Difference between revisions of "Iloilo City News March 2014"

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==Iloilo readies for another attempt to set a new Guinness World Record==
*Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=627432
*Thursday, March 20, 2014
:(PNA), PDS/AJP/CBFERRER-OJT/VLO
ILOILO CITY, Mar 20 (PNA) --Iloilo City gears up for another attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the "World’s Largest Flaming Image Using Candles" with the motto, “World Peace through Inner Peace”.
After a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed last December 22, the event was created and called as the “Light of Peace in the Philippines 2014” which will be held at the Savannah City, Oton, Iloilo City on April 14, 2:00 p.m.
The event aimed to raise awareness for Genuine World Peace among the people in the global community, amidst the growing international conflicts and violence.
A conference was conducted this morning with the presence of the seven core organizers that include Thailand-based The Middle Way Meditation Institute (MMI), the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG), Archdiocese of Jaro, the Province of Iloilo in the presence of Mr. Nereo Lujan, Information Officer of Iloilo, the City of Iloilo by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog , the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Education (DepED).
A total of 100,000 participants are expected to join the event and light the candles for the world record.
Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo said he is very confident that they could reach their aim to gather the 100,000 needed participants in the event.
“Our DepEd family committed to support the event on April 14 and we will give our 6,000 students and volunteer teachers to attend the event,” said Mr. Ricseno L. Tanmado, representative of the Department of Education Region VI (DepED VI) .
Meanwhile, Dr. Rex C. Casiple, Officer-in-Charge of CHED, said the event was already endorsed in 30 higher education institutions and they tapped the National Service Training Program (NSTP) to provide volunteers and criminology students to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in securing the safety of the people in the event.
Iloilo City broke the Guinness World Record by flying simultaneously 15,185 sky lanterns to the sky on July 14, 2013 in the “Inaugural Light of Peace 2013”. This April 14, Iloilo will again attempt for another world record.
==DOH urges medtech, lab personnel to demand for better lab facilities==
*Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2421395213955
*Wednesday, March 19, 2014
:By Leonard T. Pineda I (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, March 19 (PIA6) --- The Department of Health in Western Visayas urged medical technologists, pathologists and laboratory personnel to demand from their head or chief of hospitals for better and appropriate laboratory facilities in order to deliver better health services.
In the orientation on the strategic plan for the National Health Laboratory Network (NHLN) held recently, DOH-6 Regional Director Marlyn Convocar said that it is about time for lab personnel to raise their concern on the need for upgraded laboratory facilities and equipment.
“We advise these medtech and lab personnel to identify what are the prescribed equipment, what are lacking and what are to be replaced in their labs,” said Convocar.
She said they need to raise these laboratory and equipment concerns to their respective chiefs of hospitals so these could consolidated in the provincial health offices which shall serve as basis for the region’s plan.
She said that they are willing to invest some of the funds of the region to ensure that all the laboratories are providing quality services whether government or private.
She also said that treatment of patient starts with a good clinical eye and good physical examination but most importantly a very reliable laboratory results.
She said that a reliable lab result would avoid treating false positive results and keep away patients from unnecessary expenses.
==DTI-Iloilo operates 26 BACs in the province==
*Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=911395038139
*Tuesday, March 18, 2014
: By Elsa S. Subong (DTI/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, March 18 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry is now operating 26 Business Assistance Centers (BACs) in Iloilo province, located at the Business Licensing Office of the municipalities.
A DTI press release said these BACs are serving as DTI-Iloilo extension offices specifically for the needs of the business sector.
Wilhelm Malones, DTI-6 OIC Director and concurrent Iloilo Provincial Director, said these BACs provide business development assistance to northern Iloilo towns hit by Typhoon Yolanda.
“This is to facilitate implementation of recovery and rehabilitation programs to the towns affected,” Malones said in a radio interview.
The BACs also provide services like business name registration, market linkaging and rendering of business consultancy, in partnership with the local government units.
Moreover the BACs have also helped set up work programs which cater to the needs of the Small and Medium Enterprises in the typhoon-affected towns.
Ruby Melliza, DTI-6 Information Officer said the agency has facilitated two business fora in the towns of Concepcion and Estancia in partnership with the Small Business Guarantee Finance Corporation.
Melliza said this resulted to the endorsement of five firms in the manufacturing and service sectors, for financing of P13.3 million, seen to benefit a lot of residents.
Meanwhile, DTI seeks to establish BACs in all the 43 localities in the province of Iloilo by end of March 2014.
==Iloilo City is 2nd most competitive city in the country==
*Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2421395024222
*Monday, March 17, 2014
: By Leonard T. Pineda I (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, March 17 (PIA) --- Iloilo City is the country’s top 2 most competitive city in the National Competitiveness Council’s (NCC) Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index.
In her presentation during the agency’s roadshow held Thursday in Hotel Del Rio here, NCC program officer Marina Saldaña said that Iloilo City obtained a score of 68.23 ranking second among 122 cities evaluated nationwide.
Cagayan De Oro City topped the “overall” Competitive Index under the city category with a score of 72.09.
The result was the first competitiveness index developed by NCC together with the Regional Competitiveness Committees and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The rankings were released last year.
NCC’s Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index operates within three frameworks that include economic dynamism, government efficiency, and infrastructure.
Iloilo City ranked 8th for economic dynamism which is measured by local inflation rate, growth of annual business registrations, local productivity, and seven other indicators.
Under government efficiency, Iloilo City topped the list. Government efficiency is measured by the presence of an investment promotion unit, local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) plan and eight other indicators.
The city ranked 10th under the infrastructure category which includes indicators such as number of hotel rooms, health infrastructure, education infrastructure, among others.
NCC is a public-private task force that aims to promote a more competitive Philippines and instill a culture of excellence, through public-private sector collaboration as a means to reduce poverty through inclusive growth.
==DENR bats for alternative dispute resolution==
*Source:http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/top-stories/14513-denr-bats-for-alternative-dispute-resolution.html
*Sunday, March 16, 2014
:(PN)
ILOILO City – To avoid tedious and expensive litigation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 is pushing for alternative ways to settle land disputes.
It has been said that the building of fences was the beginning of civilization, for it was the first act when one asserted his dominion over property.
On the same plane, however, it has sown the seed of conflict and enmity that somehow in most instances endure for generations.
Hostility, contempt and greed have pitted even blood relatives against each other by reason of interest of precious land, resources or a right over it.
An avalanche of this nature has beset judicial and quasi-judicial bodies and continues to grow and pile up.
Spurred by necessity and concern, Republic Act 9285 otherwise known as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Law evolved.
It mandates the adoption of ADR to resolve disputes or controversies other than by adjudication of any magistrate, court or tribunal.
DENR, in recognition of such mandate and consistent with the promotion of party autonomy in resolving dispute or freedom of parties in making their own arrangement in resolving their own disputes, DENR has adopted ADR under Administrative Order No. 2005-18.
In Western Visayas, Regional Special Order No. 2013-123 was signed by the Regional Executive Director to adopt the ADR mechanism.
Further, to expedite the disposal of mounting environmental cases lodged before the department by resorting to a speedy, inexpensive mechanism that will aid the parties to the case, the DENR Region 6 ADR Mediation Center was established.
A system is now in place to summon prospective litigants to a conference prior to formal investigation geared towards settling their differences with mutual and reciprocal concessions to avoid a long, tedious and expensive litigation or put an end to one already in existence.
To put the system in motion, a three-day workshop was recently held. It was attended by DENR Region 6’s Provincial / Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers (PENROs/CENROs) and land specialists.
They were trained how to conduct the processes and the proper time during investigation, how to refer environmental disputes to mediation, particularly on land matters, how to explain the mechanics and the process in a manner acceptable to both parties.
The trainer was Maria Carmela Kuizon, ADR mentor and Supreme Court-accredited mediator.
She defined various cases, detailing the manner these are handled as well as the documents that will be prepared.
The role of every individual who participate in the process was defined in the formulated flow chart that guides the mediator, the parties and key officials in doing their task.
According to Kuizon, every settled case will be approved by respective CENR or PENR officer and the final disposition of the case will be approved by the DENR Regional Executive Director pursuant to established rules and regulations on the matter.
In line with the implementation of the program, an ADR Board will be created composed of the following:
* chairperson – Regional Executive Director
* assistant chairperson – two assistant regional directors
* members -- chief, Legal; two Chief Administrative and  Enforcement/License, Patents, Deeds; six PENR officers; and eight CENR officers.
The selected members of the Board will manage the affairs of the board and will formulate rules and approve the operations manual of DENR Region 6 ADR Center.
Meanwhile, the accredited mediators underwent intensive hands-on training from October 7, 2013 until January 23, 2014.
Kuizon trained, assisted and assessed the performance of personnel-mediators.
During the training, members of the team conducted mediation processes in various DENR field offices.
The Internship Accomplishment and Performance Report Card showed 17 mediators across the region were able to mediate and settle 21 cases out of the 44 cases referred to them.
Although 12 referred cases failed, 11 are still being pursued for mediation.
Over all, the program yields a very positive result that the program will really help unclog the dockets of pending environmental cases with the DENR.
Regional Executive Director Jim Sampulna reminded the mediators that their certificates of completion were “not a decoration but a responsibility” and to live up to the expectation that they should practice as peacekeepers in the office and whenever possible to settle conflicts within their area of jurisdiction.
==Jr NBA regl selection camp up in Iloilo (Sports)==
*Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=5&rid=625825
*Saturday, March 15, 2014
:(PNA), CTB/AJP/LCP/VLO
ILOILO CITY, Mar. 15 (PNA)- Boys and girls aged 10 to 14 years old in this city will undergo skills, aptitude and endurance challenges, vitals tests, basketball drills and skills tests, plus learn the Jr. NBA core values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, positive Attitude and Respect (STAR) at the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Regional Selection Camp Iloilo slated on March 15-16, 2014 at the Ateneo de Iloilo campus here.
The players who register the highest scores will be chosen on the first day and will return the following day for more drills and scrimmages.
Up to 8 boys and 4 girls will be selected in March 16 to be part of the Jr. NBA National Training Camp in Manila from April 25-27.
Ten standout boys and 4 girls will be selected at the National Training Camp and named as the 2014 Jr. NBA and Jr WNBA Philippines All-Stars to be sent on an authentic NBA experience trip in the United States later this year.
Mentors include coach Christofer Summer, PBA stars Jojo Lastimosa and Jerry Codiñera, Perlas Pilipinas and coaches Ish Tiu and Melissa Jacob.
The Jr NBA and Jr WNBA Philippines 2014 regional selection camp in Iloilo is presented by Alaska and open to boys and girls 10 to 14 years old.
==Iloilo gears up for ASEAN Economic Community 2015 / News Feature==
*Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=10&rid=625641
*Friday, March 14, 2014
:(PNA), CTB/AJP/NEDA-6/PR/VLO
ILOILO CITY, Mar. 14(PNA) - Free flow of goods, services, investments, capital and skilled labor are the core components of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Integration by 2015.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will greatly benefit from the trade and investment opportunities of this new trading arrangement, the Regional Development Council (RDC) said.
Cutthroat competition, price wars and unemployment concerns, however, are inevitable consequences of this development and Western Visayas will have to brace itself and be ready to respond to these challenges, the RDC added.
RDC-6 spearheaded the conduct of a Forum on ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015 on March 11, 2014 at Smallville 21 Hotel, Iloilo City to increase awareness and identify critical activities that need to be initiated and implemented in the region in preparation for the AEC integration in 2015.
RDC-6 earlier created an AEC Ad Hoc Sub-Committee under its Economic Development Committee to coordinate initiatives and activities that will prepare Western Visayas for the eventual integration by 2015.
This year, one of the kickoff activities of the ad hoc sub-committee is the conduct of a forum on the ASEAN Economic Community and the conduct of meetings to identify and discuss possible activities that could prop and boost the economy and stakeholders in Region VI for the AEC integration.
The forum was attended by prominent business leaders, heads of non-government organizations, presidents of higher education institutions, officials of national government agencies, local government executives and the local media.
Socio-economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Arsenio M. Balisacan was the keynote speaker, along with experts from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) to lecture on topics in terms of what to expect in 2015, what have been done and is being done by the government and private sectors in the country, and what else needs to be done.
DOST-VI Reg. Dir. Rowen R. Gelonga, chairperson of the AEC Ad Hoc Committee and Chairperson of the RDC-VI Economic Development Committee, welcomed the participants to the forum and reminded everyone that the activity is very important considering that “we share the same future, our children will share the same future and therefore, we should craft the future together.”
In his keynote speech “Gearing Up for AEC 2015: the Critical Role of the Country’s Regions, Balisacan presented the ASEAN priority sectors that will be liberalized, ahead of other sectors, in order to achieve regional cohesiveness and enhance global competitiveness.
These sectors include agro-based products, air travel, automotives, e-ASEAN, electronics, fisheries, healthcare, rubber-based products, textiles and apparels, tourism, wood-based products, and logistics services.
Balisacan stressed that the Philippines stands to benefit from the continued liberalization of the services sector as it is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country accounting for 53 percent of the country’s labor force in 2013.
“There will inevitably winners and losers as a result of the ASEAN integration. The important thing to do is prepare our institutions and prepare our economy in order to be ready to face the challenges that the integration will bring,” Balisacan said.
Resource speakers from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) included Dr. Gilberto M. Llanto, President of PIDS, who gave an overview of the AEC 2015; Dr. Roehlano M. Briones who talked about “AEC Blueprint: Implementation and Effectiveness Assessment for Philippine Agriculture;” Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba who discussed “AEC 2015 and SMEs;” and Dr. Adoracion M. Navarro who covered “Infrastructure and Logistics: Moving Towards AEC 2015.”
NEDA-VI staff led by Reg. Dir. Ro-Ann A. Bacal took note of the concerns raised during the open forum and will be processing these for further discussion at the RDC-VI committee level. Presentation materials of the Forum have been uploaded in the NEDA-VI website for ready reference by the general public.
==Iloilo lists 29 investment opportunities for prospective investors==
*Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=3&rid=625282
*Thursday, March 13, 2014
:By Lydia C. Pendon [(PNA), CTB/AJP/LCPENDON/VLO]
ILOILO CITY, March 13 (PNA)-– The city and province of Iloilo have listed down a total of 29 investment opportunities open for prospective investors to choose from through a public private partnership, joint venture or outright business investment.
The open opportunities include five in Agro-Fishery Processing, five in Education, 11 in Services and eight in Tourism ventures.
The Iloilo Business Club and Iloilo City Investment and Trade Promotions Board evaluated the list to be submitted to blue chip corporations and prospective investors mostly based in Metro Manila and the financial capital abroad.
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the city submitted a total of 10 business and investment opportunities during the Iloilo business summit with a theme, “Iloilo Means Business” held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City last March 12, 2014.
The city business opportunities open for prospective investors include the expansion of fish processing plant and establishment of fish canning facility possibly inside the Iloilo fish port complex, and the construction of an alternative energy source; purchase and operation of a Philippine training ship’ sports academy; development of various properties owned by the city government; medical complex; proposed commercial estate; redevelopment of various markets in Iloilo City; Esplanade apartment hotel; international hotel; and Plazuela de Iloilo.
The other investment opportunities located in the province of Iloilo are the establishment of food and fruit processing plants, muscovado sugar mill, residential and commercial estate development, all in Passi City; multi-agriculture products processing and packaging complex in the municipality of Mina; center for entrepreneurial development, development of community enterprise center and research, training and resource center and completion of the Diwata shore complex, all of the University of the Philippines Visayas; Barotac Nuevo themed commercial and subdivision complex; development of the Dumangas economic zone and techno-hub; establishment of a retirement community in the municipality of Ajuy; retirement village development in the municipality of New Lucena; sanitary landfill with resource recovery facility and Suage River water resource service facility , all in the municipality of Janiuay.
The eco-adventure park in the municipality of Cabatuan; Mari-it eco-tourism development project in the municipality of Lambunao; retirement village and leisure farm resort in the island of Guimaras; and the agro-eco-tourism industry development project in the municipality of San Enrique are also among the investment opportunities in the province of Iloilo.
==WV projects gear up for ASEAN 2015==
*Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2421394526576
*Wednesday, March 12, 2014
:By Leonard T. Pineda I (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, March 12 (PIA6) --- Numerous government projects being implemented in Western Visayas will help ensure sustained progress here and attain full benefits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic community by 2015.
The ASEAN envisions an economic community (EC) in 2015 characterized by a single market and production base, competitive economic region, equitable economic development, and integrated into the global economy.
In his keynote address during the Western Visayas Forum on AEC 2015 held Tuesday, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General Arsenio Balisacan said the government continues to improve business climate, promote an environment that increases productivity and innovative capacity, enforce regulations on consumer welfare and further enhance market access.
Balisacan said that Western Visayas has ample share of government projects that can help sectors and stakeholders here respond to the challenge of AEC 2015.
He said that Region 6 being a major player in the tourism industry can benefit from the development of strategic tourism products in tourism cluster destinations which expand visitor’s expenditure and length of stay.
He said with AEC, we can expect to reach out to a wider tourism market to further boost several major destinations in the region including the world famous Boracay Island, Guimaras Island, and the southern Negros island attractions.
He also said that Iloilo Airport will also be expanded to cater to more domestic and international passengers and cargo.
“Construction of roads leading to tourism destinations are being undertaken through the Department of Tourism (DOT)- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Convergence Project that includes the expansion of the Iloilo-Capiz-Kalibo highway,” he said.
The APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) ministerial meetings that may take place in 2015 in Iloilo City, Bacolod City, and Boracay Island could boost tourism receipts.
The NEDA official also shared that the ports of Caticlan in Aklan, Dumangas in Iloilo, and Banago in Negros Occidental will be expanded and modernized to accommodate more traffic of cargo trucks, vans, and passenger bus as part of the country’s roll-on, roll-off (RORO) highway.
"The government will also nurture the Filipino talent pool by promoting and accelerating the development of high-value information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) services and the “next-wave” cities", he said.
According to the Department of Science and Technology and the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Iloilo City is part of the ten "next wave cities" considered rising investment areas for business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.
Bacolod City was also named a Center of Excellence, joining Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Clark.
==Fishermen get new pump boat engines, materials==
*Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/local-news/2014/03/11/fishermen-get-new-pump-boat-engines-materials-332542
*Tuesday, March 11, 2014
: (PIO)
A TOTAL of 130 fishermen, who were affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), on Monday received engines and other materials for the construction of their new pump boats.
Fishermen from the towns of Aljuy and Estancia in Iloilo City lost more than 10,000 pump boats during the onslaught of Yolanda last November 2013.
In Ajuy alone, 861 pump boats were destroyed, said Mayor Juan Alvarez. So far, they only got 86 new pump boats.
Some of the pledges are the 25 units of motor boats from Senator Franklin Drilon, 600 units from Adra Foundation, and portion of the 700 units from Concern Worldwide.
To ensure that they could build their pump boats, Iloilo Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Ramon Locsin also gave each of the beneficiaries P2,700 for carpenter’s fee.
“We thank God for the blessings He showed upon us through these benevolent donors. We assure them too that we will not disappoint them,” said Gen Clemente, one of the beneficiaries from Barangay Tagubanhan, Ajuy.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. told the fishermen not to lose hope and faith that one day they would all recover from the disaster.
“We, in the government, are doing everything to help you back on your feet, so never lose hope. Just remember that for as long as I am a public servant and for as long as I am alive, I will do everything in my power to help you; trust me,” he said.
Locsin, Gov. Defensor and his wife Cossette led the turn over ceremony at the Ajuy Municipal Hall and Estancia Fishing Port.
Locsin said the donations came from the Mothers on a Mission to Serve, Cathay Pacific Vancouver Base, To God Be The Glory, Sisters, Super Twins, Twins Lampien, Grand, Cherub, PANANAMPALATAYA, JP and Cara, IMPLEX Philippines Co. Inc., Springer Int’l Inc., John K.C Ng, and Hill Brand Group Italywhich.


==Iloilo ready for world business -- Mayor Mabilog==
==Iloilo ready for world business -- Mayor Mabilog==

Revision as of 14:50, 31 March 2014

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Iloilo City - Archived News
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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Molo Church, Iloilo City
Iloilo dinagyang festival.jpg
The Dinagyang is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines held on the fourth Sunday of January, or right after the Sinulog In Cebu and the Ati-Atihan in Aklan.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Iloilo readies for another attempt to set a new Guinness World Record

(PNA), PDS/AJP/CBFERRER-OJT/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Mar 20 (PNA) --Iloilo City gears up for another attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the "World’s Largest Flaming Image Using Candles" with the motto, “World Peace through Inner Peace”.

After a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed last December 22, the event was created and called as the “Light of Peace in the Philippines 2014” which will be held at the Savannah City, Oton, Iloilo City on April 14, 2:00 p.m.

The event aimed to raise awareness for Genuine World Peace among the people in the global community, amidst the growing international conflicts and violence.

A conference was conducted this morning with the presence of the seven core organizers that include Thailand-based The Middle Way Meditation Institute (MMI), the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG), Archdiocese of Jaro, the Province of Iloilo in the presence of Mr. Nereo Lujan, Information Officer of Iloilo, the City of Iloilo by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog , the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Education (DepED).

A total of 100,000 participants are expected to join the event and light the candles for the world record.

Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo said he is very confident that they could reach their aim to gather the 100,000 needed participants in the event.

“Our DepEd family committed to support the event on April 14 and we will give our 6,000 students and volunteer teachers to attend the event,” said Mr. Ricseno L. Tanmado, representative of the Department of Education Region VI (DepED VI) .

Meanwhile, Dr. Rex C. Casiple, Officer-in-Charge of CHED, said the event was already endorsed in 30 higher education institutions and they tapped the National Service Training Program (NSTP) to provide volunteers and criminology students to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in securing the safety of the people in the event.

Iloilo City broke the Guinness World Record by flying simultaneously 15,185 sky lanterns to the sky on July 14, 2013 in the “Inaugural Light of Peace 2013”. This April 14, Iloilo will again attempt for another world record.

DOH urges medtech, lab personnel to demand for better lab facilities

By Leonard T. Pineda I (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, March 19 (PIA6) --- The Department of Health in Western Visayas urged medical technologists, pathologists and laboratory personnel to demand from their head or chief of hospitals for better and appropriate laboratory facilities in order to deliver better health services.

In the orientation on the strategic plan for the National Health Laboratory Network (NHLN) held recently, DOH-6 Regional Director Marlyn Convocar said that it is about time for lab personnel to raise their concern on the need for upgraded laboratory facilities and equipment.

“We advise these medtech and lab personnel to identify what are the prescribed equipment, what are lacking and what are to be replaced in their labs,” said Convocar.

She said they need to raise these laboratory and equipment concerns to their respective chiefs of hospitals so these could consolidated in the provincial health offices which shall serve as basis for the region’s plan.

She said that they are willing to invest some of the funds of the region to ensure that all the laboratories are providing quality services whether government or private.

She also said that treatment of patient starts with a good clinical eye and good physical examination but most importantly a very reliable laboratory results.

She said that a reliable lab result would avoid treating false positive results and keep away patients from unnecessary expenses.

DTI-Iloilo operates 26 BACs in the province

By Elsa S. Subong (DTI/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, March 18 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry is now operating 26 Business Assistance Centers (BACs) in Iloilo province, located at the Business Licensing Office of the municipalities.

A DTI press release said these BACs are serving as DTI-Iloilo extension offices specifically for the needs of the business sector.

Wilhelm Malones, DTI-6 OIC Director and concurrent Iloilo Provincial Director, said these BACs provide business development assistance to northern Iloilo towns hit by Typhoon Yolanda.

“This is to facilitate implementation of recovery and rehabilitation programs to the towns affected,” Malones said in a radio interview.

The BACs also provide services like business name registration, market linkaging and rendering of business consultancy, in partnership with the local government units.

Moreover the BACs have also helped set up work programs which cater to the needs of the Small and Medium Enterprises in the typhoon-affected towns.

Ruby Melliza, DTI-6 Information Officer said the agency has facilitated two business fora in the towns of Concepcion and Estancia in partnership with the Small Business Guarantee Finance Corporation.

Melliza said this resulted to the endorsement of five firms in the manufacturing and service sectors, for financing of P13.3 million, seen to benefit a lot of residents.

Meanwhile, DTI seeks to establish BACs in all the 43 localities in the province of Iloilo by end of March 2014.

Iloilo City is 2nd most competitive city in the country

By Leonard T. Pineda I (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, March 17 (PIA) --- Iloilo City is the country’s top 2 most competitive city in the National Competitiveness Council’s (NCC) Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index.

In her presentation during the agency’s roadshow held Thursday in Hotel Del Rio here, NCC program officer Marina Saldaña said that Iloilo City obtained a score of 68.23 ranking second among 122 cities evaluated nationwide.

Cagayan De Oro City topped the “overall” Competitive Index under the city category with a score of 72.09.

The result was the first competitiveness index developed by NCC together with the Regional Competitiveness Committees and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The rankings were released last year.

NCC’s Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index operates within three frameworks that include economic dynamism, government efficiency, and infrastructure.

Iloilo City ranked 8th for economic dynamism which is measured by local inflation rate, growth of annual business registrations, local productivity, and seven other indicators.

Under government efficiency, Iloilo City topped the list. Government efficiency is measured by the presence of an investment promotion unit, local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) plan and eight other indicators.

The city ranked 10th under the infrastructure category which includes indicators such as number of hotel rooms, health infrastructure, education infrastructure, among others.

NCC is a public-private task force that aims to promote a more competitive Philippines and instill a culture of excellence, through public-private sector collaboration as a means to reduce poverty through inclusive growth.

DENR bats for alternative dispute resolution

(PN)

ILOILO City – To avoid tedious and expensive litigation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 is pushing for alternative ways to settle land disputes.

It has been said that the building of fences was the beginning of civilization, for it was the first act when one asserted his dominion over property.

On the same plane, however, it has sown the seed of conflict and enmity that somehow in most instances endure for generations.

Hostility, contempt and greed have pitted even blood relatives against each other by reason of interest of precious land, resources or a right over it.

An avalanche of this nature has beset judicial and quasi-judicial bodies and continues to grow and pile up.

Spurred by necessity and concern, Republic Act 9285 otherwise known as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Law evolved.

It mandates the adoption of ADR to resolve disputes or controversies other than by adjudication of any magistrate, court or tribunal.

DENR, in recognition of such mandate and consistent with the promotion of party autonomy in resolving dispute or freedom of parties in making their own arrangement in resolving their own disputes, DENR has adopted ADR under Administrative Order No. 2005-18.

In Western Visayas, Regional Special Order No. 2013-123 was signed by the Regional Executive Director to adopt the ADR mechanism.

Further, to expedite the disposal of mounting environmental cases lodged before the department by resorting to a speedy, inexpensive mechanism that will aid the parties to the case, the DENR Region 6 ADR Mediation Center was established.

A system is now in place to summon prospective litigants to a conference prior to formal investigation geared towards settling their differences with mutual and reciprocal concessions to avoid a long, tedious and expensive litigation or put an end to one already in existence.

To put the system in motion, a three-day workshop was recently held. It was attended by DENR Region 6’s Provincial / Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers (PENROs/CENROs) and land specialists.

They were trained how to conduct the processes and the proper time during investigation, how to refer environmental disputes to mediation, particularly on land matters, how to explain the mechanics and the process in a manner acceptable to both parties.

The trainer was Maria Carmela Kuizon, ADR mentor and Supreme Court-accredited mediator.

She defined various cases, detailing the manner these are handled as well as the documents that will be prepared.

The role of every individual who participate in the process was defined in the formulated flow chart that guides the mediator, the parties and key officials in doing their task.

According to Kuizon, every settled case will be approved by respective CENR or PENR officer and the final disposition of the case will be approved by the DENR Regional Executive Director pursuant to established rules and regulations on the matter.

In line with the implementation of the program, an ADR Board will be created composed of the following:

  • chairperson – Regional Executive Director
  • assistant chairperson – two assistant regional directors
  • members -- chief, Legal; two Chief Administrative and Enforcement/License, Patents, Deeds; six PENR officers; and eight CENR officers.

The selected members of the Board will manage the affairs of the board and will formulate rules and approve the operations manual of DENR Region 6 ADR Center.

Meanwhile, the accredited mediators underwent intensive hands-on training from October 7, 2013 until January 23, 2014.

Kuizon trained, assisted and assessed the performance of personnel-mediators.

During the training, members of the team conducted mediation processes in various DENR field offices.

The Internship Accomplishment and Performance Report Card showed 17 mediators across the region were able to mediate and settle 21 cases out of the 44 cases referred to them.

Although 12 referred cases failed, 11 are still being pursued for mediation.

Over all, the program yields a very positive result that the program will really help unclog the dockets of pending environmental cases with the DENR.

Regional Executive Director Jim Sampulna reminded the mediators that their certificates of completion were “not a decoration but a responsibility” and to live up to the expectation that they should practice as peacekeepers in the office and whenever possible to settle conflicts within their area of jurisdiction.

Jr NBA regl selection camp up in Iloilo (Sports)

(PNA), CTB/AJP/LCP/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Mar. 15 (PNA)- Boys and girls aged 10 to 14 years old in this city will undergo skills, aptitude and endurance challenges, vitals tests, basketball drills and skills tests, plus learn the Jr. NBA core values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, positive Attitude and Respect (STAR) at the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Regional Selection Camp Iloilo slated on March 15-16, 2014 at the Ateneo de Iloilo campus here.

The players who register the highest scores will be chosen on the first day and will return the following day for more drills and scrimmages.

Up to 8 boys and 4 girls will be selected in March 16 to be part of the Jr. NBA National Training Camp in Manila from April 25-27.

Ten standout boys and 4 girls will be selected at the National Training Camp and named as the 2014 Jr. NBA and Jr WNBA Philippines All-Stars to be sent on an authentic NBA experience trip in the United States later this year.

Mentors include coach Christofer Summer, PBA stars Jojo Lastimosa and Jerry Codiñera, Perlas Pilipinas and coaches Ish Tiu and Melissa Jacob.

The Jr NBA and Jr WNBA Philippines 2014 regional selection camp in Iloilo is presented by Alaska and open to boys and girls 10 to 14 years old.

Iloilo gears up for ASEAN Economic Community 2015 / News Feature

(PNA), CTB/AJP/NEDA-6/PR/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Mar. 14(PNA) - Free flow of goods, services, investments, capital and skilled labor are the core components of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Integration by 2015.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will greatly benefit from the trade and investment opportunities of this new trading arrangement, the Regional Development Council (RDC) said.

Cutthroat competition, price wars and unemployment concerns, however, are inevitable consequences of this development and Western Visayas will have to brace itself and be ready to respond to these challenges, the RDC added.

RDC-6 spearheaded the conduct of a Forum on ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015 on March 11, 2014 at Smallville 21 Hotel, Iloilo City to increase awareness and identify critical activities that need to be initiated and implemented in the region in preparation for the AEC integration in 2015.

RDC-6 earlier created an AEC Ad Hoc Sub-Committee under its Economic Development Committee to coordinate initiatives and activities that will prepare Western Visayas for the eventual integration by 2015.

This year, one of the kickoff activities of the ad hoc sub-committee is the conduct of a forum on the ASEAN Economic Community and the conduct of meetings to identify and discuss possible activities that could prop and boost the economy and stakeholders in Region VI for the AEC integration.

The forum was attended by prominent business leaders, heads of non-government organizations, presidents of higher education institutions, officials of national government agencies, local government executives and the local media.

Socio-economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Arsenio M. Balisacan was the keynote speaker, along with experts from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) to lecture on topics in terms of what to expect in 2015, what have been done and is being done by the government and private sectors in the country, and what else needs to be done.

DOST-VI Reg. Dir. Rowen R. Gelonga, chairperson of the AEC Ad Hoc Committee and Chairperson of the RDC-VI Economic Development Committee, welcomed the participants to the forum and reminded everyone that the activity is very important considering that “we share the same future, our children will share the same future and therefore, we should craft the future together.”

In his keynote speech “Gearing Up for AEC 2015: the Critical Role of the Country’s Regions, Balisacan presented the ASEAN priority sectors that will be liberalized, ahead of other sectors, in order to achieve regional cohesiveness and enhance global competitiveness.

These sectors include agro-based products, air travel, automotives, e-ASEAN, electronics, fisheries, healthcare, rubber-based products, textiles and apparels, tourism, wood-based products, and logistics services.

Balisacan stressed that the Philippines stands to benefit from the continued liberalization of the services sector as it is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country accounting for 53 percent of the country’s labor force in 2013.

“There will inevitably winners and losers as a result of the ASEAN integration. The important thing to do is prepare our institutions and prepare our economy in order to be ready to face the challenges that the integration will bring,” Balisacan said.

Resource speakers from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) included Dr. Gilberto M. Llanto, President of PIDS, who gave an overview of the AEC 2015; Dr. Roehlano M. Briones who talked about “AEC Blueprint: Implementation and Effectiveness Assessment for Philippine Agriculture;” Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba who discussed “AEC 2015 and SMEs;” and Dr. Adoracion M. Navarro who covered “Infrastructure and Logistics: Moving Towards AEC 2015.”

NEDA-VI staff led by Reg. Dir. Ro-Ann A. Bacal took note of the concerns raised during the open forum and will be processing these for further discussion at the RDC-VI committee level. Presentation materials of the Forum have been uploaded in the NEDA-VI website for ready reference by the general public.

Iloilo lists 29 investment opportunities for prospective investors

By Lydia C. Pendon [(PNA), CTB/AJP/LCPENDON/VLO]

ILOILO CITY, March 13 (PNA)-– The city and province of Iloilo have listed down a total of 29 investment opportunities open for prospective investors to choose from through a public private partnership, joint venture or outright business investment.

The open opportunities include five in Agro-Fishery Processing, five in Education, 11 in Services and eight in Tourism ventures.

The Iloilo Business Club and Iloilo City Investment and Trade Promotions Board evaluated the list to be submitted to blue chip corporations and prospective investors mostly based in Metro Manila and the financial capital abroad.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the city submitted a total of 10 business and investment opportunities during the Iloilo business summit with a theme, “Iloilo Means Business” held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City last March 12, 2014.

The city business opportunities open for prospective investors include the expansion of fish processing plant and establishment of fish canning facility possibly inside the Iloilo fish port complex, and the construction of an alternative energy source; purchase and operation of a Philippine training ship’ sports academy; development of various properties owned by the city government; medical complex; proposed commercial estate; redevelopment of various markets in Iloilo City; Esplanade apartment hotel; international hotel; and Plazuela de Iloilo.

The other investment opportunities located in the province of Iloilo are the establishment of food and fruit processing plants, muscovado sugar mill, residential and commercial estate development, all in Passi City; multi-agriculture products processing and packaging complex in the municipality of Mina; center for entrepreneurial development, development of community enterprise center and research, training and resource center and completion of the Diwata shore complex, all of the University of the Philippines Visayas; Barotac Nuevo themed commercial and subdivision complex; development of the Dumangas economic zone and techno-hub; establishment of a retirement community in the municipality of Ajuy; retirement village development in the municipality of New Lucena; sanitary landfill with resource recovery facility and Suage River water resource service facility , all in the municipality of Janiuay.

The eco-adventure park in the municipality of Cabatuan; Mari-it eco-tourism development project in the municipality of Lambunao; retirement village and leisure farm resort in the island of Guimaras; and the agro-eco-tourism industry development project in the municipality of San Enrique are also among the investment opportunities in the province of Iloilo.

WV projects gear up for ASEAN 2015

By Leonard T. Pineda I (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, March 12 (PIA6) --- Numerous government projects being implemented in Western Visayas will help ensure sustained progress here and attain full benefits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic community by 2015.

The ASEAN envisions an economic community (EC) in 2015 characterized by a single market and production base, competitive economic region, equitable economic development, and integrated into the global economy.

In his keynote address during the Western Visayas Forum on AEC 2015 held Tuesday, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General Arsenio Balisacan said the government continues to improve business climate, promote an environment that increases productivity and innovative capacity, enforce regulations on consumer welfare and further enhance market access.

Balisacan said that Western Visayas has ample share of government projects that can help sectors and stakeholders here respond to the challenge of AEC 2015.

He said that Region 6 being a major player in the tourism industry can benefit from the development of strategic tourism products in tourism cluster destinations which expand visitor’s expenditure and length of stay.

He said with AEC, we can expect to reach out to a wider tourism market to further boost several major destinations in the region including the world famous Boracay Island, Guimaras Island, and the southern Negros island attractions.

He also said that Iloilo Airport will also be expanded to cater to more domestic and international passengers and cargo.

“Construction of roads leading to tourism destinations are being undertaken through the Department of Tourism (DOT)- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Convergence Project that includes the expansion of the Iloilo-Capiz-Kalibo highway,” he said.

The APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) ministerial meetings that may take place in 2015 in Iloilo City, Bacolod City, and Boracay Island could boost tourism receipts.

The NEDA official also shared that the ports of Caticlan in Aklan, Dumangas in Iloilo, and Banago in Negros Occidental will be expanded and modernized to accommodate more traffic of cargo trucks, vans, and passenger bus as part of the country’s roll-on, roll-off (RORO) highway.

"The government will also nurture the Filipino talent pool by promoting and accelerating the development of high-value information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) services and the “next-wave” cities", he said.

According to the Department of Science and Technology and the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Iloilo City is part of the ten "next wave cities" considered rising investment areas for business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.

Bacolod City was also named a Center of Excellence, joining Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Clark.

Fishermen get new pump boat engines, materials

(PIO)

A TOTAL of 130 fishermen, who were affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), on Monday received engines and other materials for the construction of their new pump boats.

Fishermen from the towns of Aljuy and Estancia in Iloilo City lost more than 10,000 pump boats during the onslaught of Yolanda last November 2013.

In Ajuy alone, 861 pump boats were destroyed, said Mayor Juan Alvarez. So far, they only got 86 new pump boats.

Some of the pledges are the 25 units of motor boats from Senator Franklin Drilon, 600 units from Adra Foundation, and portion of the 700 units from Concern Worldwide.

To ensure that they could build their pump boats, Iloilo Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Ramon Locsin also gave each of the beneficiaries P2,700 for carpenter’s fee.

“We thank God for the blessings He showed upon us through these benevolent donors. We assure them too that we will not disappoint them,” said Gen Clemente, one of the beneficiaries from Barangay Tagubanhan, Ajuy.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. told the fishermen not to lose hope and faith that one day they would all recover from the disaster.

“We, in the government, are doing everything to help you back on your feet, so never lose hope. Just remember that for as long as I am a public servant and for as long as I am alive, I will do everything in my power to help you; trust me,” he said.

Locsin, Gov. Defensor and his wife Cossette led the turn over ceremony at the Ajuy Municipal Hall and Estancia Fishing Port.

Locsin said the donations came from the Mothers on a Mission to Serve, Cathay Pacific Vancouver Base, To God Be The Glory, Sisters, Super Twins, Twins Lampien, Grand, Cherub, PANANAMPALATAYA, JP and Cara, IMPLEX Philippines Co. Inc., Springer Int’l Inc., John K.C Ng, and Hill Brand Group Italywhich.

Iloilo ready for world business -- Mayor Mabilog

By Lydia C. Pendon [(PNA), CTB/AJP/LCP/VLO]

ILOILO CITY, Mar. 10 (PNA) – This southern city and province is ready to open and sell its investment opportunities to the world starting with a business forum on March 12, 2014 at the Intercontinental Hotel to be participated in by some 300 investors and blue chip corporations mostly based at the Philippines financial district in Makati City.

Main host Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said that “Iloilo Means Business” is a major step towards making Iloilo a preferred business destination for national and direct foreign investments augmented by its global competitiveness currently recognized by industry leaders pouring in massive investments in Iloilo.

Sponsored by the city and province of Iloilo, the forum is also being pushed by the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)in creating Iloilo as the next important business and investment destination in the Visayas.

Mabilog said the city is undergoing changes in its economic outlook by striving to be a business-friendly city. The National Competitiveness Council has also rated Iloilo as the second highly competitive city in the country ready for global saturation.

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, himself a true blooded Ilonggo, will deliver the keynote address in igniting interest of global and national investors to Iloilo.

The participants will hear the personal testimonies of those who initially believed and invested early in Iloilo by seeing the dynamic potentials of the city under a new leadership in the national government.

The testimonials will come from Mr. Antonio T. Aquino, President and CEO of Ayala Land Inc., Mr. Francisco Sebastian, Chairman of Global Business Power Corp., Mr. Ramon R. del Rosario Jr., President and CEO of Phinma Inc., Mr. Kevin Andrew L. Tan, First VP and Head, Commercial Division of Megaworld Corp, and homegrown business magnate Mr. Edgar Sia, CEO of Injap Investments Inc.

Dr. Walter W. Brown, Executive Chairman of Palm Concepcion Power Corp., will lead in expressing investors confidence and interest while Deputy Mission Director Reed Aeschliman of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Cong. Jerry P. Treñas of Iloilo City will deliver the messages of support.

Mabilog said that Iloilo is now ready for business matching and networking with the international industry players in showing off Iloilo as the revitalized economic driver of Western Visayas with a business enabling environment, well-developed infrastructure backbone and extensive human resources.

Kris Aquino donates P.5M to Iloilo ‘Yolanda’ survivors

(PNA)

ILOILO – Movie and television personality Kris Aquino, sister of President Benigno Aquino III, donated P500,000 to support Gawad Kalinga (GK) initiatives for super typhoon “Yolanda” survivors here.

Sally Pestano Ramos of GK said Aquino’s donation formed part of the amount the were raising to repair houses of residents in GK villages and for their livelihood.

The donation was given through the representative of Anak TV which was a partner of the GK in the undertaking.

The GK, in its quest to raise funds, will also be holding a GK Bazaar Fair from March 14 to 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Iloilo capitol grounds showcasing various products of GK beneficiaries from vegetables to pickles and bags.

A musical concert at the West Visayas State University will be held on March 15 entitled “The Best of GK and Friends.”

Tickets are being sold from P25 to P200. Local talents as well as upcoming stars will be featured.

The twin activities will be in honor of Peter Tiu, a tireless GK volunteer who started the GK in 2005 in Iloilo until 2012 when he died in Bali, Indonesia.

Among the GK villages now are in Brgy. Sooc, Arevalo, Iloilo City and in Barotac Viejo and Concepcion towns in Iloilo province.

Iloilo bags 2nd Seal of Good Housekeeping

(Jezza A. Nepomoceno, Capitol News/PN)

ILOILO — The provincial government here has once again been recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for excellence in good governance and transparency.

DILG named the province one of the recipients of the 2012 Seal of Good Housekeeping Award, the second received by Iloilo since Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. assumed office in 2010.

“We are very happy that our efforts to institutionalize reform here are being recognized by no less than the DILG,” Defensor announced in a press conference in his office.

The Seal of Good Housekeeping is awarded to local government units that successfully meet the requirements of the full-disclosure policy, have exemplary standards of frontline services and procurement, and proven to have no adverse or disclaimer audit findings by the Commission on Audit.

Defensor said the award will allow the province to access national government programs like the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) Program, now called Grassroots Participatory Budget Process; Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan or PAMANA; Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat or SALINTUBIG; and Special Local Road Fund.

BUB is “participatory governance in action.” It encourages partnership between the local government and civil society.

It also urges the citizens to articulate their needs to the government and pinpoint the projects responsive to their needs.

PAMANA, on the other hand, is a peace and development program in conflict-affected areas, as well as communities covered by existing peace agreements.

SALINTUBIG is designed to provide water supply systems to waterless municipalities all over the country, while the Special Local Road Fund is for the development of various road networks in the countryside.

Defensor has not yet decided which among the national programs the province will avail.

In a letter to Defensor, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas II said that, this year, the Interior department will scale up the Seal of Good Housekeeping to the Seal of Good Local Governance.

The “new Seal,” Roxas said, will cover a much wider scope of local government performance — good financial housekeeping, disaster preparedness, social protection for the basic sector, business-friendliness and competitiveness, environmental compliance, law and order, and public safety.

34 Families get new homes from GK, Fly Ace

By Leonard T. Pineda I (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, March 7 (PIA) --- The Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation Inc. (GK) and Fly Ace Corporation are joining hands to build new homes for 34 families in Brgy. San Isidro, Jaro, Iloilo City.

In the Fly Ace-GK village groundbreaking rites held Friday, GK Iloilo Head Mary Rose Cacho said that this partnership with Fly Ace Corporation affirms that the GK spirit continues to grow in the business sector.

Fly Ace Corporation is a leading importer and distributor of food and beverage products in the country.

“The Fly-Ace GK village is already the fifth one in the San Isidro relocation site and it has become obvious that our hope for a homeless-free society by 2024 will happen,” she said.

Dorothy Sobrevega, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources of Fly Ace, said that the project is part of their organization’s newly launched community service responsibility program “Hearts at Work”, which aims to help others specially the needy.

She said that the vast devastation brought upon by super-typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas area late last year motivated the corporation and its employees to reach out and help here.

She also said that the Fly Ace-GK village in Iloilo is a way for the organization to give back to a community where it operates.

Cacho shared that Fly Ace also donated 25 boats for the fisherfolks in northern Iloilo which showed the corporation’s love and affection for the Ilonggos.

DOT-6 cites increased tourist arrivals, expenditures in WV

By Elsa S. Subong (JSC/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, March 6 (PIA6) -- The figures of tourist arrivals and tourist expenditures in Western Visayas for 2013, are reportedly partial data, but already encouraging, according to the Department of Tourism here.

Atty. Helen Catalbas, DOT-6 director, said in a radio interview, that the numbers will increase after all reports are consolidated.

For 2013, DOT recorded 3.322,433 arrivals, exceeding the target of 3,192,328.

Catalbas said with the increase also went the increase in tourist expenditures in the region to a staggering P74.4 billion with the province of Aklan as the top earner at P39.1 billion, factored in by the famous Boracay island..

She added to explain that tourism spending consists of goods and services, like food, accommodation, tour and shopping, purchased or paid for by tourists.

Following Aklan among the provinces and cities in the region, are Iloilo City, with P10.2 billion in tourist receipts; Negros Occidental with P10.2 biilion; Bacolod City, P9.2 billion; Capiz, with P2 billion; and, Iloilo Province with P1.7 billion.

Rounding up the record are Guimaras with P1 billion and Antique with P315.1 million.

Catalbas said that with the launching of the regional tourism campaign “Experience Western Visayas First”, more tourists are expected to visit any part of the region in the days to come.

DOT to conduct food safety seminar for street vendors

By Leonard T. Pineda I (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, March 5 (PIA6) --- The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Western Visayas will conduct a free seminar dubbed “Street Food Kulinarya” focusing on food safety and handling slated on March 10 to 11, 2014.

Lawyer Helen Catalbas, DOT-6 Regional Director, said that the seminar aims to train numerous street food vendors occupying the pavement and sidewalks in Iloilo City on food safety and handling.

“This endeavor is in support of the Iloilo City’s pedestrianization program which allows people to walk on the road stretch to enjoy the many heritage buildings of the City Proper along Calle Real,” said Catalbas.

She said that the seminar will also highlight Ilonggo delicacies to cater to both local and foreign tourists traversing Calle Real.

The DOT official said there will be two scheduled sessions in a day – 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN for the morning session, and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM for the afternoon session. It will be held at DOT-6 Office Conference Room, Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City.

The seminar includes lectures on Kulinarya Program, Sanitation Permits and other concerns such as Health Certificates and Sanitation Standards, Iloilo Street Food Festival, Inventory of dishes/sellers, Food Safety and Handling, and Budgeting and Business.

The second day of the seminar is for hands-on cooking demo per product, food presentation, food service, and table setting workshop.

Reputable resource speakers and chefs are invited to help DOT-6 in conducting the seminar.

Catalbas said that this seminar on the essential safety of street-vended food is a first in Iloilo City that continuously attracts more visitors to come over.

She added this kind of government intervention is necessary to ensure safety of such foods especially for the visitors and tourists to have a memorable and lasting great experience.

Maternity clinic up as city reproductive health hospital

(PNA), LAP/AJP/LCPENDON/VLO

ILOILO CITY, March 4 (PNA) -– The city council here is amenable to a proposed ordinance renaming the La Paz Maternity and Reproductive Health Center into a full-fledged Iloilo City Maternity and Reproductive Health Hospital.

However, city councilor Lyndon Acap said there are certain requirements of the Department of Health which need to be complied with before the center is upgraded into a city hospital.

Acap, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on health, sanitation and hospital services, said the center is currently being reconstructed by the city government and the workforce composed of doctors, nurses and midwives have transferred temporarily to the city hospital annex at the Western Visayas Medical Center since last year.

Construction of the maternity hospital is expected to be completed within 2014 so that full operation starts as a reproductive health hospital specializing in child and maternal health, birthing, new born screening and other maternal and child health services, among others.

In his committee report as the second and final reading to the city council, Acap stressed that primary health care requirements of the DOH must be complied with before full hospital operation status.

The city has funds of P25 million for the center upgrading. Also, equipment donations from the DOH and other private donors are forthcoming.

Gawad Kalinga to help in social preparation of city housing project

By Leonard T. Pineda I (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, March 3 (PIA6) --- The Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation Inc. (GK) will assist residents lead a holistic community life in the Iloilo River Plains Subdivision Phase I project in Brgy. Lanit, Jaro, Iloilo.

Gawad Kalinga, represented by its Executive Director Jose Luis Oquiñena, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the endeavor with Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, National Housing Authority (NHA) Atty. Chito Salazar and Lanit Kapitbahayan Association President Enrile Sierra.

GK, a non-stock and non-profit foundation, is undertaking the role of building communities in depressed areas with the primary objective to become catalysts in uplifting the quality of life of the poor through the Gawad Kalinga program.

The MOA stated that GK shall create a Caretaker Team together with the city government and NHA.

Gawad Kalinga shall organize communities into GK Kapitbahayans or GK neighborhood associations, deliver program on values formation to the beneficiaries, implement the “Kasunduan” approach as prescribed by the team, and mentor community leaders towards self-governance.

Under the “Kasunduan”, the residents in the relocation site are expected to follow rules set by the GK Caretaker team and lead a holistic, dignified, integrated, and sustainable community life.

Before residents can transfer to the Lanit relocation site, they would have to undergo 12 sessions of values formation that include love of self, being brother’s keeper to their own community, and love of God and country.

The Iloilo River Plains Subdivision project is the biggest NHA project in Iloilo which can accommodate some 1,000 families in the GK-inspired relocation site in Lanit, Jaro.

DOLE's Gov't Internship Program now open

By Lilibeth A. French (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

ILOILO CITY, March 2 (PIA6) - -The Department of Labor and Employment 6 (DOLE 6) is now accepting applications from poor young workers interested to have jobs under the Government Internship Program.

DOLE 6 Director Ponciano Ligutom said GIP is open to high school or voc-tech graduates aged between 18- 25 years old who want to pursue a career in government.

Ligutom said the agency has earmarked some P63 million for the stipend of the interns who will be paid 75 percent of the existing minimum wage in the region which is P287 for a period of 6 months.

Interns will also be entitled to a one-time enrolment in GSIS for a coverage of P100,000 and will be issued a certificate of completion upon fulfillment of the Agreement.

Ligutom said interns will be assigned in DOLE offices, other government offices and local government units where some programs of the government are being implemented.

Specifically, they will be asked to assist in the implementation of DOLE programs such as the Child Labor-Free Barangay Program and the National Skills Registry System. They will also assist personnel and staff of public schools and local government units.

Through GIP, DOLE intends to fast track the implementation and monitoring of its programs and projects related to employment facilitation and social protection. The said programs and projects including GIP contribute to the goal of President Benigno Aquino which is inclusive growth through massive job generation and substantial poverty reduction.

Interested applicants may visit the DOLE provincial and regional offices and submit their applications containing the following requirements: transcript of record, certificate of graduation in case of voc-tech graduate; and certificate of Indigence from the Barangay.

DSWD-6 garners awards for 4Ps implementation

(DSWD-6/JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, March 1 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas got several awards for its implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Alma Estember, Information Officer for 4Ps, said that DSWD-6 and DSWD-9 tied as first placers in the utilization and rate of obligation of Pantawid funds for 2013.

The DSWD-6 placed second in the category of “Regions with Highest Payout Rate” award covering the cash grant releases made in 2013.

It also ranked third as “Best Performing Region in Capability Building Implementation” based on training participation rate, number of trained participants and number of trainings conducted.

“The award is an indication of hard work, support and cooperation of the personnel who have shown dedication and commitment,” DSWD-6 Director Evelyn Macapobre said.

For 2013, DSWD-6 was able to obligate about P200 million for the 4Ps implementation, and processed and released P1.9 billion cash grants to 4Ps beneficiaries, covering the period from November to December 2012 and September to October 2013.

As to capability building trainings, DSWD-6 conducted three for 4Ps beneficiaries, four for program partners and five for program staff.

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