Gawahon Eco-Park Opens October 28

It’s “All Systems Go” for the official opening and inauguration of Gawahon Eco Tourism Park set on October 28 2007.

It can be recalled that the development of the area started almost a decade ago and during those years, even with just limited funds set aside for its development, Victorias City has made it possible to make Gawahon Eco-Park an emerging tourist destination in the province of Negros Occidental.

The much awaited opening, for several occasions was postponed due to insufficient time for preparations and readiness of amenities/facilities for occupancy was impossible.

The grand opening promises a remarkable event for the city as it welcomes national government officials including Tourism and Environment Secretary Joseph Ace Durano and Jose Lito Atienza respectively. Regional and Provincial Officials together with the Association of Tourism Officers of Negros Occidental (ATONO) and former government officials who were instrumental in institutionalizing this project are also invited to come.

It will be a fun filled day for the constituency of Victorias. Cultural presentation will be held at the park and a free concert from local band will be provided to the people.

In the meantime, the project development office of Gawahon Eco-Park is making the necessary preparations for the opening. Structural facilities such as the Convention Hall, Multi purpose building, overnight cottages and the kidney shaped adult and kiddie pools are nearing its completion. By: Joy P. Famini

COMELEC All Set for Barangay/SK Election

With all the clamors, doubts and debate, the Commission on Election (COMELEC) is all set for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election this coming October 29 2007, according to Mary Ann Davila, Acting COMELEC Officer of Victorias City.

Davila further states that COMELEC has ordered all candidates for barangay and sangguniang kabataan (SK) elections to undergo mandatory drug testing which will be attached to their certificate of candidacy (COC). Candidates are required to secure their drug test certificates at the drug testing centers authorized or accredited by the Department of Health (DOH). Those who fail to comply with requirements will be disqualified to participate in the elections.

Filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) starts September 29 until October 18 and it should be filed during regular office hours, except on the last day, when filing hours will be extended up to midnight.

Campaign period will begin on October 19 to October 27 while Gun ban starts September 29 and will end November 13.

After election, winning candidates are required to file a sworn Statement of Election Contributions and Expenditures which will be submitted at COMELEC office on October 29 to November 28.

Palanca Now VMLP-Negros Chapter Vice President

Victorias City Vice Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca is now vice president of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines(VMLP)-Negros Chapter. The election was made last August 14 at Business Inn Hotel, Bacolod City. It was supervised by DILG Prov’l. Dir. Ma. Joy Maredith Madayag and Jay Dignadice.
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The new set of VMLP-Negros Chapter are: president - Thaddy Sayson of Bacolod City; vice-president – Francis Frederick Palanca of Victorias City; Secretary General-Filomeno Tan, Jr. of Toboso; Treasurer – Cynthia dela Cruz of Don Salvador Benedicto; Auditor-Jimmy Tiaga of Candoni; PRO-Nicholas Yulo of Bago City; and representatives from the 6 districts of the province: Nicolas Camara (Calatrava), Rafael Cueva (Sagay City), Reynaldo Depasucat Jr. (EB Magalona); David Baga Jr. (La Carlota City); Jose Nadie Arceo (Hinigaran) and Delia Anacan (Kabankalan City).

Meanwhile, SP Audie Malaga was also elected as Board Member in the recently concluded election of Councilors League of the Philippines-Negros Chapter.

By: Remia M. Matti

Victoriahanon Joins 42nd Milo Marathon

Miranda with VM Palanca and City Councilors
during her courtesy call after her victory in the
Regional Marathon Championship in Iloilo.

Victoriahon, Miriam Miranda of Barangay VI-A, will finally hit the road on the Milo Marathon 42km National Championship in Manila this November 18 2007, after her victory in the 31st Regional Marathon Championship Women’s Division last September 2 2007 in Iloilo City.

Miranda states that her routine practice prepares her for the challenging race. She runs from Victorias to Cadiz City every Sundays and on weekdays runs for more or less 10 kilometers. The national championship is a tough competition. It is where all of the competitors from different parts of the country train hard to bring home the victory. A strict routine is needed to be able to defeat other challengers, she added.

Aside from Miranda, her brother, Erose, will also be competing and both are coached by their father, Eduardo Miranda, a marathon runner himself.

Winner in the Milo Marathon will receive P75,000 cash.

Vice Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca and the City Council promised to extend financial assistance to the Mirandas after their courtesy call to the council. By: Remia M. Matti

Pawikan Caught in Villa Miranda

A Green Sea Turtle commonly known as “Pawikan” was caught floating on the waters of Villa Miranda by Neptalie Bermudes, a local fisherman in the area, last September 5.

The said sea turtle is male and measures 23.5” in width and with a curve carapace length of 25”. Its scientific name is Chelonia mydas which is a large sea turtle belonging to the family of Cheloniidae (turtles found in all the world’s ocean except the Arctic Ocean) and a common species of sea turtle in the Philippine waters.

Bermudes said that the sea turtle is weak and discovered later that its flippers at the rear have injuries. He brought it ashore and reported the incident to the Local Government.

Eduard Fuentebella of City Agriculture’s Office and Zosemo Cadena, DENR Chief of Wildlife, tagged the chelonia mydas as turtle P-21376 and advise Bermudes to take care of it until its flippers heal and strong enough to be release back to the sea.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and City Agriculture’s Office informed the people that it is important to save the endangered marine wildlife from extinction. They advise to report any sightings to Pawikan Conservation Project-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PCP-PAWB) or to any nearest local DENR Office.

DENR reiterates some important reminders:

· That hunting, killing, wounding, collecting, gathering utilizing, possessing, transporting, exporting and/or disposing of marine turtles, turtle eggs, dugong, their meat or any of their by-products is punishable by law pursuant to R.A. 9147.

· Use of dynamite or cyanide for fishing is strictly prohibited pursuant to R.A. 8550

· Do not throw garbage in rivers and sea

· Do not remove tags (local or foreign) attached to turtles. Copy serial no., species, when and where turtle was encountered and end these informations to PCP-PAWB or nearest DENR Office. By: Remia M. Matti

ICHC Celebrates 16th Foundation Day

The Immaculate Conception Health Center (ICHC) opens its 16th foundation day on August 15 with a thanksgiving mass and followed by feeding program to 500 children in neighboring barangays and schools (VES, AAYMES and Holy trinity). Children are given milk and nutritious meal. ICHC often conducts feeding program to reduce the malnourish children in the community.

Sixteen years ago on August 15, ICHC was opened to the public by its founder, Victorias Kaayong Lawas Foundation, Inc. in response to the call of the poor for proper and professional health care.

It was at first a 17-bed primary hospital that was built on a 2,500 square meter lot donated by the Abelardo Bantug Foundation, Inc. at Bandung Village Victorias City. It was designed by Marilen S. Bantug and the late Architect Leon Lasalita.

Even in its pioneering days of operation, ICHC served and average of 800 to 900 patients per month, an indicator of how dire the need for the community hospital was in Victorias. The ICHC provided Integrated Medical Services Program comprising the following service components: IN-PATIENT SERVICES, an in house service catering to the needs of patients admitted for treatment, and EMERGENCY SERVICES that provide first aid treatment and medical attention to emergency cases calling for immediate medical and surgical assistance. In cooperation with the City of Victorias, ambulance service is made available when called for. At the community level, MOBILE HEALTH CLINIC which delivers basic health services to residents in remote sugarcane plantations and barangays is also undertaken, specially on the World Day of the Sick, every February 11, the Foundation Day of the Hospital on August 15, and on December 8 which celebrates the Hospital Day. Another important component of ICHC medical service is REFERRALS of high risk and special cases that the medical staffs identify to be beyond their capacity to care for, and hence, referred for admission to private or government hospital in Silay and Bacolod City.

Funds for ICHC is drawn from a diversity of sources: donations, personal contributions of concerned citizens and proceeds from fund-raising campaigns. Strong linkage with the provincial government and the City of Victorias yields a regular contribution of P10,000 a month, or an equivalent of P120,000 a year to augment the hospital fund to cover the cost of services extended to welfare clients who are admitted, and given treatment but cannot afford to pay. Other funding sources come from VIMACA Kabulig Foundation, Inc., Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, Abelardo Bantug Foundation, Inc., Alrac Incorporated, A.B. Leisure Corporation, BAPA Holdings & Development corporation, United Nations Women’s Guild of Vienna and Philippine Association of the Sovereign Military Order of MALTA who provides assistance for medicines, hospital supplies and equipments.

While day to day operations of Immaculate Conception Health Center is managed by trained medical personnel, the officers of Victorias Kaayong Lawas Foundation, Inc.(VKLFI), founder of ICHC, assumes full responsibility on the overall program implementation. The officers of VKLFI see to it that the hospital program runs according to their defined mission, and goals are realized within their set time frame. The employees of ICHC on the other hand, directly supervise the hospital program, and are responsible in ensuring the quality of health care and other medical services.

To this day, Immaculate Conception Health Center (ICHC) continues to live the principle: “Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me.” (Matthew 25:40) and continues to extend professional health services to the poorest of the poor not only in Victorias but also in the neighboring cities and municipalities.(some texts are taken from Health Care For The Poor: History of Victorias Kaayong Lawas Foundation, Inc.)

Victorias celebrates 107th Philippine Civil Service

The City Government of Victorias spear-headed by the City Human Resource Management Office celebrates 107th Philippine Civil Service anniversary for the whole month of September 2007 with this year’s theme: “Itaguyod ang Kasarinlan ng Career Service”.

This year’s celebration aims to uplift the identity and stature of the career service as distinct institution. It kicked off with a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony on September 3, 2007 with SPMs Audie R. Malaga and Sulpicio B. Montinola, Jr. leading the prayer and the Panunumpa sa Katungkulan respectively. Vice Mayor Francis Frederick P. Palanca delivered an inspirational message and Ms. Faith B. Bacucang, head of city HRMO, read the chairman’s message .

Chairman Karina Constantino David had stressed that the career service is the bureaucracy’s gold mine, the source of institutional memory and professional expertise that pushes development efforts amidst changes in political leadership. As such, it deserves to be accorded esteem and attention as an institutional partner in governance. She encourages every civil servant to be better than what they are now and give more than what they have given in the past as well as to dedicate the next hundred years to the building of a legacy of leadership and public trust, and the career service, a testament of a professional bureaucracy.

Various activities were lined-up for the month-long celebration with a series of ball games- Basketball, Volleyball and badminton. There was a “Seminar on Public Service Ethnics and Accountability” on September 10-13 2007 (4 batches) which was participated by 200 city employees to strengthen their ethical values as civil servants.

Ms. Faith B. Bacucang and Ms. Mary Ann F. Valdevieso of the City Human Resource Management Office also attended the “Forum on the Challenges in Public Governance” and “Awarding Ceremonies for the Semi-Finalists of the Honor Awards Program” in Iloilo City on September 14 2007 with CSC Chair David as keynote speaker.

There was also a “Day with a barangay” which is a feeding program for the kids in four (4) depressed barangays (Barangay III, VI, VI-A & XIX) as identified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office on September 21,25,and 28 2007.

On September 25, 2007, the city had its first ever “Quiz Bee” competition among its city employees which was participated by the four teams (Blue, Yellow, Green, Red). Each team is composed of more or less than 100 city employees to compete for various sports activities/contests.

The “quiz Bee” competition is a friendly competition designed for city employees with the Red Team emerging as the Champion after five (5) tie-breaking questions with the Blue Team.

The culmination activity was the Musicale Contest on September 28 2007 wherein the teams competed for four categories – the Modern Dance, Vocal Duet and doble kara.

“Though this year’s activities are simple compared to past year’s celebration, it has more impact to the mental and physical well-being of our city employees and focused more on professionalizing them by providing inputs and promoting motivation to become effective partners in governance of the City of Victorias” Ms. Bacucang stressed. By: Ana Liza B. Gonzales

FSCAP’s New Set of Officers Inducted

Mayor Severo A. Palanca inducts the new set of officers of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines Victorias Chapter on July 18 2007 at the City Mayor’s Office.

The new set of officers are: Ret. Col. Jose Agpangan (President), Alfonso Ortillo (Vice President), Leonardo Quijano (2nd Vice President), Federico Nonato (Treasurer), Leandro Jamino (Secretary), Teofilo Lamason (Chariman-Traffic Aide), Pedro Padilla (Auditor), Agapito Dollentes (PIO). The Board Members are: Selvino Sta. Ana, Felixberto Biantan, Domingo de Asis, Andres Buenacosa, Nenita Santillan, Ramon Magalonga, Jose Henovia and Ronilo Japitana.

FSCAP-Victorias Chapter is one of the most active organization in the city and its taking good care of its members. According to Ret. Col. Agpangan, the association prioritize the upliftment of the morale and welfare of the elders in Victorias.

Health of members tops in the priority programs of FSCAP. A monthly check-up is prearranged at the pavilion to monitor their physical conditions. They are also enjoined to participate in the “HATAW”, an exercise activity, to keep them fit and healthy. Medical support is extended to sick members. Aside from these, the association gives death aid and spiritual support to its members in time of loss.

FSCAP members who are working as traffic and market aids are also given financial assistance through the help of the City Government of Victorias.

FSCAP encourages social gathering of its members to strengthen the association ties, in fact they have several activities scheduled such as the “Linggo ng Katandaan” this October and the yearly December activity where they have Christmas luncheon and distributes gifts to all its members.

Agpangan said that FSCAP will always be an active organization in the city and will continue to support its members.
By: Remia M. Matti

CPOC Conducts Tanod Skills Training

The City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) of Victorias City, in its aim to augment the regular police force in solving petty crimes and gangsterism among the studentry; has conducted a Barangay Tanod Skills Enhancement Training last September 17,19,21,24 and 26 2007 at the Victorias Livelihood and Training Center.

Topics ranging from Tanods’ Duties and Functions, Atttributes, Relationship with the Barangay Council, etc. were handled by DILG Officer Edgar R. Magbanua while practical exercises on arrest, handcuffing, intelligence work, etc. were handled by the Philippine National Police headed by P/SUPT Boston.

This training activity was made possible through the leadership of City Mayor Severo A. Palanca, the chairman of the CPOC , Vice Mayor Francis Frederick P. Palanca, its Vice-Chairman and SPM Sulpicio B. Montinola, Jr., Chairman of the Sangguniang’s Peace and Order Committee.

140 barangay tanods graduated from the course, participated in by their respective Punong Barangays.

By: Edgar Regalado Mgbanua (DILG)

NOSHS Tops USLS Dean's List For The 3rd Time

For three consecutive years, the Negros Occidental Science High School (NOSHS) topped the University of St. La Salle Dean’s List among the feeder schools in the Province of Negros Occidental both public and private. NOSHS was awarded as the Best Performing School by USLS last Augut 16, 2007.

NOSHS got 26% of its graduates in the Dean’s list for school year 2006-2007;followed by St. Scholastica’s Academy with 22.2%; UNO-R with 20.9%; St. Theresita’s Academy with 18.% and St. John Institute with 18.2%.

Other awardees (6th to the 10th spots) are Taytung High School, St. Joseph-La Salle, USLS-IS, LCC Main, NOHS and Ramon Torres National High School of Bago City .

“Being number one for 3 consecutive years is a proof that NOSHS maintained its high standards set the school for its students” Mr. Blanco stressed. Blanco, NOSHS OIC Principal, accepted the award for the 3rd time.(NOSHS)

NOSHS Bags 3rd in the 1st Prov'l Math & Science Quiz Bee

Kevin Paul Lagtapon and Victoria Alexandra Mendoza, senior students of Negros Occidental Science High School (NOSHS) won third place in the 1st Provincial Math and Science Quiz Bee hosted by the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) last September 5, 2007 held at UNO-R, Bacolod City. They received a trophy and Php 1,000 cash.

NOSHS and University of St. La Salle-Integrated School (USLS-IS) tied in the second place and a tie breaker question was asked. USLS-IS got the second and NOSHS bagged the 3rd place after the tie breaker round.

“I almost fainted during the tie-breaker round but even though they got the 3rd place I am still very proud of them for I know they had given their best” Mr. Belleza, adviser and coach, said.

Mr. Oscar Blanco, NOSHS OIC Principal, congratulates the contestants for giving honor to the school. Blanco stressed that even with such a short notice, both students managed to get 3rd place.(NOSHS)

AGI/ORSITE TEAM INSPECTION CONDUCTED IN VICTORIAS

The Annual General Inspection/Operation Readiness Security Inspection Test and Evaluation (AGI/ORSITE) Team conducted inspection at the Victorias PNP recently.

The team assessed the morale of every personnel, proper wearing of uniforms, records, firepower, mobility and cleanliness of the station.

They also inspected law enforcement functions such as hostage taking, arresting technique, handcuffing technique, check points, scene of the crime operation (SOCO), camp defense and fire fighting capabilities were reviewed with corresponding points in every scenario.

The AGI/ORSITE Inspection Team was composed of P/Supt Fe Raga of DIDM, Camp Crame, Quezon City, P/Cinsp Rhodora Niones of IAS, Camp Crame, Quezon City and P/Supt Violeta M. Noblezada, C, PCR NOPPO, Bacolod City.

The team is in the province to conduct a 4 day inspection of all police stations, PMGs and RMGs province-wide. This nationwide activity of the PNP higher command is done annually to assess the capability of all police stations, PMGs and RMGs in the conduct of law enforcement and internal security operations.(PNP-Victorias)

2007 VICTORIAS OPEN CHESS TOURNEY SLATED

The 2007 Victorias Open Chess Tournament will be held October 7 to Oct 28. 2007 at the Senior Citizen’s Pavillion, Victorias City. An orientation and grouping of chess players into Group A & B will be on October 7. Playing dates will be Oct. 13, 14 and 20. The 5-round for the over all top ten finalists will be on Oct. 21,27 and 28.

The tournament was organized by Victorias Chess Club (VCC) in cooperation with the city government headed by Mayor Severo A. Palanca ; the Federation of Senior Citizens of the Phils and the Chess Players Federation of Negros.

Registration fee is pegged at P100 and P50 for 12 under. Deadline of registration is Oct. 6,2007 at 5pm.

Champion will receive the Mayor Severo A. Palanca’s Trophy , P10,000 cash and cell phone from Vice Mayor Wantan Palanca. Grandslam champion without loss and draw will get P10,000 cash from Capt. Juanito de Jesus Baylon, chess clock from T. Panisales Arch’l Designer and Eureka Chess set from Eng’r. Nicolas Asparen.

Second placer will get the Mr. Andy Asparen trophy , P5,000 cash and cell phone from Eng’r and Mrs Abelardo Bugay. Third placer will get the Mr. Jose Justiniano trophy, P2,500 cash from Mr. & Mrs. Jose Almonares and cell phone from Eng’r and Mrs. Honorato Hiavia. Fourth placer will get P1,300 cash and cell phone ; fifth placer P700.00 and cell phone; the 6th to 10th placers will get P400.00 cash and cell phone each. Non-winners will receive P200.00 cash and cell phones each.

Top ten finalists, top rank (senior citizens, ladies, under 16 and under 12), most active and most outstanding chess players will get a souvenir T-shirt and gift pack from Victorias Milling Company and sardines from Victorias Foods Corporation.

For more details, please contact VCC tournament committee officials: Chairman Manuel Agraviador; Vice-chairman Alejandro”Jun” Garcia and chief Arbiter RA Jed Jermina , RA Rodil Estilo and RA Ariel Balandra.(VCC)

BARANGAY XIII IS SANDUGO HALL OF FAME AWARDEE

Barangay XIII headed by Barangay Captain Ronilo M. Sarito was awarded with a plaque of recognition as Sandugo Outstanding Local Government Executive at the National Sandugo Awarding Ceremony held at Clamshell 11, Gen. Luna cor Anda St. Intramuros, Manila on July 31, 2007. A Hall of Fame trophy was also awarded to Barangay Capt. Sarito for receiving the Sandugo Outstanding Local Government Executive Award for three (3) consecutive years, from 2005-2007. The Sandugo Outstanding Local Government Executive Award was awarded to Barangay XIII for its outstanding support, commitment and active involvement in the promotion of voluntary blood donation towards the achievement of the vision of Republic Act 7719, known as the National Blood Services Act of l994.


Last June 12, 2007, the barangay had conducted a Blood Letting Activity at the Barangay Government Center in Gloriville Subdivision where in more than 100% of the volume of blood required was gathered. This result will qualify Barangay XIII to become a nominee for the fourth Sandugo Award next year.

The advocacy for Voluntary Blood Donation was given a great boost in l994 when Republic Act 7719 was passed by Congress and signed by Pres. Fidel V. Ramos. Pursuant to state policy, government both national agencies and private organizations were mobilized to promote voluntary blood donation and collect the lifesaving fluid.

A decade ago, the Department of Health decided to recognize Local Government Executive who gave their full support to the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP). The objective of the National Sandugo Awards is to motivate governors, mayors and barangay captains to spearhead and be personally involved and committed to the National Voluntary Blood Service Program. The initial criteria specified by the NVBSP were:
1. Personal involvement and commitment in the NVBSP.
2. Provision of resources in the promotion of voluntary blood donation.
3. Being instrumental for the high percentage of voluntary blood donation in his jurisdiction.
4. Exemplary administrative actions in support of NVBSP.

A few years later, the Task Force #4 on Local Blood Council of Subcommittee on
Professional Education of the NVBSP was requested to review the achievements of the nominees and recommend the awardees. The task force on Local Blood Council added 2 specific criteria and formulated the requirements for fulfilling the criteria.

In the past years, Mindanao, especially South Eastern Region XI took the lions share of the awards, followed by the Visayan Regions. This may be correlated to the number of active blood program coordinators who have obtained the support of Local Government Executives.

This year’s awarding, Region VI ranks second to Region XI in the most number of awardees, 92 compared to the 130 awards of Southern Mindanao region. Out of these 92 awards, 90 come from Negros Occidental and 2 from Iloilo. This harvest of awards by Negros Occidental is due to the extensive campaign for voluntary blood donations by the provincial government, headed by Gov. Joseph Maranon and the Provincial ,City and Municipal blood coordinators in partnership with the city, municipal and barangay governments.

By: Brgy.Capt. Ronilo Sarito

JUDGE BANZON VISITS VICTORIAS JAIL

Hon Judge Felipe G. Banzon, Executive Judge, RTC Branch 69 together with representatives from the RTC Br 69 and 40 and Public Attorney’s Office stationed at Silay City conducted recently a “one on one” interview and dialogue with detained prisoners of the Victorias City Jail to ensure proper disposition of their cases at RTC Branches 69 and 40.

The half day visit of Judge Banzon and company gave time to the inmates to be clarified and enlightened about their cases pending in the said courts in Silay City.

by:SINSP Benny Fredie Cobarde, JMP

15 STUDENTS AVAIL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

A noble program started in the Victorias City Jail this school year 2007-2008. Fifteen (15) pupils/students, all children of indigent inmates in the city BJMP, are recipients of Php200.00 monthly educational assistance for their school supplies needs.

Funding for the Educational Financial Assistance to Inmates Children comes from the savings and profits of the different livelihood projects of the inmates in the city jail. Some of the city BJMP’s livelihood projects are hollow blocks making, piggery, handicraft using recycled materials and during Christmas season lantern making.

The program was conceptualized and implemented to minimize the occurrence of crimes committed by out of school youths and to help children of indigent inmates pursue their education for them to have a good future and become productive someday.

by: SINSP Benny Fredie Cobarde, JMP

New Nutrition Month Contest Result

ON THE SPOT POSTER MAKING CONTEST
A. High School Category
1st prize – Camille Castro, SMMS
2nd Prize – Ben John Sy, DBTI
3rd Prize – Analyn Rinson, Jack & Jill

B. Elementary Category
1st prize – Ann Rachel Biboso, NOSHS
2nd Prize – Mary Priese Braña, VNHS-Cuaycong Ext.
3rd Prize – Lido Piaña, VNHS-Estado Ext.

GULAYAN CONTEST
A. Barangay Category
1st prize – Barangay 18-A
2nd Prize – Barangay 5
3rd Prize – Barangay 12

B. School Category
1st prize – JL Suarez Elementary School
2nd Prize – Salvacion Elementary School
3rd Prize – Gaston Elementary School

NUTRI BULILIT CONTEST
1st prize – Jazryn Docallos, Brgy 20
2nd Prize – Herriette Shan Panes, Brgy 12
3rd Prize – Alianna Patrice Solatorio, Brgy 19-A

NUTRI JINGLE CONTEST
1st prize – Barangay 11
2nd Prize – Barangay 18-A
3rd Prize – Barangay 13

NUTRI BARANGAY HEALTH WORKER CONTEST
1st prize – Cristina Ariesgado, Brgy. 5
2nd Prize – Jenalyn Flores, Brgy 17-A
3rd Prize – Roselyn Alegre, Brgy. 6

Best in Talent – Melcy Belgera, Brgy 13
Best in Sports Wear & Casual Wear – Cristina Ariesgado, Brgy. 5

BARANGAY LUTUING PINOY CONTEST
1st prize – Barangay 9
2nd Prize – Barangay 17
3rd Prize – Barangay 5

New Parish Priest of Our Lady of Victory Parish Installed

Rev. Fr. Orlando T. Gargar was installed as the new parish priest of the Our lady of Victory Parish, Victorias City in a simple but solemn and meaningful rite by His Excellency Most Reverend Vicente M. Navarra, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of bacolod on August 29, 2007 at 5:30 in the afternoon. Fr. Gargar, who succeeded Rev. Msgr. Danilo N. Paderna, is the 30th Parish Priest assigned in the Parish.

New parish priest from the Vicoriate of Victorias which also includes the parishes of Daan banwa, E.B. magalona, VICMICO and Tanza, together with some members of their respective Parish Pastoral Council, and the Parish Finance Committee, attended the installation rites. Family and friends of Fr. Gargar, guests from other parishes. The Victorias City Government officials, members of the different lay organizations and parishioners filled the church to full capacity.

Fr. Gargar received from Bishop navarra the symbolic things: the stole, the sacromentary, the lectionary, the oil for the sick and the baptismal shell. Likewise, the books of records of baptisms, weddings, deaths, confirmation and books of financial records were duly signed by the Bishop and endorsed to Fr. Gargar as the shepherd of God’s flock and the guardians of all the properties of the church and parish.

Bishop Navarra strongly asked the different organization and the parishioners to pray for help and support the new parish priest in all his work for the glory of God.

A “Besa Mano” of the newly installed priest concluded the rites. -By: Ms. Sisican

Another Laurel to Her Bonnet

”Whatever you do
unto the least of my brethren,
you do unto me.”

This must be one of the Bible verses Victorias Venus Lions Club Past President Mary Jean L. Ramos lived by that has finally earned her another laurel to her bonnet, a Distinguished Service Award, bestowed by the Lions Club International, District 301-B Philippines.
The award is in recognition of her outstanding contribution to lionism for having shown exemplary and meritorious services in its quest of giving hope to the hopeless, the light among the sightless and buoy in the sea of poverty,” she was given this award with distinction on September 1, 2007 at Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iloilo City.

Surely this award will not stop her on her tracks on her quest to make a remarkable change in the lives of the common people and everybody else in the community. As they say, as long as there are people in need, one should never be content to merely sit back and dwell on one’s laurel.

She’s currently the Zone 2 Chairwoman Negros Area for Lion Year 2007-2008. Victorias City Venus Lions Club is a member of the International Association of Lions Clubs serving our local communities in partnership with the city government and service oriented agencies.-By Mae S. Seballos

Decrease in Number of CICL Cases Seen

The City Social Welfare and Development Office have recorded 63 cases of Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) for 8 months period of from January to August this year, compared to lat year’s 123 cases, committed by children whose ages raging from 11 to 17 years old, committing crimes of theft, illegal position of deadly weapons and murder, in which out of this figure two are females.

Cases were filed at court against them, however being minors they are covered by the provisions of R.A. 9344 known as the “Juvenile Justice System Act of 2006”, which exempt them from criminal liability hence they are not confine to jail but release on recognizance (ROR) of their parents or submit them for rehabilitation at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth, Nueva Valencia Guimaras, or Bahay Pag-Asa Youth Center, Barangay Granada, Bacolod City.

However, a case of one 14 year old who committed an offense of murder was dismissed and he as endorsed to Barangay Captain Jeoffrey Ditching of Barangay 21 for diversion program, while another two youths who committed the offense when they were minors now presently detained at BJMP serving their sentence have availed the benefits of R.A. 9344, whom together with 6 youth offenders (YO) whose offense committed was recidivist shall be placed to the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in the Province of Guimaras for proper disposition/rehabilitation.

Information gathered from those children when interviewed stated that the main reason why they had committed the crimes were due to lack of parental guidance and concern, influence of friends and likewise due to extreme poverty.

CSWD anticipates that with barely 4 months left, this year’s CICL Cases shall not surpass last year’s figure and ill continue to conduct regular parent-child counseling, CICL/YO meetings and monitoring and such other similar activities relative to the youth and development of the child in consonance with the provision of R.A. 9344. - by: Emma Vargas