Kadalag-an Festival; Celebration Of 17 Years of Victory

 

Kadalag-an Festival is the merriest and sweetest annual celebration of Victorias 17th year as a City last March 16-22.

    March 16 kicked off the opening day of the week-long festival with an early morning thanksgiving mass followed by a grand float parade of the city where the different government, non-government, socio and civic sectors of the City participated.

    A “Pahampang sa Plaza”, Bingo Party and celebrity night brought enjoyment to Victoriahanon’s as the first day was dubbed as Cong. Albee’s Day.

    On March 17, the Arts and Fashion Day showcased the creativity of Victoriahanons was through the On The Spot Painting Contest at the City’s Fountain Area where different artists of the City competed. 

    The Barangay Kapamilya of ABS-CBN took place in the afternoon at the Victorias City Public Plaza followed by the “Tingug Sang Kadalag-an” Singing Contest Grand Finals and “Utopia” Fashion Show of Elements in the evening.

    The DepEd Day on March 18 was filled with different activities such as the parade of the academe, Drum and Bugle Exhibition, Field Demonstration and Zumba Revolution.

    The Top Tax Payers’ Night at the Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña Arts and Cultural Center gave tribute to the City’s businessmen and top tax payers.

    Meanwhile, the Pre-pageant and Talent Night of Kadalag-an Queen was held at the Victorias City Public Plaza followed by the “Talentadong PYAP (Pag-Asa Youth Association of the Philippies) sa Kadalag-an”.

    March 19 is the Festival’s Fun Day where the LGBT  group of the City had  Boxing, Basketball and Mud Wrestling sports competitions at the Victorias City Public Plaza.

    The “TODA Arangkada HipHop Dance Showdown” of FEVATDO also took place in the evening.

   

    During the Employees’ Day on March 20, a parade and mass dance was held followed by a boodle fight plus fun games from morning until the afternoon.

    The Kadalag-an Queen Pageant Night was then held at the Victorias City Public Plaza with celebrity guests James Reid and Gabby Concepcion.

    The night ended with the performances of famous Reggae bands.

    March 21, marked the City’s charter day, and comprised of activities such as Diana in the early morning, 1st Victorias City Mayor’s Cup Swimming Competition, the colorful Street Dancing Competition, Sadsad Reggae and Face/Body Painting.

    Many people flocked the Victorias City Public Plaza to see the concert of the famous rock star Ely Buendia.

It was then followed by the Boracay Blaze Fire Dancers performance.

    On March 22, last day of the festival, the 17th Kadalag-an 5K/15K Reggae Run took place in the morning followed by the Festival Costume Competition and the Sadsad Reggae and Face/Body Painting.

    The 3rd Victorias City All Breed Fun Match and Bully Show was also held at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center.

    The concert of Brownman Revival set the party Reggae mood of the people followed by the Boracay Blaze Fire Dancers and various Reggae bands afterwards.

Victorias Holds First Kalamayan Christmas Festival In December

Kalamayan Festival, the sweetest Christmas celebration of Victorias, intends to give back to Victoriahanons and spread the Yuletide spirit. The word Kalamayan, depicts what Victorias is known for, its “kalamay” or refined sugar and its sugar industry, the Victorias Milling Company.

The festival also pays tribute to the sugar farmers and all Victoriahanons who in one way or another had given their share in the City’s sweet progress.

The festival has run from Dec. 15 to 19, followed by Christmas in Victorias from Dec. 20 – 30, adding joy to the City and its people amidst the odds.

The Kalamayan and Christmas Festival opened last Dec. 15 at the Victorias City Public Plaza. It commenced with a grand parade of the City's different socio-civic groups, public and private sectors from the Victorias National High School to the Public Plaza.    

What’s unique about this parade were the attractive “karo” floats of sugarcane farmers that promenaded the streets of the City.

Simultaneous with the event were the opening of the Organic and Night Market and Parol Making Contest.

Organic and night markets, carnival rides, nightly sponsored band, various competitions, exhibits, street parties and exciting activities of the different participating and sponsoring organizations of the City took place during the festival.

Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca said that Christmas is for the children.

He wished that everyone will be joyful and share God’s love this Christmas.

Mayor Palanca has initiated this first Kalamayan and Christmas Festival for the enjoyment of Victoriahanons and to make Victorias known as a Christmas and tourism destination.

Stakeholders’ Forum Held

More than a hundred stakeholders attended a forum on the administration’s thrusts and programs “sa Pag-asenso sang Victoriahanon” at Keniavel’s Restaurant last Dec. 9 presented by Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca.
    This was attended by fishing boat owners, fish corral operators, crew members/boat captains, members of fisherfolk associations, and coastal barangay officials.
    After his message, the Mayor distributed 15 units of marine engines worth P 75,000 to three fisherfolk associations, namely: Litib-litib Fishermen Association, Small Fishermen Association of Brgy. IX, and Brgy. VI-A Mangrove Fishermen Association. 
    The marine engines from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were facilitated by Eduardo Fuentebella afterwhich a presentation of programs related to fishery development took place.
    The agencies present during the forum were Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
    Local offices present at the forum were Permits and Licenses’, Treasurer’s, and Vice Mayor’s.
    The forum was conducted with the objectives: Informing and capacitating the fisheries stakeholders of their duties and obligations;  Initiate cooperation, instill understanding on coastal resource utilization and exploitation for a harmonious implementation of fishery laws; Effectively and efficiently implement City Fisheries Ordinances; and,  Eventually increase collections and revenues of the City Government.
            After all agencies have presented their program updates, issues and concerns were raised and clarified. 
    Stakeholders present were very thankful to the City Officials for conducting such forum because they were informed of their rights as well as obligations to the government.  By Samson Garzon, Jr., Victorias City Agriculturist

Coast Guard District Western Visayas Holds Basic K9 Handler’s Course Class Convening Ceremony In Victorias

The Coast Guard District Western Visayas in cooperation with the City Government of Victorias had a convening ceremony on Basic K9 and K9 Handler’s Course Class 01-14 at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center last Dec. 1.
    Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca was very thankful for everyone’s support and encouraged those involved to give their full cooperation in realizing this endeavor.
    This is the first training is the first that the Coast Guard conducted with other agencies and is aimed at activating Victorias canine detection in its readiness to respond to threats in peace and security.
    Deputy Commander CGDWV Capt. Luz Escarilla PCG emphasized the importance of the training in the great challenge of increasing crime rates and threats on terrorism.
     “Canine course enhances capabilities, prepares and equips to fight all of these threats. We can all work hand in hand to accomplish our mission, maintain peace and order and ensure public safety”, Escarilla said.
    During the ceremony, CGDWV COMMO Athelo Ybañez PCG gave the welcome remarks while DCS for HRM, CGDWV ENS Dyan Jhonnes Oliveros PCG did the reading of orders.
    A presentation of Basic K9 and K9 Handler’s Course Class 01-14 was done by Course Director LTJG Janus Robinson Sabas PCG and it was followed by the declaration of convening of course by CGDWV COMMO Athelo Ybañez PCG.

Ordinances Passed And Approved By The Sangguniang Panlungsod 2013-2014

    The Victorias City Sangguniang Panlungsod, headed by Vice Mayor Jerry Jover, as its presiding officer, continues to give their best in its efforts to provide Victoriahanons in aid of legislation, the services they truly deserve. Major ordinances from 2013 to 2014 were passed, some of which were amended during its regular session.

Among them:
City Ordinance No. 05-2013
An Ordinance Creating A Barangay Base Provider Of Veterinary Services (Provets) In Victorias City
(Enacted September 4, 2013)

City Ordinance No. 07-2013
An Ordinance Providing For The Prevention, Control And Eradication Of Rabies, Appropriating Funds Therefore, And For Other Purposes
(Enacted December 26, 2013)

City Ordinance No. 08-2013
An Ordinance Enacting The Victorias City Environment Code And For Other Purposes And Providing Funds Thereof (Enacted December 26, 2013)

Ordinance No. 01-2014
An Ordinance Institutionalizing, Promoting And Developing Organic Agriculture In The City, Providing Funds Therefore, And Making Victorias City An Organic City Of Northern Negros
(Enacted February 5, 2014)

City Ordinance No. 02-2014
An Ordinance Enacting The Victorias City Investment And Incentive Code
(Enacted February 5, 2014)


City Ordinance No. 07-2014
An Ordinance Institutionalizing The Victorias City Scholarship Program (VCSP)
(Enacted May 14, 2014)

City Ordinance No. 08-2014
An Ordinance Providing For The Sustainable Management, Conservation And Development Of Coastal And Fisheries Resources Of The City Of Victorias, Province Of Negros Occidental And Proving Funds Thereof

City Ordinance No. 09-2014
An Ordinance Declaring October 17th Of Every Year As Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña Day In The City Of Victorias

Women and Children Welfare and Development Code To Pass In Victorias City

Committee representatives on women, children and family from 26 barangays and different concerned women’s group in Victorias City, Negros Occidental had attended a 2-day “Conference-Workshop on Women and Children’s Welfare and Development” at the Nature’s Village Resort and Restaurant, Talisay City last Nov. 27-28. 
    The activity was in line with the Provincial Celebration of the International Day on Violence Against Women and the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day on November 25 and 29 respectively.
    The Office of Councilor Godiven “Chiz” De Dios, Gender and Development (GAD) Council and Committee Chair on Women, Children and Family, spearheaded the conference-workshop with the aim to pass an ordinance creating a “Women and Children Welfare and Development Code” for Victorias City.   
    Topics on gender and development and different laws protecting women and children were discussed such as: R.A. 9262 – “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004”; R.A. 7610 – “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act”; R.A. 9344 – “Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006”; R.A. 8353 – “Anti-Rape Law of 1997”; and, R.A. 9208 – “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003”. 
    “The increasing no. of cases on women and child abuse has called our attention to plan and readily push for the creation of a code to prevent, protect and support the women and children-in-need in the city.”, SPM De Dios said.
    Cong. Alfredo ”Albee” Benitez of the 3rd District and Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca also supported the 2-day activities, the press release said. By: Office of Councilor Godiven Chiz De Dios

CPSU: A Covenant Facility for Quality Education and Training ‘It’s the City Government’s vision to be the Seat of Education’

        It started purely as a vision. Yes, a vision that the city government of Victorias ever wanted to achieve, which is to combat poverty. Being true to this vision, the plight of truly achieving poverty alleviation has become the major thrust of the city government. And as a living proof, the city government never failed. Indeed, for a decade now, the city government can tell the whole world of the fruits of its labor – the city together with its people will be witnessing the marching of the first batch of graduating class, in March, where most are city-paid scholars, who will be conferred with baccalaureate degrees.
       

       Sometime in 2005, through Dr. Evangeline Alo, City Planning Officer, when a study was conducted in lieu of the city government’s call for poverty alleviation thus it brought the conceptualization of establishing a collegiate school in the city which gave birth to the P40-million building of the Central Philippines State University, where at present, the city is supporting 165 scholars.
      

       With this, the city government prides itself as it gears towards the fulfillment of its vision to be the Center of Academic Excellence. “It’s a vision that we’ve always wanted to be– for the city to be the Seat of Education” thus, said Dr. Alo during a Blessing and Inauguration of school building and facilities at CPSU, last Nov. 27, 2014, attended by other school administrators in Negros Occidental.  Alo, who represented Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca who was in Iloilo to receive the National Sandugo Award for the city’s cause in bloodletting and donation, stressed that the city having established CPSU was built as a “covenant facility for quality education and training”. 
      

      Tapping human resource matched with proper and formal education will ensure the achievement of quality of life, Alo said, stressing that capacitating every citizen will impact the standard of living in the community and for national development.  

       Dr. Freddie Maningo, university president, on the other hand said that the city’s partnership with the school is more than just a blessing. He lauded the city government’s initiative of establishing a school as truly beneficial to its local residents. “The (CPSU) is a product of hard labor, dedication, commitment, and strong belief that every Victoriahanon deserves and must be proud of – a legacy that former Mayor Severo Palanca, who gave birth to the institution, has placed Victorias City to the whole world.”       

      Earlier in October this year, Okinawa government officials in Japan have signified their intent for a consortium with the City Government to tap CPSU for a teacher-student exchange program. CPSU is the city’s beneficiary of a yearly financial assistance through subsidy.

Presently, the school has inaugurated its crime laboratory, IT facilities, canteen, and function hall with a P7-million budget.  –   By George M. De La Cruz, Program Coordinator/Publication Advisor, Central Philippines State University

National SANDUGO Awardees 2014

The City continues its commitment in providing safe, quality and accessible blood to the country and has gained recognition during this year’s 16th National Sandugo Awards for Outstanding Local Government Executives held at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City last Nov. 26.

Sandugo Awardees
Hon. Francis Frederick P. Palanca
City Mayor
1st Time Awardee

Ronilo M. Sarito
Brgy. XIII Punong Barangay
10th Time Awardee

Nelly A. Acuña
Brgy. V Punong Barangay
6th Time Awardee

Alexander L. Palanca
Brgy. III Punong Barangay
4th Time Awardee

Cassidy S. Buatag
Brgy. VII  Punong Barangay
4th Time Awardee

Rex M. Velasco
Brgy. I Punong Barangay
3rd Time Awardee

Juvy A. Pepello
Brgy. IX Punong Barangay
3rd Time Awardee

Hermigilda M. De la Cruz
Brgy. VI Punong Barangay
3rd Time Awardee

Rogieto R. Aboyo
Brgy. XVIII-A Punong Barangay
3rd Time Awardee

Enrique L. Estribo
Brgy. XIX-A Punong Barangay
3rd Time Awardee

Jose D. Dignadice
Brgy VI-A Punong Barangay
2nd Time Awardee

Rogelio G. Barnuevo
Brgy. XI Punong Barangay
2nd Time Awardee

 Max E. Bensing
Brgy. XIV Punong Barangay
2nd Time Awardee

Carlito H. Gulmatico
Brgy. XIX Punong Barangay
2nd Time Awardee

Rogelio G. Lapating Jr.
Brgy. XVI Punong Barangay
2nd Time Awardee

Eric R. Alcobilla
Brgy. XIII Punong Barangay
1st Time Awardee

Victorias City Acquires Vermi-Composting Facility

 Vermi-Composting Facility (VCF) from the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) last December. 
    The project is part of DA’s program to enhance organic agriculture development throughout the country.
          Included in the vermi-composting project are the shredder machine worth P350, 000 and 35 kilos vermi-worm.
    Victorias City is the counterpart for the project includes the shed house, vermi-beds, composting materials, and maintenance.          
          This VCF project was aimed at producing vermicast and vermi-worms for distribution to farmers who will engage in organic farming. 
    The use of good quality organic fertilizer is one factor which could help increase production and improve quality of organic produce. 
    There is very well-substantiated evidence that vermicast or vermicompost can promote the growth of plants significantly (PCARRD, 2007). 
    For instance, Fosgate and Babb (1972) grew earthworms in cattle wastes and reported that the vermicomposts produce were equal to greenhouse potting mixes for production of flowering plants.  
    Likewise, Reddy (1988) reported increased growth of Vinca Rosea and Oryza Sativa after addition of cast material to soil.
          Victorias City farmers for the upcoming years would be assured of sustainable supply of a natural-organic fertilizer in the form of vermicast. 
    The project was established at the Victorias City Agricultural Complex and is in line with the Agri-Eco Tourism (AET) Program thrust of Victorias City. By Samson Garzon, Jr., Victorias City Agriculturist

Victorias City Joins Organic Farmers’ Festival

        Themed: “One Negros, One Green Economy”, the weeklong celebration was anchored on the MOA signed in 2005 by the two former governors of Oriental and Occidental Negros, George Arnaiz and Joseph Marañon, to make Negros Island as the Organic Food Bowl of Asia (Sarian, 2011). 
        Since then, the Organic Farmers’ Festival is annually being celebrated and now on its 9th year.
         The affair was also in line with Republic Act 10068 or the “Organic Agriculture Act of 2010” which intends to enhance development and promotion of organic agriculture in the country (Sunstar, 2010). 
    It was also intended to help the agriculture sector realize the need to shift to organic agriculture as an alternative method of farming which promotes production of safe food while protecting the environment. 
          Through the leadership and generous support of the Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, that was the first time the City has provided a booth for Victoriahanons to display and sell their organic products.
          Several buyers from all over the Negros Island and tourists (both local and foreign) were able to purchase Victorias’ organic products. 
           This occasion has also placed the City on the limelight as Gerry Barreto, a farmer from Barangay XIV, was declared as the champion in the organic quiz bee competition of the Province.  
          Victorias’ farmers, fisher folks, women, and youth (who sold their products at the booth) as well as the staff of the City Agriculture Office were very much thankful to the city officials for the support extended to them during the festival. 
Victorias City participated in various activities during the 9th Organic Farmers’ Festival which was held at the capitol grounds of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental last Nov. 18 – 23. By Samson Garzon, Jr., Victorias City Agriculturist