Philippines

Iloilo City News August 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.

WWF lauds Iloilo City's high adaptive capacity to climate change

(PNA), LAP/ajp/LCPendon/vlo

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 10 (PNA) -- Coming from its vulnerable level before 2011, this highly urbanized city in the Visayas has notched a high adaptive capacity on climate change for the last two years.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) acknowledges that urbanization strongly affects emerging cities and Iloilo City was the second most vulnerable to climate change following Baguio City in the 2011 assessment study.

On the other hand, Iloilo City under the stewardship of then new city Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog from middle of 2010 until the present, was able to steer the city towards environmental programs and best practices that won recognition in the national and international forum.

Atty. Angela Consuelo Ibay of WWF said the 2011 environment study data covering the period 2010 and down was conducted in four highly urbanized cities in the Philippines namely Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Baguio.

The study was titled “Business Risk Assessment and Climate Change Adaptation” covering a comprehensive 20-year cycle was presented to Iloilo City leaders last November 2011.

Ibay said that was a wake-up call for the local government units to improve its environmental condition specifically on the climate scenario, socio-economic condition, adaptive capacity and development drivers spearheaded by LGU leaders.

The study showed the vulnerability of Iloilo City as a drought-prone area during the hot months and flood-prone during heavy rains. The factors affecting these conditions are food security, population, infrastructures, peace and order and socio economic situation.

Iloilo City is the drainage area of rain and river waters from the central Panay plains. A drainage master plan will soon be finalized and the comprehensive drainage system will soon be implemented in 2013 funded by the city’s internal revenue allotment (IRA) share.

Similarly, the city’s agricultural area has shrunk smaller in recent years as population influx and migration continue in the city. Agricultural lands then are now housing subdivisions and commercial centers.

Ibay said the WWF, an international environmental non-government organization network is ready and willing to help the city develop its own environmental development plans.

Iloilo City gov't starts drive to help flood victims in Metro Manila, Luzon

(PNA), FFC/ajp/LMS/vlo

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 9 (PNA) -- Officials and employees in this city started a drive to help flood victims in Metro Manila and several provinces in Luzon, who remained submerged in floods for the past days due to heavy rains spawned by enhanced southwest monsoon.

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog asked all departments and offices of City Hall to donate used clothings and other useful non-perishable goods for the flood victims.

“We are extending our help to them just as some of them also helped Iloilo City when it was hit by typhoon Frank in 2008,” Mayor Mabilog said.

A memorandum order was circulated Thursday signed by city administrator Norlito Bautista appealing for donations.

The city government will place donation boxes in all floors of the building, even as departments are encouraged to have boxes in their respective offices.

All donations will be collected on Aug. 17 for immediate transport to Metro Manila, the memorandum stated.

DA-6 reports minimal damage to agri crops in West Visayas

By Vicente W. Villavert (JCM/VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, Aug 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture in Region 6 (DA-6) has reported that the continuing inclement weather brought about by the southwest monsoon has only affected 472 hectares of rice land in Western Visayas.

“The damage assessment report we received from Antique, Negros and Aklan provinces showed a minimal effect to the region’s agriculture,” DA-6 Director Larry Nacionales said in a PIA interview.

Of the reported 472 hectares, Nacionales said some 280 hectares of rice lands were affected in the province of Antique. The affected towns in this province per report received were Patnongon, Culasi, Pandan, Bugasong, Hamtik and San Jose.

Nacionales said Negros Occidental reported 182 hectares affected in the Municipalities of Valladolid, Hinobaan, Ilog and Cauayan; and only 10 hectares in Ibajay, Aklan.

He said, “These are only reports that we have received from said provinces with their affected municipalities and we could not give an estimated damage as of yet considering that we are still awaiting reports from other areas in the region.”

“We said the damage is minimal because the affected crops were at its vegetative stage and expected to recover as soon as floodwaters recede. Hence, estimated loss is minimal,” Nacionales said.

The DA-6 director said the monsoon rains may have destructive effects in some areas of the country, but in Western Visayas, “the weather is very favorable to our rainfed areas.”

Western Visayas’ has some 178,000 hectares rain-fed areas with only 130,000 hectares of irrigated farmlands, Nacionales said.

He said 100 percent of farmlands in the region are already planted this first cropping period and harvest is expected by the middle of September this year and the peak of harvest time is at the end of September up to October this year.

OWWA resets deadline for scholarship requirements

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

ILOILO CITY, Aug 7 (PIA6) - - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration 6 (OWWA 6) has moved to an earlier date the deadline for the submission of the requirements for its Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) from September 30 to August 30, 2012.

OWWA 6 Information Officer Rizza Joy Mapa said this is because the qualifying examination for the EDSP which is administered by the Department of Science and Technology has also been reset to an earlier date.

On the other hand, Mapa said they are still accepting applicants for their Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) until September 15.

OWWA grants the EDSP and CMWSP scholarships to qualified dependents/beneficiaries of Overseas Filipino Workers to help them pursue their college education.

For further inquiries about the scholarship grants, visit the OWWA regional office at AJL Building, General Luna St., Iloilo City.

Helmet certification campaign going on smoothly

By Elsa S. Subong (JCM/ESS-PIA6)

ILOILO CITY, Aug 6 (PIA) -- The implementation of helmet certification has been moved to January 2013 to accommodate latecomers and straighten glitches but the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) say the campaign is going smoothly.

LTO-6 Chief of Regional Land Enforcement Services Marlon Velez said their personnel are consistently on the road monitoring motorcycle riders, not only on the use of helmets but also to check on their licenses and other pertinent documents.

“Our main concern is that motorcycle riders have proper motor documentation, their helmets properly certified for their own safety,” Velez said.

He added that as Republic Act 10054 of 2010, or the mandatory use of standard protective helmets and its implementing rules and regulations provides, the LTO has to pursue this campaign until all motorcycle riders comply.

DTI-Iloilo Manager Wilhelm Malones said despite the deferment of the imposition of penalties, his office continues to accommodate certification applicants.

“Before the implementation was moved to next year, we used to accommodate more than 1,000 a day and processing had to be scheduled,” Malones said.

He said that with the postponement, they now cater to about 300 people a day, and so far, they have already issued about 8,000 Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers.

“But this is still a long way, because we have an estimated 40,000 motorcycle users including their back riders in the city and province of Iloilo,” Malones said.

Earlier, DTI had waived the P100 processing fee, making the inspection and validation free of charge.

Malones said motorcycle riders should now take advantage of the opportunity that there is no charge in having their helmets certified.

They only have to bring their driver’s license and they can get the certification right away if there are no a.

LTO’s Velez added that this period of transition before the actual enforcement of the law, should give the motorcycle riding public enough time to comply with the standards.

Both agencies appeal to those concerned not to wait for the last minute rush to go to DTI and have their helmets certified.

The DTI-Iloilo said it has been doing regular monitoring of dealers and establishments to check on the quality of helmets sold and whether these bear the ICC stickers.

“So far, more and more dealers and establishments have complied and we look forward it will be 100 percent by the time we strictly impose the penalties for violators,” Malones added.

Innovative UPV-DOST program to help SMEs

BY JEZZA NEPOMOCENO (PN)

ILOILO City – The University of the Philippines-Visayas (UPV) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have designed a program empowering information communications technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the metro.

The “Small Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Development Services – Technology Business Incubator” (SEEDS-TBI) will assist fledgling ITC-based SMEs in their business development plan, including the formation of their marketing and sales strategies.

SEEDS-TBI will be implemented under UPV’s College of Management headed by Dean Joy Lizada.

According to Prof. John Laurence Belanio, the project coordinator, they have two business “incubators” (office spaces) for qualified SMEs inside UPV’s main campus here.

Qualified SMEs will have their business address at UPV to add legitimacy to their operations, he said.

Belanio said they have seven qualified SMEs so far that will undergo rigid and advanced training in business management and marketing.

These qualified applicants are engaged in digital production, graphic arts and software or website development.

UPV Chancellor Rommel Espinosa hoped that project will entice their graduates to settle not only as mere employees but entrepreneurs who create employment.

PWDs shine in San Jose De Buenavista

By May Rago-Castillo (PNA), RMA/ajp/May Rago-Castillo/vlo

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 4 (PNA)- Not too many local government units (LGUs) put the welfare of Persons with Disabilities in the forefront of their agenda.

While sectors such as the youth, senior citizens, women and children are now getting benefits and protection, PWDs need a more aggressive advocacy to put them in the top list of priorities of localities.

In Western Visayas, the municipality of San Jose De Buenavista in Antique province shines the brightest when it comes to implementation of programs for PWDs.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been recognizing the locality for its pursuit towards having a PWD-friendly environment.

There seems to be no other locality in Western Visayas (Region 6) other than San Jose that gives so much attention and priority to differently abled persons. The love and concern for PWDs is just so apparent with one program implemented to another.

In San Jose de Buenavista, PWDs are holding the reigns of the government. They hold positions in the municipal hall as they engage in enterprising endeavors and empowered through capability building activities. Children, who are differently abled, are detected earlier and they are in school.

The love for PWDs is so pure that it flows from the leadership of the town to every individual who is a PWD down in the barangays. This can be seen in the bond among PWDs — the way they smile at each other, how they pat their shoulders in success, and work together as a team to ensure that nobody from their sector is left unattended.

San Jose is known for various programs for differently-abled persons. Among these are the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) for PWDs. Recently, it has again won the hearts of everybody as it showcased its center for Association of Disabled Persons and Antique Antelier. The latter showcases necklace, bracelets and accessories, which are pictures of combined artistry, beauty and elegance.

The motivation comes from Mayor Ronie Molina , who is married to Mrs. Ma. Elena Molina, a PWD herself, who is a mirror of beauty and intelligence inside and out. The love between the couple has transcended beyond just the husband and wife relationship.

They have sent echoes of voices that PWDs are special, that the lack of an arm, a leg, or absence of sight or hearing does not bar a person from success. That our God has made everyone special and it is for us to unlock the gifts. And they have succeeded in sending the message to the world that PWDs do not just deserve a place in the society but they can also excel and even do things beyond what able bodied individuals can do.

San Jose is also among the towns which have a center for PWDs. Funded by Liliane Fonds, the Association of Disabled Persons - Antique now has a building and an office of its own.

The ADP-Antique envisions a united persons with disabilities with strong public awareness of our rights and privileges to live within a larger framework of independence and participation. Its mission is to promote and establish better quality of life for persons with disabilities in the province and to provide their rehabilitation, self-development and integration into society.

Also funded by Liliane Fonds, the ADP-Antique, Inc. now has the Antique Atelier, which is a picture of elegance, beauty and a higher level of craftsmanship. Just like PWDs, the Atelier shows uniqueness and splendor in every accessory displayed in the shop.

With coach Designer Adante L. Leyesa, differently-abled persons are now able to ensure quality and finesse in the accessories that they make.

The Atelier, where the accessories made by PWDs are displayed, is a living testimony that differently-abled persons should be mainstreamed in the society. Every bracelet, necklace and earring just show the overflowing love for life of PWDs. No wonder why the designs are so elaborate because the passion of every individual PWD is poured in every creation.

A visit at the Atelier brings the feeling of class and a deeper appreciation of beauty. In every purchase that is made, a customer brings with her a positive feeling — she has helped a PWD and she knows beauty within will shine more…just like the differently abled person that made it…a proof that there is beauty beyond disability.

Iloilo guv cites day care workers’ dedicated service

(PNA), FFC/AJP/ECG/vlo

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 3 (PNA) -Defensor Sr. lauded the dedicated service of nearly 2,000 Day Care workers in the province despite the low pay they are receiving.

Defensor made the statement during the Provincial Convention of Day Care Workers at the Iloilo Grand Hotel in Iloilo City on Thursday.

“I come to you happy in the thought that although your services are almost free you have never wavered in performing your obligations,” Defensor told the Day Care workers.

He cited the important role of the Day Care workers in educating pre-school children.

Defensor, however, assured that he will never cease to support all the programs and activities of the Day Care workers in the province.

“I will never withhold any benefits from the provincial government as long as our finances will allow,” he said.

Defensor said all the Day Care workers have already been enrolled to PhilHealth along with other barangay volunteers such as Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Service Point Officers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars.

He said the province allotted some P80 million to ensure their PhilHealth coverage until 2014.

Defensor acknowledged the sacrifices of the Day Care workers just to ensure that the children are given proper education and care.

The activity was organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

Iloilo's best practices in assisting urban poor communities to take center stage in Italy's World Urban Forum

(PNA), ghg/ajp/pgl/vlo

ILOILO CITY, Aug 2 (PNA) -- Success of the initiatives undertaken by the urban poor sector in Iloilo City in responding to issues affecting city development will be presented during the World Urban Forum 6 in Naples, Italy to be held from Sept. 1-7.

The World Urban Forum sponsored by the United Nations –Habitat is held every two years. This year’s gathering, with the theme, “The Urban Future” is expected to draw 2,000 participants worldwide who will share their ideas on cities and urban issues.

Sonia Cadornigara, Western Visayas coordinator of the Homeless Peoples Federation Philippines, Inc. (HPFPI) said she will share the initiatives undertaken by urban poor community from Iloilo City among which, the provision of housing (to the urban poor), community organizing, securing land tenure, advocating for policy and involvement in the shelter planning of the city.

The HPFPI is part of the Iloilo City Urban Poor Network (ICUPN), a network promoting community-led upgrading projects.It is part of the national network of urban poor communities with 161-member associations nationwide and an affiliate of the Slums Dweller International (SDI), a global network of the urban poor.

The ICUPN on the otherhand, is part of Iloilo City’s Local Housing Board that was tasked to come up with a plan to respond to the housing needs of informal settlers.

Cadornigara said that their participation in the city’s local bodies have great impact in the international community because it manifests their equal footing with those who are at the level of policy-making.

Meanwhile, the gathering will have four focus areas namely Urban Planning: Institutions and Regulations; Equity and Prosperity: Distribution of Wealth and Opportunities; Productive Cities: Competitive and Innovative Cities and Urban Mobility, Energy and Environment.

The event will also exhibit and showcase initiatives and innovations in urban development.

75 couples to take part in Iloilo City mass wedding

(PNA), LAP/ajp/LMSinay/vlo

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 1 (PNA) -- Seventy-five couples will take part in a mass wedding as part of the activities for the 75th anniversary of this city’s Charter this month.

"This is a special mass wedding coinciding with the commemoration of our Diamond Jubilee which we hope will be truly memorable for indigent couples,” Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said.

Schedule of the mass wedding is on August 24, a day before the Charter anniversary on August 25.

The project is implemented through the City Civil Registry Office as one of the priorities of the mayor to give couples the opportunity to get married in civil rites for free.

Local civil registrar Romeo Caesar Manikan Jr. said interested couples need to comply with the requirements such as certificate of indigency from barangay captain, affidavit of indigency to be executed by the couple, pre-marriage counseling and tree-planting.

Mabilog initiated the Wedding Eco-Park at the Calajunan disposal facility in Mandurriao district to encourage every Ilonggo family to plant trees and enjoin everyone to be involved in the protection and conservation of the environment.

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