Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki yesterday said the Philippines continues to be one to the largest recipients of Japanese funding assistance, from which Negros Occidental has also benefited.

He cited Japanese funds being used for the construction of the new Negros Occidental airport in Silay City and the North Negros Geothermal Project in Bago City, among others.

During a visit of the ambassador to the Capitol in Bacolod City yesterday, Gov. Joseph Marañon expressed the hope that construction of the new airport scheduled for completion in early 2007 can be speeded up so it can be operational in 2006, in time for the celebration of the Philippine-Japanese 50th normalization anniversary.

Develop tourism
infra first -- Zapanta
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

The infrastructure for tourism in Negros Occidental should be developed first before a regional airport could be operated in the province, Avelino Zapanta, former president and chief operating officer of the Philippine Airlines, yesterday said.

This is because the tourism values of Negros, which are many, have not been developed, he said.

Zapanta gave a one-day lecture on Air Management at the Casino Filipino Hotel in Bacolod City yesterday. The 38-year aviation veteran is the author of the book "A Focus on Airline Management: 100 Years of Philippine Aviation."

Negrenses buck
Cha-cha through ConAss
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The majority of Negrenses participating in the consultation on Charter change held at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City yesterday said they favored a shift towards a federal form of government but are against doing this through a Constituent Assembly.

The majority also expressed doubts about amending the Constitution at this time and said that if any changes are made, they should be through a Constitutional Convention participated in by delegates elected by the people, and not by present members of Congress.