The Local Government Mechanical Engineers' Association of the Philippines started its 21st Annual Technical Consultative Conference yesterday that will end March 9, at the Grand Regal Hotel in Bacolod City, a Capitol press release said.

The conference is being held in coordination with the Bureau of Local Government Development of the Department of Interior and Local Government. About 200 participants from all over the country are expected to attend the gathering on the theme "Strengthening LGU's Through Engineering Skills Enhancement Programs," LOGOMEAP president Lucresio Baylosis said in the press release.

Baylosis, Enrico Ramirez, business manager from Cadiz City; Rolando Adrosa from Cebu City, Rizalino Mendoza, VP for Luzon; Lowell Carl Elmido, national secretary; and former president Alfredo Mendoza from Davao del Norte, paid a courtesy call on Gov. Joseph Marañon at the Capitol yesterday.

The mechanical engineers will discuss issues and concerns over LGU equipment pool development programs, implementation of Republic Act 8495, or Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998 and how to enhance technical know-how in the conduct of technical safety and health inspection in their areas of jurisdiction, sharing of ideas and experiences and replication of the best ideas on how to attain efficient equipment fleet management, and to keep abreast with on the DILG memo issuances, the press release added.*

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Young poet excels in US

The Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans, which publishes poetry by young authors, has accepted a work of a 12-year-old Filipino-American student for publication.

Vincent Remitio Lozada who resides with his parents in Wake Forest, North Carolina, is a grandson of Bacolod City residents, Rinaldo "Rex" and Fe Remitio.

His contribution was hailed as "one of the most creative submissions" by editor-in-chief George Nickles. The Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans has been published in the United States yearly for 18 years. It aims to develop young literary talents and has a program designed to foster creative expression among young people.

Vincent follows the footsteps of his great grandfathers and namesakes, former Senator Vicente Sotto of Cebu, and former Bacolod City Mayor, Vicente Remitio, who were both prolific writers. His father, Rex, a columnist of the DAILY STAR, is also a former newspaper editor and the author of several books. The 2007 edition of the publication is due for release in the middle of this year.*

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TUP-V honors Montelibano

Former Negros Occidental Governor and Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Montelibano Jr. was honored at the 30th anniversary of the Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas in Talisay City, Friday, a press release from the school said.

TUP president Godofredo Gallega said Montelibano was responsible for the founding of the institution in the then municipality of Talisay. The institution was supposed to have been constructed in Cebu City, however, due to the efforts of Montelibano, it was erected in Talisay, the press release said.

Former executive director Leoncio Jamora was also honored for being the first director of the university and for his dedicated and exemplary performance as its top official, for over 20 years, the press release added.*

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