The Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Carlos in Negros Occidental passed recently the Avian Influenza Prevention and Control Ordinance, a Philippine Information Agency press release said.

The ordinance will prevent the entry of avian influenza in the city; aims at ensuring public safety; protecting the local livestock industry and other related industries; and promoting health, safety and general welfare of city residents.

The City Avian Influenza Taskforce was also created to oversee the implementation of the ordinance, and other related activities as maybe provided by rules and regulations and guidelines promulgated by higher authority or by the laws, the press release said.

The task force is headed by the City Mayor as chairman with the Vice Mayor as vice chairman. Members are the city veterinarian, health officer, agriculturist, police chief, ABC president, two non-government organization representatives, city action officer, and president of the Local Poultry Raisers Association.

The AIPC Ordinance of San Carlos is the first ordinance of the city for 2008. It will take effect 60 days after its approval and publication in a newspaper of local circulation, the press release added.*

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IN BACOLOD CITY
Mass offered for inmates

A mass for female inmates at the Bacolod City Jail in Brgy. Handumanan was officiated recently by Fr. Raphael Maria Babano, sponsored by the Project Community Activities Reaching to Everyone through Services, a press release from organizers said.

Project C.A.R.E.S. is commemorating eight years of service as a private volunteer movement organization. The mass was also offered for an inmate who has been sentenced to reclusion perpetua.

Meanwhile, tables donated by Betty Altarejos for use during Eucharistic celebrations at the Female Sector's chapel area were also turned over by sponsors, the press release said.

Outreach activities of the group at the Handumanan jail include medical and dental services, recycled floating candle-making, and paper coal-making.

Those who wish for more information about Project C.A.R.E.S. may log on to ww.projectcares.tk, or call May Altarejos-Cueva at Tel. Nos. 433-9064 or 0916-453-1908, the press release added.*

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GMA sets holidays schedule

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued Proclamation No. 1463 setting the specific dates of movable holidays as mandated by Republic Act No. 9492 which rationalized the celebration of the country's holidays, Malacañang announced yesterday.

President Arroyo signed the proclamation on Feb. 18, the day she declared Feb. 25, 2008 (Monday) as a Special (Non-Working) Day nationwide to mark the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

R.A. 9492 provides that holidays, except those which are religious in nature, are moved to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by law, order or proclamation, Malacañang said.

This year, the following regular holidays will fall on the following dates:

• Maundy Thursday (March 20, Thursday);

• Good Friday (March 21, Friday);

• Araw ng Kagitingan (April 7, Monday nearest April 9);

• Labor Day (May 1, Thursday);

• Independence Day (June 9, Monday nearest June 12);

• National Heroes' Day (Aug. 25, last Monday of August);

• Bonifacio Day (Dec. 1, Monday nearest Nov. 30);

• Christmas Day (Dec. 25, Thursday); and

• Rizal Day (Dec. 30, Tuesday).

Meanwhile, the Special (Non-Working) Holidays for 2008 shall fall on the following dates:

• Ninoy Aquino Day (Aug.18, Monday nearest Aug. 21);

• All Saints' Day (Nov. 1, Saturday);

• Additional Special (Non-Working) Day (Dec. 26, Friday);

• Additional Special (Non-Working) Day (Dec. 29, Monday); and the

• Last day of the year (Dec. 31, Wednesday).

As for the Muslims' observance of Eidul Fitr, President Arroyo ordered the Office of Muslim Affairs to inform the Office of the President “on which day the said holiday shall fall.”

The President said another proclamation will be issued declaring the Eidul Fitr date as a national holiday for Muslims “after the appropriate date of the Islamic holiday has been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient.”

The President tasked the Department of Labor and Employment to promulgate the implementing guidelines for Proclamation 1463.*

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10 bands advance to finals

Ten acoustic groups will compete for the First SM City Bacolod Acoustic Challenge 2008 at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Northwing Fiesta Strip of the mall, a press release from organizers said.

Vying for the “My Friends and My Guitar” grand champion title are The Comet, Daffodil, Thesis, Lacerata, Broken Chords, Himig Laya, Iron Scepter, Friluen, L n' R, and Exodians.

The competition drew the interest of high school and college students, amateur and professional performers. The grand champion will receive P8,000 and the second and third placer winners will get P4,000 and P2,000, respectively, the press release said.

In cooperation with RGMA Campus Radio 107.1, the contest will also award the Best Composition and Best Guitarist.

Managing director Henry Onglatco of a private recording company will meet with grand finalists, the press release added.*

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