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

Victoriahanon Young National Achiever Rench Isaac Soriano Brings Pride To City

Victoriahanon’s pride Rench Isaac Carumba Soriano again proved that Victoriahanons excel in the field of performing arts with his national achievement at a very young age.
    Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, Vice Mayor Jerry Jover, City councilors, employees and Victoriahanons acknowledged his exceptional talent during the regular flag ceremony at the Victorias City Public Plaza last Nov. 3.
    Soriano is a 13 year old Dance Pull School of Performing Arts Student and ballet dancer who won 1st place and the Benjie Toledo Award (a special adjudicators choice award given to a male candidate whom the adjudicators wish to recognize and encourage for his extra ordinary dance potential) in the Junior Contemporary - Solo Category and 2nd place in the Senior Classical - Solo Category during the Philippine Dance Cup 2014 in School of Design and Arts Theatre,  DLSU-CSB and Meralco Theatre last Oct. 18.
    He is the son Rene and Ma. Chita Carumba Soriano from Canetown Subd.
   
    “Amon”, as he is fondly called, had also been a distinction student for three consecutive years in 2011 -2013 during his Primary, Preparatory Level 1 and Level 1 at the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet Evaluation examined by Christine Walsh AM and Valmai Roberts ACBF.
    He was also a finalist of the Asian Grand Prix Classical Ballet Competition Junior A Division, at Chai Wan, Hong Kong last Aug. 13-18, 2013 and a scholar of the Philippine School for the Arts at Mt. Makiling in Laguna.
   
    Truly, he is another pride of Victoriahanons.

Victorias Hosts Diamond Jubilee Jamborette (Diamond Memoirs, The Official Publication of 75 Years Council Diamond Jubilee Jamborette)

It was a great honor for the City Government of Victorias to have hosted  this year’s Council Diamond Jubilee Jamborette with the theme, “75 Years Onward: Scouting Lives On!” last from Oct. 25-30.
    There were about 4,965 scouters from all over the province who registered and joined the Jamborette at the Victorias Gawahon Ecological Park, the perfect ground chosen for this year’s scouting event.
     Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca as the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Negros Occidental Council (BSP-NOC) Chairman gave his full support and was very proud that the City hosted the activity which not only showcased Gawahon’s biodiversity but also enabled the scouters to learn and strengthen many values towards becoming good citizens of the community.
    The City and Barangay Officials with the cooperation of the Department of Education and the different stakeholders involved, the event became a huge success.
    Prior to the event, the City made ample preparations to ensure the safety and convenience of the campers and the visitors such as the road concreting from Tison to Gawahon Eco-Park, installation of electricity and water systems and provision of improvised comfort rooms at the campsite.
    The Department of Education Victorias took charge of the various camp activities with their committee comprised of school administrators and teachers.
    Undoubtedly the Jamborette brought out the best in all scouters in all aspects, for the love of God, country and people who are in great need.

Victorias City’s Japanese Project Partners Conduct Baseline Survey

 
    Japanese partners from Lequiowings were Stakeholder Analysis Team Leader Tadashi Ishikawa and Translator from the Management of Lequiowings Carlos Yabiku.
    Representatives of Nanjo City were City Planning Department and Policy Coordinaton Section Head Tsutomu Tamashiro who did the survey on the AET Policy Development and Coordination; Industrial Construction Department, Industrial Development Section Head Hiroaki Yaga; Industrial Construction Department, Tourist Promotion Section Head Tetsuo Chinen for the Agriculture Policy and Organization Survey and City Planning Department, P olicy Coordination Section, Assistant Manager Shunji Iha for the Tourism Survey.
    The team visited the different sites and studied the various areas of the City concerning tourism and agriculture, conducted surveys, interviewed key persons and had several dialogues with stakeholders on the proposed projects.
    The survey team appreciated the warm welcome and the cooperation of the City Government, tourism and agriculture stakeholders and Victoriahanons.
    A meeting and briefing with the stakeholders was done and the group looks forward to help in developing mainly, the Agri-Business and Agri-Eco-Tourism aspects of the City through the strong partnership of both parties.
After signing the agreement on Victorias City Agri-Business/Agri-Eco-Tourism Enhancement Project Based on Nanjo City Model (Okinawa, Japan) last Sept. 11, a team from Japan conducted a baseline survey last Oct.17 – 21.

Victorias Celebrates 1st Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña’s Day

Victorias City celebrated the very 1st Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña’s Day and unveiled his monument in honor of the ma

n’s noble gesture for Victorias.
The activity attended by City officials,  Acuña clan, Don Quiña’s descendants and special guests took place at the Victorias City Public Plaza last Oct. 17.

Vice Mayor Jerry Jover in his opening remarks, acknowledged the attendees and Don Quiña’s family and he admired the legendary man’s great deed of donating the land where the City’s seat of government stands.

Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca thanked everyone who graced the activity of Don Quiña, a man who truly made a difference in the lives of Victoriahanons.

He reminded the new generation that they too are capable of making a difference with their big and small efforts as inspired by Don Quiña.

 “I would like the new generation to learn that you can do something that will affect positively the next generations”, said Mayor Palanca.

Descendant of Don Quiña, Dr. Ernesto Palanca also gave his inspirational message in appreciation of their ancestor and the Victoriahanons who made Victorias, what it is now.

The Victorias National High School Symphony Chorale performed Hiligaynon songs while the VNHS Drama Guild, the life and legacy of Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña.

In the same occasion, City had several ceremonial turn overs of goods to typhoon Yolanda victims, giving of nebulizing machines to 21 barangays and agricultural goods to farmers and fisher folks, in the spirit of sharing and good will.

The lowering of the time capsule which contained souvenirs, memorabilia and data of the City was done before the unveiling of the monument by the City officials and descendants of Don Quiña.

The artist of the monument is Dominador Tanaleon Jr.

A fireworks display and dinner followed after the event.

Victorias City Hosts Road Mapping Workshop On Organic Agriculture

          The City of Victorias hosted the Road Mapping Workshop on Organic Agriculture at Weng Weng’s Lawn & Restaurant last Sept. 30 – Oct. 1. 

          Participants were focal persons on Organic Agriculture together with the LGU Agriculture Office Heads, and organic farmers of the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd districts of Negros Occidental.

          The participants from various LGUs were given a warm welcome by Mayor Francis  Frederick Palanca and Vice Mayor Jerry Jover.  

          The facilitators were also thankful to the city officials who graced the occasion with their presence, namely: Hon. Abelardo Bantug III (SP Chairman, Committee on Agriculture), Hon. Ronilo Sarito, Hon. Teodoro Panisales, and Hon. Sulpicio Montinola, Jr.

          The planning-workshop was conducted in order for LGUs to come up with their customized Organic Agriculture Road Map.

          It was facilitated by focal person on Organic Agriculture from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Armigenia Benedicto. 

         The activity was very timely for the City as technical working group of Lequiowings (a Non Government Organization) partner of Nanjo City, Okinawa Japan is slated to arrive to start the baseline survey for the Agri-Business, Agri Eco-Tourism. By Samson Garzon, Jr., Victorias City Agriculturist

Victorias Joins In Tourism Month Celebration

               The City of Victorias, through its Tourism Office took part in this year’s global celebration of the Tourism Month with the theme: “Tourism and Community Development”.

                The month-long celebration did not only aim to attract tourists all over the Philippines but to promote the involvement of the community in the growth of tourism in Victorias City.

                The event kicked-off with a motorcade last Sept. 8, headed by Councilor Dexter Senido which was joined by barangay representatives, NGOs, tricycle drivers’ association, tourism establishments, and other private sectors among others.

                The Tourism Office has organized a set of events such as Quiz Bee and Tour Guiding Competition on Sept. 9, both elementary and high school categories.

                For the Elementary Tourism Quiz Bee, Princess Fuentes of Victorias Elementary School bagged the first place; Denzel Deous Gutierrez  of Don Bosco Technical Institute and Meagan Adrinne Villaruz of Most Holy Trinity School were second and third place, respectively.

                In the high school category, first place went to Emilio Buro of Jack & Jill School/Castleson High – Victorias, second place – Ken Dominic Alberione Ledesma of Vitorias National High School and third place to Ron Dee Erasmo of Don Bosco Technical Institute.

                Meanwhile, the High School Tour Guiding Competition was won by Kerr John Porras of Negros Occidental National Science High School; Joshua Mari Alarcon of Don Bosco Technical Institute taking the second place and Wilfredo Ambo, Jr. of Don Felix Montinola Memorial College, third place.

                The City of Victorias also invited representatives from Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias to participate in college category.

                Its representatives were Jerene Felizario for Tourism Quiz Bee and Lenlin Franciliso for Tour Guiding Competition.

                The winners represented the City of Victorias in the Provincial Finals of the said competition last Sept. 16-18.

                After the competitive battle of wits and appeal, the tourism month continued to strike off attention with its organic fair and bridal exhibit last Sept. 24-26.

                The organic market spearheaded by the Tourism Office in cooperation with Agriculture Office was held at the Fountain Area of the Victorias City Public Plaza.

                The event lured buyers to buy fresh vegetables and other organic products.

                The event was participated by Marjhun’s Restaurant, La Peral, Palomares Bridal Shop and Jessie Sumaria’s Wedding Film.

                Along with this event was the bridal exhibit held at the second floor of the City Hall Lobby which attracted single at hearts and couples with their dazzling table setting, beautiful gowns and romantic prenup videos.

                With all the activities planned by the Tourism Office, the City hopes to develop a more dynamic and community-centered tourism. By Tobi Marie Delgado, Tourism Office

Victorias City Parole and Probation Office Continues To Thrive This Third Quarter

 July 2 marked the day when a full pledge Chief Probation and Parole Officer (CPPO) Marie Grace C. Malata was installed at 

Victorias City Parole and Probation Office (VCPPO) in view of the officers’ clustering. The latter was designated as CPPO of Negros Occidental Parole and Probation Coordinating Center (NOPPCCEN) Cluster 5 (Silay City PPO and Victorias City PPO) and is responsible for both officer’s operation and exercise supervision over the personnel and staff. Following her installation was a courtesy call with Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, Vice Mayor Jerry Jover, Sangguniang Panlungsod members and department heads. With her dynamic and positive disposition, the office can carry out its mission and vision and goals in the rehabilitation of offenders.

On July 16 CPPO Malata and AAIV Pedregosa attended the State of the City Address (SOCA) of Mayor Palanca at Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña Arts and Cultural Center. The Mayor presented the undertakings of the City Government of Victorias and its constituents including the ASENSO Program of his administration which will bring progress to the City.

 The Parole and Probation Administration, nationwide, celebrated its 38^th PPA-DOJ Anniversary of the signing of Presidential Decree 968, otherwise known as the Adult Probation Law. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Community-Based Correction Empowers Community Collaboration in Redeeming Lives and Restoring Relationship”. DOJ-PPA Region VI personnel attend a three-day activity last July 16-18 at Campuestohan Highland Resort, Barangay Cabatangan, Talisay City. Hon. Judge Ray Alan Drilon was the resource speaker of the lecture on RA 9262 and RA 7610 last July 16. The Team Building Event 3 and Lecture on Recognizance Act with Hon. Administrator Manuel Co of PPA-DOJ  was done at Mambukal Mountain Resort, Barangay Minoyan, Murcia last July 17-18. In line with the celebration, the office conducted a coastal clean-up with its clientele and volunteers at Barangay VI-A last July 24. On behalf of the Mayor, Executive Assistant Dino Acuña gave an inspirational message.

 SPO3 Minardo Ellaga of Victorias City PNP gave a talk on Crime Prevention and Control in connection with the celebration of the Crime Prevention Month last Sept. 3. The clientele was saode to be apprised of the gravity of the commission of a crime and its consequences and as well as impart to them the measures for its prevention and control and encourage them to be law-abiding and productive citizens of the community. Furthermore, a lecture on Responsible Parenthood was held last Sept. 24 at the lobby of the Sports and Cultural Center with Joy Reunir of the City Social Welfare and Development Office as resource speaker.

As partners in the supervision and rehabilitation of clients, the Victorias City Parole and Probation Office and Manapla-Victorias-Saravia (MAVISA) VPA Association spearheaded the 3^rd Quarter Cluster Assembly and Physical Wellness Activity last Sept. 26 of the Victorias-Silay-Talisay (VISITA) Cluster Volunteer Probation Aide (VPA) Association held at the Victorias City Coliseum attended by 70 VPAs from Talisay down to Manapla. During the occasion, six ducks for livelihood project of VISITA Cluster VPA Association were turned-over by VISITA Cluster President Dequit and RD Zamora to Probationer Bryan Librodo of Brgy. III, Victorias City. A feeding program followed.

  In preparation of the VISITA Newsletter, a Seminar on Basic Journalism was given to the participants by Andrei Delgado of DBTI Victorias and Photo Journalism by Jessie Sumaria of the IT Department of Victorias City. The theme of the seminar was, “Aim high…soar high…with healthy mind and body for committed community-based correction worker”. It was followed by a bowling tournament per chapter in the afternoon. The event was graced by Regional Director Charito Zamora and CPPO Grace Tomaro, Special Assistant, PPA-DOJ RVI/CPPO-Bacolod City PPO No. 2 & Talisay City PPO.

 Working in close coordination with the City Government, the office joined the Signing of Agreement between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Nanjo City, Lequiowings and the City of Victorias on the Victorias City Agri Business/Agri-Eco-Tourism Enhancement Project.

 An information dissemination was conducted at Brgy. XI with Barangay Captain Rogelio Barnuevo and his council last Sept. 5.
By Maria Theresa Pedregosa/Victorias City Parole and Probation Office