Prov’l gov’t buys P17-M worth of heavy equipment‘El Filibusterismo’ set Aug. 28-29 at Dinggoy Roxas Civic CenterCastro voted outstanding solonProv’l gov’t buys P17-M worth of heavy equipmentThe equipment consisted of a road grader, back hoe, dump truck, and pay loader. The provincial government headed by Gov. Vicente Bermejo and the Land Bank of the Philippines headed by its national president Gary Teves signed a memorandum of agreement July 28 at the Governor's mansion in barangay Lanot here for the purchase of the equipment. Under the MOA, the loan would be paid by the province in 6 or 7 years with low interest rates. The equipment would be of great help in the construction and maintenance of roads in the different towns of the province, according to the governor. The Capiz provincial board has passed a resolution authorizing the governor to enter into a MOA with the LBP. Capiz provincial administrator Dante Bermejo said funds for the purchase of the heavy equipment were supposed to come from the unremitted Internal Revenue Allotment share of the province for 1998-2002 which amounted to P17-million more or less. But, he explained, the national government through the ULAP-DILG has come up with a new scheme in remitting the IRA to the local government units. Under the new scheme, the LGUs would only gey 70 percent of the amount due them as the 30 percent would be retained by the national government. Thus, Capiz's IRA share under the new formula would be reduced from P17 million to P11 million . This was the reason the provincial government decided to just avail itself of a loan from the LBP. Out of the four units of equipment, three were brand new while one was a second hand. ‘El Filibusterismo’ set Aug. 28-29 at Dinggoy Roxas Civic CenterSo that Capiceños, especially the students, can see this stage play, four showings are scheduled — August 28 – 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.; August 29 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. (gala night). The matinee showings are priced at P60 and the gala night, P100. Based on the famous sequel to Dr. Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo portrays the continuing life story of Don Simoun (Crisostomo Ibarra) as he struggles to avenge and free his people from the oppressive clutches of the Spaniards, according to Ofelia L. Rendon, chairman of the Capiz Arts Council. Interpreted by the multi-awarded director, Frannie Zamora, as an adaptation of the movie "Moulin Rouge," Rendon said the play becomes an interesting mix of modern and historic times. "The use of contemporary music and dances gives color and life to the otherwise heavy theme of the play." Leading the cast of talented actors is TV and movie personality Alan Paule as Don Simoun; Bodjie Pascua, also known as "Kuya Bodgie" in shows like "Batibot" and "Kulit Bulilit," as Padre Florentino; Tintin Arnaldo, a Capiceña, TV actress and recording artist of ABS CBN as Paulita and Vic Vargas of movie fame, to portray the role of Father Damaso. "A truly professional cast and crew shall make this production an exciting,
entertaining and educational performance," Rendon said.
Castro voted outstanding solonOut of 109 congressmen who have just finished their one year in office as first time lawmakers, only 62 had passed in the screening committee. The criteria for the nominees were based on the number of pro-poor bills passed or filed; the number of accomplished, started and ongoing infrastructure projects in their districts; rapport with their constituents, and performance in committee hearings, among others. This year’s judges were Ramon Mabutas, economist and presidential adviser Larry Henares, Col. Gervacio Papina, and journalist, educator and soldier Frank Grego, editor of Congress Magazine. Selected along with Castro were Representatives Teodoro Locsin Jr., Del de Guzman, Oscar Gozos, Gilbert Remulla, Felix Alfelor, Wilfredo Villarama, Ted Failon, Ruben Torres, Perpetuo Ylagan, Edwin Uy, Cynthia Villar, Naneth Daza, Eduardo Zialcita, Amado Espino, Rossano Biazon, Rodolfo Plaza, Luis Bersamin, Aurelio Umali, Alfonso Umali, Mauricio Domongan, Victoria Reyes, Reynaldo Uy. Joseph Santiago, Jose Solis, Aleta Suarez, Charity Leviste, Carmen Cari, Faysa Dumarpa, Felix Fuentebella, Consuelo Dy, Michael John Duavit, Cho Roco, Reylina Nicolas, Darlene Antonino-Custodio, Ismael Mathay, Maite Defensor, Erwin Chiongbian, Filomena San Juan, Emilou Santos-Talino, Munie Arbison, Roberto Cajes, Gabrielle Calizo, Arthur Celeste, Edgar Chato, Ernie Clarete, and Aileen Ermita Buhain. The board of judges will reduce the nominees to 40. The traditional search was started in 1992 by the Congress Magazine, Reserve Soldiers Union, Berhad Lending Investments and the Makati Graduate School. Castro is known as lawyer par excellence and serving his provincemates has long been his cherished dream. This was realized when he was overwhelmingly elected as congressman of his district in the 2001 elections. Being cited as out-standing congressman surprised his political nemesis because he has been working silently, that is, without much fanfare. "We're proud of you," a number of second district residents were overheard as saying on learning about Castro's outstanding performance in Congress.
|