Hundreds of environmental advocates ran, cleaned the sea, and planted 350 mangrove trees during the May 5 Climate Impact Day at Silliman Beach in Dumaguete City recently, a press release from organizers said.

Zephanie Daniels, national coordinator of the 350.org, said runners, scuba divers, environmentalists and individuals gathered to educate, advocate, and mobilize people to act on reversing the warming of the earth.

Science has tracked the earth’s temperature through the last five decade and has determined that the temperature of the earth continues to increase. The increase has disturbed weather patterns by intensifying storms, draught, and causing unpredictable seasons, Daniels added.

The activity was led by the Metro Dumaguete Runners Club that went from Silliman Beach to Silliman Avenue and back, before planting and adopting 350 mangrove propagules in a nursery prepared by BPI Bayan Dumaguete Cluster, the press release added.

It also said that mangrove trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen. The rise in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is considered the primary cause of global warming.

Mangrove also combat the effects of rising sea levels, coastal erosion and flooding, offer refuge to fishes and help strain the creek and ocean of plastics, it said.*

The Dumaguete City Police Office highlights several significant accomplishments in the campaign against all forms of criminality in the city, under the leadership of P/Supt Crisaleo Tolentino, who took over as OIC Chief-Of-Police, August 12, last year, then on December 14, on the same year, was designated as the Police Chief of PNP Dumaguete.

Supt. Tolentino, on his report to the members of the city council during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlunsod, Wednesday afternoon, as he was invited to give the update on the city peace and order situation.

Accomplishment on Anti-illegal gambling from August 2012 to May 9, 2012. Police conducted 60 operations, which resulted to 60 persons arrested and confiscation of bet money amounting to P24, 647.90 and filing of 50 cases in court for violation of RA 9287.

On illegal drugs, Police conducted 48 operations and arrested 59 persons, with 36.63 grams of shabu confiscated and 15.42 grams of dried marijuana, with 64 cases filed in court for violating provisions of RA 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Drugs Law of 2001.

Of the 59 persons arrested, 33 are pushers and 25 are users. Tolentino said, they also served warrants of arrest and search warrants issued by Acting Executive Judge Rosendo Bandal, Jr., which resulted to the recovery of 21.09 grams shabu. The illegal drugs were sent through a package at LBC Real St. Branch, Dumaguete City by a certain Rica Rose T. Merced of National Highway, Landayan, San Pedro, Laguna addressed to a certain Rellen T. Merced of Brgy. Calindagan, Dumaguete City. A case was filed at the Dumaguete City Prosecution Office for Violation of Sec. 5, Transportation of Dangerous Drugs.

On the campaign on loose firearms, Police conducted 20 operations and arrested 22 persons with 22 firearms confiscated, one firearm recovered and 9 firearms surrendered to the Police with 19 cases filed in court from August 2011 to April 2012.

Accomplishment on wanted persons from August 2011 to April 2012. Of 110 persons arrested, 94 are bailable and 16 are non-bailable.

Operation on anti-armed robbery/car napping. Police arrested Dennis Baldado, 23 years old, a native of Manjuyod, Negros Oriental and temporarily residing at Purok 4, Brgy. Batingel, Dumaguete City.

A pending warrant of arrest of robbery case was issued by Hon. Judge Joseph Elmaco of MCTC Bindoy, Bindoy, Negros Oriental dated June 29, 2011. The suspect was also arrested for robbery and car napping, March this year, in Purok 4, Brgy. Batingel, Dumaguete City. Police recovered from the suspect, Baldado, nine (9) pieces of cell phones, six (6) pieces of wristwatches, thirty three (33) pieces of VCD/DVD, three (3) pieces of LTO MC plates plate nos. OS2234, N7999 and G4454.

Update on the Botica Real robbery incident. Supt. Tolentino said, they already identified the suspect as Michael Garsula alias “Marcus Pasculados,” a resident of Brgy. Malaunay, Valencia, Negros Oriental. A case was field at the City Prosecutors Office for robbery, including John Does.

With 114 total number of Police personnel in PNP Dumaguete to serve and protect the 130,015 population as of 2011 National Statistic Office Census with the ratio of 1:2,140 night time, according to Supt. Tolentino.

Even before Sec. Jessie Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) could reiterate his marching orders for the police to dismantle illegal gambling operations during a quick visit to the province last week, the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) has already reported a significant accomplishment in the campaign against all forms of criminality, under the leadership of P/SrSupt Edward Esperat Carranza who took over the helm of the command in September last year.

Records show that NOPPO has put to jail 242 drug personalities and filed 236 drugs cases in court against them for violating provisions of RA 9165 otherwise known as the comprehensive drugs law of 2001 from September 2011 up to April this year.

As a result of such operations, a total of 176.324 grams of shabu were confiscated, 3,284.87 grams of dried marijuana leaves, 3 marijuana plants uprooted with a total street value of P227, 446.85.

Of the 242 persons arrested, 183 are drug pushers, 56 are drug users and three are marijuana cultivators.

On illegal gambling, 512 police operations were conducted which resulted in the arrest of 452 persons and confiscations of bet money amounting to P427, 771.80 and the filing of 297 cases in court for violation of RA 9287. In today’s command conference, PSr-Supt Carranza reminded chiefs of police all over the province of the “no take” policy, or be sacked if proven to have received payola or protection money from swertres financiers.

During the same period, 379 wanted persons were arrested for various offenses while 68 persons were nabbed while in possession of 118 assorted and unlicensed firearms.

One of the most significant accomplishments is the neutralization of at least six gun-for-hire in the province, according to P/SrSupt Carranza.

Carranza identified the six as Herman Escora and Renny Deocares for their alleged involvement in the robbery with homicide incident last January 19, 2011. Also arrested where Jasper Tanasan and Pacito Libron, who were accused in the shooting of Bayawan City first councilor Atty. Victoriano Alabastro in June of last year and Jerry Inocierta, who were accused of killing businessman Demetrio Larena III in October 2011.

Also, NOPPO has intensified the campaign against illegal logging to preserve the remaining forest of the province. As a result, nine persons were arrested and the confiscation of four cargo trucks loaded with sawn lumber and 261 sacks of charcoal, among other evidences//.jg

A museum for culture and arts, as artifacts center, a music and heritage center, are among those being eyed in making Dumaguete City a tourism and heritage destination in this part of the country.

This developed in the wake of the reinvigorated re-launching of Sta. Cruzan which perhaps could evolve into the new major tourism destination for this capital city, particularly in the month of May which summer and convention month in  this university town.

This was disclosed by the city tourism officer who is popularly known as “RR” Maquiling, a fitting description for his initiative in developing Dumaguete into a major rest and recreation” destination.

The launching of the “Handumanan” exhibit at Robinsons place this week is part of activities lined up for the Santacruzan festival this month of May.

City tourism officer Woodrow Maquiling Jr., said the exhibit could be the first step into having a museum or a heritage site for Dumaguete, where vintage pictures from old families that helped shaped the city to what it is now, are kept.

During the opening ceremony, descendants and present generation of old families in Dumaguete were given recognition, to include among others the Pinili clan, the Teves generations of leaders, Alfabeto, Macias, Pastor, Romero, Uymatiao, Larena, Flores, Locsin, Bejar, among others.

Also featured during the “Handumanan” exhibit are the history of different educational institutions in the city, former mayors, vintage pictures of old landmarks and structures in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental.

Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria was hoping it will be a matter of time for the city to have a repository of its rich heritage in trying to receive the past through culture and arts.

Sagarbarria disclosed that a retied and famous professor in Silliman is willing to donate plenty of books and reading materials about the city’s past. He said such donations will only be accepted as soon as the museum is established.

The mayor also said, efforts are also undertaken to make Dumaguete the music capital of the Philippines with the holding event in November this year.

Dubbed as “Dagsa”, all Filipino musicians will be coming in Dumaguete to sing Original Pilipino Music (OPM) in a one week activity.

Sagarbarria said “Dagsa” is tentative set on November 9-13, 2012 where Filipinos musicians will sing all OPM tunes at the Rizal Boulevard for free.

He said the Filipino artists will be brought to Dumaguete through Tao Foundation of Jun-jun Sy, in hoping that it will be a beginning of converting Dumaguete, into a music capital of the country.

On the other hand, the mayor said the city is also coming up with another version of the Dumaguete Hymn. He said the present one is not a hymn but a lullaby.

It will be received through a contest among local musicians, through the city tourism office.jg

Provincial Champion 12 years-old Jobilie Onte from the municipality Valencia, and former Dumaguete champion 12-year-old Omitzie Serion spearheaded the early registrants in the forthcoming Governor’s Chess Cup: PNG Chess Eliminations.

The event will kick-off May 13, 14 and 15 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center where top placers will earn the right to represent the Province in the PNG 2012 to be held in Dumaguete City later this month.

The respective category champions in the Philippine National Games will be picked up to be included in the Philippine Sports Commission’s Pool of Athletes.

They will also have a chance to be part of the Philippine Team in the forthcoming World Chess Olympiad 2012.

The categories are: Open (with Men’s & Women’s category); 18 years-old and under (with Boy’s and Girl’s Category); 12 years-old and under (with Boy’s and Girl’s category).

All the participants will be required to bring their own chess sets.

Meanwhile, comebacking Rudell Siglos hammered his second round victory over Bais City’s Engr. Archie Garson to remain the only perfect scorer in the ongoing Executive ChessFest 2012 at Robinson’s Place Food Court area.

In close contenders with 1.5 points each are: Evan Tampi, 1^st District DILG officer Nestor Teofilo, NORECO II’s Rey Mercado, Barangay 6’s Councilor Engr. Carlito Soriano, and George Albis.

With one point each are: Engr.Garson, Joseph Duran, Romy Espino, Fritz Sendiong, Tayasan’s Iem Karel Cataylo, and Arturo Aguilar.

The third round skirmish will resume this Sunday, May 13 at 6:00pm in this 16-man-field, five-round Swiss event.

Sponsoring this maiden event are: Robinson’s Place Dumaguete, Atty. Cyrus C. Riconalla, Atty. Alfredo A. Orquillas Jr., Atty. Mark Christofell Banquerigo, Atty. Jason M. Bandal, Vice Mayor Alan Gel S. Cordova, Daniel P. Dionaldo Jr. and Ads Unlimited.

Dumaguete’s dominance in archery was proven once more in the Palarong Pambansa in Lingayen, Pangasinan last week after Karl Kristian Mari broke three Palaro records in secondary boys’ archery at the Capitol Resort Hotel Range in Lingayen.

Mari, an incoming sophomoring student at the Catherina Cittadini St. Louise High School, scored 313 points to erase the 300 points set last year in the secondary boys 50m.

He also won the 30-meter, 40-meter and 50-meter events to lead the Central Visayas delegation.

Mari, 14, a resident of Barangay Bagacay, posted 333 points to shatter the 331, 30-meter record made by Julius Cootauco of the Bicol Region set last year in  Dapitan City.

He also shattered the record for the 40-meter distance with 324 points, breaking by 13 points the previous Mark Julian Sebastian Teves, also of Central Visayas, set last year.

Mari’s name is the latest among a string of outstanding archers who have made Dumaguete and Negros Oriental proud, such as Joan Chan, Jennifer Chan and Mark Javier, to name a few.

Accompanying Mari to the Palarong Pambansa was his proud mother, Maria Eliza Ty Mari. (PR)

The first-ever Handumanan sa Dumaguete photo exhibit to launch the celebration of the National Heritage Month formally opened to the public on May 7 at the Robinsons Plain Main Atrium attended by Government officials, dignitaries, guests and above all, representatives of the various families who graciously agreed to share old photos and other mementoes that best depicted their respective lineage.

As many of the photos revealed, some of which were reproduced from the original because of its delicate state, these were the so-called Buena familia of yore whose descendants today continued the legacy handed down to them by their pedigreed forebears.

The photo exhibit, spearheaded by the city government of Dumaguete, the City Tourism Office, and the City Tourism Council, is also part of the month-long Santracruzan Festival whose theme this year is “A Celebration of Virtues.”

As Mayor Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria expressed when he welcomed everyone during the opening, “This year, we have gone back to the original name of this May Festival.   If you may all remember in the previous years, the festival was called the Kabulakan Festival.  This year, we have decided, once and for all, to return to the name many people have been used to, which is the Santacruzan Festival and to rightfully partner with the Church in the celebration.”

According to Penn Larena, chairperson of the Heritage Exhibit Committee, it is hoped that through the photos on exhibit until next week, people will learn to appreciate the glories of the past, as well as emulate the historical figures and personages who have helped develop Dumaguete to become what is today, making a mark in public service, arts, and culture, good governance, civic involvement religiousity, academe, tourism and hospitality, entertainment, business, and community endeavors.

Adapted from the Visayan word handumanan which means sweet remembrance, the vintage photos in the exhibit also include a commemoration of 25 years of the Salesian Fathers of Don Bosco who run the St. Louise School-Don Bosco in Dumaguete, the Negros Revolution of 1898, past mayors of Dumaguete, and the centennial anniversary of the History and Political Science Department of Silliman University this year.

What spurred the realization of this milestone of a photo exhibit is the action plan of the Dumaguete Tourism Council as a result of its Lakbay-Aral this year.

“In our visit to four historic towns in Southern Cebu – Boljoon, Santander, Samboan, and Oslob – it was such an amazing feat for their people to be able to preserve their age-gold heritage through their buildings and churches, and other landmarks.  To top it all, for such a small, obscure town like Samboan, it has a museum that is being maintained by private citizens whose passion for culture and history is something we can all learn from,” shared Board Member Erwin Macias, chairperson of the City Tourism Council and the Sangguniang Panglungsod Committee on Tourism, and himself a descendant of one of the influential families in the City and Negros Oriental, being the grandson of former Cong. Lamberto Lajato Macias, and the son of former Gov. Emilio C. Macias II.

Although it may be quite ambitious to put up a museum soon in the city, Larena- another descendant of illustrious families in Dumaguete – said he hopes that legislators would sponsor an ordinance towards heritage conservation and preservation of our history.  “A heritage and historical council in the city government to look into these concerns would likewise inspire our youth to get to know more about the city’s glorious past,” Larena added.

This sentiment was shared by Woodrow Maquiling Jr., City Tourism Officer and Santacruzan Festival director, who intoned that his office intends to do a follow-up exhibit by next year with the support and cooperation of other pioneering families of achievers in the city.  Maquiling observed, “This exhibit is yet the first.  Through this initial venture, we are praying that we would be able to feature many more families because truly, Dumaguete is such a rich source of cultural heritage as proven by the many Dumagueteños who have become well-known in their fields not only here, but also abroad.”

The families featured in the exhibit are: Absin, Aldecoa, Alfabeto, Arrieta, Bejar, Flores, Larena, Locsin, Macias, Pastor, Perdices, Pinili, Romero, Teves, and Uymatiao.

Doing their share, too, in contributing to the success of the exhibit, aside from the major stakeholders, were the Provincial Tourism Office, Foundation University, Silliman University, Negros Oriental State University, Saint Paul University Dumaguete, and Asian College. (Cecile M. Genove)

Runners, scuba divers, environmentalists and concerned individuals gathered on Silliman Beach at  dawn last Saturday, May 5, to celebrate Earth Day.

A fun run, beach clean-up and other environmental actions were all meant to educate, advocate and mobilize people to action and help reverse global warming, said Zephanie Danieles, 350.0rg national coordinator.

“This day is dedicated to the earth and to all the people living in it that a healthy tomorrow depends on our action today,” Danieles said.

The earth‘s temperature has been rising in the last five years which has disturbed weather patterns characterized by stronger storms, drought and unpredictable seasons, she said.

The morning began with a Run for 350 Mangrove Trees.  The runners, led by Metro Dumaguete Runners Club made their way from Silliman Ave. and back before planting and adopting 350 Mangrove propagules in a nursery prepared by BPI Bayan Dumaguete Cluster.

Mangrove trees, Danieles said, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen.  Mangroves also combat the effects of rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and flooding.  These mangrove trees will soon offer refuge to fishes and help strain the creek and the ocean of plastics.

Under the ocean, a team of divers led by Harold Biglete with friends and members of the Philippine National Police pulled up plastics from the coral and ocean floor.  The divers, calling themselves SCUBAsureros, pulled up several sacks of plastics as one more step in saving the planet.

The day culminated at the Robinson’s Mall where images of our Province suffering from the impact of extreme and destructive weather patterns became an avenue for teaching and reminding us all of the real and present danger of global warming affecting Negros Oriental.  As the images were viewed, the dots were being connected by the viewing public in such a way that every destructive act imposes itself destructively upon earth and humanity.

The day of activity involved people from all sectors, led by 350.0rg Negros Oriental and joined by Foundation University, Silliman University Environmental Committee, St. Paul University Science Club, FENOr, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Dumaguete Amateur & Striders (DARS), the Barangay Council of Bantayan, Dumaguete City Barangay Council, GP Rehab, the Provincial Philippine national Police, Century Security Agency, YATTA, and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Bantayan. (PR)

Six, or 27.3 percent of the 22 new scholars of the Department of Science & Technology from Negros Oriental intend to enroll in the BS Geology course at the Negros Oriental State University this academic year in June.

The rest are distributed among eight other courses: BS Mechanical Engineering (four or 18.2 percent), BS Information Technology (three or 13.6 percent), BS Chemistry (three or 13.6 percent), BS Geodetic Engineering (two or 9.1 percent), BS Electrical Engineering (one or 4.5 percent), BS Education-Physics Teaching (one or 4.5 percent), BS Computer Science (one or 4.5 percent), and BS Computer Engineering (one or 4.5 percent).

The DOST-Science Education Institute has been promoting enrollment in certain top priority courses, such as BS Physics, BS Geology, and BS Mining Engineering.  Scholars who choose any of these courses receive higher subsidies, i.e. P5,000 monthly allowance.  Other scholars who opt for other courses get only P4,000 monthly allowance.

Scholars may study in a state university or college, or otherwise in a private academic institutions if the courses are offered by a center of excellence or center of development.  NORSU offers BS Geology but not BS Technology, a COD in Biology, and a COE in Teacher Education.

Two of the local scholars are enrolling in Silliman University – one in BSIT, and one in BS Education-Physics Teaching.  The rest or 90 percent are going to study in NORSU.

However, they will all joined by 10 scholars from other provinces, including six from Siquijor, two from Surigao del Norte, and two from Region 6.

A total of 32 DOST scholars are thus expected to study in NORSU and at SU.  They are currently undergoing a 20-day Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program at NORSU.  (Atty. Gibert Arbon)

Banda Mangga bested eight other local indigenous bands, and received the first prize of P8,000 plus trophy during the Santacruzan Festival Drumbeat Competition on the opening salvo night at Quezon Park.

2^nd place went to Rajian Drumbeaters who received P6,000 plus trophy; 3^rd price went to Dauin Dwarf Band who received P4,000 money plus trophy.

Other contingents were the Zildjian Tribe, Bombsquad Percussion Group, Bacong Drumbeaters, Tribu Tinago, Tribu Ritual, La Coast Tribe, who each received a consolation prize of P1,000.

Meanwhile, the City Tourism Office more activities for the Santracruzan Festival on Sunday, May 13 at 7 p.m.; Kasalang Filipino fashion Show from Friday to Sunday, May 18-20 at 10 am at Robinsons Mall; Kayak Festival on Sunday, May 20 at 8am at the Boulevard; Heritage Month: Indigenous Cultural Show on Friday , May 25 at 2pm at Robinsons, followed by the inauguration at 5pm of the Dumaguete Port Island Signage, Kasikas sa Boulevard, Festival of Lights, the Suga sa Panaghiusa, and concluding with the Globe & TM Night by 7:30pm; the City-wide Santracruzan Parade & Streetdance on Saturday, May 26 at 3pm, followed by the Grand Festival Showdown and the opening of the Philippine National Games at 5pm at the Lamberto Macias Sports & Cultural Complex, and concluding with the GMA Kapuso Night at 7:30pm at Quezon Park; a City-wide Grand Procession on Thursday, May 31 at 3pm, and concluding with the 2Go Travel Variety Show at 7pm at Quezon Park.

Novena masses at the Cathedral Church are being held on weekdays from May 14 until May 30. A Music & Food Festival will also be held on the weekend of May 25 to May 27 starting at 6:30pm at Quezon Park.