Iloilo City News December 2011
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Mayor vows city to meet climate change challenge
- Source:http://thedailyguardian.net/index.php/local-news/5688-mayor-vows-city-to-meet-climate-change-challenge
- Saturday, December 10, 2011
- By: Lydia C. Pendon
WHILE urbanization remains rapid in this southern city, the Iloilo City government is not forgetting its mandate to protect the environment and the citizenry from drastic climate change, according to Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.
A recent study conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Bank of the Philippine Islands Foundation Inc. showed that Iloilo City’s urbanization and development must be balanced with ecological preservation in order to maintain its competitiveness and supply chain in Panay Island.
The observation, contained in the study “Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts”, pointed out that the city must balance its natural and engineering initiatives to maintain business competitiveness as compared to other urban centers and survive the shifts of global climate change.
Mabilog said his young administration has already achieved various development and environmental projects such as the rehabilitation and conservation of the Iloilo River, the relocation of thousands of informal settlers mostly from the riverbanks and other danger zones and the road widening projects, among others.
The WWF study showed the effects of climate change to Iloilo and the cities of Baguio, Cebu and Davao and the abilities of local government units to adapt to climate change.
The study pointed out that if the city is to achieve sustainability and maintain its competitiveness in a climate-defined future, it is clear that a sustained effort to better manage land use, infrastructure, land and sea access as well as flooding, is put in place through a mix of natural and engineered initiatives.
Mabilog said his administration is currently studying a new and updated comprehensive drainage system as the city is flood-prone being a low-lying area that catches surface water from upper Panay areas.
DOH kicks off campaign on “paputok” injury reduction
- Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r06&id=67411
- Friday, December 9, 2011
- by TWVillavert(JCM/TWV/PIA6-Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, December 9 (PIA)-- The Department of Health, Region 6, started today its campaign on “kontra paputok” with a multi-sectoral meeting aimed to further increase the level of awareness of the public on the threats posed by the firecrackers to human lives and properties.
Program Manager Jerry Porras of the DOH 6 Non-Communicable Diseases Division said this year’s firework-injury reduction campaign will now be known as “Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction”or APIR (Give me five).
Porras explained that the word APIR as described by the UP Diksyunaryong Filipino is a sign of greeting, slapping of the hands, as what the “High-Five” and “Give Me Five” greetings in the U.S.
The APIR poster of the DOH shows two hands on a give me five gesture, symbolize people in agreement and Filipinos as one in reducing if not eliminating the paputok-related injury cases this holiday seasons.
Porras said that Western Visayas has 1,022 fireworks-related injuries recorded last year, lower compared to 1,036 cases in year 2009.
Three were victims of stray bullets, said Porras as he noted that most fireworks injuries’ victims were males.
Porras hopes that with the help of the media and all sectors of the society, the use of firecrackers will be minimized if not prevented while celebrating the holidays.
Concerned about the health of the people, Porras enumerated the five DOH reminders to prevent harm and injury are: 1) fireworks cause injuries and endanger health); 2) children should not use any fireworks); 3) keep safe and away from exploding fireworks); 4)never pick used fireworks); and, 5)seek immediate medical treatment for all firework injuries.
Porras also reminded parents to help keep their children away from playing firecrackers, and when buying toys for the children he said parents must see to it that these are safe and fit for their age.
606 farmers complete organic farming 'on air' course
- Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=67189
- Thursday, December 8, 2011
- by TWVillavert(JCM/TWV/PIA6-Iloilo)
Friday, December 09, 2011 DOH kicks off campaign on “paputok” injury reduction by TWVillavert
ILOILO CITY, December 9 (PIA)-- The Department of Health, Region 6, started today its campaign on “kontra paputok” with a multi-sectoral meeting aimed to further increase the level of awareness of the public on the threats posed by the firecrackers to human lives and properties.
Program Manager Jerry Porras of the DOH 6 Non-Communicable Diseases Division said this year’s firework-injury reduction campaign will now be known as “Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction”or APIR (Give me five).
Porras explained that the word APIR as described by the UP Diksyunaryong Filipino is a sign of greeting, slapping of the hands, as what the “High-Five” and “Give Me Five” greetings in the U.S.
The APIR poster of the DOH shows two hands on a give me five gesture, symbolize people in agreement and Filipinos as one in reducing if not eliminating the paputok-related injury cases this holiday seasons.
Porras said that Western Visayas has 1,022 fireworks-related injuries recorded last year, lower compared to 1,036 cases in year 2009.
Three were victims of stray bullets, said Porras as he noted that most fireworks injuries’ victims were males.
Porras hopes that with the help of the media and all sectors of the society, the use of firecrackers will be minimized if not prevented while celebrating the holidays.
Concerned about the health of the people, Porras enumerated the five DOH reminders to prevent harm and injury are: 1) fireworks cause injuries and endanger health); 2) children should not use any fireworks); 3) keep safe and away from exploding fireworks); 4)never pick used fireworks); and, 5)seek immediate medical treatment for all firework injuries.
Porras also reminded parents to help keep their children away from playing firecrackers, and when buying toys for the children he said parents must see to it that these are safe and fit for their age.
News Feature: Coloma urges info officers to help concretize sense of community, bayanihan
- Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=66980
- Wednesday, December 7, 2011
- by TWVillavert(JCM/TWV-PIA6 Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, Dec 7 (PIA)-- Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. called on government information officers from Regions 6, 7, and 8 to work together closely and build a stronger community in order to effect change and bring development to the country.
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary was in Iloilo City as guest of honor during the Information Officers’ Year-End Conference and Info Board launching, recently.
It was a large gathering of 206 personnel of the Philippine Information Agency Visayas Cluster and national government information officers in Western Visayas where the PCOO Secretary discussed the "C4D" or Communications for Development.
“We have to work harder and smarter,” Secretary Coloma said as he cited two tasks to perform in order to effect change in the community.
These tasks are: a) citizen engagement; and b) creation of an enabling environment, an environment that will enable as many of our citizens as possible to participate.
“We must actively engage the audiences that we are trying to reach in the spirit of community and ask them what their aspirations are and let them express what they want for this country to create progress,” Coloma said.
Coloma said that the social networks are very important in carrying out this process of dialogue and allowing the community to speak out and express their aspirations and concerns.
Sharing the works of Peter Block’s “Community: The Structure of Belonging,” Secretary Coloma said that the essential challenge is to transform the isolation and self interest within our community into connectedness and caring.
“We can engage and mobilize our people if they feel connected and if they feel that we care,” he said.
The PCOO Secretary cited the Bayanihan spirit of communal unity and cooperation which likewise displays the country’s unique way for caring or “malasakit” a term that can not be translated into any language.
“Can you ever imagine translating 'malasakit' without losing the essential meaning of the word?” Coloma asked as he emphasized that during some challenges brought about by global economic hardships, “we collaborate and develop the compassion and concentrate our energies to find solutions.”
“We are a compassionate people, we have malasakit and that is the essence of community,” Coloma said.
Coloma lauded the combined efforts of PIA Region 6 and SMART Communications Info Board where the social network of PIA has been enhanced wherein development information and important announcements can now be sent to thousands of Ilonggos in Western Visayas and the receivers can likewise send feedback to the PIA.
Secretary Coloma led the live demonstration of Info Board during a ceremony witnessed by James Albert Bernas, Department head of the SMART Retail Sales and Wireless Community Solutions Department; PIA director general Jose A. Fabia; PIA 6 director Janet C. Mesa; PIA 7 director Minerva B.C. Newman; and PIA 8 director Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu.
WV schools bag Brigada Eskwela Hall of Fame Award
- Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r06&id=66953
- Tuesday, December 6, 2011
- by Lilibeth A. French(JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Two schools in Western Visayas were recently recognized for sustaining their exemplary performance for three consecutive years in the implementation of the Brigada Eskwela, a yearly pre-school maintenance program of the Department of Education.
DepEd 6 Resource Mobilization Special Program and Project Division Chief Dr. Eden Deriada said the two schools were among the 39 schools nationwide that qualified for the Brigada Eskwela Hall of Fame and were recognized in this year’s awarding ceremonies held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas office in Manila, November 25.
These are Minuyan Elementary School of Murcia, Negros Occidental and Maayon National High School of Maayon, Capiz.
Deriada said the Hall of Fame schools are the region’s Best School Implementers of the Brigada Eskwela program, for three consecutive years. They rank number one in the performance and monitoring evaluation in line with the implementation of the program such as resource generation, scope of construction, repair and maintenance and volunteer services, among others.
The regional winners automatically qualify for the national search.
The Best School Implementers of 2011 Brigada Eskwela throughout the country, in both elementary and secondary levels, were also recognized during the awarding ceremonies. The search has three categories that include small school, big school and exceptional categories.
The small school category is open to schools with enrollment 1,000 below while the big school category is for schools with enrollment 1,000 up and the exceptional category is for schools that have done innovations to further enhance the program.
Among the Best School Implementers of Brigada Eskwela in the region in the elementary level this year are: Minuyan Elementary School in the small school category; Bugasong Central School in Bugasong, Antique for big school category; and Kalibo Integrated SPED Center in Kalibo, Aklan for exceptional school category.
In the secondary level are: Bato National High School in Sagay City, Negros Occidental in small school category; Panit-an National High School in Panit-an, Capiz for big school; and Maayon National High School for exceptional school.
Since there were no national awards conducted last year, the 2010 Hall of Fame Awardees were also recognized during the awarding ceremonies. The Hall of Famers for Western Visayas are Sto. Rosario Elementary School of Silay City, Negros Occidental and Passi City National High School of Passi City, Iloilo.
Deriada said the program is the best example of a successful public-private partnership and community participation which is important in every undertaking, especially if it is intended for the upliftment of the condition of the school populace.
“With Brigada Eskwela, teacher and students can already start their formal classes during the first day of school as school classrooms and buildings are all ready for their use”, said Deriada.
Media accreditation for 2012 Dinagyang fest starts
- Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=66759
- Monday, December 5, 2011
- by Lilibeth A. French (LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The Publicity and Media Relations Group of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) is now accepting applications for accreditation from members of the press, including bloggers, who want to cover the 2012 Dinagyang Festival slated on January 21 to 22.
Publicity and Media Relations Group head Perla Lena said the accreditation seeks to ensure that the number of media members, who wishes to cover the event is properly managed.
Lena said almost 700 local, national and foreign media are accredited every year.
A Dinagyang media ID allows access to the media space designated in a specific performance area. The media ID has a color code that indicates the assigned performance area.
Based on the guideline set by Lena’s committee, media IDs will be issued only to active media practitioner affiliated with an established media outlet or legitimate media organization/agency, active photographers who are members of legitimate photographic associations and bloggers with active and updated blog sites.
Media groups or organizations based outside of Iloilo are required to secure endorsement of their request for Media Accreditation from the city or provincial tourism office in their respective areas.
For bloggers, they are required to indicate their blog sites upon application subject to verification by the committee.
The accomplished accreditation form duly signed by the head of the agency/organization with 2 1x1 pictures shall be submitted on or before January 10, 2012 to the Iloilo City Hall Public Information Office, Iloilo City Hall, 3rd floor, Robinson’s Place, Iloilo City. Those outside Iloilo may send their forms through email at: pearl376@yahoo.com.
Copies of the accreditation forms are available from the PIO or can be downloaded at the IDFI website atwww.dinagyangsailoilo.com.
A registration fee of P500.00 is required for photographers and bloggers outside of Iloilo. Payment shall be made during the release of IDs on January 20, 2012 at the conference room of the Philippine Red Cross, Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City.
Feature: Planning for the country's response to climate change
- Source:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r06&id=66568
- Sunday December 4, 2011
- by JCMesa (RDA/JCM/PIA6)
Iloilo City, PIA6 -- Asked whether the country is ready to face the effects of changing weather patterns, a government official claimed that the Philippines is one of the most well-prepared countries in the world: it has legislations and guidelines on climate change already in place.
While one may dismiss this as official government line, one could not help but be impressed by the gains made by the different local government units, private groups and even schools in the region to counter and mitigate climate change.
These groups were given recognition recently during the regional awarding ceremonies for the Gawad Kalasag (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan).
The KALASAG award is given to individuals, non-government organizations, private sector and government organizations, in recognition of their initiative the government raise the standard of disaster management in the country.
The different presentations on best practices in climate change mitigation were premised on two basic ideals: 1) government and the community should work hand in hand; and 2) there should be a plan of action to guide the effort.
Mayor Christine Garin said that the municipality of Gimbal, which won in the 4th to 6th class category, has a comprehensive plan which covers all barangays, schools, private groups and others.
In fact, the municipality also bagged the award for best educational institution advocating disaster risk reduction and mitigation (DRRM). The two hospitals in the municipality – the Guimaras Provincial and district hospitals—won as the best medical institutions advocating DRRM.
On the other hand, the DRRM plan of the Municipality of San Jose de Buenavista in Antique, adopted a multi-sectoral approach, and involved using social networking sites to send advisories to the different barangays.
The Cabasi-Sta. Rosa Elementary School in Guimbal, Iloilo, which got the award for the best educational institution advocating disaster risk reduction and mitigation had a plan that involved the participation of the academic community (students, teachers, parents, etc.) and other members of the community.
The Bacolod Chamber Fire Brigade, which is the community service arm of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and founded in the 1970s, is involved in medical, rescue and mass emergency response. It operates round the clock and has a response time of 7 minutes.
The Climate Field School in Dumangas, the first in the country and the second in Asia, is credited for building the capacity of farmers to monitor changing weather and climate patterns, and adjust their farming practices. This has resulted in higher agricultural yield despite the continuous presence of hazards and climate threats in the province, said Dumangas Mayor Ronald Golez.
Golez said that 80 percent of the school’s 230 farmers-graduates were able to apply to their farm work the knowledge they learned in the said school.
According to Rose Cabrera, chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC), the entries of Western Visayas fared well in the Kalasag national level awards, having been recognized for best practices including formulation of plan of action in the field of disaster management.
Recently, President Benigno S. Aquino III convened the Climate Change Commission to adopt the National Climate Action Plan, in compliance with the country’s international commitments especially to the United Nations Framework for Climate Change Convention.
The plan is about adaptation to climate change and mitigating its impact particularly on the economy.
The various efforts on climate change adaptation and mitigation at the municipal, provincial and the national level bodes well for the country as it braces itself for the challenges posed by changing weather patterns.
Four of 10 outstanding OFW kids are Ilonggos
- Source:http://thedailyguardian.net/index.php/local-news/5438-four-of-10-outstanding-ofw-kids-are-ilonggos
- Saturday December 3, 2011, 3:25pm
- By Francis Allan L. Angelo
FOUR of the 10 outstanding children of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) hailed recently by the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are Ilonggos.
Among the awardees is Jo Jan Paul J. Peñol, president of the Sangguniang Kabataan municipal federation and ex-officio member of the Pavia municipal council.
Peñol, a 3rd year Political Science and Public Administration student of Central Philippine University (CPU), received the Ibang Klaseng Community Leader Award of the 2011 Search for Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children Awards.
JP, as Peñol is fondly called by his family and friends, is also one of the 81 Ayala Young Leaders of Ayala Foundation this year. He was also one of the thirty leaders who was chosen to undergo the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey, has been awarded by the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) as an outstanding youth leader for politics and governance and at a young age, authored the Traffic Management Code of his municipality and a book called, “Leadership Next: A Guide for Emerging Leaders of the New Generation.”
JP’s father is a marine engineer in Greece. He is well inspired that heroes think of others before they think of themselves. His utmost attributes can be simplified into being S-T-R-O-N-G: steadfast, trustworthy, respectful, optimistic, noble, and gutsy.
Aside from Peñol, the other awardees who received the Ibang Klaseng Talino plum are Mark Eden G. Ellaga, Rizaldie A. Zambra Jr. and Threscia Grace S. Robles.
Mark Eden G. Ellaga is a 4th year student of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) - Arevalo taking up Marine Transportation Major in Navigation and Seamanship. He is running for Magna Cum Laude and vying for the award of Most Outstanding Graduate of the university.
With a dream to be a shipmaster, Mark is looking up to the achievements and sacrifices of his father, who is currently working as a Diesel Mechanic in Saudi Arabia. For Mark, being a child of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) gives him more inspiration to continue to excel, be competent, patient, passionate and determined in reaching his dreams.
Rizaldie A. Zambra Jr. is also a 4th year Marine Transportation student of JBLFMU - Arevalo Major in Navigation and Seamanship. He gives importance to the hard work of his father who has been a seafarer for 21 years now.
Rizaldie bears in mind that the profession of his father is a challenging endeavor that requires a great measure of discipline. Learning from his father’s example, Rizaldie gives great value to his career and does everything with discipline and hard work.
Threscia Grace S. Robles is a 1st year student at CPU taking up BS Packaging Engineering. Her father, a seafarer, has been working abroad for 15 years now.
For Thresh, the youth today should have the right attitude in developing their talents and skills. Determination, discipline, commitment and courage helped Thresh to become outstanding as she is now. She wants to become a good example to her fellow youth and be able to initiate change not only to other fellow OFW children but also to the country.
The awardees were honored at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Manila. Leading the event were BPI President Aurelio Montinola and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz.
In a statement, BPI Senior Vice President Raul D. Dimayuga said they recognize the sacrifices and hard work of Expat Pinoy parents and their children “as they bring pride to our country while living miles from each other”
“Through the annual Search for the Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children, we honor these outstanding youth who exhibit the value of excellence and cultivate nationalism that every Filipino family should emulate,” Dimayuga said.
Protecting children
- Source:http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/343390/protecting-children
- Friday December 2, 2011, 3:25pm
- (Manila Bulletin - Visayas Newsbits #1)
ILOILO CITY, Philippines (PNA) — Minors are not allowed to work in firecracker manufacturing under Republic Act. 7610, otherwise known as the "Special Protection Of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation And Discrimination," according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) here.
Nancy Yee, DoLE’s Labor Employment Officer II, said Section 2 of the law states that special protection shall be provided to children from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation and discrimination, and other conditions prejudicial to their development including child labor.
PPP in mangrove reforestation project along Iloilo River
- Source:http://phl.ph/2011/12/01/ppp-in-mangrove-reforestation-project-along-iloilo-river/
- Thursday, December 1, 2011
- (PNA, LAP/LAM/LCPendon/vlo)
ILOILO CITY, Dec. 1 – The city government here, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) recently embarked on a joint undertaking at the riverbanks of the 15-kilometer Iloilo River.
City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the participation of PLDT in the mangrove reforestation project concreted the public private partnership (PPP) in protecting the river. At the same time, the project enhances the biodiversity of the Iloilo River and improves the eco-tourism potentials of the area.
Evelyn del Rosario of PLDT led her group in mangrove planting at Barangay South, San Jose Molo district recently.
Mabilog said that mangrove plantation will only be done from the Carpenters Bridge to Oton area while the river area from Gaisano to Treñas Boulevard will be reserved for tourism purposes.
DENR will lead the implementation of the Iloilo river mangrove rehabilitation and biodiversity enhancement project under the National Greening Program (NGP) of President Benigno Aquino III to address river sedimentation and rehabilitation of Iloilo’s mangrove areas.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Raul Lorilla said the project sites include the foreshore areas along Treñas Blvd. in Barangays San Rafael and Tabucan in Mandurriao district and in Barangay Nabitasan in La Paz district with total length of more than two kilometers covering some 1.6 hectares.
Lorilla said the existing mangrove vegetation is mostly avicennia or bugalon species and they are also going to plant the rhizophora or bakawan species to rehabilitate the open or scarcely vegetated and eroded riverbanks.
The re-greening mangrove project also mobilized 181 partners such as barangay officials and residents, PCGA, Wimaphil, St. Therese, MTC, Jolibee, DENR-ERDS, City Enro, and DENR-Cenro, among others who planted 905 bakawan and 152 bungalon species.