‘Rediscovering Negros’ is a Business Digest of MBCCI. It presents business, job, and travel opportunities in the Province of . And working with the Province of Negros Occidental, advance solutions to challenges besetting the communities and the environment. CONTENTS FEATURES 04 OUR FUTURE IS NOW!!! 08 Time For A Review - Negros Crab Industry 12 Sustainable Tourism for Negros Occidental 16 MBCCI Negros Business Week REGULARS 20 Masskara: Festival of Smiles 24 VMC – Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence 28 From Miracle Plant to Food Supplement 31 Weaving Dreams in Negros OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW!!!

NEGRENSE Eugenio Jose Lacson, better known as Bong Lacson, is the 35th Governor of the Province of Negros Occidental. He is known for his professionalism, fairness and moral uprightness in dealing with his constituents from the time he became an elected official. He was a member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Carlos City from 1986 to 1987 and from 1988 to 1992. He was Vice Mayor also of Carlos City from 1992 to 2001 and Mayor from 2001 to 2010. During his term as Mayor, San Carlos City reaped numerous awards and citations for its innovative governance and adherence to national policies. He became Vice Governor of Negros Occidental in the year 2013 up to 2019.

ABANSE NEGRENSE is the battlecry of his administration. ABANSE which is to move forward and to progress, is the goal of his governance. ABANSE NEGRENSE is a seven point development agenda spelled in terms of :

A - Agricultural Competitiveness Improvement and Food Security;

Building of Roads, Bridges and Other Vital B - Infrastructures;

Advancement of Economic, Trade, A - Investment and Employment Opportunities;

Nurturing of People’s Health and Welfare, N - Ensuring Peace and Order, and Public Safety;

Sustainable Environmental Management and S - Tourism Development; Gov. Bong Lacson led the The on-going construction of inauguration of Swine Artifi cial the Negros First Food Terminal Enhancement of Access to Quality Insemination Center together with located at the North Capitol Road, Education, Culture, Sports, Information and provincial veterinarian Dr. City E - Communication Technology Renante Decena, Board Member Samson Mirhan and Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. NEGRENSE- Brand of Good Governance and Human Development. 4 EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW

Gov. Bong Lacson together with Negros Occidental Offi cials turn-over P 21 million worth of Agricultural Projects to more than 8,000 farmers

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding with the Japanese Cooperative Association for the two-year “study – now, pay-later” study/work program

The Governor led the distribution of Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP) cards to more than 6,000 benefi ciaries from the different barangays of Cadiz City.

5 OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPPORTUNITIES / TRAVEL

6 …relevant policies will positively impact everyone.

z A staunch advocate of good governance based on the rule of law H e is a staunch advocate of good governance based on the rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, inclusiveness, effi ciency and accountability. He believes in the consultative form of leadership to encourage and motivate the people to be engaged with their government. It is his desire that Abanse Negrense be the motivation of every Negrense so that the individual and the government are one in their determination to move forward, to progress.

He believes that inclusion of all people in Negros Occidental will strengthen the government and further develop economic and social progress, that all responsive and relevant policies will positively impact everyone. He wants that every form of development and growth be felt by all sectors of society, particularly the less privileged. That every family will have food on their table, will have the capacity to meet their basic needs, have access to services of the government, and more.

He believes in the potential of Negros Occidental and of every Negrense. Thus, he seeks that such be not hindered by hopelessness or indifference but be encouraged by the possibilities of what Negros Occidental and are capable of.

For him, the future is not in some remote distant time but rather the future is now, that the future has arrived for Negros Occidental.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR CHARINA MAGALLANES, LLB Executive Assistant II Offi ce of the Governor Province of Negros Occidental

for more details, please visit: www.rediscoveringnegros.com PIO Negros Occidental NOCHP Cards distribution 7 OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL

TIME FOR A REVIEW THE POTENTIAL P 7.4 BILLION is the overall industry value of the crab industry in the in 2016.

P 3.8 Billion from domestic sales P 3.6 Billion from the export market 8 How do we prevent the crab industry from going the way of the prawn industry? 51.5% of the blue crab population comes from Western (Visayan Sea and strait)

CANNING PLANTS There are three canning plants in Negros Occidental. Their products are for export and domestic markets.

COOKING & PICKING STATIONS Canning and exporting companies have handed off full control of the crab cooking and picking operation. Local entrepreneurs picked up the business and now have a stake in the industry EMPLOYMENT & LIVELIHOOD Canning plants and picking stations provided employment to the populace of shoreline barangays – where 60% of the poor can be found. 95% of those they employed are women and persons with disabilities. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Urbanization without environmental consideration is destroying our food source. The industry advocates that all urban and coastal towns should have waste water treatment facilities. 9 OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL

CRAB HARVEST DROPPED BY 50% in 2012 compared to 2011

10 EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW

THE CHALLENGES OF THE INDUSTRY

In a study made by BFAR, the But, what about… estimated fi sh harvest in the Water pollution caused by crab stations was at 5,942.83 untreated waste water and 5,942.83 MT in 2011. But, in 2012 it the industrial waste dumped Metric Tons decreased to 2,967.61 MT. into rivers and oceans that 2,967.31 That is a signifi cant decrease constrict the production of 50% in crab harvest areas? Metric Tons observed from 2011 to Estimated 30% of total crab 2012. The harvest continues harvest that goes to waste to dwindle today. due to spoilage and poor Overfi shing tends to be recovery? 2011 2012 the focus when it comes The industry workers’ to rescuing the dwindling welfare, and the communities

Source: Blue Swimming Crab Stock Assessment in the Western Visayan crab industry, as well as in (the new face of the industry) Sea, By Mesa, Bayate, Guanco (BFAR Region 6, BFAR Central Of ce) securing the sustainability that derive sustenance from over the years. the industry?

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

The provinces of Negros Occidental and implemented the following initiatives on the conservation of the blue swimming crab stock: • Negros Occidental passed Provincial Ordinance 019 series of 2003 • Iloilo passed Provincial Ordinance 2012-093 series of 2012 The BFAR developed a Blue Swimming Crab Development Plan (BSCDP) in 2017. The business sector presented proposals to address the industry’s challenges. But, these offered solutions remained as proposals for lack of an integrated development program aimed at achieving large-scale collective impact.

CALL TO ACTION

The chamber is calling for meetings with the industry stakeholders to develop a strategic development framework. Achieving large-scale collective impact implicates the following 5 key conditions for shared success:

for more details, please visit: www.nfrdi.da.gov.ph www.rediscoveringnegros.com 11 OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FOR NEGROS OCCIDENTAL Boracay has what it takes...

Beyond the rhetoric... RICH CULTURE toward sustainability

If LGUs and Resort owners want to keep attracting tourist, they should pay the price of keeping the LAWS & MANDATE Ecological Balance in the Island. Everyone wants a HAVE YOU PAID YOUR RENT? NO EARTH, NO BUSINESS! THE BORACAY EXPERIENCE piece of the pie, but no one wants responsibility over it. MONEY REEFS That is pretty much the story of Boracay.

The Province of Negros Occidental is formulating its TOURISM MORE MONEY SEAGRASS DEVELOPMENT PLAN. We could all learn from the Experience of Boracay. Honestly, what do you want Negros Occidental to be?

PEOPLE MANGROVES 12 EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW BUT WHY DOES OUR TOURISM RANK SO LOW? PHILIPPINES TOURISM & TRAVEL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX 2017 Boracay has what it takes...

to make lives BASED LARGELY ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA much better! Environmental policy has improved but remains low (118th), risking to undermine natural resources, the main asset for attracting tourists in the country.

RICH CULTURE OCEAN HEALTH INDEX (OHI, 2017) BASED ON MORE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA

HAVE YOU PAID YOUR RENT? NO EARTH, NO BUSINESS! THE BORACAY EXPERIENCE

REEFS

REMARKABLE ASSETS PHILIPPINES #165 among 221 EEZs

PEOPLE INVESTMENTS 13 OUR FUTURE IS NOW IN MANY CASES, WE HAVE DISREGARDED OUR OWN LAWS!!!

TOURIST RESORTS

AS THE LAW ON SETBACK BY MANY

IN A “NO-BUILD-ZONE”! THE BUILDINGSO CODE (RESORTMUCH HYPE OVER DRAINAGE PIPES THE ILLEGAL TAPPING OF BORACAY THE PAST MONTHS!

BUT THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN OR TAKEN FOR GRANTED THE VITAL CONCEPTS THAT LEAD TO SUSTAINABILITY:

SCIENCE BORACAY IS AN ISLAND RESILIENCE ETHICS & MORALITY THE YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE INEQUITABLE TO ALL OR MAKING OPPORTUNITIES

MY CONCLUSION: The issues in boracay go beyond sewage. Once simple, they were made complicated by decades of apathy, short-sightedness, & inaction. Our knowledge on “environment” remains rudimentary; our environmental efforts are characterized by decades of advocacy & ending up planting a tree.

14 EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW DISREGARDED

PEOPLE IS THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM

BUT THEY CAN BUT WHY FAVOR MASS TOURISM OVER ALSO BE THE SOLUTION! FEW BUT LONG-STAYING TOURISTS?

and we also have to contend with the impacts of NATURAL HAZARDS which we still know very little about!

More & Stronger Typhoons now hit Boracay directly

BORACAY IS AN ISLAND ETHICS & MORALITY ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Diniwid Beach after “Feria” in 2009

Beach erosion from accelerated Sea level rise & strong waves ABOUT THE AUTHOR DR. MIGUEL D. FORTES for more details, please visit: Dr. Fortes is Professor of Marine Science, a Blue Carbon Specialist and a Coastal Ecologist www.rediscoveringnegros.com 15 OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL

th NEGROS BUSINESS week-food expo July 6-17, 2019 | Robinsons Place Bacolod Government and Business Partnering for Growth & Development-Building Capacities...Finding Solutions t he Metro Bacolod Chamber of rural areas, where there is an urgent need Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) has for more investments to generate more been working collaboratively with employment. the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental for the last many years. The Last July 6-17, 2019, the MBCCI Chamber has achieved its ultimate goal, launched the 11th Negros Business Week a strengthened collaboration between – Food Expo. A partnership endeavor of the private and public sectors. the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and MBCCI. The Expo aimed Anchored to its main thrust “Government to trigger growth, development and and Business Partnering for Growth and providing opportunities, towards the rural Development- Building Capacities... areas, especially to food entrepreneurs, Finding Solutions”, the MBCCI was by bringing their products to the able to assist various entrepreneurs, Urban Areas were huge market and big especially women entrepreneurs, not consumers are situated. only in the urban areas but also in the 16 PERSPECTIVES / OPPORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW

WomenWomen Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs from from the the Cities Cities of of Bago, Bago, Sagay, Sagay, Kabankalan and and Municipalities Municipalities of LaLa CastellanaCastellana andand Pontevedra.Pontevedra.

t hese women entrepreneurs are housewives, but eager and have the drive to develop their own businesses to augment family income. With a very limited resources, they started their home-based businesses, buying nominal quantity of raw materials from the farmers in their locality.

Initially, they sold their packed products to schools, offices and neighbors. With the assistance from their Local Government, National Government Agencies (Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology) and Non-Government Organizations, they learned Food Safety, Packaging Techniques and Marketing.

The MBCCI also granted them Ceremonial Turnover of Food Processing Equipment to Women Entrepreneurs during the 13th Organic Festival, led by Food Processing Equipment to MBCCI President Roberto L. Montelibano and former Governor Rafael upgrade their processes and Coscolluela, head of PEDIC ease manual labor, to generate more income.

17 OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL

The Women Entrepreneurs of Negros Occidental, posed with a big smile and a thumbs up, next to their best selling products.

18 EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW

he businesses of these Women are growing and market ready. Most of them are already supplying to famous pasalubong centers in Negros. They were able to tap large food distributors and they regularly participate in big trade shows.

During the MBCCI’s 11th Negros Business Week – Food Expo, they were tagged as the top grosser exhibitors for the 12-day event.

MBCCI remained optimistic that these Women Entrepreneurs will gradually develop from micro to small enterprises and create jobs in the rural areas. The MBCCI will continue to provide opportunities to them thru trade exhibits, introduce their products to national trade fairs, identify additional assistance from Provincial and National Governments, and Government Financial Institutions (DBP, Land Bank and Small Businesses Corporation) to help their businesses fl ourish.

for more details, please visit: www.rediscoveringnegros.com

19 OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL

A FESTIVAL OF SMILES

he Festival fi rst began in 19, 1980 and was steered by an 1980. The local government organizing committee created then headed by the late by City Hall which was headed Mayor Jose “Digoy” Montalvo by the late councilor Romeo appropriated a seed fund Geocadin and then city tourism and enjoined the city’s artistic offi cer Evelio Leonardia. It was community, civic and business a declaration by the people groups to hold a “festival of the city that no matter how of smiles”, to live up to the tough and bad the times are, City’s moniker as the “City of the Bacolodnons are going to Smiles”. The initial festival was pull through, survive, and in held during the City’s Charter the end, triumph. Day celebration on October 20 EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW

Masskara Arena Dance Showdown held at the Bacolod Public Plaza

The festival has evolved into one of the major annual tourism attractions of the Philippines over the LAST Street Dancing Competition is four decades. one of the Festival’s highlight

Held in typical Oktoberfest and leading to the highlight weekend, and hotels along the strip. It is said Mardi Gras fashion, the MassKara tribes of MassKara dancers that beer consumption during Festival served as a catalyst garbed in colorful neon and LED the festival is so high that at one for far-reaching growth and lights on illuminated fl oats make time during the fi rst few stagings development of the city’s tourism, their way up and down the Lacson of the festival, it bled dry the hospitality, culinary, crafts and Strip, a one kilometer stretch of brewery of San Miguel souvenirs, and services sector. In merrymaking dotted with band Corporation on nearby later years, the Electric Masskara stages, souvenir stands, exotic car island. The company eventually was added as another attraction displays and roadside bars and built its Bacolod brewery to serve of the Festival. For several nights food set-ups put out by restaurants the city and Negros Island.

21 THE SMILING MASK: FROM BACOLOD CITY TO WORLD STAGE.

Paper Mache Masskara, captured during Masskara Festival last 2000

Fiberglass Masskara Making office of the Department of Tourism with Mayor Evelio Leonardia as one of the regional tourism staff during that time. So, it was agreed to design a smiling It’s interesting to know that mask for the festival. the famous Bacolod masks were paper mache when it was used in A shift from paper mache to the fi rst MassKara Festival in 1980. weather-proof fi berglass masks The members of the Art Association occurred when on a particular year, of Bacolod (AAB), in partnership AAB member Ely Santiago the arena dance was transferred with the city government coined the words “mass,” from the Bacolod public plaza, conducted workshops on mask- which was the original site, to meaning a multitude, and making to the residents the Paglaum Stadium. It rained “kara,” from the Spanish as a livelihood project as well as hard during the festival dance cara, which means face, to tap their talents in visual arts. competition. All the masks and Bacolod had adopted the tagline and a smiling paper mache the paper crepe costumes of the “City of Smiles” during that year mask was born. dancers were washed out. Taking as espoused by the sub-regional into consideration that the rainy 22 EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW

The energetic performers in their dazzling masskara costumes

Paper Mache Masskara, captured during Masskara Festival last 2000

For some dancers, the ultimate high is to be a part of a contingent that perform The Smiling Fiberglass Masskara Festival Headdress in a foreign land. Be it in Thailand, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Hongkong, USA or Singapore, the MassKara dancers had conquered the world stage with their energy, dazzling costumes and season impressive choreography. extends up to October, a shift The lowly paper mache masks had gone a long way in from the simple paper made establishing Bacolod in the world tourism market and to a durable fi berglass mask sustained creative industry! the annual spectacle of smiling masks added with large headdress and complex design. Mrs. Joy Dumayco of Purok Talaba, Sitio Magsungay, ABOUT THE AUTHOR Barangay Singcang-Airport is one of the longest-running RUDY REVECHE fi berglass mask producers of Bacolod City. She has diverse Rudy is the Chairman of the Masskara house decor and functional items made of fi berglass that Street Dance Committee since 2004. He sustain the family income throughout the year. She had tapped nearby residents, some out-of-town school youths, represented the Philippines in the 2017 and 2019 to work part time for the masks during peak season, from International Mask Festival in Thailand and in the June to October. 2018 Jinju City Masked Dance and Drama Festival in Rommel Dote, one of Joy’s mask worker, told this writer South Korea. the evolution of some MassKara performers, who started as a props man, to dancer, to costume and mask worker for more details, please visit: and eventually, designer or choreographer. wwww.bacolodcitygov.ph/masskara www.rediscoveringnegros.com 23 OUR FUTURE IS NOW CELEBRATING

YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Victorias Milling Company, Inc. (VMC or the Company) is an We Nourish. We Power. We Fuel. integrated raw and refined sugar Company located in Barangay We transform sugar cane -- into sugar that nourishes the body; into power XVI, City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. The Company, that energizes industries and homes; which was among the earliest modern sugar mills in the country, and into fuel that drives the engines of the was founded on May 7, 1919 by Don Miguel J. Ossorio. country. VMC has since diversified, and formed Victorias Foods Our name is our guarantee of the highest quality: In our products, services, and dealings with our Corporation, Canetown Development Corporation, customers, namely, the planters, traders and fellow Victoria’s Golf & Country Club, Inc., Victorias industry stakeholders. We achieve this through industry- Agricultural Land Corporation and Victorias leading effi ciency, enabling infrastructure and by driving our Green Energy Corporation (VGEC). team to be the best, working with excellence. We pledge to pursue profi table growth with prudence The Company, through its diverse business and wisdom to ensure reasonable, sustainable returns to the portfolio, continues to contribute to the stakeholders of the business. economy as it ‘Nourishes, Powers, Our employees are our partners. By their competence, motivation and and Fuels’ the lives of the Filipino sense of fulfi llment, and their embrace and practice of our values, we succeed. people. We are responsible stewards of the environment and of the communities in which we work and live. 24 EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW

100 years and continues to positively impact the lives of the Filipino People

Victorias Milling Company remains an icon in the Province of Negros Occidental, not only because it remains a leader in sugar mills in the country but was once known as the biggest in Southeast Asia.

The company has been through a lot of ups and downs and all the more reason to celebrate with a bang after recovering from the long-haul of corporate upheavals.

The festivities kicked off on May 4 with a Centennial Homecoming Night, bringing home former employees and offi cers from abroad and elsewhere in the Philippines to reconnect and reminisce their times with the company.

But the most anticipated event was the May 7, 2019 celebration which started with a Thanksgiving Mass offi ciated by Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon and several other priests.

A simple merienda after the mass was shared and allowed VMC Mass Celebrated at St. Joseph the Worker stakeholders to come together and share their gratefulness Chapel, commonly known as Church of the to the company that has provided them blessings and “Angry Christ” opportunities. 25 OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL

Thereafter, the Centennial Marker created by award- winning Negrense artist, Moreen Austria was unveiled alongside the 15 students from Don Bosco Technical School who helped her create the 10-foot structure.

The VMC 10-foot Centennial Marker

Moreen Austria and the 15 Students of Don Bosco Technical School

26 EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW

Inauguration of the 40MW Cogen Plant

This was then followed by the inauguration of yet and the USLS chorale. another VMC milestone, the 40MW Cogen plant, the largest DOE-registered Biomass Power Plant which was It truly was a fi tting tribute to VMC’s 100 years of being opened and graced by no less than, the champions of a leader in the sugar industry. the sugar industry – Senators Cynthia Villar and Juan Miguel Zubiri along with offi cials from the Province of Negros Occidental and VMC. ABOUT THE AUTHOR The whole day event was capped by the Thanksgiving MATE ESPINA Party, a one-of-a-kind celebration, transforming the Special Events Consultant Victorias Golf and Country Club into a party place, Victorias Milling Company PR Practitioner of the Visayan Daily Star graced by over a thousand people, including respected personalities in Negros, sugar planters, partners and Contact Information: employees. Victorias Milling Company (VMC) VMC Compound, J. J. Ossorio St. Barangay XVI, Victorias City, Featured guests include, Negrense comedian Allan K, Negros Occidental, Philippines Alab Poi and the 80’s iconic rock band, The Dawn that Tel. Nos. (034) 488-7900 / 399-3002 brought the house down, not to mention the fi reworks display that was accompanied the singing of the for more details, please visit: Centennial Song, performed by select VMC employees www.victoriasmilling.com www.rediscoveringnegros.com 27 OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL

FROM MIRACLE PLANT TO FOOD SUPPLEMENT

hilip C. Cruz, President and Founder of Herbanext Laboratories Inc., is an aquaculturist and agriculturist by profession. He branch out and focused his interest on herbal plants which can become natural health products. In 1997, he acted on his fi rst success by studying a medicinal mushroom known to boost immunity popularly called as the “King of Herbs” in traditional chinese or otherwise named as the “Ganodermalucidum” or Lingzhi. By 2001, Cruz established his laboratory (Herbanext) in Bago City, Negros Occidental which operates a 2,500 m2cGMP-certifi ed and Halal- accredited manufacturing plant producing natural health products supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). 28 EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW

Herbanext Laboratories Inc. was then awarded “THE MODEL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD” by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) during the 20th Visayas Area Business Conference and Exposition in 2011.

THE WONDERS OVERLOOKED

Philip C. Cruz, the man behind the fi rst Daily aggressively monitored by other countries like AppleTawa-tawa (Euphorbia hirta) standardized Malaysia and Pakistan. capsules, launched it to break medical barriers This pursued Cruz to lead and claim the power of the through actual testaments, proofs, and confi rmed plant knowing the plant is native to the Philippines. clinical studies on the effectiveness of the plant to He believed that Filipinos like him must exert the combat dengue fever, also known as the “Breakbone effort to support and proclaim the wonders of the fever,” an acute mosquito-borne viral illness of country’s natural resources. sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with headache, fever, prostration, severe joint and Along with the help of DOST and the University muscle pain, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy) of Sto. Tomas (UST) Laboratories and its Research Center for Natural Applied Sciences (RCNAS), and rash. the fi ve year work to actualize Tawa-tawa to turn into a food supplement pushed in 2012. The continuous research on Tawa-tawa, otherwise known as Snake Weed or Asthma Weed, has been 29 OUR FUTURE IS NOW

DOST SUPPORTS TAWA-TAWA CAPSULES

The national launching of the Daily Apple Tawa-tawa standardized capsules last August 21, 2019 in Bago City, Negros Occidental had the support of the DOST. It also opened its way to a tight partnership with Generika Drugstore, the pioneer in the retail of generic medicines in the country.

Tawa-Tawa extracts are then deliberately studied in partnership Generika Drugstore prioritizes distributing the of DOST’s Tuklas Lunas Program of the Philippine Council for capsules in leading areas attacked by dengue fever Health Research and Development (PCHRD) which capitalizes in especially in Negros and . Philippines biodiversity. The program funds the exploration of the According to Cruz, DOST consents the distribution bio-activity and the compounds present in the plant along with under his confi dence. “It is my call,” Cruz said at the press release, the other 3,500 plants that may be effective to cure other sickness expressing his readiness to the response of the and disease such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. public and other sectors in regard to the capsules’ The questions on why the Tawa-Tawa plant has not been formally nationwide distribution. acknowledged as a cure for dengue fever is unknown. But Cruz, Cruz is also working with the Negros Oriental State along with DOST and other partners, believe that this plant can be University (NORSU) in Dumaguete City as to its the next biggest medicinal innovation. growing production and further studies. As of the recent, 50,000 bottles were released since July. 30 OUR FUTURE IS NOW

tawa-tawa as a supplement

Due to technicalities, Tawa-tawa earned its distinction as a “food supplement” to help people with dengue fever. It can also combat against Insomnia and help enhance milk production for women. With its healing consistency and properties, the plant was being extracted to further test its domain on how effective it really is. Testimonies have also supported the study by thousands of dengue patients approving of the plant’s capacity to cure.

Based on an acute toxicity study at the RCNAS at UST, a spray-dried tawa-tawa extract was tested on male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and discovered that using the proprietary process, the supplement was non-toxic at a dose of 10 g/kg. This is equivalent to a 50 kg person consuming 500 grams of extract in a single dose.

Furthermore, the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman’s Disease Molecular Biology and Epigenetics Laboratory has also testifi ed that tawa- tawa extracts is considered safe for consumption. Herbanext do not lead their objectives solely on folklore beliefs and do not promote without proof. Their awareness of tawa-tawa’s status under the Department of Health (DOH) has even pushed them to prove that this innovation is effective and proven by thousands with dangers that are minimal to none in degree.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR KRISTINE G. ALONSO

Cruz believes that the discovery of the plant’s Kristine is a contributor for Negros Daily Bulletin since 2017. She also writes for medicinal power cannot harm, instead, it can humanitarian and environmentally driven organizations. She also contributed for only do good. He adds that the consumption Misyon Magazine under the Columban Philippines Publication and contributes of the food supplement has helped patients for a digital media platform in Ghana, West Africa. recover faster. Contact Information: HERBANEXT LABORATORIES INC. Negros South Road, Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines for more details, please visit: www.herbanext.com www.rediscoveringnegros.com 31 OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL

ININ NEGROSNEGROS

HABLON MADE BY HAND Considered as one of the oldest traditional crafts in the entire world, the art of weaving continues to be kept alive in a small community in the mountain of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Woven products called Hablon, intricately made by hand and representing hours of dedicated work showcase interesting patterns that refl ect the imagination of nine adults and two students, collectively known as the “Negros Weavers.”

Individually designed and made of silk, cotton and a mix of polyester – their line include placemats and table runners; scarves shawls, blankets and other garment products which are exhibited annually during the Panaad Festival; displayed in the Negros Nine Showroom in Brgy. Batang in ; distributed nationally by enterprising partners and showcased in trade expos in ; and, exported internationally through the network of Fr. Brian Gore, a Columban Missionary

According to Fr. Gore, “The weaving project was conceived to provide employment and improve the lives of people especially in remote areas in the mountains where employment opportunities are hard to come by – and they are paid according to fair trade – which is a big help in providing for their families.”

32 EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL OUR FUTURE IS NOW

He added that the weavers continuously undergo training to update their knowledge and to catch up with the latest trends in fashion. Among these are upcoming workshops on patterns and design, product development and merchandising, and lectures on the history of weaving in the Visayas and the Philippines.

For the Negros Weavers – each piece of cloth carries with it their dreams of a better world with increased opportunities for their children, so they can continue to have a happy and fruitful life in a beautiful and healthy environment.

The Negros Island Silk

In the midst of verdant ricefi elds and mulberry shrubs in the northern part of Bago City is a haven of artisan silk weavers tediously crafting threads of silk yarns from the cocoons of silkworms. The Organization for Industrial, Spiritual & Cultural Advancement or OISCA in Brgy. Tabunan, Bago City established Sericulture and Silk Weaving to augment the income of small scale farmers and locals as spearheaded by its Director Shigemi Watanabe and wife Mrs. Thelma Watanabe.

The Negros Museum 33 OUR FUTURE IS NOW EDITION 3 PERSPECTIVES / OPpORTUNITIES / TRAVEL

At present, the organization employs six women weavers who hand looms the silk yarn into cloths ideal for elegant barongs and formal wear. They also painstakingly make colorful shawls and fabrics in the facility that are turned into fashion wears and even household items. Before the yarns are weaved, they undergo the reeling process thru machine and manual labor which separately employs more locals as well.

It is noteworthy to mention that the silk from OISCA was one of the materials of the Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog that was used during the APEC Summit in the country last 2015. World leaders and their spouses were outfi tted in these formal wear including Japan’s Prime Minister and Mrs. Shinzo Abe, President Barack Obama of the United States and President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea.

The OISCA Bago Sericulture Project is a major source of silk in the country which accounts to 90% of the total production. Its world class products is now famously known under the brand of Negros Island Silk.

“The Negros Island Silk” ABOUT THE AUTHOR MAE FORTUS

Designated Tourism Offi cer Bago City Contact Information OISCA Training Center Brgy. Tabunan, Bago City Tel. No. 034. 702-9075

“Hablon Made by Hand”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR TANYA LOPEZ

Executive Director The Negros Museum

Contact Information: JAYSON ARCAMO 0925.876.8666

REV. FR. BRIAN GORE 0956.166.3898

Brgy. Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, 6110 Philippines Email: [email protected] for more details, please visit: 34 www.negrosnine.com / www.rediscoveringnegros.com Net Wt. 200g

MUY BIEN VENTURES CO., INC. Sitio Palanas, Brgy. Poblacion II, Sagay City 6122 Province of Negros Occidental Telephone No. (034) 707-5032 E-mail Address: [email protected] Facebook Page: Muy Bien Ventures Co., Inc. Website: www.muybienventures.com MISSION TO ACTIVELY SERVE AS THE VOICE OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, ENSURING RESPONSIBLE REPRESENTATION OF ENTREPRENEURS ON ALL OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND ITS INSTRUMENTALITIES.

UPHOLDS THE STANDARDS OF THE LEGITIMATE BUSINESS, AND HELPS BRING ABOUT ECONOMIC PROGRESS IN METRO BACOLOD AND THE WHOLE PROVINCE OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL. OFFICERS

Roberto L. Montelibano President Frank A. Carbon Chief Executive Officer Engr. Edward M. Gasambelo Vice President EVENTS Atty. Juliana B. Carbon Secretary 1. REGIONAL BUSINESS Arch. Crispin C. Chua Treasurer OPPORTUNITIES FORUM VISAYAS Negros Residences TRUSTEES SECRETARIAT October 10, 2019 Roberto G. Abello Jeanelyn O. Jason Alfredo G. Barcelona Ray Francis E. Sinoro 2. 45th PHILIPPINE BUSINESS Ernie O. Pestaño Edward N. Relator CONFERENCE George K. Sanchez Raymund S. Lupo Robert C. Harland Jein T. Pabalinas: Webmaster The Manila Hotel Ronnie J. Baldonado: Photographer October 16-17, 2019 NEW MEMBERS GDR Auto Supply Trading Rider Levett Bucknall Philippines, Inc. Leonardo B. Esperancilla, Jr. (North Negros College) Jemuel Dried Fish Supply Capitol Central Commercial Ventures Corporation AOne Realty and Development CONTACT DETAILS: PRINTED & DESIGNED BY: Room 216, Capitol Subdivision Building, 15th Lacson Sts., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental (034) 446-6261 • 476.2161 (034) 434 3842 0917 9886145 • 0933 869 0426 [email protected] [email protected] www.mbcci.biz [email protected] @impressqualityprint impressqualityprint