Considering that the barangay officials were also elected by the people, the members of the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the proposal of Councilor El Cid Familiaran to request the honorable congressman of Bacolod City, Dr. Anthony Golez, to pass a law mandating the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to include barangay officials in its coverage.
"They were elected by the people, serve the public, perform public functions, and act as frontliners in the delivery of basic services. The punong barangay acting as chief of police in their place, judges in their jurisdiction, and presiding officer in the sanggunians, and implementors of program projects. The reality among barangay officials calls for considerationof an appropriate bill by Congress to ameliorate the state of barangay officials and their families.* By Edith B. Colmo Negros Daily Bulletin
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Considering that the barangay officials were also elected by the people, the members of the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the proposal of Councilor El Cid Familiaran to request the honorable congressman of Bacolod City, Dr. Anthony Golez, to pass a law mandating the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to include barangay officials in its coverage.
"They were elected by the people, serve the public, perform public functions, and act as frontliners in the delivery of basic services. The punong barangay acting as chief of police in their place, judges in their jurisdiction, and presiding officer in the sanggunians, and implementors of program projects. The reality among barangay officials calls for considerationof an appropriate bill by Congress to ameliorate the state of barangay officials and their families.* There will be no increase in tuition fees at the Bacolod City College for the next school year: 2011-1012, its Board of Trustees unanimously agreed Thursday .
This was reached with the full support of Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, a City Hall press release said. The P30 per unit tuition fee at BCC is still the lowest among both private and public colleges and universities in Bacolod City and the province of Negros Occidental, it added. The P30 per unit tuition fee is the same rate that the BCC has charged since the college first opened in June 1998, during the first term of Leonardia as city mayor. Meanwhile, a resolution requesting the Bacolod City Administrator through the Office of the Mayor to initiate talks with the president of the University of Makati for a possible agreement with BCC for it to avail of the executive program for city employees, was recently passed by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod. The resolution authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran said former Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., in his bid to establish the “School of Tomorrow” through his Institute of Integrity for Local Governance, came up with an executive program at the UMak that will enable government employees to have an academic degree, by converting their real-life experiences into course credits. The program states that UMak, through its “College for Government and Public Policy” can grant academic degrees to government employees by crediting their service experience, seminars and additional course programs in achieving their dream to earn a college degree, it said. The resolution said the program is open to other local government units, government employees who are at least 22 years old and have a work experience for five years.*CGS BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO Visayan Daily Star The Bacolod Sangguniang Panglungsod yesterday disapproved a resolution urging the Office of the Mayor to issue a cease-and-desist order against the Bacolod Imperial Court Inc. for having been issued a defective certificate of occupancy, as the same was based on a wrongful interpretation.
Those who voted in favor of the resolution were Councilors Elmer Sy, Sonya Verdeflor, El Cid Familiaran, Homer Bais and its author Archie Baribar, while Councilor Catalino Alisbo abstained. Those who voted against it were Councilors Caesar Distrito, Em Legaspi-Ang, Roberto Rojas, Al Victor Espino and Mona Dia Jardin. Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, as presiding officer, also voted against Baribar’s resolution to break the tie. Sayson yesterday said the resolution should be addressed to the Office of the Building Official. He believes it is the OBO that should be answerable for whatever mistakes it had committed and not for the business to suffer for its wrong interpretation of the law, he added. The motel was shut down by the Bacolod City Legal Enforcement team on Dec. 30, 2010 for operating without a Mayor’s permit. Distrito said he believes that the resolution is an “overkill” since they had already passed another resolution asking the mayor to decide whether or not to grant the motel a business permit, taking into consideration that it did not comply such requirement. He said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources claimed that an Environmental Compliance Certificate does not need an SP endorsement, while the SP believes otherwise, so all these things were submitted to the mayor for him to decide once and for all what is best and what is legal. “Personally, I believe we have already explored all administrative remedies,” Distrito said. The next action is for them to file a formal ordinance requiring big projects such as motels, to seek the approval of the SP, he said. Meanwhile, the SP unanimously passed yesterday a resolution relaying to the Office of the Mayor the explanation and clarification made by the DENR, in reply to SP Resolution 22 regarding the issuance of certificate of non-compliance to BICI. Authored by Councilor Elmer Sy, the resolution said the SP passed Resolution 22 inquiring from the DENR-Environmental Management Board VI why an ECC was issued to BICI despite the lack of a resolution coming from the SP indorsing the motel project for issuance of ECC. It said the DENR cited that its legal basis for issuing BICI an ECC was Memorandum Circular 439, Series of 2009, which states that permits, licenses, clearances, endorsements and other similar documents from other national government agencies and local governments should no longer be required, as prerequisites for the processing of ECC and CNC applications.*CGS BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO Visayan Daily Star Yesterday our item about the Bacolod City College (BCC) Scandal was inadvertently cut.
No wonder, as we were covering events at Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) town, we got calls and messages on what was it all about since there wass no continuation. We understand the thirst for the entire story. While BCC had been annually topping teacher’s licensure examinations and kept on achieving higher ratings as far as graduates are concerned, part-timers and regulars at BCC already have ideas about the non-continuation of their services next school year. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is strictly imposing the requirement that only those with masteral degrees are qualified to teach in colleges, and so at the city government-run institution. * * *. We also know that the BCC administration has started dismissing those not qualified. We don’t have the figures but we were told that a lot of teaching personnel will be displaced next school year, and it is expected that prior to the March, 2011 closure of the school year BCC will announce vacancies for those with masteral. * * * Before we touch on the most-sought-after tickets to last night’s Azkal-Blue Wolves football match at Panaad, here was the entire column we wrote about BCC: * * * WE HEARD ABOUT THIS BEFORE AND NOW we are hearing a lot again about this Bacolod City College or BCC scandal. We heard of this "BCC Scandal" for the first time from some local education officials, then from Bacolod Councilor El Cid Familiaran and now from more people in the know. It’s not the scandal that involves sex or any immorality. It is a scandal that might have far-greater influence and put at stake the future of students and possibly graduates, of BCC. * * * We heard again and we are still trying to reach more authorities on this, that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) had been writing BCC officials about its deficiencies in meeting the standards for a college institution. It’s been three years now, we were told, that BCC’s attention was being called but still without serious reforms. Now, we again were told, BCC might finally be a candidate for closure for not meeting the required staffing mandated for a college institution to comply with. * * * Why were BCC officials and also City Hall lords, seemed undisturbed by the "notices" about the college’s failure to comply with requirements? What will happen now to the previous graduates and the students as far as the validity of their schooling? What now BCC? * * * We do not want to speculate. We just hope that this time some efforts to comply with the CHED requirements will be done before the final dealine. BCC has helped lots of parents send their kids to college and has even assisted more indigents finish courses. However, if BCC continues to ignore complying with requirements, the dreams of thousands more of aspiring indigent Bacolodnons will go to naught. * * * FORMER BACOLOD CONGRESSMAN Monico Puentevella, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman who publicly acknowledged that he helped realize the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiying match between Team Philippines and Team Mongolia here last night - which the Azkals won 2-0, got the flak for the "missing free tickets". Although understandably he was not to be blamed for the ticket fiasco, he was blamed by many because he was very much visible behind the preparations for the football match. * * * From our DSB trip back to Bacolod yesterday afternoon we dropped by Panaad Park in Mansilingan. We met a huge crowd complaining about the free tickets. Many of them said they were at the park and stadium as early as 4 in the morning to make sure they get free tickets as promised. * * * It was no other than Supt. Jefferson Descallar, who was leading teams of policemen maintaining peace and order in the park, who told us that there was a "near-riot" or upheaval because scores (did we hear it right, hundreds or thousands?) of people were already there, some as early as 4 a.m., for the promised tickets that turned out to be negative later in the day. Some opted to remain hoping tickets will be made available despite the announcements that came late, we found out. * * *. Following the frustrations, we heard some shouting the name of ex-Bacolod Rep. Puentevella being blamed for the "unfulfilled free tickets". Many were swearing because while they were there wasting their time for the free tickets that were not, they said, a lot of people there were also selling tickets! * * * While our car was exiting Panaad park, we received text messages saying "Gud day. Where did the free tickets for the Azkals go? POC chairman Monico Puentevella received 5000 bleacher, 3000 tickets to the province of Negros Occidental, 1000 to the sponsors and 1000 to other provinces, Pls pass." We are giving space to former Rep. Monico to answer such allegations. * * * Perhaps, because he was the most prominent among those who spoke about the match, he was also perceived to be behind the organization and the preparations, and so with the tickets. After all, he was also the one announcing about free tickets. * * * Other questions also came out, like, how come details about tickets were not revealed during the L’Fisher Hotel press conference after the managers’ meeting? Was there something to hide that the ticket matter, despite repeated public announcements that 10,000 free tickets will be distributed at the Panaad stadium entrance at 3PM, and later announced at 9AM, was never explained? Was there a deliberate attempt to control the tickets, and for whose profits? * * * We are thankful for the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) under the POC, for bringing the game to Bacolod-- the tremendous impact for the city including the province was positive. Actually, of all football fields in the country presented for the hosting of the game, only Panaad passed the requirements for international football tournaments, thus it was held here- and then Puentevella helped. We are also thankful to the PLDT-Smart Group and the group’s big boss Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) for sponsoring the event. We knew then that MVP through his cash cow-firms is shelling out P80-M for a 10-year football development program in the country. We are also acknowledging Puentevella’s efforts to make the activity happen right here in the city. * * * We’re glad that the so-called "lack of coordination", "disrespect", "amusement taxation"and other issues, and this free ticket fiasco did not prevent the event from happening.* Before you watch tonight’s Asian Football qualifying match at Panaad in Bacolod between our own Phl Azkals and Mongolia’s pride, bring your visitors today to our "Little Baguio".
Today, the higlights of Don Salvador Benedicto town’s exciting "Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival" will once again be experienced at the "Little Baguio" of Negros Occidental, also known as DSB. The morning programs will involve blessings and inaugurations of several projects. The crowd-drawer Kali streetdancing competition will start after lunch today. The excitement does not stop there, because after the streetdancing contest will be the amazing, mind-boggling cultural-ritual presentation. At 8:00 p.m. will be another crowd-drawer "Diwata sang Kali" beauty pageant and at 12 midnight the grand fireworks display. * * * DSB Mayor Marxlen De la Cruz said the annual festival is just one of numerous attractions that draw foreign and domestic tourists and visitors to the cool town that connects San Carlos City in the north to Bacolod City through the eco-tourism highway. Mountain and river resorts ideal for overnight accommodations and days of fun and adventure keep sprouting at DSB. The town literally has unlimited natural beauty spots and attractions. * * * DSB has been named the sugar province’s "Little Baguio" not just for its cool temperature like the country’s summer capital destination in Luzon. It also has natural miniatures of natural tourism destinations and beauty spots found in other parts of the country. * * * THE SUICIDE OF FORMER Armed Forces Chief and Defense Secretary Angelo Tomas Reyes yesterday morning by shooting himself in front of the grave of his mother at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, solicited mixed reactions. With everyone having his own interpretation amids the AFP scandal involving millions of dollars and pesos in funds as "excavated" by Congress, the suicide gave rise to much wider speculations. Hopefully, the ongoing investigations will be expedited and will not become another mere grandstanding, just like what happened to so many celebrated cases and probes before it. WE HEARD ABOUT THIS BEFORE AND NOW we are hearing a lot again about this Bacolod City College or BCC scandal. We heard of this "BCC Scandal" for the first time from some local education officials, then from Bacolod Councilor El Cid Familiaran and now from more people in the know. It’s not the scandal that involves sex or any immorality. It is a scandal that might have far-greater influence and put at stake the future of students and possibly graduates, of BCC. * * * We heard again and we are still trying to reach more authorities on this, that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) had been writing BCC officials about its deficiencies in meeting the standards for a college institution. It’s been three years now, we were told, that BCC’s attention was being called but still without serious reforms. Now, we again were told, BCC might finally be a candidate for closure for not meeting the required staffing mandated for a college institution to comply with. * * * Why were BCC officials and also City Hall lords, seemed undisturbed by the "notices" about the college’s failure to comply with requirements? What will happen now to the previous graduates and the students as far as the validity of their schooling? What now BCC? * * * We do not want to speculate. We just hope that this time some efforts to comply with the CHED requirements will be done before the final dealine. BCC has helped lots of parents send their kids to college and has even assisted more indigents finish courses. However, if BCC continues to ignore complying with requirements, the dreams of thousands more of aspiring indigent Bacolodnons will go to naught.* During the electoral campaign, prior to the May, 20l0 elections, five of the present are supposedly opposition councilors, namely Atty. Archie Baribar, Elmer Sy, Sonia Verdeflor, Catalino Alisbo and "El Cid" Familiaran, campaigned very vigorously with the platform of responsive and responsible governance and that if elected, they would be fiscalizers of the highest order|
Sad to say, except for Councilor Familiaran, the rest are nowhere to be found. The other four councilors have become like the THREE WISE MONKEYS - see no evil, say mo evil and hear no evil. It is being bruited about in coffee shops throughout the city and being strongly alleged that perhaps some of the so-called opposition councilors have already made "arrangements" with the present dispensation. If this is true. Then the councilors being referred to should be ashamed of themselves for having given empty promises to the citizens of this city. It is just like "NGA ANG GIN SUKA NILA GINA KAON NA NILA KARON." Kadamo sang mga issue karon nga dapat gid nila talakayon pero diin na sila? Where are their promises to the electorate? Just because the electoral campaign is no reason for them to become so very silent. In fact, during the dialogue with the officials of the University of St. a Salle, only Councilor Familiaran was present. We expected that the so-called opposition councilors would be present, considering that the issues taken up at that time were focused on peace and order, criminality, the horrendous traffic, the visibility of traffic enforcers on a 24/7 basis, the mounting garbage and the flooding of the city streets. Their absence at that speaks very strongly that they are not at all concerned about what is happening in Bacolod City. When it was announced that all key city officials, including Mayor Evelio Leonardia, all city councilors, the Bacolod Chief of Police and the Insp. Pangue, the traffic officer, truth to tell, we were flabbergasted to learn that Mayor Leonardia attended the dialogue. Considering that the Mayor was in the hot seat during that conference, it is too good to be true that he graced that gathering. PROMISES WERE MADE AT THAT CONFERENCE. Among them that henceforth, the police outpost just outside the La Salle gate would be manned by several or a police officer. That the enforcers or police officers would be on duty on a 24/7 basis, That special attention would be given from 8pm onwards considering that the snatchings, holdups and mauling of students usually happens during that time when classes are over at 8:30 p.m. Truth to tell, that conference last Monday, - the following day on Tuesday, the La Salle area was swarming with police officers and traffic enforcers. The police outpost was being manned by two police officers and there were .traffic officers galore. Well and good, but for how long? We can still remember that several years ago, Insp. Pangue, during many conferences with officials of the Riverside Medical Center led by its Vice President Epifanio L. Torre, many promises were also made by several high ranking police officers that the traffic situation in front of the hospital and San Agustin College would also be improved. In fat, Mr. Torre also promised that the corporation would even provide uniforms for the enforcers, shoes and other need paraphernalia for the enforcers. This was good for a few days but eventually the traffic around the area even became worst. This time, we just hope that promises will be kept as if he promises made are not complied with in the course of time, no one will ever believe these officials again! Back to our favorite councilors, will we ever expect them to be active? Can we rely on them to live up to their promises to become active FISCALIZERS? OR, WILL THEY STRIVE TO REMAIN TRUE TO THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF Bacolod?* During the electoral campaign, prior to the May, 20l0 elections, five of the present are supposedly opposition councilors, namely Atty. Archie Baribar, Elmer Sy, Sonia Verdeflor, Catalino Alisbo and "El Cid" Familiaran, campaigned very vigorously with the platform of responsive and responsible governance and that if elected, they would be fiscalizers of the highest order|
Sad to say, except for Councilor Familiaran, the rest are nowhere to be found. The other four councilors have become like the THREE WISE MONKEYS - see no evil, say mo evil and hear no evil. It is being bruited about in coffee shops throughout the city and being strongly alleged that perhaps some of the so-called opposition councilors have already made "arrangements" with the present dispensation. If this is true. Then the councilors being referred to should be ashamed of themselves for having given empty promises to the citizens of this city. It is just like "NGA ANG GIN SUKA NILA GINA KAON NA NILA KARON." Kadamo sang mga issue karon nga dapat gid nila talakayon pero diin na sila? Where are their promises to the electorate? Just because the electoral campaign is is no reason for them to become so very silent. In fact, during the dialogue with the officials of the University of St. a Salle, only Councilor Familiaran was present. We expected that the so-called opposition councilors would be present, considering that the issues taken up at that time were focused on peace and order, criminality, the horrendous traffic, the visibility of traffic enforcers on a 24/7 basis, the mounting garbage and the flooding of the city streets. Their absence at that speaks very strongly that they are not at all concerned about what is happening in Bacolod City. When it was announced that all key city officials, including Mayor Evelio Leonardia, all city councilors, the Bacolod Chief of Police and the Insp. Pangue, the traffic officer, truth to tell, we were flabbergasted to learn that Mayor Leonardia attended the dialogue. Considering that the Mayor was in the hot seat during that conference, it is too good to be true that he graced that gathering. PROMISES WERE MADE AT THAT CONFERENCE. Among them that henceforth, the police outpost just outside the La Salle gate would be manned by several or a police officer. That the enforcers or police officers would be on duty on a 24/7 basis, That special attention would be given from 8pm onwards considering that the snatchings, holdups and mauling of students usually happens during that time when classes are over at 8:30 p.m. Truth to tell, that conference last Monday, - the following day on Tuesday, the La Salle area was swarming with police officers and traffic enforcers. The police outpost was being manned by two police officers and there were .traffic officers galore. Well and good, but for how long? We can still remember that several years ago, Insp. Pangue, during many conferences with officials of the Riverside Medical Center led by its Vice President Epifanio L. Torre, many promises were also made by several high ranking police officers that the traffic situation in front of the hospital and San Agustin College would also be improved. In fat, Mr. Torre also promised that the corporation would even provide uniforms for the enforcers, shoes and other need paraphernalia for the enforcers. This was good for a few days but eventually the traffic around the area even became worst. This time, we just hope that promises will be kept as if he promises made are not complied with in the course of time, no one will ever believe these officials again! Back to our favorite councilors, will we ever expect them to be active? Can we rely on them to live up to their promises to become active FISCALIZERS? OR, WILL THEY STRIVE TO REMAIN TRUE TO THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF Bacolod? by William H.O. Streegan Negros Daily Bulletin The University of St. La Salle has become converted into a mini-dodge city. Like the Redemptorist Church and the area behind the Riverside Medical Center and it also becomes a snatchers and holdup alley.
And, despite the shooting incidents in front of the USLS last month, which injured our students, the Bacolod police hardly gave it a second thought to assign patrol that could at least respond speedily to any further incident. Including the Riverside and the Colegio San Agustin, these areas are populated by mostly students. Even several are Koreans. And most of these were victims of snatchers and holduppers. Yet, the Bacolod police hardly gave them a second glance. Despite the many reports and the call by local mediamen to reinforce the police visibility in the area. Now, thanks to Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Councilor El Cid Familiaran, the new police chief ordered Station 4 commander Leilani Garcia to establish the Community Police Assistance Center (COMPAC) along La Salle Avenue. De la Paz said he will also request Barangay Captain Portia Las Piñas of Villamonte to augment the police in the area with barangay tanods to enhance police visibility in the vicinity of USLS. But I insist that this protective mantle should include the Riverside Medical Center and the San Agustin College. And, of course, the area around the Redemptorist Church where already a lot of snatching and holdups had taken place. The rear of the Riverside had been the scene of several holdups. As a matter of fact, I know of several students who found themselves accosted by knife-wielding toughies who divested them of their personal belongings including cellphones. Worse, the victims never found relief from the police which simply recorded their complaints. I know, one of them was my grandson. He lost a piano keyboard. And the police frenziedly took down his complaints and the description of those who divested him of it. But after a while, they never reported anything afterwards. I hope OIC police Chief de la Paz is extended as police chief. At least, he acts fast to try and solve problems of peace and order and not just face the cameras and assure local residents that "everything is okay and will be attended to." At least, we have action agad. * * * I just read the request for clarification by a nephew of the late Col. Theodore Vinther from Philadelphia regarding the annual honor given his uncle. Vinther, who has his monument at the Bacolod Public Plaza, used to draw hundreds of Bacolod residents whenever the city remembered his heroic death at the Bago Bridge which prevented the Japanese from slaughtering hundreds of Bacolod residents in the Cathedral during the liberation. The annual ritual no longer has been observed. I wonder whether Bacolod has short memories. But I think it is time that we resume the annual tribute to a hero (although an American) for what he did to save the lives of hundreds of Bacolodnons. A belated salute to Col. Vinther.* The University of St. La Salle has become converted into a mini-dodge city. Like the Redemptorist Church and the area behind the Riverside Medical Center and it also becomes a snatchers and holdup alley.
And, despite the shooting incidents in front of the USLS last month, which injured our students, the Bacolod police hardly gave it a second thought to assign patrol that could at least respond speedily to any further incident. Including the Riverside and the Colegio San Agustin, these areas are populated by mostly students. Even several are Koreans. And most of these were victims of snatchers and holduppers. Yet, the Bacolod police hardly gave them a second glance. Despite the many reports and the call by local mediamen to reinforce the police visibility in the area. Now, thanks to Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Councilor El Cid Familiaran, the new police chief ordered Station 4 commander Leilani Garcia to establish the Community Police Assistance Center (COMPAC) along La Salle Avenue. De la Paz said he will also request Barangay Captain Portia Las Piñas of Villamonte to augment the police in the area with barangay tanods to enhance police visibility in the vicinity of USLS. But I insist that this protective mantle should include the Riverside Medical Center and the San Agustin College. And, of course, the area around the Redemptorist Church where already a lot of snatching and holdups had taken place. The rear of the Riverside had been the scene of several holdups. As a matter of fact, I know of several students who found themselves accosted by knife-wielding toughies who divested them of their personal belongings including cellphones. Worse, the victims never found relief from the police which simply recorded their complaints. I know, one of them was my grandson. He lost a piano keyboard. And the police frenziedly took down his complaints and the description of those who divested him of it. But after a while, they never reported anything afterwards. I hope OIC police Chief de la Paz is extended as police chief. At least, he acts fast to try and solve problems of peace and order and not just face the cameras and assure local residents that "everything is okay and will be attended to." At least, we have action agad. * * * I just read the request for clarification by a nephew of the late Col. Theodore Vinther from Philadelphia regarding the annual honor given his uncle. Vinther, who has his monument at the Bacolod Public Plaza, used to draw hundreds of Bacolod residents whenever the city remembered his heroic death at the Bago Bridge which prevented the Japanese from slaughtering hundreds of Bacolod residents in the Cathedral during the liberation. The annual ritual no longer has been observed. I wonder whether Bacolod has short memories. But I think it is time that we resume the annual tribute to a hero (although an American) for what he did to save the lives of hundreds of Bacolodnons. A belated salute to Col. Vinther. by Rolly L. Espina Negros Daily Bulletin |
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