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Iloilo City News October 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.

All set for multi-million peso rehab of Iloilo river port

(PNA), RMA/AJP/LCP/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 20 (PNA)– The city port here is all set for a multi-million peso rehabilitation and upgrading of the Iloilo river port to accommodate ferry boats, fast crafts and roll on-roll off vessels.

City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog announced this during the Oct. 19 meeting with members of the Iloilo River Development Council, chaired by the city mayor with membership from different national government agencies and the private sector.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported the updates on the processing of public land reservation in Barangay Progreso, Lapuz district as the future home of the PPA, RoRo and fast craft terminals.

Three major PPA projects will be developed in the area that include the construction of berthing facility costing some P126 million, including fendering and mooring, platform and RoRo ramp; construction of a P17.3 million passenger terminal building with a 1,000 square meter area; and site development of the river wharf that includes parking areas, perimeter fence, paving blocks and gate, all costing some P20 million.

Similarly, Mabilog is requesting the PPA to develop a 5,000-square meter site in the area as a public park and plaza of the Lapuz district so that several amenities such as a police station, health center and other services will be put up by the city government.

On the other hand, Mabilog reported that the Parola property, including the defunct Rotary Park area given to the city government through a Presidential Proclamation, will now be developed and subdivided between the city projects, 5,000 square meter for the Philippine Coast Guard to house its new building, and 1,000 square meters reserved for the provincial environment office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

A private firm is answering the call for a public private partnership (PPP) with the city in building up a modern and state-of-the art ferry terminal at the old Rotary Park area in Parola, city proper.

Mabilog said a memorandum of agreement was recently signed between the city and Double Dragon Properties represented by Ferdinand Sia for the PPP construction of a ferry terminal building and a commercial building costing some P135 million at the site.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is also readying its bidding for the construction of the ferry berthing facility as its component project costing some P125 million.

The DOTC project will improve and upgrade the berthing area for pumpboats going to Guimaras Island, including the construction of a public park in the area.

Iloilo City's Jaro has the earliest Calungsod baptism

(PNA), HBC/AJP/JAN/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Oct 19 (PNA) -- Jaro district in this metropolis has the earliest recorded baptism of a Calungsod, according to the Mormon-run genealogy website, www.familysearch.org.

This little information perhaps could shed answer to queries on where exactly Blessed Pedro Calungsod came from, as his canonization draws near.

The genealogy website operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, showed the earliest recorded baptism of a Calungsod was that of Maria Calungsod, daughter of Juan Calungsod and Josepha Beatris.

She was baptized on Sept. 7, 1748 in Jaro, Iloilo City, according to one of the most heavily used genealogy sites on the Internet.

The FamilySearch.org website offers free access to digital images of genealogical records stored at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, which holds genealogical records for over 110 countries, territories, and possessions, including over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records.

Blessed Pedro Calungsod was believed to have been born in 1655 in the Visayas, with the towns of Ginatilan in Cebu, Hinundayan and Hinunangan in southern Leyte, and Molo, Iloilo City as his probable place of birth.

There was no information as to how old Juan Calungsod when his daughter was baptized in Jaro but the website also showed that a Maria Feliziana Calungsod, probably a younger daughter, was baptized on June 2, 1753, also in Jaro, Iloilo City.

A Thomasina Calungsod was also baptized in Jaro, Iloilo City on April 4, 1750 whose parents were listed as Juan Calungsod and Feliziana Olay, also the parents of another Maria Calungsod who was baptized on October 9, 1751, also in Jaro.

The website also yielded baptism records of Calungsods from Baybay, Leyte (1828), Hinunangan, Leyte (1856), Cavite City, Cavite(1872), Ginatilan, Cebu (1889), Taysan, Negros Oriental (1889), La Castellana, Negros Occidental (1900), Iloilo, Iloilo (1900) and Guihulngan, Negros Oriental (1903).

The earliest recorded baptism in Baybay, Leyte was that of Feliciana Alejandra Calungsod who was baptized in the Immaculate Conception Church on Nov 10, 1828 and whose parents were listed as Francisco Calungsod and Maria Vicenta.

In Hinunganan, Leyte, the earliest recorded baptism was that of Calixtra Calungsod, born in 1856 and died on Feb 25, 1926.

There was no information on who her parents were.

17 TIIC students to work abroad

(PNA), HBC/AJP/LCP/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Oct 18 (PNA) -- Some 17 students including four graduates of the city government-owned Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC) Molo campus will work in Doha, Qatar and Saudi Arabia soon.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said they have been certified as qualified for employment abroad after passing the trade test conducted by the LML Manpower Services Inc., a PERT/CPM manpower exponent.

The mayor said the graduates are clear examples of the city government’s desire to help poor students secure vocational and technical courses for job placements in other countries.

Mabilog also assured assistance in securing medical and other certifications from the city government relative to processing of travel documents of the workers.

Mathilde Octavio, officer-in-charge school administrator of TIIC, said that the two are first year Civil Technical students, 11 are second year and four are graduates of Carpentry and Masonry/Tile Setter.

Octavio said TIIC is offering vocational and technical short term courses on six categories in the Molo campus aside from several short term courses offered at the Bo. Obrero campus.

Those who will go to Doha, Qatar are Mandro Alapar Jr., Ernesto Camus Jr., Charlie de Asis, Fernan Guevarra, Ronnie Josal, Randy Jaranilla, Gerbert Moreno, Gary Selorio, Edmund Basilio Jr., Airron Gabion, Shanel Macalalag, Renel Pagayunan, Jessie Fernandez and Alvin Montepio.

Those who will be going to KSA are Paul Gelilang, Eugenio Jamili and Bernie Magallanes.

Firm offers LED-retrofitting of city street lights

(PNA), HBC/AJP/LCP/VLO

ILOILO CITY , Oct 17 (PNA) -- A business firm based in Metro Manila has proposed to Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog retrofitting and changing the sodium lights of more than 3,000 streetlights into light emitting diode (LED) at no cost to the city government.

The offer of SAVI Philippines was presented to the mayor Wednesday by the firm’s representatives Eugene Gorospe and Dang Zamora as a joint venture between the firm and the local government unit.

Mabilog said LED is currently the most sought after electric lights that have longer life span and more glow than the ordinary light bulb.

Mabilog said the venture would focus on the savings of electric bills paid by the city government to Panay Electric Company that will be given to SAVI to offset the payment for electricity used on the streetlights.

German city eyes Iloilo as sister city

By Lydia C. Pendon

PREPARATIONS are underway for Iloilo to become a sister city of the State of Bavaria in southeastern Germany, with exchanges on information on technology, education, health, environment and other issues.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is enthusiastic on the offer of the German couple who are residents of Aschaffenburg, Bavaria and good friends and partners of Bavaria Mayor Klaus Herzog.

A highly industrialized city, Bavaria is known as a center of clean solar technology and other heavy equipment and only home of BMW cars in the world.

Import, export consultant Heinz Dieter Bender and his wife Socorro Cansancio Bender paid a courtesy call at the city mayor’s office on Monday to exchange ideas on the proposed sisterhood agreement.

Mrs. Bender traced her roots to the Cansancio family in Leon, Iloilo and still maintains a family house in the Iloilo municipality. She was married to her German husband for the past 32 years, and the couple has three children working in Germany.

Bender and his wife are general manager and chief executive officer respectively of YelloBill 168 eK based in Germany, and they are involved in exports of solar electricity materials and heavy equipment.

At present, their main export is in Iraq with Sheik Khrebett as their main costumer of solar electricity equipment and materials.

Mabilog said he is interested to connect with a German city and Iloilo as the first Philippine city to have a sisterhood agreement with a Euro city. He said there are many Ilonggas married to Germans and raising their families in several cities of Germany.

Bender assured he will do everything to cement the sisterhood agreement before December this year. He said they live near the city hall of Aschaffenburg, Bavaria and the city mayor there is their personal family friend.

Iloilo to hold 5th Indigenous Fashion Fiber Fair

(PNA), PDS/AJPETINGLAY/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 15 (PNA) --The 5th Indigenous Fashion Fiber Fair will be held on Oct. 17-21 at the activity center of Shoemart (SM) City here.

Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer Gilbert Marin said a fashion show is slated every afternoon with the trade fair to attract the crowd.

Handloom textile weaving will also be demonstrated to galvanize issues on social responsibility in the creative industries of Ilonggo Arts and Crafts.

The fair is held to preserve the arts and crafts and to assist identified communities in the development and marketing of their crafts.

The event is held with the Department of Tourism.

Gov't allots P126 M for new Iloilo ferry terminal

By Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The government is putting up a P126 million world-class ferry terminal in Fort San Pedro in Iloilo City to provide safe and convenient travel for passengers from Iloilo to Guimaras that has a combined population of about 2.2 million.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is set to bid out a contract for the construction of the P126-million Iloilo City Parola Ferry Terminal to serve more than 200 vessels with outrigger and rigger canoes.

Apart from serving the needs of commuters, the DOTC said the terminal would boost commerce and tourism in this part of the Western Visayas Region.

The project entails the site development of the 10,408-square-meter port area; construction of shore protection with a length of 267 meters using steel sheet piles; concrete dike with wave deflector with a length of 267 meters; excavation and disposal of unsuitable soil materials from a total area of 10,408 square meter to create a depth of 1 meter; and embankment and filling of aggregate base course in the same area.

The DOTC said the bidding is open to all interested bidders, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act and the bidding documents.

The Bids and Awards Committee would hold a pre-bid conference on Oct. 16.

The agency is also set to bid out four other port development projects in the country worth P20 million.

These projects include the Dapa Port worth P9.68 million for the construction of a back-up area and a 92-meter seawall that would benefit travelers to and from the Island of Siargao, Surigao del Norte as well as the P4.8 million Plaridel-Pulilan port development project in Bulacan covering the construction of two river landings with stairs.

The DOTC is also set to develop the Bansud Port for P3.9-million including the repair of its pier concrete slab with a length of 30 meters and width of 9 meters; and back-up area with stair landings with an area of 502 square meters.

Likewise, the agency has allocated P2 million for the Cantupa port development project in Negros Oriental wherein a causeway with stair landings would be established.

These projects aim to enhance tourism in the areas and provide passengers with a Convenient, Affordable, Reliable, Efficient and Safe transportation system in the country.

Tourism records highest budget among top new businesses in W. Visayas

(PNA), GHG/PGLENA/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 13 (PNA)-- A travel and tourist agency posted P45 million paid-up capital, the highest investment among top 10 new businesses in Western Visayas for the second quarter of 2012, data from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) showed.

Ceres Liner Travel and Tours, Inc. was also the only investor that took interest in tourism. The higher investment in tourism is expected to boost the industry in Western Visayas as it continues to promote agri-tourism.

Other top investments for the quarter included real estate, trading, quarrying, distribution of hydro power facility, lending, brokerage and financial holding.

The DLA Cloveland Inc and the Capital Properties, Inc. both into real estate, have paid-up capital of P4 million and P2 million, respectively.

Trading investors XYZ Global Express Corporation and Uni Gilsie Trade and Services Co. infused P4 million and P3.5 million, respectively.

The Phil-Power Exploration and Development Corp declared a paid-up capital of P3.125 million for distribution of hydropower facility while Lamis-Gaurana Crusher Aggregates Company has P3 million in paid-up capital for its quarrying venture.

Other top investors included the Kanlaon Lending Corp. with P2.5 million paid-up capital for its lending business and FJS Import-Export Brokerage, Inc. and Murgreen Energy Holding, Corp. which both declared a P2 million paid-up capital for brokerage and financial holding businesses, respectively.

PRO6 implements zero police tolerance

(PNA), GHG/AJPETINGLAY/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 12 (PNA) -- The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 is strictly implementing the zero police tolerance on crimes in compliance with the directive of Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas.

PRO 6 regional director Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr. further said this was also in support to the administration's thrust of "Matuwid na Daan."

He said Sec. Roxas, a banker, wanted the police to quantify the investment that the government is giving them.

“There will be more police trainings as the government's investment and the police, in return, has to deliver a good performance, thus, the zero tolerance on crimes,” Cruz explained.

Iloilo City now a benchmark for sectoral initiatives

(PNA), GHG/AJP/PGLENA/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Oct 11 (PNA) -- The city's best management and environmental practices have become the yardstick for other institutions and organizations that plan to improve their own initiatives.

City Planning and Development Office(CPDO) head Jose Roni Peñalosa said Iloilo City is the only local government unit (LGU) worldwide that was awarded the Palladium Award, relative to its being a Hall of Fame awardee for Balance Scorecard under the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA).

Meanwhile, Peñalosa related that 17 representatives of Korea's Local Administration Training Institute (LATI), an institution accredited to provide and organize visits in foreign countries to study development planning and governance visited Iloilo City on Wednesday.

The visitors, who were from Bucheon, Seoul South Korea, studied the city’s environmental practices and programs, parliamentary procedure, balance scorecard, and development planning, especially on how public-private partnership was implemented.

The group was just one of the many visitors that took interest of the city’s practices. Other visitors were from various cities and municipalities in the country.


Mountain-climbing and nature-tripping at Igbaras, Iloilo

By Ronnie Calumpita (The Philippine Star)

I can’t resist going back to the town of Igbaras in Iloilo for its many natural attractions.

I went back to Igbaras for the third time last August, this time visiting Barangay Igcabugao. My trip involved climbing Mt. Loboc, visiting Butuan Falls and the Rafflesia Garden, and exploring Igcabugao’s underground river.

With my cousin Ervin Calumpita and my perennial guide Morot, I started climbing Mt. Loboc around 3:30 pm of August 25. As it is rarely explored, tall cogon grass concealed any visible trail in the area.

We crossed a stream and Igbulo River before we reached its verdant vegetation. I took off my hiking shoes prior to traversing the river and went mountain climbing wearing my sandals. Fortunately, the trails were not slippery and there were was no sign of rainfall.

We finally reached the summit of Mt. Loboc at 5:20 pm after climbing four other mountains. We should’ve arrived an hour earlier, but we wasted at least 30 minutes in the rice field waiting for our guide. He had to borrow a container filled with water that we later used for cooking.

Mt. Loboc has an elevation of 1,000 meters above sea leve (MASL)l. At its summit, the sun was setting down and we were treated to a 360-degree view of the Igbaras mountain range. Mt. Napulak (1,200 MASL) and Mt. Taripis (1,300 MASL), both of which I have previously explored, as well as the other mountains in Igbaras were very visible from the peak of Mt. Loboc. Mt. Napulak in Barangay Tigbanaba, the famous climbing destination in Igbaras, is located south-southwest of Mt. Loboc, while Mt. Taripis is situated west-northwest.

The campsite of Mt. Loboc is just a few meters from the summit, overlooking the boundary of the towns of Igbaras and Tubungan. The campsite has several mahogany trees which according to our guide may have been grown from seeds eaten by cattle grazing the mountains. Yes cattle can conquer mountains and graze steep mountain slopes as well. In fact, there were cattle dung in the campsite and in the summit. We even saw not one but two herds of cattle grazing mountain ridges while we were at the peak.

In the evening, Iloilo City and the soon-to-be international airfield, Iloilo Airport, were visible from our campsite. We saw several planes landing and taking off at the Iloilo Airport located in Cabatuan town, about 23 kilometers northwest of Iloilo City.

There were fireflies in the campsite that appeared to be dancing as they were blown by the strong cold winds. I’m fascinated with fireflies and was very delighted to see them as they are symbols of ecological balance. Fireflies, which are also known as lightning bugs, are very sensitive to water quality and ecological balance so they only thrive in a clean and unpolluted environment.

Seeing fireflies reminds me of Cainta, Rizal, where I was born and grew up. I used to hunt them in our place in Barangay San Juan (beside the Valley Golf and Country Club), where trees were abundant.

At 9:30 pm we called it a night. We were the first climbers to spend the night on Mt. Loboc. Unfortunately, I did not get a good night’s sleep (maybe because I consumed a cup of coffee and took an energy drink while climbing). I also suffered from a coughing problem so I had to stay out of the tent at certain times. It was not that cold at the campsite, however. The temperature ranged from 19 to 20 degree Celcius. I still managed to wake up early, though, and view the sunrise at around 5:20 am.

Our second day was also blessed with good weather. This allowed us to descend Mt. Loboc without much difficulty. We left the campsite at around 8:05 am after breakfast. We then travelled for 45 minutes without rest to Butuan Falls.

We departed after spending 20 minutes there and went to the site of another natural attraction in Barangay.

Igcabugao, the Rafflesia Garden. It just took a five-minute trek to reach our destination.

I was very excited to explore the place. It was called the Rafflesia Garden because of the abundance of the world’s biggest flower there. I’ve been looking forward to see this wonder of nature since I first set on foot on the Igbaras Mountain Range last June when I climbed Mt. Napulak. Seeing Rafflesia flowers just a few meters apart from each other is marvelous. We’re excited to jump from one flower to another. Some of them were already dead or dying. Their flower buds, meanwhile, were the size of duckpin balls.

Some have called Rafflesia a corpse flower because they find it to be foul-smelling. I, however, did not find it to smell bad. Even the dying Rafflesia flowers didn’t smell obnoxious to me.

After 45 minutes of exploring Rafflesia Garden, we continued our journey and found ourselves at the mouth of Barangay Igcabugao’s some 25 minutes later. We only managed to explore some 30 meters of the underground river as the waters got deeper. Also called the Lapusan Cave, Barangay Igcabugao’s underground river is one-kilometer long. Its crystal-clear waters some from the Igbulo River. Nobody has ever conquered it from one point to another. Spelunkers can only reach up to 200 meters from its entry point.

Our exploration of the underground river capped our two-day itinerary in Barangay Igcabuga in Igbaras.

I thought that this third visit would be the last one, but I am now thinking of going back again.

There are still two mountains in Barangay Igcabugao that I want to explore – Mt. Butuan and Mt. Ningwan. The latter boasts of the Gorochan Falls.This most elevated barangay in Igbaras also offers Igcabugao and Alongan caves. I also still haven’t been to the Nadsadjan Falls, a 100-meter waterfalls, whose waters fall unto different pools of different sizes, in the nearby Barangay Passi. It also has Passi Cave, which is also known as the “bat cave” for having different kinds and sizes of bats. It also has a large deposit of guano, a first class organic fertilizer.

Blessed with so many natural attractions and breathtaking sights like mountains, underground rivers, caves, waterfalls, the Rafflesia garden and rice terraces I wonder why there are no efforts from Iloilo officials to make Igbaras mountain range a protected area. These natural wonders should be preserved and protected so that future generations will also have the opportunity to enjoy them.

DILG urges civil society organizations to strengthen participation in governance

By Shiela Q. Patoza (JCM/SQP-PIA6)

ILOILO CITY, October 9 (PIA) -- Officials of the Department of Interior and Local Government official urged civil service organizations (CSO) to strengthen their participation in good governance initiatives of the government.

DILG-6 Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta said that CSOs act as “kaagapay (assist), gabay (guide), tulay (bridge) and bantay (watchdog)” in the different projects and services of the government.

Teodora Sumagaysay, local government capacity development division OIC Chief, said the forum aimed to orient the people to the different programs of the government affecting climate change and to emphasize the role of the each individual in each program.

The DILG urged CSOs to strengthen their participation in government's good governance efforts such as Anti-Red Tape Act-Report Card Survey (ARTA-RCS), Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH), Gawad Pamana ng Lahi, and Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) and Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (Salintubig).

ARTA-RCS seeks to end red tape in government transactions and make frontline services more accessible to the people.

The SGH aims to recognize local governments that accord to the principles of performance, accountability, transparency and participation.

The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi is a total award concept and is conferred to a province, city or municipality for reason of exemplary performance in administrative governance, social governance, economic governance and environmental governance.

Salintubig Program is designed to provide water supply systems for the 455 waterless municipalities, barangays, health centers and resettlement sites; and enhance the capacity of the LGUs/water service providers in the planning, implementation and operation of water facilities.

A one-day forum on Strengthening Private Sector Participation in Local Governance was held here last October 8.

Per records of DILG-6 there are about 82 non-governmental organizations /civil society organizations in Western Visayas.

The CSOs made a commitment during the forum to support the programs so that partnerships will be strengthened.

DOTC bids out construction of Iloilo City port

(PNA), LDV/JFM

MANILA, Oct. 8 (PNA) –- Travelers in Visayas will soon enjoy a world-class facility as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) announced on Monday the bidding out of construction of the P126-million Iloilo City Parola Ferry Terminal in Fort San Pedro in Iloilo City.

The DOTC published on Monday the bidding out of the project that will provide a safe and convenient travel for passengers from Iloilo to Guimaras, who has a combined population of about 2.2 million.

According to DOTC, the terminal will serve more than 200 vessels with outrigger and rigger canoes.

Apart from serving the needs of commuters, it is expected to boost commerce and tourism in this part of the Western Visayas Region.

The project entails the site development of the 10,408-square-meter port area; construction of shore protection with a length of 267 meters using steel sheet piles; concrete dike with wave deflector with a length of 267 meters; excavation and disposal of unsuitable soil materials from a total area of 10,408 square meter to create a depth of one meter; and embankment and filling of aggregate base course in the same area.

DOTC said the bidding is open to all interested bidders, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act and the bidding documents.

Interested bidders may obtain the bid documents upon payment of P50,000, which is non-refundable.

The Bids and Awards Committee will hold a pre-bid conference at 1 p.m. on October 16, 2012 at the DOTC Conference Room in Mandaluyong City, and is open to all interested parties.

In the same invitation to bid, DOTC announced that it is set to bid out four other port development projects in the country worth P20 million. The pre-bid conference for the four projects is set at 2:30 pm on October 17 at the DOTC headquarters.

The Dapa Port Development Project which costs P9.68 million is expected to benefit travelers to and from the Island of Siargao, Surigao del Norte.

The project entails the construction of a back-up area with a length of 30 meters, width of 40 meters and average depth of 3.5 meters. It also includes a 92-meter seawall.

The Plaridel-Pulilan Port Development Project in Bulacan entails the construction of two river landings with stairs.

With combined ABC of P4.8 million, it intends to develop the Plaridel Port with an area of 360 square meters with a P2.28-million budget; and the Pulilan Port with an area of 360 square meters with a P2.47-million budget.

In Mindoro Oriental, DOTC is set to develop the Bansud Port with an ABC of P3.9 million.

The project entails the repair of its pier concrete slab with a length of 30 meters and width of nine meters; and back-up area with stair landings with an area of 502 square meters.

And lastly, DOTC has allocated P2 million for the Cantupa Port Development Project in Negros Oriental.

The project entails the construction of a causeway with stair landings with a length of 20 meters, width of 5.5 meters and an average depth of two meters.

These projects aim to enhance tourism in the areas and provide passengers with a Convenient, Affordable, Reliable, Efficient and Safe transportation system in the country.

WV’s Disaster Preparedness Plan OK’d

(PNA), FPV/PGL/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo (PIA) — The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has approved the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan of Western Visayas (WV) for 2012-2016.

RDRRMC chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Rosario T. Cabrera said the plan will serve as a blueprint for programs, projects and activities that the council will undertake before, during and after calamities and other emergency situations.

Under the plan, local government units (LGUs) will also be involved in the implementation of the programs, projects and activities through their respective local DRRM councils.

The plan was approved by the Council with all the comments and suggestions made by members during its 3rd quarterly meeting held last Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel here after undergoing a planning process involving various committees or sectors.

Said committees are on Disaster Preparedness headed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Disaster Response headed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation headed by the Department of Science and Technology, and Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery headed by the National Economic and Development Authority.

Cabrera said the regional plan is in accordance with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan which was crafted by government to make safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient Filipino communities toward sustainable development pursuant to the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law of 2010 or Republic Act No. 10121.

A suggestion taken into account in the regional plan is the taking of specific measures to address adverse effects especially on agriculture by the El Niño (extended dry weather) phenomenon projected by the Philippine Atmospheric, Astronomical and Geophysical Services Administration to occur in the country within this year’s last quarter.

Earlier, the Department of Agriculture (DA), also a member of the RDRRMC, reactivated its El Niño Task Force as a contingency measure should said El Niño phenomenon occurs.

The RDRRMC will most likely take that step into account in preparing Western Visayas for the dry spell. When it occurred 2010, El Niño caused substantial drops in rice production output in Region 6.

The Council will also be drawing up an annual work and financial plan to support the implementation of the regional disaster risk reduction management plan.

Iloilo biz group urges PNoy to certify as urgent repeal on airline taxes

(PNA), FPV/PGL/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 5 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) has cited this city's outstanding performance in the implementation of health programs during a monitoring and evaluation of the Visayan regions held in Tacloban City recently.

Dr. Mae Delmo, City Health Office (CHO) assistant department head who attended the conference, said that in the local government unit (LGU) scoring on health, Iloilo City is in the top 10 for its various health programs.

The city was recognized as top performer in PhilHealth accreditation or out-patient package benefits and Tuberculosis-Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (TB-DOTS) package accreditation.

The city ranked second in TB cure rate, number five in PhilHealth enrolment of LGU-sponsored indigents, and 10th in facility-based deliveries like birthing centers.

Delmo said that particularly in the TB-DOTS package accreditation, the city already has seven out of nine accredited district health centers which are giving quality care services to TB patients.

For PhilHealth enrolment, 100 percent of intended beneficiary indigents are already covered by the program.

“We are truly proud of these accomplishments proving that we are effective in our health management and advocacies towards a healthier and more productive citizenry,” Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said.

“Being recognized for our initiatives also becomes extra sweeter because DOH was the one that really set the standards,” he added. “This is aside from the fact that we made it over the other LGUs in the three Visayan regions.”

DOH cites Iloilo City as top performing in health programs

(PNA), LAM/AJP/LMSINAY/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 5 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) has cited this city's outstanding performance in the implementation of health programs during a monitoring and evaluation of the Visayan regions held in Tacloban City recently.

Dr. Mae Delmo, City Health Office (CHO) assistant department head who attended the conference, said that in the local government unit (LGU) scoring on health, Iloilo City is in the top 10 for its various health programs.

The city was recognized as top performer in PhilHealth accreditation or out-patient package benefits and Tuberculosis-Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (TB-DOTS) package accreditation.

The city ranked second in TB cure rate, number five in PhilHealth enrolment of LGU-sponsored indigents, and 10th in facility-based deliveries like birthing centers.

Delmo said that particularly in the TB-DOTS package accreditation, the city already has seven out of nine accredited district health centers which are giving quality care services to TB patients.

For PhilHealth enrolment, 100 percent of intended beneficiary indigents are already covered by the program.

“We are truly proud of these accomplishments proving that we are effective in our health management and advocacies towards a healthier and more productive citizenry,” Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said.

“Being recognized for our initiatives also becomes extra sweeter because DOH was the one that really set the standards,” he added. “This is aside from the fact that we made it over the other LGUs in the three Visayan regions.”

Officials sign a memorandum of commitment for WV DRRM plan

(PNA), FFC/AJP/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 4 (PNA) –- Regional and local officials Wednesday signed a memorandum of commitment for the implementation of the Western Visayas Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) plan that will reduce the impact of disasters and calamities in the region.

Western Visayas DRRM council chair Rosario T. Cabrera, also Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional director, said that the signing of commitment, held at Iloilo Grand Hotel, is already a big step to attain the the vision "a Stronger, Safer and Resilient Western Visayas."

According to Cabrera, the plan is a product of a series of consultations since last year.

In the commitment, the members of the DRRM council, composed of heads and representatives of the different government agencies, expressed to work in partnership with OCD and other stakeholders in the operationalization and implementation of the plan; and ensure the mainstreaming of the of DRR and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) in regional, sectoral and local development policies, plans and budgets.

They also pledged to advocate for the harmonization and strengthening of DRR and CCA policies, programs and projects for building resilience against disaster and climate change; and help engage the participation of the Civil Society Organization, the private sector and volunteers in the government DRRM programs, projects and activities.

Cabrera said that with the pulling of resources by the different government agencies in the plan's implementation, they hope to reduce the loss of lives and mitigate damage to properties.

The plan, described to be bottom up and participatory, will serve as roadmap for Western Visayas DRRM until 2016.

World Bank picks Iloilo City for global environment facility project

(PNA), LAP/AJP/LCPENDON/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 3 (PNA) -- Recognizing its trust on the local government here, the World Bank (WB) has chosen Iloilo City to host a global environment facility (GEF) project and provide technical and financial assistance to the city worth more than P14 million through an Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants (IPOPs) management project.

City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog was recently authorized by the city council to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon JP Paje for a three-year project that will also be implemented in four other Philippine cities.

The WB project was coursed through the National Solid Waste Management Council (NSWMC) spearheaded by the DENR with an aim to reduce the releases of unintentional persistent organic pollutants in the air, specifically dioxins and furans through the burning of agricultural wastes and improper solid wastes disposal.

Engr. Raul Gallo, chief of office of personal services (OPS), said the WB assistance would require the drafting of a city IPOPs action plan to reduce and prevent burning at the backyards and dumpsite.

Gallo stressed that the latest WB assisted IPOPs project is a separate one from the conversion and upgrading of the open dumpsite in Calajunan into a sanitary landfill which was also assisted by WB.

On the other hand, the Sangguniang Panlungsod will enact required ordinances and resolutions for the appropriation of its in-kind and cash counterparts as well as the grant proceeds from the GEF-WB IPOPs project. The project will also cover capability building and public awareness programs by complementing the projects implemented at the Calajunan dumpsite.

Both the World Bank and DENR saw Iloilo City's compliance with the provisions of Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological and Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 by declaring a policy of the state to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program which shall ensure the protection of public health and the environment.

Gallo added that the sanitary landfill project is right on track and the city government is awaiting the approval of the Development Bank of the Philippines Monetary Board for its application of a P297-million loan to finance its environment-friendly sanitary landfill and disposal facility.

Iloilo lights candles for peace

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

ILOILO CITY, Oct 2 (PIA) -- The 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army spearheaded a Candle Lighting for Peace in Iloilo City on September 28 as a culminating activity of the celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month in Western Visayas.

Assistant Secretary Howard B. Cafugauan of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) thanked the organizers and participants of the event.

He cited the event as a fitting culminating activity to the month-long celebration designed to underscore the importance of attaining lasting and meaningful peace as a major requisite for the country’s development.

Cafugauan specifically referred to the on-going peace process being pushed by the government with Moro and communist rebel groups designed also to promote a culture of peace among Filipinos.

Cafugauan also recalled the efforts made by OPAPP to make this year’s peace celebration as colorful and meaningful as possible through a series of activities that included “1 Goal for Peace” featuring the Philippine Azkals and Peace Fair, “I Am for Peace” campaign involving famous celebrities, photo exhibit on the gains of the peace process, job fair, cultural and gala program peace process milestones and golf tournament in Metro Manila and simultaneous peace concerts in selected venues nationwide.

Also, a National Day of Prayer for Peace and Reconciliation was held as one of the major highlights of the celebration.

In Iloilo, the peace concert was also held on September 28 at a university in downtown Iloilo City featuring a popular Manila band.

The OPAPP official was joined by Army brigade commander Col. Arnold Quiapo, Iloilo City Vice Mayor Joe Espinosa III and Police Chief SSupt. Marieto Valerio, Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center Director Msgr. Meliton Oso and representatives from different government, private, academic and religious institutions.

In behalf of the lead organizations of the event, Quiapo also thanked stakeholders which made the activity held at SM City Iloilo possible.

The guests also took turns in delivering messages about the event and its relation to the peace program of the government, which is one of the major thrusts of the Aquino administration.

Prior to this, the participants lighted candles and released a pair of white doves to symbolize the aspirations of Filipinos for peace.

The peace month event in the Philippines is also a contribution of the country to highlight global efforts towards world peace which are marked with the observance of International Day of Peace as declared by the United Nations on September 21.

This year’s peace month celebration in the country had for its theme, “Ako. Ikaw. Tayo. Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan.” Similar candle lighting activities were also held in other parts of the region.

RDC chair cites strong partnership in developing W.Visayas

By Vicente W. Villavert (JCM/VWV-PIA 6, Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, Oct 1 (PIA 6) - - Regional Development Council (RDC 6) chairperson and Governor of Capiz Victor A. Tanco Sr. lauded the strong collaboration between government and the private sector in pushing for the progress and development of Western Visayas.

“Our RDC for the past 39 years has remained steadfast and strong. Our region has been steadily growing, economically, peaceful, and attractive to investors and tourists,” said Tanco during the September 28 RDC Third Quarter Regular Meeting held in Sibalom, Antique.

Tanco said that the recent RDC meeting is “a very special one, as this is the culminating day of the celebration of RDC week which started last September 24.” The celebration is per Proclamation No. 1164 by former President Fidel V. Ramos, where the fourth week of September of every year is declared Regional Development Council Week.

He recalled that the RDC was created during the administration of then President Marcos through LOI 122 in 1972, and RDC 6 was organized in 1973 with then Iloilo Governor Conrado Norada as first chairperson.

“In 1987, by virtue of Executive Order No. 308, the RDC underwent reorganization to make the Council more effective instrument for regional development consistent with the mandate of the newly ratified 1987 Constitution particularly Article 10, Section 14 to further strengthen coordinative and consultative efforts in the region,” Tanco said.

Tanco said that the current mandate of the RDC was further strengthened by former President Fidel V. Ramos’ issuance of EO 325.

The RDC 6 chair urged the officials and members of the RDC to join President Aquino’s Matuwid na Daan, as “This calls us to constantly improve governance in our respective office and units. The path to honesty and integrity in the public sector is a long way to go but it is a challenge to all of us to be constantly vigilant in protecting the government coffers.”

“Always be reminded that the ultimate purpose of public service is to serve the citizens especially those who have less in life,” Tanco emphasized as he look forward for the 40th anniversary of RDC 6.

Among the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) resolutions approved during the RDC meeting were the proposed Port Zone Delineation Plan of Caluya Port in the Province of Antique; Creation of an Infrastructure Development Committee Validation and Review Team for the processing of Port Zone Delineation applications; implementation of development projects identified in the calendar year 2011 and 2012 investment programs of the Department of Transportation and Communications for the Evelio B. Javier Airport in the province of Antique; and endorsing the upgrading and improvement of the Maayon, Capiz; Lemery and Sara in Iloilo province road project in the succeeding DPWH infrastructure program.

The IDC Chair and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog was represented by RDC 6 C0-chair Ma. Luisa Segovia.

For Economic Development Committee, chaired by DTI 6 DTI director Dominic Abad the approved resolution include: conduct of Visayas Information and Communication Technology Organizational Conference to be hosted by the RDC 6 and to be participated by the representatives of the RDC and ICT Federations of Regions 6, 7, and 8 together with the business sector and major government agencies in the Visayas regions; reiterating the compliance of LGUs to the provisions of the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise Act of 2002; endorsement of the Rural Development Program of the Department of Agriculture and DOST in the regional Program Advisory Board; and the resolution supporting the establishment of Mineral Resources Investment and Research Center for Caraga Region to serve Mindanao and the Visayas area.

The RDC meeting also tackled sector committee reports under the Development Administration Committee of DILG Director Evelyn Trompeta; Social Development Committee Chair Minda B. Brigoli; Regional Land Use Ciommitte, Regional project Monitoring Committee and Regional Statistical Coordination Committee of Chairperson Ro-Ann Bacal of NEDA; and Regional Competitiveness Committee under RDC Co-chairperson Ma. Luisa C. Segovia, among others.

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