Iloilo City and Province - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 6

wecky

August 29th, 2005, 03:58 PM

From dairy farmer to entrepreneur

HERMEN Susan Bulahan of Jovellar, Igbaras, Iloilo, is a dairy farmer. Still new in the dairy business, Susan sells pasteurized milk to neighbors and friends at P40.00 a liter, or to her "suki"(regular customer) a public school teacher who gets some P300.00 worth of milk every week. She also sells raw milk to a local baker who uses the milk as an ingredient for barquillos, those long cylindrical shaped cookies for which Iloilo is famous.

In Sibucao, San Enrique, Negros Occidental, Pinky Apungan also sells pasteurized milk to friends and neighbors.

Both Susan and Pinky are members of dairy federations in their respective provinces and both deliver milk to their coop federation, which takes charge of processing and marketing of milk not absorbed in their immediate communities and local outlets.

To help develop enterprise skills, the National Dairy Authority sponsored dairy enterprise training for the new dairy farmers. Called the Litro Por Litro, Piso Apat Na Piso Training, this seven -day workshop trains farmers in simple accounting, financial planning, as well as in milk production and herd inventory projections.

Farmers are taught to keep a daily record of their daily milk produce, milk used for home consumption, fed to calves, sold to the plant and to others, to keep their finances in the black.

Dependent on the federation to simply pay them for their produce, the farmers found the business portion of the training rather tough. Mathematical abilities long held dormant were awakened and forced to work.

While some grumbled over assignments and the research they were told to do on the prevailing price of feed ingredients, sources of feeds, on their daily milk production, several others appreciated the relationship between producing and learning how to plan the marketing of their produce, as well as the plan projections to cope with lean months.

At one point of the training, farmers were also taught how to walk and act with the confidence of a negosyante. For several minutes, they were told to walk across the training hall, heads held high, shoulders out, backs straight and confidently carrying their milk pails into the plant for processing. Encouraged to shake the hands of their customers and other business partners firmly, the farmers now know that in the dairy business, they need the four K's of any negosyo, which are: Kapital (Capital) Kagamitan (equipment, (la) Kas Paggawa(capacity to work) and Kaisipang Negosyante (or the entrepreneurial spirit).

After all, they are, and with the will to succeed, will continuously be producers of quality fresh milk, which can compete with commercially processed milk products.

Given a layperson's view of the bovine reproductive system, farmers now saw the connection between zealously breeding their animals and cash inflow for the coming months. Each female calf born means a potential repayment breedable heifer after 18 months. Each male calf means a sale for breeding or meat purposes. A missed insemination on a cow's heating period will mean a loss in terms of future milk flow, income, and a delay of animal loan-in-kind repayment.

At the end of the training, a capping ceremony is held as each farmer receives a milk uniform consisting of an apron, sterile mask, and head cap, for use when milking.

Instead of receiving the usual certificate of completion, the farmers receive a colorful laminated copy of their own aspirations, which they are asked to write down during the two training days. These aspirations and laminated dreams are to be displayed in their cowsheds, to serve as their inspiration, and remind them of the visions of prosperity that they wish to achieve.

In the final computation of their net incomes (and for many, a net loss) many new entrepreneurs felt discouraged. Many were surprised to know that simple implements like pails, soap, brooms and dustpans, had a daily depreciation cost. A net income could only be earned if one's milk sales were way above one's overhead expenses.

However there were those who held on to their aspirations. They may have failed in their first year as dairy entrepreneurs, but they intend to make an income in their second year, now armed with knowledge in financial planning.

For Nonito Novilla of Miag-ao, the dairy is a help, "bulig sa familya" ang "Gatas nga kay presca" (fresh milk) makes his family happy. Lyn of Jovillar, a group mate of Hermen Susan, said that dairy is "mahirap gawin" but milk is definitely "masarap inumin." The enterprise and the work goes with it is "sakit sa ulo" ( a real headache),which goes for any new business, but milk sales bring about"lusog sa bulsa" ormake for heavier andfuller pockets.

Emmanuel Casabuena states his aspirations in minutes and hours, and his income in days as he says "tuwing umaga, hawak KO, bakang kay ganda, 20 minutes hawak KO, gatas Na, 30 ka araw, pera na. O kay saya, salamat baka!"

Like many others, Hermen Susan calculated a net loss for her first year. But while she deals with female cows, she is bullish as she resolves to achieve a net income next year. Susan and several others in Jovillar, cross a river in taking their milk produce to a processing center.

Difficult as it is for them and even tougher especially when the river swells during the rainy season, Susan and her group believe that "Good timber does not grow with ease. But the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees." For, such too is the path of good dairy entrepreneurs: strength, planning, will and resolve to conquer problems, whether in streamsor rivers,after which comes success.

(from Sunstar News Online)

wecky

August 29th, 2005, 04:02 PM

Monday, August 29, 2005
Trade fair of Ilonggo products on Sept. 8-11

ENTREPRENEURS will showcase the best of Iloilo products on September 8 to 11 at SM City Iloilo.

The products include metal and woodcraft, knitted and cross-stitched products, native delicacies, novelty items, artworks, preserved foods, pots, floral candles products, and ornamental and bonsai plants.

The three-day trade fair is entitled "Ilonggo Anay Trade Fair 2005." The close to 90 participants underwent a series of verification and screening conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI 6). They came from the districts of Lapaz, Jaro, Mandurriao, Molo, Arevalo and City proper.

"The project aims to help small business enterprises. Iloilo will become a potential business center," Councilor Jed Mabilog said.

The said trade fair is in line with the DTI week celebration, he added. Meanwhile, DTI Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena has set the following standards and criteria for small enterprise participants. Enterprise should be a resident of Iloilo City or the said district, one should be a producer of process foods; the capitalization should range from P5,000 to P50,000, should be endorsed by the barangay captain, and should be potential volume producer.

This project is in partnership of Iloilo City government, DTI, Haligi Foundation and SM City Iloilo. (RCS)

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

August 29th, 2005, 04:06 PM

Penaflorida: The many faces of Ilonggos
By Atty. Jobert Penaflorida

(1st of two parts)

IN the last few weeks, several Ilonggos figured prominently in the news, both for good and bad reasons. When I was in Manila the other week, the taxi driver who brought me from the airport to Makati cannot help but ask me about some of these local personalities who, despite coming from the same hometown, seemed to contradict one another's position on major issues affecting the nation.

The Garci tape brouhaha has broken the much-ballyhooed solid support of Iloilo for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and has revealed the many interesting faces of Ilonggos. Of course, who can forget the classic 360 degree-turn around of Senate President Franklin Drilon, the big bright boy of Baluarte, who in a span of less than a week turned from rabid supporter to bitter political nemesis of the President?

But one who has closely followed his political career would not be caught in surprise. Frank has done the sleek turn-around act many times over in the past but, apparently in his case, practice does not always makes perfect. When Frank went on national television to abandon Gloria and call for her resignation, I really thought that it was it - the end of GMA. For his batting average and political timing in the past have been perfect; he always emerged as the right person at the right place at the right time. But, not this time. Or maybe not yet?

Drilon holds the distinct record of jumping political ships before they sank. He was Cory's favorite Justice, Labor and Executive Secretary. When FVR assumed office, he was again appointed Justice Secretary. But when it was crystal clear that Erap was looming as the next president, Frank became chummy with Erap and became Senate President when the star politician took over Malacanang.

Strategically (or conveniently?), when Erap's hold to power was beginning to erode because of the jueteng scandal, Drilon resigned as Senate President and was in the cast of the classic crying scene (with Loren Legarda and Nene Pimentel) during the Estrada impeachment when the majority senators refused to open the envelope - a genuine tearjerker that drove the people to launch an EDSA 2 and installed Gloria Arroyo as President. As expected, Drilon reassumed the senate presidency under GMA's administration.

Thus, when Frank broke alliance with Gloria, after welcoming her with open arms in Iloilo a few days before, many thought, including this writer, that his solid track record will stay. Indeed, had the oust-Gloria move succeeded, Drilon would have been the handpicked-vice president.

Drilon's unsuccessful move drew flak and jeers from many sectors, including those from his own province-mates in Iloilo. He was described as the biggest "balimbing" ever. But undoubtedly, Frank has retained his own loyalists, if not believers. There are still many Ilonggos who remain grateful for and appreciative of the many projects that he has brought to Iloilo. We can criticize the man but we cannot deny the fact that Frank has provided many useful infrastructure projects to Ilonggos - from bridges to seaport to airport - than all other Ilonggo politicians combined, now and in the past.

Certainly, considering our short memories and forgiving nature, not all is lost for the big man. In fact, to-date, Frank has maintained his hold, albeit fragile, on the senate leadership. Ironically, the perceived challenger to unseat him is another proud child of Iloilo - the indefatigable Ilongga senator from Lapaz - Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Miriam's political history of alliances is just as colorful and exciting as Drilon's. Both of them started as protegees of Cory Aquino, Miriam as her feisty Immigration Commissioner and Agrarian Reform Secretary. But Miriam was more aggressive; she ran against FVR as president in 1992 yet lost, a defeat she contests to this day. She became senator in 1995 and ran again as President against Erap in 1998. She made fun of Erap's IQ, but lost to him just the same. But in politics, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Erap became godfather to Miriam's adopted daughters and soon, thereafter, they became the best of friends.

Who can forget Miriam's hard line support for Estrada during his impeachment in 2000, an act that cost her dearly her 2001 reelection bid as she was junked even by her own province-mates? But she pulled a major surprise when she ran again and won handily in 2004 as the special guest candidate of the administration coalition.

Today, Miriam is Gloria's biggest ally in the senate, while remaining to be Erap's dear friend. Talking about having the best of both worlds. But the biggest criticism to Miriam in her own turf is her failure to bring tangible projects, especially if compared with the accomplishments of long-time campus and political rival Frank Drilon.

An Ilonggo Senate President replaced by an Ilongga Senate President? Why not? More faces of Ilonggos next week. /For comments and reactions, email attyjobertpenaflorida@yahoo.com.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

August 29th, 2005, 04:16 PM

Labor and employment in Iloilo, 1930s
by: Prof Funtecha

At the onset of the American occupation, additional spheres of employment to what was already existing during the Spanish period were made available to the Ilonggos. The putting up of schools in answer to America's emphasis on education created considerable employment not only to the construction workers but also to the educated who were trained and soon hired by the government under the US Philippine Commission, as teachers. The institution of government agencies also created employment to thousands of qualified public servants.

Aside from agriculture and fisheries, various industries were also good means of employment to the Ilonggos. Some were engaged in basketry, pottery-making, boat-building, salt-making, carpentry, etc. Weaving was still a major industry although not in great bulk as the way it used to have been prior to the rise of the sugar industry. Weaving was specifically a woman's domain which was a good supplement to the men's earnings.

The presence of a number of business, industrial, and service firms in the city also offered employment to a great number of laborers. Business establishments required the services of salesperson, warehouse workers, cashiers, bookkeepers, and collectors. Restaurants absorbed many workers as waitresses/waiters, cooks, and cashiers. Many were employed in bus companies, taxicabs, and livery stables. Still others found their way to printing presses/publishing houses. The unskilled ones served as helpers in the households of the affluent and merchant families.

Public works, especially the major ones such as the port works, the Panay Railway, roads, and bridges also offered long-term jobs to Ilonggo workers.

Although not yet as widely popular as in the present, overseas employment among the Filipinos, and the Ilonggos for that matter, had already been significant as early as the 1900s. Labor migration among Filipinos began in 1900 when Hawaii experienced severe manpower shortage. Two hundred Filipinos initially went there and were followed by more until they formed about 70% of Hawaii's plantation labor. As reported in the 1921 issue of the Makinaugalingon, these workers in Hawaii were paid one peso per day with free lodging and water facilities but without free food. But for those who were able to work straightly for twenty consecutive days in one month, were paid P 4.75/day. One Ilonggo worker informed the Makinaugalingon that many Visayans were also there.

Aside from Hawaii, the United States was also then a haven for Filipino workers. In 1915, more than 2,000 Filipinos, mostly from Hawaii, migrated to and sought employment in the U.S. Most of them started as fishermen of big American fishing companies operating in Alaska waters and received P200.00 to P320.00 for the whole season the moment they return to the U. S.

When the U.S. joined the war in Europe, many Filipinos were recruited as soldiers. After the war, they received a considerable amount from the U.S. Government. Thus, they were able to set aside some savings. Henceforth, many Filipinos found employment in blacksmith in the varaderos (ship repairs) and gained higher wages in dollars which when converted to pesos may range from P9.00 to P 40.00 a day, depending upon one's expertise.

Prosperity among the rich, however, was only made possible through the utilization (and to some degree, exploitation) of the laborers whose lives were (and even up to now) associated with poverty. The capitalistic and feudalistic socio-economic system typical of the Spanish regime was still evident in the American period, especially among the vast sugarcane plantations or haciendas in Iloilo and Negros, The sacadas or migrant sugarcane plantation workers from Panay, mostly from Antique working in the Negros plantations, usually returned to their hometowns as poor as (if not poorer than) when they left for Negros.

(from The News Today Online)

wecky

August 29th, 2005, 04:18 PM

The early years of Calle De la Rama
By: Prof Funtecha

Among the streets that emerged as an artery of commerce and trade in Iloilo City during the closing decades of the Spanish period and the early years of the American rule was Calle Progresso, later known as Calle De la Rama. It linked the waterfront with the heart of the city. Considered as the hub of commercial traffic and the life vein of the sugar trade, it was originally built in 1857 by Nicholas Loney, the first British vice-consul in Iloilo, to connect the bodega or warehouse that he had constructed at the waterfront with the city.

Calle Progresso was, as its name implies, a brokerage center, the site of the city's banks and commercial offices, and some of the most expensive residential-commercial real estates. Here were located the branch offices and warehouses of Smith Bell and Co., Peele-Hubble, McLeod and Co., Warner, Barnes and Co., Lucksinger y cia, Forbes and Co., W.E. Stevenson, and others, as well as the offices of the Chartered Bank, Banco Las Islas de Filipinas, and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (Contribuciones Industriales, 1897). The office and machine shop of Strachan and McMurray Ltd. were also found here. The banks and other commercial establishments were interspersed by impressively constructed houses.

Calle Progresso was also home to the De la Rama Shipping Co., a Filipino firm which ran several luxurious vessels in the coastwise service, particularly on the Iloilo-Manila route. It also served ships to foreign countries, like the United States and England. It was owned by a local magnate by the name of Isidro De la Rama.

At the end of Calle Progresso, leading towards the heart of the city was found the public square, Plaza Alfonso XII (today known as Plaza Libertad). Near the plaza was the San Jose Catholic Church and an English commercial house, Holman and Co., which engaged in import business (Contribuciones Industriales). There were also two imposing buildings owned by the Swiss businessman, Samuel Bischoff, and the Filipino, Julio Lacson (Fincas Urbanas, Iloilo). The one owned by Lacson can still be seen standing today beside the church.

Two more major streets were connected to Calle Progresso through Plaza Alfonso XII. One was Calle Rosario, noted for the wealthy residents along it. It was an area with a number of large buildings owned by both Filipinos and foreigners. Today, this particular street is still known as Calle Rosario. The other is Calle Real (now referred to as J.M. Basa St.), also known as the “Escolta of Iloilo”. It was the site of most of the city's European, Chinese and American retail stores, with property values markedly high along it. Its whole length, from Plaza Alfonso XII to the Casa Real or the Provincial Capitol was the busiest section of the city in terms of traffic, both human and vehicles, during that period of time.

(from The News Today Online)

wecky

August 29th, 2005, 04:27 PM

Early postal services in Iloilo
BY: Prof Funtecha

The postal services in the Philippines started as early as the 17 th century when the Spanish colonizers established the lines of communication between Manila and Europe via the Manila-Acapulco galleon. Exchange of letters and communication at that time was limited only to government officials and other high-ranking individuals. Mail matters were carried by badageros (forerunner of the present-day postmen) free of charge. Each day, two badageros were assigned to carry mails to various towns. No known envelopes were used yet in those early times. Letters, communications and documents were just folded up.

By royal decree of January 12, 1853 which was promulgated by the Captain General on December 7, 1853, the first postal rates prepaid postage of mail matters within the Philippines was established and led to the issuance of the very first postage stamps.

The existence of the Philippine Postal Services Office (PSO) as a government agency can be traced back to the first years of the American colonial administration when the first regular post office was opened in Cavite on July 30, 1898.

The PSO, the then Bureau of Posts, was established on November 15, 1902 under American regime by Act No. 462 of the U.S. Philippine Commission in which the agency head was called the Director of Posts but was later on changed to Post Master General on July 1,1958. When the latest Reorganization Scheme of 1987 transferred the Bureau of Post under the Department of Transportation and Communication, the Post Master General was then called a new name, the Assistant Secretary for Postal Services Office.

In Iloilo, at the start of the operation of the Post Office it was housed in an old camarin but was later on transferred to the Custom House Building. Mail matters were regularly received at the port near the Custom House. The frequency of mail delivery in Iloilo by this time was greatly dependent on the number of vessels coming in and going out of the port.

Aside from facilitating the circulation of personal, business and other correspondences, the Iloilo Post Office had also been delivering money orders to and from other places in the country at such an early time as 1919. At that time, the claiming fee for a P 100.00 money order was P 0.40, while for a P 200.00 it was P 0.64.

As facilities for communication between the different islands of the archipelago had improved greatly in the years that followed, the number of post offices in Iloilo Province had also increased. In the 1930's, all municipalities of the province had also post offices with free delivery mail service.

The sending off of mail matters had standard postage rates on the basis of destination, class specifications on weight, and size limit. As of 1937, the postage rate for first class regular mail consisting of letters, typewritten copies, and manuscripts not accompanied by printed proof sheets, was two centavos for each 20 grams. Postcards and private mailing cards were sent at two centavos each. A regular publication was charged five centavos for each kilo with a prescribed size of one meter and 80 centimeters, length and girth combined. Third class regular mails not included in the above classes were charged two centavos for each 60 grams, not exceeding 600 grams in weight.

One significant development in air transportation greatly enhanced Iloilo's postal services in terms of speed in mail circulation. This was the birth of the Iloilo-Negros Air Express Co. or INAEC in 1932 and the inauguration of its Iloilo-Manila service the following year. Subsequently, the Iloilo Post Office introduced an airmail service to hasten the regular system of mail delivery.

(from The News Today Info Online)

wecky

August 29th, 2005, 07:41 PM

Recap of the second thread:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Label.jpg

Iloilo City Pano
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SM Delgado
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General Luna St.

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Pano of Whole Downtown up to Molo District (Molo Church is visible):
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Panorama1.jpg

Iloilo Provincial Capitol
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Smallville Business Center
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Diversion Road
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Downtown
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Muelle Loney, Domestic Port
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Iloilo River
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/pa8dceb6d5297eae2dcb6c4dbb1a62958/f3fc76f7.jpg

Sicogon Island, Estancia
http://home2.pacific.net.ph/~icp_natl/images/sicogon1.jpg
http://home2.pacific.net.ph/~icp_natl/images/sicogon2.jpg
(from:http://www.asiatravel.com/iloinfo.html)

Iloilo Port
http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/images/visayas_iloilo_port.jpg
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Mandurriao District
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Gen. Luna St. - Benigno Aquino diversion Ave. Intersection
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Sta. Teresita Church
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Downtown
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Downtown.jpg

Old Mansions
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid53/p5942b622e069b09cdb604f51cb157b67/fc8c20f1.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid53/p0a932353fb4e504a35c09797d247a2a6/fc8c1cc1.jpg

Fort San Pedro
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http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/JalandoniBridge.jpg

LOVELY PICS ! MORE TO COME, CHYMERA ? CIAO !

chymera00

August 31st, 2005, 05:20 PM

chymera00

August 31st, 2005, 05:54 PM

Boardward along Muelle Loney
It has a kind of European feel to it :)

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Its an OK place, although it is not properly maintained. Not many people pass here because its hot during the day and its dark during the night :D If only the city spends more money into this by planting more greens, installing lights, and attract businesses to open up shot along here like Cafes, or any of the sort...

J.M. Basa St.
J.M.Basa St. is the premier st of Iloilo City. Before the establishment of major malls like SM, Gaisano, and Robinson's Place, it was shopping districtof the city. But even now it is still just as charming and busy when it was known as Calle Real, where the big establishments like Elizalade and Co. set up office. J.M. Basa St. boasts of buildings that date back during the Spanish and American colonial periods. In 1896, Dr. Jose Rizal on his way to Manila from his exile in Dapitan bought a hat in J.M. Basa St. The first Anglo-Chinese commercial enclave emerged in Calle Real (now JM Basa Street) with the building of the first department store in the country, Hoskyn and Co.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p6690f13eece53e936464bec9207f209d/f28c23ce.jpg
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Plazoleta Gay or simply Plazoleta was named in honor of a family ancestor. A white obelisk-like structure with a dove perched on top was erected in the center of the intersection. Aside from being a historical symbol it, today, it has become a symbol for freedom of speech as rallies, protests, and other political and social demonstrations occupy it frequently. Most notably, it was where freedom-loving llonggos congregated at the height of People Power Revolution in February 1986 to denounce the Marcos dictatorship and demand its ouster (which eventually catapulted Corazon Aquino to the presidency, after the Marcoses fled to Hawaii in 25 February 1986).
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chymera00

August 31st, 2005, 06:19 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/fortsanpedro.jpg

Gaisano City
Its size is comparable to that of SM Davao
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Fort San Pedro
A heritage tour of Iloilo begins at the site of Fort San Pedro along San Pedro Drive. The fort no longer exists except for a few large stones facing the sea which were once part of a bastion of the quadrilateral fort. Built in 1616, against the Dutch and other invaders that threatened Iloilo, the fort was already in disrepair early in the 20th century, it deteriorated further due to neglect, and was totally damaged during World War II. Whatever remained was torn down to make way for a park. A lighthouse and image of the Christ marks the spot where the fort stood. The park is a favorite spot for taking in the evening air. Food stalls serve barbecue to park goers.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p7afc35d2a73a512e69b2c3ad49a5f402/f28c237e.jpg
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wecky

September 1st, 2005, 03:26 AM

Wow wecky, quite a lot of pics ... :bow: :bow: a lot of them are really nice ... I hope you dont mind but I edited the colors a bit because your pictures were displayed stilghtly in a hue of blue.

I will divide them by category, as requested by wecky
So here they are :bow: :bow:

there are few more here with me Chymera .. you will love it. Thanks for editing the colours ... it's so lovely .... hope they'll enjoy the view of beautiful city of Iloilo. Thank you once again.

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 03:30 AM

DPWH undertakes Operation Zero Potholes project

DPWH Acting Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. in his memorandum dated August 23, 2005 has directed all his Regional Directors and District Engineers to undertake “Operation Zero Potholes” to ensure the smooth and unhampered flow of vehicular traffic along both primary and secondary national highways and to keep the roads potholes-free during and after the rainy season.

In compliance to this order, DPWH VI OIC-Regional Director Rolando M. Asis subsequently issued a memorandum dated August 24, 2005 to all District Engineers in the region to implement a project called “Operation Patching Potholes”

Operation Patching Potholes aims to implement measures to get rid of potholes particularly on national roads before the onset of the rainy season. “Use all resources of your district office to eliminate these potholes as early as possible,” Asis directed his District Engineers.

It is observed that water flow causes development of potholes. As pre-emptive measures, “drainage facilities such as ditches, cross drains and lateral drains particularly along road sections located in mountainous and low-lying areas which are adversely affected by heavy rains must be free from obstructions to allow free flow of rain water run-off to drainage,” Asis said.

Under this project, DPWH District Engineers are expected to conduct frequent inspection of their areas of jurisdiction to identify and locate areas with pothole problems or road sections that manifest, based on road condition indicators(i.e. cracks, wheel ruts, raveling spalling, loss of surfacing, etc.), that potholes are likely to appear over time.

“Repairs must be prompt and immediate to preempt any further development of defects,” Asis told DPWH VI District Engineers.(PIA)

---- from The News Today Info Online ---

Hope this will come true !

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 03:44 AM

City fails to receive road users tax
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The city government did not receive the P1.4 million road users tax as promised by the national government for the past years.

Mayor Jerry P.Treñas
Treñas reaction was in wake of reports on the release of the P2.2 billion road users tax. The issue on the road users tax popped up after opposition lawmakers complained about unequal releases among the congressional districts.

The solons claimed the release of the road users tax was meant to favor members of the House of Representatives to dissuade them from endorsing the impeachment case against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Treñas said there was already an allocation of P200,000 for the city but it went to another local government unit for unknown circumstances.

There are already moves to have the fund re-channeled to Iloilo City. Treñas said the fund is different from the budget released to the engineering districts.

The road users tax came from the payment for vehicles registration. The releases were based on the recommendation of the Road Board which is under the Department of Public Works and Highways.

He added that recently the city was again promised to receive another P1.2 million from the road users tax. However, until this date no road users tax was released to the city government. It is the Department of Budget and Management that has all the details of the Special Allocation Release Orders to different engineering districts.

The mayor intends to spend the city's share on the road users tax in the construction of roads in Jaro and along Delgado area.

---- from The News Today Info Online ---

WHATTTTAAAA ................ !!!!!

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 03:48 AM

Tupas pushes for mango as premier product of Iloilo

Iloilo province will make a bid not only as honest of the 2006 Mango Congress, but also aggressively push for mango as a major agricultural product and income earner for local farmers, Iloilo governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr. said yesterday.

MANGO IS SWEET. Iloilo Gov. Neil D. Tupas, Sr. gestures as he discusses the state of the local mango industry with officials of the Iloilo Mango Growers Cooperative. Beside him are Tony Villaruel and Renato Florencio, president of the Philippine Mango Industry Foundation Inc.

Tupas made this commitment during a meeting with the Iloilo Mango Growers Cooperative as he directed Provincial Agriculturist Inocencio “Tiong” Parian to prepare a provincial mango development plan and help propel the industry to achieve its full potential.

“I am myself a mango farmer,” Tupas told the cooperative's board of directors, “and I know that your industry can earn billions of pesos for the local economy.”

During the meeting, Renato Florencio, president of the Philippine Mango Industry Foundation Inc., urged local mango growers to strengthen this sector and establish Iloilo as one of the top three producers of mango in the country.

At present, the country's mango industry supplies a mere 3.5% of the world market, earning between $35 to 50 million in exports to the United States, Australia, Japan and Saudi Arabia, Florencio said.

Tupas said he wants to “put Iloilo on the mango map of the world” and build a big market for locally-produced mango.

Iloilo is ranked number seven in terms of production in the entire Philippines.

Parian reported that new mango plantations have sprung up in the northern towns of Iloilo, particularly Anilao, Barotac Nuevo, Sara and Lemery.

“We have a big area that is suitable for mango,” Parian said.

Tupas asked the cooperative to encourage investors to put up a mango processing plant in Iloilo and provide local growers with a stable market for their produce.

There are four mango processing plants in Guimaras, but Iloilo mangoes could not be processed there because of the tight quarantine imposed in the island province against mango seed weevil.

Ben Jimena, executive assistant to City Mayor Jerry Treñas, also expressed the full support of the city government for Iloilo's bid to host the 2006 Mango Congress.

(from The News Today Info Online)

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 04:03 AM

Iloilo up as SEA games host if…
By Florence F. Hibionada

Iloilo may after all be the host for one of the competitions in the forthcoming international sports event, the 23 rd South East Asian Games (SEAG). With criticisms hurled against the supposed inadequate representation of Ilonggo officials as compared to counterparts in Bacolod City, The News Today learned of Friday's communication to Mayor Jerry Treñas on the matter.

Iloilo may be the venue of the Women's Football Competition if it meets specific guidelines as laid down by the Philippine Football Federation.

In a letter obtained by The News Today, acting Federation General Secretary Domeka Garamendi identified the basic specifics – standard size pitch football field, lights minimum of which is “1200lux” and yes, strictly airconditioned dressing rooms, referee rooms, medical rooms, doping rooms, post match conference rooms, media room, secretariat room and not to forget, a “VIP” lounge.

Further requirements of these rooms pointed out the need for a dressing and referee rooms not only with the basic shower and toilets but must be equipped with a massage table and whiteboard.

The media room must also be at its best with computers, printers, photocopiers, international direct-dialing services, fax lines and unlimited use of the internet. The “VIP lounge” must of course be air-conditioned and with private toilets.

For the football equipment, host venue must ensure an electronic manual scoreboard and two pairs of brand new standard-size football goals. All expenses for rehabilitation is also expected to be shouldered by either the Iloilo City government or the Iloilo Provincial Government.

And there's more. Roundtrip airfare of 24 persons of the Philippine National Women's team to and from Manila, accommodation and food in the entire duration of their Iloilo stay November 20 to December 4, 2005 are chargeable to the hosts.

There is also internal transport of at least one tourist bus and one car to be made available for the group. Same expected expenses for all members of the six other participating teams, 18 international technical officials, one local official and two persons from the Asian Football Confederation. Altogether, at least seven tourist buses are needed and ten cars.

Special requirement of a 5-star hotel with single occupancy are also to be observed for the two representatives of the Asian Football Confederation alongside personal transport and all expenses surrounding accommodation and food.

Takers, anyone? Mayor Jerry Treñas in an interview over Bombo Radyo said things will be discussed this week.

--- from: The News Today Info Online ---

ohhh my ... Iloilo's bidding as well ? ... hohoho ...

ryanr

September 1st, 2005, 04:21 AM

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 04:27 AM

dominique

September 1st, 2005, 04:35 AM

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 04:39 AM

Nice pics! I would like to see more of Iloilo's bridges. thnx.

OT: Chymera, your car is either a Honda Jazz or Mazda 3, right?:D
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p7afc35d2a73a512e69b2c3ad49a5f402/f28c237e.jpg

Hope a bridge between Iloilo and Guimaras will be realised ... it has been a long dream of everyone that the two provinces will be reconnected ... i wish and i may ...

Grey X .. I'm sure it's HONDA.

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 04:46 AM

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 04:55 AM

J.M. Basa St.
J.M.Basa St. is the premier st of Iloilo City. Before the establishment of major malls like SM, Gaisano, and Robinson's Place, it was shopping districtof the city. But even now it is still just as charming and busy when it was known as Calle Real, where the big establishments like Elizalade and Co. set up office. J.M. Basa St. boasts of buildings that date back during the Spanish and American colonial periods. In 1896, Dr. Jose Rizal on his way to Manila from his exile in Dapitan bought a hat in J.M. Basa St. The first Anglo-Chinese commercial enclave emerged in Calle Real (now JM Basa Street) with the building of the first department store in the country, Hoskyn and Co.
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Plazoleta Gay or simply Plazoleta was named in honor of a family ancestor. A white obelisk-like structure with a dove perched on top was erected in the center of the intersection. Aside from being a historical symbol it, today, it has become a symbol for freedom of speech as rallies, protests, and other political and social demonstrations occupy it frequently. Most notably, it was where freedom-loving llonggos congregated at the height of People Power Revolution in February 1986 to denounce the Marcos dictatorship and demand its ouster (which eventually catapulted Corazon Aquino to the presidency, after the Marcoses fled to Hawaii in 25 February 1986).
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The "OLD DOWNTOWN AREA" .... Calle Real ... was and still is teeming with business nowadays. The Obelisk stands tall and proud ... and if more lights will be put up within the walls of Socorro Drug Building, especially at nighttime ... it definitely looks like the Piccadilly Circus of London. Such a beautiful intersection (one of the many of course). Though it still needs to develop more .. but who knows? On one side facing the obelisk is another structure upcoming ... what could it be? Another shopping centre (na naman?) or probably commercial building to compliment the beauty and crowdedness of the area. We'll see soon ...

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 05:10 AM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/fortsanpedro.jpg

Gaisano City
Its size is comparable to that of SM Davao
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p96deaf10b4cb31fc23a58b229bb82e1f/f28c22b5.jpg
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Gaisano City in La Paz district is the second Gaisano Store in Iloilo City. First Gaisano Department Store is located in front of University of Iloilo (UI), which until now seems within the business atmosphere still.

Gaisano City was once considered the centre of Ilonggos shopping around 1996 or 1997, before SM City Iloilo opened. It is a nice mall .. five-storey, I guess. The structure looks huge and compact. It's always nice to play bowling within the area. Hope they'll extend more to accomodate better spaces. Parking area is very small, indeed plus the fact that there are only few stores to choose for shopping spree.

By the way, La Paz district of Iloilo is very proud of their native food .. the LA PAZ BATCHOY plus of course their two prominent daughters, I believe ... the former First Lady Ming Ramos and of course the ever fiesty Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

freezing_pt

September 1st, 2005, 05:24 AM

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 05:29 AM

Fort San Pedro
A heritage tour of Iloilo begins at the site of Fort San Pedro along San Pedro Drive. The fort no longer exists except for a few large stones facing the sea which were once part of a bastion of the quadrilateral fort. Built in 1616, against the Dutch and other invaders that threatened Iloilo, the fort was already in disrepair early in the 20th century, it deteriorated further due to neglect, and was totally damaged during World War II. Whatever remained was torn down to make way for a park. A lighthouse and image of the Christ marks the spot where the fort stood. The park is a favorite spot for taking in the evening air. Food stalls serve barbecue to park goers.
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Lovely and airy Fort San Pedro. Indeed, Chymera ... barbecue, chicken skin, etc are nicest foods serve in the Fort ... couple with live band or singers on other nights .. great hangout site.

Article taken from: (http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Senate/7210/s1hstory.htm) - POLICE REGIONAL OFFICE 6

Fort San Pedro (Iloilo) or otherwise known as Fort Nuestra Senora del Rosario. It was built between 1603 and 1616. Stones for its wall was cut out of Guimaras rocks and coral stones from along the Panay Coast.

The Fort followed the design then in vogue for military fortifications particularly found in Europe and Spain. It measures 60 x 60 meters with battlements jutting out each corner two of which look in Guimaras strait since Fort San Pedro was planned to defend from invading forces expected to come by the sea. The wall is approximately 12 feet high from low tide of the sea and 30 feet thick. The almost solid battlements tunnels out for drainage's armory and stores also contained living spaces with underground dungeons.

Dutch Squadron inaugurated the Fort in 1617 that repulse after help from Manila came. It was after this action that the fort commander who survived, crawling through ruins of the wall at some point and what remained of some structures that were burned by Dutch incendiary flares, found a statue of the Virgin of the Holy Rosary and in honor a thanksgiving mass was celebrated.

The Fort served as a sentinel for the town and province of Iloilo. Using coconut trunks tied to one another and ringed the walls with sand bags between the palisades, the Fort afforded protection against improved explosives fired from cannons.

In February 1899, United States navy ships bombarded the Fort and has taken it. From 1900 to 1941, the Fort served as a garrison for the Armed Forces and the Constabulary. During the War with the Japanese, it was used to camp the surrenderees and captured USAFFE forces operating in Panay. In the first few weeks of March 1945 the Fort, the city and all Japanese principal installations was devastated by the bombers and ships of the returning United States forces.

After the war, the city authorities decided to clear the Fort side of shambles after they had reconciled themselves to the fact that the fort was no more.

The role played by the Fort in the history of Iloilo City hinges well to the idea of creating a heightened sense of awareness linking the past to the city and its people of today. It provides a living reminders to the Ilonggos of their heritage, their cultural and spiritual roots. As a tourist attraction, the fort provides the orientation for the easy understanding of the distinctive characteristic, the ambiance and the aura of Iloilo.

Fort San Pedro or Fort Nuestra Señora del Rosario represents only a portion of the Ilonggos Heritage - that of the colonial period, but it represents many use of evolution and changes that had shaped and influenced the city itself and its people. Fort San Pedro which has stood the time retaining to Iloilo, now emblazoned on the zeal of the city, as a mute testimony but vivid reminder of the significance of the Fort to the identity of this "La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciudad."

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 05:41 AM

medyo kanugon sang gaisano...mabilis na na luma...may ara nga 5 ka movie theaters sa babaw...i dunno kung operational pa sila tanan... ang High School generation ko, yan ang mall...hehe...miss that mall a lot!

yung jm basa naman...medyo mahigko lantawon dahil sa mga poste kag mga electrical wires nga naga-sambud-sambud kag nagalawit-lawit plus pa ang mga pollution sang salakyan...pati ang mga billboards parang ice scramble...kaya yung mga old buildings ay di na napapansin...

daw amo gid Freeze .. I haven't been to Gaisano for more than six years na ... the facade still looks fine but as what I've heard, business within the mall area is not doing great na. Of course, tambayan siya sang mga estudyante sang Western Institute of technology (WIT) kay malapit sa ila new site. There's another Chinese school around the area but kagamay gid sang Gaisano in comparison sa SM City even sa Robinson's Place Iloilo. You naman diri sa aton .. the bigger the mall, the more siya nga ginakadtuan sang taho.

JM Basa mirrors the old world ... still old building around .. and yes, you are right to say nga damo lang nagalubid-lubid nga kuryente. I don't think we can do much about it .. besides even old cities of the USA are amo man sina ... wires and cables are everywhere ... not too impressive to see, I guess.

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 05:47 AM

Chy, more photos to come pa ... whew ... really nice gid ! Ciao !

chymera00

September 1st, 2005, 05:48 AM

Nice pics! I would like to see more of Iloilo's bridges. thnx.

OT: Chymera, your car is either a Honda Jazz or Mazda 3, right?:D
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p7afc35d2a73a512e69b2c3ad49a5f402/f28c237e.jpg
Sorry to mislead you guys, these are not my pics. They were taken by Wecky when he returned back to Iloilo for his alma mater's (CPU) centennial celebration.

There are 6 bridges traversing the Iloilo River, all of them under 200m in length, nothing special. The latest of which is the Jalandoni Bridge (Project), whose phases include a flyover (Iloilo's first) over Gen. Luna St., and a boulevard.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/iloilo.jpg

1. Molo-Mandurriao Bridge (The dilapidated Spanish-Styled bridge near Molo Plaza, theone at the right)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p4d81cb3f144e36be39633e618e59fc0c/f2899a63.jpg

2. Bridge Along Benigno Aquino Jr. Ave
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3. Jalandoni Bridge
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p190b867cd953d9f6a327880d3fadc2f6/f2899a66.jpg

4. Forbes Bridge
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p7a49c174448c66ef599759e9e816aadc/f2899a65.jpg

5. The one in the left
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid181/pa6abe8d9f66568ba77870c1ee89a0f21/f2d79804.jpg

6. Lopez Bridge
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid181/p0590403bff9e6895b8ddabfdd5fece44/f2dbd554.jpg

:D :D :D

chymera00

September 1st, 2005, 06:07 AM

La Paz District
Site of the best Plaza in town ... err.. the only good plaza in town
Let's not forget the famous La Paz Batchoy :yummy:

Bridge leading to Gaisano
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Huervana St.
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Grand Dame Hotel (Good food at Emilion :) )
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Luna St., Lined with many grand mansions and educational institutions like the Iloilo National High School (where I graduated from) and West Visayas State University (Where I am currently studying nursing) and many others:D
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This ugly overpass was built to accomodate students from INHS and WVSU, what a waste of millions of pesos. Nobody uses them because it has a bad design, which makes it unsafe for pedestrians. There have been a lot of criminal cases there. Daily Traffic = 0
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p315ff0e6a5f90e56ffc4b619ce471fc1/f28c2127.jpg

Iloilo Passenger Terminal
The Iloilo Port handles the ranks fourth highest in passenger traffic, fourth in cargo, and third in ship calls all over the country.

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freezing_pt

September 1st, 2005, 06:28 AM

Iloilo: From textile
to sugar country
by ambeth ocampo (inq7.com)
(he teaches history at ateneo de manila)

WHEN my teenage niece offers to prepare her father's coffee, I take note of the quantity of sugar and cream added to the steaming mug of brewed coffee, comparing this with the way my mother prepared coffee for my father -- two teaspoons freeze-dried imported instant coffee in boiling water, garnished with an eighth of a teaspoon of sugar. Descended from a long line of diabetics I understood my father's caution. Failing numerous times to get the right amount of sugar into father's coffee, I advised him to just take it black since the sugar seemed so negligible anyway.

Having grown up this way I was shocked, on my first trip to the sugar-producing province of Negros Occidental, to see my hosts dumped a dozen teaspoons of sugar in a cup of coffee, without stirring it. They explained that when I was old enough to take coffee I must contribute to the sugar economy by doing the same. Times have changed since then; now people prefer sugar substitutes in coffee and diet soft drinks. No wonder the sugar industry is a pale shadow of what it once was in the late 19th century.

Passing Muelle Loney last weekend made me re-read the personal correspondence of Nicholas Loney, who is credited with turning Iloilo City, in Panay Island, neighbor of Negros Island, from marshland to the second most important port in the Philippines. Iloilo used to be the "Queen City of the South" with direct trade to Britain but that is now history. To see how this happened, I read Alfred McCoy's revisionist essay "A Queen Dies Slowly: The Rise and Fall of Iloilo City." Loney's personal correspondence provided a glimpse into his lonely life in 19th-century Jaro while McCoy put everything in context showing how Loney killed a thriving textile industry by importing machine-made cloth from Manchester and encouraged sugar plantations to provide cargo for empty ships returning to Britain. Such is globalization for you.

Textile weaving in Iloilo goes back to pre-Spanish times, probably bartered with Chinese merchants for the 14th-century oriental ceramics that continue to be excavated in the islands of Panay and Negros to this day. Its peak began in the 18th century and ended in the 19th century as shown by trade and population figures. Writing to his family in 1856 Loney described:

"Some of the native textures [textiles?] made in this province are very beautiful, that is, as to quality. The designs, though in some instances good, are not as a rule in very good taste, but it is surprising what admirable articles the women turn out on these rude looms. I have heard the number of looms in this province estimated at 50,000, but I think this is rather over the mark. All the female population appears to be employed in weaving, and in almost every house there are three or four looms, in some as many as a dozen; but I am wasting all my available writing ground on something very like dry statistics."

In a Consular report of 1857, Loney observed that: "Considering that the Philippines are essentially an agricultural rather than a manufacturing region, the textile productions of Iloilo may be said to have reached a remarkable degree of development. Nothing strikes the attention at the weekly fairs held at the different towns more than the attendance of native-made goods offered for sale; and the number of looms at work in most of the towns and villages also affords matter for surprise. Almost every family possesses one or two of these primitive-looking machines, with a simple apparatus formed on pieces of bamboo. In the majority of the houses of the mestizos [of mixed Spanish-Filipino blood], and the more well-to-do Bisayans [natives of the Visayan region], from six to a dozen looms are kept at work. I have heard the total number in this province computed at 60,000 and though these figures may rather over-represent the actual quantity, they cannot be much beyond it. All the weaving is done by women whose wages usually amounted from 75 cents to 1.50 dollars per month. In general -- a practice unfortunately too prevalent among the natives in every branch of labor -- these wages are received for many months in advance, and the operatives frequently spend years -- become virtually slaves for a long period-before paying off an originally trifling debt. There are other workwomen employed at intervals to set up the pattern in the looms, who earn from 1.00 to 1.50 dollars per day in this manner. I should add that Capiz and Antique [provinces in Panay] produce in a lesser degree than Iloilo a proportion of manufactured goods."

It was an intricate business. Women were held in debt and traders from the towns of Molo and Jaro made all the money selling the cloth in Manila and returning with: Batangas cotton, Chinese silk and machine-made British cloth of a value that equaled Iloilo textile exports to Manila. Panay textiles were so popular as exports, generating a sale of one million Mexican dollars at one point. Then Loney had local designs manufactured in Manchester, then flooded the market with them, thus sending the local industry to extinction. Cloth exports from Panay dwindled from a high of 30, 673 piezas in 1864 to a mere 5,100 piezas in 1873. Sugar replaced woven textiles changing the urban landscape forever. Population moved to sugar plantations and the port of Iloilo filled with foreign trading houses. The once busy looms became obsolete. There was a new boom industry but the province and people did not profit. As in the experience in hemp production in the Bicol region, what occurred in Iloilo, to use historian Norman Owen's phrase, was simply "prosperity without progress."

Comments are welcome at aocampo@ateneo.edu

--------
the insights in this article is kinda interesting...it explains many things...

freezing_pt

September 1st, 2005, 06:35 AM

chymera00

September 1st, 2005, 06:37 AM

Wecky, Chemera - Perfect collaborative efforts. Great job and congratulations to both of you. Nice pictures of iloilo. I was there last month and the city is really teeming with business activities. I was at the downtown area beside jollibee at the intersections with obelisk at the center, I stood there for a couple of minutes and felt the pulse of the country's 2nd oldest city...hmmn iloilo is on the go...pulsating...full of exuberance...the city of love in my mind...
wow ... and thanks, Dominique ... the city of love is definitely wide awake now ... maybe the pacemaker once again starts to beat ... right in the very heart of the Philippines. I'm glad to see Iloilo regaining its strength once more .. proving how vibrant and diverse our economy is. So far, things in the city and the province is going too well ... and may the city streets be filled with roars of "Hala Bira" once more ... signalling to the entire country and the world that "WE ARE BACK IN BUSINESS .. NOW!"

I kind of have that feeling every time I pass there too ...

There's parts of the city where it feels very urban and modern geared towards development, another where it is rural and conservative. Walking past a street, sometimes it feels like travelling back during the Spanish or American Period. Somewhere in the city you can feel like its Beverly Hills with all those grand mansions lining the streets yet elsewhere you find yourself in a middle of an urban disaster. There are parts of the city where you feel the city has been neglected, left far back from more advanced cities, yet you can also find 'bright spots' where business is vibrant and flourishing ... Such is the charm of Iloilo, a city of contrasts ...

When I saw that vacant lot, I became curious too wonder what they ill do to it. There's also one near there, where an old building was demolished.

medyo kanugon sang gaisano...mabilis na na luma...may ara nga 5 ka movie theaters sa babaw...i dunno kung operational pa sila tanan... ang High School generation ko, yan ang mall...hehe...miss that mall a lot!

yung jm basa naman...medyo mahigko lantawon dahil sa mga poste kag mga electrical wires nga naga-sambud-sambud kag nagalawit-lawit plus pa ang mga pollution sang salakyan...pati ang mga billboards parang ice scramble...kaya yung mga old buildings ay di na napapansin...
The 5 cinemas are still operational. There used to be 2 bowling lanes but now 1 is left. They repainted the mall a few months back, it looks ok ... I happen to like the messy power wires in J.M. Basa, adds up to the atmosphere.

A transformation of J.M. Basa isn't necessary. Building a new CBD or business district would be a better idea complete with underground power lines, efficient transport system and such ... Restore J.M. Basa to its former state and make it a heritage site :)
Chy, more photos to come pa ... whew ... really nice gid ! Ciao !yup a lot more photos

chymera00

September 1st, 2005, 06:42 AM

correction pla dun sa mga pic...yung may label na lopez jaena st...i think huervana st yun...it is the road from gaisano city to la paz plaza, malapit sa la paz public market....

abt naman sa mga bridges: yung bridge na nasa gaisano ay Forbes bridge at yung nasa likod ng capitol lapit sa arroyo fountain ay lopez bridge...(pls confirm lang)
Oh ok i-edit ko lng, ahihihi. Really dont know their names ...

Medicus condo-clinic
Wecky is proud of this shot :p

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p6cc2b5529b8792d6f40bf124b20bd951/f28c20fe.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/pb3e991b193e993ebe5466acbecd3f961/f28c20fa.jpg

freezing_pt

September 1st, 2005, 06:56 AM

another interesting article...

Market day in Iloilo,
circa 1856

ILOILO prides itself on the title "Queen City of the South," whatever that means. I don't know where this title came from, who made it up, or how old it is but if Iloilo is the Queen, what is the "King City of the South?" Perhaps there was a time in the past when Iloilo was such a busy port it was second only to Manila in importance?

Whenever you mention Iloilo to a modern Filipino many things come to mind (none of these historical, of course), among them sugar, haciendas, sugar barons and different types of cookies. Last weekend I tried to find some historical resonance in the city especially in many of its grand old houses, many of which are falling apart or offered for lease or sale. It is quite sad that the first landmark you see when the plane touches down is an SM Mall. While this is an indicator of economic progress, one would wish Iloilo heritage were more visible.

One thing I noticed in Iloilo is that there was not a single Fernando Poe Jr. campaign poster in the place. There were a handful of Loren Legarda posters no match for Noli de Castro whose TV smile was everywhere. There were many posters of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, some of Eddie Villanueva's, and none of Raul Roco's. Then there were Uswag Iloilo posters from Mayor Treñas. One wonders how the election results will be in Iloilo, which is home to many university and college students.

Unable to explore the city I at least witnessed: the conferment of an honorary doctorate in Technology Management on tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan by the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology; and the installation of heritage markers on two landmarks: the beautifully restored Roca Encantada [Enchanted Rock] on Guimaras Island, and the white art-deco "Boat House" built by the late business magnate Eugenio Lopez in Iloilo in the 1930s. Getting to and from these places, we passed by Muelle Loney, the port named after Her Britannic Majesty's Vice Consul Nicholas Loney who lived in Iloilo from 1856 till his death in April 1869.

Naturally, Loney left serious consular dispatches that I have not found the enthusiasm to read till now. What has been published though are a series of letters to his family written from 1852 to 1866, covering his stay in the Philippines and the trip from Manila to Iloilo. These charming letters have since become a primary source for historians trying to piece together the history of Iloilo. In late November 1856, Loney described the public market in what is now Jaro City, thus giving us a glimpse of life in those times:

"I should like to show you the plaza of Jaro on a market day at about two in the afternoon when the movimiento reaches its apogee. On Thursdays, the usually empty stalls are furnished and decked out by their proprietors with attractive goods. Showy handkerchiefs, dresses, gauze and blond kerchiefs of the head, lace, ginghams (all of a check or plaid pattern), sarongs, Chinese silk, trouserings, cotton twist, jacanettes, muslins, blue and white shirtlings, etc., etc. with a sprinkling of hardware, glassware and 'all sorts' calculated to overcome the aboriginal mind and make it shell out its hard-earned real[e]s and quartos. These stalls represent capitals from 50 to 500 British pounds in stock.

"Temporary shops of bamboo and of palm leaves are also improvised for the sale of different native products comprising of leaf tobacco in assorted bundles, earthenware, woven baskets, hats of straw and bamboo, mats, hemp of a very fine quality used in the native textures, coarse cakes of sugar, rice, dried beans, peas and other vegetables, pineapple leaf fibers, cotton twist made from native cotton, oils, vegetable pitch, cowries, skins, nondescript eatables and other heterogeneous rummy-looking things. The square becomes a perfect Babel on market days, and looking out from my windows which command the whole scene, you behold a congeries of confused groups where camisas are mingled with sarongs, civilians with principales, sombreros with pañuelos, and the subdued-looking Indian damsel with the more noble and self-asserting (though somewhat porcine) mestiza...

"Sallying forth into the scene of action you forthwith find yourself tumbling over long rows of brown and canary colored damsels seated on the ground each with a small heap of silk and cotton sarongs (a sort of large pillow slip open at both ends in which the women envelope themselves), kerchiefs, trouserings etc. of native fabric. Besides these vendors of indigenous goods you also observe swarms of other daughters of 'our general mother' perambulating the different shops and offering their delicate piña and sinamay goods to the critical examination of the mestizo purchasers. Conceive this with the usual gabble of a multitude intent on the absorbing process of buying cheap, and selling dear, under the shadow of a thousand umbrellas with which they vainly endeavor to ward off the glare of a noonday sun when the tall cross in the plaza scarcely leaves an atom of shadow. Consider the bright colors, and the shifting groups, the strings of jaded horses and oxen, the confused rows of primitive vans and vehicles, the church tower looking scorched up and ready to topple down with the heat... then conceive the done up, irresolute-looking figure of Nicholas Loney mooning across the square, armed with a silk umbrella, a self-expatriated Briton, the only specimen of his race on the islands."

------
Observations: Iloilo has a rich history and it is only now that our historians noticed it...maybe it has something to do with the near invisibility of our city during the 60s to 80s (queen in deep sleep)...note for example in this article the head paragraph of ocampo :ILOILO prides itself on the title "Queen City of the South," whatever that means. I don't know where this title came from, who made it up, or how old it is but if Iloilo is the Queen, what is the "King City of the South?" Perhaps there was a time in the past when Iloilo was such a busy port it was second only to Manila in importance?

lex_99

September 1st, 2005, 11:05 AM

Sinjin P.

September 1st, 2005, 12:01 PM

:applause: Great Ilo-ilo Updates! Keep it up!

Sinjin P.

September 1st, 2005, 02:33 PM

chymera00

September 1st, 2005, 02:55 PM

http://www.geocities.com/iloilocity2/images/logoiloiloapril2.jpg
source: www.iloilocity.cjb.net

BTW, this question just came up in my mind. As I browsed through numerous RP provinces', cities' and municipalities' official websites, I noticed one thing, why doesn't Ilo-ilo City's Official Website end in .gov.ph? (currently their official website is www.iloilocity.cjb.net) meanwhile, the Ilo-ilo province's official website ends in .gov.ph (its www.iloilo.gov.ph)... :)
I dont know .... but the website is lacking (with incomplete info, a wrong approach, and missing links all over the page) compared to other LGU websites . I contacted them about that months ago, and they did respond but it still sucks. If they hire me to make a website (for a price, of course)and maintain it... it would be a whole lot better.

I wan to contact them about my proposal but I'm afraid the webmaster might get upset about it :)

Sinjin P.

September 1st, 2005, 02:57 PM

Okay ;)

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 08:55 PM

Sorry to mislead you guys, these are not my pics. They were taken by Wecky when he returned back to Iloilo for his alma mater's (CPU) centennial celebration.

There are 6 bridges traversing the Iloilo River, all of them under 200m in length, nothing special. The latest of which is the Jalandoni Bridge (Project), whose phases include a flyover (Iloilo's first) over Gen. Luna St., and a boulevard.

yeah right ... hehehe ... thanks for posting Chymera. Something happened to my laptop ... really pissed off these past few days beacuse of this. I'm using our hospital computer at times or from my friend's notepad as well depending on availabilities. So medyo lie low ang postings ko subong.

Anyway, hope they'll start the third phase na .. Iloilo's flyover will take a little bit of time, I guess ... probably in next three to five years pa yan. You know how slow almost all our projects back home finishes ... it takes ages .. probably decades for very small infra.

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 08:58 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/iloilo.jpg

1. Molo-Mandurriao Bridge (The dilapidated Spanish-Styled bridge near Molo Plaza, theone at the right)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p4d81cb3f144e36be39633e618e59fc0c/f2899a63.jpg

2. Bridge Along Benigno Aquino Jr. Ave
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/pb3e991b193e993ebe5466acbecd3f961/f28c20fa.jpg

3. Jalandoni Bridge
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p190b867cd953d9f6a327880d3fadc2f6/f2899a66.jpg

4. Forbes Bridge
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p7a49c174448c66ef599759e9e816aadc/f2899a65.jpg

5. The one in the left
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid181/pa6abe8d9f66568ba77870c1ee89a0f21/f2d79804.jpg

6. Lopez Bridge
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid181/p0590403bff9e6895b8ddabfdd5fece44/f2dbd554.jpg

:D :D :D

wow .. the six bridges of Iloilo City ... okay man ah .. pero kulang man gihapon .. we need more bridges to decongest the traffic in city proper.

wecky

September 1st, 2005, 09:03 PM

Medicus condo-clinic
Wecky is proud of this shot :p

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p6cc2b5529b8792d6f40bf124b20bd951/f28c20fe.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/pb3e991b193e993ebe5466acbecd3f961/f28c20fa.jpg

hehehe ... what i loved most Chymera is not the Medicus Clinic Building but my fave BMW car ... hehehe

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 01:47 AM

City set for Shell National Youth Active Chess tourney
By Reynan G. Sularan

ILOILO City is all set for the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship slated on September 4 to 5.

More than 500 wood pushers from different schools in the city had already registered for the event that will be held at the SM City Activity Center.

Hon. Joe Espinosa, chairman of the Iloilo City Sports Council, is confident that hosting the national tournament will be a success now that the sports office had received an overwhelming response from public and private schools.

Among them are San Jose Catholic School, Jaro Elementary School, Westbridge School, Iloilo Chinese Commercial High School, Sun Yat Sen, Central Philippine University, Brilliant Montessori, Iloilo National High School, which registered as early as July.

Tournament coordinators, NM Cesar Mariano and Youth and Sports Development Division-OIC Jojo Castro are also optimistic that the event will be a big venue for young and hopeful chess wizards from all over Iloilo.

Previous events have produced brilliant wizards like Grandmaster Nelson Mariano III and International Masters Mark Paragua and Richard Bitoon. The two-day event will have two categories - the Juniors, exclusively for players 20 years old and below; and the Kiddies, for players 14 years old and below.

The tournament is the sixth leg of the 8-stage nationwide circuit culminating on October 15 to 16 at SM North Edsa.

The game will be played in a seven-round Swiss system.

The Iloilo leg Junior winners will take home P5, 000 and a trophy while the Kiddie winners will pocket P4,000 with a trophy.

The top three winners of each leg will represent the city in the national finals.

Special awards will be given to the school most represented, to the youngest player and over-all top female player.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 01:50 AM

Augustinian bags 6 golds, named champion of the world

AUGUSTINIAN John Edward Tajanlangit, popularly known as Jed Madela, bagged 6 golds and was declared Grand Champion during the recently held World Championship of Performing Arts (Wcopa) in Hollywood, USA. Staged as an annual competition in Hollywood, this year's Wcopa was dubbed "Talent Olympics". It was participated in by 51 countries, with only two contestants from the Philippines.

Madela was named Champion of the World in the Male Singing Division for winning the gold in all the six events he joined. Together with Rizza Navales, another representative-contestant from the country, he shared the honor of being declared Champion of the World in the Duet Category. In the eleven-year history of WCOPA, this is the first time that all but a few of the major awards was bagged by a single country.

A true-blue Augustinian, Madela finished his high school at the University of San Agustin in 1993 and his Bachelor of Science in Commerce in 1997.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 01:52 AM

Medicus opens another branch in Lapaz

MEDICUS INC. has recently opened another branch in Lapaz last August 22. The center is located at Romeo Go building, Huervana St. Clients from the Jaro and Lapaz areas will find this location accessible.

Medicus is a dynamic medical center totally committed to comprehensive and quality health care services that shall be accessible, affordable and responsive to the needs of the market.

The center has a laboratory that is equipped with modern facilities and spacious clinics available for rent to medical practitioners.
Lapaz branch operates as clinical laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound, ECG center. The pharmacy will open soon.

The center operates eleven hours a day and seven days a week. The blessing was officiated by Rev. Fr. Jorge Ignacio while Dr. Ma. Victoria Villareal led the ribbon cutting.

Dr Vicente Villareal, president Medicus Iloilo City Inc; Juan Carlos Marquez, member of the board of directors of PPTSDI; Dr Leopoldo Gonzalez, vice president for finance and administration; Domeng Uy de Ong, Maybank Iloilo branch manager; and other guests took time to attend the opening. (RCS)

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 01:55 AM

Ilonggos in top 5 of World Shoot
By Kathy Villalon Cinco

ILONGGOS Nelson Uygongco and Phillipp Chua were among the elite in their respective divisions in the just concluded World Shoot XIV in Ecuador.

The World Shoot, the Olympics of practical shooting, was participated by over 1,000 shooters representing 56 countries.

Nelson Uygongco, a many-time national team member and the only Filipino to hold the national shooting championship in three different divisions, placed third in the tough Modified Division. The division, won by fellow Team Pilipinas member Jag Lejano, saw the Philippines placing four bets in the top six. Aside from Lejano and Uygongco, Lyndon Biraogo (5th) and Joseph Sy (6th) also made a good showing in this total domination by the Filipinos.

Australasia's champion and the country's undisputed revolver king, Phillipp Chua, placed a remarkable fourth in the Revolver Division. A virtual playground of American Jerry Miculek in the past few World Shoots, Chua made a run late the last few stages of the shoot but fell short in his effort to upstage the defending champion. In only his second world shoot, the revolver national champion for four consecutive years made vast improvement from his 9th place finish in World Shoot XIII in South Africa.

As expected, Eric Grauffel easily captured the Open Division championship by besting American Todd Jarrett. The young Frenchman defended his crown by blasting the field early in the shooting stages. Two Negrense and Team Pilipinas members, Stephen Hinojales and Michael John Ku, placed a respectable 13th and 19th, respectively, in this premier division.

Adam Tyc of Czechoslovakia bagged the Production Division title, while Jerome Morales of Team Pilipinas and half-brother of Lejano, placed 13th in the newest division of practical shooting.

The legendary Rob Leatham of the USA got the Standard Division plum in his usual smooth and savvy coursemanship. The best placed Filipino in this division was Alex Lao.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Onlne)

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 02:01 AM

Iloilo to host All Visayas M-U19 football tournament

FOOTBALL goes on a high gear as teams from Cebu and Dumaguete play against defending champion Iloilo in the All Visayas finals on September 16 to 18 at the Barotac Nuevo Football Field.

Teams will arrive on the 15th of September while the opening match will feature Team Iloilo against either Cebu or Dumaguete on September 16 at 1 p.m.

Iloilo will try to avenge their semi final loss to Cebu last year's national Open that deprived them to play in the finals, while Dumaguete try to redeem themselves as one of Visayas football powers.

We will be expecting tight competition from the three teams with host Iloilo as slight favorite because of its hometown crowd, stressed IFA Gen. Secretary Joseph Gensaya.

But there will a lot of surprises from the visiting teams since they are very well prepared to play here, he added.

This tournament is organized by the Philippine Football federation (PFF), Iloilo Football Association (IFA) and hosted by the Barotac Nuevo Football Club.

------------------------------------------

Barotac Nuevo FC retains MU19 Crown

BAROTAC NUEVO -- Defending champion Barotac Nuevo FC demolished nine man Jaro FC 12-0 to win back to back championship in the 19 and under category football tournament organized by the Iloilo Football Association (IFA).

They proved much for their counterpart as they played relaxes all through out the game. Fierce rival Sta. Barbara FC on the other hand scored an emphatic 8-1 victory over Lapaz FC.

This tournament serves as the basis for selecting the best players that will compose Team Iloilo in the All Visayas Finals on September 16-18, 2005. They will play against Cebu and Dumaguete, with the winner advancing to the National Finals on October 22-27, 2005. Bacolod is already seeded in the finals since they will be hosting said national championship.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 02:41 AM

Iloilo Passenger Terminal
The Iloilo Port handles the ranks fourth highest in passenger traffic, fourth in cargo, and third in ship calls all over the country.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p2fd9ee48078c3fe30b2ecaa926cd8f56/f28c2226.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/pa85ab858128d05c8e4c2fdda9b4f6ff8/f28c2261.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p22bd5af1b01295cd53531020f9ae8954/f28c2219.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p3147215c9b8bc4d501b80d33eb97cf48/f28c223e.jpg

One of the best and busiest port in the country nowadays. The Port of Iloilo is the gateway to Western Visayas. Its harbour is naturally protected by the Guimaras Islands. It is ranked third in terms of shipcalls at 11,853, fourth in cargo throughout at 491,719 million metric tons and fourth in passenger traffic at 2.4 million annually.

The Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) was compelled in 1985 to serve as a hub port. Due to lack of berths, an increasing number of ships are being diverted to other ports.

The expansion of ICPC entails the amount of US$50.0 million and works include the extension of the reinforced concrete (RC) wharf, back-up area, dredging of the harbor basis, access road, waste reception/reefer facilities, computerized systems and vertical infrastructure.

General Information from: (http://www.ppa.com.ph/Port%20Profile/Visayas/iloilo/sub-iloilo-baseport.htm)

PORT OF ILOILO

GENERAL INFORMATION

The new port of iloilo is strategically located at a new site apart from the old port facilities. Situated in the Southern coast of Panay Island, it has one of the country’s safest and most natural harbors. Guimaras Island guards the port from violent storms and makes it ideal for harboring ships and cargoes.

TRADE AND COMMERCE

The Port of Iloilo, considered the leading trade and commercial hub for Western Visayas is also one of the safest natural seaports of the world. It has been serving international shipping as early as 1855 handling sugar and fertilizer shipments for international market. Major trading activities were handled before in this areas as evidenced by the country’s first recorded export of sugar.

The adapted perspective further shows that more tha 75% of the country’s land area lies within 500 km radius of iLoilo encompassing Manila City and the nation’s main industrial centers. Thus, the port could well serve as consolidation center for both importable and exporbale commodities. Within this area is a potential market of more than 32 million people.

On the port’s potential of becoming the country’s distribution center for imported goods, it offers optimum accessibility for goods coming in from the ASEAN, Africa, the Middle East and even Europe. As such, for the port to become an international transshipment point is a distinct possibility.

PORT PROFILE

Location Latitude 10o42’N Longitude 122 o35’E SE Coast of Panay Island, NW of Lapaz District and SW of Guimaras Straits, Port San Pedro, Iloilo City.
Port Limits Iloilo harbor is part of the Iloilo Strait bounded by imaginary lines at the north entrance from Dumangas River across the Iloilo Strait to Navalas Point on Guimaras Island and at the southern entrance by an imaginary line extending from the Lusaran Point, Guimaras Island to Surraga River in the municipality of San Joaquin Island of Panay. The shoreline of the two (2) islands define the limits of Iloilo Harbor.

Total Port Area Old Foreign Pier : 17,000 sq.m.
River Wharf : 68,000 sq.m.
Iloilo Commercial Port Complex : 208,000 sq.m.
Back-up area/commercial : 97,000 sq.m.
Operational Area : 111,000 sq.m.

Navigational Approach The Iloilo Strait connects with Panay Gulf and Guimaras Strait which leads to the Visayan Sea. It has a width of about 1.45 kilometers at its narrowest point and an average depth of 22 meters below MLLW. Its shoreline is very irregular and it has two navigational entrances. Their approaches are narrowed by the Iguana Bank on the west and the Siete Pecados Island on the east of the northern entrance and by Oton Bank on the southern entrance. Water depots over these banks average 3.70 meters MLLW.

Entrance Channel Oton Bank, an extensive shoal of soft muddy sand, lies in the middle of southwest entrance to strait, extending about 13 km. long from a point to about 80 meters southwest of the mouth of the Iloilo River. Vessels do not ordinarily attempt to cross it, but instead use the main channel between the bank and Guimaras Island
The northern entrance is divided into 2 channels by the Iguana Bank and deep water for navigation is adequate on either side. Westward of the bank is a cluster of small rocky islets, called Siete Pecados where the lighthouse is located.

PORT FACILITIES / SERVICES

Berth/Draft Old Foreign Pier : 345 meters x 12 meters RC deck and beams on R.C. piles ; 6 meters controlling draft
River Wharf : 3,000 meters x 12 meters RC wharf;
4 meters controlling draft
Iloilo Commercial Port Complex : length 400 meters, width 26.26 meters; 400 m x 26.26 R.C. quay ; 10.5m controlling draft
Storage Facilities Old Foreign Pier : 9,200 sq.m. open storage
River Wharf : 8,682 sq.m. open storage

Cargo Handling - Visayan Veterans Port Services, Inc.

Bunkering - Bunkers are available from Pilipinas Shell, Petroleum Corporation, Caltex Philippines Inc. and Petrophil Corporation.

Pilotage - Compulsory for all vessels of 75 GRT and above. Pilotage services are rendered by the Iloilo Harbor Pilots’ Association.

Towage Service - Towage service by RETRANSCO of Lapus, Iloilo City, 36 hours prior notice is required.

Ship Repairs - Service by J&H Marine Industries Corporation, Iloilo Dock and Engineering Company and Eastern Visayas Shipbuilders and Repair Company of Iloilo.

Ship Agents - Maritime Agencies Services, Inc. Everett Steamship Corporation, Eastern Shipping lines, Island Integrated Offshore Services, Inc. Total Bulk Corporation.

Regular Shipping Companies - Aboitiz Shipping Company, Amigo Shipping Company, New Panay Shipping Company, Negros Navigation Company, Sulpicio Lines, William Lines, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc.

Electricity - Panay Electric Company

Water Supply - Sufficient water is available from the Iloilo Water Service Corporation.

Banking - Philippine National Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines, Bank if the Philippine Islands, Far East Bank and Trust Company.

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 03:16 AM

again and again and again ... waaahhhh ... my fave brand of car gid ... when can i have one ?

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p6cc2b5529b8792d6f40bf124b20bd951/f28c20fe.jpg

this picture was taken on our way home from downtown area with my sis driving the car. Huh ... i just asked her to slow down while i'm going to take photo of medicus building coz it looks grand from afar. well, just in time when i clicked the cam, the BMW appeared ... actually, it's three of them na sabay-sabay. Thought they're friends racing along but towards the end of the road and into crossing, they took different directions. It's really cool.

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 03:43 AM

http://jadedafrica.dekarabaw.com/archives/beach-3.jpg

Villa Beaches ? hmmm ... such a good area where to dine in talaga. Loads and loads of fresh shells and fishes to choose from. Along the area is the famous Breakthrough and Tatoy's Manokan. It's where the VIPs usually have their lunch, ie. PGMA, etc. If you happen to drop in along the area ... do also try Villa Bora especially towards nighttime ... candlelighting ang dating. During daytime towards the midafternoon naman, you can see a lot of jetskiers and surfers (as if!) near the site .. rumbling.... hehehe.

sandrin

September 2nd, 2005, 04:07 AM

Community action vs plastic waste takes off

STA. BARBARA , Iloilo – Various sectors, starting with the schools, have declared their commitment to reduce plastic waste in this town, which was adjudged as Galing Pook Awardee in Ecological Solid Waste Management in 2003.

This declaration of commitment is expressed in a Manifesto which is being circulated around the town for people from all walks of life to sign. The circulation of the manifesto is coupled with information and education campaign on the hazards of uncontrolled use of non-biodegradable cellophanes and plastics.

Municipal Administrator Abdul Rahman “Lyndofer” V. Beup said the communities and the different sectors are expected to develop stronger commitment against the use of plastics and cellophanes during the three-month phasing out period.

During the phasing-out period, the campaign is intensified at the public market and the establishments which are users of plastics and cellophanes. The people will also be encouraged to go back to the traditional “alat” (basket), “libon” or supot (paper bag).

After which, a municipal ordinance will be formulated and consequently passed prohibiting the use of non-biodegradable plastics (because there are biodegradable ones already made available). The alternative biodegradable plastics and cellophanes should be preferred by vendors and buyers but they have to pay for it, unlike the ones which go as wrappers for what they buy.

“If the people will not buy the biodegradable plastics then they go back to bringing native baskets to the market,” Beup said.

Beup added that a national law is needed to stop the use of cellophanes and plastics, but at least, there can be a local innovation, as what they are beginning to do in Sta. Barbara. He added that this might be the first initiative in the country.

The Manifesto said there are scientific evidences that plastic products and waste, if allowed to burn and pollute our environment, could result to ecological damage and health hazards.

The commitment to reduce plastic wastes is shown by avoiding or minimizing the use of plastic bags at home, commercial establishments, market, food service sectors and offices and providing, among others, incentives and rewards for business firms and groups.

Moreover, the manifesto is urging Congress to enact measures minimizing, if not totally banning, the use of plastic products.

Beup said this initiative is seen as contributing much to the town’s goal of being garbage-free in the year 2012.

------------

I commend the campaign to bring back the old practice of using and bringing your own basket when doing grocery shopping

sandrin

September 2nd, 2005, 04:18 AM

Btw Wecky, did you ever visit the town of Guimbal?

Flood control project stalled anew

BY DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Technical problems are delaying the implementation of the Iloilo Flood Control Project (IFCP).

Originally scheduled to start in the last quarter this year, the IFCP’s works was moved to the first quarter of 2006.

IFCP Project Engineer Junji Kamata said they are still reviewing the successful bidder for Phase II of the project.

The bidder, it was learned, also joined the Phase I of the project, and the result was not acceptable.

“The funds for the IFCP are already available,” Kamata confirmed.

The construction will cost around P2.5 billion and would be finished by 2009 or earlier.

The Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) will fund the floodway project.

Earlier, Acting Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane informed Mayor Jerry Treñas that the civil works for the floodway project shall be delayed.

He cited “financial constraints for fiscal year 2005” as reason.

Operations to be specifically affected are the procurement of the civil works for Contract Package I (construction of Jaro floodway, improvement of Tigum-Aganan River) and Contract Package II (improvement of Jaro river mouth, Iloilo river and Upper Ingore).

On January 24, 2005, Treñas wrote Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Michael Defensor to start the floodway project.

The Iloilo Flood Control Project shall “provide a good solution to perennial flooding in the southern Panay Islands,” Treñas said.

Defensor agreed that the floodway project “will prevent flooding and other environmental hazards in Iloilo City and neighboring municipalities.”

Defensor added, “it will prevent the loss of lives, destruction of properties and economic recession due to flash flood.

Floods and inundations result in the paralysis of the city’s central business districts and production area, adversely affecting trade and commerce in the city for weeks or even months.”

“Project-affected families that have been relocated from the river banks and other project areas might return and settle again as blighted communities of slums at their original areas,” Defensor warned.

chymera00

September 2nd, 2005, 05:37 AM

KOREAN INVASION
‘Peaceful Iloilo attractive to foreigners’
BY DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – More than 1,136 Koreans are in this city, revealed Bureau of Immigration and Deportation’s (BID) Alien Control Officer-in-Charge for Region 6 Reinfred Tubal.

Most of these Koreans are students. Tubal said they chose to study here because of the city’s peace and order situation.

“We are safe from terrorists but we continue to monitor them to assure their safety here,” he said.

Second to Koreans in number here are the Americans, followed by the Canadians.

BID regulates the influx of foreigners in the country. In Iloilo City, it recorded 69 Americans, 39 Canadians, 19 Japanese, and 18 Britons, among others, in the first two quarters of 2005.

Tubal said most Koreans study the English language here.

At least 15 schools here are accepting foreign students. These have applied for accreditation with the BID.

“Schools not accredited to teach (English) to foreigners shall be fined and be penalized,” Tubal warned.

Tubal also said the presence of foreign nationals in Region 6 boosted BID’s revenue for the past five years.

BID’s revenue reaches P20 to P25 million a year – reaching around P120 million in the last five years.

Tubal said the BID here even ranked No.3 in 2003 in revenues, surpassing Davao City and Laoag City.

chymera00

September 2nd, 2005, 05:55 AM

Punta Villa, Villa District

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Robinson's Place
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chymera00

September 2nd, 2005, 06:01 AM

Sarabia Manor Hotel

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SM CITY

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tigidig14

September 2nd, 2005, 06:06 AM

^^ ganda din pala ng IloIlo parang cebu. any news about ayala building up their mall in there

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 06:36 AM

Btw Wecky, did you ever visit the town of Guimbal?

hi sandrin .. I've been to Guimbal twice this year ... first we dropped by on our way to visit the Fortress Church of Miag-ao and UPV ... secondly, we went there after our lunchbreak in Shamrock Beach Resort a week after. Guimbal looks really nice and majestic. Nice plaza, the mini-zoo called "Racsos", Garin Farm is really nice, I've heard but we weren't able to see what's inside due to time constraints, etc ... any plan to visit there, sandrin?

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 06:40 AM

wow .. Punta Villa, my kind of place ... when we went there, the whole lot of pool was filled by Koreans ... they're too noisy ... and I can't understand what they are talking about ... hehehe ... kasama pa ang mga tutors nila nga Pinoy ... it's crowded even on weekdays.

Keep the pictures coming Chymera ... daw naga-refresh lang ako diri ba ... yahoooo !!!

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 08:47 AM

KOREAN INVASION

‘Peaceful Iloilo attractive to foreigners’

BY DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – More than 1,136 Koreans are in this city, revealed Bureau of Immigration and Deportation’s (BID) Alien Control Officer-in-Charge for Region 6 Reinfred Tubal.

Most of these Koreans are students. Tubal said they chose to study here because of the city’s peace and order situation.

“We are safe from terrorists but we continue to monitor them to assure their safety here,” he said.

Second to Koreans in number here are the Americans, followed by the Canadians.

BID regulates the influx of foreigners in the country. In Iloilo City, it recorded 69 Americans, 39 Canadians, 19 Japanese, and 18 Britons, among others, in the first two quarters of 2005.

Tubal said most Koreans study the English language here.

At least 15 schools here are accepting foreign students. These have applied for accreditation with the BID.

“Schools not accredited to teach (English) to foreigners shall be fined and be penalized,” Tubal warned.

Tubal also said the presence of foreign nationals in Region 6 boosted BID’s revenue for the past five years.

BID’s revenue reaches P20 to P25 million a year – reaching around P120 million in the last five years.

Tubal said the BID here even ranked No.3 in 2003 in revenues, surpassing Davao City and Laoag City.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 08:57 AM

Palawan transfer to WV this year is uncertain: Antique guv
By Lory Ann B. Bilbao

ANTIQUE Governor and Regional Development Council (RDC) chairperson Sally Zaldivar Perez said what Western Visayans could only do is wait for the problems in Palawan to be settled before it can be part of Region 6.

"I cannot tell whether the transfer would happen this year because the Palawan Government is currently solving consultation problems," she said.

Perez said more Palawenos are complaining about the lack of consultation hearings regarding the transfer.

She said with certainty that the problem she referred to was about the failure of consulting the people on the planned transfer.

She said that some are also amenable to the move.

"We asked them to join us and if they transfer, they will be welcomed. If they have a problem, then, they should solve it on their own because we can't intervene," she said.

The length of time in solving the said problem, according to Perez, depends on the leadership of Palawan.

"We should give a little time to them."

On August 18, during the RDC meeting, it was reiterated that the transfer was postponed.

She disclosed that on September 7, she and Palawan Governor Jorge Reyes would meet and talk about the transfer.

(from Panay News Online)

Sinjin P.

September 2nd, 2005, 12:16 PM

what are those wooden columns in the front of SM City? Are they constructing something? :)

chymera00

September 2nd, 2005, 03:31 PM

^^ ganda din pala ng IloIlo parang cebu. any news about ayala building up their mall in there

Yes Iloilo is very beautiful :) No news about Ayala Center Iloilo for now but there are rumors that a Duty Free Mall is going to be built when the new Airport opens

wow .. Punta Villa, my kind of place ... when we went there, the whole lot of pool was filled by Koreans ... they're too noisy ... and I can't understand what they are talking about ... hehehe ... kasama pa ang mga tutors nila nga Pinoy ... it's crowded even on weekdays.

Keep the pictures coming Chymera ... daw naga-refresh lang ako diri ba ... yahoooo !!!
I kind of noticed Korean being very noisy too.. padayaw? hehe. Tutoring Koreans to speak english is a lucrative business for (female) college students. :D awww, miss niya na ang Iloilo again, hehe.

what are those wooden columns in the front of SM City? Are they constructing something? :)
They are just repainting the walls ... Its interesting, they are being very indigenous :)

chymera00

September 2nd, 2005, 03:51 PM

Smallville Business Center
Smallville is the new nighout place in Iloilo. It includes restos/bars/cafes and other commercial establishments like the Iloilo Business Hotel, Emcor, CitiHardware, and Medicus condo-clinic. There are alot of foreigners there like Koreans, other Asians, Americans, some Europeans and I even saw African nationals, there's also a lot of coNos ... I don't like the place coz its flocked with "hip" feelers, I only go there for Blue Jay (a specialty coffe shop) which serves Mangonilla, a delicious mango frappe (P75). Plus, its expensive ... I can buy my favorite drink :| for only P25 eslewhere and not the overpriced-350ml only that they sell :|

Who says Iloilo does have a nightlife? Ilonggos are a laid back people who loves to spend and have fun! There are a lot of bar/restos/cafes here that cater to a wide variety of consumers.

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that's it .. all the files wecky sent me ...

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 07:08 PM

Iloilo River Dev't Project faces snag
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The first stage of the Package 2 of the multi-billion Iloilo Flood Control Project (IFCP) initiated by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which focuses on the Iloilo River Development Project would be delayed after problems on the bidding procedures cropped up.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said Project Manager Engr. Junji Kamata told him that they have to oversee the bidding procedures on the Package 2 of the flood control project after a similar contractor tendered its bid in the Stage 1 Package 1 of the project. Package 1 focuses on the improvement of Tigum River.

Stage 1 of the Package 2 of the IFCP begins at the Carpenters Bridge in Tabucan, Mandurriao until the Jaro River. The package includes the construction of a new bridge to replace the already dilapidated Carpenters Bridge.

Kamata along with other Japanese consultants were in Iloilo Wednesday and briefed the mayor of the status of the project.

Treñas said the implementation of the Stage 1 of the Package 2 of the IFCP is supposed to start on the last quarter of 2005. However, because of the problem on the bidding process, it will start first quarter next year.

By international standards, the contractor for the Package 1 could no longer join in the bidding for the Package 2 of the project. The contractor should choose only one phase of the project should he win in both bidding, said Treñas.

When interviewed by the media, Kamata declined to name the contractor. He however assured that he would immediately return to Manila to thresh out the problem and eventually start the implementation of the project.

Based on the program of work the IFCP should be completed by 2009. However, Kamata said they are hoping to finish the project before 2009.

Kamata, who is from CTI Engineering International Co. Ltd. added the funds for the project is already available. The total project cost is P2.5 billion.

However, Kamata said they are expecting a delay in the land acquisition aspect of the project because of the budgetary constraints the Philippine government is facing.

The government will take charge of land acquisition for the relocation of affected families mostly those living along the riverbanks. Currently, the relocation sites in Buntatala, Jaro and Sooc, Mandurriao are already completed.

The city government is also waiting for the release of P59 million from the National Housing Authority (NHA). The budget is intended for the acquisition of the land for the San Isidro relocatees.

(from The News Today Info Online)

this is one of the most ridiculous news for Iloilo City.

wecky

September 2nd, 2005, 09:00 PM

Trade and Commerce in Iloilo, 1946-1972
By : Prof Funtecha

From the 1940s to the 1950s, the business activity at the Iloilo Port was not only sluggish but it was at its nadir due to the still more violent labor union disputes which can be traced to the pre-war years. Heavy silting of the Iloilo River during the war and the shortage of dredging machinery in the immediate post-war years closed the waterfront to all shipping and many of the inter-island vessels.

Pressed by the rapid inflation which brought about the price increases on basic commodities, the city's stevedores demanded increased wages through the union, the Federacion Obrera de Filipinas (FOF), and imposed the highest stevedoring charges in the Philippines. This prompted the Visayas Transportation Co. (VISTRANCO), the company involved in the transport of sugar from Negros to Iloilo, to devise lightering procedures to avoid Iloilo's waterfront. Consequently, by late 1947, almost no fertilizer or Negros sugar was handled in Iloilo. When VISTRANCO organized another union, the Consolidated Labor Union of the Philippines (CLUP), and abrogated the pre-war division of labor by denying the FOF work on the waterfront, the latter's president, Jose Ma. Nava, responded with armed violence that a labor war soon erupted in the city punctuated by spectacular incidents of arson, gunplay, murder and threat, therefore intimidating local businessmen who soon began shifting operations to Bacolod and Cebu. It was only after Nava's aligning himself with the guerilla movement in Panay after being repressed by the dominant political faction leaning towards the interest of the rival union, his weakening influence, and arrest, that the violent conflict at the waterfront was finally put to an end.

From 1946 to the 1950s therefore, there was a slackened pace of progress in Iloilo's trade and commerce. The Iloilo port which was the lifeblood of the city became idle. It was claimed that the labor unions were the ones that killed “the goose that laid the golden egg” for Iloilo's trading industry.

All throughout the post-war period until 1966, trade and commerce had been sluggish. The city of Iloilo lost its status as the premier commercial center of Western Visayas right after the end of war. It eventually lost its title as “Queen City of the South” to Cebu City in the east. However, the decade from 1960 to 1970 showed an upward trend for the commerce and trade in Iloilo.

This upward trend was due to the strengthening of the agricultural sector through Gov. Rafael Palmares' keystone policies and programs for the improvement of agricultural production; the enlivening of the cottage industries through the putting up of the NACIDA REGIONAL OFFICE in Iloilo in 1963; the putting up of the Panay Development Authority in 1965; the establishment/re-opening in the province of three more sugar centrals; the improvement of the airport by the late 1960s to the early 1970s; the boost to both inland and marine fisheries with the establishment of Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Corp. (SEAFDEC) in Tigbauan in 1972; the attempt to shift from traditional to non-traditional exports; the continued growth of the banking institutions in the 1970s; and the putting up of major developmental infrastructures not only within the city and the province of Iloilo but also in the whole of Panay island during the said period. Aside from becoming the commercial and trading for Iloilo province, Iloilo City once again resumed its status to be the foremost trade and commercial center for the whole Western Visayas.

Iloilo had always been the commercial center in Panay island. Dubbed to be the “Land of Plenty” since then and even until now, Iloilo has attracted many commercial and industrial investors. It already possesses a relatively sophisticated banking system, adequate labor supply, abundant supply of agricultural raw materials, and a developed import-export trade.

A major dollar earner of the Philippines in general and of Iloilo in particular from the late 1940s to the early 1970s was the exportation of traditional raw materials such as sugar, molasses, copra, coconut oil, and lumber, as well as non-traditional products like semi-processed and processed aqua products.

(from the News Today Info Online)

sandrin

September 2nd, 2005, 10:44 PM

hi sandrin .. I've been to Guimbal twice this year ... first we dropped by on our way to visit the Fortress Church of Miag-ao and UPV ... secondly, we went there after our lunchbreak in Shamrock Beach Resort a week after. Guimbal looks really nice and majestic. Nice plaza, the mini-zoo called "Racsos", Garin Farm is really nice, I've heard but we weren't able to see what's inside due to time constraints, etc ... any plan to visit there, sandrin?

Yup, I'm planning to go next year and will definitely tour the Visayas particularly Guimaras, IloIlo and Bohol.

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 02:51 AM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/IloiloBannerMalls.jpg

Also, it can be attributed to Mayor Ganzon's term, where he advocated the "Timawa" (Visayan for Maharlika or Upperclass) and discouraged the Chinese Businessmen. This eventually led most of them to flee Iloilo and transfer to Cebu. Iloilo's downfall is very much related to the rise of Bacolod and Cebu City :)

you're right Chymera .. it was during Ganzon's regime that the city's economy started to decline. He believed that to be more nationalistic, Iloilo City will only cater Filipino businessmen and not the Chinese ones or of any descendants .. in the same way that he was a great believer of "timawa", too. Tuloy nagmukhang timawa ang Iloilo City. I'm not against timawa or any same thing but they were often used by big people especially politicians to further their ungodly programs... Timawa or masa is only a portion of Iloilo's population during that time but Ganzon's political feat were really well supported by them even the time when he run as a senator of the philippines and won the elections. Mayor Ganzon was such a laidback person and very unfriendly to business people. It was during that time that Iloilo Chinese businessmen flew to other neighbouring provinces like Cebu and Bacolod to continue their business. Well, we've learned from that mistake. Malabor during his era started to lure back some chinese investors to the city but it was during Mayor Trenas (present) that chinese businessmen and other investors starts to take notice again the advantageous and dynamic econmomy of Iloilo, more than what sugar industry can offer in the past.

Our road back to full recovery is still long and thready ... but I believe that we can actually pull ourselves (Ilonggos) up again. It's starting already ... progress and development is all over the air of Iloilo ... do note well.

-------------------------------------------
Pre-war tourist destinations in Iloilo
Considered to be the historical cradle of Panay Island, Iloilo has long been of great national and international renown. Added to its strategic location at the center of the Philippine Archipelago are numerous tourist attractions which its natural resources and cultural history endowed. Iloilo abounds in scenic spots, wholesome and inviting beaches, historical landmarks, classical and modern buildings, baroque and gothic churches, old Spanish houses, great culinary delights, and colorful festivals.

While some of the beautiful scenes and structures in Iloilo during the Spanish days and until the period of American occupation did not survive the Filipino-American War and World War II, as well as several conflagrations, may have been preserved and maintained up to the present. Among those that were not able to survive is Fort San Pedro, an impressive historical landmark of Spanish colonization that stood on a promontory at the entrance of Iloilo harbor and also an ideal place for viewing the “floating island” of Guimaras. Near Fort San Pedro, there used to have a beautiful waterside esplanade where the cosmopolitan society of Iloilo promenaded on a sultry afternoon.

There were still some other great sights which used to have been Iloilo's pride to its visitors. Around Plaza Libertad were a number of banking and commercial houses and hotels. Just a little beyond were the Casino Español of the Spanish community and the Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus. In the same section of the city, some stone old houses built during the Spanish times were still at sight. Jose Ma. Basa St., also known as “Calle Real” and the liveliest place in the commercial district had a lot of entertainment to offer, being the hub of show houses, restaurants, and cafes, as well as business, professional, and commercial establishments.

A sight-seeing trip to Iloilo can never be complete without seeing the districts of Jaro, Molo, Lapaz, and Arevalo. Jaro Plaza was then the most beautiful plaza in the island of Panay. Around it were the imposing Jaro Cathedral and its lofty tower looming magnificently over the placer, the Bishop's Palace, the Catholic Society Building, the modern town hall, the Jaro Evangelical Church, considered to be the oldest Baptist church in the country.

At the outskirts of Jaro were the Sambag Battlefield where many American and Filipino soldiers fell during the Filipino-American War, the Iloilo Jockey Club in Balantang; and a little beyond, the Leganes Church which was, and still is, considered to be the “Mecca” of Iloilo as thousands of people from all over Panay, Guimaras and Negros flock to it yearly to pay homage to its miraculous patron saint.

La Paz, another district located between Jaro and Iloilo City, had the Redemptorists' Monastery, Iloilo Tennis Club, Inc., the Lopez and Cacho mansions, as well as the famous Nelly Garden.

The district of Molo was, and still is, recognized for its gothic church considered to be one of the most artistic churches in the archipelago with its fine symmetry and beauty of architecture. Another suburb, Arevalo, also showcased valuable relics of the past, among which were the weaving looms and the old Spanish tower at its public square.

Having an already established commercial life in the heart of the city, Iloilo provided its visitors with the necessary facilities and the services they needed while visiting the place. By 1912, Iloilo had already four hotels to accommodate a number of transient lodgers: the Metropole on Plaza Libertad with rates of P2.50 to P4.00 per day and P75.00 per month; the Universal on Calle Marina, the Bilbao on Calle Real; and the Panay on Plaza Libertad, the last three having a rate of P2.50 a day (Arnold, 1912). There were also three livery stables to transport passengers to and from the different places of the city. They were the Park, the Iloilo and the Panay.

Tourists were transported to Iloilo by any of the three means of transportation. Inter-island steamers plying between Zamboanga and Manila always brought a batch of visitors to the Iloilo port. Commodious cars with deep-cushioned seats and taxicabs readily met tourists at the wharf and took them to show houses, hotels, casinos, and resort places out of town at low cost of fare.

A smooth air trip to Iloilo was ushered by the Iloilo-Negros Air Express Co. (INEAC) by its initial Iloilo-Bacolod route in 1932 and another new route, the Iloilo-Manila, 1933.
http://thenewstoday.info/20050819/column4.htm

great information .. the best, indeed!

-----------------------------
Pictures of Leon and Bucari, Iloilo's little Baguio:

http://thenewstoday.info/20050819/leon2.jpg
The municipality of Leon, a 48-minute hop by jeepney, 28.2 kilometers southwest of Iloilo City, sits at the foot of Mount Madja-as. With Barangay Bucari (the highest portion) on a 1,200-metre-above sea level location surrounded with evergreens, and because of its cool climate---on some days it even gets foggy---the area around is a popular summer retreat from the heat of the nearby city.

http://thenewstoday.info/20050819/leon1.jpg
The municipality exercises a curious, magnetic pull. This is rural life in extremis, on market days at Fridays, are rambunctious group of merchants and middlemen flogging chickens in exchange for clothes or shoes, fresh vegetables by the baskets and the sweetest mangoes in the province. Compulsive eaters sing the praises of “ Linagpang nga Manok ,” loved as much for its native chicken on spicy soup stock. A visit to the 18 th century church, Parish of St. Catherine of Alexandria , is acclaimed to have the biggest stone edifice in the whole island of Panay, will give you some idea of the area's historical significance. (Click here for full article: http://thenewstoday.info/20050819/festure2.htm)
http://thenewstoday.info/20050819/leon5.jpg

With a land area of 14,013 hectares, the municipality is home to 43,729 residents. Its 85 barangays offers some of the best, and often the most extreme, trekking in Iloilo. Leon offers plenty of opportunities to explore pristine wilderness areas. Popularly known as the little Baguio of Iloilo Province, BUCARI , for example offers exhilarating trekking through dense 30-50 year old evergreens. Declared as an Eco-tourist zone, this 10,432.875-hectare land is more eco-friendly than its Banaue counterpart because of the agro-forest character of the farms diversified by fruit trees in between the terraces.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/iloilobanner.jpg

havene't been to Bucari yet but have heard a lot of good things about it. They say it's much colder there .. almost same as Baguio City's temperature as well. Hopefully I can visite the area someday ... best of it is by using the Alimodian's "Seven Cities" cable car in touring the area.

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 03:02 AM

??? Yeah we shouldn't be too concentrated in rising above other cities, but the growth and development of our country as a whole. Each city is distinct and unique, Iloilo cannot say it is better than Bacolod. But being an administrative center, Iloilo has an advantage of being considered Western Visayas' urban center.

We did have a casino before, you know ... called Casino Espanola or something. Our golf course is the oldest in SEA. We also have lots of high class subdivisions too. Ayala will be building an Ayala Center here in Iloilo :) A lot of richest families in the whole country has roots in Iloilo like the Lopezes

Agree gid Chy .. we in Iloilo should be helping Bacolod and vice versa. We're all Ilonggos ... no point of comparison, I guess. We're both developed cities. Region 6 (western Visayas) should really be proud of these two metropolis. Because of them, WV GDP is far better than any other regions in the country. We'll just wait for Kalibo to become a city as well. That will make three of them in a row.

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 03:09 AM

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid53/p80927709207669a277a6ca4a565fc941/fc8c20cf.jpg

isa pa itong area na pwede sanang maging tourist attraction pero neglected

Fort San Pedro Iloilo is indeed a neglected part of the city. I don't know why. The regional office of NEDA is there. The SEC Iloilo is within the area, too. I thin k there's another regional office within that area as well but the place itself is underdeveloped.

I hope some investors will look into putting up five-star hotel or high end condominium along the area. Ang problema lang dira is the reputation of the area, which is not safe. But we can start deploying our police in certain corners. if needed, isn't it?

The area is really grand ... Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus is within the area na. It's overlooking the beautiful island of Guimaras as well. Iloilo local port and Rotary Park (needs developing as well) is also within the site. Too many things can be done in that place, Whyte. They probably don't have the eye for the beauty para sa lugar nga ina.

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 03:22 AM

I don't care about the title The Queen City of the South.

I like IloIlo to be known as what Wecky call it. The Heart of the Philippines - Ciudad de Amor .I think that describes the people of IloIlo - the most sympatico in the Philippines.

hehehe ... pinag-aagawan ba ang title (Queen City of the South) na yan ? ... hehehe ... history will speak for itslef ... we're backed up with it, just in case ... hahaha.

Anyway, you are right Sandrin. ILOILO will "always" be the Heart of the Philippines .. that's why Iloilo City is also known as the "City of Love" . Mas manami pa ina pamatian. Leave the other title behind .. as I said, we had it before ... let's move on. The description "Heart of the Philippines" is all over Iloilo's promotional material now. Try to visit Region 6 (western visayas) tourism's website. Nandun siya .. naka-printa. So .. go, go ... hearty !

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 03:33 AM

It seems to me that the green mountains of IloIlo have not been balded by the illegal loggers. Is that true Chymera?
I just hope they build better roads going up the mountains so tourists will not only get a verdant view but a somewhat smooth ride also.

from aerial perspective, Iloilo's forest is not that bad yet. Though some of them are nude already. But replanting in some areas are underway. Yeah, we need more accessible roads for mountanous areas of Iloilo for easy accessibility and transportation of goods and agricultural products.

Regarding the flooded area, I have a sound suggestion. Why not elevate the flood-prone area by one story higher like what Seattle did. There used to be perennial floodings on the City of Seattle. But it seldom happens now, if not at all, since the area was elevated 1 or 2 stories higher.

that's right, sandrin. On the other side, the question of funding hand will also be considered. We probably need bigger fund to do all of it.

As for the land in IloIlo City being soft and cannot accomodate tall buildings, I don't buy it. If skyscrapers can be built on the reclamation areas, why not on an area with natural land fill such IloIlo City. Perhaps all that has to be done is to elevate the area first. Landscaping is easier on an elevated surroundings also.

I really agree to you, sandrin. I'm thinking about it as well. Of how can they build skyscrapers in the reclamation area in Pasay. Even San Francisco in california, which is an earthquake-prone city do have scrapers standing tall. I don't think it's impossible to build tall buildings around and within the city of Iloilo. Baka wala pang investors ? ... hehehe

The main reason why there is flooding in IloIlo city is because the plain land surface is adjacent to the two main bodies of water, the river and the deep sea. With a massive amount of rain pouring down, it is more likely that flooding will affect the area. Elevating the area to accomodate tall buildings is really advisable.

that's right.

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 04:00 AM

WVSU Medical Cener
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid181/pef56900ea094573a0959445b5f79b97c/f2dbd56c.jpg

WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTRE ... wow ... i went inside to visit few of my friends there and woah .. it really transformed too well .. grabe ang improvement. When i left the hospital 1995 after my volunteership training post grad pangit pa ang hitsura niya ... now, it can even rival Iloilo Doctor's Medical Centre and St Paul's Hospital. New buildings were erected side by side. It's really impressive.

Chymera, if you happen to pass by Iloilo Doctor's Medical Center on its left side (facing Iloilo Doctor's College) a new medical condominium is upcoming. Mga eight-storey siguro. I wasn't able to take a photo kay paspas ang dalagan sang salakyan namon during that time. If you can, do take a photo of its renderings. It's looks good kay daw glass building bala siya.

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 04:33 AM

25 th JCI Philippines Visayas Area Conference

Bigwigs in the Tourism and Business Industries keynote JCI Confab
Two of the most prominent names in tourism and business will be the keynote speakers during the 25 th Visayas Area Conference (Visarcon) of the Junior Chamber international Philippines (JCIP) on September 2-4, 2005 in Iloilo City. This is an annual gathering of young leaders and entrepreneurs from all over the Visayas with the theme: Entrepreneurship, Tourism and Camaraderie.

Salvador "Dong" Sarabia
Undersecretary for Security and Political Affairs Salvador “Dong” Sarabia, Jr. will keynote the Opening Ceremonies on Friday, September 2 at the Paseo Iloilo, Robinson's Place Iloilo. Sarabia, a native of Iloilo and a former JCI Iloilo member, owns the La Fiesta Hotel, one of the most popular hotels in Iloilo City. He was President and CEO of Sarabia Manor Hotel Corporation before he joined the government service as Assistant Secretary for Tourism Services and Regional Offices. During this period, he was in charge of special projects such as the Philippine Tourism Cup and the Philippine SOAP Award. At present, his office leads in the advocacy campaign for security awareness and tourism safety through the flagship project STOP or Security of Tourists Operation Program with the National Defense College of the Philippines. Likewise, the department tied-up with the JCIP and other organizations for the Philippines' TURISTA (The Universal Recognition in the Security of Tourist Awards) to give recognition to those who have made remarkable involvement in terms of protecting tourist safety.

On the other hand, Cebuano multi-awarded entrepreneur Jonathan Jay Adeguer will inspire JCIP delegates with his success story in the retail and other industries during the Awarding Ceremonies to be held at the Rotary Amphitheater, Provincial Capitol Grounds on September 3, 2005.

Jonathan Jay Aldeguer
Aldeguer, a self-made man, is the person behind the success of Island Souvenirs, a t-shirt company boasting of Filipino designs which today have over a hundred outlets nationwide. His global outlook has taken this Pinoy brand to Singapore, Japan, Macau and the US. He also introduced other brands such Bisaya Ispisyal and USA Sports which enjoyed the same marketing success. Banking on the triumph of his first brainchild, this young entrepreneur diversified into the publication and restaurant business and developed brands Cebu Magazine and Café Adriatico. An advocate of Philippine tourism, he also embraked into media and launched Cebu! TV, a 24-hour regional cable channel featuring his home province Cebu and its charming people.

Aldeguer is the youngest person to be awarded the prestigious TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) for Business Entrepreneurship by then Pres. Fidel Ramos. His recent accolade is the Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Entrepreneur of the Year for Tourism awarded by Pres. Gloria Arroyo. He was also chosen by the British Council to represent the country at the International Young Design Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

With the presence of Sarabia and Aldeguer, the 25 th Visarcon will surely be an educational and rewarding experience for delegates as they converge in Iloilo City to exchange business ideas, foster linkages among chapters and develop lasting friendships with fellow JCI members.

Seminars lined up during the conference are JCI ACHIEVE: Chapter Development Program for current and incoming officers and A Brand New You: The Jaycee Make-over which tackles on Aura, Personal Protocol, Style and Grooming required of successful entrepreneurs and leaders. Other activities include: the JCI Public Speaking Competition which offers members the opportunity to showcase their abilities and to share ideas on issues of particular importance to fellow members; and the Iloilo Challenge: First Visayas Adventure Race which test the delegates' endurance and problem-solving skills as they explore the different district plazas looking for clues for their Challenge.

The 25 th Visarcon is hosted by the al-female JCIP Iloilo “Ilang-Ilang”. It is sponsored by City Square and Trade and Freedom Jeans in cooperation with Province and City of Iloilo, Province of Negros Occidental, Robinson's Place Iloilo, Skinea Facial Care Center, Pepsi, San Miguel, Consolidated Distillers of the Far East, Villa Suan Plu, As Mixx, Klub Kawayan, St. Yves, Mang Inasal, Globe Broadband, Globe Telecom, Light Tops, GMA TV 6, Campus Radio, News Today, Entrepreneur and Iloilo Premiere magazines.

(from The News Today Info Online)

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 05:00 AM

Bangko Buena welcomes Culasi Branch

The Banko Buena, Inc. Board of Director and Senior Officers
Bangko Buena, Inc. (A Rural Bank) formerly known as Bangko Buenavista Guimaras, Inc. was established way back in 1971 under the corporate name, Rural Bank of Buenavista Guimaras, Inc. The bank, situated at McLain, Buenavista, Guimaras, was inaugurated on November 3, 1971. Its initial capital was P111,000.00 common stock and the same amount of preferred shares. However, when the economy tightened in the subsequent years, the original owners sold the bank to the present owners, the Rubin Group.

Nueva Valencia Branch
The owners took over the control, management and operation of the ailing Rural Bank of Buenavista Guimaras, Inc. on July 23, 1982 which has a paid-up capital of P 206,800.00 with resources of a little over P 1 million pesos and deposits of P0.5 million. Past due obligation with the Central Bank is more than P 0.7 million brought about by the supervised credit (M-99, etc.) fiasco. Loans to borrowers has past due ratio of more than 50%. From this comatose state, the rural bank tried to recover and inched to the bright sunshine of the late 80's, to the blue horizon of the 90's and to a sparkling diamond in the new millennium.

Lambonao Branch
On December 7, 1993, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) approved the branching of the rural bank in Iloilo City, the only rural bank to branch out outside Guimaras. Another branch was approved on December 4, 1997 by BSP and this time in San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.

To further strengthen its operations to be an effective player to the progress and development of the countryside, particularly to the communities it serves, the rural bank applied for the third branch in Lambunao, Iloilo, which was again approved on February 7, 2000 by BSP and opened on June 3, 2000. The fourth branch was blessed and inaugurated on January 5, 2003 and this time at Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

Corporate Office
Bangko Buenavista Guimaras, Inc.and the Department of Education entered into a Memorandum of Agreement on November 11, 2003 assigning Lender Code No.1044 and authorizing Bangko Buenavista Guimaras, Inc. to grant loans to Region 6 DepED personnel. On February and March 2004, more than 1,000 teachers from Negros Occidental applied for salary loans with the bank. To serve the growing numbers of customers from Negros Occidental, the Board of Directors on February 29, 2004 approved a resolution transferring Jordan Branch to Bacolod City not later than July 1, 2004 in accordance with BSP Circular No. 346.

On December 17, 2002 the rural bank changed its corporate name to Bangko Buenavista Guimaras, Inc. (A Rural Bank) and on February 27, 2004 BSP approved the change of its corporate name to Bangko Buena, Inc. (A Rural Bank) and was duly registered with Securities and Exchange Commission on May 20, 2004.
Buenavista Branch
The Board of Directors was also increased from 7 to 9 members as approved by BSP on February 27, 2004. On February 22, 2003 the board approved a resolution increasing the bank's authorized capital stock from P15.5 Million to P30.5 Million. Rediscounting lines with Land Bank amounts to P30 Million and P15 Million with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Bangko Buena, Inc., a bank born to be lucky in the hands of the Rubin Group, is opening its fifth branch in Culasi, Antique this September 5, 2005. The blessings of the new branch office however will be held a day before. This branch, which will be the sixth banking office was approved by BSP last July 12, 2005.

Bacolod Branch
Bangko Buena, Inc. is the only rural bank in West Visayas with 6 banking offices. With this expansion, the bank's management and staff gratefully thank their clients for the patronage. Be assured of the bank's untiring and satisfactory service all throughout and in the years to come.

The bank corporate headquarters is at the corner of Valeria-Rizal Streets, Iloilo City proper with telephone nos. (033) 337-7425, (033) 337-9279 and 508-4500.

(from the News Today Info Online)

freezing_pt

September 3rd, 2005, 05:13 AM

Fort San Pedro Iloilo is indeed a neglected part of the city. I don't know why. The regional office of NEDA is there. The SEC Iloilo is within the area, too. I thin k there's another regional office within that area as well but the place itself is underdeveloped.

I hope some investors will look into putting up five-star hotel or high end condominium along the area. Ang problema lang dira is the reputation of the area, which is not safe. But we can start deploying our police in certain corners. if needed, isn't it?

The area is really grand ... Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus is within the area na. It's overlooking the beautiful island of Guimaras as well. Iloilo local port and Rotary Park (needs developing as well) is also within the site. Too many things can be done in that place, Whyte. They probably don't have the eye for the beauty para sa lugar nga ina.

heard of a special taskforce na ginawa para magbantay dyan sa area na yan dati...dunno kun ara pa siya giyapon...may mga families sa area nga naga away kag nagadumtanay...medyo dangerous ang area...kag isa pa...less accessible siya kay jaro cpu lang ata nga jeep ang naga-agi dira...

freezing_pt

September 3rd, 2005, 05:20 AM

WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTRE ... wow ... i went inside to visit few of my friends there and woah .. it really transformed too well .. grabe ang improvement. When i left the hospital 1995 after my volunteership training post grad pangit pa ang hitsura niya ... now, it can even rival Iloilo Doctor's Medical Centre and St Paul's Hospital. New buildings were erected side by side. It's really impressive.

Chymera, if you happen to pass by Iloilo Doctor's Medical Center on its left side (facing Iloilo Doctor's College) a new medical condominium is upcoming. Mga eight-storey siguro. I wasn't able to take a photo kay paspas ang dalagan sang salakyan namon during that time. If you can, do take a photo of its renderings. It's looks good kay daw glass building bala siya.

Well known gid biskan diin ang medicine sa west...may kasamahan ako diri sa manila (med tech iya course sg college sa batangas) nga nagsabi nga kalabanan sang iya mga classmates gusto mag-aral sang med dira kay super kanubo ang tuition compara sa iban nga med schools kag quality pa (above average nga percentage sang mga pumapasa sa board exam...

PS...sori halo-halo yung ginagamit ko nga language...hehe...

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 06:16 AM

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 06:22 AM

Huervana St.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p9277a78e5f4f233e8caff9e0588e5e89/f28c214f.jpg

another transformed area of La Paz district ... it was previously lined up with old, stingy buildings ... but now , almost everything is new, and activities within the area improved as well.

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 06:29 AM

Grand Dame Hotel (Good food at Emilion :) )
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p4f0b9476d1c2f9554b0480e6e8a0727d/f28c21b7.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p4714bd6aedc06c475e63a4e729ac1c13/f28c21b0.jpg

one of the many new hotels of Iloilo. Chy, 'twas really good food in that resto. Grand dame hotel looks really grand but it's small though with JD bakeshop on its side, wow .. it's ust nice to spend time leisuring for .. nothing ... hehehe.

Chy, was this hotel featured in magazine before .. along with Sarabia and del rio, I guess ?

wecky

September 3rd, 2005, 07:07 AM

P52-M rehab project for Iloilo irrigation system launched today

Top Philippine and Japanese government officials are coming over for the launching of the P52-million Aganan River Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project in Oton, Iloilo town this morning.

Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban, Japanese Embassy First Secretary for Agriculture Katsuyoshi Ishii, and Yoshihiro Ozawa of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will grace the launching rites which will start at 8:30 a.m.

Edilberto Lomigo of the National Irrigation Administration Regional Office which oversees the Aganan Sta. Barbara River Irrigation System said the project aims to upgrade the irrigation system’s efficiency to bring about an increased agricultural production and farm income.

‘This also aims to provide clear irrigation water, improve irrigation facilities and strengthen the Federation of Irrigators’ Associations in the province,’ Lomigo added.

More specifically, the project is composed of the following components: Diversified Farming Services which includes capability building and the establishment of an additional demo complex and a one village level bio-cultural laboratory; Post Harvest Facilities Improvement which covers warehouse repair, installation of window shutters and improvement of multi-purpose pavement; Agri-Support Services for Palay Trading; Technical and Water Management Support;

Dam and Canal Improvement which consists of the construction of settling basins with silt ejectors and additional Sluice Gate, and desilting of canals; Construction of Farm-to-Market Roads; and the Procurement of Support Equipment like backhoes and a 4 x 4 Isuzu Fuego.

The project fund was sourced from a grant from the Japanese government as a symbol of cooperation with the Philippine government.

One of the oldest in the country, the Aganan River Irrigation System has a service area of 4,863 hectares. It was first rehabilitated almost a decade ago through a P517-million JICA-assisted project. The project did not only increase the viability and cropping intensity of the system but also generated rural employment and stirred the local economy.

Also gracing this morning’s launching ceremonies are Congresswomen Janet Garin (1st Dist., Iloilo) and Judy Syjuco (2nd Dist., Iloilo), Iloilo governor Niel Tupas, NIA administrator Proceso Domingo, Agriculture undersecretary Edmund Sana, NAFC executive director Mamerto Ellorin, NIA assistant administrator Antonio Galvez, and Agriculture assistant secretary Jose Felix Montes.

(from Panay news Online)

chymera00

September 3rd, 2005, 01:35 PM

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 01:02 AM

very interesting ... I'm going to put this in my website ^^

Professor Funtecha's "Bridging The Gap" articles in The News Today oline is well-researched gid. It's knowledge explosion indeed about Iloilo, its role in the past, etc. Very helpful if you are doing article or book about Iloilo, in promoting Iloilo City and the province, etc. Great stuff, indeed!

Of course, west pa! :) Even our College of Nursing gets the same kind of attention, students from all over Western Visayas ... even from Luzon, Palawan, and Mindanao apply in Western Visayas State University for admission. Out of more than 4,000 applicants only 200 are chosen (5%). In our batch, more than half of us are either Valedictorians, Saluts, or with Honors the rest are mostly from Special Science Classes ... In the board exams, WVSU finishes with the highest passing rate (in its category) or atleast in the top 5. Same is true with St. Paul's College of Nursing, which also gets 100% passing rate.

West Visayas Sate University is one the top-caliber state universities in the Philippines. The standards are really high in almost all courses they offered .. .. Medicine, Nursing, Education and Mass Communication. The tuition is much, much cheaper pa .... really proud of that school eventhough I did not graduate from there, I have lots of friends in that school .. and most of them are here working abroad already.

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 01:05 AM

Wow wecky, quite a lot of pics ... :bow: :bow: a lot of them are really nice ... I hope you dont mind but I edited the colors a bit because your pictures were displayed stilghtly in a hue of blue.

I will divide them by category, as requested by wecky
So here they are :bow: :bow:

hope to send you more pics tomorrow or early next week ... i'm preparing it for the meantime. ciao!

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 01:36 AM

Hey chy and weck thanks for the new pix posted... na refresh na naman kmi sng latest development sa iloilo.... well, there's nothing really significant change though!

Hope gaisano City will recover its glorious past... sosi ang Gaisano City before! theres even an esprit boutique near Jollibee but aparently i didnt survived man... They share the same fate with Giordano at SM City, which its location is now occupied by Red Ribbon. Sharing! hehe....

Iloilo is still a very important city... we are still in the big 4. After only to Manila, Cebu and Davao... hopefully lang ang city hall mapansin man kay we're on the highly urbanized city but manami pa ang hall sng mga municipalities...

That's right, lex .. Gaisano City used to be a shopping haven but like other things, it just lots its glory .. gradually ... paano kay kagamay abi sang ibutan. It's too small inside nga daw wala ka na hulagan. They really need to expand the area if they want to lure more shoppers again. I remember Esprit store as well .. near the Island Souvenirs shop. Wala na subong .. i don't know kung ano ang nagbulos dira.

Iloilo City being in the big 4 league is nothing to be excited about. It used to be the next important city outside Manila so nothing new I guess. Hope we'll maintain na lang to prosper. About naman sa city ... wahh .. it's really ridiculous! You are right to say that there are even more beautiful municiapl halls around the province compare to Iloilo City Hall .. it's kind of old, stingy, messy ... almost all the "negative adjective" there is to describe, pwede na. Are we tend to sleep in the city about this matter? Where's the new city hall proposal in the past?

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 01:52 AM

I kind of have that feeling every time I pass there too ...

There's parts of the city where it feels very urban and modern geared towards development, another where it is rural and conservative. Walking past a street, sometimes it feels like travelling back during the Spanish or American Period. Somewhere in the city you can feel like its Beverly Hills with all those grand mansions lining the streets yet elsewhere you find yourself in a middle of an urban disaster. There are parts of the city where you feel the city has been neglected, left far back from more advanced cities, yet you can also find 'bright spots' where business is vibrant and flourishing ... Such is the charm of Iloilo, a city of contrasts ...

Iloilo City is really like that Chymera .. very contrasting in almost all views and perspectives. Take notice of it when you are driving around the city. Given an example of the two contrasting districts of Iloilo City, Jaro -- teeming with new businesses, old mansions, bustling, progressive while Arevalo is very laidback .. old houses, old church, and simple life. Even the city proper itself is contrasting in nature. Well, that's the beauty of Iloilo City I guess ... it's where the charm of the city comes from.

When I saw that vacant lot, I became curious too wonder what they ill do to it. There's also one near there, where an old building was demolished.

that's right Chymera ... there's a big board dira .. I don't know if it's the picture of the new building they are planning to construct. Another building that was demolished along the area, is the former main office of PECO. It's an old architectural building, which supposed should be preserved but they demolished it to make way to new building. Keep on eye on that one Chy .. they'll probably start the construction of whatever buildings they'll plan to erect. Hopefully it will be nice gid.

The 5 cinemas are still operational. There used to be 2 bowling lanes but now 1 is left. They repainted the mall a few months back, it looks ok ... I happen to like the messy power wires in J.M. Basa, adds up to the atmosphere.

Okay pa naman ang five cinemas a ... some of them werenot used at times due to refurbishment and upgrading pero okay pa siya.

A transformation of J.M. Basa isn't necessary. Building a new CBD or business district would be a better idea complete with underground power lines, efficient transport system and such ... Restore J.M. Basa to its former state and make it a heritage site :)
yup a lot more photos

absolutely agree .. if they want to construct new CBDs or build new malls, hopefully it will be outside the city centre na ... much better if it will be outside the city as a whole na. The city is already congested and traffic is worsening everyday. I guess next to Metro Manila, Iloilo City is the worst when it comes to traffic .. absolutely horrible during rush hours! To tell you frankly, they almost tried all traffic decongestion scheme but none of them appeals or yields better. The last one is the PBO, where only metro jeepneys can enter the city area .. but is it successful? duh ... it almost never had a single effect in lightening the heaviness of the traffic.

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 02:06 AM

I dont know .... but the website is lacking (with incomplete info, a wrong approach, and missing links all over the page) compared to other LGU websites . I contacted them about that months ago, and they did respond but it still sucks. If they hire me to make a website (for a price, of course)and maintain it... it would be a whole lot better.

I wan to contact them about my proposal but I'm afraid the webmaster might get upset about it :)

i've seen the website previously ..though there's a little improvement in the latest cjb website they have.

Chymera, try to get in touch with the administrator of this site. It's really awful! It can never give you any other informations you'll need when researching. Besides, it's too simple and walang dating ... hehehe. I've seen the contact number but i guess it would be better if there's a direct email to the webmaster. I'll try to email Mr Trenas. I don't know if he'll respond but there's no harm in trying I guess. Anyway, do get in touch with them Chy.

slerz

September 4th, 2005, 04:23 AM

Iloilo City being in the big 4 league is nothing to be excited about. It used to be the next important city outside Manila so nothing new I guess. Hope we'll maintain na lang to prosper. About naman sa city ... wahh .. it's really ridiculous! You are right to say that there are even more beautiful municiapl halls around the province compare to Iloilo City Hall .. it's kind of old, stingy, messy ... almost all the "negative adjective" there is to describe, pwede na. Are we tend to sleep in the city about this matter? Where's the new city hall proposal in the past?

You're right, we shouldn't compare our cities to others coz this is not a competition...being in the second, third or fourth is nothing, Iloilo city for me is among the three giants of the visayas, not the second not the third but these three cities are the top cities in this most developed region in our country. I hav't been to Iloilo city but in my opinion it is equally famous to Bacolod and Cebu. We are one, we should be one and we should help each other boost each of our cities economy. Long Live the three big giants of the Visayas Iloilo, Cebu and Bacolod :grouphug:

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 06:02 AM

I agree with you, slerz ... Visayas has these three giants for sure. Combine their forces as one and we can even topple down Metro Manila.

We had enough of bickering of which is which ... which is the biggest, the most progressive, the cleanest, etc ... it's passe'. Like Chymera, I rather look at the national level output than that of a city-wide or provincial level, though it's helpful and more challenging to note the progress of each one. As long as the competition is healthy, the end product will be great.

I think all these cities are gearing towards tourism boom ... hope our visitors (both local and international) will enjoy our places and places of interest and bring more investments for progress.

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 06:11 AM

http://www.wspilots.com/downloads/FS2004/Scenery/iloilo2004.jpg

found this pic while googling ... wonder if this is a perspection, a rendering, etc .... hehehe .. just try to have a look. Awesome !

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 06:23 AM

chymera00

September 4th, 2005, 10:42 AM

I am so inlove with these pictures I just found:
(from http://www.tomcockrem.com/)

La Paz Church
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/La%20Paz%20church.jpg
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/La%20Paz%20church_5.jpg

Molo Church
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/St.%20Annes%20Church%2C%20Molo_2.jpg
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/St.%20Annes%20Church%2C%20Molo_4.jpg

Mansions in Jaro
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/ancestral%20house%20in%20iloilo%20city.jpg
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/house%20in%20jaro_2.jpg
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/house%20in%20jaro.jpg

Coconut Cookies or "BIBINGKA"
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/coconut%20cookies%20on%20plaza%20libertad_2.jpg

Jaro Belfry
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/jaro%20belfry%20tower_2.jpg

Plaza Libertad
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/plaza%20libertad%20banner.jpg
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/plaza%20libertad%20monument.jpg

DTI Building
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/street%20scene%2C%20Ilioilo%20City.jpg

Miagao Church
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/miagaochurch/images/miagao%20church_4.jpg
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/miagaochurch/images/miagao%20church%20portal.jpg

chymera00

September 4th, 2005, 10:52 AM

The Philippine Investment and Development Corporation plans to cut the bidding price for the multi-million-peso Panay Railways rehabilitation project
International Railway Journal, July, 2005

The Philippine Investment and Development Corporation plans to cut the bidding price for the multi-million-peso Panay Railways rehabilitation project. The cost of the $US 658.41 million project could be cut by a third. Under the original plans, the 117km line from Iloilo City to Roxas City would have been rehabilitated, and involved the construction of 46 steel bridges. It also involves the acquisition of eight trains.

P36B for the new railway ... that's quite high. The original cost was just P21B. Regardless, the expected output is still P60B, twice its construction cost ...

ILOILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p8cd4278c14cd249488c19d637a0b6e8c/f27c9bf8.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p00dc652e2053a8f1e9146ee1729ca85f/f27c9bf7.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p1425d402c84677c5a2aa37dc4075b768/f27c9bee.jpg
or technically -->airport of international standards ...

freezing_pt

September 4th, 2005, 12:56 PM

very interesting ... I'm going to put this in my website ^^

Of course, west pa! :) Even our College of Nursing gets the same kind of attention, students from all over Western Visayas ... even from Luzon, Palawan, and Mindanao apply in Western Visayas State University for admission. Out of more than 4,000 applicants only 200 are chosen (5%). In our batch, more than half of us are either Valedictorians, Saluts, or with Honors the rest are mostly from Special Science Classes ... In the board exams, WVSU finishes with the highest passing rate (in its category) or atleast in the top 5. Same is true with St. Paul's College of Nursing, which also gets 100% passing rate.

proud to be an alum of that school...

freezing_pt

September 4th, 2005, 01:06 PM

the most congested bridge of the city ... the traffic is really heavy here anytime of the day. If you're driving around the city for business, try to avoid this bridge as much as you can ... surely, you'll be late in your appointment time, just in case.

However, this bridge is also the main artery to the centre .. from Gaisano City Mall in La Paz district .. it crosses to the following: The Metro Iloilo Water District, Iloilo Hall of Justice, the River Queen Hotel, the (upcoming-newly renovated) Castle Hotel, old Rehab Centre, The Museo Iloilo, and the Doanne Baptist Church and Seminary.

LaPaz district has great potential for development...being the nearest district to city proper...huervana st, (that area from gaisano to tha plaza near the market) have grown beyond expection in just 5-10 years...imagine, from almost being abandoned in the 90's, the area suddenly has banks, department stores, schools and hotel...

with the development of the jalandoni - hechanova st project, i hope there would be a lot more opportunities for LaPaz... that area from jalandoni bridge to gaisano city can be developed into a tourism site plus a business/commercial center... there are plans right?

freezing_pt

September 4th, 2005, 01:10 PM

P36B for the new railway ... that's quite high. The original cost was just P21B. Regardless, the expected output is still P60B, twice its construction cost ...

ILOILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p8cd4278c14cd249488c19d637a0b6e8c/f27c9bf8.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p00dc652e2053a8f1e9146ee1729ca85f/f27c9bf7.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p1425d402c84677c5a2aa37dc4075b768/f27c9bee.jpg
or technically -->airport of international standards ...

WOW...really great airport!! hope it will be finished before 2007...

ferrersky

September 4th, 2005, 01:37 PM

freezing_pt

September 4th, 2005, 01:52 PM

slerz

September 4th, 2005, 04:22 PM

I thought that this city, my hometown, was cannot compete with other cities like Cebu and Davao but it showed me otherwise. :)

This thread made me proud of being an ilonggo!!! I salute you all!!! :)

Iloilo is a progressive and a leading city and province in our country since then, how come you've said that? What do you think of Iloilo, magpapahuli? hehe

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 07:35 PM

P20.6M bridge construction in Lambunao ongoing

LAMBUNAO, Iloilo – The construction of P20.6-million 60-lineal meter Misi Modular Steel Bridge in Brgy. Misi, Lambunao, Iloilo has started.

The project is under the President’s Bridge Program - Phase II an Austrian-assisted program.

The bridging materials are a grant from the Austrian government thru the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The Iloilo Provincial Government has allocated P10.4 million as counterpart fund.

Gov. Niel Tupas graced the groundbreaking ceremony recently. The program commenced with a welcome remarks of Vice Mayor Pancho Catedral of the municipality of Lambunao.

Provincial Engineer Gracianito L. Lucero gave an overview and background of the project.

OIC-Mayor Mariano Ladegohon, former Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Vicente Ramirez, DILG Provincial Director Eliseo Orendez and Tupas gave their inspirational messages.

The governor led the ceremonial dropping of time capsule with Director Orendez, OIC-Mayor Ladegohon, Vice Mayor Catedral, Engr. Lucero and representatives from barangays Misi and Tampucao as the highlight of the ceremony.

The project is being implemented by the Provincial Engineer’s Office.

(from Panay News Online)

sandrin

September 4th, 2005, 07:35 PM

P36B for the new railway ... that's quite high. The original cost was just P21B. Regardless, the expected output is still P60B, twice its construction cost ...

ILOILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p8cd4278c14cd249488c19d637a0b6e8c/f27c9bf8.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p00dc652e2053a8f1e9146ee1729ca85f/f27c9bf7.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p1425d402c84677c5a2aa37dc4075b768/f27c9bee.jpg
or technically -->airport of international standards ...

Finally, I get to see the rendering for the new IloIlo International Airport.
Hopefully, there is more room for expansion.

Thanks Chymera

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 07:44 PM

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 07:54 PM

I am so inlove with these pictures I just found:
(from http://www.tomcockrem.com/)

Molo Church
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/St.%20Annes%20Church%2C%20Molo_2.jpg
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/St.%20Annes%20Church%2C%20Molo_4.jpg

the grand neo-classical church of St Anne in Arevalo, Iloilo City. Probably one of the sexist churches in the Philippines ... hehehe. All the saints aligning the aisle are females.

wecky

September 4th, 2005, 08:03 PM

I am so inlove with these pictures I just found:
(from http://www.tomcockrem.com/)

Mansions in Jaro
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/ancestral%20house%20in%20iloilo%20city.jpg
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/house%20in%20jaro_2.jpg
http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/house%20in%20jaro.jpg

grand in all the sense of word ... been to visit one of them already ... hehehe .. feeling ko tuloy tourist ako that time.

amras

September 5th, 2005, 06:10 AM

wow... a lot of activities going on there! and those ancestral houses are truly gems! sana maingatan siya at ma-preserve... :)

chymera00

September 5th, 2005, 12:46 PM

proud to be an alum of that school...
Cool ... When did you graduate, and what course?
I'm currently a sophomore of WVSU-CO Nursing.

haven't been to La Paz Church ... seen it while passing the plaza but never been inside the church itself. It looks grand ... hopefully, I can visit it pag-uwi ko na naman. Thanks Chy.
Me too. I just saw it last week and I was surprised that their church looks nice. Molo church and La Paz Church are my favorite churches in the City.

Finally, I get to see the rendering for the new IloIlo International Airport.
Hopefully, there is more room for expansion.

Thanks Chymera
Yes, there are a lot more room for development. Total land area of the site is 184-hectare. Wecky is the one who took the picture :) I just posted it

Man! This Thread is so cool!

I am an Ilonggo and I can feel the vibe for the improvement of Iloilo!

I thought that this city, my hometown, was cannot compete with other cities like Cebu and Davao but it showed me otherwise. :)

This thread made me proud of being an ilonggo!!! I salute you all!!! :)
Welcome to SSC! USWAG ILOILO! :)

freezing_pt

September 5th, 2005, 05:01 PM

Cool ... When did you graduate, and what course?
I'm currently a sophomore of WVSU-CO Nursing. Sa west ako nag-grad high school...ibang school na sa college...kamusta naman ang west dira, marc? hope moving forward din...

wecky

September 6th, 2005, 11:05 PM

wow... a lot of activities going on there! and those ancestral houses are truly gems! sana maingatan siya at ma-preserve... :)

i hope so, amras ... few ancestral houses are standing proud and tall still while some needs refurbishment.

about activities in Iloilo City and the province medyo marami-rami nga ... hope we can sustain the momentum.

wecky

September 6th, 2005, 11:08 PM

Cool ... When did you graduate, and what course?
I'm currently a sophomore of WVSU-CO Nursing.

wow .. there are two taga-West na di .. long live West Visayas State University !

wecky

September 6th, 2005, 11:10 PM

Me too. I just saw it last week and I was surprised that their church looks nice. Molo church and La Paz Church are my favorite churches in the City.

wow, Chymera, you give me an "ache" to see what's inside La Paz Catholic Church.

wecky

September 6th, 2005, 11:12 PM

Yes, there are a lot more room for development. Total land area of the site is 184-hectare. Wecky is the one who took the picture :) I just posted it

salamat gid Chymera for posting the pics .... more photos to come, still? ... hehehe.

wecky

September 6th, 2005, 11:21 PM

Welcome to SSC! USWAG ILOILO! :)

wow, Chymera ... I thought it was Mayor Jerry Trenas shouting .... hehehe .. great .. great gid. What a slogan ... ! Uswag gid man tuod ang Iloilo City.

wecky

September 6th, 2005, 11:25 PM

Sa west ako nag-grad high school...ibang school na sa college...kamusta naman ang west dira, marc? hope moving forward din...

forward-looking WEST, indeed ! Keep it up !

wecky

September 6th, 2005, 11:36 PM

Man! This Thread is so cool!

I am an Ilonggo and I can feel the vibe for the improvement of Iloilo!

I thought that this city, my hometown, was cannot compete with other cities like Cebu and Davao but it showed me otherwise. :)

This thread made me proud of being an ilonggo!!! I salute you all!!! :)

WELCOME, Ferrersky ! Hope you'll enjoy Iloilo's thread as we (all Ilonggos) learn the latest development, opportunities and growth of our beloved Iloilo City and province.

About the issue of competing with other cities ... I agree with you ... it was the case, not anymore. We all learn from our past ... we're all ready to face the challenge of the future.

Again, welcome gid sa imo.

wecky

September 6th, 2005, 11:39 PM

ako man sang first ko nga kadto diri...this forum is really amazing! keep posting and share with us your views and visions for iloilo

we shared typical Ilonggos intuition ... but we're all been challenged by this/these thread/s .. showing that we are regaining our old glory back .. again.

wecky

September 6th, 2005, 11:41 PM

Iloilo is a progressive and a leading city and province in our country since then, how come you've said that? What do you think of Iloilo, magpapahuli? hehe

you're right, slerz. It's a challenge gid sa amon nga mga Ilonggos.

wecky

September 6th, 2005, 11:51 PM

ILOILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p8cd4278c14cd249488c19d637a0b6e8c/f27c9bf8.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p00dc652e2053a8f1e9146ee1729ca85f/f27c9bf7.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p1425d402c84677c5a2aa37dc4075b768/f27c9bee.jpg

wow .... 2007 is far too long .... can't wait !

wecky

September 6th, 2005, 11:55 PM

Capitol vows more welfare programs
for women, kids

ILOILO – The provincial government will continue to support social welfare programs by providing livelihood and skills for women and upholding their rights and their children.

This Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada announced during the Semi-Annual Staff Development Seminar of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) attended by Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers.

To seminar aimed to heighten public awareness specifically on violence against women and children.

Atty. Elena Gerochi, Assistant Provincial Prosecutor, tackled this topic. Republic Act 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act was signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on March 8, 2004 and took effect on March 27, 2004.

RA 9262 defines violence against women as any act committed by any person against a woman who may be wife/former wife, or with whom the abuser has or had a sexual/dating relationship, or with whom the abuser has a common child; or the woman’s child, whether legitimate or illegitimate.

The acts include those committed within or outside the family residence and result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, economic abuse, threats of such act, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or deprivation of liberty.

Some of the violence against women and their children discussed were physical violence, sexual violence (rape, sexual harassment, acts of lasciviousness, treating the woman or her child as sex object, making demeaning and sexually suggestive remarks, physically attacking the sexual parts of the victim’s body, forcing the victim to watch obscene publications and indecent shows, forcing the victim to do indecent acts and/or make films thereof, forcing the wife and mistress / lover to live in the conjugal home or to sleep together in the same room with the abuser, and prostituting the woman or her child, among others);

Physical violence, on the other hand, may include intimidation, harassment, stalking, damage to property, public ridicule / humiliation, repeated sexual abuse, marital infidelity and unwanted deprivation of the right to custody and/or visitation of common children, among others); economic abuse (preventing the victim from engaging in any legitimate profession, occupation, business or activity, deprivation of financial resources and the right to conjugal, community or property owned in common and destroying household property or controlling the victim’s own money or properties.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

September 7th, 2005, 12:06 AM

One-Man Photo Exhibit by Francis Dela Cruz
By Wein P. Gadian

Lake Tahoe: A signature photo of de la Cruz. A scene of Symmetry and nature's serenity.
Photography is often associated with the camera. Although no one knows for sure when a camera-type device was first discovered, the camera obscura (Camera = Latin for “room”, Obscura = Latin for “dark”) became popular among Renaissance artists who used it to trace the image projected by light shining through a tiny hole. On one hand, we owe the word “Photography” to Sir John Herschel in 1839, the year the photographic process became public. It was derived from the Greek words for light and writing. Two distinct scientific processes were combined to make photography possible. The first of these processes was optical (Camera Obscura). And the other is chemical (usage of chemicals in developing).

The earliest photographic recordings were architechtural and landscape scenes. By 1840, when techniques had improved and exposure times were shortened, Portrait photography became fashionable. Since that time, photography has become an important tool in many fields, with sophisticated techniques and equipment continuing to evolve. From a simple camera obscura, a manual type camera to a highly advanced digital camera.

Nowadays, photography is much easier for everyone. It has become leisure to most people. Though anybody can take pictures, photography is something with a much deeper meaning. It is an expression of emotions. Photographers give life to these special moments and capturing it in one single shot. As what Tommy Page (singer and poet) once wrote “Pictures are frozen captured moments in true life.”

Everything in photography matters, from aesthetic, angles, substance to composition and more. A photographer doesn't stop by mere colors; he moves on to make those pictures more alive. Like the works of Francis dela Cruz, an award-winning member of Photographic Society of Iloilo (PSI). Francis who's been in the field for almost 18 years finally said yes to his first ‘One Man Photo Exhibit'.

The PSI was founded in 1980 by Bert Ong of Newpost Supply. It started as an association that expressed love and appreciation of beauty through camera. The Hall of Fame awardees are Dr. Vic Pido, Atty. Paul Go, Mr. Napoleon Sy, Mr. Allan Fajardo, Atty. Bert Ong, Mr. Daniel Justiniani, Dr. Rodolfo Jara-Mesa, Dra. Therese Robles, and Mr. James Trimañez. The PSI has photo display centers at Hotel del Rio, St. Paul's Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital and the Atrium.

The Photo-Artist

'Captured Moments' with the Photo-artist, his afmily and closest friends.
Having a father, Francisco ‘Paking' dela Cruz, whose passion was his cameras, it was not hard for Francis and his brother Gabby to also enjoy the field. Paking was the sole distributor of Canon Camera in Iloilo and the owner of Photografo Iloilo. He is also the founder and owner of Republic Promotions (billboard and outdoor advertising).

With his dad's influence, his zeal for photography started during his high school years. Now, he spends most of his time in his business (signs, billboards, company IDs) and still creating beautiful pictures with his camera. His brother Gabby, the publisher of Philmap Travel and Leisure Magazine also features his pictures (the latest carries Candelaria Photos). This bi-monthly magazine is distributed by National Bookstore nationwide.

The Photo Exhibit

The Photo Exhibit at Newpost Supply, Gen Luna.
As his first photo exhibit, dela Cruz makes us feast in the ‘moments' of his works. The pictures which were taken mostly from his family's travels convey life's drama. From the simplicity of things, the serenity of nature to the whirlwind changes of time. “Immortalize the moment, freeze the scene. If you love photography, try to make sure you don't take anything for granted. Savor the moment as you play with angles to make the picture beautiful.”

The One-Man Photo Exhibit at Newpost Supply in Gen. Luna Street which started in August will end on September 9. Take time and visit this one of a kind photo exhibit.

(from The News Today Info Online)

wecky

September 7th, 2005, 12:42 AM

Iloilo City: Home to More Than the Biscocho
Reinerio Alba

A quick look at the fact sheet provided by the Department of Tourism’s Region VI Office reveals that Iloilo city is an “educational center” with five universities, two medical schools and 14 (imagine!) others offering tertiary education. The DOT fact sheet also offers that Iloilo has the oldest existing educational institution—Jaro’s Colegio de San Jose (1872), as well as the oldest public elementary school in the country—Molo’s Baluarte Elementary School founded in 1905 by Rosendo Mejica, the same person whose house had been turned into a museum.

Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro, down Gen. Hughes highway, was built by the Spaniards in the early 1600’s and was attacked by the Dutch, British, American, Japanese troops. The Fort, these days, has become no more than a promenade area for both young and old, much like Manila’s Roxas boulevard. Across from it lay quietly the Guimaras islands, purported to be the island of the sweetest mangoes in the whole of the country.

Museo Iloilo
Museo Iloilo was designed by Ilongo architect Sergio Penasales, the same architect who did Antique’s Barbaza Catcholic Church --the church that was said to have the “most modern architectural style in the whole province of Antique.” Museo Iloilo’s permanent exhibit covers the cultural history of Western Visayas from prehistory to contemporary history. Inside is the carbon-q4 dated fossils, the swords and spears of the Mondo tribe of Panay, and the permanent exhibit showing an Ati family. What could surprise any visitor is the santo entiero or the dead Christ with a white hanky around its head. It looks so much like a preserved body of a dead person especially with the shriveled skin at its shoulders.

Houses and Bamboos
Visit the Carmelite Missionaries (CM) Bamboocraft at 2 Jereo St., at La Paz. The store is a joint effort of the Carmelite Missionaries and the Bishops’ Business Conference of Iloilo. Most of its workers are out-of-school youths from Dungon in Jaro, and from La Paz itself. Their products include Christmas decors, pendants, wine holders, hand-made paper cards from bamboo skins, and the nativity or belen sets depicting the Holy Family as Filipinos inside a typical nipa hut.

Nelly's Garden
Nelly’s Garden, still along General Luna highway, can get anyone curious because it is all painted in white, and is situated at the end of an expansive garden. The place is, in fact, for rent.

The more interesting house is the Sanson y Montinola Antillan house, a block away from Nelly’s. The house is reminiscent of the Gaston house in Silay, Negros Occidental. The similarities can be explained by the fact that most of the rich families of Iloilo, at one point, all transferred to Bacolod, instigated largely by the spirit of unionism that had workers clamoring for reforms.

The Case of the Growing Statue
The Jaro Cathedral is among the churches in the country that has its belfry separated from it -- across from it, sandwiching the highway, and historically, was used as a “lookout” tower for sea raiders. The historical marker of the church states, among others, that Philippine hero Graciano Lopez-Jaena was baptized there.

The Jaro Cathedral is the first and only cathedral in Panay built in 1864. A high point in the history of the cathedral was the visit of Pope John Paul VI, conducting a mass in 1982.

Jaro itself has an interesting story: the town’s old name is Salog from the Salog river. For unknown reasons the Spaniards changed it to Jaro. One would want to visit Jaro again in February when its traditional fiesta of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria happens, which is said to rival the grand fiesta celebration in Molo.

Visitors nowadays can go up to a kind of loft at the front of the Jaro cathedral where an icon of a Madonna and child, approximated to be at least five feet, is located. It is encased in glass and is dressed in typical cape. It even has a large white choker around its neck. The image is supposed to be miraculous and is originally sheltered further up in a small niche atop the churchfront. Over the years, the icon is supposed to have grown in size, and when it could no longer fit the niche, it had to be brought down, hence its current location.

The Magdalena Jalandoni House and West Visayas Writers
Visitors to Iloilo City should not miss the Magdalena Jalandoni house. Jalandoni (1891-1978) is regarded as the “Grande Dame of Hiligaynon Literature,” and was the first to receive the Republic Cultural Heritage Award for Literature in 1969. The University of San Agustin, in celebration of its 50th year, also recently published her book titled Labi sa Bulawan, a three-act play written in 1932 that was toured in the various schools in the province of Iloilo. Interestingly, she wrote her first corrido when she was ten and her first novel Ang mga Tunok sang Isa ka Bulak when she was 16, an age when most girls were just waiting to charm their princes.

The house, which looks like a castle, is heavily protected with barb wires. But one needs to notify the keeper of the house, Jalandoni’s niece, days in advance, to get a visit clearance. Jalandoni’s contemporaries include novelist Angel Magahum, poet Delfin Gumban, poet Serapion Torre, poet-translator (from Spanish) Flavio Zaragoza Cano, essayist-journalist Rosendo Mejica, zarzuela masters Jose Ma. Ingalla and Jose Ma. Nava, playwright Miguela Montelibano, essayists Augurio Abeto and Abe Gonzales, the young novelist Ramon L. Musones, and the poet Santiago Alv. Mulato. The triumvirate of Gumban, Torre and Zaragoza Cano also ruled it out for years in poetry, their rivalry often magnified by the public balagtasan or poetic joust.

Thanks to EDSA Revolution of 1986, there is now an emergence of Kinaray-a writing along with Aklanon writing, and multilingual writing in the West Visayas region. The prestigious Palanca Awards has, in 1997, also included Hiligaynon short story, alongside that of Cebuano and Iluko, among its categories.

Important young writers in West Visayas today include (Hiligaynon) Alicia Tan-Gonzales, Peter Solis Nery, Edgar Siscar, Resurreccion Hidalgo, Alfredo Siva, Alain Russ Dimzon; (Kinaray-a) Ma. Milagros C. Geremia Lanchica, Alex C. de los Santos, John Iremil E. Teodoro, Jose Edison C. Tondares, Maragtas S. V. Amante, Ma. Felicia Flores; (Aklanon) Melchor F. Cichon, Alexander C. de Juan, and John E. Barrios.

Visitors can set out next to the nearby Biscocho Haus, located along Lopez-Jaena street. The store offers kinihad, banana marble, angel toast, paborita, ugoy-ugoy, pulceras, pacencia. It is interesting how specialty stores in the country become “hauses” as attested to by the store across from it—Squid Hauz.

Visitors to the nearby Graciano Lopez-Jaena house could be in for a disappointment. There is just the historical marker and a vacant lot behind the wall. One could not help but wonder how one of the country’s hero, or for that matter, his descendants, could not have left any decent house. It is ironic that across it stood the much-preserved building of The Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.

The Church of 16 Women Saints
An Iloilo City tour is not complete without a visit to the nearest church—the Molo church. The historical marker reveals that it is home to sixteen women saints. Even our National Hero Jose Rizal had to see this place for himself en route to Dapitan. Inside, lining up the church on both sides are sixteen women saints in various iconic representations: St. Monica holding a bloody heart, St. Margarita crushing a dragon-like creature, St. Clara with a chalice, St. Lucia holding out a plate with her eyes in it, St. Isabel de Hungria with flowers abloom on her skirt, and St. Magdalene with a skull, among others.

A brief walk down Osmeña street leading to Oton would lead one to the Arevalo House of Weaving where one could find sinamay cloths. Its current owner is Cecilia Gison Villanueva, great granddaughter of the sinamay house’s pioneer—Capt. Victorino Chavez.

The Arevalo house is a two-story well-kept old house and at the first floor, one can spot a hundred-year old loom and a worn out vintage black Chevrolet. At the same floor is Mama’s Kitchen, which sells great cookies, and is owned by Corona Villanueva de Leon, Cecilia’s daughter.

When it comes to Ilonggo food, visitors to Iloilo are always advised to have a meal at Breakthrough in Arevalo and Tatoy’s Manukan in Villa Beach. Breakthrough is the famous seafood restaurant that could seat a thousand on weekends. Order a plateful of crabmeat, bangus, shrimps, and scallops, each sweet from the freshness. The best thing about eating at Breakthrough is that it is located by the shore so one could be relaxed into eating by the soft sound of the sea forever returning to the shoreline. Where Breakthrough is known for its fresh seafood, Tatoy’s piece de resistance is chicken. The place could seat a total of 2,000 people on a full day and is also located by the shore. It earns the reputation of serving the tastiest chicken in town.

For more on Iloilo, visit www.iloilo.net/dot

(from : http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about_cultarts/articles.php?artcl_Id=3)

Virtute

September 7th, 2005, 09:15 AM

http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/house%20in%20jaro_2.jpg
This is Rodrigo Montinola's old house. His niece lives in that house now. I've been in this house since it's my aunt's house. Very high ceiling, lots of antiques furnitures, my great great grandfather's table is still there (storage), it's very long btw and over 150yrs old (older than the house itself). My great grandfather's dining chairs are still there. Also, one of the original rooms had a blackend floor, the japanese in WWII tried to burn this house before leaving during the liberation, fortunately the house was saved in time.

http://www.tomcockrem.com/library/asia/philippines/iloilo/images/ancestral%20house%20in%20iloilo%20city.jpg
If I'm not mistaken, this is the Sanson y Montinola Antillan house (Alfredo Sanson married to Matilde Jalandoni Montinola).

chymera00

September 7th, 2005, 04:40 PM

Sa west ako nag-grad high school...ibang school na sa college...kamusta naman ang west dira, marc? hope moving forward din...
Its ok here ... still generally "conservative" ;), as what most perople perceive. Yey may kasama na ako na taga-west :)

wow, Chymera ... I thought it was Mayor Jerry Trenas shouting .... hehehe .. great .. great gid. What a slogan ... ! Uswag gid man tuod ang Iloilo City.
Wahaha, I just got this from the myriads of billboards, in the city ... "Uswag Iloilo" - Mayor Jerry Tenas . What a waste of tax payer's money :)

chymera00

September 7th, 2005, 04:41 PM

wecky

September 7th, 2005, 10:17 PM

Capitol announces local, overseas employment

ILOILO City – The EEI Corporation through Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) coordinator Francisco Heler announces local and overseas employment.
For staff positions, the following are needed:

• SUPERVISORS – equipment, quality control, boiler, HVAC, instrumentation, insulation, mechanical, painting, piping, plumbing, rigging, tankage, welding;
• ENGINEERS – HVAC, instrumentation, mechanical, piping, architect, mat’l cont’l, stress technician, welding, surveyors, design and cost, quantity surveyor, planning & control, cost engineer, cad operator, electrical;
• SUPERINTENDENT – welding, architectural, boiler, civil high rise, HVAC, instrumentation, mechanical/millwright/piping, plumbing, rigging; and
• FOREMEN – warehouse, architectural, boiler, instrumentation, insulation, tankage, equipment, stress relieving, scaffolding, rigging, mechanical, welding, fabrication.

For skilled workers, the following are needed: boilermaker, rigger, instrument fitter, instrument technician, sandblaster, tankfitter, millwright, structural fitter, pipefitter, building industrial electrician, tig-welder, pipewelder, scaffolder, steelworker, tinsmith, plate welder, mechanical fitter, sheet metal worker, crane operator and high/low voltage term’r.

Qualified candidates may apply in person or send their comprehensive resumé with their transcript of records, certificate of employment and training, passport (if any) and recent 2x2 picture to: EEI Corporation, Attn: Troy DC Tablante or Jerry C. Dimabayao or call Mr. Francisco Heler at tel. no. 3200110.

Interview will be conducted on Sept. 21-23, 2005 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Iloilo Sports Complex, Magsaysay Village, La Paz, Iloilo City. No fees will be collected.

(from panay news Online)

wow ... another added income for the gov't due to (OFWs) remittances, I guess. More to come?

wecky

September 7th, 2005, 10:19 PM

Capitol’s annual prov’l tree planting set in Lambunao

ILOILO – The West Visayas State University – College of Agriculture and Forestry (WVSU-CAF), formerly known as the Iloilo National College of Agriculture (INCA) in the municipality of Lambunao, will be the venue of the 6th “Piyesta Sa Kakahuyan” on September 24, 2005.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Sol Sucaldito said the Iloilo Watershed Management Council (IWMC) chaired by Gov. Niel Tupas has chosen the WVSU Lambunao campus to be the site of this year’s Piyesta sa Kakahuyan because the municipality is one of the areas covered by the Upper Jalaur Watershed.

The Piyesta Sa Kakahuyan is a yearly tree planting activity of the provincial government. It is being held every second Saturday of September in a fiesta-like atmosphere. This is participated in by the provincial and city government workers, non-government organizations (NGOs), government agencies, academe and other stakeholders.

Primarily, this aims to awaken and constantly remind Ilonggos of the value of properly managed forests and watersheds.

Since it started in 2000, three watershed areas of the province have been the sites of the celebration.

For the first three years, it was held in the Maasin Watershed in Brgy. Daja, Maasin and in 2003, in Tigum-Aganan Watershed in Brgy. Bucari,Leon.

Last year, the celebration gave focus on the importance of another watershed resource in lowlands when it was held in the five-hectare mangrove project of the province in Brgy. Culasi, Ajuy.

This year’s Piyesta sa Kakahuyan will take off with a caravan starting at the area in front of the Coca-Cola plant in Ungka, Pavia to WVSU-CAF Lambunao campus to be followed by a program.

A site-tour of the Mari-it Conservation Park will be an added activity on that day after the tree planting.

On the way back to Iloilo City passing Calinog town, participants will have a chance to visit the water treatment plant of the Passi Sugar Central in Passi City, Iloilo.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

September 7th, 2005, 10:21 PM

Ilongga wins nat’l meat processing contest

ILOILO City – An Ilongga received national recognition when she won the 8th National Meat Processing Contest held in Animal Product Development Center, Department of Agriculture, Valenzuela, Metro Manila on August 16, 2005.

Ma. Lani G. Gedaya of Igcocolo, Guimbal utilized buffalo (carabao) meat and banana blossom (puso saging) as main ingredients in her recipe called Cara Blossom Burger.

Gedaya, former teacher, is a member of Rural Improvement Club (RIC) an active barangay-based organization of model women in the Province of Iloilo.

Envisioned to uplift the living standard of the women in their area, the club initiated various projects and activities making rural women as effective partners in the community’s sustainable development.

Gedaya acquired her skills and knowledge through trainings and seminars on cooking demonstration conducted by the Provincial Agriculture’s Office.

She said the club augmented their families’ income, which helped them send their children for better education, and also helped the development of the barangay and the city as a whole.

Gedaya received P10,000 cash prize and a microwave oven.

The contest was participated in by 10 regions in the country. The 2nd place went to Zamboanga (Region IX) and 3rd place to Bicol (Region V).

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

September 7th, 2005, 10:23 PM

“Ilonggoanay” trade fair on Sept. 8-11

ILOILO City -- Local products of the micro entrepreneurs here in this city will take center stage in the forthcoming micro-enterprise trade fair dubbed “Ilonggoanay” Ilonggo-First Trade Fair 2005 on September 8 to 11, 2005.

DTI-Iloilo Director Diosdado Cadena, in a radio interview, said the four-day trade fair will give the community-based micro-scale producers in this city the opportunity to showcase and promote their homegrown products.

“The trade fair is called Ilonggoanay which means Ilonggo first or Ilonggo first and foremost anything else”, disclosed Cadena.

He said that 34 micro-entrepreneurs have already signified their participation in the trade fair. “The set-up of the exhibit will be by district, so all the micro-entrepreneurs in the six districts of the city will be encouraged to participate and sell their products during the fair.

Cadena noted that Iloilo is famous for its good food like its delicacies. He said that almost all the six districts of the city have their own distinct products to feature and promote. “Jaro district is famous for its biscocho, Molo district for its pancit molo and Lapaz district for its Lapaz batchoy which is known all over the country while Arevalo district is also noted for its good food like its lechon manok, “Cadena said.

Other products that will be on display are novelty items, woodcraft, handicrafts, souvenir items, food preserves and many more.

The exhibit will be held at the SM City Iloilo Lower Ground Level and will be formally opened on the morning of September 9. The project is an initiative of the office of Councilor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Chairman of the Iloilo City Task Force on Economic Promotion and supported by the Office of the City Mayor, DTI, SM City and the H.A.L.I.G.I. Foundation, Inc.

“Through this exposure these micro-entrepreneurs might be discovered and eventually will become big and become substantial contributors in the country’s economy, “said Cadena.

The project is also in line with the city’s “One barangay-One product” program to attain the economic vision of the city to be a Premier City by 2015.

To recall, one of the priority livelihood programs of the present administration is the One Town One Product-Philippines (OTOP-Philippines) to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. This is patterned after Japan’s One Village One Product (OVOP) project. OTOP has already been established in Thailand, Vietnam, Malawi, Cambodia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Indonesia as an effective tool of poverty alleviation particularly in the rural areas.

Under the OTOP program the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises are encouraged to produce and market distinct products or services using indigenous raw materials and manpower. The local chief executives are tasked to take the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage.

(from Panay News Online)

freezing_pt

September 8th, 2005, 01:40 PM

Its ok here ... still generally "conservative" ;), as what most perople perceive. Yey may kasama na ako na taga-west :)

tama yun...conservative talaga as most ilonggos are...pero yung tama lang nga pagka-conservative...pero yung gusto ko talaga dyan talaga sa west ay yung quality education nila...i must admit nagamit ko talaga yung natutunan ko dyan nung nag-college na ako...not only sa lessons kundi sa mga approach sa life/studies...cramming ang leisure, etc...enjoy college life marc, you'll surely miss it kung magtatrabaho ka na...haba naman nito...

im glad din to know na from west ka rin...hehe...

wecky

September 8th, 2005, 07:24 PM

wecky

September 8th, 2005, 07:31 PM

Water no longer a problem for Ilonggos

WATER will no longer be a problem for people in the first and second districts of Iloilo. With the Regional Development Council endorsement of the Water Supply System Projects for funding under the KfW of the Government of Germany Water Supply, this dream of water will now become a reality.

The water projects are being implemented by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) as part of the Provincial Town Water Supply Program, a loan agreement with the KfW of the Government of Germany aimed at upgrading the water supply system of about 100 small water districts all over the country. It is also part of the ten-point agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to provide potable water to barangays.

The water projects in the first district and one in the second district will get a total of P44,040,259. The three projects in the first district include Igbaras Water Supply system with P16, 873,259, the Miagao Water Supply System Improvement P8, 000,000 and the Tubunagan Water Supply system at P 8,686,000. For the second district, the Zarraga Water Supply Expansion Project was endorsed with P 10,481,000.

The Igbaras Water Project will have initially service 587 service connections. It will include the construction of two deep wells, construction of a pumping station, a hypo chlorinator, 2040 transmission lines and reservoir.

For its part, the Miagao water project will serve 441 service connections and will include infiltration gallery, a concrete elevated reservoir, a concrete ground reservoir, a pumping station and 10,380 meters of transmission and distribution pipelines.

The water project of Tubungan will serve a total of 49 unmetered service connections in three barangays It will have two well sources, two pumping stations, 1.8 kms of transmission pipeline and 5.73 kms of distribution line, water disinfection facilities and the rehabilitation of the existing marginal communal water supply system.

The Zarraga Water District will benefit Three hundred ninety-nine consumers. The project will include two wells, an elevated concrete reservoir and a total of 16,273 transmission/distribution pipelines serving nine barangays.

The four projects are expected to start soon. (PR/PIA)

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

what a great news, indeed ! Hopefully they'll speed up the implementation of upgrading these water districts surrounding the city. magnifico !

wecky

September 8th, 2005, 07:36 PM

Lambunao: Land of waterfalls
By Anna Razel L. Ramirez and Randy Madrid

LOCATED at the center of Panay, Lambunao spreads on a 40,708.55-hectare land that creates an enchanting landscape of verdant hills and valleys embellished with nature's gift of beauty and abundance. Adding luster to these countryside charm are the many waterfalls and cascades that pour towards the different river ecosystems that give life to agriculture - particularly rice, coffee, bananas, and rattan which are the prime products of the community.

Cradling one of the last ecological frontiers in the island of Panay, Lambunao, with its lush forest cover, provides refuge to various floras and faunas endemic to the area. Its mountain villages are also home to indigenous peoples, who, to these days, keep a distinct culture and oral literature.

The town of Lambunao probably got its name from the "lambunao" or "Lambuyao" tree that thrived abundantly in the area in the past. However, the most popular yale in the naming of the town came from how the territory belonging to a certain Datu Tumangas, was called by the Spaniards as "Lambunao" after coining the terms "nagapanglambu sa linao" meaning "fishing in the lake by means of hook and line."

Lambunao began as a small settlement of Malunod, then under the leadership of a Babaylan named Tapar. The Spaniards built a chapel but later transferred it near Lambunao Creek then called Balikatkaton (now Daanbanwa). They called the new site Lambunao, which was then placed under the religious jurisdiction of Laglag (Duenas today).

Daanbanwa however was not an ideal site for the future town because of the annual flooding of the Ulian River. Thus, the future town was finally placed in the area among the natives at Daraiton (the present town site). The place was ideal and strategic because it stood on a plateau of some 467 feet above sea level.

It was in 1880 when the construction of the Roman Catholic Church began and was finished ten years later. The townfolks officially chose St. Nicolas de Tolentino as the town's patron saint. Lambunao figured prominently during the Philippine Revolution against Spain. It was considered as the stronghold of the revolutionary bandit named Oto Valentin, who according to local accounts, built a formidable and defensive fort in the area of Tinagong Dagat. Popularly known as the "entrenchera", it was believed by many to have also been the refuge of Gen. Martin Delgado during the war.

From 1904 to 1911, Lambunao was politically governed by the Municipal Mayor of Janiuay and it was on Dec. 13, 1911 when it gained its town status.

Lambunao plays a major role in spurring the educational growth of the Third Congressional District of Iloilo with the presence of the West Visayas State University's two branches - the College of Agriculture and Forestry and the Lambunao east Branch which offer Masters degrees and college courses in the areas of agriculture, forestry and technology.

The newly built Yamato International School promises to bring in international scholars that will collaborate with local researches in upgrading agricultural productivity.

Lambunao plays host to the largest Hornbill Breeding Facility in the world in its Mariit Conservation Park under the auspices of the WVSU and the DENR. In its care are 51 of two critically endangered hornbill species, the Dolongan (Visayan Writhe Hornbill) and Panay Tariktik Hornbill.

The Conservation Center also provides resources for the breeding of white spotted deer, native pikoy - "Dangag" (Racquet Tail Parrot), and wild boar, among other endangered species.

The municipality has also been identified as the District Agricultural and Industrial Center (Daic) for the 3rd District of Iloilo recognizing its role in the agricultural and industrial development of the province. Complementing this status are the presence of the Pupanta ARC (Pughanan, Panuran and Tampucao Agrarian Reform Communities, the Cattle Breeding Station in Brgy. Balagiao and the many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that thrive in the town.

In thanksgiving for all the blessings and good harvest the Lambunaonons received throughout the year, the municipality, headed by their energetic Mayor Ignacio Ramirez and the parish under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Borong Ablona, will join hands in the celebration of their Municipal Fiesta, this Saturday, September 10.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

http://www.geocities.com/siba_ph/LamLake.JPG
The Tinagong Dagat of Lambunao, Iloilo

wecky

September 8th, 2005, 07:42 PM

more on Tinagong Dagat ... visit this site :

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.geocities.com/siba_ph/LamLake.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.geocities.com/siba_ph/Lambunao.html&h=350&w=493&sz=26&tbnid=sGZdK9tfNxYJ:&tbnh=90&tbnw=127&hl=en&start=2&prev=/images%3Fq%3DLambunao,%2BIloilo%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 12:13 AM

http://visayas.up.edu.ph/images/dorms.jpg

dormitories in UP Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 12:16 AM

http://www.buenosairespe.com.ar/images/miagao.jpg

grand, is it ?

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 12:17 AM

http://www.buenosairespe.com.ar/images/miagao.jpg

grand, is it ?

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 12:21 AM

http://www.miagao.org/images/pi04.jpg

pista sa nayon ... lovely, Miag-ao !

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 12:29 AM

http://childrenofmiagao.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/culturalapprglobe2.gif

While googling, I found this one site authoured by Mr Cordero. Visit the website on how to help children of Miag-ao.

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://childrenofmiagao.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/culturalapprglobe2.gif&imgrefurl=http://childrenofmiagao.tripod.com/&h=244&w=233&sz=25&tbnid=VGgP9zbwKwoJ:&tbnh=105&tbnw=100&hl=en&start=24&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmiag-ao%26start%3D20%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DN

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 12:39 AM

http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pototan-iloilo/image/seal.JPG

Welcome to the Christmas Capital of Western Visayas

Pototan, Iloilo

check this link for pictures: Compliments of IWAG Photo Gallery

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://iwag.pototan.8m.com/images/lagoon.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.iwag.pototan.8m.com/photo.html&h=348&w=542&sz=49&tbnid=kBsfJdv1o5EJ:&tbnh=83&tbnw=130&hl=en&start=3&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpototan%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 12:49 AM

http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa13/pototan_puisto4.jpg

one of the most beautiful plazas in the province of Iloilo is in Pototan. Come and see !

Here's a link for more pics; (thanks to the author)

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa13/pototan_tie2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa13/pototan_uk.html&h=402&w=591&sz=108&tbnid=sZuvbdo5n40J:&tbnh=89&tbnw=132&hl=en&start=19&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpototan%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DN

Virtute

September 9th, 2005, 02:59 AM

wow, lovely pics, Virtute ... i've seen the last one pero ang first diin ini siya? very antiquated, yes ? ... haunted, no ... hehehe. Once last year, when we passed along the Sanson y Montinola house, there's a party .. wonder what's inside .. all lights on gid .. windows opened .. and damo taho. Kung wala lang ako nahuya, tani nag-crash na lang ako ... hehehe.

Rodrigo Montinola's house is near the corner of Jaro Plaza and just in front of the PNB bank if I can remember. Not sure if it's haunted, I did not stay there for long.

chymera00

September 9th, 2005, 07:16 AM

Rodrigo Montinola's house is near the corner of Jaro Plaza and just in front of the PNB bank if I can remember. Not sure if it's haunted, I did not stay there for long.

Yes it the house which had a tall wall of boungainvilla (excuse the spelling :) ) but they cut it recently. It is right beside the Evangelist Church (the first Evangelist Church in the Philippines).

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 10:29 AM

Chy, first try ko posting the pics ... hehehe

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005111.jpg

The ILOILO FREEDOM GRANDSTAND

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 10:32 AM

The newest bridge in town .. connecting Iloilo City Proper and La Paz District.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005059.jpg

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 10:42 AM

Rodrigo Montinola's house is near the corner of Jaro Plaza and just in front of the PNB bank if I can remember. Not sure if it's haunted, I did not stay there for long.

PNB Jaro is facing the Regional PRC now .. probably you are referring to BPI Jaro (formerly Far East Bank) ... is this the same house the has been transformed into a resto ? Correct me if I'm wrong .. I'm just not so sure what I'm talking about ... hehehe.

chymera00

September 9th, 2005, 10:54 AM

PNB Jaro is facing the Regional PRC now .. probably you are referring to BPI Jaro (formerly Far East Bank) ... is this the same house the has been transformed into a resto ? Correct me if I'm wrong .. I'm just not so sure what I'm talking about ... hehehe.
Not really transformed but there is a 2 story bar/restaurant just beside it.

The sizes of the pics are okay, but if you want to scale them down. Just click
edit" and click on "75% of original", "50% of original", or "25% of original", then click "resize".

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 11:11 AM

furthering agri dev't in the province ...

BIO-N fertilizer seen to increase corn yield – DA

ILOILO City – The Department of Agriculture VI (DA-6) sees an increase in corn harvest this cropping season as the government takes more interest in pushing for the use of BIO-N technology.

Regional Technical Director for Operations, Sofronio A. Parohinog, said the government is focusing on enhancing corn production in Western Visayas with the introduction of substantive technologies like BIO-N.

BIO-N is Bio-Nitrogen, a microbial fertilizer for corn. It is used to convert the nitrogen from air into ammonia and fix at equivalent 40 kg of Nitrogen per hectare.

Parohinog said a farmer can easily use the BIO-N technology by simply mixing or coating the seeds of corn with BIO-N mixture. With the continuous use of BIO-N, growth and density of roots improve. BIO-N lessens the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer by 50-75% aside from the fact that it is very easy to use, offers no harmful effect to the environment and minimizes loss of harvest due to corn borer attack, thereby, increasing corn yield.

DA Chief of the Soils Laboratory, Helen Maquiling, said in applying BIO-N, corn seeds are placed inside a container and moistened with water, just enough to allow BIO-N to stick to the seeds. A drop of sticker to the water is recommended to enhance the moisture.

One pack of BIO-N is mixed into 3 kg of corn seeds until the seeds are evenly coated.

Maquiling also said that the inoculated seeds should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Instead, they should be kept in a cool place until use. The inoculated seeds should then be drilled in the planting hole covered with soil.

She further said that the inoculated seeds should not be brought in direct contact with inorganic or chemical fertilizer.

She added, however, that although many farmers can attest to the efficacy of the BIO-N fertilizer, other equally important factors also matter, like enough supply of water for seed germination, the selection of corn seeds and the microelements present in the soil to provide balanced effect for crop growth.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 11:15 AM

wow .. are we really apt to it ?

City girds for 2005 reg’l clean and green contest

ILOILO City — The city government is preparing for the 2005 Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran (GPK) regional clean and green competition.

The regional evaluation team is expected to visit the city anytime this month. Meanwhile, the pre-evaluation is ongoing in all barangays and other strategic areas here.

Among the sites expected to be rated by the regional evaluating team are the City Hall building, the different city public markets and government schools, the Calajunan dumpsite, slaughterhouse and the city’s nurseries. The evaluation will be done through ocular inspections, spot interviews and review of pertinent documents.

Among the criteria to be evaluated are: physical conditions of the built-up areas which include general cleanliness and urban space greening; support systems provided by the city government on programs and projects on cleanliness, greening, solid waste management, health and sanitation program and the other related efforts on functional structure, equipment and manpower, budgetary requirement and monitoring and enforcement mechanism; and community mobilization and civil society’s participation in environmental protection and management.

The GPK-Clean and Green contest is an annual event that is particularly aimed at improving the nation’s environment. The activity will enable local government units and their respective constituencies to maintain and sustain the cleanliness of their surroundings.

In an earlier statement, city mayor Jerry P. Treñas stressed that maintaining cleanliness and greening the metropolis should not only be practiced because of the forthcoming competition. Cleaning and greening should be a regular activity for the good of the city and its residents, he said.

Meanwhile, Treñas is expected to issue an executive order creating the various committees that will handle the different aspects of the city’s preparation for the competition anytime soon. Last year, the city emerged the winner in the regional level.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 11:17 AM

Chy, are you attending this one?

‘Ilonggoanay’ trade fair kicks off

ILOILO City – Local products of micro-entrepreneurs in this city take center stage in the ongoing micro-enterprise trade fair dubbed “Ilonggoanay” Ilonggo-First Trade Fair 2005.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Iloilo Director Diosdado Cadena said the four-day trade fair, from September 8 to 11, will give the community-based micro-scale producers here the opportunity to showcase and promote their homegrown products.

“The trade fair is called Ilonggoanay which means Ilonggo first and foremost anything else,” disclosed Cadena.

Some 34 micro-entrepreneurs signified their participation in the trade fair.

“The set-up of the exhibit will be by district, so all the micro-entrepreneurs in the six districts of the city will be encouraged to participate and sell their products during the fair,” Cadena said.

He noted that Iloilo is famous for its good food particularly its delicacies. He said almost all the six districts of the city – City Proper, Jaro, La Paz, Molo, Mandurriao and Arevalo -- have their own distinct products to feature and promote.

“Jaro district is famous for its biscocho, Molo district for its pancit molo and La Paz district for its La Paz batchoy which is known all over the country, while Arevalo district is also noted for its lechon manok,” Cadena said.

Other products on display are novelty items, woodcraft, handicrafts, souvenir items, food preserves among others.

The exhibit is held at SM City Iloilo Lower Ground Level and is formally opened today.

The project is an initiative of the office of Councilor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Chairman of the Iloilo City Task Force on Economic Promotion, and supported by the Office of the City Mayor, DTI, SM City and the H.A.L.I.G.I. Foundation, Inc.

“Through this exposure, local micro-entrepreneurs might be discovered and eventually will become substantial contributors in the country’s economy,” said Cadena.

The project is also in line with the city’s “One barangay-One product” program to attain the economic vision of the city to be a Premier City by 2015.

It should be noted that one of the priority livelihood programs of the present administration is the One Town One Product-Philippines (OTOP-Philippines) aimed to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. This is patterned after Japan’s One Village One Product (OVOP) project.

OTOP has already been established in Thailand, Vietnam, Malawi, Cambodia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Indonesia as an effective tool of poverty alleviation particularly in the rural areas.

Under the OTOP program, the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises are encouraged to produce and market distinct products or services using indigenous raw materials and manpower. The local chief executives are tasked to take the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 11:23 AM

28th PAL Intersports reels off

AN estimated 1,000 sports enthusiasts from 10 cities, including Houston, Texas and Sydney, Australia, will see action this weekend as the 28th PAL Intersports reels off Friday afternoon at the Iloilo Sports Complex.

Johnny Young, president of the Los Amigos de Iloilo and chairman of the organizing committee, said these players, mostly business executives and entrepreneurs, will compete for honor and pride as they square off once more in golf, tennis, basketball, ten-pin bowling, badminton and billiards.

"This yearly tournament will bring together the corporate honchos and businessmen from these cities in a friendly competition that is filled with fun and camaraderie," Young said Thursday as the teams started arriving in Iloilo City.

The tournament sponsored by Philippine Airlines will formally commence at 2 p.m. Friday with a parade and opening program at the Iloilo Sports Complex.

City Mayor Jerry Treñas will be the guest of honor during the program.

The participating teams are the Bomberos de Davao, Cagayan de Oro Executives, Houston-Texas, Los Amigos de Iloilo, Los Caballeros de Zamboanga, Los Hermanos de Heneral Santos, Los Jefes de Cebu, Manila Executives, Negros Executives and Sydney-Australia.

"With nearly 1,000 participants, this year's edition of the PAL Intersports is probably the biggest we have had in recent years," Young said.

Young said this tournament will also give local tourism a big boost as the players are executives and businessmen who will spend a lot of time seeing the sights in the city and province.

"This will also help promote investments, as their short stay here will expose them to the economic activities taking place in Iloilo and could very well motivate them to look closer for investment opportunities," Young said.

The events will be played at the Sta. Barbara Golf and Country Club (golf), ISC Covered Gym (basketball), Lapaz Tennis Club (tennis), Gaisano Mall (ten-pin bowling), Shooters Billiards and Bar at Amigo Mall (billiards) and City Sports on Benigno Aquino Ave. (badminton).

A fellowship night is also scheduled Friday night at the Iloilo Business Hotel at the Kimwa Complex for all the participants. (PR)

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

Virtute

September 9th, 2005, 11:23 AM

Not really transformed but there is a 2 story bar/restaurant just beside it.

The sizes of the pics are okay, but if you want to scale them down. Just click
edit" and click on "75% of original", "50% of original", or "25% of original", then click "resize".

The house still belongs to Estela Montinola Jaen. If you guys still remember Aurora Subdivision next to San Agustin Univ., that belonged to her mother Aurora Virtu Montinola of Jaro. Here's a pic I took a few years ago. From where I took the pic, is the driveway of PNB or BPI, can't remember which bank now. Maybe it is BPI as wecky says, I thought it was PNB.

http://www.montinola.org/pics/skyscrapers/jaro/tita_estelas_house.jpg

I'd like to share some family pics of some of the old families of Jaro:
Aurora Virtu Montinola
http://www.montinola.org/pics/skyscrapers/jaro/aurora_virtu_montinola.jpg

Estela Montinola Jaen:
http://www.montinola.org/pics/skyscrapers/jaro/estela_montinola_jaen.jpg

chymera00

September 9th, 2005, 11:25 AM

wow .. are we really apt to it ?

City girds for 2005 reg’l clean and green contest

ILOILO City — The city government is preparing for the 2005 Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran (GPK) regional clean and green competition.

Among the sites expected to be rated by the regional evaluating team are the City Hall building, the different city public markets and government schools, the Calajunan dumpsite, slaughterhouse and the city’s nurseries. The evaluation will be done through ocular inspections, spot interviews and review of pertinent documents.

I don't were up to it. I just went to the city a few minutes ago, its a mess. Only nice places are Gen. Luna St. andDiversion Road.

Chy, are you attending this one?

hehe, no. lol

Grabeh, I was riding a jeepney earlier along Robinson's Place. I was shocked when I turned my head. The 2 lane St., became a 4-lane, Hehe. The space between each jeepney was like an inch or so :D

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 11:26 AM

Yan pala .. I know where it is na .. I am referring to a different antillan house .. and Virtute, it is not PNB or BPI .. I think it's RCBC Bank Jaro-Plaza branch ... thanks for the recent pic .. it really cleared my mind. Cheers!

mhe-ann

September 9th, 2005, 11:28 AM

@wecky, thanks for the photos. nice. :)

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 11:34 AM

I don't were up to it. I just went to the city a few minutes ago, its a mess. Only nice places are Gen. Luna St. andDiversion Road.

not a good news at all ... we need more street sweepers around the city. The city's waste managment is really poor. Somehow, it improves a little bit recently but not so much to polish the street of the metropolis.

hehe, no. lol

hehehe .. thought you have a good local product to offer as well (just joking). I read the article differently ... i thought they are talking about micro-entrepreneurs, not specific to one-product etc scheme.

Grabeh, I was riding a jeepney earlier along Robinson's Place. I was shocked when I turned my head. The 2 lane St., became a 4-lane, Hehe. The space between each jeepney was like an inch or so :D

hahaha ... I thought they built an extra invisible lane ... maayo gid ang mga drivers dira ... sulod man gihapon bisan gamay pa. Traffic really is worsening nowadays ... amidst rising of fuel? hmmm ...

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 11:36 AM

@wecky, thanks for the photos. nice. :)

thanks, mhe-ann ... it's a blind try ... hahaha. I'll post some more pics in the next few days.

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 11:39 AM

29th Milo Marathon Reg'l eliminations start Sunday
By Reynan G. Sularan

HOST Iloilo City is excited and all set for the 29th Milo Marathon Regional Eliminations on Sunday where 4, 060 running buffs will participate.

Joe Espinosa III, chairman of the Iloilo City Sports Council, said different committees have already met Friday to settle and finalize their respective deployment and assignments for the grandest running event in the Philippines.

Espinosa added that their main concerns are traffic, racecourse and medical communications. He also advised the public to cooperate as regards the traffic.

Espinosa is happy with the overwhelming support from different schools, sports associations, local government units (LGUs) and private groups on the second year that the Milo Marathon was held here.

The sports office of Mayor Jerry Treñas announces that registration for the three categories - 3K, 5K and 21K - is already closed. He challenges those who did not make it on the registration period to register early next year as the city is being promoted as the sports tourism destination in the country.

There are 900 runners in the Kiddies Run, 3,000 in 5K and 160 in 21K.

The race will start at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and will start at 6 a.m. Cash prizes and trophies will be at stake and top three 21K finishers will get a ticket to join the full marathon national finals in Manila. As side events, there will be Cheer dance Competition. Biggest School Competition and Inter-School Running Team Competition will be up for the grabs.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

chymera00

September 9th, 2005, 12:17 PM

The house still belongs to Estela Montinola Jaen. If you guys still remember Aurora Subdivision next to San Agustin Univ., that belonged to her mother Aurora Virtu Montinola of Jaro. Here's a pic I took a few years ago. From where I took the pic, is the driveway of PNB or BPI, can't remember which bank now. Maybe it is BPI as wecky says, I thought it was PNB.

http://www.montinola.org/pics/skyscrapers/jaro/tita_estelas_house.jpg

I'd like to share some family pics of some of the old families of Jaro:
Aurora Virtu Montinola
http://www.montinola.org/pics/skyscrapers/jaro/aurora_virtu_montinola.jpg

Estela Montinola Jaen:
http://www.montinola.org/pics/skyscrapers/jaro/estela_montinola_jaen.jpg
oohh ... tried to open subfolders in Montinola.org but restricted ung access, lol. Virture, are you the one maintaining your family site?

chymera00

September 9th, 2005, 12:29 PM

Bridging the Gap
By Henry F. Funtecha

Post–war marine fishing in Iloilo
The end of the Second World War ushered an important era in the development of the fishing industry in Iloilo. Faced with the problem of shortage of food, the country had to develop its industries, especially fishing. Due to an acute insufficiency of fish supply, prices became unreasonably high and many enterprising businessmen shifted their attention to catching fish.

In Iloilo, fish potentials were especially rich. Marine fishing continued to constitute the primary part of the daily chores of the coastal residents. The municipalities of Banate, Estancia, Carles, the Guimaras Strait, Panay Gulf, and the Iloilo Strait are notable fishing grounds. In fact, because of its abundant supply of fish and other marine products, Iloilo earned the title as ‘Alaska of the Philippines' from the early 1900s to the 1950s.

Marine fishing in Iloilo is of two types: The commercial or deep-sea fishing and sustenance fishing. The major grounds for commercial fishing boats of three gross tons and over are the Iloilo Strait, Guimaras Strait, Panay Gulf, and Visayan Sea.

Unlike other fields, marine fishing boats had relatively no need for rehabilitation after the war. In contrast to agricultural lands, the marine waters are intact. The only problem of the fishing industry by this time was the proliferation of dynamite fishing. It was also practiced before the war, but only on a limited scale considering the scarcity of explosives. But during the war and the early part of the post-World War II period, large quantities of gunpowder became available and commercial blast fishing was undertaken by many unscrupulous fishermen. Constabulary intelligence records showed that explosives were smuggled almost every week from Luzon to various points in the Visayas and Mindanao. These explosives eventually reached the hands of small-time fishermen in the barrios. According to the same sources, illegal fishing was rampant in well-known fishing grounds such as Estancia and Carles.

A post-war innovation in the industry was the use of war-surplus generators. The innovative Filipino fishermen accepted the surplus U.S. Army generator engines and installed them on their fishing crafts. This installation of engines further depleted Iloilo's marine resourses. On the other hand, this innovation paid off as it allowed fishing boats to reach more distant fishing grounds. Thus, previously isolated coastal communities were now given access and fishing industry developed in many communities which heretofore knew of it as a primary subsistence activity.

There were several new outfits introduced in the fishing industry of the province after the war. The “payaw” which was introduced in the late 1950s by the Cebuano fishermen who plied the Antique waters where there were plenty of corrals serving as fish shelter.

Another new fishing outfit introduced in Estancia in the early 1950s was the “largarete.” The “largarete” was an engine powered single banca, 35 feet long without riggers.

Another indication that the industry was picking up momentum at this time was the fact that there were already several boat-builders, 42 carpentry shops specializing on fishing equipment and 69 fish driers and preservers in Panay during the early 1950s. In 1971, there were 150 fishing boats registered in the entire province with an aggregate gross tonnage of 4,130,127 involving a total investment of P8,069,579 and directly employing 1,793 fishermen.

Also in the early 1970s, the prevalent fishing gears or methods employed were the trawl, bagnet, purse seine, “lawag” , and around hawl seine.

Traffic violations in city soar
Metro traffic authorities are not letting up on their campaign against ill-disciplined motorists and drivers and have apprehended a total of 5,095 licenses for various offenses in the month of August.

In a latest report reaching Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, the Traffic Management and Engineering Unit (TMEU) license in-charge Rafaelito Jamolo said the apprehensions were made from the period August 1 to 31, 2005, and brought in a total of P289,730.00 in fines to the city coffers. In comparison, the January 2001 arrests yielded only P100,730.00 in penalties, the TMEU reported.

The TMEU report likewise mentioned that the most number of apprehensions were done last August 30, 2005 with 401 apprehended drivers.

Jamolo also stated that to date, July has registered the most number of apprehensions with 5,518 drivers fined and P301,890.00 collected.

The August figures brought the number of apprehensions since January 2005 to 38,218 which resulted in fines collected by the city amounting to a whopping P2,115,760.00.

Meanwhile, the Mayor congratulated the TMEU for their unceasing campaign against wayward road users and said that the only way to instill discipline is to make these users realize apprehensions will continually be made without exception. (Eireen Manikan/PIO)

Foreign funded water projects in Iloilo OK'd
The Regional Development Council recently endorsed several Water Supply System projects for the first and second districts of Iloilo for funding under the KfW of the Government of Germany.

The water projects to be implemented by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has a total funding of P44,040,259. The three projects in the first district include Igbaras Water Supply system worth P16,873,259, the Miagao Water Supply System Improvement worth P8,000,000 and the Tubunagan Water Supply system worth P 8,686,000. For the second district, the Zarraga Water Supply Expansion Project was endorsed with P10,481,000.

The Igbaras Water Project would initially serve 587 connections. It will include the construction of two deep wells, construction of a pumping station, a hypo chlorinator, 2,040 transmission lines and reservoir.

On the other hand, the Miagao water project would serve 441 service connections and will include infiltration gallery, a concrete elevated reservoir, a concrete ground reservoir, a pumping station and 10,380 meters of transmission and distribution pipelines.

Tubungan's water project would serve a total of 49 unmetered service connections in three barangays It will have two well sources, two pumping stations, 1.8 kms of transmission pipeline and 5.73 kms of distribution line, water disinfection facilities and the rehabilitation of the existing marginal communal water supply system.

The Zarraga Water Supply System would benefit three hundred ninety-nine consumers. The project will include two wells, an elevated concrete reservoir and a total of 16,273 transmission/distribution pipelines serving nine barangays. (PIA6)

chymera00

September 9th, 2005, 12:31 PM

Traffic violations in city soar
Metro traffic authorities are not letting up on their campaign against ill-disciplined motorists and drivers and have apprehended a total of 5,095 licenses for various offenses in the month of August.

In a latest report reaching Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, the Traffic Management and Engineering Unit (TMEU) license in-charge Rafaelito Jamolo said the apprehensions were made from the period August 1 to 31, 2005, and brought in a total of P289,730.00 in fines to the city coffers. In comparison, the January 2001 arrests yielded only P100,730.00 in penalties, the TMEU reported.

The TMEU report likewise mentioned that the most number of apprehensions were done last August 30, 2005 with 401 apprehended drivers.

Jamolo also stated that to date, July has registered the most number of apprehensions with 5,518 drivers fined and P301,890.00 collected.

The August figures brought the number of apprehensions since January 2005 to 38,218 which resulted in fines collected by the city amounting to a whopping P2,115,760.00.

Meanwhile, the Mayor congratulated the TMEU for their unceasing campaign against wayward road users and said that the only way to instill discipline is to make these users realize apprehensions will continually be made without exception. (Eireen Manikan/PIO)
Iloilo is the province with the highest collected fines for traffic violations yet it ironical that it also has the worst traffic situation :)

chymera00

September 9th, 2005, 12:35 PM

ILOILO IN FOCUS
Lambunao: Land of Waterfalls
By Anna Razel L. Ramirez & Randy Madrid
Photographs by Ramon B. Ramirez

http://thenewstoday.info/20050909/dolongan.jpg
Dolongan (Visayan Writhe Hornbill)

Located at the center of Panay, Lambunao spreads on a 40,708.55 hectare land that creates an enchanting landscape of verdant hills and valleys embellished with nature's gift of beauty and abundance. Adding luster to these countryside charm are the many waterfalls and cascades that pour towards the different river ecosystems which give life to agriculture – particularly rice, coffee, bananas, and rattan which are the prime products of the community.

Cradling one of the last ecological frontiers in the island of Panay, Lambunao, with its lush forest cover, provides refuge to various floras and faunas endemic to the area. It's mountain villages are also home to indigenous peoples, who, to these days, keep a distinct culture and oral literature.

http://thenewstoday.info/20050909/maasinfalls.jpg
Maasin falls

Lambunao plays a major role in spurring the educational growth of the 3rd Congressional District of Iloilo with the presence of the West Visayas State University's two branches – the College of Agriculture and Forestry and the Lambunao east Branch which offer Master's degrees and college courses in the areas of agriculture, forestry and technology. The newly built Yamato International School promises to bring in international scholars that will collaborate with local researches in upgrading agricultural productivity.

Lambunao plays host to the largest Hornbill Breeding Facility in the world in its Mariit Conservation Park under the auspices of the WVSU and the DENR. In its care are 51 of two critically endangered hornbill species: Dolongan (Visayan Writhe Hornbill) and Panay Tariktik Hornbill. The Conservation Center also provides resources for the breeding of white spotted deer, native pikoy - “Dangag” (Racquet Tail Parrot), and wild boar, among other endangered species.

http://thenewstoday.info/20050909/lambunao1.jpg

The municipality has also been identified as the District Agricultural and Industrial Center (DAIC) for the 3rd District of Iloilo recognizing its role in the agricultural and industrial development of the province. Complementing this status are the presence of the Pupanta ARC (Pughanan, Panuran and Tampucao Agrarian Reform Communities, the Cattle Breeding Station in Brgy. Balagiao and the many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that thrive in the town.

http://thenewstoday.info/20050909/lambunao2.jpg
Mahangin Falls (Cabatangan)

In thanksgiving for all the blessings and good harvest the Lambunaonons received throughout the year, the Municipality headed by their energetic Mayor Ignacio Ramirez and the Parish under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Borong Ablona will join hands in the celebration of their Municipal Fiesta, this Saturday, September 10, 2005.

Virtute

September 9th, 2005, 01:45 PM

oohh ... tried to open subfolders in Montinola.org but restricted ung access, lol. Virture, are you the one maintaining your family site?

lol I'll be updating it in the next few weeks. I had the family site up 4yrs. ago and just getting back to it. Wait until you see the family tree, its like reading the "who's who" in Iloilo and Bacolod since many known Ilonggo families are on the list (Lopezes, Benedictos, Ledesmas, Jalandonis, Aranetas, Luzuriagas, Lacsons, etc, etc).

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 08:04 PM

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 08:22 PM

Chusuey donates 2 more school buildings

ILOILO City – Businessman and philanthropist Henry Chusuey is donating two school buildings for the La Paz I Elementary School and Manon-manoc Elementary School in Boracay Island.

His donation in the popular island resort is through his company, the Boracay Regency Beach Resort, Inc.

The President of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Panay Inc. since 1995, Chusuey had previously donated school buildings to the following schools:

• Baluarte Elementary School (1990)
• Mabini Central Elementary School (1991)
• Montes Elementary School (1994)
• Jalandoni Elementary School (1997)
• Arevalo Elementary School (1999)
• Batuan Kadinglian High School in Oton (2002)
• Balabag Elementary School in Boracay (2000, through Boracay Regency Beach Resort, Inc.)

Donating school buildings is the main project of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Panay Inc. Giving Christmas packages to thousands of Ilonggo indigents is another.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

September 9th, 2005, 10:25 PM

City halls sets economic briefing with businessmen

ILOILO City—The cty government will sponsor a conference dubbed Economic Outlook 2005 on September 15, 2005 at the Grand Ballroom inside Amigo Terrace Hotel.

“The forum will give us an overview of this region’s and the country’s current economy.
Further, this will help us identify other coping mechanisms to survive with the crisis,” Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said as he extends the invitation to everybody.

The forum was conceptualized after the country was confronted with the continuous downward trend of peso valuation and the inevitable increase in oil prices.

According to Treñas, like anybody, Iloilo businessmen were also affected by the depressing situation.

“We could no longer tolerate this. The city depends on taxes that they (businessmen) are paying the city government. Our tax collection will also be affected,” the mayor said.

National Economic Development Authority’s Chief Economic Development Specialist Atty. Raul Anlocoton will brief the participants of the region’s economic situation.

Other speakers for the forum include Dr. Peter U, dean of the School of Economics of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UAP); Victor Abola, program director of the Strategic Business Economics program of the UAP; and Winston Padojinog, senior economist, UAP.

The forum is in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iloilo, Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Panay, Iloilo Business Club, Inc., Iloilo Multi-Sectoral Business Organization, Iloilo Investments and Incentives Board and Philippine Retailer’s Association of Iloilo.

(from Panay News Online)

chymera00

September 10th, 2005, 05:23 AM

Virtute

September 10th, 2005, 06:56 AM

wow ... you listed few of the most famous names in Iloilo and Bacolod, indeed. Grabe .... Lopezes in Iloilo are still there though their businesses are mostly concentrated in Manila now. Benedicto ? I haven't heard much about him lately. Is he the one famous for throwing money from the helicopter at the hype of sugar boom during Marcos era ? .. Benedicto's was purely based in Bacolod, I guess. Ledesma .. hmmm .. halfly in Iloilo and Bacolod. Jalandoni remains in Iloilo, for sure. Aranetas of Iloilo move to Manila already ... remember Sen Roxas .. is he one of the heirs of Araneta Centre ? Luzuriagga, I believe are still in Iloilo up to now while Lacson are divided bet Iloilo and Bacolod, moreso in Bacolod, I guess.

Hi wecky, when I mentioned the Benedictos, Roberto Salas Benedicto (who got rich or most likely "richer" because of illegal dealings with the Marcoses) doesn't come to mind. That is not the Benedictos I imagine. Sadly, due to the reputation of Roberto S. Benedicto, when people hear the name Benedicto, they think of Roberto which is sad. I may be related to him since my great great grandmother was a Benedicto hence they are on the family tree lists but I have no contacts with the other Benedictos except from the Montinola side. The Benedictos are one of the old rich families of Negros if I can remember being mentioned owned 12 haciendas at one time and have their own Coat of Arms originating from Spain. But yeah all these Ilonggo families mentioned are all over the place now. The Luzuriagas I'm related to are from Bacolod. I dont know of any in Iloilo, hence Luzuriaga St. in Bacolod.

Many of the ilonggos who grew up Manila surprisingly still speak ilonggo due to their parents speaking it at home. I know that Bianca Araneta can speak ilonggo although I don't know her family history, I'm just assuming she didn't grow up in Iloilo. I have many cousins who grew up in Manila but speak ilonggo fluently although a few of them probably have visited Iloilo or Bacolod once or twice in their lives.

freezing_pt

September 10th, 2005, 10:37 AM

The newest bridge in town .. connecting Iloilo City Proper and La Paz District.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005059.jpg

Just wondering...bakit kaya yung bridge (jalandoni bridge) at yung mga roads na ginagawa sa iloilo ay maliliit pa rin, one lane lang...d ba alam naman na ng lahat na isang problema sa city yung maliliit na kalye...just asking...dapat wider roads and bridges naman...at sana yung makakakaya yung mas mabibigat na tonilada ng loads...i mean...yung ibang city ay mga steal bridges ang pinapagawa...anyway...kahit papano ay thankful pa rin tyo sa mga developments sa ating siyudad...

ferrersky

September 10th, 2005, 10:57 AM

freezing_pt

September 10th, 2005, 12:06 PM

Flamboyant Lopez billionaire dies penniless at 74
First posted 05:08am (Mla time) Sept 09, 2005
By Hazel P. Villa
Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the Sept. 9, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

(First of two parts)

ILOILO CITY -- He was the city's flamboyant billionaire for over a decade. By the time he died of a brain aneurysm at the age of 74 this week, he was penniless.

On days when he felt like he owned the world, Fernando "Junjie" Javellana Lopez Jr. would tell aides to hitch his two Arabian horses to a white iron-wrought "Cinderella" carriage and he would go around historic Jaro Plaza to the fascination of Iloilo City's residents.

When he wanted to pretend he was a high-rolling Hollywood star, the third of the six children of former Vice President Fernando Lopez Sr. would take his 28-foot-long white Lincoln Town Car stretch limousine and hie off to the city's most expensive hotels to wine and dine his friends.

His birthday celebrations were equally legendary for their bacchanalian proportions held in one of his many luxury homes -- with New Year-style fireworks, flowing drinks, heaping plates of food, and mah-jongg marathons enjoyed by his friends and hangers-on from all walks of life.

The man known for his eccentric lifestyle and frankness quietly left his colorful world on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the Iloilo Mission Hospital.

His favorite nephew, Alberto "Tito" Lopez III, said aides brought his uncle to the hospital in the morning of Aug. 25 after he felt ill and was barely conscious in the staff house at the Lopez-owned University of Iloilo in Pavia town, 10 km west of Iloilo City.

Junjie couldn't hang on and fell into a coma the following day after doctors performed the first of two surgeries to remove a blood clot in his brain.

He quietly passed away Tuesday only 30 minutes after his younger brother, former Representative Alberto "Albertito" Lopez II of Iloilo's second district, left his bedside with other family members.

Darling of the masses

Like a comet, the bachelor Junjie became particularly prominent in Iloilo's society scene and became a darling of the masses when he inherited part of the P1.2 billion that his father had left him and his siblings upon the Lopez patriarch's death on May 26, 1993.

"I was deprived in my younger days," Junjie told the Inquirer in past articles, to explain his almost obsessive display of ostentatious wealth.

Born into a family of old wealth that lorded it over the sugar bloc in the pre-Marcos years, Junjie said he had a strict father who would tell his children to keep quiet and demanded complete obedience.

Enjoy

Fun would come only when the family traveled abroad. Allowances were strictly controlled and were just enough for basic needs, said Junjie who, in the same breath, said he admired his father's business and political acumen.

Fernando Sr. served as Vice President under President Elpidio Quirino (1949-53) and Ferdinand Marcos (1965-69 and 1969-72).

A lawyer who graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in 1925, Fernando Sr. helped his older brother Eugenio manage the family businesses that included Iloilo-Negros Air Express Co. (the first Filipino-owned air service), Iloilo Times, Manila Chronicle and ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

"Junjie was brought up by his authoritarian father. He was supposedly the heir to the Nacionalista Party which his father helped build, but in the end, he just wanted to enjoy life," said Martin Soriano, Panay News columnist and Iloilo's chronicler of high society.

Junjie, in previous conversations, said his father did all to "straighten me out." He said he was sent to a military school in the United States but was not able to last a year. He shifted to agriculture so he could help manage the family's vast landholdings on Panay and Negros islands.

But after getting part of the Lopez patriarch's billions as his inheritance, Junjie was like a dam that burst and couldn't control the joie de vivre that he had long suppressed.

Lavish lifestyle

In the late 1990s all the way to 2000, Junjie's lavish lifestyle earned him reams of newsprint and hours of airtime in local and national media.

At one time, he had more than 1,000 fighting cocks "housed" in a breeding farm in Iloilo since cockfighting was one of his pastimes.

Every time he won or was simply on the verge of winning, he would throw around wads of peso bills in the Jaro Coliseum and all hell would break loose as the "great unwashed" scampered to pick up the P10 to P100 bills.

He also had his foul moods. When his favorite fighting cock lost or was killed, he would sulk and leave his throne-like, custom-made chair at the cockpit.

Otherwise, he freely gave money to anyone who asked him.

Heavy withdrawals

The Bank of the Philippine Islands in Jaro, near the Lopez colonial mansion where Junjie stayed for a time before he got his inheritance, accommodated the mink-clad Lopez scion more than three times a week when he would withdraw hundreds of thousands of pesos in money bags.

He set the whole city and the media in a frenzy of criticism when during the Asian financial crisis of 1997, he unmindfully drove around the city's narrow streets in his newly bought stretch limo from the US that reportedly cost P8 million, excluding freight charges.

"But it is my own money," he defended himself then, a little bewildered over all the brouhaha he was causing.

At his wealthiest, Junjie owned condominiums in Manila, four luxury homes in posh Southville in Molo District, three in Villa District, and one each in Guimaras, the Iloilo town of Cabatuan, and in Kalibo town, Aklan province.

He owned a fleet of 10 cars, mostly of the latest models, and two classic Mercedes Benzes.

Alex Jimogaon, a trusted aide, said Junjie gave away some P5 million a month to people who asked for money.

"He complained about it (the giving) but he kept on giving them money. He would tell them off but they kept on coming back, and he kept on giving," said Jimogaon in Hiligaynon.

Asked why he didn't put his money in a trust fund for proper management, Junjie said it was because he wanted to give his money to the poor when they asked for it. (To be concluded tomorrow)

His wealth gone, Junjie said he had become closer to God

First posted 02:49am (Mla time) Sept 10, 2005
By Hazel P. Villa
Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on page A19 of the September 10, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

(Last of two parts)

ILOILO CITY-FLAMBOYANT BILLIONAIRE Fernando "Junjie" Javellana Lopez, who died at age 74 this week, was generous to a fault.

"Tito Junjie had a personal touch with people be they rich or poor. He was candid but kind," said Mian G. Zayco, whose mother Sara Gemora Zayco is a second cousin of Junjie's on the Lopez side.

Junjie, the third of six children of former Vice President Fernando Lopez Sr., was the type who would say, "I like being with the poor, with the ordinary folks. High society has illusions of grandeur," conveniently forgetting that he was high society himself.

In 2000, he transferred to the huge "Boat House," a mansion shaped like a ship owned by his uncle Eugenio Lopez Jr. in La Paz District.

By his 70th birthday on Feb. 4, 2001, he, of the Lincoln stretch limo and luxury cars, the thousands of fighting cocks, multicolored mink coats, several mansions and hundreds of pets, was wealthy no more.

Gone were the social climbers, politicians, gatecrashers, the uninvited and clamoring masses who thronged around him every time he threw wads of peso bills in the air as he did in previous birthday celebrations.

What used to be an ostentatious birthday celebration for Junjie had turned into a "simple party" and a day of meditation on vanity and the vagaries of the wealthy life gone wrong. That year, all he had was a little more than P1 million in the bank, "and some property."

Man in red

His 70th birthday was the last time he allowed the public to take a peek at his birthday celebration. The Inquirer was there to celebrate with him. Junjie wore green pants and a loud red shirt under a red vest. His shoes were leather, and not his favorite pair that had Mickey Mouse ears jutting out.

He entertained only two groups of friends plus various individuals who went in and out his Villa home. Like his previous birthday celebrations, Junjie planned to sleep in a hotel while the party at his Villa reached its peak two hours before midnight.

But this time, instead of going to the city's top hotel, Junjie's limousine drove him to a "middle class" hotel. And unlike the previous year when men of all persuasions stayed up to midnight waiting for him to arrive hoping to curry favor from the birthday boy, there was no one at the hotel.

Junjie almost threw a tantrum because the coffee shop was already closed and the limousine had left.

"Let's walk all the way to a hotel that's open 24 hours," said a miffed Junjie. He refused to take a cab.

So off we went to the nearest top hotel, about three blocks away. Our small coterie-with Junjie in red-slowed down a few cars.

Drivers craned their necks to see if it was indeed the owner of "that limousine" walking in the dead of night in the middle of an almost-deserted street.

"Ano, 'Noy, napierde sa bulang? (What, you lost in the cockfight?)," asked a policeman in a patrol car that we passed by.

Junjie answered back: "Waay a, gapahangin-hangin lang (No, just getting a breath of fresh air)."

Closer to God

After several minutes of walking, Junjie was tired. The patrol car had been following us and the policemen asked Junjie to get in. He hopped in and was sandwiched between his security aide and a cop.

Anyone who didn't know Junjie would think he was a vagrant.

The policemen dropped off Junjie at the top hotel where at close to midnight, he ordered a round of dinner-famished by all that walking and discussions on lost wealth and vanities.

He claimed that with his wealth almost all gone, he had become closer to God. He had Bible studies in his Villa every Friday evening and had done away with vices, like gambling and betting on fighting cocks.

"I am more at peace now because I do not have to worry about maintaining dogs, horses, cars and bodyguards. I am also not as irritable or angry. Having too much wealth can be a headache," Junjie had said.

After his self-inflicted fall from financial grace, Junjie said he knew who his real friends were. And they included the policemen who escorted him back to the waiting patrol car that drove him back to his "middle-class" hotel.

On March 2, 2001, the Inquirer again visited Junjie at his home at Villa Beach. It had been stripped bare of luxury trappings, such as bric-a-brac from abroad, dolls and other collectors' items that he dearly loved. Even some cabinets and some furniture were sold.

The luxury cars that used to line the entrance and occupied the garages were no longer there.

By then he had sold four of his huge houses in Southville, where Junjie held parties for anything he found worthy of celebrating, including the arrival of his favorite basketball stars.

Also gone were the numerous bodyguards who carried his bags, put on his shoes and did anything at his beck and call.

He admitted that he had mismanaged his finances and did a lot of browbeating over his "generosity and extreme kindness."

Alex Jimogaon, a trusted aide, claimed there was one month in 1998 when Junjie gave away a total of P8 million to people who asked him for money. Heavy withdrawals went on for almost five years and drained the coffers of Junjie, he added.

Junjie himself said he had never invested in any business unlike his cousins, the children of Eugenio Lopez Sr., his father's only sibling.

"My father has not prepared us for work and reality. He just made us sit in a corner and we had people doing things for us. But he gave us a good education," said Junjie, an agriculture graduate of Cavalier University in California.

Jimogaon added that Junjie had a long record of having been duped by people he had trusted. These ran the gamut of household help, close-in aides, "money guards," property caretakers, "friends," businessmen and close relatives.

Equal in death

Before 2001 ended, Junjie had sold his Villa House as well as his limo.

"That (limo) is my status symbol. Without it, I am nothing," he had said.

He transferred anew, this time to a staff house of the family-owned University of Iloilo in Pavia because most of his cold cash and assets were already drained from mindless spending.

His nephew Alberto III said the Lopez family foundation gave his uncle allowances and paid for his food, medicines and daily needs on top of the allowances his siblings gave him.

Like his siblings, Benito and Mita, before him, Junjie will be accorded due respect befitting a Lopez scion. He is survived by elder sister Yolanda Lopez Pe¤a, and younger brothers, Albertito and Emmanuel.

His remains lie at the family colonial mansion in La Paz and will be cremated in Cebu City on Saturday, as decided upon by the Lopezes who did not give reasons for the cremation.

One can only imagine how Junjie himself would have wanted to go. Surely, it would be in high style and somehow, one can almost hear him say in that unmistakable raspy urgent voice, "but we are all equal in death, aren't we?"

chymera00

September 10th, 2005, 01:45 PM

Just wondering...bakit kaya yung bridge (jalandoni bridge) at yung mga roads na ginagawa sa iloilo ay maliliit pa rin, one lane lang...d ba alam naman na ng lahat na isang problema sa city yung maliliit na kalye...just asking...dapat wider roads and bridges naman...at sana yung makakakaya yung mas mabibigat na tonilada ng loads...i mean...yung ibang city ay mga steal bridges ang pinapagawa...anyway...kahit papano ay thankful pa rin tyo sa mga developments sa ating siyudad...
Exactly my sentiments! They should've constructed atleast 2lanes on both sides because once its already connected to diversion traffic there will be great.
Hiyo! It's me again! I'm just asking for your opinion: will there be a possibility that Iloilo will have skyscrapers in the future, or is it too far'fethed? And another is: will there be a possibility that we will be handling either regular or seasonal flights in our Int'l Airport (Airport of Int'l Standards)?

Lastly does anyone of you have any idea when is the target date for the starting of the construction of Ayala Center Iloilo?
:weirdo: me!!!
Some people say, a building more than 8floors cannot be constructed in the city because the land is too soft to build on (since Iloilo City was once and still is a swampland), but ofcourse with a little bit of engineering it can be pulled off. I'm sure skyscrapers or atleast low-rises will be built around 5-10years in Mandurriao, once the old airport is bidded off, and possibly in nearby towns like Pavia, Sta. Barbs, or Leganes.

If you mean domestic regular or seasonal flights, then absolutely. If international regular or seasonal flights ... then that's the plan, right? Built an International Airport in Iloilo so foreign toursits can have better access to tourist spots in Panay Island incl. Boracay and Guimaras

So far, we have no idea yet about the exact opening of the Ayala Center Iloilo. Since Ayala has not made an official announcement of the project, maybe it is still in the planning phase.

slerz

September 10th, 2005, 04:07 PM

Exactly my sentiments! They should've constructed atleast 2lanes on both sides because once its already connected to diversion traffic there will be great.

Some people say, a building more than 8floors cannot be constructed in the city because the land is too soft to build on (since Iloilo City was once and still is a swampland), but ofcourse with a little bit of engineering it can be pulled off. I'm sure skyscrapers or atleast low-rises will be built around 5-10years in Mandurriao, once the old airport is bidded off, and possibly in nearby towns like Pavia, Sta. Barbs, or Leganes.

thats what they think... Once, here in Cebu several scientists say that Cebu is not capable to have tall bulidings coz of the low quality of soil (limestones, clays) in the island.
but as the engineers studied the different areas in the city, they said that ther is no danger to build tall buildings in Cebu, its upto the building owners to strenhthen the foundation of their buildings (above standard).
Now there are more than 30 high rises in the city.
North Reclamation area in Cebu City is a kangkongan or marshland when it wasn't developed yet but now several high rises and a huge mall (SM City) are standing in the area.
There in Iloilo, once there is a plan of building a scraper in the city, there will be more studies and researches that will be conducted and ways for the buildings to be built.

valium

September 10th, 2005, 09:32 PM

Cebu business moving forward despite oil shocks, EVAT concerns

Cebu’s business community continues to move forward despite the additional burden of the oil price shock and the expanded value added tax (EVAT), a local business chamber official said.

Jose Mari T. Bigornia, a board trustee of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce Inc. (CCCI) and president of Cebu Partners Committed to Environmental and Economic Management Foundation Inc. (PCEEM), said the business climate in Cebu remains conducive to key industries, among them tourism and information and communications technology (ICT).

"These are expected to carry the province of Cebu in the immediate future," he stressed.

Among the main drivers in the ICT sector are software development, cross-border IT businesses, call centers, and business development organizations.

The CCCI official likewise stressed the importance of infrastructure development in Cebu as key to achieving economic growth competitive with other regional players.

Cebu has been a recipient of several foreign-funded infrastructure projects such as land reclamation, highways and interior roads, bridges, power and utilities.

Cebu is also linked to the rest of the world through a state-of-the-art fiber optic submarine transmission line which remains underutilized due to the popularity of wireless technology.

"But wireless technology, although leading in communications today, will take the backseat when more requirements increase especially data and image transmission," Bigornia said.

He also cited the 6th Road Project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), administered by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The completion of the road has brought improvements in the local business environment and made an impact on the inter-municipality and inter-provincial economies. Even the local transport system has improved, both in the municipal and intra-provincial levels.

"There is faster movement of both people and agricultural and manufacturing products. Investments in the local transportation sector also increased," Bigornia said.

He pointed out that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and businessmen in Cebu are "a value-added people," implying that increased intra-provincial trade allows for greater economic activities, some of which result in exports.

"We get products from the neighboring provinces such as Iloilo, Bohol or Negros, we repackage or raise it to commercial or international standards, and sell it in the domestic market or for export," Bigornia said.

A developed infrastructure is also seen to increase tourist arrivals, one of Cebu’s anchor industries. The new highway has resulted in reduced travel time from both the northern and sourthern Cebu tourism destinations as travel time has been reduced by half, making the towns in the extreme southern island such as Santandar and Oslob more accessible to the capital city of Cebu.

>>>>>> i dont get it, iloilo and other provinces should be the first to earn from their own products, ibig sabihin from what iloilo earns... cebu earns also? its not a healthy competition ata... just an opinion though

kyle@1008

September 11th, 2005, 04:51 AM

I remeber Junjie... he used to wear purple during cockfights with matching throne and cape ... damn he really felt like like a king ... with all due respect,.. I found him amusing,. ....

^^ actually the relationship goes both ways.... that's why the visayas needs to cooperate closer ...

chymera00

September 11th, 2005, 11:42 AM

>>>>>> i dont get it, iloilo and other provinces should be the first to earn from their own products, ibig sabihin from what iloilo earns... cebu earns also? its not a healthy competition ata... just an opinion though
Iloilo is still earning because it is selling goods to Cebu (and the whole country as well). If Cebu is given recognition for Ilonggo products, its ok. The effect is still beneficial for both sides. I've noticed lately that there are more Cebuanos here in Iloilo, and Cebuano companies have been investing here (like Mandaue foam)

wecky

September 11th, 2005, 03:30 PM

Show to celebrate ‘positive images’ of RP, Filipinos

ILOILO City – Amid the worsening political and financial crisis, a group of Ilonggo professionals is staging “Dungog Panay” show to refocus on optimism rather than pessimism.

Dungog Panay is inspired by the January 2005 Karangalan Festival and Conference in Manila that demonstrated the importance and effectiveness of building upon the strengths and positive attributes of the people as seeds for a positive future. Karangalan also showed the crucial role of art and culture in balancing and deepening the understanding and appreciation for excellence.

“For a better country we have to reinforce the good works by celebrating the successes of many Filipinos,” said Dr. Charrie Perlas, president of the Professionals for Social Responsibility (Pro-SR).

"We have invited speakers of national and global recognition and who have contributed positive change in their spheres of influence and who can share with us their experiences towards achieving a better society,” she added.

Dungog Panay will be held on November 12-13, 2005 at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center. It will have a mix of lectures, artistic performances, action-oriented workshops or interactive discussions and exhibits that organically weave and reinforce each together as a whole.

The proponents and organizers of Dungog Panay are Lifebank Foundation, Pro-SR and individual artists and cultural workers. All these groups and individuals are based in Panay Island.

Joseph William Albaña, president of Tagupsi Foundation and Vice President of the Iloilo Heritage Council said, “People despair about the Philippines, yet in our midst are individuals and groups who are already creating the foundations of another, more visionary Philippines. We only need to come together to make our dreams a reality.”

The workshop groups and exhibits will focus on ecological restoration, renewable energies, strategic micro-finance, health, entrepreneurship, and important cultural and historical discoveries in Panay, education, innovative artistic approaches, and related topics.

The first day of the conference will focus on education, ecological issues and achievements. The second day will highlight outstanding micro-finance and micro enterprises. On both days, artistic and cultural performances and events will enhance the substance of both ecological and micro enterprise contributions in addition to contributing their own substance.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

September 11th, 2005, 03:34 PM

Info management group for flood control project formed

The Information Management Group (IMG) for the Iloilo Flood Control Project was recently formed to beef up the Information, Education, Communications (IEC) component of the project. The IMG has an executive committee composed of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Iloilo City Information Office, and the Pavia Municipal Government.

The group was organized after the new IEC consultant in the person of Dr. Felixberto Roquia Jr., assumed office.

Roquia said the IEC support for the flood control project is primarily people-centered, which is the support communication strategy for the other components, like Resettlement, Watershed River Management, and Solid and Waste Management.

In the new organizational set up for the IEC component, the IMG is tasked with the planning and implementation of the IEC strategies through barangay cluster workshops, institutional stakeholders workshops, and other community based IEC approaches defined in the IEC Strategic Plan.

The IMG is supported by multi-sectoral groups of selected barangay chairpersons, the City and Municipal Governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), representatives from the academe and the media.

Roquia said the IEC component provides the process wherein those who are directly and indirectly affected by the Iloilo Flood Control project can actively participate in conceptualizing information, developing communication and educational campaign techniques to ensure the social acceptability of the project.

The Iloilo Flood Control Project is a commitment of the Arroyo administration to help Iloilo in arresting extreme flooding in the city and province.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

September 11th, 2005, 03:48 PM

I passed by the plazoletagay obelisk, and they just finished painting it. It looks aweful. WHY ARE THEY DOING THIS!? first the museo, and now this.

From a plain white, the it was coated a very light tangerine tint and the base was sort of orange . They added some labels into it too - Iloilo City, a seal, then a word I forgot coz I dont know what it meant.

hahaha ... tangerine .. what a great colour ... is Iloilo City turning into a "Rainbow Land"? .... quite a dazzling place, just in case ... can't wait to see a pic, Chymera ... if you have time, please take a photo of the "new" obelisk and post it here.

wecky

September 11th, 2005, 03:55 PM

Hi wecky, when I mentioned the Benedictos, Roberto Salas Benedicto (who got rich or most likely "richer" because of illegal dealings with the Marcoses) doesn't come to mind. That is not the Benedictos I imagine. Sadly, due to the reputation of Roberto S. Benedicto, when people hear the name Benedicto, they think of Roberto which is sad. I may be related to him since my great great grandmother was a Benedicto hence they are on the family tree lists but I have no contacts with the other Benedictos except from the Montinola side. The Benedictos are one of the old rich families of Negros if I can remember being mentioned owned 12 haciendas at one time and have their own Coat of Arms originating from Spain. But yeah all these Ilonggo families mentioned are all over the place now. The Luzuriagas I'm related to are from Bacolod. I dont know of any in Iloilo, hence Luzuriaga St. in Bacolod.

Many of the ilonggos who grew up Manila surprisingly still speak ilonggo due to their parents speaking it at home. I know that Bianca Araneta can speak ilonggo although I don't know her family history, I'm just assuming she didn't grow up in Iloilo. I have many cousins who grew up in Manila but speak ilonggo fluently although a few of them probably have visited Iloilo or Bacolod once or twice in their lives.

My bad, Virtute ... it's just that whenever they mention Benedicto, Roberto Benedicto is the first person that comes in my mind. About Luzuriaga, I've heard that the Mary Mart Center before (now SM delgado) was owned by the Luzuriagas. But you're right to say that there's a Luzuriaga Street in Bacolod City. Thanks for more infos, Virtute. I'll try to visit your family's website next time, too. Cheers!

wecky

September 11th, 2005, 04:03 PM

wecky

September 11th, 2005, 04:17 PM

Hiyo! It's me again! I'm just asking for your opinion: will there be a possibility that Iloilo will have skyscrapers in the future, or is it too far'fethed? And another is: will there be a possibility that we will be handling either regular or seasonal flights in our Int'l Airport (Airport of Int'l Standards)?

Lastly does anyone of you have any idea when is the target date for the starting of the construction of Ayala Center Iloilo?
:weirdo: me!!!

right o' ferrersky ... there's always a big possibility of having a skyscrapercity in the near future for Iloilo. I don't buy much of an idea that we are a floating city as so we can't have a building more than 8-storey. Engineering nowadays is quite sophisticated that this certain problem can be addressed properly in due time and with proper investments.

Ayala Center? No specifics yet ... still waiting for an official announcement from Ayala Company itself.

wecky

September 11th, 2005, 04:30 PM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005142.jpg

take .....

wecky

September 11th, 2005, 04:32 PM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005141.jpg

a good ...

wecky

September 11th, 2005, 04:34 PM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005140.jpg

.... look !

kiretoce

September 11th, 2005, 04:47 PM

^^ Looking good! Thanks Wecky! :okay:

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 01:00 AM

http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/oton-iloilo/image/logo(LGU-Oton).jpg

found this lovely OTON's logo while googling around.

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 01:42 AM

http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/oton-iloilo/image/oton-aerial.jpg

Municipality of Oton aerial view

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 01:52 AM

^^ Looking good! Thanks Wecky! :okay:

you're welcome, Kiretoce. I'll try to post some more pics later.

Sinjin P.

September 12th, 2005, 02:03 AM

ILOILO CITY - Transport groups on Panay Island and in Negros Occidental will hold a strike on Monday to protest the continued increase of oil prices and to demand the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Leaders of transport groups in Iloilo said they would stop plying their routes from midnight of Monday until midnight the next day.

The groups led by the Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) and Transport Solidarity Against Unjust Policy and Excessive Revenues (Tsuper) also called for the scrapping of the expanded value added tax (EVAT).

The strike is expected to paralyze public transport in the city and province of Iloilo, said Piston-Panay spokesperson Jun Abellon.

It will be joined by tricycle drivers and operators in Iloilo City, L300 vans plying between the city and interior towns and tricycle operators and drivers in the capital town of San Jose in Antique.

In Aklan, the strike will be led by Tsuper and the Federation of Aklan Integrated Public Transport Association (FAIPTI). At least 17 of the 19 municipal transport associations said they will join the strike.

Tricycle operators and drivers in the capital town of Kalibo and other municipalities will also stop plying their routes.

In Negros Occidental, the members of the United Negros Drivers Operators Center (Undoc) would stop plying their routes.

Jessie Ortega, Undoc secretary general, said they would expect the strike would affect public transportation in the province because about 80 percent of drivers and operators in Negros Occidental are their members.

Abellon said jeepney drivers, operators and commuters are at the "mercy" of big oil companies because the oil industry is deregulated. He said that the monthly income of drivers is reduced by P250 for every 50-centavo increase in the price of diesel fuel.

An increase of P3 per liter is expected with the implementation of the EVAT, which lifts the exemption of taxes on several services and products including fuel.

"We are slowly being killed by the non-stop increase in oil prices. But the government now wants to impose more taxes," Abellon said.

Inquirer News Service

sandrin

September 12th, 2005, 02:34 AM

I think the Transportation Unions are crazy enough to be influenced by the opposition. The oil deregulation law is favorable for the entire Philippines as we do not have to shell out millions of dollars to control the uncontrollable prices of oil in the international market. As of late, the gas and oil prices in the Philippines are the lowest amongst SEA countries because of the deregulation laws. The end-point consumers of the countries that subsidize the prices of oil pay a higher cost in return. Now, other countries are realizing the negative effect of oil subsidies and are now contemplating to deregulate it in the future.
It’s ridiculous what the transport groups is whining about when the dilution of diesel with alcohol helps bring down the cost.

This is what happens if the poor an clueless Transport groups listen to the opposition and allow themselves to be used. Unless of course they have been promised payment to conduct rally. So Clair De La Fuente, what happened to your Australian University Degree. Shame.
The oppositions mind is so NANO Smile.

THE OPPOSITION HAS NANO SIZE MIND.

-------------------------------------------
Read This:
RP better prepared to cope with high oil prices than its Asian neighbors — Lotilla
By Rocel C. Felix
The Philippine Star 09/12/2005

The Philippines appears to be in a better position to cope with surging high oil prices compared to neighboring countries in Asia such as Indonesia and India which are set to raise their fuel prices and lift their subsidies.

Reports noted that India last week jacked up prices of its diesel and gasoline products by seven percent as their state oil companies cried of ballooning losses, amounting to some $9.1 billion, because of the subsidies.

Indonesia has also announced that it will reduce fuel subsidies by October this year after reporting huge losses of about $7 billion.

Malaysia also reported it has spent some $1.5 billion in subsidies for diesel alone and Thailand $2 billion for gasoline and diesel.

"Neighboring countries in Asia have realized that imposing subsidies on fuel prices are not sustainable and greatly threatens their economies due to the huge losses incurred and the adverse impact on their currencies," noted Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla.

"With the removal of subsidies, the price adjustments these countries have to make are higher than the price adjustments in the Philippines as they have to make up for the price differential between the subsidized prices and actual market prices," he added.

Moreover, the move to increase prices has been anticipated and the adjustments were less than what were needed to bring their domestic prices in line with the international prices. But they added it was a step in the right direction to bring these countries’ economies back in shape as their respective currencies depreciated. In fact, it was reported that Indonesia’s rupiah has slipped 11 percent against the US dollar.

"I hope that further calls from some sectors to impose any form of subsidy on fuel prices in the country will end taking into account the experiences of other countries and the difficult times they face now compared with what we are experiencing here in the Philippines," Lotilla added.

The serious effects of imposing fuel subsidies were emphasized in the report of the Independent Review Committee (IRC) commissioned to undertake the review of the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Law.

The IRC report disclosed that about P18 billion in subsidies will have to be coughed up if diesel were pegged at P18.70 per liter when the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted fare increases in May 2004.

The IRC added that subsidies have negative effects as these distort prices and discourage fuel conservation and efficiency at a time of very high prices.

"Subsidizing oil prices does not work in an era of rising crude prices because it would entail government resources that it cannot afford," the IRC report said.

The IRC report also noted that the Oil Price Stabilization Fund (OPSF) imposed in the early 1990s to absorb increases in world oil prices and to minimize frequent price adjustments is no longer applicable and should not even be considered at this time.

"Providing government subsidy will effectively displace national funds for other equally important projects," it said.

Despite the skyrocketing prices of oil in the world market, the Philippines’ pump prices are still considered the lowest in the region. In particular, the price of unleaded gasoline in the local market is at P33.43 per liter compared to the P94.06 per liter in Hong Kong and P36.38 per liter in Thailand. For diesel, the retail price in the country is P30.95 per liter against P58.41 in Hong Kong and P32.07 in Thailand.

sandrin

September 12th, 2005, 02:40 AM

THIS IS A BETTER NEWS. ILOILO MOVING FORWARD AND ONWARD.

Foreign funded water projects in Iloilo OK'd

The Regional Development Council recently endorsed several Water Supply System projects for the first and second districts of Iloilo for funding under the KfW of the Government of Germany.

The water projects to be implemented by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has a total funding of P44,040,259. The three projects in the first district include Igbaras Water Supply system worth P16,873,259, the Miagao Water Supply System Improvement worth P8,000,000 and the Tubunagan Water Supply system worth P 8,686,000. For the second district, the Zarraga Water Supply Expansion Project was endorsed with P10,481,000.

The Igbaras Water Project would initially serve 587 connections. It will include the construction of two deep wells, construction of a pumping station, a hypo chlorinator, 2,040 transmission lines and reservoir.

On the other hand, the Miagao water project would serve 441 service connections and will include infiltration gallery, a concrete elevated reservoir, a concrete ground reservoir, a pumping station and 10,380 meters of transmission and distribution pipelines.

Tubungan's water project would serve a total of 49 unmetered service connections in three barangays It will have two well sources, two pumping stations, 1.8 kms of transmission pipeline and 5.73 kms of distribution line, water disinfection facilities and the rehabilitation of the existing marginal communal water supply system.

The Zarraga Water Supply System would benefit three hundred ninety-nine consumers. The project will include two wells, an elevated concrete reservoir and a total of 16,273 transmission/distribution pipelines serving nine barangays. (PIA6)

Sinjin P.

September 12th, 2005, 02:45 AM

Great for Ilo-Ilo m))

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:35 AM

here's few of the pics of Sta Barbara-Cabatuan (Iloilo) Airport

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005144.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:37 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005145.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:38 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005146.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:39 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005147.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:41 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005148.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:42 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005149.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:43 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005150.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:45 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005151.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:46 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005152.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:47 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005153.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:50 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005154.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:51 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005155.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:52 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005156.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:54 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005157.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:55 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005158.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 09:57 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005159.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 10:02 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005160.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 10:03 AM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005161.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 10:38 AM

Post–war marine fishing in Iloilo

The end of the Second World War ushered an important era in the development of the fishing industry in Iloilo. Faced with the problem of shortage of food, the country had to develop its industries, especially fishing. Due to an acute insufficiency of fish supply, prices became unreasonably high and many enterprising businessmen shifted their attention to catching fish.

In Iloilo, fish potentials were especially rich. Marine fishing continued to constitute the primary part of the daily chores of the coastal residents. The municipalities of Banate, Estancia, Carles, the Guimaras Strait, Panay Gulf, and the Iloilo Strait are notable fishing grounds. In fact, because of its abundant supply of fish and other marine products, Iloilo earned the title as ‘Alaska of the Philippines' from the early 1900s to the 1950s.

Marine fishing in Iloilo is of two types: The commercial or deep-sea fishing and sustenance fishing. The major grounds for commercial fishing boats of three gross tons and over are the Iloilo Strait, Guimaras Strait, Panay Gulf, and Visayan Sea.

Unlike other fields, marine fishing boats had relatively no need for rehabilitation after the war. In contrast to agricultural lands, the marine waters are intact. The only problem of the fishing industry by this time was the proliferation of dynamite fishing. It was also practiced before the war, but only on a limited scale considering the scarcity of explosives. But during the war and the early part of the post-World War II period, large quantities of gunpowder became available and commercial blast fishing was undertaken by many unscrupulous fishermen. Constabulary intelligence records showed that explosives were smuggled almost every week from Luzon to various points in the Visayas and Mindanao. These explosives eventually reached the hands of small-time fishermen in the barrios. According to the same sources, illegal fishing was rampant in well-known fishing grounds such as Estancia and Carles.

A post-war innovation in the industry was the use of war-surplus generators. The innovative Filipino fishermen accepted the surplus U.S. Army generator engines and installed them on their fishing crafts. This installation of engines further depleted Iloilo's marine resourses. On the other hand, this innovation paid off as it allowed fishing boats to reach more distant fishing grounds. Thus, previously isolated coastal communities were now given access and fishing industry developed in many communities which heretofore knew of it as a primary subsistence activity.

There were several new outfits introduced in the fishing industry of the province after the war. The “payaw” which was introduced in the late 1950s by the Cebuano fishermen who plied the Antique waters where there were plenty of corrals serving as fish shelter.

Another new fishing outfit introduced in Estancia in the early 1950s was the “largarete.” The “largarete” was an engine powered single banca, 35 feet long without riggers.

Another indication that the industry was picking up momentum at this time was the fact that there were already several boat-builders, 42 carpentry shops specializing on fishing equipment and 69 fish driers and preservers in Panay during the early 1950s. In 1971, there were 150 fishing boats registered in the entire province with an aggregate gross tonnage of 4,130,127 involving a total investment of P8,069,579 and directly employing 1,793 fishermen.

Also in the early 1970s, the prevalent fishing gears or methods employed were the trawl, bagnet, purse seine, “lawag” , and around hawl seine.

(from The News Today Info Online)

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 10:43 AM

THIS IS A BETTER NEWS. ILOILO MOVING FORWARD AND ONWARD.

that's right, Sandrin .... hopefully, they'll approved the Flood Control Project as well ... as soon as. Let's just keep positive about it.

Sinjin P.

September 12th, 2005, 10:46 AM

chymera00

September 12th, 2005, 11:01 AM

chymera00

September 12th, 2005, 11:28 AM

I spent like 30min just to translate those 4 sentences, lol :) They can have their protests if they want, but its business here as usual.

@Wecky, I will try to take a pic of the obelisk, and take more pics from the provincial capitol coz I just went up there and the view was very nice.

Let me try editing this old picture of the obelisk first:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/etching/obelisk.jpg

Haha it looks funny, they shoul've painted the dirty and ugly portions first. The obelisk was still in good condition before they painted it, such a waste of money.

ferrersky

September 12th, 2005, 12:35 PM

hi!

ferrersky

September 12th, 2005, 12:35 PM

ferrersky

September 12th, 2005, 12:35 PM

slerz

September 12th, 2005, 12:36 PM

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 01:59 PM

I L O I L O - "The HEART of the Philippines"
ILOILO CITY - Dinagyang Festival - Queen City of the South - City of Love

HALA ... BIRA ... ! ! !
'United ILOILO on the Go'

- VISIT . ILOILO - GUIMARAS . 2005 -

hahaha ... is this my signature? ... hahaha ... cool, is it? (joke lang) .. thanks for posting it Michael ... what really caught my attention is the word "Hala Bira" ... it's just like me ... hohoho. Ciao !

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 02:14 PM

OO nga they are stupid, well maybe kind of ignorant nlng. Increase of Oil problem is a global problem. Even U.S., the most powerful country in the world, can just sit and wait as oil prices reach record highs. I agree with you Sandrin, that they are totally wrong if they think oil regulation will reduce prices.

I just had lunch in Atrium and passed by a protest rally, I took a pamphlet and it got me really upset when I read it.

Here are their demands :: Translation

1. Ibasura ang oil deregulation law kag ang expanded value added tax (eVAT) :: Abolish the oil deregulation law and the expanded value added tax (eVAT)
2. I-rollback and presyo sang langis kag untaton and oil price hike! :: Roll back the prices of oil and stop the price hike
3. Ipatuman and tunay nga repormang agraryo kag pungsudnon nga industriyalisasyon! :: Implementation of TRUE/REAL agrarian reform and localize(?) industrialization.
4. Patalsikon ang peke nga rehimeng Arroyo! Tukuron ang transitory coucil :: Remove the fake Arroyo Regime! Support a transitory council
5. Suportahan and People's Strike :: Support the People's Strike

I stongly disagree to 4 of their demands and agree to the fifth one. Freedom of speech is a right, but if it means joining some senseless group then NO WAY!!

you are right there, Chy ... what's with this strike thingy ? I mean, if we go out on streets and demands oil price reduction, will OPEC reduce their price as well ? hmmm .. we already have the deregulation policy ... we're quite okay with our oil prices comparing with our neighbouring countries, just like what sandrin says. Gosh, I just don't know what people wants .. like supporting strike, removing the President, etc ... I just hope that this rally will yield positive results in the end ... or is it just right to assume that some of our kababayans don't really know what they are demanding of ?

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 02:55 PM

I spent like 30min just to translate those 4 sentences, lol :) They can have their protests if they want, but its business here as usual.

hehehe ... pwede ka na mangin translator, Chy. Anyways, even strike ang Iloilo City, for sure gutok man ina gihapon ang SM City and other malls ... just like what my aunt and sis told me before .... wala strike or rally ang makapugong sang shoppers sa SM and Robinsons.

@Wecky, I will try to take a pic of the obelisk, and take more pics from the provincial capitol coz I just went up there and the view was very nice.

Let me try editing this old picture of the obelisk first:

ok Chy .. do try .. daw ka controversial gid ina ... i just would like to see how tangerine the obelisk is right now .... hahaha

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/etching/obelisk.jpg

Haha it looks funny, they shoul've painted the dirty and ugly portions first. The obelisk was still in good condition before they painted it, such a waste of money.[/QUOTE]

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 03:38 PM

hi!

hi man da sa imo.

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 03:47 PM

I think there is an advantage for having a small but densed Iloilo City. Malls and places are nearer that you can just walk and the jeepney and taxi fares will be less costly. Do you agree?!

I believe that the traffic can be addressed by putting additional Traffic lights on intersections and by being strict on fines. It is quite unfair because most parts of Mnla has heavier traffic than our city but still the issue is being used against us... We had low scores in recent city polls because of traffic. In fairness, traffic just shows how busy and progressive our city is is some aspects.

it could be advantageous at one point, I guess but really it is much better to have wider roads, ample spaces, etc. We have traffic lights all over city though most of them are non-functioning na ... gosh, the traffic is much heavier in area where traffic lights are non-working, and where the traffic policemen are in situ.

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 03:51 PM

Do you think that the Iloilo International Airport is small? Just 3 terminals? 2500 m x 45 m runway?

I heard that the Dep of Land Reform's central office will be transferred here in Iloilo City. I hope a lot more will be transferred here, even though it would increase traffic.

Just tell me pips if you know the target date of the planned ayala center here, ok? Ty!!!!

Iloilo International Airport looks really small ... 3 tubes?hmmm ... hopefully, they'll extend it more.

There'll be delayed in transfering the central office due to poor government's budget ... probably in two years time pa siguro.

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 03:54 PM

WELCOME TO RAYMEN'S RESORT (ALUBIHOD), GUIMARAS ISLAND-PROVINCE

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005017.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 03:56 PM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005013.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 03:57 PM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005011.jpg

wecky

September 12th, 2005, 03:58 PM

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/wecky/IloiloVisit2005010.jpg

freezing_pt

September 12th, 2005, 04:53 PM

ang bilis ng thread...1 day lang akong d nakapag-log dito...

pangit ng obelisk ha... (yung pagka-pintura)

freezing_pt

September 12th, 2005, 05:01 PM

hahaha ... tangerine .. what a great colour ... is Iloilo City turning into a "Rainbow Land"? .... quite a dazzling place, just in case ... can't wait to see a pic, Chymera ... if you have time, please take a photo of the "new" obelisk and post it here.

rainbow? hehe funny ha...wag naman...ok lang sana kung parang "Buhayin ang MayniLA" na project...may colors pero artistic and modern....

freezing_pt

September 12th, 2005, 05:10 PM

Iloilo International Airport looks really small ... 3 tubes?hmmm ... hopefully, they'll extend it more.

Kung tataas pa ang demand later on cguro at tsaka pa papalakihin yung airport...pero yung size na yan ay ok na as of now...

whyte

September 13th, 2005, 06:09 AM

hello. im back.
havent post for al ong time BUT ive been lurking and reading some posts.
nami nami gid ang mag pictures esp that of the INTL AIRPORT.
thanks CHYME.

* hopefully like what they did to DEPT OF TOURISM, the govt should move some of its agencies to the provinces to boost local economy and decongest megamanila. from the air one feels choked upon the planes touchdown at NAIA.
* yup. i share the same sentiments with the newly constructed one-lane bridges/roads.though as we all know budget limited
* i hope (ive said this before) we can have a local historical agency tasked to restore, develop, maintain and "sell" our heritage sites

wecky

September 14th, 2005, 02:20 AM

Tumandok ’05 Festivals of Panay

ILOILO City – In line with the tourism month celebration, the Institute of HRM (Hotel Restaurant and Management) and Tourism (IHT) of Central Philippine University (CPU) is co-organizing another milestone event that will provide new dimension to local tourism promotion.

The IHT through the Council of Hotel and Restaurant and Tourism Students (CPU-CHARTS) has partnered with the Iloilo Provincial Government through the Iloilo Provincial Tourism Office in organizing “Tumandok” ’05, Festivals of Panay.

The show kicked off last Monday and will run until the 17th at Robinson’s Place
Iloilo.

“Tumandok’05” is the 3rd Travelmart organized by the CPU tourism students and by far the biggest travel mart they have organized, as part of their tourism destination marketing course requirement.

The first travel mart was staged during the Iloilo Tourism & HRM Expo last September 26-27, 2003 at the Amigo Terrace Hotel. The second was organized during the TESCU National Convention last September 14, 2004 at Sarabia Manor Hotel & Convention Center.

To give the travel mart a new twist, and in line with the Province of Iloilo’s positioning as a festival province, “Tumandok ’05” has been designed to showcase the various cultural and religious festivals of Panay.

Among the festivals and municipalities to be showcased in Tumandok ’05 are Katagman Festival of Oton, Bantayan Festival of Guimbal, Handuraw Festival of Leon, Lanot Festival of Janiuay, Binanog Festival of Lambunao, Tampisaw Festival of Concepcion, Pintados de Passi of Passi City, Kahilwayan Festival of Sta. Barbara, Panaad ni San Vicente Ferrer of Leganes, Saludan Festival of Tigbauan, Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Municipality of Barotac Nuevo, Municipality of Barotac Viejo, Parayan Festival of Pototan, Tugbung Festival of Pandan, Antique.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

September 14th, 2005, 02:22 AM

Panay, Negros potential sites of wind-based power

ILOILO City – Residents of Panay and Negros Islands may not know it but their areas are potential sites of wind-based power.

Data obtained from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicate that Panay and Negros islands are potential sites of wind-based power in the country. Other areas include Batanes and Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Mindoro, Samar, Leyte, Cebu and Palawan.

Wind-based power is considered a very practical way of electrifying remote and far-flung areas that are off the power grid. DOE’s goal is to install wind-based power projects with a capacity of at least 417 megawatts (MW) in the next 10 years. One of these, the Bangui Bay project is expected to generate 25MW. This wind power system is partly funded by the Danish International Development Agency.

The Philippines has untapped wind resources. The wind resource analysis and mapping study conducted by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (US-NREL) using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology showed that many areas in the country are of good-to-excellent wind resource for village power applications, particularly in its northern and central regions.

These best wind resources are found in the regions: the Batanes and Babuyan Islands north of Luzon, the northwest tip of Luzon (Ilocos Norte); the higher interior terrain of Luzon, Mindoro, Samar, Leyte, Panay, Negros, Cebu, Palawan, Eastern Mindanao, and adjacent islands; well-exposed east-facing locations from northern Luzon southward to Samar; the wind corridors between Luzon and Mindanao (including Lubang Island) and between Mindoro and Panay (including the Semirara Islands; and extending to the Cuyo Islands.

Also, studies of the World Wildlife Fund and the University of the Philippines cited 1,038 wind sites in the country with a potential capacity of 7,404 MW. Potential sites considered feasible for using wind energy include 686 sites in Luzon and 305 in Visayas.

Aside from being clean and sustainable, alternative or renewable sources of energy are replenished unlike gas, coal and other oil-based products which may be depleted.

The country’s abundant renewable energy resources such as sun, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy are now fast gaining attention from the Arroyo administration amidst the high cost of fuel oil. Thus this augurs well for the use of alternative sources of fuel which the Arroyo administration is currently pushing.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

September 14th, 2005, 02:25 AM

Businessmen, NEDA rally behind GMA dev’t plans

ILOILO City – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office VI here recently forged agreements with local business leaders to promote programs and projects in support of the national development plan of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

With technical assistance from the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ)-Decentralized Planning Structures Project, the Regional Office of NEDA and representatives of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Visayas conducted a two-day Work and Financial Programming Workshop for the Communication and Advocacy of the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan 2004-2010 and the Western Visayas Regional Development Plan 2004-2010 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel last August 15-16, 2005.

The local chambers of commerce and industry (LCCI) is one of the three groups partnered by the NEDA for its Communication and Advocacy Program (CAP) for this year. The two other groups are the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges and the Leagues of Provinces and Cities in the region.

CAP forums are also conducted by NEDA for private tertiary schools, private sector/business groups and local government units.

The workshop produced a detailed action plan consisting of projects and activities that the various chambers (Aklan / Boracay, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo) would implement over the period 2005-2010.

The projects identified have direct impacts on the national and regional development targets on job-generation, agribusiness expansion, livelihood and skills development especially for micro, small and medium enterprises.

The LCCI also identified major infrastructure and energy development projects that they will actively support such as the Timbaban hydropower in Aklan, Antique Fish Port, and Roxas City circumferential road.

The successfully implemented projects of LCCI by end of the year would be included in the annual Regional Development Report prepared by the NEDA for the Regional Development Council.

A special workshop was conducted for the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) on September 6, 2005 at the L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City because they were not able to attend the LCCI workshop in Iloilo City. It was participated by 24 members including representatives of the DTI and PPDO.

MBCCI continues to be an active partner of the provincial and city governments in implementing projects covering all sectors from the environment to health, population, education, tourism, economic and infrastructure.

Its Work and Financial Program also included activities in support of diversification from sugarcane as well as energy development in Negros Island such as ethanol, coco-diesel fuel, biogas, wind farm, and organic fruits, vegetables and cattle production, among others.

The workshops strengthened the public-private sector partnership in development endeavor for Western Visayas region. This activity also proved once again that when people from various sectors with varied viewpoints sit down and discuss development issues together, things really get clarified and solutions identified with each partner playing a role commensurate to its own resources and capabilities.

(from Panay News Online)