Iloilo City News May 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 City is 2012 Red Orchid awardee

By Montesa Grino-Caoyonan

Iloilo City is one of the Local Government Unit awardees for the 2012 Red Orchid Award because of its campaign against smoking.

The award was conferred on Iloilo City by the Department of Health at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City last May 29.

Inigo Garingalao, director of the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Taskforce (ICAST), said the award was given because of their efforts in enforcing City Regulation Ordinance 2006-150 or the Comprehensive Anti Smoking Ordinance of Iloilo City".

"ICAST has not only apprehended violators of the ordinance but advocated on informing citizens of the health hazards of cigarette smoking. We held programs and activities like hanging of warning posters," he said.

He said the award will further encourage them to show to the public that they are serious with the campaign to regulate smoking.

The ICAST has arrested 3,000 individuals who smoked in non-smoking areas since they started operating in 2010. Of the number, 1,500 are students making them the top violators, followed by taxi and jeepney drivers.

Under the anti-smoking ordinance, a first-time violator will pay a fine of P 500. For the second offense, there will be a fine of P1,000 and for the third and subsequent offenses, P5,000.

If the violator fails to pay within three days, the case will be handled by the City Legal Office.

An establishment caught without a smoking area will be fined P 500 for the first offense; P1,000, second; and third and subsequent offenses, P 5,000 and closure of business. OTHER AWARDEES

The other LGU awadees in Western Visayas are Roxas City in Capiz and Buenavista in Guimaras. They were awardees last year.

The same award was also given to four hospitals in the region for their health facilities and implementation of anti-smoking programs in their communities. They are Western Visayas Sanitarium in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Department of Health 6 (DOH-6) and Anilao Monfort Hospital in Anilao, Iloilo.

Newsfeature: PHL adopts Incident Command System for disaster response

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

ILOILO CITY, May 30 (PIA6) -- The Incident Command System (ICS) will soon be adopted by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System.

ICS is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept which allows kits users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries. It is a non-permanent organization and is activated only in response to disasters or emergencies.

Moves towards its use in the Philippines started as early as 2003 when ICS was introduced to the Philippines along with the other member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the 1st ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management Meeting (ACDM) held in Brunei Darussalam on Dec. 9-19 of that year.

The ASEAN committee adopted the system during the meeting as part of the ASEAN-US Cooperation on Disaster Management Program with focus on ICS Capability Building for the 10 ASEAN Member States.

In her briefing on ICS for members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) members during their recent quarterly meeting here, United States Forest Service (USFS) officer Linda Szczepanik said that ICS addresses some persistent issues and problems arising at the site of a disaster or emergency, including that as to who ought to be in-charge on-site.

This is especially true when the incident involves multi-agency participation, multi-jurisdictional, too many responders, too many people reporting to one supervisor, unclear lines of authority, no check-in procedures for responders, and unclear incident objectives.

The on-scene disaster management tool has proven to be an effective response mechanism which, according to Szczepanik has been used by the United States and a number of other countries including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

ICS can be used for any type of disaster and its magnitude as well as for non-emergency situations such as festivals, concerts and conventions. ICS also seeks to secure the safety of responders and other volunteers.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has taken the lead towards the adoption of the ASEAN-US cooperation on disaster management with focus on ICS in the country after the 2003 ASEAN meeting.

Among the initial activities was the introduction of ICS to selected NDCC, now the NDRRMC, members agencies including the training of trainors, followed by ICS inception workshop, ICS instructor development and related trainings.

Moves to have ICS in the country gained more foothold when Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 was enacted and provides among others for the establishment of the system as part of the country’s disaster response system to ensure the effective consequence management of disasters and emergencies.

As part of the move to institutionalize ICS in the country, NDRRMC Executive Director and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Benito T. Ramos has issued a memorandum order prescribing the implementing guidelines on the use of the ICS as an on-scene disaster response and management mechanism under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System.

Based on the briefing made by USFS officer Szczepanik, ICS is now becoming the common international language of disaster response.

In the Philippines, it will help attain the goal of the government disaster risk reduction and management program to save lives and create resilient communities.

SPES beneficiaries clean up, plant mangroves

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

ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- A total of 420 beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in this city took part in a mangrove tree planting and river clean-up as their part in making for a sustainable environment.

Both activities were held at the Brgy. Sinikway, Tabucan, Mandurriao on May 28.

“The Mangrove Tree Planting and the river clean-up are part of the culminating activities of our SPES beneficiaries in support of the efforts of the city government to preserve and restore the richness of the Iloilo River,” said Iloilo City PESO Manager Allan Zaldivar.

SPES beneficiaries are out-of-school and in-school youths who spend their summer working in the different departments and offices of the city government that is set to end on June 1.

They were given a salary of P233 per day to be used in funding their education when school opens this June. Sixty percent of the salary comes from the city government and forty percent from the DOLE.

Zaldivar said that armed with bamboo sticks and trash bags, beneficiaries started cleaning the waterway at 6:30 a.m. where they were able to collect bottles and plastic bags on top of the usual trash.

“They were happy that they were able to contribute to the preservation of the river, and through this activity, some of them became aware that they have a social responsibility to protect the environment,” said Zaldivar.

Around 900 mangrove seedlings were planted by the beneficiaries near the river.

Zaldivar said some participants have already expressed their interest in conducting the same activities when their contracts are renewed next year.

Before their contract ends on June 1, Zaldivar said the beneficiaries will also participate in a clean-up drive which will be conducted this week as part of the preparations of the first International River Summit which the city will host from May 30 to June 1 with President Benigno Aquino expected to keynote the event.

Iloilo River -- A city's lifeline

(JVF/ICPIO, The News Today)

The Iloilo River has been the lifeline of Iloilo City, serving as an anchor for human settlements for centuries, according to Rivers of the World (ROW) Foundation, a US-and-India-based global group dedicated to restoring and protecting rivers and streams.

"A key ingredient to keeping the river waters clean is raising community awareness – a task that has been shaping creative initiatives under the leadership of current mayor of Iloilo City, Jed Patrick Mabilog," stressed ROW communications director Rajita Majumdar.

Today the centrally located city has become a thriving center for businesses and industries and a major tourism gateway to gorgeous beaches of Boracay Island. Iloilo is often called the "Queen City of the South" by Filipinos, she added.

SHOWCASE OF THRIVING URBAN BIODIVERSITY

"With an integrated river management plan in place, the city is now moving ambitiously on a grand vision to tap into the economic potential of Iloilo River and develop it as the region's crowning glory.

The government is developing a multi-million dollar Iloilo River Esplanade as the city's hub for cultural, recreational and tourism activities. It will be a converging place for public entertainment with an open-air park where people can enjoy concerts and performances by the banks of a clean and thriving river – a showcase of ecological balance between human habitat and their natural environment," Majumdar said.

Enthused by its own success, Iloilo City is stepping up to host the 1st International River Summit end of May in partnership with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and ROW as one of the supporting global partners.

The event will serve as a global forum on best practices in river management and is meaningfully themed "My River, My Life."

"Several countries and neighboring regions are expected to participate and share their challenges. Hopefully, the forum will encourage and guide many more cities to revive their rivers and streams and build their economy around it," she said.

Iloilo River derives fresh water from rivers and creeks that are connected to it and saline water from the sea that feeds it – the rise and fall of the tide makes it possible for nutrients, such as planktons and detritus – to circulate in and out of estuary.

"Iloilo River is thus a natural wonder of sorts carrying rare several Philippines' native mangrove species, as it meanders its way through the urban habitat. Urban biodiversity is thus especially of critical value for Iloilo City," Majumdar said.

"Greening" a city when a river runs through it poses specially a tough challenge when the city is caught up in rapid economic growth – as is the case with many Asian cities today, she added.

It is indeed quite an honor for a city to receive the International Award for Livable Communities or LivCom endorsed by United Nations Environment Program. LivCom recognizes cities the world over for best practices in environmental management.

One of the largest urban hubs in Philippines, Iloilo City was the proud recipient of 2011 LivCom Award for turning around the fortunes of its dying river with a highly determined river action plan, she said.

CLOCK TURNED AROUND FOR A DYING RIVER

Today, local and national officials are amazed at how far they have come with just a few years of efforts focused on reviving Iloilo River's waters and its status in the city, said Majumdar.

The first step took shape of a River Master Plan in 2004 under the environmental stewardship of city mayor at that time. The plan led to the formation in 2005 of a multi-agency Iloilo River Development Council (IRDC), a consultative and coordinative body with primary goals of improving the river water quality and preserving its ecology while promoting sustainable development of the city, she added.

Majumdar cited the following key elements of river management plan:

IRDC facilitates co-regulation, co-monitoring and co-implementation by providing a common forum for multiple bodies to come together on overlapping issues.

It established in 2010 "Bantay Suba" or River Watch Program to enforce anti-littering laws along the river and stop illegal encroachments, fishing and waste dump. The team is a public-private alliance with volunteers from NGOs and Philippines coast guards and naval reserves.

Bantay Suba routinely organizes volunteer river trash clean-up activities, imbibing a spirit of ownership in the community.

City officials are working to relocate illegal dwellings to safer parts of metro areas.

IRDC has been launching pilot wastewater treatment facilities to demonstrate technology options that are affordable and viable and can be replicated to other parts of the region.

Iloilo River is actually an estuary creating a natural and safe harbor where it meets the sea waters – ideal for merchant ships and vessels which explains the city's rich Spanish colonial history, she noted.

The city, in fact, reminds visitors of a Latin American town with its beautiful old world architecture and ancient Spanish churches, said Majumdar.

RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH

"The fast rise in the city's economy over the last few decades has taken a toll on Iloilo River. It had faced occurrences of fish kill, a tell-tale sign of serious levels of water pollution when the water carries way less than desired amounts of dissolved oxygen. Majority of houses rely on onsite water treatment through septic tanks that typically perform poorly," she added.

"One can easily envision urban rivers lending romance and charm to a city's tourist attractions... Even as it is a dire environmental need, there is an invaluable economic opportunity awaiting the city to revive the river and spawn businesses around them," said Majumdar.

Packaging center to open in July

By Elsa S. Subong (PNA)

ILOILO City — The Center for Packaging Engineering and Technology, a recognized laboratory in the United States, will be opened during the GlobalPack 2012 Conference July 25–27 in the Central Philippine University (CPU) in Jaro district.

CPU President Teodoro Robles said this packaging center was established to provide packaging services and consultancy to interested small and medium enterprise (SME) manufacturers.

It will also complement the newly established CPU School of Packaging Engineering, the first of its kind ever established in the Philippines.

The establishment of the Packaging Center started sometime in 2010 yet, said Dr. Lejo Brana, a CPU alumnus who donated the equipment now in place at the center.

Brana said they are now working for the packaging equipment to be fully calibrated so it can be used to improve the packaging technology of SMEs.

He said the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also financially supported the establishment of the center by giving P1 million.

DOST Western Visayas Regional Director Rowen Gelonga earlier said the packaging center will greatly help food manufacturers.

Through the center, the “shelf-life” of exportable products could be extended. Manufacturers can also be assured that their products would meet international standards.

Gelonga also said that Brana is one of the DOST’s Balik Scientist and that they are glad he decided to share his expertise in packaging so that other people in Western Visayas could also learn and avail themselves of it.

Robles added that the SMEs, with their know-how in proper packaging, would be able to have a better livelihood.

Professor bats for good management for mangrove growth

By Elsa S. Subong (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, May 26 (PIA6) -- The low survival of mangroves in the region has prompted a professor to cite the need for proper mangrove management and conservation.

University of the Philippines Professor Dr. Rex Sadaba said that mangrove growth and sustainability can be attained with appropriate species planted in the right sites.

Sadaba, who was among the resource persons during the Iloilo Watershed Management Council IWMC) meeting the other day, conservation is important now as mangrove survival in the region is only from 10 to 20 percent.

He said that their studies showed that aquaculture outflow adds damage to the mangroves, as ideally, the ratio should be four hectares of mangroves for every hectare of aquaculture.

Sadaba added that land clearing for development of coastal development also threatens large areas of mangrove habitat.

Other factors include the increased erosion from agricultural and grazing which result in high sediment and nutrient loads to mangrove habitats.

Mangrove protection is necessary, according to Sadaba is important because mangroves protect areas from storms, waves, tidal currents, and typhoons.

Mangroves provide essential nursery habitat for commercial finfish and crustacean fisheries, Sadaba added.

Further, protecting the mangroves also entails identifying mangroves eco-park in the area.

In Panay Island there are three mangrove eco-parks identified, namely, Bakhaw Eco-Park in Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan; Bugtong Bato Mangrove Eco-park of Ibajay in Aklan; and the Culajao Mangrove Eco-Park in Roxas City.

DOLE Sec to grace "“Fiesta sa Mayo para sa Mga Obreros”

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

ILOILO CITY, May 25 (PIA6) - - Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Kapamilya actor Paul Salas are among the personalities expected to join the officers and representatives of government, management and labor groups in Western Visayas during the event dubbed, “Fiesta sa Mayo para sa Mga Obreros” this Saturday, May 26 along Delgado –Valeria Streets, IloiloCity.

This was learned from Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. – Iloilo President Joemarie “Joeboy” Agriam who is chairman of the Job Fair Committee of the 2012 Labor Month celebration.

Agriam said Baldoz was invited to give a keynote speech during the food festival and concert organized by the Department of Labor and Employment 6 and partner agencies to culminate the month-long celebration in the region.

As part of its support to the celebration, ABS-CBN will be bringing in Paul Salas to further highlight and add color to the event. Salas is known for his appearances in ABS-CBN’s “Oka2Kat,” “Todo Max,” and “Aryana”.

DOLE will be awarding certificates to its partners from the business and worker sectors; partner agencies and organizations; medical and dental practitioners; and attached agencies for their significant support that contributed to the success of the first celebration of the Labor Month in the region.

Data obtained from DOLE 6 indicate that 135 local companies and 46 overseas placement agencies participated in the job fairs conducted in the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod on May 1, one of the major activities of the month-long celebration.

Based on the same data, a total of 1, 344 job applicants in the region were hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) and 18,428 more applicants were referred and interviewed during the simultaneous job fairs. Of the total number of HOTS, 1, 314 were hired for local employment and 30 for overseas works.

Brigada Eskwela is about cooperation, volunteerism

By Elsa S. Subong (JCM/ESS-PIA Iloilo, with report from student intern Michael Heredia/WVSU.)

ILOILO CITY, May 24 (PIA) -- Local stakeholders in the national clean-up week, dubbed “Brigada Eskwela” implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd), said the activity is a showcase of cooperation and participation for the good of the children.

Mr. Gowen Madera, Master Teacher I of Jaro I Elementary School, said Brigada Eskwela is putting a premium on cooperation and volunteerism, without expecting rewards.

He said it is also a way of helping the school provide quality education through a healthy and safe environment where students can maximize learning.

Mr. Eugene Demonteverde, a parent, said that he was doing repairs for the classroom so that his child will be comfortable in school while the pupils in Jaro I Elementary School said they are also helping in the Brigada because they want their school to be beautiful and comfortable.

On its 5th year now, Brigada Eskwela, according to Education Secretary Armin Luistro seeks to revive the “bayanihan” spirit among the stakeholders in the education system, where their participation is important in preparing the schools for the opening of classes.

DepEd said with the Brigada, students and teachers will no longer be burdened with clean-up and repairs, and they can start holding classes right away on June 4.

DepEd further said it has done early preparations for the conduct of the Brigada Eskwela, as to how it will be done also varies from school-to school, according to the manpower, capability and partnerships with local organizations and institutions.

Mr. Madera said that if people will continue to commit themselves to the wellness and improvement of the learning environment during the week-long Brigada Eskwela then it would be a great start for the school year.

More infra projects completed in WV

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

ILOILO CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- Two hundred thirty-seven new infrastructure projects have been completed in Western Visayas as of the first quarter of this year, according to a report from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here.

Of these completed projects, 216 were part of the 338 carryover projects from 2011 while 21 are part of the 169 projects in the 2012 infrastructure program of the DPWH.

On the part of carryover projects in particular, this means an accomplishment rate of 70.71 percent. The rest of the projects either are ongoing or have yet to be started.

Likewise, the projects are part of the DPWH regular infrastructure program, preventive maintenance, water supply sewerage, and other infrastructure support to strategic tourism destination, DPWH lump sum projects, various infrastructure including local projects, and other projects.

Funds for the implementation of the projects were taken from the P2.568 billion allotted for carryover projects last year and P4.784 billion earmarked for the agency’s infrastructure program this year.

Last year, more than 200 projects were completed by the DPWH in the region.

DPWH 6 said the implementation of these projects is in line with its mandate to support the national development objectives. The projects are also beneficial for the improvement of economic and tourism industries in the region.

City gov’t wants list of multinational companies dumping waste at the Iloilo River

(PNA) , LDV/PGL/vlo

ILOILO CITY, May 22 (PNA) – The city government here has requested the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to identify and furnish the city mayor’s office a list of multinational companies that dump their wastes at the Iloilo River.

The move was in line with the allegation of several cause-oriented groups here that the international river summit next week is aimed only against less privileged people living beside the river while the government is blind on violations of big companies.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog added that without basis, the city government could not just act on allegation.

He added that he also would like to consider points raised by various sectors.

Mabilog recalled that the list that was previously provided by the EMB showed that most of those who failed to apply for permit to discharge wastewater at the river were businesses engaged in car washing and restaurants.

He further stressed that the cause-oriented group could be barking on the wrong tree because it is the EMB that identifies and gives permit.

He added though that the LGU could cancel the business permits of establishments upon the recommendation of the EMB.

Iloilo City eyes more water clean-up PPPs

By Catherine J. Teves

(PNA), RMA/CJT/utb

MANILA, May 21 (PNA) – Iloilo City will continue promoting public-private partnerships (PPPs) on further cleaning up its waterways to better protect this Visayan urban center from flooding, which is among issues for discussion during the first Philippine international river summit there from May 30 to June 1 this year.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said PPPs were the way to go, noting Iloilo City was not financially capable of solely undertaking the work.

”We have limited funds and need to rely on the private sector,” he said.

He said fund-raising activities were among initiatives Iloilo City planned to undertake with private sector support to generate financial resources needed for the clean-ups.

The city adopted PPP as the strategy for cleaning up Iloilo River, which is among waterways to be highlighted during the summit.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Smart Communications (Smart) are helping the city clean up such waterway.

”We were able to clean up about 50 percent of Iloilo River,” Mabilog said.

Physical improvements can be observed in the river already after only six months of clean-up there, he said.

”Color of water in the river turned from black to blue and the stench there’s gone,” he said.

He also said flow of water in the river improved after removal of debris there.

Iloilo City is undertaking a wholistic approach to saving the river.

Mabilog said the city also spearheaded complementary activities such as relocating informal settlers in the area, dismantling illegal fishpens and replanting mangrove sites nearby.

Expenses for the river’s clean-up already amounted to about P5 million, he said earlier, noting that Iloilo City shouldered a fifth of this amount while its partners covered the rest.

Such partners and National Housing Authority (NHA) also helped Iloilo City relocate and resettle informal settlers along the river, Mabilog said.

”We gave them dwellings to live in and livelihood,” he said.

He said Iloilo City provided the relocation site while NHA built the dwellings.

Mabilog hopes delegates to the summit will learn from Iloilo City’s experience in cleaning up Iloilo River.

Experts from Japan, Australia, the United States, South Korea, Canada, Vietnam, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines are scheduled to speak during the summit.

Iloilo City as well as Department of Environment and Natural Resources are spearheading the summit which has as theme ‘My River, My Life.’

Private partners for the summit are PLDT, Smart, National Geographic Channel, San Miguel Corp., Petron Corp., Canadian Urban Institute and television channel TV5.

For the event, government tapped its wire service Philippines News Agency and public information arm Philippine Information Agency.

2,000 BPO vacancies up in city job fair

(Lucy Montealto-Sinay, Iloilo City PIO/PN)

ILOILO City — Some 2,000 jobs in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry will be available in the city government-initiated job fair on May 21–22.

Ilonggos are more than qualified to work in the industry because of English language proficiency and high education standards earned from different colleges and universities here, said Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

“Iloilo City is actually an excellent source of manpower for BPOs because of the competency of our graduates,” he said.

The job fair dubbed “BPO Jobs Now” will feature 13 BPOs who will meet and interview applicants.

The two-day job fair will be held at the Gaisano City mall in La Paz district from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jobseekers need to bring their résumé, transcript of records and other relevant documents, said Alan Zaldivar, manager of the Public Employment Service Office here.

The job fair will be held in cooperation with the Philippine Call Center Institute, ABS-CBN, Department of Labor and Employment, Gaisano City – La Paz and the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps.

BFAR turns over P1.25M for Iloilo anti-illegal fishing drive

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

ILOILO CITY, May 19 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has turned over a P1.25 million check to the provincial government of Iloilo for the procurement of a new patrol boat for the Bantay Dagat campaign against illegal fishing.

BFAR regional director Drusila Bayate handed in the check to Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. during a simple ceremony held at the Office of the Governor, accompanied by Provincial Agriculturist Ildefonso Toledo.

Bayate said the funding assistance is part of the program of BFAR to forge partnership with local government units on law enforcement to protect and promote the sustainable use of the country’s marine resources.

She said the fund has been committed by BFAR national director Asis Perez to Defensor during his visit to the province several months back.

The patrol boat will be equipped with patrol equipment and accessories including a Global Positioning System (GPS) map, searchlights and other appropriate facilities.

Defensor thanked BFAR for its concern for the campaign of the provincial government against illegal fishing activities and welcomed the bureau’s financial support.

This will now address one of our problems on lack of patrol equipment, Defensor said of BFAR’s assistance. He added that with the support of BFAR, the province’s campaign will succeed.

The assistance to Iloilo is also part of BFAR’s program to support the projects of concerned provincial governments to protect the Visayan Sea against indiscriminate fishing activities.

Bayate said a similar assistance from their bureau is also forthcoming for Negros Occidental and Masbate.

P12 wage hike for workers in W. Visayas to take effect end of May

(PNA), FFC/LOR/PGL/vlo

ILOILO CITY, May 18 (PNA) –- The P12 wage hike for workers in Western Visayas is expected to take effect end of the month following its 15-day publication in a local paper here starting May 16.

In April, Labor and Employment regional director Ponciano Ligutom disclosed that a P12 wage hike for workers in Western Visayas was approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) and was just awaiting for the final approval of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and thereafter for the required publication.

Once it takes effect the minimum daily wage for workers in the non-agricultural/industrial and commercial sector employing more than 10 workers will be P277 from the current P265 and P235 for those employing less than 10 workers from the current rate of P223.

Meantime, for those working in agricultural plantation the rate is P245 from the current P233 while for non-plantation is P235 from P223.

As contained in Wage Order No. 20, the increase shall apply to all minimum wage earners in the private sector regardless of their position, designation, status of employment and irrespective of the method by which they are paid.

To recall RTWPB 6 on July 19, 2011 issued Wage Order 19 granting an emergency cost of living allowance (ECOLA) for a period of three months due to supervening conditions.

However, the last minimum wage adjustment took effect on Aug 12, 2010, thus the one-year ban for the imposition of a new wage hike has already lapsed.

Gov’t dev’t efforts anchored on 5 key areas

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

ILOILO CITY, May 17 (PIA6) -- The development efforts that the government is pursuing based on the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016 are anchored on 5 key result areas in line with President Aquino’s Social Contract with the Filipino People, according to Philippine Information Agency 6 Regional Director lawyer Ma. Janet C. Mesa.

In her orientation-lecture on “Communicating Development” during the opening, May 16, of the three-day seminar on online and public journalism for government information officers at Iloilo Grand Hotel here, Mesa said these key result areas are as follows: Good Governance; Human Development; Economic Development; Peace, Justice and Security; and Climate Change.

Mesa said the primary goal towards which the development efforts of the government are directed is inclusive growth which is high growth that is sustained, massively creates jobs, reduces poverty and one that should ultimately benefit all Filipinos.

She added that the government will pursue programs and projects that will help it achieve this goal within the term of President Aquino.

Some of these programs and projects are the anti-corruption campaign, K – 12 Basic Education Program, Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program or 4Ps, Public-Private Partnership, peace program, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The seminar, which runs until May 18, was initiated by PIA6 to develop the skills and competence of IOs in writing and documentation and is a response to their need for regular updating on journalism.

Earlier, PIA Regional Director Atty. Janet Mesa said the government’s strong bias for information on programs, projects, accomplishments and best practices necessitates that those assigned in information work in agencies and LGUs must deliver.

With the advent of the electronic media, she added that the IOs must have the necessary journalistic skills and online journalism skills to effectively use the new information technology.

SMART Communications is supporting the seminar through its online journalism platform, which is available to government information officers, among others.

Iloilo, DENR to spearhead 1st PH Int'l River Summit

By Precie Catherine C. Cuarto

QUEZON CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- The local government of Iloilo City, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), shall spearhead the 1st Philippine International River Summit on May 30 to June 1.

In a press conference last Monday, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the project is beyond mere river clean-up; it is an initiative towards social and economic progress.

In 2011, the Iloilo River Development Council, headed by Senator Franklin Drilon, and Iloilo local government forged a massive clean-up and re-development of the Iloilo River. The project includes removal of illegal fishpens, derelict vessels, relocation of informal settlers, dredging, widening blocked areas, and replanting of mangrove areas.

According to Mabilog, progress was soon observed after six months of rehabilitation. Illegal fishers were displaced and given alternative livelihood through the help of project partners. Informal settlers were also moved to relocation sites through the effort of the National Housing Authority and Iloilo LGU.

The team of environmentalists also called on experts from other river communities worldwide, which displayed the best practices of river management. The significant learnings derived from them was thought to be shared to multi-sectors, thus, the idea for the 1st Philippine International River Summit was born, said Mayor Mabilog.

The Summit aims to "stimulate discussion, learning, and action among experts, local governments, NGO's, private sector and the academe, specifically on river basin governance, climate change, and disaster risk reduction, water quality, and water resources management, biodiversity management, and eco-tourism."

Further, Mabilog expressed hope that the first River Summit would be institutionalized and replicated by other cities, since there are "more than 200 rivers in the country, and about 20 or more rivers are under critical level."

Line-up of speakers for the Summit includes scientists from the Canadian Urban Institute, the Patuxent Wildlife Center in Maryland, the University of Queensland in Australia, and local government executives and river basin managers from participating Asian countries. President Benigno S. Aquino III will be the event's Guest of Honor.

The Summit is co-supported by the PLDT Company, Smart Communications, Inc., National Geographic Channel, San Miguel Corporation, Canadian Urban Institute, Petron Corporation, and media groups such as TV5, Philippine News Agency, and the Philippine Information Agency.

P21M to boost organic farming in W. Visayas

BY ELSA S. SUBONG (PIA-6/PN)

ILOILO City – Western Visayas farmers are urged to avail themselves of financial aid from the P21-million fund set aside by the government for organic farming.

But this requires a shift from modern chemical-laden farming to chemical-free agriculture. The government is ready to assist, according to the Department of Agriculture-6 (DA).

DA Focal Person for Organic Agriculture Dr. Hector Peñaranda said the funding has been made available through the full-swing implementation of Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act (OA) of 2010, which has created the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP).

The law, Peñaranda said, provides the policies on how to implement organic agriculture, research development, extension and technology transfer and funding, which can be availed of by local government units, organized groups of farmers, non-government organizations, and civil society groups.

He also said DA has already conducted consultations with LGUs and various interested groups on how to access funding support, which can range from a million to two depending on criteria met, on top of which is an accreditation from DA, besides registration with either the Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Labor and Employment or Cooperatives Development Authority.

Peñaranda said government is bent on the shift from chemical farming to organic, aiming to increase production through the natural way, to avert effects of the unpredictable climate change.

“Chemical farming is contributory to global warming and organic farming is one way of mitigating effects not only on soil and environment, but on people’s health as well,” he added.

He said the shift may not be done easily because the soil has become acidic through use of chemicals for a long time, and it takes time to build up fertility of the soil and bring back lost microorganisms.

“Based on observations in organic farms in Negros, it took about seven years to bring back fertility,” Peñaranda said.

The province of Negros started its organic farming activities in 2005, by proclaiming the island as organic through the Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture for Rural Development (NISARD).

DA records showed 10 percent of the land area has been producing organic sugar, vegetables, rice, and coffee.

In Panay Island, the initiatives are taking off with about an average of five organic farming proposals being processed by DA and some of these may already be released soon.

So far, Peñaranda said, the towns of Pavia and Oton in Iloilo have chemical-free certified farm products, while other areas have organized farmers doing chemical-free farming and supplying some outlets in the city.

Organic agriculture as declared by RA 10068 “dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals.”

Peñaranda said, in this gradual shift, they are advocating, they focus on those farmers who are “passionate” about organic farming and whose lands are still easy to cultivate organically.

Meanwhile that this is done, DA is urging LGUs to create technical committee to attend to implementation of activities under the National Organic Agriculture Program.

Former laundrywoman is Iloilo City’s ‘Bulawanon nga Nanay’

(PNA) DCT/LAM/GCR

ILOILO CITY, May 14 (PNA) -– A mother of four professionals who labored to send her children to school by accepting laundry and raising pigs is Iloilo City’s ‘Bulawanon nga Nanay’ for 2012.

Felicidad Percalin Adolfo, 73, of Dungon A. Jaro, won the judges’ approval and bested 14 other finalists when she advised all mothers to be hard-working, kind-hearted and guide their children in a gentle manner during the awarding ceremony held here over the weekend.

Together with her husband who is a family driver, they have raised a mechanical engineer who now works as a ship captain in an international vessel; an electrical engineer; a computer engineer and a certified public accountant. This happened because of her determination despite poverty.

Adolfo used to wash clothes for students of the Central Philippine University (CPU). Her family used to live in a shanty beside the creek at the back of CPU. The fury of typhoon Frank in 2008 brought their house into a total wreck; but it paved way for better things to come for her and other members of her family.

They now have their own luxury vehicle and house and lot in a subdivision bought for them by their eldest, a ship captain.

Adolfo said she never dreamed they would be living in such a big house, reminiscing at how they used to struggle in the past.

The annual search, highlighting ‘Mothers Day’ celebration, was hosted by the Iloilo City Task Force on Street Children (ICTFSC) under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Task force chair Rosalie Treñas, wife of Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Jerry P. Treñas, said they hope the activity would serve as an inspiration to every family that nothing is impossible through faith, hard work and sheer determination.

The winner received P15,000 while the second and third placers were given P7,500 and P5,000, respectively, aside from other gifts from sponsors.

Historic Casa Real set to reclaim ‘old glory’

(ECGarcia/ Capitol News/PN)

ILOILO City – The Old Capitol, formerly known as Casa Real, is the symbol of the glorious past of the city and province of Iloilo.

“We shall restore it so it shall forever be the landmark of the pride, talent, courage and determination of the Ilonggos,” declared Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr.

He led the recent groundbreaking and unveiling of the final design of the Old Capitol restoration project in time with the 111th “Semana sang Iloilo” celebration.

“I am confident that this building, once restored, will be a premier object of our pride,” Defensor stressed.

Phase I of the project covers the exterior of the old Iloilo Provincial Capitol, a work that includes the demolition of the front canopy and the side offices constructed during the 1960s.

Architect Guillermo Hisancha designed the restoration of the Old Capitol to its original grandeur.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Hisancha, Provincial First Lady Cosette Defensor, Board Members Demy Sonza, June Mondejar and Manny Gallar, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, representatives from the contractor, and provincial government employees.

Provincial Legal Officer Dennis Ventilacion, chair of the Bids and Awards Committee, said the lowest bid for the project was made by Tacolod Enterprises Inc. for P13.2 million while the approved budget for the contract was P17.9 million.

“This is only the first phase of the project and the contractor will be given 150 calendar days to complete it,” he said.

Defensor envisions the “restored” old Provincial Capitol to become a symbol of Iloilo’s glorious past and a major tourist attraction.

It will have a function room that could be used for special activities and grand occasions.

A bridge will be built at the back of the old Capitol building to link it to the new Iloilo Provincial Capitol building.

The National Historical Commission (NHC) will be providing technical assistance to the provincial government on how to go about with the restoration.

To note, the NHC declared the old capitol a National Historical Site.

Originally built of wood and stone during the Spanish colonial period, the old capitol underwent several major renovations from the time it became the seat of the civil government of Iloilo in 1901.

During World War II in the 1940s, it was used as a military garrison by the Japanese Imperial Forces.

The historical marker on the wall of the old capitol reads:

“Dating casa real na yari sa kahoy at bato noong panahon ng mga Espanyol. Naging kapitolyo nang itinatag ang pamahalaang sibil ng lalawigan ng Iloilo, 11 Abril 1901. Martin T. Delgado, rebolusyonaryo, unang gobernador, 1901-1904. Ginamit ng mga pwersang Hapones bilang garrison noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig, 1942-1945. Isinaayos ang ilang bahagi ng gusali, mga taong 1960s. Muling ipinaayos matapos masunog ang halos kalahati ng gusali, 04 Nobyembre 1998. Sentro sa pagtataguyod ng lalawigan ng Iloilo, 1901-2001.”

City urges review of power distributor’s franchise amid brownouts

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.(Inquirer Visayas)

ILOILO CITY—The Iloilo City government has asked Congress to review the franchise of the city’s lone power distributor amid continued brownouts lasting for hours.

In separate letters to Sen. Franklin Drilon and Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog asked the legislature to review the franchise granted to the Panay Electric Co. (Peco) and to consider opening a franchise to other power distributors.

Peco is the lone distributor of the city’s 180 barangays and one of the oldest private electricity distributors in the country.

Mabilog said in his letter that recent power interruptions had caused “great distress and much discontent” to Peco consumers.

He cited the crippling blackout on May 2 that left most of the city without electricity for at least eight hours.

“As a result, most businesses incurred losses; private and public offices ceased operations; meat products and processed food blemished, and social functions/gatherings canceled. All these unexpected power failures have caused millions of pesos in losses with no valid explanation from Peco as the sole power distributor in the City of Iloilo,” Mabilog said.

Power interruptions in the past were mostly blamed on the lack of power supply but supply had been stabilized after the operation of a 164-megawatt coal-fired power plant last year.

Mabilog said opening the franchise to other power distributors would help the city provide sufficient and reliable supply of power.

Peco operations manager Randy Pastolero said it was normal for power distributors to suffer technical problems from time to time. He said the crippling brownout on May 2 was caused by technical problems with its substations which triggered a system-wide malfunction.

“We are working with the city government to improve our power distribution,” Pastolero said on Thursday.

He also pointed out that under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, power transmission and distribution are “natural monopolies” with only one franchise given in an area.

Peco has a 25-year franchise granted by Congress in 1994 which would expire in 2019, according to Pastolero.

UPV, DSWD mull enhanced training and research

(Anna Razel L. Ramirez, UPV/PN)

ILOILO City – The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for enhanced training and research.

The MOU signing was held at the UPV Iloilo City Campus on April 4. UPV was represented by its Chancellor, Dr. Rommel A. Espinosa. DSWD was represented by Regional Director Minda Brigoli.

Both parties agreed on the following:

1. to collaborate in undertaking programs, projects, and other related activities whenever and wherever feasible opportunities present themselves

2. to collaborate on short-term training of qualified personnel from DSWD Region 6

3. to exchange materials, publications, information and methodology but in consonance with the Intellectual Property Rights Law and Techno logy Transfer Act

4. To execute separate agreements in writing for any particular undertaking jointly implemented, wherein sharing of responsibilities shall be specified.

“It is an organic match – given UPV’s thrust on public service and DSWD’s efforts at bringing academic expertise in the way it conducts its key business,” said Espinosa.

DSWD’s empirical data and guaranteed access to remote communities in the region and UPV’s expertise from its faculty researchers with advanced degrees and years of practice in community immersion and theoretical grounding is complementary and beneficial for both institutions as they serve as front liners in the in the country’s community development efforts.

“With solid theory, rich data and dedicated commitment to scientific research, DSWD with UPV’s help can be instrumental in the formulation and implementation of sound public policies that matter to the community,” Espinosa said.

Brigoli revealed that DSWD right now is going through reforms especially in their delivery of service, and looks forward to this collaboration with UPV.

“Share our data and you use your expertise... this is a rich ground to marry our efforts to make things happen,” she said.


Organizers of Int'l River Summit assure safety of delegates

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

ILOILO CITY, May 10 (PIA 6) --Organizers of the forthcoming 1st Philippine International River Summit on May 30 to June 1, 2012 in the City assures both foreign and local delegates of a peaceful and secured venue.

Mr. Felix Tiu, the summit’s budget and finance committee chairman, gave this assurance in a press conference as he gave updates for the preparations of the summit.

Tiu said that in meetings with the Philippine National Police Regional Command, Iloilo City Police, Maritime Command, the Aviation and the Coast Guard, around 300 to 400 policemen will be deployed strategically starting May30 to June 1 to provide security and order for the event.

“We are working hand in hand to ensure safety and security for all our guests and visitors,” Tiu said.

City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Noel Hechanova who is also the Summit Director said that more than 1,000 invitation letters were sent out to concerned persons and “500 have already responded and more will be expected within the week or next week for reservations”.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said that “as of yesterday about 70 foreign delegates from Europe, America, Canada, Asia are coming to attend the event, and this is the first of its kind in the City, that is why we are really preparing for the event”.

The summit, Mabilog said, aims to stimulate discussion, learning and action among experts, local governments, climate change and disaster risk reduction, water quality and water resources management, biodiversity management and ecotourism.

“We come with this idea, because we believe that if we put our hearts into it and we get our acts together, we are more sure that whatever endeavor that we have will be achieved in rehabilitating Iloilo River back into its life”, Mabilog said.

Last year, the Iloilo River Development Council led by Mayor Mabilog and with the help of Senator Franklin Drilon and other government agencies began a massive clean-up and redevelopment of the Iloilo River.

The project includes removing of illegal fishpens, derelict vessels, relocating informal settlers, dredging, widening blocked areas and replanting mangrove areas.

Mabilog also said during the presscon that President Benigno S. Aquino III will be the event’s guest of honor.

The Summit’s speaker line-up includes scientists from the Canadian Urban Institute , the Patuxent Wildlife Center in Maryland, USA, the University of Queensland in Australia, and local governmet executives and river basin managers from countries like Korea, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, among others.

Mayor Mabilog also said that the policy that is going to be arrived at during the closing plenary will be presented to President Aquino.

Balik Eskwela Diskwento sale starts in Iloilo

By Vicente W. Villavert (JSC/VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)

ILOILO CITY, May 9 (PIA 6) -- The Balik Eskwela Discount sale has begun in Iloilo in time for the opening of classes in June.

Provincial Director Wilhelm Malones of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Iloilo Provincial Office, disclosed in a PIA interview that the activity started April 23 and will end June 15.

Malones noted that around 10 business establishments in Iloilo City have joined in the which is aimed at easing the burden of parents as they spend for their children's school supplies and other needs.

“The average discount price for supplies and school uniforms is from 10 to 40 percent in the 10 business establishments that are participating in the Balik Eskwela Discount Sale,” Malones said.

He also disclosed in a PIA interview that there are business establishments in the municipalities of Dumangas and Banate, Province of Iloilo that have joined the Balik Eskwela Discount sale program.

"The commercial establishments participating in the activity can be identified through the diskwento sale tarpaulins posted on the concerned establishments,” Malones said.

The DTI-Iloilo Director urged parents and/or guardians to avail of this opportunity.

City employees to help in village clean-up

By Lydia C. Pendon

ALL Iloilo City Hall employees and workers will participate in a massive weekend clean-up in the barangays within this month to get rid of breeding places of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog made the announcement after noting that the city’s program on the “four o’clock habit” is barely effective in the barangays and plastic garbage continues to swarm low-lying areas.

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The clean-up program every 4 p.m. was aimed to mobilize barangay officials and residents on the need for cleanliness and getting rid of mosquitoes.

Beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program in the city are also enjoined to bring in plastic bags of garbage every meeting and releasing of their stipend.

However, Mabilog said barangay officials’ acceptance of the program was lukewarm and more people are needed to help the clean-up drive.

The mayor said four persons already died as of April 2012 due to dengue fever caused by mosquito virus, thus the need to clean the breeding places of mosquitoes.

The city health office reported that dengue victims are mostly children and barangays with most cases are in Dungon C and Bolilao in Mandurriao district and in Calumpang, Molo district.

40-storey building to spur 'new' Iloilo sans traffic and flood

(JVF/ICPIO)

Iloilo City with its rising new Central Business District in Mandurriao is teeming with great potentials in terms of real estate developments, globally renowned urban planners affirmed.

"We are honored to be given an opportunity to develop this promising city. Hopefully (we could start) next year, if not last quarter of this year," stressed Makati-based T. I. Vasquez Architects & Planners Inc. (TVA&P).

The ambitious Manhattan-like 15-hectare Gaisano Iloilo Center project in West Diversion Road, Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao, is envisioned as a mixed-use development of commercial, residential units and offices by mall chain Gaisano Capital and its property developer arm GoldPeach Properties.

It will be closely similar to Metro Manila's Eastwood, Rockwell, Greenbelt or Filinvest Alabang. "Ample open spaces, outdoor dining (facilities and amenities) and tree-lined streets are of top priority."

The hotel tower is projected to be around 40 floors. "The builds are only to show building yield, these are not final design. Still in the oven so to speak, but investors interested to buy lots are already in the table," TVA&P said on its Facebook page, referring to the perspective.

"Rest assured that we did our homework and consultants have already studied the site. Technically speaking, the initial number of floors for the hotel tower plays along 30-40 storey, nothing final yet," it explained.

The skyscraper will rise on old fishponds site near Dungon creek.

"There are modern construction methodologies we can apply in such soil conditions which are being applied all over the world including places like Manhattan, Singapore reclaimed areas, even our very own Roxas Boulevard," TVA&P clarified.

Traffic-free and flood-free urban planning is being seen to transform the city's business and economic landscape.

"Problems of traffic and flooding in our cities nationwide are a result of lack of proper urban planning in our country, we are only among many of talented Filipino architects and engineers who are trying to correct mistakes of the past in order for our cities to be self-sustaining," TVA&P assured.

"Let's not be disheartened by old mistakes and dwarf the potential of Iloilo City. Instead, we should use it as case studies to come up with better proposal," the firm suggested.

"In fact we are pleased to see public's concern for better architecture in our country. Everyone needs to cooperate and participate to make the built environments of the Philippines as beautiful as its subliminal coastline," TVA&P exclaimed.

"Your warm support energizes our talented team! Looking forward to visit Iloilo more frequently as the project progress!" the company expects to work closely with the Ilonggos.

"We are just as excited as you are! Thank you everyone for your support and sweet welcome with love to Iloilo City!" TVA&P told the excited Ilonggos.

An architectural design partnership, TVA&P is composed of new generation architects with the common goal of promoting world-class design concepts and technological innovations in a rapidly developing country.

It maintains close affiliation with foreign groups MWM ARCHITECTS of Oakland, California USA; Consulting Engineering Group, Doha, Qatar; and Cairo, Egypt and Architect Yoshihide Tamura of Osaka, Japan.

TESDA opens training opportunities in Iloilo

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

ILOILO CITY, May 6 (PIA) -- There are training opportunities available at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)–Iloilo Provincial Office for qualified beneficiaries who would like to boost their chances of getting a job and starting their own business.

This was learned from TESDA 6 Information Officer Bernadette Puertas who manned the agency’s information desk at the one-stop-shop of government services during the May 1 Labor Day Job fair at SM City Mall in this city.

Puertas said 29 training scholarship slots are awaiting to be filled up under their Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) and Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

Training scholarships available under the PESFA are Computer Hardware Servicing, Massage Therapy, Hilot (Wellness Massage), Automotive Servicing, Household Services, Shielded Metal Arc, Commercial Cooking, Food and Beverages Services, Consumer Electronics Servicing, Computer Hardware Servicing, and Food and Beverages Services.

For TWSP, the scholarships include Housekeeping, Finishing Course for Call Center Agent, Food and Beverages, Consumer Electronics Servicing, Professional Assistant 2D Animation, Career Entry Course for Software Developer, and Household Services.

The trainings will be provided by the different identified TESDA-accredited private and government institutions in the city and province of Iloilo.

Qualified for the PESFA are high school graduates who are 15 years old and above and have taken the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) or have Youth Profiling for Starring Careers (YP4SC) and must not be recipients of any previous TESDA scholarships from 2006-2010.

The priorities for the TWSP are the unemployed and coming from families for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT). They must be also 18 years old and above based on industry needs; trainable as determined by pre-training assessment instruments; have not previously availed of the TESDA TWSP from 2006 to 2010; and with educational attainment based on industry requirements.

The PESFA and TWSP are part of the continuing efforts of TESDA to provide quality technical vocational courses to assure the competency and employability of the beneficiaries of the programs.

Interested applicants are required to bring the copy of their high school card or diploma, NCAE or YP4SC result, annual income tax return or certificate of compensation payment, and tax withheld for the previous year or certificate of exemption from payment of income tax return.

For additional information about the programs, please contact Mr. Jose Gerry Hallares at telephone numbers (033) 337-9868, 300-3868 or 509-7099 or visit the TESDA Iloilo Office at Zamora Street, Iloilo City.

CHR supports DOLE’s Child Labor-Free Barangay Program

(PNA), DCT/LAM/AJP/vlo

ILOILO CITY, May 5 (PNA) -– The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is supporting the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) program, “Child Labor-Free Barangay,” to be launched in Western Visayas on May 18.

CHR Regional Director David M. Bermudo said the program is very important for the protection of children in the region.

He said that child labor has been a long standing concern in Western Visayas and they have been working with the DOLE and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the “Sagip Bata Manggagawa” program.

In the region, he said many children are being employed as child laborers in the haciendas in Negros Occidental while others as firecracker makers and stevedores in the port area in Iloilo city.

“The children are employed to carry bags of cement being unloaded in the port area. The bag of cement aside from it being very heavy for children is also hazardous to their health,” Bermudo contended.

The CHR director, however, said that during the process when they were preventing children from becoming child laborers, their parents also bombarded them with complaints that they do not have anyone to help augment their family income.

DOLE Regional Dir. Ponciano M. Ligutom, in implementing the program, intends to reorganize the child labor committees in the region so it could help and serve as watchdog against child labor in the barangays.

DSWD-6 cites encouraging gains of 4Ps in WVisayas

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

ILOILO CITY, May 4 (PIA) -- On its fourth year, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has increased school and day care attendance in the region by 90 to 100 percent, according to the Department of Social Work and Development.

To date, the government through the DSWD, has already released a total of P1,386,892,099 to 261,591 beneficiaries in Western Visayas.

Pantawid Pamilya Social Marketing Head Alma Jornadal said that these marked increases were substantiated by improved academic performance and participation of children in extra-curricular activities.

A DSWD report also reveals that 95-100 percent of children aged 0-5 were immunized and de-wormed.

The report also said that through the 4Ps, families have developed civic responsibilities, like paying their community tax, and participating in community activities like cleanliness and beautification, solid waste management, gardening and tree planting.

Jornadal also said that Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children have taken in parent-beneficiaries as members in their various sub-committees.

“Most of the parents have stopped engaging in vices; instead they have become community leaders and resource persons during meetings and assemblies,” Jornadal quoted the report.

“One of the promising gains of the program is, perhaps, the convergence of support services for health, education, and socio-economic activities rendered by the partner agencies, including the LGUs,” Jornadal said.

She also looks at the convergence of anti-poverty programs, like the SEA-K, Kalahi-CIDSS as factors to sustain these gains and make the beneficiaries productive even after 4Ps has ended.

P11.2-B Jalaur River Project Seen As Game Changer For Iloilo

By TARA YAP

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo – The P11.2-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project is expected to bring unparalleled development to the city and province of Iloilo.

“This will be the game changer for Iloilo,” enthused Ilonggo Sen. Franklin Drilon.

Drilon disclosed that the Philippines and South Korea are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to firm-up the second phase of the mega irrigation project today.

Phase II of said project will include the construction of a storage dam and reservoir along Jalaur River, considered the lifeblood Iloilo’s rice industry.

“It will irrigate 32,000 hectares of farmland and will generate 17,000 jobs,” said Drilon, who has been instrumental in lobbying for the project.

A priority program of the De¬partment of Agriculture (DA) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project is set to contribute to ensur¬ing the sustainability of the country’s self-sufficiency in rice production.

Needless to say, the mega irriga¬tion project will boost Iloilo’s stand¬ing as one of the country’s top rice producers.

Drilon added that the construc¬tion of a hydro electric power plant – which is part of said Jalaur River multipurpose project – will also help generate bulk water supply for Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD). The project will also include, among oth¬ers, the building of a storage dam.

Jalaur River runs through Passi City and several Iloilo towns includ¬ing Barotac Nuevo, Calinog, Duenas, Dingle, Dumangas, Leganes, Pototan, and Zarraga.

Iloilo City aims to become country’s top next wave city

(PNA), LAP/LAP/LAM/ajp/PGLena/vlo

ILOILO CITY, May 2 (PNA) - Iloilo City is eyeing the top spot among the country’s next wave cities after placing fourth during the 2011 ranking.

Joven Tansi, executive director of the Iloilo Federation for Information Technology (I-Fit), said this city has potentials as he underscored colleges and universities present here producing sufficient human resource, its good peace and order situation; available infrastructure and stable electricity.

Cities are ranked according to location, infrastructure support, business environment and human resources.

The 2011 survey conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) showed that Iloilo City ranked fourth among the 10 next wave cities in the country. The top three cities were Davao, Sta. Rosa and Bacolod City.

“We are vying out to become number one in next wave cities,” he confirmed.

He admitted that Iloilo City was positioned higher than Bacolod City before but due to infrastructure issues it has been overtaken by the latter. Currently, infrastructure support is now available to also include sufficient electricity.

However, he clarified that there is no competition between the two cities of Western Visayas and they complement each other. Tansi explained that Iloilo supplies the needed human resource of Bacolod City while the latter also pushes Iloilo should locators look for other areas to transfer to.

Currently, business process outsourcing (BPO) companies employ around 5,000 Ilonggos.

Jobs fairs, services mark Labor Day

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

ILOILO CITY, May 1 (PIA6) - - The Labor Day celebration in the city and province of Iloilo today, May 1, will not only be marked with simultaneous job fairs but also a one-stop-shop of various services of different government agencies.

Around seven government agencies have confirmed to the Department of Labor and Employment 6 to put up desks at the one-stop shop to assist jobseekers and workers in their pre-employment needs and inquiries on matters related to labor and employment at the job fair at SM City Mall in Mandurriao.

One of these government agencies is the Department of Foreign Affairs who will have personnel to assist jobseekers in the pre-evaluation of their passports.

The Professional Regulations Commission will also put up a desk for the renewal of professional identification card and filing of applications for teachers and nurses board examinations.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will have its desk to accommodate those interested to know about its various programs and trainings and for the filing of application for Assessment for National Certification.

There will be free legal services and Help Desk as regards to labor problems which will be manned by representatives from the DOLE, National Labor Relations Commission, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, Philippine Overseas Employment Agency and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Other available services at the job fair are the “Libreng Tawag” for overseas Filipino workers and dependents put up by OWWA and career counseling for jobseekers especially fresh graduates who need advice in their career paths provided by the Guidance Counselors Net.

There will be also livelihood skills demonstrations on table skirting, table napkin folding, bartending and massage lined up by TESDA together with its Supervised Schools.

Another feature of the event will be the display of products of the various projects funded by DOLE in Iloilo.

At the job fair intended for Business Process Outsourcing at the Amigo Plaza Mall, other services such as medical, dental, and free hair cut and massage will be made available by the Philippine Army 301st infantry Brigade and other partners. Also, taking place in the same venue will be a blood-letting activity to be conducted by the Philippine Red Cross.

Aside from government agencies, DOLE 6 is supported by the different employers, business and workers groups in the conduct of the various activities not only on May 1 but also during the month-long celebration in Iloilo. These organizations are the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (PCCII), Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (PCCCII), Iloilo Multi-Sectoral Business Orgn., Inc., (IMSBOI), Iloilo Business Club (IBC), Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FCCCII), Federation of Filipino Workers (FFW), NACUSIP-TUCP.

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