FLASHFLOOD
Families affected increase to 4,786
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

The number of flashflood-affected families rose to 4,786 in the five cities and three towns of Negros Occidental, although the water has already subsided.

Provincial Social Welfare Officer, Liane Garcia, yesterday reported to Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. that there are still families, whose houses were destroyed, and are staying at evacuation centers in the cities of Sagay and Cadiz.

Houses destroyed reached 68 as of yesterday, while 732 were partially damaged, with Sagay City having the most number of affected families, who totaled 1,211, Garcia said.

The Negros Occidental provincial government plans to negotiate with owners of private hospitals for the medical treatment of beneficiaries of its universal health care package, if it has enough funds, Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. said.

The plan to negotiate with private hospitals in the province is being eyed by Gov. Alfredo Marañon to start January next year. However, it was moved to June after the PhilHealth announced that it will increase the premiums being paid to them by members in 2012, Alvarez said.

The mayors of Negros Occidental have supported the move of the provincial government to withdraw payment premiums for their 148,881 indigent enrollees from PhilHealth, which is doubling its fees next year, and to, instead, pay the amount directly to the NOCHP.

Bacolod City is all set for a spectacular New Year's Countdown Party on Saturday at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds, where, for the first time, Bacoleños will welcome the new year as one big family.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said “This is going to be historic because we are embarking on something and treading in new waters.”

Leonardia said this is an attempt to divert the cultural tide in Bacolod, where families typically celebrate the New Year at home, by encouraging them to celebrate the holidays with a larger community.