Iloilo City News June 2012

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Iloilo City - Archived News

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

Jobseekers advised to pre-register for Iloilo ‘Kalayaan job fair’

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

ILOILO CITY, June 10 (PIA6) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 6 here advised jobseekers to pre-register before going to the “Kalayaan Job Fair” which will be held June 12 at Mary Mart Mall here in commemoration of the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day.

DOLE-6 Technical Services Support Division chief Salome Siaton said at the meeting of the job fair Regional Coordinating Council held June 8 in preparation for the event that the pre-registration would be advantageous to applicants as this would enable them to match their qualifications or skills with available job vacancies, locally and overseas.

“We strongly encourage those who wish to look for jobs at the job fair to register beforehand,” said Siaton.

Siaton who presided over the meeting together with Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Iloilo Chapter president Joemarie Agriam said they have put up a Help Desk at the downtown mall where interested applicants can pre-register for the job fair.

A list of local and overseas job vacancies is posted at the Help Desk. Application forms area also available for free at the pre-registration desk courtesy of HALIGI Foundation based here.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) regional office here said they are also encouraging graduates of higher educational institutions to look for work at the forthcoming job fair.

The Kalayaan job fair is being organized by DOLE6 as a public-private partnership endeavor similar to the job fair held during the Labor Month celebration in the month of May this year as part of the program of government to provide Filipinos with access to job opportunities.

Aside from PCCI-Iloilo Chapter, DOLE-6’s other partners are the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Iloilo Business Club.

NSO seeks brgy help in mapping project

(PIA-6/PN)

ILOILO City — The National Statistics Office (NSO) in Western Visayas is asking the assistance of barangay officials to ensure the smooth conduct of its ongoing mapping project in the barangays of the region.

“We are again soliciting the assistance of our barangay officials in identifying landmarks and boundaries in their respective barangays and for the safety of our field workers,” said Arleen Bagoning, statistician of NSO Region 6.

Ninety-five map data collectors and processors have been deployed to the different barangays of the region to undertake the mapping for about five months.

Nine were assigned in the province of Aklan, 10 in Antique, 11 in Capiz, three in Guimaras, 40 in Iloilo, and 22 in Negros Occidental.

The mapping project aims to produce digitized maps at the barangay or “enumeration area (EA) level” using the Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.

“Mapping is an integral part of a census or survey operation to ensure the complete coverage of an area and avoid duplication. Enumerators and supervisors use barangay and EA maps to plot households and to sketch important landmarks and area features. It is therefore necessary that maps are complete and they must conform to the standard set by the office,” said Bagoning.

The NSO intends to map all barangays nationwide through the project.

To date, some 3,288 barangays have digitized maps, and 19,524 barangays have high resolution Google Earth images which will have to be digitized.

On the other hand, 19,114 barangays have no high resolution Google Earth. These will be mapped using the Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers.

Bagoning said all the field workers have undergone training using the GIS and GPS receivers.

Simple, meaningful Independence Day celebration in Iloilo City

(PNA), LAP/AJP/LMSinay/vlo

ILOILO CITY, June 8 (PNA) – This city will commemorate the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence in simple rites at Plaza Libertad on June 12.

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog together with city officials and lone district Rep. Jerry P. Treñas will lead department heads and employees in the celebration that will start 7:00 a.m.

“It will just be a simple ceremony but made more meaningful by the presence of everyone who care enough to remember how we gained our freedom 114 years ago,” Mabilog said.

The celebration is made even memorable by the fact that Plaza Libertad was where the Philippine flag was first raised upon the surrender of Spanish forces to the revolutionaries led by Gen. Martin Delgado on Dec. 25, 1898.

Its rich contribution to history as the last Spanish capital in Asia was recognized by the National Historical Institute in 1996.

City tourism and development officer Benito Jimena said the program will begin with a flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying on the monument of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who was the embodiment of every Filipino who fought for freedom from foreign oppressors.

University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) chancellor, Dr. Rommel A. Espinosa, will be the guest of honor and keynote speaker.

Red, white and blue balloons will be released at the end of the program to symbolize the victorious attainment of Philippine independence.

Kalayaan job fair to mark local Independence Day celebration

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. (JCM/JSC-PIA 6)

ILOILO CITY, June 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 6 and in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo Chapter will conduct a job fair dubbed “Kalayaan Job Fair” on June 12 to mark the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day.

Preparations for the activity were laid down at a multi-sectoral meeting held on June 5 at Sarabia Manor Hotel, this city.

As of date, 60 companies have signified their intention to participate in the job fair, which will be held at Marymart Mall here from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.. The jobs offered by said companies are for foreign and local placements including those for the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector.

The regional multi-sectoral committee overseeing the event advised applicants to register beforehand with the city and provincial Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) so that their qualifications can be matched with the available jobs offered by participating employers or companies.

This will guide the applicants as to what employment or company desk to go to during the actual job fair which would be convenient to the latter, according to organizers.

Concerned national government agencies including DOLE, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are part of the committee overseeing the event.

A program will be held to formally open the program with DOLE Regional Director Ponciano Ligutom, City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, and Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. as guests of honor.

The theme of this year’s Independence Day celebration is “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan” (Freedom: The Accountability of a Sovereign Nation of Responsible Citizenry).

Iloilo City anti-smoking initiatives best in PH

(LMS, Iloilo City PIO/PN)

ILOILO City – This city notched its first Red Orchid Award. The Department of Health (DOH) cited it for having the “Best Anti-Smoking Initiatives” among local government units in the country.

Iloilo City garnered a perfect score of 100 percent based on DOH’s set criteria for implementing a 100 percent Tobacco-Free Environment.

“This is indeed a great honor for we have proven that our anti-smoking campaign and advocacies here are truly effective,” Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said.

He thanked the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) headed by their chairperson, Councilor Joshua Alim, for the hard work and dedication to achieve a “smoke-free Iloilo City.”

“We have posted the greatest example by making the city hall a smoke-free zone, prohibiting smoking in all offices and within its 100-meter perimeter radius,” he added.

Alim said the recognition was made possible because of the strict implementation of the ordinance.

He lauded the ICAST agents and partners for their commitment to do their job.

Mabilog and Alim joined ICAST Director Inigo Garingalao and City Health Officer, Dr. Urminico Baronda in receiving the award from DOH Secretary Enrique Ona at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City on May 29 in line with the World No Tobacco Day.

The city government received a trophy, certificate and P100,000 worth of medicines for the smoking cessation clinic.

The Red Orchid Award is the highest distinction given by the DOH on anti-smoking advocacy of local government units, government hospitals and offices, and DOH centers nationwide.

City restores sea wall of historic Fort San Pedro

(PNA), FFC/ajp/PGL/vlo

ILOILO CITY, June 5 (PNA) – The city government here is looking forward to the completion of the ongoing restoration of the sea wall of the historic Fort San Pedro that was partially damaged by a typhoon.

A report by the Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the project was 60 percent completed as of end of this year’s first quarter.

The project covers the construction of 266 lineal meter sheet piles foundation, including concrete paved road with 26 units of lamp posts and landscaping.

The DPWH has allotted some P44 million for the project upon the request of Iloilo City lone district Rep. Jerry P. Trenas.

The completion of the project is expected to improve the aesthetics of the gateway to Iloilo City from Parola and Fort San Pedro wharves; ensure the protection of coastal areas of the City Proper and For San Pedro and provide additional park and open space for leisure and recreation.

Most importantly, it will help preserve one of Iloilo City’s century old landmarks.

Built in the 1600s, Fort San Pedro or known was La Fuerza de San Pedro was constructed as a defense against Dutch and English invaders. It survived the Spanish-American War but made as a prison facility for arrested Filipino guerrillas by the Japanese forces during the World War II.

It was totally damaged when American forces bombed all Japanese installations in Iloilo City during World War II.

The restoration of the sea wall was one of the projects presented to President Benigno S. Aquino III when he visited this city Friday last week.

It is situated along Ramon Muzones street facing the panoramic view of Guimaras Island and the Iloilo Strait.

1st Phl Int’l River Summit identifies 5 major policy recommendations

By Lilibeth A. French (JCM/LAF-PIA 6)

ILOILO CITY, June 4 (PIA) -- Delegates to the First Philippine International River Summit have identified five major policy recommendations after a three-day discussion in this city.

The policy recommendations were presented to President Benigno S. Aquino III by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio during the closing ceremony of the river summit held at the Centennial Resort and Convention Center in Jaro district.

Ignacio said the first recommendation is a request for a Presidential Proclamation declaring March 22 of every year as the Philippine River Day which will coincide with the celebration of the World Water Day.

Ignacio said that a draft proclamation is being prepared for submission to the Executive Secretary.

The second recommendation is to continue the holding of the summit every year with the hosting rotated among volunteer local government units.

Earlier, host mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog had announced that Marikina City had already committed to host the next summit in 2014.

Other recommendations include: for the DENR to fast track the completion of the master plan for the 18 priority river basins; for National Economic Development Authority to prioritize water resources and river restoration projects under public-private partnership; and to develop rivers as eco-tourism and bio-diversity sites to be led by DENR and Department of Tourism.

Ignacio said the DENR was tasked to coordinate the implementation of all these recommendations.

Prior to the President’s arrival at the summit, delegates approved the Iloilo City Declaration of River Initiative which will be submitted to the Rio + 20 Summit to be held on June 20 to 22 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ignacio said the summit also expressed its appreciation to the President for prioritizing the 18 major river basins.

He further told delegates about the Jalaur River Basin Project (JRPB), another major government initiative to protect the river system in Iloilo.

The JRPB is a commitment of the government of Japan during President Aquino’s visit in Japan in September 2011. The project costing P550 million to be implemented over 10 years will benefit more than 10,000 farmers. The project located in the headwaters of the major river system in Iloilo will complement the dam project of the National Irrigation Authority.

President Aquino also led the launch of the P11.2-billion Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II, considered as the first large-scale reservoir dam outside Luzon in the same event.

The summit, which gathered 1,203 delegates representing more than 15 countries and 363 local government units, dwelt on best practices and scientific models which were proven to be successful.

It culminated with a study tour in different areas of the city such as the Iloilo Wetlands and Bird Sanctuary at Brgy. Hinactacan, Lapaz; River Esplanade at Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao; and the Heritage Sites at Calle Real, City Proper.

Iloilo summit calls for protection of rivers and environment

By Tara Yap (with reports from Lydia C. Pendon)

MALACAÑANG is pushing for direct international flights at the Iloilo Airport.

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III did not directly address the request to declare the airport as another international gateway of Western Visayas, but instructed Secretary Mar Roxas of Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the full implementation of the open skies policy.

At the sidelight of the 1st Philippine International River Summit, Roxas said that the open skies policy will enable flights from South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and other Asian countries in flying directly to Iloilo.

Cebu Pacific Air has recently confirmed the launching of international flights Iloilo-Hong Kong, Iloilo-Singapore and vice versa by end of October or early November.

“We are here to promote Iloilo as a destination,” Roxas added.

Roxas also lauded the efforts of Ilonggo Sen. Franklin Drilon in bringing economic and tourism development in the city and province of Iloilo with projects including the river park known as Iloilo Esplanade and the P11.2-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project-Phase II.

On his part, the President added that direct international flights will bring in more tourists and strengthen socio-economy not only in Iloilo, but the rest of the country.

Earlier, local officials have requested for the formal declaration of the airport as another international gateway of the region.

They include Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., Department of Tourism (DOT-6) acting regional director Atty. Helen Catalbas, and Iloilo Business Club (IBC) executive director Lea Lara.

They said the declaration of the P9-billion Iloilo Airport as an international gateway is vital for the transition of ground operations from domestic to international including the establishment of full-time Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) personnel.

Assurance

Aquino assured Ilonggos that the Iloilo airport of international standard located in Cabatuan, Iloilo will become the major gateway of Western Visayas after noting more than 400,000 tourists arrivals in Iloilo in 2011.

He directed Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to start the ball rolling for the upgrading of the airport to accommodate international flights before the end of 2012.

Roxas said the local airport upgrading is ongoing and negotiations with international airlines have been started to include Iloilo airport in the flights. The DOTC chief said that included in the plan is the sustainability of airport operations.

Earlier, Cebu Pacific Airways assured inclusion of the Iloilo airport in its international flight itinerary with possible direct flights from Iloilo to Hongkong and Singapore. These areas have thousands of overseas Filipino workers from Iloilo and the rest of Western Visayas who wish for direct and easy flights from abroad to Iloilo.

The Department of Tourism and various trade and tourism promotions organizations based in this city are clamoring to have international direct flights from Iloilo in order to touch base with other countries and promote Ilonggo tourism sites and festivals and economic growth.

Iloilo summit calls for protection of rivers and environment

By Othel V. Campos

Iloilo City — Participants to the first International River Summit in Iloilo City have signed a manifesto to protect the world’s rivers and called for greater investment to address environmental challenges.

“The first Philippine International River Summit intends to emphasize the urgency for joint and collaborative action to manage our waters especially since the adverse effects of climate change on our water assets are becoming more pronounced every day,” Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said at the close of the two-day summit at the Centennial Resort Hotel and Convention Center.

Mabilog, who presented the manifesto, said that the summit would establish a cooperative approach in confronting challenges that threaten the environment.

The summit is a joint project of the national government through the Environment Department, with the PLDT group and the city of Iloilo as co-presentors. The PDLT group has been implementing programs that seek to rejuvenate the country’s river systems and has a continuing project to replant mangroves along the Iloilo river.

The manifesto cited the need to mainstream biodiversity management, disaster risk reduction management and climate change adaptation, into national and local legislative agenda.

It also called for efforts to enhance the capacity of the local government units and improve access to resources and technical opportunities for river conservation.

New City Hall a one stop shop for all transactions

By Lydia C. Pendon

THE IMPOSING 7-storey new Iloilo City hall building here is a one-stop-shop for all transactions that the city government requires with the effective and efficient public service delivery of its employees and constituents.

Contractor FF Cruz Fraysinet turns over the building to the city government June 1, 2012.

Funds for the building construction were sourced from Land Bank of the Philippines through loan at 7 percent interest per annum. The building incorporates the design of heritage buildings in the city like the Iloilo Customs House, University of the Philippines Iloilo campus, Masonic Temple and the old City Hall into an environment-friendly building.

The building has a sensitive alarm system with sprinklers, 4 service elevators, centralized air conditioning system with solar-aided power, garage, 3 staircases and fire exists, all new office features, ample working space and with a bronze lady statue on the top called “Lin-ay sang Iloilo.”

It is very accessible to constituents due to its location in the heart of the city and passable to almost all jeepney routes within the city limits. It is presentable to all people because of its modern design and good air conditioning system with solar energy.

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