Dec. 3 - 9, 2012 Issue

Something for Everyone

2012 Sinadya sa Halaran brims with action, spectacle

By Ralph John Mijares

The Roxas City Fiesta officially started on Dec. 6 with a Holy Mass followed by a simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremonies of all municipalities of the province of Capiz and Roxas City, which was joined by various local officials.

In this year's Sinadya sa Halaran, the stars weren't only seen in the skies because some of them same to Roxas City to join the fun. On December , Kapamilya Caravan featured actor Piolo Pascual and Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka Bacolod hosts Nel Rapiz and Rexie Cabaltera; while Dominic Roque known as Hubert in primetime fantaserye "Aryana" came on December 8.

Capiznons also saw much baskeball action in the National Finals SBP-Twin Passerelle Twin Tournaments.

The National Finals featured SBP Division, namely: La Salle Greenhills, Don Bosco Academy, University of San Carlos and Ateneo De Davao University; while the Passerelle Division had La Salle Greenhills, Holy Angel University, University of Visayas and Holy Child School of Davao.

La Salle Greenhills dominated the titles in both divisions.

College cagers all over Western Visayas also vied for the Fiesta Cup title. They were: John B. Lacson Memorial Foundation University, University of San Agustin, University of Iloilo, University of St. La Salle, West Negros University, Hercor College, College of St. John Roxas, and Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion.

Those in search of drama were treated to a localized interpretation of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" - translated "Damgo sa Gab-i Sang Tungang Adlaw" presented on Dec. 6 by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Sigmahanon Foundation for Culture and Arts, inc. in partnership with Western Visayas Network and the Provincial Government. It featured talents from Dagway Sigmahanon, Inc., Kanlaon Theater Guild, Maskarra Theater Ensemble, University of San Agustin's Little Theater, and the Filamer Christian University's Silak Dance Company.

Kids of all ages also had fun in the free face-painting by the Arts Association of Capiz and the Tamiya Car Racing in which small toy race cars blitzed in a mini-race track. Both activities were held in the Roxas City Hall.

A mini-Christmas Village was also launched on display featuring a giant Christmas tree that now looms over the city park. An imported Caucasian Santa Claus also came on the eve of the first day of the fiesta.

Different barangays from Roxas City also exhibited their best products ranging from crops, seafood and novelty items in the Barangay Expo at the Bahay Kapisnon.

During the festival, nighttime became livelier at the Roxas City Plaza with the performance of live bands and standup comedians and live music.

The religious aspect of the festival wasn't forgotten as the Thanksgiving Mass, Vespers Mass, and Fiesta Masses in honor of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception were celebrated in the Roxas City Metropolitan Cathedral, including the much awaited Fluvial Parade along the Panay River. The religious event was followed by a brief fireworks display accompanied with loud music and church bells ringing and the Marcha dela Maria.

Capiz spared from Pablo's wrath

By Ralph John Mijares

ROXAS CITY - As of press time, hundreds have died and have been hurt, and are still missing in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao due to Typhoon Pablo's rampage. Fortunately, Capiz incurred zero casualties and damages.

Capiz was under Signal No. 1 Dec. 3 evening and was put on Signal No. 2 the day after when Pablo made the landfall between Davao Oriental and Surigao.

In his interview with The Capiz Times Dec. 6, Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) Capiz Action Officer Esperidion Pelaez said that Capiz did feel the typhoon's effects, but it was not as severe as the other provinces.

Pelaez was grateful to their close coordination with the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, the local media, rescue volunteers, and communications group and other sectors.

According to Pelaez, the provincial government was prepared with their relief goods and rescue equipment.

Asked about what others find as "exaggerated" preparations for the typhoon, he said in Hiligaynon "It's better that they found us exaggerated than unprepared when the typhoon comes. It's not a loss on our part."

DOE brings energy plan to the grassroots

By Jemin Guillermo

ROXAS CITY - Issues and concerns of the energy stakeholders in Western Visayas were given focus by the Department of Energy during its recent advocacy campaign in Capiz.

Officials of the DOE, led by Energy Policy and Planning Bureau Assistant Director Carmencita Bariso visited Roxas City Nov. 27 for the last leg of the information, education and communication campaign in the country.

"Essential issues that affect the economy such as scarcity of energy, rising cost of electricity and fuel, electrification in the countryside, need for policy reforms and additional energy infrastructures, and the adverse impact of energy development in the environment, among others will be given attention through the advocacy," Bariso said.

She explained that the 2012-2030 Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) to be launched this month, is a plan of every stakeholder coming the different regions in the Philippines.

Bariso pointed out that the Energy Plan highlights the policy vision of an economy which will largely de-carbonize with the development and utilization of renewable energy, including the promotion of energy efficiency as a lifestyle and advocating the use of alternative fuels for the transport sector.

Under the PEP, DOE targets a 10-percent energy savings across all economic sectors, namely the transport, industry, residential, commercial and agriculture, she said.

"The Plan likewise seeks to scale up energy efficiency investments in both private and public sectors to generate more energy savings and to curb the country's energy demand. Bariso said, adding that it also envisions to accelerate the development and production of industrial fossil fuels.

In addition, the PEP, she said aims to climate-proof the energy system to help ensure continuous supply of energy services under all impacts of climate change.

Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco said that the coming up of the PEP is a timely move for the government, particularly the DO as it would complement with the country's economic growth.

Tanco also lauded the agency for bringing the information drive to the grassroots and consider their suggestions as inputs in the national level.

CACAG's pioneer president takes rein anew

By Edalyn Acta

ROXAS CITY - "It has run full circle" - this is what Capiz Citizen Action Group, Inc. (CACAG) Secretary Herman Yu said, on having Wilfredo Yap assume the leadership of their group.

In his speech, Yap said, "CACAG may be low-profile but members are ready to serve the community."

Yap was the volunteer fire brigade group's first president when it was established in 1985. The returning pioneer president was one of the officers and members inducted on Nov. 29 at the MVW Restaurant and Tourist Inn here.

Other officers inducted for the year 2012-2013 were Arturo Dy, Jr. (Vice President), Hernan Yu (Secretary), Vicente So, Jr. (Treasurer), Benjamin See (Auditor), and Reubin Yap (Public Relations Officer).

Named members of the Board of Directors were Ricardo Arcenas, Antonio Dy, Carlos Dy, Gerald Yu, Wilfred Neil Yap, Gordon Yap and Jimmy Lim.

Members include Marc Garcellano, Ramil Chu, Jose Amado Ignacio, Berwin Yap, Anthony Billanes, Roche Sibugan and Tony Selda. Alberto Deslate serves as their legal counsel.

Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. and Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan Celino also witnessed the ceremony.

Organized by a group of civic-minded citizens of Roxas City in 1985, CACAG aimed to put up a volunteer fire brigade. It then started off with one fire truck two months after its inception and ever since has grown through the help of benefactors.

A non-profit group, CACAG relies on donations from the members and external backers from the public and private sectors. Aside from firefighting, they also assist at the onset of natural calamities.