DAILY STAR: Negros Oriental

Twelve rebel returnees received yesterday P50,000 each as economic assistance, from Gov. Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental at the Capitol, as part of the peace initiatives of the government.

Arturo Umbac, co-chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Rebel Returnees, said this is also in line with Degamo’s vision for lasting peace in the province.

The former members of the New People’s Army have undergone capacity-building seminars and trainings to enable them to manage and sustain the livelihood assistance they received.

Dumaguete updating
real property valuation
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

The Dumaguete City government is updating the valuation of real properties to increase revenues, and improve the collection of taxes, after the reduction of its Internal Revenue Allotment share this year.

The city’s IRA was reduced by P33 million, following the creation of 16 additional cities, and the decrease in the tax collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

City Administrator William Ablong said he believes that the updating is long overdue since the assessment of the market value of real properties had been made about 30 years ago.

Du works out P5-million
assistance to flood victims
BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

The Social Action Center of the Diocese of Dumaguete, headed by Fr. Burton Villarmente, has confirmed the donation of P5 million to flood victims in the city worked out by Fr. John Du, outgoing bishop of the Diocese, as a legacy for his 10 years stint in the city.

Du will be installed as archbishop of Palo, Leyte, May 9.

Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria said a copy of the memorandum of commitment was received by the city government that is being asked to provide the land where the housing units will be built as the LGU counterpart.

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