LGUs urged to update tax codes,
strengthen citizens’ participation

Local government units in Negros Occidental are being urged by the Social Watch Philippines to update their tax codes and strengthen the participation of residents in planning and budgeting, its press release said.

SWP national convenor Leonor Magtolis Briones, who was the guest of honor and speaker at a seminar-workshop held at the East View Hotel, Bacolod City, recently, said the assessor’s office must regularly review real property values and that LGUs must increase collection efficiency for business licenses and permits.

Briones, who was the treasurer during the Estrada administration, said in her talk on “Opportunities for Mobilizing Domestic Resources” that LGUs must develop strategies for intensified real property tax collection campaign, and consult and encourage the participation of the civil society, private sector and the media, the press release also said.

The seminar-workshop on local public finance and the participation of citizens in the budget process, was attended by officials and staff of the Hinigaran local government and members of civil society organizations. It was hosted by the SWP and the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement-Negros Office, and funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund, the press release said.

Highlight of the activity was the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Hinigaran Mayor Hermilo Aguilar, Briones for SWP and PRRM-Negros area manager Edwin Balajadia for the UNDF project, and witnessed by Sangguniang Bayan councilors Mary Jean Lagtapon and Walter Uychocde, Isagani Fernandez of the PRRM, and Judy Gepulle of the Federation of Small Fisherfolk Associations of Hinigaran, the press release also said.*

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School marks
45th anniversary

The St. Rose of Lima School at Capitol Heights, Barangay Villamonte in Bacolod City, is celebrating its 45th foundation anniversary today and tomorrow on the theme “STROLS at 45 of God’s Grace: Growing…Blooming…and Thanksgiving,” its press release said.

The activity, that coincides with the Feast of St. Rose of Lima, starts with a fun run/marathon at 6 a.m. today, followed by an aerodance, opening rites at 8 a.m., and various sports competitions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., its principal, Sr. Nemia Daral, said in the press release.

A floral offering, meanwhile, will open tomorrow’s activities at 7 a.m., with Rev. Mo. Celestine Bancal giving the inspirational message, a Eucharistic celebration with Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra at 8:30 a.m., followed by a motorcade around the city that will be participated in by the STROLS community and guests, the press release also said.

Other activities are a field demonstration by students from kinder to fourth year high school, and a night camp and alumni fellowship, the press release added.*

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Ex-prexy of
arts group dies

Mencius Martinez, former president of the Art Association of Bacolod, and first president of Arfien Forever, passed away on August 20, 2012, after more than a month of hospitalization due to kidney ailment, a press release from the group said.

“Mentong,” as he was fondly called by the artist community, turned 55 on July 4, 2012. He was an active member of Arte Negrense and belonged to the La Consolacion College High School Batch 1972.

He is survived by his eight siblings Myralee, Mendell, Marlon, Myrza, Mitchie, Miko, Martin and Mario, and his 14-year-old daughter China. His remains were cremated after a requiem mass yesterday, as decided by his family. His urn will then be brought to Manila, the press release also said.

The Martinez family is extending their gratitude to relatives and friends for their support and kind gestures through hospital visits, recollection of good times,  and prayers, the press release added.*

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Bacoleña in
top 3 of talent search

Bacoleña Chanel Morales, has remained in the top three among 16 scholar-finalists in the P20-million “Artista Academy” talent search of TV 5 Network, a press release from promoters said.

Morales was rated by AA judges as two of the best among the eight female-finalists as of Monday night. The station press release said that, aside from Chanel, this week’s best students are Sophie Albert and Vin Abrenica, while saved from expulsion were Stephanie Rowe and Benjo Leoncio.

Chanel is the daughter of Royce and Emie Morales.  She is a St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod high school graduate.

Twenty percent of the overall grades come from text votes. Type AA CHANEL to 5656 to vote, the press release added.*

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