Residents of Victorias City , Negros Occidental, may now research through the internet for free with the blessing of the Cyber Library of the Betty Bantug-Benitez Foundation Inc., recently, a press release from the foundation said.

The 80-unit computer-facility, located at the second floor of the Vic Arcade along the Victorias national highway, was blessed and inaugurated July 18, during the birthday of Mayor Severo Palanca. Rep. Jose Carlos Lacson (Neg. Occ., 3 rd District) and BBB Foundation president Albee Bantug Benitez cut the ceremonial ribbon, at the rites officiated by Fr. Orlando Gargar, parish priest of the Our Lady of Victory.

Albee Benitez, son of the late Betty Bantug- Benitez, urged Victoriahanons, to make use of the available facility to empower themselves through information technology, the press release said.

For a P20 monthly due, members have the opportunity to avail of the internet service, which is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Lacson encouraged the foundation to establish similar facilities in other local government units especially in the district.

Vice Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, with the city councilors, attended the rites, the press release said.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Timbol of the Rotary Club of Victorias, committed to sponsor the membership of 100 youth to avail of the services.

Also present at the blessing were Talisay City Mayor Eric Saratan, and DAWN Foundation staff – Bacolod Councilor Celia Flor, and Silay Councilor Marie June Pavillar-Castro, the press release said.

The foundation, established in 1982 in honor of late Betty Bantug-Benitez, daughter of former Victorias City Mayor Remedios Palanca-Bantug, is also a regular donor of the Victorias Ikaayong Lawas Foundation, a 10-bed health facility.

It has supported health and sports programs in Victorias, and it has provided vehicle services to The Victorias Women's Center, Negros Drug Rehabilitation Center and Negros Occidental Science High School, the press release added.*

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Photo exhibit on at USLS

The Museo Negrense de La Salle at the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod recently held a photo exhibit showcasing Jarek Nahir Esquela, a press release from organizers said.

The exhibit called “Leaves of Summers Past” will run until July 31, and will feature scenes from the artist's travels across Luzon during the summers of 2006-2008.

Guests at the opening included members of the academe of the university.

Born in the City of Manila , Esquela grew up in the coastal city of Tabaco in the Southern Luzon province of Albay , and is best known for his fine art film and travel photographs and abstract paintings, the press release said.

His works have been presented both nationally and internationally in group shows in Manila, Laguna, Cebu, New York, Boston, Dublin and Madrid, the press release added.*

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