Officials of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday asked why the government itself is “stifling” the birth of a new industry that could give jobs to many and stimulate the economy.

This was the point raised by MBCCI president Roberto Montelibano and Greg Lopez, executive director of the Bio-Ethanol Philippines Inc.

Lopez, the most vocal advocate of bioethanol, pointed out that in other countries, governments makes sure that incentives are given to infant industries to be able to attract investors.

KMU hits add'l cost

The Kilusang Mayo Uno Labor Center in Negros has expressed its opposition to the 0.0978 increase in power rate for missionary electrification to be implemented by Central Electric Cooperative and blamed the government for the burden being passed on to end user as a result of the passage of the Energy Power Reform Act of 2001, a KMU press release said.

“Amidst the rising cost of basic commodities, the 0.0978 centavos increase in every KWH of our consumed electricity is inhuman and inconsiderate in the upcoming Yuletide season. This is the poison gift brought by the passage of EPIRA Law,” Ronald Ian Evidente, KMU Negros spokesperson, said in the press release.

Power interruptions Sunday

The Central Negros Electric Cooperative Inc. will conduct preventive maintenance of rotten primary poles along 6th Street Lacson, Bacolod City and line clearing activities from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday .

Affected by blackouts due to the maintenance schedule are areas from Mc Donald's to Imay's Restaurant, Bacolod (portion of Mt. Feeder 3), a press release from CENECO said.

Member-consumers are advised to put off their electrical switches all throughout the duration of the power interruption for safety reasons, and to give an allowance of about 10 to 15 minutes after power resumption, before putting on all electrical appliances and facilities, to avoid power surge.

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