WRITERS WANTED

60 join The Capiz Times' journ workshop

BLOCKS OF HOPE

Giving inmates a new lease on life

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Maayon church undergoes facelift, installs new priest

The Use of Force

SAF in Capiz to augment gov’t forces

Monday, December 24, 2012

Dec. 17 - 23, 2012 Issue

BEST OF THE BEST

Panay named Best Town in WV by DILG


By Jose Arsenio Quinzon

Diligence brings home glory.

This is proven true by the Municipality of Panay when it was again cited the second Best Performing Municipality in the Western Visayas under the First to Third Class Municipalities Category led by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The citation was made during the Pisan: Pagdayaw 2012 held at Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City on Dec. 14, 2012.

The DILG's selection sought to validate and recognize the performance of Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region - who apply innovative strategies in local government administration.

Panay was also cited First Runner-up in Economic Governance, Second Runner-up in Social Governance, and Second Runner-up in Valuing Fundamentals of Governance.

According to Mayor Dante Bermejo, this success was made possible because of the cooperation of all the departments of Panay LGU and its constituents.

According to Mr. Rey Cordenillo, municipal administrator of Panay, Panay has been enjoying the fruit of the diligence of its local government since 2007.

On December , the Panay Federation of Barangay Women's Organization held their General Assembly Meeting and Party. The party, sponsored by the Panay LGU, was joined by some ,5 members together with their children.

Present in the said event was Municipal Mayor Dante Bermejo, Vice-Mayor Gualberto Bernas, and the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Members of Panay.

It was also witnessed by former Pontevedra Mayor Jojie Avelino, who commended the municipality for their achievement and Eng. Leodegario Labao, Jr. who sponsored the party and gave gifts and cash donations to the senior citizens and barangay health workers.
(with reports from www.panay.gov.ph)



SP Grants Cash Incentives; Budgets Approved


By Jose Arsenio Quinzon

Employees of the Roxas City Hall can now rejoice as their productivity enhancement incentive (Christmas bonus) was approved in the last session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Dec. 18.

In said session, the Php9.663 million Productivity Enhancement Incentive formed part of the Php21.563 million General Fund Proper for the fiscal year 2012 Supplemental Budget.

Other appropriations included P8.528 million for city professional services, P500,000 for city assistance to barangays, P500,000 for emergency assistance program, P500,000 for maintenance, P72,000 for utility expenses, and P1.3 million for other miscellaneous expenses. This supplemantal budget came from the P11 million excess collections from business taxes and from the savings of the other city departments.

Approved also is the P52,000 Christmas bonus for casual employees of the city slaughterhouse, P57,000 Christmas bonus of the City fishing port employees and P2.578 million for the Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center (TATC) rehabilitation and Christmas bonus of its employees.

The Annual Executive Budget for 2013 amounting P418,861,780 was also approved with the appropriations of P201.63 million for personal services, P161.67 million for MOOE, financial expenses of P632,462, and capital outlay of P65,642,538.

This city budget increase was projected from the increase of business tax collections, Internal Revenue Allotment, and the Economic Enterprises Income of the City from the previous fiscal year of 2012.

Meanwhile, Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco announced that the Productivity Enhancement Incentive of the provincial workers of the Provincial Capitol will be Php10,000 for regular employees and P3,000 for the casual employees.

At this writing, the proposed 2013 Annual Performance Budget of the Province of Capiz has not yet been approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz.



CapSU Hosts SCUAA 2012


By Jose Arsenio Quinzon

ROXAS CITY - Despite some difficulties, the Capiz State University (CapSU) successfully hosted this year's Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Meet here.

In a press conference held Dec. 16, Dr. Editha Magallanes, CapSU President, said that it did its best to accommodate the athletes using its facilities and delegates and provide them enough water supply for bath and kitchen.

She said that they encountered water shortage - because they did not expect that large turnout of delegates from the six provinces within the region, which totalled almost 450 participants (including chaperons of delegates).

To "augment our water supply, we tapped the cooperation of the Bureau of Fire Protection to deliver water for our delegates," Magallanes said.

According to Magallanes, they have been preparing for SCUAA since June 2012. CapSU also hosted the SCUAA Meet in 2007 and 2008.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Dec. 10 - 16, 2012 Issue

BLESS THE BEASTS AND THE CHILDREN


DSWD 6 Assesses Ps; Year's Other Projects, Activities


By Edalyn Acta

"They have provided them more opportunities to be in school rather than becoming out-of-school children," Democrito Barrientos II, principal of Manocmanoc Elementary School said, referring to the allowances given under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The school principal made the remarks in a speech during the Yearend Conference of the DSWD VI in Best Western Visayas held Dec. , at the Boracay Tropics in Malay, Aklan. "The youths were excited because they would now go to school with something in their pocket and they do not need to walk going home," Barrientos said.

Barrientos' impression forms part  of the many benefits enjoyed by least fortunate constituents under the DSWD's 4Ps.

In fact, children aren't the only ones benefited by the 4Ps. Parents and guardians are also enjoying their benefits. "On the part of the parents, they became more eager to bring their children to school because of the budget allotted for them," he said.

According to DSWD VI Information Officer May Rago-Castillo, as of November 5, some 254,483 active households have benefited from the program across Western Visayas. Of these, 37,200 or 15 percent are Capiznon households.

As of September 18, Capiz had 20% or 107 out of 526 households that had late registration approved under the program.

Capiz was the least compliant in terms of requirements to avail of education, health, and deworming programs of the 4Ps and second worst in terms of health programs for 0-5 year old children but topped the comparative average compliance turnout in family development sessions.

Aklan was the most compliant in terms of requirements to avail of health, education, and deworming benefits of the 4Ps program. Percentages didn't go down as far as 93.46% in all categories.

Some 7,924 households across the region were delisted since the start of the 4Ps program net grants on hold due to fraud, being "non-poor", and due to having irregular income.

Aside from giving cash subsidies, the DSWD's supplementary feeding program benefited some 185,198 kids from 5,557 day care centers across the region. A total of 17,053 pupils from the 540 day care centers in the municipalities of Capiz and 48 in Roxas City were fed.

In 2011, 171,548 of them from 5,448 day cares have been provided for. They spent P257,322,000 and P277,797,000 for the past two years.

This year, beneficiaries of social pension also increased - 15,743 shared some P68,694,500 worth of pension; and 1,699 of them are from Capiz. In 2012, some 12,981 shared P7,886,000.

The DSWD Regional Center for Women has discharged 113 cases out of 187 for the past four years; 83 of which are physical abuse cases; emotional abuse, 69; incest, 5; rape and neglect, .

They also gave shelter to abused and exploited girls aged  to . As of September 2012, 5 of them called the Home for Girls their new home; while a year before, 48 have done so.

In 2012, the number of human trafficking cases decreased by more than 50%; only 24 cases of human trafficking were reported this year 9 from Aklan and 15 in Iloilo compared to 50 in 2011. Capiz has none this year unlike last year with 3.

DSWD also provides KALAHI-CIDSS which are town projects in collaboration with Local Government Projects. People of the towns of Maayon and Tapaz were among the 44,371 households who were served through the KC-Makamasang Tugon. Said two municipalities and Dumarao were among the LGUs eligible to receive assistance from the KC-AusAID Project.

Upcoming projects include one day-care center each in Maayon and Tapaz and two school buildings in Dumarao; three in Maayon; and six in Tapaz.



On This Site Will Rise Black Nazarene Shrine To Be Given For Faith For Capiznons


By Ralph John Mijares and Jose Arsenio Quinzon

Capiz will no longer be just the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, but also a religious destination for the millions of Catholics across the country. Such is the vision of Mr. Antonio Ortiz, owner of the San Antonio Resort and its group of companies.

Emanating from the mandate of the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Capiz, Msgr. Jose Advincula, a new shrine dedicated to the Nuestro Señor Jesus Nazareno (Black Nazarene) is being constructed in Ortiz's San Antonio Resort Village in barangay Baybay in Roxas City.

As one of the 19 shrines across Capiz proposed for construction, this mission station is Mr. Ortiz's way of "paying back what God gave" to him and his family. "Everything I have belongs to God; I am just His steward," said Mr. Ortiz, who donated the lot on which the said shrine will rise.

For Ortiz, now that the Catholics are celebrating the International Year of Faith, it is apt to build the Shrine for the Archdiocese and its faithful. Such effort is directed to help strengthen their faith which for him is undergoing "desertification."

In an interview, Msgr. Policarpio John Luza said that the shrine is intended for people who are encountering difficulties [in life] and are looking for [patrons] to intercede about them."

During the past years that the Black Nazarene has been in the province, it was flocked by the people who believe in its powers of healing.

"This mission-station is being built to bring the Church closer to the people again in this International Year of Faith," said Mr. Ortiz, which is confirmed by Msgr. Luza.

With continuous construction funded by local lay-faithful, the Shrine of Nuestro Señor Jesus Nazareno was blessed during the first Dawn Mass (Misa Dulom) on December 6.

According to Msgr. Victor Bendico, rector of the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral (ICMC), on January , the Archdiocese will lead a procession of the Black Nazarene from the Cathedral to the mission station in Baybay, coinciding with the same celebration in Quiapo Church in Manila.

In anticipation of things to come, Bendico hopes the procession would later become a tradition here in Capiz, allowing for Nazareno devotees to celebrate His feast every year without anymore going to Quiapo in Manila.

Other mission stations (shrines) currently being constructed in various locations are in Brgy. Bolo intended for the Most Holy Rosary and the Shrine for Padre Pio in Brgy. Gabu-an, both in Roxas City.



SSS offers higher loans, more flexible terms


By Davy Gregorio

Members of the Social Security System (SSS) can now look forward to higher salary loan amounts and more flexible terms under the agency's revised lending guidelines that took effect Dec. 1, 2012.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio De Quiros, Jr. said the new guidelines - approved by the Social Security Commission (SSC) on April 18, 2012 - aim to align the SSS salary loan program with prevailing market conditions.

"Amid the current low interest rates, the SSS relaxed its lending terms and conditions that result in a higher maximum loanable amount, bigger net loan proceeds, lower computation of interest payments and earlier loan renewals for members," De Quiros said.

The SSS deferred the guidelines implementation to prepare its computerized loan system for the changes and to avoid disrupting the processing of members applications for the Loan Penalty Condonation Program, which was open for availment from April 2 to September 30, .

Under the new salary loan guidelines, members can file for renewal if they have already paid at least 50 per cent of the principal loan amount and at least half of the two-year loan term has lapsed.

In the past, members can only renew their loan if the outstanding balance is P500 or lower.

De Quiros, said that while the loanable amount remains based on the average of the members latest 12-posted monthly salary credits (MSC), the new guidelines provide a maximum salary loan of P30,000, higher than the previous P24,000. Members paying at the current P15,000 maximum MSC become entitled to the full amount of two-month salary loan, which is now P30,000.

"As added flexibility, members can indicate how much they want to borrow as long as it is within their loanable amount," he added.

The loan shall be amortized over a -month period and the 10 percent annual loan interest shall no longer be deducted in advance, which translates to bigger net loan proceeds.

In an earlier statement, the SSS cited the lack of basis on allegations of loan overcharging and said it adheres to accepted policies on credit-granting.

The SSC resolution issued in 2000 and amended in 2004 served as SSS guide in administering its salary loan program for the past several years.

"Since there is no ground on overcharging, there is also no basis on the giving of refunds to borrowers," De Quiros said.

Further, "the SSS is open to queries so that we can make clarifications for the benefit of members and stakeholder,"

Monday, December 10, 2012

Dec. 3 - 9, 2012 Issue

Something for Everyone


2012 Sinadya sa Halaran brims with action, spectacle


By Ralph John Mijares

The Roxas City Fiesta officially started on Dec. 6 with a Holy Mass followed by a simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremonies of all municipalities of the province of Capiz and Roxas City, which was joined by various local officials.

In this year's Sinadya sa Halaran, the stars weren't only seen in the skies because some of them same to Roxas City to join the fun. On December , Kapamilya Caravan featured actor Piolo Pascual and Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka Bacolod hosts Nel Rapiz and Rexie Cabaltera; while Dominic Roque known as Hubert in primetime fantaserye "Aryana" came on December 8.

Capiznons also saw much baskeball action in the National Finals SBP-Twin Passerelle Twin Tournaments.

The National Finals featured SBP Division, namely: La Salle Greenhills, Don Bosco Academy, University of San Carlos and Ateneo De Davao University; while the Passerelle Division had La Salle Greenhills, Holy Angel University, University of Visayas and Holy Child School of Davao.

La Salle Greenhills dominated the titles in both divisions.

College cagers all over Western Visayas also vied for the Fiesta Cup title. They were: John B. Lacson Memorial Foundation University, University of San Agustin, University of Iloilo, University of St. La Salle, West Negros University, Hercor College, College of St. John Roxas, and Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion.

Those in search of drama were treated to a localized interpretation of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" - translated "Damgo sa Gab-i Sang Tungang Adlaw" presented on Dec. 6 by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Sigmahanon Foundation for Culture and Arts, inc. in partnership with Western Visayas Network and the Provincial Government. It featured talents from Dagway Sigmahanon, Inc., Kanlaon Theater Guild, Maskarra Theater Ensemble, University of San Agustin's Little Theater, and the Filamer Christian University's Silak Dance Company.

Kids of all ages also had fun in the free face-painting by the Arts Association of Capiz and the Tamiya Car Racing in which small toy race cars blitzed in a mini-race track. Both activities were held in the Roxas City Hall.

A mini-Christmas Village was also launched on display featuring a giant Christmas tree that now looms over the city park. An imported Caucasian Santa Claus also came on the eve of the first day of the fiesta.

Different barangays from Roxas City also exhibited their best products ranging from crops, seafood and novelty items in the Barangay Expo at the Bahay Kapisnon.

During the festival, nighttime became livelier at the Roxas City Plaza with the performance of live bands and standup comedians and live music.

The religious aspect of the festival wasn't forgotten as the Thanksgiving Mass, Vespers Mass, and Fiesta Masses in honor of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception were celebrated in the Roxas City Metropolitan Cathedral, including the much awaited Fluvial Parade along the Panay River. The religious event was followed by a brief fireworks display accompanied with loud music and church bells ringing and the Marcha dela Maria.



Capiz spared from Pablo's wrath


By Ralph John Mijares

ROXAS CITY - As of press time, hundreds have died and have been hurt, and are still missing in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao due to Typhoon Pablo's rampage. Fortunately, Capiz incurred zero casualties and damages.

Capiz was under Signal No. 1 Dec. 3 evening and was put on Signal No. 2 the day after when Pablo made the landfall between Davao Oriental and Surigao.

In his interview with The Capiz Times Dec. 6, Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) Capiz Action Officer Esperidion Pelaez said that Capiz did feel the typhoon's effects, but it was not as severe as the other provinces.

Pelaez was grateful to their close coordination with the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, the local media, rescue volunteers, and communications group and other sectors.

According to Pelaez, the provincial government was prepared with their relief goods and rescue equipment.

Asked about what others find as "exaggerated" preparations for the typhoon, he said in Hiligaynon "It's better that they found us exaggerated than unprepared when the typhoon comes. It's not a loss on our part."



DOE brings energy plan to the grassroots


By Jemin Guillermo

ROXAS CITY - Issues and concerns of the energy stakeholders in Western Visayas were given focus by the Department of Energy during its recent advocacy campaign in Capiz.

Officials of the DOE, led by Energy Policy and Planning Bureau Assistant Director Carmencita Bariso visited Roxas City Nov. 27 for the last leg of the information, education and communication campaign in the country.

"Essential issues that affect the economy such as scarcity of energy, rising cost of electricity and fuel, electrification in the countryside, need for policy reforms and additional energy infrastructures, and the adverse impact of energy development in the environment, among others will be given attention through the advocacy," Bariso said.

She explained that the 2012-2030 Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) to be launched this month, is a plan of every stakeholder coming the different regions in the Philippines.

Bariso pointed out that the Energy Plan highlights the policy vision of an economy which will largely de-carbonize with the development and utilization of renewable energy, including the promotion of energy efficiency as a lifestyle and advocating the use of alternative fuels for the transport sector.

Under the PEP, DOE targets a 10-percent energy savings across all economic sectors, namely the transport, industry, residential, commercial and agriculture, she said.

"The Plan likewise seeks to scale up energy efficiency investments in both private and public sectors to generate more energy savings and to curb the country's energy demand. Bariso said, adding that it also envisions to accelerate the development and production of industrial fossil fuels.

In addition, the PEP, she said aims to climate-proof the energy system to help ensure continuous supply of energy services under all impacts of climate change.

Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco said that the coming up of the PEP is a timely move for the government, particularly the DO as it would complement with the country's economic growth.

Tanco also lauded the agency for bringing the information drive to the grassroots and consider their suggestions as inputs in the national level.



CACAG's pioneer president takes rein anew

By Edalyn Acta

ROXAS CITY - "It has run full circle" - this is what Capiz Citizen Action Group, Inc. (CACAG) Secretary Herman Yu said, on having Wilfredo Yap assume the leadership of their group.

In his speech, Yap said, "CACAG may be low-profile but members are ready to serve the community."

Yap was the volunteer fire brigade group's first president when it was established in 1985. The returning pioneer president was one of the officers and members inducted on Nov. 29 at the MVW Restaurant and Tourist Inn here.

Other officers inducted for the year 2012-2013 were Arturo Dy, Jr. (Vice President), Hernan Yu (Secretary), Vicente So, Jr. (Treasurer), Benjamin See (Auditor), and Reubin Yap (Public Relations Officer).

Named members of the Board of Directors were Ricardo Arcenas, Antonio Dy, Carlos Dy, Gerald Yu, Wilfred Neil Yap, Gordon Yap and Jimmy Lim.

Members include Marc Garcellano, Ramil Chu, Jose Amado Ignacio, Berwin Yap, Anthony Billanes, Roche Sibugan and Tony Selda. Alberto Deslate serves as their legal counsel.

Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. and Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan Celino also witnessed the ceremony.

Organized by a group of civic-minded citizens of Roxas City in 1985, CACAG aimed to put up a volunteer fire brigade. It then started off with one fire truck two months after its inception and ever since has grown through the help of benefactors.

A non-profit group, CACAG relies on donations from the members and external backers from the public and private sectors. Aside from firefighting, they also assist at the onset of natural calamities.



Monday, December 3, 2012

Nov. 26 - Dec. 2, 2012 Issue

Say My Name


UNA's Longares thanks Tanco for "spreading" his name


By Edalyn Acta and Rlph John Mijares

In the Mambusao Barangay Night celebration on November 20 in Poblacion, Mambusao, Capiz, United National Alliance (UNA)'s bet Joel Longares for Capiz governor expressed gratitude to one of his alleged detractors.

The Mambusao-born business magnate said that it was incumbent Gov. Victor Tanco, who is also running for governor in Capiz next year, who's behind spreading rumors of his sudden disqualification.

"Thanks for spreading my name," Longares said. He added that so far, not anyone from the Comelec has even advised him that he is disqualified from running in the 2013 polls.

Later, in a press conference held Nov. 23, he said that he's heard of such rumors though he has not confirmed it.

As regards his political plans, Longares said he will "go back to basics," and will prioritize the fishing and farming industries of the province. He said that it "will take time to develop it."

Longares said that through the help of his network in the United States - once siad industries are established, products can be exported and sold at higher prices.

When reached for his part, at this writing, Capiz Gov. Victor tanco denied allegations that he spread the word about Longares.



CCTVs installed over Roxas City

By Ralph John Mijares

God isn't the only one watching over Roxas City.

This is not the case anymore - as the Roxas City Government installed Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on the city's main roads.

As of press time, only six have been mounted due to "financial constraints", according to Community Affairs Officer IV, Rommel Roberto Lastimoso. Initially they plan to put up ten but "it won't stop there", the former Board Member said.

Despite a depleted budget since it's "the end of the year", Mayor Angel Alan Celino insisted on setting up these CCTVs because it has been one of his plans since the start of his first term to put up an "eye in the sky" and his "drive" to enhance peace and order, Lastimoso revealed. These CCTVs haven't been fully paid yet, he added.

Furthermore, they plan to add CCTVs outside city proper soon, Lastimoso said.

Lastimoso believes that CCTVs can help in solving crimes especially in cases without any witnesses since that can show video of the incident obtained to the court and help apprehend the offender.

The recent security measure development is also a part of the DILG's desire to fully automate the city government's services, Lastimoso disclosed.

This forms part of the city government's ways to keep up with other LGUs in terms of automation since Roxas City is the only unrecognized LGU of the National IT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), Lastimoso dubbed as the "drive" of the Mayor and the city council.

The monitoring system is located at the Mayor's office and they also plan to have one in the Roxas City PNP, Lastimoso added.



Locals file disqualification vs. flying voters

By Edalyn Acta

Three Ivisan folk filed a pertition to exclude thirty-two alleged flying voters on Nov. .

Edgardo Fecundo, Rodilo Unarce, and Arnold Flores all dwelling from Poblacion Norte, believe that some included in the local voters' list are illegitimate. Brgy. Capt. Elena Unarce certified the residency of the alleged fake voters.

Fecundo said that as a "concerned citizen and voter", he'd like to get rid of the illegal voters from the list. He said that these alleged false voters claim to live near a local elementary school. He asked neighbors about who the latter were. "They don't know", he said in Hiligaynon. Petitioners claim that the "psuedo-voters" are from Majanlud and Dapdapan, Sapian.

They exposed that allegedly, the latter work either as caretakers and employees for Maggi Roxas and nephew Jeros Pisueña, an aspiring mayoralty candidate and live in her house. Fecundo revealed that allegedly, he got threatened by neighbor, John Inayan, who's said to be a supporter of Pisueña.

Provincial COMELEC Officer, Atty. Wil Arceño said that they'll decide the fate of the  after examining the election body's rules.

Meanwhile, Mayor Felipe Neri Yap, advised residents to be vigilant of such voters in their community.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Nov. 19 - 25, 2012 Issue

All About My Mother

Sinadya sa Halaran 2012 celebrates Blessed Virgin Mary

By Gerry Pagharion

Capiz's and Roxas City's yearly extravaganza will be observed in a simple manner on Dec. 6- this year with more focus on the role of Virgin Mary on the life of Capizeños.

"After all, December, the culminating day of the three-day festival, is the Feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception," declared Rommel Lastimoso, the festival spokesperson.

Lastimoso, who is also community affairs officer IV of the Roxas City government, said the Church welcomes this development as this would further strengthen the devotion of Capizeños towards their patroness, Mama Mary.

Through the Virgin Mary's intercession, a number of Capiz folk claimed to have been healed of their sickness or recipients of her blessings.

This year's parish theme is "Maria Ganhaan sang Pagtuo," and festival theme "Magkinasadya sa Paghalad kag Pagtuo Upod kay Birhen Maria."

Lastimoso, invites guests to witness Capiz's and Roxas City's festival and feel the unique brand of Capizeños. He urged Capizeños from other places to come home and participate in the celebration by paying tribute to Mama Mary.

Through the leadership of Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr.; Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan B. Celino and Capiz 1st district Rep. Antonio del Rosario, the festival, aside from its religious component, renews ties between the city and the provincial governments with its running advocacy of unity and solidarity.

Celino and Tanco appeal to all Capizeños to imbibe the spirit of cooperation and unity not only during the festival's duration but in the years ahead.

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas II and his mother, Judy Araneta Roxas, have been instrumental in inviting dignitaries and famous personalities that graced the festival every year.

The festival will still feature various merrymaking activities like the sadsad or street dancing, trade fairs and Mutya sang Sinadya sa Halaran, among others. Its highlight will be the Fluvial Procession on the night of Dec. .

The Christmas Village at the Roxas City Plaza will open on Dec. 6 to coincide with the festival opening while the province will present the Damgo sa Tag-init, a Shakespeare play translated into local version. It will be mounted by the Sigmahanon Foundation for Culture and the Arts.



CapSU Roxas City freshman Tops 21st PSQ provincial elimination

Roxas City - Kim Hilbert Antatico, a 16-year-old first year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering student of the Capiz State University Roxas City Campus won the 21st Philippine Statistics Quiz Provincial elimination Championship beating 17 other contestants from Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion, Filamer Christian University, College of St. John-Roxas, Capiz State University Roxas City and CapSU Pontevedra Campus.

The contest was held at the Hall of Governors, Provincial Capitol, Roxas City on October 25, .

Antatico, a resident of Linampongan, Pontevedra, Capiz, graduated Valedictorian at the Pontevedra National High School.

Other winners of the contest are Mr. John Mark Borbon of CapSU Pontevedra and Ms. April Aiken Guzman of Filamer Christian University who placed second and third, respectively.

The Provincial champion received a trophy and a cash of Php 3,000.00; the second placer received a medal and a cash of Php 2,000.00; and the third placer, a medal and Php 1,000.00.

The Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) is an annual contest designed to test freshman college students' knowledge of statistics. It is conducted in line with the celebration of the national Statistics Month by the National Statistics Office and the Philippine Statistical Association (PSA) since 1992.



Bombo Radyo announcers top KBP accreditation exam

By Ralph John Mijares

Of the 40 passers in the recently released results of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) announcers' accreditation examination, Kearl Banquillo and Donnie Degala topped the list with the scores of .

Both announcers work for Bombo Radyo Roxas DYOW.

Some  who took the test at the Provincial Capitol here Oct. 27 came from radio stations based in Roxas City and in Antique.

Other passers from the Consolidated Broadcasting System, Inc.'s (CBS) local AM station were Rolando Abeto, Jr., Ronnie Bulacan, Joele Melvin Estorninos, Don Anthony Falsis, and Alistair Panes while making the grade from sister station DYRX (Star FM Roxas) were Anna Denosta, Joel Diaz, and Sherwin Gepanga.

Qualifiers from DYVR of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN)-Roxas were Julius Abela of the The Capiz Times' Police Files writer PO3 Donna Borro-Asmod, Hervill Bonifacio, ALTO Cable's Dolores "Dolly" Buday, Tara Tania Dairo, Rolly Delfin, Melvin de Andres, Capiz Provincial Health Office Information Officer Joeffrey Espiritu, Reinero Frondozo, Roger Garcia, Jackie Lou Ilisan, Romeo Loveuzo, Elias Olapane, Roxas City Press Bureau Head, Jonathan Palomar, Noel Tocong, Jr. and Diana Clare Valentino.

Other passers were Maynard Aurelio, Myrthel Baguyo, Capiz Chronicles' Mihara Bulquerin and Ernesto Voluntarioso, Amy Berondo-Dasas, FO2 Marlon Garbo, Philippine Information Agency Capiz's Alex Lumaque; and Estrella Villaruz of DYJJ (IBC-Radyo Budyong Roxas).

Others who successfully hurdled the said exams were Beah Jane Bonusing, Anmie Denosta, Suzinette Habagat, Christine Day Mones, Nestor Napalinga, Jr., and Jeheil Zerrudo, all of DYRP's Radyo Natin Patnongon based in Antique.