Paraw scholarships may get support from Norwegian shippers
Jeehan V. Fernandez

THE Norwegian shipping industry is being urged to support a scholarship program for the poor but deserving children of local seafarers who are long-time participants of the annual Paraw Regatta.

Paraw Regatta gathered some 40 participants last February. It has been hyped as the oldest and largest of its kind not only in the Philippines but in Asia.

Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation (IPRF) chair Manuel Villa said they have tied up with the premiere maritime school, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) to implement the scholarship program.

During his visit here November last year, Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Stale Torstein Risa said the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA) were impressed by the big pool of competent graduates of JBLFMU.

Risa, accompanied by JBLFMU president Marylou Arcelo, visited JBLFMU campuses based in Iloilo City and toured the university’s training center in Guimaras Island and another campus in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.

Risa noted the NSA and JBLFMU have been partners for a nautical scholarship program for about 13 years already.

Villa said Arcelo has been working out an agreement with the NSA for more assistance on the study grants for the underprivileged students.

Villa stressed the Paraw scholarships will serve as a legacy of the yearly colorful sailboat race for the benefit of the local seafaring industry.

“The qualified applicants could take up marine and nautical courses for them to have the opportunity to work abroad and earn more. We have allotted P500,000 to start off with four scholars each on the two courses,” Villa explained.

He added they are eyeing a 50 percent discount on the scholarship grants of four-year maritime courses with JBLFMU during the school opening in June.

Villa said they are also wooing Arcelo’s assistance to the scholarship program even as they hope to get the 20 percent of 600 NSA’s scholarships.

The NSA’s full scholarship grants to JBLFMU include free tuition, books, and dormitory.

Villa pointed out that Norway has started developing their nautical industry only in the past 15 years and “they want to get most of their instructors and hire personnel from the Philippines.”

Villa said Iloilo City has around 20,000 seamen working overseas. The maritime workforce is touted as major human resource potential of the country.

Iloilo is considered a “seamen’s country” as evidenced by the mushrooming of “mansions” being constructed from the earnings of Ilonggo seafarers for their families.

Risa himself confirmed the competitiveness of the maritime educational system here.

He said JBLFMU is one of five schools all over the country chosen by NSA for the scholarship program.

from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2165

City Hall eyes cheaper power from NPC barge
Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the metropolis might benefit from cheaper electricity when the National Power Corporation (NPC) deploys here its Power Barge 101 April 15.

Treñas said NPC chief Cyril del Callar assured him that the 32-MW power barge will definitely arrive in Iloilo City from Cebu.

“The power from the barge will be available at a cheaper rate,” Treñas said, explaining it would cost around P3.50 per kwh.

The current electricity rate in the city as supplied by the lone provider Panay Electric Company (Peco) which sources its energy supply from Panay Power Corporation (PPC) is pegged at about P7/kWh.

“We will demand for Peco’s interconnection with NPC. By doing so, the power rate could be reduced drastically but the reduction will be dependent on how much Peco is getting from PPC,” Treñas explained.

The extra energy supply coming from the barge of the state-run NPC will address the power supply problem in the city.

PB 101 was earlier planned to be deployed in the city in August, last year but it was not materialized because of the Asean Summit in Cebu in January.

The power barge was originally scheduled to be installed in Bo. Obrero, Lapaz after it was dry-docked from the Keppel Shipyard in Bauan, Batangas also in August, last year.

Treñas had started lobbying in early 2006 for the barge to augment the electricity needs of the metropolis and avert frequent outages.

Presently, the NPC has a non-firm power supply agreement entered in May, last year with Peco. Non-firm means Peco can only get supply when NPC has available energy.

Once PB 101 is berthed in Iloilo City, Del Callar said “Napocor can supply a maximum of 32MW to Peco, depending on the number of the coal thermal units operating in Cebu and the availability of six units of Pinamucan Diesel plant in Dingle.”

The city which has a peak load of 81MW is encountering brownouts as its main supplier PPC which operates a 72-MW diesel-fired plant at Brgy. Ingore in Lapaz district has no more power reserve.

from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2161

the present carpenter's bridge is ugliest bridge in the city :lol: and glad to know that its getting more than facelift.Im sure it 'll be one of the "gateways" to the new CBD in the future being the most direct access "down south".Im hoping for a 6-lane bridge just to be prepared :lol:
A very good improvement for Carpenter's Bridge. I hope they'll widen the road leading to the bridge anbd thereafter. Molo is becoming a highly-commercialised district of Iloilo like Jaro.

yes, i too would big infrastructures outside the city para the city can breathe and be decongested so as to "widen" the "reach" of development.
SM is still a winner as of now,even if it doesn't win the airport bid, for it has land next to the airport.thanks for the info. :D
pero I still maintain that a convention center be build within the area whether by the winning bidder or sm itself. its a project of prominence and IMO not to be "banished" (forgive my term :lol: ) outside the city. for me thats the PERFECT area for the convention center.its where the "new city" will rise ;)
how many convention center do we need for a city? If Iloilo City wants to build their own convenvention center, then the city needs to raise their own fund or take a loan to build one. The province is also planning to build its own convention. If this is the case, then I hope the province will relocate it outside the city and not the original plan of building it near the capitol.

Yes it is ideal to start moving as one and share the big infrastructures for the development of the MIG area.
Sta. Barbara has the airport and hopefully the recreational/leisure facilities
Pavia should strived hard to be RAIC :lol:become the gateway to the west plus become a residential zone together with San Miguel with some commercial zones
Leganes IMO can have the industries since it is the one nearest the seaport but has wider area for industries being the gateway to the north
Oton,gateway down south, can hopefully have light industries plus some residential beach rehab projects.Would it be feasible to move the fish port complex there near Tigbauan?
Guimaras have to develop its tourism potential to the fullest but still looking after its environment .
Iloilo City will still be the center.Whether we like it or not but will have to relocate some of its structures in order to develop better.
MIGEDC is doing really well. I'm thinking that the council's members will be increased by adding more towns in a near future.

yup. its tourism potential still trickles and it is not yet that practical to build a bridge now besides it would be much more expensive since its geographically far compared to cebu-mactan.that I guess is the main reason. if it was only "as near" as cebu-mactan, a bridge could have been constructed before.Of course lets not forget politics :D
that's why we need to help push and promote Guimaras as well. This will be very beneficial for the whole MIGEDC.

Paraw Regatta Foundation pursues scholarship project
By Lydia C. Pendon

After notching more than half a million savings from the staging of the 35th Paraw Regatta festival last month, event organizers are now positive to pursue its scholarship program for children of Iloilo boatmen plying the Iloilo Strait.

Iloilo Paraw Foundation Chairman Manuel Villa said the last festival netted P609,586 in bank savings and selected poor but deserving scholars are now assured of college education taking up marine engineering or other maritime courses this coming schoolyear.

The John B. Lacson Maritime University is giving 600 full time scholarships and the foundation is requesting some 20 percent of the slots or about 100 Paraw Regatta scholars this coming June 2007.

Villa also announced that the Ambassador of Norway is slated to visit the first maritime university in Asia based in Iloilo City on April 2. The Paraw Regatta Foundation is expected to present its programs to the Ambassador for possible funding or job placement assistance of scholar graduates.
On the other hand, Department of Tourism Asst. Reg. Dir. Helen Camarista said that Paraw Regatta has enhanced the tourism activities of this city and established global linkages with other coastal areas in the world holding similar sailing activity
.
The 35th Iloilo Paraw Regatta held last February 17-18, 2007 along the Iloilo Strait, has established another milestone in the records of successful festivals in the country and Iloilo City is now host to three major festivals in Western Visayas celebrated one after the other in the months of January and February, Camarita said.

The major festivals are the Dinagyang Festival celebrated in the last weekend of January, Chinese New Year festival celebrated in the first week of February and Paraw Regatta festival on the last weekend of February.

The foundation held a meeting yesterday at the Emilion Roadhouse to present its financial report consolidated with the DOT. The report showed a total of P1,386,378 cash receipts and P1,015,154 total expenses showing a surplus of P371,223. Added to the surplus are fees of foundation incorporators in the amount of P150,000, surplus of past regattas of P88,362 thereby notching P609,586 cash in bank.

from: The Iloilo Daily Informer
link: http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=13&Itemid=132

the rightmost pic in the banner today caught my attention.

a good design for a convention center/coliseum and can easily fit the old airport area plus hectares more to spare.it could be the centerpiece of any entertainment-commercial cbd

i know it COSTS MUCH :lol:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/headers/16.jpg

:wave:

here are other pics

http://i16.tinypic.com/316uoo8.jpg

http://www.ricosuntours.com/news_files/image020.jpg

how many convention center do we need for a city? If Iloilo City wants to build their own convenvention center, then the city needs to raise their own fund or take a loan to build one. The province is also planning to build its own convention. If this is the case, then I hope the province will relocate it outside the city and not the original plan of building it near the capitol.

hopefully the winning airport bidder would incorporate a convention center in its development plans so it wont be a cost to the city at all. :banana:

if the provincial government also pushes through with its convention center project, i also would oppose the near-capitol location :lol:

Top property developers
may bid for Iloilo airport

Five leading property developers have shown interest to buy the old 54-hectare Iloilo airport, which will be auctioned by the government on April 24.

SM Prime Holdings Inc., Robinson’s Land Corp., Philinvest, Rockwell Land Corp. and Empire East Land Holdings Inc. were among the companies that attended Thursday’s prebidding conference.

Finance Undersecretary John Philip Sevilla, who is in charge for the privatization of government assets, said the DOF is hard-pressed to sell the property after the disposal of government assets in Philippine Telecommunication Investment Corp. (PTIC).
The Manila Times

The Ayala's absence in that meeting might be some sort of a drama of sorts for something bigger :lol:

here i go again after bridges comes convention centres/domes
:lol:

LIVERPOOL ARENA AND CONVENTION CENTER

http://www.kingswaterfrontliverpool.co.uk/images/arenapic.jpg

http://www.kingswaterfrontliverpool.co.uk/images/arenapic2.jpg


here's what i have in mind for a long time :lol:
a convention complex with a coliseum type main arena and a or two sub arena/s for "smaller" expositions/conventions with adjacent hotels built around a commercial-entertainment district :D

of course, dapat bagayan ang dynamism of the city, we dont have to build a MEGA COMPLEX now, just a level higher :D

abi nyo bala, I made a post in response to whyte's post in the last thread about how people in Alimodian celebrated semana santa. I was really gutted cause when I tried to click a the post reply, ginpa-log in ko liwat and I lost the post that I've made. Disappointed gid ko kay subra darwa ka oras ko tu ginhumu kag lawig gawa pay nadura lang ti basta-basta. Very descripted gid to ang ginhimu ko kag I don't think mahimu ko pa tu liwat...amo lang ra nga gadura lang kon kaisa gana ko mag-post dya kay pirme lang ko ginapa log-in liwat then dura ron gin-type ko...daw ma high-blood ako ah...

:(

been a victim of this timeout-login myself so if i know i will be making a post worthy of a novel, id just use notepad.though most of the time when you post and it promopts you to login, it automatically "posts" what you've written after your new login

as posted by soulmaker in the iloilo heritage thread

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c211/hawayano/PCIloilo.jpg

the socorro drugstore building is Iloilo's version of FLATIRON bldg of nyc :D being at the tip

would love to see that portion of the city restored though it seem quite impossible at the moment

a new city rising with the old city restored

i would like to see jm basa (from the obelisk to aldeguer) being cobblestone-laden with modern shops aptly designed for restored buildings while aldeguer-iznart (obelisk to aldeguer) being the chinatown district ala ongpin :D

City proud of Iloilo Yearbook 2007

City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas lauded the men and women behind TNT Publishing Inc. for coming up with the Iloilo Yearbook project.

In yesterday's launching ceremony at the Emilion Function Center, Treñas said "the Iloilo Yearbook 2007 is something that Ilonggos can be proud of."

He vowed full support to the project as he ordered 100 copies to be given out to public schools and organizations that are active in the promotion of Iloilo.

"This way, they will know what's going on in Iloilo. I'm truly proud of the Iloilo Yearbook 2007," he said.

Iloilo Yearbook 2007, which consists of 168 full-colored pages, has as its cover the painting of Calle Real, circa 1947, made by historical painter Antonio de Oteyza. Calle Real was once considered the center of trade and commerce in the city.

Iloilo Yearbook 2007 chronicles and captures significant moments of Iloilo's history, government, people, lifestyle, tourism and culture through vibrant artistic photographs complemented by interesting and compelling essays and articles authored by some of the province's leading writers.

The cover story which revisited Calle Real's magnificent past was written by Ilonggo historian Prof. Henry Funtecha.

Aside from the review of the year that was 2006, the other interesting features of the Iloilo Yearbook 2007 are Atty. Rex Salvilla's Then and Now, the Streets of Iloilo; Dr. Rodolfo Gumabong's The First Nurses of the Philippines; Francis Gentoral's take on the city's economy and business through the write-up The Next Big Thing; Jigger Latoza's views on current state of education in his Transcending the Four Walls; couple Alain Russ and Agnes Dimzon's piece on the history of Non-Government Organizations in Iloilo, and much, much more.

Iloilo Yearbook 2007 is priced at P450.00 each. For your orders pls. call TNT Marketing Office at 3369788.

The News Today

City vows bigger financial aid for next year's Paraw Regatta
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Expect next year's Paraw Regatta to be grander and bigger as the city government vowed to increase financial help to the yearly activity.

City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday committed to the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. the financial assistance of P750,000 for next year.

In increasing the financial assistance to the activity the mayor wanted next year's Paraw Regatta to be bigger, better and grander. Treñas wanted the Paraw Regatta to be known internationally similar to the city's Dinagyang Festival.

Last year, the city government released only P500,000 to the foundation.

Treñas expressed his desire to help the foundation carve its own name in the city's tourism attractions. At present, the city is promoting three festivals, the Iloilo Dinagyang festival, Chinese New Year celebration and Paraw Regatta festival.

"Tourism can help in the economic upliftment of the city. The city will attract more investment and generate more jobs," Treñas said.

Aside from increasing its financial assistance, Treñas said he will also personally help the foundation in luring additional sponsors.

In his dream for a better, bigger and grander Paraw Regatta festival, Treñas appointed City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena as the executive director of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. Jimena is also the executive director of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. Jimena sees no conflict with his recent appointment.

The News Today

Norwegian envoy to meet with Iloilo Paraw Regatta organizers
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The Ambassador of Norway to the Philippines Stale Torstein Risa will meet with the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Inc. organizers and Ms. Marilou Arcelo, president of John B. Lacson University, next month for a possible help in the foundation's proposed scholarship program for dependents of Paraw Regatta racers.

Iloilo Paraw Regatta Chair Manuel Villa Jr. said Ambassador Risa will be accompanied by heads of foreign shipping companies which employs Filipino seaman. He said this is the first time that the foundation will meet with the Norwegian envoy. The same meeting was facilitated by Arcelo, whose maritime school had been noted for its competence and quality for years. The meeting is set on April 2, 2007.

Currently, a Norwegian shipping company is already extending scholarship programs to students of John B. Lacson University. The foundation hopes to get the same support to the incoming maritime students that they will send to school comes June enrollment. JBLU has produced a number of quality seafarers which made a name in the maritime industry not only in the Philippines but the entire world.

Villa said the foundation is contemplating of supporting 600 students who will take maritime courses at the John B. Lacson University. The plans for the scholarship program for students is still being ironed out. The recipients will be assessed according to their grades and the financial capabilities of their parents. Students will be classified into full scholar and half-scholar.

Of the 600 proposed scholars, this early, the university management through Ms. Arcelo intends to shoulder 50 percent of the tuition fees of the qualified and deserving students. The scholarship program for dependents of Paraw Regatta racers is a joint project of the foundation and the John B. Lacson University.

It will mean more work if the students will graduate from their chosen maritime courses. This will generate more jobs and income. And more dollars for the country, said Villa. The foreign remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers had been a great contributing factor for the economy of the country.

The News Today

as posted by soulmaker in the iloilo heritage thread

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c211/hawayano/PCIloilo.jpg

the socorro drugstore building is Iloilo's version of FLATIRON bldg of nyc :D being at the tip

would love to see that portion of the city restored though it seem quite impossible at the moment

a new city rising with the old city restored

i would like to see jm basa (from the obelisk to aldeguer) being cobblestone-laden with modern shops aptly designed for restored buildings while aldeguer-iznart (obelisk to aldeguer) being the chinatown district ala ongpin :D
i liked the idea and your statement @whyte. Iloilo City and Province is indeed evolving. From a once sleepy town to a bustling metropolis. Who would believe that one day Iloilo City will rise again considering our bad politics at home during Ganzon's era? Who would think that big investments will come its way to the city when all you can hear and see were negative economic outlook and vibes of the city? Well, tThe time has passed, and right now Iloilo is starting to take off again. It's ironic to look back at the negativism of the usual vibrant and jolly Ilonggos. But then again, we turned the table. We're heading towards progress as more and more Ilonggos find its way back to help Iloilo as the country's emerging tiger. Today is considered as Iloilo's dawn to a more progressive and economically-viable metropolis. May the sun continue to rise at the heart of the Philippines.

here i go again after bridges comes convention centres/domes
:lol:

LIVERPOOL ARENA AND CONVENTION CENTER

http://www.kingswaterfrontliverpool.co.uk/images/arenapic.jpg

http://www.kingswaterfrontliverpool.co.uk/images/arenapic2.jpg


here's what i have in mind for a long time :lol:
a convention complex with a coliseum type main arena and a or two sub arena/s for "smaller" expositions/conventions with adjacent hotels built around a commercial-entertainment district :D

of course, dapat bagayan ang dynamism of the city, we dont have to build a MEGA COMPLEX now, just a level higher :D
Impressive arena! I haven't seen the structure yet BUT it looks really stunning and commands great respect. How I wish to visit Liverpool one day.

Yogs, waay ko pa natapos basa tanan nga post sa thread 32, may bag-o na naman. Indi ko kaarapal ah.

Linglingon ko to anay ang nagligad nga thread...:D

Another articles about the Paraw Regatta

Iloilo's Paraw Regatta Festival eyes foreign donors ...

Friday, March 16 2007 @ 09:47 AM GMT

Tourism

16 - Iloilo's Paraw Regatta Festival eyes foreign donors for 2008 event

Iloilo's Paraw Regatta Festival has just been concluded but the foundation, which is handling the staging of the annual event, is now looking forward to tapping foreign groups as donors for a grander celebration next year.

Paraw Regatta Foundation chairman Manny Villa said he would try to bring the matter before the members of the Norwegian Shipping Owners Association when he meets with them together with Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Stale Torstein Risa and the owner of the John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation Maritime University, Marilou Arceo next month.

The drawing of foreign partners would further help the foundation push the festival, which is dubbed as the oldest and the biggest sailing competition in Asia, to greater heights so that it would gain international prominence like the Dinagyang Festival.

Tourism Assistant Regional Director, Atty. Helen Camarista mentioned that for now, the Paraw Regatta Festival is just like a baby sister or brother of the Dinagyang Festival. But she looked forward to seeing the festival already at par of even surpassing the feat of the Dinagyang.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas committed to help find more sponsors as he anticipated a bigger and grander celebration in 2008.

Likewise, he announced the increase in the subsidy amount that will be given by the city government to the foundation from P500,000 this year to P750,000 in 2008.

"Paraw Regatta has enhanced the reputation of Iloilo City as a tourism destination," he said. "Tourism can help in the economic upliftment of Iloilo - the reason the city has supported all efforts to promote Iloilo as tourism destination."

The mayor added that tourism could bring about more jobs for the people of Iloilo City.

Meanwhile, to provide more direction to the festival, the foundation appointed City Tourism Officer Benito Jimena as its executive director, the same post he is handling at the Dinagyang Foundation.

Jimena gladly accepted the post, saying that as tourism officer "it is his duty to raise the level of Paraw Regatta and even surpass Dinagyang."

He assured that there will be no rivalry and no divided attention from his end as he is bound to ensure that the holding of the two big celebrations will always be successful.

The annual sailing competition is held every third weekend of February but the organizer is bent on moving it to the last weekend of the same month starting 2008 to give organizers enough time for preparation. (PNA)

Link :http://www.bayanihan.org/html/article.php/20070316094743530


Paraw Regatta Foundation earns P371T surplus

By Maricar M. Calubiran

The Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. has earned P371,223 from the recent Paraw Regatta competition. The foundation has a total receipts of P1,386,378 and incurred an expenses of only P1,015,154.67 though they have included a number of new events during the affair. The surplus is 24 percent higher compared in three previous Paraw Regatta festivals.

Based on the financial report of Manuel Joseph Barredo, head of the finance committee of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc., they have received financial help from city the government in the amount of P500,000; Iloilo Provincial Government P150,000; Guimaras Provincial Government P10,000 and P301,626.35.

Barredo's financial statement was concurred upon by Manuel Villa, chair of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation. It was presented yesterday to the members of the Iloilo media.

The foundation also received sponsorships from Cong. Raul Gonzalez Jr. P200,000; San Miguel Corporation P100,000; SM Shoemart; P75,000; Weesam P20,000; Breakthrough Restaurant, JS Layson Construction and Lorenzo Shipping at P5,000 each. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office also gave P4,687.50 and P3,000 from Japino Restaurant. The foundation has a P100,000 collectibles to Petron.

For the registration fees of the participating Paraw racers, the foundation collected P4,500. Each participant is asked to pay P100 registration fee. There were 45 participants during the competition.

In the list of expenses, the prizes for the competition has eaten a bigger share with P165,000. The total expenses for the Paraw Regatta proper amounted to P491,150.47 and P442,887.85 for the special events. The special events includes the Samba de Regatta, Iloilo Miss Paraw Regatta, raffles, Pinta Paraw, slalom rowing competition and miniature paraw race, Governor's Cup Fishing Contest among others.

The P371,223.63 surplus for this year is much bigger compared in three previous regattas. The foundation has only a surplus of P88,362.91 for three previous Paraw Regatta competitions. They have also a revolving fund of P150,000. The foundation has a cash in bank of P609,586.54.

For the past four years there is a steady growth in the interest of sponsors for the Paraw Regatta. They have effectively managed their funds as there are great expectations for the improvement of the activity. They are hoping for a bigger and grander Paraw Regatta competitions in the future, said Barredo.

Link :http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/16/paraw.regatta.foundation.earns.p371t.surplus.html

From the national daily news paper Manila Standard Today.

Five realty giants eye Iloilo airport property

By Lawrence Agcaoili

Property developers SM Prime Holdings of retail king Henry Sy, Robinsons Land of taipan John Gokongwei, Lopez-owned Rockwell Land, Filinvest Land of Andrew Gotianun, and Empire East Land of businessman Andrew Tan have expressed interest in acquiring the 54-hectare old Iloilo airport in the town of Mandurriao.

Representatives from the five firms attended yesterday’s pre-bid conference presided over by Finance Undersecretary John Philip Sevilla and officials from the Department of Justice, Air Transportation Office and local government.

Sevilla, head of the inter-agency Privatization Council, told the prospective bidders that they have until March 27 to submit pre-qualified documents and with the bid date scheduled on April 24.

He said other interested parties could still be pre-qualified even without attending the pre-bid conference as long as they were able to show proof of access to P1 billion in funds. Pre-qualified bidders need to post a bid bond of P150 million on the bid date.

Sevilla told the bidders that the government would or would not disclose a floor price for the property that is being sold on “as is, where is” basis. However, he said that if two bidders exceeded the floor price, the government would declare it a failed bidding.

From : http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business5_mar16_2007

Yogs, waay ko pa natapos basa tanan nga post sa thread 32, may bag-o na naman. Indi ko kaarapal ah.

Linglingon ko to anay ang nagligad nga thread...:D
:lol: hilig ka guid iya sa ling-linganay, Shay. Kadsaig abi lately sang postings kay napuno sang Iloilo Airport (both old Mandurriao and new one in Sta.Barbara-Cabatuan) plus a lot more. Amyway, enjoy reading and keep posting here, mate.

^^ It seems that Paraw Regatta Festival is picking up and starting to become a major and well-known festival in Iloilo and Asia. If foreign shipping copanies will start pouring their money to support "Paraw Regatta", it'll undoubtedly mirror the success of Dinagyang Festival, too. I'm not so sure the budget of Paraw Regatta but the city government of Iloilo has this data for 2007 monetary pledge - 500K for Paraw Regatta and 3M for Dinagyang. The Dinagyang Festival had a budget of 12M last year whilst Paraw Regatta had less than 3 million budget, I think. It's a bit harsh comparsion, isn't it?

hopefully the winning airport bidder would incorporate a convention center in its development plans so it wont be a cost to the city at all. :banana:

if the provincial government also pushes through with its convention center project, i also would oppose the near-capitol location :lol:
it would be a small convention center then (if located in the old airport's site). Trenas has even asked for only more than a thousand-seater convention. Right now, Iloilo City has a 2,500 or 2,700 seater Iloilo International Convention Center in Centennial Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Jaro. If possible, a same-seater or more will be needed to attract more conferences. Even Sarabia Manor can hold a thousand guests on their Kalantiao Hall? For me, building another convention with a capacity of a thousand is just a waste of money. It's like every other years, we have to upgrade it. Other than money, time is also wasted as well.

The province is looking for more the 3000 seating capacity convention center but the propose location is absolutely crap. I wonder why the capitol is so keen to put a convention in Bonofacio Drive? Is it just because of location? Or is it because they want centralisation and full control of the new center within their reach. I hope the provincial planner will look at other option on where they're going to put the new provincial convention center.

The Ayala's absence in that meeting might be some sort of a drama of sorts for something bigger :lol:
i hope it'd be the case. Probably, Ayala dropped their plan of acquiring the old airport site. Two things though, either they are planning to purchase a bigger property in Iloilo for mix-development (not only residential as earlier planned in San Miguel) or had lost their interest in the bidding process. Either way, it's the risk Iloilo City is taking. If SM wins the bid, that means SM has a 54-hectare addition to the already 18 hectare property they have in Diversion Area. Also, what about Lopezes? Do you think they have better access when it comes to Iloilo Airport's bidding? Remember, Lopezes are pure-Ilonggo and very much deserves to own that property, too.

as posted by soulmaker in the iloilo heritage thread

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c211/hawayano/PCIloilo.jpg

the socorro drugstore building is Iloilo's version of FLATIRON bldg of nyc :D being at the tip

would love to see that portion of the city restored though it seem quite impossible at the moment

a new city rising with the old city restored

i would like to see jm basa (from the obelisk to aldeguer) being cobblestone-laden with modern shops aptly designed for restored buildings while aldeguer-iznart (obelisk to aldeguer) being the chinatown district ala ongpin :D
it's hard to restore this heritage site. But like everyone else's here, I would love to see a good contrast of the old and new Iloilo. Iloilo City is known to be culturally and historically important and by losing the touch of Calle Real, the old Iloilo will simply banish from the face of every Ilonggo. It's a big cultural suicide to replace these old structures as well. Gee, how I wish signature shops will line and be housed in the area, not only to enliven and increase the activities within but to regain its glory as the old city's commercial hub.

just a little bit of politics in Iloilo. Looking back on the capitol's seige 2 months ago:

VICTORY FOR TUPAS
Guv secures permanent
injunction vs dismissal

ILOILO – The Court of Appeals (CA) yesterday issued a permanent injunction, barring the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) from enforcing the Ombudsman order dismissing Gov. Niel Tupas Sr.

A jubilant Tupas described the appellate court’s decision as a “triumph of justice.”
The CA issued the permanent injunction past 11 a.m. yesterday.

(more on Panay News online)

^^ He's vindicted. That's great to hear. A justice for everyone. Especially those involved in the capitol's seige.

it's hard to restore this heritage site. But like everyone else's here, I would love to see a good contrast of the old and new Iloilo. Iloilo City is known to be culturally and historically important and by losing the touch of Calle Real, the old Iloilo will simply banish from the face of every Ilonggo. It's a big cultural suicide to replace these old structures as well. Gee, how I wish signature shops will line and be housed in the area, not only to enliven and increase the activities within but to regain its glory as the old city's commercial hub.

Heritage conservation is very new to Filipinos and it is very expensive. We need not only the governments involvement but also of the private sector and the academe.

My mentor once told me: "It is really expensive to conserve buildings or restore it rather than making a new one". Thats why buliganay ta di. :)

The difficulty though of Calle Real is that we simply cannot close it as a heritage use only since right till this day, it is still the heart of business and commerce of the Ciudad. But it is still possible that we can have these 2 things merged into one.

Heritage conservation is very new to Filipinos and it is very expensive. We need not only the governments involvement but also of the private sector and the academe.

My mentor once told me: "It is really expensive to conserve buildings or restore it rather than making a new one". Thats why buliganay ta di. :)

The difficulty though of Calle Real is that we simply cannot close it as a heritage use only since right till this day, it is still the heart of business and commerce of the Ciudad. But it is still possible that we can have these 2 things merged into one.

^^I very much agree with u @bernie.

It's a pity that both ancestral houses of my parents are torn down by their relatives to give way for easy to maintain structures. It seems that a part of our lives were taken away when those houses were demolished/renovated beyond recognition. I hope this won't happen to our heritage structures that are still standing along Calle Real.

hopefully the winning airport bidder would incorporate a convention center in its development plans so it wont be a cost to the city at all. :banana:

if the provincial government also pushes through with its convention center project, i also would oppose the near-capitol location :lol:

Glad to be back here, anyway I've been a lurker for quite sometime... If by any means that Ayala won't be in the biding process for the old airport... I am quite confident that if the Gokongweis win the bidding they could actually be the next BEST developer after the AYAla... right now their condo development here in MM is in the Full swing plus they have TOWERS in MAKATI, FORT, ORTIGAS and PIONEER. I would like to have a similar development here in ILOILO and mind you they have partnership with many callcenters and other BPO's... the ORtigas Center alone holds 3-4 callcenters.

yeah similar to cybergate would be fine :cheers:

BUILD A NEW AIRPORT OR EXPAND AN OLD ONE

from The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/)

By AUSTIN CONSIDINE
Published: December 24, 2006 Smilies
As airports become overcrowded and new tourism markets grow around the world, new airports are springing up, while existing airports expand to accommodate the influx of passengers.

And this year, several openings and expansions are scheduled -- with new terminals opening in places like Beijing, the Philippines and Plattsburgh, N.Y., just south of Montreal, which is expected to give Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport in Montreal a run for its money.

In China, work on the new Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital International Airport is scheduled to be completed before the 2008 Olympic Games, maybe late next year, at a final cost of around $2 billion, according to companies involved in its construction.

The terminal is expected to increase the airport's capacity from its current level of about 27 million passengers a year to more than 43 million in the short term, and as much as 55 million to 60 million by 2015.

The Chinese expect to see the completion of dozens of new airports and expansions over the next four years in places like Shanghai, Tianjin, Hohhot, Qingdao and Wuhan.

The picture is similar elsewhere in Asia. In India, major renovations to the airports in Mumbai and Delhi are expected to begin next year. A new airport in Bangalore is officially scheduled to open in the second half of next year, said Pravir Chakravorty, a spokesman for India Tourism New York.

And although 2006 saw new airports in high-traffic cities like Bangkok, there were also openings in out-of-the-way places like Nyingchi Airport in Tibet. Similarly, the Philippines is opening two new airports, hoping to lure travelers to the less-visited Visaya Islands region in the south: Iloilo Airport near Iloilo City and the Silay Airport in Negros Occidental (each is expected to be ready by the first half of 2007). And to accommodate more tourism, a large terminal is scheduled to open next year at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila after a number of legal and structural setbacks.

Closer to home, in Plattsburgh, N.Y., the new international airport is expected to open in July with a 35,000-square-foot passenger terminal.

Garry Douglas, president of the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce, said that it will be ''Montreal's American airport.'' He said that Plattsburgh, about an hour from Montreal, will be closer than Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport for some Montreal residents. And, in line with a trend seen in cities like Buffalo (for Toronto) and Seattle (for Vancouver), he said, Canada's comparatively high landing and ticket fees should make Plattsburgh a cheaper alternative. AUSTIN CONSIDINE

Napocor brings Power Barge 101 into Iloilo
by Glenda @ 5:45 pm. Filed under News
by ES Subong

Iloilo City (15 March) — The National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) here announced that it is bringing in Power Barge 101, which is expected to arrive in Iloilo City, March 16, at about 5 in the morning. The barge will be moored in Bo. Obrero this city, beside Power Barge 102.

Mr. Nelson Homena, Panay Diesel Power Plant Complex Manager said the addition of the barge is intended to augment the power supply of Panay island. The barge is ideal for the provision of ancillary services such as providing black-start capability, load following, frequency regulation, reactive power and voltage control.

Homena added the barge will also be providing intermediate and peaking-load demands and its arrival is expected to greatly enhance the stability of power in Panay island.

He also said the Napocor is ready to deliver quality and dependable electricity anytime and anywhere in the Philippines, as its share helping the benefits of economic reforms flow down to the people.

Meanwhile, the Administration looks forward to further cut in power rates, following the petition of Napocor with the ERC for another power reduction.

from http://www.visayas.wowphilippines.com/iloilo/

great improvements and developments for Iloilo ! Hala Bira Ilonggos !

Heritage conservation is very new to Filipinos and it is very expensive. We need not only the governments involvement but also of the private sector and the academe.

My mentor once told me: "It is really expensive to conserve buildings or restore it rather than making a new one". Thats why buliganay ta di. :)

The difficulty though of Calle Real is that we simply cannot close it as a heritage use only since right till this day, it is still the heart of business and commerce of the Ciudad. But it is still possible that we can have these 2 things merged into one.
I agree with you @Bern. We need to educate everyone in Iloilo or at least keep them informed and aware of heritage conservation.

A double celebration: TNT Publishing Inc. launches the Iloilo Yearbook 2007 and the News Today as a daily newspaper

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/16/2007yb1.jpg
The TNT Publishing Inc. Board of
Directors. Marichel Magalona,
Dr. Florentino Alerta II, Rosendo Mejica II
and Chris Montero toast to the success
of the company

The much-awaited Iloilo Yearbook 2007 is finally out. Of course, as excited as the management and staff of the TNT Publishing Incorporated were the families, friends and business partners who trooped to the Emilion function room, Roadhaus Complex last March 14, Wednesday.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/16/2007yb2.jpg
Presenting the TNT team!

The guests were warmly welcomed by Board of Directors Rosendo Mejica II, chairman; Chris Montero, president; Dr. Florentino Alerta II, treasurer and Marichel Teves-Magalona, corporate secretary.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/16/2007yb8.jpg

It was a double celebration because The News Today, now on its sixth year, is coming out daily.

These two milestones were borne out of Mejica's dream of providing an alternative newspaper and an annuary that truly reflect the Ilonggos' passions.

Yup, there's more work and pressures ahead, but then as the chairman puts it, “this is one way to serve the Ilonggos." Indeed

it would be a small convention center then (if located in the old airport's site). Trenas has even asked for only more than a thousand-seater convention. Right now, Iloilo City has a 2,500 or 2,700 seater Iloilo International Convention Center in Centennial Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Jaro. If possible, a same-seater or more will be needed to attract more conferences. Even Sarabia Manor can hold a thousand guests on their Kalantiao Hall? For me, building another convention with a capacity of a thousand is just a waste of money. It's like every other years, we have to upgrade it. Other than money, time is also wasted as well.

:wave:

I think Mayor trenas wants a stand alone convention center. Something thats NOT attached to any hotel.Just like Cebu's Int'l Convention center or PICC.

Personally, not for anything else, the "convention center" of centennial resort is one of those "trying hard" (forgive the term) convention center capitalizing on the fact that the city lacks those kind of place that can accomodate a big crown.

The city needs a "world class" convention center (in Philippine setting that is in size/budget/etc).

An article weeks/days ago said that the city is eyeing the ad congress next year and if the city only has sarabia or centennial convention or just any other hotel convention center to "present", forget it. :lol:

Not that Im putting the city cdown, its just saying that we still are not that equip and hope to improve or solve this one in the soonest time possible :)




The province is looking for more the 3000 seating capacity convention center but the propose location is absolutely crap. I wonder why the capitol is so keen to put a convention in Bonofacio Drive? Is it just because of location? Or is it because they want centralisation and full control of the new center within their reach. I hope the provincial planner will look at other option on where they're going to put the new provincial convention center.

that would be great then, based on the rendering before i saw in dinagyang.com the province is keen in building one BUT the location is, yeah, absolutely crap :lol: i guess they just want to fullt utilize the capitol complex also saving money from the acquisition of new land.
i just hope they would beautify that area by turning it into a park (transfer radyo ng bayan :lol: ).we need a breath of fresh air in that area, IMO

it's hard to restore this heritage site. But like everyone else's here, I would love to see a good contrast of the old and new Iloilo. Iloilo City is known to be culturally and historically important and by losing the touch of Calle Real, the old Iloilo will simply banish from the face of every Ilonggo. It's a big cultural suicide to replace these old structures as well. Gee, how I wish signature shops will line and be housed in the area, not only to enliven and increase the activities within but to regain its glory as the old city's commercial hub.

Yup, I agree it would take more than money and political will to restore the area.They also need a new traffic route since jm basa is a main city street plus the old buildings are home to most shops and also really "homes".

As of now I guess we just have let the "new city" dream be built and let this restoration take a backseat :)

Heritage conservation is very new to Filipinos and it is very expensive. We need not only the governments involvement but also of the private sector and the academe.

My mentor once told me: "It is really expensive to conserve buildings or restore it rather than making a new one". Thats why buliganay ta di. :)

The difficulty though of Calle Real is that we simply cannot close it as a heritage use only since right till this day, it is still the heart of business and commerce of the Ciudad. But it is still possible that we can have these 2 things merged into one.

YUP.that right.

My/Our idea is making calle real a heritage site does not mean closing down the businesses there but just restoring the building to their former "glory" while adding new businesses establishments side by side with the "old" ones.

I also would NOT want that area be killed just for this heritage thing.I would like the old and the new to be in harmony :D

Glad to be back here, anyway I've been a lurker for quite sometime... If by any means that Ayala won't be in the biding process for the old airport... I am quite confident that if the Gokongweis win the bidding they could actually be the next BEST developer after the AYAla... right now their condo development here in MM is in the Full swing plus they have TOWERS in MAKATI, FORT, ORTIGAS and PIONEER. I would like to have a similar development here in ILOILO and mind you they have partnership with many callcenters and other BPO's... the ORtigas Center alone holds 3-4 callcenters.

yeah similar to cybergate would be fine :cheers:

:wave:

Personally, whoever wins that airport land would make it into a new city, they have to play their cards right since they have THE ( not only "A" but THE ) PRIME lot in the city.

The winner I would say would be considering an IT (business) Park above the other 3 suggestions of mayor trenas (convention center/hospital/the ever famous THEMEPARK :lol: ).

An IT park with a new commercial-entertainment (mall/nightlife) area would be best "business" in the old airport site whoever wins the bidding

:banana: next month na ini :pepper:

Women pay tribute to wartime women
By Ma. Diosa Labiste
Last updated 01:52am (Mla time) 03/17/2007


ILOILO CITY -- Three months into their graduation in December 1942, student nurses Candida Jimenea and Patria Jover of Emmanuel Hospital in Capiz were inducted into the nurse corps of the 6th Military District, a guerrilla force organized to fight Japanese soldiers during World War II.

They survived the war, got married and told war stories to their children and grandchildren. But they had a better chance of retelling them before a group of women here on March 8, during the International Women’s Day celebration.

Jimenea, 86, now Mrs. Arandela, and Jover, 85, now Mrs. Mago, were given bouquets as a way of honoring them for their valor and for enduring the hardships alongside the soldiers.

Rose Asong, a professor at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, called Arandela and Mago the “women wartime heroes,” giving a face to hundreds of women who volunteered to support the resistance fighters as nurses, agents and couriers.

Asong, together with UPV professors Ma. Luisa Mabunay, and Tita Torio, wrote in their paper “The Ilonggas through the years,” that there are few accounts of women who defied convention and stereotypes to take their place in professions and places reserved for men in the pre-colonial era and up to the first half of the 20th century. She said their research, which was also presented in slides containing old photographs, had barely scratched the surface in identifying high-profile as well as less known women, in battlefields and in everyday life.

Among the women highlighted in their research were those who joined the resistance against the Japanese occupation. Asong said the writing of Col. Cesar Hechanova entitled “Women in the War,” yielded stories of women joining the war against Japan. But she also retrieved stories from the women themselves as well as from their friends and their children.

Among the women was Natividad Kasilag Peralta who organized chapters of the Women’s Auxiliary Service (WAS) in Antique, Capiz and some towns in southern Iloilo. She served as cryptographer of the 6th Military District headquarters in times of heavy radio traffic.

For pursuing projects and perpetuating the memory of World War II, Peralta was awarded the Degree of Legionnaire by the Philippine Legion of Honor.

In Aklan, the WAS chapter was headed by Corazon Quimpo; and in Pototan, Iloilo, by Silfide Perez, who later became Mrs. Zaldivar. She campaigned for clothing, beddings, materials for bandages and medicines. Nurse Faustina Trespeces Villanueva was remembered for treating soldiers bayoneted by the Japanese.

During the siege of Zarraga town, women from villages in the adjoining town of Dumangas brought food for guerrilla soldiers of the 62nd Regimental Combat Team.

Hechanova wrote that there were 71 women nurses and two women dentists in various medical units of the 6th Military District, working in base hospitals and joining the combat teams. The women were exposed to the same danger as the men.

Some of the nurses mentioned by Hechanova were Salome Alforte, Generosa Paspe, Monserrat Jaleco, Otilla Celo, Perpetua Magno, Teresa Paginado, Isabel Almario, Corazon Dy Rivera and Ramona Barrios.

Spies

Women also became the eyes and ears of the guerrillas. Mercedita Atas was a courier of Iloilo Civil Governor of the Resistance Tomas Confesor and Japanese Occupation Gov. Fermin Caram. This led to her family being interrogated and tortured.

Other special agents were Salvacion Jesena Patrimonio, Luisa Dequina Parcon and Esperanza Villanueva. The latter hid messages in her hair knotted like a bun but somehow the Japanese found out and she was executed as a spy of the guerrillas.

Coronacion Chiva’s exploits as a member of the Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Hukbalahap) was legendary. Asong said Chiva, popularly known as “Kumander Walingwaling,” led a squadron of armed men along the boundaries of Iloilo, Capiz and Antique.

Chiva went on to be a member of the Hukbong Mapagpalaya ng Bayan (HMB), the armed group of the old Communist Party of the Philippines in the 1950s until the breakup of the armed groups in the provinces. When martial law was declared in 1972, she supported the New People’s Army and even led a squadron of men. Chiva was assassinated by government agents in 1977.

Courage and daring

Mago and Arandela said their wartime memories are fading but they have never forgotten the courage and daring of soldiers and young nurses like them.

Mago remembered the cruelty of the Japanese soldiers against the civilians. “Before the war there were Japanese shopkeepers in Iloilo and I have always known them to be polite because they kept on bowing to their customers. I was shocked to learn how cruel they became when their country occupied us,” she said.

Arandela recalled taking care of a young soldier who was wounded when a bullet exited from his right chest: blood would squirt from his wound at the slightest movement.

Many years later, they met each other and learned that their daughters were classmates. He thanked her profusely for saving his life but Arandela said she doesn’t want to claim the credit because it was, after all, the will of God that he was alive.

from: The Philippine Daily Inquirer
link: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=55342

Yup, I agree it would take more than money and political will to restore the area.They also need a new traffic route since jm basa is a main city street plus the old buildings are home to most shops and also really "homes".

As of now I guess we just have let the "new city" dream be built and let this restoration take a backseat :)
probably that's the reason why they're so keen to develop a new commercial and business center in Iloilo City.

:wave:

I think Mayor trenas wants a stand alone convention center. Something thats NOT attached to any hotel.Just like Cebu's Int'l Convention center or PICC.

Personally, not for anything else, the "convention center" of centennial resort is one of those "trying hard" (forgive the term) convention center capitalizing on the fact that the city lacks those kind of place that can accomodate a big crown.

The city needs a "world class" convention center (in Philippine setting that is in size/budget/etc).

An article weeks/days ago said that the city is eyeing the ad congress next year and if the city only has sarabia or centennial convention or just any other hotel convention center to "present", forget it. :lol:

Not that Im putting the city cdown, its just saying that we still are not that equip and hope to improve or solve this one in the soonest time possible :)





that would be great then, based on the rendering before i saw in dinagyang.com the province is keen in building one BUT the location is, yeah, absolutely crap :lol: i guess they just want to fullt utilize the capitol complex also saving money from the acquisition of new land.
i just hope they would beautify that area by turning it into a park (transfer radyo ng bayan :lol: ).we need a breath of fresh air in that area, IMO

If we want a stand alone International Convention Centre then we need to have a 5000-seater or more convention center. It's no use building a small one when we already have a bigger facility in Centennial. If companies want a bigger venue, a 1000-seater convention center to be built by Iloilo City will not be utilise, too. So, it's just useless having one.

probably that's the reason why they're so keen to develop a new commercial and business center in Iloilo City.

:wave:

ari ka pa gali

yup.the city for decades has the city proper for its business district.
eversince the arrival of malls esp gaisano and sm, the city has somewhat sort of experienced "decentralization" of its business/commercial which is of course what we all want long before.as ive said, city proer needs a breath of "fresh air" from decades of being the commercial center

ari pa eh. I'm on and off computer sa station namon kay indi man masako.

Decentralization of goods, services and jobs will be better felt if there are also rising economic activites from other member towns of Metro Iloilo. Right now, Sta. Barbara is starting to feel the upbeat of development. How about the rest?

If we want a stand alone International Convention Centre then we need to have a 5000-seater or more convention center. It's no use building a small one when we already have a bigger facility in Centennial. If companies want a bigger venue, a 1000-seater convention center to be built by Iloilo City will not be utilise, too. So, it's just useless having one.

Yup. a stand alone convention center (of international standards lang anay :lol: ) would be best and I still maintain :D that it'll be located in the city.Its no use to have such a big facility "banished" in towns far away from the city.

If a sort of araneta coliseum (arena type convention facility) can be made then it will surely be great.

:wave:

Personally, whoever wins that airport land would make it into a new city, they have to play their cards right since they have THE ( not only "A" but THE ) PRIME lot in the city.

The winner I would say would be considering an IT (business) Park above the other 3 suggestions of mayor trenas (convention center/hospital/the ever famous THEMEPARK :lol: ).

An IT park with a new commercial-entertainment (mall/nightlife) area would be best "business" in the old airport site whoever wins the bidding

:banana: next month na ini :pepper:
I'll go for full corporate center. But would like more greeneries within the area, too. Btw, is there a possibility of building a bigger science centrum? Three or four times the size of Iloilo Science Centrum in Iloilo National High School. This will act as Research Center for the whole region.

Yup. a stand alone convention center (of international standards lang anay :lol: ) would be best and I still maintain :D that it'll be located in the city.Its no use to have such a big facility "banished" in towns far away from the city.

If a sort of araneta coliseum (arena type convention facility) can be made then it will surely be great.
Pavia is not that far from the Iloilo City. It's only 30-min by public jeepney and 15-minute by car. :)

I'll go for full corporate center. But would like more greeneries within the area, too. Btw, is there a possibility of building a bigger science centrum? Three or four times the size of Iloilo Science Centrum in Iloilo National High School. This will act as Research Center for the whole region.

yup. thats the trend nowadays more greens in developments esp in commercial/residential/entertainment complex.

re: bigger science centrum, pwede na sya outside the city, IMO

anything to totally decentralise Iloilo City, okay sa akin basta within metro-town members lang. Any developments outside MIG should have further feasibility studies pa to support the structures. The MIG members are too adjacent for each other that each of them can be accessed 30-minute from the Iloilo City's Jaro District.

^^ He's vindicated. That's great to hear. A justice for everyone. Especially those involved in the capitol's seige.
Now, Armada is back na daw sa Capitol. Amo ina ang matunog subong nga balita sa aton :lol: . A laughing stock indeed. :lol: Ambut kung ngaa nag-apply pa siya sang legal quandry before, nag-absent pa sa mga session niya. Sabagay, it's politics back home. Ano pa bag-o dira. :lol: :lol:

Pavia is not that far from the Iloilo City. It's only 30-min by public jeepney and 15-minute by car. :)

yup it is
but its not the only criteria

years ago there was a mini hotel/convention place built in ungka near san miguel beer's panay provinces sales office. i dont know what became of it now :lol:

personally you cant expect a good business if you are located in the middle of a ricefield (forgive my choice of location) for big project.

Is Pavia still a rice field? As far as I'm concerned, it's developing. It's where big housing projects now in Iloilo. So I guess Pavia deserves more respect now than it was 10 years ago.

anything to totally decentralise Iloilo City, okay sa akin basta within metro-town members lang. Any developments outside MIG should have further feasibility studies pa to support the structures. The MIG members are too adjacent for each other that each of them can be accessed 30-minute from the Iloilo City's Jaro District.

locating the airport outside the city is a start of this decentralization (though wala naman talaga silang magawa :lol: ) hopefully more to come and i opt for the transfer of regional govt offices (though would take not only time/money and effort but also politics which is most of the time the most important one)

hopefully a circumferential road from oton-leganes via san miguel/pavia would be realized before its too late

Is Pavia still a rice field? As far as I'm concerned, it's developing. It's where big housing projects now in Iloilo. So I guess Pavia deserves more respect now than it was 10 years ago.

Im not putting down Pavia
It is developing faster than it was years ago but still not apt for a convention center, IMO.
It is a great place for residential projects due to its proximity to the city and the airport too
I still maintain that the old airport would be a great location for a convention center/arena

locating the airport outside the city is a start of this decentralization (though wala naman talaga silang magawa :lol: ) hopefully more to come and i opt for the transfer of regional govt offices (though would take not only time/money and effort but also politics which is most of the time the most important one)

hopefully a circumferential road from oton-leganes via san miguel/pavia would be realized before its too late
That's a good start for Iloilo City's decentralisation. Other than regional offices, Pavia should start becoming a choice for provincial offices, too and so with other infrastructures.

Any latest updates or news about the construction of new city hall building? Hope that election period will not hamper the schedule of this project.

How about the Flood Control Project. Any news and photos?

Im not putting down Pavia
It is developing faster than it was years ago but still not apt for a convention center, IMO.
It is a great place for residential projects due to its proximity to the city and the airport too
I still maintain that the old airport would be a great location for a convention center/arena
In my opinion, the old airport is good as a corporate center and business offices, IT, etc but not a 1000-seater convention center. i will only agree with a convention center to be built in the old airport's site if it is more than a 3,000-seater. Otherwise, scrap the idea of putting a mini-convention center within the area.

That's a good start for Iloilo City's decentralisation. Other than regional offices, Pavia should start becoming a choice for provincial offices, too and so with other infrastructures.

correct.

the regional offices complex in fort/port san pedro is also a prime lot and also apt for commercial development.
pavia being sandwiched betwee the city and the airport is expected to boom in the soonest time possible not only residentially but as the much delayed RAIC :banana:

Any latest updates or news about the construction of new city hall building? Hope that election period will not hamper the schedule of this project.

How about the Flood Control Project. Any news and photos?
Thanks for bringing it up Lew. I haven't heard anything about the new city hall. Nakalipat na ba ang mga city offices sa Robinson's? Trenas said election will not hampered the new Iloilo City Hall development since it's privately-funded.

Flood Control project is still ongoing.

In my opinion, the old airport is good as a corporate center and business offices, IT, etc but not a 1000-seater convention center. i will only agree with a convention center to be built in the old airport's site if it is more than a 3,000-seater. Otherwise, scrap the idea of putting a mini-convention center within the area.

:lol: i would also scrap a MINI convention center

yup. actually i would like more of an araneta coliseum type (conventional arena) whioch could host more than 5000 so it would not only serve as a convention center but also for concerts/sports/etc

Pavia is not that far from the Iloilo City. It's only 30-min by public jeepney and 15-minute by car. :)

If you ask me, kaya ko na in 5 minutes sa motorcycle (from Jaro); 15 minutes (from City Proper/Mandurriao) :lol:

Im not putting down Pavia
It is developing faster than it was years ago but still not apt for a convention center, IMO.
It is a great place for residential projects due to its proximity to the city and the airport too
I still maintain that the old airport would be a great location for a convention center/arena

Someday, this sleepy hometown of mine will wake up. Pero indi ko ya gusto nga ka-crowded kag gamo. :D

That's a good start for Iloilo City's decentralisation. Other than regional offices, Pavia should start becoming a choice for provincial offices, too and so with other infrastructures.

COA gani ato to. hehehe!!! Pwede man ubrahon na lang didto ang daw Regional Center sang Western Visayas just like sa ARMM nga isa ka compound ang tanan nga regional offices sa Cotabato City.

Any latest updates or news about the construction of new city hall building? Hope that election period will not hamper the schedule of this project.


So far, according to a Landbank insider, they are still tapping the World Bank for fundings.

Yup. a stand alone convention center (of international standards lang anay :lol: ) would be best and I still maintain :D that it'll be located in the city.Its no use to have such a big facility "banished" in towns far away from the city.

If a sort of araneta coliseum (arena type convention facility) can be made then it will surely be great.

Ahem Whyte, tilaw ka lang di ka na kakadto sa amon sa pyesta sa Mayo, hahahahaha!!!! :lol:

Hinayhinay lang ta, then maka-abot ta sa lugar nga ina. It is not nice to have all of a sudden a boom in construction for it may hamper city planning or metro planning itself and thus would create problems in the future.

Speaking about having the Convention Center in Iloilo, how about reclaiming the swampy area around the new (jalandoni?) bridge in City proper? Isn't it that the reclaimation had already started? After that, there they will place the International Convention. I don't think Convention Centers would be sky-rocketing high, so that would be a nice location since it will be potentially spacious and it rests in the heart of the 6 districts (notice niyo?).

Speaking about having the Convention Center in Iloilo, how about reclaiming the swampy area around the new (jalandoni?) bridge in City proper? Isn't it that the reclaimation had already started? After that, there they will place the International Convention. I don't think Convention Centers would be sky-rocketing high, so that would be a nice location since it will be potentially spacious and it rests in the heart of the 6 districts (notice niyo?).

yup. also a good location for a commercial-entertainment center.i would love to see the whole stretch of river from the jalandoni bridge to near marina be made into a nightspot area with "smallville" like ambiance plus offices/malls/convention center

If you ask me, kaya ko na in 5 minutes sa motorcycle (from Jaro); 15 minutes (from City Proper/Mandurriao) :lol:

convention guests dont ride motorcycles :lol:
j/k


Someday, this sleepy hometown of mine will wake up. Pero indi ko ya gusto nga ka-crowded kag gamo. :D

yup.hopefully MIG would be zoned and planned well to avoid these problems


COA gani ato to. hehehe!!! Pwede man ubrahon na lang didto ang daw Regional Center sang Western Visayas just like sa ARMM nga isa ka compound ang tanan nga regional offices sa Cotabato City.

COA gale.di bala POPCOM ara man lapit sa plaza?
I also like that idea. all regional offices be housed in one area.kung pwede gani pati ang capitol para it can be called CAPITOPOLIS :lol:


Ahem Whyte, tilaw ka lang di ka na kakadto sa amon sa pyesta sa Mayo, hahahahaha!!!! :lol:
Hinayhinay lang ta, then maka-abot ta sa lugar nga ina. It is not nice to have all of a sudden a boom in construction for it may hamper city planning or metro planning itself and thus would create problems in the future.

tultulon ko lang balay nyo ah

construction boom in the city mismo would be a nightmare for the planners but outside it would be more beneficial and less of a problem for planning.
though id rather face the problem brought about by the booming rather than "no booming" at all :D

Trans Panay Express replaces Panay Railways
By D.V. Barranco, contributor

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/19/train.jpg
The proposed Iloilo-Sta. Barbara APT and
the Iloilo-Roxas City Trans Panay
Express.


Trans Panay Express (TPE) will soon roll off fast and comfortable air-conditioned trains that will connect and bring closer two provinces, three cities and 11 municipalities.

This was disclosed by retired Col. Hannibal S. Lipardo, General Manager of TPE (formerly Panay Railways) last week in an interview with this writer.

The fully air-conditioned coaches will run a maximum speed of 140 kilometers per hour and with 450 passenger capacity. There will be 13 stations (stops) from Iloilo to Roxas City.

The width of the two-way tracks (with a small concrete island in the middle) will be 30 meters and the length of the alignment is 122 kilometers with a travel time of 70 minutes between the two cities.

Headway between trips is 30 minutes and the coaches will be powered by diesel electric locomotive with 2,700 horse power (hp).

The Iloilo-Sta. Barbara coach will have only 114 passenger capacity. The passenger coaches will be beefed-up with an overnight cargo transit.

Meanwhile, relocation sites for informal settlers that will be affected by the expansion project have already been identified. Informal settlers numbering 5,000 and with a population of 298,593 (based on the survey conducted two years ago) are those houses which are occupying portions of the railway tracks and are paying monthly rental fee to TPE. There are also a number of squatters.

The affected residents will be relocated in the same town or city where they are residents and will be provided with a low-cost housing facilities. TPE however is still scouting for the relocation of the Iloilo City informal settlers.

The route of the 122-kilometer project for Iloilo province are: Iloilo City, Pavia, Sta. Barbara, New Lucena, Pototan, Dingle, and Passi City. For Capiz province: Dumarao, Dumalag, Cuartero, Dao, Panitan and Roxas City.

A China conglomerate construction firm will undertake the project under Build Operate Transfer (BOT) scheme. The Philippine government will assume the right-of-way but the rest of logistical requirements will be assumed by the contractor.

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) is reviewing the China proposal for immediate implementation of the project.

TPE project was strongly proposed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her latest State of the Nation Address and has vowed to deliver such commitment.

from: The News Today
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/19/trans.panay.express.replaces.panay.railways.html

A beauty to behold. What's the proposal of a Chinese company in the past? I'm trying to relocate any article pertaining to Panay Railways funding but of no success. How I wish the implementation will be soon. Hala Bira Iloilo ! :banana: :banana: :banana:

Ayos!!! Daw madayun na gid ang ginahulat nga pagbalik sa railway!!! Hope this will materialize soon.
:banana: :banana: :banana:
Hala bira!!!

correct.

the regional offices complex in fort/port san pedro is also a prime lot and also apt for commercial development.
pavia being sandwiched betwee the city and the airport is expected to boom in the soonest time possible not only residentially but as the much delayed RAIC :banana:
relocate all Regional, Provincial and Local Offices in Pavia or Sta. Barbara. Make the two municipalities the political centrum of Metro Iloilo. Now that Metro Iloilo is by all means legal and approved, why not make use or utilise other town members of the MIGEDC? As said earlier, let the MIG acts as one body. We really need to take some infras away from the crowded city of Iloilo. With lack of industrial investor in Pavia at present, RAIC is far a dram unrealised. At present, Pavia is Metro Iloilo's center of big housing projects. If Pavia will not move to lure more industrial investors, soon, it'll be filled up with all high-end subdivisions. Pavia's location is very advantageous considering it is the town between Iloilo City and Sta. Barbara's (new Iloilo Airport). Although, I do belive that Sta. Barbara will have a greater augmentation when it comes to economic activities, Pavia will NOT be far from developments as well.

:lol: i would also scrap a MINI convention center

yup. actually i would like more of an araneta coliseum type (conventional arena) whioch could host more than 5000 so it would not only serve as a convention center but also for concerts/sports/etc
The available land for improvement in Mandurriao stands less than 50 or 52 hecatres only. If you are talking like an Araneta Coliseum convention center, you need to look for more than 5 hectares of land, which when we are looking for a CBD-type development is already a big cut in land area. Of course, we need it to be more presentable with gardens or proper landscaping. Anyway, a convention center is good for Iloilo City anf Iloilo Province if they can double the biggest available convention center at present, the Iloilo International Convention Center within the Centennial Resort Hotel with a capacity of 2,700 seats, the third biggest in the Philippines. Now, it's a big challenge for Mayor Trenas to convince a developer to build a bigger convention center.

If you ask me, kaya ko na in 5 minutes sa motorcycle (from Jaro); 15 minutes (from City Proper/Mandurriao) :lol:
and roads are well-concreted as well. It's easier travelling to Pavia right now. Even Jaro-Ungka-Pavia border is slowly developing at present. The only concern with Jaro Ungka is Tito Lopez' project of Bagsakan Center. What happened to Lopez' plan in front of University of Iloilo, Jaro-Ungka? And his proposed Bagsakan center, which at present is a public utility vehicles' terminal?

Someday, this sleepy hometown of mine will wake up. Pero indi ko ya gusto nga ka-crowded kag gamo. :D
someday might be in 50 years time. If we have to wake Pavia, now is the right time. There's no better time than NOW. Amo ina ang hambal sang mga taho diri. NGaa mahulat pa kita sang buwas kung mahimo man lang naton subong. It's like, why we need to wait sang iban pa nga bagay, if we can develop infras subong na? Ahay, no time for ningas-kugon. Dapat agresibo ta sa pangganyat investors diri sa aton or else maulihi naman kita. Ang mga tulog, pamukawa na !

COA gani ato to. hehehe!!! Pwede man ubrahon na lang didto ang daw Regional Center sang Western Visayas just like sa ARMM nga isa ka compound ang tanan nga regional offices sa Cotabato City.
good example. Can we relocate other regional offfices there as well? Like DFA, DOST, DAR, etc.

So far, according to a Landbank insider, they are still tapping the World Bank for fundings.

so slow sang release sang funding. Bern, try to e-mail Mr Jimena subong. Basi may sabat na sini siya.

Ahem Whyte, tilaw ka lang di ka na kakadto sa amon sa pyesta sa Mayo, hahahahaha!!!! :lol:

Hinayhinay lang ta, then maka-abot ta sa lugar nga ina. It is not nice to have all of a sudden a boom in construction for it may hamper city planning or metro planning itself and thus would create problems in the future.
it's either you choose BOOM or BANE. I don't think there's no sudden boom back home anyway. Almost everything is a snal-paced development. So ngaa pahinay-hinayon ta pa guid haw?

yup. also a good location for a commercial-entertainment center.i would love to see the whole stretch of river from the jalandoni bridge to near marina be made into a nightspot area with "smallville" like ambiance plus offices/malls/convention center
MARINA BY THE RIVER. A very nice idea. I hope they'll develop the riverside beautifully. Mini-parks, low-rise buildings, more trees (esp palm trees), biking lanes, shopping center, cafes and restaurantss, and a river cruise for tourists and locals.

it's either you choose BOOM or BANE. I don't think there's no sudden boom back home anyway. Almost everything is a snal-paced development. So ngaa pahinay-hinayon ta pa guid haw?

Because how faster it'll get progress, the harder it'll fall. We learned it from yesterday. Our experience. Our Iloilo...in the past.

Maayo na ang ga-usad sang hinay kumpara sa indi ukon paatras.

The Ilonggos in general back home wouldn't like to lose their laidback lifestyle with the advent of fast progress although they haven't disregarded progress itself and change is inevitable. They need also employment after schooling like us yuppies.

To sum up things, its better to plan for its development properly. Why the rush? Now is the move to go forward but doesn't necessarily be on a haste.

Regarding the Panay Railways, no comment kay kabalo na kamo sa comment ko sina, hehehehe!!! ;)

--------------
Ang kay Sir Ben, ay abaw kadugay sina magreply bala. Busy nga daan subong. Daw kis-a daw dekada ang hulaton para magsabat sya, hehehehe!!! :lol:

@Sleepy Pavia. Someday pa guid. Indi pagpwersahon ang Pavianhon. Patience is a virtue my friend. There are already plans in the blueprint and these are almost 10 years old. What we need now is AGRESSIVE PROMOTION in Iloilo City and Province itself (and both not only one of them would strive hard to promote Iloilo as an investment destination).

Friendster Photos of The New Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/group/11/33/223311/58308665431l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/group/11/33/223311/58304657533l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/group/11/33/223311/55091330947l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/group/11/33/223311/5507295126l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/group/11/33/223311/55071955279l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/group/11/33/223311/55072246962l.jpg

Yup. a stand alone convention center (of international standards lang anay :lol: ) would be best and I still maintain :D that it'll be located in the city.Its no use to have such a big facility "banished" in towns far away from the city.

If a sort of araneta coliseum (arena type convention facility) can be made then it will surely be great.


we now have Centenial International Resort and Convention Center... I've heard of rumors that Fuerza San Pedro will be revived once again and will function as a cultural convention center. I don't know if if it would be large enough to fit the standards of being an international convention center. But I want the design to be classical with modern amenities.

beautiful airport i must say!

nice updates guys. Salamat sa contributuon sang tanan. Sano ayhan nila umpisahan ining Trand Panay Epress? We're all looking forward to it.

Hi Guys, i just repost here what i posted in Samahan, maybe can help me here

First, i'm new here and not sure if this is the right thread to ask but guys do you know of any iloilo real estate websites? I am looking for a lot or house and lot probably less than 1 hour taxi travel from the new airport and along the main road or public tranportation is available. Or if you know any please pm me. Also, how far is villa from the new airport and what is the mode of transportation? How long would be the travel. Thanks in advance :)

we now have Centenial International Resort and Convention Center... I've heard of rumors that Fuerza San Pedro will be revived once again and will function as a cultural convention center. I don't know if if it would be large enough to fit the standards of being an international convention center. But I want the design to be classical with modern amenities.
@Pacific: Where's is Fuerza San Pedro? Is this the Fort San Pedro in Iloilo City? Any idea what kind of development they're planning to revive the place? It's very ideal if they place the new convention center in Fort San Pedro. It's like having a CCP with the majestically Guimaras Strait as a background. The only problem underlying with San Pedro's development are the squatters abounding the area. If they can start relocating these squatters to other areas of the city or outside the city, then San Pedro is another best place for commercial and entertainment center of Iloilo City. By then, we can build bigger and better welcoming structures to an already nicely-built new Iloilo Commercial Port Complex.

so guys when would be the new iloilo airport operational? will the new airport have those porters back again like in the old airport? i hope not since I find them disturbing and irritating. sorry although i know they need work but i just want to travel without nuisance like in other countries.

Hi Guys, i just repost here what i posted in Samahan, maybe can help me here

First, i'm new here and not sure if this is the right thread to ask but guys do you know of any iloilo real estate websites? I am looking for a lot or house and lot probably less than 1 hour taxi travel from the new airport and along the main road or public tranportation is available. Or if you know any please pm me. Also, how far is villa from the new airport and what is the mode of transportation? How long would be the travel. Thanks in advance :)

welcome Risk Taker to Iloilo Thread.

Iloilo Real estate websites:
http://www.crowncommunities.net/whatsgoingon.aspx?id=18 (Savannah, Iloilo)
http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/real_estate/metropolis_iloilo.html (The Metropolis, Jaro, Iloilo City)
... and there's a lot more. Try to visit www.exploreiloilo.com . There's a section which features three newest realty developers in the province right now. Maybe you can have good look at their specifics for more information.

However, if you want a prime house and lot near the airport, try the ongoing Paseo de Sta. Barbara and Sta. Barbara Residential and Golf Estate by Fil-Estate. It's just right at the helm of the new airport's access road. Otherwise, Providence Iloilo in Pavia, Savannah in Oton-Pavia are two of the best options you can choose.

Villa Rica de Arevalo is 30-45 min drive from the new airport. Maybe an hour if you're taking taxi and a little bit more than an hour by taking public jeepney.

so guys when would be the new iloilo airport operational? will the new airport have those porters back again like in the old airport? i hope not since I find them disturbing and irritating. sorry although i know they need work but i just want to travel without nuisance like in other countries.
as of report, the new Iloilo airport will start to operate from April 12, 2007 with Air Philippines as the first airline to make an initial touchdown. With regards to porters, etc, we have no definite answers to this thing yet. As far as I'm concerened, one forumer here posted few weeks ago that Bernie (head/owner of portering dept in the old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao) will not be having his service in the new airport. And I can definitely agree with you with regards to their distrubance, which oftentimes irritates travellers and visitors alike. How I wish new trolleys or carts will be available for the new Iloilo Airport. Also, taxi will be regulated as well just like in NAIA and Centenial Terminal in Manila. I think there going to introduce more changes on the operation department of the new Iloilo Airport.

^^ thanks Wecky for the welcome and for your reply. Is this Paseo Sta. Barbara a new subdivision? Do you know the website of the developer? Btw, are you sure it's only an hour travel from the new airport to Villa? I travel before from the old airport to Villa and it took me already almost an hour so i'm a bit confused here since the new airport is a little far from the city right? thanks in advance again:)

as of report, the new Iloilo airport will start to operate from April 12, 2007 with Air Philippines as the first airline to make an initial touchdown. With regards to porters, etc, we have no definite answers to this thing yet. As far as I'm concerened, one forumer here posted few weeks ago that Bernie (head/owner of portering dept in the old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao) will not be having his service in the new airport. And I can definitely agree with you with regards to their distrubance, which oftentimes irritates travellers and visitors alike. How I wish new trolleys or carts will be available for the new Iloilo Airport. Also, taxi will be regulated as well just like in NAIA and Centenial Terminal in Manila. I think there going to introduce more changes on the operation department of the new Iloilo Airport.

thanks again. wow so it's near the opening date so next time i go back to iloilo will be thru the new airport. about the porters, i really hope that they think twice about putting it back by then i think it would be more comfortable for travellers.

relocate all Regional, Provincial and Local Offices in Pavia or Sta. Barbara. Make the two municipalities the political centrum of Metro Iloilo. Now that Metro Iloilo is by all means legal and approved, why not make use or utilise other town members of the MIGEDC? As said earlier, let the MIG acts as one body. We really need to take some infras away from the crowded city of Iloilo. With lack of industrial investor in Pavia at present, RAIC is far a dram unrealised. At present, Pavia is Metro Iloilo's center of big housing projects. If Pavia will not move to lure more industrial investors, soon, it'll be filled up with all high-end subdivisions. Pavia's location is very advantageous considering it is the town between Iloilo City and Sta. Barbara's (new Iloilo Airport). Although, I do belive that Sta. Barbara will have a greater augmentation when it comes to economic activities, Pavia will NOT be far from developments as well.
The idea of putting all government (regional, provincial, etc) offices in one place is very ideal. It would be too handy for Western Visayans to visit all these offices in just a day. Apart from that, we can decongest traffic from Iloilo City. Pavia and Sta Barbara is two of the best choices here with an option of Pototan as the third best alternative.

^^ thanks Wecky for the welcome and for your reply. Is this Paseo Sta. Barbara a new subdivision? Do you know the website of the developer? Btw, are you sure it's only an hour travel from the new airport to Villa? I travel before from the old airport to Villa and it took me already almost an hour so i'm a bit confused here since the new airport is a little far from the city right? thanks in advance again:)
that's way too long if you're travelling from Mandurriao Airport to Villa. There's an access road at the back of the old Mandurriao Airport passing Carpenter's Bridge to Molo Plaza, that'll only take you 10-15 minutes by car. Villa is a district next to Molo. And with no heavy traffic between the two districts, you can surely get to your place in Villa for another 15 minutes.

With regards on travelling from the new airport to Villa:
From Sta. Barbara or Cabatuan to Iloilo City's Diversion Road, it'll only take you 30-40 minutes of straight driving, maybe less depending how fast you drive. From Diversion to Gen Luna, I think 5 minutes would be enough unless the traffic is so heavy then you'll be stuck for half an hour on the road. Otherwise, take the old airport access road to Molo again to speed up your travel.

thanks again. wow so it's near the opening date so next time i go back to iloilo will be thru the new airport. about the porters, i really hope that they think twice about putting it back by then i think it would be more comfortable for travellers.
barely three more weeks to go! Yehey ! When are you planning to visit Iloilo?

Btw, I would be very disappomited as well if they'll have same porters in the new airport. I'm glad they'll not be part of the new airport anymore. Like you said, they're just doing their jobs. But oftentimes, it creates more chaos and miseries to all travellers in dealing with them.

that's way too long if you're travelling from Mandurriao Airport to Villa. There's an access road at the back of the old Mandurriao Airport passing Carpenter's Bridge to Molo Plaza, that'll only take you 10-15 minutes by car. Villa is a district next to Molo. And with no heavy traffic between the two districts, you can surely get to your place in Villa for another 15 minutes.

With regards on travelling from the new airport to Villa:
From Sta. Barbara or Cabatuan to Iloilo City's Diversion Road, it'll only take you 30-40 minutes of straight driving, maybe less depending how fast you drive. From Diversion to Gen Luna, I think 5 minutes would be enough unless the traffic is so heavy then you'll be stuck for half an hour on the road. Otherwise, take the old airport access road to Molo again to speed up your travel.

you're right maybe it's because of the heavy traffic why it took me so long, almost an hour to be specific, to reach villa from the old airport. so i hope the traffic is improved already next time i go there to iloilo.

barely three more weeks to go! Yehey ! When are you planning to visit Iloilo?

Btw, I would be very disappomited as well if they'll have same porters in the new airport. I'm glad they'll not be part of the new airport anymore. Like you said, they're just doing their jobs. But oftentimes, it creates more chaos and miseries to all travellers in dealing with them.

oh really only 3 more weeks to go for the new airport to open...well i plan to go there this year but no definite date yet or maybe next year or maybe wait till the airport will cater to international flights so it's more convenient by then, no need to pass manila. Yes you're right the porters in the airport really cause inconvenience for the travellers so i hope the iloilo governmetn would find somewhere else job for them cause i pity them also to lose their jobs since they have mouths to feed too.

you're right maybe it's because of the heavy traffic why it took me so long, almost an hour to be specific, to reach villa from the old airport. so i hope the traffic is improved already next time i go there to iloilo.
I hope they'll build more access roads. The traffic in the city seems to worsen rather than solved. There'll be two flyovers to be built in the city to help decongest traffic especially in city's downtown or city proper. Also, road expansion and bridge expansion courtesy of Iloilo Flood Control Project will be solved soon. Otherwise, moving businesses outside the city's downtown perimeter i of great essence. They're looking of building new city centre in Diversion Area and the old Mandurriao Airport site, once the bidding finished this April 24. I would really love to see a traffic-less city but I guess this thing is inevitable at present.

oh really only 3 more weeks to go for the new airport to open...well i plan to go there this year but no definite date yet or maybe next year or maybe wait till the airport will cater to international flights so it's more convenient by then, no need to pass manila. Yes you're right the porters in the airport really cause inconvenience for the travellers so i hope the iloilo governmetn would find somewhere else job for them cause i pity them also to lose their jobs since they have mouths to feed too.
same here @risk taker. I don't want to spend another day or two in Manila anymore before going to Iloilo. How I wish they'll open the new airport to international airways as soon as possible. The convenience it'll ive to all of us Ilonggos, Panaynons and West Visayans will be great.

The porters, etc of the old Mandurriao site are privateley hired or run by a single person (Bernie). Well, I won't delve much about Bernie's infamous character anymore as it is not my cup of tea. The best thing there is, he's out of the picture already.

^^ Are you talking about me? hehehe!!!! :lol:
Si Bernie Miaque nga nagbungga sa pader nga daku.

But will he still be in the new airport after what happened earlier last year?

@Pacific: Where's is Fuerza San Pedro? Is this the Fort San Pedro in Iloilo City? Any idea what kind of development they're planning to revive the place? It's very ideal if they place the new convention center in Fort San Pedro. It's like having a CCP with the majestically Guimaras Strait as a background. The only problem underlying with San Pedro's development are the squatters abounding the area. If they can start relocating these squatters to other areas of the city or outside the city, then San Pedro is another best place for commercial and entertainment center of Iloilo City. By then, we can build bigger and better welcoming structures to an already nicely-built new Iloilo Commercial Port Complex.

The Plan for La Fuerza was it is to be restored to its former glory (which would be expensive by the way) and as what I've heard before, they are just waiting for the consecionaire in Fort San Pedro (the one who operates the Drive In BBQ Park there) to expire so that they can proceed with reconstruction. Hopefully they would continue this endevour pero eyesore man guihapon ang squatters sa NICA and the government lots of the Waterfront District.

so guys when would be the new iloilo airport operational? will the new airport have those porters back again like in the old airport? i hope not since I find them disturbing and irritating. sorry although i know they need work but i just want to travel without nuisance like in other countries.

Like any other Philippine airports, there is a porter but maybe they will not be as agressive as before since we have trolleys available for convenience.

relocate all Regional, Provincial and Local Offices in Pavia or Sta. Barbara. Make the two municipalities the political centrum of Metro Iloilo. Now that Metro Iloilo is by all means legal and approved, why not make use or utilise other town members of the MIGEDC? As said earlier, let the MIG acts as one body. We really need to take some infras away from the crowded city of Iloilo. With lack of industrial investor in Pavia at present, RAIC is far a dram unrealised. At present, Pavia is Metro Iloilo's center of big housing projects. If Pavia will not move to lure more industrial investors, soon, it'll be filled up with all high-end subdivisions. Pavia's location is very advantageous considering it is the town between Iloilo City and Sta. Barbara's (new Iloilo Airport). Although, I do belive that Sta. Barbara will have a greater augmentation when it comes to economic activities, Pavia will NOT be far from developments as well.

Pavia would be more ideal for regional offices than Sta.Barbara while provincial offices, IMO can also be relocated outside MIG.
I believe among the town members of MIG both pavia and sta.barbs would develop the most being sandwiched by the city and the new airport.

Tani may Traffic Rules man sa aton, maski sa Iloilo lang, same sa U.S....I'm sure mabuhinan ang traffic jam & may disiplina ang mga drivers.

Kung Iloilo ang masugod, laban2 masunod na lang na sa ulihi ang iban nga probinsya sa Pinas.

The available land for improvement in Mandurriao stands less than 50 or 52 hecatres only. If you are talking like an Araneta Coliseum convention center, you need to look for more than 5 hectares of land, which when we are looking for a CBD-type development is already a big cut in land area. Of course, we need it to be more presentable with gardens or proper landscaping. Anyway, a convention center is good for Iloilo City anf Iloilo Province if they can double the biggest available convention center at present, the Iloilo International Convention Center within the Centennial Resort Hotel with a capacity of 2,700 seats, the third biggest in the Philippines. Now, it's a big challenge for Mayor Trenas to convince a developer to build a bigger convention center.

Whoever wins the bidding ( *crosses fingers for you know which* :D ) Im sure they will be making a business-commercial-entertainment complex (offices/malls/shops/nighspots) with a touch of greenery.If they will include a convention center and ahem themepark, it would be great pero the last one would be their least priority.

Forgive me but, since then I have no amor for the centennial convention center :lol: no matter what it claims to be.It is still not a good convention center, IMO.
That is why Im not making it as a basis/example of convention centers :lol: and mostr of the time never mention it when I talk about convention center. :lol:

Again my apologies :)


This thought came into mind last night, that I would reconsider the Capitol's plans of building one convention center in the capitol complex.
.....IF it would include the radyo ng bayan facility and structure/architecture-wise it would be "unconventional" (no pun intended :lol: ) - menaing less concrete more on other new materials.if they could make it more like the new airport terminal with a major touch of greeney inside out it would still be a breat hfo fresh air in that area. Imagine 3 big structures, hall of justice, the capitol and a conventional center of "unconventional" design side by side.
This hsould be the convention center type one not the arena type.I would suggest the arena type for the city government

:D

Tani may Traffic Rules man sa aton, maski sa Iloilo lang, same sa U.S....I'm sure mabuhinan ang traffic jam & may disiplina ang mga drivers.

There are rules ..... kulang lang sa strict implementation :lol:

MARINA BY THE RIVER. A very nice idea. I hope they'll develop the riverside beautifully. Mini-parks, low-rise buildings, more trees (esp palm trees), biking lanes, shopping center, cafes and restaurantss, and a river cruise for tourists and locals.

Yup.The river is an asset to the city, even though it is misused by most establishment.

I really want to see those smallville-riverside boardwalk style of establishment ling the river from the jalandoni bridge to "near" marina with wooden walks.it could become the/a nightlife center imagine more than 50 (estimate) located in that area.

Because how faster it'll get progress, the harder it'll fall. We learned it from yesterday. Our experience. Our Iloilo...in the past.

Maayo na ang ga-usad sang hinay kumpara sa indi ukon paatras.

The Ilonggos in general back home wouldn't like to lose their laidback lifestyle with the advent of fast progress although they haven't disregarded progress itself and change is inevitable. They need also employment after schooling like us yuppies.

To sum up things, its better to plan for its development properly. Why the rush? Now is the move to go forward but doesn't necessarily be on a haste.

With RIGHT projects there would be no need to be afraid.
Our mistake in the past was banking solely on an industry that eventually died tragically (the sweet story of sugar) right we are not banking on a single industry but of diverse nature so fast track progress would be more on the positive side rather on the negative.The only problem is that what you say, city/urban planning.that is more of the city's problem rather than the town members of MIG.


Regarding the Panay Railways, no comment kay kabalo na kamo sa comment ko sina, hehehehe!!! ;)


sa INFRA thread lang ako nagacomment dira :)


@Sleepy Pavia. Someday pa guid. Indi pagpwersahon ang Pavianhon. Patience is a virtue my friend. There are already plans in the blueprint and these are almost 10 years old. What we need now is AGRESSIVE PROMOTION in Iloilo City and Province itself (and both not only one of them would strive hard to promote Iloilo as an investment destination).

As ive said, Pavia between sandwiched between the city and the new airport would be developing in a much faster pace NOW, whether YOU :lol: like it or not. :lol: hope you like it :D

we now have Centenial International Resort and Convention Center... I've heard of rumors that Fuerza San Pedro will be revived once again and will function as a cultural convention center. I don't know if if it would be large enough to fit the standards of being an international convention center. But I want the design to be classical with modern amenities.

re: san pedro
that would be great.
that area is full of promise for a commercial-entertainment complex though an arena would not fit there unless camp delgado plus the other govt office be relocated.

re: centennial convetion center
ara sa babaw ang "thoughts" ko dira

@Pacific: Where's is Fuerza San Pedro? Is this the Fort San Pedro in Iloilo City? Any idea what kind of development they're planning to revive the place? It's very ideal if they place the new convention center in Fort San Pedro. It's like having a CCP with the majestically Guimaras Strait as a background. The only problem underlying with San Pedro's development are the squatters abounding the area. If they can start relocating these squatters to other areas of the city or outside the city, then San Pedro is another best place for commercial and entertainment center of Iloilo City. By then, we can build bigger and better welcoming structures to an already nicely-built new Iloilo Commercial Port Complex.

"My" :lol: plans would be relocate all the gov't offices plus camp delgado outside the city and the squatters.Also the domestic port be consolidated sa loboc area with a bigger and better port complex.That area then near the "new" seaport terminal would be made into a business district if pwede

The vacated port area would be more than enough space for a commercial-entertainment complex with greenery. To top it all off, a bridge connecting fort san pedro to the loboc port.

The idea of putting all government (regional, provincial, etc) offices in one place is very ideal. It would be too handy for Western Visayans to visit all these offices in just a day. Apart from that, we can decongest traffic from Iloilo City. Pavia and Sta Barbara is two of the best choices here with an option of Pototan as the third best alternative.

Id go for Pavia for the Regional Offices, (near the airport/near the city/)
Pototan for the Provincial offices (near being the geographical heart of the province )
and
I am from Sta. Barbara :lol: :lol:

as of report, the new Iloilo airport will start to operate from April 12, 2007 with Air Philippines as the first airline to make an initial touchdown. With regards to porters, etc, we have no definite answers to this thing yet. As far as I'm concerened, one forumer here posted few weeks ago that Bernie (head/owner of portering dept in the old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao) will not be having his service in the new airport. And I can definitely agree with you with regards to their distrubance, which oftentimes irritates travellers and visitors alike. How I wish new trolleys or carts will be available for the new Iloilo Airport. Also, taxi will be regulated as well just like in NAIA and Centenial Terminal in Manila. I think there going to introduce more changes on the operation department of the new Iloilo Airport.
Of course there will be trolleys.Imagine an airport of this magnitude without trolleys?There would be porters though I guess they will not be "the same" in the old airport

:banana: lapit na lang april 12 :D

I hope they'll build more access roads. The traffic in the city seems to worsen rather than solved. There'll be two flyovers to be built in the city to help decongest traffic especially in city's downtown or city proper. Also, road expansion and bridge expansion courtesy of Iloilo Flood Control Project will be solved soon. Otherwise, moving businesses outside the city's downtown perimeter i of great essence. They're looking of building new city centre in Diversion Area and the old Mandurriao Airport site, once the bidding finished this April 24. I would really love to see a traffic-less city but I guess this thing is inevitable at present.

yup. thats why I also want to see an oton-pavia-leganes circumferential road aside from a widened iloilo city-new airport road

There are rules ..... kulang lang sa strict implementation :lol:

what i mean ay may traffic rules man pero daw 3% lang sa traffic rules sang U.S.Kungsabagay malabo man matabo kay gamay ang dalan sa aton.

sa US, Pedestrian has the right of way all the time...maski ano pa na kadugay magtabok ang tigulang, dapat ma-stop gid ang car & hulaton nga makatapos tabok.Sa aton naman ya, kis-a singgitan ka pa ka-driver kung hinay ka patabukon & dapat dasigon tabok kay basi bungguan ka nila.

Sa kada kalye sang US, may STOP sign...before you proceed, u shud stop either may salakyan nga gapadulong or wala. In intersection, if no traffic lights, the first one to arrive will be the first also to cross or turn either left or right.

actually, madamo pa gid eh. :ohno:

Speaking of porters, I dont mind kun ara pa gihapon ang mga kargador, as long nga indi lang si B.M. ang ga operate...but, as totopurz mentioned earlier, B.M. IS OUT...so good news ina hehehe

Of course there will be trolleys.Imagine an airport of this magnitude without trolleys?There would be porters though I guess they will not be "the same" in the old airport

:banana: lapit na lang april 12 :D

welcome Risk taker and hmmp to SSC-Iloilo Thread.

please add more inputs, opinions, etc diri sa aton thread. Sharing ideas, voicing concerns, etc are all welcome.

Speaking of porters, I dont mind kun ara pa gihapon ang mga kargador, as long nga indi lang si B.M. ang ga operate...but, as totopurz mentioned earlier, B.M. IS OUT...so good news ina hehehe

Of course there will be trolleys.Imagine an airport of this magnitude without trolleys?There would be porters though I guess they will not be "the same" in the old airport

:banana: lapit na lang april 12 :D
Thank god, Miaque is out. Imagine him redoing what he did last time to Mandurriao airport? The man is insane and a power grabber. But there you go. Everything has an end so they say.

Porters are okay as long as they'll not bother passengers. All airports in the world have porters should you need any help, etc. The onlt difference with the porter back home is that you paid the porter to help you carry your luggage, etc.

New trolleys will be available, too (we all wish :) ). I can't imagine this beautiful airport without a trolley. It could be a disaster awaiting to be lambasted over the air if it happens. :lol: :lol:

what i mean ay may traffic rules man pero daw 3% lang sa traffic rules sang U.S.Kungsabagay malabo man matabo kay gamay ang dalan sa aton.

sa US, Pedestrian has the right of way all the time...maski ano pa na kadugay magtabok ang tigulang, dapat ma-stop gid ang car & hulaton nga makatapos tabok.Sa aton naman ya, kis-a singgitan ka pa ka-driver kung hinay ka patabukon & dapat dasigon tabok kay basi bungguan ka nila.

Sa kada kalye sang US, may STOP sign...before you proceed, u shud stop either may salakyan nga gapadulong or wala. In intersection, if no traffic lights, the first one to arrive will be the first also to cross or turn either left or right.
actually, madamo pa gid eh. :ohno:

like the one they have in subic.

yup.it would be nice to have these traffic in Philippines but of course we all have to learn to abide and the officials to implement.in the end its still a long journey ahead

Speaking of porters, I dont mind kun ara pa gihapon ang mga kargador, as long nga indi lang si B.M. ang ga operate...but, as totopurz mentioned earlier, B.M. IS OUT...so good news ina hehehe


yup centennial terminal have them but they are not are :bash: the ones in the mandurriao airport now :lol:

Thank god, Miaque is out. Imagine him redoing what he did last time to Mandurriao airport? The man is insane and a power grabber. But there you go. Everything has an end so they say.

Porters are okay as long as they'll not bother passengers. All airports in the world have porters should you need any help, etc. The onlt difference with the porter back home is that you paid the porter to help you carry your luggage, etc.

New trolleys will be available, too (we all wish :) ). I can't imagine this beautiful airport without a trolley. It could be a disaster awaiting to be lambasted over the air if it happens. :lol: :lol:

hopefully the airport will open without a hitch technically in all aspects.
if there could be some negative issues i just hope its just some minor political issues

Pavia would be more ideal for regional offices than Sta.Barbara while provincial offices, IMO can also be relocated outside MIG.
I believe among the town members of MIG both pavia and sta.barbs would develop the most being sandwiched by the city and the new airport.
I would like Pototan to house all provincial offiices. The town has a good road network and very ideal setting.

Speaking of MIG, what do you think of Leganes and Oton? Oton is starting to become a residential area, too. Leganes touted to house light industries due to its Leganes Light Indsutrial Park has never achived this goal til the present just like RAIC to Pavia. Will commercial establishments find their way to these MIG member towns?

Whoever wins the bidding ( *crosses fingers for you know which* :D ) Im sure they will be making a business-commercial-entertainment complex (offices/malls/shops/nighspots) with a touch of greenery.If they will include a convention center and ahem themepark, it would be great pero the last one would be their least priority.

Forgive me but, since then I have no amor for the centennial convention center :lol: no matter what it claims to be.It is still not a good convention center, IMO.
That is why Im not making it as a basis/example of convention centers :lol: and mostr of the time never mention it when I talk about convention center. :lol:

Again my apologies :)


This thought came into mind last night, that I would reconsider the Capitol's plans of building one convention center in the capitol complex.
.....IF it would include the radyo ng bayan facility and structure/architecture-wise it would be "unconventional" (no pun intended :lol: ) - menaing less concrete more on other new materials.if they could make it more like the new airport terminal with a major touch of greeney inside out it would still be a breat hfo fresh air in that area. Imagine 3 big structures, hall of justice, the capitol and a conventional center of "unconventional" design side by side.
This hsould be the convention center type one not the arena type.I would suggest the arena type for the city government

:D
Well, it's just your opinion and we all respect that. But we could not deny that Centennial Resort Hotel and Convention Center holds the biggest convention center in Western Visayas and starting to be a chosen venues for the upcoming bigger conferences, conventions, assemblies in Iloilo City. How I wish the city and provincial governments can have their own convention center each to further our bid to become the country's next convention center but it would be ironic if they only build a very small one. I don't mind much about the location, although I always prefer bigger structures to be built outside the city, as long as their convention centers will be at least bigger by a thousand seating capacity than the one in Centennial Resort (2,7000).

Yup.The river is an asset to the city, even though it is misused by most establishment.

I really want to see those smallville-riverside boardwalk style of establishment ling the river from the jalandoni bridge to "near" marina with wooden walks.it could become the/a nightlife center imagine more than 50 (estimate) located in that area.
The Iloilo River remains to be untapped when it comes to tourism. The plan posted earlier should at least be implemented and worked out to make Iloilo River become more economic and tourism friendly. The Iloilo River holds a magic in transforming Iloilo City as tourism haven, just like what it was in Iloilo's past where it played very important role in Iloilo's economy. A river cruise is a very ideal proposal and boardwalks etc will complement the old charm of Iloilo City.

Ah, oks... Speaking of the new railways proposal, it would be more of a cargo transit. I guess the 114 count would just mean its start-up capacity.

Heheh! If they will continue the transit to Boracay, the passenger demand would potentially leap into soaring heights that they have to follow the French Bread-long model of the train.

The Plan for La Fuerza was it is to be restored to its former glory (which would be expensive by the way) and as what I've heard before, they are just waiting for the consecionaire in Fort San Pedro (the one who operates the Drive In BBQ Park there) to expire so that they can proceed with reconstruction. Hopefully they would continue this endevour pero eyesore man guihapon ang squatters sa NICA and the government lots of the Waterfront District.


This is the first time I've heard about the Fort San Pedro's development. Any more ideas, please post here. Btw, waterfront squatters need to be relocated asap. Are they not receipients of Gawad Kalinga?

hopefully the airport will open without a hitch technically in all aspects.
if there could be some negative issues i just hope its just some minor political issues

Yeah. I hope politics will only play minor roles during the opening. However, take note that it's GMA who's going to open the new facility and she even considered it as a birthday gift to herself. Gee, it's less than a mont by now before it's opening. I'm sure all the retouches, beautiful, etc are on its fastpace at present.

Thank god, Miaque is out. Imagine him redoing what he did last time to Mandurriao airport? The man is insane and a power grabber. But there you go. Everything has an end so they say.

Porters are okay as long as they'll not bother passengers. All airports in the world have porters should you need any help, etc. The onlt difference with the porter back home is that you paid the porter to help you carry your luggage, etc.

New trolleys will be available, too (we all wish :) ). I can't imagine this beautiful airport without a trolley. It could be a disaster awaiting to be lambasted over the air if it happens. :lol: :lol:

Thanks Kirby for the welcome:)

But do you think porters in the philippines would not bother the passenger? Yeah other countries have porters (but i'm not talking about them) but ours is completely different. They pesters passengers a lot, so i don't really like their presence. Trolleys, if no trolleys how the hell we'll gonna carry our baggages:lol: so i think it's a must in every airport:)

I would like Pototan to house all provincial offiices. The town has a good road network and very ideal setting.

Speaking of MIG, what do you think of Leganes and Oton? Oton is starting to become a residential area, too. Leganes touted to house light industries due to its Leganes Light Indsutrial Park has never achived this goal til the present just like RAIC to Pavia. Will commercial establishments find their way to these MIG member towns?


yup being almost at the center of the province it'll be strategic location. plus it would also spur the development up north and outside thye MIG


Well, it's just your opinion and we all respect that. But we could not deny that Centennial Resort Hotel and Convention Center holds the biggest convention center in Western Visayas and starting to be a chosen venues for the upcoming bigger conferences, conventions, assemblies in Iloilo City. How I wish the city and provincial governments can have their own convention center each to further our bid to become the country's next convention center but it would be ironic if they only build a very small one. I don't mind much about the location, although I always prefer bigger structures to be built outside the city, as long as their convention centers will be at least bigger by a thousand seating capacity than the one in Centennial Resort (2,700).

no problem with that. :)

there is more to a convention center than its capacity alone.it could be the
3rd biggest in the country but its still not par with most centers.Iloilo City holds a very great future in hosting conventions but we need something better than THAT (centennial) :lol: or any other hotel ballrooms in the city

i am thinking that mayor jerry is also not that happy with the convention facilities of the city for it is from him directly that we hear a clamour for a convention center.of course we nee more hotels.

The Iloilo River remains to be untapped when it comes to tourism. The plan posted earlier should at least be implemented and worked out to make Iloilo River become more economic and tourism friendly. The Iloilo River holds a magic in transforming Iloilo City as tourism haven, just like what it was in Iloilo's past where it played very important role in Iloilo's economy. A river cruise is a very ideal proposal and boardwalks etc will complement the old charm of Iloilo City.

yup.tourism and commercialism with environment preservation for the Iloilo river would be great

Yeah. I hope politics will only play minor roles during the opening. However, take note that it's GMA who's going to open the new facility and she even considered it as a birthday gift to herself. Gee, it's less than a mont by now before it's opening. I'm sure all the retouches, beautiful, etc are on its fastpace at present.

yup so that is why i see no major hitches for the opening.
except maybe some minor political issues being "using the airport opening" as a campaign tool for the upcomign elections.

Thanks Kirby for the welcome:)

But do you think porters in the philippines would not bother the passenger? Yeah other countries have porters (but i'm not talking about them) but ours is completely different. They pesters passengers a lot, so i don't really like their presence. Trolleys, if no trolleys how the hell we'll gonna carry our baggages:lol: so i think it's a must in every airport:)
you're welcome Risk.

I could only wish with regards to portering back home. Of course, it's different here abroad and a thing to be learned again for Iloilo and Ilonggos. It's ATO who's going to regulate them. Otherwise, we can start filling suggestion forms, etc and hand it over to ATO officials. A suggestion box will be a welcome move for the new Iloilo Airport. Otherwise, we can always complain to the big bosses who's job is to run the airport smoothly and traveller's friendly. I wouldn't mind complaining though. I've been used to it right now. he he.

yup being almost at the center of the province it'll be strategic location. plus it would also spur the development up north and outside thye MIG

no problem with that. :)

there is more to a convention center than its capacity alone.it could be the
3rd biggest in the country but its still not par with most centers.Iloilo City holds a very great future in hosting conventions but we need something better than THAT (centennial) :lol: or any other hotel ballrooms in the city

i am thinking that mayor jerry is also not that happy with the convention facilities of the city for it is from him directly that we hear a clamour for a convention center.of course we nee more hotels.
Pototan it is. Today, Pototan housed Iloilo Provincial Hospital, Regional Mental Health Center and Iloilo Provincial Rehabilitation Center. I would be very happy is provincial DAR will be relocated in Pototan, too, considering that it is the rice granary of Western Visayas. Other ideal structure for Pototan would be a new Iloilo Sports Complex to complement the exisiting Pototan's Astrodome.

With regards to convention center, it'll remain to be seen. The city needs to have its own fund other than IRA. If the city builds their own infras, it would be beneficial for the city's coffers. I say, build a bigger convention facilities near Fort San Pedro. Again, very ideal location with Guimaras Strait as a background. Relocate the exisiting squatters around the area. Most of all, giving bigger space for parking and recreation centers along with the new convention hall.

^^ yeah i hope they're open for suggestion and complaints of passengers. ANd hope they can also read this thread. lots of good inputs here from you guys. :)

someone from capitol in the past was an active member here. I think she's still monitoring SCC and more. :)

Capitol GAD Team undergoes gender sensitivity training
Ian C. Espada

IN order to mobilize the agents of change in the local government units, members of the Iloilo Provincial GAD Team underwent a two-day training recently o form part of the critical mass and serve as frontliners in mainstreaming programs, projects and activities in the province.

The training enabled the participants to reflect on their personal life experiences and on how gender operated and manifested in their lives; has differentiated between the concepts of sex and gender; recognized the limiting effects of gender differentiation on men and women; and viewed gender as a root in culture and social institutions.

This activity, which was also in support to RA 7192 recognizing the role of women in nation building, requires the support and partnership among local government units, non-government organizations and the private sector to promote and ensure the advancement of the gender perspective that takes into account the different roles and interests of women and men.

During the first day of training, Ms. Cynthia Cataluña-Lumampao of UGSAD Gender Resource Center presented the global, national and regional situation of women, and tackled the Gender Dynamics and Manifestation of Gender Bias.

On the second day, Dr. Rosario Asong also of UGSAD Gender Resource Center underscored Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, Violence Against Women and Children and Other Gender Laws and Policies and Gender Journey.

The training winded up with participants’ sharing their experiences on how the training influenced and broaden their perceptions between gender and sex.

On March 21-22, 2007, the GAD Team will undergo training on Gender Planning and Analysis Workshop as sequel of the Gender Sensitivity Training to equip them with knowledge they need as frontliners in mainstreaming the gender-related programs of the province.

from: the Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2220

Pototan it is. Today, Pototan housed Iloilo Provincial Hospital, Regional Mental Health Center and Iloilo Provincial Rehabilitation Center. I would be very happy is provincial DAR will be relocated in Pototan, too, considering that it is the rice granary of Western Visayas. Other ideal structure for Pototan would be a new Iloilo Sports Complex to complement the exisiting Pototan's Astrodome.

it would be very accessible for the northern townsfolk to do their business in pototan.
also a good place for the sports complex relocation


With regards to convention center, it'll remain to be seen. The city needs to have its own fund other than IRA. If the city builds their own infras, it would be beneficial for the city's coffers. I say, build a bigger convention facilities near Fort San Pedro. Again, very ideal location with Guimaras Strait as a background. Relocate the exisiting squatters around the area. Most of all, giving bigger space for parking and recreation centers along with the new convention hall.

if ever the government offices and squatters be relocated then it would be another great place for the domed arena if it cannot be built in mandurriao.also an iloilo yacht club and marina would be great in that area :D

^^ yeah i hope they're open for suggestion and complaints of passengers. ANd hope they can also read this thread. lots of good inputs here from you guys. :)

of course they will be open for suggestions and complaints, no doubt :)
pero if there will be no actions, there is always the media :lol:

someone from capitol in the past was an active member here. I think she's still monitoring SCC and more. :)

if my memory serves me right, she's related to gov tupas
daughter i suppose?

---------

the parts of the city where i hope to see more development

OLD MANDURRIAO AIRPORT - april 24 will give more light
NABITASAN-DIVERSION - on going
PORT SAN PEDRO - relocation of squatters and regional offices must be address first
LAPAZ RIVERSIDE -from the side opposite rotary park up to gaisano city.great place to see highrise.river and highrise :banana:
VILLA BEACH - ala miami or rio de janeiro tapos connected sya until port san pedro

:lol: wake me up people :lol:

if my memory serves me right, she's related to gov tupas
daughter i suppose?

---------

the parts of the city where i hope to see more development

OLD MANDURRIAO AIRPORT - april 24 will give more light
NABITASAN-DIVERSION - on going
PORT SAN PEDRO - relocation of squatters and regional offices must be address first
LAPAZ RIVERSIDE -from the side opposite rotary park up to gaisano city.great place to see highrise.river and highrise :banana:
VILLA BEACH - ala miami or rio de janeiro tapos connected sya until port san pedro

:lol: wake me up people :lol:

^^
haha.. malay mo @whyte, within this year/next year our government will establish one or even two of these proposed projects... with the right budget and implementation I'm sure nga nothing wrong will happen...:)

Bigby's is finally in Iloilo

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/20/bigby5.jpg
Henrik and Ann Yu with the officiating
priest

The big name in the food business is finally in town. Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant has opened its newest branch in Smallville Complex, in this city last March 3, 2007.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/20/bigby2.jpg
The staff during the blessing

Ilonggos can now taste the exquisite goodness of the famous Rack-a-Bye-Baby, an inviting and glistening barbecued pork ribs. The city can now swoon in delight while savoring the flavor-rich Pescado Al Fresco, a sauteed Cream Dory fillet accompanied with a pesto and filled in a sea of onions and shoe-string potatoes. They are just two of the many delectable dishes listed on the Bigby's menu.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/20/bigby8.jpg
Edgar Sia and Bigby's Henrik Yu
and friends

Bigby's cozy interior, which is basically made up of wood panels and clear glasses that perfectly go with the wooden tables and chairs, adds glamor to this new gastronomic haven. The comfy and relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere makes Bigby's a sanctuary of pleasurable indulgence -- from its tempting and fulfilling concoctions to the equally captivating ambiance.


http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/20/bigby1.jpg
A Bigby's experience is more than just a treat to the palate. Bigby's is a fusion of sensible art and great food. Hanged on its walls are the different kinds of visual treats which includes the festive masks, pins and puppets from Bangkok. These, together with the stamp collections spell an evident marriage of unique artistry and culinary perfection.

Tease and satisfy your palate big time. After all, The Next Big Thing needs a huge Bigby's experience.

The News Today

^^ Are you talking about me? hehehe!!!! :lol:
Si Bernie Miaque nga nagbungga sa pader nga daku.

But will he still be in the new airport after what happened earlier last year?
oh my. They're really hitting on you @bernie. You're name was mentioned here several times. I think if you don't want to get involve in this controversy, do appl for name change by now. lol.
I couldn't imagine that this man's greediness haulted flights of Iloilo Airport for the first time in history. Making the old airport's site more controversial and read in every front page of national dailies.

The Plan for La Fuerza was it is to be restored to its former glory (which would be expensive by the way) and as what I've heard before, they are just waiting for the consecionaire in Fort San Pedro (the one who operates the Drive In BBQ Park there) to expire so that they can proceed with reconstruction. Hopefully they would continue this endevour pero eyesore man guihapon ang squatters sa NICA and the government lots of the Waterfront District.

Like any other Philippine airports, there is a porter but maybe they will not be as agressive as before since we have trolleys available for convenience.
do you have any blueprint of the plan @Bern? I loved Fort San Pedro. I used to swim there every weekend during 80s when it is still clean and turistic. My grandma used to take me there for swimming and picnic with other children from our neighbourhood. It was like having a beach party every weekend. We brought cooked foods from Alimodian, and had my softdrinks or ice cream with mamang sorbetero. We used to call him "kiling-kiling". When we heard "kiling-kiling is coming, ti takas na ina kami kag magpabakal. Anybody remember Magnolia popsicles? :lol:

Btw, any improvement in Fort San Pedro will be a welcome move for Iloilo. The area is really a good site for hotels, condominium and entertainment complex.

Tani may Traffic Rules man sa aton, maski sa Iloilo lang, same sa U.S....I'm sure mabuhinan ang traffic jam & may disiplina ang mga drivers.

Kung Iloilo ang masugod, laban2 masunod na lang na sa ulihi ang iban nga probinsya sa Pinas.
Iloilo has good trafiic ordinances, only poorly delivered and implemented. Many pedestrians still crossing the streets amidst overpasses (white elephant - controversial) within the area. :ohno:

"My" :lol: plans would be relocate all the gov't offices plus camp delgado outside the city and the squatters.Also the domestic port be consolidated sa loboc area with a bigger and better port complex.That area then near the "new" seaport terminal would be made into a business district if pwede

The vacated port area would be more than enough space for a commercial-entertainment complex with greenery. To top it all off, a bridge connecting fort san pedro to the loboc port.
a very nice plan indeed. Although I don't mind the Port to stay where it is right now, regional offices like NEDA, RDC, NBI, Regional Force-Camp Delgado should start looking for relocation in the town of Pavia. New and big hotel players will be the best target investors to replace all these vacated lands. The Fort San Pedro gives a very beautiful view of Guimaras Island coupled with calming waves of Iloilo-Guimaras Strait. But first of all, squatters along the area should first be relocated.

Id go for Pavia for the Regional Offices, (near the airport/near the city/)
Pototan for the Provincial offices (near being the geographical heart of the province )
and
I am from Sta. Barbara :lol: :lol:

Id go for Pavia for the Regional Offices, (near the airport/near the city/)
Pototan for the Provincial offices (near being the geographical heart of the province )
and
I am from Sta. Barbara :lol: :lol:
I agree with you, mate. Pavia and Pototan, best choices for venue of government offices in the province and the region. I would really love if they'll start thinking or moving all these offices now. It would create a little inconvenience for first year but it would be very beneficial for development and progress of the entire province.

Of course there will be trolleys.Imagine an airport of this magnitude without trolleys?There would be porters though I guess they will not be "the same" in the old airport

:banana: lapit na lang april 12 :D
I'm sure there will be trolleys. I can even imagine much much better trolleys of the new Iloilo Airport from other airports in the country. And wishing, too, to have a less traumatic experience with the porters. But if Miaque will not have his services in the new airport, I'm sure it'll be a big improvement, indeed.

yup. thats why I also want to see an oton-pavia-leganes circumferential road aside from a widened iloilo city-new airport road
The Metro Iloilo Circumferential Road is presently ongoing (?). Any developments about this matter, please post them here.

Ah, oks... Speaking of the new railways proposal, it would be more of a cargo transit. I guess the 114 count would just mean its start-up capacity.

Heheh! If they will continue the transit to Boracay, the passenger demand would potentially leap into soaring heights that they have to follow the French Bread-long model of the train.
That's right. Boracay-Iloilo will be the best market for this train. Imagine the convenience of using train transportation for foreigners and tourists? If this thing happen, there will be a good exchange of visitors between these two places. With Iloilo City being poised to be the next convention center in the country, participants will be very delighted to take a plunge in Boracay waters after their seminars, conferences, etc. On the other hand, Boracay visitors can enjoy shopping in Iloilo or buy pasalubongs in Iloilo before taking off to their next destination. Both Iloilo and Aklan has a very strong potential of development and progress. With ongoing improvement at present, these two provinces will surely work hand in hand together to serve their visitors with pleasure whilst doing business. The only concern we have to raise to all Ilonggos and Iloilo officials (both city and province) will be the creatioin of our very own (Iloilo) tourist spots within the vicinity of the province. We need to promote aggressively our beautiful white sand beaches of the north (Pan de Azucar, Sandbar Island, etc), beautiful old, historical and cultural churches of every towns and cities, heritage, etc so we can generate a massive tourist arrivals in the region as well. In as much as we want to work hand in hand with Aklan when it comes to tourism, we, too, need to develop our own tourism potentials. That's where theme park/s comes to my mind. :lol:

Iloilo has good trafiic ordinances, only poorly delivered and implemented. Many pedestrians still crossing the streets amidst overpasses (white elephant - controversial) within the area. :ohno:

Hmm...sa Atrium very strict sila but not in SM City or Iznart-Amigo, hehe!! :D

Bigby's is finally in Iloilo

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/20/bigby5.jpg
Henrik and Ann Yu with the officiating
priest

The big name in the food business is finally in town. Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant has opened its newest branch in Smallville Complex, in this city last March 3, 2007.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/20/bigby2.jpg
The staff during the blessing

The News Today

pag puli ko kadtuan ko gid ini
naintriga ako sa TITANIC something nila
40scoops of icecream plus brownies/etc/etc

I agree with you, mate. Pavia and Pototan, best choices for venue of government offices in the province and the region. I would really love if they'll start thinking or moving all these offices now. It would create a little inconvenience for first year but it would be very beneficial for development and progress of the entire province.

plus an Iloilo Capitol annex in Pototan and Estancia too so that it would be much easier. meron na ba nito ngayon?



The Metro Iloilo Circumferential Road is presently ongoing (?). Any developments about this matter, please post them here.
hopefully aside from this one, an iloilo strait boulevard would also be nice :D

Hmm...sa Atrium very strict sila but not in SM City or Iznart-Amigo, hehe!! :D

one time i was caught jaywalking between amigo and iloilo supermart (delgado) :lol:

a very nice plan indeed. Although I don't mind the Port to stay where it is right now, regional offices like NEDA, RDC, NBI, Regional Force-Camp Delgado should start looking for relocation in the town of Pavia. New and big hotel players will be the best target investors to replace all these vacated lands. The Fort San Pedro gives a very beautiful view of Guimaras Island coupled with calming waves of Iloilo-Guimaras Strait. But first of all, squatters along the area should first be relocated.

I would like to see a "classical" kind of development like the one below sa port san pedro area to complement its historical value

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/headers/21.jpg

WV BRACES FOR TOURISM HIGH
After Kalibo, Trompeta upbeat on int’l flights for Iloilo, Negros
Jeehan V. Fernandez

WESTERN Visayas can attract more tourists with the opening of direct international flights into the region’s airports.

Department of Tourism (DOT-6) regional director Edwin Trompeta said the hosting of the region’s first international flight by Kalibo airport in Aklan March 16 will pave the way for more international flights for Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

Pearl Pacific Airways and Asian Spirit airline have now direct flights from Inchon, South Korea to Kalibo Airport thrice a week.

Air Transportation Office (ATO-6) chief Alan Java explained the Kalibo Airport was opened to global flights after the installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) to meet international standards on aviation.

ILS allows the pilot easy and more accurate landing process.

Trompeta said the international flights are a welcome development to the thriving tourism industry of the region, thanks to the world-famous island resort of Boracay.

He added Kalibo Airport is the “most viable, nearest and has the capacity to absorb larger aircrafts compared to Caticlan Airport which has a short runway and less facilities, thus preferred for the international flights with mostly Boracay-bound tourists.”

“The international flights translate to the recognition of the vibrancy and viability of our tourism programs and destinations in the region. You can only have direct flights from abroad when the market is alive. Korea is a very active market,” Trompeta explained.

Korean tourists are top in foreign arrivals to the Philippines at around half a million yearly.

With the pioneer international flights in Kalibo for Region 6, Trompeta said “it is not far behind for the newly-built Iloilo Airport and soon-to-be completed Silay Airport in Negros Occidental to follow soon.”

“The international flights could open up a lot of possibilities and one of these would be the ‘Open Skies Policy’ because we have been having limited air seats,” stressed Trompeta.

The Open Skies Policy allows an airport facility in the country to accommodate more number of flights by intercontinental air carriers.

Trompeta said the Philippines with barely 15 million air seats pales in comparison with Bangkok’s (Thailand) 15 million air seats annually and “that’s already a difference of 10million visitors.”

“The best tourism promotional gimmicks and destinations would not work if there’s no international airport and no market,” Trompeta said, adding that foreign tourists usually prefer the more accessible air transportation to top attractions.

“With the international flights in the region, there could be dramatic possibilities. We hope to double not only the arrivals in the next five years but take advantage of the opportunities it will offer. There will be 100 million Chinese tourists traveling around the world by 2020 and we should already be dreaming of everything.”

The DOT-6 chief added that Western Visayas has already established air seats, accommodation rooms and infrastructures such as roads and bridges to complement its tourism potentials.

“We have to develop our infrastructure to get the tourists coming. We can’t expect tourists to visit here without suitable infrastructures in place,” Trompeta said.

The Guardian Iloilo

NPC shells out P.5M for Dingle nat’l park
Jeehan V. Fernandez

STILL state-run National Power Corporation (NPC) released P574,000 to the municipal government of Dingle, Iloilo for the establishment of a botanical garden in Bulabog Puti-an National Park in Barangay Moroboro.

The 854-hectare park is located 39 km north of Iloilo City or 4 km from Dingle town proper.

The fund is part of the financial benefits of Dingle from the operations of NPC’s Panay Diesel Power Plant (PDPP) situated at Brgy. Tinocuan.

The fund is provided under Energy Regulations (ER) No. 1-94 which mandates that barangays, municipalities, cities, provinces and regions hosting power generation plants will get a share of one centavo per kilowatt-hour from the plant’s total energy sales to fund their priority projects.

PDPP manager Nelson J. Homena turned over the check to Mayor Reblun Lacson at the Dingle Municipal Hall March 2.

Putting up a botanical garden inside Bulabog Puti-an National Park has long been envisioned by the Dingle municipal government, Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and the residents nearby.

The proposed “Dingle Botanical Garden” will be the first of its kind in Panay Island. It will include the construction of foot path, benches, office, nursery shed and butterfly garden that will transform the park into a popular destination for local and foreign tourists.

The plan also includes a picnic area at the main entrance.

The trail of the foot paths will lead to the highest spot within the butterfly garden wherein one can get a clear panoramic view of the vast rice fields of the lowland barangays.

Those who want to experience mountain-trekking could start off from the butterfly garden trailing through the passages leading to the enchanting caves.

The main attraction is the caves’ beautiful formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

The park boasts of four historic caves including the famous Mistranza Cave which served as hideout of Filipino revolutionaries led by General Adriano Hernandez during the Spanish era. There are other caves in the town such as Tike, Guizo and Tuko that also served as hiding places of the revolutionaries. Today, these caves are inhabited by 11 species of flying foxes and bats.

There are more than 70,000 trees mostly mahogany and gmelina flourishing in the area.

Once fully established, it will attract more visitors which could help raise funds to sustain the project and provide livelihood to the locals.

The botanical garden is an ideal place for educational tours.

Likewise, butterfly farming will also be introduced in the botanical garden to improve the breeding and collection of butterflies and other insects.

Houseplant cultivation or cutflower gardening will also be developed as an income generating activity.

Ornamental plants in the flower garden are seen to project a picturesque “Garden of Eden” right in the heart of the park.

On the other hand, Brgy. Botongon in Estancia, Iloilo recently acquired a multi-cab through its financial benefits from the operations of NPC’s Power Barge 103.

NPC also remitted P392,000 to the Department of Energy (DOE) for the electrification of Puroks 5, 6, and 7 of the said village.

The Guardian Iloilo

Hmm...sa Atrium very strict sila but not in SM City or Iznart-Amigo, hehe!! :D
poor regulations and implemntatiions of traffic rules adds to already worsening traffic problems of Iloilo City. Jeepneys loading and unloding in all areas of the ccity streets. Wala na sang designated loading and unloading areas ah. Masabad ang mga jeepney drivers kay wala man nagapalati. Dugangan pa sang mga dungol man nga pedestrians, ti salamahagid sila nga tuod. :lol:

plus an Iloilo Capitol annex in Pototan and Estancia too so that it would be much easier. meron na ba nito ngayon?

hopefully aside from this one, an iloilo strait boulevard would also be nice :D
i don't think there's capitol extension at present and in the future. Unless all provincial offices will be crowded then some of these offices can relocate in other areas.

I would love the idea of having Iloilo Boulevard. Full of trees, hotels and cafes lining the breezy paved highway of Iloilo City coastal districts.

Sin-o may pictures sag Bulabog Puti-an National Park sa Dingle, Iloilo?

DTI urges city to streamlining business registration processes
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Diosdado Cadena yesterday stressed the importance of simplifying and streamlining the documentation of business registrations, commonly known as mayor's permit, in the city of Iloilo.

Yesterday, a public forum was sponsored by the German Technical Service (GTZ) to help the city government simplify its business registration processes. GTZ commissioned a research group from Central Philippine University (CPU) to conduct a study on the procedures in getting a business permit from the city.

The city is the first in Panay island to benefit from GTZ's program that centers on the improvement and documentation of business permits. In Negros Occidental, Escalante also availed of the same help from GTZ.

Representatives from the business sector, barangay officials and other interested individuals attended the said forum.

Based on the study, the procedure in acquiring business permit could be shortened. From 11 steps, the process could be trimmed down to only four.

Cadena said there are number of would be investors that encounter a difficulty in complying with the requirements set forth by the city government before a business permit is issued to them. The local government unit concerned should do its part even with the creation of the investment promotion which is being led by DTI.

The streamlining of procedures in securing the mayor's permit is not only beneficial for the big businesses but also for the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME). Once implemented, it could attract more investors to the city, said Cadeña.

from: The News Today
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/dti.urges.city.to.streamlining.business.registration.processes.html

DA to establish national cold chain

In order to extend freshness and shelf life of perishable products, the Department of Agriculture will establish a national cold chain which will link key production areas to key service areas such highly urbanized cities and tourist spots.

The cool store technology (CST) is a preservation method where temperature of food products is kept at low levels (just above freezing points) to reduce the rate of deterioration and growth of undesirable microorganisms.

Secretary Arthur C. Yap said that this CST is part of his ‘thrust in infrastructure development and processing facilities that would reduce agricultural losses and henceforth increase the income of farmers'.

"Cooling allows better retention of the ‘fresh' quality and appearance for longer period of time and has less effect on the eating and nutritional quality of food," he said.

Secretary Yap added that some DA programs on perishable food products include RoRo/Nautical highway which enable fast and low cost trade of agricultural and fishery products using east and west board highways, Food lane project which exempts food deliveries to Metro Manila from traffic truck ban and color coding, and Huwarang Palengke which link organized farmers, animal producers, fisherfolks and other food producers to market directly to the food retailers at Metro Manila.

The establishment of national cold chain aims to reduce too many layers of middlemen who contribute to the increase of prices, improve product movement, ensure efficient handling and transport system and fix unstable price fluctuations as affected by the inability of the market players to store.

According to Dir. Larry P. Nacionales, OIC -- Regional Executive Director of DA RFU 6, Western Visayas has four inter-island connection projects namely; Panay Cold Chain, Negros Cold Chain, Iloilo Cold Storage and Meat Cold Storage and Handling for Iloilo.

Region six has annual production of 2,640 tons of vegetables from Bucari, Leon and Alimodian, Iloilo and 218,800 tons of meat products wherein 25% or 54, 700 tons of which came from Iloilo City.

The cold store facilities include and modular rooms and refrigerated vans equipped with operating temperatures of -1 to 80C, has load capacity of 1.5 to five tons, three horse power, 4x4 meter area and 1-phase plug-in electric current for 10 feet vans; and 4x8 meter area and 3-phase plug-in for 20 feet vans.

Cold chain modules for vegetables will have the following facilities; 20 footer-modular cold storage, pre-cooler, refrigerated trucks (10-footer, 16-footer, 20-footer), 1 set-packing facility, continuous washer, spin dryer, automatic weighing machine, automatic platform scale and plastic crates.

For livestock and poultry products the following facilities will be provided; 20-footer modular cold storage, blast freezer, refrigerated trucks, automatic platform scale and plastic crates; while fishery cold chain will have modular cold storage, refrigerated trucks, processing and packing equipment and ice making and storage equipments.

According to Maria Teresa T. Solis, Chief of Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) 6, post harvest losses may reduce from 25%-30% to 10%-15% for fruits and vegetables respectively and increase recovery from 40% to 60% on processing. This will also minimize weight loss for meat products and extends shelf life.

"For the Visayas area the DA 6 will prioritize the establishment of cold chain Bagsakan Center in Alimodian particularly in barangays under the umbrella of "Seven Cities" and fishery cold Chain project in Capiz and Northern Iloilo," she added.

from: The News Today
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/da.to.establish.national.cold.chain.html

Good food, great dining experience @ Bourbon Street
By Florence F. Hibionada

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/bourbon2.jpg http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/bourbon3.jpg http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/bourbon7.jpg http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/bourbon8.jpg http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/bourbon6.jpg

A welcome addition to the growing bistros, cafes and resto-bars in Iloilo City is this seemingly unassuming restaurant at the heart of Smallville Complex along Diversion Road.

The place is called BOURBON STREET inspired by that where-real-fun-never-ends strip of the State of New Orleans in the United States. Where Americans and tourists take part and savor what Bourbon Street has to offer in New Orleans, Ilonggos and those visiting Iloilo can now truly have that same satisfaction and more on our version of the Bourbon Street, Iloilo City's American bistro.

The place offers really good appetizers you would find in the menu's "Nibbles and Bites." From Beer Battered Calamares -- crispy fried squid rings served with Tartar sauce, to the Chicken Fingers -- chicken fillet served with Aioli and the all-original Buffalo wings -- spicy fried chicken wings with garlic cheese dip, perfect starters towards that perfect satisfying meal.

The place is also home to juiciest and tender-est of Baby Backribs with that distinct touch of barbecue sauce and Bourbon secret marinade reason why it is one of the house specialty.

And the soups and salads? The bistro in Bourbon Street has only the creamiest in mushroom soup (Cream of Mushroom and Celery) with that basil and chili oil touch. Try too yet another house special -- the Bourbon Seafood Chowder, a hearty bowl of choice seafoods in tomato-soup base accented with yes, a touch of Bourbon.

And the freshest in greens in its salads. Try the Tossed Seafood Salad where cold seafood bits are mixed and matched the orange vinaigrette.Bourbon Truly, a perfect match with heavenly taste.

Other must-haves include Bourbon Street originals such as Grilled Salmon Pesto -- fillet of Salmon smeared with pesto,Herbed Fillet of Chicken -- grilled chicken breast with that distinct taste of basil and olive oil, Grilled Beef Tenderloin and the U.S Pepper Steak.

All Bourbon Street specialties are served with only the freshest in veggies as side dish and a choice of steamed or garlic rice or either the Parmesan Mashed Potato or Bourbon Street fries.

Bourbon Street also serves the Signature Square Pizza that only uses 100 % Pure Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese. As promised, this thin crust pizza is all-generous on the gourmet ingredients that has in fact brought the house a "loyal following and is now a House Favorite."

All under one roof served in style and a smile from the men and women of Bourbon Street. Working as a team, the Bourbon Street ‘brigade' from day one that this restaurant opened its doors has since given the diners good food for that great dining experience.

The chill out...

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/bourbon5.jpg http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/bourbon1.jpg http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/bourbon4.jpg
Members of the media left their respective offices, donned their party best and trooped to Bourbon Street for a taste of the establishment's food, ambiance and cocktails.

They were The News Today's Marketing Director Marichel Magalona, correspondent Florence Hibionada and Lifestyle & Entertainment Editor Kathy Villalon, magazine publisher Jet Jiz Yap, Lifestyle writers John Castigador and Vincent Alocada, photojournalist Pinoy Gonzales, and fashion designer and Robinsons Place Iloilo PR Specialist Don Protasio.

John Que, Bourbon Street executive and J. Scott Sarria, manager of Days Hotel, were the perfect hosts as they introduced the restaurant's mouth-watering dishes.

After the culinary experience, the group proceeded to the second floor lounge to start an unforgettable chill out experience.

Amid sips of frozen margarita, beer and Ecstasy (not the drug but the combination of Vodka and Red Bull), conversations touched on food, health, sports, fashion and the most exciting, people. See? La vie est belle.

from: The News Today
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/21/good.food.great.dining.experience.at.bourbon.street.html

Things to ponder on:

What shall Iloilo City and Province do in order to attract more foreign investors/tourists?

DR. THERESE ROBLES
Easy, make good advertisement thru our tourism department. Places to see, food to eat and beautiful beaches to enjoy. Make our taxi service clean and honest, & clean our city.

PHILIPP MATTHYS
Investors: the Mayor should assign one government official to assist them, free of charge. Tourism: identify 10 spots in Iloilo of historical and economic value. Secure and beautify them and design attractive packages.

ART GEROCHE
Make Villa beach the cleanest beach, relocate squatters. Build beautiful landmarks, improve Dinagyang performance, remove 7-footer toilets in the promenade, ay abaw karaw-ay! Natam-an ka macho.

ORLEY ONG
I think the most basic is for the local government and media to be investor friendly by actions.

PIDOY BENEDICTO
Eradicate all the squatters along the coastline facing Guimaras. Build a Boat Club and Yacht Club, bars and resorts. Then Iloilo will become a haven for investor$ and tourist$ alike.

NELSON ROBLES
Project positive image through mass media which can help entice tourists.

ANNIE HECHANOVA-SANTOS
There are so many things we have to do. 1st thing is our airport. What service we have! Next discipline with regards to garbage. Ilonggos should be taught the proper disposal, segregation and collection. Then we have our traffic especially with our jeepney drivers. They just stop anywhere they please. Red tape is also a factor. Quality service must be enforced. There are so many things we Ilonggos should do. Each one should do their share even in their own backyard. This list goes on and on…

ARLENE JUANTONG
First, we should have effective tourism board to promote Iloilo. Second, we should have good marketing materials for media campaign. Third, we as Ilonggos should cooperate by being helpful, honest and true to our visitors and lastly we should have a clean, peaceful, and crime-free society. Although it is not complete and perfect, but I think it can help.

PEARL QUILANTANG
We need more attractive, historical highlighting on our varied foreign influence in the past. Our rich culture, most especially our native fun-loving and hospitable Ilonggos. We must be proud of our beautiful white beaches and varied tropical fruits making Iloilo the fruit basket and rice granary of the south. With the peace loving Ilonggos, it is truly a nice place to watch the setting sun.

ALEX OPPURA
Finish the INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT and build a BRIDGE connecting to Guimaras Island.

ALAN SORIANO
Number 1, the city must be clean and green, peace and order should be strictly implemented so that tourists would find it safe to stay in this city like Davao and Palawan.

OSCAR NAVA
Create a “River Authority”. Make me the Chairman. Support me with the funds and I will make Iloilo City the Venice of the South.

ROFEL JOHN PAREÑO
The city must promote tourism… It must maximize the use of the media in order to promote the city and the province, capitalizing on the serenity of nature and the hustle of urban life that Iloilo can offer the world.

REBECCA MARAVILLA
World class? We have to do so much to achieve that. But we can start by cleaning up our city so we can be proud of her. It would be a great start.

SUSIE FACULTAD
Develop and preserve the tourist spots of Iloilo such as old Spanish houses, Plazas, Churches, and beaches and offer or arrange package tours for cheaper price… encourage Ilonggos to patronize their own place… Ilonggos should be friendly, maintain cleanliness not only in their surroundings but also the whole city… most importantly, the city government officials should set as example to its people. Traffic should be improved and stop allowing trisikads to travel in main streets of the city like Jalandoni, Jaro.

STELLA ARUNGAYAN
Make Iloilo cleaner. Make the streets brighter in the evenings and rid the sidewalks of vendors.

REGGIE AGUILAR
1. clean up, 2. revive & enrich the Ilonggo culture, 3. develop potential tourist spots, 4. promote and above all help Ilonggos love the place.

from: The News Today

No more brownouts?

ILOILO City – With the National Power Corporation’s (Napocor) Power Barge 101 now safely docked in Bo. Obrero, La Paz district, residents here expect no more power outages.

The barge arrived before noon of Friday last week after three days of towing from Mactan, Cebu.

Adam Pogoy, Power Barge 101 manager, said the 32-megawatt (MW) power barge can connect and supply power to the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid within five days to beef up the dependable capacities in Panay.

The barge has four units that can generate as much as 24 MW.

The Iloilo City Government requested for the transfer of Power Barge 101 in Iloilo City to augment its increasing power demand. However, the transfer was deferred last year, as part of the government’s contingency measure to ensure adequate power supply in Cebu during the Asean Summit.

With the successful conclusion of the Summit last January, Power Barge 101’s transfer to this city pushed through.

Napocor first facilitated all necessary preparations and requirements such as insurance and safety during transport of the barge before it was finally towed at 7 a.m. last March 13, 2007.

With the arrival of the power barge, it can immediately serve in the island as its mooring site and other facilities have already been prepared. It is now moored in Bo. Obrero beside Napocor’s Power Barge 102.

The transfer of the power barge to Iloilo City can beef up available dependable capacities in Panay. The additional generating unit of Napocor can also provide better system reliability and security in Panay due to increased power reserve (ancillary services) in CNP grid.

It can also improve system voltage in Panay with the additional reactive power contribution from the power barge during the peak period and minimize load dropping situations in Panay particularly in Northern Aklan.

Napocor has another barge, Power Barge 103, which is moored in Barangay Botongon, Estancia, Iloilo. It also operates Panay Diesel Power Plant 1 & 3 in Dingle, Iloilo.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news5.htm

----
where's PB 104 ? Would it be possible for it to be moved to Iloilo City as well? :lol: :lol:

i never been to dingle but my classmates went there during our high school for a shooting for our project and the park was promising...looking to the shoots only that they have...

^^ i like their Bahay na Bato inspired "Museum"... it will really attract tourists the only problem is that no artifacts(even pictures) are being displayed... i hope they'd showcase Dingle's traditional products, miniatures of Dingle's tradition and culture... I like Santa Barbara's Museum, it testifies Santa Barbara's deep rooted history. Eyes will be really filled with artifacts from the Spanish Era and WWII.:)

i never been to dingle but my classmates went there during our high school for a shooting for our project and the park was promising...looking to the shoots only that they have...
another potential tourist destination for the province of Iloilo. We have list of churches in the province. Some of them are way too far from the other. Northern Iloilo lacks promotion when it comes to tourists destinations. Almost all developments right now is situated within central and southern towns of Iloilo. How I wish Estancia-Concepcion-Sara-Ajuy will come into one tourism haven by promoting the best of Northern Iloilo. Estancia has a good access since it's one of the docking points or port of calls of bigger ferries coming from Manila to Mindanao. Estancia should start to establish and poised itself to become the next Gateway to the South. More than that, Estancia boost itself with a good fishing ground where investors in fishing industry will be happy to develop into a progressive commercial fishing industry. We need to keep looking for things in Iloilo to retain and lure more tourists to our province.

^^ i like their Bahay na Bato inspired "Museum"... it will really attract tourists the only problem is that no artifacts(even pictures) are being displayed... i hope they'd showcase Dingle's traditional products, miniatures of Dingle's tradition and culture... I like Santa Barbara's Museum, it testifies Santa Barbara's deep rooted history. Eyes will be really filled with artifacts from the Spanish Era and WWII.:)
I haven't been inside of both museums. How I wish to visit each of them one day. Sta Barbara is very near to Iloilo. I think I'll visit their Centennial Museum first. With regards to Dingle's Puti-an Park: what are the best features of this natural treasure, if I may ask? Does it have the amenities like Racsos Woodlands in Guimbal for tourists? Is there any resto nearby or within the entrance of park? What's in there to see in the park that can surely entice tourists, visitors, to come again, again, and again and enjoy the park's beauty?

^^ Is there any comment or violent reaction you wanted to say with regards to "Things to Ponder" above? I would like to give my comment on some of the things they said but I'll give my opnion later. Let's continue dissecting issue in tourismand how we can improve tourism in our city and province.

nami mn bla sa ajuy, white sand mn mga beache nila...

nami mn bla sa ajuy, white sand mn mga beache nila...

sang High School pako... garoad trip kami sang tatay kag uncle ko pakadto Carles(hehe mga four hours man to nga byahe) Digto kami nanyaga sa Hilltop sa Ajuy.. nami ang setting kay situated siya sa isa ka cliff facing the sea, and from that cliff, may ara na white sand island, according to a local private daw siya. Nag kadto man kami sa isa ka beach na for sale and I was bothered kay may piece sa hardened lava sa Beach about (12 ft x 5 ft) which made may uncle quip "Baka may undersea Volcano dito"

ahay
ang comcepcion dugay naina namon nga plano man ni chy malkadto didto.. asta subong drawing man gihapon. ahahah chy is busy. ti ako bisi bishan man kag indi man ka dali-dali pa iloilo kay wala budget.

tsk tsk pero kung mag abot ang google adsense ko on-time subong, basi mapa guimaras ako sa May...

Five big property developers
interested in ‘old’ airport site
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Five big property developers are interested to buy the 54-hectare Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district here.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the five already secured bidding documents – Robinsons Land Corporation, SM Prime Holdings, Rockwell, Megaworld (Empire East), and Filinvest Land Inc. – from the Department of Finance (DOF).

“These are very serious bidders,” Treñas said.

No Iloilo-based investor expressed interest to acquire the property, the mayor added.

Treñas also said Finance Undersecretary for Privatization John Philip Sevilla, who chairs the bids and awards committee, told him that the bidders want to align their possible business ventures in the area to the programs of the city government.

Treñas said he encourages the bidders to develop the property into a theme park, put up a convention center, establish a hospital, and set up an information technology park for business process outsourcing.

Treñas hopes that the theme park, like the Enchanted Kingdom and Star City, will draw more tourists to the metropolis.

The mayor also envisions a 5,000-seater convention center in the metropolis. He dreams of making the city a “convention center” of the country. Presently, Treñas said, Iloilo City has no facility that could accommodate such number of people in a convention.

“They can also establish hospitals accredited with medical insurance abroad,” he said.

Also, with the fast growing business process outsourcing industry, Treñas said putting up an IT (information technology) park would encourage more call centers to invest in this city.

Several call center companies have expressed interest to invest here but the lack of facilities is holding them back, the mayor explained.

Last Wednesday, Treñas met with top officials of Robinsons Land Corporation.
The city mayor will be meeting with key officials of Megaworld today.

The government is closing the Mandurriao airport property when the new airport that sits on a 188-hectare land area in the municipalities of Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan and San Miguel opens next month.

Treñas hopes Ayala Land and airline companies, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, that also expressed interest in the property, shall participate in the bidding.

The DOF will know the actual level of interest of the property on March 27, the deadline for buying of bid documents and for submission of pre-qualification requirements and comments to transaction documents.

According to the mayor, the DOF will notify eligible bidders on April 3, release the final transaction documents on April 10, schedule the actual bidding on April 24, issue the notice of award on May 9, and close the transaction on May 24.

During his visit to Iloilo for the pre-bidding conference, Sevilla said the government would require all bidders to deposit a bond of P150 million.

The winning bidder will pay 25 percent of the bid price as down payment and settle the balance within one year, Sevilla added.

The winning bid will be approved by the Privatization Council comprising the Departments of Finance, Trade and Industry, Budget and Management, Justice and the National Economic Development Authority.

Also, the winning bidder would have to take care of squatters numbering to about 300 households occupying the property.

Sevilla said the national government is expecting a revenue of between P500 million and P2.5 billion on the property privatization of the existing Iloilo Airport.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news2.htm

-------

It's official, Ayala Land is not joining the bidding of the old Mandurriao Airport site.

P26M allotted to upgrade
two WV gov’t hospitals

The Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development 6 (CHD-6) reported recently that a total of P26,005,000 had been allocated for the upgrading of two government general hospitals here in Western Visayas .

Of this amount, DOH said P6,000,000 will go to the Dr. Vicente Gustilo Memorial District Hospital in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

The remaining P20,005,000 will go to Western Visayas Sanitarium, a DOH-retained hospital in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

The fund sourced from the Office of the President will be used for the improvement of the hospitals' infrastructure and provision of equipment.

"The upgrading of government general hospitals from level one to level two or from level two to level three care hospitals is one of the priority projects of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Western Visayas," said DOH CHD6 Director Lydia Depra Ramos.

Ramos added that this allocation from the OP for the upgrading of these hospitals in the region assures improvement in the provision of health services and eventually uplift the quality of life in Western Visayas.

The administration remains focused and determined to sustain the surge of economic progress while providing the people with social payback from those gains consisting of the boosts on jobs and services, so Filipino families are not only lifted from abject poverty but insulated from disease and ignorance.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news10.htm

-----

Is the Western Visayas Sanitarium (Sta. Barbara/Iloilo Sanitarium) still on its functional state? I haven't been to this hospital at all.

More Tindahan Natin and Bigasan in Reg VI

ILOILO City -- The government, through the National Food Authority and the Department of Social Welfare in Region VI, is confident that the “Tindahan Natin and Bigasang Bayan” are potent instrument in addressing problems on poverty and hunger.

Ms. Hedy Jardeleza, manager of NFA-Iloilo said these concerns with a sense of urgency, will be addressed with around 275 Tindahan Natin which will soon be opened in areas and communities where hunger may be rife in the province and city of Iloilo.

“The Tindahan Natin is in addition to our already existing 120 “Bigasang Bayan”, Jaredeleza said.

“Bigasang Bayan is located in the market while Tindahan Natin will be set up outside the market place, in areas identified by the DSWD,” Jardeleza explained as she urged the public to be vigilant because the NFA rice distributed to these outlets are locally produced rice and in good quality and sold at a lesser price of P18 per kilo”

She urged the public to report to the NFA should there be cases of re-packaging of the rice and sold commercially so that proper sanctions will be imposed by the NFA to the unscrupulous businessmen/operators.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo said that on the strategic level, the government is advancing agricultural production programs, broadening and speeding up the food distribution system and balancing out price disparities and fluctuations.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news9.htm

------

NFA's keep reaching to our unfortunate kasimanwas. Kudos !

Five big property developers
interested in ‘old’ airport site
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Five big property developers are interested to buy the 54-hectare Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district here.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the five already secured bidding documents – Robinsons Land Corporation, SM Prime Holdings, Rockwell, Megaworld (Empire East), and Filinvest Land Inc. – from the Department of Finance (DOF).

“These are very serious bidders,” Treñas said.

No Iloilo-based investor expressed interest to acquire the property, the mayor added.

Treñas also said Finance Undersecretary for Privatization John Philip Sevilla, who chairs the bids and awards committee, told him that the bidders want to align their possible business ventures in the area to the programs of the city government.

Treñas said he encourages the bidders to develop the property into a theme park, put up a convention center, establish a hospital, and set up an information technology park for business process outsourcing.

Treñas hopes that the theme park, like the Enchanted Kingdom and Star City, will draw more tourists to the metropolis.

The mayor also envisions a 5,000-seater convention center in the metropolis. He dreams of making the city a “convention center” of the country. Presently, Treñas said, Iloilo City has no facility that could accommodate such number of people in a convention.

“They can also establish hospitals accredited with medical insurance abroad,” he said.

Also, with the fast growing business process outsourcing industry, Treñas said putting up an IT (information technology) park would encourage more call centers to invest in this city.

Several call center companies have expressed interest to invest here but the lack of facilities is holding them back, the mayor explained.

Last Wednesday, Treñas met with top officials of Robinsons Land Corporation.
The city mayor will be meeting with key officials of Megaworld today.

The government is closing the Mandurriao airport property when the new airport that sits on a 188-hectare land area in the municipalities of Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan and San Miguel opens next month.

Treñas hopes Ayala Land and airline companies, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, that also expressed interest in the property, shall participate in the bidding.

The DOF will know the actual level of interest of the property on March 27, the deadline for buying of bid documents and for submission of pre-qualification requirements and comments to transaction documents.

According to the mayor, the DOF will notify eligible bidders on April 3, release the final transaction documents on April 10, schedule the actual bidding on April 24, issue the notice of award on May 9, and close the transaction on May 24.

During his visit to Iloilo for the pre-bidding conference, Sevilla said the government would require all bidders to deposit a bond of P150 million.

The winning bidder will pay 25 percent of the bid price as down payment and settle the balance within one year, Sevilla added.

The winning bid will be approved by the Privatization Council comprising the Departments of Finance, Trade and Industry, Budget and Management, Justice and the National Economic Development Authority.

Also, the winning bidder would have to take care of squatters numbering to about 300 households occupying the property.

Sevilla said the national government is expecting a revenue of between P500 million and P2.5 billion on the property privatization of the existing Iloilo Airport.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news2.htm

-------

It's official, Ayala Land is not joining the bidding of the old Mandurriao Airport site.

i don't like the idea of putting theme park, do you think tourist would fly to Iloilo because of theme park, he he? unless it's bigger and better then i'll have a second thought. theme park outside iloilo city i think is acceptable. I'm more ok for bigger convention center, business, technology or financial center. hospitals, isn't iloilo full of hospitals already, why not just upgrade or expand it. and since iloilo is so densely populated and vacant lands for development are scarce i hope the gov't would really make good use of the land by choosing the best project.

let me repost my message here from Iloilo Infra Thread so I will not be misconstrued:

Wecky, have a good look: :banana:

Five big property developers
interested in ‘old’ airport site
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY


It's official, Ayala Land is not joining the bidding of the old Mandurriao Airport site.

Whoah!
@kirby21: you made me sound like a villain or a devil's in a deep blue sea with regards to Ayala Land Inc. :lol: :lol: Man, I have nothing against Ayala. Actually, I do like Ayala to some extent. I used to shop in Glorietta when I was living in Manila before coming here in UK but I have some reasons why i believed Ayala Land will not go for this property in Mandurriao. Anyhow, since you brought it up, i think i need to clear my side. :lol: :lol:

Ayala Land is the biggest land developer in the country today. For them to look at this 54-hectare piece of land is nothing. Ayala will not consider whether the land is prime or not, or whether its within the city boundaries or not. They can build their own mega-city, for all we know. Just look at Makati's Ayala Center, it's a testament of their empirical development. For them, they can locate wherever they want and start building their projects.

In my opinion, the reason why Ayala's not too keen with the old airport site is due to its size or land area. Before Ayala will plan bigger project in Iloilo, Ayala knows their competitors in the market already. When it comes to mall, Iloilo eats and shops at SM. SM City Iloilo, being the biggest mall in Western Visayas is already a big competition for Ayala. Remember, SM has 3 other stores in the city apart from the SM City in Diversion Area and with the ongoing expansion of its mini-mall in SM Delgado. If Ayala wants to create a mall, it should somewhat be a double-sized SM City Iloilo. That if they want to eat a large number of Ilonggo shopper's market away from SM.

Another thing, I'm looking at present is Ayala's plan of residential project in Iloilo. To note Iloilo's present situation, Crown Asia has the biggest market in terms of middle-class and high-end subdivision. In terms of land area Crown Asia (Savannah) has 300 hectares of land intended for residential homes development in Oton area. This already posed a greater competition for any bigger developer in the country to enter Iloilo market. To top it all, there are already a good number of major residential developers in the province today.

In as much as Ayala want to build projects in Iloilo, they are looking at a "much bigger" piece of land where they can develop a mix-use development, CBDs surrounded by subdivisions or housing projects. They already know that even without their presence, Ayala has already a waiting market in the city and province. That's why they're on a very verge of acquiring a bigger property in the province today. On whether it is true about their residential project in Iloilo (as per their presscon), the location is still vehemently unknown. As what I've heard, there's still ongoing process of negotiations happening between Ayala and the landowners including municipal officials. Ayala Land is not only planning a residential development in the province. They are opting to develop more with CBD as their highest selling point in the end.

I'm very sure that there will be an Ayala development in our province but I'm 70% sure it will not be in Iloilo City. :) It's somewhere outside the city but not far from the bustling metropolis. And I'm also pretty sure that the property they are looking at present is not less than 100-hectare piece of land. :)

i don't like the idea of putting theme park, do you think tourist would fly to Iloilo because of theme park, he he? unless it's bigger and better then i'll have a second thought. theme park outside iloilo city i think is acceptable. I'm more ok for bigger convention center, business, technology or financial center. hospitals, isn't iloilo full of hospitals already, why not just upgrade or expand it. and since iloilo is so densely populated and vacant lands for development are scarce i hope the gov't would really make good use of the land by choosing the best project.
I absolutely agree with you that if they plan to host "bigger" theme park/s, it would be somewhere outside the city boundary. Iloilo City is too crowded already to host a big theme park. However, I do share Trenas' vision of having a CBD with a little theme park to make it more livelier and visitor-friendly. I think he's just looking at recreational centre where children and olds can unwind amidst the bustling activities ongoing within the area. With all of his proposals, I do believe that a small portion of land will be intended for a theme park development. I'm not 100% sure though on whether he wanted to mirror the plan of putting up a Rotary Park in Smallville Area, too (is this project ongoing already?) Maybe a little bit of rides and merry-g0-round, a small line of cafe's and pocket gardens and a mini-playground will make a good theme park already. Something that can make the area a friendly place to hang around with.

In regards to hospital with international accreditation, I don't know how well they'll take this challenge. Everyone wants to be a part of a medical tourism industry and it is very likely that in the next few years, the Philippines will make its way to be known as the medical center of Asia hosting a lot of internationally-accredited hospitals by insurance companies worldwide. And lately, it's becoming a trend since Western countries' hospitals are charging very high bills to all its patients. Moreso, there's a long waiting list for patients not seen by their consultants for surgeries, etc with a good option of taking them to other countries for treatment and to fasttrack care management in a very low cost. Like here in UK, some patients were sent to France and other EU countries, free of charge (paid by the government) to make their surgical dealings quickly with a low and reasonable budget. This idea is increasing more and more as some patients were sent to India for further treatment. Even United States now are opting at the same treatment where they are sending some of their patients to India for quick surgical proceduresn and paying less than a half of the price the patient spent when treated in the country. So I guess there's a market awaiting for Philippines in rgards to medical tourism.

^^ Is there any comment or violent reaction you wanted to say with regards to "Things to Ponder" above? I would like to give my comment on some of the things they said but I'll give my opnion later. Let's continue dissecting issue in tourismand how we can improve tourism in our city and province.
Great opinions/comments.

To become a tourist destination, Iloilo should develop turistic sites where we can let our friendly visitors and guests enjoy the beauty that is distinctively Iloilo. Right now, I could not point any places of interest where we can say to our visitors, enjoy the view or structure Iloilo can offer. Actually, we're still in a limbo of finding what can we offer to our guests touring Iloilo. We are proud of our heritage, old churches and old buildings, but look at Calle Real? I'm not so sure whether it is something we can be proud of to our guests cos most of the heritage buildings are dilapidated and needs refurbishments. Churches across the province are bit too far from each other. White sand beaches are all located in northern part, where accessibility to these places are very limited. We don't have parks in the city or nearby towns (MIG) that we can say is very rare and distinct. What else can we offer then other than festivals, fiestas and mansions?

P26M allotted to upgrade
two WV gov’t hospitals


The remaining [B][COLOR="Red"]P20,005,000 will go to Western Visayas Sanitarium, a DOH-retained hospital in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Is the Western Visayas Sanitarium (Sta. Barbara/Iloilo Sanitarium) still on its functional state? I haven't been to this hospital at all.
It used to be a hospital for leprosy, that's what I've heard. But this late decades, leprosy can be treated in the community already with its short and long term chemotherapy (combination of several TB drugs) and there's a big drop of incidence in the region. Have you read that DOH 6 identifies 6 leprosy-free municipalities in Iloilo few days ago? (and that includes Alimodian, huh :) The incidence remains at a dropping trend though. However, I would like to post some question of developing this "Sanitarium". What are the government plans to raise the standard of accrediation of this hospital from secondary to tertiary level? What specialities are they going to introduce? Will there be any structural development to happen in Western Visayas (formerly Sta Barbara) Sanitairum?

Another thing I wanted to ask is about the Regional Mental Health in Pototan. What are the plans of DOH 6 to augment better treatement to all these psychiatric patients? Did they change the name of Pototan Mental Hospital to Western Visayas Regional Mental Health as well?

Guys, please post any development in our health care setting in the province.

We have:

Western Visayas Medical Center (Iloilo City) - the only tertiary hospital in the region supported by DOH (national) - government
West Visayas State University Medical Center (Iloilo City) - government
Iloilo Provincial Hospital (Pototan) - government
Western Visayas Sanitarium (Sta Barbara) - government
Western Visayas Regional Mental Health Unit (Pototan) - government
Dr Jose Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital (Barotac Nuevo) - government

Aleosan District Hospital (Alimodian) - government
Barotac Viejo District Hospital (Barotac Viejo) - government
Colmenares District Hospital (Balasan) - government
Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital (Passi City) - government
Dumangas District Hospital (Dumangas) - government
Dr. Pedro Trono Memorial Hospital (Guimbal) - government
Dr. Ricardo Ladrido Memorial Hospital (Lambunao)- government
Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Sr Memorial District Hospital (Calinog) - government
Federico Roman Tirador Sr Memorial District Hospital (Janiuay) - government
Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital (Cabatuan) - government
Sara District Hospital (Sara) - government

Saviour International Hospital (Iloilo City) - private
Iloilo Doctor's Hospital and Medical Center (Iloilo City) - private
St Paul's Hospital (Iloilo City) - private
Iloilo Mission Hospital (Iloilo City) - private
St. Therese Hospital (Iloilo City) - private
Seamen's Hospital (Iloilo City) - private
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Lying-In Hospital (Iloilo City) - private

Query if operational:
Jaro Community Hospital (Iloilo City) - private or government

*don't hesitate to add in my list if i've missed some hospitals here.

Where is this Jaro Community Hospital? Is this the defunct Iloilo Community Hospital in Brgy. San Isidro, Jaro (which is right beside the St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church)?

Thanks...

^^ that's right @oboi. The last time I've heard, a new nursing school is planning to revive this community hospital in San Isidro, Jaro.

^^I think it's a school cum birthing center of the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP). I don't know of any nursing school interested in turning it into a hospital again.

Since tourism was mentioned earlier on this thread and now we're talking about medical care in our locality, why not push for Medical Tourism as our main thrust in putting Iloilo into the national if not global limelight. Seems farfetched, eh?

Of course it's still a long way to become a reality. Hey, we will soon have a new airport which is capable of handling international flights. Wouldn't it be great if our airport could work hand in hand with our local health industry?

Today, there are already two JCI accredited hospitals in the country - St. Luke's Medical Center and the Medical City. Medical City is partly owned by the Lopez family. Perhaps, our local government can convince the Lopezes to invest for a new medical center in Iloilo. If not, then the government can give incentives to our present medical institutions to help them upgrade their facilities and staff.

We can provide patients with quality health care at a reasonable cost. A lot of people go to Manila for treatment. If we can be at par with Manila's elite hospitals then we can capture the domestic market of Visayas and Mindanao.

We may not be able to get the foreign market initially but we can get a good chunk of the domestic market. And slowly we can market our hospitals to the global market as we continually upgrade it to global standards.

^^I think it's a school cum birthing center of the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP). I don't know of any nursing school interested in turning it into a hospital again.
then maybe it's a hearsay. It was planned to be a training hospital for a new school offering Practical Nursing in Iloilo. Hence, revival of the said community hospital was inevitable. Well, I hope to see more medical institutions all over Iloilo anyway. The seat of all private hospitals in the province at present is in Iloilo City. I haven't had a slightest idea whether there are private hospitals in Iloilo outside Iloilo City. Time for them to relocate to other areas of MIG.

Since tourism was mentioned earlier on this thread and now we're talking about medical care in our locality, why not push for Medical Tourism as our main thrust in putting Iloilo into the national if not global limelight. Seems farfetched, eh?

Of course it's still a long way to become a reality. Hey, we will soon have a new airport which is capable of handling international flights. Wouldn't it be great if our airport could work hand in hand with our local health industry?

Today, there are already two JCI accredited hospitals in the country - St. Luke's Medical Center and the Medical City. Medical City is partly owned by the Lopez family. Perhaps, our local government can convince the Lopezes to invest for a new medical center in Iloilo. If not, then the government can give incentives to our present medical institutions to help them upgrade their facilities and staff.

We can provide patients with quality health care at a reasonable cost. A lot of people go to Manila for treatment. If we can be at par with Manila's elite hospitals then we can capture the domestic market of Visayas and Mindanao.

We may not be able to get the foreign market initially but we can get a good chunk of the domestic market. And slowly we can market our hospitals to the global market as we continually upgrade it to global standards.
very nice idea. Other than building new medical institutions in Iloilo, present private hospitals in the city needs to be upgraded as well. Iloilo Doctor's Medical Center, St. Paul's Hospital and Iloilo Mission Hospital pose good developments lately, however, problem of expansion, increasing capacity and housing new technologies are of hindrance at some point. The new Saviour International Hospital just recently opened with a handling capacity of 75 patients at one time. As reported, the hospital projects an expansion to double its capacity to accomodate more patients within this year or mid-next year. Hiring of nurses is still ongoing in Saviour International Hospital. My sister's friend had recently been interviewed for a post.

That's a good idea...

What if we then create a medical center in the outskirts of the city, it would be a wow to our economy and to the people (in terms of finding jobs, tapping the human resource market). After all, we are capable for we have a very huge human resource.

IMO, this resource we have could be or is already next to Manila considering we have many universities (wonder why Iloilo is not in the limelight for philippine setting in terms of having numerous universities and excellent research and academic institutions).

WE (Iloilo) must be aggressive when it comes to investing and exploiting and utilizing the present resources we have. We are abundant in these resources and all the more our economy has a very big opportunity to grow. If this aspect of our economy is tapped, the city and province might have an economic boom. But of course, feasibility studies must be conducted to ensure success.

P24M FOR CITY’S TRAFFIC WOES
Jica extends $500T aid for traffic plan
Francis Allan L. Angelo
2007-03-22

THE Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) will allocate $500,000 (P24 million) to help Iloilo City solve its traffic woes.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the funding is part of the $1-million assistance package Jica extended to the city and the municipality of Banate, Iloilo. The other half of the package will be used for fisheries management in the said town.

Treñas said the money will be used to pay consultants who will study and craft a traffic and transport management plan (TTMP) for Metro Iloilo area.

The mayor and Jica representatives signed yesterday the minutes of discussion to formalize the release of the assistance package.

“Jica will bid and hire the consultants who will help us craft the traffic management plan. The whole project, including the implementation, will be conducted within three years because it has many components. When the plan is complete, it will be enforced with the consultants monitoring the progress,” Treñas said.

Another aspect of the Jica assistance is a multi-sectoral traffic summit which will be held after the May 14 polls.

Treñas said the summit will thresh out actual problems in the city’s traffic management.

“Maybe we need capacity building for our traffic aides or maybe we need to put up a group that will take care of traffic management. All of these will be discussed during the summit,” he said.

Jica is just one of the foreign donor organizations that are helping the city in various developmental aspects.

AusAID has been providing trainings and assistance in tourism, land use and heritage concerns of Iloilo City.

The USAID is helping the city on water and clean air issues while the GTZ is handling solid waste management and business permit streamlining.

It was reported two months ago that JICA is funding the construction of two flyovers worth P400 million to help ease the worsening problem in the regions’ capital city.

The flyovers are planned to rise from Gen. Luna to M.H. Del Pilar and from SM City to Jalandoni Extension at Bolilao, Mandurriao.

http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2235

^^ Bottlenecks in Diversion Road talaga ang Jalandoni kag "stoplight"
What about road widening? The efforts would be futile if there would be no road widening.

Iloilo Capitol now powered by Visayas Grid

THE Iloilo provincial government is now directly connected to National Power Corporation (NPC) through the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) facilities.

The tapping activities were scheduled March 17 and the 3 MVA substation or its tapping point is located beside the Capitol on General Luna St., Iloilo City.

It was on October 25, 2006 when the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) provisionally approved the petition for approval of the Capitol’s memorandum of agreement and Contract for the Sale of Electricity (CSE) with the Napocor.

On November 2006, TransCo forwarded a draft of the Transmission Service Agreement (TSA), Energization Request and list of connection requirements to be submitted to TransCo.

The signing of the TSA took place February 28, 2007 at Iloilo Capitol Building. By March 9, 2007, Engr. Rey H. Jaleco, department manager of District 1-Panay, recommended for the issuance of Certificate of Technical Requirements Compliance with TransCo–CORPLAN. On March 15, CORPLAN approved the connection of the Capitol.

Tapping activities and energization procedures were done on March 17 and the loading of IPG started at noontime of March 18, 2007. So far, highest load registered is 772 kW.

The Guardian Iloilo

Will Power Barge 101 bring down cost of power in Iloilo?
Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas hopes that the newly-installed 32-MW Power Barge 101 of Napocor will provide the metropolis cheaper electricity.

Treñas said power from the barge will be available at a cheaper rate of around P3.50 per kilowatt-hour.

The current electricity rate in the city as supplied by Panay Electric Company (Peco) which sources its energy supply from Panay Power Corporation (PPC) is pegged at about P7/kWh.

The mayor said NPC chief Cyril del Callar and Peco officials have started discussing the NPC-Peco deal.

“They (NPC and Peco) will finalize the agreement to maximize the use of power barge with the cheaper rate.”

He said they expect the barge to energize the city after the Holy Week.

PB 101 is seen to address the occurrence of rotating brownouts in the city.

The city which has a peak load of 81MW has been encountering brownouts as PPC which operates a 72-MW diesel-fired plant at Brgy. Ingore in Lapaz district has no more power reserve.

PB 101 safely docked beside NPC’s Power Barge 102 in Bo. Obrero, La Paz before noon of March 16, after three days of towing.

Adam T. Pogoy, PB 101 manager, said the barge can connect and supply power to the Cebu-Negros-Panay (CNP) grid within a five-day period to beef up the dependable capacities in Panay Island.

PB 101 has four units that can generate up to 24 MW.

The additional generating unit of NPC can provide better system reliability and security in Panay because of the increased power reserve in the CNP grid.

It can also improve system voltage in Panay with the additional reactive power contribution from the barge during the peak period and minimize load dropping situations particularly in Northern Aklan.

NPC has another power barge, 103, anchored in Barangay Botongon, Estancia, Iloilo.

The Guardian Iloilo

City Hall’s surplus hits P38M
Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday said the city government has posted a “historic surplus”.

“Although there are no official figures yet, the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) and City Accountant Office (CAO) reported a surplus for the first time in the history of the city of P38 million in 2006,” Treñas told reporters.

“We had exceeded all the targets in collections, except for the real property taxes,” the mayor explained.

He also credited the proficiencies of the city’s financial managers including the CTO, CAO, City Assessor’s Office, and City Budget Office as one factor that resulted in City Hall’s huge savings.

“We have an effective collection and fiscal management,” Treñas stressed as main reason why the city was able to generate more funds than what it had spent last year.

With the savings, Treñas said City Hall will allocate an additional of P1,000 pay to regular employees starting July.

The Guardian Iloilo

Will Power Barge 101 bring down cost of power in Iloilo?

^^ Now that's a question that every Ilonggo in the city should ask.

National PRISAA Games in Iloilo City from April 15-21, 2007

:dance: :dance:

^^ Bottlenecks in Diversion Road talaga ang Jalandoni kag "stoplight"
What about road widening? The efforts would be futile if there would be no road widening.

i agree with this. road widening is the major answer to the traffic problems. roads in iloilo i think are too small. traffic aides are not really necessary. modernization of the traffic system should rather be in the priority list of developments. strict implementation of regulations if there is on parking along the road should be implemented also. I've seen cars making roads as their own parking lot.:ohno:

Iloilo, Aklan, Bacolod new airports part of P94.37 B MTIP

The three new airports in Iloilo, Aklan and Bacolod which are set for completion this year is part of the thirty-one priority airport projects costing P94.37 billion under the Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTIP) of the Arroyo administration.

The three new airports are set to boost tourism and other economic activities in the region, said Secretary Cerge Remonde of the Presidential Management Staff.

Secretary Remonde said that five other airport projects, namely Casiguran, Bulan, Siargao, Ozamis and Cotabato Airports are also scheduled to be completed this year.

The Iloilo, Aklan, Bacolod and five other new airport projects worth some P15.5 billion would further promote tourism and likewise provide more efficient mode of transportation for passengers and agricultural products, Secretary Remonde concluded

Meanwhile, President Arroyo said that for the three years until the end of her term in 2010, the government will invest P1 trillion on infrastructure and social services programs to ensure that the Philippines will continue to be an attractive investment destination fort both foreign and local investors.

The News Today

FLOW with the CROWD
By Nonoy Ybiernas

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/22/flow1.jpg http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/22/flow7.jpg
YOU don't find Tito Lopez, Cindy Oppen, Allana Montelibano, Leonard Tirol, Maurice Arcache and bunch of other name droppables in a club for nothing, unless the place is a certified chi-chi lounge that serves divine cocktails, savory food and fantastic music to savvy party-goers!

FLOW Resto Lounge, located at the city's most prime locale, Smallville, is the place where the hip and trendy comes to play, drink and be "scene." The sleek, sexy design of the club merges the classic with the contemporary, creating an environment with a unique and alluring personality. FLOW Resto Lounge, strikes the balance between ultra sophistication and an unintimidating warmth. FLOW's interior and egalitarian attitude attracts a lot of personalities, from high profiles personas to first real- job crowd with burgeoning hipster sensibilities--- even to non metro sexual men drinking fruity house cocktails and for night crawlers with an appetite, the bar menu is available until 2 am.

FLOW's Resto Lounge interior is illuminated by hovering space age lights, while in-house DJs turned up the vibes with their mix highbrow with mainstream, that had even the famous Rosales sisters Pangging and Pane, are glued to the dance floor while Iloilo's young prettiest people watched the slings and arrows of social life from the upper loft of the club.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/22/flow3.jpg
I swear, FLOW's Resto Lounge, has the coolest vibe at Smallville. They may not be the biggest or the most glam oriented, but the lack of pretensions allows people to just congregate and chill on any day of the week.

Thanks to the Iloilo's Prince of Night Life, Cedric Loring, the city never had it so goooooood !!!

The News Today

And for the downtown area, i think series of one-way roads, no left turns and right turns etc have to be implemented. I was surprised that here in downtown Cebu, they have a very effective implementation of traffic management despite the width of the streets (which some are narrower than Iloilo's downtown streets) because of series of no left turns, right turns, no entries, jeepney routes and especially one way routes and the terror of all "pasaway" jeepney drivers...CITOM (Cebu's very own traffic enforcers). :D

For Iznart-JM Basa, LTFRB should reduce or minimize releasing franchise for the Jaro CPU route since it already clogs the streets of the city. Control the number of jeepneys in downtown since some of them are not earning for the day due to the ratio of passengers and PUJs in Jaro CPU route.

And as for TMEU (Iloilo's traffic enforcers), they need srict implementation of traffic rules in specific sites.

And the forte among all road infrastructures...add alternative roads in the city, not just those two-laned roads but as much as possible, four to six lane roads.

So far, the outskirts of the city has still a lot of space for development and doesn't impose as a nightmare to urban planners.

What we need is discipline, infrastructures and help from each other to make Iloilo's traffic loosen up from that tight bottle. :)


Identified traffic bottlenecks in the city:
1.) Stoplight
2.) Jalandoni-SM City
3.) Bakhaw-Taft North
4.) Cuartero Jaro-Diversion (Bakhaw to Carlos/Dungon)
5.) El 98 (the whole strech from Bakhaw, Huwebesan all the way to the Plaza)
6.) Tabuc Suba (from the little market all the way to Quintin Salas --traffic volume here has increased significantly)
7.) Iloilo South Road (From Dulonan Arevalo to Molo Plaza)
8.) Mandurriao-Molo (Tabucan-Carpenter Bridge)
9.) Iloilo City-Leganes Bridge
10.) Iloilo City-Pavia Ungka bottleneck

You might add up some places here.

FLOW with the CROWD
By Nonoy Ybiernas

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/22/flow1.jpg http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/22/flow7.jpg
YOU don't find Tito Lopez, Cindy Oppen, Allana Montelibano, Leonard Tirol, Maurice Arcache and bunch of other name droppables in a club for nothing, unless the place is a certified chi-chi lounge that serves divine cocktails, savory food and fantastic music to savvy party-goers!

FLOW Resto Lounge, located at the city's most prime locale, Smallville, is the place where the hip and trendy comes to play, drink and be "scene." The sleek, sexy design of the club merges the classic with the contemporary, creating an environment with a unique and alluring personality. FLOW Resto Lounge, strikes the balance between ultra sophistication and an unintimidating warmth. FLOW's interior and egalitarian attitude attracts a lot of personalities, from high profiles personas to first real- job crowd with burgeoning hipster sensibilities--- even to non metro sexual men drinking fruity house cocktails and for night crawlers with an appetite, the bar menu is available until 2 am.

FLOW's Resto Lounge interior is illuminated by hovering space age lights, while in-house DJs turned up the vibes with their mix highbrow with mainstream, that had even the famous Rosales sisters Pangging and Pane, are glued to the dance floor while Iloilo's young prettiest people watched the slings and arrows of social life from the upper loft of the club.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/22/flow3.jpg
I swear, FLOW's Resto Lounge, has the coolest vibe at Smallville. They may not be the biggest or the most glam oriented, but the lack of pretensions allows people to just congregate and chill on any day of the week.

Thanks to the Iloilo's Prince of Night Life, Cedric Loring, the city never had it so goooooood !!!

The News Today


ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...nakaka miss ang flow!!!!!!!!!!

you forgot the busiest streets of them all @Bernie:
Gaisano City LaPaz - Bonifacio Drive - all the way to Calle Real

Iloilo City - Lapuz/Bo.Obrero
CPU - Lopez Jaena Street
LaPaz Public Market (including the triangle fronting the market)
Gaisano Guanco-UI - Iloilo Central Market


*looks like the list is going on and on and on. Oh bless us !

Great opinions/comments.

To become a tourist destination, Iloilo should develop turistic sites where we can let our friendly visitors and guests enjoy the beauty that is distinctively Iloilo. Right now, I could not point any places of interest where we can say to our visitors, enjoy the view or structure Iloilo can offer. Actually, we're still in a limbo of finding what can we offer to our guests touring Iloilo. We are proud of our heritage, old churches and old buildings, but look at Calle Real? I'm not so sure whether it is something we can be proud of to our guests cos most of the heritage buildings are dilapidated and needs refurbishments. Churches across the province are bit too far from each other. White sand beaches are all located in northern part, where accessibility to these places are very limited. We don't have parks in the city or nearby towns (MIG) that we can say is very rare and distinct. What else can we offer then other than festivals, fiestas and mansions?

i think what we need to do is make the tourist places more accessible by improving our transportation system. there are so many good places in Iloilo but it's not so accessible unless you hire a taxi or have your own vehicle. We should not only focus with foreign tourists but locals as well and by having public transportation, a more efficient one, i think we can achieved this.

I dont know what happened to his "TICEL" corporation, according to some articles about him, he is a real estate developer.....I wonder where are his "developments" :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:



FLOW with the CROWD
By Nonoy Ybiernas

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/22/flow1.jpg http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/22/flow7.jpg
YOU don't find Tito Lopez, Cindy Oppen, Allana Montelibano, Leonard Tirol, Maurice Arcache and bunch of other name droppables in a club for nothing, unless the place is a certified chi-chi lounge that serves divine cocktails, savory food and fantastic music to savvy party-goers!

FLOW Resto Lounge, located at the city's most prime locale, Smallville, is the place where the hip and trendy comes to play, drink and be "scene." The sleek, sexy design of the club merges the classic with the contemporary, creating an environment with a unique and alluring personality. FLOW Resto Lounge, strikes the balance between ultra sophistication and an unintimidating warmth. FLOW's interior and egalitarian attitude attracts a lot of personalities, from high profiles personas to first real- job crowd with burgeoning hipster sensibilities--- even to non metro sexual men drinking fruity house cocktails and for night crawlers with an appetite, the bar menu is available until 2 am.

FLOW's Resto Lounge interior is illuminated by hovering space age lights, while in-house DJs turned up the vibes with their mix highbrow with mainstream, that had even the famous Rosales sisters Pangging and Pane, are glued to the dance floor while Iloilo's young prettiest people watched the slings and arrows of social life from the upper loft of the club.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/03/22/flow3.jpg
I swear, FLOW's Resto Lounge, has the coolest vibe at Smallville. They may not be the biggest or the most glam oriented, but the lack of pretensions allows people to just congregate and chill on any day of the week.

Thanks to the Iloilo's Prince of Night Life, Cedric Loring, the city never had it so goooooood !!!

The News Today

Sanson-Montinola Antillan House, having a facelift
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5908/dscn0889uu3.jpg

The Lapaz Church
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/8531/dscn0901ts3.jpg

An Old House in Jaro (im not sure if this is the Jalandoni House), obviously the facade is not well maintained.
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/5108/dscn0903ir4.jpg

Another Old house at the back of Jaro Police station, beside tibiao bakeshop.
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2267/dscn0904za1.jpg

Gaisano City-Lapaz Area
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/964/dscn0892gg0.jpg

Riverside Inn and Timesquare
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/8357/dscn0894oz8.jpg

Can you hire a car in Iloilo? thanks Tassie

^^yes,you can,I think there is an AVIS in Hotel del Rio. You can also Hire Jeepneys,Tricycles,Trisikads,etc...heheh

Cebu Pacific adds more
trips to Iloilo for summer

ILOILO City - Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country’s low fare leader and leading domestic carrier increased its frequency from Manila to Iloilo beginning March 22, 2007 until June 12, 2007.

“We are adding frequency to our Manila–Iloilo route as a response to the rising demand for more seats during the summer peak,” Candice Iyog, CEB VP for Marketing and Product said.

For the Manila-Iloilo service, the route got an additional daily flight, increasing its total number to four times daily. The added A319 flight is scheduled to depart Manila at 7:40pm, arriving in Iloilo at 8:40pm; the return flight departs Iloilo at 9:10pm and arrives in Manila at 10:10pm. The lowest ‘Go’ fare for this route starts from P568 one-way.

“Now that we’ve added a frequency to Iloilo, we will be able to increase our capacity by almost 34 percent. This means that we can now provide more low fares to our passengers who wish to enjoy the summer sights and delicacies in Iloilo,” Iyog explained.

Iyog added that the best way to purchase tickets is through CEB airline’s website (www.cebupacificair.com), though this is also available through CEB ticket offices and accredited travel agents.

Now in its 12th year, CEB has the youngest fleet in the Philippines with a fleet age of less than a year. CEB operates 14 brand new Airbus aircraft to its 20 domestic destinations and soon to be eight regional cities.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news13.htm

JICA grants $1M for
Iloilo City, Banate
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will extend financial assistance to Iloilo City and Banate town for traffic management and for fisheries, respectively.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said traffic in this city will soon be smooth. The city government and JICA came up with an agreement for a traffic and transport management development plan.

“The donor agency will look for consultants to craft transport and traffic management (for this city),” Treñas said.

The amount will be shared by the City of Iloilo and the municipality of Banate for the bidding of consultants.

The project in Banate “will have to do with fisheries,” Treñas said.

Banate town, situated some 50 kilometers north of the region’s industrial center, is rich in marine diversity supplying a percentage of the province’s demand.

The assistance package is a three-year project to come up with a comprehensive plan and for the implementation of the proposal.

“JICA will administer everything. We will be able to know the actual problem on our traffic,” he said.

Treñas added that the donor agency will conduct a transport summit to invite transport organizations for the improvement of the traffic in the metropolis.

The summit will take place after the elections, the mayor said.

He admitted that despite the presence of the Traffic Management and Engineering Unit “the city has no expert in this field that is why (JICA) is helping.”

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news4.htm

I dont know what happened to his "TICEL" corporation, according to some articles about him, he is a real estate developer.....I wonder where are his "developments" :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:
Tito Lopez is a very young lad and I could not find him being a serious real-estate developer. One thing, his project in Pavia, until now remains hanging and without further developments. He's got the money to finance big projects though, it's just he's not ready for the seriousness of this calling. He can actually focus more for a good start by just plain financing rather than running the project all by himself.

let me repost my message here from Iloilo Infra Thread so I will not be misconstrued:



Whoah!
@kirby21: you made me sound like a villain or a devil's in a deep blue sea with regards to Ayala Land Inc. :lol: :lol: Man, I have nothing against Ayala. Actually, I do like Ayala to some extent. I used to shop in Glorietta when I was living in Manila before coming here in UK but I have some reasons why i believed Ayala Land will not go for this property in Mandurriao. Anyhow, since you brought it up, i think i need to clear my side. :lol: :lol:

Ayala Land is the biggest land developer in the country today. For them to look at this 54-hectare piece of land is nothing. Ayala will not consider whether the land is prime or not, or whether its within the city boundaries or not. They can build their own mega-city, for all we know. Just look at Makati's Ayala Center, it's a testament of their empirical development. For them, they can locate wherever they want and start building their projects.

In my opinion, the reason why Ayala's not too keen with the old airport site is due to its size or land area. Before Ayala will plan bigger project in Iloilo, Ayala knows their competitors in the market already. When it comes to mall, Iloilo eats and shops at SM. SM City Iloilo, being the biggest mall in Western Visayas is already a big competition for Ayala. Remember, SM has 3 other stores in the city apart from the SM City in Diversion Area and with the ongoing expansion of its mini-mall in SM Delgado. If Ayala wants to create a mall, it should somewhat be a double-sized SM City Iloilo. That if they want to eat a large number of Ilonggo shopper's market away from SM.

Another thing, I'm looking at present is Ayala's plan of residential project in Iloilo. To note Iloilo's present situation, Crown Asia has the biggest market in terms of middle-class and high-end subdivision. In terms of land area Crown Asia (Savannah) has 300 hectares of land intended for residential homes development in Oton area. This already posed a greater competition for any bigger developer in the country to enter Iloilo market. To top it all, there are already a good number of major residential developers in the province today.

In as much as Ayala want to build projects in Iloilo, they are looking at a "much bigger" piece of land where they can develop a mix-use development, CBDs surrounded by subdivisions or housing projects. They already know that even without their presence, Ayala has already a waiting market in the city and province. That's why they're on a very verge of acquiring a bigger property in the province today. On whether it is true about their residential project in Iloilo (as per their presscon), the location is still vehemently unknown. As what I've heard, there's still ongoing process of negotiations happening between Ayala and the landowners including municipal officials. Ayala Land is not only planning a residential development in the province. They are opting to develop more with CBD as their highest selling point in the end.

I'm very sure that there will be an Ayala development in our province but I'm 70% sure it will not be in Iloilo City. :) It's somewhere outside the city but not far from the bustling metropolis. And I'm also pretty sure that the property they are looking at present is not less than 100-hectare piece of land. :)

no need for an explanation, mate. he he. I knew it all along kay gin-hambal mo man ina sa akon. Good thing you shed lights sa bagay nga ini. Remember, halos kita diri tanan sa UK wala guid gana sa Ayala for Iloilo's old Mandurriao site. Of course, with same reason sa bagay nga ini. I would love to see Ayala development outside the city, too. I'm always for bigger projects outside the city. he he.

I absolutely agree with you that if they plan to host "bigger" theme park/s, it would be somewhere outside the city boundary. Iloilo City is too crowded already to host a big theme park. However, I do share Trenas' vision of having a CBD with a little theme park to make it more livelier and visitor-friendly. I think he's just looking at recreational centre where children and olds can unwind amidst the bustling activities ongoing within the area. With all of his proposals, I do believe that a small portion of land will be intended for a theme park development. I'm not 100% sure though on whether he wanted to mirror the plan of putting up a Rotary Park in Smallville Area, too (is this project ongoing already?) Maybe a little bit of rides and merry-g0-round, a small line of cafe's and pocket gardens and a mini-playground will make a good theme park already. Something that can make the area a friendly place to hang around with.

In regards to hospital with international accreditation, I don't know how well they'll take this challenge. Everyone wants to be a part of a medical tourism industry and it is very likely that in the next few years, the Philippines will make its way to be known as the medical center of Asia hosting a lot of internationally-accredited hospitals by insurance companies worldwide. And lately, it's becoming a trend since Western countries' hospitals are charging very high bills to all its patients. Moreso, there's a long waiting list for patients not seen by their consultants for surgeries, etc with a good option of taking them to other countries for treatment and to fasttrack care management in a very low cost. Like here in UK, some patients were sent to France and other EU countries, free of charge (paid by the government) to make their surgical dealings quickly with a low and reasonable budget. This idea is increasing more and more as some patients were sent to India for further treatment. Even United States now are opting at the same treatment where they are sending some of their patients to India for quick surgical proceduresn and paying less than a half of the price the patient spent when treated in the country. So I guess there's a market awaiting for Philippines in rgards to medical tourism.

same sentiments, mate. Anything BIG should be located outside the city perimeter. We just simply decongest the city by now. Iloilo development shoudl spread evenly to other member towns of MIGEDC, that's how it should be Right now, Iloilo City can stand by itself but all the neighbouring are just catcher whatever are in excess of Iloilo. And I don't like the idea at all, where too much centralisation is happening only in Iloilo City. I want the developments in all towns simultaneously. If we can decongest Iloilo City, more lands for bigger developers and more projects will be put in place. Right now, the problem is too highly-urbanised where jobs and offices are only available sa ciudad. Amo ina nga gadamo nga gadamo ang squatters. Kung naga-umpisa na ang progreso sa iban nga banwa, these people will start to look at relocating themselves especially area nga malapait sa ulubrahan nila. Subong, ara tanan sa ciudad. And we can't blame sa mga pumuluyo to flock the area tungod dira man lang sila makapangita sang obra.

Great opinions/comments.

To become a tourist destination, Iloilo should develop turistic sites where we can let our friendly visitors and guests enjoy the beauty that is distinctively Iloilo. Right now, I could not point any places of interest where we can say to our visitors, enjoy the view or structure Iloilo can offer. Actually, we're still in a limbo of finding what can we offer to our guests touring Iloilo. We are proud of our heritage, old churches and old buildings, but look at Calle Real? I'm not so sure whether it is something we can be proud of to our guests cos most of the heritage buildings are dilapidated and needs refurbishments. Churches across the province are bit too far from each other. White sand beaches are all located in northern part, where accessibility to these places are very limited. We don't have parks in the city or nearby towns (MIG) that we can say is very rare and distinct. What else can we offer then other than festivals, fiestas and mansions?
why not create a distinctive landmark/s? Inang iconic ang dating - statues, monuments, bigger structures, beautification, etc. Something nga mangin catchy sa mga turista nga naga-bisita sa Iloilo.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5908/dscn0889uu3.jpg
I like the house though. For me, it's really beautiful although very old. However, the one things that really turns me off everytime I passed this house is the very poor landscaping and unmaintained garden. How I wish the Montinolas will not only refurbish and restore the house to its glory state, but improve its surroundings, too. Just like the Nelly Garden. You can seat along its paved way to the mansion. The garden is well-trimmed kag bal-an mo guid nga ginahalungan nila. I hope that all ancestral mansions back home will do the same, too.

It used to be a hospital for leprosy, that's what I've heard. But this late decades, leprosy can be treated in the community already with its short and long term chemotherapy (combination of several TB drugs) and there's a big drop of incidence in the region. Have you read that DOH 6 identifies 6 leprosy-free municipalities in Iloilo few days ago? (and that includes Alimodian, huh :) The incidence remains at a dropping trend though. However, I would like to post some question of developing this "Sanitarium". What are the government plans to raise the standard of accrediation of this hospital from secondary to tertiary level? What specialities are they going to introduce? Will there be any structural development to happen in Western Visayas (formerly Sta Barbara) Sanitairum?

Another thing I wanted to ask is about the Regional Mental Health in Pototan. What are the plans of DOH 6 to augment better treatement to all these psychiatric patients? Did they change the name of Pototan Mental Hospital to Western Visayas Regional Mental Health as well?

Guys, please post any development in our health care setting in the province.

We have:

Western Visayas Medical Center (Iloilo City) - the only tertiary hospital in the region supported by DOH (national) - government
West Visayas State University Medical Center (Iloilo City) - government
Iloilo Provincial Hospital (Pototan) - government
Western Visayas Sanitarium (Sta Barbara) - government
Western Visayas Regional Mental Health Unit (Pototan) - government
Dr Jose Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital (Barotac Nuevo) - government

Aleosan District Hospital (Alimodian) - government
Barotac Viejo District Hospital (Barotac Viejo) - government
Colmenares District Hospital (Balasan) - government
Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital (Passi City) - government
Dumangas District Hospital (Dumangas) - government
Dr. Pedro Trono Memorial Hospital (Guimbal) - government
Dr. Ricardo Ladrido Memorial Hospital (Lambunao)- government
Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Sr Memorial District Hospital (Calinog) - government
Federico Roman Tirador Sr Memorial District Hospital (Janiuay) - government
Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital (Cabatuan) - government
Sara District Hospital (Sara) - government

Saviour International Hospital (Iloilo City) - private
Iloilo Doctor's Hospital and Medical Center (Iloilo City) - private
St Paul's Hospital (Iloilo City) - private
Iloilo Mission Hospital (Iloilo City) - private
St. Therese Hospital (Iloilo City) - private
Seamen's Hospital (Iloilo City) - private
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Lying-In Hospital (Iloilo City) - private

Query if operational:
Jaro Community Hospital (Iloilo City) - private or government

*don't hesitate to add in my list if i've missed some hospitals here.
I've been to only few district hospitals in the province during college days. CPU is affiliated with the one in Alimodian, Guimbal, Cabatuan and Pototan only.

^^ Now that's a question that every Ilonggo in the city should ask.
I agree with you Bern. Be very vigilant on how this transfer of power barge affect the rate of Iloilo City residents.

CITY HAS ENOUGH POWER UNTIL 2009
Peco rates competitive with NPC’s sans subsidy
Francis Allan L. Angelo

ILOILO City has ample supply of electricity in the next three years despite the forecast power shortage in Panay.

This was the assurance made by Panay Electric Co. before the business sector during a dialogue with the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILEDF) yesterday.

The ILDEF, headed by Ilonggo business executive Rex Drilon as president, is a partnership of the city and provincial governments and local business groups to promote investments in the city.

The foundation invited to the dialogue Miguel Cacho, Peco chief executive officer, and Federico Lopez, First Gen president and chief operating officer, who explained the power situation in Panay and Iloilo City.

First Gen of the Lopez Group of Companies engages in toll roads and power generation and distribution, including a 17.7% effective ownership interest in Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

Cacho said Peco has a secured power supply up to 2010 even if the Cebu-Negros-Panay power grid will start experiencing problems in 2009.

Lopez said it is expected that starting 2009, 18 megawatts of additional capacity will be needed to meet the growth in Panay’s peak demand for electricity.

Data from the Department of Energy show that Panay Island, except Iloilo City, has a peak demand of 220MW while the National Power Corporation (Napocor) diesel-fired power plant in Dingle, Iloilo has a dependable capacity of only 190MW.

The 30MW deficit is covered by the 48MW residual power supply from Negros Island.

It is estimated that Panay’s power demand will grow by 15 to 20MW annually at a 6.8 percent annual average growth rate while Iloilo City will grow by 5MW.

Based on Panay’s hourly load profile, Napocor imports power from the geothermal plants in Negros during off-peak and runs its oil-fired plants during peak period.

With the projected 18MW deficit, Lopez said power shortages in Panay will be full-blown by 2009.

“Peco is assured of a secure supply of power up to 2010. However, all of these are presently coming from costly oil-based plants,” Cacho said.

Peco’s confidence in supplying ample electricity to Iloilo City is hinged on its secure contract for Supply of Electricity from Panay Power Corporation (PPC).

With the operation of the Avon River Holdings Corporation (ARHC), a sister company of the PPC, the 72-MW diesel-fired plant of PPC in LaPaz, Iloilo City is complemented by another 20-MW capacity.

If the both plants’ in-house use and supply to Iloilo Electric Cooperative 1 are deducted, Peco enjoys a net available capacity of 85 MW, Cacho said.

Cacho did not include in his computation the newly arrived Napocor’s Power Barge 101, which has a dependable capacity of 24 MW.

“The demand of Iloilo City is expected to be only 82.2 MW in 2009 and would approach the 85 MW level in 2010. Adding the Napocor grid connection to this gives Iloilo enough power to meet even the prescribed reserve requirement of 23%,” Cacho said.

During the discussion, Drilon raised the exodus of two call center firms from Iloilo City to Bacolod because of the power supply situation.

But Cacho assured the business sector that they are willing to invest in infrastructure and technology to suit the power requirements of investors, particularly information and communication technology-based firms.

Expensive rates

Cacho also explained why Peco power rate, which is pegged at P8.86 per kWh, is expensive compared to other distribution utilities in the country.

He said the generation charge constitutes the largest chunk of the firm’s power rates.

Generation charge refers to the cost of power generated and sold to the distribution utility by Napocor and independent power producers (IPPs).

“Since PPC generates power using diesel-fired power plants, our generation charge is relatively high.”

Cacho said 69.62 percent of Peco’s current charges go to generation charges (P6.17/ kWh) while the distribution charge is pegged at P0.93/ kWh or 10.5 percent of consumer’s electric bills.

Peco also charges P0.72/ kWh for system loss, which covers pilfered electricity and power lost in transmission and distribution lines. While the universal charge, which goes to the missionary electrification and environmental charges of the national government, is pegged at P0.039/ kWh.

“The huge and dominant generation charge component of the Peco bill negates the positive effects of having the lowest distribution charge among distribution utilities and electric cooperatives,” Cacho said.

Artificial

Peco’s power rates cannot be compared to Napocor’s, which is at P3.40/ kWh, because the state-owned firm is subsidized by the national government.

Because of this subsidy scheme, the low rates of Napocor are considered artificial.

In a typical weekday, the debt-saddled power firm loses more than P1 million, Cacho said.

“Taxpayers would have to carry the burden of approximate losses equal to P505 million a year. The seemingly high rates are attributable to the expensive cost of producing power, not Peco’s distribution rates. Peco does not have the artificial benefit of having subsidized generation charges. For an apples-to-apples comparison, Napocor should give Peco the same grid rates it provides to the rest of Panay-based electric cooperatives,” Cacho added.

Based on DoE data, Napocor’s time-of-use (TOU) rates could go as low as P 1.308/kWh in the 2am to 6am slot and at P 2.80/kWh from 7am to 5pm.

Time-of-Use rate is an alternative pricing mechanism that approximates the cost of electricity at different time periods in the day and different seasons of the year. The rates reflect the cost of generation at the specific time periods.

If Peco sources at least 10 MW of its supply daily from Napocor at TOU rates for a period of 20 hours where the price is low, rates could be reduced by P0.40/kWh. If it will be allowed to source 20MW, rates could be reduced by P0.80/kWh

But Lopez said access to Napocor’s TOU rates is only temporary as subsidized power rates are not sustainable.

The subsidized rates of Napocor also discourage new players in the power industry to invest in new plants, Lopez added.

Lopez pushed for investments on new power plants in Panay to assure sustainable and reliable source of energy.

The Guardian Iloilo

NERBAC to ease investment climate in Region 6 -- DTI

THE creation of the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) will improve the investment climate in the region, said Dominic P. Abad, regional director, Department of Trade and Industry.

Abad said that NERBAC or Republic Act No. 7470 was approved on 29 April 1992 to provide prospective entrepreneurs/investors with the basic information on various business options that are open to them in accordance with the investment priorities of the government; and of providing a one-stop-shop action center which will facilitate the processing and documentation of all paper requirements necessary for the establishment of a business enterprise in the country, including credit services.

Abad added NERBAC was already piloted in the cities of Davao and Cebu and soon to be implemented in Region 6 to be housed at the DTI building in Iloilo City.

NERBAC will initially have two functional units - Investment Promotion and Licensing and Registration Facilitation.

Since it's a one-stop-shop, representatives from local government units along with representatives from national government agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-ibig Fund, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Philhealth, among others, will provide a workforce to hold office at the Center to cater the business licensing or registration facilitation needs of the investors or entrepreneurs. This scheme will eliminate red tape making business easy for investors.

DTI Cebu regional director Asteria Caberte said hat NERBAC streamlines business processes making a positive climate for investors. "The problem lies in the commitment of all stakeholders involved in the project. Sometimes they are there, sometimes they are not there," she added.

City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the project is very timely. His office is now streamlining the processing of business and building permits for a better business environment for the city of Iloilo. (Ruby M. Melliza)

The Guardian Iloilo

i think what we need to do is make the tourist places more accessible by improving our transportation system. there are so many good places in Iloilo but it's not so accessible unless you hire a taxi or have your own vehicle. We should not only focus with foreign tourists but locals as well and by having public transportation, a more efficient one, i think we can achieved this.
I agree so. Acceesibility to all these potential tourists hubs is needed. Also, A task force for promotion is of great importance, too. If you have noticed, Iloilo City formed and created many agencies, bureaus, departments to raise city's promotion in all levels. However, the capitol seems not too intersted and relying only on the DOT's provincial and regional committee. Although DOT is a great asset in terms of promotion, we needed an extra pair of hands in promoting Iloilo. Right now, the province of Iloilo is not doing their best to address tourism campaign. This is one thing Tupas needs to address inorder to raise Iloilo's tourism potentials. On the other hand, let's support the national government call as part of Central Philippines' initiative in becoming the Tourism Center of the country.

same sentiments, mate. Anything BIG should be located outside the city perimeter. We just simply decongest the city by now. Iloilo development shoudl spread evenly to other member towns of MIGEDC, that's how it should be Right now, Iloilo City can stand by itself but all the neighbouring towns are just catchers of whatever in excess of Iloilo. And I don't like the idea at all, there's too much centralisation happening in Iloilo City. I want to see developments in all towns simultaneously. If we can decongest Iloilo City, more lands for bigger developers and more projects will be put in place. Right now, the problem with Iloilo City is, it is too highly-urbanised where jobs and offices are only available sa ciudad. Amo ina nga gadamo nga gadamo ang mga squatters. Kung maumpisahan na ang progreso sa iban nga banwa, these people will start relocating themselves especially area nga malapit sa ulubrahan nila. Subong, ara tanan sa ciudad. And we can't blame sa mga pumuluyo to flock the area tungod dira man lang sila makapangita sang obra.
That's right. Countryside development to its very core. This is what we need in Iloilo. And since MIGEDC and the rest of Iloilo Province is looking for the city's progress first, I think it's high time for people in outskirts to start looking for developments in their respective areas. Too much urbanisation and centralisation brought the city to its present state - traffic commotion, scarcity of water supply, power problem, squatting, etc. How I wish that the new Iloilo Airport's effect will open alternative doors to other towns to develo and host commercial businesses, etc offered only by the city today. Rlocation of major government offices, creating theme parks, opening new subdivisions, bigger malls, etc outside the city area will be the best possible option in the very near future.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5908/dscn0889uu3.jpg
I like the house though. For me, it's really beautiful although very old. However, the one things that really turns me off everytime I passed this house is the very poor landscaping and unmaintained garden. How I wish the Montinolas will not only refurbish and restore the house to its glory state, but improve its surroundings, too. Just like the Nelly Garden. You can seat along its paved way to the mansion. The garden is well-trimmed kag bal-an mo guid nga ginahalungan nila. I hope that all ancestral mansions back home will do the same, too.
spot on, mate. The house could be one of the most visited and picturesque if it will be renovated properly and gardens be trimmed and landscaped improved. But in hidsight, it looks like they are refurbishing the old house. I just wish they'll improved the garden, too. On the other hand, more and more old mansions in the city are coming back to life, if you noticed. :)

more flights to Iloilo, PB 101, 24-million JICA fund for Iloilo City's traffic, opening investment bureau by DTI, etc will surely make Iloilo City a haven of businesses and investments. Problems are being addressed, which is very welcome and positive move for the city's economic climate. We are moving, and we are moving really well. Iloilo City is seriously gearing and standing firm for its bid in becoming the "PREMIERE CITY by 2015". Hala Bira La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Yloilo ! :banana:

CITY HAS ENOUGH POWER UNTIL 2009
Peco rates competitive with NPC’s sans subsidy
Francis Allan L. AngeloThe Guardian Iloilo

^^ Siguardo ayhan nga competitve ini? :bash:
One thing that an investor in BPO doesn't like is to have expensive electricity rates.

IMO, DAMN PECO's rate is not competitive, hence one of the most expensive power utilities in the country. Ginatikal nila nga indi na kita magkabalaka sa kuryente tubtob 2010 pero ang ila nga rates pwirti guid kamahala! I'm not convinced with their explanation regarding their power rates. Its still the city's major turn off for investors especially BPOs prefer cities that have affordable and reliable electricity which PECO doesn't have. :bash:

Perhaps it's about time we change our mayor in the city. Let's elect someone who is not in anyway connected with the overcharging Spaniards. I don't see any effort being done by our local government to lower our power rates. Our local official is more concerned of the "financial welfare" of these mestizos. When those two call centers pulled out of Iloilo, it was already a bad precedent to our local economy.

I was watching a local show on tv today and the guest was sen. candidate pichay. He mentioned Panay's big potential on Wind Energy and according to a study kuno,if Panay would be able to secure a Wind Mill Farm that could generate at least 50mw of power, then Iloilo City's power rates could lower to P5+ per kwh. IMO, a Wind Mill Farm project is more sensible than the proposed(overpriced) Panay Railway Project.

^^ i think thats a good idea nga mag put up sang wind farm sa Iloilo, pareho sa Pulupunadan neg occ and in bangui Bay, ilocos norte. at least noe ang mga taga bangui self sufficient na sila sa kuryente.

and its one of the largest wind farms in SE Asia

Flyover seen to ease
Traffic congestion
By MONTESA GRIÑO

ILOILO City – A flyover will be constructed, straddling Infante, Molo district and Gen. Luna Street here to address the traffic congestion.

The project is under the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Bridge Program or Tulay ng Pangulo.

According to Senior Insp. Robert Foerster, chief of the City Traffic Management and Engineering Unit (TMEU), construction was originally scheduled for March 13 but was moved for next month.

The Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) has already starting “clearing operation” specifically targeting dangling electrical lines at the target site – Infante and Gen. Luna Street.

When the construction finally commences, Forester said traffic in the area will be temporarily rerouted.

Public utility jeepneys to be affected are those plying the following routes: Villa, Arevalo, Oton, Molo, Baluarte, Timawa, Calumpang, and southern Iloilo.

“We are now preparing the traffic rerouting plan,” Foerster stressed.

November last year, engineers from the DPWH national office were in the city to lay out plans, conduct soil tests, and hold traffic counts.

Another flyover is being considered – the Luna-Jalandoni Flyover (Gen. Luna-Jalandoni Bridge).

Each flyover is estimated to cost from P30 to P50 million each.

Mayor Jerry Treñas is hopeful that this project will be implemented soon so as to help the city in solving its perennial problem regarding traffic congestion.

He also expressed gratitude to the national government in including the city for its flyover construction projects around the country.

The chief executive emphasized that erecting flyovers involve considerable amount of money so it is beneficial to the Ilonggos that the expense will not come from the city’s coffers.

from: Panay Newe
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news2.htm

^^ i think thats a good idea nga mag put up sang wind farm sa Iloilo, pareho sa Pulupunadan neg occ and in bangui Bay, ilocos norte. at least noe ang mga taga bangui self sufficient na sila sa kuryente.

and its one of the largest wind farms in SE Asia
good idea indeed. I hope they'll develop a wind farm in Iloilo, too, to address future's stability of power supply in a much cheaper rate.

Perhaps it's about time we change our mayor in the city. Let's elect someone who is not in anyway connected with the overcharging Spaniards. I don't see any effort being done by our local government to lower our power rates. Our local official is more concerned of the "financial welfare" of these mestizos. When those two call centers pulled out of Iloilo, it was already a bad precedent to our local economy.
I don't think a change in administration at present is the answer to our problem. Electricity rate is only one factor that affect our economy. It's not a major defining concern that runs the economic situation of our city. Although a move by two call centers to other city is warning already yet the act itself never dampens or suppresses the economic prosperity of Iloilo City. There's still a continue inflow of businesses and investments because we have the market. And Iloilo City's market continue to grow in a very good pace at present, courtesy by a good governance of Trenas mostly.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/431824243_b3e9275cf8.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/431824242_de9d3ed24e.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/431824244_5d7e627560.jpg

more flights to Iloilo, PB 101, 24-million JICA fund for Iloilo City's traffic, opening investment bureau by DTI, etc will surely make Iloilo City a haven of businesses and investments. Problems are being addressed, which is very welcome and positive move for the city's economic climate. We are moving, and we are moving really well. Iloilo City is seriously gearing and standing firm for its bid in becoming the "PREMIERE CITY by 2015". Hala Bira La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Yloilo ! :banana:
hoping more developments to come. Keep striving !

^^ nice pics, Pacific. :cheers:

I don't think a change in administration at present is the answer to our problem. Electricity rate is only one factor that affect our economy. It's not a major defining concern that runs the economic situation of our city. Although a move by two call centers to other city is warning already yet the act itself never dampens or suppresses the economic prosperity of Iloilo City. There's still a continue inflow of businesses and investments because we have the market. And Iloilo City's market continue to grow in a very good pace at present, courtesy by a good governance of Trenas mostly.
agree ako....kung isipon,damo nga project ang nahimo ni Trenas compared kay Malabor sang una. :okay:

tani may flight man sa Iloilo Int'l Airport nga Iloilo- California, US(& other states)

kag amu man pa-Europe. Kay usually, asta lang Asia eh like Korea, Malaysia, etc.

Trenas will be baring more of his soul in Iloilo City's promotion:

I-LED leads tourism, economic promotions
Jeehan V. Fernandez


THE Iloilo Local Economic Development Foundation (I-LED) which encompasses economic and tourism promotions has started making ambitious initiatives that will sell Iloilo to prospective investors.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said I-LED has in its roster Ilonggo business leaders in the city and Manila who are experts in business promotions.

“We will be working on a tourism plan granted by AusAid that will put together what we have started and how we can best promote Iloilo,” said Treñas.

He added they have set a timetable and prepared operational plans to boost the I-LED, which will be launched soon not only in the city but also in Manila to attract more investments.

Initially, the I-ILED is composed of the city and provincial governments, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and top Ilonggo business executives Alfonso Uy, Rex Drilon, Jomari Chan, Roger Florete, Federico Lopez and Narz Lim.

I-LED also gathered under its wings business groups such as the Iloilo Business Club (IBC), Federations of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI), Iloilo Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB), Iloilo Hotels, Restaurant and Resorts Association (IHRRA), Iloilo Multi-sectoral Association, among others.

I-LED is patterned after the 20-year-old Cebu Promotions Board which has succeeded in luring investments for the country’s most progressive city outside of Manila.

The mayor said I-LED can also serve as a lobby group that will seek government projects to spur investments in the city.

Treñas said the tourism plan they have in mind will be crafted by an Australian firm that won the bidding to undertake projects funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

The AusAID-supported multimillion tourism plan was granted to the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC).

“The P42-million grant would include studies and implementation of MIGEDC projects. We have prioritized a tourism plan and master development plan for MIGEDC,” said Treñas, who is also the MIGEDC chair.

MIGEDC is an alliance of the local government units of Iloilo city and the neighboring towns of Leganes, Pavia, San Miguel, Oton and Sta. Barbara and of Guimaras.

MIGEDC was signed by President Arroyo August 2006 to complement the Central Philippines “mega-region” program for tourism.

tani may flight man sa Iloilo Int'l Airport nga Iloilo- California, US(& other states)

kag amu man pa-Europe. Kay usually, asta lang Asia eh like Korea, Malaysia, etc.



^^maybe in the future,maski once or twice a week lang pa states/europe.

agree ako....kung isipon,damo nga project ang nahimo ni Trenas compared kay Malabor sang una. :okay:

Pero who's really responsible for that housing project turned motel/stable in Pavia? :??

I just notice, that although I am an enthusiast of the New Airport, it seems that most of the ilonggos are having their attention on the beginning of the new Iloilo Airport. (I don't mean the ilonggos as you forumers. What I mean are the people who is very enthusiastic of the city). IMO, after the opening of the airport, the only next great, sound and bombastic project of the city and the metropolis would be the development of the old airport site as CBD. Am I right or am I just not aware of the recent developments of the city and province.

to those reading this post now: May I ask your opinion regarding the next big project of Iloilo Metropolitan Area which is worthy of mentioning and is poised to give a considerable effect on our economy?

@ City Officials: Is there no one official listening to our woes regarding the improvement and the stability of our power utility? Or is it just because the powerplay and the monopoly of PECO and PPC is too hard to be penetrated nowadays. The only and swift solution of this pressing problem is political will...

^^ ooopsss!!!! I seem to sound so radical lately...

Pero who's really responsible for that housing project turned motel/stable in Pavia? :??
when was the project started? It was during Malabor's time. The project was almost a year of construction (malabor as a mayor) already when the opposition started to clamour about the substandard quality of materials used in the city's housing project which haulted the construction. Trenas, on his first term, tried to revive the project but there was a pending case in the ombudsman already filed by oppositions and other agencies. On a latter part, Trenas was even dragged and involved in a scam because the present administration continuous to pay the developer even the project was halted. In my own opinion, Trenas is actually out of this housing project scam. The only problem here is his political will to turn the project into something worthy and usable in the end. To date, the city government of Iloilo is keen to sell the Pavia's housing project to private investors for any development.

I just notice, that although I am an enthusiast of the New Airport, it seems that most of the ilonggos are having their attention on the beginning of the new Iloilo Airport. (I don't mean the ilonggos as you forumers. What I mean are the people who is very enthusiastic of the city). IMO, after the opening of the airport, the only next great, sound and bombastic project of the city and the metropolis would be the development of the old airport site as CBD. Am I right or am I just not aware of the recent developments of the city and province.

to those reading this post now: May I ask your opinion regarding the next big project of Iloilo Metropolitan Area which is worthy of mentioning and is poised to give a considerable effect on our economy?

@ City Officials: Is there no one official listening to our woes regarding the improvement and the stability of our power utility? Or is it just because the powerplay and the monopoly of PECO and PPC is too hard to be penetrated nowadays. The only and swift solution of this pressing problem is political will...
i think we all look things in a very different perspectives. Radicalism of any issues discussed here are very much welcome. It's one way to say what do you think is of more importance, matters of urgency, pressing issues, etc in your mind and how you perceived changes surrounding the city's present situation.

In your point of view, power supply and rate is the most important one. May I ask why? And,do you believe that the city will give more emphasis on this concern rather than other issues of development? Do you think that the city will eventually rise economically with a lower electrical rate alone? And what's the magnifying effect it can give to all developments ongoing in the city right now? If we benchmarked Iloilo City's progress with a high electricity rate compare to other cities with lower power rates, what economic indicators do you think it will yield in the end?

Anyway, @fer, I am only probing regarding the concern cos lately the cost of electricity came as a repititive issue discussed here in our thread. In fact, everybody wants to lower it, if possible, hitting city government by not addressing the problem at all.

With regards to stability, PB 101 was transferred to Iloilo City a week ago giving us an ample supply of energy in the next few years. I hope to see more suggestions about Iloilo City's power woes.

agree ako....kung isipon,damo nga project ang nahimo ni Trenas compared kay Malabor sang una. :okay:
I've no comment politically, but discerning from what's happening between 1990's to the present, I think I know where I stand in some political issues. It's not hard to see developmental changes when we compare, isn't it? In my opinion, changing the present political situation of the city poses greater risk. It's like choosing between a devil and the deep blue sea. :)

Question is: "Can Alim deliver the goods for Iloilo City better than Trenas?" What will be his political stand in issues of economics, development, squatting, traffic, tourism, infrastructures, etc? Does he have a defining clout in his hand to bring Iloilo City to a much better metropolis in future?

^^maybe in the future,maski once or twice a week lang pa states/europe.
Indeed, a very welcome move. :cheers:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/431824243_b3e9275cf8.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/431824242_de9d3ed24e.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/431824244_5d7e627560.jpg
beautiful! Have you been inside the monastery itself @pacific? Seeing this brings back memories watching the Sound of Music, the movie and my visit to Salzburg's Sound of Music site 3 years ago. Cheers mate.

April na next month...opening na ng airport...hope wala nang atrasan yan...


http://www.panaynews.com.ph/images/headline%20pic%20link.jpg
AN ARTIST’S perspective of the proposed Iloilo City flyover on Gen Luna Street. The flyover will be constructed, straddling Infante, Molo district and Gen. Luna Street to address the traffic congestion. The project is under the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Bridge Program or Tulay ng Pangulo.

more flights to Iloilo, PB 101, 24-million JICA fund for Iloilo City's traffic, opening investment bureau by DTI, etc will surely make Iloilo City a haven of businesses and investments. Problems are being addressed, which is very welcome and positive move for the city's economic climate. We are moving, and we are moving really well. Iloilo City is seriously gearing and standing firm for its bid in becoming the "PREMIERE CITY by 2015". Hala Bira La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Yloilo ! :banana:

unahon gid dapat ang problema sa kuryente...mga call centers ang dapat no. target naton... this march, new set of graduates nanaman...kaunti lang ang nakakapagtrabaho.

Lower power rate and a reliable supply of electricty is a must for a dynamic and progressive city. Our potentials are hampered due to some issues about our power supply. Remember that during Cory's time our economy was in the doldrums due to power outages. Any industry would want a stable and cost efficient power supply to maximize its production output and profit. As they profit so does the local economy and it trickles down to the working class. More production for them means more jobs to the people.

No matter how much we try to market our city if some issues are not resolved then it would be futile in the end. It ain't easy to convince a BPO company to open up in our city. Their cancellation means lost job and opportunity for the local economy. And what impression does that project to future investors?

Yes, Treñas did a good job to our city. But he must always remember that the welfare of the general public must be protected and prioritized. Remember when he said that if PECO has to raise their rates or else the whole city will face massive power outages. Duh! People might not see but the Cachos, Panay Power Corporation and Treñas are in cahoots. How can one say that PECO is losing money when they are among the top tax payers of our city? Please explain.

It's not hard to understand that power is essential and one of the life blood of any economy. Any power disruption and higher rates results to lost revenue.

It may look like I'm just looking at an investor's point of view but let's look at the savings that each household will have once we have lower rates and stable power supply. An extra peso saved due to lower rate can go a long way in every household. Likewise, a stable power supply means less spending on repairs on household appliances or for replacements.

Majority of Iloilo has power but is it stable? The voltage are often below the desired 220v range. Has this been addressed by PECO too? A lot of their distribution/power lines are overloaded. Are they doing anything about it?

So tell me, who should represent the populace and protect its welfare?

beautiful! Have you been inside the monastery itself @pacific? Seeing this brings back memories watching the Sound of Music, the movie and my visit to Salzburg's Sound of Music site 3 years ago. Cheers mate.


I have been inside the church/chapel but I havent been inside the convent, plus, there are some areas which are quite restricted(i think).

How True Is This????

B.M. will still operate the porterage service at the New Iloilo Airport.

Reason: His contract with ATO is valid till 2010

Totopurz...what can you say about this issue??? hehehe

Lower power rate and a reliable supply of electricty is a must for a dynamic and progressive city. Our potentials are hampered due to some issues about our power supply. Remember that during Cory's time our economy was in the doldrums due to power outages. Any industry would want a stable and cost efficient power supply to maximize its production output and profit. As they profit so does the local economy and it trickles down to the working class. More production for them means more jobs to the people.

No matter how much we try to market our city if some issues are not resolved then it would be futile in the end. It ain't easy to convince a BPO company to open up in our city. Their cancellation means lost job and opportunity for the local economy. And what impression does that project to future investors?

Yes, Treñas did a good job to our city. But he must always remember that the welfare of the general public must be protected and prioritized. Remember when he said that if PECO has to raise their rates or else the whole city will face massive power outages. Duh! People might not see but the Cachos, Panay Power Corporation and Treñas are in cahoots. How can one say that PECO is losing money when they are among the top tax payers of our city? Please explain.

It's not hard to understand that power is essential and one of the life blood of any economy. Any power disruption and higher rates results to lost revenue.

It may look like I'm just looking at an investor's point of view but let's look at the savings that each household will have once we have lower rates and stable power supply. An extra peso saved due to lower rate can go a long way in every household. Likewise, a stable power supply means less spending on repairs on household appliances or for replacements.

Majority of Iloilo has power but is it stable? The voltage are often below the desired 220v range. Has this been addressed by PECO too? A lot of their distribution/power lines are overloaded. Are they doing anything about it?

So tell me, who should represent the populace and protect its welfare?


It is really hard to convince BPOs to move in Iloilo with that kind of reasoning PECO elaborated last week in a forum. I asked several of my friends in PS and Convergys and yes, sakit man hambalon pero they would prefer Bacolod over Iloilo when it comes to reliability of electricity.

The BPO industry would prefer paying their relocatees than spending a long-term unreliable and expensive electric power rates.

We really need a genuine move to attract investors, especially if Trenas wants IT to invest in the city.

Capitol seeks P350-M loan for
convention hall, gov’t center

ILOILO City – The Iloilo Provincial Capitol is getting a loan of P350 million from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to finance the construction of a convention hall and a government center along Bonifacio Drive, here.

Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. said that loan negotiation is underway with the DBP, since this has been strongly recommended by the Strategic Comprehensive Consultant, Inc. (SCCI), the financial consulting firm hired by the provincial government.

The theater-type convention hall and government center will be put up as part of the economic enterprise of the capitol. This is going to be built on an 800-square meter lot right in the heart of the city.

It will have rooms for lodging and for national government offices that would be rented out by the capitol.

Iloilo Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada said that the convention hall and government center is one of the two major projects that the Tupas administration has proposed. The other project is the Iloilo Sports Complex site development in La Paz district, here.

Mejorada added that in the event this project fails to materialize before the May 14 polls, the governor intends to push through with it right after his reelection.

http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news3.htm

^^How about the IT building project in Magsaysay Village? i thought that was a Provincial Gov't project?
basi pa-pogi points lang to because elections is very close.

800 sq meter convention hall??? hehehe waste of money lang ni :lol:

^^heheh, i know and they want to build gov't office spaces,lodging ,etc,aside from the convention center in that one area, no more space for parking na. This might be as tall as the Capitol.

Flyover seen to ease
Traffic congestion
By MONTESA GRIÑO

ILOILO City – A flyover will be constructed, straddling Infante, Molo district and Gen. Luna Street here to address the traffic congestion.

The project is under the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Bridge Program or Tulay ng Pangulo.

According to Senior Insp. Robert Foerster, chief of the City Traffic Management and Engineering Unit (TMEU), construction was originally scheduled for March 13 but was moved for next month.

The Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) has already starting “clearing operation” specifically targeting dangling electrical lines at the target site – Infante and Gen. Luna Street.

When the construction finally commences, Forester said traffic in the area will be temporarily rerouted.

Public utility jeepneys to be affected are those plying the following routes: Villa, Arevalo, Oton, Molo, Baluarte, Timawa, Calumpang, and southern Iloilo.

“We are now preparing the traffic rerouting plan,” Foerster stressed.

November last year, engineers from the DPWH national office were in the city to lay out plans, conduct soil tests, and hold traffic counts.

Another flyover is being considered – the Luna-Jalandoni Flyover (Gen. Luna-Jalandoni Bridge).

Each flyover is estimated to cost from P30 to P50 million each.

Mayor Jerry Treñas is hopeful that this project will be implemented soon so as to help the city in solving its perennial problem regarding traffic congestion.

He also expressed gratitude to the national government in including the city for its flyover construction projects around the country.

The chief executive emphasized that erecting flyovers involve considerable amount of money so it is beneficial to the Ilonggos that the expense will not come from the city’s coffers.

from: Panay Newe
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news2.htm

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

During conferences, the speaker would be at the 6th floor and the participants are at the 2nd and 4th floor hehehe

350 M??? thats for the election :lol: :lol: :lol:

Speaking of the Flyover, last sunday I saw some contractors fixing/clearing wires along Gen Luna.


^^heheh, i know and they want to build gov't office spaces,lodging ,etc,aside from the convention center in that one area, no more space for parking na. This might be as tall as the Capitol.

OT, Lucio Tan and some members of his family were here yesterday. He was CPU's commencement speaker. Kita ko lang sa alumni channel sa cable hehehe

During conferences, the speaker would be at the 6th floor and the participants are at the 2nd and 4th floor hehehe

350 M??? thats for the election :lol: :lol: :lol:

Speaking of the Flyover, last sunday I saw some contractors fixing/clearing wires along Gen Luna.

correct me if im wrong pero is 350million also the tag price of the new city hall?

hopefully thewy would annex the radyo ng bayan lot and make the "facade" of the convention center there along bonifacio drive

Developers upbeat on Mandurriao airport lot
Jeehan V. Fernandez

SOME of the country's giant real estate developers are eager to transform Iloilo City into a major investment hub outside of Manila.

This was the assessment of Mayor Jerry Treñas after meeting key officials from two developers who signified their interest to bid for the 55-hectare old Iloilo Airport property in Mandurriao district.

Treñas said he met with top executives of Robinson's Land and Megaworld on separate occasions here last week to discuss the sale of the old airport site.

"They (developers) are very positive and upbeat about new developments in Iloilo," Treñas said while noting possible investments in the city once the airport lot is sold to private investors.

Robinson's Land is focused on the development and operation of shopping malls while Empire East is engaged in developing and marketing housing projects including condominiums and house-and-lot packages.

The other three prospective bidders for the old airport are SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Filinvest Land, Inc. and Rockwell Land Corp.

Treñas said he also expects to sit down with officials of these big companies relative to the privatization of old airport.

The mayor is encouraging prospective developers develop a theme park, Information Technology (IT) park, convention center and hospital in the airport site although it would depend on the preference of the winning bidder.

The national government will bid out the old airport in time for the opening of the New Iloilo airport project in Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan towns April.

Department of Finance (DOF) undersecretary for privatization John Philip Sevilla said the old airport could fetch around P500million to P2billion.

Interested bidders should submit necessary documents for bidding requirements until the March 27 deadline.

The privatization council composed of the DOF, DTI, Neda, DBM and DOJ will then notify eligible bidders on April 3.

The release of the final transaction documents is April 10 while the actual bidding is April 24.

The lot will be awarded to the winning bidder May 9.

If the winning bidder cannot fully pay, Sevilla said the firm will shell out a 25-percent down payment over a one-year installment period with 12 percent interest.

from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2283

Treñas: Traffic a big problem but…
Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas hopes that proposed multi-million projects will solve the problem of heavy traffic in the metropolis.

“Regarding traffic, we still have a big problem but it’s a problem which I don’t think cannot be solved. We have several initiatives in line. We could do this step by step,” Treñas stressed.

The mayor was referring to the $500,000 (roughly P25 million) grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) to the city.

“With the Jica’s support, we will have a comprehensive transport and traffic development plan for the city. This will help address traffic problem with a well-planned approach. We need competent people like Jica consultants to help us,” Treñas said.

Jica started working on the traffic management program late last year with the city’s technical group composed of City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), Traffic Management and Engineering Unit (TMEU) and City Engineer’s Office (CEO).

“Jica and our technical working group will be preparing the program which will be finalized soon. The study will include identification of areas that need to be widened, construction of additional roads, installation of traffic lights and classifying of one-way or two-way streets to prevent congestion,” Treñas said.

The traffic management plan will also benefit the neighboring towns even as traffic congestion is concentrated in the city being the center of convergence.

“In the meantime, we have areas for improvement while we are waiting for the traffic plan. Traffic aides will also have to go through retraining and reorientation so that they could execute their job well,” the mayor said.

Treñas said the city’s first flyover project stretching from Gen. Luna (fronting UPV) to M.H. del Pilar, Molo (fronting John B. Lacson) will start construction before the end of March or early April.

The project contractor has started deploying the superstructure to be used for the installation of the multi-million flyover here, the mayor said.

from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2284

April na next month...opening na ng airport...hope wala nang atrasan yan...


http://www.panaynews.com.ph/images/headline%20pic%20link.jpg
AN ARTIST’S perspective of the proposed Iloilo City flyover on Gen Luna Street. The flyover will be constructed, straddling Infante, Molo district and Gen. Luna Street to address the traffic congestion. The project is under the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Bridge Program or Tulay ng Pangulo.


anybody saved the rendering of the flyover?
lain na nag picture subong sa link nga ini :lol:

hehehehe ... copy-copy k gid kung paano mag-post di si Kirby sang new articles niya. Don't be mislead guys, it's me. Try ko lang ah. Wala man patency kuno. :) :) Cheers! More good news for Iloilo City and Province !

[B][COLOR="DarkRed

^^How about the IT building project in Magsaysay Village? i thought that was a Provincial Gov't project?
basi pa-pogi points lang to because elections is very close.
That's right. How about the IT project in Magsaysay Village? Daw wala consistency ang plano sang capitol haw?

Ilonggos in the City:

There would be things that would come in the City of Iloilo within this coming days and some of you may be into surprise, especially "yuppies". I was even surprised learning these "events" for I even thought its still far away. Silently, Iloilo is rising itself from damnnation. Matu-od na guid ang nagapadayon nga HALA BIRA ILOILO!

And you thought it's too far away that these would happen in our once sleepy city. Pero subong lang nga tu-ig, madamo guid ang magahitabo sa atong ciudad.

I won't tell it to anyone subong para indi madula-an ang surprise, hehehehehe!!! It would eventually come out in our local dailies these upcoming weeks. :D

Ipadayon ang Mainuswagong Paghulag sang Iloilo!

^^ ^^

Guess ko....MAULAN KUWARTA????? :lol: :lol: :lol:

^^ ^^

Guess ko....MAULAN KUWARTA????? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Basi ang kwarta piku-on kag pala-on na liwat, hehehehe!!! :lol:

But I was really surprised learning about this from a very reliable source. One thing's for sure..better days are just a few miles ahead for the city and the province. :)

Ilonggos in the City:

There would be things that would come in the City of Iloilo within this coming days and some of you may be into surprise, especially "yuppies". I was even surprised learning these "events" for I even thought its still far away. Silently, Iloilo is rising itself from damnnation. Matu-od na guid ang nagapadayon nga HALA BIRA ILOILO!

And you thought it's too far away that these would happen in our once sleepy city. Pero subong lang nga tu-ig, madamo guid ang magahitabo sa atong ciudad.

I won't tell it to anyone subong para indi madula-an ang surprise, hehehehehe!!! It would eventually come out in our local dailies these upcoming weeks. :D

Ipadayon ang Mainuswagong Paghulag sang Iloilo!


i PM ni bi sa akon ehehehehheh

i PM ni bi sa akon ehehehehheh

A basta, mabal-an nyo na ina dugay-dugay. hahahaha!!! :D

Ilonggos in the City:

There would be things that would come in the City of Iloilo within this coming days and some of you may be into surprise, especially "yuppies". I was even surprised learning these "events" for I even thought its still far away. Silently, Iloilo is rising itself from damnnation. Matu-od na guid ang nagapadayon nga HALA BIRA ILOILO![/I]
^^subliminal!toto bernie how poetic! heheh
the only clue is "yuppies" and "events"

lemme guess...either a new callcenter or starbucks, :)

^^subliminal!toto bernie how poetic! heheh
the only clue is "yuppies" and "events"

lemme guess...either a new callcenter or starbucks, :)

yeah thats what i am thinking also a starbucks in iloilo:banana: