offering flowers at the bronze statue of Scout Jose Fermin "Jojo" Magbanua at the Boy Scouts building.

It had been 42 years since that fateful day when Scout Jojo Magbanua and 23 other Scouts and Scout leaders from the Philippines perished in a plane crash in the Aegean Sea on their way to Marathon, Greece, to attend the 11th World Jamboree.

All 63 passengers of the United Arab Airlines flight died in the crash on July 28, 1963. Jojo was only 14 years old. He represented Troop 37 of the Silliman University High School and the Negros Oriental-Siwquijor Boy Scouts Council in the jamboree. He was the only Visayan delegate.

The other Philippines delegates who died in the plane crash were Dr. Bonifacio Lazcano, scout master and physicia; Florante Ojeda, president of teh Agusan Scout council; Rev. Fr. Jose Martinez, S.J., assistant scout master and chaplain of the Misamis Oriental council; Filamar Reys, assistant scout master and member of the Pasay City council;

Scouts Roberto Castor and Romero Rallos of the Quezon City council; Scouts Victor de Guia of Baguio City, Antonio Limbaga of Zamboanga City, Roberto Lozano of Dagupan City, Paulo Madrinan of Pasay City and Antonio Torillo of the Cavite City council;

Scouts Ascario Tuazon Jr. and Rogelio Ybardolaza of the Manila council and Scout Benecio Tobias of the Tarlac Council.

For the Negros Oriental Siquijor Boy Scouts council, keeping Jojo's memory in the minds of scouters was one way of keeping the scouting spirit alive. "Jojo is a beacon of light in the darkness of teh night and that is why we continue to honor him through this memorial day every year," explained lawyer Arturo Umbac, council chairman.

Umbac said that Jojo Magbanua and all Scouts live by honor. "Many people are called honorable these days but they do not deserve it," Umbac, himself an "honorable" by virtue of his being a member of the Provincial Board of Newgros Oriental.

Negros Oriental State Unversity President Dr. Henry Sojor gave the keynote speech by challenging Scouts to keep the fire-Friendship, Inspiration, Respect and Excellence-- of couting burning. He said the death of Jojo and teh 23 other Scouts and Scouters had fiven life to the Scouting movement in the Philippines and it also had a telling impact on the world.

The Magbanua family had established the Scout Jojo Magbanua memorabilia at the Negros Oriental-Siquijor Boy Scouts Headquarters in Dumaguete City. The memorabilia contains photographs, news clippings, a baseball glove and even aceramic wall decoration with the Scout's Oath, which fell from Jojo's room and cracked on the week he died.

The Magbanua family has also continued the Scout Jose Fermin Magbanua scholoraship for outstanding Boy Scouts at Silliman Unversity, benefiting Boy and Girl Scouts, which has since been expanded to public schools in the Negros Oriental boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Council.

Dr. Johnny Magbanua, Jojo's immediate elder brotehr, said "The thing that gladdens our heart as a family is not that you made him a hero. Rather, we are happy that there are people who have remembered and continue to stand firm in the ideas that Jojo believed in. If only for that, Jojo did not die in vain."

CITY URGED TO BUY CONTRACEPTIVES

2005-08-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

Metro Post
July 31-August 06, 2005
Page 01

Dumaguete City will have to prepare to serve 200,000 residents in 20 years - double today's population - if it doesn't allocate at least P1 million for contraception today.

City Health Consultant Dr. Erlinda Cabrera said that unbless the city allocates enough funds for family planning, the city's population will increase by 50 percent in less thatn 10 years.

Dumaguete's population stands at 105,000 and is within annyal population growth of 2.5 percent. Cabrera said this growth rate is pegged at a low level because of the ongoing birth control measures.

But as soon as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) stops its family planning aid by 2009, there will be no clear source of funds for contraception.

Once the USAID assistance stops, the city's population could reach up to 200,000 to include immigrants, in 10 to 20 year's time, Cabrera warned.

Dr.Cabrera said poor couples want to adopt modern family planning methods. Records of the Family Planning section of the City Health Office show that about 20 percent ofthe total population in the city benefited from the USAID help for the last 30 years.

On the other hand, City Administrator Engr. Dominador Dumalag, Jr. said the city government is not in favor of allocating funds for contraception.

Dumalag, officer-in-charge of the city's population office, clarified that the city government supports only an educational campaign on family planning and has allotted money for that purpose.

He explained that there is a need for a better educational campaign since Dumaguetenos are not familiar with contraception methods whether natural or modern.

"Maulaw pa man gani kanang uban nga mopalit og condom sa tindaha," said Dumalag. (Edmund Sestoso)

DOST TO CONDUCT e-TRAINING FOR SCIENCE, MATH TEACHERS

2005-07-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

DOST TO CONDUCT e-TRAINING FOR SCIENCE, MATH TEACHERS
Metro Post
July 24-30, 2005
Page 03

The Science Education Institute of the Department of Science & Technology will implement the e-Training for Science and Mathematics teachers for 10 moths from October this year until July 2006.

The on-line training aims at upgrading the competencies of teachers in the elementary and secondary levels who may be actually teaching science or math in private or public schools, but who are non majors in the subject.

Qualified participants to the training will be provided with free training fee, internet allowance of P500 per month for 10 months, a 50 percent discount of the acquisition cost of the People’s PC (if the participant decides to buy the computer from the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget Management), and round trip transportation allowance for the orientation in the nearest e-training network institution (that is, the University of San Carlos in Cebu City for this region).

While application forms are available at the DOST office near the Daro public market in Dumaguete City, DOST’s SEI prefers on-line applications.

Interested persons may download the application form from www.sei.dost.gov.ph/e-training.

Accomplished forms must be emailed to SEI through e-training@sei.dost.gov.ph

Application forms must be received by SEI by Aug. 6, 2005. (DOST)

ENRO GRADUALLY CLOSING DUMPSITE

2005-07-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

ENRO GRADUALLY CLOSING DUMPSITE
Metro Post
July 24-30, 2005
Page 03

Dumaguete City’s Environment and Natural Resources Office has started the gradual conversion of the open dumpsite in barangay Candau-ay a so-called “controlled” dumpsite.

ENRO head Rogelio Clamonte said this move is in preparation for the establishment of the Metro Dumaguete sanitary landfill in the town of Dauin.

He said residents in the area where the sanitary land fill will be situated have already agreed to the terms and arrangements made by Dauin mayor Rodrigo Alanano.

The Dumaguete dumpsite also serves as the Ecological Park named after the late former Dumaguete City Vice Mayor Gene Duran, who first conceptualized the project.

The ENRO officer pointed out that as part of the conversion, they are starting to cover some portions of the lots which have more than three meters of piled garbage. (ES)

NORSU PROF TO CONDUCT RESEARCH AT SMITHSONIAN

2005-07-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

NORSU PROF TO CONDUCT RESEARCH AT SMITHSONIAN
Metro Post
July 24-30, 2005
Page 02

The chair of the Biology department of the College of Arts & Sciences of the Negros Oriental State University will conduct a one-month research at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. starting in October this year.

Dr. Esther E. Carumbana was awarded a short-term visiting researcher grant by the Office of the Scholarships & Grants of the Smithsonian Institution. She will do a taxonomic identification of the fishes collected from Siquijor Island and from the Siaton River in Negros Oriental.

She will be working closely with Dr. Lynne Parenti on the findings of the research on “The Limnology & Fishery Resources of the Siaton River”

Earlier this month, Carumbana was one of the presenters during the NORSU Agency In-House Review of 17 research studies on agriculture, forestry, environment, and the natural resources.

In 1997, Carumbana was also at the Smithsonian doing research in relation to her study on the “Taxonomy, Abundance & Distribution of Fishes in the Agos River, Central Sierra Madre.” At that time, she was teaching biology at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. The findings of that study were published in the 2002 edition of Asia Life Sciences.

SILLIMAN ALUMNUS JOINS SSEAYP

2005-07-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

SILLIMAN ALUMNUS JOINS SSEAYP
Metro Post
July 24-30, 2005
Page 02

A mass communications graduate of Silliman University is among the Philippine delegates to the 32nd Ship for Southeast Asian Program (SSEAYP).

Joberth Ocao will represent the Philippines in the month-long cultural and intellectual exchange program organized by the Japanese government, together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Delegates from all over Southeast Asia will board the Nippon Maru luxury cruise ship in October to promote tourism, trade, and goodwill to other youths in Asia. They will call on the ports of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Japan.

Ocao is a news reporter for the Freeman, a regional paper based in Cebu. (Mark Raygan Garcia/OIP)

OUR COUNTRY’S HOPE

2005-07-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

OUR COUNTRY’S HOPE
Editorial
Metro Post
July 24-30, 2005
Page 04

It is rather ironic for a child-friendly city like Dumaguete to be littered with so many street children. You only need to go around a busy corner and surely, you will find them – hungry, unbathed, unschooled, unloved. If that is not child abuse, what is?

Unfortunately, the family that is supposedly the primary source of the children’s sense of trust and security is itself beleaguered. Their families, who are mostly in the far towns of Negros Oriental, can no longer adequately provide even their children’s most basic needs. Their capacity to protect the children and enhance their development and participation rights is likewise affected.

We keep telling ourselves that our children are our most precious national asset; and their numbers are growing.

Of the 36.3 million Filipinos who are 19 years old and below, more than one and a half million are estimated to live on the streets, begging for food, and often engaging in some criminal activity.

Data from the Department of Social Welfare & Development on children throughout the country reveal an equally disturbing scenario:

• Infant mortality rate is pegged at 42.73 per 1,000 live births (DOH, September 1999)
• 8% of children under age 5 are severely and moderately underweight based on international standards (World Summit Goals for Children, 1998)
• 9% of the total population of infants, and 26% of the total population of children with ages ranging from 1 to 6 years suffer from iron-deficiency anemia
• There is one hospital for every 113,040 people
• There is one doctor for every 24,417 people; one nurse for every 22,309; one dentist for every 578,124; and one midwife for every 722,654 people (Philippine Yearbook of Statistics)
• More that half of the over 42,000 barangays in the country do not have provisions for a pre-schools
• 19% of children aged 4 to 6 years are able to go to public and private pre-schools
• More than 1/3 of the more than 42,000 barangays in the country could not offer the required six years of elementary education
• 60% of the children drop out of school when they reach the second grad (PDI, 18 May 1997)
• 61 towns in the country do not have a high school
• There are about 6 million child laborers in the country (UNICEF 1995)
• Two-thirds of the child laborers are found in the rural areas.
• There are 1.5 million street children. The number increases annually by 6,365.
• 60,000 of the street children are prostituted (ECPAT 1996). The annual average increase of prostituted children is 3,266.
• The Philippines is the fourth country with the most number of prostituted children (Intersect, December 1995).
• For every three Filipino children, one child experiences abuse (Manila Bulletin, 11 February 1996)
• In the first semester of 1999 alone, 2,393 children fell prey to rape, attempted rape, incest, acts of lasciviousness, and prostitution.

If our country is to rise above its present hardships in the next few years, something has to be done to improve the lives of millions of suffering children today.

This is a challenge not just to local government units who must provide jobs and ensure productivity of every family by providing the right infrastructure.

This is a challenge for all of us.

Giving alms may feed them today. But we need to do something more to get them and their families to stand on their own two feet.

DBM RELEASES P1M FOR APO ISLAND ENVIRONMENT WORKERS’ PAY

2005-07-27T00:22:00.000-07:00

DBM RELEASES P1M FOR APO ISLAND ENVIRONMENT WORKERS’ PAY
Metro Post
July 24-30, 2005
Page 09

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has recently released the salary of the 50 residents in Apo Island, Negros Oriental who were hired to protect and manage the tiny island’s rich marine reserve.

This was disclosed by Chamberlain Babiera of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) who said that around P1 million was released for the workers’ contractual pay for the first half of this year.

Babiera said that he expects the said workers to receive their salaries before the end of this month.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) hired local people in Apo Island to strictly enforce fishery laws and patrol the coastal area to preserve the tiny island’s pristine reefs, which have been declared a marine and fish sanctuary.

In 1996, through Proclamation No. 438, the excellent island was declared a “protected landscape and seascape” and placed under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

The diverse and impressive coral reefs surrounding the golf course-sized island off the coast of Dauin town has been drawing local and international tourists, earning Apo Island the world wide recognition of being an excellent location for scuba diving.

Babiera explained that the Apo Island community has a 75% share from the various fees collected from the various fees collected from the island’s local and foreign visitors to manage the island.

The environment official said the delay in the release of the workers’ pay has been due to the extensive and time consuming processing of the paperwork involved. (PIA)

ARNAIZ LAUDS NGO EFFORTS TO UPLIFT CHILD DOMESTIC WORKERS

2005-07-27T00:14:00.000-07:00

ARNAIZ LAUDS NGO EFFORTS TO UPLIFT CHILD DOMESTIC WORKERS
Metro Post
July 24-30, 2005
Page 02

Negros Oriental Governor George Arnaiz has lauded the efforts of a non government organization on its mission in uplifting the conditions of the child domestic workers in the province.

The governor, who was the keynote speaker of the two day Seminar on Legislative Advocacy Domestic Work last Thursday, emphasized that the advocacy campaign is a significant development in the light of the current efforts to promote 24 Child Goals.

The 24 Child Goals is a joint undertaking of the United Nations Children’s Fund and the provincial government through its Child Friendly Movement.

“By child friendly, we mean instituting measures and providing a facilitative environment for promoting children’s rights. This is a job that requires the support and participation of everyone-from the family to the community and to the society at large,” the governor stressed.

The two day seminar was sponsored by the Visayan Forum Foundation, Incorporated.

Quoting a study commissioned by the International Labor Organization (ILO), the governor admitted that Negros Oriental is one of the top ten provinces which sends laborers to Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Worse, the ILO study also bared that parents allow their children, aged between 5 to 17 years old, to work primarily to supplement their family income.

In the same ILO study, it was also found out that children generally work between 5 to 8 hours per day for up to 5 days a week.

Those employed as domestic helpers and those in the “paling fishing” even work nights.

The governor added that the sad part is that child laborers do not usually receive benefits aside from their basic pay which is usually much lower than the minimum base pay allowed by law.

The ILO report also bared that on the average, the weekly income of child workers is P216 or a monthly income of P709.

In reality, the child’s earnings is given to the family, in part or in whole and that no savings can be made out of their income.

“Moreover, starting to work at an early age being constantly exposed to hazardous situations has caused psycho-emotional trauma and physical damage to the child’s well being,” the governor lamented.

The governor also noted positive steps undertaken to alleviate their present conditions with the drafting of the Magna Carta for House Helpers otherwise known as Batas Kasambahay.

The governor said that the seminar is timely as the domestic helpers in the labor force have long been relegated to the sidelines of social and legal protection and have not been appropriately provided benefits and rights that ate accorded to other members of the society.

“There may be a million house helpers in the country today, most of whom are between 15-24 years old, but in spite of their massive number, they remain unrecognized and unprotected, vulnerable to abuse” the governor said. (Edmund Sestoso)

THINKING OUT LOUD

2005-07-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

Editorial
Metro Post
July 17-23, 2005
Page 04

The idea of forming a separate Visayas republics may simply be a wild idea or one that is born ahed of its time. But through this plan, the 16 governors of the Visayas are successfully sending the signal that the rest of the country is tired of being dictated by "Imperial" Manila.

While policy decisions understandably are made in Manila, being the country's seat of government, thee are other things that the people of the Visayas and Mindanao are not happy about.

There is a popular thinking among people living in Manila that Manila is the Philippines. That being the premise, they embark on unilateral initiatives that, while not exactly illegal, exclude the participation of the rest of the nation even if the action imposes direct consequences on the country as a whole.

Take the People Power, for instance. It proved that the president can be overthrown by a few thousnd people in Metro Manila and replaced with a new one who will then exercise authority over the whole country even if the tens of millions of other Filipinos had absolutely nothing to do with his ascension.

This ability and actual exercise by the few in Metro Manila to make "life-altering" decisions for the rest of the Filipinos living outside the capital is what makes the Visayans and Mindanaoans upset.

So can you blame the governors for just thinking out loud?

“VISAYAS REPUBLIC “ MOVEMENT LAUNCED

2005-07-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

“VISAYAS REPUBLIC “ MOVEMENT LAUNCED
Metro Post
July 10-16, 2005
Page 01

FED up with always having to be dictated by “imperial Manila,” the governors of Western, Central and Eastern Visayas have started plans of forming a separate republic if President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is forcibly removed from office.

Oriental Negros Gov. George Arnaiz, who is also chair of the Central Visayas Regional Development Council, said the idea of coming out with a “frustration resolution” cam out spontaneously during a meeting of provincial governors in Manila last Wednesday at the Century Park Hotel.

Referring to the People Power uprisings of 1986 and 1991, Arnaiz said “we are always dictated upon by Manila, even if there are only a few rallyists.” The sentiment was also expressed by Arnaiz fellow governors, as rallies demanding the ouster of President Arroyo were again seen in Metro Manila.

“We have been removing presidents since the time of [Ferdinand] Marcos. If they themselves cannot respect the Constitution, how can we respect it?”

Arnaiz said that of the Visayas governors, only Northern Samar Governor RaulDaza did not sign the manifesto because the first portion was in support of President Arroyo but he favors the idea of having a Federal Republic.

“We have everything in the Visayas except the Armed forces, and a few airplanes. But we are not really preparing for external aggression. We only need to fight local criminality,” Arnaiz said.

He said while it will initially be difficult to stand on our own, the bulk of the income for this Republic would be its collections from international ports like Cebu. “Soon, we will have an international port in Iloilo and Bacolod. We should also start paying the right taxes.”

The idea for a federal Visayas Republic has already gained the support of local executives down to the municipal level.

This movement will be similar but separate from the federal movement which is also being planned by Mindanao governors. Arnaiz

On Tuesday, the governors and some mayors of the Visayas will meet in Cebu to discuss the concept further. This meeting, to be hosted by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, will be held simultaneously with a similar meeting in Davao among Mindanao governors and mayors.

“We will meet in order to understand better what this movement is all about in case we don’t follow our constitution,” Arnaiz said.

VALENCIA OPENS VIRGIN COCONUT OIL’ MINI PLANT

2005-07-04T21:59:00.001-07:00

VALENCIA OPENS VIRGIN COCONUT OIL’ MINI PLANT
Metro Post
July 03-09, 2005
Page 02

The President had just admitted committing a “lapse in judgment” the day earlier and once more, the country was under a cloud of political uncertainty. But the coconut growers in Valencia, Oriental Negros, couldn’t care less.

“Leave them in Manila to argue as to who they want to be President,” Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jr., told the members of the Liptong Small Coconut Farmers Association. “But we in Valencia will continue this wonderful project that we have started today.”

That project, which everyone was pinning their hopes on, was the Virgin Coconut Oil mini plant that they had just inaugurated in barangay Liptong.

With the recent discovery of scientists that Virgin Coconut Oil is far superior to any other oil and could prevent or even cure cancer, SARS, AIDS and other diseases, the country’s lagging coconut industry is poised for a rebound.

Former Philippine Health Secretary Conrado Dayrit and American naturopathic physician Bruce Fife concur the virgin coconut oil can effectively protect against heart and infectious diseases. Fife adds that he has also witnessed the virgin coconut oil remove precancerous skin lesions, speed recovery from flu, stop bladder infections, protect from ulcers, lung infections, herpes and other diseases. Moreover, Dayrit affirms that virgin coconut oil is better than antibiotics as the wonder oil works both against bacteria and viruses, including those associated with arteriosclerosis.

The high antimicrobial content of the oil, known as monolaurin is that same as that in human mother’s milk that protects infants from infectious illnesses.

Another finding on the benefits of virgin coconut oil is its low cholesterol content. In a recent symposium, Fife cited scientific data to debunk the saturated fat heart diseases link, saying that “natural coconut oil is heart-healthy.” As it is one of only two dietary oils (the other is omega-3 oil) that reduces blood stickiness that leads to heart diseases. His research reveals that plant-derived saturated coconut oil does not raise blood cholesterol but actually helps lower cholesterol level because of it ability to stimulate metabolism.

This oil which promises to be a panacea, has inspired the town of Valencia to make this as the town’s official product under the One Town One Product program of the government.

The VCO complex, under the supervision of the Liptong Small Farmers Cooperative, is capable of producing 40 liters of virgin coconut oil per day, said Liptong Barangay Captain Saturnino Santos.

This is the first in the province where such volume of coconut oil is produced, said Brendan Tansmonte, who manages the provincial Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) office here.

Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzales, Jr. said his administration will strongly support the development and promotion of the product, which he believes, has a competitive advantage in the world market.

OTOP is a priority program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has been extending technical assistance to the 130 member cooperative in the production of virgin coconut oil, now considered by medical scientists as the most safest and healthiest oil in the world.

It is said to help prevent a wide variety of diseases including cancer, heart disease, and even prevent premature aging. (des tilos)

DOLPHINS HARASSED BY OIL SURVEY: SAVANTS

2005-07-04T21:59:00.000-07:00

DOLPHINS HARASSED BY OIL SURVEY: SAVANTS
Metro Post
July 03-09, 2005
Page 01

If tourists who go on dolphin and whale watching tours in the tanon strait are advised not to clap their hands and whistle so as not to harm the sensitive hearing senses of dolphins, what damage would a seismic survey do?

This was the concern raised by Ari Bautista, a veterinarian who manages the Cetacean Research and Conservation Project of the World Wildlife Fund-Philippines based in Dumaguete, following a seismic survey undertaken by the Department of Energy and the Japan Petroleum Exploration Company last May.

Bautista had expressed concern after sightings of dolphins were reported off the coast of Dumaguete City and the southern town of Bacong, which are outside of the Tanon strait, their natural habitat.

“Contrary to popular belief that dolphins and whales only about in the southern portion of the Tanon strait, our maps of cetacean distribution show that the dolphins occupy the entire strait,” she told the Metro Post.

The survey, which was conducted to determine whether oil could be drilled from the Tanon strait, involved the blasting of seismic pulses for a period of 15 days starting the second week of May.

Tanon strait, which is home to 11 of the 24 marine mammals found in the Philippines, has been declared a Protected Seascape through Presidential Proclamation 1234 issued by President Fidel V. Ramos.
The search was kept a secret until one week before it started, when the Japex issued an advisory to all boats in the area to stay five kilometers away from the RV Veritas Searcher, which was conducting the seismic survey.

The DoE has estimated that the Tanon strait could yield up to one billion barrels of oil. Before any drilling could be done, two more tests have to be done, which is getting more marine mammal scientists worried.

Oriental Negros Gov. George Arnaiz and Bais City Mayor Hector “Tata” Villanueva have scored the Department of Energy during Friday’s meeting of the Regional Development Council for failing to coordinate with local officials.

“I’ve received advice from cetologists telling me not to look for stranded animals as the impact of the sound underwater tends to burst air bladders (i.e. swim bladders for fish, lungs for marine mammals) and the animals affected may have well sunk to the ocean floor from ruptured lungs,” Bautista said.

Bautista, who went to the area being surveyed, said fishermen in Guilhulngan town had also complained that the vessels involved in the survey had cut their fish aggregating devices, locally called payao, and that there were no more fish to catch.

She said that as she was going to the area last may 20, the water was as flat as oil and there were no dolphins which appeared that day, when previous visits showed several sighting s of marine mammals.

Bautista emailed marine mammal experts throughout the world and they also shared some concern over the seismic tests.

John Y. Wang, a Taiwan-based cetologist, said that given the steep walls of the sides of the given the steep walls of the sides of the strait, the sound will be bouncing back and forth several time, like an echo chamber.

Wang said that because Tanon strait is basically shaped like a long tunnel, cetaceans in the strait are trapped and the only light at the end of this tunnel is a sound train barreling down on them at the speed of sound. “I think the structure of the strait is a very important part of why people should be concerned.”

Wang said that clearly, someone knows the importance of the Tanon Strait with respect to cetaceans and so they did not announce this activity until a week before it… and making sure people don’t have time to organize a protest before they can do this work.

LONGEST, LARGEST MOTORCYCLE PARADE

2005-07-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

LONGEST, LARGEST MOTORCYCLE PARADE
TO HIGHLIGHT BUGLASAN ‘05
Metro Post
July 03-09, 2005
Page 07

As early this week, Buglasan 2005 activities have been lined up, including the longest or largest motorcycle parade’ as an entrant for the Guiness World Record.

Negros Oriental has more than 29,000 motorcycles registered with the Land Transportation Office last year, of which the highest horde come from Dumaguete. These include big bikes, DTs and so called “Econopower” which is the most popular.

In preparation for the forthcoming Buglasan festivals this year, the organizers agreed to include the motorcycle parade not only to establish Dumaguete’s title as “Motocycle Capital of the Philippines” where motorcycles of all types and sizes about but also to put Dumaguete in the map and land a spot in the Guiness Book of World Records.

Owner – driven motorcycles in the province are encouraged to participate and register their motorcycles at the Provincial tourism Office.

The participant will be given a flaglet to be attached to the motorcycle, issued in sequence, which serves as the event’s official souvenir. The entry forms and numbers may be allocated by bulk to schools, offices, clubs or individuals among others.

Awards and special prizes await participants, drawn by raffle or as the oldest, youngest, heaviest driver, biggest and most colorful groups.

Of the 51 activities calendard for the week long Buglasan festival celebration on October 12 to 23, 2005, ten events are added for this year which include: motorcycle parade, inter-LGU cheer dance and band competition, kayaking, dance-sport, skim boarding, Tayada, skate boarding, high school basketball tournament, and the launching of the one-stop-shop center for the province. (PIA)

NORSU LEADS ENVIRON IMPACT STUDY

2005-06-28T22:50:00.001-07:00

NORSU LEADS ENVIRON IMPACT STUDY
Metro Post
June 26-July 02, 2005
Issues & Updates
Page 02

A regional research on the Environmental Impact of Urban & Rural Households: Pollution & Abatement Cost in Cenral Visayas Projection to 2020 will start on July 09 in two towns in the 1st district of Negros Oriental.

The research is this year’s major project of the Central Visayas Consortium for Integrated Regional Research & Development (CV-CIRRD) composed of 18 member agencies in Region 7 representing government agencies, private universities, as well as state colleges & universities.

Research surveys will follow until September this year in other selected towns and cities in Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor.

Negros Oriental State Univesity here in Dumaguete is CV-CIRRD’s base agency. The Consortium is coordinated by Dr. Peter T. Dayot, NORSU vice president for planning, research, & extension.

Dayot took over from Dr. Nicostrasto D. Perez who is currently in Malaysia.

The Commission on Higher Education had allotted P736,440 for the research on the environmental impact of households.

Aside from NORSU, the academic institutions that would conduct the research are Holy Name University in Bohol, the Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry, & Technology; Cebu Normal University, Cebu State College of Science & Technology, the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Silliman University, and Siquijor state College. (Joy Perez, NORSU)
.

11% HIKE IN TOURIST INFLUX RECORDED

2005-06-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

11% HIKE IN TOURIST INFLUX RECORDED
Metro Post
June 26-July 02, 2005
Issues & Updates
Page 03

Tourists from USA and other countries continue to be drawn to Dumaguete city as the City Tourism Office reported an increase of 11 percent in tourist influx last year compared to 2003 statistics.

A total of 140,038 tourist arrivals were recorded last year.

The bulk of tourist arrivals in Dumaguete are domestic tourists numbering 124,273 in 2004, followed by foreign tourists with 15,765.

According to Annie Jalandoni, City Tourism operations officer, Americans topped the list of foreign tourist arrivals last year numbering 3,819, followed by Japanese tourists with 3,173 and Koreans with 1,824.

Jalandoni said German tourists used to be the third biggest number of foreign tourists in the city, but have been outranked by the Koreans whose arrivals have increased recently.

The Department of Tourism reported that American tourists and other foreigners continues to visit the Philippines amid the spate of adverse travel advisories warning them against visiting the country on security concerns.

DOT has also recently begun issuing 14-day visas-upon-arrival to Chinese tourists afer the government made China one of its priority tourism markets.

However, Jalandoni noted a slight decrease in tourist influx for the first four months this year compared to the same period last year.

From January to April this year, local tourists only totaled to 39,554 and foreign tourists, 6,031.

The tourism officer said the small drop in tourist influx might be due to economic downturn. “A couple of hotels and lodging houses have closed recently while others are not doing very well,” says Jalandoni.

She is however hopeful that tourist arrivals will pick up in the coming months. (PIA)

CONDOTELS FOR BUSINESS, VACTION OPEN IN GREENBELT

2005-06-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

CONDOTELS FOR BUSINESS, VACTION OPEN IN GREENBELT
Metro Post
Issues & Updates
June 26-July 02, 2005

Cebu City – ASB Condotels, one of the country’s leading condominium hotel managers, offers three choices for business or pleasure in the heart of bustling metropolis of Makati City.

The condotels are Prince Plaza II and Asian Mansion II along Dela Rosa St., and BSA Mansion along Benavidez St., all in Legaspi Village, Makati.

ASB Condotels , fully furnished residential units with friendly staff, provides their clients a closer view of the Greenbelt Malls, the classy Ayala Museums, and the picturesque Greenbelt Park.

With the aim of mixing business with pleasure, ASB Condotels, in partnership with Communique Telemarketing, is bringing back its Condotel Exclusive membership cards for the second year.

With more participating establishments eager to give bigger discounts, the Condotel Exclusive card is providing members with more value for money.

Aong with four complimentary accommodation vouchers for a superior room from each of the ASB Condotels collections in Makati, and the Garden Heights in Quezon City, members automatically get as much as 15 percent discount.

Members are entitled to a 25 percent room discount off regular published rates at the condotel of their choice after they have used up their complimentary vouchers.

The Condotel Exclusive card is an all-occasion gift and is valid for one year from date of purchase. ASB Condotels is a member of the Star Hotels Network.

For rates inquiries and reservations. Please contact Star Hotels at the Trinity Plaza Tower along Escario St. in Cebu, tel. (032) 231-7673 or email: starhtel@mozcom.com

SU DEBATERS BACK FROM SINGAPORE

2005-06-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

SU DEBATERS BACK FROM SINGAPORE
Metro Post
Issues & Updates
June 26- July 02, 2005
Page 02

Nine Silliman debaters and two adjudicators are back from Singapore after participating in the Asian Universities Debate Championships held for a week end of May at Nanyang Technological University.

The debating teams were composed of Juliana Alano, Robert Je Malayang, and Justine Yu under Silliman A; Jian Wasawas, Leon Medado, and Ray Donn Lim for Silliman B; Bryce Tenorio, Erika Rae Rosario, and Stacy Danika Alcantara for Silliman C.

Adjudicating for Silliman were Jose Mari Jonathan Antonio, head of the Student Organizations & Activities Division, and Mark Raygan Garcia, coach of the Silliman University Debate Society.

The AUDC, considered as the largest debate tournament in Asia, gathered over 250 debaters and adjudicators from Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand.

Both debaters and adjudicators went through seven elimination rounds for two days before the finals.

Out of 60 competing teams, Silliman A Ranked 39, Silliman C, 41, and Silliman B, 54. Both Silliman A and Silliman C scored three points, while Silliman B scored two points.

Any team needed four points with high speaker points.

In the adjudicator category, Garcia qualified to adjudicate for the octofinals. Only the Top 25 adjudicators out of 87 candidates from across Asia are qualified for the final series.

The debate was patterned after the Asian parliamentary format where motions are released only 30 minutes prior to the debate.

Among the motions debated on were: the regulation of the conglomeration of media giants, banning of outsourcing or armed personnel services to private contractors in war zones, denying of organ transplants to substance abusers, blocking of imports for companies with environmentally unfriendly practices, prosecution of Internet music sharing as tantamount topholding unfair monopolies, consumers in the developed world subsidizing alternate energy research for the developing world, stem cell research, right to legally determine gender, censorship of local media outlets in Iraq, and allowing indigenous communities to hunt endangered species. (SU OIP)

EXTRA CHALLENGE AT CASARORO

2005-06-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

EXTRA CHALLENGE AT CASARORO
Metro Post
June 19-25, 2005
Econ 101 by: Atty. Whelma S. Yap
Page 04

When Negros Oriental was featured in the Travel Asia Channel on cable TV last week, one of the sites prominently featured was Casaroro Falls of Valencia.

Nature lovers will surely fall in lovers with the lush green aggrupation of trees, ferns and other vegetation that frame the approach to the Falls. If you wanted relazation and revitalization, the flapping sound of the river, and the cool air at Casaroro would beat any man-made spa.

As a local tourist, I went to Casaroro Falls for the first time. Yes, for the first time. I have recommended the trek to many guests before, but it was only last week I was actually able to gho with my in laws Bindoy Vice Mayor Rosa Yap Paras, and Aurora Yap Lindio (SUHS’56) of Houston, Texas.

On the way there, we were engrossed in identifying the many fruit trees like lanzones and rambutan which line the highway. It seems that Valencia is blessed with many blooming colorful flowers which gives contrast to the lush green back ground.

When planning to go to Casaroro Falls, be prepared to go mountain climbing, albeit there are stairs. I could not have survived the trek without it. The steps are so steep, going down is no problem; climbing back up would be an extra challenge. There are landing s provided at several stages to allow the nature lover to rest and enjoy the view.

When resting in the landing, I felt a sense of communion with Nature, and once again affirmed my faith in God. There is no way that man can duplicate such an array of greenery arranged in an organized display.

In fact, the view made me attempt to recite the poem Trees by Joyce Kilmer. When I started to recite the poem and faltered, Aurora assisted me with every word.

Yes, it takes years and years to allow a tree grow, and now, I am more convinced that conservation is the way to go. The lust vegetation around the area gives it a unique ambience. This is a legacy that should be left behind for generations to come.

Casaroro Falls is enchanting, and worth that extra-challenge. No wonder, Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez Jr. was toying with the idea of building cable cares connecting the mountains.

The steep keyhole like formation around the Falls is ideal for serious cliff climbing enthusiasts, and free falling bunjie jumping.

There is enough room to develop the area as a haven for nature lovers, without any damage to the vegetation. But if we think in dollars from tourists, we should be willing to upgrade the area into a 5 star location.

We met some tourists while we were there and discussed some of the possibilities.

It would be instructive to look at the possible areas of improvement. The damage that flooding caused to some portions of the stairs and the pathways is obvious and treacherous.

We must think Safety First if we intend to market Casaroro worldwide.

It takes only one freak accident – especially when published on the Internet – to cause damage to the reputation of any tourist destination.

In addition, a premium has to be placed on basic amenities such as clean and reliable restrooms. Calling the attention of the tourism officer of Valencia. Please make sure the restrooms repaired and are well maintained. Even the approach to the area only needs minimum maintenance.

Which brings to mind the question: Is the area a government-declared protected forest area? Or is it one of those areas that are privately owned?

Be that as it may, we have a collective responsibility to preserve what Nature had so lovingly endowed us.

Go! Experience Casaroro Falls!

STANDING DEFIANT

2005-06-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

STANDING DEFIANT
Metro Post
June 19-25,2005
Page 04

The Philippine Olympic Committee executive board recommends the blacklisting of the Basketbal Association of the philippines for holding the 4th Asian University basketball Championships in Dumaguete City.

With the BAP-formed RP Team playing exhibition matches at the 4th AUBC, POC chair Robert Aventajado said he believes that the BAP is running against the grain of repentance. The POC had imposed an indefinite suspension on BAP starting on May 25.

AT the same time,; POC is calling BAP "arrogant" for exercising its rights as the duly FIBA-accredited organization tasked to form the RP Team bound for the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in August.

All right, the BAP is cheeky. BAP is arrogant. Loud and clear, BAP executive secretary Graham Russell is bullheaded for pushing through with the 4th AUBC in Dumaguete despite the boycott due to POC pressure.

Whatever and however, Dumagueteneos are definitely excited and thrilled by the first international basketball event in the City. Gov. george Arnaiz is grateful for the 4th AUBC. It places Oriental Negros as ond of the sports and tour destination in Asia.

If mockery of the POC directive is all it needs to bring an international basketball event in Dumaguete, then let it be. Let us all enjoy the towering plays of the Chinese and South Korean fast breaks.

If arrognce is all it takes to give inernational exposure to the sports and tourism programs of Oriental Negros, then let's rub it in. If bullheaded ness is what will suffice to give local referees exposure to international events like this, then let's ram it on.

In this confusion, there are important things to be known. The BAP, in forming the RP Quintet, is forced to conduct the Try-outs ng Bayan because of the usual exodus of good playeers to the professional ranks. In fact, three of its key players have since joined the PBA.

It is still the better approach to stuffing the RP Team with PBA superstars. Borne by experience, superstars do not play their guts out when they represent the country. They fear breaking a leg, and lose the big bucks in the PBA. It is also happening in Amercia where NBA superstars manage to lose crucial matches in the World Baskletball Olympics.

Besides, if we in the Visayas were to choose an RP Ream coached by David "Boysie" Zamar or Choot Reyes, hands doown, we go all oout for Boysie.

It is high time, we tell the POC like it is. From the countryside point of view, just bring the basketball big events and develoment to us.

Just bring it on!

CESO EXPERT TEACHES ENTREPRENEURSHIP

2005-06-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

CESO EXPERT TEACHES ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Metro Post
June 12-18, 2005
Page 05

An adviser in financial planning, production scheduling, inventory management, marketing and human relations from the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) is at Foundation University providing knowledge and expertise in skills training to Entrepreneurship students of the College of Business, Economics & Accountancy.

According to CBEA dean Dr. Eva Melon, the CESO volunteer EA Douglas Johnson will assist the students prepare a business plan for the Sustainable Partnership for Energizing Entrepreneurship Development –Business Assistance Center (SPEED-bAC). He will also conduct a month-long training at FU to assess and make recommendations for the members of the Society of Manufacturers & Entrepreneurs of Negros Oriental (Someone), install financial management systems, and conduct a two day lecture-training for the group.

Johnson, a CESO volunteer for the last 10 years, has an MBA from the University of Western Ontario in Canada. He has been assigned in Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, before coming to Dumaguete.

The transfer of skills and technology at FU through CESO is a project in collaboration with the group Someone, and the Department of Trade & Industry.

This is the second time that CESO has sent to Dumaguete foreign volunteers to assist Foundation University in developing its programs. The first was in November last year when two expert advisers from Canada provided trainings in the fields of tourism, and hotel & restaurant management.

89% ACCOMPLISHMENT ON CARP LAND IN

2005-06-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

89% ACCOMPLISHMENT ON CARP LAND IN
OVERAGE IN ORIENTAL NEGROS
Metro Post
June 12-18, 2005
Page 05

Land coverage under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in Negros Oriental has already reached an accomplishment of 89 percent, according to a top agrarian reform officer here.

As of May this year, the Department of Land Reform here reported a total of 78, 753 hectares of land distribution under CARP, covering 47,049 farmer beneficiaries.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Stephen Leonidas reported in a recent Kapihan forum that their accomplishment is based on CARP’s target working scope of 88,964 hectares.

The Kapihan forum held by the Philippine Information Agency is in celebration of CARP’s 17th year of implementation in the country.

In Negros Oriental, there are currently 26 agrarian reform communities in 12 municipalities covering 121 barangays.

Of thee, there are 154 agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations with 15,824 farmer beneficiary members.

The said organizations have a total capital buildup of P18.2 million, money coming from beneficiaries who contributed to their cooperatives as part of the requirements for a coop to be legalized or registered and for funding agencies as well.

DLR recently firmed up its support services projects for agrarian reform communities nationwide with the infusion of some P3 billion financial aid from the Official Development Assistance Fund.

Leonidas explained that the ARC is a cluster of four to eight barangays where the land tenure and program beneficiaries development programs are being implemented and where the beneficiaries have not yet received support services.

When Leonidas first stepped in as PARO of Negros Oriental in 2002, and total of 16,000 hectares of land were identified as “problematic lands” due to resistance from land owners and ownership issues.

But in two years time, the total problematic areas were reduced to 10,742 hectares. “So there is a possibility that this (the total number of problematic lands), by the end of CARP in 2008, mahurot ug cover,” says Leonidas.

Right now DLR is looking for ways and means to resolve problematic lands, in cooperation with DENR, LBP, PNOC and other agencies involved in CARP implementation.

Negros Oriental has total land area of 540,230 hectares. Of these, almost one half is agricultural area with 209,712 hectares.

Main crops planted are coconut, sugar, corn, palay. (PIA)

BAYAWAN CITY SOARS

2005-06-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

BAYAWAN CITY SOARS
Metro Post
June 12-18, 2005
Page 05

Like an eagle, Bayawan is soaring. Beneath its wings are the winds engineered by City Mayor German P. Sarana. At this point in time, Bayawan, among the five cities of Oriental Negros, ahs the biggest Internal Revenue Allocation (IRA) of P320 million. Provincewide, the city has also the longest and widest network of concrete roads interconnecting the 28 barangays to the city center.

Mayor Sarana has built this city with his heart and soul.

Certainly it took heart to conceptualize a fifth class town to become the first class component city of Oriental Negros. Sarana was a virtual workhorse in elevating Bayawan to a component city. In pursuing an elusive dream, he researched and drafted the original city charter instrumental in the piece of legislation sponsored and nurtured by 3rd Dist. Rep. Herminio G. Teves through the Halls of Congress.

The dream comes alive.

That particular dream is now history. In its place is the reality that Bayawan is now the richest city in the province. This paves the way for a massive infrastructure build up started by Mayor Sarana as he assumed office in 2001. To date, according to Bayawan City Administrator Pancho Billasis, 70 percent of the concrete road networks for the 28 barangays are already finished.

The dreamer lives on.

Setting eyes on the coastal area, the Sarana Administration is undertaking the construction of the boulevard. Villasis said about a kilometer of the wide coastal boulevard road is already built. Stretching from Banga to Maninihon, when completed it will serve as a diversion road to decongest the city center of heavy traffic. More important, Villasis added, it is envisioned to be the site of the entertainment and recreation plaza and park of the city people.

In line with easing up the growing congestion of the city center, the mayor is all set to transfer the seat of government would be built on a 50 hectare lot overlooking the city. Mayor Sarana wants it to be a parting legacy before he retires and go back to tree planting.

I have never met German personally after he became Bayawan’s councilor, vice-Mayor and Mayor. But I seem to remember him as a classmate in a few engineering subjects at Silliman University back in mid 1960’s. He was mild-mannered, sometime with a silly grin, but always a hardworking student ever ready with any class assignment.

German Pinili Sarana was born in Valencia, Oriental Negros on October 4, 1946. As a farmer’s son, he knew the value of hard work and persistence early in trying to realize a dream. In his high school years, he had to walk about 4 kms. from Aganan to the NOHS in Dumaguete City. After graduating in EVSAT, he worked as a mechanic at the Cocacola Bottling Co. in Zamboanga. Pursuing his higer studies, he graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from Silliman University in 1968. He rose through the ranks as Transportation Superintendent at the Tolong Sugar Milling Co. after working for 25 years. He was appointed as a councilor of Bayawan town in the after math of the 1986 People Power Revolution. Served as three-term vice-mayor before being elected mayor in 2001.

It is nice to know when the dream and the dreamer fuse into one.

With his boyhood dream behind him, Mayor Sarana is now in the midst of taking on a bigger challenge. More than the infrastructures he built, he is intent more in building the character of his constituents especially the public servants. Most of the time he is on the field to lead them in the performance of a consistent and sincere public service—to dream and fulfill the upliftment of the lot of the city residents.

Mayor Sarana has built this city with his heart and roads. (Roemo G. Capilitan)

SILLIMAN, AMERICAN SCIENTISTS ASSESS

2005-06-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

SILLIMAN, AMERICAN SCIENTISTS ASSESS
DUGONG POPULATION, HABITAT
Metro Post
June 12-18, 2005
Page 03

Silliman Univesity Marine Laboratory Director Dr. Hilconida Calumpong, and Assistant Director D. Janet S. Estacion collaborated with US scientists, Dr. William Perrin and Dr. Ma. Louella Dolar, in a research study to assess the dugong population, and their habitat in central Philippines, with a view of protecting these endangered marine mammals.

The study was started April in the waters off Sagay in Negros Occidental, and in the northern waters of the Tanon Strait, whre recent strandings of dugongs were reported. The study was supported by a grant from the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation in Hong Kong.

It is reported that dugongs, the only herbivorous mammal that are strictly marine, were historically distributed throughout the Philippine archipelago and were fairly common until the 1970s when populations started to decline rapidly.

Current distribution of dugongs is reported in Palawan, the southern Mindanao coast, the Sule archipelago, the Quezon-Isabela-Aurora area, Lubang Island, Guimaras, Tanon Strait, Panay Gulf, northeastern Mindanao, eastern Bicol coast, Roblon, and Masbate.

The dugong has been listed in the 2000 IUCN, the World Conservation Union Red List of Threatened Animals, as being vulnerable to extinction at global scale.

According to Dr. Calumpong, the study aimed specifically to: 1)survey the waters contiguous to the coastal waters of Sagya including the northern third of Tanon Strait, and the Visaya Sea for the preened of dugong; 2) obtain a measure of relative abundance and patterns of distrivution in relation to water depth, seagrass cover and species, salinity, temperature, and turbidity; 3) survey the distribution and composition of seagrass beds in the area as well as their productivity; 4) determine anthropogenic threats (fishing activities including by-catch), siltation, boat traffic, etc.) to the dugong population; 5) whenever possible, obtain DNA samples from animals that have been stranded or tangled in fish nets; 6) record presence of other marine mammals (of importance is the potential presence of the now very rare Balaenoptera edini, stranded in the area in 2000); and *) increase awareness of the local population to the conservation of marine mammals in cooperation with the local offices of the Department of Environment & Natural Resources, and the local government units.

The research is significant, according to Dr. Calumpong, because the status of dugongs in the Philippines is poorly documented, and their habitats have not been studied.

She said, however, that because dugongs depend on seagrass habitats that are often coastal, they are highly vulnerable to the effects of human activities such as coastal development, habitat loss, and boat traffic.

Dr. Calumpong added that the protection of the surviving fragmented populations of dugongs is paramount to the overall protection of the species in Philippine waters.

The islands surrounding Tanon Strait and the Visayan Sea (Negros, Panay, Cebu, Masbate, and Leyte) are all densely populated, posing numerous threats to this fragmented population.

NEGOR TARGETS 600 HECTARES HUBRID RICE

2005-06-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

NEGOR TARGETS 600 HECTARES HUBRID RICE
Metro Post
June 12-18, 2005
Page 02

Negros Oriental has target 600 hectares to be planted with hybrid rice this year, while the regional office of the Department of Agriculture is aiming for 6,000 hectares.

According to Alvin Blaza, crops division chief of the Provincial Agriculturists Office (PAO), some 150 bags of hybrid seeds from Mindanao worth 360,000 have arrived in the Province.

“These will be good for 150 hectares only since we are still waiting for the orders from PhilRice and Mindanao to arrive,” says Blaza.

The PAO official urged small farmers to use hybrid rice since these produce around eight to tem metric tons of harvest compared to the four metric tons from inbrid.

Of the 12,000 hectares of rice area (rain-fed and irrigated) in the Province, only ten percent are to be planted by hybrid rice since the Department of Agriculture will subsidize the rest of the procurement.

Blaza explains that one sack of hybrid rice is worth P2,400, of which P1,300 will be subsidized by the government and the rest by the farmer.

ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY TO PUT UP H.E. BUILDING

2005-06-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY TO PUT UP H.E. BUILDING
Metro Post
June 12-18, 2005
Page 02

ST. Paul University of Dumaguete, the mother institution of Paulinian establishments of the Sisters of ST. Paul of Chartes, will soon start the renovation of its historic Chaplain’s House, and transform it into a Homeroom Economics building.

Designed by a Cebu-based architectural firm Carlos & Antiques Architects, the H.E. building will simulate a two-storey residence designed with attention to openness and light.

The H.E. building will have breathing spaces such as two hotel room-like bedrooms on the second level, and complete living, dining, and service areas on the ground floor necessary for a learning practical experience for any student.

There will also be sewing room, linen rooms, a movable island counter amidst a spacious kitchen, and a laudromat. (PR)

UN LAUDS SU FOR GENDER SENSITIVITY COURSE

2005-06-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

UN LAUDS SU FOR GENDER SENSITIVITY COURSE
Metro Post
June 12-18, 2005
Page 02

The chairperson of the United Nations Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (UNCEDAW) lauded Silliman University for integrating issues involving domestic/family violence into the Nursing curriculum.

Ambassador Rosario Manalo, first Filipino to head UN CEDAW, reportedly told Dr. Teresit Sinda, dean of she was pleased that the Institution took a “bold step” in educating both students and teachers on domestic violence and gender sensitivity..

The CNAHS produced modules and teachers’ guide for the teaching about domestic violence.

The Ambassador said Silliman is the only school she knows to have successfully integrated such modules into its Nursing curriculum.

Dr. Sinda told Ambassador Manalo that the University has also tied up with other universities, and has given seminars and workshops on gender sensitivity to schools outside Dumaguete.

She added that the modules at CNAHS have reached other nursing schools in the country.

Ambassador Manalo vowed to share the modules with the CEDAW when it convenes for its next meeting in New York.

The Ambassador was at Silliman end of May for the Seminar-workshop on the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women), and Rights-Based Approach to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment sponsored by the SU-World Bank Knowledge for Development Center, and the United Nations Development Fund. (OIP)

DOLPHIN, WHALE-WATCHERS TOLD TO OBSERVE SILENCE

2005-06-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

DOLPHIN, WHALE-WATCHERS TOLD TO OBSERVE SILENCE
Metro Post
June 12-18, 2005
Page 01

Bais City --- Instead of clapping their hands, and whistling, and shouting with approval at the sight of marine mammals, tourists who go dolphin and whale-watching in the Tanon Strait have been advised to remain absolutely quiet. The reason? Sex..

“Summer is the breeding season for most animals so the dolphins and whales have to have privacy,” said Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, a Filipino marine professor at the University of Miami in Florida, U.S.A. and at the University of the Philippines at Los Banos.

Aragones and Dr. Edward Keith of the Nova Southeastern University in Florida were resource persons in a two-day seminar workshop on the whale and dolphin watching and conservation of cetaceans in the southern Tanon Strait sponsored by the city of Bais, the province of Oriental Negros, and the Sea World Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a US-Based non-profit foundation dedicated to wildlife conservation, research, education, and animal rescue.

“Dolphin watching used to be very simple because there were a few boats involved in its operation. But there has been an increase in the number of boats in the last four years. Most of the boats do not know how to maneuver around these dolphins and whales, “ Aragones explained.

The workshop last Wednesday and Thursday was attended by operators of dolphin and whale watching tours, as well as legislators from Bais City, Tanjay City, and Manjuyod town in Negros Oriental, as well as from the towns of Ginatilan, Samboan, Malabuyoc, and Alegria in Cebu.

The main objective of the seminar was to set up some guidelines and protocols to make sure that the dolphins are not disturbed and there would be long term benefits by making dolphin and whale watching activities sustainable.

“For a long time now, we always clapped our hands and shouted at the sight of these dolphins and whales. We never knew that these creatures would be intimidated by the sound,” said Bais City Mayor Hector “Tata” Villanueva.

“This protocol would really change the dolphin and whale watching tours as we know it,” said Bais City Councilor Angelo Teves, chair of the City Environment Committee.

Dolphin and whale watching tours are a major revenue earner for Bais City. From an annual income of P400,000 five years ago, it now grosses P1.6 million per year, said Jun Serrano, Bais City’s Tourism Officer.

Aragones and Keith also revealed findings of their current study which showed a decline in the number of species sighted in the area in the last five years. Dolphins and whales have also been noted to show evasive behavior. “This could have resulted from disturbance by boats or entanglement with fishing gears,” Aragones said.

Aragones also debunked the widespread belief among fishermen that dolphin have caused the decline in their fish catch. “The overwhelming reason for the decline of fish catch is overfishing or illegal fishing. Dolphins are not responsible for overeatingteh resources,” he said.

He said this topic has been discussed all throughout the world and the question that needs to be answered is, “what is the impact of overfishing to the cetaceans?”

Tanon strait was declared as a protected seascape by Presidential Proclamation 1234 by then President Fidel Ramos because it is a habitat of 11 of the 24 species of marine mammals found in the Philippines. This was to be managed by a Tanon Strait Commission. But this Commission had yet to take off when it was dissolved in 2001.

SUN CELLULAR TEAMS UP WITH TOP TELECOM VENDORS FOR AGGRESSIVE NETWORK EXPANSION

2005-06-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

SUN CELLULAR TEAMS UP WITH TOP TELECOM VENDORS FOR AGGRESSIVE NETWORK EXPANSION
Metro Post
June 19-25, 2005
Page 02

Sun Cellular, the country’s fastest growing cellular phone network, teams up with three of the world’s biggest telecommunications companies—Hua Wei Technologies Inc., Ericsson and Alcatel—for a major network expansion program aimed at strengthening its capacity to accommodate as much as three million subscribers by midyear, and 6 million by year-end. To date, Sun Cellular has 1,300 operational cell sites serving 1.7 million subscribers as of end February this year.

Sun Cellular’s subscriber base has been increasing dramatically since the network launched its pioneering 24/7 Call and Text Unlimited (CTU) in October last year. This groundbreaking, regular service allows postpaid and prepaid subscribers to make local Sun-to-Sun calls and text messages at a low, fixed rate. The unmatched value and convenience of this real unlimited deal was a major attraction that prompted throngs of subscribers to switch to Sun.

In it effort to fast-track network development projects originally set for next year. These programs are expected to efficiently and effectively increase capacity to accommodate the rapid growth of subscribers, to handle the up trend in usage and network utilization. The large surge in the number of Sun Cellular users I attributed to the public’s overwhelming reception to the brand and its permanent 24/7 services.

World-renowned telecom firm Hua Wei Technologies of China will provide major network improvement by upgrading the existing GSM network in the National Capital Region (NCR) to cope with the demands of the 24/7 CTU programs. Hua Wei’s commitment involves upgrading of, and adding to existing Main Switching Centers.

MSCs, adding stand alone Switching Transfer Points (STPs) and transfer switches. A new Core and additional Bay Station Subsystem (BSS) will also be integrated into the network elements, while upgrading 90% of the existing base stations and adding 350 new dell sites and 13 new Base Station Controllers (BSCs).

For the Visayas-Mindanao area, Swedens Ericsson will provide the network equipment, including the installation of a base station subsystem (Switches and Base Stations), specifically to boost the network capacity in Metro Davao, Metro Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro.

French vendor partner, telecom giant Alcatel, on the other hand, will supply the network equipment for the entire Luzon area (particularly Baguio, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas) and all over the National Capital Region. The equipment to be supplied includes Intelligent Network (IN), MSCs and Home Location Register (HLR).

Sun Cellular, which was launched by Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. on March 28, 2003, has indeed shown significant growth in its operation and subscriber base, with “value-for-money” and “affordable choices” at the core of its strategy. The ongoing development program that aims to achieve the 6 million subscriber capacity may be considered the fastest expansion project undertaken by a local mobile network after only two years of operation.

The network beef-up, in preparation for the anticipated volume of text messages, will make it SMS center more robust in terms of switching capacity and reliability. The improvements shall also enable Sun Cellular to be ready to offer new and innovative Value Added Service (VS) and other usage related services.

In keeping with Sun’s concentration on providing telecom services with unbeatable value, these network expansions are more than just necessary business undertakings. With the expansion roll out, Sun subscribers can look forward to enjoying better, more affordable and more relevant services. Poised for growth, and together with its technology providers and carrier partners, Sun Cellular will continue to enhance the delivery of trailblazing products and services to give Filipinos the ultimate convenience in mobile telecommunications.

For more information on Sun Cellular, visit its website at www.suncellular.com.ph or call its 24-hour hotline number at 395-8000. (PR-Selrahco)

SAVANTS HAIL BAIS DOLPHIN WATCHING TOURS AS

2005-06-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

SAVANTS HAIL BAIS DOLPHIN WATCHING TOURS AS
COMPARABLE TO WORLD’S BEST
Metro Post
June 19-25, 2005
Page 02

Two Marine biologists who empower the people to preserve the cetaceans in Tanon Strait compare the whale & Dolphin show in Bais City to the world’s best.

“When you’re out in the boat and the dolphins and whales come out of the water, it’s the same view you get anywhere else in the world,” Dr. Ed Keith, a professor from the Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

Keith and Dr. Lemnuel Aragones of the University of Miami in Florida and UP Los Banos, came out with the evaluation after organizing last week the first-ever tour operators association in Tanon Strait. They also set in motion the drafting of an ordinance in Bais City to be adapted by the coastal municipalities and cities off the southern Tanon Strait.

The watch in Bais, they believe, is even made more varied and exciting by a greater number of species of the playful cetaceans.

But what is lacking here, they said, are the tourism amenities and protocol for easy access, comfy stay, and safe watching of the guests and visitors.

Nevertheless they are confident this can be corrected soon with the organization of tour operators for cetacean watching and the drafting of the protocol by the concerned local government units.

Both have expressed confidence in the leadership capabilities of the newly organized tour operators and the local officials on the coastal towns of southern Tanon Strait.

Today they are focusing on a smaller group dealing with minor problems in protecting the dolphin and whale sanctuary. Later on the empowerment will involve a bigger area of Tanon Strait which will be strong enough to deal with bigger problems, such as possible sound and water pollution coming from a projected oil exploration in the northern portion of Tanon Strait.

Keith and Aragones cited specifically the contribution of both Bais City Mayor Hector Tata Villanueva and opposition councilor Angelo Teves in drafting the protocol on dolphin & whale watching. (Romeo Capilitan)

MAX’S EYES DUMAGUETE EXPANSION

2005-06-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

MAX’S EYES DUMAGUETE EXPANSION
Metro Post
June 19-25, 2005
Page 08

If it’s doing good in Bacolod, it should do well in Dumaguete.

Inspired by the success of their Bacolod franchisee, Max’s Fried Chicken is now setting its eyes in Dumaguete City as the site of their next restaurant.

Two franchise officers of Max’s were in town last week to look for interested franchisees.

“We had reservations in coming over to Dumaguete because this is a chicken country’ said Ronnie Linao, franchise development officer.

Dumaguete is home to Jo’s Chicken Inato, a native restaurant which has branched out to Metro Manila and in key cities in the country. Other established grilled chicken restaurants are the City Burger along Real St. and the Atong Kamalig along Katada St. and Dumaguete Fried Chicken in Laguna. There are also several “lechon manok” native restaurants and stalls that can be found throughout the City, such as Golden roy’’s, Negros Lechon Manok and Ogis, to name a few.

This situation is even more pronounced in Bacolod City. But the Bacolod restaurant, established just last January, has been doing very well, Linao said.

In Dumaguete, Linao aid they have checked out the performance of Jollibee, Chow King, Mamia’s restaurant and other food outlets “and they’re doing very well.”

He said they were told by a Dumagueteno doctor that people in this city may not be fond of dressing up but they go for good food, spending up to 60 percent of their income.

The Max’s representatives also met with Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Indutry (NOCCI) President Ernesto Quiamco, who arranged meetings with prospective franchisees.

“We’re looking for franchisees who are hands-on managers and who operate a family-run business,” Linao said.

Franchisees can expect to shell out between P10 to P20 million, which they may recover in three to four years. The franchise is good for five years and is renewable for an additional three terms, or a total of 20 years.

Quiamco, said Max’s only wants their Dumaguete franchisees to build the restaurant along the Rizal boulevard or Perdices St., two of Dumaguete’s main thoroughfares, He said the entry of Max’s would be a boost to Dumaguete’s economy, which will also provide employment opportunities for at least 43 people.

DUMAGUETE SCHOOLS CITED AS NATIONAL MODELS

2005-06-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

DUMAGUETE SCHOOLS CITED AS NATIONAL MODELS
Metro Post
June 19-25, 2005
Page 01

Two Dumaguete City schools have been chosen as winners in the knowledge Channel Foundation, Incorporated National Search for Outstanding Model Schools for school year 2004-2005.

The two schools cited are North City Elementary School and Calindagan Elementary School.

The two schools was awarded plaques of recognition, colored television sets and additional cable outlets during the awarding ceremonies held last July 11, 2005 at the Meralco Lighthouse in Pasig City.

Attending the ceremonies and receiving the awards were City Schools Division Supt. Dr. Carmelita Dulangon and Dr. Chruchita Villarin, principal of North City Elementary School and Dr. Abrahalina Gajunera, principal of Calindagan Elementary School.

The group was joined by Rosalie Lariosa, coordinator of the school’s ETV and DepEd Regional Director Dr. Carolino Mordeno.

The two Dumguete schools shared the honors nationwide along with the Acasia Elementary School of Malabon City, Mandaluyong Elementary School of Mandaluyong City, Pardo Elementary School of Cebu City and Vilo Elementary School of Cotabato City.

On the other hand, the Division of City Schools in Dumaguete City was also awarded as the knowledge Channel Model Division with 100 percent utilization of the schools sponsored by the foundation.

Receiving also the same awards were the school divisions of Cebu and Davao as well as the DepEd Cebu regional office.

IMAGING

2005-06-07T00:21:00.000-07:00

IMAGING
Metro Post
June 05-11, 2005
Page 06

It is still in the imaging dimension. But it is the first step to be taken in making a dream, no matter how ambitious, a reality.

Six governors from Region 6 and two from Region 7 are making that first step trying to hold a three-dimensional image of two bridges spanning across the seas while connecting the island-provinces of Panay, Negros and Cebu.

The next step is to get that image out of the heal while the dreamer takes action on real ground. Governeors Gwendolyn Garcia, George Arnaiz, Joseph Maranon, Florencio Miraflores, Salvacion Perez, Vicente Bermejo, Neil Tupas, and Rahman Nava have also taken that decisive step. The have enlisted the help of the national government to co finance the ambitious projects. They have also explored in making a loan with the KRW Bank of Germany payable in 40 years with a grace period of 10 years.

At this point in time, the governors have the enthusiasm to push through with the proposed projects.

We hope they have the patience and persistence to hold to the image vividly and stubbornly until it has a reality and life of its own.

What is more exciting in the idea is the paradigm shift the governors have taken in dreaming to build bridges interconnecting the three island province. As President Gloria M. Arroyo has noted this is the first bold initiative from any local government ever.

As everyone knows, local governments are hopelessly dependent to national government funding for their local infrastructure projects. As a consequence they are helplessly mired to maintenance and repair works of their roads and public buildings, year-in and year-out.

With this ambitious dream, there is a good sign that our local officials, like these 8 governors, can still soar high with little help from the national government.

According to the mind experts, imaging does affect future events, but the decision to image is completely yours. In this particular dream, it is on the minds of the 8 governors and the people of the three island provinces of Cebu, Negros and Panay.

BARANGAY BRIGADES PROTECT POWER LINES

2005-06-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

BARANGAY BRIGADES PROTECT POWER LINES
Metro Post
June 05 – 11, 2005
Page 01

Barangay Liga Brigades have been organized to protect the power lines from the Geothermal Plant in Palinpinon, Valencia, Negros Oriental to different towns and cities in the two island provinces of Negros.

National Transmission Corporation District 4 Manager Engr. Zosimo Briones disclosed this during the National Internal Security Briefing Plan held in Dumaguete City last Friday. Briones said so far 12 brigades have been organized in the cities of Tanjay and Bais and another will be created in Mabinay soon.

He added the brigades are not only trained to watch out for terrorists but also to monitor acts of pilferage, which is considered as a form of sabotage. The TRANSCO security brigades are being augmented by the deployment of military or PNP forces in critical substations province wide.

PIA Provincial Manger Jennifer C. Tilos said the orientation briefing attended by information officers and representatives from the LGU was in line with the directive from the President to institutionalize the internal security plan at the national and local levels.

In a related development, Provincial Board Member Umbac disclosed Friday that the Region 7 Peace and order Council passed a resolution supporting GMA while condemning the destabilization forces against her.

Atty. Umbac who represented Gov. George Arnaiz during the Region 7 Peace and Order Council Meeting in Tagbilaran City last week said 4 sectors of destabilizing forces were identified during the discussion. One destabilizing force is identified with Gen. Fortunato Abat.

Meanwhile, local officials in Negros Oriental are expected to attend the 1st Local Government Summit on June 11-12 at the Manila Hotel. The Philippine Information Agency reported that local officials all over the country will meet in a rare solid display of unity against destabilization forces.

The event will be capped with the Independence Day celebration on June 12 in Luneta, Manila.

DepEd NEGOR INTENSIFIES SCHOOL-WIDE READING TIME PROJECT

2005-06-07T00:16:00.000-07:00

DepEd NEGOR INTENSIFIES SCHOOL-WIDE READING TIME PROJECT
Metro Post
Issues & Updates
Page 05

Alarmed over the decline in English language competency, Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas has proposed a new legislation that seeks to revitalize the use of English in schools.

With this, the Department of Education Division of Negros Oriental has been intensifying its school wide reading time project in the wake of the reported decline in the English language competency among Filipino students.

According to Dr. Catalina Credo, English supervisor of the DepEd division office here, the said project is conducted everyday for at least 30 to 45 minutes other than the regular English subject.

Elementary students are grouped according to the reading level set by the Philippine Reading Inventory regardless of their grade level. “A Grade 1 student and a Grade 3 students may be grouped together because they belong to the same reading level, explains credo.

To augment the education system, DepEd has made sure that there will be enough textbooks with the release of P810 million for the textbook requirements of the 17 million students expected to return to school this year, said Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya.

The classes are conducted by teachers who do remedial work at a time convenient for the teacher and the students.

Credo said that at the end of the year, an assessment is made on the students who can be upgraded from frustration level to instructional level to instructional level or to independent level. (PIA)

LBP LENDS P335.6 M TO FARMERS, FISHER FOLKS

2005-06-06T23:57:00.000-07:00

LBP LENDS P335.6 M TO FARMERS, FISHER FOLKS
Metro Post
Issues and Updates
June 05-11, 2005
Page 02

The Land Bank of the Philippines has released P335.688 million to small farmers and fisherfolks in Central Visayas from January to March this year.

The said amount is part of the P3.5 billion loan released to small farmers and fisherfolks. To recall, LBP was reported to have released the amount to the marginalized sectors of the country.

According to Romy Tagupa, LBP Branches Operations Technical Supervisor, those who benefited from the said amount were 10,585 farmers from Cebu (1372), Bohol (9087), and Negros Oriental (126).

Meanwhile, 297 fisherfolks in the region availed of the loan. Eight of the fisherfolks are from Cebu and 289 are from Bohol. No fisher folk from Siquijor and Negros Oriental availed of the loan facility.

The farmers total borrowings in LBP reached up to P319.2 million while the fisherfolks borrowings amounted to P15.8 million availed by 297 beneficiaries.

Tagupa also shared that for this year, LBP has P9 billion-loan portfolio for small farmers and fisherfolks. As regularly done, the amount will be coursed through a conduit like a cooperative, rural bank, o through Quedancor- a government financial institution.

In Central Visayas, LBP has 14 branches, 4 extension offices, and a lending center in Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental.

To keep up with the pace of technology and trends in the banking industry, Tagupa said that LBP Pres. Margarito B. Teves is now bent on improving the bank’s Information Technology facilities and manpower.

GOVERNOR SENDS EX-US NAVY DIVER TO INSTPECT

2005-06-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

GOVERNOR SENDS EX-US NAVY DIVER TO INSTPECT
RECOMPRESSION CHAMBER
Metro Post
June 05-11, 2005
Page 05

Oriental Gov. George Arnaiz is strongly considering buying a recompression chamber to boost the tourism industry of the province as well as provide medical care to its residents.

Arnaiz had earlier announced that some P1.8-million have been allocated for the purchase of a used but currently completely functional recompression chamber that is presently in storage at the Manila Yacht Club.

On Thursday, upon the request of the governor, Bruce Partlow, an American citizen who is now a permanent resident of Dumaguete City, flew to Manila to conduct a complete technical inspection of this chamber and has recommended its purchase to the governor.

Partlow said this is a steel, double lock Recompression Chamber that can treat up to four diving accident victims at one time. It can also double as a Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy chamber for patients suffering from a variety of medical conditions such as diabetic ulcers and gangrene.

Mr. Partlow was once a Chief Deep Sea Diver and Supervisor of Diving and Salvage for the United States Navy. He also specialized in Hyperbaric Medicine at the Naval Medical Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. in the US.

He has been donating his time and technical expertise to the province of Negros Oriental for this project.

According to Partlow, if this project materializes, he will endorse the recompression chamber to be included in the list of the UUUS Navy’s International Registry of Recompression Chambers, which will be a boon to the local tourism industry of Oriental Negros.

It will also provide a very unique medical service to the entire Negros Island and other areas as well. (JG)

FARMERS URGED TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT REFO PROJECT

2005-06-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

FARMERS URGED TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT REFO PROJECT
Metro Post
Issues & Updates
June 05-11, 2005
Page 04

Valencia --- Officials of various government agencies in the province urged more than 1,000 farmers mostly rebel returnees, belonging to the Tamlang Valley Zone of Peace Multi-purpose Cooperative to support the government’s effort to reforest the mountains of Oriental Negros.

Trees are important to maintain a cool environment and ensure abundant water supply for our people, Greg Paltingca, provincial agriculture officer, told farmers during the inauguration of the Tamlang Valley Zone of Peace Central Nursery in Barangay Malabo, Valencia.

He said 60 percent of our environment should be planted with trees, but a present the area has not even reached to 3 percent.

Darylle Locsin of FIDA (Fiber Industry Development Authority) explained to farmers the importance of trees and how it will support the growth of abaca in the locality.

The Province is one of the major producers of abaca in the country with the town of Valencia having the best quality. Other producers are the towns of Sibulan and Guihulngan. About 10 hectares of farmlands in Valencia been planted with abaca.

Valencia OIC Mayor Diodoro Olasiman warned farmers that continued forest depletion would result to massive reduction of water supply. He said the LGU of Valencia will continue to support the cooperative so its reforestation project will bear results.

The central nursery is producing about 300,000 seedlings of mahogany, mangium, and eucalyptus, which is part of the Reforestation and Agro-forestry program of the Tamlang Valley Zone of Peace Multi-purpose Cooperative, said Rey Aguilar, officer in charge of the Provincial Cooperative Development Office, now handling the implementation of the various programs under the Tamlang Valley Zone of Peace.

Part of the program is the distribution of 16,000 fruit trees of lanzones, Marang, and Durian variety to farmer-members of the peace zone cooperative.

The Tamlang Valley Zone of Peace is a pet project of Gov. George Arnaiz. It was created in a hope to put a stop the armed conflict in the mountain areas of Negros. The peace zone covers the mountain barangays of Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Valencia, and Sibulan. (DES TILOS, JR.)

BAIS MAYOR VILLANUEVA ALARMED OVER OIL

2005-06-06T23:48:00.000-07:00

BAIS MAYOR VILLANUEVA ALARMED OVER OIL
SEARCH ALONG TANON STRAIT
Metro Post
May 29, June 04, 2005

Bais City Mayor Hector Villanueva has urged fellow officials in the government, particularly Governor George Arnaiz and the offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the possible ill effects and pollution of the an ongoing oil exploration in the Tanon Strait.

Villanueva said that this oil exploration could also be disastrous to the seas and its existing underwater life and could hamper the ongoing tourism programs such as Bais City’s dolphin and whale watching activity.

Mayor Villanueva said he is concerned not only for Bais City but also for the entire province of Negros Oriental.

He said he has also learned that local government units in the province and the nearby coastal towns in the northern part of Cebu province were not consulted on this project.

He said that it was a standard operating procedure for companies engaged in exploration and mining to inform local officials about there activities.

The mayor is calling on Arnaiz to come up with a task force to determine whether the explorations have not greatly affected the sea waters near our province or the Tanon Strait as a whole.

The mayor said that based on the local government code, agencies should coordinate with them when projects such as these fall within their jurisdiction.

The Cebu provincial government is also investigating reports that the oil exploration proponents went ahead with the project without securing the necessary permits. (ES)

DENR WARNS RESIDENT FROM COLLECTING FEES

2005-06-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

DENR WARNS RESIDENT FROM COLLECTING FEES
Metro Post
Issues & Updates
June 05-11, 2005
Page 05

Valencia – The Department of Environment Natural Resources has warned a resident of Valencia town from collecting fees to mountain climbers utilizing portion of a tourist site and that it may be forced to file appropriate charges against him if he continue to collect fees.

The area is a government property, it being part of a forestral project, said CENR Officer Charlie Fabre “Any activities or collections of fees for the use of the area without authority from DENR… is illegal and tantamount to usurpation of authority which is punishable under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines,” Fabre said.

A certain Prudencio Verganio of Barnagay Liptong, Valencia is reportedly collecting P50 per tent from mountain climbers who utilize a portion of Nagabi. Near in this area is Kaipuhan, a tourist site in Valencia where a river of sulfur and dead trees can be found.Melicia Vergano, wife of Prudencio, denied the accusation. She said they are asking donations from mountain climbers who prefer to occupy the small rest houses they contructed in a 1 hectare lot they claimed they own.

Earlier, the local government of Valencia, through its Sangguniang Bayan, had advised Vergano to stop collecting fees as DENR has yet to release its opinion on the matter.

Valencia OIC mayor Doro Olasiman said the DENR is the sole office which has jurisdiction over the complaint. (DES TILOS, JR)

DUMAGUETE RETRAINS TRICYCLE DRIVERS

2005-06-06T23:46:00.000-07:00

DUMAGUETE RETRAINS TRICYCLE DRIVERS
Metro Post
May 29-June 24, 2005
Page-01

How would you like a tricycle driver who not only delivers you to your destination but bring your bags all the way to your bedroom?

This is a kind of driver the Dumaguete City Tourism Council hopes to train in the next few months under the Tourist Certified Driver Institute program.

“But that concept will be introduced during the ‘masteral’ level, when all 3000 tricycle drivers in Dumaguete shall have undergone the first training,” said Paul Honculada, Dumaguete’s traffic manager.

A total of 60 tricycle drivers completed Saturday the eight-hour course, making them eligible to be classified as “Certified Tourist Drivers.”

As such, they will be required to wear blue collared T-shirts which will make them stand out from the other drivers in the City. Their tricycles will also be distinguishable by a sticker with a red star pasted on the front right portion of the tricycle, near the passenger entrance.

Honculada said the idea of coming up with the Tourist Driver Institute was conceived by Mayor Agustin Perdices and Negros Oriental Gov. George Arnaiz, amid the mounting complaints against unscrupulous tricycle drivers in the radio, TV and newspapers.

“The ultimate suggestion to weed out abusive tricycle drivers was even to stop tricycle drivers was even to stop tricycles from plying the city streets,” Honculada said.

The course, which costs the City P383.83 per participant, teaches drivers basic traffice rules, the business of transportation, moral values, courtesy and discipline, manners and good grooming, ethics, and other topics which deal with how they interact with passengers, especially tourists.

“We will enrich our curriculum as we go along, “Honculada said, as he expressed confidence that they will be able to train no less than 1000 drivers by the end of the year.

Tirso Tubat, 56, a tricycle driver for six years, said that his attitude has been changed by this course. “We now act differently.” He evaded the question as to what he used to do before he went through the course. But he assured that because of this training, they will no longer refuse any passenger and will only charge the prescribed rates.

Jun Saavedra, 50, a tricycle driver for 12 years now, said they have learned a lot in this course, such as how to properly deal with passengers. He said these same topics have also been taught to them whenever they renew their permits but his one was more intensive.

“When tourists come, we can assure them that they will not be overcharged and that they will meet courteous drivers,” Saavedra said.

Once the 3000 drivers shall have been trained, the City will start a ‘finishing school’ which will be a sixteen-hour course.

“Hopefully, the public will want to come back to Dumaguete after coming in contact with the drivers,” Honculada said.

HABAL HABAL’S LEGALITY IN A LIMBO

2005-06-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

HABAL HABAL’S LEGALITY IN A LIMBO
Metro Post
May 29-June 04, 2005
Page 05

Even the Dumaguete City Council is now faced with the dilemma whether or not to regulate the operations of the habal habal which operates every night in the city.

This, afer Concilor Samuel Dice, the proponent to make habal habal operations legal, has surprisingly backtracked and forwarded his own proposal back to the City Legal Office for further study.

The councilor volunteered to explain to his colleagues that he got hold of a resolution from Kidapawan City in Cotabato urging members of the House of Representatives to amend an existing national law on land transportation and to recognize habal habal as a legal form of public utility vehicle.

Councilor Dicen said that in effect, the operation of habal habal is considered illegal and not recognized as one of the types of passenger vehicles.

The councilor however said that whether the law exists or not, the actual scenario is that habal habal has been operating in the city and in the province for several years now without the government regulating it nor exacting taxed from them.

Habal habal is a motorcycle licensed as a private vehicle but utilized as public utility and passenger vehicle.

During the hearing in the last regular session, tricycle drivers expressed willingness to tolerate the operation of this type of transportation but called on the city government to provide the same group with a terminal oaf their own so that they will not be roaming the streets alongside the tricycles.

The habal habal drivers, on the other hand, explained that they are not competing with the tricycle drivers no longer ply the streets.

Other concerns such as the insurance coverage of “habal-habal” units, wearing of helmets by drivers as well as the safeguards should be properly addressed, Land Transportation Office Chief Ely Cabanag suggested. (ES)

LGU TO BUILD BRIDGES LINKING CEBU-NEGROS-PANAY ISLANDS

2005-06-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

LGU TO BUILD BRIDGES LINKING CEBU-NEGROS-PANAY ISLANDS
Metro Post
June 05-11, 2005
Page 01

Eight governors have agreed to co-finance with the national government in building bridges inter-connecting the island of Cebu, Negros and Panay Islands, according to Gov. George Arnaiz during a press conference at the Provincial Capitol last Friday.

He said the decision was reached during the meeting of League of governors in San Carlos last week while members were discussing transport infrastructures to facilitate trade and tourism developments among the island provinces of the country.

In realizing that the national government could not build it alone, the governors at the instance of Neg. Occ. Gov. Joseph Maranon enthusiastically agreed to co-finance it with the national government. As the LGU’s also need a national guarantee for thte loan they want in building the bridges, they requested Gov. Arnaiz to make the representation with Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo.

Gov. Arnaiz recalled the President remarked that this was the first time she ever heard of such a bold initiative from the LGU. Immediately the President ordered the DPWH to undertake a feasibility study on the proposed projects.

On their own the governors had already undertaken some options in acquiring the loans. Arnaiz said with the national government as guarantor, the KFW Bank of Germany is willing to extend the loan to be paid in 40 years with a 10-year grace period.

The governors are confident that with a 20 million-peso contribution per year from each province plus the projected toll fees, the LGU’s will be able to repay the loan.

Arnaiz confided to the local media, “it is a very ambitious dream, but attainable.” At the forefront in realizing that dream, aside from Gov. Arnaiz and Gov. Maranon are: Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores, Antique Gov. Salvacion Perez, Capiz Gov. Vicente Bermejo, Iloilo Gov. Neil Tupas, and Guimaras Gov. Rahman Nava.

NORSU TO PURSUE NURSING; DEFERS MEDICINE

2005-06-06T23:41:00.000-07:00

NORSU TO PURSUE NURSING; DEFERS MEDICINE
Metro Post
Issues and Updates
May 29,-June 04, 2005
Page 05

The Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) is pushing through with its Nursing Course with 25 students, despite a declaration by the Commission on higher Education that it cannot open a Nursing course due to a moratorium on the opening of new nursing programs effective May 04, 2004.

NORSU President Dr. Henry Sojor the CHED action is only recommendatory to the NORSU Board of Regents. He said there was no need for the University to apply with the CHED because the Board of Regents had passed a resolution on February 9, 2005 approving the new course offerings.

The NORSU charter, Republic Act 9299, provides that the University should merely inform the CHED of their action to pursue the courses mandated by that law.

Sojor said the 25 Nursing students were among the more than 300 who took the qualifying examinations.

However, Sojor said that they will postpone the opening of a medical school this year because there were only five applicants. He said the NORSU will open this medical school next year.

NORWEGIAN SENDS DAUIN RESIDENTS TO COLLEGE

2005-06-06T23:36:00.000-07:00

NORWEGIAN SENDS DAUIN RESIDENTS TO COLLEGE
Metro Post
May 29-June 04, 2005
Page 02

Dauin – Sixteen students are now recipients of the Mama Liza’s Scholarship Fund sponsored by Ingerliz Weston from Norway.

All 16 students have been enrolled in various schools in the Province. They are: Noel Bantoto, Annaliza Barnayha, Jennifer Bapa, Rosalie Calantaol, Jerey Nel Dagandong, Audrey Leunor Delmo, Crisanto Epa, Christie Mae Herrerro, Jerelone Himita, rommel Lagarde, Sheena Nuique, Emma Fe Palarpalar, Eljem Rosaot, Archie Torres, Brigette Triesta, and William Villanueva.

Weston was a foster daughter of Marianita Tubog here, and decided to reciprocate the generosity and hospitality given to her by starting the scholarship fund in 2003. (Loloy Elnasin)

PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS COMPLETE COMPUTER TRAINING

2005-06-06T23:34:00.000-07:00

PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS COMPLETE COMPUTER TRAINING
Metro Post
May 29-June 04, 2005
Page 04

A total of 53 public secondary teachers from around Negros Oriental recently completed the short trainings in Microsoft Office and VB.Net programming at the Silliman Unversity Computer Center.

The training program is a partnership between Silliman and Microsoft Co. on its nationwide Information & Communication Technology project dubbed as “Partners in Learning; No Teachers Left Behind” through the Department of Education.

Under the agreement, Silliman trains at least 40 secondary public school teachers every year, and Microsoft grants the University membership in its IT Academy Program and its MS Developers Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA) program. As member, Silliman enjoys free software from Microsoft for all of its instructional computers.

Engr. Alfredo Ang, dean of the SU College of Information & Computer Sciences, said the participants trained for eight hours a day, and were required to prepare a PowerPoint presentation on a topic assigned to them at the end of the sessions.

He explained the workshops enabled the teachers to have hands-on experience with the different Microsoft Office applications like Word and Excel.

He explained the workshops enabled the teachers to have hands-on experience with the different Microsoft Office applications like Word and Excel.

The various classroom activities aimed to upgrade the ICT literary skills of the teachers especially on Microsoft Office Suite; update them on the use of the technology in classroom management; and enhance the potentials of the teachers on the use of ICT in teaching and learning.

Silliman tied up with Microsoft after discussing about its advantages with colleagues at the Cebu Educational Foundation for Information Technology (CEDFIT) in November last year. (SU OIP)

SAGABARRIA PUSHES FOR ENACTMENT OF CITY’S INVESTMENT CODE

2005-06-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

SAGABARRIA PUSHES FOR ENACTMENT OF CITY’S INVESTMENT CODE
Metro Post
May 29-June 04, 2005
Page 02

Dumaguete City Councilor Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria has pushed for the enactment of an investment code for Dumaguete City.

The businessman-councilor made known his position I a privilege speech during last week’s regular session of the City council.

Sagarrbarria explained that while it is true that there is an existing investment code in Neros Oriental, it is so general and devoid of any specifics.

The provincial investment code was authored by Board Member Mariant Excano Villegas.

The councilor said that due to the absence of such investment policies for the city, businessmen do not really know what benefits they could avail of the moment they decide to put money into the City’s economy.

He said that for the city to spur economic development, it would need an investment code as an important legislation that merits support from all concerned.

He said that putting the code in place, which will clearly define the benefits of the investors, wiol surely benefit the City because of the increase in its coffers.

Once the City is able to collect more taxes, there would be no problem where to get the funds for basic social services and infrastructure.

Councilor Franklin Esmena reminded his businessman colleague that drafting a city ordinance related to investment should not contravene what is existing and should not duplicate of what is already enacted.

Councilor Urbano Diga for his part said, that even if the investment code will be enacted, when problems like water supply and other basic infrastructure projects will not be properly addressed, investor s will still not come.

But the councilors committed to back Sagarbarria in the event that the proposed ordinance will be formally presented to them. (ES)

SILLIMAN DEBATERS COMPETING IN SINGAPORE

2005-06-06T23:31:00.000-07:00

SILLIMAN DEBATERS COMPETING IN SINGAPORE
Metro Post
May 29-June 04, 2005
Page 02

Singapore – Close to 300 debaters and adjudicators from across Asia are gathered here at Nanyang Technological University for the finals of the Asian University Debate Championships (AUDeC) that started May 24.

The Visayas is represented by three teams of the Silliman University Debate Society: Juliana Alano, Robert Jed Malayang, Justine Megan Yu, Jian Wasawas, Ray Donn Lim, Leon Medado, Erika Rae Rosario, Bryce Tenorio, and Stacy Danika Alcantara. The nine Sillimanians competed in the seven-round eliminations which lasted for two days.

The Visayas delegation is headed by SU Debate Society coach Mark Raygan Garcia, and Student Organizations & Activities Division head Jose Mari Jonathan Antonio. Garcia and Antonio also served as adjudicators.

The AUDeC follows the Asian parliamentary format of debating with three debaters per side. Motions are released 25 minutes before debate starts, and each speaker is required to speak for seven minutes on the topic.

The AUDeC is held in preparation for the Australia-Asia Debate Championships, and the World Debate championships which will be hosted in 2006 by the University College Dublin in Ireland. (SU OIP)

SILLIMAN TRAINS COASTAL MANAGERS

2005-06-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

SILLIMAN TRAINS COASTAL MANAGERS
Metro Post
May 29-June 04, 2005
Page 04

Noted marine biologist Dr. Angel C. Alcala challenged coastal managers in Visayas to strive harder to achieve sustainability in the management of their marine protected areas (MPAs).

Alcala, who is also Research director of Silliman University, called on the MPA managers to increase their areas, train their staff for monitoring work, network with other MPAs, work for the institutionalization of the MPA Budget & Development Plans, develop indicators for evaluation, and to participate in the Bohol Sea-wide study of the impact of MPAs on fishery.

The challenge was made during the Bohol Sea Workshop II conducted this month by Silliman University. It was a follow-up of a similar workshop held two years ago in Cagayan de Oro City.

The theme of this year’s workshop was Strengthening the MPAs in the Bohol (Mindanao) Sea towards Better Fishery.

Dauin Mayor Rodrigo A. Alanano was keynote speaker, and shared his town’s experiences in coastal resource management. Alanano said his town’s success in CRM was largely due to the leaders’ political will and commitment to conservation.

The participants also went on a field trip to Apo Island, off the coast of Dauin, to observe some of the best practices which hopefully can be replicated in their respective localities to further strengthen and develop their own MPAs.

Of the 37 registered participants, 30 were managers of MPAs along the Bohol Sea, representing the provinces of Leyte, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, and Zamboanga del Norte.

Other participants and invited observers represented local government units, NGOs and the academe.

The workshop served as a venue for the MPA managers to share their accomplishments, lessons learned, experiences, and problems encountered since 2003.

They also discussed and identified the needs and concerns on the implementation of MPA-related programs and policies in their respective localities.

The workshop also served to strengthen the Hugpong Tagdumala sa Sangtuaryo sa Kadagatan sa Bohol that was formed two years ago.

The Bohol Sea Workshop II was organized by the SU Angelo king Center for Research & Environmental Management; the Ecosystem, Protected Areas & Peoples Project (EPP), and by the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation. (Gianani Gloria, SUAKREM)

DOUBLE STANDARD

2005-05-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

DOUBLE STANDARD
Editorial
Metro Post
May 22-28, 2005
Page 04

Vice-Mayor William Ablong must have his namesake William Shakespeare in mind when he made the move to ban the holding of Tigbakay during the barangay fiesta celebration.

For what does he get in making such a move but to create a tempest in a teapot?

If he succeeds, all he has done is to churn up a storm in the barangays of a teapot that is Dumaguete.

There is no such tempest or problem in majoriy of the barangays throughout the country for they know that cockfighting is only legal in licensed cockpits.

But the Vice Mayor may be right after all, for he has the support of Mayor Perdices and Governor Arnaiz to boot.

To make their support felt, the mayor and the Governor have gone one step further by promising a P50,000 assistance to a barangay observing its fiesta withour holding any tigbakay.

Can number and stature make it perfectly all right? Hardly. What is to rewarded anyway in complying with a law prohibiting cockfighting outside a licensed cockpit? Nada, unless there is some other special reason to save hurt feelings of vested interests.

This is all a matter of no consequence; all sounds and fury signifying nothing. Unless the Vice Mayor is waging a campaign against gambling as a serious attempt to elevate the lifestyles of our barrio folk to a higher moral ground.

But that is also running the risk of committing a double standard morality by making an immoral act cloaked in morality when done inside a licensed cockpit.

VALENCIA GOES INTO TILAPIA, MUSHROOM PRODUCTION

2005-05-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

VALENCIA GOES INTO TILAPIA, MUSHROOM PRODUCTION
Metro Post
May 22-28, 2005
Page 02

Valencia --- The municipality has established its own tilapia hatchery and mushroom laboratory in a move to generate more livelihood opportunities to its mostly agri oriented residents.

The establishment of its tilapia hatchery came after the Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources in Region 7 donated 2,000 fingerlings of tilapia last month. They also donated P15,000 worth of feeds and a hatchery pond costing P23,000.

Since its establishment last month, a total of 147 Valencianons have availed of its services. Lorencia Viente, tilapia hatchery in charge, said another 12,000 fingerlings are now due for dispersal to interested farmer associations in the municipality.

Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonozalez Jr. said that the town is also pushing for the improvement of its mushroom laboratory. “With the rising cost of meat nowadays, the municipality’s mushroom production could best serve as substitute to it as it is high in protein.

Gonzalez is confident both projects will be a good source of livelihood for Valencianos, with both products demand high market prices. Tilapia is sold at P80 per kilo, while mushroom is sold at P120 per kilo. (D. Tilos)

NO SIGNIFICANT PRICE INCREASE ON BASIC COMMODITIES – DTI

2005-05-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

NO SIGNIFICANT PRICE INCREASE ON BASIC COMMODITIES – DTI
Metro Post
May 22-28, 2005
Page 02

There has been no significant increase in the prices of basic commodities in the province.

According to Jojo Sumido of the local Department of Trade and Industry, there has been no significant price increase based on DTI’s weekly price monitoring activity conducted every Monday in Dumaguete stores.

Concern has been raised on the possibility of a big hike on prices of basic commodities following the recent fare increase.

Malacanang says the government is working out on ways to lessen the impact of fare increases such as keeping the prices of basic commodities at affordable levels.

The regional wage boards are also undertaking urgent deliberations to come up with wage increase reasonable or both the management and the members.

The transport fare increase will be complemented with wage hikes agreed upon by the regional wage boards in due time.

CHED: NORSU CAN NOT OFFER NURSING, MEDICINE

2005-05-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

CHED: NORSU CAN NOT OFFER NURSING, MEDICINE
Metro Post
May 22-28, 2005
Page 03

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has stood pat on its decision to bar the Negros Oriental Sate University form offering its doctor of medicine and bachelor of science in nursing courses when the first semester starts next month.

In a letter addressed to Vice Governor Jose “Petit” Baldado, Regional Director Catherine Castaneda informing the Provincial Board that the CHED is sticking to its earlier position to deny the petition of NORSU to open the two courses.

Castaneda said that denial was due to two existing memorandum oorders their Chair had earlier issued.

Memorandum Order No. 02, series of 2004, enumerates new procedures in the processing of applications to offer courses in medicine and nursing.

Memorandum Order No. 27, series of 2004, deals on the moratorium on the opening of new nursing programs effective May 04, 2004 which covers both public and private higher education institutions including those granted autonomous or deregulated status.

The two memoranda were issued due to the proliferation of medical and nursing schools throughout the country while Philippine Licensure Examinations administered by the Philippine Regulations Commissions indicate the deterioration of the quality of medical and nursing education.

The CHED also said that there was a dearth of qualified faculty, deans as well as teaching hospitals, which are important factors to be considered in the offering of medicine and nursing programs.

The CHED also pointed out that the capabilities of the nursing market have reached the saturation point and that existing schools have to be closely monitored. (ES)

BIR CONDUCTS TAX MAPPING OPERATIONS

2005-05-24T17:52:00.000-07:00

BIR CONDUCTS TAX MAPPING OPERATIONS
Metro Post
May 22-28, 2005
Page 02

As a result of its intensified tax mapping operations, the Bureau of Internal Revenues (BIR) has imposed fines on three law offices in Dumaguete City for failure to register.

BIR is conducting an ongoing inspection of all business establishments and professionals in the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor to check if they are complying with administrative requirements.

The said requirements include registration certificate, official receipts and books of accounts, said Jose Senador, officer in charge for BIR’s Taxpayers’ Service Station.

Under the law, the maximum penalty foe failure to register is P12,000.

To date, nine law offices have been inspected, but Senador said more inspections will be conducted throughout the year.

Senador added that they are concentrating on law offices this year, as last year’s focus was on doctors.

BIR officials are set to conduct tax mapping operations on May 17 in the towns of Sibulan and San Jose.

BAYAWAN TAPS CAPTAIN SPRING FOR SWIMMING LESSONS

2005-05-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

BAYAWAN TAPS CAPTAIN SPRING FOR SWIMMING LESSONS
Metro Post
May 1-7, 2005
Page 02

Bayawan City – The city government here had taped the Captain’s Spring Park Resort for the five Saturday’s swimming and skin diving lessons it had sponsored.

Mayor German Sarana said that the said resort was considered by the local government unit because of its natural swimming lagoon.

The owner, Captain Amorsolo Jordan, the superintendent of the Negros Maritime College Foundation Incorporated in Sibulan said that they are continually updating their facilities.

He said that the resort had catered to retreats from schools and organizations for the past years and it had hosted several family picnics for the purpose.

He said that the management of the resort is closely coordinating with the trainors of the Local government unit to maximize whatever facilities they can offer.

The trainors are Faith Napigkit, James Geconcillo and Arwin Aban.

Mayor Sarana said that they will tap the resort in their next undertaking which will involved the rank and file employees as part of their benefit package program.

BAYAWAN ENACTS LAW TO PROTECT WOMEN, CHILDREN

2005-05-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

BAYAWAN ENACTS LAW TO PROTECT WOMEN, CHILDREN
Metro Post
May 22-28, 2005
Page 02

The City of Bayawan has adopted a national law which seeks to protect women and children from domestic violence.

The national law is Republic Act 9262 which is an Act Defining Violence Against Women and their Children providing for protective measures for victims, prescribing penalties therefore and for other purposes.

The ordinance adopting the said national law is authored by Councilor Rowena Cabanban.

Mayor German Saran said that the same will boost the campaign for the protection of women in the city.

Many local government units are now coming up with their respective pro women programs including gender sensitivity and the importance of reproductive health. (ES)

AYUNGON CREATES ADVOCACY TEAM FOR

2005-05-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

AYUNGON CREATES ADVOCACY TEAM FOR
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING
Metro Post
May 22-28, 2005
Page 02

The municipality of Ayungon has created an advocacy team for the promotion of reproductive health and family planning.

Mayor Edsel Enardecido said this was done to fulfill the primary duty of the local government unit to protect and promote the health of its constituents and to eradicate poverty.

The mayor added that local officials in his town are very much aware of the health programs initiated by the national government toward poverty alleviation.

Enardecido was designated by the town council as the advocacy team’s chairperson with Vice Mayor Stephen Opada as his co-chairperson.

The team is mandated to formulate plans and programs, conduct information education campaign in all barangays. (ES)

ENG’G STUDENT AWARDED LUCENT SCHOLARSHIP

2005-05-17T22:13:00.000-07:00

ENG’G STUDENT AWARDED LUCENT SCHOLARSHIP
Metro Post
May 15-21, 2005
Page 02

An computer engineering first year is one of only two winners from the Philippines in the 1st Lucent Global Science Scholars Program competition.

Camilo Cadapan Jr. of the Silliman University College of Engineering will represent the country in the Global Summit from July 22 to 29 this year in New Jersey. He was also awarded $5,000 cash Friday evening by Ronald J. Post, counselor for Public Affairs of the US Embassy and chair of PAEF.

Along with another Philippine delegate, Cadapan Jr. will be among 50 scholars selected from around 15 countries.

Cadapan was chosen for his impressive academic performance, extra-curricular activites, and leadership qualities. “We know that you will exemplify the same standards of excellence when you represent the Philippines in the 2005 Global Summit,” said Dr. Esmeralda Cunanan, executive director of the Philippine American Educational Foundation.

Camilo Jr. is the son of Engr. Camilo and Myrna Cadapan of Talay.

Silliman was one of only three schools in the country, and the only one in the Visayas, tapped by Lucent as a source of applicants for the Lucent Global Science Scholars Program. The other schools were De La Salle University-Taft for Luzon, and Ateneo de Zamboanga for Mindanao.

NORSU, KOREAN UNIVERSITY INK JOINT CYBER STUDIES

2005-05-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

NORSU, KOREAN UNIVERSITY INK JOINT CYBER STUDIES
Metro Post
May 08-14, 2005
Page 02

The Negros Oriental State University and Kung Hee Cyber University have signed a memorandum of understanding for a n online studies program for students of the local university to begin starting June this year.

NORSU President Dr. Henry A. Sojor signed the agreement with Dr. Kun-Woo Park, president of the Cyber University, who also signed a similar memorandum with three other presidents of state colleges and universities in the Philippines; the Pangasinan Colleges of Science & Technology, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila, and the Cagayan de Oro Colleges.

Present at the signing on April 28 in Seoul, south Korea were Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Aladdin Villacorte and Dr. Manuel Punzal, head of the NORSU Board of Trustees and National Academic coordinator of the Global Cooperation Society.

The signing took place a month after Dr. Kun-Woo Park visited NORSU to confirm the online program with the local state university.

The program, Dr. Park said, offers a scholarship to qualified students interested to take up online studies in Korean.

KHCU is the leading cyber information technology university in South Korea, and that only four universities the Philippines have been offered the online studies program linkage.

Dr. Sojor said the initiative was offered to him during his visit for a speaking engagement in one of the universities in South Korea two years ago.

Dr. Sojor, president of the Global Cooperation Society for the Visayas which has a tie-up with KHCU, said the program would be the first international linkage of the institution since it became a state university last year. (ES)

4x4 ENTHUSIASTS JOIN 2ND LEG OF NATIONAL COMPETITION IN DUMAGUETE

2005-05-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

4x4 ENTHUSIASTS JOIN 2ND LEG OF NATIONAL COMPETITION IN DUMAGUETE
Metro Post
May 15-21, 2005
Page 01

Some 30 4x4 off-road enthusiasts from all over the country are seeing action today for the second leg of the Delo Sports National 4x4 Series at the Quaimco racetrack in San Antonio, Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

The four-hectare uphill and downhill natural terrain, situated inside a 24-hectare coconut plantation, is proving to be the biggest test to the competitors, led by last year’s Off-Roader of the Year Timtom Gempesaw and first leg winner Albert Monte de Ramos.

Sanctioned by the National Association of Filipino Off-Roaders (NAsFOR), the three-day national 4x4 meet is hosted by the 4x4 Dumaguete Fun Club, headed by its president Joey Varela, and backed by Caltex Delo Sports, a synthetic engine oil desined for gasoline or diesel powered Sports Utility Vehicles and 4x4s.

In a press conference Friday at the Bethel Guest House, NAsFOR president Brian Diaz expressed confidence that the second leg of the series will be another spectacular show of intense off-roading skills and patience of negotiating the various obstacles along the race course, such as the V-canal, mud trap, rock rolling and other terrains.

“The uphill and downhill natural terrain really adds zest to the competition and at the same time, tests the prowess of the participants,” said Diaz of the track designed by Engr. Roel Cadayday.

All eyes will be fixed on the duel between Monte de Ramos of the Cagayan de Oro Off Roaders, and Gemp[esaw of the Davao 4-wheelers.

Monte de Ramos vaulted back into familiar territory as he ruled the 1st stop of the Delo Series 2005 at General Santos City. Gempesaw placed fifth in that leg, but he is not too far as not to be a threat to the crown.

“The good thin is that I’m not too far from the leaders. Anything can still happen. Just one flawless ride in Dumaguete is all I need to get closer to the top,” Gempesaw said.

PEDICAB DRIVERS LAUD TUTING

2005-05-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

PEDICAB DRIVERS LAUD TUTING
POSITION ON FARE RATE HIKE
Metro Post
May 15-21, 2005
Page 03

PEDICAB drivers in Dumaguete City have lauded the position taken by Mayor Agustin Perdices to come up with a “compromised formula” on the minimum fare rate increase.

The Mayor earlier opposed the P6 pesos minimum fare based on the “automatic fare rate increase.

The Mayor earlier opposed the P6 pesos minimum fare based on the “automatic fare rate scheme” authored by Councilor Samuel Dicen.

Although the Council had claimed it as valid, it still needed the approval of the Provincial Board to take effect.

The drivers also agreed with the Mayor when he pegged his position of fare rate at P5.00 which they claimed is more realistic and more acceptable to the riding public.

Iglindon Selem, president of the Balugo-Cadawinonan Operators & Drivers’ Association, explained that the Mayor’s move is commendable.

He further explained that while it is true they also have to cope with the daily economic grind, and that a P6 fare would be to their advantage, they would be displaced from work if their regular passengers will now opt tot ride the multicabs which charge relatively lower, their erstwhile rivals and competitors.

Rudy Macahis, a “roving pedicab” driver earns P400 for 12 hours of diving.

Of the amount, P170 is for gasoline, P100 for two kilos of rice and half kilo of galunggong, and P160 for the rental of the unit. Macahis would have has a shortfall of P30 for his rental.

Increasing the fare by P1.00 would allow him tohave a take home pay of about P70.00 daily.

LAKES BALINSASAYAO AND DANAO

2005-05-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

LAKES BALINSASAYAO AND DANAO
Environment Connection by:
Dr. Angel C. Alcala
Metro Post
May 15-21, 2005
Page 04

The Twin Lakes Balinsasayao and Danao, and the surrounding tropical rainforest area of more than 8,000 hectares at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, no doubt rank among the most pristine and picturesque natural spots on the island of Negros.

Every citizen of Negros Oriental, and of Negros Island for that mater, should feel proud there is such a place that has survived the onslaught of nature destroyers. Everyone should be vigilant, lest we lose this nature park to those who see money in every tree or in every piece of rock.

A visit to the lakes last weekend showed that many people are now beginning to appreciate the value of the park. I was told that every weekend, scores of nature lovers enjoy the cool forest for hiking, and the clear waters for swimming. The biodiversity component adds to the uniqueness of the area. The environment of the lakes cannot be adequately priced in pesos simply because we are dealing with a resource that contributes to the quality of life of our people.

The provincial government led by Gov. George Arnaiz should get most of the credit for improving the road to the lakes, and constructing forest trails for access to the smaller lake. The Protected Areas Management Board has begun to implement the park rules and regulations.

More needs to be done by the PAMB and the DENR in cooperation witht the provincial government.

1. The waters in the two lakes differ in color: greenish (due to planktonic algae) in the bigger lake, and bluish (because of relative lack of algae) in the smaller lake. This difference is due to eutorphication or nutrient enrichment, and production of algae in the bigger lake as a result of run-off from cleared land surrounding the lake. The remedy is to stop all farming activities in areas surrounding the lake. The remedy is to stop all farming activities in areas surrounding the lake, and to reforest these bare areas. Governor Arnais and I talked to one of those people still farming in the park. He promised to stop enlarging his farm. The next step is to reforest the denuded areas. I urge the PAMB to meet and discuss the reforesting of the cleared areas around both lakes, and other matters including a partnership with the local governments.

2. The areas at the foot and vicinity of Guinsayawan and Guintabon peaks should be considered for reforestation using native or endemic species of trees. These areas have been logged in the past.

3. The are still pockets of abaca farms in the shores of both lakes which should be harvested and removed by the claimants.

4. An information and education campaign should be conducted by the PASU.

5. Endemic wildlife species from areas in Negros that have become extinct should be reintroduced in the area to enhance the tourism value of the park.

6. A limnological study and a bathymetric survey of both lakes should be conducted to update the studies done in the 1980s.

7. Park guides knowledgeable about the geology, hydrology, plant and animal life of the area should be trained to interpret the park.

8. A user fee system should be developed to start a sustainable park system.

9. Studies on the geology with particular emphasis on the geological hazards should be conducted.

CHED APPROVES NURSING, BSHM PROGRAMS AT FU

2005-05-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

CHED APPROVES NURSING, BSHM PROGRAMS AT FU
Metro Post
May 15-21, 2005
Page 09

Midwifery program gets ESDA nod

The Commission on Higher Education has formally approved the offering of the four-year courses BS Nursing, and BS Hospitality Management (major in Hotel, Restaurant, & Tourism) as contained in CHED Government Permit numbers 0067 and 0071, respectively.

The granting of the CHED permit for the BSN came after the favorable recommendation made by its Technical Review Committee who visited Foundation in March 28 to review and evaluate the program’s P7 million investment in facilities, equipment, instruction, curriculum, and support services.

Starting June this year, Foundation will also be offering a two-year Midwifery program. The go signal came from the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority.

Enrolment for all programs begin Monday, May 23.

The administration of the college entrance examinations and the Nursing Aptitude Test is going on at the Guidance & Counseling Office, ground floor of the Administration building.

More information can be secured by calling telephones 422-7063 and 422-9167, be e-mailing oslea2003@yahoo.com, or by visiting the website www.FoundationU.com

DLR NEGROS ORIENTAL GEARING TOWARDS CHANGE

2005-05-17T17:49:00.001-07:00

DLR NEGROS ORIENTAL GEARING TOWARDS CHANGE
Metro Post
May 15-21, 2005
Page 06

As editor in-chief of DLR’s provincial newsletter TUG-ANI, I had the occasion to interview the provincial land reform officer Stephen M. Leonidas regarding his plans for the province and these are what he said.

“I have beautiful plans for Negros Oriental. In fact, one realization is the launching of the Newsletter. Another one is coming up for this year, and that is, the implementation of the Local Area Network (LAN). LAN is a system where the outgoing and incoming communications can be monitored, and for us to be proactive to the needs of our clients. The advent of LAN would help us erase the public perception that the government institutions are corrupt and are not responsive to the needs of the clients. By monitoring, we can immediately respond and at the same time act on whatever request.

Also, one of the important point I wanted to contribute to the province, is to correct the public perception that DLR people in Negros Oriental are corrupt. In fact, I have challenging the media people to provide us or show us an documentary evidence so that we can impose disciplinary action for those people who are doing overt activities. Recently, I have already re-activated our grievance committee to heed for this call.

Another is to continue with the “Back to Basics Training.” This is a continuous process where we are to update our MAROs, whom I believe are the front lines of this department, of the latest guidelines so that we can effectively implement the program.

We are also planning to conduct a one-day orientation with the PNP Chief of Police and the Deputy Chief of Police to encourage their support and participation.

Regarding support services, we will try to improve our performance by strengthening the effort of the staff. We will try to enhance the implementation specially the foreign assisted projects. Right now, we are implementing the World Bank project through ARCDP. I hope, one infrastructure project would be implemented before end of June.

To sum up, our actions right now is in response to the Secretary’s directive especially in Advocacy. As much as possible, we will try to improve more our publication so that we can effectively inform the public on the departments program. (Aileen Alaban)