Iloilo City News July 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.

Historical commission eyes Iloilo as model heritage zone

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is eyeing this highly urbanized city to become a “model in the country as heritage zone.”

“The whole district has been declared as heritage zone. And this area will also in the future be declared as another heritage zone for the city of Iloilo,” said Ludovico Badoy, Executive Director of the NHCP during the inauguration of the Ker Co. Ltd building on Tuesday.

The newly-restored building situated at the back of the City Hall was funded by the NHCP. It was declared as an “important cultural property” and turned over to the Iloilo City government following the signing of the deed of transfer of the historical marker and the certificate of transfer of the newly restored historic building.

“I would like to congratulate the leaders of Iloilo for really giving importance to your heritage structures and to your history,” he said, in an interview after the turnover ceremony.

He said the commission spent less than PHP18 million to restore the building to include air-conditioning, closed circuit television and the smoke detector. Prior the restoration, the two-storey building was used as a warehouse.

With the help of their architects and engineers, he said that the restoration was meticulously done to ensure the authenticity of the building. They also have to remove unnecessary fixtures that were put in the structure.

In his message prior the unveiling of the historical marker for the building, Badoy underscored that Ker and Co. Ltd played a significant role in the trade and commerce during the colonial times.

It first opened a branch in Manila and Singapore in 1827 and expanded in Iloilo in 1862 that was managed by William Ker Jr.

Nicholas Loney, who was the British vice-consul based in Iloilo during the 19th century, was one of the employees of the company. Iloilo City’s Muelle Loney street just beside the Iloilo River was named after him.

“Ker and Company was one of the pioneering companies in terms of coming up with the sugar industry in the Philippines through the city and province of Iloilo,” Badoy said.

“This is where it all started; sugarcane economy of the province and city of Iloilo,” he added.

He also urged everyone to treasure and take good care of the heritage structure, being an important cultural property.

Badoy said that it is now up to the city government on how it will utilize the structure.

In a previous interview, Mayor Jose Espinosa said that the ground floor will be occupied by the City Tourism and Development Office. A space will also be provided as display area for Ilonggo products.

Adjacent the Ker building is the old building of the Commission on Audit that was also restored by the NHCP. It will be transformed into an economic museum, Badoy said.

“In other words you will see in the future, maybe in a year’s time when the structure is already through. The next will be the museum proper. So, I just want to ask from all of your patience; it will be paid off by a beautiful museum that you will all love,” he added.

To integrate the two heritage structures, the NHCP according to Mayor Espinosa already downloaded PHP16 million to be used to establish a park in between the two buildings.

Iloilo seeks sister-city ties with China’s Quanzhou City

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The city government here will soon forge a friendly relationship with China’s Quanzhou City in Fujian province.

On Tuesday, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Jose Espinosa to sign the agreement for and on behalf of the Iloilo city government.

Councilor Liezl Joy Z. Salarta, author of the resolution, said Espinosa has extended an invitation to Quanzhou City officials “to further promote friendly relationship between the two cities.”

“Both parties would endeavor to promote the friendly contacts between the two cities and develop exchanges and cooperation in every field like economy and trade, science and technology, culture and education, public health and sports,” she said.

She added the letter of intent will have to be signed by Espinosa and the Vice-chairman of the Quanzhou City Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference for the establishment of the friendly relationship.

The SP endorses the friendly relations in the hope that it will result in the establishment of a friendly city in the future, she said.

Aside from Quanzhou City, Iloilo City has also established sister-city ties with Qingdao City in Shandong Province in 2006.

DA to implement ‘urban gardening’ program in Iloilo City

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Iloilo city government on Monday agreed to jointly carry out the “Urban Gardening, Pagkain Para sa Masa Program” here on Monday.

The program, also known as “urban gardening”, teaches people to produce their own food, empower them to earn extra income from their produce and learn about food safety, said DA Assistant Secretary Hansel O. Didulo for Regulation and the Visayas during the signing of the agreement between the city government and the DA at the city hall.

Iloilo City is the first local government unit in Western Visayas to enter into an agreement with the DA for this project.

The program will identify a barangay in each of the seven districts of the city to become a communal garden. After four months, the best garden will be chosen, Didulo said.

“But that is just a showcase. What we really intend to do is to teach our people here in the city and to engage them in farming,” he added.

He said the contest only meant to “create awareness” as he hoped that even without the contest, the program will continue.

The program teaches people to produce their own food, empower them to earn extra income from their produce and learn about food safety, he added.

Under the partnership, the DA will provide technical expertise, “Pinakbet” (bitter gourd, squash, string beans, okra and eggplant) seeds, fertilizers and other garden tools.

The city government, on the other hand, will provide the venue, jetmatic pump and prizes for the best community garden.

The program is based on the directive of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol to “produce food”, said Didulo.

DA’s directive is in response to the promise of President Duterte during his campaign that it is his “moral obligation to provide affordable and available food to our people,” added the DA official.

Meantime, Didulo said they are also in the process of identifying beneficiaries for the “Itik Pinas” program, which DA aims to launch in September.

Iloilo City impresses Dutch envoy

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- Iloilo City has made a good impression on Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands to the Philippines Maria Christina Theresia Derckx, who for the third time, visited this highly-urbanized city the whole day on Friday.

In an interview, Derckx said she wanted “very much to stroll through the city”. She came to Iloilo as a private person during her second visit.

“I'm also very much wanted to know the leadership of the city because I am very impressed by the way the city is run; what has happened to the river, how you have managed to clean everything up and make the river really an active part of the city, which I understand (is) the longest walking way in the Philippines,” she said.

She lauded the city government’s efforts to “create public space for people to go out and enjoy”.

“And I think in that sense, Iloilo is really an example for the country,” she added.

Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa, in welcoming the Dutch envoy meantime, expressed how amazed he was with the various museums he visited when he got the chance to visit The Netherlands.

Espinosa said that while Iloilo City has also made efforts in establishing museums, the latest would be the Museum of Economic History just adjacent to the city hall.

He also informed the envoy that Iloilo hosted the Dutch honorary vice-consul in 1921, the year when the International Container Port Complex was then the second largest international port in the Philippines.

While the Philippines and The Netherlands mark their 67th year of diplomatic relations this year, Derckx said that the two countries have in fact “even have 150 years of consular affairs”.

“It indicates how much trade has been going on through the years and how much movement of people between our countries. Actually, half of (our) national fleet is sailed by Filipino people and people of Iloilo are sailing our boats,” she said.

She added that her country is one of the three major investors in the Philippines and major companies from there are already present in the Philippines.

“Very rich relationship ,” she added.

The ambassador visited in Iloilo upon the invitation of the One Meal Foundation headed by Teresa “Nene” Chan.

In an interview, she said that each time she brings them to Iloilo, the purpose is to “bring Iloilo to the map of the world”.

“I want to be able to open the doors of the city to ambassadors in the hope that they can help,” Chan said.

Also, she invited them to see her foundation that focuses on education. She revealed that her foundation has been a recipient of the support from ambassadors.

“I’m hoping that more of the other countries will be able to give us help in education, exchange students,” she added. Her foundation has been producing 90 scholars a year aside from establishing classrooms and libraries.

Joining the ambassador during the visit was her husband Mr Sjef Ijzermans.

WV PWDs join skills demo

By Lilibeth A. French (JBG/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY (PIA6) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 6 (TESDA 6) conducted a Skills Demonstration that provided an opportunity for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Western Visayas to acquire knowledge and skills on fruit and vegetable carving.

A total of 18 PWDs coming from the different provinces in the region including cities of Iloilo and Bacolod participated in the event that formed part of the kick-off activities for the celebration of the 40th National Disability and Prevention Week in the region on July 17 at SM City Iloilo.

Invited trainer Chris Hipolito assisted by Raymund Diaz, both from the Professional Electronics Institute, a TESDA 6-accredited technical vocational institution, demonstrated carving with easy tips and techniques to participants using tomato, cucumber, watermelon and apple.

They showed to PWD participants how to shape tomato and watermelon into flowers, a cucumber into a shark, and an apple into a swan.

In return, PWDs were also given the chance to showcase their artistry, creativity and skills in carving the same designs with the fruits.

As the lead agency in this year’s NDPR week, TESDA 6 Information Officer Bernadette Puertas said they have chosen Skills Demonstration on Fruit Carving as one of the activities for the celebration to provide PWDs with the knowledge and skills on fruit and vegetable carving which will allow them to make money even in the comfort of their homes.

“We hope that the skills and knowledge that our participants learned through this activity, they will use or apply them to start a livelihood or as their alternative source of income,” said Puertas.

Participating PWDs said they enjoyed the activity and at the same gained techniques on fruit carving.

Francisco Gamarcha and Edwin Fario of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras carved mango and cashew in their watermelons to showcase their famous mango and like cashew abundant in the province.

Fario said he earns his livelihood by carving woods and that was the first time he carved fruits. He said he will use his learning in occasions he will be asked to do it.

The Department of Agriculture provided the tool kits used by the participants during the activity.

Iloilo museum to highlight city's industries

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The city government is offering to collaborate with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in maintaining the rehabilitated Elizalde building here that will be converted into a Museum of Economic History.

In an interview Friday, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III said he broached the proposal to NHCP executive director Ludovico Badoy when they met in Singapore recently.

Badoy said they will tackle the offer during their board meeting.

“That is a big facility and they have no personnel to maintain it. We can be of help,” Espinosa said.

The Elizalde building is situated beside the Iloilo City Hall.

Espinosa said the commission wants to fill the ground floor of the building with artifacts representing past industries in Iloilo.

“Iloilo used to be the sugar industry. Iloilo industries have already the influence of Dutch, Spanish and British,” Espinosa said.

The mayor encouraged Ilonggos who still have photos of the old industries and the original owner of the Elizalde building to come forward and donate them to the museum.

Located at the back of the Museum of Economic History is the newly-renovated Kerr Building, once was owned by a British firm. It will be turned over to the city government next week.

Espinosa said a PHP16-million fund has been downloaded for the construction of a park in between the two heritage buildings.

Just a few steps away from the Kerr building will be the site of the new freedom grandstand. The old structure along JM Basa St. was demolished to pave way to the restoration of the Sunburst Park.

The Sunburst Park was named after an American Army Division that helped liberate Iloilo City and Panay from the Japanese occupation, Ilonggo historian Demy Sonza said.

The park leads to a heritage walk of the city’s Calle Real that was declared by the NHCP as a heritage zone.

NEDA, RDC bring regional dev’t plan roadshow to Iloilo

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY-- Local government units (LGUs) play a significant role in realizing the Regional Development Plan, said the top executive of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Western Visayas on Thursday.

“It is really important for us to go around the province and cities to really tell them that this is our Regional Development Plan. It came from a collective consultation; our role is very important. Help us make this happen; help us resolve some of the problems we are encountering,” said NEDA Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal during the Regional Development Plan roadshow facilitated by the Regional Development Council (RDC) and NEDA.

Bacal said local officials are “elected leaders and they are accountable to the constituents” and the regional offices representing the national government are present to provide them support.

Bacal, who is also the vice chairperson of RDC-6 (Western Visayas), said before participants from Iloilo that the crafting of the 2017-2022 Regional Development Plan was guided by the “Ambisyon Natin 2040” and also took into account the vision of the current administration.

“Ambisyon Natin 2040” is a 25-year long term vision of the Philippines seeking to end poverty by 2040.

Meantime, the region’s plan will serve as its “development blueprint.”

“It is significant because there are a lot of players when we pursue the things that we would like to happen in the region. We would like to make sure that everyone is in sync with our development agenda and that we move forward with the same objectives and targets that are espoused in the Regional Development Plan,” she added.

The plan has 22 chapters that tackle the various concerns of different sectors, she said.

Among the important points are improving the investment climate to entice more investors; pursuing a more consolidated marketing of local products for farmers to get the prices that they want at farm level while at the same time making them affordable, education issues such as training; health aspect, infrastructure support, environmental protection and resiliency, tapping technology and emerging technology to boost production areas and security, among others.

Bacal said the plan will be realized because local chief executives in the region are also “development oriented”. “They want their places to be improved,” she said.

The event in Iloilo is the fourth of the series of roadshows undertaken by the NEDA and the RDC. They will soon visit Aklan, Antique and Capiz.

“After this we will now rely on the sector committees of the RDC to follow up on the commitments from the agencies and the LGUs,” she said.

Over 2K indigent seniors in Iloilo City receive pension

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- Some 2,191 indigent elderly pensioners from the City Proper district received their social pension for the two quarters of this year.

Each indigent elderly received PHP3,000 during the distribution held at the gymnasium of Barangay Veterans Village on Wednesday.

“This really favors us. At least we know that our government really looks after our welfare,” said 74-year old Delia Mapeso from Barangay Tanza Baybay.

She will use the amount she received to pay their electric bills and buy food and medicine.

Rodolfo Sarmiento, 69 years old from Barangay Legaspi de la Rama, said he was happy because he now has money to spend at home, especially to buy rice.

The Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) serves as additional assistance of the government to qualified beneficiaries. The monthly stipend of PHP500 is expected to augment their daily subsistence and other medical needs.

In Iloilo City, 13,190 indigent senior citizens are qualified to avail of the SPISC, according to data from the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

The distribution started on Tuesday in Molo district, where 2,369 beneficiaries were given the social pension.

The distribution in Lapuz and Mandurriao districts will be on Thursday for 983 and 1,471 recipients, respectively and La Paz district on Friday with 1,959 beneficiaries.

The distribution will resume on July 24 in Jaro for 1,943 recipients and Arevalo district July 25 for 1,959 seniors.

P3.5-M to finance egg-laying machine program in Iloilo City

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY – The city government will utilize the PHP3.5-million fund from the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), previously intended for the native chicken dispersal program, to establish an egg-laying machine program.

The native chicken dispersal project was terminated last year due to corruption issues. It then served as the livestock component of the Integrated Community Food Production Program (ICFPP) under the Bottom up Budgeting (BuB) program implemented by the NAPC.

Iloilo City was allotted PHP10.370 million for the implementation of the ICFPP; PHP3.5 million was for the dispersal of 17,500 native chickens to 2,000 selected beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

City Agriculturist Romulo Pangantihon on Monday said that members of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) passed a resolution on Friday last week for the establishment of the new program, instead of having the fund recalled by the NAPC.

“It’s a module of layer chickens that are contain in a cage,” Pangantihon explained. Each module has 48 egg-laying chicken.

However, he added that “nothing is fixed as of now” because the program is yet on its planning stage and the technical working group will have to meet again to finalize the plan.

Initially, the intention was to organize a group but this time they will be “lenient” in admitting those who are interested to join. Also, they will determine how many beneficiaries will comprise a group so they could earn a substantial income.

From the income, they intend to allocate a certain percentage so they could buy replacement for the chickens in order to give the program “continuity”.

“The technical working group will meet again to finalize the plan. We will already solicit the willingness of those who will be involved, it would be difficult that you will push for them to accept the program and you will get reluctant participation,” Pangantihon said.

According to him, they would like to ensure the correct set up of the program in order to avoid the lapses that took place during the previous implementation.

WV disability committee slates activities for NDPR Week

By Lilibeth A. French (JBG/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY (PIA6) -- The Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) in Western Visayas chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development VI will spearhead the observance of the 40th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week in the region from July 17 to 23, 2018.

Series of activities are lined-up in collaboration with local government units and Persons with Disabilities organizations in the region to mark the annual observance aimed at raising awareness on the problems on disability and encourage every citizen to take active responsibilities in addressing the issues.

The 2018 NDPR Week in Western Visayas will kick off with an opening program on July 17 at SM City Iloilo to be followed by Fruit Carving Demo and Return Demo by PWDs.

The new Regional PWD Officers will take their oath during the induction program set on the same date.

A two-day Health Fair will be conducted on July 19 to 20 in Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

On July 24 and 25, representatives of member-agencies of RCDA 6 will undertake an access audit to assess how accessible are buildings and services to PWDs in Roxas City, Capiz.

There will also be a distribution of customized wheelchairs to children with cerebral palsy on July 26 in the town of Oton and on July 27 in the town of Ajuy, all in the province of Iloilo.

On July 2, the Department of Interior and Local Government issued a Memorandum Circular No. 2018-100 encouraging all LGUs to observe the event by raising the awareness of their constituents on the plight and potentials of PWDs with the intent to create enabling environment that will allow PWDs to enjoy productive lives.

In line with Proclamation No. 361 issued on August 19, 2000, the theme “Kakayahan at Kasanayan Para sa Kabuhayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran” was adopted for this year’s NDPR Week.

4 things to do in Iloilo City

By Angelo G. Garcia

ILOILO -- Iloilo City is the vibrant capital of Iloilo province in Western Visayas.

The city has one of the fastest-growing economy in the region and its ultra modern business and commercial districts, continuous infrastructure development, and booming business sector underscore this vibrant outlook.

Iloilo City is a coastal city located on the southeast portion of Panay island. It borders the municipality of Leganes in the northeast and Pavia in the north. To its west is Oton, while on the southeast side is the province island of Guimaras.

Founded in 1581 as La Villa Rica de Arevalo, Iloilo is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines. Yet despite its rapid transformation as one of the top investment hubs in Western Visayas, Iloilo harmoniously combines the old and the new, the future and the past.

Planning a visit to the city soon? Here are four things to do in Iloilo city.

1. CHURCH HOPPING

One way to explore a city's history is through its heritage churches. Two of the oldest and most popular are Jaro Cathedral and Molo Church.

Jaro Cathedral or the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles is located in the district of Jaro. The original church structure was completed in 1874 but it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1948. Repairs were completed in 1956. Its most interesting feature, however, is the detached belfry located outside the church compounds. The belfry is situated across the street just outside Jaro Plaza.

Molo Church. Photo by author

Molo Church or St. Anne Parish Church, on the other hand, is known as “The Feminist Church” because it houses a collection of all-female saints statues. The neo-gothic church was built in 1831 with a distinct white coral facade.

2. FOOD TRIPPING

Iloilo City has a rich food culture that should be taken advantage of. The district of La Paz is home to the famous La Paz batchoy or pork noodle soup. There's an area in La Paz, near the market, that is lined with batchoy restaurants but the most famous eateries are Netong's and Ted's Oldtimer. Both have branches in different parts of the city.

Then there's the pancit molo of Molo district. It's another noodle soup dish but this variety has dumplings or wonton and uses wonton wrappers as “noodles.” It's basically a Filipino version of a wonton noodle soup.

Biscocho Haus specializes in biscosho and other pasalubong products. Photo by author

And for some snacks and pasalubong, Iloilo's biscocho is one of the best. Bicocho Haus is a bakery and pasalubong shop that specializes in biscocho, a toasted bread brushed with butter and topped with sugar. This crunchy snack is best paired with coffee or tea.

3. EXPLORE THE NEW DISTRICTS

Iloilo City's newest commercial district is the Iloilo Business Park. It's an ultra modern central business district developed by Megaworld Corporation. The park is located in Mandurriao district, specifically the old airport.

The Iloilo Convention Center is located in the park, as well as Courtyard by Marriott.

The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art is also situated here, as well as the Festive Walk Parade and the newly opened Festive Walk Mall. There are also several office and residential towers in the area that is reshaping Iloilo City's skyline.

Just a few minutes outside the city is Pavia, an agro-industrial area where most of the new developments are rising. The newly opened Robinsons Place Pavia is the first mall in the country to open its own water playground, Aquafun.

4. HOP TO AN ISLAND

For a more nature-centric tour, Guimaras island is just a few minutes away from Iloilo City. The city is the main jump-off point to the island, which is just 15 minutes away by motorized banca. Guimaras is known for its sweet mangoes, beautiful beaches, and rich marine life.

Try visiting the beautiful uninhabited islet of Ave Maria island, one of the small islands that surround Guimaras.

The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center in Guimaras takes care of injured marine creatures like this sea turtle. Photo by author

There's also the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center at Igang Marine Station. It's a research facility that houses rare marine animals like giant milkfish, sea bass, giant groupers, and more. It also serves as recovery facility for injured animals like sea turtles.

DOST launches 2 research centers in Iloilo university

By Cindy Ferrer (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) led the launching and blessing of two research centers in this city on Friday.

The Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, and the Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development are located at the University of San Agustin.

Dela Peña said that the establishment of the two research centers here is one of their strategies to “distribute the effort of research and development in regions in the country.”

“This region, Region 6, has many potentials and we should just identify the road map to take to be able to harness the potentials,” he said in his speech.

Dela Peña added that research and development is better if there are different areas to focus on. “If there is an area that interests everybody, then go into collaborative undertaking so that we can easily achieve our dream for this region,” he said.

Dr. Jonel Saludes, Associate Vice President for Research of the university, said that the centers are visions to push the frontiers of natural medicine discovery in the Philippines for improved health and well-being of Filipinos in general, and the Ilonggos in particular.

“These research centers shall serve as training grounds of future experts to accelerate human capital development, ensuring the enhanced and quality education of Filipinos and contributing to regional and countryside human resources and economic development,” he said.

Saludes said the centers will be able to help transform the Philippine countryside into a competitive research community.

On Thursday, the university also held a groundbreaking ceremony for its seven-storey pharmacy and medical technology building.

DOT6 eyes more Muslim tourists in WV

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

ILOILO CITY, July 13 (PIA6) – The Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 is looking into ways and means to attract more tourists from Muslim countries to visit Western Visayas.

In a media release, DOT-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas said her office will soon conduct consultation dialogues with tourism stakeholders in the region on improving and putting up more Muslim-friendly destinations.

“For the past years, there has been a steady increase in tourist arrivals coming from predominantly-Muslim countries,” she said.

In 2017, some 26,478 tourists from Middle Eastern countries visited Western Visayas.

“Obviously there is still a large market waiting to be tapped,” she said.

Meanwhile, DOT aims to gear the Philippines towards being globally competitive for the Muslim tourist market by encouraging tourism stakeholders to ensure the suitability of their services for Muslim guests.

Factors to be considered are the suitability of the country as a holiday destination, family friendliness and safety, availability of Muslim-friendly services and facilities at tourism destinations, and Halal awareness.

DOT Undersecretary Arturo P. Boncato Jr. explained that this small act can go beyond sending a welcome signal to our Muslim visitors.

“It will help foster respect, unity and peace, as well. For instance, property owners and managers can install ‘qiblah’ (Muslim prayer directions) sign in hotel rooms and provide a common ‘Musalla’ (prayer area) for our Muslim guests,” he said.

On one hand, Catalbas said this objective can be achieved if and only if the entire government and private sector communities will cooperate.

“That is why every opinion regarding this matter counts,” she added.

DPWH constructs P438M by-pass roads in Iloilo

By Lilibeth A. French (JBG/DPWH6/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, July 12 (PIA6) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways 6 (DPWH 6) is now implementing the construction of three by-pass roads that will provide alternate access, unclog traffic and lessen travel time from Iloilo City to northern part of Iloilo and provinces of Aklan and Capiz, vice versa.

The P438.881 million worth by-pass roads projects are constructed in Passi City and in Zarraga and Barotac Nuevo towns in Iloilo province.

DPWH 6 said the completion of Zarraga and Passi By-Pass Roads would provide alternate access to motorists plying from Iloilo City to provinces of Aklan and Capiz, without passing the Poblacion area that will shorten travel time and decongest traffic in the town/city proper.

On the other hand, the Barotac Nuevo By-Pass Road will provide alternate access to various tourist destinations and towns in the northern part of Iloilo province.

DPWH 6 Director Regional Wenceslao M. Leaño, Jr said in the agency’s press report that the construction of the P229.183-million Passi By-Pass Road in Passi City is implemented in two phases.

Phase 1, which is now on-going, covers the construction of 6 spans, 30-mm Pre-Stressed Concrete Type IV-B Girder Bridge on Bored Pile Foundation including approaches and slope protection in the amount of P125.584 million.

Phase 2 of the project costing P103.59 million will open a 4-lane new road with the length of 2.817 kilometers and width of 20.0 meters, wherein two lanes of which with the length of 0.857 kilometers will be initially concreted with Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) with the width of 3.35-meters, including slope protection and cross drains.

The construction of Barotac Nuevo By-Pass Road-Jct. Iloilo East Coast-Capiz Road, in the amount of P109.698 million, involves opening of 1.75-kilometer, 4-lane new road, 13.40-meter wide PCCP, with slope protection.

Likewise, the construction of Zarraga By-Pass Road worth P100.00 million, involves opening of 1.20-kilometer new road, 13.40-meter wide PCCP, with slope protection.

New daily minimum wage rate in W. Visayas takes effect Thursday

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY --The new daily minimum wage rate and cost of living allowance (COLA) for workers in Western Visayas will take effect on Thursday.

Atty. Johnson Cañete, Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas and chair of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), said in a press conference held in this city on Wednesday that the pay hike will be carried out 15 days after the publication of the Wage Order No. RBVI-24.

“The application of the wage order will only fall in the formal relationship; there is employer-employee relationship and the requirement is you work eight hours a day. Other kind of work arrangement and negotiations and agreements is governed by other mode of work arrangements, which may not be covered under the wage order but should not be also below what is mandated in the minimum wage order,” he said.

The wage rate covers workers in the non-agriculture, industrial, commercial and agricultural sectors.

From the previous PHP323.50 for non-agriculture, industrial, commercial employing more than 10 workers, the new rate is now PHP365.00 composed of the PHP26.50 basic wage increase and the PHP15.00 COLA (cost of living allowance).

For those with nine or less employees, the new daily wage rate is PHP295 from the previous PHP271.50, including an increase of PHP18.50 in basic wage and PHP5.00 for the COLA.

For the agriculture sector, the new daily minimum rate is already PHP295 for both plantation and non-plantation.

The increase is higher though for the non-plantation, whose previous rate was PHP271.50. It was granted PHP18.50 hike for the basic wage and PHP5.00 for COLA. The plantation workers are entitled to PHP8.50 hike in basic wage and PHP5.00 for COLA.

However, he emphasized that temporarily, there will be no increase in the basic wage and COLA of workers in Aklan.

Instead, the increase will be implemented starting November 2018, except for those situated in barangays Manoc-Manoc, Balabag and Yapak in Boracay, where the hike will commence three months after the opening of the island.

“The sentiment of the province of Aklan, since Boracay closed, they were collaterally affected by the closure of Boracay,” he said.

Moreover, the COLA component for the sugar industry enterprises within the agricultural, industrial and commercial sector shall start six months after the issuance of the wage order on June 8, 2018. All other industries will commence unless a moratorium is granted.

Meanwhile, Cañete said that some employees may not see the increase during their July 15 payroll but supposedly it should be available in the July 30 payroll or in the form of salary differentials.

Cañete added that the RTWBP will embark on a province-wide caravan for massive info-dissemination.

Also, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday gathered its labor inspectors for a half-day orientation relative to the monitoring of the compliance of establishments.

“All our labor inspectors are out there in the field to conduct inspection because that is by virtue of the visitorial power of the Secretary that all inspectors will visit private companies,” he said.

Employees whose companies do not follow the new minimum wage rate can file a complaint before the DOLE for the latter to send out inspectors for a complaint visit, he added.

Prior to the approved wage rate, RTWPB has embarked on a series of public consultations to get the pulse of concerned sectors in Western Visayas.

The DOLE regional director added that those who oppose the rate have 10 days to file their appeal, as well as seek for exemption.

Those who can seek exemption are distressed establishments, new business enterprises and those adversely affected by calamities such as natural and/or human induced disasters.

Iloilo stude wins first place in NDRM regional tilt

By Lilibeth A. French (JBG/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, July 10 (PIA) -- Princess Belle Otero of Sto. Domingo Elementary School from the Division of Iloilo City bested 17 other elementary students from the different school divisions in Western Visayas to be the regional winner in the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) 2018 poster-making contest.

Otero, coached by Fergie Lyn Celiz, took home a medal, a plaque of recognition and P5,000 cash as prize which were handed to her by Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 6 Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense 6 Director Nuñez during the awarding ceremony held after the contest on July 7 at Robinsons Place.

Her entry will automatically qualify for the national awards which will be agjudicated on July 18, 2018. National awarding is set on July 31 during the National Closing Ceremony for the NDRM 2018.

The other top two winners came from the province of Negros Occidental. They are Kenby Cabrestante of Maao Sugar Central Elementary School coached by Yolamie Alvarez, second place and Hero de la Serna of Silay North Elementary School coached by Jovita Magan, third place. Each received a medal, a plaque of recognition and P4,000 and P3,000 cash prizes, respectively.

The central theme for the observance of NDRM 2018 “Katatagan Sa Kalamidad ay Makakamtan Kapag Sapat ang Kaalaman sa Kahandaan” was used during the contest.

Nuñez said the theme focused on knowledge on resiliency against calamities and disasters at all times.

He said the competitions conducted on that day including the essay writing contest for high school students are some of the approaches they employ in order to examine the degree or level of awareness among children when it comes to disaster preparedness.

“We have to start them young so that it will be second nature to them and become a way of their lives so that even when we are no longer with them they will know how to survive,” said Nunez as he urged everyone during the awarding ceremony to continue to advocate for stronger, safer and more disaster-resilient Western Visayas.

RDRRMC VI members from Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Science and Technology and Depatment of Interior and Local Government composed the regional panel of judges.

P130-M health office building to start construction next year

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- In two to three years, residents of Iloilo City will be seeing a five-storey city health building that will house all health-related services of the city government.

City health officer Dr. Bernard Caspe on Monday said the construction of the building will be financed by the Department of Health (DOH). A PHP30-million initial budget from the PHP130 million needed fund will be downloaded to the city government by December this year.

“We plan to have this implemented phase-by-phase because this is a big building,” he said.

The ground floor of the building will house the medical consultation area, counseling room, laboratory for blood chemistry, ultrasound and x-ray. The second floor will be for minor surgical unit; third floor for dental services and cold room while the fourth and fifth floors will be for CHO personnel offices.

Caspe said they need to have their own building as they are now situated on a cramped space at the second floor of the city hall and even their administrative office is located in another floor.

“There, we will have a building with a complete level 2 laboratory. It is like a one-stop shop,” he said.

The PHP30 million to PHP40 million worth of equipment will also be provided by the DOH. The counterpart of the city government will only be the lot or the site and office furniture.

He said services will remain free once they start to operate in the new building.

The project, which is expected to start in 2019, will be built at the site of the old slaughterhouse in Barangay North San Jose, Molo district.

OCD trains partners on disaster management

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Wednesday gathered close to a hundred participants from regional line government agencies, local government units and law enforcement agencies for a three-day intensive training on the management of emergency operations center (EOC).

“This is to capacitate our partners in the management of disaster or emergencies, especially in the operationalization of the emergency operations center,” said OCD 6 (Western Visayas) Director Jose Roberto R. Nuñez.

Nuñez hoped that after the training, “we will have the best or capable personnel assigned at the EOC” in times of disasters and emergencies.

The establishment of EOC is mandated under Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act of 2010, said Alleth Nogra, acting head of the OCD 6 Disaster Risk Reduction Management Division.

While some local DRRM offices already have EOCs, there were some that still need to undergo training.

“For this intensive training they will be given formal guidelines, standard operating procedures, (and) legal basis to further equip their EOC,” she said.

She said the local DRRM councils serve as the policymakers and they shall have a physical facility known as EOC. During normal times, it can be their regular operations center but in times of disaster it will become an EOC.

Nogra added that while a standard EOC is required, it depends on the available resources of the local government unit (LGU) how it will be equipped.

Some, she said, have advanced equipment while others only have basic equipment.

“We are advocating that they should be capable,” she added.

While there is no sanction that is imposed to agencies and LGUs that could not establish a standard EOC, they may be disqualified from joining the Seal of Good Local Governance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Gawad Kalasag of the OCD.

These two awards provide incentives to winning agencies or LGUs.

The three-day training is being held at the Smallville 21 Hotel in this city.

University roadshow to popularize Iloilo City app

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The city government, in coordination with a software development company, will embark on a university roadshow to popularize the Iloilo City mobile application launched in the metropolis last week.

Zeno Martinez, BizDev director of Highly Succeed - which developed the software for the mobile application - said they initially targeted big universities in the city. The roadshow is expected to start probably in August this year.

As of Tuesday, he said there were already 500 downloads.

The application that is available for Android phones has eight features: jobs bulletin, citizen on patrol, citizen ID card, doing business, youth affairs, discover Iloilo, moments and news and events.

Martinez said they sat down with the city government to determine the “engaging functionality” of the app.

“I feel that this is just a start,” he said in an interview.

He added that concerned offices have been initially trained to provide content to the feature.

“For now it’s just collaboration and cooperation between us,” he said.

The launching of the application was also very timely as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also launched its Pipol Konek project that provides free Wi-Fi access in public places on the same day.

The DICT has identified 25 lives sites in schools, government offices, health centers, library, pier and plaza in the metropolis.

With the free Wi-Fi, the public can easily download the city application and make use of its various features.

Martinez did not disregard the possibility that the application will be made available to IOS devices but added that this entails additional funding.

The establishment of the Iloilo City application was backed by a grant from Microsoft Philippines and Microsoft Southeast Asia.

DENR awards environmental partners

By Carlson B. Alelis (LTP/CBA/PIA6)

ILOILO CITY (PIA6) – Partners of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-6 were recognized for their efforts in helping the agency promote awareness on environmental concerns during the Environment Month 2018 culminating activity held recently.

According to Jesse Vego, assistant regional director for management services, those who were awarded came from the media, business sector, non-government organizations, people’s organizations and the academe.

“These are people who have contributed towards the attainment of our goals and many of them are actually connected with us in the form of contracts or coordinative assistance,” he said in an interview with PIA.

Organizations and offices, including PIA-6, that were cited during the program are consistent partners of the DENR.

“Some of them were awarded even more than three times already so this is just an indication that they have been consistent in their partnership with us,” said Vego.

Some DENR personnel who had excelled by meeting 100 percent of their targets were also awarded.

The theme for this year’s Environment Month was “Beat Plastic Pollution.”

Some of the efforts of DENR in reducing plastic, according to Vego, started as early as April in Boracay when divers were tasked to take out plastic from the ocean.

DENR is also campaigning for the use of jars as a substitute to water bottles.

Further, they also advise people to refrain from using plastic straw as it adds to plastic pollution.

Popcom-6 intensifies IEC activities on family planning

By Leonard T. Pineda I (JBG/Popcom-6/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, July 5 (PIA) – The Commission on Population (Popcom)-6 is scaling up its information, education, and communication (IEC) activities on family planning (FP).

Popcom-6 Regional Director Harold Alfred P. Marshall said family planning is essential to overcoming poverty, hence the right to FP opens the enjoyment of other rights such as right to health, education, and a life with dignity.

“Popcom being assigned by the government in the creation of demand to FP services is doing various IEC activities up to the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) communities to ensure that correct information on FP be disseminated and referred to health service providers in the context of Informed Choice and Voluntarism (ICV),” he said.

He added that the commission is working to increase the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) in Western Visayas from 50.73 percent in 2016 to 65 percent as the national commitment.

This is also in consonance with the celebration of the World Population Day 2018 with the theme “Family Planning is a Human Right”.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), this celebration is about countering any notion of “population control”, ensuring that future generations never take a hard-won human right for granted, and about strengthening the global rights and development frameworks that support it.

In the Philippines, family planning is being strengthened by the passage of Republic Act (RA) 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 which guarantees individuals, couples especially women access to information and services to modern family planning methods both artificial and natural.

The rights-based approached to family planning treats individuals as active agents for change and not as passive beneficiaries.

It is within this context that couples especially women and adolescents can pursue their fullest potentials as citizens, contributing to nation-building through FP, unplanned and unwanted pregnancies leading to maternal and infant mortality can be prevented.

In Western Visayas, among the six provinces and two highly-urbanized cities, Iloilo City has the highest CPR at 70.54, followed by Capiz at 67.54, Guimaras at 59.61, Aklan at 53.64, Iloilo Province at 53.62, Antique at 47.85, Negros Occidental at 44.8, and Bacolod City at 25.95.

“We would like to put emphasis that FP goes beyond family planning commodities; FP is being able to plan what’s best for yourself, your family, the children that would be born into this world that they may be able to enjoy their rights as responsible individuals,” Marshall added.

To highlight the World Population Day celebration, Popcom, together with the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army, will conduct a Caravan of Basic Services including Family Planning at Brgy. Pudpod, Miagao, Iloilo.

P162-M Iloilo bridge nears completion

By Cindy Ferrer (With reports from DPWH-6/PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The PHP161.80 million Aganan Bridge along Mandurriao-San Miguel-Alimodian-Maasin-Cabatuan Road in Alimodian, Iloilo is now nearing completion.

Wenceslao Leaño Jr., Regional Director of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Western Visayas (DPWH-6), on Monday said that what remains to be completed are construction of the slope protection and approaches.

Leaño said the bridge is designed to carry the latest road capacity required in the DPWH design guidelines, criteria and standards.

“The bridge is vital as it connects the towns of Maasin and Alimodian, providing access to Iloilo City and other towns in central Iloilo,” he said.

When completed, Leaño said that the delivery of the agricultural products of locals from the town to Iloilo City will be easier that will boost their productivity and profit as well as spur socio-economic development in the towns of Alimodian and Maasin.

He added that the project will also create an-easy-going access for the public who wish to visit various tourist destinations in Alimodian and its neighboring towns.

The construction of the bridge started in May 22, 2017.

Leaño said that they are expecting the full completion of the bridge by Aug. 9, 2018.

BFP Iloilo receives another modern firetruck

By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Iloilo received a firetruck that is capable of responding to incidents involving chemicals and flammable liquid.

Chief Inspector Christopher Regencia, Iloilo City Fire Marshall, presented the newly-acquired “capability” that was procured under the modernization program of the BFP to city officials after Monday’s regular flag-raising ceremony here.

Regencia said the firetruck is very vital to Iloilo City because sometimes, the metropolis also experiences fire incidents caused by chemicals and other flammable liquid.

He said that the firetruck has a chemical agent that can be infused with water so it can be more effective.

The brand new firetruck, procured from Austria by the BFP, has a carrying capacity of 4,000 liters. It was designed with an attached super tanker and can also be hooked to a hydrant.

With the latest unit, Iloilo City now has two firetrucks with similar features. The new unit costs between PHP18 million to PHP25 million.

As of date, BFP Iloilo has 16 serviceable firetrucks and another one undergoing repair. In the event of a fire incident, he said that the available units are enough but based on population, there is still a need to procure around 15 to 20 additional units.

Regencia said BFP Iloilo can also rely on fire volunteer groups in the city, noting that the ICAG Fire Volunteer Brigade has more or less 15 firetrucks while the Federation Iloilo Fire Brigade has 20.

He added that the city government, using its disaster funds, will also purchase two smaller firetrucks.

“Iloilo City is not afraid of such incidents because in case of conflagration, we always cooperate,” Regencia said.

Student leaders converge for GreenDucation

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

ILOILO CITY (PIA6) -- Some 95 student leaders and young professionals from Iloilo gathered recently at the Iloilo Convention Center for the GreenDucation Seminar-Workshop spearheaded by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-6.

Rabbie Chris Carvajal, EMB-6 Environmental Education and Information Unit Chief, said that GreenDucation is a flagship youth program of EMB which promotes youth empowerment and partnership.

He said this aims to inspire various youth leaders to be empowered and be informed on various environmental programs of the EMB.

The theme, “Empowering the Filipino Youth through Environmental Education and Green Networking,” emphasized the importance of youth empowerment in nation-building.

During the seminar-workshop, the participants were provided updates on clean water, clean air, solid waste management, and environmental education.

Likewise, the participants were also given a lecture on developing infographic materials which was facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency-6.

EMB-6 said that the conduct of the GreenDucation Seminar-Workshop was also in line with this year's celebration of the Philippine Environment Month.

Malasakit Center opens its doors to Ilonggos

(Public Affairs Unit, PhilHealth Regional Office VI)

ILOILO CITY, July 1 -- The Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop, now caters to patients’ needs at the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City.

The Center provides ease to patients in terms of processing the requirements for availment of PhilHealth benefits through an online information desk spearheaded by personnel from the Membership and Marketing Section of the PhilHealth Regional Office VI. It complements the assistance provided by the PhilHealth Customer Assistance, Relations and Empowerment Staff (P-CARES), a nurse staff assigned in the hospital to help PhilHealth members.

Patients needing assistance for medical requirements need not go to other agencies of the government such as the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Philippine Amusement and Gaming - the services of these agencies are now available at the newly inaugurated Malasakit Center.

PhilHealth Acting President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Roy B. Ferrer graced the inauguration together with Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Christopher Lawrence T. Go and Regional Directors/Chiefs of partner-agencies and hospitals.

The undertaking was made possible through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Visayas (OPAV), participating agencies and government hospitals.

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