An engineer, lawyer, and retired politician chatted over coffee, discussing the barangay government structure, created by former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. The topic was the subject of a column I wrote in August of last year, where it was noted, “The barangay concept was an idea of the Marcos regime as a way to …
Monthly Archives: August 2017
A broken promise
It has been a roller coaster ride for the Philippines since President Rodrigo Duterte was sworn into office, with the county currently divided between those who support the president and those who strongly oppose his ideas. Duterte campaigned to stop drugs within three to six months after he became president. With drugs running rampant …
Bird flu puts PVO on high alert
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) is on high alert after the Department of Health (DOH) declared a bird flu outbreak in Luzon. In a radio interview over the weekend, PVO head, Dr. Renante Decena, said the provincial government has already set needed measures in order to ensure chickens or other …
Moises Padilla Mayor denies plans to run for governor in 2019
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña dispelled rumors he was planning a run for the governorship in 2019. In a message sent over the weekend, the mayor said he has no such plans of running for the top provincial post. Additionally, he suggested voters select somebody who is close to President …
Over 4,000 Iloilo officials swear allegiance to PDP-Laban Alvarez: Unsure if Mabilog can join
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez officiated the oath of allegiance over the weekend at the Iloilo Convention Center for the over 4,000 Iloilo officials joining the ruling PDP-Laban. Many of the officials were Iloilo City barangay officials who joined at the behest of Iloilo Lone District Rep. Jerry Treñas, who joined the party following the election …
Local business sector urges Duterte not to close down regional offices
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The local business sector in the Negros Island Region (NIR) appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to not close down the various regional offices which have already set up shop in the region. Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du said they are urging the president to …
Negrense soldier laid to rest in Sipalay City
By Ma. Irish Joy M. Sabio, Intern A Negrense soldier, killed in action while battling terrorists in Marawi City, was laid to rest in Sipalay City over the weekend. The soldier, 27-year-old Private First Class (PFC) Ramonito Occeña, a member of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, and resident of Barangay Manlucahoc …
Binalbagan Mayor seeks sustainable livelihood for indigenous people
By Paulo Loreto Lim Following last week’s observance of International Day of the World’s Indigenous People at the Binalbagan municipal covered court, Mayor Emmanuel Aranda recently called for more programs to help indigenous people, calling them the “Bantay Bukid” for the municipality. He noted, with around 1,000 indigenous people either currently receiving education scholarships or …
P2.46 million worth of shabu seized in San Carlos City raid
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Anti-drug operatives seized an estimated P2.46 million worth of illegal drugs at Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Punao, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, last week. Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, provincial police director, said operatives of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), led by Police Senior Inspector Ryan Villasario, in coordination with …
Isabela to relaunch Tigkalalag Festival
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor yesterday said the municipal government of Isabela will relaunch the Tigkalalag Festival this year. Malabor said the municipality of Isabela used to celebrate the Tigkalalag Festival every November 1 and 2, however, it was shelved the last four years due to a change of local leadership. …