Negros, Bacolod brace
for two more typhoons
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Management Team and the Bacolod City Disaster Coordinating Council held emergency meetings yesterday in preparation for two more typhoons expected to hit the country during the weekend.

Another weather disturbance with international name “ Parma ” is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility anytime according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Bacolod City DCC action officer Jomari Vargas yesterday said they are more concerned and are preparing for the second typhoon with international name “Melor”, in case it changes its path and hits the Visayas area during the weekend or on Monday.

MANILA – President Gloria Arroyo yesterday placed the entire Philippines under a "state of calamity," as a powerful typhoon threatened more devastation following deadly floods, her spokesman said.

Spokesman Cerge Remonde said the move would help the nation prepare for Typhoon Pepeng ( Parma ), expected to hit the north of the country today.

Under a "state of calamity," local authorities can use emergency funds and the national government has expanded powers such as price controls.

Parreño Jr..*

Former Bacolod Mayor Amado “Remache” Parreño Jr. passed away at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday just after the 2009 MassKara Festival was officially opened in Bacolod City .

His nephew, Vista Alegre Barangay Captain Jose Antonio Gensoli, yesterday said Parreño suffered a stroke a year ago and had been bed-ridden before he died.

Parreño, who was the first Integrated Bar of the Philippines governor, was regarded by his colleagues, as one of the best trial lawyers Negros ever produced, he said.