SAN JOSE, Antique – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has released nearly P4-million cash assistance to upland farmers in Bugasong, Barbaza, and Patnongon towns in this province.

Vicente Sardina, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer said these farmers are beneficiaries of the Upland Development Program (UDP) and Community-Based Forest Management-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and Livelihood Project (CBFM-CARP).

A total of 100 families availed of P588,420 for upland development project–assisted natural regeneration in Barangay Pangalcagan in Bugasong.  The project has a three-year duration, covers 100 hectares of growing natural-grown trees and has a total cost of P1,623,500.

Another 123 families in Barangay Igsoro, still in Bugasong town also availed of P1,093,666 for reforestation and planting of endemic species covering 123 hectares. The project is worth a total cost of P2.703 million. (Mars W. Mosqueda, Jr.)

Iloilo to Host Visayas Bloggers Summit

ILOILO CITY – The city will host the 1st Visayas Blogging Summit in November with some 200 bloggers from the Visayas, Luzon, and Mindanao expected to attend.  “The goal is to gather ideas and explore the potential impact of blogging on society, business and politics,” said Junelle Caravana, Vice-President of the Iloilo Bloggers’ Organization.

“We also want to encourage the public in acknowledging the power of blogs in disseminating information and influencing public opinion due to its far-reaching coverage,” added Manila-based Ilonggo blogger Bernardo Arellano III.

Arellano said the Summit aims to bridge the gap between the blogging community —whether through personal blogs or social networking sites — and key institutions including government and private institutions.

“Blogging has made it easier for the voice of common people to be heard,” he noted. Aside from the summit, the city will also host the Visayas leg of the Philippine Blog Awards during which outstanding, influential Visayan bloggers will be cited. Organizers said the Summit will affirm Iloilo’s status as a desirable destination for business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. (Tara Yap)

Wanted Man Falls

MACTAN, Cebu – An alleged hired killer accused of killing at least six persons within a year finally fell into the hands of authorities in Lapu-Lapu City, this island, last last week.

Elements of the Tourist Police collared Junrey Cacha, 30, in a pursuit operation after he allegedly shot William Jasmin, who survived the incident, due to arguments over the sale of illegal drugs.

 Lapu-Lapu Homicide Police Chief Rolito Jumao-as said Cacha admitted to shooting Jasmin after the victim allegedly failed to deliver P27,000 worth of shabu that the suspect had already paid for.

Cacha fled after shooting Jasmin but Tourist Police Chief Insp. Percibal Zorilla and his men caught up with and arrested the suspected. Seized from Cacha’s possession were a .45 caliber pistol and a .38 caliber revolver.  During the investigation, police said Cacha admitted to being a hired killer, killing six persons in a span of one year. He said most of those he killed were involved in drugs and other illegal activities. Jumao-as Monday said they are not coordinating with the families of the victims to press charges against Cacha. (Mars W. Mosqueda, Jr.)