Island region possible
before 2016, Mar says
But support data needed
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said yesterday that there is no need to pass a law to create a Negros Island region, it can be created through an executive order issued by the President.

However, he called on officials of Negros Occidental and Oriental to provide the data and justifications to support the move, during his meeting with them yesterday.

As long as all the data needed to justify the President’s issuance of an executive order to create an island region is ready, there is no reason why it cannot be done before 2016, Roxas said.

DILG gives P45M
to Negros LGUs
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Department of Interior and Local Government yesterday released P45 million to local government units in Negros Occidental.

DILG deposited P30 million in Performance Challenge Funds into the accounts of 14 local government units, while P15 million was released for the Sagana Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat program in three LGUs, Marlin Sanogal, provincial planning and development officer, said.

The names of the LGUs were not available as of press time.

Murcia officials, priests reconcile
BY NIDA BUENAFE

Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra said yesterday that the healing of the rift between church and government leaders in Murcia showed the force of prayer in softening hearts, allowing humility and forgiveness to grow and pave the way for reconciliation.

The local officials, headed by Mayor Andrew Montelibano and Vice Mayor Gerry Rojas, hugged parish priest Fr. Greg Patiño, parochial vicar Fr. Agustin Hinayan, and the pastors who are members of the Murcia Interdenominational Ministers’ Forum, during the concelebrated thanksgiving mass yesterday at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in the town.

During the mass, presided by Msgr. Louie Galbines, vicar general of the diocese, the bishop said it was the grace, mercy and divine wisdom that allowed both parties to set aside their differences and agree to work together in the campaign against vices in the society.