Escalantebarangays
get P2.1M

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez Jr. presented a check for P2.1 Million to the Escalante City government to be distributed to its 21 barangays, at the Escalante City Government Center, yesterday, a Capitol press release said.

The barangays will receive P100,000 each for their projects.

Marañon said more projects, such as concreting of roads, some of which have already been started, are being implemented in the city, as part of the provincial government’s thrust to develop the countryside.

Alvarez said that more projects have been implemented in the city, particularly the livestock and poultry dispersal as part of livelihood program of the provincial government.

The check was received by Acting City Mayor Ester Ampil, in the presence of the Sangguniang Panlungsod members and the 21 barangay captains.

Also present were Provincial Administrator Enrique Pinongan, Executive Assistant to the Governor Nonong Verdeflor, and Provincial Agriculturist Igmedio Tabianan.*

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Solon seeks
tax exemptions

Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez Jr. filed House Bill No. 5700 or the “Contribution Exemption Act”, on January 18, which seeks to exempt all contributions to the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Home Development Mutual Fund and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation from taxation, a press release from the office of Golez said.

It said the government should encourage the regular and consistent payment of premiums in the SSS, GSIS, Pag-Ibig and Philihealth and imposing taxes on the contributions in SSS, Pag-Ibig and Philhealth might deter voluntary members from paying the required premiums.

The bill states that such possibility would not work well with the SSS, Pag-Ibig and Philhealth, which relies on its premium collection for having a smooth operation.

The efforts of the present Bureau of Internal Revenue administration in trying to maximize tax collection using all available laws is very commendable, the press release said.

“However, I honestly believe that the collection of taxes on premiums in SSS, GSIS, Pag-Ibig and Philhealth will not be that substantial and at the same time, is too burdensome to the Pinoys, who are already having a hard time making ends meets with the high prices of fuel and commodities,” Golez said in the press release.*

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A wedding at The Ruins

Babette Quevenco Diaz of Silay City and Pietro Giovani Zaini were married in solemn rites officiated by Pastor Jose Ma. Ascalon at The Ruins in Talisay City, recently.

The bride is the daughter of Jesus and Thelma Quevenco and the groom is the son of Giovanni and Jill Zaini.

Babette is the officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan, while Pietro is chief executive officer and president of Duplication Station in Queensland, Australia.

The principal sponsors were Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr., Board Members Melvin Ibañez and Nehemias de la Cruz Sr., Cecile Lacson, Dan Ramirez, Ma. Cristina de Pedro, Raymund Javellana, Dr. Rosalie David, , Carmina Jalandoni, Jose Mari Simo, Arlene Parreño and Miriam Zayco.

Maid of honor was Dr. Donna Quevenco, bridesmaids were Angela Nina Zaini, Miriam Cecilia Quevenco, and lawyer Kara Aimee Quevenco.

The best man was Jose Christopher Marxius Diaz, while the groomsmen were lawyer Jesus Quevenco Jr., Rodolfo Quevenco, and Jesus Bernardino Magbanua.

Junior bridesmaids were Angela Chardeen Garbrielle Diaz and Kristel Jean Therese Diaz, while the flower girls were Ysabela Beatrice Austria and Mikka Adrianne Tiongco.

The usherettes were Nona Karina Magbanua, Carla Montalvo and Marsha Montalvo.*

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IN SILAY
GK to inaugurate building

Thelma Quevenco, the village coordinator and liaison officer, said this is the only Gawad Kalinga project in the Philippines having the Catholic Church as its partner, the press release said.

She added that the materials for construction were provided by the donors with the assistance of Silay City Government and the amount was solicited by Rodolfo Quevenco, Silaynon UN diplomat based in Vienna, Austria and the head of the Atomic Energy Information Center.

Records show that P 898,000 was spent on the structure and another P 220,000 was donated by the family of Romulo Puentebella for the roofing.

The laying of the cornerstone was on Sept. 3, 2011 and the work force was provided by the members of the 35 families occupying the 1.5 hectares with the assistance of some volunteers from various sectors.

The village was founded by Rev. Fr. Felix Pasquin (2002), then parish priest of Silay City, and this is the only GK Village in the Philippines which is situated in the middle of first class subdivisions, the press release said.

Messages during the program will be delivered by Mayor Jose Montelibano; Tony Meloto, GK international head; Bob Magalona, GK provincial head; and Enrique Lacson, project manager.

The same officials will cut the ceremonial ribbon with the assistance of guests from Austria – Lill and Eric Matzners and Alan Mabesa.

Ver Pacete, Silay tourism officer, said the GK – Fiat Gawad Kalinga is open to tourists and social workers who want to know how human growth and development program is implemented in the grass roots, the press release added.*

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Mangrove planting
set in Punta Taytay

The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints and the JRS Express-Bacolod branch will lead a mangrove planting and outreach program in Brgy. Punta Taytay, Bacolod, Saturday, organizers said.

Called “Helping Hands 2012,” the activity aims to restore and improve mangrove plantation in the coastal area of Brgy. Punta Taytay and help residents earn a living since the mangroves will be bought from them.

After the mangrove planting there will be distribution of hygiene kits to 250 children. The area was also identified where more number of residents belonging to the poorest of the poor.

JRS Express area manager Carmelo Malata initiated the first mangrove planting last year and he sponsored the same activity this year for his love to the environment, the organizers said.

Malata is also the president of the Ecological Society of the Philippines, a non-government organization campaigning for environmental protection.

Other sponsors and donors of the activity are Tony Claparols, owner of JRS Express, Rudy Tan, general manager and owner Burlington Socks Industries, Ltd., members of the Bacolod-based Masonic Fraternal Order-Kanlaon Lodge 364 led by Dr. Frank Tumaneng, Transcom Worldwide-Bacolod, and volunteers from the Latter-Day Saints.

Meanwhile, a turnover of cash donations to Brgy. Capt. Rufino Alacala will be held today in Brgy. Punta Taytay. *LTG

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