BACOLOD City Councilor El Cid Familiaran urged the sanitary inspection section of the City Health Office to inspect food establishments if they are using iodized salt in compliance with City Ordinance 298, series of 2002.
Familiaran observed that the contribution of food businesses - from ambulant means to food chains – is one of the factors, which fuels Bacolod’s progress and continues to stimulate its economy. With the opening of classes, food business is sure to increase, he added. In recognizing such contribution, the city should in return protect food business as well as its customers, particularly the children or young students who patronize these food items along schools. According to Familiaran, one such protection is to require food providers to use iodized salt for their food products, per City Ordinance 298, series of 2002. Under such ordinance, the Sanitary Inspection Section under the City Health Office is mandated to inspect these food businesses. Iodized salt being required for these food providers contains iodine, which is considered as an essential element that enables thyroid glands to produce (thyroid) hormones for healthy growth, especially for children and young, and likewise to prevent cancer or (thyroid) goiter. Carla N. Canet Sun Star Bacolod
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Bacolod City Police Director, Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, yesterday was non-committal when asked if he is in favor of the legalization of jai-alai in the city.
Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office Director, Senior Supt. Allan Guisihan, last month said he is in favor of the legalization of jai-alai in the province, because it will generate more revenues for the government. De la Paz, meanwhile, said he is supporting the move of the City Council in passing a resolution requesting the Department of Justice to increase the bail bond for those caught being into it. The resolution authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran asks the DOJ to increase the bail bond of those caught into illegal jai-alai operations, from P24,000 to P100,000. It also states that while campaign in the City of Bacolod against the illegal operation of jai-alai can be considered fair, reports showed that apprehended or jailed bet collectors could easily evade being jailed by just paying P24,000 in bail bond, or by issuing its equivalent surety bond. The resolution added that such situation demoralizes police personnel who in performing their mandated tasks against illegal jai-alai operations ended to nowhere. De la Paz said that if the DOJ approves the increase of the bail bond, it will be deterrent to illegal operations of jai-alai to those involved on it. He said many are still lured into illegal jai-alai operations because the bail bond for those apprehended is “affordable”. “If the increase in bail bond pushes through, those planning to get involved in illegal jai alai operations may think twice,” De la Paz said.*APN A resolution requesting the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office through the City Mayor’s Office to conduct earthquake and fire drill in all public and private schools in Bacolod City, is being proposed by Councilor El Cid Familiaran.
The resolution said that based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 10121, the LDRRMO is to disseminate information and raise public awareness about hazards, vulnerabilities and risks, their nature effects, early warning signs and counter measures on disasters and calamities. Meanwhile, Councilor Catalino Alisbo has authored an ordinance prohibiting all persons, entities and business establishments and bus terminals in Bacolod City from charging any fee to senior citizens and persons with disabilities for the use of comfort rooms/restrooms. The resolution said senior citizens and PWD’s are at a great disadvantage since they are less mobile, or incapable of walking further to look for “free comfort rooms and rest rooms” when they are in private or public places. Familiaran also authored a resolution urging the Sanitary Inspection Section of the City Health Office through the CMO to inspect food establishments, restaurants, canteens, food outlets, caterers and food manufacturers or processors to ensure that they are using iodized salt. The resolution said iodized salt contains iodine which is considered an essential element that enables thyroid glands to produce (thyroid) hormones for one’s healthy growth, especially children and the young, as well as prevent cancer or goiter. He has also proposed an ordinance establishing oversight and backstopping functions of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City The ordinance said one of the inherent functions of local policy makers and legislative bodies in the performance of its obligations to maintain an honest, transparent and accountable local government unit is through an effective oversight of the local government bureaucracy, its functions and/or instrumentalities. The ordinance was co-authored by Councilors Archie Baribar, Sonya Verdeflor, Catalino Alisbo and Elmer Sy. *CGS BACOLOD City Councilor El Cid Familiaran requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to consider increasing the cash/bail bond from P24,000 to P100,000 on jailed-jai alai bet collectors, operators and financiers and prohibit the use or application thereof of a surety bond. Familiaran’s statement came following reports that apprehended or jailed bet collector could easily evade jail time or apprehension by just paying P24,000 cash/bail bond or issuing its equivalent surety bond. Such situation demoralizes police personnel who are performing their mandated tasks, he said. The unimaginable damage brought to people’s lives by this illegal jai-alai operation calls for review, and if it so warrants, the city should increase the present cash/bail bond for bettor, operators and financiers not to easily run from their illegal acts, the councilor said.
Carla N. Canet Sun Star Bacolod A resolution requesting Mayor Evelio Leonardia to implement Sections 2, 3, or 4 of City Ordinance No. 341, Series of 2003, or an Ordinance regulating the operation of business establishments providing internet access or services, or network gaming in Bacolod City, is being proposed by Councilor El Cid Familiaran.
With the opening of classes, students of various ages are expected to flock to these internet or network gaming businesses, and unscrupulous internet business operators may indiscriminately circumvent laws for selfish interest as against public interest, the resolution said, adding that illegal internet or network gaming operation poses a threat to the morals and studies of students. It said Section 4 of C.O. 341 prohibits internet network gaming users or renters access to pornographic websites and display of pornography. It also said violation of the Ordinance will subject the business establishment to suspension of its business permits. A second violation will result in the revocation of business permit, with its owner or manager meted an imprisoned of 30 days or a fine of P4,000 or both, at the discretion of the Court, it said.*CGS CHRYSEE SAMILLANO Visayan Daily Star It is ironic that while the program last Monday at SM City was to honor Jose Rizal and commemorate our 113th Independence Day, the students of Colegio de San Agustin have yet to learn what handling the Philippine flag involves. More ironic still is that the period from May 28 to June 11 is devoted to respect for the Philippine Flag. When they had that “dramatic” presentation of a giant flag, they bundled it like amakan, laid it down on the floor and spread it like they were spreading out a bed sheet. Maybe they meant well, but they should learn that the national flag has its legal protocols on how it is to be folded and handled, not bundled and laid on the floor no matter the intentions. Dramatic effect does not give license to handle the flag as one pleases. The intended effect could have been achieved without having to desecrate the flag.
* * * * Several months ago I proposed that in order to decongest downtown Bacolod of traffic snarls the best thing to do is prohibit parking along main thoroughfares and impose fees for parking in public streets. Strictly, a street is for passage, not for private use that deprives others of the benefit of smooth movement. A temporary parking is tolerable but when used as a private parking area for businesses and offices around the city’s commercial area during work times, that becomes illegal. I am glad that Councilor El Cid Familiaran has taken up the cudgels because citizens that we are depend on the positive responses of our officials whether elected or appointed. That is the essence of democracy which many in government have forgotten or choose to ignore as if they are power in themselves and they can act at their pleasure. As I wrote then, prohibiting parking in the main street will inconvenience motorists so that the government must make available parking areas. The parking spaces of the Bacolod plaza can be used for parking but for a fee. Pay parking is nothing new but has become a necessity in cities where traffic is a problem. Aside from the plaza, the city should also convert that space behind and beside BAYS Center for pay parking but open a good covered passage from them to the plaza. There are also other spaces in San Juan that can be made pay parking areas. Pay parking will open new business for idle and oftentimes garbage-filed areas close to city’s commercial center. The Office of Building Official can also enforce the law that requires building owners to provide their own parking areas, not necessarily in or near their buildings but at least at some close distance. The problem is with the portion of the parking area in front of the Cathedral which is owned by the Diocese of Bacolod. This is not only the area that belongs to the Diocese. The parking area in Gatuslao across Cuadra Street and another across Police Station I also belongs to the Diocese. Taken together, only half of the parking areas around the plaza belong to the city – the other half to the Diocese. One of the conditions attached to the usufruct when the Diocese of Jaro to which Bacolod once belonged specifies that the area should be used only as a plaza and any economic enterprise on that lot or any construction there must have the written permission of the Diocese of Bacolod, the successor in interest of the Diocese of Jaro. Asking for parking fee on the Diocesan land would violate that condition. Two years ago when the idea of a pay parking area was being thought about (this idea about pay in fact has been bruited around for years) the question of the use of the Diocesan land crop up and this matter was discussed with Bishop Vicente M. Navarra by a few people and Mayor Evelio Leonardia. A draft memorandum of agreement was given to the mayor two years ago and he in turn gave it to the City Legal Officer for study. There was a follow up last year and early this year Councilor Carl Lopez asked for a copy and I told him where he can get one. I think the CLO is still studying, for how long I don’t know but as far as the thinking of the Diocese on this matter is concerned the ball, I wrote last year, is the city’s hands. That was the last I heard of it. Familiaran talked about a possible arrangement for a pay parking on the area on the Diocesan lot. The conditions of the Bishop are in that memo.* MODESTO P. SA-ONOY Visayan Daily Star A resolution requesting the Energy Regulatory Commission for the legal basis of the increase in power rates by the Central Negros Electric Cooperative, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Wednesday.
Authored by Councilor Archie Baribar, the resolution said CENECO has posted the following rates per kilowatt hour - P3.8139 for February 2011; P3.5320 for March 2011; P4.4236 for April and P4.1089 for May 2011. The increase from March 2011 to April 2011 is 0.8916 centavos per kwh while the increase of rates in May 2011 from the March level is 0.5769 centavos, it said. These sudden increases have affected not only the lives of ordinary consumers of Bacolod City, but also all businesses within its service area, it added. Significant increases in rates can only be implemented with the approval of the ERB Commission, the resolution said. The SP urgently requests the ERB for the legal basis of the increase in power rates by CENECO, it said, and should there be none, for an Order to be issued prohibiting CENECO from imposing any rate increase and collecting the same. Meanwhile, the SP approved Wednesday on third and final reading an Ordinance declaring the existing canteen at the government center and all those canteens to be operated by the city government as socio economic enterprise units. This is because they generate revenues that will support the city, Distrito said. The Ordinance was authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Em Legaspi-Ang and Al Victor Espino. Distrito, Ang, Councilors Homer Bais, Mona Dia Jardin and El Cid Familiaran voted for its approval, while Councilors Sonya Verdeflor and Elmer Sy abstained, and Councilor Archie Baribar was not in favor of its passage. It also provides for the creation of a Canteen Committee that will supervise the canteens in the government center and all those to be operated by the city, Distrito said.*CGS Visayan Daily Star An ordinance designating pay parking zones in Bacolod City, was approved on first reading by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Wednesday.
Authored by Councilors El Cid Familiaran and Jose Carlos Lopez, the ordinance said traffic congestion will remain a major problem of the city with the increasing number of vehicles plying the city roads. It said Bacolod City has 83,531 registered vehicles now. The ordinance said designating portions of the city streets as pay parking zones will discourage private vehicles from parking anywhere in the city, which will compound the traffic problem. Establishing pay parking zones will earn addition revenues for the city, it said. The ordinance provides parking fee of P20 for the first two hours and additional P5 for every succeeding hour, for private vehicles, and P5 for the first two hours and additional P2 for every succeeding hour for private motorcycles. Meanwhile, the SP approved on first reading Wednesday an ordinance preventing, controlling, abating and regulating overloading vehicles/cargo trucks from plying the streets of Bacolod City. Authored by Councilor Al Victor Espino, the ordinance said that, under the implementing guidelines of R.A. 8794, trucks found carrying excess load beyond the allowable Gross Vehicle Weight are violating the Motor Vehicle User Charge. It said the purpose of the ordinance is to prevent, control, abate and regulate overloading vehicles/cargo trucks plying the city streets of Bacolod City and provide penalties for violation of the ordinance to protect the general welfare of the people and to prevent or minimize damage to the city roads and hazards to land transportation. The ordinance applies to all motor vehicles, whether for hire or for private use, and includes government-owned motor vehicles. It provides penalties ranging from P1,000 to P2,500 for overloaded cargo that exceeds the maximum allowable GVW. The SP also passed a resolution Wednesday urging the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Department of Education, and the Commission on Higher Education to spearhead the conduct of symposia in various public and private schools, colleges, and universities at the start of school opening regarding anti-drug abuse and drug prevention, authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito.*CGS CHRYSEE SAMILLANO Visayan Daily Star The Bacolod City government has allocated about P8 million for the purchase of school supplies to be given free to public elementary school children, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said yesterday.
Leonardia said the Department of Education will process the project that will include bags, notebooks and other things normally provided the school children. The city will also continue to provide free miscellaneous fees to public elementary and high school students as it has been doing since his administration took over, Leonardia said. The purpose is to help the poor and encourage them to send their children to school, he said. “We feel it is an essential service needed by the people and it is also needed by the educational system in general,” he added. Meanwhile, the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod passed a resolution yesterday requesting City Health Officer Dr. Salome Biñas, through the Office of the City Mayor, to inspect the comfort rooms/toilets of all public elementary and high schools in Bacolod City. Authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran, the resolution said there are many issues the city government has to consider during the start of classes, especially with regards to the sanitation of facilities which is required for the health or well-being of the community, particularly for school children, among them the comfort rooms or toilets provided by the schools, it said.*CGS CHRYSEE SAMILLANO visayan daily star A resolution requesting the Department of Trade and Industry and the Price Monitoring Council through the Bacolod City Mayor’s Office to continue vigorously their strict monitoring of the prices of school supplies in preparation for the school opening in June, is being proposed by Councilor Caesar Distrito.
The resolution said the Bacolod City government, in cooperation with the DTI, annually conducts price monitoring of prices of school supplies to prevent unscrupulous businessmen from taking advantage of the opening of classes in June. Meanwhile, a resolution requesting City Administrator Rogelio Balo through the Office of the City Mayor to cause the repair of Libertad, Central and Burgos Public markets, is being proposed by Councilors El Cid Familiaran and Distrito. The resolution also requests Balo to transfer vendors selling outside the Libertad, Central and Burgos Markets inside these public markets. It said that, after ocular inspection in these markets and consultations with the stakeholders, it was found out that the proliferation of market vending outside the public markets is among the major problems being confronted by the city. A resolution commending Bacolod Traffic Authority Office head Police Chief Insp. Luisito Acebuche for his excellent performance, is being proposed by Councilor Carlos Jose Lopez. The resolution said the solution to the traffic problem is the strict enforcement of traffic laws and local ordinances. Upon his assumption in office, Acebuche has carried out his duties and responsibilities without fear or favor, it said.*CGS CHRYSEE SAMILLANO Visayan Daily Star |
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