Freedom day aid given
BY ADRIAN NEMES III

The distribution of P1.7 million in farm equipment to farmers and insurance claims to families of barangay tanods and employees who died serving their communities, highlighted the celebration of the 115th year anniversary of Philippine Independence in Negros Occidental yesterday.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. led the distribution of P933,632 in insurance claims and benefits of the deceased barangay tanods and kagawads in the towns of Manapla, Calatrava, Pontevedra, San Enrique, Valladolid, Himamaylan, Binalbagan, Moises Padilla, Hinoba-aan and in the cities of Sipalay and Talisay.

Marañon said the provincial government, under his leadership, has, so far, distributed P30 million to beneficiaries of deceased barangay tanods and kagawads.

City freed from grim
unemployment: Mayor
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Bacolod Congressman-elect and Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday recalled that in the past nine years, Bacolod City had been enjoying the independence and freedom from the grim statistics of unemployment due to very favorable business environment for major investments, citing the call centers that recently gave the city the mark of “Center of Excellence”.

These major investments, like the business process outsourcing or call center industry, have provided jobs to many of the city’s unemployed, he said during the 115th Independence Day celebration at the Bacolod City public plaza yesterday, his last as mayor of Bacolod.

Leonardia said the construction boom is very visible as multi-million investments continue to pour into Bacolod. These investments generate jobs that liberate many from extreme want, he said.

We’re still operating,
security agency says
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The owner of E and R Security Agency in Bacolod City yesterday said their clients have nothing to worry about as it is continuing to operate with the required licenses issued by government.

Enieda Montilla said the firearms used by her agency’s guards are all licensed.

She also stressed that her agency has a certificate of accreditation to deploy licensed protection agents or escorts, and a Commission on Elections certificate of authority for its personnel to transport firearms during the election period.