11 ARCs in Negros
part of P7B project
BUT SOME LGUs HAVE RESERVATIONS
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Eleven towns and cities in Negros Occidental are among the 134 identified nationwide for coverage under the P7 billion Agrarian Reform Communities Project 2 that was launched by the Department of Agrarian Reform in Bacolod City yesterday.

The long term development goal of ARCP2 is to reduce poverty in about 152 agrarian reform communities, 11 of which are in Negros Occidental, DAR Regional Director Alexis Arsenal said.

It aims to increase beneficiaries' incomes, and improve agri-business employment opportunities and agricultural production, he said.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia received for Bacolod City , the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition award from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in ceremonies held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila yesterday.

Bacolod is one of the four cities nationwide who received the citation for being a constant winner for its outstanding nutrition programs. The other cities, Santiago (Isabela), Lapu-Lapu ( Cebu ), and Pagadian (Zamboanga del Sur). Several provinces also received the same recognition.

Leonardia said that the CROWN award is a clear manifestation of the city government's strong commitment to provide adequate nutrition programs for the underprivileged sector of the community. He expressed gratitude to the city government employees and members of the private sector who work actively for these programs.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and members of her Cabinet will inaugurate infrastructure projects in southern Negros Occidental and Bacolod City , and preside over a climate change and sustainable development briefing in Talisay City today.

The president is expected to be accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Sec. Heherson Alvarez, Environment Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio and National Irrigation Administrator Carlo Salazar.

The president, who was initially scheduled to arrive at the Bacolod Silay Airport late yesterday afternoon, postponed her arrival to this morning and members of her staff said the schedule for today in Negros Occidental could still change at the last minute.