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==Entrepreneurship==
*Source:http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/348721/danajon-bank
*Friday, January 20, 2012, 5:22pm
:(PNA, MAnila Bulletin Visayas Newsbits #5)
ILOILO CITY (PNA) — Iloilo 3rd district Rep. Arthur Defensor, Jr. has pledged financial support for the entrepreneurship program that will be undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the out-of-school youth and fresh college graduates interested to engage in business.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Iloilo Director Wilhelm Malones disclosed that in his initial conversation with the congressman, he has been assured that the latter will allot around P619,000 for the program which he feels could be of great help to his constituents.
==Security heightened for Dinagyang guests, revelers==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/local-news/2012/01/19/security-heightened-dinagyang-guests-revelers-201438
*Thursday, January 19, 2012
:by Lydia C. Pendon
THE Iloilo City police chief said well-trained officers will secure dignitaries and guests as the Dinagyang Festival reaches its highlights on Saturday, January 21, and Sunday, January 22.
Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) chief Senior Superintendent Marietto Valerio said the provincial and regional police offices, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, Philippine Airforce, village watchmen and other peace keeping forces will augment the city police force.
More than 4,000 student cadets will also help in keeping peace and order during the two-day parade.
Confirmed foreign guests are headed by US Ambassador Harry Thomas with South Africa Ambassador Agnes Nyamande Pitso. Other foreign guests are French Embassy cultural attaché Christian Merer, Hughes Suin and wife, Israel Embassy counselor Yaniv Revach, counselor Monika Kazdova and cultural attaché David Kazda of the Czech Republic Embassy.
Senator Franklin M. Drilon and three others are also attending. Drilon is the guest speaker on Sunday, the opening of the Dinagyang Ati-Atihan competition.
Earlier, Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Antonio Trillanes and Alan Peter Cayetano, as well as former senator Miguel Zubiri also confirmed attendance.
Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Public Information Agency deputy director general Virgilio Galvez as representative of Secretary Herminio Coloma are also coming.
Bayan partylist congressmen Teddy A. Casiño and Neri Comenares and Congressman Aron Sambar with three other persons are attending.
Some member officials of the League of Cities of the Philippines, and Bagnet festival executive committee members will also attend.
==Preparations for Chinese New Year fest start==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/local-news/2012/01/18/preparations-chinese-new-year-fest-start-201075
*Wednesday, January 18, 2012
:(LCP)
THE Filipino-Chinese community in Iloilo is readying for the Chinese New Year celebration, which is set to start on January 23 (Monday).
Fanny Uy, chairperson of the Iloilo Multi-Sectoral Business Organization, said the celebration will start right after the Dinagyang Festival and will run until January 29.
A mass to be held at the Sta. Maria Parish church will kick-off the celebration. The opening of the first Filipino-Chinese Trade Expo at the PNB Hall will follow.
It was Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog who recommended for the trade exposition to showcase the many industrial and commercial products of Chinese suppliers in Manila, Cebu and Iloilo.
Aside from that, the Chinese Heritage and Heroism Exhibits will be opened, with the traditional dragon and lion dances, exhibits and ethnic tribe exhibits.
On the second day, a wushu exhibition will wow the crowd.
On January 25, students of the Iloilo Central Commercial High School will visit the Iloilo City National High School, while Sun Yat Sen High School will visit the Fort San Pedro National High School and the Iloilo Scholastic Academy to the Jaro National High School.
On January 26, a mall show will be staged by Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus and a Chinese ethnic fashion show will be staged at the Iloilo Grad Hotel to showcase the Chinese tribe costumes and Chinese dynasty gowns.
The grand celebration will be held on January 27 with a cultural parade along the China town, a food festival, cultural program and pyrotechnics and fireworks display.
On January 28, the Iloilo Central Commercial High School lion and dance troupe will visit SM City Iloilo. Chinese astrology forecast sessions will be held. The group will also meet and greet Tai Shen Yeh, the Chinese God of Wealth.
On January 29, the Iloilo San Yat Sen High School lion and dance troupe will visit SM City. There will also be a mall show to be led by the Iloilo Scholastic Academy.
Uy said the program will have anti-crime advocate Teresita Ang See as guest speaker.
Distinguished Iloilo Fil-Chinese guests include singer Jose Mari Chan, entrepreneur Edgar Injap Sia of Mang Inasal fame, Dr. Alfonso Uy of the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, basketball star James Yap and businessman Ramon Cua Locsin, among others.
The Iloilo celebration, which started in 2003, is growing every year with Ilonggo Chinese going home for the festival. Latest count shows an estimated 20,000 Filipino-Chinese living in Iloilo.
==Iloilo City included in USAID project==
*Source:http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/01/iloilo-city-included-in-usaid-project/
*Tuesday, January 17, 2012
:(PNA), LAP/hbc/AJP/LMSinay/vlo
ILOILO CITY, Jan. 17 (PNA) – This city has been chosen one of only three cities in the country to receive targeted assistance in the Investment Enabling Environment (INVEST) Project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog welcomed visitors from USAID: deputy chief of party Jovie Corazon Importante and project technical assistant Jean De Pano.
“We are proud to have been considered for this project because this is the result of active involvement of public and private sector in developing trade and investments here,” Mabilog said.
Importante and De Pano talked with the Office of the City Treasurer as well as Permits and Licensing Division on how to improve efficiency of business permits processing, renewal and new applications.
INVEST is a two-year project which aims to promote economic growth through measures that will help improve business competitiveness and promote more effective investment planning and promotion.
The project may include activities such as feasibility studies and further improvements of business permit and licensing processes.
Steele said they are also exploring the possibility of providing a guarantee that will allow more small and medium businesses here to have access to credit.
==News Feature: Colorful “Kasadyahan” to display region’s different festivals==
*Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r06&id=72751
*Monday, January 16, 2012
:by TWVillavert(JCM/TWV/PIA6-Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- This year’s Kasadyahan Festival, an event prior to the riotous Ati-ati competition of the Dinagyang festival, will open with a big bang.
Literally, there will be a “cannon blast” as part of the presentation of one participant to the Kasadyahan Festival on January 21. There will nine participants showcasing cultural and religious traditions of Western Visayas.
This was the gist of the discussion of Kasadyahan committee chair Dr. Eden Deriada of the Department of Education, Region 6, during the PIA-Cable Television program.
She encouraged everyone not to miss this year’s event which promises color, fun and entertainment.
“The event does not only entertain but it likewise educate the spectators of the Ilonggos’ history and culture,” Deriada said.
The Kasadyahan’s color on the other hand is highlighted by the participating groups’ props, floats, music, dance, and costumes made from indigenous materials.
For the cannon’s blast during one of the Kasadyahan performance, Deriada assured that certain measures will be adopted to ensure safety.
The Kasadyahan’s nine official competing entries are Sigabong sang mga Kanyon of Bago City, Negros Occidental; Mandaragat Tribe of San Jose, Antique; Hugyaw Kansilay of Silay City, Negros Occidental; Tribu Maragtas of West Visayas State University; Sinadya sa Halaran of Roxas City, Capiz; Salakayan Festival of Miagao, Iloilo; Palayag of Buenavista, Guimaras; Panguyang Festival of Tibiao, Antique; and Hubon Sinulog sang Oracon of Sibunag, Guimaras.
The Non-competing groups are Kahilwayan Festival of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo; Masskara of Bacolod City; Hugyaw Arts and Dance Co. of St. Therese MTC Colleges, Iloilo City; and Ati-Atihan of Kalibo, Aklan.
The Freedom Grandstand will serve as the judging area number one; judging area two is at the Provincial Capitol grounds; third judging area at Huervana, La Paz, and the final judging area is at the Iloilo Sports Complex.
The same route will also be used during the Dinagyang Ati-ati competition on Sunday.
Other events on January 21 will include Mass for Kasadyahan Dancers at San Parish, Iloilo City at 7:00 A.M.; Dinagyang National Taekwondo Tournament-Mayor Jed Mabilog Cup; Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competion in four judging areas; 7:30 A.M.- 3rd Iloilo Dinagyang Cheerleading Competition at Iloilo Sports Complex; 2:00 P.M.- Sponsors Mardi Gras, Parade from Freedom Grandstand; 4:00 P.M.- Kapamilya Caravan, SM City Parking Lot; 5:00 P.M.- Dinagyang Charity Basketball with the Stars at the University of San Agustin Gym; 7:00 P.M.- Religious Sadsad at San Jose Parish; Mayor’s Reception.
Dinagyang festival, set January 20-22 this year, evolved from the veneration of Sto. Nino in 1968 when Fr. Sulpicio Ebderes, OSA brought a replica of the image of Sr. Santo Niño to the San Jose Parish Church in Iloilo City, until the street dancing and Ati-ati and Mardi-gras competions have been infused to make a distinction from other festivals in the country.
From then on, the streets of Iloilo are filled with merrymakers and revelers, as the Ilonggos celebrate the annual festivity which is preceded by a nine-day novena to Sto. Nino highlighted by a fluvial procession on Friday, and will be culminated with the Kasadyahan and Ati-ati competitions on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
The festival’s theme this year is “Beyond Awards: A Culture of Excellence”.
The Dinagyang Festival was voted best tourism event by the Association of Tourism Officers in year 2006, 2007 and 2008 and installed in the hall of fame.
City Tourism Ben Jimena said as he recalled that Dinagyang festival is the first festival in the world to get the support of the United Nations for the promotion of the Millennium Development Goals, and cited by the Asian Development Bank as Best Practice on government, private sector and NGO cooperation.
==PDEA-6 steps up drug watch as Dinagyang nears==
*Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=72660
*Sunday, January 15, 2012
:by Elsa S. Subong(JCM/ESS/PIA6)
ILOILO CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) –- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the region is on the alert monitoring the movement of Drug couriers as the Dinagyang Festival nears its peak.
PDEA-6 Legal Counsel Atty. Ronnie Delicana said they are closely monitoring possible entry of illegal drugs and are keeping the drug traders and couriers under tight surveillance, together with the police.
Delicana said they have been watching all key entry and exit points, particularly the seaports, since last year, in close coordination with the Police Special Operations Group headed by Supt. Noel Lamses.
PDEA records showed that Iloilo City is among the illegal drugs trade hot spots in Western Visayas, with nine of its 180 barangays considered “seriously affected,” 18, “moderately affected” while the rest, “slightly affected.”
Delicana said PDEA will deploy plainclothes drug enforcement agents around Iloilo City during the highlight of the Dinagyang on January 21-22, on alert for drug traders.
Those caught, according to the PDEA, either selling or using illeal drugs, will be charged for violations of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
As of December last year, PDEA said they have filed 157 charges against 157 suspected drug pushers/users in the city.
On the other hand, Iloilo City Police Director Sr. Supt. Marietto Valerio said they are vigilant on illegal drugs trade as Dinagyang is expected to gather millions of people.
==Mabilog targets industrial zone for Iloilo City==
*Source:http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/01/mabilog-targets-industrial-zone-for-iloilo-city/
*Saturday, January 14, 2012
:(PNA),LAP/PGLena/vlo
ILOILO CITY, Jan. 14 (PNA) – Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog aspires to have an industrial zone in the city, a goal he hopes to achieve should international flights become operational at the Iloilo Airport of International Standard in Cabatuan town and if the international port at Loboc, Lapaz will also be expanded.
Mabilog has been pushing for an international flight and is looking forward to bring the idea again before Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas and Senator Franklin Drilon next week.
The mayor said that if there are international flights then they can already invite investors probably in China and Korea to come in.
The industrial zone is classified under the Special Economic Zone where areas are developed for the use of industries.
Already, several infrastructures in this city are accredited with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) but are for use of business process outsourcing companies.
An area that is accredited by PEZA avails of privileges and benefits depending on the kind of investment.
==Iloilo assurance==
*Source:http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/347963/iloilo-assurance
*Friday, January 13, 2012, 4:52pm
:By TARA YAP (Manila Bulletin Visayas Newsbits#1)
ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The city of Iloilo is safe for the upcoming Dinagyang Festival. Senior Supt. Marietto Valerio, chief of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), made the assurance Friday, saying the spate of crimes since the start of the New Year does not automatically mean that the entire city has become a crime haven.
The latest incident was the Jan. 10 grenade blast at the Jaro residence of a seaman who was involved in the indiscriminate firing incident during New Year’s Eve. Last Jan. 3, a suspected assassin shot and killed a high school basketball coach along Plazoleta Gay in City Proper district. Valerio said these crimes were isolated cases and should not affect the holding of the Dinagyang Festival on Jan. 21 and 22.
==Iloilo climbs higher in rank among 100 BPO global destinations==
*Source:http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/347837/iloilo-climbs-higher-rank-among-100-bpo-global-destinations
*Thursday, January 12, 2012, 4:25pm
:By TARA YAP
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines — The city of Iloilo improved its rank in a study conducted by an international advisory investment research firm on global outsourcing destinations.
According to Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Iloilo City ranked 92nd in the newly-released 2012 Tholons Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations. It was six points higher than its 2010 rank.
“Iloilo experienced a significant rise as aggressive development in infrastructure and capabilities development are pursued,” Tholons noted in the study.
Over the years, the city’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry has grown with the entry of multi-billion investments, particularly in the city’s Mandurriao district.
These include the P1-billion Iloilo-Ayala Land Techno Hub and the construction of the P25-billion Iloilo Business Park at the old Iloilo Airport.
“This shows that Iloilo City is really making a mark as an international outsourcing destination,” Mabilog said.
“We can use this recognition in attracting and inviting outsourcing companies and investors to the city,” Mabilog added.
Iloilo City has previously been included in the Top 10 BPO hubs in Asia-Pacific by global network firm KPGM.
Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP) also named the city one of the Top Ten Next Wave Cities in the country.
==Solon seeks probe on ‘astronomical’ increase in PhilHealth contributions==
*Source:http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/01/solon-seeks-probe-on-astronomical-increase-in-philhealth-contributions/
*Wednesday, January 11, 2012
:(PNA), scs/LGI/utb
MANILA, Jan. 11 (PNA) — A lawmaker at the House of Representatives is seeking an inquiry-in-aid of legislation on a recent circular issued by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) which would make it nearly impossible for some local government units (LGUs) to pay premiums for their PhilHealth beneficiaries.
House committee on good government and public accountability chair and Iloilo Rep. Jerry Trenas on Tuesday said the PhilHealth circular withdrawing 50 percent of the subsidy being covered by the national government would mean 100 percent increase — from P1,200/member to P2,400/member annually — on the premium being paid by LGUs effective July this year.
“Section 11, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines provides that the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. Priority for the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and children shall be recognized. Likewise, it shall be the policy of the State to provide free medical care to paupers,” said Trenas in filing proposed House Resolution 2023.
“Ironically, however, this PhilHealth circular would surely disenfranchise millions of PhilHealth members who are depending on the subsidy being provided by their LGUs. This is a step that runs counter with the government’s mission of providing complete, modern and affordable health care system to all,” he stressed.
Citing the case of Iloilo City where he used to serve as mayor before joining Congress, Trenas said the city will incur an additional expense of P95.4 million on top of the original P31.8 million allocation as a result of the compounded effect of the national government’s withdrawal of the subsidy and the increase of the yearly premium.
He said the drastic effect and extreme financial burden that will fall on the shoulders of the LGUs will certainly force some of them to completely stop paying their PhilHealth contributions for the simple reason that they can no longer afford the premiums.
“The financial cost to the LGUs of this sudden policy shift will be astronomical,” he said.
Under the new PhilHealth scheme, the national government would fully subsidize PhilHealth members covered by the National House Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) as identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) but at the same time, it would withdraw 50 percent of its subsidy being extended to members who are not within the NHTS-PR coverage.
Trenas said this would mean that self-paying PhilHealth members, including overseas contract workers (OCWs) and those sponsored by the LGUs, would have to pay double from their original premium starting July.
In the case of the OCWs and other self-employed individuals, they would also pay an increased minimum annual premium contribution of P2,400 with the exception of those “who pay their contribution within the first semester of CY 2012″ and “those who sign a policy contract within the first semester of CY 2012 and commit to pay their contributions for the next two consecutive years.”
On the other hand, self-employed professionals earning an average monthly income of more than P25,000 would continue to pay their annual premium contribution of P3,600.
Trenas said that in the case of the LGUs, PhilHealth Circular 022 states that “premium contributions under the Partial Subsidy Scheme shall be increased to P2,400 per year effective July 1, 2012.”
“The LGUs of the Philippines do not have the financial resources to cover the additional costs brought about by this PhilHealth Circular that drastically increases PhilHealth premium payments. The LGUs, including Iloilo City, cover numerous indigent sectors such as sidewalk vendors, jeepney drivers, market vendors and other sectors not covered by the (NHTS-PR). The PhilHealth policies of these beneficiaries will be jeopardized,” he said.
Trenas noted that there are only 12,210 NHTS-PR beneficiaries in Iloilo City. Its local government, however, has 53,000 beneficiaries outside of the NHTS-PR coverage.
“Tens of thousands of PhilHealth beneficiaries will be affected in Iloilo City alone. The other citizens residing in other LGUs which likewise depend on the subsidies will suffer the same fate,” he said.


==City gov’t to focus development on Iloilo River==
==City gov’t to focus development on Iloilo River==
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