Bagsakan sa Barangay now operating in San Jose
by: Rachelle M. Nessia
The government-funded food depot in San Jose town is located in front of the San Jose Police Station and housed in a building provided by San Jose Mayor Emmanuel Remollo as counterpart from the local government unit, San Jose Municipal Agricultural Officer Rene Amores told the Philippine Information Agency.
Amores said the Bagsakan sa Barangay is a barangay-based food depot and distribution system that sells affordable, locally-produced and organically-grown food products such as meat, poultry, fish and vegetables.
"We buy the goods from our local marginalized farmers and fishermen then we sell them at our Bagsakan site at the prevailing market price," said Amores.
There are between 80 to 100 farmers in San Jose engaged in vegetable production tilling collectively 60 hectares of agricultural land in the fifth class municipality of San Jose, according to Amores.
The Bagsakan site is open Mondays to Sundays from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Under a memorandum of agreement signed between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the San Jose municipal government, DA shelled out P100,000 for the purchase of equipment to be used for the depot's operations while the LGU put up a counterpart of P50,000 for the purchase of wage goods from the local farmers to be sold at the depot, aside from providing the building, manpower and shouldering the Bagsakan's operational expenses.
The project was initiated by DA under the administration of former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with the aim of helping local farmers and fisherfolks by providing an alternative market for them and directly linking them to their consumers in the community.
Due to the abundant supply of goods being sold in the San Jose Bagsakan depot, Amores said they are now eyeing to open a possible outlet in Dumaguete City, 14.3 kilometers away. “Our farmers and fisherfolks are producing more than what can be sold here so we are looking into the possibility of opening an outlet in the city,” he said. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)
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20 students vie for TOSP-Central Visayas
by: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Apr 24 (PIA) Twenty students from different universities and colleges in Central Visayas set to vie for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines Region7 (TOSP R7) on April 28-May 1, 2011 inDumaguete City.
The finalists who comprised for the regional search will undergo a transformation program where they will be subjected to a series of interviews and activities as part of the judging, Regional Secretariat Member Rolando Villamero, Jr., said.
The finalists are Chic Borromeo and Argie Pinanonang of St. Paul University Dumaguete; Johanna Lei Bandoy, Jonathan Andro Tan and Mariel Chielo Ybio of Silliman University; Lauraine May Georfo, Shiela Marie Ladroma, Athena Plaza and Karl Patrick Ermac of University of San Carlos(Campus I & II) in Cebu City; Lovely Genoguin, Charles Ruel Novabos and Alvin Pahati of University of San Jose Recoletos Cebu; Edilyn Lopez, University of Cebu; Dexter Dungog and Alan Angelo Llevares of Cebu institute of Technology; Patricia Andrea Patena, St. Theresa’s College; Jollyjoie Serad,University of the Visayas; Nikkie Marie Geverola and Carla Marie Tumulak ofUniversity of the Philippines Cebu College; and Luigine Christi Chan, Southwestern University Cebu.
Villamero said TOSP-R7 is an annual search which recognizes the best and the brightest students in the provinces of Region VII who have excelled in academics, leadership, and social responsibility.
This program aims at establishing role models who will galvanize our young people into action and help bring about total human and economic development in the nation, he added.
Of the 20 finalists a set of ten students will be chosen to qualify to the national level of the competition.
All regional finalists form part of a community of outstanding students inCentral Visayas, known as TOSP CV - Alumni Community, which promotes and nurtures a culture of excellence thereby catalyzing nation building. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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Silliman University names 15 fellows to nat'l writers workshop
by: Rachelle M. Nessia
DUMAGUETE CITY, April 24 (PIA) --- Fifteen budding writers from across the country have been accepted as fellows to the 50th Silliman University National Writers Workshop from May 2 to 20, 2011 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
A statement released by Silliman University identified this year's batch of fellows as the following:
For Poetry
Charmaine Carreon (University of the Philippines-Diliman)
Evangeline Gubat (University of the Philippines-Diliman)
Jeffrey Javier (University of the Philippines-Mindanao)
Allen Samsuya (University of the Philippines-Mindanao)
Alyza Taguilaso (University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc.)
For Fiction
Glenn Diaz (University of the Philippines-Diliman)
Christine Lao (University of the Philippines, College of Law)
Emmanuel Lava (Ateneo de Manila University)
Andrea Macalino (Ateneo de Manila University)
Marius Monsanto (University of the Philippines-Mindanao)
For Creative Non-Fiction
Philline Donggay (De La Salle University)
Rogelio Garcia, Jr. (Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan)
Miguel Sulangi (Ateneo de Manila University)
Elaine Tobias (University of the Philippines-Diliman)
Maria Villaruel (De La Salle University)
The workshop is currently led by its Director-in-Residence Rowena Tiempo-Torrevillas whose parents, the late Edilberto Tiempo and National Artist for Literature awardee Edith Tiempo, founded the workshop in 1962.
The panel of critics for this year's workshop is composed of Dumaguete-based writers Myrna Peña Reyes, Bobby Villasis and Cesar Ruiz Aquino, along with guest panelists Susan Lara, DM Reyes, Dave Genotiva, Ricky de Ungria, Gemino Abad, and Alfred Yuson.
Joining the panel for this summer's workshop is Kirpal Sing, internationally-acclaimed Singaporean writer from Singapore Management University.
Considered the longest running literary workshop in the Philippines and in Asia, the Silliman University National Writer Workshop is offered to fifteen promising young writers each year to hone their craft and refine their style. Fellows are provided housing, a modest stipend and a subsidy to partially defray their transportation costs. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)
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NORECO 1 energizes 15 sitios in NegOr
by: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUET E CITY, Apr 23 (PIA) Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative 1 (NORECO1) is set to energize some 15 sitios in the barangays of the first district of Negros Oriental before the year ends.
This is part of the more than 40 sitios which 1st district Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong has been requesting to Noreco and National Electrification Administration (NEA) forelectric power connection.
Rep Limchaichong said the all barangays in Negros Oriental are 100 percent energized, yet most of the sitios are in dark state as it cost millions to electrify a certain sitio.
Limkaichong said with the approved allocation of P1.5 billion this year forNational Electrification Administration’s (NEA) rural electrification program, Noreco 1 which under NEA can get some subsidy for her district.
For this year, Noreco 1 General Manager Juveleo Acabal confirmed that at least 15 sitios in the 1st district will have a power connection with the subsidy from NEA and some counterpart from the congressional fund.
Acabal said with the total appropriations, representative in congress will receive P3million each for power development project in their respective areas. But in the case for Congresswoman Limkaichong who has the same political party line with the President, she may have more shares enough to light up for the 15 sitios.
However, Acabal expects to receive the funding advice from NEA during itselectric cooperatives national convention on April 27-29 in Cebu City.
Of the total 119 electric coops in the country, 109 are under NEA and the rest with Cooperative Development Administration (CDA) will participate in the convention.
Acabal said the electric coops meet with NEA to upgrade the competencies ofelectric cooperatives in response to prevailing financial, institutional and technical requirements; and make electric cooperatives highly competitive in delivering quality and reliable service. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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Sibulan LGU allocates P1.5M for agri-livelihood projects
by: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Apr 23 (PIA) The municipality of Sibulan has allocated some P1.5 million for its agricultural and livelihood projects for this year.
The budget is intended for the six component projects planned out by the municipality which include production of rice and corn, fruits and vegetables, fishery andcoastal resource management, piggery and poultry raising, trainings for farmer associations, promotion and marketing of agricultural products for the 15 barangays.
Information Officer Designate Connie Rosales of Sibulan said farmer associations in the barangay would participate in the series of trainings before the implementation of animal dispersal and release of financial assistance.
The trainings of the farmers equip them the knowledge and information on the implementation of agri-livelihood production.
With this development, Rosales said it may improve the peace and order situation in the barangays because residents are engaged in agri-livelihood projects that will boost the living condition of their families.
IO Rosales also disclosed that Rep. George Arnaiz of the 2nd district of Negros Oriental has counterparted the budget of Sibulan with P1.5million for the purchase of various vegetable seeds.
Of the amount, some P300,000 worth of seeds are expected now to be distributed to the barangays.
Hence, residents who have vacant lots are encouraged to avail vegetable seeds through a farmer association in their barangay. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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Soldiers construct study area in Alma Mater
by: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Apr 23 (PIA) The 302nd Brigade of the Philippine Army has turned over the newly completed study area last Tuesday to the principal and faculty members of Negros Oriental High School (NOHS).
Civil Military Operation Officer and class president of NOHS Batch ’94 Major Sonny Gonzales said the Philippine Army (PA) extended its services through the construction of a study area for the benefit of the students in the said school located at capitol area, this city.
Major Gonzales said the construction of the building was made possible through the “Bayanihan” concept among the members of the NOHS Batch ’94 who provided the materials and manpower.
The army along with the Department of Education (DepEd) of the province provided the students an area conducive for learning apart of the intention to give a quality education.
Gonzales said the Alpha Company of Army’s 12 Infantry Battalion also assisted the construction of the project.
The construction was started on March 27 and completed on April 16 was formally turned over last April 19 this year in a ceremony with DepEd and PA officials.
The military official said the project is under the Army Concern on Community andRural Development (ACCORD) program of the PA aims to provide the student a comfortable place their lessons and a place where they can rest during their vacant time. (PIA NegOr/JCT
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NegOr PNP launch innovative Cops on Board program
by: Rachelle M. Nessia
DUMAGUETE CITY, April 22 (PIA) --- The Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) took the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPs) a step forward and launched its own expanded version of PIPS dubbed as the "Cops on Board" program.
Under the Cops on Board program, two cops will board any public utility vehicle plying the national highway whether passenger bus, jeepney or van-for-hire and look out for the safety and security of the passengers as well as the bus driver and conductor.
Said policemen will introduce themselves to the passengers and explain their purpose in riding the bus as part of the program's standard operating procedure.
"We want to make the people inside the vehicle understand that we re there for their safety and wellness," said P/Supt. Rogelio Raymundo Jr., NOPPO Deputy Provincial Director for Operations during the program's launching on April 19 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City.
Patrol officers will be stationed at the terminals to conduct security checks on baggages and on the passengers who will ride the bus, while the riding cops will check on the baggages of the passengers picked up along the road.
The riding policemen will be wearing identification cards and don complete police uniform.
Negros Oriental Provincial Police Director P/SSupt. Rey Lawas said the program hopes to deliver the police's services to the people beyond their households. "We want to establish police visibility in all areas of our jurisdiction," he said.
Lawas, the brains behind Cops on Board, was encouraged by the positive results of PIP after it effectively pushed the crime rate down in the province following its implementation inNovember 25, 2010 and this led him to launch the Cops on Board program.
A first in the region, Cops on Board earned the praise of PNP Region 7 Director P/CSupt. Ager Ontog Jr. who described the program as innovative and "out of the box" during the launching held April 19 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City.
Ontog said he was impressed by the new program as it is cost-effective, preventive and proactive. "It removes from the criminal the opportunity to commit crimes by stationing cops on board our buses which is better than doing something after a crime has been committed," Ontog stressed.
The police regional director said he will inform the PNP higher authorities about the program for the possibility of replicating it in other parts of the country. "I hope that in the next few months we will be able to assess the effects of this program on the commission of crimes in our area so we can show this to our superiors," he added. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)
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Dumaguete Police intensifies peace and order for Semana Santa
by: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Apr 21 (PIA) Dumaguete City police unit intensifies police visibility in major public places in time for the weeklong observance of Lenten Season, with the establishment of police assistance center.
Police Inspector Eddie Oira, Officer-in-Charge of Dumaguete City Police Station said the unit has augmented the police force in the key churches to ensure the safety of the church goers against any untoward incidents or criminals for the Semana Santa.
City police personnel are posted close to Dumaguete Cathedral Church, Mother of Perpetual Church, Immaculate and other major ports and terminals, where the assistance center located.
Police patrols and intelligence have been deployed in the seaports, airport and Ceres Bus Terminals to also provide assistance and security to travelers who may encounter problems on their trips, said Oira.
Police here also reminded the public to cooperate and be extra careful as criminals would take advantage especially in crowded places during this special season.
Oira expects local and foreign tourists to visit the city for the season, thus his unit is making sure destinations is secured from any criminal and terrorist activities.
The assistance center will operate throughout the Lenten Season for vacationing public and travelers so that emergency response would be easy, he said. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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Bais City LTO heightens crackdown vs erring drivers
by: Rachelle M. Nessia
DUMAGUETE CITY, April 21 (PIA) --- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Bais City recently intensified their crackdown against erring drivers in line with the Oplan Semana Santa operation for the Holy Week season.
Janine Lawas, chief of the Bais City LTO district office, in an interview disclosed that her office have already caught around seven bus and three jeepney drivers in her area of coverage who were found carrying more than the allowed number of passengers in their vehicles.
"Overloading is high on our list of road violations to watch out for," said Lawas.
Those caught overloading will automatically be penalized for reckless driving also, she said.
The Bais City LTO chief said that for the Holy Week, their operations are contrated on traffic violations such as overloading, reckless driving, driving without license and registration and not wearing seatbelts or helmets.
Lawas said they will avoid apprehending colorum vehicles and public utility vehicles that ply outside the routes stated in their franchise due to the absence of personnel from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) here.
"We are avoiding catching out of line and colorum vehicles because LTFRB have not deployed personnel to the province to check on the franchise of vehicles," she said.
This after LTO central office has given the LTO chiefs in the provinces of Negros Oriental and nearby Siquijor and Bohol the discretion if they want to apprehend colorum and out of line violators as LTFRB will not be fielding their personnel to these areas during the Holy Week period.
Lawas warned drivers to exercise caution and striclty follow the road laws. "Our goal is to protect the security and welfare of the riding public," she stressed. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)