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Iloilo City News June 2014

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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.

Iloilo River vies for ‘Galing Pook’

(RP Sombero, Iloilo City PIO/PN)

ILOILO City – The Iloilo Batiano River Development Project will be Iloilo City’s entry to the Galing Pook Award (GPA) this year.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and city officials will meet with evaluator Vincent Lazatin, executive director of Transparency and Accountability Network and his staff, during the evaluation process on June 26.

GPA executive director Eddie Dorotan wrote Mabilog about the evaluation with officials who are directly involved in program implementation.

There will also be a dialogue with management team for project update and data clarification and unstructured on- site interaction with project partners or beneficiaries such as people’s organizations, non-government organizations, private/business sectors, government agencies, church and socio-civic groups, including visits to project sites.

Galing Pook Award recognizes the best practices of local government units that are sustainable, replicable and create impacts to the lives of its constituents.

Last year, Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival was a winner of Galing Pook Award for Public-Private-Partnership Category.

Ilonggo chess whiz makes waves (Sports)

By Edwin L. Terrecampo [(PNA), CTB/AJP/ELTORRECAMPO/VLO]

ILOILO CITY, June 19 (PNA)-- A 10-year-old boy from Cabatuan, Iloilo is sending shockwaves across the Southeast Asian chess world, and this early, pundits say another grandmaster is in the making.

Adrian de Luna has gone to Thailand and Macau as the country's representative for his age, and his overpowering performance has racked up two golds and four silvers to date, and the stage is set for his eventual ascend to higher rankings, his coach said.

Cesar Mariano of the Iloilo City Chess Club is convinced that his ward is just a hair's breadth from a Master's rating.

Shy and retiring, Adrian the chess prodigy is suddenly a changed person once he is up front the chess pieces, a vasttransformation from the quiet young lad as he rides roughshod over the opposition with fierce and calculating moves enough to strike fear in the hearts of his opponents.

His mother said Adrian's studies have also improved, and she attributes it to his passion for chess. He has done well in school despite his tight schedule as a chess player while he shuttles between his textbooks and chess.

At his tender age, when the current crop of youngsters, the "electronic generation" we oldsters call them is gluedto their cell phones and tablets, Adrian chooses to bury himself in chess manuals to learn the techniques of the masters which other children may find utterly boring.

And remember, Asia's first grandmaster, the soft-spoken Eugene Torre who took the country by storm in the 70sis a true-blooded Ilonggo from Lapaz district, home of the mouth-watering delicacy batchoy; and now, Adrian hasstarted to trace his famous predecessor's tracks, and who knows, given the right motivation and support, Adrian de Luna may one day heap honors to his country.

Jalaur mega dam to undergo simulation

BY FREDA MAE SORSANO

ILOILO City – The Jalaur River Multipurpose-II Project will be undergoing simulation prior to its construction to ensure safety, according to the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Region 6.

Technicians are coming up with a scaled model for testing, said Regional Director Gerardo Corsiga.

“The technicians will come up with a detailed design. They will create a model, or a smaller version of the actual dam. The model will be subjected to several conditions to see whether it can withstand them or not,” he said.

He was referring to natural conditions such as earthquakes, typhoons and floods.

The simulation will be taken prior to the construction of the dam. Should the design be resistant to the aforementioned conditions, they will go on with it.

“Now, assuming nga may gamay nga failure, i-redesign naman ang dam. Sige-sigehon naton asta nga ma-perfect ang model,” he said.

During a recent hearing with the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Corsiga said consultations with several agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology had been conducted as precautionary measures.

He, however, failed to assure the residents that the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II would be safe for them.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog had earlier expressed initial support to the project but during the meeting said NIA had to prove the dam’s safety.

Mabilog had signed a document for support and endorsement of the project.

“What they are asking, especially Gov. Arthur Defensor, is support. Actually, the project will be undertaken by the province. But it is a very good project because both the province and the city will benefit from it,” he said.

Mabilog said the project is crucial for the city because, “Tanan nga tubig naton sa probinsya gahalin.”

Earlier, the Department of Health disclosed that 50 percent of underground water in the city is contaminated with fecal coliform, and 80-90 percent of deep wells and water pumps hold water unsafe for drinking.

Search for WV outstanding OFW families begins

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

ILOILO CITY, June 17 (PIA6) - - The search begins for outstanding overseas Filipino worker (OFW) families who will represent Western Visayas in the Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) 2014, Parangal sa Matatag na Pamilyang OFW.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Region 6 is now accepting nominations for the award which intends to honor the sacrifices and contributions of Filipino migrants abroad to the Philippine economy, among others.

Groups such as Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), People’s Organizations (POs), religious organizations, community-based socio-civic associations, and Local Government Units (LGU) can nominate an OFW in the award’s two categories - landbased category and sea based category. Winners in each category will be the region’s bet for the national level of the search. The nomination criterion includes the following qualifications: a) The family should be headed by an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), land based, formerly or presently working abroad with a formal or informal contract of employment or work permit and with proof of OWWA membership; b) The OFW, either married or single, should be the head of the family and has at least four (4) years work experience as an OFW; c) The OFW family is known as solid/stable family in the locality; d) Financially stable.

The selection process is anchored on the following criteria: 50 % focuses on Wholesome OFW Family which exudes constancy of positive communication leading to emotional connection, support and maintenance, sharing of responsibilities among OFW family members and psycho-social maturity of children; 20% Civic/Community Involvement of OFW and Family; 20% success in OFW and/or Family member/s education or profession; and 10% success in Managing Family Finances.

For further details about the award, those interested can visit OWWA Regional Office 6 at Robinsons Place, De Leon Street, Iloilo City with contact numbers (033) 3374484 or 5091075.

140,000 volunteers join Bayani Challenge

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

ILOILO CITY, June 16 (PIA6) - - Anchored on the theme “Walang Iwanan”, the 2014 Bayani Challenge-Iloilo has generated support of more than 140,500 volunteers - local and foreigners, for the past two months since its launch in April 11 in this city.

Gawad Kalinga Provincial Head Ma. Rosa Cacho said Bayani Challenge Iloilo hit more than its targeted number of 82,000 volunteers as more than 140,500 have selflessly participated in the various hometown activities conducted to help rebuild the ten typhoon ‘Yolanda’ stricken municipalities of the province from April 11 to June 8 during the closing ceremonies held at Concepcion town on June 12 that coincided with the celebration of the 116th Independence Day.

Aside from house building, volunteers rendered their services in activities like school refurbishing, Paraisong Pambata, health training, balangay boat making, relief operations, psychological first aid and rehabilitation of GK villages.

There were also environmental protection activities that volunteers took part such as river and coastal cleanup, mangrove planting and building of artificial reef and marine sanctuary.

The ten host municipalities include Pototan, Batad, Concepcion, Sara, Dumangas, New Lucena, Carles, Btac. Viejo, Ajuy and Estancia.

Cacho thanked the local chief executives and the local government units for believing in the dream of raising thousands of volunteers and for building their own army of volunteers whom she considered as new brands of Filipinos who showed greatness of its race and nation when they left their normal lives, homes, and businessess and participated in the event.

“This is your Bayani Challenge and let it fly high all year round to remind everyone our new way of life which is to care and to share. I am sure Bayani Challenge is the turning point for many volunteers here and it would be good to sustain this,” said Cacho.

She also thanked and congratulated the Bayani Challenge Team – Iloilo, Philippine Army and the local working committee of each town for keeping up with each other and for not losing sight of the goal amid the demands and challenges of holding such event.

Cacho did not forget to recognize the volunteers from all walks of life – LGUs, businessmen, employees and students - who all came not only to be counted but to do their part and make the 2014 Bayani Challenge Iloilo a successful turning point toward selflessness.

Vice Governor Raul Tupas, Concepcion Mayor Milliard Villanueva, Ajuy Mayor Juancho Alvarez, representatives of other LCEs and volunteers from the different host municipalities attended the culminating event which was opened and closed by the Bayani Challenge Unity Dance led by more than 50 Iskolar sang Quinto, all studying at Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College, Concepcion campus.

Kalayaan job fair hits target

BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA (PN)

ILOILO – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 6 was able to reach its target of 15 percent placement rate during the Kalayaan 2014 job fairs simultaneously held in the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod.

According to DOLE-6 information officer Amy Judicpa, a total of 382 applicants were hired on the spot out of more than 2,000 qualified applicants on June 12, Independence Day.

Of the 382, 214 were from Bacolod City; 168 were from Iloilo City.

A total of 226 were hired for local employment and 156 for overseas employment.

DOLE’s Labor Day job fairs on May 1 had a 16.3 percent placement rate.

DOLE Region 6 registered 4,000 applicants during the Independence Day job fairs.

Over 2,000 were from Negros Occidental. The rest were from Panay Island.

More than 33,000 overseas and local jobs were available during the job fairs.

In Iloilo, it was held at Mary Mart Mall. In Bacolod, the venue was Robinsons Place mall.

Iloilo town launches digital tourism on Independence Day

By Elsa S. Subong (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, June 14 (PIA6) – The town of Sta. Barbara in Iloilo has become more historic with the launching of digital tourism on Independence Day, June 12.

Dr. Dennis Superficial, mayor of the town, said during a press conference that followed the launching, that with the Digital Tourism project, the history of his town will be made easily accessible and tourists coming in can better appreciate Sta. Barbara’s place in Philippine History.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. said the project is an inevitable proof of progress as far as information technology is concerned.

“I give my full support to it and push for its success,” Defensor said in the same press conference.

The project is jointly facilitated by Cebu-based new media start-up InnoPub Media and Smart Communications, Inc., wireless leader in the country.

Ramon Isberto, Smart Public Affairs Group Head, said with Digital Tourism Project the town of Sta. Barbara can preserve its history and culture with digital content which can easily be accessed and updated.

The Digital Tourism Project aims to enhance the tourists’ experience through Internet and mobile technologies.

It involves the creation and installation of interactive markers containing Quick Response (QR) codes and Near Field Communication Stickers, which when scanned or tapped via a mobile phone, direct users to a website containing more information about the site or structure, including photos and videos.

Six historical sites in Santa Barbara were tagged with interactive markers, namely, Santa Barbara Parish Church, Flagpole Park, Iloilo Golf and Country Club, Gen. Martin T. Delgado Monument, Victory Plaza and the Santa Barbara Centennial Museum.

Aside from tagging historical and tourist spots, Smart and InnoPub also released the Santa Barbara Guide mobile app, where articles on must- try food and must-visit places, the town’s history as well as the list of accredited operators.

Max Limpag, InnoPub co-founder, said that the app has also a “tap-to-call” feature allowing users to call phone numbers in the app with just a click, like numbers of hospitals, emergency units and police stations.

Limpag further said that the app provides location data, where with a single tap, the app will suggest routes and directions to the desired destinations via the GPS guide system of the user’s devices.

The Santa Barbara guide can be downloaded at Google Play Store for free and can be accessed via http//santabarbara.myguide.ph.

The Digital Tourism Project, which recently won an Anvil Award of merit was launched in Cebu city in 2012 and a year after, in Iloilo City.

It wa rolled out in Baguio City and and in the municipalities of Argao and Boljoon in Cebu, and Smart and InnoPub are set to bring this project to many more provinces in the country.

PH football capital in Iloilo gears up for World Cup

By Nestor Burgos Jr. (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—A town in Iloilo province is living up to its reputation as the country’s football capital as it prepares for what could be its biggest party for World Cup 2014—the No. 1 international sporting event in terms of audience size.

Barotac Nuevo, where football is more popular than basketball in a country not known for tall people, has put up a giant screen so residents and football enthusiasts can watch the World Cup’s opening ceremony in Brazil.

Duffie Botavara, secretary general of the Iloilo Football Association and former head of Barotac Nuevo Football Club, said a huge number of residents were expected to gather at the town plaza to watch the opening ceremony.

While most Filipinos will be watching Game 4 of the National Basketball Association on Friday, residents of Barotac Nuevo are expected to tune in to the World Cup opener between Brazil and Croatia.

In the town of 52,000 people, football has become a passion. The town has also become the source of some of the country’s best football players.

The now popular Philippine football team Azkals has many members coming from Barotac Nuevo.

GPB projects in WV get P48M

By Leonard T. Pineda I (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, June 12 (PIA6) --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has allocated P48 million worth of development projects in 55 local government units (LGUs) here in Western Visayas under the grassroots participatory budgeting (GPB) scheme this year.

DTI-6 Public Information Officer Ruby Melliza said that GPB, formerly known as Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) approach, will be allocated to 110 projects in the 55 LGUs spread across five provinces in the region.

The GPB process is implemented in pursuit of attaining the Philippine Development Plan’s goal of inclusive growth and poverty reduction, and promoting good governance at the local level.

This is to ensure the implementation of priority poverty reduction projects as identified at the city/municipal level through a participatory planning and budgeting process.

“The 55 LGUs have submitted their project proposals to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and these have been approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)”, Melliza said.

“Of these 55 LGUs, nine are from Aklan with 14 projects, 12 from Antique with 28 projects, five from Capiz with five projects, 15 from Iloilo with 27 projects, and 14 from Negros Occidental with 36 projects”, she also said.

The projects cover capability building, skills training, provision of tools and equipment, training on product development, among others.

According to DTI-6, as of June 9, 2014, more than P23 million have been released to the DTI provincial offices and the local government units that will work hand-in-hand in implementing the projects.

The DTI official said that one necessary requirement for the release of funding is that the LGU must be a recipient of the Seal of Good Housekeeping from DILG, along with the letter of confirmation/intent to the implement the project, public financial management plan, annual investment plan, list of personnel assigned for the project, signed memorandum of agreement between DTI and the LGU, among others.

Melliza said that the projects under the GPB seeks to generate high outputs in terms of number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) assisted, jobs generated, sales generated and incremental income for beneficiaries particularly in super typhoon Yolanda affected areas in Western Visayas.

She added that the DTI-6, through its provincial offices, will continuously monitor the LGUs in the implementation of these projects.

Iloilo province, city gear for Independence Day celebration

(PNA), LAP/AJPETINGLAY/VLO

ILOILO CITY, June 11 (PNA) -- The Iloilo provincial government and city government are all set for their Independence Day celebration Thursday.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. said that the provincial government, as it has been doing for the past years, will be celebrating the Independence Day in the historic town of Sta. Barbara which is known for the historical uprising "Cry of Sta. Barbara" led by the province's first governor, Martin Delgado, who valiantly fought against the Spanish colonizers then.

Defensor said that this year's celebration is bigger as the National Historical Commission (NHC) will also hold the groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration of the old Catholic church fronting the plaza where the revolt happened.

Defensor said that the NHC has allocated P50 million for the restoration of the church that was constructed during the Spanish era.

The Iloilo provincial government has also given a counterpart fund of P5 million for the project. Ilonggo Senator Franklin M. Drlion is also supporting the project.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo city government led by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog will hold its celebration at another historical site, Plaza Libertad, around 7 a.m.

Heads of regional government agencies have been invited to join the celebration that has the theme, "Pagsunod sa yapak ng mga dakilang Pilipino, tungo sa malawakan at permanenteng pagbabago".

DOLE Region 6 conducts Jobs Fair 2014 on Independence Day

(PNA), CTV/AJP/KMDRAHEIM-OJT/VLO

ILOILO CITY, June 10 (PNA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 will conduct Kalayaan 2014 Jobs Fair on June 12 at Marymart Mall in this city.

DOLE Asst. regional director Salome Siaton said at a press conference Tuesday morning, “Our forefathers have fought pushing for independence, adding, we also would want independence especially in unemployment, hoping to reduce poverty”.

With the theme “Pagsunod sa yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago,” DOLE 6 seeks to reduce unemployment in the region and alleviate economic condition, Siaton said.

She said attached agencies to promote jobs like the PRC, PCCI, NRCO, POEA and TESDA have to push the said event that will not only help provide jobs for the people but also to maintain the jobs they get from the Jobs Fair.

There are currently 33,462 vacancies registered this Tuesday, she added.

The said jobs fair for the 116th Independence Day celebration will have a short program and two special events, involving the issuance of renewed Professional Identification Cards (PICS) and Renewal of PIC cards expiring within one year.

The jobs fair this coming Independence Day will also have Libreng tawag from the OWWA, making a free 10-minute call possible for the Overseas Filipino Workers.

'Car less' days on Fridays proposed

By Easter Anne D. Doza (JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 9 (PIA6) - - Thank God It’s Friday. The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) urged Negrenses to go car less on Fridays as they launched the campaign #TGIF, It’s Car Less Day. Save Gas, Save the Environment.

The campaign aims to mitigate the dreadful effects of climate change, wherein one of the major causes is the emission of harmful gases like Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide from all sorts of vehicles.

PENR Officer Andres Untal said that now, there are fewer trees in our forests that could absorb the emissions from vehicles therefore it is imperative to lessen the use of vehicles so that when there are less vehicles on the road, there are lesser emissions.

“It is a matter of fact that we are headed on an uphill battle against car makers and fuel providers and those who have the means for convenience, but, investing on car less Fridays by walking, car pooling and biking not only save the gas and the environment, it likewise stimulates blood circulation and burns fat, as it empowers the person to resist use of vehicle,” Untal said.

Meanwhile, the PENRO also partnered with SM City Bacolod for their launching event whose corporate program on environment and sustainability focuses on energy and resource efficiency, air quality, solid waste management and compliance with international and local environmental laws.

SM City Bacolod Public Relations Manager May Castro said SM City Bacolod stand by with DENR’s campaign calling for all citizens to go car less even for just one day of the week and take alternative methods like using bicycles.

“We do what we must in minimizing our environmental impacts in each of our location in all capacities. Taking care of the environment is important but it is also important take action and in putting in all our efforts, our small acts may make a big global impact,” Castro added as she wished to see more and more bikes parked in the mall’s designated bike parking in the future.

Untal also led bikers during the launch as they ply the major thoroughfares of the city for a Bike for life and the environment activity to increase awareness of the car less Fridays campaign.

UPV prof regional finalist in outstanding teacher search

(Lenilyn B. Gallos/PN)

ILOILO City – Dr. Resurreccion Sadaba, a faculty member of the Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), is one of the nine regional finalists in the higher education level chosen by the preliminary board of judges for the 2014 Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers.

Sadaba is the sole finalist from the Visayas who received the notice dated May 30 from the award-giving body.

Sadaba will advance to the semifinal judging for an interview and teaching demonstration on June 10 at the Metrobank Plaza Penthouse, Makati City.

The newly conferred UP Scientist I hopes to make it as one of the national finalists and eventually win the most-coveted award for the higher education competition.

“I’ll do my best and leave the rest to God,” Sadaba said.

He considers the award as the “Olympus” in teaching profession.

Sadaba had received various professional and community service awards in the municipal, regional, national and international levels from various reputable groups.

He figured in the local news recently as consultant of the provincial government of Iloilo in the oil spill that hit the northern part of the province in the aftermath of super typhoon “Yolanda.”

The other regional finalists are:

Dr. Glenn Calaguas of Pampanga Agricultural College, Pampanga
Dr. Clarissa Yvonne Domingo of Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz
Dr. Guillermo Rillon Jr. of Tarlac College of Agriculture, Tarlac
Dr. Teodora Balangcod of the University of the Philippines-Baguio, Baguio City
Dr. Romeo Barrios of Adventist University of the Philippines, Cavite
Dr. Zita Dales of Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay City
Dr. Cynthia Saloma of University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City; and
Dr. Jerry Respeto of Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City.

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), launched this year’s Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) in January.

With the theme, “Launching Dreams towards Nation Building,” the search honors the teaching profession, recognizing those who exhibit competence, remarkable dedication to their work, and effective educational leadership, as well as their various community involvements.

Now on its 30th year, the search is open to all teachers in the elementary, secondary, and higher education levels in both public and private schools throughout the country.

The winners will receive cash prizes with a medal, trophy, and a plaque of recognition for their school.

Radio program on Climate Change goes on air

By Elsa S. Subong (CM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, June 7 (PIA) – The radio program on climate change dubbed locally “Panahon: Hibaluon, Handaan, Aksyunan” had its maiden broadcast 11:45-12:15 p.m., June 6, over DYOK, Aksyon Radyo-Iloilo.

Anchored by the Philippine Information Agency the program is run like a school-on-air where anchors and resource persons from different fields discuss the effects of climate change on biodiversity, in specific modules.

For its launching edition, DENR-6 Regional Director Jim Sampulna and PIA-6 Director Janet Mesa, with Climate Change Czar for Western Visayas DENR-RTD Alicia Lustica, discussed the importance of understanding Climate Change as the “new normal.”

Mesa said through the program, the Advocacy Team of the PIA and the DENR seeks to bring down to the understanding of the ordinary layman the occurrence, causes and courses of actions on Climate Change.

She said there are messages that should be inculcated so that the public can be rallied to cooperate, like, “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago, and with the support themes, like Punoan for the National Greening Program, and Nagbago na Ako for one’s personal commitment.

Sampulna, on the other hand, said that people, first of all, must realize and accept that climate change is in their midst and they have to take actions to deal with it.

For her part, Lustica said, climate change is an issue and concern everybody must face, as everybody has contributed to its occurrence.

The radio program, which is aired every Friday, will tackle effects of climate change on water, air, soil, agriculture, fishery, watersheds and forests, human population and activities, culture and tourism among others.

Community participation will be rallied through use of text messaging, songs, composo and poetry to describe situations of environment which will serve as springboard for discussion in the program.

“Panahon: Hibaluon, Handaan, Aksyunan” will run for about 25 weeks, as a major advocacy component fo the PIA-DENR partnership for Climate Change in Western Visayas.

TIIC tech-voc courses enrolment on

(LMSinay, Iloilo City PIO/PN)

ILOILO City – The Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC)-Bo. Obrero campus is now accepting enrollees for the July to September training period.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is encouraging every bona fide city residents, especially the out-of-school youth, to avail themselves of the free short term technical-vocational courses offered by the TIIC.

“We want skilled and productive citizens who can make it big whether in local or overseas employment,” he stated.

The three-month courses include:

♦computer hardware servicing
♦computer electronics servicing
♦commercial cooking
♦beauty care
♦food and beverage services
♦dressmaking, and
♦computer operations.

They are accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority with a National Certificate (NC) 2 level.

TIIC school administrator Carlito Jusa said applicants must be at least high school graduates and city residents with certified true copy of high school diploma or transcript of records, barangay clearance and voter’s identification card.

Classes will start next month.

Iloilo POs get P1.8 assistance from DENR

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

ILOILO CITY, June 5 (PIA6) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources 6 (DENR) today turned over P1, 835,249.00 financial assistance to 3 people’s organizations in the province of Iloilo under its Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) - Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

DENR 6 Forester Louie Laud said the financial assistance will be used to fund the agroforestry and livelihood projects of the PO beneficiaries that support the efforts of the government to mitigate poverty and the effects of climate change in upland communities.

Of the total amount, some P451,605.00 were turned-over to Katilingban Sang Pumuluyo Nga Nagaatipan Sang Watershed Sang Maasin represented by Rubenie Castellanes for the implementation of their project Expansion of Abaca and Coffee Production and Organic Vegetable Farming project involving 35 hectares in the Maasin Watershed Reserve Area.

The Asosasyon sang Magagmay nga Mangunguma sa Bukid sang Janiuay represented by Celso Arca got P847, 244.00 for their Forest Enhancement through Rattan Plantation and Tilapia and Agri-crops Production project which will be implemented in Brgy. Quipot, Janiuay.

Cag-an Upland Farmers Association represented by Ronillo Bagonok received P536,400 for their Enrichment Planting, Orchard Plantation and Tilapia production project in Brgy. Cag-an, Anilao.

Laud said the three projects are included in the 12 projects approved for Region 6 under CBFM-CARP.

Representatives of the three POs received their checks during a program held at the covered gym of the municipality of Anilao before a tree planting activity at Brgy. Cag-an on June 5. The said activities are part of the celebrations of the World Environment Day and Environment Month in the region.

Local and government officials who attended the event were Anilao Mayor Maria Teresa Debuque, Btac. Nuevo Mayor Hernani Biron, DENR 6 Regional Director Jim Sampulna and PIA 6 Director Atty. Janet Mesa.

Opening of classes peaceful – police

BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO

ILOILO City – The opening of classes this week has been successful.

This was the assessment of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) a day after classes resumed in public elementary and high schools here.

No untoward incidents had happened, said ICPO director, Senior Supt. Ruperto Floro.

“We have not received any complaints against snatchers or pickpockets. We are happy for that,” Floro said.

He said one of the factors for the success of the school opening was police visibility in schools, malls and all streets.

The ICPO has placed police assistance desks in schools and terminals for any complaints by passengers and students.

Floro and other police officers attended the flag ceremony at Feliciana Java Kelly Elementary School in Brgy. Calajunan, Mandurriao district.

They later distributed school supplies and fed the children.

Two new city streets given Aquino names

(PNA), LGI/AJP/LCP/VLO

ILOILO CITY, June 3 (PNA) -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod here has given its approval through resolutions to name two new national highways with the names of President Benigno C. Aquino III’s parents in support of two House Bills sponsored by five congressmen in the province of Iloilo and the lone city district representative.

City councilor Nielex Tupas filed a resolution favorably endorsing the passage of HB 4400 or "An Act Naming as President Cory C. Aquino Avenue” the new circumferential road which commences at the junction of the Iloilo-Dumangas Coastal Road to Balabago, Jaro district, Iloilo City, then follows a general westward direction along the Floodway south bank towards Buhang, Jaro; Tacas, Jaro and Ungka II, Pavia, then traverses the southwards to the Mandurriao district, Iloilo City-Pavia-San Miguel tri-border and ends at the Iloilo-Antique Road near the center of Arevalo district, Iloilo City.

Tupas also filed a resolution endorsing the passage of HB 4398 or "An Act Naming as Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue” the stretch of the national highway along the Iloilo Diversion Road-Iloilo Capiz Road or the old route which begins at the junction of Gen. Luna to the airport access road and ends at the gate of the Iloilo International Airport, traversing the municipalities of Pavia, Sta Barbara and Cabatuan in the province and Iloilo City.

The circumferential road is a four-lane national highway expected to open potential economic opportunities to a number of communities growing around the areas.

The renaming of the circumferential road is in recognition of works done by the late President Corazon C. Aquino in pursuing reconciliation and unity of the nation as well as preserving the freedom regained from the past regimes.

On the other hand, the 16.6 kilometers Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue is a fitting tribute to the late senator for his long struggle to attain the freedom the country is now enjoying.

Both House bills were sponsored by Cong. Oscar Richard S. Garin of the first district of Iloilo, Cong. Arcadio H. Gorriceta of the second district, Cong. Jerry P. Treñas of Iloilo City lone district, Cong. Arthur R. Defensor Jr. of the third district, Cong. Hernan G. Biron of the fourth district, and Cong. Niel C. Tupas Jr. of the fifth district.

Dinagyang Festival to shake Hong Kong during the weekend

(PNA), LAM/AJP/LCP/VLO

ILOILO CITY, June 2 (PNA) -- Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog here will lead a delegation of Iloilo Dinagyang Festival dancers and drummers, some officials of city hall and the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) to Hong Kong on June 5-8, 2014.

The delegation of Dinagyang Tribu Panayanon of the Iloilo City National High School is composed of 48 students, school principal Blesilda Floro and choreographer Romel Flogen, together with city tourism officer Benito Jimena, IDFI officials Marissa Segovia, Robert Alor, Hermie Ore, Eden Deriada, Annie and Joren Sartorio to leave Iloilo for a midnight direct flight to Hong Kong on Thursday, June 5.

The city mayor and city councilors Nielex Tupas and Jay Treñas will leave Iloilo on June 7 for the grand parade in Hong Kong slated on June 8 in advance celebration of the 116th Philippine Independence Day.

The Iloilo City Dinagyang contingent was invited to the Hong Kong Independence Day celebration by the Philippine Association of Hong Kong (PAHK) composed of Filipino overseas workers in the Chinese territory and the Philippine Consulate to show off the pride of Iloilo City to thousands of OFWs.

On June 8, the Dinagyang Tribe will perform at the parade ground of the central business district of Hong Kong together with singer actress Regine Velasquez and other Filipino talents.

A send-off mass will be held at the San Jose Parish Church in the morning of June 5 for the Iloilo Dinagyang delegation.

City beautician model mother

(Lucy Montealto-Sinay, Iloilo City PIO/PN)

ILOILO City – A beautician from Brgy. San Juan, Molo district was adjudged as this year’s “Bulawanon nga Nanay” – an annual project of the city government’s Task Force on Street Children.

Jelyn Cordero, 50, bested 12 other finalists during the final interview on May 29 at SM City Iloilo.

“Nanay Jelyn best exemplies the Ilongga mother – responsible, nurturing, able to rise up against life’s challenges, and has a strong sense of community involvement,” Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said.

Cordero has been helping her security guard husband by working as a beautician and offering her services in and outside their barangay.

She said she is doing this to help augment their meager family income.

The couple has four children: two are already professionals, the third is about to enter college, and the youngest is a special child suffering from “global development delay” and epilepsy.

“I’m not ashamed that we have a special child for she is our source of pride,” she said.

Cordero impressed the judges with her answer during the final interview. She was asked by one of the judges what advice should parents give to their children during these modern times.

She replied that she always emphasizes to her children the value of education and spirituality.

The finalists were already pre-judged during the validation held on May 16, with 70 percent of the scores coming from the evaluators. The final interview with the judges composed the remaining 30 percent.

The outstanding mother is a proud parent to last year’s “Huwaran nga Anak” first runner-up, Kenneth Cordero.

The contest for model children is another project of the Task Force on Street Children headed by Rosalie Treñas, wife of Cong. Jerry Treñas.

The elder Cordero won a total cash prize of P16,000 plus gift packs and certificates.

Ma. Anita Quitlong, 58, of La Paz district placed second, while Narcisa Soberano of Molo district won third place.

The search for “Bulawanon nga Nanay” from indigent families is a yearly activity aimed to increase awareness on responsible parenting, to replicate the best practices of model mothers, and to advocate the programs and services of the Task Force on Street Children.

Held every May to celebrate Mother’s Day, it is open to all mothers who are bona fide residents of Iloilo City, with monthly family income of not more than P10,000, and actively involved in community development.

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