Christmas lanterns
competition ongoing in Bacolod

Nineteen Christmas lanterns made by inmates of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental are now on display at the City Walk of Robinsons Place Bacolod as entries to Robinson’s “Suga sang Paskwa” parol-making contest.

Now on its 6th year, the parol-making competition seeks to give new meaning to the art of illumination and environmental consciousness by requiring participants to make creative techniques using recycled materials.

“Suga sang Paskwa” is the search for the most creative and resourceful lanterns among inmates in the BJMP in Negros Occidental.

Event organizer, Ma. Chona Gosiaoco, said the contest aims to promote better relationship among inmates inside the jail by sharing ideas, discover their ingenuity, dedication and diligence.

She said each participating jail is entitled to one entry that should reflect this year’s theme “Suga sang Paskwa.”

Entries should be made of recycled plastic materials with emphasis on lighting design and the lanterns should be able to withstand indoor and outdoor conditions for the duration of the Christmas season, Gosiaoco added.

Awarding of prizes will be held on December 22 at the fountain area.

The grand champion will receive P20,000 in cash; first runner-up, P15,000; second runner-up, P10,000; third runner-up, P7,000; fourth runner-up, P5,000; and 5th and 6th runners-up P3,000 each.

Cash prizes of P3,000 each will be given to winners of the most creative parol, best lighted parol, most unique parol, best in durable design, and best Robinson’s logo.

Twelve consolation prizes at P2,000 each will also be given to non-winning entries.

Criteria for judging are originality – 20 percent, artistry/use of lights – 35 percent, craftsmanship – 30 percent, and use of colors – 15 percent.*CGS

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2 classrooms
donated in Victorias

Two classrooms, worth P200,000 each, were donated by the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce–North Negros Chapter to the Victorias National High School Canetown Extension School, a press release from the group said.

The classrooms were endorsed recently to Victorias Vice Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca at rites attended by Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr., Lucio Chua, president of the Chamber North Negros Chapter, Philip Yap, and VNHS principal Rey Pama.

Alvarez said he learned that the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce budgeted only P200,000 for each classroom, that is smaller by two meters than a standard classroom. But he said, if the province could have the same cost for each classroom, then the classroom shortage in the province will be addressed faster, the press release said.

He said that, with this costing, 50 classrooms could be built out of P10 million to serve more students in the province, “a far cry from the measly six classrooms that will be built with the P1.66 million cost being budgeted by the province for those at the Negros Occidental High School”, the press release also said.

Alvarez had earlier raised concerns over the cost of the NOHS classrooms. He said the standard budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways is only P650,000 per room, the press release added.*

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Broadcasting day
for kids observed

Broadcast stations, both television and radio observed the National Children’s Broadcasting Day Sunday as provided for in Republic Act 8296, or the law declaring every second Sunday of December as the NCBD.

The law, authored by former Rep. Jose Carlos Lacson (Neg. Occ., 3rd District), provides that television and radio stations nationwide allocate a minimum of three hours airtime for programs exclusively for, on, or about children and produced especially for the observance day, and that, at least, one hour must be prime time.

It also provides that programs should be child-friendly, promote positive values, and enable children to exercise their rights to freedom of thought and expression. It also encourages the participation of children as talents or guests during the program.

The law also states that heads of government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units, employers in the private sectors, and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas must encourage and allow sufficient time and opportunities for their employees to engage and participate in ceremonies to celebrate NCBD. *LTG

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