Security Features on New Generation Currency

            Special Feature

By: Erwin Mabugat

Counterfeiting is rampant.

That is why the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has released the special security features on the New Generation Currency to warn the public for a possible circulation of fake Philippine Banknotes in the country.

            Dorimae Canezo, a research specialist of BSP Bacolod, discussed the design highlights of the New Philippine Banknotes last May 5, at the SP Session Hall in Cadiz City.

            Canezo has stressed that these security features on the new peso currency will ‘help the public recognize the genuine Philippine currency and guard against counterfeits.’ “Each banknote has distinct security features,” she added.

            The 20 to 100 Peso Banknotes bear the following features: 1. Embossed Prints, 2. Serial Number, 3. Security Fibers, 4. WaterMark, 5. See-Through Mark, 6. Concealed Value, and 7. Security Thread.

However, the 500 Peso Banknote, aside from the features 1 to 7, has Optically Variable Device. And the 1000 Peso Banknote has both Optically Variable Device and Ink.

EMBOSSED PRINTS: ALL NOTES

Raised prints that feel rough to the touch, i.e. the words ‘REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS’ and ‘LIMANDAANG PISO’, portraits, signatures, value panels on the face of the note. 

SERIAL NUMBER: ALL NOTES

Composed of 1 or 2 prefix letters and 6 asymmetric (increasing in size) digits located at the lower left and upper right corners of the face of the note.

SECURITY FIBERS: ALL NOTES

Red and blue visible fibers embedded on the paper at random and glow in two colors under ultraviolet light.

WATERMARK: ALL NOTES

A shadow image of the portrait and the numeral ’20-1000’ seen at the blank space of the note when viewed against the light from either side of the note.

SEE-THROUGH MARK: ALL NOTES

The word ‘PILIPINO’ written in Baybayin (pre-Spanish Philippine writing system) is seen in complete form when the note is viewed against the light.

CONCEALED VALUE: ALL NOTES

The denominational value superimposed on the smaller version portrait at the upper left side of the note becomes obvious when the note is rotated 45* and tilted down.

SECURITY THREAD

20-50

An embedded thread running vertically across the note is visible from either side of the note when viewed against the light.

100 – 500

A stitch-like metallic thread running vertically across the note changes color from red to green. The front of the thread bears the alphanumeric ‘BSP500’ in clear text while the back is imprinted with ‘BSP’, both in repeated series.

OPTICALLY VARIABLE DEVICE: 500 & 1000

A reflective foil that bears the image of the Blue-naped Parrot and a small BSP logo. The color of the parrot changes from red to green when the note is rotated at 90*.

OPTICALLY VARIABLE INK: 1000

Embossed ‘1000’ denominational value at the lower right corner of the face of the note changes color from green to blue when viewed at different angles.

IMPORTANT: ALL NOTES

The notes are signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III and BSP Governor Armando M. Tetangco, Jr. The serial number does not have 1 and 0.

Old banknotes are no longer considered as legal tender in 2013. One can exchange his old notes with the banks until the end of 2012./*

Ref: BSP-The New Generation Philippine Banknotes

Credits: Media Bureau

How does the information office work?

The Talks 
by: Erwin Mabugat

TO INFORM.

That’s the basic function of the Information Management Unit, formerly the City Information Office. To gather, document and dispatch.

But how do we cause accomplishment? That’s the usual question often misinterpreted. 

Several people sometime react on the information personnel’s invisibility. That sometime the head could not be caught sitting in her table. Even this writer has for many instances been difficult to reach. Not to mention the intermittent appearances of the other staff. But of course, the IMU office has never been amputated by personnel.

Our office is far different from that of the City Accounting Office nor that of the City Treasurer’s Office. These are the frontline offices that accommodate clientele almost every day. The CAO and the CTO regularly have walk-in clients.

Unlike those offices, the IMU personnel must snake away to dig up the data. The IMU does not invent the sources of information. We must leave the office and find the materials ourselves. These materials do not come in to us. We have to snatch them ourselves.

Being visible is not what we crave for. What anchors us all is the fact that people can learn from us. That we continue to feed them with sufficient information that can educate and motivate the stakeholders. We admit that we can hardly deliver the supply on time. Should this be the magazine or the tabloid, this setback always has the reasons.

However, we have never become insensible of our mandate as to provide the people with sufficient but timely information. The IMU, as to hurdle the challenge and pose a trend, has resorted to the advent of the information technology, the digital world. We have thus created and maintained an account with the social networking of Facebook. The fan page posts simple announcements and notices, including activity photos and news tidbits on Cadiz. We update the page daily.

We also blog: a website. This blog publishes the office’s media releases online. This has been the creative alternative tool to discharge our functions. We update the site monthly and/ or depending on the availability of the post materials.

The IMU also has three sets of the bulletin board. The boards are mounted oppositely along the stairways in the city hall. These contain legal notices, announcements, memoranda, circulars or ordinances, accounting reports and other public documents.

We always take the challenge: to uphold the virtue of information power. The power that educates and motivates; the power that molds and acts. Rarely seen visibly but our pen incessantly performs to stoically provide the people with information.

For us, working is not about being seen at all times, it is about accomplishment. It is about fulfilling the task.

Like the proverbial pen, the IMU labors discreetly but causes great things./*

The 4P’s P3 billion truly alleviates poverty in Cadiz

Feature
By: Erwin Mabugat

Can the P1,400 actually eradicate poverty?

The answer is a big yes! It can also change one’s life.

            The Villanueva family can prove the fact: the amount has changed ideally their living.

            Ma. Fe Villanueva, a mother of 7 children, recounted how her husband’s meager income on fishing supplied their daily needs. “Kulang gd”, she lamented.

She recalled that she always procured her children’s school supplies incomplete. Sometime, her children went to school without ‘baon’. Sometime, they skipped meals in the morning. And perhaps omitted classes.

Her children are obviously deprived of regular but good and nutritious meals. The eldest John Carlo (10), Bleedjamil (7) and Tony Che (6) all look smaller than their ages. So do their other four siblings. The three study at Pedro E. Ramos Elementary School in Barangay Banquerohan.

The family of nine lives in an elevated nipa-thatched hut along the shoreline of the barangay. The structure is very old and seemingly fragile.

Today, Ma. Fe, 33, always smiles when she gets the P1,400 every month for her children’s education and health expenses.

The Villanueva family is only one of the 5,472 beneficiaries who just avail of the ‘Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4P’s. Ma. Fe has initially received the monthly benefits. “The 4P’s answers our prayers,” she said. She added that her family is no longer experiencing the nightmare they had: ‘gutom.’

The 4P’s is the nationally-funded project of President Benigno Aquino and Mayor Patrick Escalante, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the implementing agency.

According to Pamela Palomillo and Rhea Prudente, the city links from the DSWD Regional Office who have been assigned in Cadiz, this five-year poverty alleviation program has an annual budget allocation of three billion pesos.

The city links said that each family beneficiary is given a total of P1,400 every month or P2,800 for every two months. The amount covers the school expenses for three children who go to school or P300 for each of three grantees, and the health support of P500.

However, the city links stressed, only the family with 0 to 14 years old children can avail of the program, and that three or a maximum of three children can qualify. “The grantees must go to school”, they added.

“Non-compliance of the conditions will result to the immediate suspension or cancellation of the benefits,” they declared.

In order to properly monitor the program, the 4P’s has seven city links from the region who would oversee the implementation. They are staying in the city for the project duration. Not to mention the six LGU links and 23 community links. It has also parent leaders.

Survey and progress reports are submitted weekly.

As of this writing, the project has already released a total of P11,455,800 to Cadiz beneficiaries in the City’s 22 barangays.

Andres Bonifacio has 214 beneficiaries and received the amount of P418,000; Banquerohan, 265, P557,200; Zone 1, 226, P434,200; Zone 2, 170, P357,200; Zone 3, 93, P184,800; Zone 4, 244, P501,400; Zone 5, 34, P 74,800; Zone 6, 297, P622,200;

Burgos, 207, P463,200; Cabahug, 357, P742,200; Cadiz Viejo, 310, P652,200; Caduhaan, 292, P650,200; CS Villacin, 215, P476,200; Daga, 538, P1,080,400; Jerusalem, 137, P279,200; Luna, 147, P270,000; Mabini, 364, P764,800; Magsaysay, 241, P531,400; Sicaba, 168, P365,400; Tiglawigan, 312, P655,200; Tinampaan, 410, P879,900; and, VF Gustilo, 150, P339,600.

The 4P’s has short-term and long-term goals. The short-term includes the provision of financial assistance to the family recipients, while the long-term refers to the good values they will learn from the program, such as, the self-reliance, responsibility, sustainability and education.

The project will qualify a family based on the following: 1. Residents of the poorest municipalities based on 2003 Small Area Estimates of NSCB; 2. Households whose economic condition is equal to or below the provincial poverty threshold; 3. Households that have children 0-14 years old and/ or have a pregnant woman at the time of assessment (6-14 years old children must be in school); and, 4. Households that agree to meet the conditions specified in the program./*

Special athlete Derrama shines in 2012 Palaro, WVRAA lands 2nd place

Special athlete Mc Merrel Derrama made Cadiz community proud of him when he carried the ceremonial torch on the Opening Ceremonies  of the 2012 Palarong Pambansa at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan, last May 7, with more than 13,000 athletes and coaches from the country’s 17 regions

            Derrama, the most bemedalled special athlete in 2011 Palaro in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, grabbed several gold medals again in the 2012 Palaro.

-o0o-

            While high-spirited Novie Mae delos Santos captured the bronze medal in the 2012 Palaro’s Taekwondo Competition in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

Sixteen-year-old Delos Santos, a student of Dr. Vicenter F. Gustilo Memorial National High School, nearly knocked down the Region 9 contender with her unique moves that impressed the audience at the jam-packed Devine Word Academy Stadium.

According to coach Dexter Chavez, the Cadiz athlete is strong and dynamic.

She was among the 11 Cadiz athletes who represented the Region VI.

Delos Santos was the gold medalist in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic and Cultural Meet last March 12-16, at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

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On the other hand, the WVRAA just landed the over-all second place after earning 359 points in the tally of gold.

The region’s close rival, the National Capital Region, romped off the over-all champion with a total of 543 points. The third place went to Region 4-A with 283.50 points./*

Western Visayas prevails in 2012 Palaro Special Events

Special Children from Western Visayas who dominated the events in Bocce, Athletics, Goal Ball and Swimming Competition snatched the championship award with 75 points  from the toughest team of National Capital Region.

            The NCR scored 60 points that landed second place during the Palarong Pambansa 2012 held at Lingayen, Pangasinan last  May 6-12.

            Of the 54 athletes for special events, three mentally challenged children from Cadiz City Sped Training Center joined in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) contingent with their coaches namely Jocelyn Dollete, Lyn Rabuya and Armi Jarina.

            Last year gold medalist in 100 meter run, Mc Meryll John Derrama, shone and captured another two gold medals in 200 meter run and 4 by 100 meter relay. He was also chosen as the Torch Bearer during the opening ceremony of Palaro 2012 in Pangasinan last May 7.

            In Athletics girls, Liza Mel Dayon who is also a mentally challenged child won gold medal in 4 by 100 meter relay in a combined boys and girls 15 years below and 16 above category.

            John Brian Menosa won 5^thplace in Bocce Singles in the final round. He earned gold medal in Bocce Boys Doubles against Region I and NCR. The overall team champion in Bocce and athletics were garnered by the Western Visayas (Region VI) which defeated the other ten regions that led them to dominate the games and grabbed the gold medal for winning the grand champion for the Special Events in Palaro 2012.

             Mayor Patrick Escalante congratulated the athletes and encouraged them to keep up the good work and Gov. Alfredo Maranon presented cash reward of P10,000 for first place, P5,000 for second and P3,000 for the third place.

            Some of the provincial and prominent officials who were present during the Palaro were Keynote Speaker His Excellency Benigno Aquino, former president Fidel V.Ramos, Provincial officials of Lingayen Pangasinan, Gov. Alfredo Maranon, Jr., Provincial Board Member Salvador Escalante, Jr., Provincial Information Officers headed by Karen Dinsay,  city councilor Vicente William Tabanao, Sports Coordinator Bany John Sarabia  and  Deped officials of Cadiz City./*

Mayor considers business security for investors; coal terminal project generates more revenues

Our economy is booming. Potential investors are coming in.

This is because Mayor Patrick Escalante has considered the importance of business safety and security for imminent local and international investments in Cadiz City.

With this development, the Asia Pacific Energy Resources Ventures, Inc. has invested more than 60 million pesos for its Coal Terminal Project in Cadiz City.

Antonio Prado, head of the City Port Management Office, has estimated that the multi-million CTP can generate revenues for the city. He said the city will earn around P400K to P500K for every dock and/ or for every coal loading in the port.

Aside from the revenue, Prado added, the project can provide employment for the people.

The project is occupying an area of two hectares along the access road in Barangay Tinampaan, Cadiz City. It is expected to start operation in the first week of August, this year.

According to Eng’r Cesar Lao-as, part owner of the project, the coal terminal is the first in Negros.

Eng’r Lao-as believes that the project can significantly meet the local demands for coal consumption.

The Asia Pacific Energy Resources Ventures, Inc. is a multi-national company where 78% of the shares is owned by Filipinos and 23% by foreigners.

The project will import coal supplies from Indonesia and other coal-producing countries. The Indonesia dominates the regional coal output and accounted for almost 75% of the region’s coal production.

Coal is used extensively for power generation and industrial application.

The coal terminal is also a necessary requirement for the power plant construction./* 

SM Hypermarket Cadiz: Very soon!

The SM Hypermarket will soon serve the Cadiznon consumers.

This is the concrete fruit of Mayor Patrick Escalante’s effort of bringing in more investors who can generate revenues for the City and employment for the people.

Mayor Escalante said that the SM Development Corporation has pledged to prioritize the local workforce for the store.

The SM Hypermarket Cadiz covers the floor area of 5,700 square meters. It is the largest hypermarket ever constructed in Negros.

Though the hypermarket will mainly comprise of a grocery store, this mall-type structure will also have stalls or spaces for lease.

The spaces can be appropriate for McDonalds, KFC, Chowking, Penshoppe, Bench and other popular boutiques. It will also have a mezzanine floor.

The store will contain more than 80,000 items, including appliances, clothing, food and others.

The project costs more than P200 million. Its construction will complete in August, this year. It is located along Abelarde Street, fronting the Cadiz City Public Market.

The opening will be sometime in November.

The on-going construction is under the AOM Builder with Engineers Augusto Miranda and Vic Tad-y.

The Marley 888 Corporation owns the real property./* 

“We’re living in a global community,” says Mayor

“We are living in a global community where there are no boundaries.”

That’s what Mayor Patrick Escalante said during the celebration of the 114^th Declaration of the Philippine Independence last June 12, at the Don Bernardo Benedicto Community Center.

He said that there are more than 12 million Filipinos who are living and working abroad.

The global community refers to the people or nations of the world, considered as being closely connected by modern telecommunications or information technology as internet, and as being economically, socially, and politically interdependent.

The Mayor also said that the world is gradually adopting the system of democracy. “War is not important. What we need is friendship and unity,” he added.

According to Mayor, a total independence is not possibly achieved when most Filipinos are still starving.

Speaking before the city officials and employees, the veterans, the PNP, and the Dep-Ed personnel, the Mayor, referring to this year’s theme 'Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan,’ has challenged all Filipinos to do their best for the country.

He also stressed that the World Boxing Champion Manny Pacquiao has brought honor for the country. “He is the reason why the world has great respect for us”, he ended.

After the program, the Mayor led the wreath laying at the Veterans’ Monument.

The activity was also attended by Councilors Wilfredo Cervantes, Denia Hinolan, Marcelo Metuda and Lilia Decolongan; P/Supt. Noel Mana-ay; Assistant SDS Roel Bermejo; Comm. Teodore Delos Santos; Post Commander Herquolano Santillan./*

Mayor Escalante launches a swine livelihood project

Mayor Patrick Escalante has continued to demonstrate a deep concern over the lives of his constituents as his administration turns two years.

‘Livelihood for the people’, this is why Mayor Escalante has launched the swine livelihood project. The Mayor believes that swine dispersal could better help their living.

As of July, this year, the Mayor has already registered a total of 896 project beneficiaries from the city’s 22 barangays. The beneficiaries are mostly the low-income individuals, the parolees, barangay nutrition scholars, barangay health workers and the out-of-school youths.

According to Dr. Josue Rabang, the City Veterinarian, several multi-purpose cooperatives have also availed of the project, including the Hog Raisers Association. Some councilors also patronized the initiative, he added.

The Mayor has started the Swine Dispersal Project in July 2010, with the initial beneficiaries of 140.

Under the project, each beneficiary is given a piglet. After three (3) months of raising, the beneficiary is required to pay back the P1,600 to the city government. At his option, he will be given again two piglets. The same method and conditions will apply.

The SDP has an annual budget of two million pesos. The amount is used for the purchase of 50 sow levels and three boars, and for the maintenance of the Swine Breeding Center in the Office of the City Veterinarian./*

Mayor joins ‘Brigada Eskwela 2012, distributes school supplies

Mayor Patrick Escalante has recently supported the Department of Education’s ‘Brigada Eskwela 2012’ in Cadiz City last May 21-26.

            Councilor Wilfredo Cervantes, chairman on education committee, said the Mayor has allocated a total of P500,000 for the repainting of the schools and other supplies for students.

            The Mayor himself, along with other city officials, participated in the repainting of school buildings and classrooms. He also distributed school supplies.

            The ‘Brigada Eskwela 2012’ is the annual activity of Dep-Ed held before the school works begin. The activity includes cleaning the school rooms, surroundings, comfort rooms, drainage and canals, painting of school rooms, walls and fences, cutting and pruning of trees and plants, repair and maintenance of electrical equipment and machines including computers, etc.

Call Center Training Graduates

The Cadiz City Call Center Training and Speech Laboratory has already produced more than 500 graduates or 15 batches since its establishment in 2007.

Of them, 30% have successfully landed jobs at different call centers in the country.

The latest 15th batch of graduates had 22 Cadiz residents. They are mostly high school graduates, college levels and the graduates who underwent the training on May 2 – 15, this year.

Allan Joey Baquinquito of Bacolod City was the TESDA-accredited trainer.

According to Assistant Facilitator Viengirl Bacabac, Mayor Patrick Escalante has continued to support their graduates even after graduation. She added that the Mayor provided their expenses during the endorsement proceedings to several companies.

 The free training on potential call center agents was under the Livelihood for the Undeserved (LOU) Project of the Mayor. First Lady Marilou Escalante heads the project.

The Project LOU has the vision to uplift the economic condition of the low-income families./*

54 trainees finished HM training course

A total of 54 student trainees completed the Hospitality Management (HM) Training Course under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) of the Livelihood for the Undeserved (LOU) Project, spearheaded by the city’s First Lady Marilou Escalante, held at the City Development Council Hall last May 29.

            The trainees, who were mostly out-of-school youth, had undergone hands-on training on table skirting, waitering, fine dining, bartending and housekeeping under the tutelage of Liza Marie Inocencio, also an HM graduate from La Consolacion College, Jose Jayno Nosal, Jessica Z. Escalante and Federico Flores.

            Mayor Patrick Escalante said that this one month training had greatly helped those high school graduates who cannot pursue their studies in college for they can be hired in any hotel and restaurant as long as they have the certificate of training.

            He also added that these HM graduates will be given first priority to work in SM Hypermarket when it opens on November.

            Councilor Denia Hinolan, SP vice chairman on tourism, in her welcome address also informed that she will also recommend the group to some of the restaurant and hotel owners within the province. She encouraged them to do their best in their field of endeavor.

            Rhia Undaloc and Dave Relatos, two of the graduates gave their testimonies and heartily thanked the city government, Mayor Escalante and First Marilou for giving them the privilege to avail the free training program. They appreciated the efforts of the facilitators and the all out support of the administration in finding for a job placement.

            Councilor Marcelo Metuda, Sr. gave his closing remarks and also pledged to help them finance the processing of NBI and other documents in compliance with the requirements posted by the company.

            As of the press time, three trainees namely Jerson Tabasa, Eliseo Panes and Herni Lyzel Patricio were already hired by Transcom in Bacolod City./*

Cadiz celebrates City Environment Week

The City Government of Cadiz recently observed the City Environment Week 2012 on June 18-22, with the theme ‘Green from Above, Blue from Below.’

The celebration, according to Engr. Florentino Caceres Jr., executive officer, was in pursuant to the City Ordinance N0. 2005-005, declaring the month of June as Environment Month.

Engr. Caceres Jr., City Environment and Natural Resources Officer I, added that his office spearheaded the week-long activity.

The activity started with the opening ceremony on June 18, 7 a.m. This was followed with the ‘Bike for Life’ along the major streets, 8 a.m.; symposium on RA 9003 at the SP Session Hall, 9 a.m.; and Sanitary Landfill Eco-Tour, 1 p.m.

June 19 was spent on Tree Planting at Barangay Magsaysay and other urban areas, 7 a.m.; and Sanitary Landfill Eco-Tour, 1 p.m.

The Mangrove Tree Planting in Barangay Daga fell on June 20, 7 a.m.; Sanitary Landfill Eco-Tour, 9:30 a.m.; and on-the-spot Poster and Slogan Contest was held at the City Park, 1 p.m.

Gabriel Magno of Holy Infant Academy landed first place; Elran Joy Olvido of PNU-CTL, second place; and, Jenel Melachico of Cedar College, third place.

Part two of RA 9003 symposium continued on June 21, with ‘SK Pamaylo Basura Caravan’ at the Don Bernardo Benedicto Community Center, 7 a.m.; and Sanitary Landfill Eco-Tour, 1 p.m.

The program culminated on June 22, with the Coastal Clean-Up and Coconut Tree Planting along the shoreline of coastal barangays, 7 a.m.; and closing ceremonies, 2 p.m.

Jerry Artuyo was the over-all coordinator./* 

VPA Basic Training Seminar

‘Harmonized and Integrated Program for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of Offenders.’

This was the topic being discussed by Ms. Charito A. Zamora, Regional Director of Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) during the Basic Training Seminar for the Volunteer Probation Aides (VPA’s) last April 12-13 at Balay Kalinungan in University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City.

Punong Barangay Lani Galleron and government worker Erwin Mabugat, the VPA’s of Cadiz City, had attended the two-day workshop where they learned the Philippine Parole and Probation System, Helping Process in a Community-based Treatment of Offenders and the Voluntarism in the Parole and Probation Supervision.

Galleron is the barangay captain of Luna, while Mabugat is the government employee assigned at the Information Management Unit of the City Mayor’s Office.

The two-day workshop was participated in by VPA’s from different local government units (LGU’s) in Negros Occidental. The VPA’s who attended were mostly barangay officials and government employees.

Mabugat hosted the closing ceremony.

It was facilitated by the Negros Occidental Parole and Probation Community Center.

The VPA is the arm of the Parole and Probation Administration of the Department of Justice for the fully rehabilitation and transformation of the qualified parolees./*

PNU folk dancers win 3rd in ‘Sayaw Pinoy’

Out of the nine competing groups from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Makawiwili Dance Troupe bagged the third place in 2012 ‘Sayaw Pinoy,’ a national dance competition held at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, last April 23-24.

            The group performed ‘Escopiton Malandog’ under the supervision of PNU Professor Dr. Randyll Villones.

            The first place went to Irong-Irong Dance Troupe of West Visayas State University from Iloilo City and Palawan State University Dance Troupe obtained the second place.

            According to Dr. Villones, it was their first time to join in the ‘Sayaw Pinoy’ and they were lucky enough to get the third place for it is a very stiff competition, contending the best dancers from other regions. He extended his appreciation to Mayor Patrick Escalante for his support and dedication to the troupe.

            ‘Sayaw Pinoy’ is a dance competition organized by the National Commission for Culture and Arts headed by its national committee chairman Shirley Halili Cruz. It is aimed to motivate artistic excellence and teaching emotional fitness through teamwork, dependability, commitment, sportsmanship, discipline and creativity. /*

Makawiwili Dance Troupe champs in Panaad Folk Dance tilt

The city’s pride and 2011 champion in the Panaad sa Negros Festival Folk Dance Competition, the Makawiwili Dance Troupe from the Philippine Normal University toppled down other contestants and retained their title as the grand champion in Folk Dance Competition (Visayan Folk Dances) Maria Clara Category during the Panaad sa Negros 2012 in Brgy. Mansilingan, last April 12. They received cash prize of P 25,000 and trophy.

            Municipality of Binalbagan ranked second place and Silay City settled to third place. Consolation prizes were given to Bago City, Escalante City, Sagay City, Calatrava and La Carlota City.

            The folk dancers also swept all the minor awards and received cash incentives of P10,000 for the Best in Costume and Best in Staging (Maria Clara category).

            Dr. Randyll Villones, artistic director of MDT and department head of Arts and Social Sciences at PNU, was adjudged as the Best Trainer for two consecutive years from 2011 to 2012. 

            When Dr. Villones managed the MDT since 2006, the group has received several awards and citations from different entries not only in the city but also outside the province of Negros Occidental.

            The Makawiwili dancers are composed of Ian George Acumabig, Jayson Corbita, Ronard Nasis, Ferjohn Rodriguez, Anne Marie Drua, Melvan Villa, Bena Mae Margario, Scharra Mar Tangarorang, Charmaine Ladores and Jamaica Yago./*

Cadiz dried fish still Best Seller in Panaad Trade Fair 2012

For almost seven years now since 2006, the city’s dried fish (Uga) and other marine products have proven to be the best selling products in the whole province as Cadiz maintained its unbreakable record as TOP GROSSER during the 19^th Panaad Sang Negros Festival on April 9-15.

            The one- week celebration had incurred consolidated sales of P762,347.75 as compared to last year’s gross sales of P746,812.60.

            Mayor Patrick Escalante was very grateful for the continued support and cooperation of the stakeholders who sold and stayed in for 7 days in Panaad Cadiz Booth and eventually maintained the city’s gross sales on the top.

            Among the nine stakeholders were Paulina Porras who had reached a total sales of P218,065.00; Carlos Sancho, Jr., P152,606.00; Rodelyn Revalez, P66,366.75; Marifi Espinosa, P107,290.00; Arlene Veloso, P128,640.00; Catalino Cotoner and Ivy Delos Reyes, P103,160.00; Sugar Cane Juice, P28,945.00; Ice Cream of Ruby Gonzales, P17,040.00; and, Tukib Group of Artists, P2,290.00.

            Daily monitoring of gross sales were managed by Technology Livelihood Development (TLDC) Coordinators Jesus Diez and Shen Villena.

            Meanwhile, Paulina Porras’ Palad Flakes on Specialty Food Products under Best Market Potential, Fish Chips on New Products and Bone Crunch (Sulay Baguio) for Best Innovative Product were included in the top five finalists. 

            The Best Market Potential was captured by Talisay City in its Taro Chips; Best New Product won by La Carlota City’s  Coco Sweets; and Best Innovative Product by Sagay City’s Squid Curls with Malunggay.

            Other winners were Sagay City which garnered the Best Destination Pavilion (City Category), Best Float and Cleanest City Pavilion, while Silay City obtained the Best Food Security Program.

            Pinta Flores of San Carlos City won in the Festival Dance Competition. The Best in Banda Dire Banda Didto was awarded to San Enrique. Kabankalan City won the first place in Pop Song Writing Contest.

                Cadiz dancers Diamond Sultan and Elmar Dizon grabbed the 2^nd place in Latin Dancesport Competition under the Amateur Division. While Jewel Irish Belascuain and Paul Dominic Aguirre got 4^th place in Juvenile Division.

            In Composo Contest, Romar Banyola ranked second place to Pulupandan who won first place. Pulupandan was also awarded for the Best Composer./*

Cadiz: Most Outstanding LGU; ‘Resiklo’ bags the first place trophy

Mayor Patrick Escalante has prided himself when the City Government of Cadiz bagged the second runner up in the search for Most Outstanding LGU on Environmental Management under the City Category during the 20^th Provincial Environment Week celebration on June 21 at the Social Hall in Capitol Building, Bacolod City.

On the other hand, Cadiz City has once again proven its tag as the home of award-winning singers and composers when the ‘Tribu Resiklo’ recently won the first place award during the 2^ndEnvironmental Song Writing and Singing Contest last June 7, at the Fountain Area of the Robinsons Place, Bacolod City.

The ‘Tribu Resiklo’ is a group of singers, musicians and composers of the City Government of Cadiz. The members are Jude Jaropillo, Jun Torreverde, Rany Barrieses, Elymayo Diola and Vincent Boot.

The competition is part of the Environment Week conducted by the Provincial Environmental Management Office of Negros Occidental./* 

SABAKA induction, ABC Hall inauguration held

Mayor Patrick Escalante and Vice Mayor Samson Mirhan simultaneously led the inauguration and blessing of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) Hall and sworn into office the newly elected officers of the Samahan ng mga Barangay Kagawad (SABAKA) during the ABC Night last January 27. The affair was also coincided with the 38^th Dinagsa Festival.

            Mayor Escalante inducted the officers of SABAKA for 2012-2013 and turned over the symbolic key of the edifice to ABC President Arthur Lamis.

            Also gracing the occasion were Provincial Board Member Salvador Escalante, Jr., Board Member Dr. Miller Serondo and Congressman Alfredo Maranon, III.

            The newly elected officers of SABAKA were President Jose Martin Jaropillo,

Vice President Elden Liberato, Secretary Felipe Mata,Sr., Treasurer Marissa Delina, PIO Eleazer Pio, Auditor Luz Amante and Assist. Auditor Bonifacio Jubay, Business Manager George Villarino and Mary Grace Dugayo.

            Members of the Board of Directors were Chanda Villegas, Arlene Verbo, Henry Dela Pena, Ruther Grave, Ceasar Ibanez, Dionesio Arroyo, Sylman Lim, Erwin Balagosa, Radine Teguihanon, Alvin Villaruz and Romy Ortega.

            On the other hand, Councilor Vicente William Tabanao and ABC President Lamis awarded the championship trophy of the First SABAKA Basketball Tournament to Brgy. Zone 4.

            The first runner up went to Andres Bonifacio, while a tie for the second runner up was given to Brgy 3 and Brgy 6. The third runner up went to Brgy. Caduhaan.

            City officials who attended the inauguration were Councilors Wilfredo Cervantes, Dr. Abiezer Bacomo, Juan Musa, Dr. Lilia Decolongon, Marcelo Metuda and Barangay Captains of the 22 barangays./*

Bedejo crowned Dinagsa Queen 2012

SIXTEEN-year-old Jennybeb Bedejo, a high school Student from the Philippine Normal University (PNU), was crowned Dinagsa Queen 2012 by Mayor Patrick Escalante, First Lady Marilou Escalante and 2011 Dinagsa Queen and Lin-ay sang Negros 2011 First Runner up

Angela Joy Johns.

            She also captured the eight corporate awards during the pageant night for Dinagsa Queen at Don Bernardo Benedicto Community Center, Cadiz City, recently.

            Standing 5t ft and 3 inches, Jennybeb was representing the Bulawanon Tribe

            She overthrew the seven other lovely candidates vying for the crown by bringing home 3 titles Miss Congeniality, Miss GMA Kapuso and Miss Placenta with other corporate awards, such as, Best in Production Number, Best in Lady Warrior Attire, Best in Evening Gown and Best in Swimwear.

            She was the daughter of Norberto and Maria Bedejo of Brgy. Caduhaan. During the question and answer portion for the top three finalists, she was asked “As a youth and as good citizen of Cadiz, how could you make your contribution be counted for the realization of the city’s battle cry Bilis Cadiz,Ugyon Cadiznon?”  She replied that “as a youth and good citizen of Cadiz City to have my contribution counted for the realization of our battle cry ‘Bilis Cadiz Ugyon Cadiznon’, it must start in our self and that I am proud as one of the Cadiznon and I must also be proud of the projects and programs established by our beloved City Mayor Patrick Escalante”.

            Contestant no. 6 Rachelle Ann Sanchez of Manara and Tibanda Tribe acquired the First Runner-up. Sanchez, 16, whose height is 5 feet and 6 inches, is the daughter of Randolph and Michelle Sanchez.

            Shermen Rose Perez, 18 and representing the SK Federation, won the Second Runner- up and bagged the Best in Long Gown, Miss Photogenic and Miss Creative Journey.  She stands 5 ft and 5 inches tall with vital statistics of 31-24-34.

                Perez, a Tourism student from La Consolacion College in Bacolod City, has an ambition to work in international airlines as flight stewardess someday.

            Other candidates who joined the pageant were Janeth Drowa of Tres Marias Tribe who also won four minor awards such as Miss Skillful Lady, Miss Olive C, Miss Coca Cola and Miss Avon 2012; Jerme Rose Salazar of Majeca Tribe; Jesslou Cornito of Tribu Bubocad; Joana Diane Magbanua of Tribu Yabyab Doongol; and Kimberly Dingcong from Hitalon Tribe.

            The Board of Judges included Joy Famini, Tourism Officer from Victorias City; Prof. Bert Tuga, ex-director of UN Association Philippines; Jose Lituanas, Manager and Publisher of Brigada News; Renel Torilla, a model from La Consolacion College in Bacolod City; Cristina Magbojos, Sales and Marketing Officer of GMA TV 12; Tara Hulleza Delos Reyes; and, Ronnie Baldonado./*

Yabyab Doongol emerges Dinagsa Festival 2012 champion

        Tribu Yabyab Doongol which consisted of 60 warriors from Barangays Zone 5, Zone 2 and V.F. Gustilo was the champion during the 38^th Dinagsa Festival Dance Competition and received P50,000 plus a trophy last January 29.

            Dinagsa Festival was adjudged as the Best Tourism Event Second Runner up for two consecutive years from 2010-2011 by the Department of Tourism.

            Brgy. Captain Warren Batiles, tribe coordinator and organizer of Tribu Yabyab Doongol said their dance choreography highlights the Cadiznon’s manifestation of faith, celebration of life, joy and thanksgiving.

            Yabyab Doongol also romped off the Best in Costume and Most Discipline tribe with P5,000 for each award.

            Mayor Patrick Escalante assisted by Vice Mayor Samson Mirhan, and Councilors Juan Musa, Marcelo Metuda and Denia Puey Hinolan, distributed the cash prizes and trophies to the winners.

              The five time champion from 2003 to 2006 and 2009, the Bobucad Tribe landed First Runner up and received cash prize of P40,000 and a trophy. The Bobucad Tribe which had 50 warriors and 12 dancers was organized by three Barangay Captains namely Captain Rodel Evidente of Brgy. Burgos, Eduardo Javier of Caduhaan and Nyorlito Jubay of Andres Bonifacio.  The Best in Performance was also garnered by the Bobucad Tribe with a cash prize of P5,000.

             Last year champion Hitalon Tribe led by its very energetic tribe coordinator Brgy. Captain Juvy Becaro and his allies Brgy Captain of Zone 6 Dino Hautea and Dionesio Villaruz of Cadiz Viejo ranked Second Runner-up and received P30,000 and a trophy. Hitalon was also declared as the Best in Sound and obtained P5,000.

          The Bulawanon Tribe settled to third runner up and received P25,000 and a trophy. The tribe merged with the Querosan Tribe, comprising of three Barangays Tinampaan, Mabini and Zone 3.

         The Fourth Runner up went to Tres Marias Tribe with 52 warriors and dancers. Their dance showed how the early Cadiznon lived and survived through fishing. They received cash incentives of P15,000 and a trophy. The tribe was sponsored by Barangays Luna, Zone 4 and Sicaba.

            The non-winning tribes who received P10,000 for Endurance were Tribu Majeca of Brgys. Magsaysay, Jerusalem and Cabahug, and Tribu Manara/Tibanda from Barangays C. Villacin, Tiglawigan, Daga and Banquerohan.

            Panel of Judges in three performance areas were: Jennylind Cordero, Tourism Officer of Negros Occ.; Silay City Tourism Officer Ver Pacete; Kenneth Benignos, Information Officer II of Escalante City; Hernani Cabahaga from NONESCOST; Xenia Guanzon of St, LaSalle University; Rose Dalaguit MCR of Toboso; Mitzyl Carbelledo, Tourism Officer of Toboso; Rudy Reveche from Colegio de San Agustin; and, Jocelyn Ramos Rago, choreographer from Manila./* 

CSC forms TWG to review SALN form and guidelines

Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Francisco T. Duque III convened the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) last June 20 at the CSC main office in Quezon City.

It was the first of a series of meetings that aims to review issues and concerns surrounding the SALN. Among the issues discussed by the TWG include the legal bases of the SALN, the need to declare the assets and properties of the filer’s spouse and children, and the question of whether the SALN should be comprised of one or two forms.

Duque, who heads the TWG on SALN, said, “The CSC came to a realization that there are nuances and gaps in the laws and issuances regarding SALN. Thus, we are now taking the necessary measures to review the form that serves as a tool for public accountability and transparency.”

He added that the SALN review aims to establish clearer guidelines and to avoid token compliance among public officials and employees.

In attendance during the meeting were Assistant Secretary Michael P. Ong of the Office of the Presidential Legal Counsel, Deputy Executive Secretary Alberto A. Bernardo of the Office of the President, Legal Counsel Valentina S. Cruz of the Senate of the Philippines, Executive Director Annalou S. Nachura of the House of Representatives Legal Affairs Bureau, Assistant Chief Ma. Carina M. Cunanan of the Supreme Court Office of Administrative Services, Assistant Commissioner Arcadio B. Cuenco Jr. of the Commission on Audit, Assistant Ombudsman Joselito P. Fangon of the Office of the Ombudsman, Atty. Wendell P. Bendoval of the Department of Justice, Director Joanne Lim of the Department of Finance, Assistant Secretary Amelita D. Castillo of the Department of Budget and Management, Assistant Secretary Ester A. Aldana of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Atty. Rica G. Pineda of the Philippine Government Employees Association, and Abdulani Lakibul of the Confederation of Independent Unions.

As the lead agency for the implementation of the SALN, the CSC issued a revised SALN form and set of guidelines in July 2011 by virtue of CSC Resolution No. 1100902. The revised form was set to replace the 1994 SALN form and required a listing of other sources of income (derived from the practice of a profession or business) and  income taxes paid the previous year, and amounts of one’s personal and family expenses.

However, in March of this year, the CSC deferred the use of the revised SALN form in the wake of several requests for deferment from various government groups including public sector unions/confederations. Thus, the CSC ordered the use of the 1994 SALN form for filing of assets for year 2011.

Section 17, Article XI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates any public officer to declare under oath his/her assets, liabilities, and net worth. This requirement of the Constitution is supported and reiterated by laws such as Executive Order No. 292, Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees./(CSC VI)*