The MassKara Festival was presented at the 28th Negros Trade Fair at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City Friday night, a press release from the city said.
Ecstatic MassKara dancers and DJs White, Rex Tenio and Elmer Dado with the Grupo Tribale animated the crowd. Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella and his wife, Josefa, joined the the MassKara Night to invite local and foreign tourists to visit Bacolod, the press release added. He said Bacolod is the "City of World Champions" after boxers Genesis Servania, Merlito Sabillo, Donnie Nietes and Arthur Sabillo won their belts in their weight class, the press release said. The press release also said Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya was also present with councilors Claude Puentevella, Ana Marie Palermo, Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Archie Baribar, El Cid Familiaran, Sonya Verdeflor and Em Legaspi-Ang. * The Visayan Daily Star
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The Bacolod Sangguiang Panlungsod approved a resolution Wednesday requesting the Office of the Mayor to implement City Ordinance No. 595, or the Bacolod City Eye in the Sky Comprehensive Closed-Circuit Television Ordinance.
The ordinance, authored by Councilor Carlos Jose Lopez, said the SP had passed C.O. 595 on July 17, 2012, that was approved by former Mayor Evelio Leonardia also on July 17, 2012. The installation of CCTV has been an effective deterrent against the proliferation of street crimes , as well as monitoring of the traffic situation within the city, resolution said. The SP also passed another resolution, also authored by Lopez, requesting Mayor Monico Puentevella to implement City Ordinance 573, or an Ordinance Establishing the Bacolod Local Standard Time, in conjunction with Republic Act 10535 or the Philippine Standard Time Act of 2013. The resolution said C.O. 573 was passed by the SP on Dec. 14, 2011 and was approved by Leonardia on Jan. 6, 2012. It said President Benigno Aquino lll had signed into law R.A. 10135 on May 15, 2013. Both C.O. 573 and R.A. 10535 aim to establish a synchronized time among all local and national offices, as well as business establishments which will work to the advantage of the transacting public. Meanwhile, Lopez has proposed another resolution requesting the Office of Bacolod Rep. Evelio Leonardia to sponsor a bill in Congress to convert local roads within the jurisdiction of the City of Bacolod into national roads. The resolution was not passed, however, for failure to get the required number of votes. Lopez said that due to urban development and high volume of motor vehicles passing through some local roads, the city is spending substantial amounts, which are taken from the meager annual fund to maintain and repair them. Lopez said the Department of Public Works and Highways, has recommended a priority list of city roads for conversion into national roads, and these are Burgos Extension (from BREDCO port ) to Lacson Street, B.S. Aquino Drive (from Sto. Niño Road) to Burgos Extension, Hernaez Street (from Araneta Street to Mansilingan-Murcia Road), 6th Street (from Lacson Street) to B.S. Aquino Drive, Lopez Jaena Street (from Hernaez Street) t B.S. Aquino Drive, and Manolo Drive (from Lacson Street) to Circumferential Road, he said. The conversion of these roads will translate into savings for the City of Bacolod, that may be used for infrastructure projects like construction of new roads and bridges in the barangays and relocation sites, he said. He said he has discussed this with Leonardia, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson and District Engineer Noel Pineda and they have expressed support to this project. However, those who voted in favor of the resolution were Councilors Caesar Distrito, Alex Paglumotan, Mona Dia Jardin, Keith Ramos and Lopez, while Councilors Archie Baribar, Ana Marie Palermo, Sonya Verdeflor and Claudio Puentevella voted negative. Councilors Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and El Cid Familiaran abstained.*CGS The Visayan Daily Star BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO Amid the confusion it created and the panicky reaction of the people at the downtown area, especially near the Bacolod Public Plaza, Bacolod City Councilor El Cid Familiaran has urged the police hierarchy to study public reaction on the surprised bomb drill and learn from it.
Familiaran, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Police Matters, stressed that the police should learn from the tremendous traffic and confusion among the people that the drill had caused. According to Familiaran, the people’s reaction should be studied by those who conducted the bomb drill as the same reaction will be encountered in the real bomb explosion incident. The councilor said that drills should be unannounced to make it more realistic but information related to the exercise should immediately be relayed to the public to avoid more confusion. There is a need for immediate coordination with members of the media so that the public will be informed and to prevent more panic and confusion, Familiaran added. He also said that the exercise was very much timely because of the current tension in Zamboanga City. Familiaran added that bomb explosion is normal in Zamboanga and some parts of Mindanao but it is a very rare scenario in Bacolod, which made the drill very important. Reports gathered by Watchmen Daily Journal revealed that roads from the north and south of Bacolod Public Plaza were closed to dramatize the bomb explosion scenario. Traffic was topsy-turvy for more than an hour as emergency re-routing was implemented around the downtown area./WDJ AT 2013 PCL. Souvenir photo of the Bacolod City Councilors with Mayor Monico Puentevella and Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya during the 2013 PCL National Conference welcome dinner. Standing, left to right: Councilors El Cid Familiaran, Wilson Gamboa, Jr., Ann Marie Palermo, Carl Lopez, Gasataya and Puentevella. Sitting, left to right: Councilors Kalaw Puentevella, Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Sonya Verdeflor, Archie Baribar and Em Ang.* (Gil Severino photo)
The Philippine Councilors League (PCL) is pushing for a two-month terminal compensation from the Government Service Insurance System ( GSIS) upon the completion of their term as councilors. This was disclosed yesterday by Negros Occidental Board Member Raul Rivera, PCL national vice chairman for Visayas. Rivera said that aside from the availment of terminal compensation, they are also lobbying for a step increment in their salaries, but the proposal is being opposed by the Department of Budget and Management. He said these are among the concerns that they may raise with Senator Peter Alan Cayetano, who will be the guest of honor and speaker during the PCL national executive board meeting Friday at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel. Rivera said that Cayetano has been supportive of the PCL. The senator donated P1 million for the renovation of the PCL hostel in Las Piñas City. The PCL-Negros Occidental Chapter is hosting the second day of the convention Friday. About 2,000 delegates from various cities and municipalities all over the country are attending the three-day PCL assembly here.(PNA) To address the continued increase of costs of education, Bacolod City College (BCC) was established in 1997 by virtue of City Ordinance 175.
Hence, the Technical Education, Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) encourages both private and public colleges and universities to offer Technical and/or Vocational Program. BCC has been responding to tertiary education of Bacolodnons. There is, however, an equal importance to open a technical and or vocational department that will respond to local and overseas work demand. Councilor El Cid Familiaran resolved that BCC Charter allows the City to create a technical and or vocational department that would cater preferably the residents of Bacolod City and/or offer competency-based programs. Called the VOCTEC Ordinance, the councilors, through Coun. El Cid Familiaran, approved in yesterday’s session that a short term program be offered at BCC, in form of a training program of TESDA While the Vocational Technical Program – refers to the programs offered in Bacolod City College - thru the accreditation of TESDA which are aligned to the specific trades and industries falling under but not limited to the following sectors, like Agriculture and Fishery; Automotive and Land Transportation Construction; Decorative Craft; Electronics, Footwear and Leather goods; Furniture and Fixture; Garments; Health, Social and other Community Development Services; Heating, Ventilation, Air conditioning and refrigeration; Information and Communication Technology; Maritime industry; Metals wood and Engineering; Processed Food and Beverages; Pyrotechnics; Tourism (Hotel & Restaurant) Utilities; Wholesale and Retail Trading and others. Objectives are: To equip them on modern and latest technical/ technological skills, where students will be able to obtain the qualification upon completion of a specific program. To enable the students to be competitive globally in the field of technical/technological skills. To establish networking and linkages with the industry to facilitate and look for employer after the students’ graduation, and To provide direction, policies, programs and standards towards a quality vocational technical education and skills development. Any of the school buildings occupied by the BCC and or in any property of the City that will be suited for the school program shall be considered as the site and/or campus of the Bacolod City Vocational Technical Department. Such considered site or sites shall likewise accommodate the different machines, equipment and other facilities necessary for the vocational technical school to effectively function. BCC VocTec Program Offers – The Vocational Technical programs offered by BCC shall be based on TESDA standards and curriculum. Such programs shall be registered with TESDA which are aligned but not limited to the Sectors enumerated under sub-paragraph 4 of Section 2 hereof. As to its faculty, staff and personnel, shall be hired on the basis of their qualifications to teach the particular program in accordance with TESDA requirement and standards. Non-teaching staff and personnel shall also be hired on the basis of their skills and qualifications consistent with CHED, CSC and TESDA standards and requirements. Adherence is made to the minimum standards of TESDA, CHED, and Civil Service Commission (CSC) in hiring and maintaining teaching and non-teaching staff and personnel to ensure that competency and standards are continuously preserved to produce quality graduates. Students shall pass the BCC admission tests and requirements set by TESDA for the technical vocational program. Councilor Alex Paglumotan, who chairs the education committee in the SP, co-authored this ordinance.* Submitted by Edith Colm Negros Daily Bulletin The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City City approved the resolution authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran urging the department heads at the city hall to strictly observe Section 361 of Government Accounting and Auditing Manual regarding regulations on the use of government motor vehicles.
He said the Manual mandates that all government motor vehicles shall be used exclusively & strict ly for official use only, and furthermore, among others, it also states; That in every case, the trip ticket authorizing the use of the vehicle shall be displayed on the windshield or in another conspicuous place on the vehicle;” the use of government vehicles on Sundays, legal holidays, out of regular office hours or outside the route of the officials or employees authorized to use them, or any other person other than such officials or employees, shall unless properly authorized, be prima facie evidence of violation of this Section in the administrative proceeding against the officials or employees responsible for such violation; the use of government motor vehicles for private social functions such as receptions, balls, theatres, and for other personal purposes is absolutely prohibited. Likewise, the use thereof by the spouses, children, relatives, friends, etc. of the officials entitled thereto, even if they are in the company of said officials is strictly prohibited; and all government motor vehicles are required when not in use to be kept in the garage provided therefor by the agency to which they belong except in use for strictly official business outside office hours. Familiaran said, observing the provisions of this Manual is also in compliance with the provisions of the Rules and Regulations Implementing the Local Government Code of 1991, particularly, under Articles 439 Primary and Secondary Accountability for Government Property” and 440 “Responsibility for Proper Use and Care of Government Property.” Familiaran chairs the SP Committee on Government Assets.* Hon. Councilor El Cid Familiaran, W. Henry O. Streegan, other speakers Day Care workers, volunteers, parents and children at the celebration.*
Seven Day Care Centers in Barangay Villamonte celebrated their annual Family Day which was held at Punta Taytay, Bacolod City last September 7, 2013. They availed of the amenities services at the Pope John Paul II Center which is being managed by Rev. Fr. Vic Rivas, Parish Priest based at the Redemptorist Church along B.S. Aquino Drive, Bacolod City. The theme of the celebration was "Unity Across Generations - A Strong Family, a Strong Society." The celebration was marked with short talks by W. Henry O. Streegan who discussed, "Strengthening Husband-Wife Relationship through Gender-Sensitive Relationship." Also, "The Seven Commandments for a Successful Marriage." Streegan was introduced to the parents by Ms. Salvacion R. Mesa, Day Care Workers of Hervias II DCC. The Honorable Councilor El Cid Familiaran, who took the place of Mrs. Josefa Puentevella, discussed other aspects of husband-wife relationships and how their marriage could solve problems. That they should also be honest and caring their mental life. Hon. Rommel P. Flores, Kagawad of the Barangay Council, enlightened the parents on "How to Raise Children to Develop High Spiritual Values." The parents, children and Day Care Workers of the Seven Day Care Centers whichparticipated in the activity were: Villamonte Proper DCC, headed by Ma. Russel T. Ticala, Bayanihan DCC with Niela E. Ardiente; Hervias II DCC headed by Ma. Salvacion M. Salusada; Sto. Niño Village DCC headed by Clemencia C. Paulite; Akishola DCC headed by Gina D. Buencaje, and Kabchawan DCC headed by Gemma O. Mosquera. The closing remarks was delivered by Mrs. Fermina P. Tinsay - Day Care Officer-Cluster III, DSSD. Staff members of DSSD as well as members of the Villamonte Barangay Council attended the activity.* by W. Henry Streegan NEGROS DAILY BULLETIN The newly-designated head of the Electrical Division of the Office of the Building Official and several other employees were accused by an electrical contractor of allegedly engaging in bribery and extortion activities, during a public hearing at the Bacolod Government Center yesterday.
The hearing was conducted by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Good Government, headed by Councilor Caesar Distrito. Antonio Jayme, proprietor of C5 General Services, presented an 18-minute video-taped conversation while they were having cofee with OBO employee Peter Plantillo and Electrical Division head Venancio Baja, who was assigned to the OBO only last month, during the committee hearing. Jayme claimed that Baja first proposed to charge P200 per application for 30 amperes and P400 per 60 amperes. Since he found it too expensive, Baja agreed to trim the amount to P100 per 30 amperes and P200 per 60 amperes, he said. Their professional services have been affected by this illegal transaction involving some OBO officials and personnel in connivance with other regular and casual employees and other fixers, Jayme said. Baja denied the allegations of Jayme that he invited the contractors to a meeting to discuss the matter, saying it was the contractors instead who invited him to have coffee, and he was not aware that they had the hidden intention to video tape their conversation. During an interview, Baja said that the contractors tried to bribe him to hasten their application with the OBO, but he refused to accept their offer. “They do not want us to inspect but just approve their application which I cannot allow,” he claimed, adding that he really inspects the applications before he signs them. Baja also said he is experienced and had been doing the job when he was still assigned to the City Engineer’s Office. But he said he was placed on floating status during the Leonardia administration and assigned to the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office. It was Mayor Monico Puentevella who restored him so he could perform his job again, he said. He added that if fixers exists, it is because the contractors are tolerating them. Jayme said he will not make an exposé only to destroy the name of Baja and others involved. They want the truth to come out since OBO is no longer functioning legitimately as mandated by law, he said. “DEMONIC” OR “LEGIT” Jayme said their clients have been asking how long will their application for an electrical permit be approved so he gives them two choices, which are, if they want the "demonic" or “legitimate” transaction. He said a “demonic” transaction will take three days for an application to be approved but this will involve "grease money." A legitimate application will take three weeks, he said. Jayme said the practice has been existing since 1995 when he started transacting with the OBO, but this time, it has become “unbearable.” Acting OBO head Isidro Sun Jr., who was also only recently assigned by Puentevella to the position, admitted that OBO and other government offices are surrounded by people who engage in so-called "sidelines." He claimed he has already initiated “reforms” in the office. He said fixers exist from the lobby of the Government center up to the offices concerned, and that since he assumed office on July 10, he has given instruction that the office will no longer entertain electrical permit application without official receipt from the City Treasurer's Office. Distrito said he told the complainant to reduce his complaint into an affidavit so the investigation will not only be in aid of legislation, but can proceed to appropriate legal action. He said he does not want his committee to be a venue to prosecute or even subject OBO officials and personnel concerned to trial by publicity, especially because many have been implicated. Jayme said he will consult his lawyer on the matter, but he hopes his expose' will lead to a positive result so those who will apply for a permit at the OBO will only have to pay the legal and legitimate fees and the electrical contractor can also preserve their professional services as they are supposed to be contracted by the applicant to sign their electrical permit. But what happens now is that OBO is accepting the application and an electrical contractor is just paid P50 to P100 per application, he said. Jayme said he is now worried about the pending applications they have with OBO, as to whether these will still be approved or not. Distrito said the people mentioned by Jayme also have their rights that should be respected as the allegations against them are so serious that he believes they require a thorough investigation. He said he will recommend measures that will lead to more transparent transaction at the OBO by posting anti-red tape measures such as a system flow chart and the activation of the closed circuit television (CCTV) at the OBO to monitor their day-to-day activities. Present during the committee hearing were Councilor El Cid Familiaran, City Legal Officer Sarah Villamor, some department heads and officials of the OBO.*CGSContractor hits BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO THE VISAYAN DAILY STAR Councilor El Cid Familiaran filed a proposed resolution last September 4, 2013 regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) requesting for the total subdivision cost incurred by private developers involved in Vista Alegre Relocation Site therefore clarify computation of their P9,165,000.00 contribution to the City of Bacolod.
The proposed resolution stated that "perusing the documents submitted to the SP, there is no mention of the total subdivision cost wherein the computation of the 20 percent should have been the basis, because it might be that the amount under consideration is bigger for the City’s advantage." Familiaran’s proposal referred to Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Corp. and the Avida Land Corp. which channeled, according to law (R.A.7279), their 20 percent socialized housing requirement to the City’s Vista Alegre Relocation Site. To obtain accurate computation of said private developers’ socialized housing requirement, Familiarian proposed that SP be provided with total cost of their projects. To buttress the proposal for correct computation, he cited the legal opinion of former City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the two private developers entered into by former Mayor Evelio Leonardia is a "Partial Compliance" of their 20 percent socialized housing requirement. Bayatan’s legal opinion dated December 26, 2012 read, "the MOU does not clearly provide the total subdivision cost…the same may not be reflective of the 20 percent amount in the MOU such that to avoid the misapplication of R.A. 7279 and any disadvantageous consequence to the LGU concerned, the compliance by the developer that may be appropriately stipulated in the MOU would only be a Partial Compliance." "So where is the other partial compliance?" Familiaran said during the SP regular session. Familiaran’s proposal was met with disagreement from three members of the Grupo Progreso Wing in SP which dragged the discussions for more an hour; they argue that SP has no power to regulate matters stipulated in the proposed resolution; they argued also that the project’s completion had long been accomplished therefore to request data from private developers for computation purposes is no longer needed and might send wrong signal to real estate development investors. To cut discussions, Familiaran himself opted to "Table" the proposed resolution for an appropriate time to meet with the private developers in his capacity as Chairman of the Committee on Government Assets.* by Gil Alfredo NEGROS DAILY BULLETIN Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod had approved the resolution, authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran, seeking strict use of government vehicles by heads of offices and departments.
The resolution of Familiaran, chairman of the SP Committee on Government Assets, stated that section 361 of Government Accounting & Auditing Manual provides that “regulations on the use of government motor vehicles” laid down the basic rules on the use of government vehicles. The manual mandates that all government motor vehicles shall be used exclusively and strictly for official use only, and furthermore, among others, it also stated. The councilor stressed “that in every case, the trip ticket authorizing the use of the vehicle shall be displayed on the windshield or in another conspicuous place on the vehicle”. “The use of government vehicles on Sundays, legal holidays, out of regular office hours or outside the route of the officials or employees authorized to use them, or any other person other than such officials or employees, shall, unless properly authorized, be prima facie evidence of violation of this Section in the administrative proceeding against the officials or employees responsible for such violation,” said Familiaran in his resolution. He added the use of government motor vehicles for private social functions such as receptions, balls, theatres, and for other personal purposes is absolutely prohibited. Likewise, the use thereof by the spouses, children, relatives, friends, etc. of the officials entitled thereto, even if they are in the company of said officials is strictly prohibited. He explained that all government motor vehicles are required when not in use to be kept in the garage provided therefor by the agency to which they belong except in use for strictly official business outside office hours./WDJ By Ranie Azue WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL |
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