Giant Christmas tree construction underway

ROXAS City — An about 30-foot Christmas tree is currently being put up at the site of the Roxas City fountain for the upcoming Sinadya sa Halaran (SSH) and Christmas celebrations.

The giant Christmas tree "is a symbol of hope and unity among us," said Mayor Angel Alan Celino during a press conference dubbed "Kapihan ni Alan" at the Roxas City Hall.

The materials for the outdoor Christmas tree are recyclable, said Celino.

The tree can also be dismantled and installed in the succeeding Yuletide Seasons, the mayor said.

The huge Christmas symbol will complement the giant mascots locally known as higantes to be featured during the SSH Festival from December 3–8.

SSH this year has the theme “Pag-ambitanay, Pagkinalipay kag Pagpasalamat (Sharing, Joy and Thanksgiving).”

The higantes will represent different kinds of marine species and will mingle with the crowd during the Sadsad sa Kalye and Pasundayag sa Kalye (street dancing and street display), according to Gerry Pagharion of the Roxas City Press Bureau.

SSH organizers noted that the higantes also represent the "big strides or leaps" that this city has made toward progress. (A. Lumaque/PIA/PN)
 
   


Pilar town official newsletter launched

ROXAS City — The municipal government of Pilar recently launched the maiden issue of its official newsletter.

The newsletter will serve as the medium of information of the town's various accomplishments, programs, projects and services.

It was locally coined “Balangaw sa Balisong (Rainbow at Balisong)” because the seven colors of the rainbow represent the major sectors in the community, according to Pilar Public Information Officer Magdalena Buyo.

"Balisong refers to a place in the town where the historical revolution happened," Buyo explained.

Included in the first-ever issue of the paper are an editorial, Pilar Mayor Ma. Rita Lyn Patricio's message, news articles on the town's recent activities, a news feature, Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election results and Sinadya sa Halaran updates, among others.

Photo releases were also included to complement the various articles.
"I am happy that finally we have our newsletter," said Patricio.

“This will also serve as a venue for transparency in my administration," according to the lady mayor.

Municipal government department heads and employees as well as representatives from nongovernment organizations, private, youth, business and religious sectors attended the launching of "Balangaw sa Balisong." (A. Lumaque/Pilar IO/PIA/PN

Father, son face homicide charges

BY FELIPE V. CELINO

ROXAS City — A father and his son are facing homicide charges for hacking a neighbor in Brgy. Tanza here.

Charges were filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office against Nestor Alaban and his son Marlon — both residents of the same barangay.

However, charges filed against the suspects’ relatives Michael, Gabriel and Ofelia Alaban were dismissed for lack of merit.

It can be recalled that the suspects entered the house of Tobaniel Flores on October 5 and hacked him.

Not contented, the suspects beheaded the victim, police said.

The victim, said the police, got angry with the Alabans over an alleged stealing of electrical power.

In another story, a father was in critical situation after his son hacked him.

Police said Vicente Domali, 46, of Brgy.Bongbongan, Maayon town, is currently confined in the Bailan District Hospital in Pontevedra town.

Investigation on the case is ongoing./PN


13-year-old boy drowns
BY FELIPE V. CELINO

ROXAS City — A 13-year-old boy got drowned in a creek in Sitio Gabuk, Brgy. Concencia, Panitan, Capiz the other day.

“Toto,” a first year high school student, was rushed to Bailan District Hospital.

According to reports, “Toto” was scolded by the security guard of Panitan National High School for not wearing his school uniform.

Instead of going home, “Toto” asked his older brother to go for a swim. But a few minutes later, he went missing.

After 20 minutes, the victim was found floating on the creek.

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old high school student died after he got electrocuted.

Wilmer Arciga of Brgy. Balijuagan here was on his way to school when he slipped and accidentally touched a live Capiz Electric Cooperative (Capelco) wire.

The incident is still being investigated./PN