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==Iloilo province holds 1st sports summit==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=5&rid=749404
*Tuesday, March 31, 2015
:(PNA), RMA/AJPETINGLAY/VLO
ILOILO CITY, March 31 (PNA) –- The Iloilo provincial government spearheaded the holding of the 1st sports summit Tuesday with the hope of winning more gold medals in both local and national sports competitions and even in the Olympics.
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr., in his message at the sports summit held at the Sarabia Manor Hotel here, said that he finds it strange for a first class province not to have ever hold a sports summit except only today in order to come out with a sports development program.
He said that despite of having no sports development program, the province has also been known before on sports because of the athletes accomplishments. However, with the sports summit attended by the different mayors, school administrators and other sports enthusiasts, the provincial government was optimistic that it could produce more athletes who would excel and win gold medals in various competitions.
”The Philippines has still to win one gold medal in the Olympics,” Defensor said. He hopes that from among the Iloilo athletes the much coveted gold medal could be achieved.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Vice Gov. Raul C. Tupas said that through this sports summit, a roadmap was charted for the next three years in honing good athletes. “This will give hope to athletes,” the vice governor said.
He said that sports also built character, united communities and forged lifelong friendships among athletes.
The summit was attended by Commissioner Matthew P. Gaston, who talked on the Role of Games and Amusement Board in Development of Sports; Chairman Ricardo R. Garcia of the Philippine Sports Commission who also discussed the Role of PSC; and Assistant Sec. Tonisito MC Umali on the Role of the Department of Education.
A ceremonial signing of Sports Covenant was also done by the attendees to the summit.
==NFA completes delivery of rice in two tranches for supplemental feeding==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=749029
*Monday, March 30, 2015
:(PNA), LAP/AJPETINGLAY/VLO
ILOILO CITY, March 30 (PNA) -– The National Food Authority (NFA) has completed the delivery of 18,000 bags of rice meant for supplemental feeding of day care children in Iloilo city and province before the school year 2014-2015 ends.
Lino Lamojer of the National Food Authority Iloilo, in an interview Monday, said that they started the delivery of rice for the Day Care centers in the province of Iloilo in July up to September last year with 9,000 bags and then for the second tranche starting December to only recently with another 9,000 bags.
The bags of rice delivered are the orders of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for its supplemental feeding program intended to mitigate hunger among the enrolled children.
Lamojer said that for the next school year they are still waiting for the DSWD to place its order so that rice delivery could be done earlier.
The supplemental feeding program has benefited in Iloilo province day care children 51,781 while in Iloilo City, 10,804 children. Each child was given a budget of P10.00 for viand and P3.00 for rice for 120 days.
==11 capitol scholars get top honors==
*Source: http://panaynewsphilippines.com/2015/03/29/11-capitol-scholars-get-top-honors/
*Sunday, March 29, 2015
:(ECGarcia, Capitol News/PN)
ILOILO – Eighteen provincial government scholars under the “Iskolar sang Iloilo” program are graduating this year with 11 of them getting the top honors.
Seven graduates will receive cum laude honors while four graduates will receive magna cum laude honors.
The Iloilo provincial government will give cash incentives to 18 “Iskolar sang Iloilo” graduates in appreciation of their achievements.
Magna cum laude graduates will be given P5,000 each while cum laude graduates will receive P3,000 each.
Graduates without honors, on the other hand, will receive P1,000 each.
The magna cum laude graduates are: John Frederick C. Bugayong (West Visayas State University or WVSU), Jelyn L. Clar (WVSU-Calinog), Jonathan S. Peñol (WVSU), and Lea Joy S. Sicabalo (WVSU).
Graduates with cum laude honors are: Arlene B. Ciudad (WVSU), Reeann B. Dailo (WVSU), Mary Ann E. Elamparo (WVSU), Jose Fretz H. Morillo (WVSU-Janiuay), Angelie Christine A. Pomado (WVSU-Janiuay), Frea Lyn D. Soberano (Western Visayas College of Science and Technology or WVCST), and Deverly T. Torremoro (WVSU).
The other “Iskolar sang Iloilo” graduates are: Julie Ann M. Aceña (WVSU), Emie Joy A. Balayo (WVSU), Charlie G. Capili (WVSU), Charlene Mae V. Centeno (WVSU), Lorly J. Conejo (Iloilo State College of Fisheries – Barotac Nuevo), Bryan O. Molina (Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College – Estancia) and Danrey P. Pagaypay (WVCST).
“Iskolar sang Iloilo” was established by Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. in 1996 to assist poor but deserving students in the province by providing them the opportunity to pursue college education.
It is open to all incoming college students who are bona fide residents of Iloilo province, belong to families with annual gross income of not more than P120,000 per annum, and belong to the upper 10 percent of the graduating class.
Seven scholars from each of the five congressional districts are chosen every school year.
The qualified scholars will have the opportunity to enroll in a four-year baccalaureate degree in any state university or college in the city or province of Iloilo.
Aside from free tuition, the scholar is also entitled to P2,000 monthly allowance, P1,000 book allowance per semester, and P1,000 clothing allowance.
==Bikers to “light up” Iloilo city during Earth Hour==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/911427443342/bikers-to-light-up-iloilo-city-during-earth-hour
*Saturday, March 28, 2015
:By Elsa S. Subong (JCM/DENR/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, March 28(PIA)—The Iloilo Folding Bike Riders (I-Fold) and Fit Stop will light up the City of Iloilo for the duration of the Earth Hour, March 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening.
In a media advisory by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources -6, these bike enthusiasts will be joined by environmentalists around the city thoroughfares, passing the plazas of Jaro, Mandurriao and Molo districts.
Dubbed as “Earth Hour Ride,” the event seeks to make the public aware of the impacts of climate change and the importance of a green lifestyle, according to the DENR.
DENR Regional Director Jim Sampulna said the Earth Hour ride will not only create awareness but will also encourage the citizens to practice measures that will create significant impact on energy conservation, healthy lifestyle, clean environment and promote the city’s tourist attractions at night.
“We are experiencing climate change now so we need to adopt measures on how to mitigate its adverse impacts, on us and our environment,” Sampulna said.
He added that it is important to constantly remind the people of their roles and responsibilities in promoting activities to safeguard the environment.
The ride will kick off from SM City, after the walkathon representatives from national government agencies and other sectors, and the program ushering in the Earth Hour at the SM City Iloilo.
Earth Hour Ride is a joint event with the SM-City Iloilo and the Iloilo City government.
==Iloilo now a Local Learning Hub for Gender and Development Mainstreaming==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=748402
*Friday, March 27, 2015
:(PNA), LAP/AJPETINGLAY/VLO
ILOILO CITY, March 27 (PNA) –- The province of Iloilo is now a Local Learning Hub for Gender and Development Mainstreaming after it has been recognized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
Commissioner Ma. Paloma B. Papa of the PCW said that they gave the recognition to the province of Iloilo because of its Gender and Development (GAD) program that is now institutionalized and empowering women through skills development and education.
”We foresee it (Iloilo province) to be role model to other Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines,” Papa said. The commissioner said that in fact, Iloilo province is just one of the five LGUs now given such a recognition after their assessment and evaluation.
Papa also said that the ongoing gender sensitivity program in the province is successful because of the provincial government using its resources to see women change as well as its collaboration with other groups such as the Junior Chamber International Iloilo Ilang-ilang that was launched also Friday during the Women Leadership forum the Search for 10 Outstanding Community Women Leaders in Iloilo.
The recognition of Iloilo as a Local Learning Hub for Gender and Development Mainstreaming was held during the forum which is one of the activities lined up for the National Women’s Month celebration in the province.
==Iloilo City joins Earth Hour==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=748139
*Thursday, March 26, 2015
: (PNA), FPV/AJP-PR/VLO
ILOILO CITY, March 26 (PNA) -- Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog is enjoining all city residents to celebrate Earth Hour 2015 with people around the world switching off their lights on March 28 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
“We are taking part in this global campaign to send a strong message for everyone to take action on global warming,” Mabilog said.
In support of the movement, the City Government is encouraging the public to switch off or dim non-essential lights in their homes, including streetlights, signages and key monuments for one hour on Saturday.
Main venue for the Philippine switch off is at the Quezon Memorial Circle grounds in Quezon City.
Mabilog said even beyond Earth Hour, the city is already practicing energy conservation efforts like the use of solar-powered streetlights, LED-lights instead of high powered sodium street lamps, switching off of lights during lunch break and use of solar-powered air conditioning units at the City Hall, among others.
The Earth Hour campaign is spearheaded by the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature Philippines, the world’s largest and most experienced conservation organization, operating in over 100 countries through the support of over five million people worldwide.
WWF started Earth Hour to engage a mass audience behind the issues facing the planet.
The organization also helps communities adapt to climate change, switch to clean sources of renewable energy and instill sustainability into the lives and businesses of Filipinos.
Atty. Angela Consuelo Ibay, Earth Hour Pilipinas national director, said a record of 7,000 cities and municipalities from 150 countries observed the 60-minute lights-out for the environment last year.
“Since 2008, the Philippines has been hailed as Earth Hour Hero country for having the most number of towns and cities participating,” she said.
==City sees stronger tourism this year==
*Source: http://panaynewsphilippines.com/2015/03/25/city-sees-stronger-tourism-this-year/
*Wednesday, March 25, 2015
:By Lucy Montealto-Sinay (Iloilo City PIO/PN)
ILOILO City – The city government expressed optimism that the tourism industry here will be more formidable this year following the increase in tourist arrivals in 2014.
“We are committed to be a premier destination in the country with culture, heritage and the warmth of Ilonggos as part of our main attractions,” said Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.
“This year is an exciting one for us as Iloilo City plays host to the Urban Environmental Accord conference and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in September and October. Prior to these, a bike festival and international dragon boat race will spice up the tourism arrivals in April and May,” he said.
The local chief executive was pleased with the report of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Western Visayas, noting the increase in tourist arrivals for 2014.
Regional Director Helen Catalbas said the city registered 676,287 visitor arrivals for 2014, with same day visitors or excursionists totaling 156,985.
This registered a growth rate of almost eight percent compared to 2013 and has earned more than P12 billion tourist receipts, she said.
“This clearly shows our painstaking efforts towards effective tourism promotions are paying off,” Mabilog said.
The city has produced brochures and posters, set up a tourism information desk, arranged for city tours, partnered with the private sector for better tourism promotions, among others.
The mayor said Iloilo City is now a preferred convention destination and a benchmark city for all other local government units to learn about best practices in governance.
“With all the awards and recognitions and the many improvements in infrastructure, Iloilo City has become a by-word not only locally but internationally, thus encouraging more visitors to come here,” he stated.
==DENR urges new ways to grow bamboos==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/931427174123/denr-urges-new-ways-to-grow-bamboos
*Tuesday, March 24, 2015
:By Lilibeth A. French (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, March 24 (PIA6) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) advised farmers to practice cultural management for optimum growth and to be able to produce quality bamboos.
Dr. Alice Lustica, Head of the Ecosystem Research and Development Service (ERDS) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that “we thought growing bamboos is easy but there are steps that must be followed for its growth and health unlike our practice here where we just plant but we do not apply cultural management practices”.
She said among the first interventions that they have introduced to farmer beneficiaries of the science and technology community-based farm approach projects that they are currently implementing in the five barangays of Maasin, Iloilo is the rehabilitation of their existing bamboo clumps.
“We taught them how to manage their bamboo clumps by cutting their old poles or culms that will allow new shoots to grow,” said Lustica.
She said project beneficiaries were also taught the importance of fertilization in growing healthy bamboos either using complete or organic fertilizers.
Harvesting bamboos at the right age is also an important factor of bamboo plantation management and if it is going to be used for construction, according to Lustica. She said bamboos are good for construction when they are four to six years.
Other interventions that were provided to project beneficiaries under the two projects funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development are nursery establishment and bamboo potted propagules production and technologies on post harvest/treatment, bamboo weaving, and bamboo lamination and production.
The fifty farmer beneficiaries from Barangays Abay, Bolo, Daja, Dagami and Buntalan, all members of the Katilingban sang Pumuluyo sa Watershed sang Maasin (KAPAWA) have the opportunity to showcase some of the S&T interventions that they have learned from the projects through a recent Technology Field Day held at the Common Service Facilities in Brgy. Daja.
Lustica said the Technology Field Day is a requirement of the PCAARRD as the two projects which started in April 2013 are set to end this year.
The two projects are entitled “Enhancing Bamboo Production in Maasin, Iloilo: An S&T Community-Based Farm (STCBF) Approach” and “Production and Marketing of Bamboo Woven Products: Enhancing on Business Enterprise Through TECHNO Mart in Maasin, Iloilo”.
Bamboo which is abundant in Maasin is considered as one of the important components of the town’s agricultural economy. Maasin is known as the ‘bamboo capital of Iloilo’.
==PHL to launch micro-satellite in 2016==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2421427089581/phl-to-launch-micro-satellite-in-2016
*Monday, March 23, 2015
:By Leonard T. Pineda I  (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY, March 23 (PIA) --- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is planning to launch the country’s very own micro-satellite next year as part of the government’s disaster risk management program.
This is under the Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Micro-Satellite (Phl-Microsat) program which aims to hasten the creation of the Philippine Space Agency to help sustain and enhance efforts in research and development in this area.
Rowena Cristina Guevara, executive director of DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), said the country needs a space agency and space policy to compete regionally and globally.
“The importance of satellite communication was underlined during the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda when most forms of communications were knocked off,” she said.
The Phl-Microsat is being led by PCIEERD, involving the University of the Philippines, Hokkaido University and Tohoku University in Japan, with the backing of the Japanese government.
The three year (2015-2017) budget for the program has been pegged at P840-million, with the Philippines chipping in P324-million while Japan is taking care of P515.92-million.
The micro-satellites are slated to be launched with the help of the Japan Space Exploration Agency with a data receiving station to be put up in Subic at a former communications facility used by the United States.
The data station is codenamed the Philippine Earth Data Resource and Observation or “PEDRO”.
Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said the government-owned microsatellite can be used to improve weather detection and forecasts, agricultural growth patterns, and monitor forest cover and the country’s territorial borders.
“We can develop a lot more uses for the microsatellite if we keep on improving its capability to expand its applications,” he said.
He said that DOST is launching not just one, but two-micro-satellites as the country’s ambitious plan of sending its own satellites into space formally rolls out.
==Iloilo City rides wave of new app==
*Source: http://panaynewsphilippines.com/2015/03/22/iloilo-city-rides-wave-of-new-app/
*Sunday, March 22, 2015
: (RP Sombero, Iloilo City PIO)
ILOILO City – The city government and Tidal Solutions have collaborated to develop a free mobile application software (app), “I am Iloilo”, for android phones and tablets.
“We are pleased that a private firm has decided to put up this app that could help in the promotion of tourism as well as to provide information on the latest happenings in the city,” said Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.
At no cost to the city government, the free app includes latest news, attractions, vacations spots, where to dine in Iloilo City, emergency response, and many other features soon.
Android phone and tablet users have to access Google Play Store to download the app.
No less than Tidal Solutions president Harold Martinez visited City Hall on March 19, for the ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Understanding with the local chief executive.
“This is the first android app for a local government and city outside of Metro Manila, for we have seen the vast potential of Iloilo as a market for business and tourism,” he said.
Tidal Solutions is a company that provides key solutions and services on technologies and applications, offering services on sales and distribution, marketing applications, and software and app development.
==Iloilo to host vin d’honneur==
*Source: http://panaynewsphilippines.com/2015/03/21/iloilo-to-host-vin-dhonneur/
*Saturday, March 21, 2015
:By ROMA GONZALES (PN)
ILOILO City – President Benigno Aquino III agreed to hold the Independence Day vin d’honneur here, Senate President Franklin Drilon said.
“I discussed it with the President yesterday,” Drilon said. “He has given the go-signal to, for the first time in his administration, hold vin d’honneur outside Malacañang.”
The controversial Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) might also be set for a soft opening that day.
“It is a target [date] because the President will be here on June 12,” said Drilon.
President Aquino will raise the Philippine flag during the Independence Day celebration in Santa Barbara, Iloilo.
The old Iloilo provincial capitol, or Casa Real, is being eyed as venue of the cocktail.
“We are [yet to decide]. It could be the renovated provincial capitol,” said Drilon. “[The ICC] cannot be ready [for vin d’honneur] yet.”
The Ilonggo senator assured, however, that the convention center will certainly be ready for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit ministerial meetings here in September and October.
Drilon said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the architects assured him that the structure will be completed in time for the international event.
“I had a conference today with DPWH and TIEZA assistant chief of operations for infrastructure Atty. Guiller Asido, and we are certain to finish the convention center by the time the APEC [Summit] is here,” he said.
If the ICC “can have a decent, substantial completion,” the President will lead its soft opening, the senator said.
“We will target — and underscore target — a soft opening by June 12,” said Drilon. “I would highlight and emphasize this is a target date.”
Ambassadors and all Cabinet members and high-ranking government officials are expected to attend vin d’honneur.
Vin d’honneur (French for “wine of honor”) is a traditional wine-toasting event.
It is traditionally hosted by the President on Independence Day and New Year’s Eve in Malacañang.
==Ilonggo WW II vets recognized==
==Ilonggo WW II vets recognized==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/931426829013/ilonggo-ww-ii-vets-recognized
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/931426829013/ilonggo-ww-ii-vets-recognized
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