Iloilo City News May 2015

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Iloilo City - Archived News
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Seal of Iloilo City
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Iloilo City, Iloilo
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Map Locator of Iloilo City
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Aerial View of Iloilo City
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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.

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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.

DILG leads disaster planning

By GLENDA SOLOGASTOA (PN)

ILOILO City – After the regional launching of Operation Listo, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Iloilo also held a local launching of the disaster preparedness and management initiative.

It conducted a “convergence action planning” related to the program.

“This is just the first step of our [Operation Listo],” said DILG-Iloilo head Teodora Sumagaysay. “We have another activity — a provincial dialogue — on the last week of May.”

Involved in the planning are the local government units (LGU), represented by local chief executives; police stations, represented by chiefs of police; Bureau of Fire Protection, represented by fire marshals, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, represented by jail wardens.

Three sets of Operation Listo manuals were distributed to the concerned agencies during the provincial launching.

The agency representatives were taught how to use the manuals.

“We planned on what to do at the LGU level (during disasters),” said Sumagaysay. “Each agency’s action should be aligned with each other. Each other’s role is specified.”

The LGUs were required to create an action plan, which should include a list of must-do things in preparation for disasters like typhoon.

In February, Undersecretary for Local Government Austere Panadero led the Western Visayas-wide launching of Operation Listo and the “Disaster Preparedness Manual-Oplan Listo (Typhoon Edition).”

For his part, Iloilo Police Provincial Office director Senior Superintendent Cornelio Salinas said coordinating every agency’s action during calamities is important.

He pointed out that the agencies’ response to previous disasters was “unsystematic.”

“Through the manual, we can have what we call a synergy of different stakeholders and their respective resources and personnel,” said Salinas.

Ilonggo farmers prepare for ASEAN Integration

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

ILOILO CITY, May 9(PIA)—Ilonggo farmers are looking into the strengthening of irrigation systems and structures and more infra support as they aim for competitiveness in the impending ASEAN Integration.

Likewise, they see the farming interventions given by government to be coupled with sound agri-development planning.

The farmers’ groups and grains retailers gathered in a forum recently organized by the regional office of the National Food Authority here to discuss the preparedness of the rice farmers for the AI and the lifting of the Quantitative Restrictions on Rice in 2017.

In the said forum, the NFA officials led by Regional Director Bernardo Asetre and Assistant Regional Director Hedy Jardeleza assessed how prepared both the farmers and the government for such situations.

“With the June 2017 deadline for the lifting of the QR, now is the time for us to unite and agree how our rice production can be competitive, profitable and sustainable,” Asetre said.

The forum was participated in by officials from the Regional and Provincial Farmers Action Councils, retailers groups, the academe and other stakeholders.

The farmers’ councils were one in their concern that the irrigation systems have to undergo major developments in infrastructures and local organizations to address problems on maintenance, lack of water supply and specific situations of localities.

Ricardo Provido, president of the Iloilo Provincial Farmers Action Council, said government has allocated big budgets for irrigation systems in the country as well as other agricultural interventions but issues on devolution may have affected implementation.

“There has to be prioritization and focus, as priorities have become political,” Provido said, adding that farmers’ association themselves have to be strengthened and empowered.

On the other hand, the grains and rice producers themselves said that government has introduced more than enough interventions to help them produce more, through facilities and machineries, but there has to be more studies yet as to the viability, usefulness and adaptability of these.

“On top of the machineries and equipment, is a study on what the area is suitable for and a comprehensive plan on agriculture of a certain community,” one farmer quipped in the midst of the discussion.

NFA Asst. Director Hedy Jardeleza said that since the forum sought to solicit recommendations, the stakeholders’ opinions and recommendations shall be considered well.

“The NFA is here to assist our rice farmers most in the midst of the challenges of the ASEAN Integration,” Jardeleza said.

Director Asetre said that the farmers’ views and recommendations during the forum will pave the way for an institutional unity among the rice growers, grains retailers and other stakeholders.

“Very important, of course is that, as we seek to be competitive with all the government interventions, is it also worthwhile to determine if our production is competitive enough in quality?” Asetre added.

Iloilo takes center stage during the Independence Day celebration

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

ILOILO CITY, May 8 (PIA) --- The 117th Independence Day celebration on June 12 in Sta. Barbara town here will be the opportunity to showcase Iloilo to the world.

Ilonggo Senate President Franklin Drilon said that this is the first time the commemoration of the country’s Independence Day will be taking place outside Luzon.

“All of us must work together in order that we can proudly present the city and province of Iloilo to the world,” he said.

He said that diplomatic corps, cabinet members, members of the Senate and Congress, the civic and business leaders will be coming here to take part in this historic event.

The Senate President is supervising the preparations in the city and province for the June 12 celebration.

“All the committees involved are working and I am satisfied with the preparations and progress. But we are also looking into what are necessary to ensure the success of the event,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the provincial government, and other concerned government agencies are also fine-tuning preparations for the celebration in Sta. Barbara town including the program and the physical arrangements.

The Sta. Barbara church was the site where General Martin Delgado of the Visayan Revolutionary Government declared the first Cry of Revolution against Spain outside Luzon.

NHCP spearheaded a P50-million restoration project of the Santa Barbara church and convent, in preparation for the 2015 Philippine Independence Day celebration.

Dinagyang warrior statue up at Iloilo Esplanade

(PNA), LAP/AJP/RORILYN SABINO-OJT/VLO

ILOILO CITY, May 7 (PNA) -- A statue of a Dinagyang warrior will soon be mounted at the Iloilo Esplanade, one of the most sought-after destinations in this city.

On Thursday, the Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCI) Ilang-ilang entered into an agreement with the city government for the first legacy marker entitled “The Effigy of a Victor” as well as broke ground for the project.

“We have the vision to provide development opportunity that will empower young people to believe that there is change. One of the vast changes that our chapter can cultivate is that we will unveil the mark for our city together with our city government,” said JCI Ilang-ilang president, Atty. Essy Gennebelle Antonano.

The title “An Effigy of a Victor” represents our victorious undertakings and the development of the city. We want to be a part of that, she added.

The lowering of the time capsule was headed by Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog and other JCI members.

The JCI hoped to complete the project in 45 days as soon as the city government commences with the foundation work.

“We will first make a miniature. If possible we'll do it before June 12," said Gregorio "Boy" Masculino, Jr., local artist for the warrior.

No detail was mentioned as Masculino said that they only wanted the public to have a glimpse of what it looks like during the day of the unveiling.

IBC initiates link-up of local producers with businesses

(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, May 6(PIA)—The local producers should not be left out from the benefits of emerging businesses in Iloilo City.

The Iloilo Business Club (IBC) has initiated a project that will link local agricultural producers to businesses that are going up in Iloilo, like hotels and restaurants.

According to IBC Executive Director Lea Lara, they are aiming for inclusive growth for farmers amidst the burgeoning businesses here.

Lara added that IBC is doing a survey as to the needs for prime agricultural commodities of restaurants and hotels here, which the local farmers can provide.

“It is lamentable that despite the fact that Iloilo province is an agricultural economy, the hotels and restaurants still get their basic ingredients from Baguio or Tagaytay,” Lara said.

She added that they aim that 30 to 40 percent of the daily demand of businesses will be sourced from the local farmers to help them market their produce.

“We also see to it that it is not only enough supply that is available, but also the quality,” Lara said, adding that IBC will provide technical assistance for this purpose.

Meanwhile, the provincial government will be setting up a Municipal Agriculture Information System which will collate data of production from farmers.

This mechanism includes provision of phones to farmers so that the hotels and restaurants can get data direct from them.

IBC itself is also investing on Geographic Information System so that they can pinpoint key production areas and the needed access roads to markets.

“This will lessen transportation costs for businesses in the city,” Lara said.

OWWA offers free computer training this Labor month

(PNA), LAP/RCK/AJP/PGLENA/VLO

ILOILO CITY, May 5 (PNA) –- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has kicked off its week-long free computer skills training to interested individuals on Monday.

OWWA director Ron Lionel Bartolome said that the free computer training, focusing on digital ads (adobe photoshop and video editing) as well as fundamentals is open to the public and not just to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as part of their activities this Labor month.

Already, OWWA has conducted 23 sessions under its Information Technology Program for the first three months of the year, benefiting some 203 individuals who are OFW beneficiaries.

To recall, the free computer skills training was initiated to allow OFWs to communicate with their families using the latest available technology.

Iloilo promotes production of organic black rice

(PNA), LAP/CBFERRER/VLO

ILOILO CITY, May 4 (PNA) -- The Iloilo provincial agriculture office is promoting the production of organic black rice among farmers.

Ellas V. Sandig, focal person on organic agriculture of the province, said that the reason for this was the many health benefits of black rice.

It gives the farmers high income because compared to other types of rice, organic black rice is more expensive when sold to the market, he added.

For the recent record, one kilo of the organic black rice costs P70.

Already, some farmers from different municipalities in the province have embarked on planting organic black rice.

Sandig, meanwhile, said that the use of dry seeded rice technology was the best option for the production of rice this summer season.

The agriculture office, as for its long term target, eyes to export the organic black rice, which could improve the economic status of the government.

The provincial agriculture continues to promote organic farming as a way to become the best rice producing province in the country.

Football tourney eyes more nat’l players

By GLENDA SOLOGASTOA (PN)

ILOILO City – Philippine Azkals former team captain Chieffy Caligdong and former player Ian Araneta were among the products of the Monfort Cup Football Fiesta who kicked their way to fame and professional success.

And with the biggest and longest-running football cup in Iloilo, 4th District Provincial Board member Carmen Rita Monfort-Bautista hopes to produce more players like Caligdong and Araneta in the future.

Both former Azkals players hailed from Barotac town, Iloilo’s “football capital.”

“We are hopeful that more world-class footballers will come from Iloilo through the [Monfort Cup],” said Monfort-Bautista.

Monfort-Bautista led opening of the 14th Monfort Cup Football Fiesta on May 1 at the West Visayas State University football field here.

Eighty-nine football teams comprising 1,068 male and female football players from different schools, barangays and footballs clubs in Iloilo and Negros Occidental are competing in various categories.

“The Cup is getting bigger and better every year,” said Monfort-Bautista, granddaughter of the late 4th District representative Narciso D. Monfort, founder of the Monfort Foundation that sponsors the annual sports event.

“Last year,” she said, “we had only about 70 teams.”

NO CASH PRIZE

All the players were insured. An ambulance is ready at the event site in case of emergencies.

Monfort-Bautista, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on youth affairs and sports development, said what makes the Cup unique is that there are no cash prizes at stake but only trophies.

“More than anything else, we would like the children to enjoy and have fun,” she said, believing that children need to play without having money as motivation.

“It’s all about camaraderie,” she stressed. “We don’t want money to be their end-goal.”

Meanwhile, Monfort-Bautista urged parents to give their all-out support to their children who want to pursue a professional career in football.

Not only does football teach camaraderie and sportsmanship, it also brings the players to different places here and abroad, said the Board member.

Monfort-Bautista thanked the Department of Education, Iloilo Football Association, Philippine Football Federation, and the Iloilo provincial government for supporting the Cup.

Vice Gov. Raul Tupas also graced the event.

10T in Bike Fest fun ride

By ROMA R. GONZALES (PN)

ILOILO City – Participants in today’s 2nd Iloilo Bike Festival Fun Ride are not limited to biking enthusiasts from the city and province of Iloilo.

National biking groups Firefly Brigade, National Bicycle Organization and Dakila will also pedal in support to Iloilo’s campaign for road sharing, healthy lifestyle and greener environment.

An estimated 10,000 participants are expected to join the fun ride that Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog considers to institutionalize.

Miss International Bea Rose Santiago will also participate, said Iloilo City Youth and Development Division chief Rommel Castro.

Last year’s Bike Festival spanned only three days, with 5,000 participants in the fun ride. This year, the festival covered seven days, with more events like Bike Expo, symposium on safety and bike ordinances, art exhibit by Ilonggo artists on bicycles, and a 120-kilometer race.

Mabilog said the city’s “share-a-road” movement pushes for harmony between pedestrians, motorists and bikers.

The event also aims to promote Iloilo City as a sports and tourist destination, with the route covering major landmarks here.

The 20.53-kilometer route will also highlight the use of bike lanes along the Circumferential Road from Pavia, Iloilo to Arevalo district here, and along Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue, or Diversion Road.

The 2nd Iloilo Bike Festival Fun Ride will start at 3:30 p.m. at the Iloilo Business Park.

Biking groups from Western Visayas that confirmed participation were Janiuay Mountain Bikers, Capiz Cyclist Club, Antique Mountain Bikers (AMBA), JBLFMU Vanguards, Iloilo Padyak Extreme (iPad XTR), Unified, Mountain Bikers of Iloilo, Rock and Roll Mountain Bikers, Tambayan sa Taluer (TST)-San Miguel, Pavia Bikers Club;

Team Lubag, Iloilo Brakeless, Miag-ao Bikers, Kalibo Padjackers, JBLF Training Center Bicycle Club, Team Spin District, Iloilo Balantang Bikers Association, Beer Biker Team, Iloilo Mountain Bikers Federation, Centralian Cruisers Cycling Club (C4);

Very Friendly Bikers Oton (VFB), Iloilo Dog Lovers Bike Hobbyist, Ateneo de Iloilo Blue, Dragon Bike Club, Hao Xiao MTB Club, iFold, Phil.Ask_Watch (P.A.W.), BMX Racing Team, Westbridge Cycling Club, XC Trail Republic (XTR);

Iloilo Biking Buddies, Twenty-Niners Iloilo, Wolfenstein, MTB Biker Dudz Iloilo, Guimaras Mountain Bikers Club (GMBC), Guimaras Extreme Riders, 7 Eleven Bikers, Antique Freeriders, Agustinian Cyclist, Iloilo BMX Mafia, Iloilo Mountain Bike Association, Trailseekers Iloilo Bikers Group, and Zarraga Bikers.

P11.50 wage hike takes effect in Western Visayas

By Louine Hope Conserva

ILOILO CITY -- An P11.50 increase for minimum wage earners in the Western Visayas Region takes effect today in accordance with a March 27 order by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-Region 6).

“The order granted an adjustment of P11.50 for employees in the private sector both agricultural and non-agricultural,” said RTWPB-6 Secretary Nesa S. Nolido.

The wage hike was affirmed by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) on April 15, 2015.

Non-agriculture, industrial and commercial establishments employing more than 10 workers will now be paying a P298.50 minimum wage while those with 10 and below, P256.50.

For the agriculture sector, the new minimum is P266.50 for plantation workers and P256.50 for non-plantation employees.

The wage increase was a result of petitions filed by workers’ organizations, including the General Alliance of Workers Association, New Independent Workers Organization and Ceneco Union of Rational Employees.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment in Region 6 reported an increase in the region’s employment rate, which stood at 94% or 3.136 million workers as of January 2015, up from from 93.4% in the same period last year.

“Our employment rate received a boost following the boom in the construction industry, road infrastructure projects and business process outsourcing (BPO). Also some companies continue to hire additional staff,” said DOLE-6 OIC Regional Director Salome O. Siaton.

DOLE in Region 6, simultaneous with other offices nationwide, conducted a job fair yesterday with some 40,000 local and overseas job openings.

More than 100 local companies, including BPOs and 29 overseas firms, participated in the event held at SM City Iloilo, Amigo Plaza Mall and SM City Bacolod.

The director said the agency is optimistic of surpassing a target of 15% of applicants hired on the spot.

Western Visayas is composed of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.

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