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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.

DOST makes lowly ‘uga’ more marketable

(DOST-6, HA Castro/PN)

ILOILO City – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 6 is enhancing the market potential of the humble uga (dried fish) with innovative packaging.

One grateful beneficiary of DOST’s innovation is Ninfa Buñe – an uga vendor turned successful entrepreneur.

The increasing market demand and expansion prompted Buñe to seek the assistance of DOST. She wanted to improve production and comply with the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration.

Her single proprietorship mainly engages in the sale of dried marine products as pasalubong duly registered with the Department of Trade and Industry. Among these are sapsap (slipmouth), gumaa, tabagak, lukos (squid), fish crunches, fish tapa and fish tocino.

Under DOST’s Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program – Innovation System Support Fund (SETUP-ISSF), Buñe availed herself of several equipment and services. These included product and packaging development, and equipment such as a band sealer, a stainless table and a stainless trolley.

Buñe was able to standardize her products in terms of food preparation, handling and storage and microbiological testing.

Her products undergo microbial testing to assure consumers of safe food.

DOST Region 6 is now in the process of looking into Buñe’s packaging and labelling to improve product appearance, structure and market competitiveness.

“We make sure that what people buy does not only satisfy their hunger but are also safe,” said DOST Region 6 Science Research Specialist II, Ma. Lina Gelonga.

Buñe has come a long way since she started selling dried marine products at 17. She used to be a helper in her uncle’s small kiosk. There, she got the idea of having a business, and later on started to establish her own – the Ninfel Pasalubong Center at the Iloilo Central Market.

Now, Ninfel Pasalubong Center operates three outlets – in the Iloilo Central Market, at the Iloilo Supermarket, and the Iloilo Airport.

Iloilo City cathedral among seven heritage sites

By Maricel Cruz

Several landmarks in Iloilo City have been declared as heritage and tourist sites by the House of Representatives.

Among these are the Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, Iloilo City Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza, Molo Plaza and Plaza Libertad.

A House bill for this purpose has been approved on third and final reading.

The measure, according to its author Rep. Jerry Trenas, promotes the national policy aimed at enhancing tourism anchored on the country’s history, culture and natural endowments, and ensuring the protection, preservation and promotion of these sites.

“It is necessary to identify the country’s existing attractions which should be classified as tourist sites. This will allow the Department of Tourism to give particular emphasis to these identified sites in order to preserve these attractions and to attract more tourists to visit these locations,” Trenas said in his bill.

Iloilo City is rich in history, culture and spectacular architecture and is home to several tourist attractions which should be classified as official tourist sites, Trenas said.

For instance, the Jaro Cathedral, which is a magnificent Baroque structure and witness to the baptism of Graciano Lopez Jaena in 1856, is the first and only Cathedral built in Panay in 1864.

The Molo Church features a unique blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture and was built in 1831. The national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal passed by Molo Church on his way back to Manila from his exile in Dapitan, the bill said.

Iloilo City is also home to buildings dating back to the Spanish and American colonial periods like the Iloilo City Central Business District, with structures that boast a plethora of architectural designs.

The bill mandates the Department of Tourism in coordination with the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies to prepare the development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance appropriate facilities and infrastructure to enhance tourism in these areas.

Iloilo City opens new tourist destination

(PNA)

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 18 (PNA) -- The opening of this city’s 1.2 kilometer esplanade project along the Iloilo River sets the trend for developing open spaces along rivers, according to Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao who graced Saturday’s inauguration of the P37 million project.

Pacquiao said that the Esplanade, patterned after a greening and landscaping project in Singapore, made this part of the country as another major tourist destination.

“It’s a job well done for the people of Iloilo City,” he said as he shared his expectation of seeing a more progressive and beautiful Iloilo City in the future.

The Esplanade is a pet project of Ilonggo senator Franklin Drilon, inspired by the desire of the city government under mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog to rehabilitate the Iloilo River.

Today’s affair started with a health and wellness exercise, joined by hundreds of Ilonggos, and highlighted by the First Franklin M. Drilon Cup Dragon Boat Race.

The new Esplanade is open from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Mabilog, during the regular meeting of the Iloilo River Development Council (IRDC) on Friday, said that the Esplanade was going to be a smoke-free zone. An instruction was already given to the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force to make sure that the order is strictly enforced.

P2.4-B major road networks up in Iloilo City

(PNA)

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 17 (PNA) -– Two major road networks worth more than P2.4 billion are currently being constructed in this southern city by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in collaboration with the city government.

This is to ease up traffic congestion in the northern city portion and open up new raw lands for development in mostly agricultural areas here.

Ilonggo Senator Franklin M. Drilon is instrumental in realizing the circumferential road and radial road networks complimented by the completed Iloilo River Esplanade project and the road widening project from Jaro to Leganes.

He said the projects are unprecedented in the city and enhanced during the term of President Benigno Aquino III. These projects are expected to be completed before the term of the President ends in 2016.

Drilon said that some P300 million additional funds are needed and will be taken from the 2012 national budget while another P385 million is included in the 2013 national budget to complete all the road networks.

The circumferential road project includes six bridges and 13.74-kilometer roads divided in five road sections including the 1.2-kilometer Treñas Boulevard river Esplanade.

The radial road, on the other hand, is 11.8-kilometer long connecting from the circumferential road with a bridge up to the Zarraga, Iloilo junction and connecting the widened Jaro-Leganes-Zarraga road.

The circumferential road is encircling Iloilo City passing through the Mandurriao-Oton road area, through the municipality of Pavia and Sta. Barbara, and a road parallel with the Iloilo flood control project up to the coastal area.

When completed, the 12-inch thick all-weather road will become a major transportation route in the city and ease transportation to the new airport of international standards in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

Iloilo City hosts first national dragon boat competition on Aug 18

(PNA), LAM/ajp/JVFernandez/vlo

ILOILO CITY, Aug 16 (PNA) -- Iloilo River is suited for hosting an international dragon boat race which will boost Iloilo City’s growing reputation as an ideal sports tourism destination.

The first national dragon boat competition here will kick off on Aug. 18 at 9:00 A.M. as one of the highlights of the Iloilo Esplanade opening at the riverbank in Mandurriao district.

City Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said the Esplanade will become an attraction for Ilonggos and visitors to enjoy water sports activities and public entertainment.

The 1.2-kilometer Esplanade stretching from Aquino to Carpenters Bridges provide a good view of racing boats making splashes and waves in the river.

At least six national teams and two local groups will showcase their rowing and paddling skills in the first-ever dragon boat competition in the city.

Some members of the Philippine team will see action in the adrenaline rush even as most of national players are regularly playing in Boracay Island in Aklan.

The Philippines ranks third in competing Asian nations even as the sporting discipline is being considered to be added as an Olympic event in the future.

“The Iloilo River has been inspected by the technical team from Philippine Sports Commission and assessed to have passed international standards for dragon boat races – high tide or low tide,” said Rommel Castro, sports development officer of City Hall.

He noted Iloilo City is very fortunate to host a dragon boat race considering only a few cities in the country can do so even as it takes costly resources and logistics to realize such exciting and big sporting event.

Senator Franklin Drilon and boxing superstar, Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, will grace the Esplanade inaugural program at 8:00 AM.

Iloilo shows off Visayas’ first green building

  • Source:Iloilo shows off Visayas’ first green building
  • Wednesday, August 15, 2012
By Lydia C. Pendon

THE new Iloilo City Hall building is considered the first green building in the Visayas after installing several energy conservation facilities aimed to lower electric power consumption.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the City Hall rooftop is fitted with solar panels that assisted air-conditioning units to all offices at the whole seventh floor.

The seven-storey New City Hall, with its roof deck and landscaped green plants and the “Lin-ay Sang Iloilo” (Ilonggo Pride Statue), is currently the newest tourist attraction in the city.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) reported that the solar system was able to save P710,218 per year or some P59,000 per month with 36 metric tons of carbon dioxide avoided per month.

Similarly, a rain harvesting facility will soon be operational at the rooftop and rainwater will be used by all offices for flushing toilets and a water treatment device will be installed for recycling water for other uses at the City Hall.

Mabilog said the energy conservation programs practiced at City Hall has already effected a lower electric power consumption and also on the reduction of greenhouse gas emission and air pollution.

The International Council for Local Environment Initiatives (ICLEI) program on clean air and air pollution has recognized the city for its energy conservation (enercon) programs since 2004 up to the present.

Other enercon programs implemented by the City Government include the lamp retrofitting project of changing incandescent bulbs to high pressure sodium lights in 10,050 city street lights.

The program was able to save P82,680 per day with saved power of 6,360 kilowatthour (kwh) per day and avoided 3,752 kilograms of greenhouse gas per day.

Lamp retrofitting was also encouraged by the City Government for the private sector with a conversion from incandescent lamps to compact fluorescent lamps. This is being implemented in the hospitals and shopping malls.

Iloilo mayor thanks PNoy for assistance, concern for storm surge victims

By Lilibeth A. French (JSC/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, Aug 14 (PIA) -- The mayor of Iloilo City has expressed his gratitude to President Benigno S. Aquino III for the government assistance which demonstrated the latter’s concern for the welfare of victims of storm surge in the city last week.

“We are very truly grateful to the President for his concern for the welfare of Ilonggos especially in times of calamities,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog in a press statement of the Iloilo City Public Information Office on August 13.

The Office of the President through the Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas sent relief goods consisting of 1,500 each of mats, mosquito nets and blankets and 300 children’s kits.

The PIO press statement said the relief goods are now in the custody of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to be turned-over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for distribution next week.

The CSWDO report said the southwest monsoon enhanced by typhoon “Gener” last week has left a total of 86 families with totally damaged houses and 628 others with partially damaged houses from 21 barangays in this city.

Mabilog has already started distributing financial assistance to affected families living in the coastal villages here.

Each family with totally damaged houses receives P5,000 while those with partially damaged houses get P2,500 each from the city government.

In one of his visits in flood affected areas in Luzon, President Aquino thanked local government units extending assistance to the victims. He also assured the commitment of government to come-up with long term solutions to address the flooding problem and ensure the safety of Filipinos especially during the rainy season considering the country is susceptible to typhoon and weather disturbances, a Malacanang report said.

City eyes 2 more River Esplanade projects

(PNA),FFC/ajp/LCP/vol

ILOILO CITY, Aug 13 (PNA) -- The city government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will construct two more Esplanade projects along the Iloilo River here following the completion of the first project that will be inaugurated this weekend.

This was announced by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog recently after Senator Franklin M. Drilon approved the proposal to extend the project to two more sites along the river.

The second Esplanade will be from the Carpenter’s Bridge going to Sooc and the third project will be from the Diversion road up to the Jalandoni Bridge.

Senator Drilon appropriated P70 million for the first River Esplanade along the Efrain Treñas Boulevard. However, contractor Roprim Construction won the project for his bid of P37 million.

The balance of the P70 million and other unused materials from the first project will be used to initially start the second project in 2013.

The first Esplanade project was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Paolo Alcazaren who was also behind the Singapore quay and river esplanade.

Mabilog said the first esplanade will be opened to the general public daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The mayor already met with concerned city hall offices such as the city environment and natural resources office (CENRO) to maintain the cleanliness of the area, and the Iloilo City police Office tasked to ensure the security and the peace and order situation.

Vendors will not be allowed in the Esplanade area but the public can bring food and snacks.

City gov’t employees to help flood victims

(LMS, Iloilo City PIO/PN)

ILOILO City – Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog asked all departments and offices of City Hall to donate for those affected by the flood that submerged many parts of the National Capital Region.

The donations can be in the form of used clothing and any useful non-perishable materials.

A memorandum order was circulated, signed by City Administrator Norlito Bautista appealing for donations.

“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,” Mabilog said.

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

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

Canadian institute urges college writers to write on ecotourism

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

ILOILO CITY, Aug 11 (PIA) -- The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI-Phils) urged college paper writers from Western Visayas to write on ecotourism to help communities rise from poverty while protecting the environment.

CUI-Philippines project manager Benjamin Luz told student journalists that ecotourism writing help travellers appreciate the ecosystem and involve themselves in protecting it.

Luz was a resource person during the Campus Journalism Seminar Workshop for college writers facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Western Visayas, which gathered more than 400 student writers.

He added that student writers can help push for responsible travel to areas where the community leads in conserving the environment.

CUI-Philippines has been a partner of PIA-6 in setting the agenda for environmental advocacies for the school paper editors and writers, giving incentives to selected articles.

For this year’s regional college press conference, the CUI has proposed for a feature writing contest to be participated by schools joining the PIA-sponsored trainings.

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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