A Women's Walk on the theme "Struggle to End Violence against Women and Children! Oppose US-Arroyo Terrorism Act," will be held by the partylist group Gabriela from 6 to 10 a.m. today, from the Capitol Lagoon to the City Hall, in Bacolod City.

The walk is the opening salvo of the series of activities in line with the International Working Women's Day commemoration, a press release from Gabriela said. The Gender and Development Council in Bacolod and other women organizations are joining the activity, the press release said.

Meanwhile, Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza called on the Commission on Elections to be non-partisan in the wake of Malacañang's alleged bid to disqualify the group in the partylist system. Maza said in the same press release that their counsels are raising procedural irregularities in the COMELEC handling of the disqualification charges against them.

Earlier, presidential legal adviser Sergio Apostol had allegedly advised the Armed Forces of the Philippines to file disqualification cases against Gabriela and other progressive partylists, the press release said. "If the COMELEC gives due course to the petition, it is wittingly or unwittingly playing into the hands of the AFP and Malacañang," Maza added, in the same press release.*

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More aliens report to BID

The Bureau of Immigration in Bacolod City reported that foreigners have started to appear at their office to comply with the required annual report of the Philippine government, a Philippine Information Agency press release said.

Alien Control Officer Mita Chuvy Arguelles said they are now busy processing the papers of aliens who are trying to beat the deadline set today.

Foreign nationals who are holders of immigration or non-immigration visas are required to report to the BID within the first 60 days of every year or from January 2 to March 1, or face deportation, the press release added.*

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Local artists join exhibit

Local artists supported by the Bacolod City government under Mayor Evelio Leonardia are joining the 1st National Arts Fair that opens today and will end March 4 in Bacolod City, a press release from organizers said.

They will participate in the Arts and Crafts Exhibit to be held 8:30 a.m. today, at the Negros Occidental Multi Purpose Activity Center, at the Negros Occidental Multi Purpose Activity Center. The event, organized by the Negros Museum and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, includes art exhibits, symposia, workshops and art performances, and aimed at appreciating Philippine visual art and culture.

The local artists featured in the exhibit are Jecky Alano, Katsang Alob, Diutay Alquizar, and Jayro Alano of Dagway Artists Group; Jason Nermal, Emil de la Cruz, Jaja de la Cruz, Michael Layon, Junjie Matson, Glonel Dignos, and Ernie Labatos --- Animo Artists; Dan Gatucao, Deboy Nazareno, Gerson Celestre, and Rodel Aquino -- Tarag Artists; Raphy Selario, Catrina Eunice Villanueva, Giljohn Cadivida, Joey Destriza, Zaldy Cahilig Jr., Jerichris Layon, Abs Andrew de la Pena, Edgie Calas, Kevin Bandies, Hanna Joy Sayam -- Binhi Creative Arts and Crafts Workshop; and an individual artist Sony Sarnate, the press release said.

nterested parties may call Dioning de la Cruz at Cellphone No. 09192378098, for details. * Caption: Works of local artists on exhibit.*

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Study in USA forum held

An orientation for those planning to study in the USA was hosted recently by the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod City, sponsored by the Philippine-American Educational Foundation and the University of St. La Salle American Studies Resource Center- Educational Advising Office as part of its outreach activities.

A USLS press release said the forum was organized by a team led by Dr. Socorro Victoria De Leon, Dean of UNO-R's College of Business and Accountancy. Resource persons from PAEF were its executive director Dr. Esmeralda Cunanan, and educational advising coordinator Eileen Consuelo Valdecañas.

UNO-R vice president for Academic Affairs Fr. Raul Buhay, OAR, gave the welcome address for the participants who will come from UNO- R, USLS, Silay Institute, and AMA Computer College.

The forum provided information on Fulbright and other scholarships, as well as services of PAEF and Advising Centers. In Bacolod and Negros Occidental, USLS-American Studies Resource Center is the advising office and Dr. Marie Therese Jochico is a volunteer adviser for Study in the USA. Interested parties may call the USLS DERIL Office at Tel. No. 4352594, the press release added.*

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