Teenager in Bacolod
H1N1 positive: DOH
BY CARLA GOMEZ

A 17-year-old female student was confirmed to be the first positive Influenza A(H1N1) case in Bacolod City yesterday, while a 7-year-old girl is also under observation, Negros Occidental Provincial Health Officer Luisa Efren said.

The 17-year-old is also the first confirmed A(H1N1) case in Western Visayas, Health Regional Director Ariel Valencia said.

As of yesterday the Philippines had 77 confirmed patients with mild A(H1N1), 23 of whom have been discharged, the Department of Health reported.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus yesterday stressed the need for schools to adopt preventive measures against dengue, even as they remain vigilant against Influenza A(H1N1).

Lapus, who was in Sagay City for a convention of Negros teachers and the 13th Charter Day anniversary of the city, noted that while there is a cure for A(H1N1) there is none for dengue.

There might be an overreaction to the A(H1N1) scare when there are more cases of dengue that hit the Philippines, he noted.

Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra yesterday rallied Negrenses to continue to oppose the move of Congress to amend the Constitution, stressing that indifference will allow evil to triumph.

About 1,000 Negrenses, some chanting “ConAss ni Gloria Ibasura,” marched to the Bacolod Public Plaza from the Capitol Lagoon Park amid the ringing of church bells from the   San Sebastian Cathedral, which was decked in red as a sign of protest.

Joining the protest organized by a coalition called the Negrenses United Against Constituent Assembly (NUNCA) were priests and nuns, city councilors, parishioners, peace advocates, militant groups, and members of Bangon Pilipinas.