JANUARY 25 — 31, 2010

Sparks fly at forum Jocjoc against Tanco

Ortiz, Contreras bare stand on issues

     ROXAS CITY — Reelectionist Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco Sr. of the Liberal Party (LP) spoke of good governance and battling corruption while his lone opponent for the May 2010 polls, Ugyon Kita Capiz (UKC) official bet Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante, stressed that  he was  not up for “Imeldific” projects.

     Bolante also promised of turning Capiz into a great province like Camarines Sur while Tanco said he felt he had done well during his first term and promised to do even better if given another chance.

     The two, along with their respective running-mates – First District Board Member Esteban Evan Contreras and former three-term city councilor Mark Ortiz –‑ were guest speakers at the Leaders’ Forum sponsored by the College of St. John-Roxas (CSJ-R) Jan. 12.

     While Tanco and Bolante seemed to deride each other, with Tanco alluding of a track record unstained by anomalies  and Bolante calling Tanco’s proposed  P210-million government center “Imeldific,” the forum still turned out to be a healthy exchange of ideas among the protagonists.

     If ever, the forum unraveled Bolante’s “charisma” as a leader who, like Tanco himself, impressed the audience with his “eloquence.”

      There, the four enunciated their stand on possible solutions to local problems on education, environment and the economy. 

The forum was not open to the public and attended mostly by the students, and the faculty and staff of the sponsoring school.  Also in attendance were invited members of the local media.

WANTS TO DO BETTER

     Tanco said that what he has done already as Capiz Governor for almost three years now is reflective of what he intends to do.

On education, he eyed good foundation for children by putting up more pre-schools.  The Governor  who was recently taken to task by his critics for the Capitol’s  proposed P683.1-million loan also promised to build  more facilities, acquire  more equipment for all educational levels, and help continue the education of teachers for their professional development. He also said that he will lobby for more annual scholarships for poor but deserving high school and college students.

“I will focus on giving non-formal education to the out-of-school youth….and also on values formation. I will continue the Mobile Technological School, in partnership with the Technical Education Schools Development Authority (TESDA), said Tanco.

Aside from waging campaigns against illegal activities, Tanco said, he will address “the more extensive problems of solid waste management and flooding.”  A talk with investors for a proposed solid waste management plant is on the way, the he revealed. A Japanese-aided pipeline project for water in the Second District to run down directly to the sea is already undertaking, the Governor revealed.

For the short term, tourism programs are set to be stimulated, according to Tanco. The benefits of which can be felt immediately, he explained. For the medium term, investors are needed, he said, adding that, among other efforts, he has talked with potential investors from the United States who will put up a coconut oil processing plant here.  Infrastructures are to be built to sustain the Province’s economy on a long term, he further explained.

     Tanco stressed that his public record of uncorrupt practices speaks for itself.  He believes that he has done well as Capiz’s chief caretaker and is determined to do better.

CULTIVATE A “CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE”

     Bolante asserted that “the biggest challenge that we face on education today is poverty,” and that he wants to break the chain of poverty here by making “poverty alleviation a top priority in the Province’s annual budget, no matter how limited its resources may be.”

Towards this end, the former Agriculture undersecretary proposes to empower the farmers, fisherfolk, and handicraft and processed food producers by  providing them with financial and other forms of assistance through cooperatives that they may consequently become more productive, and providing them with a profitable marketing system like a “Bagsakan Center” in “lucrative and high-traffic tourist markets like Boracay.”

“They [the workers] must be taught to adhere to ‘a culture of excellence’,” Bolante said.

He would also work for the empowerment of the marginalized sector – the unschooled and inadequately schooled youth and adults – Vthrough alternative learning according to their skills and talents.  He wanted to establish a “Pre-employment Enhancement Program” to measure graduates’ competence as “RTWs, or ready-to-work Capiceños.”

Bolante also said the Province should invest more in human resources development and the advancement of local tourism.

He underscored the need for a “healthy environment.” Forestation and vigilance against illegal activities damaging the environment must be promoted, he said.

     He wanted  Capiz to emulate Camarines Sur, which has reportedly become the top tourist destination in the world and the tenth richest in net income from being once the 39th most depressed province in the country in just a couple of years under Gov. LRay Villafuerte. “Capiz can and must achieve the same,” he declared.

     Quoting Villafuerte, Bolante stressed the significance of entrepreneurial approach to local governance…of knowing when and how to invest properly. “Given the very limited financial resources, our Provincial Government must spend on programs which have the greatest socio-economic return-of-investment.”

Noting his feat of transforming the P1-million Prudential Life into a P52-billion company when he retired in 1978, Bolante declared: “Give me half a billion pesos and I will make Capiz at par, if not better than CamSur.”

TO LEAD THE WAY OUT OF POVERTY

Bolante’s party-mate, Mark Ortiz, affirmed that the main problem in Capiz is poverty and “whoever are to lead it must lead it out of poverty.”

Education, he said, is the long term-solution, foreseeing Capiz as the “education center of Northern Panay.”

“Efforts must be exerted in Capiz to attain a 1:1 ratio of textbooks, particularly in English, Science and Mathematics… for this and other factors are the building blocks  of most professional programs in college,” according to the former city councilor.

     Ortiz said that it is the UKC’s dream to bring back the dignity in trade and vocational programs so as to encourage education for the financially-deprived, making them productive and employable even if they were not able to go to college.

Practical skills, including speech and languages should strategically be developed among students, according to Ortiz.

More scholarships for college students should be promoted, he said, emphasizing the need for more agriculture, aquaculture and engineering field workers, and the preparatory short-courses for these.

     Environment, the UKC bet told, should be taken as the short-term, medium-term and long-term solution. Protection of the seas and aquatic resources and should be underlined. Illegal mining should also be curbed. Management of the environment should be promoted in cooperation of all stakeholders. A systematic solid and liquid waste disposal must be introduced here, this including a “metropolitan-Roxas (Panay, Panitan, Ivisan and Roxas City) concept,” admonished Ortiz.

     “Flooding,” he declared, “will have to be addressed through a comprehensive development of a strategic flood-waterway.”

     For the economy, inherent strengths of the barangays shall be identified and empowered, he went on, adding that “The One Town, One Product concept of the DTI can be adopted at the barangay level.”

     The two UKC bets were unanimous that problems “can be solved, provided that our provincial officials have the full knowledge of the priority problems of our province; that they have the intellectual and moral capacity to recognize and adopt their corresponding solutions effectively and conscientiously, with support of the public; and that they have the discipline and proven track record to work hard and efficiently.”

     Together, they were pushing their battle cry of “Bugtaw Capiz! Sulong Capiz! Ugyon Kita Capiz!”

TO CONTINUE THE LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE

      Contreras, meanwhile, said that he wants to continue the “legacy of sincere public service” of his family–that of his great grandfather Gen. Esteban Dichosa Contreras, his father, former governor Dr. Esteban Espinosa Contreras, and brother, incumbent Pontevedra Mayor Dr. Steve Contreras.

      Advocating the alleviation of the plight of women, the youth and the elderly, Contreras remarked that he has authored a number of ordinances and resolutions for their benefits and will maintain this advocacy.

     On top of lobbying for scholarship grants, the LP vice gubernatorial candidate told the audience that he would press for the increase of funds covering programs on these so as to accommodate those yearning to take up programs with higher tuition fees, Nursing for instance.

     Contreras said that he will also sponsor an activity that will put focus on vocational-technological courses for the output of skilled workers that are in demand abroad.

     On the perennial problem of flooding, Contreras proposed that a partnership with schools in programs like reforestation and solid waste management to prevent or mitigate this should be initiated and maintained.

     The Board Member believes that more emphasis should be given to tourism. This will favorably affect local monetary circulation, he said, suggesting the Province’s hosting of and participation in more tourism events.

     “I would like to do more for you and for the whole province of Capiz… As a public servant, I don’t make promises. I do what needs to be done. I help as long as I can. Rest assured that I am your partner and I do hope that you are also my partner! With you as my partner, I believe, we can make a difference,” Contreras said.

     “I would like to be remembered as a man of action,” he concluded.

      The forum–meant to provide an avenue for the School’s students to dissect the stand of candidates on said crucial issues – was spearheaded by the College’s Student Government led by its president, Zinette Dene Buenvinido.

            Buenvinido said that they might host another forum, this time, for candidates running for the two congressional district posts.

JANUARY 18 — 24, 2010

Capiz traders take pro-active stance in local dev’t efforts

 CHCCI urged to make stand on rising water, power rates

 by Gerry T. Pagharion

    Active businessmen in Roxas City and Capiz  bonded themselves together as they try to project a  pro-active stance  in dealing with the city’s and province’s day-to-day affairs,  thereby highlighting the crucial role they play in local development efforts.

    The local traders formed what is now known as the Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a five-year-old group steered no less by young businessman Jose Nery D. Ong. 

 For them, there was a “more underlying need to work together for bigger common interests which binds all business enterprises together” particularly in the areas of Utilities (water, power, ect); Infrastructure (roads, airports, ports, etc); National Local Govern-ment Policies (cost and ease of doing business, taxation, among others.)

    The birth of the CHCCI attests to the local traders’ eagerness to represent the face of the business in their local community and their consciousness on the need to affiliate with the country’s leading business organization: the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

    Ong,  who works on a low profile, was recently cited  by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for his role in making the CHCCI  a dynamic force.

    (While it is understandable that the CHCCI opts to co-exist peacefully with the local government units and other groups, we expect  to  see its “critical collaboration” stance  blossomed into a concrete advocacy  in the days ahead, particularly on such issue as the increasing  water and electricity rates which, undoubtedly and undeniably, are badly hurting  not only the ordinary residents but the businessmen themselves. 

    Will the CHCCI   be able to make its  presence felt in dealing with such issues? The increasing water and electricity rates in Capiz, which are oftentimes  rammed down into the throats of the helpless  consumers (that is, with no public hearings and consultations), are a bane to Capiz’s image as an “investment haven.” 

    People behind the increases offer little or no explanations at all for their actions,  leaving consumers to wonder more  on  whether or not  they are being  made as milking cows by these public utility firms.)

CHCCI’S HISTORY

    Meanhwile, in a report furnished this paper, the CHCCI said its  immediate concern  was “Survival.”  In line with this, the group embarked on a membership campaign and scheduled regular meetings with the local officials and other local/national government agencies, in order to promote the activities of the Chamber and for it to gain recognition for its advocacies.

    Every now and then, joint chamber meetings with the Chinese Chamber and the Capiz Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council are scheduled especially on topics of common or urgent concern, it was learned from the report.

CHANGING MINDSETS

    Changing “established mindsets” proved to be difficult but not impossible, the report said.   Foremost was the prevailing thinking that development should be dependent on and should be led by the Government.  Another was the distrust among some members of chamber applicants who are in competing businesses.  Such problem was initially addressed by the assurance that the Chamber only seeks the common good for the industry and advocates for a level playing field.

    Still, the report  observes, despite the best intentions of the core group of members, they noticed that Chamber activities were being hindered by the lack of consistent focus.  For one, members were full-time businessmen and there had to be an efficient way in running the day-to-day affairs of the chamber of commerce if it were to be the face of business in the community.  This prompted the CHCCI to reach out to the Chinese Chamber in establishing a JOINT CHAMBER OFFICE to service the two business organizations and their members.

JOINT CHAMBER OFFICE

    The idea o of pooling resources together and complementing each other in order to achieve common objectives which will ultimately benefit all the stakeholders, had led  to the setting up of a “Joint Chamber Office” commonly operated by the CHCCI and the Roxas City Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCFCCCI).

    Realizing the need for the business group to project a socially responsible face to the local community—the Capiz Citizens Action Group (CACAG), a volunteer fire brigade operated by some members of the business sector –was folded into the operations of the Joint Chamber.

    Ong said that by sharing an office, these organizations save on personnel and other overhead costs, yet allows for an efficient administrative set-up which encourages synergy and a unified direction.

UNIFIED VISION

    Believing that a bigger stakeholder base would translate to a more credible voice for business in the community, CHCCI pursued joint initiatives with other business groups (and even with non-member businessmen).  However, the growing number of stakeholders would sometimes result to having diverging directions which if not properly addressed would ultimately divide or slow down the chamber’s initiatives.

    Around two years ago, members of the Joint Chamber identified the need to draft a Business Sector Unified Vision Statement for Roxas City/Capiz Province.

    The need to define a new vision statement was also brought about by: The need to look beyond the local economy’s traditional (agri-fishery) industries for alternate avenues of growth, without abandoning Roxas City and Capiz Province’s tag as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines.”

    A Unified Vision Statement was adapted.

    Building on the Seafood Capital Tag, it likewise seeks to take advantage of the rising middle class composed of Capiceño Overseas Filipino Workers; the Rise of Services and the Emergence of Roxas City as a Major Hub in North Central Philippines; Roxas City’s strategic location in Tourism –Oriented Central Philippines and its proximity to Boracay; the noticeable increase in the number of Foreign Retirees settling down in Roxas City and, most importantly, the need for the Private Sector to be the Prime Mover in Charting the City/Province’s Growth.

    The Stakeholders in accordance with the Unified Vision Statement, identified the ECO-CULTURAL TOURISM INDUSTRY as an “Anchor Economic Initiative critical to the attainment of the Vision.  Hence, the finalization of its 2020 Objectives, Strategies and Plans which, among other highlights the conduct of Local Conventions and presence of Taxi Cabs as necessary Eco-Tourism Drivers.

CAPIZ CABS

    In support of the eco-tourism industry, and in order to elevate the standard of Roxas City’s land transportation system, the CHCCI campaigned for taxi investments among its members. Six members responded favorably to venture in five “experimental” taxi units, branded as “Capiz Cabs.”

    This pioneering project by the chamber, together with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 6 director Porferio Clavel, became the first brand new taxis in the country to have Tourism Oriented Designs which showcase local tourist attractions in their own right; Capiz Cabs became the second in the country and the first outside Metro Manila (NAIA) to have Receipt-Issuing Meters; It is also equipped with radios and manned by uniformed drivers to effectively serve its clients.

    The Capiz Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CTMPC) which operates Capiz Cabs, has since joined the Joint Chamber, helping defray the chamber’s operating expenses, and allowing for better coordination and service to client-tourists.

    Taxi drivers manning the cabs were screened and trained by the convention bureau, and has had numerous citations for honesty and excellent service. Encouraged by market response, the five units has been increased to eight units after nine months. CTMPC hopes to reach a fleet of 20 taxis by June 2010, which would allow the transport cooperative to invest on an LPG refilling facility, and the subsequent conversion of existing units to LPG taxis, in the hope of reducing environmental emissions and increasing the take home pay of its drivers.

CAPIZ VISITORS & CONVENTION BUREAU

    Having observed the positive impact of Conventions to local host economies, and recognizing the need to efficiently service visitors, as well as to have a dedicated entity at the forefront of tourism marketing, management and promotion; The CHCCI once again spearheaded the organization of the Capiz Visitors & Convention Bureau (CVCB), Inc.

    Arranging for financial support from City Mayor and the Provincial Governor, and asking for regular annual dues from its members-related businesses; CVCB have become a successful public-private partnership which helped position Roxas City and Capiz province, as an alternate Eco-Cultural Tourism Hub in Central Philippines.

    It has successfully handled international conventions such as the Global Peace Festival and other national and regional conventions. It is currently in the thick of preparations for the Indigenous People’s Festival thins coming Oct. 2-6, 2009 along with other upcoming convention activities.

AIRLINE ADVOCACIES

    In line with its advocacies of tourism promotion and development, and realizing the increasingly significant role of airline passengers and cargoes to the growth of the economy, the CHCCI has, in the past years, worked on significant airline advocacies serving Roxas National Airport.

    When there were just two flights in the Manila-Roxas-Manila route leaving 15 minutes apart from each other, the CHCCI was instrumental in convincing Cebu Pacific to consider changing their flight schedule, in order to give more options to passengers and cargoes.  This resulted to a marked increase in passenger volume, and presently Cebu Pacific has increased its flight frequencies in the Manila-Roxas-Manila route, from 7 to 10 times a week.

    In July this year, the CHCCI and private sector’s request for a Cebu-Roxas-Cebu flight bore fruit with the help of Cebu Pacific.

    Recently, the CHCCI spearheaded the passing of a Joint Resolution requesting Zest Airways to conduct Manila-Roxas-Manila afternoon flights, on specific days four times a week, with the end objective of maintaining industry viability while at the same time, offering more options to passengers/cargoes.

OTHER ADVOCACIES/ACTIVITIES

    Noting that some identified public sector infrastructure projects (either coming from the city government, provincial government or the Department of Public Works and Highways), were projects that did not address the Priority Needs of the Locality, the CHCCI sought representations with the concerned government agencies tasked with identifying and implementing said projects.

    As a result, a “Public Sector Projects Prioritization Workshop” was spearheaded by CHCCI. The chamber is lobbying that the workshop results be made a “blueprint” for planned public sector infrastructure projects in the coming years.

    The CHCCI and the Capiz Banker’s Association spearheaded the establishment of a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) cash unit in Roxas City, to service the cash deposit requirements of Northern Panay Island.

    The CHCCI is working together  with the Roxas City Government for the Transparency for Accountable Governance (TAG) Project of the Asia Foundation which seeks to streamline business permits and licensing approvals.

    To help address the looming power crisis in the Cebu-Negros-Panay Grid, the CHCCI advocates for the setting up of a baseload power plant in Roxas City to provide stable power to critical institutions and industries. The Chamber has assisted potential Independent Power Producers as well as some members interested to invest.

    The Chamber also actively participated in: the Strategic Planning Workshops conducted by the city and the provincial government, a provincial government workshop on strategies in making Capiz one of the eco-cultural tourism hubs in Central Philippines; a city government workshop on Coastal Resource Management, among others.

    CHCCI and the Convention Bureau are major partners of the provincial government in the conduct of “TIangge kag Kusina sa Parke” (Food, Arts and Horticulture Fair) conducted every April 15. “CAPIZtahan” is a combination of two words Capiz (the name of province) and Kapistahan (a local term for fiesta), put together (CAPIZtahan) its stands for a celebration of the founding of the province. “CAPIZtahan” was coined by CHCCI’s executive director.

    CHCCI is an active member of the Capiz Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (CMSMEDC). It was also involved in the selection of One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) L.G.U. and Enterprise Awardees during the recent OTOP Regional Congress.      

PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENTS BY CHAMBER MEMBERS

    Walking the talk, members of the CHCCI has been industry leaders in Roxas City, Capiz province and even Panay Island. All real estate developers involved in the housing industry are members of CHCCI. Majority of the hotel and resort owners and almost all those with quality rooms are either members of the convention bureau. Many of  the leading business persons in the Agri-fishery, Trade and Commerce, and various industries are members of the chamber.

DELIVERY OF SERVICES TO MEMBERS

    The Chamber regularly conducts monthly meetings. It is participated in by the members and invited government department heads/officers such as: the provincial and city administrators, provincial and city engineers, representatives from the First and second Engineering and Congressional districts. The Chamber also regularly invites the Provincial Governor and the City Mayor for consultative dinner meetings to propose private sector advocacies on projects and issues that affect the business sector. In these meetings, members of the chamber would actively participate in these meetings/workshop/consultations.

    Members of CHCCI normally receive updates from the chamber by way of personally delivered mails or fax, containing activities conducted, invitation letters from PCCI, local government units,  national agencies,      etc. for future activities/meetings/ conferences.

PARTICIPATION IN PCCI ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS

    CHCCI actively participated in the PCCI Region VI meeting in Kalibo, the Seminar on Advocacy in Cebu, the Area Business Conference in Iloilo and the Tourism Laws Forum in Boracay.

    CHCCI, from the time that a new reporting format was received from PCCI Region VI, regularly submitted reports via email to PCCI through the region.

SOCIO-CIVIC PROJECTS

    The Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce and Industry partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry – Capiz Provincial Office and the Roxas City Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in the conduct of “Diskwento Fair” last June 2009 at the Roxas City Public Plaza. Diskwento Fair is a nationwide program of DTI giving opportunity to low income household buyers’ access to discounted prices of basic and prime commodities by inviting successful and socially responsible business establishments to participate in the one day fair.

    Last year, in response to the devastation of SupetTyphoon Frank, CHCCI joined other business organizations to distribute relief goods in Capiz and truckload of drinking water to the Province of Aklan (worst stricken in Panay Island). In Capiz, CHCCI board assisted the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council in assessing the extent of damage to life and property, particularly that of the private sector, for possible national government assistance.

    CHCCI through the generosity of PCCI-Manila and thru the efforts of PCCI Vice President for Visayas Jose T. Ng and Regional Governor Guidon dela Cruz, was able to donate P100,000.00 as SuperTyphoon Frank relief assistance to Department of Agrarian Reform Communities (DAR-ARC). Relief assistance extended came in the form of high value vegetable seeds, farm tools and equipment and basic  housewares to the municipalities of Tapaz, Ivisan and Pilar, all in the Province of Capiz.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

CHCCI will continue to monitor its initiative regarding the Prioritization and Synchronization of Pubic work Projects from the local and national governments, with the hope that these would be preferably aligned or responsive to the Vision Objectives of the Business Sector.

    The Chamber will identify, propose and collaborate with Congressmen from Capiz for projects to be funded by the proposed P8 Billion Panay/Negros Rehabilitation Plan in Congress.

CHCCI will work with the Public and Private Universities and Colleges to uplift the quality of Education – a necessary component in producing world class BPO workers and higher value (and hopefully recession resilient) manpower exports.

    The Chamber will extend support to its members amidst a global economic recession, and conduct Taxation seminars for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the locality.

            We will do all of these in our commitment to help make Roxas City and Capiz Province, one of the most competitive and best cities to live in our country. The Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be at the forefront of a private sector-led and government supported, multi-stakeholder approach for the upliftment of the lives of our people.

JANUARY 4-10, 2010

P450-M ‘Hospitel’ to rise in Roxas City

By Gerry T. Pagharion

       ROXAS CITY — A most modern and complete medical hotel facility with a budget of roughly   P450-million is set to rise at a 30-hectare complex in Barangay Banica here.                                The project, once completed, is deemed to be the first of its kind in the country.

       A future mall is also envisioned to be a part of the complex owned by the family of the late Capiz Gov. Atila Balgos.

       The plan to establish a 100-bed capacity tertiary hospital with an adjoining hotel ( thus the term ‘hospitel’)  is being pushed by Dr. Abundio Balgos, Associate Dean of the University of the Philippines’ College of Medicine, to “humanize the health care services” in the county. This is also in line with the growing popularity of the medical tourism concept, explained Balgos.

       Balgos said he would relocate his practice to Roxas City when the project starts operations.  He sees Roxas City to be a potential major seat of medical advancement in Western Visayas.

       Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, who was guest at the laying of the time capsule for the project recently, endorsed the endeavor as one way of luring more investors for the city and province.

       Construction of the hospital, to be known as The Health Centrum, will start in March this year and will be initially financed by a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines. Construction of the whole project to cover the hospital, hotel and mall will be done in 3 phases.

       Initial capitalization required of the project is P120-million.  Balgos and members of the Balgos family of Capiz, their family-run Atila Balgos Foundation, Inc. as well as the individual Medical Specialists who will be practicing in the hospital and some businessmen are the initial investors of the project.

       The initial capitalization will be sourced from both equity and debt financing which, in this case, to be provided by the LBP. Common shares and preferred shares will be available to those interested in investing the project.

For direct investors, the minimum investment required is P1 million, with 50 percent payable outright and the balance of 50 percent in equal monthly installments over 6 months.  The investor can choose to purchase either 10,000common shares at P100 par value, or 1,000 preferred shares at P1,000 par value.

       Phase l will, more or less, take 15 months to construct. It will contain the Emergency Dept., Pharmacy, Prepaid Dept., Laboratories, Ambulatory Care Center, and 20-bed Inpatient Ward.

       Phase 2 — 12 months to construct, containing the Pedia Unit, Medical Unit, Doctors’ Clinics, Surgical Unit, Nursery and Obstetrics, Inpatient O.R. and R. R.

       Phase 3—14 months to construct, the hotel and Mall.

Balgos said the planned integrated hospital, hotel and mall complex will serve clients from Roxas City and Capiz province, and the northern part of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region, including the surrounding provinces of Iloilo, Aklan, Antique and Masbate, Boracay island in Aklan, as well as the northern part of Palawan.

The Project Description says the entire property is envisaged for development into a fully sufficient community with areas earmarked for a nursing and medical training school, housing for medical practitioners, a retirement village, residential subdivision, and commercial establishments.

       The Health Centrum (hospital) will offer modern and state-of-the-art general and specialty medical services, as well as serve as a resort/out-patient/long-term care and treatment facility.

       The Hotel will serve the patients of the hospital, both in-patients requiring nursing care, pain management or observation services for their recuperation, and out-patients requiring temporary accommodation before and after their medical exams, and accommodation needs of relatives of the patients, as well as local/foreign tourists, business establishments and consumers.

       Because of its proximity to island resorts and diving spots, the facility will also have a decompression chamber.  The adjacent College of St. John-Roxas (a De Lasalle –supervised school) has elementary, high school, and college offerings, the latest of which is a school of nursing.

       An 11-hectare residential subdivision which is targeted to be mainly a retirement village is also planned.

       Proponents of the project led by Balgos said that medical tourism will enhance the viability of the project once the institution is able to establish a good reputation built on competent medical specialists, excellent nursing care,  and state-of-the –art equipment, but also with a center for alternative medicine.

       It will provide customers with high service quality at par with what first class Metro Manila hospitals can offer, at a more affordable cost.  To make this possible, it has signed a memorandum of agreement for joint service and training activities with the University of the Philippines’ College of Medicine, the City Government of Roxas City and the Provincial Government of Capiz to enhance is service outreach as well as to facilitate training activities.

DECEMBER 28, 2009 — JANUARY 3, 2010

Dengue kills 9 Capiceños in 2009

ROXAS CITY – The dreaded dengue had claimed the lives of 9 Capiceños in 2009.

Data from the Provincial Health Office of Capiz show that last year, the province had registered a total of 306 dengue cases with 9 deaths.

Of the total cases in Capiz, some 158 were from Roxas City followed by Panay and Dumalag towns with 28 and 16 cases, respectively.

On the other hand, the towns of Mambusao and Panay had 15 cases each, while Dao and Pontevedra had also 14 cases each.

The same data also showed that 12 cases were registered in President Roxas, 8 in Sigma, 5 in Maayon and 4 in Panitan.

Three cases each were recorded in Ivisan, Sapian and Tapaz, 2 in Pilar and only one case in Jamindan.

The PHO also noted a 143 percent increase in the number of cases last year compared to the 126 cases which were recorded in 2008.

Earlier, Dr. Elmer Bucayan, Department of Health representative in Capiz said that mosquitoes continue to thrive and bring dreaded diseases to the people because of the global problem on climate change.

He said that aside from dengue, filariasis and malaria are also caused by mosquitoes.

He reminded anew the public to get involve and actively participate in the campaign in order to protect everyone against the many diseases that are caused by said mosquitoes.

Bucayan stressed that environmental cleanliness and sanitation by community members remain a top strategy to prevent the spread of mosquitoes. (PIA/Jemin B. Guillermo)