The week ahead will be busy, especially for leaders of women’s groups as they coordinate efforts for the celebration of the International Women’s Day on March 8.

Negros Occidental and Bacolod City are in the forefront of women empowerment programs so we are expecting a wide range of activities on the growth of development of the women’s sector in the community.

Among the proponents of this thrust is Councilor Marie June Pavillar-Castro of Silay City, who took time out from her hectic schedule to share her thougths on the celebration with our readers. Councilor Castro, who has a Journalism degree, focuses on efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.

The Negros Occidental  Private Schools Sports, Cultural and Educational Association has proven once more that tertiary education in the city is of national caliber when its students won in three national competitions held recently. The laurels are reaped in visual art and electrical engineering competitions sponsored by well-respected corporations engaged in energy and electronic communications technology.

Chicago-based columnist Nelia Dingcong-Bernabe recounts the tension that followed the fatal shooting incident at Northern Illinois University where her daughter is enrolled while Carlo Leonardia recounts his observations at the Land Transportation Office while waiting for the renewal of his driver’s license. Ian Casocot, who thoughts have been posted online for the past seven years, shares the sheer pleasure and  sense in maintaining a web log.

Our back-cover feature highlights the award-wnning shots of a Bacolod sixth grader in the national competition of student editors held in Koronadal Cirty this month.The photos depict the abundance of the fruits of the field  in that southern city and how these provide an opportunities for productivity and the prowth of consumerism.

The young photojorunalist, Sofia Isabelle Ortiz, also shares her experiences in the national confernece in our Young Lives section.