By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
The City of Bayawan, Negros Oriental celebrates its 3rd anniversary with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle program. The program is embodied under Presidential Proclamation No. 958 declaring the year 2005 to 2015 as the decade of healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Fidencio "Ding" Aurelia of the Department of Health (DOH) said the adoption of a community base Healthy Lifestyle would start at Bayawan City for the Province of Oriental Negros with the enthusiasm of multi-sector groups.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding between and among community leaders, the non-government organizations and the local government units will highlight the celebration on February 15 putting the people's pledge of commitment to tpractice the habit of healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Aurelia emphasized that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Proclamation 958 otherwise known as the Decade of Healthy Lifestyle to prevent the citizenry from living with the risk of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and diabetes mellitus and other diseases that can be caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
The Philippine Coalition for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases was organized in recognition of the importance of prevention and control of diseases. There are 41 government and non-government agencies. Professional organizations, medical societies and the academe have pledged to work together to ensure success of the Presidential Proclamation.
Dr. Aurelia expressed appreciation to the participation of Salinas Foods as a health investor putting importance on the prevention of non-communicable diseases with their new product, NIGARI mineral supplement.
With NIGARI, a 100 percent natural mineral supplement, the residents can come to the Patak Center that shall be established by barangay health workers for the drops of mineral supplements in their drinking water and all other liquid intakes.
A pioneering venture on "A Peso for Health," Dr. Aurelia believes that every citizen should be conscious of living a healthy life by avoiding the risk of getting contracted with non-communicable diseases. "Peso for Health" translates for one peso for every drop of NIGARI mineral supplements.
Ensuring the sustainability of the healthy lifestyle program, the Bayawan City Hospital will also launch its 100 percent Healthy Lifestyle Maintenance Program. The program will consist of the following components: a) NIGARI exercise; b) Mineral supplementation through the Patak Center; and c) empowering the community to avoid living with the risk factors like physical inactivity, smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and dsylipidemia and other non-communicable diseases.
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No alarming price increase in NegOr due to EVAT
By: Rachelle Nessia
Weeks after the implementation of the two percent increase in the value-added tax, consumers in Negros Oriental can heave a sigh of relief, as there have been no alarming increase in prices of basic goods and commodities in the province.
There are no drastic price increases due to EVAT in the province as any price increases among basic goods and commodities here have been gradual and insignificant, says Jojo Sumido, enforcement officer of the Department of Trade and Inudstry here.
Sumido said that except for cement and canned goods, prices for basic commodities have remained stable.
As of DTI's February 8 price monitoring, cost of cement increased by P1 compared to previous weeks, while the price of canned goods increased by 2.8% or less than a peso, compared to the week before.
DTI conducts a daily monitoring of prices of basic commodities in the province, especially now in view of fears that some unscrupulous traders might take advantage of the two percent increase in the value added tax.
Meanwhile, the cost of refined sugar in the province has gone down by 2% and the prevailing price as of Feb. 8 is P37.25 from P39.75 in the earlier weeks.
Cost of brown sugar also decreased by 10 centavos per kilo, said Sumido.
Market price for refined sugar has been increasing at a fast pace, but Sumido says this is not VAT-related.
The Senate is set to look into the recent increase in the price of sugar, which occurred even though there is no shortage in the country's sugar supply.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has likewise recently ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to go after hoarders of sugar to put an end to the artificial shortage of the commodity that has sent its prices soaring abnormally in the domestic market.
Sumido urged local consumers to call up DTI in cases of alarming price increase in basic goods sold in local stores. If the price is more than ten percent of its previous price last October, that's already alarming and consumers should report it to DTI, he added.
The two percent increase on EVAT (from 10 to 12%) took effect last February 1.
Sumido explained that businessmen caught unduly hiking up their prices will be penalized and face the full brunt of the law. "We will conduct an investigation, talk to the store owners and make the necessary recommendations," he said.
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Rehab center calls for volunteers
By: Rachelle Nessia
The Great Physician (GP) Rehabilitation Center in Dumaguete City is in need of volunteers who can help assist its staff during the center's Friday morning activities.
Ana Lou Suan, project director of the GP Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc., said they need volunteers who can help them look after the children on Friday mornings.
The center is a children's rehabilitation project in Dumaguete City offering free services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and special education for children with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Suan said there are now 48 children in their center, a number that has steadily grown in the past months.
Interested volunteers may call up 422-8308 and 226-1887 for further details.
The GP Rehab Center is located at Calindagan SL Teves Subdivision, this city.
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Oriental Negros Children can now read better with Bright Minds Read
By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
Grade 1 schoolers in Oriental Negros can now read better with comprehension through the Bright Minds Read program of McDonald's Charities.
Some 66 grade one children from the 23 district public schools in the province are identified as cannot read will be taught proper reading habits and develop them a well-rounded individuals.
Under this program, teachers also receive adequate training to guide them in properly implementing the BMR curriculum.
Along with this, the provincial government purchased some 60 BMR kits for various public schools in the province and had some 200 public school teachers under Department of Education Division trained over the weekend to implement the curriculum.
A BMR kit contains 32 teacher training modules, 32 illustrated English and Filipino big books promoting Filipino values and 200 worksheets, all specially designed to enhance beginning reading skills.
Dr. Elvira Directo, Ed.D. of DepEd-NCR who took the lead in the conduct of the BMR study, the development of the beginning reading curriculum, and its pilot implementation in the NCR personally came to Dumaguete City to conduct the training at the Oriental Negros High School.
Provincial Governor Arnaiz described BMR as "a very wonderful program," It will improve the capability of our children in school and the efficiency of our teachers in making sure that our Grade One pupils will learn how to read," he added.
Study showed that four out of ten Grade One pupils in public schools are found to be non-readers. The y become either "students at risk" of not qualifying for Grade Two, or they fall behind for the duration of their schooling simply because they hardly read.
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Oriental Negros hosts int'l rondalla festival
By: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
Provincial government of Oriental Negros has accepted the offer to host the 2nd International Rondalla Festival by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) which will be held during the National Arts Month in February next year.
Dubbed as, "Cuerdas sa Panaghisua," is a celebration of the great plucked string tradition that the Philippines shares with other nations all over the world.
Dr. Ramon Santos of NCCA explained that the festival is also a call for unity not only among the participating artists but for all the people who will directly and indirectly involve in this festival.
In a press conference with the provincial officials, Dr. Santos said, that rondalla festival spawned interests from its first participants and other artists from different parts of the world as experienced in Naga City where the first international rondalla festival held.
NCCA official said, that expected to participate in the rondalla competitions outside the Philippines are delegates from USA, Singapore, India, Israel, Mexico, Cambodia, Indonesia, Russia, China, Europe, among others. Some 12 local groups from all over the Philippines will also join the festival. This is to show and appreciate the old artist in the localities.
With that, Provincial Governor George Arnaiz also said, "this is one way of advertising our province as a tourist destination with this offer." Governor Arnaiz disclosed, rondalla music lovers in the province will be given free musical string instruments to develop their talents for potential tourism performances.
The week-long celebration of Cuerdas sa Panaghiusa will feature concerts, exhibition, outreach performances, interactive rondalla music cliniquing, instrument making workshop and other special related activities.
Cuerdas sa Panaghiusa is designed not only for entertainment but for education and cultural aesthetic, Dr. Santos opined. This is also to pursue the unending quest for global peace, understanding and unity through the medium of musical communication.
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Business establishments invited to join TESDA's apprenticeship program
By: Rachelle Nessia
The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the province is inviting local companies employing not less than 10 workers to avail of TESDA's Kasanayan at Hanapbuhay (KASH) program.
KASH is an apprenticeship program that is open to companies with a regular workforce of ten and up. The program will provide new entrants in their labor force to acquire experience and skills, explains Sheila Ocariza, technical education skills development specialist at TESDA here.
Ocariza disclosed that as of 2005, a total of 51 beneficiaries have availed of the said program in Negros Oriental.
KASH was developed to enhance the government's delivery of skills development and employment facilitation program.
As an incentive, companies that join the program will be able to deduct from the taxable income up to half of the value of the training expenses, according to Beth Tubog, administrative officer V of TESDA here.
So far, since the program started last year, Ocariza said only Ramar and Scooby's have availed of the program among the local industries here.
TESDA have already sent out invitations to qualified business establishments in the province last year. "So far, we are still waiting for their response," says Ocariza.
Some of the approved apprenticiable trades that can sign up for the program include refrigeration mechanics, cook/kitchen dispatcher, machine toll, mechanic repair, plumber/pipe fitter, among others.
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Announcement from GSIS for retired gov't workers who re-entered gov't service
By: Rachelle Nessia
Government employees who have previously retired and re-entered government service before June 24, 1997 can now retire again with full service credit if they refund whatever benefits they had previously received.
This was disclosed by Ma. Erlinda P. Roma, department manager III of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) here.
Roma explained that except for gratuity benefit received under RA 1616, the gross amount shall be asses a corresponding simple interest at the rate of 2% per month. "This is computed from the date the said benefits were paid to the employee up to the actual date of his/her refund to the GSIS of the said benefits," says Roma.
The said employees have up to March 1, 2006 to refund in full to GSIS the applicable benefits they received from their previous retirement/separation.
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PIA Provincial Infocen Manager (left) moderating the out-of-townKapihan forum held at Bais City Pilot School, Bais City on Feb. 8, 2006.
The forum was attended by barangay and LGU officials and
representatives from various sectors in Bais City.
NORECO 1 to hold district elections; almost all brgys under NORECO 1 area already energized
By: Rachelle Nessia
Electric consumers under the coverage area of Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative, Inc. 1 (NORECO 1) based in Bindoy town will once again cast their votes as NORECO 1 holds its district elections for board of directors.
NORECO 1 will hold the elections in its three districts, namely Vallehermoso on Feb. 25, La Libertad on March 4 and Bais City on March 11.
This was disclosed by Edmund Nochefranca, NORECO 1 Institutional Services Manager during an out-of-town Kapihan forum conducted in Bais City by the Philippine Information Agency.
Nochefranca said that to qualify, candidates must be a member and a qualified voter of the cooperative in the district that he/she seeks to represent at least 90 days before the election.
Government employees who wish to run for director must secure a permit from the head of office where he/she works for this purpose.
Meanwhile, Nochefranca reported that all of the barangays in Bais City have already been energized as of December 2005.
Aside from Bais, there are three other local government units under NORECO 1 coverage area (from Ayungon to Vallehermoso) wherein all barangays have been energized, namely Bais City, Ayungon, Canlaon City and Manjuyod.
Of the total 285 barangays under NORECO 1, 243 are already energized, says Nochefranca.
NORECO 1 officials also encouraged electric consumers in Bais City to immediately report incidents that may result to system loss in the district.
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Five teams vie for ONIA
By: Rachelle Nessia
Five teams have made it to the finals of the pioneering innovative business competition in the province, the Oriental Negros Innovation Awards.
The competition will culminate during the final judging and awarding ceremonies on February 16 to 17 at the Flores Hall of Foundation University, Dumaguete City.
During the two-day event, there will be a press conference, round table discussions with the judges and a final presentation that includes an "elevator pitch."
On February 17, the teams will present and convince a panel of judges composed of three three distinguished personalities from various disciplines and industries, namely: Mr. Francisco Bernardo III, AIM professor and Ten Outstanding Young Men of the World awardee; Mr. Mohan Kulkarni, TeleTech's vice president for business development; and Mr. Frederico Gonzalez, director of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship.
The annual competition launched in 2005 is sponsored by the provincial government of Oriental Negros together with the Negros Oriental Business Development Foundation, ONE-IPC, TVB Group and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here.
Five teams have earlier made it to the finals of this year's competition. The teams are: Aces Trailblazer, whose business plan is the Automated Rice Seedbed Protection; ProTek, which proposes a wireless security system; M-Web, the group that's into a Mosquito Trap; e-Ureka with its Customized Pre-paid card proposal; and SIE which focuses on the manufacture of Charcoal Briquettes.
ONIA will also conduct a skills presentation workshop for the five finalists as part of the organizers' mentoring and educating efforts for the participants.
A series of workshops have been given to the participating teams from the time they joined the competition, the semi-finals and eventually upon reaching the finals.
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NFA reminds grains businessmen to renew licenses
By: Rachelle Nessia
The National Food Authority (NFA) here would like to remind all grains businessmen in the province that the renewal of license started during the month of January 2006.
The renewal of license is also for operators of rice and corn mills, warehouses or storages of rice and corn/feeds and palay/corn brans (tahop), palay thresher and corn shellers, mechanical dryers for palay and corn, truck operators or any kind of vehicles hauling rice and corn, restaurants, carinderias, hotels and other business establishments who serve rice and corn.
NFA Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino has earlier advised all grains businessmen to renew their licenses to avoid fines and penalties. "Those who have no license yet may do so since our enforcement teams are conducting inspections every now and then," says Bejemino.
He also reminded other grains retailers and operators that what they have paid at their respective city or municipality are just permits. "It is necessary that they pay their grains license at the NFA office. Those who wish to renew their licenses in advance may also do so," he said.
He adds that there is a misconception among grains businessmen that permits from the city/municipality is enough to make them start their business. "Despite the information drive from the registration and licensing section, some new grains retailers would insist otherwise. Thus continuous inspection must be done," Bejemino stressed.
Renewal of licenses are accepted at the NFA provincial office at Pulantubig, Dumaguete City or at NFA Guihulngan Unit Office in Guihulngan.
The schedule for renewal and application of licenses in the province are the following:
February- Ayungon, Jimalalud, Tayasan, Canlaon City and Sta. Catalina
March - Bacong, La Libertad, Valencia and Dauin
April - Bais City, Mabinay, Vallehermoso and Siaton
May - Basay, Manjuyod and Zamboanguita
June- Dumaguete City, Bayawan City and Pamplona.
Provincial Registration and Licensing Officer Elizabeth Delfino said the local government units must take note of their schedule to give ample time and preparation for the renewal and application of licenses.
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Guv's SOPA rescheduled to Feb. 16; EU to grant P93M to NegOr
The State of the Province Address has been postponed today and moved to Feb. 16, 2006.
Capitol Information Officer Oliver Lemence said the SOPA is rescheduled since Governor George P. Arnaiz had to attend a meeting with members of the European Union from February 9 to 10, 2006.
The European Union has expressed its intention to extend P93 million to Negros Oriental for the improvement of government hospital facilities and rural health units.
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