Iloilo City News June 2012

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Iloilo City - Archived News

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

Iloilo capitol to launch 'People Power Do Day Against Dengue' on July 2

(PNA),scs/AJP/ECGarcia/vlo/utb

ILOILO CITY, June 30 (PNA) - Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. has called on the mayors in the province to join the massive clean-up campaign to destroy all possible breeding places of mosquitoes which are the carriers of dengue fever.

The provincial government will again launch the "People Power Do Day Kontra Dengue" on July 2 in the wake of the sudden increase of dengue cases in some areas of the province in the first week of June.

The ceremonial launching will be held at the covered gym of Pavia at 7:30 a.m.

The town of Pavia had the most number of dengue cases at 73 with three deaths.

Defensor called on the mayors to conduct a similar activity on that day and thereafter to continue the so-called "4 o’clock habit" or the cleaning of surroundings every 4 p.m. without letup.

Data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Provincial Health Office show that from Jan. 1 to June 16, the province already had 629 dengue cases with 12 deaths.

Both figures were 279 percent higher than the cases recorded in the same period last year (166 cases with one death), and 21 percent higher than the 2010 figures for the same period (520 cases with six deaths).

The PHO has considered 21 barangays in the province as “dengue hot spots.”

These are: Bancal in Alimodian; Iniligan, Badiangan; San Lucas, Barotac Viejo; San Jose, Dingle; Cali, Dumangas; Botongan, Estancia; Jibolo, Janiuay; Cagamutan Norte, Leganes; Poblacion NW Zone, Lemery; Talacuan, Leon; Butalan, Maasin; Mina East (Pob.), Mina; Cagbang, Oton; Ungka I, Pagsangaan, Amparo, Balabag, and Purok II, Pavia; Santo Niño and Consolacion, San Miguel; Tungay, Santa Barbara, and Teniente Benito, Tubungan.

Defensor admitted that the dengue situation in the province is very alarming. However, he said that it can still be curbed with the help of the entire community.

The governor stressed that he does not want the dengue outbreak in 2010 to happen again so he urged the public to help in the clean-up campaign.

W. Visayas prepares Disaster Consciousness Month activities

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

ILOILO CITY, June 29 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has lined up a series of activities in connection with the observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) in Western Visayas in July.

The month-long event will kick off here with a first-ever fluvial parade along Iloilo River from Parola Wharf to Quirino-Lopez Bridge in Iloilo City that will be held simultaneously with a motorcade through the city’s major thoroughfares on July 3, to be followed by an opening program at the Provincial Capitol lobby.

Also slated on July 3 are the earthquake drills to be organized by the city and provincial governments of Iloilo through the Iloilo City Emergency Responders (ICER) and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, respectively.

Based on the calendar of activities prepared by the RDRRMC, other special activities that will be undertaken throughout the month around the region include the launching of Project NOAH of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the region. NOAH stands for Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards.

The project was conceived to enhance the country’s capability towards disaster risk reduction and mitigation by providing a lead-time warning to vulnerable communities against impending floods and using advanced technology to enhance current geo-hazard vulnerability maps.

According to a statement from DOST on Project NOAH, it is in response to President Aquino’s instructions to put in place a responsive program for disaster prevention and mitigation.

Also to be held are the launching of the special project of the government dubbed Partnership on Disaster Preparedness (Pagpakigbuylog sa Pagpangaman) in Capiz; conduct of series of provincial symposia on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund Utilization; Office of Civil Defense (OCD) staff enhancement seminars; Knowledge Management Exchange Visit for Pilot Areas; On-the-Spot Essay Writing and Poster-Slogan Making Contests and soft launching of the DRRM Training Institute via video-conferencing.

This year’s theme for NDCM observance is “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan”.

Regular urine checkup important in kidney care

By Vicente W. Villavert (JCM/VWV/PIA 6-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, June 28 (PIA 6) -- Regular urinalysis (or, laboratory test of urine) is the simplest and cheapest way to find out if a person has a kidney disease.

“Early detection of kidney disease can be life saving,” said Dr. Hazel Yadao Oro, Nephrologist, who along with Dr. Romulo Barrameda, a transplant surgeon, were guests of the recent PIA-Cable Television program in Iloilo City.

Kidney disease is the 10th leading cause of death and fourth leading cause of morbidity in the Philippines. Most at risk are people with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease.

The kidneys are two vital organs that keep the blood clean and kidney disease can be detected through urinalysis.

“If a person is diabetic or hypertensive, he or she should have their blood sugar monitored and it is important also to check blood creatinine levels,” Oro said.

Dr. Barrameda emphasized that prevention must come first because kidney disease is a progressive type of disease, which means that once the health problem sets in the kidney, the medicines that were given to the patient will only slow down the progression into end stage renal disease.

End-stage renal disease is the nearly total or permanent loss of kidney function.

“Patients get dialysis or a kidney transplant only when they are in the final stage of the disease, also known as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease,” Barrameda said.

Dr. Oro said that everyday 21 Filipinos ended up with renal failure or chronic kidney disease which are needing dialysis or a kidney transplant. In Iloilo City, there are about 100 to 150 persons per week who undergo dialysis.

In order to prevent kidney diseases, there should be a regular exercise; a healthy lifestyle; and avoidance of smoking and drinking of alcoholic beverages.

The National Kidney Month is being observed yearly, every month of June. This year's theme is "Ikaw at Ako Panalo sa Malusog Na Bato."

DOST distributes oil traps in Iloilo, NegOcc to prevent further rise in dengue cases

(PNA), FPV/AJPetinglay/vlo/mec

ILOILO CITY, June 27 (PNA) -– The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is now in the process of distributing oil or larvicidal traps to public schools in Iloilo and Negros Occidental in order to help prevent the further rise in the number of dengue cases.

DOST Regional Dir. Rowen Gelonga said since last week, in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Health, they have been distributing oil traps to schools in Iloilo and Negros Occidental which are considered to be dengue hotspots.

Gelonga said they target to make available oil traps to 4000 schools and 44,000 classrooms in Western Visayas. “For each classroom, there will be two oil traps that will be provided,” the DOST official contended.

He said DOST personnel, themselves, are distributing the oil traps because of the pressing need to make these available to schools.

DOST personnel also train municipal health officers, district supervisors and teachers on how to use the oil traps. “So far, we have already trained the second batch of district supervisors and principals,”Gelonga contended.

The DOST official contended that the oil trap is just an addition to the DOH campaign for the public to practice environmental cleanliness and get rid of mosquito breeding sites.

Western Visayas moves to be a premier tourist destination

By Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa (JCM/PIA6)

ILOILO CITY, June 26 (PIA6) -- The Regional Development Council in Western Visayas recently passed three major resolutions to boost the tourism industry here.

First, the RDC will work towards making region a tourism hub. Towards this end, it will formulate Action Plan for the Tourism Development Areas (TDAs) through a two-day conference-workshop to be conducted by the Department of Tourism. The end goal is to draw ten million tourists by 2016.

There are currently four tourism development areas (TDAs) in the region: Metro Iloilo and Guimaras; Bacolod-Silay; Boracay, Northern Antique and Kalibo; and Capiz.

The said workshop slated in September will be attended by provincial/city tourism officers, planning/investment officers, leaders of tourism related organization, policy makers and tourism stakeholders in Western Visayas.

Second is the creation of a permanent position for tourism officers in local government units (LGUs). This is required under Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009.

Many LGUs have yet to create the said position. This has affected tourism promotion efforts, and tourism report generation which is vital in planning.

Third, the RDC has called on local government units to develop and market regional products through various strategies, including promotion in tourism sites, major events and local stores.

It likewise urged local governments to assist households and communities in producing goods and services needed by tourism-related establishments. This would also mean additional income for families and communities in their areas.

Iloilo City avails of P30M from local government support fund

(PNA), LDV/ajp/PGLena/vlo

ILOILO CITY, June 25 (PNA) – Iloilo City is a recipient of P30-million grant from the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The grant will be used for projects identified in the city government’s annual development plan (ADP), but were not implemented due to lack of funds, according to Jeffrey Celis, political liaison officer of mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

“It is an augmentation fund from the national government,” he said adding that a lot of projects in city barangays are still pending due to lack of funds.

The amount was released to the city government on Friday.

Currently, the City Planning and Development Office (CTDO) and the Office of Administrator Norlito Bautista are determining if what projects will be prioritized.

‘Coal plant not a threat to health, ecology’

BY SAMMY JULIAN (PN)

ILOILO City – The 164-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Brgy. Ingore, La Paz district complies with international standards and environmental protection measures set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other international environmental governing bodies, Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC) said.

PEDC issued the assurance after Fremont Medical Director, Dr. Blanchielane Garcia expressed alarm over the environmental as well as health impacts of the coal-fired power plant.

According to PEDC corporate communications specialist Nicelee Morales, their company has identified all the major problems the coal plant may face, particularly those that could have direct impact to communities around it.

For his part, PEDC environmental and pollution control officer Rex Debuque pointed out that the plant management is making sure there will be no negative effects on the environment.

In fact, Debuque disclosed, a third party evaluation group from the private, government and religious sectors are regularly monitoring the plant.

Outreach services to surrounding communities, tree planting programs, mangrove planting and continuous health and medical missions are also being undertaken by the PEDC management, Debuque stressed.

Meanwhile, PEDC senior manager for commercial operations Gil Talavera said the plant uses state-of-the-art “clean coal” technology.

Emissions from the exhaust are therefore pollutant-free and do not have effects on the health and well-being of nearby residents, he explained.

Emie Abad, also a PEDC environmental and pollution control officer, further explained that the coal plant utilizes the latest in Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) boiler technology which ensures practically negligible levels of emissions.

The coal plant has successfully addressed the electricity shortfall in the Visayas by supplying power also to Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, Boracay and Panay islands, said Talavera.

PEDC supplies power to the eight electric cooperatives under the Panay-Guimaras Power Supply Consortium.

These off-takers include the Iloilo Electric Cooperatives I, II and III, Capiz Electric Cooperative, Antique Electric Cooperative, Aklan Electric Cooperative, Central Negros Electric Cooperative and Panay Electric Company.

Militant group hits Iloilo over power rate hike

By May Joven (The Freeman)

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) of Panay lambasted the city government for allegedly “doing nothing” about the impending increase in generation charge of P0.32 per kw/h of the Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC) starting this month.

BAYAN-Panay secretary-general Lean Porquia said city officials have lost credibility when they promised a significant decrease in power rates once the coal plant became fully operational.

The Energy Regulatory Commission recently approved the petition of the PEDC to increase the generation charge because it needed to meet the under-recoveries expenses incurred from August 2011 to May 2012.

Representative Jerry Treñas, during his term as city mayor, and Sen. Franklin Drilon have pushed for the construction of a coal plant with the promise to bring down power rates in the city.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog also advocated for the construction of the coal plant believing then that the cost for the operation and construction will no longer be charged to consumers.

Porquia, however argued that the city government has been insensitive to the growing economic crisis felt by the Ilonggos by not doing anything to stop the increase.

“If we look at the whole picture, the city government is actually serving as pacifiers to the already angry people of Iloilo City against the coal plant,” he said, adding that BAYAN and other militant groups had been contending that coal plants were never a solution to the power crisis.

Since the proposal of constructing a coal power plant, BAYAN with other progressive organization have already said coal plants were never a solution to the power crisis.

“When will the city government realize that because of the EPIRA law, capitalists will take every advantage to rob the poor people of profit through excessive and exorbitant energy fees,” Porquia said.

BAYAN-Panay has been calling for the abolishment of the EPIRA law and pushing for the nationalization of the power industry. “Our alternative is simple; nationalize the power industry so government will have direct control on the operations of power companies,” Porquia added.

Congress to discuss PWD concerns in Western Visayas

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

ILOILO CITY, June 22 (PIA6) -- A two-day gathering aimed at discussing the rights, privileges, and other concerns of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Western Visayas was held in Iloilo City last July 17 and 18.

Spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 6 in cooperation with the Association of Disabled Persons-Iloilo, the Regional PWD Congress will highlight the observance of the 34th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week in the region, slated on July 17 to 23.

DSWD 6 focal person for PWDs, Judith Marte, said the congress convened leaders and focal persons of PWDs; Social Welfare and Development Officers; and budget officers of the different municipalities, cities, and provinces in the region.

Topics discussed during the gathering were the joint Department of Budget and Management and Department of Interior and Local Government memorandum circular on the 20 percent development fund for the local government unit; provision of health insurance (right to health); employment, self-employment and training program.

Aside from the discussions, participants also created an action plan for their sector and elected a new set of officers for the Regional PWD Federation.

Held every year by virtue of Proclamation No. 361 as amended by Administrative Order No. 35 in 2002, the week-long celebration seeks to stimulate public awareness on disability and encourage every citizen to take an active responsibility in the uplift of the economic and social conditions of PWDs.

“Mainstreaming persons with disabilities in economic development,” is the theme adopted for this year’s NDPR Week, to tackle barriers and gaps, facilitate stakeholders’ cooperation, develop innovative approaches, and support human rights-based initiatives for the economic development of PWDs.

PCOO-NIB-PNA signs undertaking with 3 big universities in Iloilo for OJT program

(PNA), LAP/AJP/PGLena/vlo

ILOILO CITY, June 21 (PNA) – The On-The-Job (OJT) Training Program of the Presidential Communications and Operations Office-News and Information Bureau-Philippines News Agency (PCOO-NIB-PNA) officially kicked off in three big universities here with the signing of the memorandum of undertaking (MOU) Thursday and Friday.

NIB assistant director Danilo S. Jamora during Thursday’s signing at the University of San Agustin (USA) explained that the program is part of the government’s news and information mandate in compliance with the Executive Order No. 4 for the PCOO to manage, control or supervise, as may be necessary, the various government agencies and offices involved in information gathering and dissemination and to coordinate and cultivate relations with the private media.

Jamora said that the OJT program is unique because it provides a venue for trainees to network with government linkages, establish professional working relations with the government and private media, information tour such as exposure to press conferences being held inside Malacanang and lectures and training handled by seasoned writers of the PNA.

A similar undertaking was also inked with the West Visayas State University (WVSU) while CPU, which also took interest in the program, will be signing the undertaking Friday with its president Dr. Teodoro C. Robles as signatory.

USA was represented by its president, Fr. Frederick C. Comendador, OSA; while signing in behalf of WVSU President Dr. Pablo Subong was Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Bobby D. Gerardo.

Dr. Isidoro M. Cruz, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of USA in expressing gratitude to the PNA for partnering with the university for the program underscored the need for students to undergo training for them to “become effective communicators not only to impress their audiences” but to help in nation building.

“We think of the media as something secular, something so worldly but there’s actually something so divine in the media work. When you think about God as the word is actually presenting Himself as one who communicates with His people. And when mass media communicate with people the good work that they do in the end is the word of God,” he said.

“That is why it is very important for us to have intelligent Mass Com students who eventually will be fielded in the work of broadcasting, work of mass media. We welcome very much the opportunity to work with PNA that will train our students so they will become more competent speakers, writers with the end of creating good citizens,” Cruz added.

He also stressed the “commitment” of the university in performing its role as stipulated in the undertaking.

Carmencita Robles, dean of the College of Mass Communications of the WVSU was also impressed with the program, citing that PNA is the first government agency to offer such kind of a program.

She also looked forward for PNA to expand the internship with trainees also becoming stringers in the future. Further, they planned to elevate the undertaking or understanding into an agreement for long term partnership.

The signing at the WVSU was highlighted by the awarding of certificates of completion and tokens to its six students who were the first graduates of the program in Iloilo.

The program’s partner universities are part of Iloilo’s rich history. USA is the first university in Western Visayas while CPU, is the first Baptist university in the Philippines and the second American private university to be established in Asia.

The WVSU started as an independent and distinct training institution known as Iloilo Normal School (INS) wayback 1924 but was a tributary normal school with secondary school instruction in 1902.


DAR turns over P40M support facilities to Iloilo ARC communities

(PNA), FFC/ajp/PGL/vlo

ILOILO CITY, June 20 (PNA) – Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes led the turnover of some P40 million worth of support facilities to five agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in Balasan, Iloilo Tuesday.

In his brief message, De los Reyes underscored the instruction of President Benigno S. Aquino III that the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) will not end in the distribution of lands alone but likewise ensure that agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) achieve high yield and bigger with the provision of support services.

Four projects under the DAR Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) III were turned over consisting of three farm to market roads (FMRs) and a potable water system.

The projects included the P29.3 million Maya-Tinguian-Sta Ana road; first and second phases of the Pani-an-Lawis road totaling to P8.2 million and the Lawis Level II potable water system worth P1.074 million.

The beneficiaries are members of the TIMIPAL ARC which covers barangays Tingui-an, Maya, Ipil, Pani-an and Lawis.

The TIMIPAL ARC was launched in 1996 covering an area of around 964.8772 hectares.

The projects were conceived more than 10 years ago during the term of former mayor and now vice-mayor Simeon B. Ganzon III but it was only during the administration of his cousin Mayor Filomeno V. Ganzon that the projects were realized.

“The institutional development that goes with it are big help to the municipality and all stakeholders in achieving our dreams of alleviating poverty, increasing agricultural productivity and attaining food self sufficiency,” he said.

Meanwhile, De los Reyes reminded beneficiaries that funds for the projects were loans extended by the Japan Government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Philippines thus they must keep them well-maintained because it is the entire Filipino nation that is paying for the debt.

He also assured more support services for ARCs once they put in good use these projects.

WV tourist arrivals hit double digit growth in 2011

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

ILOILO CITY, June 19 (PIA6) -- Tourist arrivals in Western Visayas rose by a double digit generating some P43.2 billion in tourism receipts last year, according to the latest data released by the National Statistical Coordination Board 6.

The NSCB 6 data taken from the Department of Tourism (DOT) 6 showed that the region’s tourist arrival posted a 12.4 increase from 2,089,592 tourists in 2010 to 2,349,064 in 2011, boosted by the significant growth also in visitor arrivals in the province of Aklan particularly in the island of Boracay.

Among the provinces in the region, Aklan has recorded the highest growth rate of visitor arrivals in 2011 as compared in 2010 with 88.9 percent, followed by Negros Occidental with 38.4 percent; and Capiz with 35.3 percent. Iloilo City experienced a growth rate of 4.1 percent.

Boracay remains as the top tourist destination in Western Visayas posting a 16.6 percent increase in visitor arrival as compared in 2010. It has registered a total of 908,875 tourist arrivals or 38.7 percent share of the regional total last year.

However, significant decreases in visitor arrivals were recorded in the provinces of Antique, Guimaras and Iloilo during the same period.

The NSCB 6 data also noted that tourism receipts in the region for 2011 were P43.2 billion or 12.4 percent higher over the P38.4 billion in 2010. Boracay is still the biggest contributor raking in P16.7 billion, next is Negros Occidental with P8.9 billion, Iloilo City with P7.4 billion, and Bacolod City with P5.9 billion.

Domestic tourists have the biggest slice of the visitor arrivals in the region last year at 76.4 percent; foreign visitors, 20.7 percent; and overseas Filipino workers, 2.9 percent.

Koreans topped the list of foreign visitors who visited the region in 2011 comprising 33.7 percent followed by Taiwanese 15.7 percent, Chinese 15.1 percent, Americans 5.3 percent, and Japanese 3.6 percent.

At the national level, the said five countries are also the top tourist generating countries as shown by data contained in a press report from DOT dated May 8 and posted on its website.

During the period January to March 2012, tourists from Korea, US, Japan, China and Taiwan reached 703, 350 to lead the other tourist producing countries.

The figure represents 61 percent of the total tourist arrivals to the country numbering 1,148,072 during the first three months of this year an increase of 16.03% as compared to last year’s arrivals of 989,501 for the same period.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said in the said press report that “During this period, visitors to the Philippines increased by 16 percent to hit almost 1.15 million. From this record, we have now achieved 25 percent of our international visitor target of 4.6 million for this year”.

Jimenez added that “The world is now starting to see that ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ is not just a bunch of words on a streamer. It is a competitive argument for choosing the Philippines as one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Philippine tourism is poised to surge forward as we receive a steady increase of tourist arrivals, as seen in the first quarter of this year.”

Malacanang reported that during his recent visit to the United Kingdom, President Benigno Aquino helped promote the county’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign where he led the photoshoot with one of the double-decker buses in London with the said tourism slogan.

The DOT has launched the tourism campaign in UK last month through a 45-minute fun motorcade that featured advertisements on London’s double-decker buses and black cabs.

Bloodletting activity held during 39th PRC Week celebration

(PNA), LAP/LOR/AJPetinglay/vlo

ILOILO CITY, June 18 (PNA) – A bloodletting activity was held Monday during the opening ceremony of the 39th Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Week celebration.

PRC Regional Director Lily Ann R. Baldago said they held the bloodletting activity with the Philippine Red Cross to help save lives.

She made special mention of the employees of the St. Paul’s University and University of Iloilo for being the first blood donors during the activity.

Dr. Judith Sol Jimeno, PRC Blood Center manager, said that they are currently campaigning for blood donation due to the additional demand for blood caused by the increasing cases of dengue in this city and province as well.

The blood generated could be processed to ensure enough supply for treatment.

Baldago narrated how her being a blood galloner has helped her father when he needed a transfusion.

She urged PRC employees and other volunteers to start early in donating blood so they could also avail of the privilege of being a blood galloner.

PWDs get P120T livelihood aid

(LMS, Iloilo City PIO/PN)

ILOILO City — A total of 30 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their families received livelihood assistance from the city government to help them start their own small businesses or augment their income.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog turned over the financial aid to beneficiaries identified by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and Breaking Barriers for Young Adults (BBY) with Disabilities in a ceremony held at city hall recently.

“The city government has always been mindful of the plight of PWDs that is why we are opening opportunities for them so they will be able to take part in the continued progress of our city,” he said.

Seventeen beneficiaries under PDAO, composed of PWDs or a parent with a “differently-abled” child below 15 years old, were recipients of financial assistance totaling P70,000.

Thirteen BBY beneficiaries, also PWDs, received a total of P50,000 worth of livelihood package.

The amount given as capital ranged from P2,000 to P5,000 with businesses like sari-sari store; food, rice and charcoal vending; hog raising; bakeshop; buy and sell of meat; and liquid and detergent soap making, among others.

BBY focal person Regina Salmon said beneficiaries were indigents “who have existing, viable projects that need additional capital or those who want to put up a new business.”

She said since BBY started giving out livelihood assistance in 2008, 60 already benefited, while PDAO which began the project last year has 32 beneficiaries in all.

The funds were allocated by the city government, she added.

CHED to parents: Support government in the K to 12 program

By Elsa S. Subong (JSC/ESS-PIA 6, Iloilo).

ILOILO CITY, June 16 (PIA6) -- Parents will not regret the support they give to the government’s K to 12 program, since their children will reap the quality of education needed for competitive jobs later.

For Education Program Specialist Dr. Rex Casiple of the Commission on Higher Education, having his own children immersed in the K to 12 now, is preparing them for professional growth with enhanced curriculum and extended years.

“That is why, even we at CHED have committed to endorse K to 12 because we expect college students getting to tertiary institutions prepared to become real professionals,” Casiple said.

He cited that many of the nurses who opted to work abroad had to study further to enhance qualifications as professional nurses, while many in the engineering and similar fields ended up as technicians or technical aides only by global standards.

Casiple said that some of the objections like changes in the curriculum and lack of preparedness of the stakeholders are not strong arguments to defer the program.

The CHED officer said the basic education curricula in the K to 12 have not changed much because the curricula are already for 12 years.

Casiple said that in Grade 12, some subjects which are meant for college, may be included already, lessening the non-academic load.

“The curriculum is a dynamic thing, always having room for revisions and enhancements, and this is what the K to 12 is doing,” Casiple further said.

As to being unprepared because of inadequate teachers, classrooms, and learning resources, Casiple said, in the three years of full implementation until 2016, support measures should have already been in place.

“With the implementation now, Congress will have to allocate budget support,” Casiple said.

In reiterating his call for parents to give the government’s K to 12 a chance, Casiple said the program gives their children the chance to be productive in whichever choice they make – stop and find employment, or go to college.

“If he opts to proceed to college, he is relatively well prepared because of a balanced curriculum,” the CHED officer said.

Community college opens door to poor but deserving Ilonggos

By Vicente W. Villavert (JCM/VWV/PIA 6-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, June 15 (PIA 6) -- A community college here has recently been established to help poor but deserving high school students go to college.

At the blessing and launching ceremony of the Iloilo City Community College, donated by Dr. Edgar “Injap” Sia II to the city government, Mr. Joel Adrias, President of the INJAP Foundation, Inc., represented and read the message of Dr. Sia.

“Let this be a breeding ground that will incubate Ilonggo youths to be potent tools for nation building," Adrias said as he read Dr. Sia’s message.

Adrias said that the four-storey building is “indeed a concrete realization of the earnest vision to have a citizenry that are endowed and equipped with the necessary tools for the higher and professional education."

As inscribed in the portal of the building, Injap said that this is his and his family's gift to as he believes that education is the best tool to fight poverty. He added that Ilonggos should "take good care of the building so that this generation and the succeeding generation will encounter life’s changing experiences in this institution.”

Councilor Plaridel Nava, Committee Chair on Education, expressed confidence that they will produce brilliant leaders from this institution.

“We witnessed today a quantum leap towards the realization of a cherished vision for our constituents, especially the underprivileged,” Nava said as he emphasized that accessible education will always remain at the helms of the city government’s endeavors.

The school has about 210 officially enrolled students according to Professor Catalina Sunico, the school's Dean of Instruction.

She said the two courses offered are Bachelor of Science in Travel Management and Bachelor of Science in Administration.

The occasion’s guests include Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III and Professor Tomas Lopez, President of the University of Makati, Iloilo City officials, national government officials, among others.

Mr. Edgar “Injap” Sia II is the founder of Mang Inasal, one of the country’s successful restaurant chain which is known for its roasted chicken. He was cited as the youngest Filipino billionaire listed in the world’s Fortune Magazine. Later, he sold 70% of Mang Inasal to Jollibe Foods.

In 2011, Injap was awarded with the TOYM 2011 (The Outstanding Young Men) awardee for entrepreneurship. The awarding was held at Malacañang Palace last December 7, 2011, by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Top drug suspect busted

BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO (PN)

ILOILO City – A suspected big-time drug dealer in Estancia, Iloilo has been arrested.

Thirty-four-year-old Jason Monares of Brgy. Bayuyan, Estancia was collared in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6 (PDEA-6) in Fort San Pedro here.

PDEA-6 Director Yogi Felimon Ruiz said the suspect was a supplier of illegal drugs here and in the province.

Monares was arrested around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. He had long been under surveillance.

“He was very elusive. We were really lucky to finally arrest him,” said Ruiz.

A PDEA agent acting as buyer bought a plastic sachet of shabu from Monares for P700.

The suspect tried to fight back during his arrest but was effectively subdued.

PDEA agents recovered from Monares a handgun, and two big plastic sachets of shabu.

Ruiz said his office received a report that Monares would be delivering a huge volume of shabu to Iloilo City.

“We believe that our subject had already dispose some volumes of shabu prior to his arrest,” he said.

PDEA-6’s latest records showed a total of 430 villages – out of 4,050 barangays in Western Visayas – “affected” by illegal drugs.

Of the 430, 39 were classified as “seriously affected.”

In this city alone, nine of its 180 barangays were considered “seriously affected.”

Eighteen villages here were classified as “moderately affected” and 153 “slightly affected.”

The “seriously affected” barangays are Veterans Village, Tanza Esperanza and Malipayon in the City Proper; Boulevard, West Habog-Habog and San Juan in Molo district; Simon Ledesma and Desamparados in Jaro district; and Bakhaw in Mandurriao district.

PDEA-6 also recorded a total 393 suspected drug personalities in its watch list. Among these suspected drug personalities were a businessman, a media man and five politicians.

Lack of hospital medicines hamper state health program

By Florence F. Hibionada

ILOILO CITY – Over 5.7 million member-beneficiaries and dependents throughout Western Visayas region are enjoying the government’s health insurance program.

But actual patients are affected though by the noted problem on lack of medicines in hospitals.

Philippine Health Insurance Progam (PhilHealth) president Dr. Eduardo Banzon calls on hospital management particularly those government-run to take immediate steps to address the problem.

Banzon said the indigent-beneficiaries are the ones suffering and not PhilHealth nor the hospitals.

“And so we make this plea to the hospitals…iwasan ang pagbigay ng reseta para bilhin ang gamot sa labas. Nagbabayad naman kami. (avoid giving out prescription so medicines will be bought outside) This should be addressed by the hospitals themselves…The lack of supply should not be tolerated,” Banzon said.

Banzon was in town to visit the region’s various hospitals and met with mayors of Aklan and Antique provinces. He ends his three-day visit today, Wednesday following a meeting with Iloilo officials.

“Over-all it was a very good visit. I had good feedbacks with our Local Government Units (LGU) expressing willingness to expand their enrolment with PhilHealth. And our hospitals proved to be very well managed,” he added.

To date only three out of 139 LGUs in the region failed to link up with PhilHealth for a government-sponsored program. It was not immediately clear what brought the continued non-enrolment.

Yet Dr. Dennis Mas, PhilHealth Regional Vice President for Western Visayas, expressed optimism on the eventual program inclusion of said LGUs.

Statistics showed total coverage of 5,799,987 in the region, over 2 million of which are direct members and remaining 3.7 million dependents.

Meantime concerns on some indigents deprived of inclusion in sponsored-programs remain a priority of Banzon.

Over 10,000 overseas jobs at Independence Day Job Fair

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

ILOILO CITY, June 12 (PIA6) -- Some 30 overseas employment agencies will join the one-day Kalayaan Job Fair today, June 12 as part of the 114th Independence Day celebration in this city.

POEA 6 Officer-in Charge Rhea Glynda Calantas said the 30 land-based and sea-based overseas employment agencies will be bringing in more than 10,000 job vacancies, open to both skilled and unskilled jobseekers who would like to work abroad, during the job fair at the Mary Mart Mall.

Some of these positions are in the construction and hotel industries in various destinations such as the Middle East and other parts of Asia.

Aside from overseas jobs, 1,417 local employment opportunities will be also offered by 34 local companies at the job fair which will begin with an opening program at 8:30 a.m.

Local job vacancies include account executives, engineers and maintenance officers, heavy equipment operators, accounting staff, human resource staff, sales staff, graphic artist, and customer service representatives, among others.

Before the job fair, government officials and employees, and concerned citizens of this city will converge as early as 7 a.m. at the Plaza Libertad, another landmark of Filipino bravery and patriotism for a simple rite to commemorate the historic day.

It is in Plaza Libertad where the Philippine flag was raised upon the surrender of Spanish forces to the revolutionaries led by Gen. Martin Delgado on December 25, 1989. Rising at the center of the plaza, which is located in front of the new Iloilo City Hall, is the statue of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

A flag ceremony, wreath-laying at the monument of Rizal and the release of red, white and blue balloons will mark the commemoration.

According to the Iloilo City Public Information Office, University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) chancellor Dr. Rommel A. Espinosa will be the guest of honor and keynote speaker of the event, which will be led by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Cong. Jerry Trenas.

Search for outstanding volunteers up

(PIA, The News Today)

All nominations for the 2012 Search for Outstanding Volunteers in Western Visayas will be accepted by the Regional Search Committee until August 17.

The SOV Regional Search Committee tasked to select the qualifiers in the region is chaired by National Economic and Development Authority 6 Director Ro-Ann Bacal.

Launched by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), the annual search aims to highlight and recognize the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in building strong communities across the country through volunteerism.

It is open to all Filipinos and Filipino volunteer organizations or local chapter organizations of foreign volunteer organizations that currently provide volunteer assistance in the country.

The search has two award categories that include the National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA) and the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA).

The NOVA is given to outstanding volunteer individuals and organizations that are chosen from among the regional qualifiers. It has two categories – individual and organization.

On the other hand the VLAA is conferred to an individual volunteer of Filipino citizenship or Filipino organization or a local chapter of a foreign volunteer organization serving in the Philippines.

According to the PNVSCA, there are already 96 volunteer organizations and volunteers who were honored and recognized through SOV since 2001.

Nomination forms for the search may be obtained at NEDA 6 or can be downloaded at the PNVSCA website www.pnvsca.gov.ph.

Nominations must be submitted before the deadline date to NEDA 6 at Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City.

The award ceremony will be held in Manila during the National Volunteer Month on December 2012.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NSO seeks brgy help in mapping project

(PIA-6/PN)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simple, meaningful Independence Day celebration in Iloilo City

(PNA), LAP/AJP/LMSinay/vlo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kalayaan job fair to mark local Independence Day celebration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iloilo City anti-smoking initiatives best in PH

(LMS, Iloilo City PIO/PN)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City restores sea wall of historic Fort San Pedro

(PNA), FFC/ajp/PGL/vlo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iloilo summit calls for protection of rivers and environment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assurance

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

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

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

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

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

Iloilo summit calls for protection of rivers and environment

By Othel V. Campos

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

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

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

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

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

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

New City Hall a one stop shop for all transactions

By Lydia C. Pendon

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

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

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

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

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

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