DAILY STAR: Negros Oriental

Sugar planters in Negros Oriental have appealed for help from the government in the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in 2015, Maitus Aldeguer, president of the Bais-Tanjay-Manjuyod Sugar Planters Association, said recently.

The sector is apprehensive of the possible immense decrease in the price of sugar, considering that there will be zero tariffs on products coming from ASEAN countries, Aldeguer said.

She said they are worried that the sugar industry will collapse, and will especially affect the small planters as imported sugar from ASEAN countries will influence the price of the locally-produced product.

Buglasan venue
still Sidlakang
BY MARICAR ARANAS

The proposal of the Negros Oriental Tourism Council to transfer the venue for the Buglasan Festival 2012 to the Capitol grounds was rejected by several local government officials, citing impracticality and budgetary constraints.

Gov. Roel Degamo, NOTC chair Nichole Elman, and Provincial Tourism officer Myla Abellana discussed the proposal with the mayors and tourism officers during a consultative meeting.

Mayors Manuel Sagarbarria of Dumaguete, Edcel Enardecido of Ayungon, Amor Baldado of Manjuyod, Valente Yap of Bindoy, and Rene Gaudiel of Bayawan attended the meeting, while other LGUs sent their town and city tourism, and planning and development officers.
.

Jessica Sanchez meets Aquino

LOS ANGELES, California -- Two of today’s most popular celebrities with Filipino roots in America paid a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III Saturday night prior to his departure for Manila following a successful three-day official working visit here.

President Aquino met with Black Eyed Peas member Allan Pineda, a.k.a. Apl de Ap, and American Idol season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez at the Hilton Hotel to personally congratulate them in their respective thriving music careers.

Pineda, who was born in Angeles City, Pampanga, has been actively doing charity work in the Philippines through his own Apl.de.Ap foundation’s ‘We Can Be Anything’ education advocacy campaign in partnership with the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation.

Email: visayandailystar@yahoo.com