Iloilo City News January 2012

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Iloilo City - Archived News

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-aerial.jpg
Aerial View of Iloilo City

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.

DOLE 6 has new director

(JCM/JSC/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment 6 will have a new regional director starting February 1, 2012.

DOLE 6 Outgoing Director Crispin Dannug formally turned over the key of leadership to incoming Regional Director Ponciano Ligutom in a simple ceremony held January 27 at the DOLE 6 Regional Office in Jaro district of this city.

Witnessing the simple rites were heads of the member-agencies of the Regional Coordinating Council 6 such as Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Professional Regulations Commission, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, National Council Mediation Board, and National Labor and Relations Commission; members of the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council; and employees of DOLE 6.

Some employees of DOLE 9 where Ligutom came from also witnessed the ceremony and were given the chance to introduce their former boss so that his new staff will have a first-hand knowledge and information about their new director.

In his message, Dannug encouraged DOLE 6 employees including field officers present to help and give Ligutom the full support, even more, what was afforded to him so that implementation of programs and projects of the department in the region will further be strengthened.

After a stint of almost five years at DOLE 6, Dannug will be assigned in Cagayan de Oro.

For his part, Ligutom in his acceptance message rallied the staff to work with him for the enhanced and effective implementation of the different programs and projects of the agency.

Ligutom, who hails from the province of Siquijor and a graduate of Siliman University, is a Dangal ng Bayan awardee of the Civil Service Commission in 2004 and Outstanding Career Executive awardee in 2006.

Tourism department prepares for first international river summit

By Lydia C. Pendon

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office is preparing for the first international river summit in Iloilo City on May.

DOT regional director Helen Catalbas requested the Iloilo Airport management and stakeholders to improve the arrival and departure areas of the airport.

She said her office will conduct courtesy orientation and grooming seminar for taxi and tourist transport drivers and other frontliners operating in Iloilo.

She is also set to meet with taxi and tourist transport operators, and owners and managers of hotels, resorts, restaurants, souvenir shops regarding the event.

A tour-guiding seminar will be conducted among prospect guides who would serve in the pre and post-summit tours for delegates and accompanying persons.

Search for exemplary devcom writers on

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

ILOILO CITY, Jan 29 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Western Visayas is now accepting nominations for exemplary development communication writers in the region.

PIA Director Janet Mesa said those qualified for the search are graduating high school and college editors of publications that have been participating in the yearly series of campus journalism workshops held by the agency.

Dubbed IWAG Award, this contest is designed to recognize campus paper writers who have performed well in promoting development through the campus papers.

Specifically, the nominee from a publication should submit clippings of at least five major development-oriented articles, for college, and three major articles for high school, duly certified as original stories by the publication advisers.

The nominees will also be judged as to communication work experience and trainings attended, involvement in community and school activities relevant to his or her work as paper editor, and academic honors/achievements, to show that while being a student writer, their academic studies have not be relegated.

The project design requires only one nominee per publication, and one who will graduate this school year, and has passed the evaluation of a selection committee of the school.

The submitted documents will be evaluated by the IWAG Committee set up by the PIA, which will determine the awardees, who will meet the average rating of 85 per cent.

Deadline for submission is February 15, 2012 at the nearest PIA Provincial offices, while results will be released not later than March 15 in time for the school’s recognition or graduation day.

Dir. Mesa said the PIA has been citing publication writers since the late 1970’s for their contribution in promoting development efforts of government.

Feature: Public-private partnership boosts disaster mitigation efforts in WV

by Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. (JCM/JSC/PIA6)

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA6) -- The partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and telecommunications company SMART Communications is boosting the efforts of the government to reduce the risks and mitigate the effects of any disaster in Western Visayas.

The partnership recently enabled DOST 6 to obtain five Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) from SMART during a turnover ceremony held recently here. SMART also handed in to DOST a donation of PhP345,000.00 to fund the installation of Automatic Water Level Sensors.

DOST Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga said the equipment provided by the telecommunications company will be deployed by DOST for the Weather Monitoring System in the Tigum-Aganan River System in Iloilo, which was also “soft-launched” during the recent event here.

DOST is the vice chair of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for disaster prevention and mitigation.

Also involved in the partnership are the municipalities of Alimodian, San Miguel, Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Cabatuan and Maasin located along the Tigum-Aganan river systems.

The Tigum-Aganan river system project, which will be implemented this year, will involve the installation of 3 AWLS in the towns of Maasin and Pavia and in Jaro, Iloilo City as well as 2 ARGs, also in Maasin and Pavia.

An additional ARG will be established in the town of San Miguel along the Aganan River.

The three AWLS will be installed also along Aganan River in the towns of Alimodian, San Miguel and Sta. Barbara.

The equipment donated by SMART are an addition to weather monitoring gadgets already installed by the agency in the region, which consist of 12 Automated Weather Stations (AWS) and 10 ARGs.

The turnover and launching activities were graced by Iloilo City Congressman Jerry Trenas, Ramon Isberto, head of SMART Public Affairs Group, and municipal mayors led by Alimodian local chief executive Juanito Alipao, who chairs the Tigum-Aganan Watershed Management Board.

Gelonga said the project is part of the national program involving the deployment of weather monitoring equipment in line with DOST’s efforts to assist in disaster risk reduction through real-time information about weather conditions especially in flood-prone areas.

The equipment donated by SMART and those already installed by DOST have certain weather monitoring capabilities.

Automated weather stations are monitoring stations equipped with different sensors capable of measuring the following: wind speed and direction; air temperature, humidity and pressure; and rainfall amount, duration and intensity.

On the other hand, ARGs are capable of gathering and recording the amount of rainfall over a set period of time and transmit these using telecommunications technology to DOST headquarters. Selected ARGs can measure air pressure.

AWLS will monitor the amount of rainfall as well as measure water level in the river system, in this case, at Tigum and Aganan rivers.

Earlier, the DOST 6 head said that when all of the equipment are fully operational particularly at the Tigum-Aganan river system, these can hopefully assist towards disaster preparedness during flooding and heavy rainfall.

On the part of SMART, Isberto said they are happy to partner with the DOST in order to help improve the disaster preparedness capabilities of the region.

“We are glad to be DOST6’s service provider of choice in making sure critical information like rainfall and river level data get collected and transmitted on time,” he said.

Iloilo has had experiences with disasters, including the devastating effects of typhoon “Frank” in 2008 which caused massive flooding in Iloilo and damaged properties and affected thousands of families.

Senator assures P38M for additional relocation sites

by Lydia C. Pendon

SENATOR Franklin Drilon has committed P38 million from his own priority development assistance fund (PDAF) to buy additional lands for the relocation of more than 3,000 informal settlers living along the rivers and other danger zones.

In a meeting with members of the Iloilo River Development Council (IRDC) Friday at the Hotel del Rio here, Drilon said the City Government will give its counterpart P12 million to buy some 12 hectares of land within city jurisdiction intended for the relocated urban poor families.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the city has an existing 5.6-hectare relocation lot in Barangay Lanit, Jaro district for the construction of the first batch of 1,000 housing units. A symbolic turnover of some completed houses will be held on June 1, 2012, possibly in time for the visit of President Benigno Aquino III in Iloilo City.

Mabilog said the National Housing Authority (NHA) has pledged P100 million for the housing units and another P44 million for land development. Aquino also gave P100 million for the housing units, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development pledged another P100 million under its socialized housing program.

The P344 million will go for the construction of houses of informal settlers, while there is no allocation for the purchase of additional lands, the mayor said.

With the P36-million PDAF from Drilon by end of February 2012, Mabilog said he is now looking for possible lands to buy at not more than P400-per-square-meter ceiling price. Land owners are enjoined to participate in a bidding to be conducted soon by the City Government.

Similarly, Drilon also assured Oton Mayor Vincent Flores of financial assistance for the purchase of lands for some 100 informal settlers soon to be relocated from the Batiano River side of Oton, Iloilo.

Presidential aid

(PNA, Manila Bulletin, Visayas Newsbits #3)

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PNA) — Government and private sector joined forces to help the more than 300 families affected by the fire that razed three villages in the city proper district here last Jan. 22. Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, who went to Manila on Tuesday, said he was expecting financial assistance of almost P2 million from Pres. Benigno Aquino III, through Ilonggo Sen. Franklin Drilon.

“Each of the affected families will receive P5,000 from the national government regardless of whether their houses were totally burned or not,” he told members of the media. The amount is on top of the P5,000 that the city government will give to families whose houses were completely destroyed by fire, while P2,500 will be received by those with partially burned residences.

People should care for weather monitoring instruments says DOST official

by Elsa S. Subong(RDA/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA6) -- An official of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said that people should be educated on how weather monitoring systems can save lives during disasters.

“They should be educated on the use and services of the instruments, and its importance in saving lives, otherwise, they may tend to destroy them,” DOST Regional Director Rowen Gelonga said.

Turnover rites of weather systems was in Alimodian town. The system includes an automatic rain gauge and automatic water level sensor which is seen to enhance the capacity of Pagasa in getting timely and accurate weather forecasts.

Smart Communications has donated a total of five automated rain gauges (ARGs) while the three automated water level sensors are installed in river traversing the towns of Maasin, San Miguel, Sta. Barbara, Alimodian, and Pavia all the way to Iloilo City.

Alimodian Mayor Juanito Alipao, who is also the chairperson of the Tigum-Aganan Watershed Management Board, expressed his gratitude to the Department of Science and Technology and Smart Communications for the installation of the weather devices. He also assured that the devices will be safeguarded in the area.

DOLE and Jobstreet to conduct career seminar

by Lilibeth A. French (LAF/PIA6)

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA6 ) -- A half-day Career Summit will gather graduating college students from various colleges and universities here on February 7, 2012 at the Central Philippine University.

Organized by the Public Employment Service Office of the Iloilo City government in partnership with the Jobstreet.com, the activity primarily intends to guide graduating college students in their employment journey.

“Graduation is fast approaching and this is one of those appropriate times to provide our graduates, our next jobseekers, key information on labor market so that they will be guided and well-informed when they start to look for employment,” said PESO Manager Alan Zaldivar.

The gathering, which is for free, will also give the PESO opportunity to collect and gather information on graduating students for their data bank.

Speakers from the Department of Labor and Employment and Jobstreet.Com will discuss relevant information on labor market and employment during the summit.

The conduct of the career and employment guidance is in consonance with the overarching goal of President Benigno S. Aquino III in his 22-point labor and employment agenda, to invest in the country’s no. 1 resource which is the human resource.

Zaldivar said the city government is also expected to enter into an agreement with Jobstreet.com, a job search site where jobseekers can find jobs and at the same time, employers can advertise their job vacancies during the day.

“We are hoping that our partnership with Jobstreet.com will further strengthen our partnership with our local and overseas employment agencies,” said Zaldivar.

Iloilo mayor says numerous festivals proves WV’s rich culture

(JCM/JSC/PIA6)

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 23 (PIA) -- City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the numerous festivals organized and held in various provinces of Western Visayas prove that the region has a rich and noble cultural heritage.

Mabilog made this statement as he acknowledged the participation of local festivals from other provinces and cities of the region at the first Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition held Jan. 21 as one of the major highlights of this year’s Dinagyang Festival celebration held here to pay tribute to the Sr. Sto. Nino and showcase local culture.

The cultural competition drew the participation of local festivals from Antique with “Tribu Mandaragat” of San Jose and “Tribu Panguyang” of Tibiao, Capiz with “Sinadya sa Halaran”, Guimaras with “Palayag de Bunenavista” of Buenavista and “Tribu Sinulog sang Oracon” of Sibunag, Negros Occidental with “Sigabong sang mga Kanyon” of Bago City and “Hugyaw Kansilay” of Silay City, and “Tribu Maragtas” of West Visayas State University, Iloilo City and “Salakayan Festival” of Miag-ao.

Four other groups, namely “Kahilwayan” of Sta. Barbara and “Tribu Hugyaw” of St. Therese-MTC Colleges, both of Iloilo, “Masskara Festival” of Bacolod City and “Ati-Atihan” of Kalibo joined Kasadyahan as non-contesting participants but to give more color and excitement to Iloilo’s festivities.

Mabilog said the holding of the regional cultural competition was “reflective of our (multi-sectoral organizers of Dinagyang) desire to show to the world that the whole of Region 6 (Western Visayas) has a magnificent culture and a glorious past”.

As a cultural festival, Dinagyang is rooted in historic Barter of Panay between the Bornean datus and the Aeta aborigines of Panay Island sometime in the early 13th century. It was during the course of the barter forged by the two parties that the first Ati-Atihan, locally termed “dinagyang”, was held to seal and celebrate their pact and friendship.

The “Salakayan Festival” of Miag-ao, Iloilo topped the regional contest of festivals witnessed by thousand of Ilonggos, tourists and government and diplomatic dignitaries.

The local festivals that joined in the first regional cultural competition of Dinagyang are part of dozens of existing festivals in the region that are recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as part of the tourism development and promotion program of the government.

1.2M tourists join Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo, say local execs

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr. (Inquirer Visayas)

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival drew an estimated 1.2 million spectators over the weekend as it continued to boost its stock as one of the country’s most attended tourism events, according to police and local organizers who oversaw crowd management in the celebrations.

The performances of 13 Ati tribes in brightly colored costumes drew the most applause and cheers from at least 8,000 spectators at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, the main judging area. Thousands also came to three other judging areas and lined the streets to watch a parade of colors pass through.

The spectators at the Freedom Grandstand included US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr., who attended the festival for the first time, and South Africa Ambassador Agnes Nyamande Pitso.

“The ambassadors were very impressed,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog in an interview.

Mabilog said the level of performances and the bright colors of the costumes of the tribes surpassed those of last year.

Los Angeles-based Jojie Fonacier, who also joined the festival for the first time, said he was impressed with the choreography and the striking colors of the costumes, which changed several times during the performances of the tribes.

“We sure will come back (for the festival),” he said.

The Dinagyang, held every fourth Sunday of January, is among several festivals held in honor of the Sto. Niño in the Visayas.

The Kasadyahan contest on Saturday showcased festival winners from Western Visayas. At least 13 groups took part in the contest.

At least P1.5 million in prizes for major and minor awards were up for grabs for the competing tribes and groups, up from last year’s total prize of P800,000. Winners were expected to be announced Sunday evening.

The Dinagyang occurs almost at the same time as two other festivals for the Sto. Niño in the Visayas—the Sinulog of Cebu and Ati-Atihan of Aklan.

The two other festivals also drew hundreds of thousands of visitors. In Cebu, government officials had to build a housing facility for visitors from other provinces who didn’t have the means to stay in Cebu City’s pricey hotels.

Ilonggos asked to justify opening Iloilo airport to international flights

By TARA YAP

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines — An airline and tourism executive is asking Iloilo tourism stakeholders to develop Iloilo to a level that would justify opening the Iloilo airport to international flights.

“Tourism is a story and local tourism plays a very important role,” said Arturo Alejandrino, a member of the board of Zest Air.

Alejandrino, former executive director of the Boracay Tourism Task Force, said Iloilo’s stakeholders have to shift their focus and not only prioritize festival-based tourism such as the annual Dinagyang Festival celebrated over the weekend here.

“Iloilo has a rich history and culture and there’s more to it than just the Dinagyang festival,” Alejandrino said.

Earlier this month, the new Bacolod-Silay Airport in the province of Negros Occidental had its first international flight when 120 passengers from Incheon, South Korea arrived in a Zest Air chartered airplane.

Alejandrino said the chartered international flight can be replicated at the Iloilo airport of international standard.

He pointed out that Iloilo already has the basic foundation and such essential infrastructure as an airport of international standard, and new hotels, among others.

However, he strongly reiterated a return to tourism’s cultural aspect.

“Let the world know what Iloilo has. Let them take the experience and share it,” Alejandrino said.


Entrepreneurship

(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

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

(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

(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

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

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

(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

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

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

(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

(PNA), DCT/LAP/AJP/LCP/vlo

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 10 (PNA) -– While all road infrastructure projects are ongoing, the city government here will now focus its attention on the development of the Iloilo River.

This was announced by city Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog as his centerpiece project this year in developing the river as the core for tourism, socio-economic and livelihood endeavors of his administration.

Mabilog said the Iloilo River will be the focus of the First International River Summit to be held in this southern city on March 19-22. Summit participants include scientists, river advocates and development partners from national and international organizations who see the river as the lifeblood of the area.

The city mayor said that the project will also include the island province of Guimaras as the beach area for development and the Guimaras Iloilo Ferry Terminal (GIFT) project is expected to be realized this year through a public-private partnership.

Construction is ongoing at the P70-million esplanade project at the Treñas Boulevard along the Iloilo River with the widening of the 1.2 kilometers boulevard and the construction of river view deck and other structures of the esplanade patterned after Singapore.

Thousands of informal settlers along the riverbanks and creek tributaries are being resettled in the city’s relocation sites with housing funds of some P344 million, Mabilog said.

The boulevard is also expected to be extended from the diversion road up to the Gaisano mall and a new ferry site for ships going to Bacolod and back is being constructed at the Muelle Loney site of the old arrastre. The new ferry terminal for Bacolod is being constructed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Meanwhile, dredging of the river is ongoing conducted by PPA and the Department of Public Works and Highways. All these developments will require additional manpower and work for the Ilonggos, Mabilog said.

Similarly, on top of the Iloilo River, the Batiano River will be cleaned, rehabilitated and cleared of illegal structures and informal settlers.

City tourism council launches search for promotion video

by Elsa S. Subong(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA6) -- As more Filipinos are getting “on board” with the new Philippine Tourism slogan, the Iloilo City Tourism Council (ICTC) is embarking on a search for best tourism videos that can highlight what is “fun” and distinct in the city.

“It is time for us to discover what we can be truly proud of as Ilonggos and set our eyes on the potentials,” Jimena said.

ICTC spokesperson Roy Gatpatan said in a radio interview said that the Iloilo Dinagyang festival should be promoted that best way possible.

Gatpatan said through video productions, people can see how well Iloilo can be portrayed or captured as a tourism destination.

The search which the ICTC has launched includes features and teaser/ads, highlighting an Ilonggo cultural or religious practice, arts, food, product, heritage, history, focusing on the tagline, “My City, My Pride.”

The ICTC said the contest is open to all video enthusiasts. The winning entries may become the city’s official promotional material to be played in terminals, ports, and airports.

In interviews by the Philippine Information Agency, local folks said tourists will surely find Iloilo lots of fun.

PNP moves to secure Dinagyang

By TARA YAP

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has declared a ban against gun owners carrying their firearms outside their residences during Iloilo’s famed 2012 Dinagyang Festival.

According to Police Regional Office (PRO 6) director C/Supt. Cipriano Querol Jr., PNP Director-General Nicanor Bartolome has approved the request for suspension of the permit to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) in Iloilo City from January 15 to 23.

The request was made by city police director S/Supt. Marietto Valerio with concurrence from Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

Said request is intended to prevent the incidence of crime and securing the safety of visitors during the week-long festival.

This year, aside from the usual massive number of tourists and Santo Niño devotees who attend the Di-nagyang, six foreign ambassadors, including United States Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. and South African Ambassador Agnes Nyamande-Pitso, are expected to come to Iloilo for the festival

During the period covered by the gun ban, only law enforcers on official duty are allowed to carry firearms. Such law enforcers include on-duty members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Meanwhile, Querol said a similar gun ban request made by Kalibo Mayor William Lachica is pending for the upcoming Ati-Atihan Festival on January 14-15 in Aklan province.

Last year, the PNP a gun ban was implemented for both the Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang festivals.

DOST strengthens weather monitoring system in calamity-prone province

(Cebu Daily News)

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) strengthened the country’s weather monitoring system in response to the increasing number of typhoons visiting the country each year.

“Before the year 2000, the Philippines would be visited by powerful typhoons every three to five years. Now, we experience devastating typhoons every year,” said Rowen Gelonga, DOST 6 regional director, citing the recent storm Sendong that killed more than a thousand people in northern Mindanao.

“And most of the lives lost during these typhoons are not because of strong winds or storm surges. It’s because of the flooding,” he added.

This is what propelled DOST, together with Smart Communications Inc., to complete the installation of five Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) in key places in the province – Alimodian, Cabatuan, Maasin, Pavia and Jaro in Iloilo City. The new installations will complement the other ARGs installed by DOST across the region.

Gelonga said Smart also pledged to help fund the installation of automatic water level sensors that will alert the communities once the river reaches critical level.

The ARGs track rain water volume and rainfall duration. The equipment transmits rainfall data for further analysis, every 15 minutes, using Smart SIM card. This speeds up the previous process of manually gauging rainfall through a measuring stick and sending the data at least once every 24 hours.

“With the ARGs in consortium with other equipment plus the water level sensors that we are installing all over the region, the local government units will be more prepared for adverse weather events,” said Gelonga.

“The ARGs in Iloilo are just some of the rain gauges we have installed in several high-risk areas all over the country,” said Smart Public Affairs head Ramon Isberto.

Mayor Juanito Alipao of Alimodian, one of the municipalities that received an ARG, said “the rain gauge is a guide for us, and it will help us keep our communities alert to possible calamities brought about by heavy rains and typhoons.”

Iloilo is one of the calamity-prone provinces in the country. In 2008, it was hit by typhoon Frank that caused mudslides and flooding in Iloilo City and other municipalities, displacing thousands of families.

Multiple benefits of Jalaur River project cited

(JCM/JSC/PIA6)

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA6) -- The P11.2-billion Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project-Stage II, once completed, will not only boost local rice production but will also yield other benefits which will contribute to the overall economic growth of Iloilo.

This project of the Department of Agriculture through the National Irrigation Administration is already on its the second phase. This will also generate 6.6 megawatts of power and additional potable water supply of 86,000 cubic meters a day for the province and city.

The project will also generate an additional 17,000 additional jobs during its construction period, pave the way for eco-tourism ventures, and create livelihood opportunities including inland fisheries.

The multi-billion-peso project will boost local production by providing year-round irrigation to about 32,000 hectares of farms that would benefit more than 700,000 farmers.

The project started, following the recent order of President Aquino for the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release an initial funding of P450 million.

It will be funded by a P8.95-B loan from the Export Import Bank of Korea and a P2.2-billion counterpart from the Philippine government.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Western Visayas also considers the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project as a priority project as it supports the agriculture modernization and competitiveness strategy of the 2011-2016 Regional Development Plan.

The Council chaired by Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco re-endorsed the project during its executive committee meeting in November of last year, which helped pave the way for its approval by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) at the Investment Coordinating Committee level.

Local business upbeat about Iloilo economy

(JCM/JSC/PIA6)

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA6) -- Local businessmen remain upbeat about business and investment prospects here in 2012.

Iloilo Business Club (IBC) executive director Lea Lara and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo Chapter president Joe Marie Agriam said in media interviews here that this general outlook of their colleagues is based on recent events in Iloilo.

They were referring to the investments put in by a number of businessmen particularly those of Megaworld Corporation, businessman Edgar “Injap” Sia II and Ayala Land, Inc., all in the Mandurriao district area that have created a multiplier effect.

Lara and Agriam also acknowledged the support provided by the national and local government in terms of needed infrastructure including roads, which are important in mobility and accessibility of people and goods.

Lara said they are forward-looking and optimistic about the New Year. Agriam, for his part, said things are looking rosy.

The local PCCI official is particularly upbeat about the coming events in Iloilo including the Dinagyang Festival, 2nd Iloilo International Film Festival and Chinese New Year celebration which would augur well for local tourism and business.

Both business leaders also spoke well about local tourism as they said they are also pushing it because of the sector’s bright prospects.

It will be recalled that at the start of last year local business leaders also expressed optimism about local business and investment prospects, joining the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in painting a rosy picture of Iloilo in the year just passed.

New business investments have been complemented by the P2.4-billion infrastructure projects package, which includes radial and circumferential roads to be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here.

Foreign dignitaries to attend Dinagyang festival in Iloilo

(VVP, GMA News)

Foreign ambassadors and guests from various countries around the world will go to Iloilo to witness the Dinagyang Festival in the third week of January.

US ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. and the South African ambassador also confirmed their attendance during the highlights of the Dinagyang, Iloilo-based The Daily Guardian reported.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said dignitaries from Greece, Czech Republic, France and Italy are scheduled to grace the Iloilo International Film Festival Jan. 19 to 21.

The Daily Guardian said the film festival is facilitated by the Pambansang Sining Film Development Council of the Philippines headed by Chairman Briccio Santos.

Mabilog said he is still negotiating with Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II to be the main speaker during the Kasadyahan Festival on January 21.

Sen. Franklin Drilon is to be the main speaker at the Dinagyang Ati-Atihan competition on January 22.

The other guests include several congressmen and city mayors, delegations from Guam, Hong Kong, South Korea and China, the report said.

Business community sees vibrant 2012

(Manila Bulletin Article)


ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines (PNA) — The business community here is looking forward to an upbeat economy despite apprehensions that the brunt of the financial crisis overseas might impact negatively in the country this year.

Iloilo Business Club (IBC) executive director Lea Lara said it is still too early to say what actually might happen to the country’s, and Iloilo’s economy, although somewhat dire prognostications were outlined by an economic expert during a recent IBC meeting. Still, she said, the club has “high expectations about a good turn for business this year in Iloilo.”

Lara said there is a lot to look forward to, particularly with regards to infrastructure development, including the completion of major infrastructure projects funded by both government and private sectors.

For instance, she said, more hotels are expected to open in the city within 2012, she said.

Likewise, Lara said, IBC members expect to see “significant projects” to be finished here towards yearend, including the ongoing development being undertaken by Megaworld Corporation at Mandurriao district.

In terms of social services, she said, Iloilo City “has its hands full with public investment in socialized housing that will provide homes to those displaced by big projects.”

Meanwhile, Lara noted that a challenge now faced by the city government is to prove that the increase it imposed on real property taxes is all worth it to taxpayers. “It (the city government) can show in the manner by which it delivers basic services,” she remarked.

Also, Lara said government should be more concerned about addressing the challenge of climate change.

Still and all, the IBC officer said, “Despite natural disasters occurring in the country, we continue to hope for the best in 2012.”

Senator assures P10-M fund for plaza rehab

By Lydia C. Pendon

SENATOR Coco Pimentel has assured his assistance of P10 million from his priority development assistance fund (PDAF) for the rehabilitation of the historical Jaro Plaza in Jaro district in Iloilo City.

Ilonggo architect Rudolfo Depatillo designed the five main areas for renovation, which aims to expand and facelift the present status of the premier plaza in the city.

The proposed rehabilitation and beautification of Jaro will include the construction of a new gymnasium, perimeter walkway and fence restoration, entrance arch, children and kids playground, a sunken garden, waterfall, and food kiosks.

These new projects will be on top of the existing facilities inside the plaza, such as the bandstand, skating rink, Graciano Lopez Jaena Park, Jose Rizal Park, and flower garden and aviary.

Jaro is the seat of the Roman Catholic archdiocese in Western Visayas and has a premier plaza in Iloilo City and the entire region. The plaza faces the Jaro Cathedral and its side faces the Archbishop Palace.

Busted pipes may have contaminated Iloilo water

(PNA) RMA/ELTorrecampo

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 31 – Department of Health regional director for Western Visayas, Dr. Ariel Valencia, suspects that the tremendous rush of water inside the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) pipelines brought about by vigorous pressure must have punctured the tubings, allowing entry of microorganisms, such as Coliform, and thus contaminating drinking water supplied by the MIWD to different communities in the city and province of Iloilo.

Valencia reminded MIWD executives to immediately conduct repairs on leakages to avert the spread of diseases related to microbial contamination.

He also said the MIWD should always have advance knowledge on problem areas and be responsible enough to fix the problem for the protection of the consumers.

Early this week, a laboratory technician of the MIWD had exposed that some tested water samples turned out to be positive for coliform but the report was allegedly altered to 'hide the facts” by employees of the water purveyor.

In a related development, the Center of Health Development in Western Visayas reported that out of 314 water samples from the MIWD placed under laboratory tests, 94 came out positive for Total Coliform, while 80 other samples were positive for fecal coliform.

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