The Philippine consul general to the Northern Territory of Australia yesterday said he is promoting Negros Occidental to Australians as an investment area and at the same time urged Negrenses to avail of a study-migrate program.

Consul General John Rivas, who is from Kabankalan City and who met with Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. at the Capitol in Bacolod City, said “We’re trying to establish business partnerships between Negros Occidental and the city of Darwin in the Northern Territory.”

Rivas said he has asked the governor what  potential businesses Australians can engage in, in Negros Occidental so he can help promote the province to investors in the Northern Territory.

He noted that Rob Night, Minister  for Asian Relations, Trade, Business, and Employment Opportunities of the Northern Territory Government of Australia, had invited Marañon and his delegation to Darwin in April to a cattle fair.

Meanwhile, Rivas urged Negrense to avail of the study-migrate program of the Northern Territory.

He said two years  of study at university level for a college or masters degree will entitle one to a permanent resident visa after graduation.

One is allowed to work while studying, he added.

However, if one fails to pass, he or she is bound to be deported, Rivas said.

He advised interested students not to apply through a travel agency but to do so directly by logging on to the Charles Darwin University website to get details on how to study there.

The salary for a degree holder working in Darwin is 78,000 Australian dollars or about P3.3 million a year, he added.

SPORTS

Meanwhile, he said Negros boxers have been invited to join the  Arafura Games in Darwin in May and a verbal agreement has been reached with Chairman Ricardo Garcia of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Rivas said he is also hoping to bring a Sepak Takraw team from Kabankalan City to the Arafura  Games.*CPG

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