Philippines

Iloilo City News December 2012

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Iloilo City - Archived News
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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Molo Church, Iloilo City
Iloilo dinagyang festival.jpg
The Dinagyang is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines held on the fourth Sunday of January, or right after the Sinulog In Cebu and the Ati-Atihan in Aklan.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Major projects launched in 2012 to alleviate economic conditions of province and Iloilo City — Drilon

By Perla G. Lena [(PNA), CTB/PGL]

ILOILO CITY, Dec 31 (PNA) – Senator Franklin M. Drilon was confident that major projects he initiated and launched here this year would alleviate the economic conditions of residents in the province and this city.

“It (2012) was a good year notwithstanding the latest calamity that hit us. We were able to initiate a number of projects that will have long-term benefits to the people of Iloilo,” Drilon said.

Among others, he cited the P11.2 billion Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) that was launched this year and the civil works to kick off in 2013. The project will have an irrigation component to benefit some 34, 000 hectares of rice farms, provide potable water to Iloilo City and electricity and livelihood opportunities.

In the city, Drilon has supported the rehabilitation of the Iloilo River, paving the way to various projects such as the slaughterhouse, housing program for displaced families, ferry terminal project, rehabilitation of the Iloilo Fish Port Complex and the Esplanade.

With the senator’s support a P450 million convention center was also launched this year.

“We will continue with these projects and there are still one or two major projects that we are going to launch in 2013. We hope to be able to use these as a platform for the continued progress of our city and province of Iloilo,” he stressed.

Filipinos urged to learn from Rizal

(PNA), PDS/PGLENA

ILOILO CITY, Dec 30 (PNA) -- City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog on Sunday underscored that the Filipinos are still “still in need of heroes” as the country marked the 116th anniversary of Jose P. Rizal's martyrdom.

“If we cannot be heroes then let us inspire the youth to be heroes. We live in a time when loyalty, respect, truthfulness have either be lost or turned into a rare human quality. It is this thus important to teach and encourage leaders of tomorrow that loyalty, respect, love of fellowmen and ever-ready helping hand and truthfulness are some of the things that will make a difference,” he stressed.

The city chief executive spoke during a simple ceremony held here Sunday morning at the Plaza Libertad honoring the national hero.

Guest speaker Dr. Hilda Montaño, for her part, emphasized that Filipinos need not sacrifice their lives to show their patriotism but they could learn from lessons instilled by Rizal.

Montaño,professor at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) and one of the 2012 Metrobank Outstanding Teacher awardees, said Filipinos could contribute in their own little way to nation-building.

Solid waste management, patronizing local products, modeling for the younger generation the value of respect for the Philippine flag and following local ordinances among others, she said, were all doable actions where Filipinos could express their patriotism.

“We are now enjoying the fruits of the battles he waged through the power of his pen and his execution,” she added.

“Novels and other literary pieces written by him need to be seriously studied and taken to heart by the Filipinos for lessons we learned from them could still be applicable in the 21st century.”

Mabilog said that Rizal’s ideals continue to inspire him in all aspects, governance and performance.

“He showed us the way so we must go back and turn the pages of our history to learn the true the meaning of his supreme sacrifice, true significance of patriotism and heroism,” he urged.

The simple celebration kicked off with a wreath laying ceremony by various government agencies to the monument of Rizal.

The audience also heard the rendition of the Hiligaynon translation of his masterpiece, "Mi Ultimo Adios" (My Last Farewell), translated by former city government official Potenciano Gallo.

Iloilo City extends P500T to Iloilo province

(PNA), GHG/PGLENA/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 29 (PNA) -- Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog announced on Saturday that the city government will extend P500,000 financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) affected by tropical depression Quinta.

Mabilog said that the fund will be taken from the city’s calamity fund and it will be turned over to the provincial government next week.

During the damage assessment meeting held on Saturday, Iloilo provincial administrator Raul Banias announced that the province remained in relief mode.

He said that the provincial government upon the instruction of Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr., has purchased relief goods; 1, 000 bags of NFA rice, 1, 000 boxes each of sardines and noodles, bottled water and biscuits.

Affected municipalities have been provided with relief assistance while the response team has already delivered in three waves relief goods to severely hit towns of Dumangas, Zarraga and San Enrique.

Defensor assured the mayors and barangay officials that it was "on top of the situation,” and that the province has about P200 million calamity fund.

It The provincial government will also synchronize its data on typhoon victims and damages with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as more reports are still coming in.

The DSWD data disclosed that 21 municipalities or 337 barangays in Iloilo province have been affected by Quinta displacing 31,751 families representing 165, 459 individuals.

Light firecrackers safely, says BFP 6

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

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA6) - - Can you not resist lighting a firecracker or other pyrotechnic materials to welcome and celebrate the coming of 2013?

If so, follow these safety tips on using firecrackers from the Bureau of Fire Protection 6 to keep the New Year 2013 celebration safe:

· Read and follow directions on firecrackers packages.

· Make sure that adults supervise the use of all firecrackers to prevent fire.

· Do not to point or throw firecrackers at people.

· Use firecrackers in an open area away from dry grass and other flammable materials.

· Keep a bucket of water nearby ready for fire emergencies.

· Do not re-ignite extinguished fireworks. Do not attempt to repair broken firecrackers.

· Store firecrackers in a cool, dry place. Keep the fireworks out of children reach.

BFP 6 Public Information Section Head Inspector Stephen Jardeleza said that safety on the lighting of firecrackers is among the focus of their fire safety and prevention campaign this holiday season.

“Through these simple tips, we would like to remind the public that safety must always be on the top of their list to start the New Year in perfect shape and peacefully, devoid of injuries, fire and even casualties due to firecrackers and other pyrotechnics,” said Jardeleza.

The safety tips on firecrackers and also on Christmas trees and lighting decorations and candles are contained in the Christmas and New Year Fire Safety Tips which can be accessed at the BFP 6 website www.bfp6.com.ph.

Meanwhile, the BFP 6 fire investigation report from December 1 to 26 this year shows 61 fire incidents in Western Visayas.

As indicated in the report, the causes of the fire were due to undetermined cause, electrical connection, unattended cooking stove, lighted cigarette butts, and others. There was no record of fire incidents related to firecrackers or pyrotechnics.

“With the cooperation of our public we are optimistic that we can maintain this record of no firecrackers or pyrotechnic-related fires until the end of the holiday season,” said Jardeleza.

In Iloilo City, the BFP has seven fire stations. In case of fire, these stations can be reached through the following numbers: Iloilo City Fire Station – 337-3011/16000; Molo Sub -Fire Station- 337-8263; Jaro Sub-Fire Station – 329-5700; Lapaz Sub-Fire Station – 320-8790; Arevalo Sub-Fire Station – 336-5674; Bo. Obrero Sub-Fire Station – 335-1965; and Mandurriao Sub-Fire Station – 321-3697.

DSWD 6 readies relief assistance to typhoon-affected LGUs

(PNA), PDS/PGLENA

ILOILO CITY, Dec 27 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development 6(DSWD-Western Visayas)is now preparing to have an emergency purchase of ready-to-eat goods to augment the stocks of local governments affected by tropical depression "Quinta."

The emergency purchase will include cup noodles and canned goods, according to Judith Tanate, head of DSWD’s Disaster Management and Crisis Intervention Unit.

She added that currently they have 1,247 family packs that are readily available and an additional 2000 family packs will be repacked within the day as standby relief.

Tanate said that they need all the help they can get for the repacking.

The DSWD sits as head of the Response Committee of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC). Its role is to provide augmentation to LGUs which on the other hand serves as the frontline during disasters.

The relief will be released upon request of local government units (LGUs).

Earlier, the regional office has prepositioned 50 sacks of rice for each province in Western Visayas that are ready for release anytime to LGUs.

DTI conducts random check of firecrackers/pyrotechnics in Iloilo

(PNA), GHG/PGLENA

ILOILO CITY, Dec 26 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted a random check on fireworks and pyrotechnics displayed in designated places in the city to make sure that they comply with the standard set by the agency.

DTI Iloilo director Wilhelm Malones said that he has not received report of any confiscation of substandard fireworks/pyrotechnics by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Of the 13 manufacturers nationwide that were given license to manufacture pyrotechnic three were in Western Visayas, one in Bohol and the rest were in Bulacan.

Malones said that over the weekend most of those sold in areas designated by the city government here are from Bulacan.

Earlier, the PNP warned that selling of imported firecrackers and pyrotechnics is prohibited. Only locally produced products with Product Standard (PS) mark are allowed for display and sale this holiday season.

DOH-6 girds for New Year

(PNA), GHG/ELTORRECAMPO

ILOILO CITY (PNA)- The Department of Health in Western Visayas (DOH 6) announced it is ready to attend to victims of firecrackers when new year sets in.

Dr. Glen Alonsabe, Regional Epidemiologist of (DOH 6) said his office, as in the past years, is bracing for the event adding that they are “expecting the worst, but hoping for the best.”

Year in and year out, firecracker casualties all over the country deluged private and state-owned hospitals especially during the celebration of New Year’s Day.

Earlier, Alonsabe appealed to the public to refrain from lighting firecrackers during the holidays to avoid injuries.

Meanwhile, the DOH headquarter has hoisted the the national “white alert” which means that medical authorities and their allies should be on alert and at standby 24-hour against any exigency.

Moreover, Alonsabe advised those injured by firecrackers to apply first-aid on wounds by washing with clean water, wrapping the injured parts with clean cloth and immediately run to the nearest hospital for proper treatment.

City gov’t ready in case of weather disturbance this Christmas

(PNA), PDS/PGLENA/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 24 (PNA) –- The city government here is prepared to respond to any weather disturbance that may occur this Yuletide season.

This was the assurance of Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog although the low pressure area (LPA) which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Monday, is not expected to affect this part of the country and also not expected to escalate into a tropical cyclone.

Mabilog cited that the city will just have to activate the personnel who were also behind the preparations done during typhoon "Pablo" part of which was the conduct of preemptive evacuation.

“We just pray that it doesn’t happen. Otherwise we will stay here again and do the same. This simply shows that we are really prepared in terms of these challenges,” he stated.

Mabilog during his recent year-end report also expressed confidence to the Iloilo City Emergency Response (ICER) group to undertake appropriate actions when necessary.

The ICER, which he wanted to be further enhanced, is back-to-back champion of in the regional Gawad Kalasag Award and second to Makati City among highly urbanized cities in the country.

City government plans to rehab of 3 public cemeteries

(PNA), GHG/PGLENA/VLO

ILOILO CITY — The city government planned to rehabilitate its three public cemeteries as part of its "womb-to-tomb" project, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said.

Mayor Mabilog said the city government has earmarked P5 million for the purchase of a new lot as temporary cemetery while the rehabilitation of the cemeteries in Tanza, Lapaz district and Quintin Salas, Jaro are underway.

The rehabilitation, among others, include the the construction of a columbarium and a crematorium.

Two city-owned hospitals to serve Iloilo City in 2013

(PNA), GHG/PGLENA/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 22 (PNA) -- Two city-owned hospitals will soon be serving residents of Iloilo City with the completion of the Lapaz Maternity and Reproductive Hospital in 2013, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog announced on Saturday.

The Iloilo City Hospital was already inaugurated on October but it will be used temporarily by the Lapaz Maternity and Reproductive Health Center while the maternity hospital is being constructed.

The P40-million new Iloilo City Hospital in the compound of Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao district has 42 beds and equipped with separate wards for male and female patients.

"It will cater to indigent residents of the city and will be manned by personnel of the WVMC, complemented by some staff from the City Health Office (CHO)," Mabilog said.

The construction of the Lapaz Maternity and Reproductive Hospital has an allocation of P25 million from the Department of Health (DOH) under its health facilities enhancement program.

Health agency lauds enactment of Sin Tax Reform Act

(PNA), GHG/PGLENA/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 21 (PNA) -- The Department of Health-Center for Health Development 6 (DOH-CHD 6) lauded the signing of Republic Act No. 10351 or the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012 by President Aquino III on Thursday.

Dr. Ma. Julia Villanueva, cluster head of the DOH 6 non-communicable disease control program said they they have been looking forward to its becoming a law.

"Instead of looking at the revenue generated by the imposition of higher taxes for alcohol and tobacco the health experts should consider it as a health bill because of its impact on people’s well-being," she said.

"Tobacco is a risk factor for many diseases," she stressed adding that “it is not just for the revenue that can be gained but because of the health measure.”

She added that "the increase in prices of alcohol and tobacco due to high taxes would prevent young people from smoking. Others would simply quit because it’s expensive."

On the other hand, Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has extended his felicitations to the national government for the law and to Ilonggo senator Franklin M. Drilon, acting chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, who took over the responsibility of ensuring that the measure will be passed.

“This would translate to more and additional programs and projects in the country especially in Iloilo City,” he said.

Revenue generated from the enforcement of the law will be allotted for the health care program of the government.


Iloilo City wins top prizes in Excellence in Local Governance

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

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA6) -- Iloilo City has won five trophies in Excellence in Local Governance (EXCELL) in the recently concluded Pagdayaw 2012 Awarding ceremonies led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The city was declared Best Performing City in Western Visayas with recognition as champion in Excellence in Administrative Governance, Excellence in Valuing Fundamentals of Good Governance, Excellence in Social Governance, and first runner up in Excellence in Environmental Governance.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog received P50,000 cash prize for all the awards during the ceremonies.

The EXCELL awards is a program of the DILG which recognizes outstanding cities that have best practices and innovations in governance, administration, social services, economic development, environmental management and local legislation.

Last year, according to the city Public Information Office, Iloilo also won Best in Administrative Governance, but it was only first runner up as Best Performing City in the whole region for the city category.

Mayor Mabilog said that the awards showed how well managed, transparent and innovative governance is run in Iloilo City which led to its continued progress.

Iloilo City was also previously recognized as recipient of the "Gawad Pamana ng Lahi” Award and given the Seal of Good Housekeeping for its laudable performance in all forms of public governance.

City police director urges public to be vigilant this holiday season

(PNA), PDS/PGLENA/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec 19 (PNA) -– Senior Supt. Marietto Valerio has urged the public to be vigilant this holiday season and report any law enforcement officer who might indiscriminately fire their guns during Christmas and in welcoming the New Year.

Valerio, director of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) on Tuesday has already ordered his station commanders to lead the taping of gun nozzles of their personnel. The taping of nozzles is only for issued guns and does not cover those that are personally owned by police officers.

However, he emphasized that the use of firearms whether personally owned or issued other than in the discharge of their duties is prohibited.

The gun sealing seeks to remind and show the public that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is serious in its campaign to prevent indiscriminate firing during this holiday season, he said.

Violators may face administrative case for grave misconduct with penalties ranging from suspension up to dismissal from service.

Big ecological Xmas tree shines at the University of San Agustin

(PNA), HBC/PGL/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec 18 (PNA) -- The University of San Agustin (USA) has turned environmental advocate as it ushered in the Christmas celebration with the unveiling of a 25-foot Christmas tree of more than 1,000 mineral water bottles and tin cans inside its school campus here.

Situated adjacent to the giant ecological tree are little Christmas trees made of indigenous materials.

These trees are all adorned with colorful Christmas lights that brighten the frontage of USA from six until 11 in the evening.

It is again lighted as early as four o’clock in the morning to welcome Catholics who visited the university church for the traditional ‘Simbang Gabi.’

Dubbed as “KaSanAg sang Paskwa” that anchors on the theme “Ikabuhi ang Paskwa: Celebrating a Life of Unitas this Christmas” aims to revive the old days when USA was the only place of interest where families gathered every evening to watch the festival of lights.

In the 70s and early 80s the university was a place where people congregated to see the vibrant lights and decorations every during Christmas.

“People of all walks of life would come here in the University to experience the spirit of Christmas in a unique and deeper way,” according to university president Fr. Frederick Commendador, OSA.

“We wish to restore this image of San Agustin; to make the San Agustin a home where the spirit of Christmas is truly alive,” he added.

Commendador shared that the lighting of the Christmas trees also marked another significant milestone as it ushered the celebration of the 60th year when USA was “baptized to university status, the first in Western Visayas” slated March 1, 2013.

USA’s six decades of existence is represented by six giant boxes placed underneath the big Christmas tree.

“What we are doing today is not only ceremonial but replete with meaning. Light is a symbol of God, a good God. Light is associated with what is good and true. Human beings and other creatures are always attracted to the light for we are created to be children of the light,” he shared.

The cross at the top of the temple of the church was also made to shine followed by the lighting of the two main buildings facing Gen. Luna street as a reminder that USA is a Catholic University and her identity is “closely linked with the motivation of our faith.”

Right in front of the university church is another huge Belen that complements the well-lighted façade of the institution.

“The university is a bearer of light and is called to shine these lights to everyone around her. We can indeed shout the glory of san Agustin if become the shining light to others,” he added.

Early this year the university launched its solid waste management program that generated thousands of materials for the Christmas tree. It was mounted by faculty and students of the Fine Arts Program.

Parols and the smaller Christmas trees were provided by student organizations and various departments and colleges.

City gov’t, telecom firm offer OFWs' families free call this holiday season

(PNA), FFC/PGL/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 17 (PNA) -- Families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) here can avail of free call to their relatives abroad through the “Libre Tawag for OFWs sa City Hall,” a partnership project of the city government and the Globe telecommunication firm this December.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog Monday announced that the free call will be held the whole day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 21 and 28.

A half-day free call will also be available on Dec. 20, 26 and 27.

Places covered by the free overseas call are United States, Canada, China, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand.

According to the mayor, the free call is open to the public.

The initiative is the first of its kind to be done at the city hall even as the said telecommunication firm has partnered with other government agencies, such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in various occasions in past for a similar service.

P1.35 M in prices up for 2013 Dinagyang Festival’s tribes and cultural competitions

(PNA), LAM/PGLENA/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec 15 (PNA) -- Organizers of the 2013 Dinagyang Festival have increased prices for the Ati-Ati dance competition and the Kasadyahan regional cultural competitions here next year.

Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc (IDFI) treasurer Marissa Segovia disclosed that a total of P1.35 million was allotted for major and special awards. This include P770, 000 for the Ati-Ati dance competition and P580,000 for the Kasadyahan.

Major awards were pegged at P625,000 for Ati-ati and P500,000 for Kasadyahan while minor awards include P145,000 and P80,000, respectively.

Total cash prizes for the two competitions in 2012 was at P900,000.

The Ati-ati dance competition reflects the culture of early settlers in Panay and their conversion to Catholicism after the arrival of the Spaniards.

The Kasadyahan cultural contest, on the other hand, focuses on celebrating the goodness of the creator for bounties given the Ilonggos through a grand dancing parade filled with color and grace.

It is a search for best dance interpretation of festivals of each competing group that shows exceptional qualities in dancing skills and dance themes.

These competitions will take center stage during the remaining two-day highlights of the festival slated Jan 26-27, 2013.

Iloilo City gears for Paraw Regatta 2013

(JVF/ICPIO, The News Today)

Organizers are now busy preparing for the staging of 41st Iloilo Paraw Festival which will highlight on Feb. 10-17, 2013.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog and Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. (IPRFI) chairman Manny Villa Jr. signed Wednesday the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the smooth preparation and successful hosting of the sailing event next year.

Paraw Regatta has become a symbol of Iloilo City even as the P450-million Iloilo Convention Center project architecture will incorporate in its design the sails of native outrigger boat showcasing the oldest sailing event in Asia, stressed Mabilog.

He also credited Villa for being instrumental in tourism and cultural promotions through the Paraw Regatta festival as well as in restoration of heritage buildings in Calle Real.

The City Hall committed P1.6-million budget while the Office of Cong. Jerry P. Treñas pledged P300,000 cash assistance.

Paraw Regatta is touted as largest and longest-running traditional sailing event in Asia where colorful native outrigger boats navigate the close to 30-kilometer race route in Iloilo Strait between the city and Guimaras Island.

Themed “Ilonggo Sailing Heritage: Vibrant & Strong!” the 2013 edition lines up close to 30 special events including mini-paraw beach race, Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta pageant, variety show, miniature paraw sail-painting contest, photo exhibit, miniature paraw-making contest, seafood cooking competition, rowing and paddling, dragon boat race, Esplanade concert, Iloilo River seafood festival at Customs House riverbank, photo contest, torch parade, Sinamba sa Paraw Regatta mardi gras competition, deep-sea fishing competition, skimboarding competition, jet ski competition, Paraw Slalom short distance race, rapid chess tournament, national Frisbee exhibition games, national invitational womens volleyball, beach concert and party, fireworks display, paraw sail-painting contest, body painting contest, and sand sculpture contest.

City allocates P 47.3M for cash gifts

By Montesa Grino-Caoyonan

The Iloilo City Government has allocated P 47.3 million for the cash gift or Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) of 1,576 regular City Hall employees which will be released on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012.

Of the said amount, P 17 million came from the Personal Services (PS) fund while the remaining amount came from salary savings, clothing allowances and vacant positions, among others.

Each regular employee will receive P 30,000, on top of the 13th month pay (equivalent to one-month salary) and P 5,000 cash gift.

A reliable source who prefers not to be named, said the cash gift will not exceed the 45 percent cap for PS that the Department of Budget and Management requires.

Source said they have carefully followed the guidelines set by the DBM in releasing the PEI.

“We have followed everything. So a possible refund is impossible,” the source said.

Part of the amount intended for PEI was earmarked from the General Fund under Supplemental Budget No. 9 amounting to P 99.2-million which was approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) last Dec. 5, 2012.

Earlier, DBM regional director Alfonso Bedonia said government workers can expect the PEI as soon as they release the agency’s new guidelines for this year.

As a general rule, workers in line agencies such the DBM can receive not more than P10,000 cash gift while those who work for the local government units may receive a higher amount depending on their budget savings.

Iloilo games kick off today (Sports)

(PNA), FPV/AJP/ELT/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 12 (PNA)-- Hostilities at the main playing venue, the refurbished Iloilo Sports Complex at Lapaz district start today, December 12, as athletes from various Iloilo public schools and colleges vie for major titles in athletics,ball games and swimming.

A cavalcade of more than 4,000 delegates preceded Tuesday's formal opening of the annual Iloilo Sports Council Meet and highlighted by the theme, “Lakas, Galing, at Talino Ng Batang Ilonggo Susi Sa Pagbabago.”

Former high jump Philippine record holder Sean Guevarra, now a full-fledged engineer from Oton, Iloilo province was guest speaker.

Guevarra, who doubles as a coach for the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, exhorted the young athletes to “never neglect their academic studies as they go through their routinary drills."

He also offered a word of caution that attending to both studies and training is indeed " a difficult balancing act but with hard work, dedication, and discipline, all their efforts will come to fruition in due time”.

City gov’t designates area for display/sell of firecrackers/pyrotechnics

(PNA), FFC/AJP/PGL/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 11 (PNA) -- The city government here has identified six areas for the display and selling of firecrackers and pyrotechnics starting Dec. 20-31.

“The holiday season encourages ordinary people to sell firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials to earn a living,” Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said, also emphasizing that the city government is also duty bound to ensure the safety of the public.

The areas include Plaza Libertad across the building of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the City Proper; Molo Plaza across Andoks Restaurant for Molo; Mandurriao Plaza fronting the police station; Jaro Plaza at the right side of the belfry for the Jaro district; Lapaz Plaza across the office of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for Lapaz and Quezon St. JV Jocson Street (from UMV Bldg) to Osmeña Street in Mohon; and Bonifacio and Yulo street for the Arevalo district.

Vendors are also advised to provide plastic cover for their firecrackers as well as supply of water and sand. It was reiterated that smoking and testing of firecrackers are strictly prohibited.

The city government also emphasized that only fireworks that carry and display on their label necessary product certifications marking such as the Product Standard (PS) and the Import Clearance Commodity (ICC) will be sold in the identified firecracker zone.

Mabilog, in his executive order 53, also ordered the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to take the lead in coordinating with vendors as to their designated zones.


Iloilo set to turn into a convention hub

By Nestor Burgos Jr. (Inquirer Visayas)

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Iloilo may be on its way to becoming an international convention destination with the unveiling of a P450-million project set to be completed in 2014.

“In formally unveiling the Iloilo Convention Center here in the Iloilo Business Park, we mark a new milestone in the history of Iloilo and the entire Western Visayas,” said Kevin Tan of Megaworld.

The convention center will be built on a 1.7-hectare lot valued at P200 million. The lot, donated by Megaworld, used to be part of the company’s 54-hectare property at the former Iloilo airport in Mandurriao District.

“It will be exciting to see the rise of a topnotch convention destination that will put Iloilo on the map as a vibrant conference hub in Western Visayas and the Asia-Pacific, especially now that the airport serves local and international flights,” Tan said during the formal launch of the project.

He said the convention center would complement its thrust to develop the Iloilo Business Park as a hub for tourism, convention and business process outsourcing (BPO).

“The Iloilo Convention Center is a symbol of the bright future of Iloilo. The Ilonggos are more than ready to see their land shine,” Tan said.

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority will allocate P200 million for the construction of the convention center, while another P250 million will be sourced from the Priority Development Assistance Fund of Sen. Franklin Drilon.

“This new edifice is something that we, Ilonggos, will take pride in because of its very unique design—a testament to our high regard for our rich culture,” Drilon said during the launch.

He said the completion of the convention center in 2014 would also help Iloilo’s bid to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Council meeting in the first quarter of 2015.

The state-of-the-art convention center will be constructed based on a design inspired by Iloilo’s Dinagyang and Paraw festivals. It will have a total floor area of 6,400 square meters.

The two-story structure will have a main hall on the ground floor with a 3,700-seat capacity. Also, there will be 500-seat function rooms on the second floor, said architect William Coscoluella.

It is also designed to cater to world-class cuisine requirements.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., Megaworld chairman and chief executive officer Andrew Tan and Iloilo officials, led by Gov. Arthur Defensor, Rep. Jerry Treñas and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, also attended the event.

Western Visayas plays a key role in the government’s target of attracting 10 million tourists by 2016, Jimenez said, citing Iloilo’s rich cultural heritage and its many universities and schools.

669 hired on the spot during DOLE 6 job fair

(PNA), LDV/PGL/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- Six hundred sixty-nine applicants were hired on the spot during the two-day job fair facilitated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that served to highlight its 79th founding anniversary.

The Negros Occidental job fair held Friday registered the highest number of HOTS with 339 while the Iloilo job fair on Saturday recorded 282 HOTS. Aklan, meanwhile, has 35 HOTS.

Further, 621 of the HOTS were for local employment and 48 landed jobs for overseas placement.

The HOTS composed 14.24 percent of the applicants who qualified during the preregistration. The highest came from local employment at 19.1 percent while overseas was at 3.29 percent.

DOLE revealed 5,409 jobseekers who availed of the pre-registration requirement by DOLE --3,621 for local placement and 1,788 for the overseas.

However, only 4,698 have qualified with 3241 for local employment and 1457 for job overseas.

The two-day job fair was the third biggest job event that was facilitated by the DOLE in partnership with the private sectors this year.

DOLE regional director Ponciano M. Ligutom disclosed that the Labor Day fair resulted to 1,344 jobs equivalent to 19.31 percent of the qualified jobseekers.

The Independence Day event placed employment for 404 applicants equivalent to 30 percent placement rate.

PRO 6 opens first PWD desk in the country

(PNA), LAM/LGLeysa/vlo (OJT)

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) holds the distinction of having the first person with disability (PWD) desk in the country.

Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr., PRO 6 director, led Friday’s launching of the PWD desk at the Camp Martin Delgado here.

The desk is attached to the Women and Children’s Protection Desk, complete with amenities that would make the area accessible. It also has a wheelchair ramp and comfort room with railings and slip-proof mats.

Fifty policewomen officers have completed trainings on handling PWDs and three more batches are set to undergo similar preparation to become effective in managing the new service.

Cruz, however, said there is still a lot of work to be done for the full of realization of the project. He also looks forward to the institutionalization of the PWD desks in police units across the country. (PNA)

Two months ago, Cruz committed to establish the PWD desk before a gathering of 50 youths with disabilities held at the Assumption School here. The group has been lobbying for the establishment of PWD

Outstanding WV nutrition programs hailed

By Tara Yap

THE NATIONAL Nutrition Council (NNC-6) cited outstanding nutrition programs in Western Visayas.

Jordan town in the island province of Guimaras was given the 2011 Outstanding Regional Green Banner Award during the 2012 Western Visayas Nutrition Congress held in Iloilo City last December 4.

The towns of Lezo in Aklan province and Bugasong in Antique province were also given the 2011 Municipal Green Banner Awards.

Nona Tad-y, NNC-6 regional coordinator, said the award recognized the programs of local governments to curb malnutrition incidence among young children and implementing the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2011-2016.

NNC-6 found that there were more than 75,000 undernourished pre-school children in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental in 2011.

However, NNC-6 recorded that incidence rate of undernourishment among children in Western Visayas has dropped. From 8.52% in 2010, it dropped to 7.59% in 2011.

NNC-6, an attached agency of Department of Health (DOH), also awarded outstanding barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) in the provincial, city and municipal levels.

Cherill Reyes of Numancia, Aklan was awarded the 2011 outstanding regional BNS in Western Visayas.

Other outstanding provincial BNS were Liezel Orendain of Antique province, Alejandra Igbacol of Guimaras province, Magdalena Panes of Iloilo province, and Flordeliz Dionora of Negros Occidental province.

Outstanding city BNS awardees were Rizalyn Madrilino of Bacolod City, Layda Bugto of Cadiz City, Monina Loberas of Kabankalan City, Magdalena Panes of Passi City, Mary Grace Abelarde of Sagay City, Ruth Pagonzaga of SipalayCity , Norafe Demontaño of Talisay City, and Julie Tanutan of Victorias City.

Big infra projects, pro-poor programs highlight Iloilo City’s 2012 accomplishments

(PNA), HBC/LAP/AJP/LMS/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- The city has accomplished a lot this year in terms of billions of pesos worth of infrastructure projects and implementation of various pro-poor programs.

“We had a very fruitful 2012 based on the numerous programs and projects we have done for the good of all Ilonggos,” Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said.

This year, Iloilo City was placed in the global map through its hosting of the first Philippine International River Summit May 30-June 1.

Attended by over 1,300 local and foreign delegates, the event was the first time that a local government unit hosted an international gathering focused on the issue of river management.

Immediately after the River Summit, no less than President Benigno Aquino III inaugurated the new Iloilo City Hall June 1.

Costing more than P600 million, it is considered a “green building” and an eco-friendly one because of solar-assisted air-conditioning units in the seventh floor.

Meanwhile, the P30-million Iloilo City Community College inaugurated June 14 was made possible through the building donation of Ilonggo tycoon Edgar “Injap” Sia II.

It is now home to some 200 pioneer students taking up BS Tourism Management and BS Office Administration.

In August, the P70-million Iloilo River Esplanade was opened to the public.

The 1.2-kilometer Treñas Boulevard from Diversion Road to Carpenter’s Bridge in Mandurriao has become an attraction for health buffs and tourists, and a converging place for public entertainment.

The P40-million new Iloilo City Hospital in the compound of Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao district was also completed this year.

It was turned over to the city government Oct 13.

The 42-bed city hospital has separate wards for male and female patients.

It will cater to indigent residents of the city and will be manned by personnel of the WVMC, complemented by some staff from the City Health Office.

During the third quarter, the city was able to complete the newly-upgraded slaughterhouse in Barangay Tacas, Jaro.

The now Double “A” standard facility was inaugurated November 16.

Costing some P40-million, the facility now has a cold storage facility and cattle-line, necessary for the National Meat Inspection Service qualification.

More than these projects, Mabilog also emphasized the strengthened pro-poor programs implemented this year like daily feeding of barangay and daycare children, free funeral package, provision of school supplies for public primary pupils, complete immunization for infants and young children, and the LGU-supported Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program which has now about 12,000 family-beneficiaries in the city.

“What we are implementing here is actually ‘from cradle to grave’ approach,” the mayor said. “We see to it that our citizens are taken care of even before they are born, and until the day they die.”

Big infra projects, pro-poor programs highlight Iloilo City’s 2012 accomplishments

(PNA), HBC/LAP/AJP/LMS/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- The city has accomplished a lot this year in terms of billions of pesos worth of infrastructure projects and implementation of various pro-poor programs.

“We had a very fruitful 2012 based on the numerous programs and projects we have done for the good of all Ilonggos,” Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said.

This year, Iloilo City was placed in the global map through its hosting of the first Philippine International River Summit May 30-June 1.

Attended by over 1,300 local and foreign delegates, the event was the first time that a local government unit hosted an international gathering focused on the issue of river management.

Immediately after the River Summit, no less than President Benigno Aquino III inaugurated the new Iloilo City Hall June 1.

Costing more than P600 million, it is considered a “green building” and an eco-friendly one because of solar-assisted air-conditioning units in the seventh floor.

Meanwhile, the P30-million Iloilo City Community College inaugurated June 14 was made possible through the building donation of Ilonggo tycoon Edgar “Injap” Sia II.

It is now home to some 200 pioneer students taking up BS Tourism Management and BS Office Administration.

In August, the P70-million Iloilo River Esplanade was opened to the public.

The 1.2-kilometer Treñas Boulevard from Diversion Road to Carpenter’s Bridge in Mandurriao has become an attraction for health buffs and tourists, and a converging place for public entertainment.

The P40-million new Iloilo City Hospital in the compound of Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao district was also completed this year.

It was turned over to the city government Oct 13.

The 42-bed city hospital has separate wards for male and female patients.

It will cater to indigent residents of the city and will be manned by personnel of the WVMC, complemented by some staff from the City Health Office.

During the third quarter, the city was able to complete the newly-upgraded slaughterhouse in Barangay Tacas, Jaro.

The now Double “A” standard facility was inaugurated November 16.

Costing some P40-million, the facility now has a cold storage facility and cattle-line, necessary for the National Meat Inspection Service qualification.

More than these projects, Mabilog also emphasized the strengthened pro-poor programs implemented this year like daily feeding of barangay and daycare children, free funeral package, provision of school supplies for public primary pupils, complete immunization for infants and young children, and the LGU-supported Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program which has now about 12,000 family-beneficiaries in the city.

“What we are implementing here is actually ‘from cradle to grave’ approach,” the mayor said. “We see to it that our citizens are taken care of even before they are born, and until the day they die.”

Batang Pinoy national finals goes full blast on Thursday

(PNA), FFC/JFM/PR

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- The Philippine Olympic Committee-Philippine Sports Commission Batang Pinoy 2012 Nationals Finals goes full blast on Thursday as typhoon "Pablo" weakened and is expected to leave the country’s area of responsibility by Thursday.

After typhoon Pablo cancelled the opening hostilities on Wednesday, the organizing committee came out with a compressed three-day schedule of this annual competition designed for athletes aged 15 and under with gold medals already at stake in centerpiece events athletics and swimming to be held at the Iloilo City Sports Complex.

“We’ll definitely go full blast tomorrow (Thursday),” said PSC commissioner Jolly Gomez, adding that some athletes who got stranded at the port are expected to arrive here including delegates from the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

“This (break) allows those who are stranded in the port still come and join the competition. But boxing will hold preliminary bouts at 4 p.m. today (Wednesday) because three days is too short,” he added.

Among those who were stranded by typhoon Pablo were boxers from Davao del Norte, Panabo and Bago City.

Last Tuesday, the organizing committee postponed all the games on Wednesday because of the severe weather condition but the city was spared from the havoc that typhoon Pablo left in some areas in the Mindanao region.

Thirty gold medals are stake in Day One of athletics competition at the Iloilo City Sports complex oval and 32 more on Friday.

To be contested in athletics on Thursday are gold medals in 5,000 meter and 2,000-meter run, long jump, shotput, high jump, 400-meter, 100-meter hurdles, 110-meter hurdles, 100-meter, 1,500-meter and 4x100-meter relay both for girls and boys in 13-under and 14-15 years old divisions.

Gold medals are also at stake in the swimming competition though organizers have yet to release the final schedule as of this writing.

Wushu also holds its finals on Thursday at the Jaro Plaza covered court in the sanda and taolu events. Other sports having their gold medal matches today are taekwondo at the Western Institute Technology covered gym and archery at the La Paz football field.

“Finals agad lahat although sports some will have their preliminary matches tomorrow. Remember these are qualifiers from the five qualifying legs so we expect competitive matches,” said Gomez.

A total of 1,038 athletes were registered in the 10 main sports of the POC-PSC Batang Pinoy 2012 National Finals namely arnis, athletics, badminton, boxing, chess, karatedo, lawn tennis, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo. The four other events are 3-on-3 basketball to be held at the La Paz covered gym, wushu, triathlon and archery.

Iloilo host dialogue for community-based human rights

(PNA), GHG/AJP/PR/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 4(PNA)- Representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and members of the communities and civil society organizations gathered at the Grand Tower Hotel on Monday to discuss human rights promotion and protection.

The two-day "community-based human rights dialogue" aimed to forge cooperative efforts for ongoing and future actions toward human rights promotion and protection.

"With all military operations being guided by two equally important aspects, Adherence to Human Rights (HR), International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Rule of Law (ROL), and all stakeholders involved in the pursuit of internal peace and security, our all out support on such dialogues shall continue", said Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, Jr., 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division Commander.

Supported by German Hans Seidel Foundation (HSF) and the Benigno S. Aquino Foundation, the project's implementation was also spearheaded by the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office and the AFP Human Rights Office.

Representing HSF was members of the Participatory Research Organization of Communities and Education Towards Struggle for Self-Reliance-Panay (PROCESS-Panay).

Mabanta reiterated its call for a dialogue on Indigenous People's rights advocate groups such as BAYAN-Panay, KARAPATAN-Panay, and Cynthia Deduro, executive director of (DAGSAW) Panay-Guimaras Indigenous People’s Network and MIGRANTE International West Visayas.

More than 15 officers and non-commisioned officers from the AFP and PNP joined the dialogue session.

Meanwhile, during the same occasion, Col. Thyne Banas, ormer operations chief of 3ID was awarded a plaque of appreciation for his active participation and collaboration as member of the Region 6 Steering Committee on Community- Based dialogue on the protection and promotion of human rights.

City has P100-M calamity fund

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

ILOILO CITY has more than P100 million in “calamity funds” which the local government unit can use to address the water shortage and super typhoon Pablo.

Based on data from Councilor Perla Zulueta, committee on appropriations chairperson, Iloilo City’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) which accrued in a special trust fund in the past three years totals P151,802,731.

The city’s LDRRMF in the 2012 budget originally amounted toP62 million but it ballooned to P65.194 million due to increase in the city’s estimated income from regular sources such as local taxes, Zulueta said.

Based on Republic Act 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law of 2009, not less than 5 percent of the estimated revenue from regular sources of a local government unit is set aside as LDRRMF to support risk reduction and management activities.

The law also prescribes that 70 percent of the LDRRMF shall be allocated to preparedness, mitigation, recovery and rehabilitation.

The remaining 30 percent will be considered as the Quick Response Fund (QRF) which can be used for emergency purposes such as typhoons and severe water shortage.

RA 10121 also mandated that unspent calamity funds shall accrue in a special trust fund solely for disaster risk reduction and management for five years starting from the passage of the law in 2009.

Zulueta said Iloilo City Hall set aside P2 million of its LDRRMF for 2012 for water sanitation concerns. If the council declares a state of calamity due to water crisis, the local government can immediately tap P724,000 in unprogrammed contingency for emergency purchases.

In previous budgets, the city has available monies totaling P8 million in unprogrammed contingency funds.

In sum, P10 million can be drawn from LDRRMF to address the water woes of Iloilo City.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog pushed the council to declare a state of calamity in the city because of the water shortage due to the failure of Metro Iloilo Water District and Flo Water Resources of businessman Rogelio Florete Sr. to complete on time the P1-billion bulk water supply project.

Western Visayas DRRM Manual launched

(PNA), PDS/AJPETINGLAY/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 2 (PNA) – The Western Visayas Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) recently launched its manual that will serve as a guide for the local government units (LGUs) to come up with efficient and comprehensive plan for their disaster response.

Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Rosario T. Cabrera, who is the Western Visayas Regional DRRMC chair, said the "Manual on Participatory Risk Assessment" is one of a kind in the country and intended for the local stakeholders to recognize their urgent roles in terms of disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.

The manual is an outcome of the four-day training on "Participatory Capacity and Vulnerability Analysis", which is the pilot initiative of the Office of Civil Defense held in the region with the objective of developing the stakeholders core competencies to participate in the risk analysis and planning in the local level; to gain knowledge and skills in assessing capacity and vulnerability of disaster prone communities; and to demonstrate knowledge, skills, attitude and behavior in risk assessment.

The manual also documents Western Visayas communities unique experiences in responding efficiently to the hazards, physical , social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities.

Comelec works on ‘Project Precincts’ in preparation for 2013 elections

  • Source:http;//www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=476225
  • Saturday, December 1, 2012
(PNA), SCS/PGLENA/VLO

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 1 (PNA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is now working on the completion of the "Project Precincts" as part of the preparations for the 2013 midterm elections.

Jonathan Sayno, assistant city elections officer, said that once the project is completed, it will serve as their "bible" come election time. It will contain the polling precincts in every barangay, number of registered voters for every precinct and number of established precincts for every clustered precinct.

The data, he said, are necessary for the Comelec to determine the number of ballots to be printed for the city.

Along with the project is the cleansing of voters who happened to have double registrations through the Automated Finger Print Identification System (APIS) that will be completed by Dec. 9.

Last Nov. 19, the Election Registration Board (ERB) had its last hearing prior to the election to decide on oppositions registered against voter applicants in the city.

As of the last ERB hearing, the number of registered voters in the city was 247,540.

However, the exact number of voters will only be known once the APIS is completed.

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