Dumaguete Metropost, December 4-10, 2022 edition

Duscians celebrate Nursing topnotcher

Sibling topped 2017 Geology exam

Does brilliance come from the family, or from their choice of a school?

The Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial-Dumaguete Science High School is celebrating the achievement of their alumna, Abigail Garganta Ramirez, who aced last month’s Nursing Licensure Examinations.

Five years earlier, Dumaguete Science High School also celebrated the achievement of Abigail’s brother—Alec Benjamin Garganta Ramirez, who also topped the 2017 Geologist Licensure Exam.

Abigail and Benjamin are both children of the late Bienvenido Ramirez Jr. & Lily Garganta of Dumaguete City.

However, while cheering the siblings’ accomplishments, the Dumaguete Science High was quick to say that brilliance undeniably runs in the family.

Benjamin finished high school in 2013. He is now a faculty of the University of the Philippines Diliman-National Institute of Geological Sciences.

Abigail, who graduated from high school in 2018, was also a part of the pioneering batch in K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) strand.

“I prayed to become a topnotcher but I was not expecting

Dumagueteña tops Nursing exams

A student from St. Paul University-Dumaguete bested 24,903 examinees to top the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examinations held in November.

Abigail Ramirez, who graduated magna cum laude, scored 90 percent, landing in the top spot.

Of the examinees, only 18,529 passed the NLE, or a national passing average of 74.40 percent.

All four nursing schools in Dumaguete City have scored a 100 percent passing rate in the national licensure examination for nurses administered in November.

St. Paul University-Dumaguete reported 50 passers.

Ramirez said taking up Nursing was not her first choice, but that she gradually learned to love it as she began to have classes and clinical duties.

In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Ramirez said she prayed to land in the Top 20, but that becoming the topnotcher was totally unexpected.

Ramirez said she wants to teach at St. Paul Dumaguete as a clinical instructor, and said she hopes the government will give more attention to the plight of nurses so they won’t have to entertain hopes of working abroad.

Silliman University, with 126 takers, produced three topnotchers: Angela Claire Nicolau Kitane placed 5 th, Von Joseph

Serna placed 9th, and Amari Joy Samson placed 10th

In her Facebook post, Kitane expressed surprise when she learned that she placed 5th. “Who would’ve thought that an average student like me, who could barely join the top students in class since elementary, who had to study at home while babysitting/cleaning, who kept slacking around during review season would actually top the mock and real board exam,” she said.

As for Serna, he told his Facebook audience that he prayed the same prayer before answering each test: “Lord, may you give me guidance and strength to help me save every patient in this exam.”

Samson, meanwhile, posted that she had a difficult time choosing the words for her thank you note and had to keep revising her message several times, only to end with two words: Thank you!

With their outstanding performance, both St. Paul Unviersity and Silliman University are in the list of the country’s top performing nursing schools.

Negros Oriental State University produced 49 nurses, and Foundation University has 14 new nurses.

World War II Veteran Pvt. Felix A. Sechico (seated) receives recognition and a gold medallion from Defense Senior USec. Jose Faustino Jr. during a special ceremony held at the Silliman campus. With them were Philippine Veterans Affairs Administrator USec. Reynaldo Mapagu, Dr. Henry A. Sojor (representing the Governor), U.S. Embassy-Philippines Political Counselor Brett Blackshaw, and Acting Director Kevin McAllister of the US Department of Veterans Affairs. (Photo by Judy Flores-Partlow)

2nd District Cong. Chiquiting Sagarbarria, one of the members of the Commission on Appointments, congratulates Maria Susana Ople as newly-confirmed Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers. With Congressman Sagarbarria were Sen. Loren Legarda and Sen. Francis Tolentino. (Photo by E. Alagao)

Crime drops 21% in 2022

The Province saw a drop in overall crime by 21 percent from January to October 2022 compared to the same period last year.

During the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, the Philippine National Police reported that there were 3,969 crimes recorded this year compared to 5,026 crimes logged in 2021.

Of the total crime volume, index crimes dropped 17.1 percent while non-index crimes decreased by 35.5 percent.

Index crimes refer to serious crimes such as murder, homicide, and physical injury, robbery, rape, theft, and carjacking.

On the other hand, non-index crimes involve traffic-related cases and special laws.

The most prevalent index crime is theft with 117 incidents or a dip of 14.60 percent, followed by rape with 76 cases (26.92

percent), physical injury with 63 incidents (39.42 percent), murder with 77 (13.48 percent), robbery, 50; homicide, 28; and carnapping, 11.

For non-index crimes or offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Laws such as enforcement on Republic Act 9165 or the Anti-Illegal Drugs campaign, 279 drug personalities were arrested and 7,134.17 grams of shabu were seized with a total value of more than P48 million.

Under Republic Act 9287 or the campaign against illegal gambling, the police nabbed 1,676 individuals with total bet money confiscated at P143,880.

For the campaign against loose firearms or R.A. 8294, the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office arrested 84 persons, seized/recovered 731 firearms, while 160 firearms

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Protection of Mt. Kanlaon vowed

Six local government units have renewed their commitment to protecting the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, the site of the active volcano in Negros Island, in a three-day festival here starting Tuesday.

Hosted by the city government of Bago, south of Bacolod, the fourth edition of Halad kay Kang-laon is being held in collaboration with the Department of Environment & Natural Resources and Protected Area Management Board.

Bago Mayor Nicholas Yulo welcomed the celebration of the Mt. Kanlaon National Park as a protected area for the first time in two years, following the onset of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic.

This year’s MKNP Festival, themed Pagbangon sang Kumunidad, Nasandig sa Pag-amlig sang Dunang Manggad ( The recovery of the community lies on the conservation of natural resources ), marks the 21st year of Republic Act 9154, otherwise known as MKNP Act, which was signed into law on Aug. 11, 2001.

Aside from Bago, Mt. Kanlaon also spans five other LGUs, including San Carlos City, La Carlota City, La Castellana, and Murcia in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.

Denis Pinosa, MKNP protected area superintendent, said Mt. Kanlaon is an important source of water supply on

Content creators urged to join world market

Local creative content creators are urged to forge ahead and penetrate the global market with the numerous possibilities now being offered in this growing industry.

Last week some 100 local creators in this capital city participated in the one-day Ayo Roadshow 2022, an event funded by the Department of Trade & Industry to provide an avenue for them to jumpstart the growth and development of their original content.

DT Regional Director Nannette CalumpangArbon, in an interview, said the roadshow was first held in October in Cebu City, in collaboration with the Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines.

The Dumaguete leg was the first of a series of roadshows for larger gatherings in 2023 and in 2024, she added.

“The Ayo Roadshow is the Sikap brand promoting the growth of the digital creative entertainment industry and providing local content creators the venues for business as well as connectivity and opportunities in the international market,” Arbon said.

“We want our local creatives here to appreciate the opportunities out there and how they can take advantage of these, how they can provide value to the work that they are doing, monetize it and have a career out of it.”

She said part of the priorities of DTI is to create and develop the creative sector and she hopes that local content creators will be able to develop linkages among different

PNP eyes stronger anti-drug campaign

Of the 557 barangays in the province, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency here has yet to clear 354 barangays from illegal drugs.

The PDEA reported in a Provincial Peace and order Council meeting that barangay drug affectation remains at 63.55 percent.

Of the total 218 barangays in the 1st District, only 28 barangays are drug-cleared while 33 are declared drug-free.

For the 2nd District, 51 of the total 174 barangays are drug-cleared and 13 barangays are drug-free.

In the 3rd District, of the total 165 barangays, 71 are drug-cleared and seven are drug-free.

For PDEA, the intensified implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program is an effective tool in the fight against illegal drugs in the province.

Based on records, from July to November 2022, PDEA operations resulted in the confiscation of 106.196 grams of shabu worth P 722,132.8 and the arrest of 17 drug personalities.

BDCP aims to help barangays become drugresistant and self-policing communities.

Being the most affected province in Central Visayas, the PDEA cited that there is a need to further strengthen the tie-up between law enforcement units and local and national agencies for a more concentrated effort in addressing the drug affectation in each locality.

The PDEA noted some challenges as hundreds of barangays have yet to activate its Barangay AntiDrug Abuse Council, while almost the same rate of local government units have inactive municipal and local anti-drug abuse councils.

PDEA recommended

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YMCA to hold camp for kids, youth

About 100 under-privileged children and youth are expected to converge for a three-day live-in annual Christmas Camp for Under-Privileged Children from Dec. 22-24 at the YMCA Guest House & Conference Center in barangay Talay.

The Camp activities will include values formation lectures, ecumenical worship, skills training, campfire and cultural programs, sports activities, and other group interest activities.

Sponsored by the YMCA of Negros Oriental, the Christmas Camp has been regularly held since 1990 as an offering for children from underprivileged families in Dumaguete and the neighboring towns. Since then, over 2,000 children have attended this YMCA program, and more than a hundred sponsors and donors have been regularly supporting this annual project.

Those interested to sponsor the participation of underprivileged children may contact the YMCA in Talay. The sponsorship of one child is P750.00 which covers meals, lodging accommodation, and a gift package. (PR)

Youth vulnerable to propa: Army

Government troops must continue their efforts to protect the youth from recruitment of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front as they are vulnerable targets, an Army official here said on Monday.

“My wish and my desire for the youth, actually, is to give them the right inspiration that they may become a better generation than ours,” Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Negros Oriental, told the media.

Peña said to achieve this, the older generations must set a good example

DUSCIANS....FROM P. 1

to be the Top 1,” she said in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer

She said she gradually learned to love the Nursing profession, as it was not her first choice.

The pandemic brought about a two-year hiatus in face-to-face learning, which worried Abigail that she would be missing a lot. “But we learned to cope,” she added.

Now that she’s a fullfledged nurse, Abigail wants to give back by becoming a

to them and provide them empowerment venues such as leadership and skills training, “to keep them aware of the situation in our province”.

He said they have initiated campus visits in the different schools but it would be better if the provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict would take the lead.

“That’s why I keep on convincing the Department of the Interior & Local Government here and other partner stakeholders that should be given focus, and hopefully, that would happen soon,” he added.

The brigade, through the 11th Infantry Battalion TO PAGE 7

Clinical Instructor at St. Paul University-Dumaguete.

She said she hopes nurses could be given better treatment here in the Philippines so they won’t have to entertain thoughts of leaving for other countries.

“[The field of] Nursing is really fulfilling, and it would be better if the nurses are treated better. In the end, it’s not about the salary but what you gain from other aspects in life.” (with reports from the Duscian Gateway)

CITY MARKS 124th LIBERATION DAY. Officers of the Negros Oriental History, Heritage & Arts Society (NOHHAS): Jara Carballo, Dimatulac siblings Joyce and Genesis, Gemma Minda Iso, Portia Nemeno, and its president Penn Larena commemorate the 124th anniversary of the Liberation Day of Negros Oriental from Spanish rule. Supporting the event were the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines Negros Oriental-Siquijor Council, Knights of Rizal, Foundation University, St. Paul University, Silliman University ROTC Unit, Freemasons-Mt. Kaladias Lodge No. 91, the Order of Demolay-Leon Kilat Chapter, the Dumaguete City government, Buglas Reading Club, and Philippine Veterans Affairs. (Contributed photo)

Dumaguete writer Ian Rosales Casocot receives a medallion from Dang Cecilio-Palanca for winning 1st prize for the short story category from the prestigious Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature held in Manila. They are flanked by Nemie Bermejo and Carlos Palanca IV. Partly hidden on the left is Charlson Ong, head judge for the short story in English category.

NEWS and UPDATES CAMPUS NEWS

Students join Project Tinuod summit

Hundreds of college and high school students from the various schools in the University Town gathered at the Silliman campus to participate in a summit about the responsible use of social media and digital threats, people’s digital rights, and press freedom.

The youth summit, organized by Seedlak NegOr, is the group’s pioneering project, and also served as its official launch.

SU, SUFA sign CBA

Silliman University and the Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) signed last week the 2019 Collective Bargaining Agreement after the Department of Labor & Employment resolved the dispute between the University and faculty union.

In an Order dated Oct. 24, Labor Sec. Bienvenido Laguesma resolved to grant Silliman faculty members a P600 salary increase per month for school year 2019-2020, and P1,400 per month for 2020-2021.

“The salary increase shall retroact immediately after the date of the expiration of the third year of the 2016-2021 CBA,” said Labor Secretary Laguesma.

Aside from the salary increases, a rice allowance in the amount of P4,600 per year beginning 2020-2021 will also be granted to the faculty.

The SU Faculty Union had pushed for the DOLE Secretary to grant salary increases of P2,000 and P3,500 for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, respectively, while the counter- proposal of the SU administration was P600 and P1,400 for the same period.

PRO-7 to help investigate death of Cong. Teves’ driver

The Police Regional Office-7 will be assisting the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office in its investigation of the killing of the driver of Cong. Arnolfo Teves.

Newly-installed Acting Provincial Police Director Col. Reynaldo Lizardo said in a press briefing Tuesday at the NOPPO headquarters that this is to ensure that “no stone is left unturned” in the probe on the fatal shooting of Juvanie Palagtiw Catubay, 38, a resident of Sitio Break Water in Poblacion, Sta. Catalina town.

“Moreover, a team from the Provincial Investigation & Detective Management has been deployed to aid the investigators of (the) Sta. Catalina municipal police station,” Lizardo said.

Catubay was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects

around 2:30 p.m. Monday at Sitio Bunsod in Barangay Obat, Sta. Catalina.

The suspects and the motive for the killing remain unidentified “that is why we continue to double our efforts”, he added.

Initial police investigation showed that Catubay was driving his motorcycle on his way home from bBarangay Caigangan of that southern town, and stopped by a store when the suspects arrived, and shot him several times, killing him instantly.

Investigators recovered from the crime scene 10 pieces of empty shells of caliber 5.56, one empty shell of caliber .45, and one caliber .45 deformed slug.

Congressman Teves said in a social media post hours after the incident that Catubay was shot dead apparently using a highpowered firearm, based on the evidence recovered

More residents get free WiFi

Thousands of residents, students and the communities in barangays Caidiocan and Malaunay in Valencia, Negros Oriental will benefit from the free Wi-Fi project that was officially turned on during a simple switch-on ceremony on Monday.

The ceremony was held at the covered court of the barangay of Caidiocan, one of the three villages in Valencia that host the geothermal power plants of the Energy Development Corp.

This is the second free Wi-Fi e-community project to be implemented in Valencia by the EDC in partnership with the Department of Information & Communications Technology, the National Telecommunications Commission, and the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in cooperation with municipal and local government officials.

The first was in Barangay Puhagan, Valencia which was switched on last year

after EDC formulated its e-community project.

NOCCI President Edward Du said sometime in 2017 that the project was launched by DICT and its partners, with the Chamber implementing it in some 36 schools in remote areas in the Province.

“We are grateful that EDC has seen the importance and benefits of providing free Wi-Fi access to remote communities to help students and residents to be connected to the rest of the world,” Du said.

“This is historic because during the pandemic, we have launched the project in three barangays that we have connected to the free Wi-Fi in the whole Philippines,” he added.

The EDC provided the funds for the equipment and telecoms infrastructure, while the bandwidth is provided by the DICT and the infrastructure network is from NOCCI, Du said.

He said there are only 3,000 sites in the Philippines, and the usual problem

from the crime scene.

He was referring to the recovered caliber 5.56 ammunition that is normally used for M-16 Armalite rifles.

Teves called for an immediate investigation into the killing of his driver that occurred just days after former Provincial Police Chief Col. Jonathan Pineda was relieved from his post, and was replaced by Lizardo who was officially installed on Monday afternoon.

Additional police personnel have been deployed to Sta. Catalina “for maximum police presence to deter the movement of lawless elements”, the acting Provincial Director said.

Meanwhile, Lizardo said the NOPPO would soon initiate a Peace Covenant signing, and would invite the Governor, Vice Governor, and other local officials, church representatives, the military, and other line agencies to participate. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

According to Loulizerl Infante, one of the organizers, the rise of the digital space has “introduced a lot of things along with new threats, one of them being fake news”.

In partnership with the Research Committee of the SU Student Government, Seedlak NegOr launched Project Tinuod, a digital summit that focused on the campaign against fake news.

Seedlak NegOr is a newly-established NGO that is aligned with the mission and vision of Angat Buhay Pinas. The Board is composed of progressive leaders across the Province who share the same dream: to uplift the lives of the people. (PR)

For the rice allowance, SUFA had asked for P1,000 per month; the SU administration offered P4,600 per year (or about P383 per month) beginning in the fifth year of the CBA (2020-2021).

The DOLE Secretary also ordered that the “existing computation of monthly overload pay using the denominator of 40 hours” and the “existing CBA provision in the retirement pay with the multiplier of 1.04 percent” be retained. SUFA had moved that the overload denominator be changed from 40 hours to 18 units, and the retirement pay multiplier be increased to 1.5 percent.

SUFA also pressed for a P100,000 gratuity pay. However, the DOLE Secretary explained that while the “proposal of the Union is ostensibly for the improvement of the retirement benefits of the academic personnel,” the “current multiplier of 1.04 percent of the retirement pay granted to the employees already exceeds what is provided by the Labor Code.”

The DOLE Secretary added that “given that the retirement plan assets are deficient to cover obligations,” he “does not consider it appropriate to rule in favor of the Union at this time.”

As agreed with SUFA, the SU administration will give the benefits to the SU faculty under the 2019 CBA in three tranches: Nov. 30, Dec. 15, and Dec. 30 payrolls.

“In the days ahead, it is my prayer that we continue to negotiate in trust and faith in each other’s goodness; that we always expect the best in us and others…For after all,

DTI sees price hikes toward Christmas

The Department of Trade & Industry in Negros Oriental said it is anticipating a rise in the volume of Noche Buena food items on sale, thus it has issued a price guide to grocery stores, supermarkets and other outlets, an official said Friday.

DTI-Negros Oriental Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio said the price guide which contains a list of food items covered took effect on Wednesday last week, and were distributed to business establishments.

“Actually, this is not a Suggested Retail Price list but just a price guide that contains different brands of food items so that people will have more choices of a particular product,” Virtucio said in mixed English and Cebuano.

“We are confident that the prices set in the price guide are enough for them to make a profit but will not burden the consuming public.”

The food products listed include ham, fruit cocktail, cheese, queso de bola, mayonnaise, sandwich spread, pasta, spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce, and creamer/all-purpose cream.

A price increase in these products is anticipated because Filipinos traditionally use them in their Noche Buena or Christmas Eve dishes thus, the demand for these food items will be higher, the DTI official said.

She noted that some of these Noche Buena products are imported, thus, a price increase is expected,

the resource that we are all talking about is a resource for all of us,” said Silliman President Dr.

Cernol-McCann during the CBA signing.

She added: “I hope this will now give us more focus and energy to attend to the task at hand, that is, to be of greater service to our dear old Silliman.” (Jameela Mendoza/SU OIP)

NegOr students qualify for DOST scholarships

A total of 30 students enrolled in the different higher education institutions in Negros Oriental qualified to be this year’s recipients of the Department of Science & Technology –Science Education Institute’s Junior Level Science Scholarships.

Negros Oriental State University Main Campuses I&II garnered the highest number of passers this year with 20 qualifiers. Silliman University has seven passers while NORSU Guihulngan Campus, University of the Philippines-Cebu, and University of the Philippines-Visayas in Iloilo City each has one qualifier.

The towns/cities of Amlan, Bacong, Bais, San Jose and Tanjay each has one passer. Canlaon and La Libertad registered two qualifiers, while both Dauin and Guihulngan have three qualifiers. Six students who are residents of Sibulan qualified for the scholarship, while nine students from Dumaguete passed the scholarship exam.

DOST Negros Oriental is set to formally welcome this year’s DOST-SEI JLSS qualifiers through a virtual orientation. This online activity will discuss the provisions of the scholarship as well as the scholar’s duties and responsibilities.

DOST Negros Oriental Provincial S&T Director Atty. Gilbert Arbon extended his heartfelt message to the new batch of scholars.

The JLSS is an undergraduate scholarship program of DOSTSEI which aims to provide scholarships that will finance the education of talented and deserving third year college students, pursuing degree programs in the areas of science and technology.

The JLSS Program also aims to ensure a steady, adequate supply of qualified S&T human resources who can steer the country towards national progress. (Reinhold Jek Abing/DOST NegOr)

Betty

SU President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann (seated, center) is flanked by SUFA President Prof. Jonathan Te and Atty. Karissa Maxino, chief negotiator of the SU administration during the signing of the 2019 CBA on Nov. 28 at Silliman Hall. With them were members of the negotiating panels: Rodney Teves and Prof. Dina Remoto; Vice President Jane Annette Belarmino and Vice President Dr. Earl Jude Paul Cleope; Dr. Gloria Futalan and Dr. Mae Brigitte Berna Villordon.

E-Community in Barangays Caidiocan and Malaunay in Valencia is now officially operational. (Photo by Mary Judaline Partlow)

EDITORIAL Student-friendly

The results of the recent national Nursing Licensure Examinations again reminded us of the outstanding universities we have right here in our midst.

All four universities in this University Town scored 100 percent in the NLE, with St. Paul UniversityDumaguete producing the topnotcher, and Silliman University putting three of its examinees in the Top 10 list.

Our universities here in Dumaguete also have produced topnotchers in many other licensure examinations as well.

With a national passing average of only 74.40 percent in the NLE, coupled with the strong international demand for nurses, this recent glorious performance of our universities would surely send more students our way.

Do we have what it takes?

Students looking for a place to stay for the next four years of their college life often have to make do with cramped and uncomfortable boarding houses. Many food establishments have less-than- desirable sanitary conditions. Our sidewalks are filled with parked broken vehicles, forcing students to walk on the roads.

There is a lot we can still do to make our students from other places feel at home in our City.

We need to adopt a standard for board and lodging establishments, and conduct spot checks to ensure compliance. We can give tax incentives to lodging establishments who seek to renovate their buildings. We can be a pedestrian- and bicyclefriendly City to encourage people to walk or bike for health.

These are certainly low-hanging fruits for our City officials. Do they have what it takes?

ATTY. WHELMA SITON-YAP

ECON 101

whelmayap@yahoo.com

Howdoes waste affect Dumaguete City and its neighboring towns?

Due to an increasing population, the generation of waste may be doubled day by day. In the current situation, focus should be made on waste, as the local leadership should realize that with the passage of time, waste management is important for our sustainable future.

Residents should be informed and educated about how we can assist, by employing techniques to manage waste properly. Each resident should be made aware that he/she can contribute to waste management, to help make our City a clean place.

In the past years up to the present, a group of environmentalists have continued to urge our Dumaguete City officials to strictly enforce the plastic bag regulation ordinance, and for the residents to segregate their waste at-source during the

Waste Assessment & Brand Audit (WABA) held in July 2018.

War on Waste-Break Free from Plastic-Negros Oriental had declared: “We call on the City government to strictly implement the plastic bag regulation.”

Merci Ferrer, co-convenor of WoW-BFP, reiterated the call as compliance to the implementation of the Plastic Bag-Free Mondays at the

implement waste management processes.

For instance in 2021, t he Sangguniang Barangays of Cadawinonan and Motong passed an ordinance establishing their own ecological solid waste management program that will enforce segregation, collection, recycling, and disposal of garbage, in accordance to existing City ordinances and Republic Act 9003.

Think before throwing away waste

public market has been low.

Through house-to-house visits, the group also confirmed that many households do not actually segregate their waste. Furthermore, it was confirmed that single-use plastics, which become residual waste, comprise a huge bulk of the residents’ waste.

Waste management starts from the source, through waste segregation in the household level. Hence, the barangay is the best government unit to

JONATHAN R. PIA

Former Councilor Michael Bandal, chairperson of the Committee on Rules, Ordinances & Legal Matters, reviewed the proposed ordinance with Cadawinonan Punong Barangay Jimmy Tabada and other officials to ensure that the provisions were consistent with law and city ordinances.

It was noted that the barangay ordinance imposes a fee of P20.00 per month per household, to be used to defray

the cost of garbage collection, and maintain the operations of the Barangay’s Materials Recovery Facility. Was this barangay ordinance fully implemented?

Time and again, emphasis had been made on all the important methods of handling waste like the recycling, landfills, and composting.

Most residents are aware that the mountain of garbage along the river side area of Candau-ay emits a lot of bad odor that is harmful to the environment and to human health.

Take note: food waste, which is dumped into landfills, produces methane gas due to the breakdown without oxygen -- which is more harmful than carbon dioxide.

According to the US Environmental Defense Fund, methane poses harm to the environment 84 times more than carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after being released; 50 percent of these emissions resulted from food waste.

By the year 2050, these emissions will have increased, if solid waste management will not improve now.

Let us think first before throwing away anything in the trash. *****

Happy 18th birthday, Nicole!

and our worries. Comfort, in an old definition, means “to make one strong.” That certainly has more meaning than the ease and relaxation that we might better describe as “comfy.” It does not mean that life becomes easy, free of all burdens and cares.

The

The

Comfort!

Comfort my people, says your God.” Every year about this time we hear those wonderful prophetic words sung in Handel’s Messiah or read in our churches from the portion of scripture that biblical scholars call “Second Isaiah.”

This passage was written for Israel which had been overrun by the Babylonian armies in 587-86 B.C.E.

and burning hope for many.

Unless we have been in a similar situation, it is hard to imagine how it felt finally to hear the good news that this bleak life was finally coming to an end; that God was coming to their rescue.

Even if we can’t exactly feel this sort of experience, we can still enjoy the fullness of Isaiah’s message for as we look closely around us, we still see a lot of people who

family members just come once a year; we see a person who comes to worship but has given up hope that anything good would ever come of it for it seems that her prayer is not answered.

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. We need this message at one time or another.

For those who need comfort at this time, the prophet Isaiah wants to tell us that comfort

Many times, when we pray, we want God to take away the problems that beset us. But we know that it does not usually happen that way. Certainly, there are occasional spontaneous reversals of situations.

I believe that miracles wrought by prayers can still happen—the miracle of strengthening. And God does not supply us with a pacifier or a crutch. Rather, God comes to make us strong enough to

my people, says our God’

Jerusalem was destroyed and laid waste and some 15,000 people were hauled off into captivity to a foreign land hundreds of miles away across the desert to the region of what we now call Baghdad. There they were held against their will in servitude to their captors for nearly seventy years, separated from parents and children, husbands and wives, most never to see each other again. In fact, only a few of the original captives lived to return. Through all those years the idea of returning was kept alive. It remained an ardent

need to be comforted—we see a little child crying for he has lost his parents from a bomb that exploded in an apartment in Ukraine; we see a woman who as she looks at the picture of her husband on the desk would start crying for her husband just left for Dubai; we see a woman with a frozen smile in the doctor’s waiting room crying inside, dreading to hear the results of the lab test; we see a man who has grown bitter in his old age and feels alone sitting in a wheelchair at home for all of his friends had died and

begins with what God has done, what God is doing, and what God will do. This is the good news on this Advent season. In our confusion and depression our God, the God who levels up the valleys, lowers the mountains, and makes the steep places and rough ridges a smooth plain, comes to us saying, “You, whose lives have been turned upside down, you are made right side up by my love.”

However, Isaiah tells us that to be comforted does not mean that God comes to us and takes all our problems

bear whatever the burdens of our lives. That kind of miracle happens all the time. Some of you know about this from firsthand experiences. In our Bible Study, some young people shared their experiences of waiting for God’s answer to their prayers. Sometimes it is a long wait. But they said God was strengthening them through the waiting.

The alcoholic will still have to take it one day at a time. Living the rest of our lives without a loved one who has died will not be easy. Coping

‘Comfort

JG UMBAC

It

bjplug@gmail.com

He was walking southbound on one of those hot days. Along the way, other people were headed to where he came from, with more than a few of them carrying plastic bags.

Could they have come from the stores a little inland, and decided to walk on the boulevard carrying their purchases just so they can have a little weight in their hands, perhaps for balance? He didn’t spend so much time thinking about what the reasons may have been. Maybe they just wanted to take their purchases for a walk. Why not their dogs? Strange!

was toward the end of November. The weather was somewhat pleasant, uncomfortably hot only two or three days a week, with occasional fair winds, and of course, the unpredictable scattered rain showers.path he was on, to go into one of the restaurants along the boulevard, a few men and women brushed past him, one of them saying, “They’re cheaper over there!” Just before he could ask them what was cheaper, they were beyond the range of his voice.

His curiosity piqued, he followed them. What was at the end? The last time he was there, it was the Pantawan 2 with the Tempurahan in the evenings.

It was a few months back

he began to see tents. He rubbed his eyes to make sure it wasn’t gunk he was seeing. He shouldn’t have doubted the efficacy of the Eye Mo drops at the start of his day. He was really seeing tents! He picked up his pace, and passed the people he was following, eager to see what were under the tents.

Pantawan 2: Bartertown

when he last took a walk on the boulevard and Pantawan 2 before he left for Manila for some contract work.

His walks have always been for his health and for the beautiful scenery that the seaside boulevard offered. His walk that day was for the same reason.

Whyever they were there, they were there. These were vendors selling everything from footwear to clothes, cellphone accessories, women’s handbags, ballcaps, sunglasses, and other merchandise that otherwise one would find at the public market.

This was likely a travelling band of traders who go from town-to-town on the occasion of their fiestas, and set up their tents.

“

As he was leaving the

After following them for a hundred meters or so,

As he walked past the tents, he wondered if they had their own power generator for their lights, which were numerous. He walked to the back of the tents, and yes, they had electricity, but from the City.

How were they charged for it? Maybe they were charged one flat rate because there was only one meter at the box?

He was already there anyway, so he thought he’d just walk around the Pantawan, and see the other end

TO PAGE 12

ATTY. JOSE RIODIL D. MONTEBON

joseriodil@yahoo.com

Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all its sons away: they fly forgotten as a dream dies at the opening day. (Isaac Watts) For more than two months now, the nation’s news has been preoccupied with the assassination of Percy Mabasa, aka Percy Lapid of the hard-hitting Lapid Fire radio commentaries.

On Oct. 3, Percy Lapid, a radio journalist and radio broadcaster, was shot dead while on his way home in Las Piñas, Metro Manila.

Identified as the coconspirators which masterminded the murder of Percy are suspended Bureau of Corrections head DirectorGen. Gerald Bantag and his deputy, Ricardo Zulueta.

NBI anniversary celebration at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

Bantag was presumably incensed when he was informed that Mabasa had taken photos of his house in Laguna.

Eugene Javier, NBI spokesman, said, “Technically speaking, there is no direct evidence linking Bantag to the murder, but we’re also using the concept of totality of circumstances,” he said. “In this test, decisions are made on all available information so it doesn’t mean that there has to be one direct connection to something. It could be understood that we focus on all the other circumstances of a particular case rather than any one factor.”

On the one hand, it seems admirable that so much government resource has been invested in getting to the truth of Mabasa’s heinous execution.

And yet, it is so sad that all attention has been focused on the Mabasa case, while unsolved murders everywhere have flown by forgotten as a dream.

Thirteen years since the Ampatuan Massacre, the worst execution of the greatest number of journalists and political victims, their grieving families have yet to receive their full measure of justice.

And still closer to home, the murders of five lawyers and three media men have yet to find their resolution.

Forgotten as a dream

The two were accused of conspiring to kill Mabasa over his expose on the alleged illgotten wealth of Bantag.

In a nationally-televised and highly-sensationalized press conference which featured all the bigwigs of law enforcement led by Justice Sec. Crispin Remulla, the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, it was disclosed that Mabasa’s Cinderella Man story that exposed Bantag’s alleged wealth was what pushed the BuCor official to order the broadcaster’s murder.

“[Lapid] made a story, The Cinderella Man , that video, that was it! The Cinderella Man came out on Sept. 15. Sept. 9, he [Mabasa] went to Bantag’s house to get photos in the village, and Sept. 17, the plots began,” Remulla told reporters on the sidelines of the National

Javier said that a certain inmate, Denver Batungbakal Mayores had indirectly implicated Bantag as the mastermind behind the killing. Mayores was said to be a trusted aide of Deputy Director Zulueta.

Bantag, who distinguished himself in the Corrections and Penitentiary Service, is considered a hero of the Igorot tribe, and is very popular among his people.

Since the expose against him broke out, Bantag has come out openly challenging Secretary Remulla to step down as DOJ Secretary for playing politics and fostering falsehoods without any clear evidence.

Since Remulla’s public accusation of Bantag for Mabasa’s murder, a side show of the investigation has been the very scandalous PR feud between Remulla and Bantag.

If only the law enforcement agencies considered the lives of Atty. Archer Martinez, Judge Orlando Velasco, Atty. Ramon Elesteria, Atty. Anthony Trinidad, Atty. Ray Moncada, media personalities Rex Cornelio, Dindo Generoso, and Edmund Sestoso as precious as Percy Lapid’s, then perhaps we could all live secure in our persons, and enjoy justice for all!

Last week, the predominantly-Christian Philippines commemorated once again the Advent Season, the joyful anticipation of the coming of the Saviour.

The promise of the Christ offers us freedom from sin. If only the inspiration to claim eternal life will also compel us to live together peacefully in justice and peace!

But let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (Amos 5:24)

Ponzi

HearHerNow LUJANA

Scheme” is a fraudulent scheme or an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors.

Better known as Bu-bo or Paluwagan, this cunning strategy will break hearts like it has always been, ever since someone thought of such a concept.

With the recent scenario, I can’t help but feel sorry for the latest victims.

CIARRA

You will have good conversations, making you believe in your dreams finally coming into reality. There will be no room for failures, and it will always sound sure.

They will even be involved in your business, being helpful, giving advice to whatever there is to talk about.

They will lure you into believing that everything is just alright.

Then boom! They begin to make themselves scarce,

If you earn it easy, prepare to easily lose it easily, too.

And as always, there is no substitute for hardwork.

Success, especially an honest one, is always earned with due diligence in effort and sacrifice.

If those two ingredients are missing, you should be wary already.

We live in a time where wickedness is no longer

I know how it feels to be scammed, especially big time. I speak from experience, and it surely is no easy pill to swallow.

Just remembering my experience brings back so much trauma. It almost destroyed me and my family, but through Heavenly Father’s mercy, we have been spared, and survived.

Just reading through people’s experiences, I’ve learned one common denominator: these scammers share, they’re very good at grooming. They will first get your trust and befriend you.

be out of reach, your inquiries will fall on deaf ears, then the dreaded predictable next move: impossible to find.

It’s always a familiar pattern but only after the tragedy has already happened.

Most, if not all the time, it’s very hard to detect.

Most of the time these scammers are disguised as “closest friends and family”.

Or worse, these scammers are disguised in our own impatience to experience success.

But if there’s any takeaway from this experience, it’s that

hidden, and so we must be more vigilant, more alert, and valiant to rid ourselves of the unforeseen trauma that’ll come along with it.

I only hope everyone gets through the tunnel like we did, and I only pray for the ones who have it weaker.

But don’t lose hope. I always believe in rainbows after the rain.

But do promise yourself like I did, to never ever fall for the same trap again.

It’s better to have worked hard on your way to success, than be a fool on easy yet unsure luck.

DIANA BANOGON-BUGEYA (SHE/HER)

What

a difference a bed makes.

The other day, I finally had the chance to have my massage lying on a bed, rather than leaning forward on a masseuse bench, or with my elbows propped on my knees whilst sitting on a lawn chair.

There are a number of masseuse benches at Robinsons Mall which makes it a popular destination for individuals who enjoy a full body or a partial body massage periodically.

There are three locations where you can go for a massage provided by personnel of the Blind Massage Centre: Robinsons Mall, the airport, and for those needing a massage of body parts difficult to

DianaBugeya@gmail.com

the Press Club’s verandah.

By Friday, Nov. 18, I learned that bed facilities were now available but scheduling was tricky because of the smaller number of beds. So it was very much first-come firstserved. I was able to book such an appointment.

When I arrived there, I was appalled at the conditions the massage clients -- but more importantly, the blind -are faced with. This was not just a loss of four bedrooms. It was more dire than this!

Gone was the outside open-air four-to-six-person bench where the blind masseuse would sit and rest in between customers.

Gone, too, was the bench where clients would sit waiting their turn, if the

so now we all would have to move out of the way for them to get through.

But there is no place to move to unless you step out of the facility, on to the road plied by heavy trucks.

Did anyone even do a time and motion study to see that there was adequate room in this corridor to move freely? It’s an obstacle course in the facility, a safety hazard.

Did the previous City Council view the blind so poorly they couldn’t even give them decent facilities?

Notwithstanding all of this, the massage I had on a bed removed my chronic aches and pains. I know the relief only lasts for hours but each additional session slowly softens all those knots that have developed

A parking lot in exchange for jobs

reach whilst seated, e.g. the buttocks and upper thighs, the DSWD facility along Rizal Boulevard.

Up until about three weeks ago, massages at the DSWD location were performed with the clients sitting on AdirondackMuskoka type lawn chairs on the sea-facing verandah of the Press Club.

In my earlier article here, titled Short-Term-Gain for Long-Term-Pain (Oct. 30, MetroPost), I mentioned the loss of the Blind Massage Centre because the City needed some of the facility’s space to build a parking lot for Pantawan 2 strollers.

Half the bed capacity was taken away, and the blind masseuse were left with four. At that time (Oct. 30), it was unclear as to when the facility would be operational again, hence, the open-air-breathing-finebrown-dust massages on

reception/waiting room was full or if their masseuse hadn’t arrived yet.

Gone was the reception and waiting room where one checked in, and where one exchanged footwear for sanitized rubber slippers. This was a mechanism by which, I suspect, the personnel were using to eliminate dirt being tracked into the massage rooms.

Gone was the corridor where a lawn chair was set for those willing to have a massage on it because all eight beds were occupied. Or for those who just didn’t like lying on the narrow beds, most often because one tended to be on the large and heavy size.

Gone was this same ample space corridor where we could move around without having to weave around people. The blind often need help to get them from one spot to another;

over time, and with time, the reduction of those aches and pains.

What a difference a bed makes.

And what a difference a good masseuse makes to our well-being.

This is what they do for us. But what do we do for them?

With the current set-up, scheduling is a challenge because the blind masseuse has nowhere to go, nowhere to sit in between clients.

Unlike sighted people, the blind cannot just walk to the corner store for a drink nor sit along the boulevard until the next client is due.

Job Loss in exchange for a parking lot.

On a positive note, if we want something else to add to Dumaguete’ s tourist attractions, I highly recommend a couple of hours at the Blind Massage

PNP....FROM P. 2

for the establishment of Balay Silangan in LGUs to address the number of moderately affected barangays.

These barangays have reached drug-cleared status after issuance of a certification by members of the Oversight Committee on Barangay DrugClearing Program.

The Oversight Committee, chaired by PDEA, is composed of provincial representatives of the Department of the Interior & Local

Government, the Philippine National Police, Department of Health, and the LGUs.

Before declaring a barangay is free from illegal drugs, the committee must convene and validate the non-availability of drug supply in the area and the absence of drug transit activity, clandestine drug laboratory and chemical warehouse, marijuana cultivation site, drug den, and drug pusher and user. (JCT/PIA7 NegOr)

CRIME DROPS....FROM P. 2

were surrendered.

Pursuant to the goal of bringing government services closer to the people, the police conducted the Serbisyo Caravan under the Retooled Community Support Program which reached various barangays in the province in partnership with other government agencies.

The police has visited four barangays for the Dagyawan and Serbisyo

Caravan, namely: Brgy. Poblacion, Manjuyod on May 1; Brgy. Candabong, Manjuyod on Aug. 2; Brgy. Dahile, Mabinay on Nov. 4; and Brgy. Actin, Basay on Nov 11.

The police attributed the decline in crime incidents and increase in police-initiated operations to their partnership and collaboration with other security forces and local government units. (JCT/ PIA7 NegOr)

Republic of the Philippines Sangguniang Panlalawigan Province of Negros Oriental

Excerpts from the Journal of The Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session on: Date: August 8, 2022-5:00 P.M. Classification: Regular Session

RECORD OF ATTENDANCE: Hon. Carlo Jorge Joan L. Reyes Vice Governor & Presiding Officer Present Hon. Manuel L. Sagarbarria -O.B. Hon. Jaime L. Reyes Hon. Julius C. Sabac -Present Hon. Nyrth Christian R. Degamo Hon. Kit Marc B. Adanza -Present Hon. Woodrow S. Maquiling, S.R. Hon. Peter Paul F. Renacia -Present Hon. Apolinario P. Arnaiz, Jr. Hon. Carlo Remontal -O.B. Hon. Jessica Jane J. Villanueva Hon. Adem B. Maxino (SK) -Present Hon. Mamerto S. Bermil, Jr. (PCL)

RESOLUTION NO. 634

NOTICE

The public is hereby informed that ALEJANDRO TEVES, of Junob, Dumaguete City, the legal husband and sole heir of AURORA G. TEVES, has executed a DECLARATION OF HEIRSHIP WITH SELF ADJUDICATION AND ABSOLUTE SALE over a parcel of land registered to ALEJANDRO TEVES AND AURORA G. TEVES, known as Lot 1, Block 3 of the subdivision plan Psd-07-058735 being a portion of Lot 3073 in Junob, Dumaguete City, and is selling the same to REY VICENTE B. DONATO, married to QUEEN ANN CORTEZ, of Tanjay City, on June 2, 2022 in Dumaguete City and is registered as Document No. 99, Page No. 21, Book No. III Series of 2022 in the notarial register of Atty. Rogelio V. Solon. MetroPost 2022 Nov. 27 • Dec. 4 • Dec 11

Republic of the Philippines Sangguniang Panlalawigan Province of Negros Oriental

Excerpts from the Journal of The Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session on: Date: April 4, 2022-2:25 P.M. Classification: Regular Session

RECORD OF ATTENDANCE:

Hon. Edward Mark L. Macias Vice Governor & Presiding Officer Present

Hon John T. Raymond, Jr. -Present Hon. Jaime L. Reyes -Present

Hon Peter Paul F. Renacia - OB Hon. Jose A. Baldado -Present

Hon Erwin Michael L. Macias -Present Hon. Estanislao V. Alviola -Present

Hon Valented. Yap - OB Hon. Chester V. Lim -Present

Hon Ma Antonia E Villegas -Present Hon. Kit Marc B. Adanza -Present

Hon Adem B. Maxino (SK) - OB Hon. Manuel L. Sagarbarria (PCL) -Present

RESOLUTION NO. 240

“WHEREAS, on February 28, 2022 the August Body passed Resolution No. 113, enacting Tax Ordinance No. 25, otherwise known as ‘An Ordinance Granting an Extension in the Payment of Real Property Taxes without Surcharges or Penalties until June 30, 2022’;

“WHEREAS, questions raised by taxpayers regarding the coverage of said Ordinance necessitates the amendment of the same;

“WHEREFORE, On motion of Honorable Member Ma. Antonia E. Villegas, seconded by Honorable Member Erwin Michael L. Macias, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Oriental, in session duly assembled, hereby enact the following Ordinance:

TAX ORDINANCE NO. 26 (Series of 2022)

Amending Resolution No. 113, Current Series, Enacting Tax Ordinance No. 25, Granting An Extension in The Payment of Real Property Taxes without Surcharges or Penalties until June 30, 2022.

“Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Oriental that:

Section 1. In order to address the concerns of taxpayers greatly affected by Typhoon Odette and as a means of supporting the Oriental Negrenses, the payment of Real Property Taxes for Calendar Year 2022 is hereby extended until June 30, 2022, without any surcharges and penalties thereto.

Section 2. Prior years’ delinquencies are hereby excluded from the implementation of this Ordinance, even if concerned taxpayer was affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

Section 3. Payment within the extended time is encouraged to ensure that prompt taxpayers are fairly afforded a chance to settle their tax obligations within said time frame without surcharges and penalties.

Section 4. All Ordinances, Executive Orders issued by Municipalities within the Province of Negros Oriental which are inconsistent with any provision/s of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 5. If for any reason or reasons, any part or provision of this Ordinance shall be held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 6. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval.

“Enacted, April 4, 2022.”

I hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 26, current series,was enacted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its Regular Session on April 4, 2022.

(Sgd.) GEOFFREY P. VILLAHERMOSA Provincial Secretary (Sgd.) EDWARD MARK L. MACIAS, M.D. Vice Governor of Negros Oriental Presiding Officer

Author: Hon. Julius C. Sabac Co-Author: Hon. Kit Marc B. Adanza Hon. Manuel L. Sagarbarria

“WHEREAS, Section 186 of Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) provides, Power to Levy Taxes, Fees or Charges - Local government units may exercise the power to levy taxes, fees or charges on any base or subject not otherwise specifically enumerated herein or taxed under the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code as amended, or other applicable laws, provided, that the taxes, fees or charges shall not be unjust, excessive, oppressive, confiscatory or contrary to declared national policy: Provided, further, that the ordinance levying such taxes, fees or charges shall not be enacted without any prior public hearing conducted for the purpose;

“WHEREAS, Section 468 (a)(1)(vi) of RA 7160 provides, that the sanggunian shall have the power to protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the environment, such as smuggling of natural resources products and such other activities which result in pollution, acceleration of eutrophication of rivers and lakes, or of ecological imbalance;

“WHEREAS, exploration of minerals and other natural resources is inevitable in every developing place like the province however, the same must be regulated to avoid irreparable damage to the environment; “WHEREAS, the inventory of various quarry operations in the province yielded an alarming result hence, the need to hasten efforts to recuperate the environment;

“NOW THEREFORE, on motion of Honorable Member Julius C. Sabac, seconded by Honorable Member Apolinario P. Arnaiz, Jr. and Honorable Member Jessica Jane J. Villanueva, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan “RESOLVES, to enact, as it hereby enacted, the following ordinance:

TAX ORDINANCE NO. 27 (Series of 2022)

An Ordinance Imposing Environmental Fee On All Extraction of Minerals Within the Province of Negros Oriental

“Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Negros Oriental that: Section 1. TITLE. This ordinance shall be known as the ‘Environmental Fee Ordinance’.

Section 2. ENVIRONMENTAL FEE. There is hereby imposed an environmental fee in the amount of Seventy-Five (Php 75.00) Pesos per cubic meter of every mineral extracted within the territorial jurisdiction of Negros Oriental.

Section 2.1. The amount shall be divided equally into three namely, the province, the city/municipality and the barangay where the quarry operations is being undertaken, to wit: Provincial Government Php 25.00 per cubic meter City/Municipality Php 25.00 per cubic meter Barangay Php 25.00 per cubic meter

For a total of Php 75.00 per cubic meter.

Section 2.2. Environmental fee shall be due and payable to the Provincial Treasurer or through Digital/Cashless transaction subject to DTI, DOF, DILG and other National Agencies with JMC No. 2019-001, series of 2019, of Implementing Rules and Regulations for RA 11032 of 2018 and COA Rules and Regulations.

Section 2.3. Every local government unit concerned shall pass a resolution or ordinance adopting the provisions hereof.

Section 3. ACCREDITATION. For purposes of monitoring, every seller, reseller, contractor, retailer, trader of sand, gravel and other minerals, not otherwise issued a permit to extract minerals are hereby enjoined to secure an accreditation with the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) free of charge.

Section 4. MONTHLY SUBMISSION OF REPORTS. The concerned Local Government Units where quarrying operations are undertaken shall provide a monthly report every 10th day of the preceding month addressed to the Office of the Governor through the Provincial Legal Office, copy furnished the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD).

Section 5. REPEALING CLAUSE. All ordinances, resolutions, executive orders and other issuances related hereto are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 6. PENAL CLAUSE. Failure to observe the provisions hereof shall be dealt in accordance with the provisions of the Revenue Code of the Province of Negros Oriental.

Section 7. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. If for any reason, a provision or application of this ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, all other provisions hereof, not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 8. EFFECTIVITY. This ordinance shall take effect immediately from the completion of its publication.

“Enacted.”

I hereby certify to the correctness of the above-quoted resolution. (Sgd.) GEOFFREY P. VILLAHERMOSA Provincial Secretary (Sgd.) CARLO JORGE JOAN L. REYES Vice Governor of Negros Oriental Presiding Officer

ORIGINAL FOR GUBERNATORIAL APPROVAL: (Sgd.) PRYDE HENRY A. TEVES Governor of Negros Oriental Date: Aug. 18, 2022 MetroPost 2022 Nov. 27 • Dec. 4 • Dec. 11

NOTICE

The public is hereby informed that CHERRY MAE L. CUTAD, KRISTINE JANE L. CUTAD and KIRK JUSTINE L. CUTAD, all of Lazi, Siquijor, have executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND AUTHORIZATION as sole heirs of REGINALD M. CUTAD, over his deposits/share capital with DCCCO Siquijor Branch with Membership ID No. 05029381 on Nov. 29, 2022 in Siquijor, Siquijor which is recorded as Document No. 84, Page No. 18, Book No. CVII Series of 2022 in the Notarial Register of Atty. Dindo A. Tumala MetroPost 2022 Dec. 4 • Dec. 11 • Dec. 18

NOTICE

The public is hereby informed that AMALIA G. DELFIN, LEIZL ANN D. ABRASALDO, LEO BON D. DELFIN, all of Mabinay, Negros Oriental, and LUCEL D. CAGUCO of Bacolod City, have executed an EXTRAJUDI CIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH AUTHORITY over the depusits/ share capital/other receivables of deceased Lucino D. Delfin with DCCCO Kabankalan City with Membership ID No. 070038747 on October 9, 2022 in Dumaguete City and is registered as Doc. No. 1122, Page No. 16, Book No. XXI Series of 2022 in the Notarial Register of Atty. Wilson C. Abrasaldo MetroPost 2022 Dec. 4 • Dec. 11 • Dec. 18

Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court of Negros Oriental 7th Judicial Region BRANCH 41 Dumaguete City rtc1dum041@judiciary.gov.ph

In Re: Petition for the issuance of a New Owner’s Duplicate Copy of Transfer Certificate of Title No. 27713 in the City Dumaguete

Susan May F. Calumpang, Petitioner Cad. Case No. 2022-5250

x----------------------------------------------------/

ORDER

Petitioner, through Counsel, filed a verified Amended Petition, praying that after due notice and hearing, declare as null and void the owner’s duplicate copy of TCT No. 27713 covering Lot 2058-D-2 situated in Motong, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, for being lost, and order the Office the Register of Deeds of Dumaguete City to issue a new owner’s duplicate copy of TCT No. 27713 in the same terms and conditions as the original, upon payment of all proper fees thereof.

The Petition shall be heard by this Court on Feb. 14, 2023, at 8:30 in the morning.

Let this Order be published once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Negros Oriental prior to the scheduled date of hearing.

SO ORDERED. Given this 24th day of October, 2022 in Dumaguete City, Philippines.

Leoncio R. Bancoro Presiding Judge

MetroPost 2022 Nov. 20 • Nov 27 • Dec 4

Republic of the Philippines Sangguniang Panlalawigan Province of Negros Oriental

Excerpts from the Journal of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session on: Date: February 28, 2022-4:13 P.M. Classification: Regular Session

RECORD OF ATTENDANCE:

Hon. Edward Mark L. Macias Vice Governor & Presiding Officer Present Hon. John T. Raymond, Jr. -Present Hon. Jaime L. Reyes -Present Hon. Peter Paul F. Renacia -Present Hon. Jose A. Baldado -Present Hon. Erwin Michael L. Macias -Present Hon. Estanislao V. Alviola -Present Hon. Valente D. Yap -Present Hon. Chester V. Lim -Present Hon. Ma Antonia E. Villegas -Present Hon. Kit Marc B. Adanza -Present Hon. Adem B. Maxino (SK) -Present Hon. Kurt Matthew T. Teves (LNMB) Hon. Manuel L. Sagarbarria (PCL) - Present -Absent

RESOLUTION NO. 113

“WHEREAS, on December 16, 2021, Typhoon Odette hit several islands in the Visayas and Mindanao, including the Province of Negros Oriental; “WHEREAS, torrential rains and violent winds caused massive destruction to homes and property, and affected the livelihood of Oriental Negrenses; “WHEREAS, the struggle to overcome the ongoing pandemic brought about by COVID-19 virus was compounded with the onslaught of Typhoon Odette;

“WHEREAS, due to the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Odette, the Province of Negros Oriental was declared under a State of Calamity per Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 948 dated December 23, 2021;

“WHEREAS, the provincial government’s initiatives to achieve economic and social recovery may include the extension of time in the payment of real property taxes without surcharges or penalties for a period not exceeding six (6) months;

“WHEREFORE, On motion of Honorable Member Ma. Antonia E. Villegas, seconded by Honorable Member Estanislao V. Alviola, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Oriental, in session duly assembled, hereby enact the following Ordinance:

TAX ORDINANCE NO. 25 (Series of 2022)

An Ordinance Granting an Extension in the Payment of Real Property Taxes Without Surcharges or Penalties Until June 30, 2022.

“Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Oriental that: Section 1. In order to address the concerns of taxpayers greatly affected by Typhoon Odette and as a means of supporting the Oriental Negrenses, the payment of Real Property Taxes is hereby extended until June 30, 2022, without any surcharges and penalties thereto.

Section 2. All Ordinances, Executive Orders issued by Municipalities within the Province of Negros Oriental which are inconsistent with any provision/s of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 3. Separability Clause. If for any reason or reasons, any part or provision of this Ordinance shall be held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 4. Effectivity. This Ordinance shall take approval.

“Enacted, February 28, 2022.”

I hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 25, current series, was enacted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its Regular Session on February 28, 2022. (Sgd.) GEOFFREY P. VILLAHERMOSA Provincial Secretary (Sgd.) EDWARD MARK L. MACIAS, M.D.

Vice Governor of Negros Oriental Presiding Officer

ORIGINAL FOR GUBERNATORIAL APPROVAL: (Sgd.) ROEL R. DEGAMO Governor of Negros Oriental Date: March 04, 2022 MetroPost 2022 Nov. 27 • Dec. 4 • Dec. 11

WILLIAM E. ABLONG

EYE OPENER

wea_129@yahoo.com

For many of us, November 30 means there’s no work because it’s a holiday. For the few of us who love history, we know it’s the day to commemorate the Great Plebeian, the face engraved on our coins, and the hero behind Fort Bonifacio.

Andres Bonifacio, the founder of the Katipunan.

Sadly, we know so little about this hero of ours. I don’t claim and I will never claim that I know a lot about Andres Bonifacio so I tried scouring the internet and tried reading a few wellresearched books written by legitimate historians.

To celebrate Andres Bonifacio’s heroism, I thought of finding a few lesserknown facts about his life and catastrophic death and thought of sharing these with you:

A theater actor

Before the founding of Katipunan, Andres Bonifacio was a part-time theater actor who appeared in moro-moro plays. He often played the role of Bernardo Carpio, a fictional character in Tagalog folklore. Other notable historical figures who were talented thespians include Aurelio Tolentino and Macario Sakay.

Middle-class

As opposed to common belief, Bonifacio was not a browbeaten Indio who barely managed to eat three times a day.

Born to a half-Spanish mother, Andres Bonifacio actually came from a middleclass family. British historian Jim Richardson discovered

PROTECTION....FROM

that out of 200 Katipuneros, only one worked as a laborer. The rest, including Andres Bonifacio, were mostly whitecollar employees.

As a bodeguero, Bonifacio worked for a German-owned company not to carry heavy stuff, but to manage its warehouse inventory.

Fought with a revolver, not a bolo

While unquestionably fearless, Bonifacio in his lifetime preferred to fight with a revolver and was not known to use a bolo at all.

November 30

In many instances, such as during the Battle of San Juan, or during that time when he tried to kill Daniel Tirona at the Tejeros Convention. In fact, Bonifacio, in his correspondence with other high-ranking Katipunan members, repeatedly mentioned and emphasized the use of firearms.

Favorite food

According to Milagros Enriquez’s Kasaysayan ng Kaluto ng Bayan , Bonifacio’s favorite home-cooked meal was “nilitsong manok sa zaha.”

It is prepared by wrapping the chicken in banana and sampaloc leaves before grilling it in charcoal. It is then served with a sarsa made from chicken liver and lemongrass. The real killer

It will be surprising to know for some that while Aguinaldo denied having anything to do with Luna’s

murder until his dying day, he readily confessed to having ordered Bonifacio’s execution.

On March 22, 1948 (the day before his birthday), Aguinaldo released a letter saying he was indeed the one who ordered the execution of Bonifacio and his brother Procopio. This letter was certified as authentic by Teodoro Agoncillo and was even published in his book Revolt of the Masses

In this letter bearing his signature, Aguinaldo said that while he initially commuted the brothers’ death sentence to banishment, he was prevailed upon by his generals Mariano Noriel and Pio del Pilar who were part of his Council of War to carry out the execution for the country’s sake.

But reading between the lines, Aguinaldo was not really to blame for everything and I don’t think that the killing of Bonifacio can be attributed to him and him alone.

My line of thinking is corroborated by historian Xiao Chua , when he said that while Aguinaldo had his culpabilities and committed wrong decisions, accountability must be also placed on his inner circle, the elite, who imposed their negative influence on the country’s youngest president who was indisputably a novice in the world of politics.

According to Xiao Chua, we need to remember that the only offices Aguinaldo held before becoming

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MKNP is also a key biodiversity area, an ecotourism venue being the highest peak in the Visayas, and a source of agricultural products, Pinosa added.

Mae Ann Furtos, senior tourism operations officer of Bago City, said the event aims to promote ecotourism inside the natural park.

Considered the last frontier of the Negros forest, the MKNP highlights the need to awaken the consciousness of the community on the protection and conservation of the environment.

“Bago City is host to the largest forested area in the entire MKNP. The festival also aims to further strengthen various environmental advocacies as well as the cooperation among every memberLGUs,” Furtos added.

During the opening program, Yulo, Pinosa and La Castellana

Mayor Rhumyla NicorMangilimutan led the symbolic patik (tapping) to formally open the festival.

YOUTH....FROM P. 2

from the 47th Infantry Battalion in Sipalay last Thursday.

He said the perpetrators are believed to be members of the NPA’s South West Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor.

Aided by the Youth for Peace provincial chapter, the Negros Oriental government, and other partner agencies, a provincial YLS Summit is being eyed hopefully before the end of this year, bringing together the youth leaders from across the province.

Meanwhile, Peña said they are strengthening their watch, especially in the southwest borders following the ambush-slay of two intelligence soldiers

While they operate mainly in Candoni, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Cauayan, Kabankalan City, and Sipalay City (CHICKS)all in Negros Occidental, there is always the likelihood that these rebels will cross borders to Negros Oriental as they are highly mobile.

Peña said Hinoba-an was placed under the responsibility of the 11IB to help strengthen security in the south and help the government’s operating troops in the area. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

CONTENT CREATORS....FROM

creator communities while also penetrating various markets.

Meanwhile, Cris Dumlao, vice president of SIKAP, said they are bringing the roadshows outside of Metro Manila in preparation for the nationwide Ayo event in May 2023 to be held in Cebu City.

She said they chose the Cebuano word ayo as their catchphrase as it connotes a welcoming note “to encourage all the creators from the different regions in the country to join us”.

Dumlao admitted that as far as creative content is concerned, the Philippines

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has been behind other countries in the last few years but she noted a “surge of Filipino content on different streaming platforms, specifically Netflix, where there are a lot of animated films” from local creators.

In terms of technology, compliance, and standards, she said that country is catching up but she believes what is lacking at present is diversity in terms of storytelling.

“It would be nice to have more unique stories specifically for various platforms that are now trending,” Dumlao added. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

Afew

PATHWAYS GEMMA

MINDA ISO legis616821@gmail.com

days ago, I went to see Wakanda Forever at a nearby mall theater. I’m not really a fan of Black Panther but considering that the lead actor just died, I was curious how the writers behind the film would handle the story now that the main lead is dead.

While I was sitting there waiting for the movie to begin, I discovered that the movie Strange World by Walt Disney was alternately shown in the same theater.

Upon knowing that, I was reminded of what I’d read in the papers saying that Disney’s Strange World didn’t

Disney’s commitment The mission of the Walt Disney Company is to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds, and innovative technologies that make it the world’s premier entertainment company.

It is committed to making a world where each person feels seen, heard, and understood. A balanced world where people and wildlife thrive. A world filled with hope and promise.

So I asked again: what

lives, to get us to see them in a new light, to instruct us on something vital to our experiences, and probe into topics that impact us directly. My guess is that Walt Disney wanted to show us (including the children) exactly the kind of world we live in. Thus, the shift in its theme.

The question is – are moviegoers, especially parents and adults, ready for such a shift?

According to a study by the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work published in the Child and Adolescent Social Work

have good box office receipts, meaning, it was a huge flop. I began to wonder why.

After a string of hits, Strange World was projected to earn between $30 to $40 million in its initial week, but it only grossed more or less $11.9 million from 4,174 North American theaters. And judging from what I’ve observed in the Dumaguete theater, it seems, people here weren’t also that agog about the latest Disney film.

So, I asked myself -- what is in the story that bombed the movie in theaters worldwide?

After some digging, I discovered that in the movie – a ‘first” in Disney movies – there was a gay character, Ethan Clade. He is Disney’s first openly gay character.

I don’t want to sound judgmental, but is the character the reason why the movie flopped?

made the film company go beyond the usual “feel-good” stories and explore an adult concept like homosexuality and coming-out themes within a movie geared towards children? Is it for profit? Expansion? They suddenly find themselves lacking in themes on which to base their stories on?

Purpose of cinema

Perhaps the answer lies in what the cinema is for.

According to the movie outfit’s mission, they create films that would not just entertain, but also inform and inspire people globally through the power of incomparable storytelling. They are committed to helping make a world where each one is truly seen, heard, and understood.

On the other hand, the purpose of cinema is to show us exactly our world, and our

Journal, Disney films combine entertainment with life lessons. These could be about affection and alliances, good versus evil, death and loss, and the significance of family. These are the concepts that moviegoers are so used to seeing in Disney films. Parents believe that these issues strengthen children’s cognitive and behavioral development. That these films can be used as materials that could trigger parentchild conversations thus nurturing children’s minds and expanding their horizons in life.

Lessons from Disney In the Lion King (1994), children are encouraged not to worry and the “HakunaMatata” philosophy was born. It teaches us that people shouldn’t worry about the inevitable and to live in the

led by Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, is conducting a series of Youth Leadership Summits in different towns and cities under its area of responsibility, as part of efforts to empower the youth while helping promote peace and development.

Present: Honorable Neil T. Salma City Vice-Mayor/Presiding Officer

Honorable Reynil C. Arcide Member

Honorable Jovencio S. Bumanglag, Sr. Member

Honorable Regalado D. Salma, Jr. Member

Honorable Epifanio T. Busmion Member

Honorable Daryll T. Aba Member

Honorable Juanito S. Condes Member

Honorable Joselito R. Manso Member

Honorable Arlot T. Regalado Member

Honorable Felix R. Mira, Jr. Member

Honorable Segfredo O. Buagas (ABC President) Member

On leave:

Honorable Domiciano R. Catubig, Jr. Member Honorable James Kenneth G. Aguilar (SK President) Member

RESOLUTION NO. 22-466

A resolution enacting an Ordinance which provides free and complete doses of anti rabies immunization to all Tanjay City residents who are exposed to potentially rabid animals and the creation of an Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC) and providing funds thereof.

Author: Hon. Reynil C. Arcide

WHEREAS, Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that, “the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them”;

“WHEREAS, Section 7 of Republic Act No. 9482, otherwise known as the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, states the responsibilities of the Local Government Units in the implementation of the National Rabies, Prevention and Control Program and its Implementing Rules and Regulations under the Joint DA, DOH, DepEd, DILG Administrative Order No. 1 S-2008;

“WHEREAS, Rabies is regarded as a significant public health problem as it is 100% fatal, though 100% preventable. It is responsible for the death of 200300 Filipinos annually;

“WHEREAS, there is an increasing reported number of rabies exposures in Tanjay City;

“WHEREAS, the City Government shall provide free anti-rabies immunization and complete rabies exposure management, such as but not limited, to wound care, counselling, Tetanus Toxoid immunization and provision of medicines and drugs;

“WHEREAS, there is a need to have an Animal Bites Treatment Center

Excerpts from the Journal of the 16th Regular Session of the 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Tanjay held at the SP Session Hall on Oct. 17, 2022.

Present: Honorable Neil T. Salma City Vice-Mayor/Presiding Officer

Honorable Reynil C. Arcide Member

Honorable Jovencio S. Bumanglag, Sr. Member

Honorable Regalado D. Salma, Jr. Member

Honorable Epifanio T. Busmion Member

Honorable Daryll T. Aba Member

Honorable Juanito S. Condes Member

Honorable Joselito R. Manso Member

Honorable Arlot T. Regalado Member

Honorable Felix R. Mira, Jr. Member

Honorable Segfredo O. Buagas (ABC President) Member

On leave:

Honorable Domiciano R. Catubig, Jr. Member

Honorable James Kenneth G. Aguilar (SK President) Member RESOLUTION NO. 22-465

A resolution enacting an ordinance strengthening the cooperative promotion, organization, and development by establishing the Tanjay City Cooperative Development Council and providing funds thereof

Author: Hon. Segfredo O. Buagas

“WHEREAS, Congress is mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution under Section 15, Article XII to create an agency to promote the viability and growth of cooperatives as instruments of equity, social justice and economic development;

“WHEREAS, the Cooperative Development Authority is the agency created by virtue of RA 6939 as amended by RA 11364, otherwise known as the “Cooperative Development Authority Charter of 2019”;

“WHEREAS, it is the declared policy of the State under Article 2, RA 9520 or the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 to foster the creation and growth of cooperatives as a practical vehicle for promoting self-reliance and harnessing people power towards the attainment of economic development and social justice;

“WHEREAS, the promotion of social justice shall include the commitment to create economic opportunities based on freedom of initiative and selfreliance per Section 2 Article XIII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution;

“WHEREAS, the mandate to enhance economic prosperity and social justice is given to the Local government Units as provided for in the General Welfare Clause under Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991;

“WHEREAS, the Government and all its branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities, and agencies in paragraph 2, Article 2 of RA 9520 are also mandated to ensure the provision of technical guidance, financial assistance and other services to enable said cooperatives to develop into viable and responsive economic enterprises;

“WHEREAS, to create an atmosphere that is conducive to the growth and development of cooperatives, Section 4 (cc) of RA No. 11364 mandates to establish the formation and organization of Cooperative Development Councils in the national, regional, provincial, city and municipal levels in order to provide the cooperative movement a system of policy consultation and program coordination;

“WHEREAS, Rule X of the IRR of RA 11364 provides the detailed guidance in the establishment of the Cooperative Development Councils in all levels;

“THEREFORE, on motion of Hon. Segfredo O. Buagas, seconded En Masse, be it resolved as it is hereby resolved to enact the following ordinance:

ORDINANCE NO. 19

An ordinance strengthening the cooperative promotion, organization, and development by establishing the Tanjay City Cooperative Development Council and providing funds thereof

“Be it enacted by the City Council duly assembled and in session, to wit:

“SECTION 1. This ordinance shall be known as the TANJAY CITY COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ORDINANCE or TCCDC Ordinance

“SECTION 2. Definition of Terms

a. Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) – a government agency created by virtue of RA No. 6939, as amended by RA No. 11364 that leads in cooperative promotion, development and in-charge of registration and regulation of cooperatives; and herein referred to as the Authority;

b. Cooperative Development Council (CDC) – referred herein as the Council, is a multi-sectoral body established at the national, regional, provincial, city, and municipal levels under the supervision of the Authority;

c. Coop Federations – refers to three or more primary cooperatives doing the same line of business, organized at the municipal, city, provincial, special metropolitan political subdivision, or economic zones created by law, registered with the Authority to undertake business activities in support to its member-cooperatives;

d. Coop Unions – are organizations at appropriate levels of registered primary cooperatives and federations to represent the interest and welfare of all types of cooperatives at the city, provincial, regional and national levels;

e. Coop-promoting institutions – refer to local, national or international government or private agencies and institutions which are implementing programs, projects, activities and other services that advocate and promote the growth and welfare of cooperatives;

f. Consultation – refers to a structured public engagement which involves seeking, receiving, analyzing and responding to feedbacks from stakeholders and are mutually discussed by the parties;

g. Cooperative – refers to an autonomous and duly registered association of persons, with a common bond of interest who have voluntarily joined together to achieve their social, economic, and cultural needs and aspirations by making equitable contributions to the capital required, patronizing their products and services and accepting a fair share of the risks and benefits of the undertaking in accordance with universally accepted cooperative principles;

h. Multi-Sectoral Body – refers to a group consisting of representatives of cooperatives, LGU, National Government Agencies (NGAs), NonGovernment Organizations (NGOs), Government Financial Institutions (GFIs), academe and other stakeholders at the national, regional, provincial, city and municipal levels working together as a system with regard to the policy consultation and coordination of cooperative programs and projects.

“SECTION 3. The role of the Local Government Unit in cooperative promotion, organization and development.

(ABTC) wherein information dissemination for animal bite treatment can be made. More importantly, the center will be used as an evaluation area for individuals with potential rabies exposures where Post-Exposure Measures will be performed.

“WHEREAS, the City Government shall adapt the component activities of the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program such as provision of Preexposure Prophylaxis to high risk personnel and provision of Post Exposure Prophylaxis to animal bite victims and to persons exposed to Rabies.

“THEREFORE, on motion of Member Reynil C. Arcide, seconded En Masse, the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod.

“RESOLVED to pass the following ordinance, to wit:

ORDINANCE NO. _20

An Ordinance which provides free and complete doses of anti rabies immunization to all Tanjay City residents who are exposed to potentially rabid animals and the creation of an Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC) and providing funds thereof

“Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod, that:

“SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as “An Ordinance providing Free and Complete doses of Anti-Rabies Immunization to all Tanjay City Residents who are exposed to potentially rabid animals and the creation of an Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC) and providing funds thereof”.

“SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS - For purposes of this ordinance, the following terms shall mean:

2.1 Anti-Rabies Immunization refers to either active or passive immunization.

2.1.1 Active immunization refers to the administration of a vaccine to induce protective immune response.

2.1.2 Passive immunization refers to the administration of pre-formed anti-bodies (Immune globulins OT Passive immunization products) to provide immediate protection. This anti-bodies comes from either human or animal source.

2.2 Pre-exposure Prophylaxis refers to Rabies vaccination administered before an exposure to potentially rabid animals. This is usually given to those who are at high risk of getting rabies.

2.3 Post-exposure Prophylaxis refers to an anti-Rabies treatment administered after an exposure to potentially rabid animals, which include local wound care, administration of Rabies vaccine, with or without Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) depending on category of exposure.

2.4 Rabies Exposure refers to either bite, scratch or contamination of mucous membranes by an animal.

2.5 Rabies Infection refers to a human infection that occurs after a transdermal bite or scratch from infected animals, like dogs, cats, livestocks, as well as wild animals. It can be transmitted when infectious material, usually saliva, comes into direct contact with a victim’s fresh skin lesions. Rabies may also occur, though in very rare cases, through inhalation of virus containing transplants, aerosol or through organ transplants.

2.6 Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC)- is a unit for the Rabies Prevention and Control Program.

“SECTION 3. OBJECTIVE - To ensure uninterrupted supply of human rabies vaccine for effective management and reduction, if not elimination, of human rabies deaths in Tanjay City.

a. Formulate Local Cooperative Development Plan consistent with the National Development Plan and the Philippine Cooperative Mediumterm Development Plan, to be incorporated in the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), and Annual Investment Plan (AIP) of the City; b. Ensure the provision of technical guidance, financial assistance and other services to develop cooperatives into viable and responsive economic enterprises;

c. Promote the organization of cooperatives and support their development;

d. Appoint the Cooperative Development Officer to take charge of the office for the development of cooperatives;

e. Establish partnership and collaboration with other cooperatives, coop federations, coop unions, local and international coop-promoting institutions, and the Authority in the benchmarking of best practices, sharing of cooperative information and implementation of cooperative development plans, projects, programs and activities;

f. Assist the cooperatives in the preparation of registration documents and compliance to mandatory reports;

g. Provide training for the development of cooperatives in accordance to applicable rules and guidelines; h. Initiate and implement a localized program for cooperatives promotion and development in line with the national policy on cooperatives; and i. Provide such information as required by the Authority in relation to its coop research projects.

“SECTION 4. Creation and Purpose of the Cooperative Development Council (CDC). The Tanjay City Cooperative Development Council shall be created in the Local Government Unit. It shall serve as a mechanism for program collaboration and coordination in the implementation of various cooperative programs, projects and activities, and development of policy initiatives for cooperative development implemented by all government branches, instrumentalities, subdivisions, agencies and other coop-promoting institutions.

“SECTION 5. Powers and Functions of the Council.

a. Coordinate and harmonize the implementation of various cooperative plans, programs and projects of the government; b. Assist the Authority in the broad-based monitoring and coordination of the implementation of the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan (PCDP), through the collective efforts of all sectors and to develop such mechanism in line with the PCDP;

c. Propose policies affecting cooperatives for local and national implementation; and d. Prepare reports on the state of the cooperative movement and the status of its programs, projects and activities.

“SECTION 6. Composition. The Composition of the Tanjay City Cooperative Development Council (TCCDC). The Council shall be composed of the following: a. City Director of the NGAs or their equivalent designation; b. City Cooperative Development Officer or its equivalent designation; c. Chairperson of the Committee on Cooperatives of the Sangguniang Panlungsod; d. Chairpersons of primary and secondary cooperatives or their representatives; e. Representative from other offices of the LGU with cooperative programs; f. Chairperson of the City Development Council; g. Representative from the People’s Development Council; h. Official representative from the Authority; i. Official representative of NGOs with cooperative programs and other coop-promoting institutions; and j. Official representative of the Congressman of the second district.

“SECTION 7. Honorary Chairperson. The Local Chief Executive (LCE) of the city who is the chairperson of the City Development Council shall act as Honorary Chairperson of the Council.

“SECTION 8. Officers of the Council. The Council shall elect from among themselves the following officers: a. Chairperson d. Treasurer b. Vice-Chairperson e. Auditor c. Secretary

“SECTION 9. Duties and Responsibilities of Officers. The officers shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Chairperson

1) Presides in all the meetings of the Council;

2) Exercises general supervision and control over the operation and internal administration of the Council;

3) Signs all papers, agreements and other documents for and on behalf of the Council, subject to its existing policies and guidelines;

4) Calls special meetings of the Council, when necessary; 5) Ensures that the Council maintains records of all its proceedings and operations and;

6) Performs such other duties and responsibilities as may be necessary.

b. Vice-Chairperson

1) Acts as Chairperson in case of the absence of the Chairperson; and

2) Performs such other duties and responsibilities as may be delegated to him or her by the Chairperson.

c. Secretary 1) Oversees the preparation of the Minutes and Agenda and keeps a record of the attendance and proceedings of all meetings of the Council’

2) Ensures that Notices of all meetings of the Council are sent to members;

3) Signs the Minutes of the Meetings prepared by the Secretariat;

4) Keeps a complete record of the names, addresses and contact details of the members of the Council; and

5) Performs all the duties incidental to the functions of the Secretariat and those that may be assigned to him or her by the Chairperson.

d. Treasurer 1) Have custody, control and accountability of funds and properties of the Council;

2) Disburses all administrative expenditures of the Council in accordance with its plans and budgets and such expenditures duly approved by the Council through a resolution;

3) Renders financial reports during meetings; and

4) Performs such other duties as maybe assigned by the Chairperson and/or the Council.

e. Auditor

1) Inspects, examines, and audits all transactions, financial or otherwise, made by the Chairperson, other officers, other officers, and/or the Council itself; and

2) Submits reports to the Council at least once a year, or as required by the Council.

“SECTION 10. Schedule of Elections. The election of officers shall be on the second week of April. The first regular election under this ordinance shall be in Year 2023 and every other year thereafter.

“SECTION 11. Terms of Office of Officers. The term of office of the elected officers shall be two (2) years and shall commence at noon on the day following

“SECTION 4. COVERAGE - The Tanjay City Animal Bite Treatment Center shall adopt this for all Tanjay City Residents who are exposed to potentially rabid animals. Residents must present at least two (2) of any of the following proof of Tanjay City residency:

4.1 COMELEC Voters ID/Voters Certification 4.2 Updated Postal ID 4.3 UMID 4.4 Passport 4.5 4Ps/Conditional Cash Transfer ID 4.6 Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) ID 4.7 Person with Disability (PWD) ID 4.8 Latest Proof of Billing 4.9 National ID

“SECTION 5. IMMUNIZATION - Free Anti-Rabies Immunization is hereby provided which shall be administered by the Animal Bite Treatment Center to all Tanjay City residents who are victims of bites from animals known to transmit the rabies.

“SECTION 6. APPROPRIATIONS - An amount of PHP 20,000,000.00 shall be appropriated by the City Government for the purpose and shall be sourced from any available funds of the Tanjay City Government.

“SECTION 7. IMPLEMENTATION - The provisions of this Ordinance shall be implemented by the Tanjay City Health Office, who shall formulate an Implementing Rules and Regulations necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of this Ordinance.

“SECTION 8. REPEALING CLAUSE - All Ordinances, Local Executive Orders, Rules and Regulations or any part thereof which are inconsistent herewith are deemed repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

“SECTION 9. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - In case any provision of this ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

“SECTION 10. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE- This Ordinance shall take effect upon its approval.

“UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.”

I HEREBY CERTIFY to the correctness of the above-quoted resolution. (Sgd) Mary Ellen S. Asonan Board Secretary IV

(Sgd) Reynil C. Arcide (Sgd) Jovencio S. Bumanglag, Sr. (Sgd) Regalado D. Salma, Jr. (Sgd) Epifanio T. Busmion

(Sgd) Daryll T. Aba (Sgd) Juanito S. Condes (Sgd) Joselito R. Manso (Sgd) Arlot T. Regalado (Sgd) Felix R. Mira, Jr. (Sgd) Segfredo O. Buagas

Attested: Approved: (Sgd) Neil T. Salma (Sgd) Jose T. Orlino

City Vice-Mayor/Presiding Officer City Mayor MetroPost 2022 Nov. 20 • Nov. 27 • Dec. 4

their election. No officer shall serve for more than two (2) consecutive terms.

“SECTION 12. Vacancy among officers. Any vacancy in the officers of the Council shall be filled by a majority vote of the members of the Council during the next regular meeting. The elected officer shall serve only the unexpired term of his or her predecessor.

“SECTION 13. Secretariat of the Council. The Secretariat of the Council shall be the Cooperative Development Officer or his duly authorized representative. In case the Cooperative Development Officer is not yet functional, the Council shall choose from among their members the Secretariat.

“SECTION 14. Functions of the Secretariat. The functions of the Secretariat are the following:

a. In consultation with the Chairperson of the council, prepares the agenda of meetings and records the attendance and proceedings of all meetings of the Council;

b. Serves notices of meetings to all members of the Council;

c. Furnishes the officers and members certified copies of minutes of the meeting; d. Keeps a register of the names and addresses of all members and keeps a complete file of the laws, resolution and executive orders relevant to the organization and operation of the Council; and e. Performs all duties incidental to the Office of the Secretariat and those that may be assigned to it by the Chairperson and/or the Council.

“SECTION 15. Committees. The Council may create such committees that will study and/or carry out specific undertakings and make coordination more effective, whose term shall be co-terminus with the appointing officers after the mandate or purpose for which it is created has been fulfilled or accomplished. For all purposes and intent, the Chairperson of the Committees created shall be considered officer of the Council.

“SECTION 16. Meetings. The Council shall meet at least quarterly. However, the Officers of the Council may call special meetings when necessary. All meetings of the Council shall be in quorum. The Officers of the Council may meet regularly to discuss operational matters.

“SECTION 17. Notice of Meeting. A notice of meeting containing the date, place, time and agenda shall be sent to every member at least one week before the scheduled meeting, either by email, personal delivery short messaging (text messaging), facsimile transmittal or any means approved by the Council.

“SECTION 18. Quorum. The quorum required for any meeting of the Council shall be at least 25% of all the members. However, for purposes of meeting, the presence of five members and/or officers shall be considered in quorum provided the Chairperson of the Council is present. A quorum based on all the members of the Council must be present when making decisions concerning all matters. All decisions must at least garner simple majority vote of the members present to be valid.

“SECTION 19. Order of Business. As far as practicable, the order of business of the meeting of the Council shall be as follows:

a. Call to Order g. Officer’s/Committee’s Report b. Roll Call h. Unfinished business c. Determination of quorum i. Business of the day d. Approval of the Agenda j. Other matters e. Reading, consideration and k. Announcements approval of the Minutes of the l. Adjournment previous meeting f. Matters arising from the previous meeting

“SECTION 20. Manual of Operations. The Council shall develop and adopt its own manual of operations which shall govern their operation.

“SECTION 21. Funding. For the effective and efficient operation of the Council, the Tanjay City LGU shall allocate at least P1,000,000.00 annually for its maintenance and other operating expenses including office supplies and equipment, honoraria of its members and officers for every meeting attended in accordance to applicable rules and regulations and costs in the implementation of its programs, projects and activities.

“SECTION 22. Honorarium. All members and officers of the Council shall receive an honorarium of P1,000.00 each per meeting attended. However, the Chairperson of the Council shall receive double the amount of the honorarium of the members. The Secretariat shall receive P800.00 honorarium per meeting.

“SECTION 23. Fiscal year. The Fiscal Year of the Council shall be April of the current year to March of the succeeding year.

SECTION 24. Prohibited Acts and Activities. The Council is prohibited to do the following acts and activities:

a. Undertaking of any fundraising and/or income generating activities, except for accepting donations, benefits and grants from any person, whether natural or juridical, including allocations or appropriations from Local Government Units (LGUs);

b. Registering with any government agency for the purpose of acquiring a juridical personality; and

c. Engaging in activities other than those allowed under RA No. 11364, its IRR and this Ordinance.

Any violations committed under this section shall be a ground for the removal of incumbent officers, after due process.

“SECTION 25. Transitory provision.

The Cooperative Development Officer or its equivalent shall facilitate the election of the interim officers of the Council immediately upon approval of this Ordinance. The interim officers shall perform the duties and responsibilities of the Council Officer until the new set of Council Officers are elected in a regular election held for the purpose, duly inducted and have assumed office. In the event the Cooperative Development Officer or its equivalent is not yet functional, the members may on its own convene to organize itself and elect among themselves the Officers of the Council.

“SECTION 26. Separability. In any instance that certain provisions of this Ordinance are declared unconstitutional and invalid, the remaining provisions shall be considered in full force and effect.

“SECTION 27. Effectivity. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

“UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.”

I HEREBY CERTIFY to the correctness of the above-quoted resolution.

(Sgd) Mary Ellen S. Asonan Board Secretary IV

(Sgd) Reynil C. Arcide (Sgd) Jovencio S. Bumanglag, Sr.

(Sgd) Regalado D. Salma, Jr. (Sgd) Epifanio T. Busmion (Sgd) Daryll T. Aba (Sgd) Juanito S. Condes (Sgd) Joselito R. Manso (Sgd) Arlot T. Regalado (Sgd) Felix R. Mira, Jr. (Sgd) Segfredo O. Buagas

Attested: Approved: (Sgd) Neil T. Salma (Sgd) Jose T. Orlino City Vice-Mayor/Presiding Officer City Mayor MetroPost 2022 Nov. 20 • Nov. 27 • Dec. 4

Republic of the Philippines Province of Negros Oriental Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod City of Tanjay ***

Republic of the Philippines Province of Negros Oriental Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod City of Tanjay ***

Excerpts from the Journal of the 16th Regular Session of the 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Tanjay held at the SP Session Hall on Oct. 17, 2022.

considering the higher inflation and exchange rates of the Philippine peso.

Virtucio said the DTI will not make outright apprehensions of “violators” of the price guide, but will ask consumers to file a complaint with their office.

She also suggested making Christmas celebrations simple, with Filipino dishes served to family and friends.

In an interview over church-run Radio Veritas on Friday afternoon, the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas asked manufacturers to consider the welfare of the poor before raising prices of consumer goods.

SLP President Jun Cruz expressed hope that Filipinos could still enjoy Christmas despite diminished purchasing capacity due to the rising prices of basic commodities.

“Careful and more thorough study as more consumers began to worry about the DTI’s announced permission to increase prices of some Noche Buena products,” Cruz said.

The SLP is under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippine - Episcopal Commission on the Laity.

Meanwhile, business establishments in Negros Oriental found to be selling sub-standard Christmas lights will face sanctions or arrest.

“We will really arrest them if they sell Christmas lights that do not conform to the standards set for guaranteed quality and safety,” Virtucio said.

Consumers should purchase only those that carry the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker that can be found on the packaging, she added.

Virtucio reminded the public of safety measures when reusing Christmas lights, by checking for electrical breaks, plugs, and busted bulbs, among other precautions.

She further said consumers should be informed on which type of Christmas lights are for indoors or outdoors and whether these can be left switched on overnight. (Judy F. Partlow and Ferdinand Patinio)

PEOPLE’S CORNER....FROM P. 5

Centre, current rate being P350 for a head-to-toe full body deep massage.

BUT, the City is going to have to do some major upgrades to the facility. A bigger, better, safe facility. This should result in a return of jobs to the blind masseuse at this facility, and an affirmation of their value to our community.

We have not given up. We have yet to hear from Ipe Remollo, and the officials identified with his

administration, on what they did to conclude that Dumaguete needed a destruction project of the boulevard that was undertaken under the nose of the City of Gentle People.

I hear Pantawan 3 and Pantawan 4 are in the works?

More destruction being slipped in hopes that we don’t notice this either, until it’s too late. Please tell me I’ve heard wrong.

Daghang salamat!

MORE RESIDENTS....FROM P. 3

is infrastructure so it is difficult to connect to what is known as geographicallyisolated and disadvantaged areas.

ICT Sec. Ivan John Uy, in his virtual message during the event, said one of the priority concerns of President Marcos Jr. is to provide more WiFi connectivity across the country.

Uy said the switchon of the Caidiocan and Malaunay free Wi-Fi project is a “testimony on how the partnership between the government and private institutions can accelerate (connectivity) in far-flung communities of our nation”.

He said the government targets to have 15,000 sites starting next year. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

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Department of Information & Communication Technology Energy Development Corporation Municipality of Valencia

Metro Dumaguete Water officials, headed by Chief Operating Officer David Berba, and members of the local media celebrate an early Christmas dinner at Plaza Escaño.

president was as cabeza de barangay of Binakayan and as gobernadorcillo capitan of the municipality of Cavite el Viejo.

“We have to consider that he was 28 or 29 when he became president,” the historian said. “He was surrounded by traditional politicians.”

“It was the elite system – the “elite democracy” that killed the Supremo,” he added. This can be read from Agoncillo’s book published in 1956 titled The Revolt of the Masses: The Story of Bonifacio and the Katipunan , published by the University of Philippines.

Courage with love

Public historian Xiao Chua also said that while it’s right to rejoice in Bonifacio’s valor and fearlessness, it’s also important for Filipinos today to also see him as someone who knew how to love.

“Lagi nating sinasabi na si Andres Bonifacio ay atapang-a-tao. Laban lang siya ng laban. Tama naman, pero, tinuruan niya rin tayong umibig (We always say that Andres Bonifacio was a brave person. He just continues fighting. That’s correct, but he also taught us to love),” Chua added.

This “love” can be viewed from Bonifacio’s wellknown poem, Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love of the Motherland), which talked about fighting for the country as an expression of love.

through the Honorable Register of Deeds of Negros Oriental, Public Respondent x----------------------------------------------------/

ORDER A verified Petition was filed with this Court by petitioner through counsel Atty. Peter Chuck A. Lagos praying that after due notice and hearing, a decision be rendered: “a. Declaring the Owner’s Duplicate Copy of OCT No. FV-31830 (covering Lot No. 2181, Pls-759) as lost and, as such, the same be further declared and considered as null and void;

b. Ordering or directing the Office of the Registry of Deeds, Negros Oriental, through the Honorable Register of Deeds of Negros Oriental, after payment of the fees prescribed by law, to issue a New Owner’s Duplicate Copy of OCT No. FV-31380, with the same terms and conditions as the original thereof, which shall, in all respect, be entitled to like faith and credit;

c. Other relief just and equitable be also granted to petitioner”

The petition shall be heard on February 1, 2023 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning at the Session Hall of this Court, at which place, date and time, any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, why the prayer in the Petition should not be granted.

At petitioner’s expense, let this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in this province and its component cities.

Petitioner is further directed to furnish a copy of the Petition and of this Order to the owners/vendors of the other two (2) sublots, Sublot No. 2181-A and Sublot No. 2181-C, and to show proof of compliance thereof at least ten (10) days before the hearing.

Likewise, let this Order be posted by the Branch Sheriff at the Bulletin Board of this Court, the Office of the Clerk of Court, the Provincial Capitol of Negros Oriental, the Municipal Hall of Dauin, and the Barangay Hall of Brgy. Lipayo, Dauin, Negros Oriental where the parcel of land is situated.

Should there be a need, petitioner through counsel is directed to promptly move for the issuance of subpoena, with the names, addresses and contact information of any intended witness. Unless circumstances warrant otherwise, the testimonies of all the witnesses shall be taken in one setting.

So Ordered. This 5th day of October 2022 at Dumaguete City, Philippines.

Glenda J. Yee-Uymatiao Presiding Judge

MetroPost 2022 Dec. 4 • Dec. 11 • Dec. 18

BREAKING

BREAD....FROM P. 4

with a disability, bearing pain, and loving someone who is hard to love are all difficult to do. They require strength often beyond our limits. But there is reassurance— tender reassurance. Isaiah says, “Don’t be afraid… Behold, your God comes with strength, ... and reward ... and vindication. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms. And he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:9-11).

There is this TV preacher who talks almost always about hell, damnation, and judgment. And there are some who probably think I should put more emphasis on my preaching about hell. There are times when I am tempted to do that, especially those times when I see a lot of evil things going around. When I see people trying to make money at the sacrifice of others; people who abuse their spouses; or people in our government who abuse their power; or if I see on TV young people killing innocent children, it tempts me to preach about hell where these people will be going if they do not repent. And there is a place for this sometimes.

However, when I graduated

from the seminary and started working in local congregations where I listened to the people in the pews, I learned that I do not have to preach about hell for there are people in every church who know about the reality of hell. In every pew, there is a broken heart and broken dreams. Sitting in the pew of every church is a lonely person who is grieving the loss of a loved one; there is someone in the pew who is experiencing a broken relationship; there is always someone in the pew who is carrying a heavy burden; there is always someone in the pew who knows what pain is and what it means to be given only a few months to live; there is always someone who is raising children by herself because the husband just left her; there is always someone in the pew struggling on what to do because their house is going to be repossessed by the bank. I also knew of a father who struggled with alcoholism; I listened to the anguished cries of parents for their sons and daughters; I sat with a family who had experienced the tragedy of their father who was killed in a motorcycle accident.

How could I preach about hell when these people of God did not need any more

knowledge of Hell—they are already experiencing and struggling in it? I feel that my job in some way is to share with them and to help them experience the grace of God and the joy of heaven, to let them know that our God loves them. That love came down in a baby born in a manger.

Into the Bethlehem manger, God climbs to cry with us, to live with us, to suffer with us, to laugh with us, to die with us. This is the comfort that says much, much more than simply, “I care about you.” This is the comfort that moves into our life and takes over, overwhelming us with God’s love and mercy.

Thus, my friends, in the midst of confusion and perplexity and alienation and screwedup priorities on this Advent season, “Behold your God.” In the midst of shopping, baking, wrapping, and cleaning, “Behold your God.” In the midst of weeping, laughing, scorning, ridiculing, praising, “Behold your God.” God comes through Christ who rules, who feeds, who gathers, who carries, who gently heals, and leads. As we come around the Table of our Lord, we hear the familiar words, “This is my body broken for you. And this is the cup of blessing for you and for me. Amen!

An inmate at the Negros Oriental Provincial Detention & Rehabilitation Center works on his group’s contest piece for the inter-cell Parol Competition to be held at the Capitol area next week. (Photo by Alex Pal)

Silliman Masscom seniors studying Community Communication/Journalism visit the editorial office of the Dumaguete MetroPost to engage with its publisher/EIC Alex Pal, also a Silliman Masscom alumnus.

SPORTS and WELLNESS

JAYDON EDUVIGES VILLAVERDE

HOW I KEEP FIT

myhart74@gmail.com

That 35-hour saddle time. Did I bite off more than I can chew? ‘Tis the lone thought that haunted me as I stared ahead at the seemingly-endless road that stretched for miles, cycling amidst vast sugarcane plantations, picturesque hills, and mighty mountains of the Negros Island.

The deafening silence reverberated in my ear as I relentlessly assailed the rolling terrain of Toboso, and somehow miraculously survived the eerie downhill as my road bike danced, and hugged the curves of the winding road to Calatrava -- at night.

So what brought me here? In retrospect, I couldn’t have seen myself doing the Negros Loop on a bike!

Now I appreciate how my activities in the past prepared me for this perhaps whimsical, penultimate experience.

My endurance was initially put to a test when

nationwide GSIS Run/Bike Wellness Challenge.

At first, I got to enjoy the tranquil scenery that greeted me at the break of dawn. I reached Bayawan City at 7:30 a.m., still full of energy and excitement.

Onwards to Kabankalan for dinner at 8:00 p.m., and stubbornly ignored my body’s silent protest as I cycled again by 9:00 p.m. towards Bacolod City to finally come to a full stop to sleep by 2:30 a.m. after covering a distance of more than 340 kilometers on the first day.

Notwithstanding the soreness of my body in general, I managed to wake up early again, gaiety unhampered by the thought that I was halfway through my goal.

With 320 kilometers more to go, Day 2 cycling started off at 8:30 a.m. as I headed towards San Carlos City.

And there was my greatest challenge, feeling like fish out

bike lights. One even laid out on the floor a paper bag for me to lie down for a 20-minute breather.

Those acts of compassion fuelled my desire to continue... I must go on... Thus, at 10:00 p.m., I once again rode on the saddle, and pedalled towards the Negros Oriental boundary.

Dumaguete finally seemed nearer as I crossed to the hilly town of Vallehermoso at around 11:00 p.m.

BUT that was the moment when I almost gave up. I was already running on fumes… it seemed like Pandora’s box was opened as my entire body excruciatingly screamed for some respite.

Realizing the futility of pushing for more, I had to stop and rest for a full two hours at Vallehermoso.

Somewhat feeling recharged, I started to bike by 2:00 a.m. with a firm resolve to stay sanguine, and finish the entire loop despite a run-

The 660Km Negros Island loop

I joined, and finished the 2019 50-Kilometer Leon Kilat Ultramarathon.

Then cycling came into the picture. I got my first taste of victory in the sports arena when I was declared champion of the 2021 Pamplona Duathlon - Road

of the water when searing heat and hunger pangs kicked in, where food stations were scarce, far and few in between on that gruelling route.

Painful calluses began to form on my hands, and I had to remove my socks at some point to ease the burning

in with a pack of dogs that “enthusiastically welcomed” me on my way to Guihulngan City. To my pleasant surprise and elation, teammates from D‘ Corner met me somewhere in Bindoy and Bais City.

After biking about nine more hours, touchdown at last in Dumaguete, finishing strong against all odds by 11:20 a.m. -- with a total elapsed time of 57 hours.

Call it a shot in the dark, yet this remarkable feat is by itself a miracle for me at age 48, and indeed empowering for us women!

Sports foundation to support NegOr athletes

Former Philippine Sports Commissioner Ramon Fenandez has devoted to continue to work on sports development in the countryside through his Sports and Youth Development Foundation. Fernandez said his foundation is focused on discovering new athletes from the grassroots level through its sports program, youth development, scholarships, and housing.

Dumaguete is considered part of the sports program through the foundation “because of our partnership with Mayor Ipe Remollo since I started with PSC,” said Fernandez in a press conference with the Mayor in Dumaguete City.

He said Dumaguete is lucky as it is the home

THE WAY....FROM P. 5

of the bazaars as he came ‘round. Why waste the opportunity, right?

When he got to the shoreline end of the Pantawan facing the water, he noticed two things that weren’t there before: two porta-potties spaced a few meters apart.

He was glad the City had actually thought of installing them there, albeit not in more inconspicuous spots.

But it’s good they’re there, and in time, too, because he had to use one of them. But to his dismay, it was locked!

He remembered a Dumaguete Metropost article he had read recently about the lack of restrooms along the length of the boulevard, or where tourists roam. Give that columnist an award!

of archery with Naina Dominique Tagle who collected seven gold medals in the Olympic. The foundation aims to develop and improve athletes from the grassroots, exposing them to the international competitions.

Remollo noted that the city needs more tournaments, and this is addressed by Fernandez’s advocacy to encourage new players to be discovered at the barangay level.

The mayor observed that there are a lot of athletes in the locality who are into sports that can be given opportunity to excel.

The Ramon Fernandez Sports & Youth Development Foundation has issued the first series of collectible basketball cards, with the proceeds to be

Bartertown in the movie Mad Max beyond Thunderdome , sans Max Rockatansky, Auntie Entity, and all the degenerates.

The City government has always expressed great pride in Pantawan 2. So why they allowed Bartertown to destroy its façade boggles the mind.

used to assist athletes who could help young athletes reach their potential.

The three limited-edition autographed and handnumbered cards showing Fernandez during his playing days with Toyota, San Miguel, and Tanduay are being sold to local fans and businessmen in the city.

“With the foundation Mon has started, we have great future for sports industry. And I know our local businessmen are also sports-minded themselves, and they see the value of sports as a solution to the many of society’s glitch, especially to win our youth against illegal drugs while too much fixation of gadgets the children are into video games only,” Remollo cited. (JCT/PIA7 NegOr)

Bike category.

My training for this loop also included our Team D’ Corner bike rides to Bacolod City via Mabinay in December 2021, and the Siquijor Island Loop I completed in April this year.

In addition, I was fortunate enough to complete this year’s Audax Philippines 200-Kilometer event in Bohol, and the 300-Kilometer event here in Negros Oriental, crossing each finish line in 10 hours, and in 15 hours, respectively -- well ahead of the cut-off time.

Fast forward to this Negros Island Loop. At exactly 2:15 a.m. of Nov. 12 while most were still sleeping, I embarked into another journey also made part of the

PATHWAYS....FROM P. 7

present and try to do one’s best.

To say that growing up is inevitable is what the movie Peter Pan (1953) instilled in young minds. When Peter Pan brought Wendy to the Never Land (where nobody ages), they had a lot of fun, danger, and excitement. But they knew they had to come back to face reality and grow up.

It is saying that in life, it is fine to unleash the child in us but we need to face the real world when the time comes.

Rapunzel in Tangled (2010), stepped outside her comfort zone, from the tower she lived

sensation in both feet.

I was downright lethargic reaching San Carlos City at past 9:00 p.m.; never had I been more thankful to the kind people along the way than those I met enroute to San Carlos.

Humanity displayed where I least expected it; in those moments when a complete stranger offered to pay for the food we ate, others who particularly guided us so we won’t get lost at crossroads and intersections.

From tips and warnings regarding certain places where we should take more precaution, to accommodations given us in various establishments for us to be able to charge our phones, power banks, and

in for 18 years. Her journey outside made her see very unfamiliar things and painful truths. The lesson to be learned is that for one to improve and grow as an individual, one needs to embrace the unknown and dare to try something new because one never knows what one’s true potential could be.

These lessons are what millions of moviegoers are used to seeing.

Suddenly, the wholesome Disney is showing “gayness” in Strange World, a concept so strange to Disney consumers.

Strange Strange World The people behind the movie say that the film is

This couldn’t have been possible without the all-out support of Coach Diamond Head, my family, GSIS, Team D’ Corner, and the Fearless Five of Negros Oriental who served as my inspiration to embark on an exceptional experience.

I’m truly humbled by the grace and mercy that the Omnipotent One bestowed upon me, for giving me the grit and the will to carry on despite the absence of the recommended SAG (Support and Gear) -- not even one tool for emergency repairs.

Undeniably, the Lord works in mysterious ways.

As a college friend once told me, “When God calls, he equips.”

May this success be a reason to further celebrate friendship, love, and life itself. Well then, on to the next terrific adventure!

never about LGBTQ or simple “gayness” but more about exploration and acceptance.

I myself believe that exploration and acceptance are two very good concepts.

But we also need to understand that Walt Disney as a film outfit is evolving. And the “Just Let Us Be” movement is very strong at present and the “rainbow” colors are very dominant everywhere.

Superficially then, the shift in theme is just about right, and very timely.

But is the audience ready?

The answer is reflected in the box-office receipts.

He hurried to the other porta-pottie, and it was locked as well. WTF is going on here?! Why are these porta-potties locked?! He had no choice but to hastily go to the restroom outside the Press Club building, a good walk from where he was, but agonizing enough with a full bladder.

He thought of telling that MetroPost columnist about this recent experience. Maybe he could write another article about it....

Relieved, he continued his leisurely tour of the Pantawan Market, as he now called it. He thought of how far a cry it was from being a sports venue, especially for beach volleyball.

Wasn’t that what they had said when they were selling the idea of it to the public? Now, as he looked at these tents, it reminded him of

A tourist who may have heard of Pantawan 2, and wanted to see it, could just drive by, wondering where it was, never knowing that it was just behind Bartertown.

As he continued his walk, he counted the stores as he passed them, wondering how many there were, betting himself on the final number. He guessed 25. If he lost, he’d treat himself to lunch. If he won, he would treat himself to lunch. He was amused at the thought that it’d be a win-win situation. One, two, three, he counted away as he went.

At 20, it became clear he’d lose. There were surely more than 10 stalls left to count, but he didn’t concede right then because he needed to know how many there were.

The final number—38! It would have been 39, but one stall was vacant. Oh well, he lost, but he gets to eat, too, so

it didn’t matter.

However long Bartertown will be selling there is how long Pantawan 2 and the waterfront will stay concealed from view.

That will be how long he would have to endure that eyesore as he goes on his walks.

Really, though, it is an eyesore to everyone— Dumagueteños, nonDumagueteños, and the resident foreigners.

New tourists wouldn’t know any better, and would just think it’s an ugly park.

Bartertown is as strong an evidence as any of how easily we give anything up for money. Bartertown could have been placed elsewhere -like along Burgos Street that was officially designated by the City Council for activities such as this -- but it wasn’t.

Could the promoter have offered the City government more for the spot? Or why else would the City so easily choose to destroy a park that it had worked so hard for to beautify? Everyone wonders!

The one consolation is that the Bartertown is temporary. It has to be, right? It had better be!

As he got treated to lunch at Bethel Guest House, he realized it was the first time he didn’t mind losing.

Bon Appétit!