Iloilo City News December 2018

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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.

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.

ILOPRISAA rules Iloilo football festival 2018

By Adrian Stewart Co (PN)

ILOPRISAA booters claimed the championship in the U-12 category of the Football Festival: Mini World Cup 2018 after a 3-1 victory over Western Visayas State University on Sunday at the WVSU Football Field.

Vince Emmenuel Espinosa was hailed as the championship match’s best player after knocking down all of the ILOPRISAA three conversions against the defense of the WVSU.

On their way to the championship round, ILOPRISAA cruised to a 6-1 victory over the Mirasol Mandurriao, while WVSU edged out La Paz squad, 3-2.

La Paz, meanwhile, was able to salvage a victory as it walloped Mirasol Mandurriao in the battle for third place match.

In the U-10 category, WVSU A was hailed as the champions after defeating La Paz FC. West B squad, meanwhile, bagged the bronze medal.

The two-day football event, which was participated by 10 teams, was part of the grassroots program of the Iloilo City government with Regor Dadivas as tournament manager and Moises Salomon as tournament supervisor.

“Sports events like this showed that (Iloilo City) Mayor Joe (Espinosa) was committed in searching for young talents from the city especially in football,” said Salomon of Iloilo City Sports Division.

11 groups to wow audience during Dinagyang’s Kasadyahan fest

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- Nine groups will compete while two others will serve as guest performers during the Kasadyahan regional cultural competition of the 2019 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival slated to be held on January 26, 2019.

The competing groups came from two festivals in Antique, four from Iloilo, and one each from Negros Occidental Capiz, and Guimaras.

They are the Hambaro Festival of San Remegio and Binirayan Festival from Antique; Pinta Flores of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; Sugilanon Festival of Roxas City in Capiz; and Hubon Guimarasnon of Manggahan Festival of Guimaras.

From Iloilo, the groups are the Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Kaing Festival of Leon, Manughabol sang Salakayan Festival of Miagao, and Hugyaw St. Therese MTC Colleges.

The Masskara Festival of Bacolod City and the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) Panganinaw Festival will perform as guest groups, Dr. Eden Deriada, chair of the Kasadyahan committee of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival, said in a phone interview Tuesday.

She added that the Kasag Festival of Banate also expressed its interest to join but they were told that everything has already been set for the Kasadyahan.

“Maybe next year they will be joining us,” Deriada addd.

She said those who confirmed earlier already received one-half of their PHP500,000 committed subsidy from the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI). Non-competing groups will also receive PHP200,000 in financial assistance.

“We have already drawn lots for the takeoff area of their performance and we will be giving them their final billeting areas,” she added.

The regional cultural competition gathers the best of festivals from all over Western Visayas in one venue just as the Kasadyahan. The festivals usually depict thanksgiving and the way of life of the people where the festival comes from.

Meantime, the IDFI ticket committee announced that the selling of tickets for the four stages that are being managed by the foundation will start on December 27. The venue for the selling of the tickets will be at the third floor of the Iloilo City Hall.

‘Night at the Museum’ scenes for Iloilo City folks this season

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The historic Plaza Libertad, at first glance in the morning, looks just like any ordinary plaza with the statue of national Jose P. Rizal standing tall at the center.

But this Yuletide season, when the clock strikes 5 in the afternoon, the 1.5-hectare plaza transforms into a magical place full of sparkling Christmas lights and several animal figures reminiscent of the American comedy film “Night at the Museum”.

“This is the first time that we have introduced a theme and we chose the movie ‘Night at the Museum’,” Mayor Jose Espinosa, who thought of the concept, said Monday. The plaza’s transformation was first unveiled on December 10 and will continue to illuminate the night until the celebration of the “Dinagyang Festival” highlights on January 25 to 27 next year.

In the movie, animals and other figures of famous people on display come to life in the evening, the mayor added.

Hundreds of Christmas lights breathe life into different animal figures of elephants, monkeys, tigers and even dinosaurs. He said that it is meant to send a strong message, especially to children, about showing concern for the wildlife.

“This will be frequented by our young. We want to raise their awareness to show concern to our animals that are almost extinct,” he said.

“So, while they take photos, they should also be reminded of animals that are now on the verge of extinction,” Espinosa added.

Aside from the animals, visitors at the plaza, will be definitely unable to ignore the imposing 25-feet Christmas tree fronting the seven-story eye-catching city hall. At the rightmost part of the plaza, the idle remnant of the Steam Locomotive 888 train that used to transport sugar canes when the sugar industry was then one of the major industries in the region becomes magical with the shimmering Christmas lights while big boxes of colorfully wrapped gifts can be seen placed in front of the train.

The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) also showcased in its design that celebrating Christmas need not be expensive.

The CEO and the General Services Office (GSO) collaborated to gather as many recyclable materials to be used for the Christmas tableau at the plaza.

“GSO provided for free, from garbage pickers, around 20 sacks of recyclable plastic materials,” said CEO head, Engr. Bobby Divinagracia. The CEO also made use of empty drums painted with Christmas symbols, as place for the children to play hide and seek or simply just take photos and selfies.

“We want this to be interactive where children can play,” he said.

With a modest budget of PHP1.5 million, the plaza has become a place for family to gather and to bond, especially during nighttime.

“The plaza is where the people gather, it is where family gather, that is why it is always at the center of the community. This is part of my promise that the plaza should be open to all,” Espinosa said.

The mayor urged the public to “enjoy this Christmas season at the beautifully lighted plaza” while listening to the pipe-in Christmas songs playing 24 hours within the area.

The concept was first introduced at the Plaza Libertad but the city government is looking forward to also provide attractions in other plazas of the city. Each of the seven administrative districts of the city has a plaza.

“We want to make playground in all our plazas to add color to the Christmas celebration of our children,” the mayor said.

DepEd, IDFI institutionalize partnership for Dinagyang fest

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd), Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI), and the Iloilo city government have inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Friday afternoon, institutionalizing their partnership for the annual Dinagyang Festival.

“We are sharing the skills, the talents of our officials, students and even alumni coming from different schools. They are a rich source of our talents and skills in Iloilo City,” said Clarissa G. Zamora, assistant schools’ division superintendent and officer-in-charge at the office of the DepEd Iloilo City schools’ division superintendent.

She lauded the formalization of the partnership through the MOA where the responsibilities of the parties are detailed.

Under the agreement, the practice hours for students who are part of the tribes competing for the Dinagyang Ati Tribe competition will be held during dismissal time and off hours so as not to disrupt classes.

DepEd will also observe the “regularity of fees for trainers and artistic teams.”

“This will really promote the educational, as well as the cultural advancement of our schools,” she said.

IDFI president Ramon Cua Locsin added that one of the important points of the agreement is for the foundation to release in four tranches the subsidy to participating schools.

Each of the eight participating tribes will receive a total of PHP1.2 million in cash subsidy. To date, the IDFI has already released three tranches totaling PHP900,000 each.

The IDFI will also secure accident or injury insurance for the students and the performing teams.

“This may not be perfect yet, but as we go on, every year we will be adding what we see as lacking,” he said.

The highlights of the 2019 Dinagyang Festival will be held on January 25-27.

On January 27, eight tribes will compete in a carousel type in five judging areas. They are Tribu Panayanon, Salognon, Ilonganon, Dagatnon, Paghidaet, Hugpunganon, Pan-ay, and Barriohanon.

There will be two guests and non-competing tribes, such as the Tribu Miru composed of the Ati Indigenous Peoples from Nagpana, Barotac Viejo and the alumni of former grand slam winner Tribu Bola Bola.

The annual festival began as a religious event to honor Señor Santo Niño and was later on adopted by the local government to become a religious cultural event.

The 2019 Dinagyang anchors on the theme, “Devotion to Señor Santo Niño: Well-Spring of a Vibrant and Humble Service”. Its tagline is “Connecting Communities through Culture and Faith”.

8 tribes competing in 2019 Dinagyang

By Glenda Tayona (PN)

ILOILO City – Eight tribes are vying for top honors in the ati-ati competition of the 2019 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival on Jan. 27, 2019.

The tribes are Panayanon of Iloilo City National High School, Salognon of Jaro National High School, Ilonganon of Jalandoni National High School, Dagatnon of Ramon Avanceña National High School, Paghidaet of La Paz National High School, Hugponganon, Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School, and Barriohanon.

Tribu Panayanon is the defending champion.

Tribe Committee chairperson Robert Alor of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) said two guest tribes would be performing – Tribu Miro and Tribu Bola-Bola.

IDFI chairperson Ramon Cua-Locsin said out of the P1.2-million subsidy for each tribe, the foundation already released P900 thousand to each.

The remaining P300 thousand for each tribe would be released on the first week of January.

“Connecting Communities thru Culture and Faith” is the theme of the 2019 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival.

Dinagyang started in 1967 when a replica of the Santo Niño de Cebu was brought from Cebu to the San Jose de Placer Church here.

The replica, accompanied by devotees from Cebu, was enthusiastically received by the Ilonggos who danced on the streets of the city to the tune of rumbling drums.

In 1968, the festival was formally launched. It marked its 50th anniversary in January this year.

Dinagyang is the Hiligaynon word for revelry or merrymaking. The Dinagyang Festival is Iloilo City’s version of the Ati-atihan celebrations widely observed not only in Panay Island but also in other parts of the country. It may not be as ancient as the one in Kalibo, Aklan but it is known more for the participants’ impressive choreography and striking costumes that reflect the ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry of the Ilonggos.

WV confident in hitting 2018 tourist arrivals target

(PNA)

WESTERN Visayas (Region 6) continues to attract tourists in 2018 despite the six-month closure of Boracay Island in Aklan.

In fact, the Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 regional office is optimistic in reaching its tourist arrivals target by end of 2018.

DOT-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas said on Wednesday that although they have yet to consolidate the reports from the provinces, they are likely to reach at least 5.8 million arrivals this year.

Catalbas, who was in Bacolod City for the opening of the “Kaon Na ‘Ta” Food and Travel Festival, said despite the huge arrivals decline during the closure of Boracay in Aklan between April and October 2018, Western Visayas was able to “recover” through its other destinations.

“We have other attractive destinations in the region. They have all increasing tourist arrivals,” Catalbas said, adding that one of the major contributors is Negros Occidental.

The shutdown of Boracay gave way for the rehabilitation of the area, which President Rodrigo Duterte described as a “cesspool.”

The DOT-6 earlier noted that following the closure of Boracay Island, other provinces in Western Visayas needed to increase their tourist arrivals by at least 1.2 million this year to compensate for the economic losses.

In 2017, more or less 5.8 million tourists visited Region 6, higher than the 5.5-million target.

DOT-6 is eyeing to increase the figure to 6.1 million in 2019.

In Negros Occidental, including its capital Bacolod City, tourist arrivals surged to about 1.72 million last year, higher by seven percent than 1.61 million in 2016.

The final report of the Negros Occidental Tourism Division showed that the province catered to 1.609 million visitors in 2017, including 114,686 who are foreign tourists and 381 overseas Filipinos.

Iloilo City Hall to spend P8M for gift giving activity

By Emme Rose Santiagudo (TDG)

AROUND 25,000 senior citizens, indigents, and persons with disability (PWDs) will receive P8 million worth of gifts from the Iloilo City government starting today.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III said the City Budget Office allotted the funds for the traditional gift giving activity to the less fortunate.

The target beneficiaries will receive rice and canned goods.

“Mga P8 million ang na-allot sang City Budget Office and diri kita madistribute sa atubang sang City Hall,” Espinosa said.

According to City Administrator Hernando Galvez, presidents of their respective groups selected the beneficiaries.

“The selection is through the respective presidents sang aton mga senior citizens, indigents kag PWDs,” he said.

Galvez said that the beneficiaries must be present during the distribution process and emphasized that the distribution will follow a “one ticket, one gift.”

“One ticket one gift ang aton gina-recommend and it must be in person kay madamo kita reklamo sang nagligad nga wala nag alabot ang para sa ila,” he said.

The actual gift giving is expected to start 7 a.m. today after the registration which kicks off as early as 5 a.m., according to Galvez.

School launches P230-M maritime training ship

By Tara Yap

Iloilo City—The country’s only maritime university launched its P230-million training ship to enhance skills and capabilities of future Filipino seafarers.

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) has the distinction of owning the country’s first privately-owned training ship, the M/V John B. Lacson. The ship is named after the school’s founder.

Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo, JBLFMU president emeritus, said the training ship is the realization of the vision of her father, Capt. Lacson, in providing quality maritime education.

Capt. Vicente Fedelicio, chairman of university affiliate JBL Maritime Vanguard Inc., said the ship is equipped with latest technology for hands-on training of maritime education students. It can also cater to hotel and restaurant management students for onboard training.

The former cargo ship was refurbished in Bataan before it sailed to Iloilo City, its home port and where the main campus of JBLFMU is located.

Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III said the training ship of JBLMFU boosts Iloilo’s standing as an educational center in the region, especially as training ground for skilled seafarers.

37 firms in Western Visayas get Bagwis award

By Cindy Ferrer (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 6 (Western Visayas) has conferred the “Bagwis Award” to 37 establishments for practicing fair business and upholding the rights and welfare of consumers.

Rebecca Rascon, DTI-6 director, personally presented the seals of excellence to the establishments in an awarding ceremony held at The Venue, Smallville Complex here Wednesday.

Rascon said these establishments were recognized because they have strictly adhered to various consumer laws and established their Consumer Welfare Desks (CWDs) or an equivalent customer relations office that provides information to consumers and serves as a mechanism for the speedy resolution of consumer complaints.

“We hope that you will continue to do good practices to assure safe and quality products and service to your consumers and even level up,” she told the awardees.

“Bagwis” is a local term for feather or wing. The “Bagwis Award” has three categories -- gold, silver and bronze.

The two branches of the Supervalue, Inc. or the SM Supermarket in the districts of Mandurriao and City proper in this city were conferred with the gold seal, a repeat of their achievement last year.

Meanwhile, 21 establishments were silver awardees -- six outlets of Sanford Marketing in Negros Occidental; six outlets of Iloilo Supermart, Inc. in Iloilo; three branches of 7-Eleven in Negros Occidental; Toyota Aklan, Inc. (Aklan); LVS Commercial (Antique); Laxmi Automotive Services and Parts (Capiz); HLH Marketing, Inc. (Capiz); EDE Engineering Enterprise (Antique); and Prince Hypermart (Iloilo).

Under the bronze category, 14 establishments were awarded, the seven branches of 7-Eleven in Iloilo; Ace Hardware Philipppines (Aklan); UYPH Retal, Inc. (Aklan); Du Ek Sam Inc. (Antique); Oxord Computer Solutions (Capiz); Puregold Price Club, Inc. (Iloilo); Bluefields Trading Post Inc. (Iloilo); and Iloilo Supermart-Molo (Iloilo).

DTI here has partnered with some local government units through their Business Permits and Licensing Office (BLPO) and with other private sectors, such as Consumer Organization and Philippine Retailers Association-Iloilo to screen the nominees.

Establishments with the bronze seal have complied with Fair Trade Laws (FTLs), among them the Consumer Act, Price Act, Price Tag and effective customer relations services and efficient store management operations.

Establishments with the silver seal, on the other hand, have passed additional criteria, such as exemplification of social commitment and responsibility, for instance involvement in any regular corporate social responsibility programs.

Companies with the gold seal have passed additional criterion -- the establishment of quality orientation management.

Michelle Aguadera, operations manager of SM supermarket expressed gladness for another recognition given to them after they were reassessed by DTI two months ago.

“We really aim to maintain our gold seal because this is a benchmark for us to show the customers that we are really complying with the requirements of DTI. At the same time, we are providing 100 percent customer service,” she said.

Aguadera assured that they will continue to comply with the requirements of DTI and provide quality service and products to their consumers.

Iloilo City commits P5-M for national hero’s center

By Cindy Ferrer (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The city government is providing PHP5-million fund to complete the center for Ilonggo national hero Graciano Lopez Jaena.

City Mayor Jose Espinosa III announced the commitment of the fund during Tuesday’s celebration of the 162nd birth anniversary of Lopez Jaena, who was the first editor of "La Solidaridad", the newspaper that fought for Philippine representation in Spain.

In a follow-up interview, Espinosa said they are targeting to immediately release the fund during the first quarter of next year to Dr. Graciano Lopez Jaena Foundation, Inc. (DGLJFI).

Initially, the mayor said the foundation has already started the center but financially struggling to complete it.

The center is located at Fajardo Street in Jaro district where Lopez Jaena was born.

“I told them that it would take long for them to complete that if they will only use their contributions,” he said.

The mayor hoped that the center would be finally completed by December 2019 in time for another celebration of the birth anniversary of Lopez Jaena.

Espinosa stressed that “it is always his desire” to give importance to the life of the Ilonggo national hero and showcase his works especially among the young people.

He said the center will feature his life on how he became a national hero.

It will also house some of his writings and other memorabilia, he added.

The mayor further said the seventh floor of the Iloilo City Hall was already named Graciano Lopez Jaena Hall in honor of the Ilonggo hero.

Espinosa said he is looking for the possibility of also naming after Lopez Jaena the new Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, which now nears completion.

Further, he is also planning to issue an executive order to all the public schools in the city to create a program or integrate in their teaching the life of Lopez Jaena.

Meantime, Mia Lopez Cruz, President of the Graciano Lopez Jaena Foundation, welcomed the commitment of the city government to complete the construction of the center.

“We hope that the construction will really be completed this year,” she said.

Hundreds of Ilonggos gathered at the statue of Dr. Graciano Lopez Jaena at Jaro Plaza this city on Tuesday to celebrate his birth anniversary, December 18, 1856.

One of the highlights of the program is the cultural presentation the life of Lopez Jaena by the Graciano Lopez Jaena Little Theater.

The Lopez Jaena Day has been declared a public holiday in the city and province of Iloilo.

Western Visayas museum opens textile gallery

By Cindy Ferrer (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The Western Visayas Regional Museum opened on Saturday a gallery featuring the weaving tradition of the region.

Dubbed “Habol Panay: The Woven Artistry Philippine Textiles”, the exhibit is the first ever gallery unveiled since the converted Old Iloilo Provincial Jail was opened as a regional museum last April in this city.

The gallery is a permanent exhibition that displays to the public the threads, textiles, looms and raw materials used in weaving in Panay. These displays are from the National Ethnographic Collection while some are donated and loaned by partners of the National Museum (NM).

The opening of the exhibit was graced by Angel Bautista, acting assistant Director of the NM and the chief of cultural properties regulation; Governor Arthur Defensor Sr.; former Antique governor Sally Perez; and Antonio Legarda, who represented her daughter, Senator Loren Legarda.

In a media interview, Bautista recognized the outstanding, unique and artistic works of the weavers in Western Visayas that should be showcased to the public and to the generations to come. “This is to showcase our rich intangible cultural heritage that we must be proud of,” he said.

Bautista said Filipinos have already been into the culture of weaving even before the Spanish colonization. “Not only here (in Western Visayas) but the entire country and this has been our common identity that we, Filipinos, are really involved in this culture of weaving,” he added.

He said they already showcased some of the textile heritage of the Philippines to other parts of the country and in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Germany, Spain and the United States of America.

Criselda Monreal, one of the weavers from Miag-ao,Iloilo, demonstrated the process of weaving using a “hablon” loom made of wood and bamboo after the inauguration of the exhibit.

Panay weavers are famous for their artistry using abaca, cotton, pineapple and silkworm, which are cultivated by the farmers in the region.

Meanwhile, Bautista said that they are now conceptualizing all the exhibits this last quarter of the year as they are planning to open them by 2019. The regional museum houses five galleries.

He said that they will prioritize the gallery that will house archaeology because they are bringing in the centerpiece of the exhibit, the “Oton Death Mask” from their vault in Manila.

The death mask is a pre-Hispanic gold mask found in a gravesite in Barangay San Antonio, Oton,Iloilo.

“The galleries for the natural history, plants, animals, especially endemic species found only in Panay will be showcased here,” he said.

Popcom’s advocacy on adolescent health goes digital

By Cindy Ferrer (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The Commission on Population 6 (Western Visayas) has launched a mobile application to strengthen the education campaign on adolescent health (AH).

Dubbed “AHlam Na!”, the mobile application aims to provide accurate knowledge on adolescent health and development, as well as adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Some 150 Grade 12 students from various schools in this city gathered during the launch at The Mansion Hotel here Thursday.

The term “AHlam Na!” was derived from young people’s lingo, “Alam na!”, which means something is already confirmed.

The mobile application is a strategy to promote and improve the well-being of the youth, Harold Marshall, director of Popcom-6, said. “There is a need to innovate strategies in meeting with the evolving needs of young people to address their sexual and reproductive health needs to information and services,” he said.

Popcom-6 here has partnered with the Save the Children, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, and the Iloilo State College of Fisheries to develop the mobile application, which is now downloadable using smartphones.

The mobile application has features like quiz (fact or bluff) on puberty, sexuality and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The results of the quiz could be shared on social media to encourage more young people to download and use the app.

Popcom-6 Assistant Director Rosemarie Hubag recognized that today’s young people are “digitally wired” and the most convenient way possible for them to acquire information that could answer their mind-blowing question, especially about adolescent health, is through the internet or their smartphones.

Hubag said low-level awareness on adolescent sexual and reproductive health-related information lead young people in the region into risky sexual and non-sexual activities, which put their future at risk.

“We cannot afford to see you people fail in life because of misguided truth and wrong information. We have to pull our efforts together,” she said.

With the mobile application, Hubag said they were able to connect with the young people by optimizing the new information technology.

Hubag expressed hope that the mobile app would improve the health-seeking behavior of adolescents in a manner close to their lifestyle.

Iloilo City youth leadership academy program gets green light

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The institutionalization of a leadership academy program for the youth in Iloilo City got the nod of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) during its last regular session for the year, which was held Wednesday afternoon.

Authored by Councilor Lady Julie Grace Baronda, the approved “Iloilo City Leadership Academy (ICLA) Ordinance” started as an advocacy platform for young leaders to excel in their chosen cause.

“We wanted to build a sustainable and impactful training program for the most promising leaders of our society—our youth,” Baronda said.

The program will have three strands: shaping leaders, youth congress and youth laboratory.

Baronda said under the shaping leaders strand, there will be training, programs and projects specializing in leadership, values and development.

There are four training programs composed of fellowship training, crash course, short course and collaboration programs.

The youth congress will focus on the development of barangay youth leaders to be handled by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

“Each batch of the congress shall have their youth congressman/woman who shall lead their batch for any activities they may engage to in the future,” she said.

The youth laboratory will serve as “a network that shall be composed of all registered youth organizations, school government presidents and the Sangguniang Kabataan”. It shall be known as the “Ilonggo Youth Lab”.

A commission, with the city mayor sitting as its director, will oversee the implementation of the ICLA and the Iloilo City Youth Development Division as its secretariat.

Way back in 2017, the final platform was approved by former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog with the vision of making it as the “mother program of all youth trainings in the City of Iloilo”.

Out of the more than 200 interested applicants seeking a slot for the fellowship program, only 40 were chosen. Of the participants, 14 completed the requirements and implemented their individual advocacy.

They underwent six months continuous training with the support of the administration of Mayor Jose Espinosa.

The 14 served as pioneer graduates of the ICLA and officially called as ICLA Fellows.

Baronda said that Iloilo City is the first local government unit to have this kind of program in the country and she envisioned that it will be replicated by other cities in the future.

Iloilo City approves P2.3-B budget for 2019

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved on Wednesday afternoon Iloilo City's 2019 Executive Budget amounting to PHP2,31 billion.

However, instead of approving a lump sum budget for offices at the City Hall, Councilor Plaridel Nava II, who is also chair of the SP committee on appropriations, recommended an itemized budget, detailing particular projects for every amount stated in the proposal.

“I want people to understand, I want my fellow councilors to understand where the budget will go, how it will be utilized,” he said.

Also, he made sure that only one half of the approved budget will be released during the first semester covering the January to June period and the remaining 50 percent during the second semester.

“We split it into two and we placed the bigger budget for July to December,” he said, adding that the Local Finance Committee has to abide by what is mandated by the ordinance.

He said the council, having the “power of the purse”, has the discretion where to use the money.

“That’s part of the check and balance,” he said, so the budget they passed is not subject to abuse.

Except for the disapproved PHP200,000 allocation for the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), the budget was passed with only one objection out of 14 councilors, including Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation chairman and president of Association of Barangay Chairmen (ABC).

Nava said the LYDO has to settle its differences with the SK as the Federation chair complains of overlapping of functions.

Of the approved budget, PHP1,303,479,277 will be taken from local taxes; PHP1,005,714,415 from the Internal Revenue Allotment share and PHP10 million from the share in the economic zone.

The local council also approved the PHP77,172,543 budget of the Local Economic and Enterprise Office.

Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo, in registering his objection, said that there are allocations that were split such that one half will be used for the first six months and the remaining amount in the last six months.

“I’m very sure the mayor will veto the ordinance. Mayor has his own ways to solve the problems. Our rules in budget and government accounting allows the mayor to veto the ordinance,” he said.

Meanwhile, the SP may call for a special session next week to approve a supplemental budget containing the Performance Enhancement Incentive and the Collective Negotiations Agreement (CNA) of regular city hall employees.

Last Monday, Mayor Jose Espinosa III announced that he wanted each employee to have PHP25,000 for their CNA.

However, the guaranteed budget was only at PHP18,000 per employee on the said date.

He ordered the City Budget Office to look for other sources of funds to reach the PHP25,000 target.

The Local Finance Committee was not able to submit the documents in Wednesday’s last session day of the SP.

However, Nava assured that they will convene next week to act on the supplemental budget.

“We cannot afford to deprive our regular employees because they deserve that,” he said.

Iloilo City tourism rolls out ‘Joyride Ta’ program

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The City Tourism Office (CTO) of the city government here will roll out on December 17 its tourism awareness program to deepen the understanding of frontliners about Iloilo City and what it has to offer to visitors.

“We want to give our guests easy access to the city but before that we want to prepare our frontliners such that they are knowledgeable, and they know how to respond to basic questions about the city, stories behind destinations and developments,” said Junel Ann Divinagracia in an interview on Tuesday.

Dubbed “Joyride Ta”, at least 200 frontliners of tourism-oriented and related establishments such as hotels and restaurants will take part during its Monday’s free guided tour. The participants are expected to cascade to their colleagues back in their office what they learned during the trip.

“We have prepared an itinerary that will pass by all destinations in the city for them to be briefed about their significance,” she added.

The series of free guided tours will include barangay officials because sometimes tourists also ask information from them. Vendors and frontliners of national government agencies, among others will also be included.

Divinagracia cited the need to raise the awareness of frontliners about the city destinations as there has been an upward trend in terms of tourist arrival in Iloilo City. Last year, the city hit the one-million mark, she said.

“It’s on upward trend. Hopefully this year we can surpass the number,” she added.

She said while they are preparing the frontliners, they are also prepping up the establishments and destinations.

They have been coordinating with the Iloilo Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association, Iloilo Business Club and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

To date, the city has almost 2,000 tourism establishments, she said.

“It is part of giving back to our tourism stakeholders because they are paying for tourism license. We will try to train and educate their staff, especially frontliners because we wanted to improve our customer service here in the city,” she added.

Likewise, the CTO is planning to acquire a vehicle similar to the tourism jeepney of Guimaras where passengers are seated facing the driver rather than the common jeepneys here where passengers are facing each other.

The tourism awareness program is held in partnership with the Department of Tourism in Western Visayas.

Iloilo City Council OKs franchise of new water service provider

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- Cognizant of this city’s water issues, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) during Tuesday’s regular session granted a non-exclusive franchise to another investor with interest to operate in Iloilo City.

With eight councilors expressing support, five abstentions and one objection, the 25-year non-exclusive franchise was granted to Primewater Infrastructure Corporation (Primewater) to construct, establish, commission, and maintain a water supply system to service the population of Iloilo City.

Councilor Plaridel C. Nava II, in a follow-up interview, said the ball is now in the hands of the city mayor on whether or not to sign or veto the ordinance.

“We are talking about water. I don’t think anyone will argue that they are enjoying much water in Iloilo,” he said when asked about its impact to city residents.

The franchise that was granted will cover the same area that is being covered by the existing Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD).

In a separate interview, Atty. Roy Villa, legal counsel of the MIWD, said they will be filing a case for the said move of the SP.

“We are still thinking of where to file the cases but definitely we will be filing. This time, it will include the Balibago case. We will now proceed with the criminal and administrative charges,” he said.

He opined that for criminal charges, it would be the usurpation of authority because the local government unit has no power to grant franchise.

For the administrative case, it would be the abuse of authority, grave misconduct and other charges that may have been committed by the elected officials.

Just last week MIWD and the Metro Pacific Water (MPW) signed a PHP12.35 billion 25-year joint venture project to rehabilitate, expand and improve the water distribution system and wastewater management facilities of the water utility.

Meanwhile, the city government also granted a franchise to Balibago Water Resources Inc. to operate in Jaro district.

Under the franchise granted to the Primewater, the investor will have to pay the city government PHP1 per cubic meter of water sold and paid for in the franchise area subject to appropriate increases proportional to tariff adjustments.

The phase I of the project that covers the first to third year will serve 25 barangays of La Paz district; 16 in Mandurriao; 17 in City Proper and nine in Lapuz.

The remaining years will cover the 113 unserved barangays of Iloilo City.

China’s Hainan province eyes agreement with Iloilo City

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The Hainan Foreign Affairs of China is eyeing to establish a sisterhood agreement with Iloilo City, according to the head of the city’s Local Economic Investment and Promotion Office (LEIPO).

In an interview Tuesday, following her two-week intensive training on the Tropical Agriculture Advanced Study and Research Program, Ritchel Gavan said that Iloilo City was the only Philippine local government unit invited to the program because of that consideration.

The training gathered 20 participants from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Micronesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

“There are other areas for economic cooperation,” she said.

She added that Hainan is being positioned as a special economic zone in China. They are also working on making it as a free port zone. “There is a demand to learn English because they are opening up,” she said.

These are some reasons why they wanted to establish the agreement with the city, she added.

In education, Iloilo City is a “Center of Excellence”. This would mean employment for local teachers and business for schools because Hainan would be sending their students to learn English in Iloilo, Gavan said.

Also, it could boost tourism arrival in this highly-urbanized city because Hainan has the largest overseas Chinese.

“They would want to see other areas of cooperation apart from agribusiness,” she said, who was also asked to deliver a speech at the closing ceremony of the training.

She added that they will be waiting for the Hainan Foreign Affairs of China to send a letter stating their intention for a sisterhood agreement.

Iloilo City eyes to replicate Chinese mushroom technology

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The city government may consider adopting the farming technology available in Hainan, China following a two-week intensive training on agribusiness as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative from November 26 to December 7, 2018.

Ritchel Gavan, one of the two delegates sent by the city government upon the invitation of the Hainan Foreign Affairs of China, said one of the best farming technologies that can be replicated is the mushroom industry.

Gavan, head of the Local Economic Investment and Promotion Office (LEPIO), was joined by City Agriculturist Romulo Pangantihon during the duration of the Tropical Agriculture Advanced Study and Research Program.

“What we saw that can be replicated in this city, in an urban setting, is the mushroom industry,” she said on Tuesday.

They joined other delegates in touring among others the 20-square meter facility that produces tons of mushrooms every six hours.

Pangantihon said that “it’s the most practical technology that can be adopted.”

He added that an area was converted from being a rubber tree plantation into a sort of greenhouse to mushroom culture. Saw dusts were mixed with organic component and spawn of mushrooms. He added that growing the mushrooms is not tedious.

“The area of about 3x20 meters produces 15 kilos of mushrooms every six hours,” he said.

Pangantihon said that he will be coordinating with the mushroom production specialist of the Department of Agriculture (DA) here to acquire the technology.

“I am looking at incorporating it at the household level,” he said.

“There is a ready market. Chinese restaurants (in Iloilo) want fresh mushrooms from here. What they are using right now are canned mushrooms. This is a good opportunity for us,” Gavan said.

Since they have just arrived from China, Pangantihon said that they would be making the necessary recommendation to the city mayor.

Gavan said that there are high-value commodities that can be found both in Hainan and Iloilo.

“Hainan is at the southern part of China, which is a tropical province. Upon arrival, we saw that there were a lot of commonalities between Iloilo and Hainan,” she said.

The intensive training was attended by 20 delegates from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Micronesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

130 hired on-the-spot during Christmas job fair

By Cindy Ferrer (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- A total of 130 applicants were hired on-the-spot (HOTS) during the Christmas job fair facilitated by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in Iloilo province on December 7-8.

In an interview Monday, PESO manager Francisco Heler Jr. said these HOTS applicants were among the 2,346 jobseekers who came during the two-day job fair held at the Capitol.

He said most of them will be working in malls as service crew and cashiers, in drug stores as sales clerk and pharmacy assistant, supermarkets as bagger and cashiers, among others.

The job fair offered more than around 60,000 job vacancies, most of which are for overseas employment with 53,201. A total of 124 companies offered these jobs.

Four government agencies joined the event namely, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

“Our job fair was really successful, and we really appreciate the companies who joined as during the event,” Heler said.

However, this year’s figure of 2,346 jobseekers was lower than the 2,957 applicants during the Christmas job fair last year.

“But it is still a good number,” Heler said.

Heler further said there were also some seven persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, graduates of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and a probationer who grabbed the opportunity for possible employment.

Special lanes were opened to give them priority.

There were also special lanes for beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), but they were still consolidating the data if there were those who were accommodated during the job fair.

Meanwhile, around 17 local government units participated in the “Libreng Sakay at Libreng Pamasahe,” which provided jobseekers free transportation from their town going to the provincial capitol and back.

The next job fair here may be conducted first week of June 2019.

‘Iloilo City is a safe place for media’

By Gail T. Momblan (TDG)

THE Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) assured that the city is a safe place for media practitioners.

Senior Superintendent Martin Defensor, ICPO chief, expressed 100 percent commitment to the safety of media practitioners while performing their duties without fear of harassment.

This was the ICPO’s response to the initiative of the Duterte administration to involve the whole system of bureaucracy in the fight against media killings.

“We consider you (media) as partners,” he said.

He said the Duterte administration’s move proves that the media is highly regarded by the government.

“Isa kayo (media) sa may mga big roles sa society naton. Pinakadako kayo na mag-influence sa mga tawo,” he said.

So far, the ICPO chief said he has not heard of media harassment cases, except the attempted break-in at Aksyon Radyo station on Nov 19, 2015. The suspects were led by slain suspected drug lord Melvin Odicta Sr.

The incident had to do with the radio station’s active campaign against illegal drugs in Iloilo City.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) identified the slain Odicta Sr. and his son Melvin Jr. and village councilor Jesus “Jing-Jing” Espinosa Jr. as among the intruders.

The Duterte administration formed the Presidential Task Force on Media Security to look into cases of media harassment.

The task force is composed of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of National Defense (DND), Presidential Human Rights Committee, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The task force primarily aims to ensure a safe environment for media workers.

The Operational Guidelines of Administrative Order No. 1, which established the lead coordinating body tasked to investigate media killings, were presented to the attendees on Dec 5, 2018 at the Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao district, Iloilo City.

DOH honors 231 partners, stakeholders in W. Visayas

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) on Friday honored 231 individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in ensuring the success of its various health programs in Western Visayas.

“Today, we praise and give recognition to our partners who have shown exemplary performances and outstanding contribution in achieving health program benchmarks,” Abdullah B. Dumama Jr., DOH Assistant Secretary for Field Implementation and Coordination Team for Visayas and Mindanao cluster, said in his keynote address.

Sharing his journey to being a doctor and now working with the DOH, Dumama said he “realized that he could not save or change the world by himself and he needs the help of others.”

“I am humbled and inspired to be in the company of men and women who have given public health service a good name,” he said, adding that he has witnessed how the common people “rise up to the challenge to be the everyday heroes of their community.”

The awardees covered performers under the non-communicable cluster with 62 awardees; health emergency with 19; infectious disease cluster, 61; family health and nutrition cluster, 41; regional epidemiology and surveillance unit, 8; and health and advocacy promotion, 27.

CHD 6 (Western Visayas) also recognized the Aleosan District Hospital, Capiz Doctors Hospital and the Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial Hospital under the Health Facilities and Technology Cluster. The hospitals were recipients of the DOH 30 Star Awards that were given in Manila last month.

They were able to meet the criteria set forth under the safety and infection control, service provision, customers’ and employees’ satisfaction, community-based projects, and quality improvement categories.

Seven local government units received the Western Visayas Local Health Systems Regional Awards -- the province of Capiz; Iloilo City; Bago City and Silay City in Negros Occidental; Dumalag, Capiz; Nueva Valencia, Guimaras; and Concepcion, Iloilo.

Special Awards on Governance were also extended to the province of Guimaras; Bago City of Negros Occidental; and Concepcion, Iloilo.

“All of us made tremendous effort in order to survive what were seemingly unreachable goals. Big work and dedication led us to where we are now,” Dumama added.

The awardees received a plaque of appreciation during the ceremony held at the Eon Centennial Resort in Jaro district, this city.

MIWD, MetroPac ink P12.35-B joint venture agreement

By Cindy Ferrer (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) and the Metro Pacific Water (MPW) signed on Thursday the PHP12.35-billion joint venture project that would pave the way for a 25-year concession to rehabilitate, expand and improve water distribution and wastewater management in Iloilo province.

Signing the agreement were Dr. Teodoro Robles, chairman of MIWD’s board, and lawyer Laurence Rogero, president of MPW, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

In his speech, MPIC President Jose Ma. Lim, described the signing of the agreement as a testament to their commitment to Iloilo.

“As the country’s leading infrastructure investment company, with interests across several infrastructure sectors, we bring with us expertise and innovations in infrastructure that will underpin growth of the city’s economy and impact the lives of millions of people,” he said.

Ramoncito Fernandez, MPW director, said they will start the works by upgrading the existing facilities of MIWD and build new infrastructure to improve the services of the local water utility.

First, Fernandez said, the joint venture project will work on expanding the service coverage utility.

“Not all homes and businesses across Iloilo city and seven municipalities of Iloilo are connected to the water district but through the various efficiency measures and investment in new pipes, we hope to bring 20 percent coverage closer to 100 percent by the end of the concession,” he said.

Fernandez also said that they will work with MIWD to address the non-revenue water levels in the system by installing new technology to detect leaks more accurately and improve response time in repairing leaks.

He added that they wanted to work with MIWD and the local government unit in addressing the growing industrial demand for water fueled by economic growth in the city and province of Iloilo.

“As we provide our communities with a safe, clean and continuous supply of water, we are equipping them with the potential to attract new businesses,” Fernandez said.

“At last, we have a solution,” said Senator Franklin Drilon as he welcomed the joint venture project in his keynote message while recalling the city’s dilemma of lack of water supply and other water problems that hindered the developments here.

Drilon said the insufficient supply and inefficient water delivery system had been a problem for more than 840,000 residents of Iloilo City and the surrounding municipalities of Maasin, Sta. Barbara, Pavia, San Miguel, Oton and Leganes, which are the franchise areas of MIWD.

“Only 30 percent of the 840,000 residents of these franchise areas are being served, that is why it is very critical to provide solutions to the problem,” he said.

However, Drilon expressed hope that the joint venture project would be the start of solving these problems, given projections that the city’s demand for water would rise to almost 94,000 cubic meters in four years.

“Hence, there is an urgent need to look for solutions. This is not for us, not for Metro Pacific but for the Ilonggos,” he said.

The signing of the joint venture agreement was held at the Grand Xing Imperial hotel in this city.

W. Visayas entries bag Gawad KALASAG award

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- Entries from Western Visayas bagged three major awards during the national awarding of the 2018 Gawad Kalasag Search for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance held in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday.

Civil Defense 6 (Western Visayas) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Division head Alleth Nogra, in an interview Wednesday, said two of the national awardees came from Capiz and one from Bacolod City.

“DRRM is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only of the government. In Capiz, they have already spread the DRRM even in the private sector and they are excellent in doing it,” Nogra said.

She said that probably, “they have lessons learned because of (super typhoon) Yolanda.”

The Capiz State University (CapSU) and St. Anthony Hospital, both from Roxas City in Capiz, won first place for the Best Higher Education Institution and Best Private Hospitals categories, respectively.

Bacolod City’s Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade won first place in the Best Volunteer Organization category. CapSU and Amity also bagged similar awards last year.

“As awardees, you are now one of the best in the Philippines. For you to win in your category, you have to possess what is ideal in disaster risk management,” she said.

St. Anthony’s College, Nogra said, is complete with amenities that they can “respond readily” to incidents that may happen within the city of Roxas.

The private hospital has an institutional DRRM plan, and a service continuity plan and advocates for a safe hospital both for their employees and patients. The facility likewise renders services for DRRM in the community where they belong.

On the other hand, CapSU also has the capacity to bring DRRM to their community.

The Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade, meanwhile, is an institutionalized volunteer group with its own budget and equipment.

Nogra said they look forward to winners cascading their best practices to other organizations.

She also cited the need for local government units to work on strengthening their councils because the region has no national winner for the best local DRRM council.

The winners each received a trophy and PHP300,000 cash prize that they can use to boost their DRRM capability.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Western Visayas, chaired by Civil Defense Regional Director Roberto Nuñez, was also given a commendation.Example.jpg

Biggest 50-foot Santa Bear lights up in Iloilo City

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- Once again, Ilonggos are reminded that Christmas is indeed for children with the country’s biggest Santa Bear now sitting prominently on top of the Iloilo Business Park Showroom in Mandurriao district.

Santa Bear is 50 feet tall, said Jennifer Palmares-Fong, vice president for sales and marketing of the Megaworld Iloilo Business Park.

“Christmas is for children. It will bring smile and joy every time they see the bear,” she said.

As it ushered the Yuletide Season with the presence of the iconic bear, perhaps one of the fortunate groups was the school children of the Feliciana Java Kelly Elementary School located in Barangay Calajunan, Mandurriao district, where the city’s dumpsite is located.

“Most of the kids are children of scavengers, those who are working in the dumpsite,” Ellen Grace Alelis, elementary school head, said in an interview Monday.

On verge of tears, Alelis said she was very glad “to see that the kids are very happy and fulfilled”, being their first time to receive gifts from Megaworld.

“We didn’t expect it to be like this. We thought it was only a simple gift-giving, but they gave the children the best experience of their lives,” she said.

Thirty pupils from Grades 1 to 4, belonging to the poorest of the poor, where chosen as recipients of the gift-giving activity held last Nov. 30.

Each child received a white bear and a gift toy courtesy of one fast-food chain.

Children were also entertained by the performances of the Kinaadman dancers, Claravall-Gonzales School of Classical Ballet, and Airdances prior the ceremonial lighting of the bear.

“It’s very rare for them to accept bears. With all those smiles I see in them and those beautiful, innocent expressions from them, I guess this will inspire them to become good children and be contented of what they have because there are a lot of people who cares for them,” she said.

Seven-year-old Jose Almarente, one of the beneficiaries, said he was happy with the gift.

Palmares-Fong said the giant bear will light up each night until end of December. It is visible across main thoroughfares in Mandurriao and nearby Jaro district.

“Christmas is very magical. We want to bring the feeling that every time they come here, they will feel like a child again, you will feel the holiday season,” she said.

The bear was shipped all the way from Manila and installed for a couple of days.

Meanwhile, for the whole month, series of activities have been lined up at the Iloilo Business Park. Every Sunday and Saturday, there will be a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus sessions at the Santa’s Corner at the Festive Walk Mall Atrium.

The skies will be lighted come Dec. 15, 23 and 30 as Grand Fireworks Display will take centerstage.

There will also be traditional Simbang Gabi from Dec. 15 to 24, while Christmas caroler and Christmas Ballet Special will entertain mall goers on Dec. 17 to 14 and Dec. 22, respectively.

NIA inaugurates P170-M river irrigation rehab project

By Cindy Ferrer (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on Monday inaugurated the PHP170 million newly-completed and improved Sta. Barbara River Irrigation System (SBRIS) in Iloilo.

Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (NISRIP) covered the towns of Sta. Barbara, Leganes and Pavia in Iloilo province and Jaro district here which is expected to benefit more than 1,200 farmers.

JICA Philippines senior representative Yo Ebisawa said the project will pave way for higher rice productivity and income of Filipino farmers “which remain to be one of the most pressing issues that Philippines agriculture is confronted with.”

“Filipino farmers, unfortunately, remain among the Philippines poorest sectors with poverty incidence as much as 34.3 percent. And with this project, we hope our farmer to improve and sustain their productivity and income,” Ebisawa said in his speech.

He assured that JICA would continue to support the agriculture sector of the Philippines.

NISRIP project manager Silvino Navarro said the project will improve average cropping intensity of farmers from 162 percent to 200 percent.

Navarro said it will also increase irrigated area from 2,239 hectares to 2,289 hectares during wet season, and from 1,465 hectares to 2,289 hectares during dry season.

The project will also increase paddy fields from 99 to 110 cavans per hectare for the wet season and 80 to 100 cavans per hectares for dry season, he added.

For his part, Administrator Ricardo Visaya of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said the project will translate into an efficient operations and maintenance that will optimize the benefits derived from the irrigation system.

He said the offices of the irrigators’ associations and its support facilities and farm machineries will ensure quality of rice produce thus, gaining higher price for the commodity and eventually increase the income of the farmers.

“NIA has already accomplished the rehabilitation and improvement of this river irrigation system and we will never stop giving you, our farmers, the best possible service that you deserve,” he added.

Visaya also urged beneficiaries to utilize the facilities with utmost care so it could serve them longer.

The inauguration of NISRIP was graced by Visaya, Ebisawa, and Makoto Iyori, minister of economic affairs of Embassy of Japan.

The rehabilitation works, which began in 2013 and completed this year, involved the diversion dam, main canal, laterals, drainage canal structures, drainage structures, on-farm structures and service roads, and construction of offices of irrigation associations with support facilities.

The newly inaugurated project is one of the 11 national irrigation systems covered by the NISRIP nationwide.

Iloilo City opens sidewalks to vendors this Yuletide season

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- Some 300 vendors stand to benefit from the move of the city government, giving them space to sell their goods on the sidewalks until the end of this month.

In an interview after Monday’s regular flag-raising ceremony, Mayor Jose Espinosa III said vendors can use the sidewalks not just at the central business district (CBD) on J.M. Basa Street but also in Lapaz, Arevalo, Mandurriao, Jaro, Molo, and Lapuz districts.

“We want to give them chance to sell their goods to shoppers likewise allowing our indigent sector to earn,” the mayor said.

While the vendors are given the privilege to sell, the mayor urged them to sell their goods at reasonable prices.

Espinosa also encouraged the vendors to properly dispose of their garbage so as not to be eye sores.

“We really hope that they will comply with the requirements of the city government,” Espinosa added.

Meanwhile, Jeck Conlu, head of the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), said that while the sidewalks are now open, vendors still have to follow certain guidelines.

He said they should not occupy the entire sidewalk but leave a one-meter gap for pedestrians to pass. They should first secure a permit from the city government, Conlu said.

He said vendors are not allowed to sell firecrackers and wet goods, and are only allowed to sell ready-to-wear, fruits and gift items.

“The PSTMO through its Special Service Unit Division will regulate the vendors,” Conlu added.

The opening of the sidewalks to vendors was officially launched on Dec. 1

Apart from sidewalk vendors, the city government is also finalizing the target recipients for the annual gift-giving that will benefit more than 20,000 indigent city residents.

Espinosa said they target to distribute the gifts before December 25.

More than 60T vacancies at Iloilo provincial capitol job fair

By Ime Sornito (PN)

ILOILO City – Over 60,000 jobs are up for grabs in what could be the biggest job fair that the provincial government’s Public Employment Service Office will hold from Dec. 7 to 8 at the capitol grounds and Casa Real de Iloilo.

Of the 60,707 total vacancies, 53,201 are for overseas employment and 7,506 are for local employment.

Companies that confirmed participation reached 135 as of last Thursday, said Francisco Heler Jr., head of PESO-Iloilo. “We have 71 companies for Day 1 and 64 companies on Day 2.”

Most of the overseas job opportunities are for masons, carpenters, foremen, engineers, welders, waiters, cooks, receptionists, bellmen, nurses, X-ray technicians, laboratory technicians, and physicians.

Many of the participating local companies are in the business process outsourcing, tutorial, real estate, banking/microfinance, retail, and hotel and restaurant industries.

They are looking for English tutors, customer service representatives, marketing directors, client relations associates, account and property specialists, insurance advisers, credit officers, tellers, account officers, baggers, clerks, cashiers, receptionists, room attendants, admin officers, food checkers, dining crew, service crew, riders, sales assistants, store supervisors, clerks, merchandisers, and warehouse personnel.

Job seekers must take note that the participating companies were split into two groups, PESO said.

Present on Day 1 (Dec. 7) are overseas recruitment agencies; BPO, logistics and real estate companies; hospitals; and banks/microfinance organizations.

Government agencies will be around that day, too.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is looking for Fire Officers 1; Department of Budget and Management, administrative officer II; and Bureau of Internal Revenue, attorney II, administrative assistant III, statistician II, and legal assistant II.

The Professional Regulation Commission, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Department of Trade and Industry are joining the job fair as well.

All other local companies are all lumped on Day 2 (Dec. 8).

In addition, seven companies – four BPO companies, two banks, and a bakery – are hiring only PWD (persons with disabilities) workers.

“There is a designated area for PWDs where representatives of companies intending to hire them are posted. They need not queue,” Heler said, adding that such companies will be present on both days.

Moreover, PESO-Iloilo will set up a “help desk” for inquiries and transactions with select government agencies.

Making up the help desk are the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Social Security System, and the Professional Regulation Commission.

In addition, local governments of 17 towns are offering free transportation to their job-seeking residents headed to the job fair.

“Libreng Sakay” is available in Alimodian, Anilao, Badiangan, Barotac Viejo, Barotac Nuevo, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Dumangas, Igbaras, Janiuay, Lambunao, Leon, Maasin, Pavia, San Rafael, Tigbauan, and Zarraga.

Members of the Newtrals Phil Bikers Organization may also ferry job seekers, PESO said.

Heler urged job seekers to check at the PESO in the provincial capitol or their Municipal PESO the jobs where their skills suit.

During the PESO Job Expo just this June 1 there were 37,759 job vacancies offered by 109 local companies, 12 BPOs and 27 recruitment agencies.

PEMSEA member countries adopt ‘Iloilo Declaration’

By Cindy Ferrer (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The 11 countries bordering the seas in East Asia adopted the Iloilo Declaration titled “East Asian Region Moving as One to Secure Healthy Oceans, People and Economies” on Thursday.

The signing of the declaration was the highlight of the 6th Ministerial Forum on the East Asian Seas Congress 2018, held in this city on November 27-30.

The 11 ministers, who adopted the declaration, represented Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, North Korea, Singapore, South Korea, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and the Philippines - all members of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA).

In a press conference, Aimee Gonzales, executive director of PEMSEA, presented the declaration as a “key component of PEMSEA that provides policy direction and commitments for improving and strengthening the implementation of the SDS-SEA (Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia).”

The three-page declaration shows the commitment of the ministers to achieve the remaining targets under the “Da Nang Compact by 2021” and provide regular update of the State of the Oceans and Coasts Report (SOC).

In the “Da Nang Compact”, they targeted to achieve the 25-percent Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) coverage of the region’s coastlines and the adoption and implementation of ICM national laws and policies in all countries in the region.

They also vowed to provide voluntary country contributions to PEMSEA operations beyond 2019 and support transition to blue economy investments or the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and the health of the ecosystem, at the national and local level.

They also aim to reduce or prevent all kinds of marine pollution and implement policies and programs for the sustainable management of coastal tourism destinations.

The ministers, who stressed that “ourselves” is the “biggest threat”, have to shift to a mindset of responsible stewardship and take bold steps to protect, manage and restore our coasts, as well engage citizens in the East Asia and people in other regions to work together for healthy oceans, people and economy.

Meanwhile, Gonzales said the ministerial declaration was “not just an outcome of the Congress.”

“It is actually our marching orders to move forward and actually develop a work plan. So we will develop a work plan in the next three years and we already have a draft. We just need to refine it a bit so that we could focus on the seven priority areas that are actually also in our shared development strategy for us to fine tune it also,” she said.

They will be reporting the progress from the Iloilo Declaration during their next Congress in 2021, Gonzales added.

Antonio Laviña, chairman of the East Asian Seas Partnership Council, shared the same insights with Gonzales. He said the declaration is not just a call of action but a plan.

“It is actually commitments and a commitment to monitor and deliver and every three years, we actually review what we have done,” he said.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, in his message delivered by Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia, dubbed the signing of the Iloilo declaration a “victory.”

“We were able to rally our partner countries to coming together and agree to our vision for a sustainable future for our people,” he said. He then expressed his deepest gratitude to the 11 countries for affirming their commitments towards healthy oceans, people and economists.

The Congress ends on Friday with a one-day tour around Iloilo and the island-province of Guimaras.

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