Iloilo City and Province - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 74

oboi

June 12th, 2007, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by @whyte in Dinagyang.com Forum (http://www.dinagyang.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=80&topic=1721.msg36197&topicseen=1=1&phpsessid=15de8664371d10222b02b6a5e6fa730f)

from one end of the runway
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007317.jpg

the mercedes firetrucks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007318.jpg

the control tower
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007321.jpg

ticketing offices in the departure area
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007325.jpg

the elevator between the arrival and departure area
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007327.jpg

the departure area
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007329.jpg

taken from the departure wing
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007334.jpg

para kay PGMA pero nauna pa kaming umakyat dun lol
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007348.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007343.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007350.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007346.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007347.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007350.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007354.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007364.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007366.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007359.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007370.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007371.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007379.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007381.jpg

Thanks @whyte for these images! Go! Go! Iloilo! Hala Bira! :applause:

spacewagon1

June 12th, 2007, 06:35 PM

Libacao rivers could solve
Iloilo City water shortage
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – The town of Libacao may yet hold the answer to Iloilo City’s water shortage.

The Metro Iloilo Water District is scouting for other possible sources of water and Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa confirmed meeting with MIWD Acting General Manager Edwin Reyes last week.

Navarosa said Libacao has sufficient water sources and can provide potable water to 10 central towns in Iloilo Province, including Iloilo City.

“To ensure a 24-hour availability of safe and potable water in Iloilo City and nearby towns, Libacao has downstream rivers and water sources outside the protected watershed area of the proposed hydropower power to address water scarcity,” he told Panay News in an exclusive interview.

Iloilo has been identified as among the five cities in the country facing a water supply crisis, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said.

Libacao, a fourth class municipality southwest of Aklan’s capital town of Kalibo, operates a water district servicing its Brgy. Poblacion and surrounding barangays.

The town is also popular for its wild river adventures like bamboo rafting and kayaking. It is endowed, too, with natural springs, waterfalls and creeks.

The technical personnel from MIWD, Navarosa said, would ascertain the viability of the water level in Libacao’s water sources and tributaries under the Dutch government’s P1.5-million grant for feasibility study and consultancy before the month ends.

If the proposal pushes through, the installation of distribution and transmission lines from water sources – Dumalaylay and Dalagsaan rivers – in the central mountains of Libacao could directly benefit the outlying towns of Iloilo Province (Lambunao, Janiuay, Calinog, Dingle, Pototan, Mina, New Lucena, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas and Zarraga).

Navarosa said MIWD and Reyes also favor the participation of private groups similar to Maynilad and Manila Water Company in the distribution of water in the water district’s concession areas.

“The capability of Libacao to supply the bulk of water distribution is feasible, considering the growing water demand requirement and the expansion of the city’s businesses – hotels and malls – in the city proper,” Navarosa said.

MIWD sources water from the Maasin Watershed's surface water to supply water to the different areas in the city, but, is experiencing low water reserve.

Navarosa said he also welcomed the California Energy International Ltd. (Cal En) supporting the proposal of MIWD to develop water sources in the mountainous areas of Libacao.

The American firm, Navarosa revealed, is undergoing field reconnaissance and engineering surveys for the proposed $420-million Aklan Hydropower Project at Dalagsaan, Libacao, Aklan.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news2.htm)

spacewagon1

June 12th, 2007, 06:39 PM

By-pass road opens to decongest city traffic

ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas announced the official opening of a new road in Brgy. San Rafael here to decongest traffic along Gen. Luna Street due to the construction of a flyover along Infante and Gen. Luna Streets.

Treñas disclosed that the land was donated by the Donato Pison family to the city government and is much longer at 1.02 kilometers than the 800-meter Gen. Luna Street.

The 10-meter-wide road is expected to open up a new growth area along San Rafael that used to be a fishpond and salt farm of the Pison family. It will also be a site of a new building of Ateneo de Iloilo soon.

The road starts at the Benigno Aquino Diversion road and is near at the new growth area spawned by the SM City shopping mall and other corporation buildings.

Treñas said 40 streetlights will soon be put up in the new road to be funded from the supplemental budget. Traffic aides and barangay tanods will be fielded in the new road.

Street signs to motorists and commuters were posted along the junction of Gen. Luna and Diversion road and at the Molo Plaza advising them not to pass the Gen. Luna portion of the road near Hotel del Rio due to the flyover construction.

Two flyover projects are being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways under the Tulay ng Pangulo program in the city. The Infante project is expected to be completed by end of July this year.

The DPWH said the other project at Jalandoni and Diversion road in Mandurriao district will start immediately as soon as the first flyover will be completed next month.

source : Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news7.htm)

spacewagon1

June 12th, 2007, 06:43 PM

Flood control project gains ground

Barangay heads of the flood-prone communities in Pavia see that with efficient implementation of the Iloilo Flood Control Project (IFCP) and community participation their town will soon be flood free.

Pavia mayor Arcadio Gorriceta, who led residents of affected barangays in a dialogue with project consultants and contractors, said once the project is completed, Pavia, Jaro and all the other areas affected will be flood-free, after 60 years of suffering. He said the IFCP, a major project of the government next to the Iloilo Airport, will have greater positive impact on the economy of Iloilo and the nearby provinces.

The implementation of the project in the affected barangays had been relatively smooth as information flow on the status is regular because of the efforts of the information management group (IMG), he added.

The dialogue was preceded by the launching of the Barangay Wall news in Bgy. Anilao, as a low-cost-community based strategy to keep the residents informed of the status of the Flood Control Project in their barangays.

Engr. Jimmy de Leon of the Department of Public Works and Highways said the Hadjin Contractors which undertake the civil works in the Pagsangaan-Anilao areas are actually ahead of schedule despite a slippage of 1.33 percent as of date.

Mayor Gorriceta said lapses are attended to through close monitoring and these are tackled by the Sangguniang Bayan in their session.

He asked the project consultants and the contractors that soil from excavated areas should be for the use of the municipality only, land filled to level its parks, housing areas and even the municipal cemetery.

Mr. Keigo Ito, project manager of IFCP Component II appreciated the efforts of the barangay environment and information group to launch to Barangay Wall News, as the start of community involvement in the actual implementation of the project.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

IAMME

June 12th, 2007, 06:47 PM

Whoa! How did you get in the airport!??

We went there yesterday but the guards won't let us go near the terminal!
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1420/542508043_c347e6f490.jpg

So I had to be happy taking pics from far away.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/542506575_709c5a4e3f.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1038/542506707_a1d94ab5f4.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/542507467_b14f4ed5a6_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1039/542398282_b237d0de92.jpg

Entrance to access road
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1040/542397336_c29a87a92e.jpg

Access road leading to the airport
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1050/542508521_9dfda07690.jpg

Another road connecting to access road spotted. Where does this go?
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1093/542508981_d45c43eae4.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1316/542507217_5d42621b3a.jpg

IAMME

June 12th, 2007, 06:53 PM

Several years ago, this jeepney was the champion in Iloilo's best jeepney contest.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1249/542508679_37f773c490.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1298/542508871_c0e1c0a23e.jpg

If you could ride it, you'll immediately notice its fancy lights and cool sound system complete with sub-woofer and stuff - all blended to the jeepney's Ferrari theme.

spacewagon1

June 12th, 2007, 06:53 PM

^^ ^^ awesome pictures, Oboi ! Hala Bira ! :banana: :banana: :banana:

oboi

June 12th, 2007, 07:17 PM

^^Credit goes to @whyte... ;)

I merely reposted what he posted at the Iloilo Airport Thread in Dinagyang.com forum. :)

IAMME

June 12th, 2007, 07:17 PM

We'll also be saying goodbye to the helipads in Mandurriao
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/473454870_937b4f1529.jpg

spacewagon1

June 12th, 2007, 08:30 PM

^^Credit goes to @whyte... ;)

I merely reposted what he posted at the Iloilo Airport Thread in Dinagyang.com forum. :)

my bad. Of course, credit goes to Whyte as well for reposting all the photos here in SSC. Cheers.

spacewagon1

June 13th, 2007, 02:35 AM

‘GATEWAY TO THE WORLD’
GMA to land at new Iloilo airport

ILOILO City – The airplane carrying President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lands at the new Iloilo airport of international standard today, another historic moment for the municipalities of Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan, Iloilo.

The occasion marks the inauguration of the P8.759-billion Iloilo Airport Development Project which is expected to boost economic activity and tourism in the island of Panay.

The new airport would serve as the gateway to the Visayas of air travelers in the country and worldwide, said Regional Director Arturo Valero of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

The new Iloilo airport is a modern 188-hectare complex designed to handle 1.2 million passengers and 11, 500 tons of cargoes per year, and can accommodate aircraft as big as Airbus 330 with a seating capacity of 276.

It is also described as comparatively the best and the earliest ever constructed outside of Metro Manila.

Expected to assist the President during the inauguration are Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Ryuichiro Yamazaki, Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza and other national and local officials.

The inauguration and opening of the new Iloilo airport has long been delayed. Arroyo was scheduled to open it last April 16 but with the First Gentleman undergoing a critical heart operation, she cancelled her Iloilo trip.

Days before today’s opening, Bessi Cebuano, a staff from the Air Transportation Office (ATO), said airline companies have started transferring some of their facilities from the existing Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district in this city to the new Iloilo airport property.

Cebuano said ATO personnel and offices started transfering on June 7.
"The transfer will be a big boost to the business sector," Valero said.

The government plans to sell the existing 54-hectare Mandurriao airport property.

During an earlier visit here, Arroyo said she was confident that the closure and privatization of the Mandurriao facility would further boost local tourism and economic activities.

CATALYST FOR DEV’T
The new Iloilo airport is really intended to serve as catalyst for development, according to Ed Mangalili, Project Manager of the Iloilo Airport Project.

He recently briefed members of the Regional Development Council during their tour of the facilities of the new airport.

Mangalili said the airport would not only spur development around the area but even in the whole of Panay.

Tourism officials hope the new Iloilo airport of international standards will serve as gateway to Western Visayas’ tourist destinations.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta sees a surge in tourist arrivals and tourism revenues particularly in Boracay, considered as one of the world’s best beaches.

The construction of the new Iloilo airport came about because the old airport is no longer capable of future air demand, Mangalili said.

Among others, it also boasts of a 2.5 kilometer by 45 meter wide runway which can accommodate Airbus 330 and 340 and Boeing 747 planes, three Passenger Bridges, two baggage claim conveyors, a 500-seating capacity passenger lounge, a three-kilometer access road and nine separate buildings.

Three airline companies have availed themselves of space within the new airport – Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier; Cebu Pacific, and Air Philippines.

Spaces within the airport are also open to concessionaires.

The completed airport facilities were formally turned over to the Air Transportation office on March 19. ATO manages the facilities, said Alan Java, ATO Area Manager.

Earlier, Senate President Frnaklin Drilon said the delay in the operation of the new airport is costing the Department of Transportation and Communications and Air Transportation Office millions of pesos in maintenance, electricity and security costs.

The delayed operation also means a delay in the entrance of economic benefits that the new airport will bring not only to Iloilo Province and City, but also to the whole Region 6.

Meanwhile to enhance the competitive advantages of the country's five super regions, the government is set to complete this year, aside from the new Iloilo airport, seven other airport projects that would further promote tourism and logistics by providing a more efficient mode of transport for goods and passengers.

The eight airport projects are part of the 31 priority airport projects costing P94.37 billion targeted to be completed by 1022 under the Medium Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP).

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/main%20news.htm)

spacewagon1

June 13th, 2007, 02:46 AM

What’s new in Iloilo’s modern airport?

THE new Iloilo airport is a modern 188-hectare complex located in the towns of Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, about 20 kilometers away from the old airport, and with state-of-the-art facilities. It is designed to handle 1.2 million passengers and 11,500 tons of cargoes per year and can accommodate aircraft as big as Airbus 330 with a seating capacity of 276.

The airport is accessible via the three-kilometer lane asphalt paved main access road connected from the bend at Sta. Barbara, with a 2.5-meter center island barrier planted with a variety of palm trees, eucalyptus among others. It has 82 double arm lampposts for lighting purposes.

The three-storey passenger terminal building has an area of 13,000 square meters, designed with complete separation for departing and arriving passengers. It has 10 check-in counters with individual weighing and queuing conveyors, belt conveyor from the check in to the baggage loading area, flight information display system to guide passengers of the aircraft’s time schedule and destination, and a transit counter.

The terminal is also provided with close-circuit television for security and monitoring purposes; and three units of passenger boarding bridges, which can stretch up to 35 meters when fully retracted.

The boarding bridge is accessible via a separated gang-way (one each for departing and arriving passengers). Other amenities of the building includes six x-ray machines, Mabuhay lounges for departing passengers and VIP room, smoking rooms, concessionaire areas for shoppers, lost and found section, counters for hotel and car rental bookings, allocated public telephone booths and others.

The facilities are guaranteed to be handicapped friendly, with railings, elevators, escalators and dedicated space for handicapped in the comfort rooms.

The pre-departure area is located at the third floor of the building, with at least 436 seating capacity. The baggage claim area is located at the ground floor, accessible from the second floor with two units of 51 meters conveyor. There is also a separate section for the waiting public and well wishers at the arrival and departure concourse.

In front of the Passenger Terminal Building is a vehicular parking area with 414 slots for private cars, complete with tollbooth and a drivers’ lounge and rest rooms. Spaces for taxi, buses and jeepney stands are, likewise, provided.

The airport’s Cargo Terminal Building is a 1,300-square meter storey structure consisting of a covered platform, government offices, restrooms and cargo handling area. It is now being occupied by three airline companies -- the Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Philippines. The area is secured by a fence with guard house and parking space for clients and operators.

The Control Tower, on the other hand, is a nine-storey, 35 meters structure that operates and control air traffic for the airport, with a two-storey operation building that houses the state-of-the-art communication equipment and the briefing room for pilots.

For better and efficient operations, and maintenance, the mechanical and electrical buildings were constructed separately. The mechanical building houses the chiller room, and water supply and pump room, while the cooling system for the whole airport is about 2,400kw, consisting of five units of chillers, each having a capacity of 600kw.

On the other hand, the entire electrical system of the airport can generate 2,500kVA supply of power, while the generator room is equipped with four units of 500kVA standby generator and automatically switch-on during power failure.

Other buildings and facilities in the airport include the two-storey Administration Building, Maintenance Building, and Fire Rescue Stations state-of-the-art navigational aids which enable the airport to operate after dark, and the runway designation designed to cater to even bad weather conditions.

The airport’s environment friendly facilities include a Sewage Treatment Plant, a single storey structure considered as the final holding area of the generated domestic sewage.

During the treatment process the solid waste is separated from the liquid and process into an organic material (fertilizer) for the plants, while the liquid is recycled for watering purposes. There is also a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) structure for the segregation of the solid waste collected in the airport.

Engr. Manuel Lauden, Deputy Project Manager for the New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP), said the new Iloilo Airport is comparatively the best and the earliest ever constructed outside of Metro Manila.

He added that the airport is the first to have modern, latest technology, belonging to Category F, as determined by the International Civil Aviation (ICA) Organization. This means that the new Iloilo Airport is accredited as a qualifier for international standards.

source: panay news (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news1.htm)

spacewagon1

June 13th, 2007, 02:51 AM

New airport, new era of
blessings, says Syjuco

ILOILO City – When President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo steps out of the airplane today at the new Iloilo airport, Secretary Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco will lead well-wishers in welcoming the Chief Executive.

Syjuco, secretary-general of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), will be with wife, Cong. Judy Jalbuena Syjuco of the 2nd District of Iloilo.

The new Iloilo airport of international standard straddles the towns of Barbara and Cabatuan, Iloilo which are all located in the 2nd District.

“The completion of our new Iloilo international airport opens a new era of blessings for the lives and good future of the Ilonggos,” said Sec. Syjuco.

When he was still the congressman of the 2nd District, Syjuco said he made sure that there would be no shenanigans in the construction of the airport, and he pushed for a congressional inquiry to ensure this.

The development of the new Iloilo airport is part of the Department of Transportation and Communication’s (DOTC) strategic objective -- which has been adopted as a national development thrust -- in the air transportation sector to develop airports of international standard to improve air transportation safety and boost economic development.

The existing Iloilo airport in Mandurriao, Iloilo City is the fourth busiest in the country in terms of passenger traffic next to Ninoy Aquino, Mactan and Davao international airports but has been facing problems of obsolete facilities, operational limitations due to obstacles, limited expandability due to existence of roads and rivers, and urbanization around the airport.

Studies have concluded that the existing Mandurriao airport is no longer capable of accommodating future air traffic demand due to technical, environmental and economic limitations and confirmed the urgent need to develop a new 188-hectare airport complex within the municipalities of Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan, Iloilo, which was established to be the most suitable and best alternative location.

The implementation of the project was approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) on March 2000 and subsequently led to the signing on August 31, 2000 of the Special Yen Loan Package (SYLP) Loan Agreement PH P-214 between the Government of the Philippines and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

After the inauguration of the new Iloilo airport, the President is scheduled to proceed to the province of Guimaras. She will witness the turnover of Petron Library Hub established in Brgy. San Miguel, Jordan.

The Library Hub is part of Petron’s commitment to rehabilitate the province of Guimaras as well as to improve the lives of the residents which was affected by the MT Solar I oil spill.

On the other hand, some P3 million Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) seed capital will be turned over by President Arroyo to identified beneficiaries in the island province. The SEA-K project is being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Petron Foundation.

There will also be a presentation to the President of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) and Petron Foundation for a Mariculture Livelihood Model Farm in Brgy. Igang, Nueva Valencia.

The establishment of a mariculture farm is a part of the long-term rehabilitation efforts for the province of Guimaras.

source: Panay news (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news2.htm)

spacewagon1

June 13th, 2007, 03:10 AM

Local city school board
readies P17-M building

ILOILO City – After more than three years of construction, the Iloilo City local school board will finally inaugurate within this month its P17-million city division building funded solely with school board funds.

Division Superintendent Erlinda Gencaya said this is the first Department of Education (DepEd) building in Western Visayas financed by the local school board funded by the Iloilo City government.

Gencaya said the transfer of city division offices will be made before end of June and the old building will be renovated as annex of the new building.

She bared that the three-storey building will house the division offices and will become the pride of teachers covered by the school city division as their main house.

Gencaya said this year’s budget of more than P98 million and supplemental budget of more than P11 million of the local school board are expected to complete the furnishings and equipment of the building.

On top of this project, the local school board is also funding the salaries and benefits of 180 locally-funded teachers in the elementary and high schools here.

The city division of schools is expecting to hire additional teachers this schoolyear since the DepEd is not limited to hire more teachers for the city’s 52 public elementary schools and 14 high schools

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news3.htm)

spacewagon1

June 13th, 2007, 03:13 AM

LTFRB questions new
airport transport service
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – A new transport service will soon be operational, with pick-up stations from the Diversion Road, Molo plaza, La Paz market and Jaro plaza going to the new Iloilo airport in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns.

The Air Transportation Office Iloilo Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ATO-IMC) shall make available a daily shuttle transport service between Iloilo City and the new Iloilo Airport terminal.

But Regional Director Porfirio Clavel Jr. of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-6) said no transport organization has ever applied for a new route going to the new Iloilo airport.

The ATO-IMC airport shuttle service costs P50/passenger – based on the flyers being circulated.

Clavel expressed surprise when informed about the new transport service of the ATO-IMC.

“They are not authorized to operate unless they have a franchise…even if it is the Air Transport Office (ATO) that will provide the shuttle service … it needs to comply with the requirements (of getting a franchise for a specified route),” Clavel stressed.

One major taxi operator in this city expressed concern that with the operation of the shuttle service, “the taxi industry would be adversely affected … nobody will take the taxi anymore because it (would be too expensive).”

Last month, the Association of Taxi Operators in Panay (ATOP) petitioned for a flexible rate adjustment in public utility taxis before the LTFRB.

In their petition, taxi operators claimed that the new Iloilo airport runs at about 25 kilometers from the metropolis. At present, the taxis flag down rate of P30 covers the first 500 meters of travel; the succeeding 300 meters rates at P2.50.

With the ATOP’s application for an additional fare, the total fare to the new airport would reach around P385.

“The operation of the shuttle van is designed to kill the taxi industry. Maybe ATOP members are not aware (of this),” the operator said. “The additional fare adjustment would adversely affect the taxi industry.”

Panay News tried to contact the number of ATO-IMC as printed in its fliers but it was out of reach. The contact number is 0922-380-1155.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/iloilo%20city.htm)

freezing_pt

June 13th, 2007, 03:16 AM

^ Not yet. :D 1000 posts is the new post limit ;)

sowee...tagal ko nang di naka-visit sa thread...okidok...hi everyone na lang...how's all?

spacewagon1

June 13th, 2007, 03:24 AM

Arroyo to open new Iloilo Int’l Airport
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau
Last updated 07:21am (Mla time) 06/13/2007

ILOILO CITY—President Macapagal-Arroyo will lead today the inauguration of the new Iloilo international airport at Cabatuan town in Iloilo.

The President was expected to arrive at the airport at around 9:30 a.m. on board a private jet and hold a meeting at the airport control tower.

She will proceed to the pre-departure area where she will lead the opening program, along with Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza and Japanese Ambassador Ruchiro Yamasaki.

The P8.6 billion-airport—straddling the towns of Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan—was built by the Taisei-Shimizu Joint Venture.

Funding for the project came from a special yen loan package of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

The airport, built on a 188-hectare area, was designed to meet demand for a larger terminal brought by the increasing number of passengers and cargo traffic in Iloilo.

The new airport has state-of-the-art facilities, including landing and navigation systems, a modern terminal and control tower buildings. It will have a runway 2.5 km long and 45 meters wide, a passenger terminal with 12,000 sq. m of space and a 1,281 sq. m-cargo terminal.

source: The Philippine Daily Inquirer (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=70992)

shyaman

June 13th, 2007, 05:20 AM

Great pics of the new airport!!! Thanks @whyte and @IAMME.

habagatcentral1

June 13th, 2007, 06:51 AM

As of this time of writing:

The aerospace of the new Iloilo Airport of Int'l Standards is being guarded by patrol choppers as Pres. Arroyo will be landing here in the new facility for its inauguration today.

Tomorrow will be the first commercial flight to land here (without its known delays) will be Philippine Airlines at around 6AM.

BYAHILO

June 13th, 2007, 07:18 AM

congrats sa new airport! excited na ko mag balik sa iloilo!

SamwiseGamgee

June 13th, 2007, 07:28 AM

Kudos to @whyte for being there first and for the great shots! :cheers:

IMPRESARIO

June 13th, 2007, 11:15 AM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/542507467_b14f4ed5a6_o.jpg
^^They should remove those squatters outside the airport. it does not look good. relocate them if possible.

IAMME

June 13th, 2007, 11:50 AM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/542507467_b14f4ed5a6_o.jpg
^^They should remove those squatters outside the airport. it does not look good. relocate them if possible.

I don't think they are squatters. Perhaps they are just huts for the workers during the construction of the airport. But... isn't the construction long over? I do hope these are not new squatters. However, the gov't does not own the land beside the access road. sigh.. at least they should follow the building code - 9 (or 6?) meters clearance from the road.

habagatcentral1

June 13th, 2007, 11:52 AM

^^ Attention SSC Iloilo. I'm still negotiating whether we can have an airport tour within this week care of Sir Bombette and the Capitol.

Standby lang kamo. :)

spacewagon1

June 13th, 2007, 12:05 PM

Goodbye Mandurriao, Hello Cabatuan
By Florence F. Hibionada

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/13/new.airport.jpg
A view of the new Iloilo Airport complex from the control tower.
Photo courtesy of Therese Robles, PSI

Forty-one passengers bound for Manila will be in the last plane out of the old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao, Iloilo City while it is all-systems go for the new one in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan, Iloilo. On board Cebu Pacific's Airbus 319, the last plane out will be Flight 146 set to depart 8:45 tonight.

Some nine hours later at 5 a.m. Thursday, the Mandurriao airport will officially be de-commissioned as simultaneous commissioning will also be implemented in Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan airport site.

For Airport Manager Alan Java of the Air Transportation Office (ATO), it means three things -- progress, better opportunities and better transport system for Iloilo in particular and Western Visayas in general.

Both trunkline airports albeit now with international standards in the new one, the multi-billion new airport project has been given the go-signal with Java confident of smooth operations.

Yet it would take at least one month, Java told The News Today (TNT), to achieve "full normalcy" saying certain deficiencies are still being worked out. Pressed for specifics, Java cited public transport system to and from the new airport that has yet to be resolved by the local transport groups particularly taxi cabs allowed in airport premises.

From the airport control tower to the ATO office in Mandurriao, mood was subdued yesterday throughout the premises including food stalls selling souvenirs and Ilonggo delicacies. All 146 personnel of the ATO have already packed office stuffs, marking the last day in office today and all set for new spacious and fully air-conditioned office spaces in the new airport.

Java who has served as airport personnel since 1972 takes particular pride on the project and the transfer saying the region is ready for something big and that aviation in Western Visayas will change tremendously.

"We have state of the art facilities and modern equipment. We will also be adding more personnel," he added.

Java in ensuring a smooth and efficient airport operations called for a two-week security briefing that laid down new security measures. Airport sources also told TNT that proper accounting was made on security passes and access cards issued mostly on government officials.

Over-all implementing agency is the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) through the Project Management Office (PMO) and the ATO.

Marked with allegations of massive graft and corruption, construction cost for the new airport project was placed at P6.2 billion.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/13/goodbye.mandurriao.hello.cabatuan.html)

spacewagon1

June 13th, 2007, 12:28 PM

P50M for access road to new airport

ALL roads leading to the new Iloilo airport will be rehabilitated before the year ends.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) said they set aside P50 million for the rehabilitation of the Iloilo City-Sta. Barbara Road (Pavia-Sta. Barbara section) which started March 29.

De Asis said they expect to complete the project by November. "The scope of work includes the widening of the 3.895-kilometer asphalt concrete road and clearing and grubbing of unsuitable excavation and embankment," Asis said.

Engr. Cecil Caligan, chief of the DPWH-6 Management Staff, said the project is one of the promises President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo outlined in her 2006 State of-the-Nation Address.

He said the road project is part of the Iloilo-Aklan Road that traverses the Central Panay area. It will function as the main access road to the new Iloilo Airport in the towns of Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan.

The project when completed will address possible traffic congestion as it serves as the lead support road to the new Iloilo International Airport.

"The new Iloilo Airport and good road networks will boost economic activity and tourism in the island," Caligan said.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (www.theguardianiloilo.ph)

ILOILO’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

THE New Iloilo Airport, which will be opened for commercial flights starting June 14, is a modern, 188-hectare complex straddling the towns of Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

The state-of-the-art airport facility is located some 19 kilometers away from Iloilo City.

It is designed to handle 1.2 million passengers and 11,500 tons of cargoes per year and can accommodate big aircrafts such as the Airbus 330 with a seating capacity of 276.

The new airport is accessible via a three-kilometer asphalt lane connecting to the Sta. Barbara bypass road. The access road has a 2.5-meter center island barrier planted with palm trees, eucalyptus, among others. It has 82 double arm lampposts for lighting purposes.

The three-storey passenger terminal building has an area of 13,000 square meters with separate for departure and arrival areas.

It has 10 check-in counters with individual weighing and queuing conveyors, belt conveyor from the check-in to the baggage loading area, flight information display system to guide passengers of the aircrafts’ time schedule and destination and a transit counter.

The terminal also has close-circuit television for security and monitoring purposes; and three units of passenger boarding bridges which can stretch up to 35 meters when fully retracted.

The boarding bridge is accessible via a separate gang-way (one each for departing and arriving passengers).

Other amenities of the building include six x-ray machines, Mabuhay lounges for departing passengers and VIP room, smoking rooms, concessionaire areas for shoppers, a lost and found section, counters for hotel and car rental bookings and public telephone booths.

The facilities are guaranteed to be handicapped-friendly with railings, elevators, escalators and comfort rooms for the physically challenged.

The pre-departure area is located on the third floor of the terminal building which can accommodate 436 passengers at a time.

The baggage claim area is located on the ground floor and is accessible from the second floor with two units of 51-meter conveyors. There is also a separate section for the waiting public and well-wishers at the arrival and departure concourse.

In front of the Passenger Terminal Building is a vehicular parking area with 414 slots for private cars, complete with tollbooths and a driver’s lounge and rest rooms.

Spaces for taxi, buses and jeepney stands are also provided.

The airport’s Cargo Terminal Building is a 1,300-square meter storey structure consisting of a covered platform, government offices, restrooms and cargo handling area. It is now being occupied by three major airline companies – the Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines. The area is secured by a fence complete with a guard house and parking space for clients and operators.

The nine-storey Control Tower, on the other hand, operates and controls air traffic for the airport. It has a two-storey operation building that houses the state-of-the-art communication equipment and the briefing room for pilots.

For better and efficient operations and maintenance, the mechanical and electrical buildings were constructed separately. The mechanical building houses a chiller room and water supply and pump room; while the 2,400-kilowatt cooling system has five units of chillers each having a capacity of 600kw.

On the other hand, the entire electrical system of the airport can generate 2,500kVA of power while the generator room is equipped with 4 units of 500kVA standby generator which automatically switches on during power failure.

Other buildings and facilities in the airport include the two-storey Administration Building, Maintenance Building and the Fire Rescue Stations.

The runway has state-of-the-art navigational aids which enable the airport to operate after dark and even bad weather conditions.

The airport’s environment-friendly facilities include a Sewage Treatment Plant, a single-storey structure considered as the final holding area of generated domestic sewage. During the treatment process, solid waste is separated from the liquid and processed into organic material (fertilizer) for the plants, while the liquid is recycled for watering purposes.

There is also a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to segregate solid waste collected at the airport.

Engr. Manuel Lauden, Deputy Project Manager for the New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP) said the new Iloilo Airport is comparatively the best ever constructed outside of Metro Manila.

Lauden said the airport is the first facility to have modern and latest technology belonging to Category F as determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

This means that the new Iloilo Airport is accredited as a qualifier for international standards.

The President’s chartered plane will land on the new airport around 10am today. She will inspect the control tower before the opening rites at the entrance of the passenger terminal building.

A program will be held in the pre-departure area and will be followed by the inauguration of the PAL Mabuhay Lounge.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (www.theguardianiloilo.ph)

Bright prospects seen in new Iloilo airport
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE new Iloilo airport is expected to bring development to its host towns and the rest of Panay.

Mayor Ramon Yee of Cabatuan, Iloilo, where 90 percent of the P6-billion facility lies, said numerous investors have visited his office during the construction of the new airport."They (investors) were asking about possible investments in our town. They are interested because of the presence of the airport," Yee said.

Yee said they can specialize in services that will cater to airport workers and passengers aside from employment opportunities for his constituents."We are prioritizing that Cabatuananons will land jobs at the airport because many of them lost their farms with the construction of the airport. We have a program to help those who want to work at the airport depending on their skills," Yee added.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (www.theguardianiloilo.ph)

Capitol loans may reach P1.2B
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

CAN the Iloilo provincial government pay the multimillion debt it used to finance infrastructure projects?

At present, the Capitol is still paying the P190-million loan for the construction of the new Iloilo airport and the P100 million it had borrowed from the Land Bank of the Philippines for the purchase of brand new heavy equipment last year.

The office of Governor Niel Tupas Sr. is also looking for money to finance the construction of the P350-million convention center on the old Iloilo Rehabilitation Center site.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

spacewagon1

June 13th, 2007, 12:35 PM

Iloilo airport bidders given ample time to meet govt price

THE Department of Finance (DOF) is giving the three property developers that joined the bidding for the 54-hectare old Iloilo airport in Iloilo city two weeks to meet the P1.2 billion floor price.

The DOF announced a failed bidding May 9 after bids of Empire East Holdings Inc., Robinsons Land Corp. and SM Prime Holdings Inc. did not meet the floor price. Two other bidders - Ayala Land Inc. and Rockwell Land - Corp., were not able to join the bidding.

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said finance undersecretary John Sevilla has started talks with bidders on this matter."He is in the process of going back to the bidders and is trying to ask them again whether they could match the minimum bid price. We are giving the bidders two weeks to complete the process," Teves said.

The DOF eyes to sell the property at about P500 million to P2 billion.

Sevilla earlier said they hope to sell the property within the year as part of the government’s privatization effort.

The government has earlier said part of the sale would be used to pay the P6.2-billion loan from Japan Bank for International Cooperation used to finance the construction of the new Iloilo Airport in Sta. Barbara – Cabatuan area. The proceeds will also be used to fund the construction of a first class highway interconnecting the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Aklan.

The Iloilo City government has envisioned a mixed-use commercial complex to rise from the old airport in Mandurriao district.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

Hearing on taxi fare hike postponed
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE petition for fare hike filed by the Association of Taxi Operators in Panay (Atop) for trips to the New Iloilo Airport remains unresolved after the public hearing called by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) was postponed.

Atty. Porfirio Clavel, LTFRB regional chief, said the absence of a representative from the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) was the reason for the postponement.

Atty. Joseph Vincent Go, owner of the Light of Glory Taxi and the main oppositor to the fare hike petition, raised the issue of "jurisdictional responsibility" by pointing out the failure of Atop to invite the OSG to the hearing.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

hmmp

June 13th, 2007, 08:14 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/whyte/ILOILO/10062007354.jpg

]

tani may "International" sa name nga "Iloilo Airport".

hmmp

June 13th, 2007, 08:15 PM

gin-ilog gid ya ang design sa NAIA Airport....tani iniba ang design.Haayyy!

pero nevermind...

hmmp

June 13th, 2007, 08:18 PM

tani next year,may international flight na from Iloilo-California vice-versa.

kay usually asta lang sa asian countries ang mga int'l flight like sa cebu&davao. :(

IAMME

June 14th, 2007, 01:22 AM

Int’l flights possible in NIA

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/3387/frontpagejune14ao7.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

INTERNATIONAL flights will soon land on the New Iloilo Airport (NIA) after it passes international safety and security standards.

Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Secretary Leandro Mendoza said they have requested the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to conduct safety assessment on the P6-billion facility.

ICAO is a UN body that codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters international air transport safety and growth. The new Iloilo airport, which was inaugurated by President Gloria Arroyo yesterday, will begin serving domestic flights today. “We have requested ICAO assessment for international flights in the NIA. If a certification that the facility complied with international standards of safety and security is issued, international flights will follow,” Mendoza said.

Initially, the DOTC is planning to operate international cargo flights in the new airport “as 60 percent of seafood products come from this area.”

quoted from: http://www.thedailyguardian.com/

spacewagon1

June 14th, 2007, 03:25 AM

^^ ^^ continuation of IAMME's posted article:

“We plan to send these seafood products from Iloilo to Hong Kong and Japan,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza added that passenger flights will be requested and granted once the facility hurdles ICAO requirements. “The assessment would be immediate. It’s just a matter of formality. We are confident that the airport will pass ICAO standards.” The DOTC chief has also requested the Aviation Security Group to look into the security requirements of the airport in relation to the ICAO assessment. “Through the assessment, we can determine how many police and Army personnel we must assign here,” he said.

Mendoza said the security assessment is a continuing process in keeping with the standards set by the ICAO, the US Federal Aviation Administration and the Transport Security Board.

SUCCESS STORY
Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki said Iloilo and Panay acquired a new basis for future growth with the completion of the NIA. “Airports are vital to the development of island communities, serving as the gateway for transportation of people and goods.

Yamazaki said the NIA will accommodate the growing air transportation demands of Iloilo “thereby boosting economic development.”

The old Iloilo airport has the 4th biggest volume of domestic passengers last year. Yamazaki said the volume has been increasing by 50 percent in the past 10 years along with the development of Panay and the surrounding areas thus the need for a new airport.

The Japanese envoy also considers the NIA as another success story of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines “towards poverty alleviation and mitigation of regional development disparities.”
The NIA was funded by a special yen loan Package of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

MOST MODERN AIRPORT
In her inauguration speech, President Arroyo branded the new Iloilo airport as the “most modern and beautiful” in the country. The President also said the construction period of NIA, which is some 30 months, was one of the fastest for an airport of international standards.

The President led the groundbreaking ceremonies of the project last January 2004. The 188-hectare airport, located 22 kilometers or about 30 travel time from Iloilo City, boasts of state-of-the-art facilities including a three-storey passenger terminal, control tower buildings, cargo terminal and landing and navigation systems. Mrs. Arroyo said the DOTC has finished negotiating with the Civil Aeronautics Board to allow 19,000 direct airline seats from Korea. “Koreans account for the one-fourth of the two-million annual tourist arrivals in the country and I have told the DOTC to assign some of the Korean direct flights here in Iloilo. We can expect more tourists to land directly in Iloilo instead of passing by Manila,” Ms. Arroyo said.

Air Transportation Office chief Nilo Jatico said the NIA is more modern and advanced than the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. “All the facilities of the NIA are within the standards of the modern times. What they have in Manila is an old one. The engineering design, particularly the natural lighting of the place, is very airy. The structure is made of hybrid steel, there is no danger of collapsing. Structurally, it’s very modern,” Jatico said.

The aero-bridges or tubes, which connect the planes to the terminal building, are also considered modern by design compared with other airports because “it gives you the freedom of movement because it can be automatically extended,” Jatico said.

The entrance to the terminal building has automatic sliding doors while comfort rooms have automated flush systems which took the fancy of first time visitors to the airport.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (www.theguardianiloilo.ph)

hmmp

June 14th, 2007, 03:26 AM

pareho sang hinambal ko,tani indi lang sa asia ang mga international flights kundi pati man sa North&South america kag Europe.

Sera

June 14th, 2007, 03:32 AM

Congrats Iloilo for having the most modern Int'l Airport in the Phils. this moment

spacewagon1

June 14th, 2007, 03:32 AM

First climate school to open in Iloilo

ILOILO City -- Iloilo will hold the rare distinction of being the first province in the Philippines to conduct classes for farmers in the management of climate for higher production of crops.

Dr. Ildefonso Toledo, acting provincial agriculturist, in an interview, said the first ever climate field school for farmers will be established in Dumangas town.

The field school will be held in conjunction with the Asia Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) based in Bangkok, Thailand, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA), the municipality of Dumangas and the province of Iloilo, Toledo said.

Four personnel from the Agriculture Office and six from Dumangas, who will be trained as trainers on June 18, will form the nucleus in the training of farmers.

Dumangas has been chosen as the school site because of the presence of the Agrometeorological Station, a facility that forecasts weather conditions to the adjacent municipalities.

The classes, to start first week of July, will be held every Saturday for 12 to 16 weeks, or the equivalent of one cropping season.

Toledo, the first provincial agriculturist in the Philippines, prepared the curriculum for the climate field school.

He said the main objective of the school is to teach farmers the all important role of the weather or climate in the preparation of their fields, selection of the proper rice seeds and the kind of cash crops that they can plant.

“The school will teach farmers not only to mitigate the weather or climate but more importantly, to manage the climate for proper and higher crop production,” Toledo added.

Thailand is the only country in the world that conducts climate field school for farmers. The Philippines will be the second.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news4.htm)

hmmp

June 14th, 2007, 03:33 AM

like sa Cebu Int'l Airport...

The following airlines serve the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (as of March 2007):
Domestic Wing

Air Philippines (Bacolod, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Manila, Puerto Princesa)
Asian Spirit (Cagayan de Oro, Malay)
Cebu Pacific (Bacolod, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo, Manila, Manila-Clark, Puerto Princesa, Zamboanga)
Philippine Airlines (Manila)
South East Asian Airlines (Cotabato, Malay, Mambajao)

International Wing

Asiana Airlines (Seoul-Incheon)
Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong)
Cebu Pacific (Busan, Hong Kong, Seoul-Incheon, Singapore)
China Airlines
-Mandarin Airlines (Taipei-Taiwan Taoyuan)
Korean Air (Seoul-Incheon)
Malaysia Airlines (Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur)
Philippine Airlines (Seoul-Incheon, Tokyo-Narita)
Qatar Airways (Doha)
Singapore Airlines
-SilkAir (Singapore)

di ba,puro Asian countries lang ang int'l flights?!!

hmmp

June 14th, 2007, 03:38 AM

The following airlines serve the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (as of February 2007):

Airlines

AirAsia (Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur)
Asian Spirit (Macau) [seasonal]
Asiana Airlines (Seoul-Incheon)
Cebu Pacific (Cebu)
Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong)
South East Asian Airlines (Cebu, Malay, Manila)
Tiger Airways (Macau, Singapore)

Charter Airlines

Intercontinental Pacific Airways

Cargo Airlines

Pacific East Asia Cargo Airlines
United Parcel Service
Yangtze River Express

**************
The following airlines serve the Francisco Bangoy International Airport:
Domestic Wing
Air Philippines (Cebu, Manila)
Asian Spirit (Manila)
Cebu Pacific (Cebu, Manila, Zamboanga)
Philippine Airlines (Manila)
International Wing
Asian Spirit (Koror, Macau [seasonal])
Merpati Nusantara Airlines (Manado)
SilkAir (Singapore)
Sriwijaya Air (Gorontalo, Manado)

tani Iloilo ang makauna sang int'l flights(maliban sa manila) nga sagwa sang asian countries.

hmmp

June 14th, 2007, 03:42 AM

nami ang name nga "New Iloilo Airport".kaso ngaa Iloilo Airport lang ang nakabutang haw?!daw indi "class" ang name. hehe

spacewagon1

June 14th, 2007, 03:50 AM

Coupon taxis mulled in NIA
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has proposed coupon taxis to serve passengers from the New Iloilo Airport (NIA).

LTFRB chair Thompson Lantion broached the proposal in the light of the dispute between the Association of Taxi Operators in Panay (Atop) and another taxi operator over the add-on rate for trips from Iloilo City to NIA. Patterned after transport services in Manila and Cagayan de Oro, coupon taxis will pick up passengers from the NIA to a certain point.

Coupon taxis will have fixed fare rates which will be paid to the agent on duty of the taxi service stationed at the airport.

The rates will be set by the LTFRB, Lantion said. Atty. Porfirio Clavel, LTFRB regional director, said coupon taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers while going to their destination. “The taxis are also not allowed to drop the NIA passenger outside of their destination,” Clavel said.

Clavel said the coupon taxi scheme can solve the possible transportation woes airport passengers might face if majority of taxi units refuse to ferry them using the present P30 flag down rate.

Atop has filed a petition for an additional P150 charge on top of the amount reflected in the taxi meter. The increase, Atop president Donna Rose Ratilla said, is meant to cover the cost and give a reasonable profit margin to taxi drivers bringing passengers to the new airport in Cabatuan which is some 19 kilometers from Iloilo City.

Atty. Joseph Vincent Go, owner of the Light of Glory Taxi, opposed the petition saying the add-on rate is excessive and unconscionable. Go said the petition will cause the demise of the taxi industry. He also sought a temporary restraining order from the Regional Trial Court to stop the LTFRB and Atop from implementing the add-on fare.

While the taxis are slugging over their fares, Lantion said they have other transport services that can serve passengers.

“We have the garage-to-terminal services and the tourist vans from Iloilo City and multicabs that will ferry passengers from Sta. Barbara poblacion to the airport. There is enough transportation for the passengers until we have resolved the taxi fare issue,” Lantion said.

Lantion said they will fast track the resolution of Atop’s add-on petition.

Seasoned scribes to train Iloilo media

Members of the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps and information officers of local government units under the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) will take training from two award-winning journalists in a three-day business and interpretive reporting workshop.

Yvonne Chua, former training director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, and Lala Rimando, business editor of Newsbreak magazine, will share their knowledge with 20 participants in a workshop co-sponsored by the Iloilo City government and the Canadian Urban Institute Funded by the Canadian International Development Agency, the workshop is set on June 15-17 with venues in Iloilo City and Guimaras.

The workshop seeks to develop the journalists’ and information officers’ competence in interpreting current events by providing analytical context to their stories for deeper public understanding, and in spotting and writing interesting business and economic stories.

Francis Gentoral, CUI regional manager, says the workshop seeks to equip journalists and information officers with the reporting skills they need to cope with the fast changing economic climate in the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras region.

Sessions in the workshop will be held in separate venues, starting at the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in Iloilo City to the Guimaras Trade and Information Center (GTIC) in Jordan Guimaras. Participants will be lodged at the Villa Igang Resort in Nueva Valencia during the course of their training.

Atty. Raul Anlocotan, NEDA’s Chief Economic Development Specialist, will also familiarize participants with economic indicators and statistical concepts, and teach them how to examine the state of the region by applying economic indicators and statistic concepts.

Prof. Jigger Latoza, director of the Coordinating Center for Research and Publications of the University of San Agustin, and CUI capacity development advisor Fe Salcedo, will explain to participants two competitiveness ratings that now serve as a new looking glass in looking at local governments.

Latoza will share the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project of the Asian Institute of Management, while Salcedo will explain the Local Government Performance Management System developed by the Department of Interior and Local Government. Rimando, who is speaker for business reporting, won a 2002 Siemens IT and Telecommunications award for an article on the wireless business ventures of the telecom duopoly in the Philippines. She has been a three-time finalist in the Jaime V. Ongpin Journalism Award.

Chua, who is speaker for interpretive reporting, was elevated to the Jaime V Ongpin Awards for Investigative Journalism’s Hall of Fame in June 2005 after bagging the first prize three times in five years.

Since January 2003, she has been a member of the Commission on Higher Education’s Technical Committee on Communication. She is a professorial lecturer at the University of the Philippines, where she teaches journalism part-time.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (www.theguardianiloilo.ph)

spacewagon1

June 14th, 2007, 03:53 AM

GMA: P8-B new airport
symbol of collective will

CABATUAN, Iloilo – Iloilo province yesterday formally opened its doors to world air traffic with the inauguration of its brand new P8-billion international airport on a 188-hectare straddling Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan towns.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who led the opening of the air terminal, described the new airport as a "shining example of the best that is still to come for all the Filipino people" as the country continues to break loose from its "lethargic economic legacy."

The new airport, she added, is a "symbol of our collective will and the people’s support."

The President lauded the Ilonggos for their steadfast commitment to the project despite the magnitude of the challenges posed by lack of funds.

She said plans for the upgrading of the Iloilo airport started in 1997 when the whole of Southeast Asia was reeling from the effects of the financial crisis gripping the region.

But with "concerted efforts and the faith of all the Ilonggos, we concentrated on completing it (Iloilo International Airport) on time," she added.

"We broke the back of our lethargic economic legacy via a combination of tough fiscal measures and equally difficult political decisions to make more revenue," the President said.

She was referring to the Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) Law which raised the tax on goods and services from 10 percent to 12 percent.

The additional taxes enabled the government to raise funds needed o implement vital physical and infrastructure projects, including the Iloilo international airport.

The President assured the Ilongos that her administration would continue to focus on pro-growth, pro-trade and pro-investment strategies "that will lift our people from poverty and make the Philippines a real investment destination."

"And with this Iloilo airport here, Iloilo is also in contention as a major investment destination," she said.

Iloilo's tourism industry will greatly benefit from the opening of the IIA, as well as the agriculture and business sectors.

A joint project of the Philippines and Japan, the IIA was funded under Japan’s Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) program through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) which put up P6.3-billion, while the Philippines raised P1.625- billion as its counterpart fund.

The IIA is designed to handle 1.2 million passengers and 11,500 tons of cargo a year.

The three-storey passenger terminal building has an area of 13,500 square meters. It has 10 check-in counters with individual weighing and queuing conveyors, belt conveyors from check-in to baggage loading area, flight information display system to guide passengers on the aircraft's time schedule and destination and a transit counter.

The cargo terminal building is a 1,300-square meter single storey structure, consisting of a covered platform, government offices, restrooms and cargo handling area.

The control tower is a nine-storey structure with a two-storey operation building that houses state-of-the-art communications equipment and briefing room for pilots.

The new airport replaces the old passenger terminal in Mandurriao, some 20 kilometers away

source: Panay News (www.panaynews.com.ph)

freezing_pt

June 14th, 2007, 04:24 AM

so operational na subong ang airport ta? excited na magpuli ba...haaayyy...

spacewagon1

June 14th, 2007, 04:31 AM

http://www.mb.com.ph/db_images/headlines/14_iloilo-edt1181754671.jpg
NEW ILOILO AIRPORT
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the new Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. With the President are Rep. Arthur Defensor, Japan Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, Director General Augusto Syjuco Jr. of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupaz. (from page Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/db_images/headlines/14_iloilo-edt1181754671.jpg))

Officials open new P8-B international airport in Iloilo
source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN2007061495849.html)

shyaman

June 14th, 2007, 05:34 AM

nami ang name nga "New Iloilo Airport".kaso ngaa Iloilo Airport lang ang nakabutang haw?!daw indi "class" ang name. hehe

There’s no need to include the word “New” to Iloilo Airport’s signage. After several years, it’s no longer new, thus the adjective is no longer appropriate.

One more thing, they should not stick to the initials NIA (New Iloilo Airport). There is a “new” airport if there’s an old one that’s still operational. But once the old airport property is sold, the old airport cease to exist anymore.

Jarenz

June 14th, 2007, 06:21 AM

rapuy

June 14th, 2007, 06:35 AM

IMPRESARIO

June 14th, 2007, 07:01 AM

Welcome @Rapuy! looking forward on your pics, keep posting !

COLLIN JASPER

June 14th, 2007, 09:06 AM

WELCOME RAPUY!

The Cebuano Exultor

June 14th, 2007, 09:22 AM

tani next year,may international flight na from Iloilo-California vice-versa.

kay usually asta lang sa asian countries ang mga int'l flight like sa cebu&davao.

Uh, that'd probably happen when there is already enough traffic between Ilo-ilo and Los Angeles or San Francisco. And, If it ever happens I'm guessing that it'll happen still a decade or two from now. :yes:

This fact is true as well at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Davao-Francisco Bangoy International Airport, New Bacolod Regional Airport, and Laguindingan-Cagayan de Oro International Airport.

spacewagon1

June 14th, 2007, 12:05 PM

IMPRESARIO

June 14th, 2007, 12:05 PM

^^tani gani hay...

spacewagon1

June 14th, 2007, 12:09 PM

Country's 'most beautiful' airport begins operations
By Ronilo L. Pamonag

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/14/pgma.jpg
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo descends from the
private plane which carried her to the new Iloilo Airport in
Cabatuan, Iloilo. The president's plane was the first to land
on the new airport which she inaugurated yesterday.
Photo by A. Chris Fernandez

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Sec. Leandro Mendoza of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) inaugurated the New Iloilo Airport (NIA) yesterday.

"This is the symbol of collective political will and the people's support," Ms. Arroyo said, referring to the Japanese funded, P 6.2 billion-project in the Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan towns.

"The airport of international standards is an example of what is to come for the Filipinos," the President added.

"Your wait is over, now we have the airport," she said, adding that the New Iloilo Airport brings with it progress and economic development.

Arroyo flew in from Metro Manila on board a private jet.

Mendoza said that the NIA is the country's newest and most modern airport. The NIA is a sharp contrast to the old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao district, which is up for privatization.

Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. said that the airport is a "dream fulfilled," and will serve as Panay island's gateway to the world. The airport, he said, makes the Ilonggos "swell with pride."

Sen. Franklin Drilon, who lobbied for the construction of the airport, was not present during the inauguration of Iloilo's biggest government infrastructure project so far.

It was built by the Taisei-Shimizu Joint Venture, a Japanese firm. Construction on the airport began January 2004.

The 13,700-squate meter, three-storey terminal building can handle 1.2 million passengers and 11,500 tons of cargo every year. The runway can accommodate jumbo jets like the Airbus 330 which carry up to 276 passengers. Up to six aircrafts can park in the 48,200-squate meter apron at one time. The pre-departure area at the third floor can seat 436 persons.

"This is far better than the airports of Cebu and Davao," Mendoza noted.

He said that they are requesting the International Civil Aviation Organization to assess the NIA's compliance with international standards. After the ICAO shall have certified the airport's compliance with international safety and security standards, the NIA would be allowed to handle international flights, particularly those carrying seafoods bound for Hong Kong and Japan. Mendoza is confident that the NIA will pass ICAO assessment.

He said that the airport would most likely handle cargo traffic. Sixty percent of the country's seafood supply comes from Panay island, he noted. Moreover, the NIA is one of the 14 airports in the Visayas identified by the DOTC as 'tourism destination airports.'

President Arroyo said that the DoTC have assigned flights carrying Korean tourists to the NIA.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/14/countrys.most.beautiful.airport.begins.operations.html)

spacewagon1

June 14th, 2007, 12:18 PM

New airport to boost tourism industry -- DOT

The Wednesday inauguration of the New Iloilo Airport by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo opens new business opportunities for the local tourism stakeholders here, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Dir. Edwin Trompeta said.

Tourism regional director Trompeta further said that he expects the new airport which is of international standards would soon be able accommodate bigger aircrafts that would have direct flights from Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan to bring in more foreign tourists in Iloilo and even the nearby Guimaras island.

He added the coming of more tourists would mean a more vibrant tourism industry for the local government units and the stakeholders.

The DOT official referred to Guimaras island as the sleeping giant that is beginning to wake up.

He said that Guimaras has now an on-going tourism program in cooperation with Iloilo which is becoming an alternative choice for Boracay island in Aklan.

Tourists can go down the new airport in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns and probably opt to take vacation there for its proximity.

"Guimaras has all the ingredients in history, natural attraction and good infrastructure," Trompeta said.

The island province has also potential for agricultural tourism and pilgrimage tourism.

There is already an investor who has acquired about 115 hectare in the town of Nueva Valencia in Guimaras for a golf course and retirement village.

Trompeta said that these developments complete the picture and would start a faster and brighter prospect in the area that could benefit the local stakeholders.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/14/new.airport.to.boost.tourism.industry.html)

^^ ^^ Hala Bira ILOILO - GUIMARAS ! The time has come ! Make Guimaras shines. I'm so happy to here that Guimaras is taking tourism seriously. I hope this new "golf course and retirement village" will further Guimaras bid as one of the best tourism destination in our country today. Indeed, Guimaras is a sleeping giant, and Iloilo is the gateway to this unawakened dragon ! :banana: :banana: :banana:

spacewagon1

June 14th, 2007, 01:01 PM

Photographic Society of Iloilo documents the new Iloilo Airport
By Kathy M. Villalon

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/13/new.airport4.jpg
Photo by Jun Rojas

Say it through pictures.

The Photographic Society of Iloilo documented the different facilities of the new Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan, which is set to open today, June 13.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/13/new.airport1.jpg
Photo by Dr. Vic Pido

Last April 28, with the help of Air Transportation Office Manager Alan Java, some members of PSI had the chance to view and take pictures of the much-awaited airport of international standards.

These pictures will be on exhibit at the site starting today.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/13/new.airport2.jpg
Photo by Therese Robles

The featured pictures are by Atty. Bert Onglamsing, Carlos Garcia, Daisy Cababasay, Jun Rojas, Nick Valera, Therese Robles and Dr. Vic Pido.

Jun Rojas is the president of PSI and he manages the family-owned softdrink distribution company.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/13/new.airport3.jpg
Photo by Neil Valera

Carlos Garcia, PSI's vice president, is the owner of Readata Enterprises.

Onglamsing is a lawyer by profession and the founding member of PSI. He is the owner of Newpost Supply.

Daisy Cababasay is a housewife and secretary of PSI.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/13/new.airport5.jpg
Photo by Daisy Cababasay

Neil Valera is a photographer by profession and the club's treasurer.

Therese Robles, an orthodontist, is one of the pioneer members of PSI.

Dr. Vic Pido is an orthopedic surgeon and one of the club's pioneers, too.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/13/new.airport6.jpg
Photo by Carlos Garcia

The PSI was founded 27 years ago and presently, it has 20 active members. The club aims to promote camaraderie among photography enthusiasts as well as help each other develop the other's skills.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/13/photographic.society.of.iloilo.documents.the.new.iloilo.airport.html)

IAMME

June 14th, 2007, 04:58 PM

I think they should finalize the actual cost of the airport. Six billion, eight billion, and the highest figure I've seen is closer to nine billion.

Anyway, pics!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1006/547816040_c32b090ed5.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1048/547831229_909c68949d.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1135/547814480_ad4473670c.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1301/547830283_e63d5ca6e3.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1132/547831691_a3ca7c709d.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1294/547828555_44c2f89dc4.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1051/547815006_32c1bd0d53.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1368/547812996_2b62af9a2b_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1364/547828053_59fb2a3135_o.jpg

Too bad I didn't have time to take more pictures. The shuttle was already leaving. The fare is P50 on the shuttle with stops at SM City, Jaro Plaza, and Tagbak Terminal. However, one passenger in our shuttle insisted to be brought to Mandurriao so ayun, ang haba-haba ng biyahe!

JustHorace

June 14th, 2007, 05:29 PM

^^Wow! NIA is truly a world-class airport! Now that's something we Filipinos should be proud of. Bravo!

davaoeagle

June 14th, 2007, 08:42 PM

^

Unquestionably, the best airport terminal in VISMIN area... :cheers:

FrancisXavier

June 14th, 2007, 08:52 PM

Yeah.. for me, best in the Philippines.. The outside looks better than Naia3 basing on the pics. and for some reasons, even the inside.. i love this airport.. We need something like this as Philippines' main Gateway. Perhaps, they could pattern DMIA to NIA.. Love it!

spacewagon1

June 15th, 2007, 03:51 AM

Train mulled for NIA–Iloilo City route
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

THE P8-billion new Iloilo Airport in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns, some 19 kilometers north of Iloilo City, might inspire the construction of a modern train transport system here.

Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday said he learned of plans for a railway system for the airport- city route and vice versa after his talk with Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) undersecretary Roberto Lastimoso, Iloilo City Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr., and Iloilo Business Club (IBC) president Tony Jon during the airport inauguration Wednesday.

Treñas added that Lastimoso brought with him a French consultant who will look into the viability of installing the hi-tech railway facility here. “We have discussed scouting for funds for a feasibility study of train transportation from the airport to the city. The train would be better since it would be easier for the travelers to go to the airport as well as for passengers from the airport going to the city,” Treñas stressed.

He added Gonzalez will be talking to Lastimoso on how to source out the funds for the proposed feasibility study of the project.

“The study will determine the need and effects of the train project. We have to look forward. We are not preparing for today but for the future. In more places I visited, they have trains waiting once you touch down at the airport. Train is also the cheapest form of transportation,” explained Treñas.

“It’s not a joke to invest in the feasibility study. If the project turns out feasible, the train might be realized.”

Treñas said it will be convenient for the passengers particularly those with heavy luggage to take the train in going from the airport to the city and vice versa.

He said Metro Cebu is currently working on a feasibility study for a prospective train project adjacent to its international airport.

The newly-opened state-of-the-art Iloilo Airport sits on a 188-hectare land that straddles the towns of Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan.

The facility boasts of a 2.5km x 45m runway; 48,000 sq m apron or the paved area on which aircrafts load and unload; 3km x 30m access road; 12,000 sq m passenger terminal; 1,281 sq m cargo terminal building; administration building; 35m-high tower and operation building; central plant building; maintenance building and equipment; and crash-fire-rescue station and equipment.

Other utilities include water supply, storage, and distribution system, electrical system and sewage treatment.

Air Transportation Office (ATO-6) chief Alan Java said the airport’s operations will see bigger airplanes even as it can accommodate six planes in one time.

“The new airport will be catering to wide-bodied airplanes just like those in an international standard facility,” he added.

For instance, Java said the Philippine Airlines (PAL) will be flying its Airbus 330 which can accommodate more than 300 passengers.

PAL’s sister company, Air Philippines, may replace its 737-200 and 737-400 planes with bigger aircrafts to accommodate more passengers.

Java said the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district used to cater 1,200 passengers boarding 13 flights daily.

During peak season during the summer vacation and Yuletide Holidays, the influx of daily passengers reaches 2,000.

The new airport will initially have the same number of passengers but is expected to get more arrivals soon with prospects of catering to direct international flights.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph)

BYAHILO

June 15th, 2007, 04:36 AM

hay everytime i see photos of the NIA, im being tempted to buy my plane tickets

daw malupad n ako dira!

freezing_pt

June 15th, 2007, 05:07 AM

WOW! cute ng mga pics!!! i also cant wait to be there! Thanks to IAMME for the nice pics.

freezing_pt

June 15th, 2007, 05:11 AM

http://inquirer.net/photos/network_index/images/L_pic_01.jpeg

LAST FLIGHT OUT: Neighborhood kids say goodbye to the 54-ha historic airport in Iloilo City, which ceased operations on Tuesday after 70 years of operation. It had seen off presidents, a Pope, dignitaries and beauty queens. The airport was transferred 20 km north of the city. ARNOLD ALMACEN/INQUIRER VISAYAS

source: inqirer.net

freezing_pt

June 15th, 2007, 05:16 AM

Old Iloilo airport sees last of happy landings

By Ma. Diosa Labiste, Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 07:05am (Mla time) 06/15/2007

ILOILO CITY -- The historic Iloilo airport, the fourth busiest in the country, ceased operations on Tuesday after 70 years of serving millions of passengers.

The old airport in Mandurriao district ended operations following the commercial opening on Wednesday of the new Iloilo International Airport in Santa Barbara and Cabatuan towns, 20 kilometers north of this city.

The last plane out of the old airport was a Manila-bound Cebu Pacific Air at 6:20 p.m. on Tuesday.

Built in 1937, the old airport is located 5 km from downtown. It was so conveniently accessible that taxis, jeepneys and tricycles could unload their passengers a few meters from its front door.

Annual passenger traffic at the old airport was estimated at 700,000 the last two years, making it the busiest domestic airport in the country.

The old airport was also fourth among the busiest airports in the country in terms of passenger and cargo traffic, after the top three international airports -- Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Davao International Airport.

In Western Visayas, the Iloilo airport had served the biggest number of passengers since 2005. Bacolod was second with 560,000 passengers and Caticlan (Aklan), third with 520,000.

The growing passenger traffic and the limited facilities at the Mandurriao airport were among the reasons a new airport had to be built.

Being Iloilo’s gateway to the rest of the country, it received and sent off presidents, a Pope, dignitaries and beauty queens. It also has a place in the nation’s history.

History

Historian Rex Salvilla wrote that the late Lt. Col. Carlos P. Romulo, who later became a brigadier general and president of the United Nations General Assembly, landed at the Mandurriao airfield on his way to Australia during World War II.

On Gen. Douglas McArthur’s orders, Romulo took off from Cabcaben airstrip under heavy Japanese bombardment aboard a US Navy J2F4 patrol plane just after midnight on April 9, 1942. It reached Iloilo airport at dawn.

Voice of Freedom

Salvilla said that while taking their breakfast at the airport restaurant, Romulo and his pilot, US Air Force Lt. Roland Barnick, unashamedly wept upon hearing the fall of Bataan broadcast over the “Voice of Freedom.”

Romulo flew to Mindanao the following day on another plane.

In December 1944, the Iloilo airfield came under heavy bombardment from B-24s of the American forces.

For sale

The 54-hectare property where the old airport stands will be sold through public bidding.

A bidding took place early in May but the Department of Finance declared it a failure because the price offered was below the P1.2 billion set by the government.

The bidders were SM Prime Holdings, Empire East Land Holdings and Robinson’s Land Corp.

Arroyo lauds Tupas, Drilon

In Cabatuan, Iloilo, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded on Wednesday a political adversary for his role in the construction of the new 188-hectare airport.

During the airport’s inauguration rites, the President credited Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. with the realization of the new Iloilo International Airport.

“Governor Tupas, congratulations. If (former) Gov. (Arthur) Defensor conceived of the airport, you gave birth to this airport,” Ms Arroyo said.

Before the President spoke, Tupas acknowledged Drilon’s contribution to make the P8.76-billion airport a reality.

“The chief of architect of this project, Sen. Franklin Drilon, could not join us in this glorious moment but we also convey to him our heartfelt thanks for daring to dream big dreams for Iloilo,” he said.

The governor also expressed his gratitude to the President.

Ms Arroyo recognized Drilon for helping the government increase its revenue when he was Senate President.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, president of the League of Cities of the Philippines and one of Ms Arroyo’s staunchest allies, said the President’s words “clearly showed that she is extending her hand in friendship for the sake of economic development.”

“Her message was clear: Let us forget about politics because the elections are over. Let us focus on real agenda which is to push for economic development,” said Treñas.

Asked to comment on the President’s acknowledgment of Drilon and Tupas, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said, “So what?!”

“Do you expect her to talk about the anomalies (committed by Tupas)?” said Gonzalez, a former Iloilo City congressman.

He said the President merely acknowledged all the people who contributed to the construction of the airport.

Contentious parties together

Ms Arroyo maintained that politics was not hampering the country’s economic performance.

“The path we have set for economic reforms has not been upset by partisan elections. And if you want proof of that statement, just look at the ones who are on this platform today. From different contending parties in the last elections, we are all together for the future of Iloilo and Panay Island,” she said.

Tupas was seated beside Ms Arroyo at the pre-departure area where the program was held. Also present were the President’s allies -- Iloilo Representatives Judy Syjuco and Defensor, Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza and Gonzalez.

“Now that the election is over, let us now all focus [our efforts] so that our economy will further grow,” the President said in Hiligaynon.

Ex-allies

Drilon and Tupas were the President’s allies until July 2005 when they broke ties with her administration and called for her resignation.

Tupas has blamed the administration for the Jan. 17 assault on the Iloilo provincial capitol. Heavily armed policemen had tried to enforce a dismissal order by the Ombudsman against the governor and two provincial board members for graft.

Tupas defeated the administration candidate, Vice Gov. Roberto Armada, by a margin of 208,000 votes.

Standoff

Tension marred the first day of operations at the new international airport after porters in the old airport insisted on working in the new facility.

Traffic was briefly stalled after airport security guards and members of the Aviation Security Group prevented around 50 workers employed by businessman Bernie Miaque from entering the main entrance of the airport.

Miaque has been operating various businesses, among them porterage and car rental services, at the old airport since 1989 but has been locked in a bitter dispute with the ATO over his businesses.

ATO Western Visayas manager Alan Java said the new airport did not need porters because passengers can use pushcarts to carry their baggage, similar to other modern airports.

The standoff was diffused three hours later, after Air Transportation Office Assistant Secretary Nilo Jatico held a dialogue with Miaque.

Copyright 2007 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: inquirer.net
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=71442

death327

June 15th, 2007, 05:27 AM

Hello, Im new here... just arrived here in Manila from Iloilo, departing from the new Iloilo airport. I postponed my flight back to Manila para makakadto guid sa new airport. Its a nice experience going there. Nami guid ang view. I have lots of pictures pero tomorrow ko pa i upload.

Hi Raph... welcome to SSC Iloilo! :)

Now the new airport is operational, tourism development across the Panay Islands should be given attention or focus by the local and national government. Guimaras is not only the sleeping giant of Panay or western visayas, we still have a lot of islands that are yet to be discovered, we have sicogon islands, pan de zucar, islands off coast of Antique, norther Antique (alternative destination of Boracay) and hinterland of Mt Baloi-Madyaas complex.

Train mulled for NIA–Iloilo City route
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

THE P8-billion new Iloilo Airport in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns, some 19 kilometers north of Iloilo City, might inspire the construction of a modern train transport system here.

Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday said he learned of plans for a railway system for the airport- city route and vice versa after his talk with Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) undersecretary Roberto Lastimoso, Iloilo City Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr., and Iloilo Business Club (IBC) president Tony Jon during the airport inauguration Wednesday.

....

The new airport will initially have the same number of passengers but is expected to get more arrivals soon with prospects of catering to direct international flights.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph)

Yikes. Why do another feasibility study? I think it would be wise for them to revised the Panay Railway project components. I really hate when they do this... always study and study without implementing any concrete plan. The Panay Railway study (rehabilitation) can suffice this need.

spacewagon1

June 15th, 2007, 06:51 AM

^^ ^^ ^^ to complement the already world-class airport is the realisation of a railway system to service tourists, guests and visitors to and fro the metropolis. I hope the feasibility will prove positively hence the realisation of the project. Otherwise, now is the time to revive Panay Railways. Go, go, go for another milestone development.

Btw, when are they planning to start the construction of the first class superhighway from Iloilo to Caticlan-Boracay? Will it be possible to plan another superhighway from NIA to Estancia-Concepcion-Carles towns? That if we're really serious with our blossoming tourism industry in the city, province, island and the region.

spacewagon1

June 15th, 2007, 06:58 AM

let's have a good tick list for our beloved NIA.

Any plan route for:

Iloilo - Puerto Princesa (revival)
Iloilo - General Santos City (revival)

more proposals:
Iloilo - Pampanga (DMIA)
Iloilo - Davao
Iloilo - Cagayan de Oro
Iloilo - Zamboanga

with International flights, it remains to be seen. But I'm looking forward of testing the market of Asian neighbours for the meantime before looking into/having direct flights from Europe, USA and Australia.

habagatcentral1

June 15th, 2007, 07:10 AM

^^ Make Iloilo as an alternative hub kaya?

Anyway, here are some pictures that I and Nong Collin took yesterday at the Airport.

Twilight and Night Pictures of New Iloilo Aiport

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0074.jpg
Turista!

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0076.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0075.jpg
Delayed!

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0077.jpg
Aerobridge

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0078.jpg
StormClouds

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0080.jpg
The Debatable Sign, hehehehe!!! :D

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0081.jpg
Somewhat Zen

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0082.jpg
Wellwishers area

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0083.jpg
Gate Number 3

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0085.jpg
Cebu Pacific from Manila

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0086.jpg
Wellwishers area

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0087.jpg
Facade by Night

IAMME

June 15th, 2007, 07:48 AM

Sorry I took too long to arrive last night. Whew! Great pics! I love the 2nd one the most. A good angle to take is from the access road where you can see the whole passenger terminal lit up in the middle of nowhere. The sight is just so dream-like. Well, it is a dream come true.

Oh yeah, I love the control tower lights too, with all the blinking and the turning lights and stuff...

shyaman

June 15th, 2007, 10:08 AM

Great pics @IAMME and @Bernie.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0076.jpg

The airport management/security should discourage/prevent people from standing-by anywhere they want. Nagmukha tuloy park.

chymera00

June 15th, 2007, 10:28 AM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/DSCF0076.jpg
The airport management/security should discourage/prevent people from standing-by anywhere they want. Nagmukha tuloy park.
That part is a PARKing lot after all :)

freezing_pt

June 15th, 2007, 10:51 AM

That part is a PARKing lot after all :)

Wala bang waiting area ang mga nagasugat?

COLLIN JASPER

June 15th, 2007, 11:13 AM

Wala bang waiting area ang mga nagasugat?

mayron tol, mga 30 sets lng siguro, siguro they r going to add more sets.:)

COLLIN JASPER

June 15th, 2007, 11:21 AM

Wow, very happy gid kami ni bernie yesterday when we saw the new airport, daw inde gd ko magpati nga ara kami sa iloilo, ive been in some airports, like seoul,kuala lumpur, even singapore airport, medyo madako lang ang singapore compare sa NIA, pero kon pamangkuton nyo ko mas matahum gid ya ang NIA ang structure ang landscaping very spacious,ang parking area, even the roads leading to the airport very wide. mas matahum pa gd during night time, & during sunset, bisan naghilab na tyan ko sa gutom pero bawi man.

spacewagon1

June 15th, 2007, 11:22 AM

Iloilo eyed as cargo hub of seafood exports
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.

Iloilo is being eyed as a cargo hub especially for seafood exports with the opening of the Iloilo airport of international standard in Cabatuan.

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza noted that the Western Visayas region accounts for 60 percent of the seafood of the country which are also exported to other countries especially Hong Kong and Japan.

The 188-hectare airport complex located 22 km northwest of Iloilo City has a cargo building covering 1,300 square meters that is capable of handling 11,500 tons of cargo per year. The P8.7 billion airport can also accommodate bigger planes like the Airbus 330.

Mendoza said consultants of the International Civil Aviation Organization will soon conduct an assessment on the airport's facilities for compliance with international aviation standards.

He said the new Iloilo airport is the "most modern and beautiful" in the country in terms of structural design and facilities.

He said the airport will serve as an international gateway for Iloilo and the other provinces in Western Visayas and would bring in business, tourism and trade.

President Macapagal-Arroyo said during the airport's inauguration that the Department of Transportation and Communication and Civil Aeronautics Board have finished negotiations with South Korea for an additional 19,000 airline seats for Korean passengers. She noted that 25 percent of the country's 3 million tourists come from Korea.

Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamasaki said Iloilo and Panay Island have gained "a new basis of growth" with the opening of the international airport.

He noted that the old Iloilo airport had the fourth biggest number of passengers in the country that prompted the need for a bigger and more advanced airport. He noted that passenger volume in Iloilo has increased by 50 percent in the past decade.

Mendoza said the completion of the new Iloilo international airport is part of government's program to upgrade around 31 existing airports and construct new ones nationwide.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/15/iloilo.eyed.as.cargo.hub.of.seafood.exports.html)

^^ ^^ ^^ very, very encouraging and inspiring vision. It's time for Iloilo to continue spreading its wings. Iloilo, is definitely the Heart of the Philippines ! Hala Bira ILOILO !

spacewagon1

June 15th, 2007, 11:39 AM

Guys, come to think of this .... with the opening of Iloilo International Airport, Guimaras province started to drumbeats their economy. Here's few of developments ongoing to our little sister-province, Guimaras:

Japanese traders want Trappist mango products
By Maricar M. Calubiran

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/12/japanese.traders.want.trappist.mango.products.html)

GMA to inaugurate new
library hub in Guimaras

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news4.htm)

Guimaras recovery fast – GMA

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news5.htm)

Petron mulls computer
terminals in 17 schools

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news4.htm)

Another roro system up in Guimaras soon

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/15/another.roro.system.up.in.guimaras.soon.html)

a memorandum of agreement with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (Seafdec) for the establishment of a marine culture farm in Guimaras.

Guisi Community-based Heritage Tourism Project in Barangay Dolores, Nueva Valencia, a project initiated by the provincial government in partnership with the Canadian Urban Institute.

an investor who has acquired about 115 hectare in the town of Nueva Valencia in Guimaras for a golf course and retirement village.

Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council really works !
Hala Bira ! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

SleMarKen

June 15th, 2007, 12:51 PM

A very beautiful airport indeed. :bow: :bow:

IAMME

June 15th, 2007, 03:26 PM

XMWsRm_hbco

habagatcentral1

June 15th, 2007, 03:27 PM

^^ The first video of the airport posted in YouTube (except the creation of Mayad). Rex, did u received my text?

IAMME

June 15th, 2007, 03:31 PM

Yep. Next week right? Alright with me as long as it doesn't conflict with work and class. thanks for taking care of the letter. Next time, I'm going to bring a tripod to take better night shots.

alimol

June 15th, 2007, 03:33 PM

hu hu hu....grabe na gid etoooo......

sa katapusan, nabuksan na gid man ang airport kag pirte gid ka katahum...hu hu hu

luha dya kang kalipay...hu hu hu.....

I can see myself now nga pag-uli ko sa oct. dyan ra gid ko mahugpa sa nami-nami ta nga airport...ano dlang dya ang kuon kang mga puti ta nga bisita....IMO, mas nami pa dya sa airport kang birmingham kag london heathrow...deserving gid para sa mga international flights....

habagatcentral1

June 15th, 2007, 03:36 PM

^^ I'll be giving you the letter. Just keep in contact with me before I leave Iloilo (maybe and will be for a month absence) on Monday. :) It was very difficult to penetrate ATO right now since they are so busy and overwhelmed with the opening.

alimol

June 15th, 2007, 03:53 PM

shy, hala kaw...amon dya balay....

nasubu-an gid ko kay na miss ko gid ang amon nga balay....

The bahay kubo… kahit munti ang halaman doon ay sari-sari…

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Passi%20City%20Rural%20Life/PASSI-FarmLife1.jpg

kirby21

June 15th, 2007, 04:05 PM

Great pictures ! Great articles !
It's definitely Iloilo !
It's nice to be back. Nahidlaw man ko sa mga taho diri sa SSC ba. Guys, I love all your inputs. The new Iloilo Airport looks awesome. Undoubtedly, the best Philippines' have for today's global aviation. I hope to see interational flights to Iloilo in the months to come. My cousin says, we're just awaiting for approval by the international assessing company. Then, wallahhh, direct flights from international destinations to Iloilo will be realised.

Have a good day everyone !

alimol

June 15th, 2007, 04:09 PM

ay abaw si toto kirby, nabanhaw! diin timo naghalin? nagbakasyon kaw sa pinas?

Great pictures ! Great articles !
It's definitely Iloilo !
It's nice to be back. Nahidlaw man ko sa mga taho diri sa SSC ba. Guys, I love all your inputs. The new Iloilo Airport looks awesome. Undoubtedly, the best Philippines' have for today's global aviation. I hope to see interational flights to Iloilo in the months to come. My cousin says, we're just awaiting for approval by the international assessing company. Then, wallahhh, direct flights from international destinations to Iloilo will be realised.

Have a good day everyone !

kirby21

June 15th, 2007, 04:11 PM

yep. Nagpuli ko for less than a week lang so I haven't enjoyed Pilipinas much. Plus the fact nga two days lang ko sa Iloilo cos the family stayed in Manila for a celebration, so wala gid chance nga maglibot. Nag-kiss lang ko sa soil sang Iloilo ah. he he. So balik naman ko di. Like Iloilo and Phoenix, we're rising once more. he he.

kirby21

June 15th, 2007, 04:15 PM

COLLIN JASPER

June 15th, 2007, 04:20 PM

kianshi

June 15th, 2007, 04:40 PM

WOW...!!!I LOVE OUR AIRPORT SO MUCH...!Hehe..Bag-o lang ko ka post di..:) :) :)

shyaman

June 15th, 2007, 04:53 PM

alimol

June 15th, 2007, 04:53 PM

korekong ka gid kirbs! this is the edifice that we ilonggos can ba proud of...not only ilonggos but for all filipinos...

sang una, damgo lang gid ang airport nga dya...pero tulad, na tuman gid handom ta...and it is billions of pesos worth better than the other airport...

ang access road pa gid, daw dya lang sa uk ang scenery...indi na gid ya mapunggan ang pag uswag ta....

before i left iloilo, wala gid ya kabuhi aton nga lugar...masubo kag wala daw kamingaw...pero after few years, woah!!! and lo!!! daw gin magic lang...gulpi lang nangin masadya, nangin mainuswagon kag napuno sang kabuhi! haaayyy...how i wish nga dyan pa ko tulad ga obra ba...

i remember sang una, ang mga migo ko nga naghalin sa iban nga syudad, ga hambal nga waay gid kuno to life ang iloilo kay waay sanda ti kadtuan nga night life...they dont want to stay in iloilo kay kulang sa gimik...pero karon, nagbaliskad ang paya...mas nami pa taton ka kananda....

...and i am being proud of the current development...pabalong ta ah:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

that's right. Even London Heathrow's Terminal 3 could not compete with the looks of the new Iloilo Airport. Grabeh ! :bow: :bow: :bow:

alimol

June 15th, 2007, 04:57 PM

Welcome back @kirby!

Ngaa nga dululungan kamo lately nga mga taga-UK nadula di sa forum ta? Si @space lang nagabutwa-butwa, kon kis-a gakadula man. @wecky and @whyte waay man ka pacheck attendance di for the 2 weeks or so.

Si migo @alimol gali may challenge to sa inyo nga mga UK-based sa Samahan Ilonggo Connection thread.

ay tuod no, si kirby bag-o man lang ka butwa...ako bag-o man kay tam-an gid ka sako...co incidence dya?...ang iban waay ro gid ka butwa...

shy, ano ruman di-a nga challenge? basta waay lang ti ubahay ha...

IMPRESARIO

June 15th, 2007, 05:10 PM

XMWsRm_hbco

^^its not playing! :(

IMPRESARIO

June 15th, 2007, 05:16 PM

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/2231/headlinepiclinkialb6.jpg
A VIEW OF THE NEW ILOILO AIRPORT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FROM A DISTANCE

shyaman

June 15th, 2007, 05:17 PM

ay tuod no, si kirby bag-o man lang ka butwa...ako bag-o man kay tam-an gid ka sako...co incidence dya?...ang iban waay ro gid ka butwa...

shy, ano ruman di-a nga challenge? basta waay lang ti ubahay ha...

Daw sa uli-anon ka man timo migo. Basaha to liwat bala last post mo sa Mga Planggana Sang Iloilo.

daks2003

June 15th, 2007, 07:28 PM

OT..What can you say about B. Miaque insisting his "valid"(kuno) contract with the ATO? kasabad sang tawo nga ini...maguba lang ang concept sang airport nga ini if he will be allowed to operate

chymera00

June 15th, 2007, 09:07 PM

flickr finds ...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1351/540806145_d938d12f0c.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56335445@N00/540806145/

Iloilo Floodway Project
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1095/540806233_2aae0db3e9.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56335445@N00/540806233/

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1270/538752898_4641ec5030.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rox3/538752898/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/225/535972936_995fb0528b_m.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cocoy10/535972936/

Tangyan Festival '07, Igbaras Iloilo
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1031/534848696_a852b4bb36.jpg?v=0

Santa Cruzan in Iloilo
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1061/534587592_8a8c8c9646.jpg?v=0

Ria, an Ilongga International Model
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1134/534587602_a8d42aa13e.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jakeborres_photo/534587602/

spacewagon1

June 16th, 2007, 03:26 AM

Iloilo Airport ‘should charter Korean flights’
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the new Iloilo Airport should establish chartered flights with South Korea for tourism development as well as prospective investments.

“The city’s initial gain with the opening of the new airport is tourism. We know that the biggest number of foreign visitors in Iloilo are Koreans. So the most feasible market at least we can start is with chartered flights from South Korea,” Treñas explained.

Treñas noted that chartered flights could pave the way for the new airport to host direct international flights.

“The arrivals will really increase as what we have seen in Cebu which also started with chartered flights with Japan while they have more investors on beach resorts and other businesses. And Hong Kong too, which has lots of travelers. Now, Cebu has more regular international flights,” Treñas stressed.

“We should consider that if we have the tourism market, it brings along with it possible investments. Tourists are coming and going around places. But they’re not just tourists, some of them are also investors. This will be of big help to the economy,” he said.

Earlier, Department of Tourism (DOT-6) regional director Edwin Trompeta said Western Visayas can attract more tourists with the opening of direct international flights into the region’s airports.

He is optimistic that the hosting of the region’s first international flight by Kalibo Airport in Aklan last March 16 will also bring in international flights for Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

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

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

Air Transportation Office (ATO-6) chief Alan Java said the Kalibo Airport was opened to global flights after the installation of the instrument landing system (ILS) which shifted from the use of non-precision to precision approach to meet international standards in aviation.

ILS allows the pilot easy and more accurate landing process.

Trompeta affirmed the international flights are a welcome development to the thriving tourism industry of the region with the world-famous island resort of Boracay as the main destination.

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

Trompeta said: “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.”

The DOT-6 chief noted that Korean tourists numbering to around half a million yearly account for the top foreign arrivals in the Philippines.

“The best tourism promotional gimmicks and destinations would not work if there’s no international airport and no market,” said Trompeta. “Foreign tourists usually prefer the accessible air transportation.”

“With the international flights in the region, there can 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,” said Trompeta.

“The international flights could open up a lot of possibilities like the ‘Open Skies Policy’ because we have always been limited air seats,” he added.

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 5 million air seats paled in comparison with Bangkok’s (Thailand) 15 million air seats annually – and “that’s already a difference of ten million visitors.”

Trompeta said Western Visayas has already established air seats, accommodation rooms and infrastructures like 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 infrastructure in place,” he clarified.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

spacewagon1

June 16th, 2007, 03:32 AM

Lot owners to get priority
on airport employment

ILOILO City – The lot owners or their children will be the priority in terms of employment at the New Iloilo Airport of Development Project (NIADP) in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns in Iloilo province.

Iloilo 3rd District Cong. Arthur Defensor who was with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when she inaugurated the new airport last Wednesday said it has been agreed upon that the lot owners or their children would be given priority in terms of employment provided they are qualified for the positions.

“I hope the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Air Transportation Office would honor this commitment,” said Defensor, who was reelected for his third and last term last May 14.

Likewise, Cabatuan Mayor Ramon Yee said he expects his constituents to be able to get employment when the NIADP starts its operation.

He contended that even during the construction of this airport, some of his constituents have already been employed as construction workers and office personnel of the contractor, Taisei Shimizu Ventures. So far there, has been no problem.

“They are already in the DOTC priority list so long as they are qualified,” Mayor Yee said.

ATO Iloilo Area Manager Alan Java said that he is just waiting for the approval and allocation to start hiring additional personnel, hopefully, by July for the new airport.

He said that with a bigger airport now, there is really a need to add the current number of ATO personnel which is 146 for smoother operation.

However, he said that other services such as maintenance and security would just be sourced out or contracted to private companies.

The office of Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. is now being besieged by applicants seeking his recommendation to work in the airport.

Tupas said that he is only recommendatory since the decision would really come from the DOTC and ATO.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news4.htm)

spacewagon1

June 16th, 2007, 03:34 AM

Water distribution privatized by Nov.

ILOILO City – The water distribution service now being handled by the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) will be privatized this coming November.

This was the result of the meeting between Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) chief Orlando Hondrade, Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, Atty. Al Agra and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas last week.

Treñas said Hondrade and Agra urged him to ask the wisdom of the city council about the plan. The council resolution is necessary to push for the privatization of the distribution.

The mayor sounded optimistic that the privatization of the water distribution would result to more efficient service, so that MIWD can now concentrate on improving water supply.

Some 26,000 concessionaires is being presently served by MIWD from the six districts of Iloilo City and the municipalities of Maasin, Oton, San Miguel, Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara, Leganes and Pavia.

The lone water utility here at P207 million is now being completed with focus on the replacement of old and dilapidated lines and establishment of ground water sources.

Once privatized the MIWD will just focus on improving its water supply sufficiency.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news5.htm)

spacewagon1

June 16th, 2007, 03:37 AM

Special train eyed for new Iloilo airport commuters
By Lydia C. Pendon

The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is eyeing a special train to ferry passengers from Iloilo City to the new Iloilo airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

This was revealed by City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas yesterday after preliminary talks were held with DOTC Undersecretary Roberto Lastimoso, currently Land Transportation Office chief.

However, Treñas said they are still looking for a fund source to have a feasibility study on the special train for the new airport serving as a mass transport system for airport users.

Cebu is also contemplating a mass train service for commuters from its airport in Mactan Island to Cebu City proper, Treñas disclosed.

“In highly industrialized cities in the world, there is always a train mass transit service to ferry passengers to and from the airport,” Treñas said citing airports in Germany and other cities in Europe.

Similarly, Iloilo City Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez will be talking to the DOTC officials in Manila to concrete the idea for a mass train service as well as airconditioned coaches and will be using different route formerly used by the old Panay Railways.

A train service between the province of Capiz and Iloilo City was stopped more than 20 years ago due to high operation cost and that several highways were already constructed along the route going to Roxas City, Capiz.

The old Panay railways starts from the Iloilo City terminal along Muelle Loney St. and have train stations in Pavia, Sta Barbara, New Lucena, Potoan, Dingle, Passi City up to Roxas City in Capiz.

“It is not remote that we can also revive the train service to serve our low income families carrying bulk of cargoes to the new airport in Cabatuan. From the existing train station in Sta Barbara, it is not far to the new airport in Cabatuan,” Trenas said.

source: Daily Informer ILOILO (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1065&Itemid=137)

spacewagon1

June 16th, 2007, 03:42 AM

Develop Iloilo to feed itself, tourist areas

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said that Iloilo has so much resources, especially for food, vegetables and fruits.

Hence, Iloilo should be developed not only to feed itself but even provides for the tourism areas in Panay.

Yap noted that Iloilo used to be the number one supplier of rice in the country, but it was overtaken because the water system was not taken cared of. Right now, Nueva Ecija holds the distinction of being number one rice supplier.

“You don’t have to teach farmers, as long as there is water, they will plant,” Yap said.

He added that with seed technology and water, the farmers can continue to plant and that is one sure way, it can regain its position as top grosser in rice production, so that it can supply the other outlaying provinces.

Yap also said that farmers will now feel the positive impact of the fiscal reforms of the President when the Department of Agriculture will begin rehabilitating and repairing the irrigation systems in the country.

The DA plans to allot P4 billion to repair irrigation canals that will provide water to as much as 100,000 hectares of farm lands, P2 billion to set up 3,000 biomass devices in rice and corn production areas to reduce wastages and post harvest losses that cut the production of farmers by about 20 per cent.

About P20 million will also be allocated to build 20 corn drying and processing centers, Pi billion to build tram lines through mountain passes along with the chain of storage facilities in production areas and drop off centers.

source: Daily Informer ILOILO (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1070&Itemid=137)

lewdsaint

June 16th, 2007, 04:15 AM

Tsakto gid migs. Kami ni Bernie kag Collin sang nagligad semana nakibot sang nightlife sa Iloilo. Daw ginbuy-an sa toril ang mga tawo sa MO2...hehehe! Gabaha mga koreano. Nahubog man kami nga tatlo....hehehe!

Welcomeback sa mga nagbakasyon kag sa nagbalik diri sa SSC.

Si wecky na lang ang wala kaulhut.

Hala bira Iloilo!

i remember sang una, ang mga migo ko nga naghalin sa iban nga syudad, ga hambal nga waay gid kuno to life ang iloilo kay waay sanda ti kadtuan nga night life...they dont want to stay in iloilo kay kulang sa gimik...pero karon, nagbaliskad ang paya...mas nami pa taton ka kananda....

...and i am being proud of the current development...pabalong ta ah:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

rapuy

June 16th, 2007, 07:34 AM

Hey guys!

Thanks sa pag welcome sa akon. Dugay na ako nagalantaw sining forum para sa updates sang developments sa Iloilo. I am not that very active as a forumer pero kon may mga happenings that makes me exciting, nagapost guid ako.

Katulad sining, opening sang Iloilo airport. As I was one of the first passengers nga nag-agi sa bag-o nga terminal. As promised ari na ang mga pictures nga ginkuha ko sang June 14.

Road to the airport, with well-landscaped center-islands.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0856.jpg

Alighting from the taxi...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0866.jpg

Facade of the airport... (kasabad sang waiting shed, hay commercials!)..
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0863.jpg

Font lobby garden, acccessible to well wishers kay before pa ini magsulod sa chaeck-in...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0874.jpg

Passengers' pre-departure area...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0889.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0894.jpg

Airplanes connected to the tube.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0891.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0892.jpg

Me, posing for souvenirs...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0888.jpg

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

June 16th, 2007, 08:24 AM

IMPRESARIO

June 16th, 2007, 08:30 AM

^^great pics raph! makes me want to go home to iloilo.

crez

June 16th, 2007, 09:03 AM

very nice photos thank you all for sharing.

i can only imagine my future itinerary.
sydney>iloilo> iloilo duty free for liquor> :D
then i'll use iloilo as base for trips to manila, palawan and boracay.

how lovely....& yes to the rail system !!!

daks2003

June 16th, 2007, 09:36 AM

basaha lang ang ila banat sa Daily Informer(BM's mouthpiece)

The Blind Side - by Tony Mauricio
Image
By TONY MAURICIO
Lawyer’s apparent biased and confused commentary

Lawyer Hans Sayno told Aksyon Radyo anchorman John Paul Tia last Thursday night that when he went to the new Iloilo airport last June 14 to fetch his uncle who arrived from the United States, he personally experienced that they did not anymore need the services of any porter when they brought outside several heavy baggage of his uncle.
Hence, he said there was no need for the porters of Mr. Bernie G. Miaque to work there.
By the way, his opinion was sought as a lawyer, not as a passenger. But he spoke as if he was hired to represent the sentiments of the passengers!
And it seems that this biased atribido is confused.

http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=90

It looks like somebody is sour graping :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: ti ma ano sila? although maluoy ka gid man tani sa mga porter pero ti ang primary beneficiary sang service nga ina is the owner. Obviously its a private business and not a charity organization providing jobs for the less fortunate. So enough of the baloney that they are more concerned of the plight of their less fortunate employees!!

hay nano man na si bernie kahisaon pagamohon pa ang airport... backward gid mag isip.. without due offense sa mga "porter" the new airport does not need for for 2 reasons conveyor belt and trolleys. hay maan lang tana kara a!

btw, tani ang areas surrounding the airport will be propperly zoned out or tani ma zoning na for industrial/commercial pra mas mahipid kay basi pila ka adlaw chaos na na da!

CHEERS! to the new airport! nami nga capitol, nami nga airport (pareho subong most modern) next ang iloilo city hall and convention centers!

ay te! go go go!
may train pa gale!

IAMME

June 16th, 2007, 09:43 AM

hay nano man na si bernie kahisaon pagamohon pa ang airport... backward gid mag isip.. without due offense sa mga "porter" the new airport does not need for for 2 reasons conveyor belt and trolleys. hay maan lang tana kara a!

btw, tani ang areas surrounding the airport will be propperly zoned out or tani ma zoning na for industrial/commercial pra mas mahipid kay basi pila ka adlaw chaos na na da!

CHEERS! to the new airport! nami nga capitol, nami nga airport (pareho subong most modern) next ang iloilo city hall and convention centers!

ay te! go go go!
may train pa gale!

basaha lang ang ila banat sa Daily Informer(BM's mouthpiece)

The Blind Side - by Tony Mauricio
Image
By TONY MAURICIO
Lawyer’s apparent biased and confused commentary

Lawyer Hans Sayno told Aksyon Radyo anchorman John Paul Tia last Thursday night that when he went to the new Iloilo airport last June 14 to fetch his uncle who arrived from the United States, he personally experienced that they did not anymore need the services of any porter when they brought outside several heavy baggage of his uncle.
Hence, he said there was no need for the porters of Mr. Bernie G. Miaque to work there.
By the way, his opinion was sought as a lawyer, not as a passenger. But he spoke as if he was hired to represent the sentiments of the passengers!
And it seems that this biased atribido is confused.

http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=90

It looks like somebody is sour graping :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: ti ma ano sila? although maluoy ka gid man tani sa mga porter pero ti ang primary beneficiary sang service nga ina is the owner. Obviously its a private business and not a charity organization providing jobs for the less fortunate. So enough of the baloney that they are more concerned of the plight of their less fortunate employees!!

Abi ko ya kon sin-o nga Bernie man? hahahahaha!!!! :lol:

ferrersky

June 16th, 2007, 02:32 PM

Akon ma-say sa airport... SPEECHLess...

Joke! Siyempre, very goooood!!!!!!

shyaman

June 16th, 2007, 02:53 PM

Great pics @rap.

Please do post more often here even if there's not enough significant development news from our beloved province.

Try to browse and post also on other Iloilo-related threads... and we also have a thread dedicated to Iloilo forumers' "extra curricular activities" at the Samahan section.

alimol

June 16th, 2007, 07:12 PM

Tsakto gid migs. Kami ni Bernie kag Collin sang nagligad semana nakibot sang nightlife sa Iloilo. Daw ginbuy-an sa toril ang mga tawo sa MO2...hehehe! Gabaha mga koreano. Nahubog man kami nga tatlo....hehehe!

Welcomeback sa mga nagbakasyon kag sa nagbalik diri sa SSC.

Si wecky na lang ang wala kaulhut.

Hala bira Iloilo!

ay tuod kaw migs? maayo gali kay mas naging active ang mga koreano sa night life dira...sang una bi pagpuli ko, daw wala man sila pag participate...daw ka boring gani sa ila....pero maayo na gali subong eh kay siguro nakasettle na gid man sila....buot hambalon nga naga lively na gid man aton ciudad...

kon ako magpuli in the next few months...mapabuhi man takon sa turil bala...kag mapabalong bilog nga gab-i....:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: ...

alimol

June 16th, 2007, 07:17 PM

wellcome gid rapuy!!!!!

mangkot lang ko....ano na nga bukid ang background sa airport man? i think alimodian gid di-a mong...kay daw nakita ko ang agony hill....or bukid kang maasin man?

Hey guys!

Thanks sa pag welcome sa akon. Dugay na ako nagalantaw sining forum para sa updates sang developments sa Iloilo. I am not that very active as a forumer pero kon may mga happenings that makes me exciting, nagapost guid ako.

Katulad sining, opening sang Iloilo airport. As I was one of the first passengers nga nag-agi sa bag-o nga terminal. As promised ari na ang mga pictures nga ginkuha ko sang June 14.

Road to the airport, with well-landscaped center-islands.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0856.jpg

Alighting from the taxi...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0866.jpg

Facade of the airport... (kasabad sang waiting shed, hay commercials!)..
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0863.jpg

Font lobby garden, acccessible to well wishers kay before pa ini magsulod sa chaeck-in...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0874.jpg

Passengers' pre-departure area...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0889.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0894.jpg

Airplanes connected to the tube.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0891.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0892.jpg

Me, posing for souvenirs...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/rapuy/100_0888.jpg

davaoeagle

June 16th, 2007, 09:20 PM

^^

I can't help repeating myself here: Your airport terminal building is THE best the country today. I'll drop my previous pronouncement for it being the best only in VISMIN.:cheers:

habagatcentral1

June 17th, 2007, 09:36 AM

The Japanese has landed in Panay
http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/13/DSCF0103.JPG?et=HRIIfZbWFAMZCpXnpTdkZQ
As part of the assistance from Japan, they constructed the Iloilo Airport of Int'l Standards extended to the Philippine Islands.

60 years ago, the site where the present airport is now, was believed to be the landing field of the Japanese Imperial Air Force during World War II.

Contractor: Taisei-Shimizu Joint Venture.
Inaugurated at: 13 June 2007

death327

June 17th, 2007, 02:03 PM

flickr finds ...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1351/540806145_d938d12f0c.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56335445@N00/540806145/

Cool ng restoration ng Antillan House. I hope this beauty will radiate in the night scenes of Iloilo.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1270/538752898_4641ec5030.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rox3/538752898/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/225/535972936_995fb0528b_m.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cocoy10/535972936/

The owner of this building should do something about this. They can rebuild the original structure.

death327

June 17th, 2007, 02:44 PM

Grabe excited gid kita tanan sa bag-o nga airport. I am hoping that this will be the sign of the history repeating itself... just like the opening of Iloilo Sea Port a century ago.

I've read this article, can any one give us any update on this? Any information about this real estate development:

Fil-Estate to issue convertible bonds

FELI Chairman Robert John Sobrepeña said that the anticipated issuance of the convertible notes is part of a series of capital-raising activities of FELI intended to meet the funding requirements of key projects.

These include the Twin Lakes community in Laurel, Batangas, Harbourtown in Nasugbu, Batangas, Santa Barbara project in Iloilo City, Renaissance 5,000 condominium, and the Manila Southwoods subdivision expansion project.

Complete Article (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/may/17/yehey/business/20070517bus10.html)

spacewagon1

June 17th, 2007, 04:31 PM

spacewagon1

June 17th, 2007, 04:33 PM

chymera00

June 17th, 2007, 06:21 PM

I loved it. Hope to see flags of other countries raised in our international airport. Yohooooooooooo ! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
it's not really an international airport .... just a joint project between Japan and the Philippines that's all :)

Here are my pics:

I'll first start with the Day Shots me and Bernie took today

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1248/560511195_7c78480592.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1073/560511731_24cb1b816f.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1403/560082340_406cb603fb.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/560510295_3f59a95a5c.jpg

chymera00

June 17th, 2007, 06:23 PM

Nightshots I took the other day

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1253/560516469_c504af2666.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1188/560516213_b61e8104a3.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1419/560515803_14bcf57af5.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1104/560085892_213fe94a6b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1370/560515107_a1d7286bc2.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1315/560085262_0f30fdeee2.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1026/560514283_c0f8ea30b5.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1181/560513979_39875de1ef.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1143/560084438_c0314dc34d.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1042/560512693_7a4283c4d5.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1400/560512259_013e4fb0c7.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1199/560083306_cc71f341f6.jpg

chymera00

June 17th, 2007, 06:26 PM

Photos me and Bernie took after the airport trip

Santa Barbara Church

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1126/560509963_e4d29efcaf.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1057/560081356_9f55a99bff.jpg

Iloilo Golf and Country Club

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1321/560509239_8ea2f6a2c7.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1415/560508759_7fc3901f8f.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1014/560080444_8153039eb7.jpg

http://static.zooomr.com/images/2441591_d9cad123b3.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1191/560080238_80c9d64d38.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1176/560079926_e468c731fa.jpg

We then ate lunch at Afriques ... affordable Italian Resto

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1352/560079502_4293d4173e.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1023/560506639_a24b00bfd4.jpg

chymera00

June 17th, 2007, 06:27 PM

taken a couple of Days ago :)

Top floor of what used to be the Iloilo International Hotel

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1344/560089052_d86fdc1c04.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/560518941_d86a983176.jpg

On the penthouse of the Iloilo Business Hotel

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1178/560088398_ba08cee41c.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1351/560517907_571dc046c6.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1293/560087624_7b60b68dc5.jpg

Tambay sa Coffee Break

http://static.zooomr.com/images/2441590_0a2db1c9cd.jpg

Dinner in Boardwalk

http://static.zooomr.com/images/2441589_108be2e969.jpg

chymera00

June 17th, 2007, 06:32 PM

taken eons ago:

Molo Cemetery

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1240/560091522_d07d9eb6f3.jpg

Molo Church at Night

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1063/560091076_48219d329b.jpg

Janiuay Cemetery

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1137/560090596_5fed10ca2c.jpg

SamwiseGamgee

June 17th, 2007, 06:37 PM

it's not really an international airport .... just a joint project between Japan and the Philippines that's all :)

Here are my pics:

I'll first start with the Day Shots me and Bernie took today

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1248/560511195_7c78480592.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1073/560511731_24cb1b816f.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1403/560082340_406cb603fb.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/560510295_3f59a95a5c.jpg

:applause: :applause: :applause:

Lain gid ya tirada mo, Chy! Professional photographer ka na gid. :)

chymera00

June 17th, 2007, 06:40 PM

On top of IBH PanoRama

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1217/560300770_af1aa8e2d5_b.jpg

FrancisXavier

June 17th, 2007, 06:50 PM

nice pics of the airport @Chymera.. Are the doors automatic? seems that there's a sensor on top.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1199/560083306_cc71f341f6.jpg

chymera00

June 17th, 2007, 07:26 PM

:applause: :applause: :applause:

Lain gid ya tirada mo, Chy! Professional photographer ka na gid. :)
ty :D
nice pics of the airport @Chymera.. Are the doors automatic? seems that there's a sensor on top.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1199/560083306_cc71f341f6.jpg
yep they're automatic sliding doors

daks2003

June 17th, 2007, 11:30 PM

IMPRESARIO

June 18th, 2007, 01:01 AM

http://static.zooomr.com/images/2441591_d9cad123b3.jpg
^^ I claim this island in the name of the King of ....este, birdie! :) jkl!

val_1477

June 18th, 2007, 04:12 AM

Hello this is my first time to post a thread...:banana: :bash:

val_1477

June 18th, 2007, 04:13 AM

Risk Taker

June 18th, 2007, 04:54 AM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1248/560511195_7c78480592.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1199/560083306_cc71f341f6.jpg
^^ ^^ ^^
Just imagine if B.M.'s porterage service would be allowed to operate in the new airport...they would lord over all the carts and you will be forced to get the services of the porters

oh no don't do that please:ohno: no more porters of that guy please. no more going back to the messy damn ole days in the old airport

thanks for the airport pictures Rapuy but i don't know why i can only see 3 pics of chymera's pics (tambay sa coffeebreak, dinner sa boardwalk n iloilo gold n country club) :weird:

shyaman

June 18th, 2007, 05:26 AM

As usual, @chymera's pics are breathtaking!!!

Madamo gid nga salamat migo.

habagatcentral1

June 18th, 2007, 01:26 PM

Nakabalik na ko Cebu but I'll be back in Iloilo. Thanks for the wonderful times back there SSC Iloilo! Until the next meets! And I mean July! :D

@Collin. I'll wait for your signal.
@Chy. Thanks for the company last Sunday from Santa Barbara to the City
@Rex. I'll be with the UPV Forums anytime.
@Gian. Oist, wer are u?
@Lewd. Sa diiin na ang pix?
@Incognito. Conquista España ako da, hehehehe!!! :lol:
@the rest. Hello po! Musta kamo tanan?

Anyway, here are my pics of the new Iloilo Airport.

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/14/DSCF0111.JPG?et=q6UkXpQ2fH3lYXXRUNpWgg
Entrada. I think they're going to replace that bamboo pole with something like a steel bar.

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/15/DSCF0112.JPG?et=rQBGLUMvruv%2BvjRz%2BjwxNg
The modern and the traditional houses. A modern structure in the middle of the rice paddies.

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/16/DSCF0113.JPG?et=rOF6u%2BD%2Bzm76hLfVh51%2CpQ
Control Tower and the ATO Administration Complex (beside that would be the fuel farm)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/17/DSCF0114.JPG?et=8dxoajwJGHMcbNuY6WVqYw
Taralets! Go inside!

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/18/DSCF0116.JPG?et=ivPFMKxQR6MfCJC6J%2C2jfw
Pasaka! To the pre-departure area

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/19/DSCF0117.JPG?et=CkUmBDtsEMIbCzT0eiuBcw
Check-in Counters. A lot organized and than the "Sabungan" in Mandurriao.

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/20/DSCF0118.JPG?et=frLP5TQt2A9OkfLyaIAa8g
Hello!

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/21/DSCF0119.JPG?et=Jr5zaKBkkMJOGzTEnlBCoA
Resemblance of PAL's Centennial Terminal in Manila.

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/22/DSCF0120.JPG?et=mHuaxMNFfhG%2C3G43NHwoiA
Crowded Pre-Departure Lobby (its just in the southern portion, half of the area is sparsely seated)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/23/DSCF0122.JPG?et=ExPWP2DsUmtTxkVEsPWvWg
Northern section (Parking area and the Control Tower/Admin Offices Complex)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/24/DSCF0121.JPG?et=u6q59Kc2i1fdG2o4VOV3eQ
Waiting

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/27/DSCF0126.JPG?et=H7I9cJ4nSnySQjvtjxzKKg
Garden inside

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/28/DSCF0127.JPG?et=gESAtD3hYknBNKGT2ismMA
The best light comes from Sol. :D

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/30/DSCF0130.JPG?et=8LKA9zzgt03oPIefaydz6w
Aerobridge Gate number 4 (AirPhil Bridge)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/31/DSCF0131.JPG?et=djYKZXaTr1sfP5zdt69CIA
Low-Cost Carriers (AirPhilippines and CebuPacific)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/55/500x500/33/DSCF0133.JPG?et=NQQ6z4QOWzaaYKFimrQuLw
Gate Number 5

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/55/500x500/34/DSCF0134.JPG?et=kqW9jT%2CU2Ol5DLoE0lMtnw
Just below, passengers just arrived from Mactan-Cebu and Davao.

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/55/500x500/36/DSCF0136.JPG?et=0NVidFyBudPWYhCqJAS1OA
Southern portion of the parking area.

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/55/500x500/37/DSCF0137.JPG?et=u%2CxxjPeICMtBwcuAi47o6A
Aerobridge of Gate 5 (CebuPacific Gate)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/55/500x500/38/DSCF0139.JPG?et=5PPK7LnN18aOPcIc8py2ng
The airport facade facing the runway

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/55/500x500/39/DSCF0140.JPG?et=eja46NUZMDj89hWzoUMGJA
Sulod na!

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/55/500x500/40/DSCF0141.JPG?et=ARnUE1h9gZyONZx59sw9Qw
The taxiway, the apron and the runway.

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/55/500x500/42/DSCF0143.JPG?et=QC%2CazTOJ3QMw2Oa%2CAZ%2C13A
La Punta (The southern end of the runway 20)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/55/500x500/44/DSCF0145.JPG?et=oaBxxIC%2CUEw%2BfMnld%2BVOhQ
Bye Iloilo! Gonna miss you!

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/55/500x500/45/DSCF0146.JPG?et=22LizQ4IonnUfj25Ovn%2B%2CQ
Aerial of Iloilo Airport (Sorry Rex, I'm using my autofocus cam. On VGA mode)

shyaman

June 18th, 2007, 01:37 PM

^^ Nice pics @bern. :applause:

BYAHILO

June 18th, 2007, 01:46 PM

bernie! sa july may meet? ahihihi napaisip ako. ahihihi

COLLIN JASPER

June 18th, 2007, 01:54 PM

bernie! sa july may meet? ahihihi napaisip ako. ahihihi

@ericd: mid of july...15.....
@bernie: NICE PICTURE BRO!KAMUSTA ANG EXAM?:)

habagatcentral1

June 18th, 2007, 02:08 PM

bernie! sa july may meet? ahihihi napaisip ako. ahihihi

Sa Manila guro. Hopefully in CEbu (kag tani makakadto ka di).

@ericd: mid of july...15.....
@bernie: NICE PICTURE BRO!KAMUSTA ANG EXAM?:)

Ari na ko Nong. Suspense pa guihapon. Anyway, I'll wait for your signal. Si Mike gapangita na sa imo. :D

spacewagon1

June 18th, 2007, 03:29 PM

Improvement of streetlights in hi-way going to new airport pushed
By Erly C. Garcia

Streetlights along the highway going to the new Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan should be improved to ensure the safety of motorists and commuters going to the said place at night.

This was raised by Leah Victoria Lara, executive director of the Iloilo Business Club (IBC), when asked about the things that need to be improved following the start of operation of the new Iloilo Airport last week.

Lara observed that there are portions of the highway going to the new airport which have defective streetlights.

The new Iloilo Airport is 19 kilometers away from the city. One passes by portions of the towns of Pavia and Sta. Barbara before reaching the airport.

Presently, a road-widening project is being conducted on the highway going to the new airport.

Lara is hopeful that the new airport could boost the economy of the city and province of Iloilo.

She said the new Iloilo Aiport, having state-of-the-art facilities, could definitely attract more tourists and investors to the city and province.

Lara also noted that there should be affordable public transportation in going to the airport.

To note, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is still hearing the petition of the Association of Taxi Operators in Panay (ATOP) for a flexible rate in going to the new airport.

The group wanted that an add-on rate of P150 should be added to the standard fare going the airport.

No less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo inaugurated the new Iloilo Airport last June 13, 2007.

The 8 billion new airport which is of international standards was built by the Taisei-Shimizu Joint Venture, a Japanese firm. Construction on the airport began January 2004.

The 13,700-squate meter, three-storey terminal building can handle 1.2 million passengers and 11,500 tons of cargo every year. The runway can accommodate jumbo jets like the Airbus 330 which carry up to 276 passengers. Up to six aircrafts can park in the 48,200-squate meter apron at one time. The pre-departure area at the third floor can seat 436 persons.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/18/improvement.of.streetlights.in.hi.way.going.to.new.airport.pushed.html)

spacewagon1

June 18th, 2007, 03:32 PM

Treñas assures more efficient delivery of basic services
By Maricar M. Calubiran

City Mayor Jerry Treñas assured the Ilonggos of continuous efficient service from the city government as all department heads are bound to do their responsibilities expected of them. "I entrust to all department heads and bureaus of the city government the responsibility for a proper and efficient management and simple execution of laws and ordinances."

The delivery of efficient service to Ilonggos was the focus of Trenas's inaugural speech Friday last week. The inaugural ceremony was attended by the families and friends of newly-elected officials of the city. Barangay captains and councilmen were also present during the inaugural ceremony at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

Treñas stressed, the responsibility for the delivery of basic and efficient service rest upon the shoulders of all the department heads. "The public should be the measurement of the efficient service." The city government has already started to improve the delivery of efficient service particularly in its human resources by subjecting traffic aides, street sweepers, market and plaza sweepers to a value formation and development seminar.

Recently, traffic aides have been subject of several issues from illegal collection of fees and other non-sanctioned activities which caught the attention of the chief executive. "We will continue (seminar/trainings) to professionalize the workforce of the city government, " said Treñas.

In the same inaugural rites, Treñas stressed the importance of teamwork and cooperation between the congressman, city council, various sectors and even the non-government organizations in reaching their goal to make Iloilo a premier city in 2015. "With all the support, I have no apprehension that Iloilo City will have a great future."

Treñas appealed to the Ilonggos to be patient in the next three years as they are about to complete their vision for the city. Substantial progress have already been delivered because of the teamwork and cooperation from all the sectors, city council, NGOs and from Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr. "I received and expect to receive the same support as the business to safeguard Iloilo City is the business of all," he said.

The city cannot move forward without unity and cooperation of everyone and "most important of all" the city council. "The unity and cooperation of everyone is needed so that we can achieve our dreams," said Treñas.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/18/trenas.assures.more.efficient.delivery.of.basic.services.html)

CDOKAY

June 18th, 2007, 04:30 PM

IMPRESARIO

June 18th, 2007, 05:02 PM

^^by that time meron na cgurong new int'l wing/building ang Iloilo airport, para separate yung domestic sa int'l flights.

habagatcentral1

June 18th, 2007, 07:41 PM

Ang galing naman ng Iloilo. Looks like your hitting big-time with your spanking airport. Kakaingit. Pero 5 years from now may International airport na rin kami dito, by that time medyo maluluma na ang airport ninyo :bash: :lol:

But really we're happy for our Ilonngo friends. Hindi man kami personally nakakadalaw dyan minsan -- at hindi rin nag a-airplane, dito na lang sa forum makikisilip.

At kayo rin kung ano man ang gusto nyong malaman sa Cagayan de Oro, silip lang dito sa www.cdokay.com (http://www.cdokay.com).

Go Iloilo!!! :cheers:

^^Ngak! Okies! I think Laguindingan is on its way na, hehehe!! Anyway, we do also have a direct ship link to CDeO thru SuperFerry and Negros Navigation although not as frequent as of Cebu-CDeO.

^^by that time meron na cgurong new int'l wing/building ang Iloilo airport, para separate yung domestic sa int'l flights.

That will depend on how Philippines would sell itself to the world. It is not just Iloilo but the country as well. If the foreigner's concept of Philippines would be like a backward and dangerous country, then it'll be difficult to establish links to other countries, especially cities other than Manila. Its an effort of both private and public sector. :)

IMPRESARIO

June 18th, 2007, 08:40 PM

^^true, iloilo should really improve its tourist capabilities/infras. ,we have alot of
potential, northern Iloilo is such a great prospect. and the island of guimaras too.

death327

June 18th, 2007, 10:12 PM

@ Bernie -- so how's your travel in Iloilo. Baw toto limitaha ang pagbalik balik sa Iloilo kay pirme ka gid ma-home sick... :) Good photos. Everyone is really exicted with the new airport.

@chymera -- as usual... :) the master of Iloilo photography. Great photos chy! Keep it up! Btw do you have a high-res copy of the IBH panophoto? Need to see the details of the horizon.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/560510295_3f59a95a5c.jpg

I hope they can maintain these verdant greens of the structure especially during summer. It's cool to see modern structure amidst the provincial fields.

spacewagon1

June 18th, 2007, 10:44 PM

P180M lost in failed airport bidding

THE government may have lost P180 million in potential revenue for “bungling” the auction of the 54-hectare old airport property in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Senator Franklin Drilon said Monday.

Drilon arrived yesterday morning to inspect the now operational New Iloilo Airport (NIA) in Cabatuan-Sta. Barbara area, almost a week after it was inaugurated by President Gloria Arroyo.

Mrs. Arroyo and Drilon were former allies until the latter called for the President’s resignation over the “Hello Garci” and jueteng scandals in 2005.

While he lauded the opening of the NIA, Drilon hit the national government for its failure to dispose the old airport lot.

In a press conference at the NIA, Drilon claimed that “the bidding for the Mandurriao property failed after the Privatization Council insisted on pegging the minimum bid price at P1.2 billion.

The Privatization Council is composed of the National Economic Development Authority, Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management, Department of Justice and Department of Trade and Industry.

Drilon said the appraised value of the property was estimated at P800 million to P1 billion.

The May 9 bidding of the old airport failed when three major developers interested in buying the land submitted bids below the P1.2-billion price tag.
Robinsons Land submitted a bid of P1.089 billion; Empire East, which is a subsidiary of Megaworld Crop, offered P700 million; while SM Prime Holdings submitted a bid of P435 million.

“Robinsons Land’s bid was short by P109 million of the minimum bid price but higher than the maximum appraised value of P1 billion,” Drilon said.

With the failure of bidding, Drilon said the Privatization Council attempted to dispose the property through a negotiated sale.

But the highest bidder, which is again Robinsons Land, offered a much lower P908 million for the property.

“The P908-million offer was rejected and a new bidding has been scheduled by middle of July this year. Apparently, the government lost P180 million in potential earnings because the Privatization Council continues to bungle the bidding process,” Drilon said.

Drilon also wondered if the setting of the bidding price which is higher than the appraised price of the old airport was deliberately done to cause a failed bidding and justify a negotiated sale.

Aside from losing P180 million, the failed bidding also delayed the development of the property.

“If the bidding was successful, that area could have been developed and Ilonggos can benefit from its economic opportunities and multipliers,” Drilon added.

When asked if there is somebody in government who stand to benefit from a negotiated sale of the airport, Drilon said he can only speculate.

“I don’t know who will be benefited, but I know who will be prejudiced – the Ilonggos,” the former Senate president said.

DOF Undersecretary for privatization John Philip Sevilla earlier said the old airport property can fetch around P500 million to P2 billion in revenues, based on the appraisal of CB Richard Ellis, an international commercial real estate services firm.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

^^ ^^ one way short of negotiated sale ... a very biased way for the old airport's lot sale. :nuts:

spacewagon1

June 18th, 2007, 10:50 PM

Iloilo ushers first bypass op in Region 6 Image
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

HARVEY Sevilla, 64, a government employee from Pototan, Iloilo, has every reason to smile nowadays.

Why?

Sevilla got a fresh lease on life after undergoing the first coronary bypass procedure in Western Visayas conducted by an Ilonggo team of surgeons.

The historical event in the region’s medical field happened last Saturday at the Saviour International Hospital (SIH) in Molo, Iloilo City.

SIH is owned by Dr. Evangeline Camarista Johnson, an Ilongga who has been investing in tertiary hospitals in the country.

Sevilla’s operation was part of the launching of the SIH’s Heart and Lung Institute (HLI) which is comparable to the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) and the Lung Institute (LI) in Manila in terms of equipment and expertise.

Leading this medical first is Dr. Leo Malunes, an Ilonggo general surgeon who specializes in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery.

Malunes also performs heart operation at the PHC aside from making his services available at the SIH.

Other members of the team that operated on Sevilla were Drs. Merceditas Quiñon, Pacifico Dalisay, Leo Rico and Antonio Ramos who came over from the PHC to help the SIH-HLI.

HEART FAILURE

Sevilla first experienced chest pains eight months earlier. Last January, he suffered a congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body’s other organs.

Heart failure can result in swelling of extremities and collection of water in the lungs which can interfere with breathing.

Sevilla survived his heart failure through medication but Dr. Malunes required him to undergo angiogram, an imaging test that uses x-rays to view the body’s blood vessels.

Physicians often use the angiogram to study narrow, blocked, enlarged, or malformed arteries in many parts of the body, including the brain, heart, abdomen, and legs.

“We later found out that he has coronary artery disease which affected three of his blood vessels in the heart. The most critical was the left vein lesions which cause sudden death. We then recommended that he undergo heart surgery,” Malunes said.

Sevilla was already due for operation at the PHC but Malunes said his patient was lucky when the SIH put up its Heart and Lung Institute.

“The patient decided to undergo heart surgery here because his family lives here and they can save money as they will not go to Manila anymore,” Malunes added.

BYPASS OPERATION

Coronary bypass is a common procedure used to divert blood around blocked arteries in the heart. It remains one of the standard surgical treatments for coronary artery disease.

Malunes likened the bypass procedure to putting up a flyover to divert traffic from clogged roads.

A heart surgeon takes a section of healthy blood vessel, often from inside the chest wall or from the lower leg, and attaches the ends above and below the blocked artery so that blood flow is diverted around the narrowed portion of the diseased artery.

“The exact operation on the heart lasts more or less one hour. But the preparation phase is longer which could last three to four hours. Preparation includes harvesting the nerves and attaching the patient to the hear-and-lung machine. The patient’s lungs and heart must be inactive so we can complete the procedure. The machine will momentarily take over the work of these organs during the operation,” Malunes said.

FAST RECOVERY

A patient who underwent bypass procedure is expected to be back on his feet in a week’s time.

Malunes said Sevilla is fast recovering 24 hours after the operation.

“After eight hours, we already removed his respirator and his breathing on his own. He also began feeding. After the operation there were a lot of tubes attached to his body because of the intensive monitoring we conducted. Even his heart was also monitored. Right now, the patient has no tubes except for the IV,” Malunes said.

Aside from making history, Malunes said the availability of sensitive heart procedures, such as the bypass in the region, will redound to economic benefits to patients with serious heart diseases.

“A heart bypass can cost at least P500,000 including doctors’ fee and other hospital expenses. If they go to Manila, they have to spend P150,000 to 200,000 extra. Since this is now available, we can at least make thing easier for heart patients and their families.”

The historical procedure and the establishment of the SIH-HLI will also raise awareness on prevention of heart and lung diseases which are top two killers in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world.

“We want to raise awareness that these diseases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle. If we observe preventive measures, we will not spend for expensive procedures. And now we in Western Visayas are now capable to address the two killers in the world,” Malunes said.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

spacewagon1

June 18th, 2007, 10:55 PM

SEAFDEC/AQD urges biosecurity for shrimp farms

In a recent biosecurity forum, Dr. Joebert Toledo, Chief of the Aquaculture Department (AQD) of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), has offered to provide shrimp farmers free diagnostic services as soon as they begin suspecting or experiencing a disease outbreak.

The forum entitled "Biosecurity aspects on common shrimp viral diseases" was attended by 27 shrimp farm operators, local government units (LGUs), and aquaculture companies. It was held in SEAFDEC's Dumangas Brackishwater Station (DBS) in Dumangas, Iloilo on May 31. The towns represented include Zarraga, Leganes, and Dumangas.

This was SEAFDEC's way of extending help to shrimp farmers in order to prevent losses from viral diseases. SEAFDEC conducts nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) tests which can detect white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) among others. WSSV is the present scourge of the tiger shrimp industry.

The techno-forum was conducted to get a consensus among the Zarraga-Leganes-Dumangas shrimp farms on what to do when a viral disease hits one of them. The primary consideration is for the viral infection not to spread and for shrimp farms not to automatically drain the infected water to common waterways.

SEAFDEC experts Dr. Leobert dela Peña and Dr. Gilda Lio-Po lectured and discussed about shrimp viral diseases, their detection and prevention while DBS station head Ms. Jocelyn Ladja explained the biosecurity measures at the SEAFDEC station that shrimp farmers can adopt.

Last January 8 of this year, the Department of Agriculture lifted the 6-year ban on the importation of the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei, locally known as suahe). About two weeks ago, DBS stocked the shrimp in some of its ponds. Without good management practices and proper biosecurity procedures, shrimp could be easily infected with several viral diseases such as white spot disease, taura syndrome, yellowhead disease, gill-associated virus, and the infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis.

Good management practices at the SEAFDEC station include the use of a settling and treatment pond, a reservoir stocked with fish, and a filtration system. The biosecurity measures include a disinfecting tire bath for vehicles entering the farm, and a footbath and hands disinfection for farm personnel. Visitors are no longer allowed at touching distance to ponds with shrimp stock. Bird scaring devices and crab fences are also installed because these animals are possible carriers of viruses. Each pond has its own designated equipment (feeding trays and boat, secchi disc, refractometer, basins, and sampling materials) which are not used in any other pond.

In case a disease outbreak is suspected, the shrimp farmers agreed to immediately go into proactive monitoring and alert neighboring shrimp farms. At the same time, contaminated water from the affected ponds should not be drained. The Municipal Agriculturist's Office (MAO) should also be informed for proper documentation and for proper coordination with concerned agencies such as SEAFDEC and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

SEAFDEC/AQD may be contacted at its Dumangas Station thru tel. no. (033) 527-3016 or the Fish Health Section at (033) 336 2965. More information can be found on its website http://www.seafdec.org.ph.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/18/seafdec.aqd.urges.biosecurity.for.shrimp.farms.html)

habagatcentral1

June 19th, 2007, 06:36 AM

Upkeep of new airport a big challenge – Java

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY
ILOILO City – Maintaining the new Iloilo airport is a big challenge, admitted Alan Java, Air Transportation Office (ATO-6) chief.

The modern facility started operations on June 13. Java said the cost of operation will surely be higher than that of now closed old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district.

As of now, the airport terminal fee is P30. But, in no time it will eventually increase, Java said.

Java said the cost of operations of the new Iloilo airport straddling the municipalities of San Miguel, Sta. Barbara, and Cabatuan towns is estimated to reach about P10 million a month.

Increasing the terminal fee is just one of the portions being studied to keep the airport going. Others, Java said, are increasing the rent of parking space, concessionaires’ rental charges and navigational charges on airline companies.

“At the old airport, we expend a meager amount monthly,” Java recalled. Increasing airport charges may be an additional burden to the passengers “but it is for (their own) good (too),” he said.

The 54-hectare old Iloilo airport property in Mandurriao, Iloilo City is now being auctioned by the Privatization Council, headed by the Department of Finance.

The new Iloilo airport is approximately 20 kilometers on the central part of Iloilo City.

To maintain the standards of the new Iloilo airport, which sits on a 188-hectare property, airport authorities need to look for alternative resources to increase its income, Java said.

“Our operation depends on the budget (from the General Appropriations Act) that will be extended (to us) by the Department of Transportation and Communications,” said Java while making his rounds at the vicinity of the airport terminal yesterday.

For electricity, Java said, the old Iloilo airport spent at least P450,000 monthly. In the new Iloilo airport, he expects the electrical expenses to reach P2.3 million to P2.7 million each month.

“There are lots of advanced facilities to operate. Everything is run by electricity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Java junked the proposal that the new Iloilo airport be “a satellite airport” of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Authority (NAIAA). He said this would place the Iloilo airport under the control and supervision of NAIAA.

Java said they are pushing for a bill in Congress that airports “come up with fiscal independence” – that is, making all existing airports in the country become separate authorities to break free from the “difficulties” in the release of funds for their operations.

“At present, we depend on the Department of Budget of Management (and other departments of the government) for our budget,” Java lamented.

Becoming an authority would also mean that the airport could utilize 70 percent to 80 percent of its income to subsidize its cost of operations and other expenses.

“This aims to fast-track fund releases needed for the maintenance and other operational expenses of the facility,” Java explained.

For example, Java said, this month a P16,000 budget had been allotted for the upkeep of toilets of the facility.

“There are several toilets to maintain. I requested for additional budget last year yet but it was never released,” he said. “We have to maintain the cleanliness of these toilets for our passengers.”

Java also lamented the lack of office staff and security personnel manning the new Iloilo airport site. He said that to effectively manage the whole airport property, it needs some 300 employees – including the office staff and security personnel.

As of now, the new Iloilo airport has 146 personnel. He said 30 to 40 job-hires or casuals will be recruited to augment the personnel of the airport to ensure efficient delivery of services to the public.

“We have deputized barangay tanods (village police) from the three villages surrounding the airport property – Duyan-duyan, Gaub, and Mangguna in Cabatuan town,” told Java.

He said the new Iloilo airport needs an additional 82 security guards (including supervisory staff) to have a manageable security arrangement (three-shift basis).

Source: Panay News

IAMME

June 19th, 2007, 07:15 AM

habagatcentral1

June 19th, 2007, 07:18 AM

^^ Wahahahaha!!! Sort of I know who wrote that, hahaha! :D

@Lew. Text ka lang. :)

lewdsaint

June 19th, 2007, 07:19 AM

spacewagon1

June 19th, 2007, 07:42 AM

New Iloilo airport augurs
well for Panay’s growth

ILOILO City – The New Iloilo Airport (NIA) of international standard, which was inaugurated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo June 13, will result to a higher level of development in the Island of Panay which comprises the provinces of Iloilo, Aklan, Antique and Capiz.

This was the gist of the remarks made by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Ryuichiro Yamazaki at the inauguration of the P8.759-billion new airport facility which the Government of Japan helped build under a special yen loan package agreement.

The loan agreement was signed on August 31, 2000 by the Philippine government and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in the amount of 14.7 billion yen.

Yamazaki said he was happy to note that with the new airport, which is located in Cabatuan, Iloilo, the island of Panay has acquired a new basis for future growth.

He said airports and air transport are vital to the development of island communities, serving as a gateway for transporting people and goods.

Since it is also used sometimes by people from other provinces in the island as well as those from the island province of Guimaras, the Iloilo Airport, then located at its old site at Mandurriao, Iloilo City, handled the fourth biggest volume of passengers in 2006 next to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the international airports in Cebu and Davao.

The higher passenger volume at Iloilo Airport reflects a 50 percent increase over the last 10 years.

Thus, there is a need for a bigger and more efficient airport to meet the growing passenger volume, the ambassador said.

The new Iloilo airport is one of the 31 priority airport projects that the government has lined up to complete under the Medium-Term Public Investment Program as part of President Arroyo’s overall development agenda and to support the development of the country’s five Super Regions that would spur tourism, investments and agriculture.

Yamazaki said the completion of the new airport is another success story of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) program in the Philippines in cooperation with the Philippine government’s efforts towards poverty alleviation and mitigation of regional disparities.

He also vowed that Japan shall continue to help in strengthening the Philippine economic structure towards sustainable growth.

Furthermore, he said the project is one of the examples of the comprehensive partnership between the Philippines and Japan towards promoting our bilateral relationships which are better than ever before.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/top%20story4.htm)

spacewagon1

June 19th, 2007, 07:47 AM

Treñas envisions world-class
education in Iloilo City

ILOILO City – Re-elected Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said his administration “has made sure that education in Iloilo City will be world-class.”

Together with Ayala Foundation, he said his administration has already computerized all the public high schools.

“And we have started with three elementary schools. We will continue to computerize the public elementary schools so that our children especially those studying in public schools will have access to computer education,” said Treñas.

On his last term, Treñas stressed that service to the public will be the measure of efficiency as he vowed to continue to take steps to ensure that proper and efficient management and faithful execution of laws and ordinances are being implemented.

He also renewed his call for cooperation and unity.

“We can only move forward as a city with the unity and cooperation of everyone to achieve what we have envisioned to be a premier city by 2015 and as ‘ the next big thing’,” said Treñas.

Treñas also cited the collective support of the Ilonggos, particularly the Iloilo City Council and noted the various investments coming in the city, thus, providing new employment opportunities for the Ilonggos.

“There are various business processing outsourcing companies that have made Iloilo City their home and have provided thousands of employment for the Ilonggos” said Treñas.

He also announced that very soon one of the largest call centers in the country, Tele Tech will open at SM City Iloilo and it will provide another 1,000 new employment opportunities for the Ilonggos.

Treñas also emphasized that education remains a priority of his administration.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/top%20story3.htm)

habagatcentral1

June 19th, 2007, 09:07 AM

The most useless overpasses in the city are those in the Tourism Office and Iloilo National High/WVSU so far.

Iznart overpass (in front of Amigo) is getting useless too.

COLLIN JASPER

June 19th, 2007, 12:00 PM

The most useless overpasses in the city are those in the Tourism Office and Iloilo National High/WVSU so far.

Iznart overpass (in front of Amigo) is getting useless too.

agree gd kp migo bernie, daw wala na gani sang may nagagamit sg overpass dira. kay ang mga tawo naga tinamad na lang. yesterday may gin hold up dira sa overpass sa atubang eskwelahan sa gen luna. :ohno:

spacewagon1

June 19th, 2007, 12:02 PM

Drilon hits delay in bidding of old Iloilo airport site
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr,

Former Senate President Franklin Drilon yesterday deplored the delay in the bidding of the site of the old Iloilo airport accusing government agencies of "bungling" the privatization of the 54-hectare property.

Drilon said the bidding for the property in Mandurriao District has failed twice because the Privatization Council set a floor price higher than the appraised value.

The council is tasked to privatized government assets and is composed of the Departments of Finance, Justice, Budget and Management, Trade and the National Economic Development Authority.

Drilon said in a telephone interview that the floor price of P1.2 billion was higher compared to the appraised value of P800 million to P1 billion as recommended by a private appraisal firm.

He blamed the high price as the cause of the failed bidding after prospective buyers submitted bids lower than the floor price.

Of the five companies that were pre-qualified to bid, only three went to the actual bidding on May 9.

Robinsons Lands submitted the highest bid of P1.09 billion followed by Empire East (P701 million) and SM Prime (P435.79 million). Rockwell Land Corp. and Ayala Land Inc. backed out.

Representatives of the bidders reportedly gave a common comment that the government's minimum price was too high.

Drilon said the Privatization Council held another conference with bidders on June 13 but the highest bid for the property was reduced to P908 million.

"From reports that I gathered, it is obvious that the Privatization Council has bungled the process..." said Drilon in a statement.

Drilon said "people in the know could not understand why certain members of the Privatization Council were insistent" on the P1.2 billion floor price rather than the appraised value.

The Ilonggo senator said he "suspects" that a negotiated deal could be in the offing.

"I wonder if the setting of the much higher floor price was deliberate done to cause a failed bidding in order to justify a negotiated sale," he said in his statement.

In a negotiated sale, the government is allowed to sell a property at 10 percent below the floor price.

Finance Undersecretary John Phillip Sevilla, chair of the bids and awards committee of the old Iloilo airport, refused to comment on Drilon's statement when reached by telephone.

He confirmed that "there are appraisals" between P800 million to P1 billion. But he said there is no law that limits the minimum bidding price to the appraised value.

"It's a judgment call of the Privatization Council," said Sevilla.

He said they are studying the minimum selling price because of the failed bidding "We had planned to sell it at P1.2 billion and we failed. So we are discussing what is the appropriate price," he said.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the government is rushing to sell the prized property, located 10 minutes from the city proper.

The property which hosted the airport until its transfer to Cabatuan town Iloilo is being eyed as an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) park, convention center and a hospital site.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/19/drilon.hits.delay.in.bidding.of.old.iloilo.airport.site.html)

COLLIN JASPER

June 19th, 2007, 12:04 PM

Gina dumili-an na gali subong ang pag kuha picture sa SM City for security reason.

spacewagon1

June 19th, 2007, 12:06 PM

Drilon explains absence in airport inauguration
By Erly C. Garcia
A. Chris Fernandez Photo

Senator Franklin Drilon yesterday admitted that he intentionally did not attend the inauguration rites for the new Iloilo Airport last June 13 which had Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as guest.

"To be candid about it I don't want to put some people in an uncomfortable situation with my presence," Drilon said in a press conference at the Conference Room of the new Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

Drilon arrived from Manila around 10 a.m. yesterday on board a Cebu Pacific plane. It was the senator's first time to set foot on the new airport since it started operation, although he had conducted series of inspections on the facility before it officially opened on June 14.

He was welcomed by Governor Niel Tupas Sr. and Air Transportation Office (ATO) manager Allan Java.

Drilon did not mention the names of the persons he was referring to when pressed by the media but he pointed that "there were politicians who objected to the construction of the present airport."

An official of the ATO confirmed that Drilon was invited in the inauguration rites.

President Arroyo in her inaugural speech acknowledged Drilon's contribution to the realization of the state-of-the-art airport.

Considered by Governor Tupas as the chief architect of the new Iloilo Airport, Drilon said he is proud for being able to lead the realization of the project which is "my legacy to the Ilonggos."

He thus called on the ATO to have the new airport "well maintained."

Drilon hopes that with the new airport "we will be able to attract flights direct from overseas."

He said the new airport will spur economic development not only in Iloilo but the rest of Panay.

Drilon's term as senator ends on June 30.

Asked by the media what he will do when he returns to private life on July 1, Drilon said, "I will continue my advocacies for good governance in the national level," adding "I will continue to do my share to help Iloilo even in my private capacity."

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/19/drilon.explains.absence.in.airport.inauguration.html)

spacewagon1

June 19th, 2007, 12:09 PM

Treñas stops MIWD diggings in city
By Maricar M. Calubiran

City Mayor Jerry Treñas has ordered the City Engineer's Office (CEO) to stop issuing excavation permits to contractors of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) following the latter's failure to restore the areas it has excavated.

Treñas said he will only order the resumption of the issuance of excavation permits as soon as the contractors for the installation of water lines in the city have restored and repaired all their diggings and excavations in the city.

The issuance of the permit for excavation started two weeks ago. However, the mayor only made a written order yesterday to City Engineer Marito Amatorio over the stoppage on the issuance of the excavation permits. It is not immediately known how many applications are left pending because of Trenas's order.

Amatorio and Noel Espinas, in-charge for the CEO assessment, were not available yesterday for comment over the mayor's directive.

Though he did not identify the contractors, Treñas expressed disappointment on their failure to comply with the city's request to restore all the areas they have destroyed for the installation of water pipelines.

It was learned that several contractors were tapped by the MIWD to undertake installation of water pipelines.

He particularly took notice of the uncovered diggings and excavations in the city proper.

Treñas said he made his request before the Dinagyang festival last January and yet the areas they want the contractors to take care are still left unrestored.

Treñas said the open diggings and excavation pose danger to commuters and motorists.

The chief executive said, he has called the attention of MIWD Interim Manager Edwin Reyes over the failure of the contractors to restore the areas they excavated but it fell on deaf ears.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/19/trenas.stops.miwd.diggings.in.city.html)

spacewagon1

June 19th, 2007, 12:14 PM

SIH pilots bypass operation outside Manila
By Kathy M. Villalon

"He is doing well."

This is what Dr. Leo Malunes has to say about Harvey Sevilla, a 62-year-old recipient of the first bypass surgery held outside of Metro Manila last June 16 at the Saviour International Hospital's Heart and Lung Institute.

Sevilla, a resident of Pototan, is a Medical Radiation Technologist at the Iloilo Provincial Hospital.

Eight months ago, he experienced chest pains. This month, he underwent an angiogram and the doctors saw that three heart vessels were congested. "He was diagnosed with coronary artery heart disease and congested heart failure. He was appraised for triple bypass surgery," according to Malunes.

Coronary artery bypass surgery, also coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and colloquially heart bypass or bypass surgery is a surgical procedure performed to relieve angina and reduce the risk of death from coronary artery disease. Arteries or veins from elsewhere in the patient's body are grafted from the aorta to the coronary arteries to bypass atherosclerotic narrowings and improve the blood supply to the coronary circulation supplying the myocardium (heart muscle).

"He was supposed to be operated on in Manila. But because of SIH's vision of having the first heart and lung institute here, the patient chose to have it done here," he added.

The open heart procedure lasted for one hour and 30 minutes. The preparations before that took almost hour hours.

During the operation, the doctors used SIH's top-of-the-line heart and lung machine. Its purpose is to take over the functions of both lungs and heart while the patient's organs are being worked on.

After the operation, Sevilla was attached to a respirator for six hours. Later, this was removed and he can now eat solid foods.

However, he is still being monitored intensively. "Soon, he can sit down and walk," Malunes said.

Malunes said that the first 24 hours is a critical period for a bypass operation patient. Sevilla is expected to be home five to seven days after his surgery.

The operation's purposes were to save Sevilla's life and help him restore his usual activities.

Malunes is the director of SIH's Heart and Lung Institute and Sevilla's surgeon.

The surgical team was composed of Drs. Malunes, Leo Rico, Antonio Ramos, and Pacifico Dalisay. The cardiologists were Drs. Roberto Estepar, Marcelino Felizarta and Ramon Trocio. The cardiac anaesthesiologists were Drs. Anita Misajon and Nilo Libago.

Significance

"Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the country. Lung disease is second. We are addressing these problems by putting up of the institute here," Malunes said.

Having the operation in Iloilo assures the patient of survival and lesser expenses. "The works if done in Manila, cost P500,000. The payment for the blood and personal expenses is not included," he added.

Assistance

Malunes revealed that there are nine patients awaiting surgery in SIH's Heart and Lung Institute. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, through the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has pledged an assistance of P200,000 for each patient. The rest of the money will come from Philhealth, the PCSO and other sources of the patients and families.

Prevention

Malunes said that in order for one to avoid getting a coronary disease, one should adopt a healthy lifestyle. "There should be discipline," he said.

The Institute

"SIH has emerged as the first heart and lung institute of the south," said Malou Frostrom, undersecretary and the deputy director general for Presidential Appointments. She graced the institute's opening last June 16.

"I commend Dr. Evangeline Johnson for acquiring top-of-the-line equipment that will benefit not only people from Western Visayas," she said.

Johnson is the chief executive officer and president of SIH.

"We will be the largest provider of health care in the region," Johnson said.

"Saving the life of Harvey Sevilla is worth the risks I'm taking in my life," she concluded.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/19/sih.pilots.bypass.operation.outside.manila.html)

spacewagon1

June 19th, 2007, 12:30 PM

Treñas in RP delegation to Germany

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas was again selected by the GTZ Decentralization Program to join a delegation of Philippine government representatives for an all-expense paid decentralization study tour in four cities of the German Republic.

The city mayor will leave today, June 19 for Metro Manila for a meeting with the officers of the League of Cities of the Philippines and to grace the seminar of 30 new city mayors in the seminar hosted by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and funded by the World Bank.

The Philippine delegation will proceed to Frankfurt, Germany on June 20 for the study tour until June 28, 2007. Joining Treñas will be Negros Oriental governor George Arnaiz representing the League of Governors and other officials of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Malacañang.

Treñas said the trip will enable him to discuss and the country’s league of cities with the Association of Cities in Koln as a development policy and the federal structure of a federal state in Germany. The LCP has standing cooperation with the association of cities in Sweden, Florida, USA; and New Zealand.

The delegation will proceed to the city of Berlin on the third day for a dialogue on federalism in the federal republic and in the city of Thuringen for a discussion on the country fiscal equalization scheme.

The last leg of the study tour will be in Frankfurt for discussions on municipal taxes, tax administration of the country and the municipalities and at the city of Eschborn for a conference on capacity development on a large scale and a symposium on climate change and energy security. (LCPendon)

source: The ILOILO Daily Informer (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1074&Itemid=137)

shyaman

June 19th, 2007, 12:57 PM

Gina dumili-an na gali subong ang pag kuha picture sa SM City for security reason.

WHAAAAT??!!!

With the abundance of camera phones, they still have the nerve to implement this. And what security matters they're referring to? Hold up? Terrorism? They can't stop these by preventing the use of cameras. Napaka-jurassic naman ng SM management. What they need is to install a lot of security cameras.

Waay na bi di kabutwa si Van ano pa waay ta pamangkuton.

BYAHILO

June 19th, 2007, 01:05 PM

WHAAAAT??!!!

With the abundance of camera phones, they still have the nerve to implement this. And what security matters they're referring to? Hold up? Terrorism? They can't stop these by preventing the use of cameras. Napaka-jurassic naman ng SM management. What they need is to install a lot of security cameras.

Waay na bi di kabutwa si Van ano pa waay ta pamangkuton.

even in metro manila, we are all used to this stuff. the only problem is some guards have selective implementation of this policy. it is obvious kung pinoy ang naga kuha phot, gina sita nila pero kung caucasian ok lng.

its bad. tani kung bawal, dapat bawal sa tanan. ...

daks2003

June 19th, 2007, 05:06 PM

amo gid na masakit ric sang mga guwardiya sa aton...selective profiling bala nga ginatawag haw

even in metro manila, we are all used to this stuff. the only problem is some guards have selective implementation of this policy. it is obvious kung pinoy ang naga kuha phot, gina sita nila pero kung caucasian ok lng.

its bad. tani kung bawal, dapat bawal sa tanan. ...

habagatcentral1

June 19th, 2007, 11:25 PM

^^ I'll ask Manong Van about that.

IAMME

June 20th, 2007, 01:13 AM

Air Philippines Taking off from Iloilo Airport
J-mTfw5xvyk

Sinjin P.

June 20th, 2007, 09:02 AM

My camera was even confiscated in SM Sta. Rosa. I was only able to redeem it from the security guard as I left the mall. :bash: So I was still able to take exterior shots :lol:

BYAHILO

June 20th, 2007, 09:17 AM

^^ dyosko sinjin na cnfiscate fone mo?????? ahahha

i once had a "Habulan" expeirnce with the guards of gateway. hihihi di nila ako nahabol and naka shoot na ako

SugarFreak

June 20th, 2007, 09:27 AM

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/SugarFreakmukamoshirt.jpghttp://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/GHNGHM.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/gfhgfhgf.jpg
(in my school at Iloilo Doctors' College)

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/group3.jpg
(Christmas party at Villa Regata resort in Iloilo)

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/jrypic_robarioinasal4.jpg
(foodtrip at Mang Inasal in Robinsons Place Iloilo)

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/fbvfb.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/ghfgn.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/fgbfgb.jpg
(my guardians. they're wedd on last december at Puerto Real de Iloilo) their picture album are choosen to be displayed at one of the photoshop studio in Iloilo Gaisano City.

Sinjin P.

June 20th, 2007, 09:34 AM

COLLIN JASPER

June 20th, 2007, 11:03 AM

PARADISE TOSSED
Fight over dev’t of the
‘next Boracay’ brewing
BORACAY – Who owns Carabao Island, dubbed as the “next Boracay” owing to its white sand beaches and pristine waters? The island is also near Boracay – only 25 minutes by boat from the world-famous island resort.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano recently announced that a Korean real estate company will start constructing an international airport at Carabao Island, part of San Jose town in Romblon.

Aside from constructing the airport, Durano said part of the island was also leased to the Euro Asia and Group Holding, a Korean company headed by Byoung-Youn Park, to put up commercial establishments at the island.

Carabao Island is also dubbed as the “sister island” of Boracay. But unlike Boracay, it has an all-year round spring water that can even supply fresh water demand of Boracay Island Resorts and neighboring communities.

But the plan to develop Carabao Island -- which is considered the best alternative to the already crowded and noisy Boracay -- has been on the table as early 2005, as the Boracay Property Holdings, Inc. has already secured permits and necessary documents needed in improving the place, including the construction of an international airport that will service tourists.

Ilonggo businessman Steve Tajanlangit, one of the owners of Boracay Property Holdings (BPH), questioned the legality of the Korean firm’s permit to develop the island.

He said they (BHP) have secured a mayor’s permit to develop infrastructures and building establishments in the island. He claimed that the Sangguniang Panlalagiwan of Romblon even issued a resolution granting the BPH to develop the place.

BPH is the firm that developed Boracay Island, which receives more than half a million tourists a year.

The same firm, according to Tajanlangit, will also take charge in constructing an international airport on the island.

At present, the Caticlan Airport in Malay, Aklan services only small aircraft of the Southeast Asian Airlines and Asian Spirit while large aircraft flies to Kalibo, Aklan.

CARABAO ISLAND
Carabao Island got its name from its physical appearance – it look like a carabao lying in the sea. It is part of San Jose town south of Romblon.

The island is a 15-minute boat ride from the smaller island of Boracay, and has the same white sand beaches and pristine waters.

According to Secretary Durano, Carabao Island is about four times the size of Boracay.
Durano said the development of Carabao Island will relieve Boracay of too much pressure from tourists.

In 2005, Boracay recorded 304,358 tourist arrivals. It increased to 335,847 in 2006, mainly from Koreans with 46,447 arrivals or 59.13 percent of the total foreign tourists, followed by the Americans with 6,368 arrivals.

Durano said this Holy Week alone, tourist arrivals in Boracay reached 27,000 visitors, compared to only 16,000 in last year’s Holy Week.

Carabao Island is a perfect hideaway for those who prefer quiet and solitude, a few minutes away from Boracay’s beach crowd. The place is also a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving, as a few steps from the shore is a seaweed and coral gardens.

At Carabao Island, one can find white beaches and coves in its natural status. It is Boracay way back in the 1980s when it was not yet fully commercialized.

MASTERPLAN FOR THE ISLAND
Aside from constructing an international airport with a 4,000-meter runway, Ma. Victoria Jasmin, director of the Office of Tourism Standards, said the Korean firm plans to integrate resort development which will include construction of hotels, resorts and retirement villages.

The Korean firm reportedly aims of building an international airport that is capable of handling large Airbus or Boeing planes that will bring passengers to Boracay.
According to her, the Korean master plan is to develop Carabao Island as a major attraction with Boracay as Day 2 destination.

www.panaynews.com.ph

COLLIN JASPER

June 20th, 2007, 11:11 AM

Something fishy in failed
old airport bidding – Drilon
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – The failed bidding for the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district here has alarmed Senate President Franklin Drilon. It could have been deliberately done to benefit unseen hands, he suspected.

The delay in the development of the old airport is disadvantageous to the Ilonggos, Drilon said. It could become the city’s second urban center if developed into a commercial complex, or an industrial and business center, he added.

Three of the country’s top property developers failed to meet the minimum bid price – P1.2 billion – for the 54-hectare airport property in Mandurriao, resulting to a failure of bidding for the privatization of the facility last May 9.

Of the five firms that earlier expressed interest and were pre-qualified to bid the property, only Robinson’s Land Corp., Empire East Holding’s Inc. and SM Prime Holdings Inc. showed up. But Finance Undersecretary John Sevilla announced that none of the three bid above the minimum price of P1.2 billion.

Robinson's Land Corp.’s bid was P1,089,478,000; Empire East Holdings Inc., P701,000,000; and SM Prime Holdings Inc., P435,791,200.

The Privatization Council declared a failure of bidding.

“I don’t know who benefited but I know it disadvantaged the people,” said Drilon in a press conference yesterday at the new Iloilo airport conference room in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns, some 20 kilometers from Iloilo City.

Drilon wondered “why certain members of the Privatization Council insisted on pegging the minimum bid price at P1.2 billion when the appraisal done by a reputable firm placed the value of the property somewhere between P800 million to P1 billion.”

Drilon failed to disclose the reputable firm he was referring to.

The Department of Finance earlier disclosed that real estate broker CB Richard Ellis had placed the property's value between P500 million and P2 billion.

According to Drilon, with the failure of bidding, the Privatization Council conducted a negotiated sale conference with the bidders last week – June 13 – “but the highest bid solicited for the property was placed only at P908 million.”

Robinson’s Land Corporation bid for P908 million.

“The government auction lost P180 million with that negotiated conference. I wonder if the setting of the high floor price was deliberately done to cause a failed bidding to justify a negotiated sale,” Drilon said.

The Privatization Council is composed of the Department of Finance (as chair of the inter-agency group), Department of Justice, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

The outgoing senator disclosed that the Privatization Council rejected the P908-million offer of Robinson’s Land Corporation and scheduled a new bidding date for the old Iloilo airport property “in the middle of July, this year” notwithstanding the delay it will cause to the development of the area.

Drilon said there might be “somebody” from the Privatization Council who obstructs the immediate sale of the 54-hectare property. He, however, refused to name names.

Iloilo City officials, particularly Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, wanted the winning bidder to develop the area. He envisions a theme park (like the Enchanted Kingdom), a 5,000-seater convention center, a modern hospital for medical tourism, and an ICT (information and communications technology) park to accommodate the fast-growing marketing and business process outsourcing industries (or call center industry) in the region.

However, according to the Department of Finance, the winning bidder would have to take care for the resettlement of squatters occupying the property. The Privatization Council estimated about 300 households of informal settlers living in the area.

The government had already earmarked part of the sale proceeds for partial payment of a P6.2 billion loan from Japan Bank for International Cooperation, which bankrolled the construction of the new Iloilo International Airport in the Sta. Barbara – Cabanatuan area.

www.panaynews.com.ph

COLLIN JASPER

June 20th, 2007, 11:16 AM

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the metropolis awaits three more flyovers that would decongest traffic at its busy intersections.
Citing his talk with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last week, Treñas said the national government has approved the plan to construct two additional flyovers in the city, aside from the initial two projects one of which is already nearing completion.
“We will have two more vehicular flyovers to be implemented later on,” an enthusiastic Treñas told reporters.

The mayor has identified the portions of El 98-Diversion Road and Jalandoni-Commission Civil streets (Makro area) in Jaro district, and, Jalandoni Bridge to University of San Agustin in City Proper as the sites of the proposed two flyover projects.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) will determine the feasible areas to install the flyovers, he added.

“It will depend on the DPWH to choose from the suggested project sites. They will conduct traffic count and soil testing in the said locations for the final say on these projects,” Treñas explained.

DPWH is currently supervising the construction of the P400-million Infante flyover at the intersection of Infante-General Luna streets, City Proper which is expected to be fully-completed end of July.

The implementation of Rapidly Erected Permanent Urban Flyover under the “Tulay ng Pangulo sa Kaunlaran” Project is being undertaken by the President’s Bridge Program Office (PBPO) of DPWH-Central Office in Manila.

Treñas said the Infante flyover is scheduled for inauguration by President Arroyo on July 31 whether it will be finished or not.

The flyover, the first for Iloilo City and even in Western Visayas, topped the list of “high impact projects” of DPWH all over Region 6.“The construction of 234-linear meter (lm) flyover and 71-lm approaches or a total of 305-lm aimed to decongest the traffic in the busy intersection,” the DPWH-6 said in a statement.

The flyover project, which started April 1, has a four-month duration and is expected to be opened to traffic by end of July.

About a month after, another flyover will be installed along SM City from the Diversion Road to Jalandoni Extension in Brgy. Bolilao, Mandurriao.

Earlier, PBPO executive director Emil Sadain, DPWH-6 regional director Rolando Asis and Treñas signed a memorandum of agreement at the City Hall on the establishment of flyovers here.

John Nicholson of Mabey, a UK-based construction firm that contracted several flyover projects all over the country, said they are using construction materials imported from UK.
“The flyover has quick and efficient construction process as well as requires low maintenance. It is a light superstructure with minimal noise and dust disruption on vehicular and pedestrian traffic during construction,” Nicholson stressed.

Sadain said Iloilo City’s Infante Flyover is the fifth project to be constructed by Mabey after the completion of the same in Bocaue and Malolos, Bulacan and two in San Fernando, Pampanga, funded under the President’s Bridge Program.

“We have identified 70 flyover projects nationwide to be implemented along the nautical highway to support the economic program of the national government in 40 sites with big economic impact. Iloilo City was included because we see the businesses here expanding,” Sadain said.:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: ^^

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 12:17 PM

City needs additional P10.6 M to finish new slaughterhouse
By Maricar M. Calubiran

City Mayor Jerry Treñas requested Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap for another P10.6 million for the completion of the double AA abattoir in Barangay Tacas, Jaro district. The government has already spent P16 million for the project.

Treñas said the amount will be spent to finish the construction of the new slaughterhouse. Once approved by the department, the construction cost of the new abattoir will already reach P20.6 million. The budget does not include refrigeration facilities.

The construction of the new slaughterhouse started sometime in 2005 and was projected to become operational by July 2006.

The construction of the new slaughterhouse is primarily financed by the agriculture department. The slaughterhouse has its waste water treatment facility, a holding pen and a water system for a convenient operation. The city's contribution is the procurement of the 2.3 hectare lot and the construction of the road right of way.

Treñas asked the people for more patience as the target date for the completion of the new abattoir was not met. He said there are things that need to be done before the slaughterhouse becomes operational. The existing slaughterhouse in Molo district is already dilapidated.

There are already several meat processing businesses like Monterey that is ready to have their animals slaughtered in the new slaughterhouse. However, the city government could not just force the operation as there are more innovations to be done in order to have a competitive abattoir. Once operational, it will mean more income for the city government, said Treñas.

Meanwhile, the City Legal Office has already located the land title of the old slaughterhouse. The city will have the property be subjected into a public auction. The entire property is more or less one hectare. The bidding process will be monitored by the Commission on Audit (CoA), said Treñas.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/20/city.needs.additional.p10.6m.to.finish.new.slaughterhouse.html)

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 12:21 PM

DOTC allocates P50 million for new Iloilo Airport's fence

A week after the inauguration of the new Iloilo airport of international standards, Senator Franklin Drilon said there is a necessity to install a perimeter fence on the access road from the airport.

Drilon who administered the oath-taking of re-elected Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas and other elected officials of the province said in his speech that he noticed the new airport lacks a perimeter fence on the access road from the airport and referred the matter to Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary (DOTC) Leandro Mendoza.

Drilon reported that Mendoza immediately approved a P50 million allocation for the perimeter fence and the lighting on the street going to the airport so that people can enjoy better the airport that we have today.

Drilon was not able to attend the inauguration of the new airport last June 13 but during his speech thanked the President for acknowledging his contribution in the conception and building of the new airport and for pushing the economic agenda of the administration during his term as Senate President.

It can be recalled that President Arroyo in her speech during the airport's inauguration acknowledged the Senator's contribution in the realization of the airport and the passage of difficult revenue - generating measures.

With the implementation of the P6.5 billion new Iloilo airport, Drilon said he is gratified to leave this legacy to the people of Iloilo.

"We are all proud of it. A Cabinet Secretary texted me congratulating us for the effort that we have put into in this airport, I myself was surprised how beautiful the airport is," said Drilon.

Starting last June 14, commercial planes now use the new airport in Cabatuan which is considered as the country's most modern and beautiful airport today.

As he leaves office on June 30 as Senator of the Republic of the 13th Congress, Drilon assured Ilonggos that in the next three years he will continue to be active "for whatever little influence I will have left I will be here to help."

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/20/dotc.allocates.p50.million.for.new.iloilo.airports.fence.html)

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 12:27 PM

2 more flyovers for Iloilo City
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Another two flyovers will rise in the city after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved the request of City Mayor Jerry Treñas for additional flyover projects to address the worsening traffic situation in the city.

A flyover project is presently constructed at the junction of Infante and Gen. Luna streets while another one is slated along Jalandoni-Diversion road.

Treñas said the President approved his request for two additional flyovers during their recent meeting, however, the final say will still come from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Treñas said the DPWH will have to conduct traffic count and soil testing on the proposed locations for the two additional vehicular flyovers. The results of the two basic tests will pave way for the drafting of the projects.

Treñas proposes that the two other vehicular flyovers will be constructed in the area of El 98 in Jaro district leading to Diversion Road; from Jalandoni Bridge going to General Luna Street in the city proper; and the area of Jalandoni Street and Commission Civil in Jaro.

Each flyover is estimated to cost P400 million.

The flyover projects are part of the President's Bridge Program of the Arroyo administration.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/20/2.more.flyovers.for.iloilo.city.html)

It means we'll be having 4 flyovers in a year's time. Gee ...... i thought 2 is okay BUT four? My gosh, we're turning into a real cobweb. I'm looking a very congested and highly traffic Iloilo City in just 1 to 2 years time. Time to develop nearby towns of Iloilo City na !

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 12:36 PM

^^ ^^ if we are not keen enough in solving traffic issues in Iloilo City today, Iloilo City will definitely be the fastest city in the country to equal Manila's congestion and traffic. We need bigger and wider roads, more alternative by-pass, and moving development and construction outside the city perimeter. The rest of MIGEDC members' towns should start their urban planning to help decongest the metro's centre.

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 12:39 PM

Dinagyang officials honorary Texans
By Dina G. Yang

The San Antonio City Council conferred Thursday, June 7, 2007, honorary citizenships to Mr. Lee Chuan and City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena, president and executive director respectively of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) in a ceremony held at the start of the Texas Folklife Festival in the City of San Antonio, Texas.

The two Dinagyang officials head the 20-man cultural mission for Iloilo Dinagyang that went to the US. It brought them first to Texas for the said festival of indigenous culture which yearly attracts more than 60,000 visitors. Dinagyang was featured in the opening ceremony in the Avenue of Flags at the University of Texas where Mr. Lee was publicly recognized as head of delegation. Four other presentations were performed in a jam-packed crowd during the three-day Texas Folklife Festival. Two gala performances are slated at the St. Mary's Hall on June 15 and 16. The group will proceed to Minneapolis for a two-show program at the Hopkins Theatre in Minnentonka on June 23 and to San Diego, California on June 25 before they come back to Iloilo on June 30.

While in Texas, Jimena invited residents of San Antonio to visit Iloilo City; and with instructions from Mayor Jerry Treñas, he made arrangement for the sisterhood agreement between San Antonio and Iloilo City with the assistance of Ms. Evelyn B. Crow, president of the Karilagan Philippine Cultural Group, Inc. The latter was former director for international affairs of St. Mary's Hall, an exclusive international school in San Antonio and has strong ties with the San Antonio city government. She was instrumental in getting Dinagyang invited to the Texas Folklife Festival. Karilagan and St. Mary's Hall have been partners in sponsoring the US performances of the ECD Dance Company in the past.

An audio-visual presentation about Iloilo City shall be hand carried by Ms. Crow to the international liaison officer of San Antonio to initiate the twinning process. The sisterhood will pave the way for strengthening intercity relationship, exchange visits between officials of the two cities and the sharing of local best practices.

Just like Iloilo City, San Antonio is an old city with old buildings and a river. It is home of the Alamo and The Spurs of the NBA fame. They have a River Walk that connects every big hotel and restaurant in the city, a steak house of the juiciest beef, an international house of the thickest pancake, the deepest underground cavern, and of course the old ruins of the legendary Alamo. Since Texas is in the North border of Mexico, some residents here speak Español too. Just like the Ilonggos, Texans here in San Antonio are still gaga over basketball with the San Antonio Spurs winning the 2007 NBA Championship.

The Dinagyang visit was a great opportunity for a sister-city agreement to be realized and has created awareness among Filipinos here in Texas that back there we have Iloilo City with a lot in common with San Antonio. The visit has also opened doors for Filipinos, especially Ilonggos to come to Iloilo City next January for the 2008 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/20/dinagyang.officials.honorary.texans.html)

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 12:49 PM

“We have identified 70 flyover projects nationwide to be implemented along the nautical highway to support the economic program of the national government in 40 sites with big economic impact. Iloilo City was included because we see the businesses here expanding,” Sadain said.

Is Iloilo City expanding dramatically, reason why 4 new flyovers will be constructed one after the other? What happened to the several millions JICA-supported Traffic Management Scheme? Any idea what happened to their feasibility, case study and research? Most city establishments are expanding with opening of another big resto bar in Smallville Area now. Also, two more call centers are opening business soon in Iloilo. And with plan chartered flights accomodation in the new Iloilo Airport, Iloilo City and the rest of Metro Iloilo-Guimaras is definitely booming.

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 01:40 PM

Daw puro lang airport topic 'ta subong. Let's divert sa issue naman sa siudad.
From : Lapsus Calami of Panaynews.

USELESS OVERPASS

OVERPASS and skyways facilities of Iloilo City are useless because they are not being utilized by pedestrians.
The ones being benefited are street urchins, beggars and muggers.
They convert these facilities into toilets and abodes.
Heavy with foul odor, the air carries terrible smell.
The overpass fronting the Iloilo National High School and West Visayas State University, the one fronting Amigo Hotel and all other sky ways of Raul are favorite abodes of muggers, bummers and drug addicts.
They are dangerous places to walk on especially during nighttime.
We are asking Mayor Jerry to look into this problem as soon as possible so much so that many students have been victims already of all sorts of criminal offenses.

aside from the useless OVERPASS, we're now hitting big time with the new pet project of Mayor Trenas, the growing number of FLYOVERS around the city. But then again, it's 400 million per flyover. That means, the national government already approved a whooping 1.6 Billion for Iloilo City flyovers alone. I just wish these flyovers will serve its main purpose to decongest the ever growing traffic woes in our metropolis.

On the other hand, why not built UNDERPASS naman after the flyovers .... hehe. Di, kumpleto rekados na kita. Wala pa ina ma-mention ang proposed revival of Panay Railways and the proposed metro-rail from NIA to Iloilo City. May God Bless Us All na lang. :cheers:

ferrersky

June 20th, 2007, 02:10 PM

This is great news pips! They are now planning to have chartered int'l flights especially to and from S. Korea.

Int’l flights possible in NIA Image

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/frontpage_june14.jpg

INTERNATIONAL flights will soon land on the New Iloilo Airport (NIA) after it passes international safety and security standards.

Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Secretary Leandro Mendoza said they have requested the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to conduct safety assessment on the P6-billion facility.

ICAO is a UN body that codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters international air transport safety and growth. The new Iloilo airport, which was inaugurated by President Gloria Arroyo yesterday, will begin serving domestic flights today. “We have requested ICAO assessment for international flights in the NIA. If a certification that the facility complied with international standards of safety and security is issued, international flights will follow,” Mendoza said.

Initially, the DOTC is planning to operate international cargo flights in the new airport “as 60 percent of seafood products come from this area.”
“We plan to send these seafood products from Iloilo to Hong Kong and Japan,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza added that passenger flights will be requested and granted once the facility hurdles ICAO requirements. “The assessment would be immediate. It’s just a matter of formality. We are confident that the airport will pass ICAO standards.” The DOTC chief has also requested the Aviation Security Group to look into the security requirements of the airport in relation to the ICAO assessment. “Through the assessment, we can determine how many police and Army personnel we must assign here,” he said.

Mendoza said the security assessment is a continuing process in keeping with the standards set by the ICAO, the US Federal Aviation Administration and the Transport Security Board.

SUCCESS STORY
Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki said Iloilo and Panay acquired a new basis for future growth with the completion of the NIA. “Airports are vital to the development of island communities, serving as the gateway for transportation of people and goods.

Yamazaki said the NIA will accommodate the growing air transportation demands of Iloilo “thereby boosting economic development.”

The old Iloilo airport has the 4th biggest volume of domestic passengers last year. Yamazaki said the volume has been increasing by 50 percent in the past 10 years along with the development of Panay and the surrounding areas thus the need for a new airport.

The Japanese envoy also considers the NIA as another success story of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines “towards poverty alleviation and mitigation of regional development disparities.”
The NIA was funded by a special yen loan Package of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

MOST MODERN AIRPORT
In her inauguration speech, President Arroyo branded the new Iloilo airport as the “most modern and beautiful” in the country. The President also said the construction period of NIA, which is some 30 months, was one of the fastest for an airport of international standards.

The President led the groundbreaking ceremonies of the project last January 2004. The 188-hectare airport, located 22 kilometers or about 30 travel time from Iloilo City, boasts of state-of-the-art facilities including a three-storey passenger terminal, control tower buildings, cargo terminal and landing and navigation systems. Mrs. Arroyo said the DOTC has finished negotiating with the Civil Aeronautics Board to allow 19,000 direct airline seats from Korea. “Koreans account for the one-fourth of the two-million annual tourist arrivals in the country and I have told the DOTC to assign some of the Korean direct flights here in Iloilo. We can expect more tourists to land directly in Iloilo instead of passing by Manila,” Ms. Arroyo said.

Air Transportation Office chief Nilo Jatico said the NIA is more modern and advanced than the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. “All the facilities of the NIA are within the standards of the modern times. What they have in Manila is an old one. The engineering design, particularly the natural lighting of the place, is very airy. The structure is made of hybrid steel, there is no danger of collapsing. Structurally, it’s very modern,” Jatico said.

The aero-bridges or tubes, which connect the planes to the terminal building, are also considered modern by design compared with other airports because “it gives you the freedom of movement because it can be automatically extended,” Jatico said.

The entrance to the terminal building has automatic sliding doors while comfort rooms have automated flush systems which took the fancy of first time visitors to the airport.

- The Guardian

ferrersky

June 20th, 2007, 02:13 PM

I don't know if this article was posted already but I'll post it anyway.

Improvement of streetlights in hi-way going to new airport pushed

By Erly C. Garcia

Streetlights along the highway going to the new Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan should be improved to ensure the safety of motorists and commuters going to the said place at night.

This was raised by Leah Victoria Lara, executive director of the Iloilo Business Club (IBC), when asked about the things that need to be improved following the start of operation of the new Iloilo Airport last week.

Lara observed that there are portions of the highway going to the new airport which have defective streetlights.

The new Iloilo Airport is 19 kilometers away from the city. One passes by portions of the towns of Pavia and Sta. Barbara before reaching the airport.

Presently, a road-widening project is being conducted on the highway going to the new airport.

Lara is hopeful that the new airport could boost the economy of the city and province of Iloilo.

She said the new Iloilo Aiport, having state-of-the-art facilities, could definitely attract more tourists and investors to the city and province.

Lara also noted that there should be affordable public transportation in going to the airport.

To note, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is still hearing the petition of the Association of Taxi Operators in Panay (ATOP) for a flexible rate in going to the new airport.

The group wanted that an add-on rate of P150 should be added to the standard fare going the airport.

No less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo inaugurated the new Iloilo Airport last June 13, 2007.

The 8 billion new airport which is of international standards was built by the Taisei-Shimizu Joint Venture, a Japanese firm. Construction on the airport began January 2004.

The 13,700-squate meter, three-storey terminal building can handle 1.2 million passengers and 11,500 tons of cargo every year. The runway can accommodate jumbo jets like the Airbus 330 which carry up to 276 passengers. Up to six aircrafts can park in the 48,200-squate meter apron at one time. The pre-departure area at the third floor can seat 436 persons.

habagatcentral1

June 20th, 2007, 02:41 PM

SamwiseGamgee

June 20th, 2007, 02:53 PM

Is Iloilo City expanding dramatically, reason why 4 new flyovers will be constructed one after the other? What happened to the several millions JICA-supported Traffic Management Scheme? Any idea what happened to their feasibility, case study and research? Most city establishments are expanding with opening of another big resto bar in Smallville Area now. Also, two more call centers are opening business soon in Iloilo. And with plan chartered flights accomodation in the new Iloilo Airport, Iloilo City and the rest of Metro Iloilo-Guimaras is definitely booming.

Grand-sounding acronym: MIG

MIG - Your Next Grand Destination :)

habagatcentral1

June 20th, 2007, 03:07 PM

2 more flyovers for Iloilo City

It means we'll be having 4 flyovers in a year's time. Gee ...... i thought 2 is okay BUT four? My gosh, we're turning into a real cobweb. I'm looking a very congested and highly traffic Iloilo City in just 1 to 2 years time. Time to develop nearby towns of Iloilo City na !

For me, flyovers won't solve the problems of traffic. Traffic management (stricter implementation) and creating new alternate routes and widen the roads not just inside the city but the metropolitan area as well. Our advantage though is that we have so many lands to exploit surrounding the city.

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

June 20th, 2007, 04:49 PM

For me, flyovers won't solve the problems of traffic. Traffic management (stricter implementation) and creating new alternate routes and widen the roads not just inside the city but the metropolitan area as well. Our advantage though is that we have so many lands to exploit surrounding the city.

IT (flyovers) alone will not solve the traffic problem... IT is part of the SOLUTION to ease traffic. It will work in harmony with Discipline (discipline alone won't solve traffic, its like discipline vs the ever increasing number of cars, PUVs and what not!), of course some routing schemes and road widening and additional road. TRAFFIC is one problem with many solution...

Building a FLY OVER I think is part of that TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. I see it as a holistic approach to a traffic problem. Every month alone ILOILO is having an additonal 100++ private cars...:cheers:

IMPRESARIO

June 20th, 2007, 05:09 PM

400 million per flyover? mahal pa sya sa proposed City hall naton bah! is that a true figure? woah!!!

@Sinjin, tell your 'rents either you go to iloilo or to basilan
instead,lol, joke lang!

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

June 20th, 2007, 05:12 PM

Badiangan soars high Holds the 4th Pandayan Festival

*Badiangan is one of the region's great bolo-producing centers

People of Badiangan generally pursue traditional occupations, including small-scale commerce, and crafts such as textile work and one of the town's most popular industry---blacksmithing and metalworks.

Varieties of artisans provided services to the growing agricultural population. Blacksmiths set up shops in some rural barangays, where they create and repair tools needed by farm families. A small blacksmithing industry began when Barangay Bingawan powered the production of special bolos and other knives well-known not only here, but also abroad for their durable finish.

Bolo-making in the area uses the traditional method of forging metal through heating from red heat of charcoal where the air used is through a force attained by means of inserting and moving two bamboo poles in an upward and downward motion inside two metal pipes.

This local industry provided avenues to markets and after sometime, it became a major enterprise in the province, making Badiangan as one of the region's great bolo-producing centers.

Badiangan, a tourist-free municipality on Iloilo provinces' northwest central part recognizes the town's local industry tradition of bolo-making through the celebration of their annual PANDAYAN Festival. Each year, tourists from around the province go to Badiangan to see the festivity.

It is a distinctive mix of culture, gastronomy and handicrafts.

The municipality of Badiangan through Mayor Suzette Mamon, invites everyone with this year's week-long celebration of the town's 40th Foundation Day, Religious Fiesta and the 4th PANDAYAN Festival that opened last June 17 and will last until June 24, 2007, with the theme: "Soaring Towards Progress Through Sustained Religious-Community Partnership and Effective Leadership."
Although there is no distinct choreographed steps, performing groups delight audiences with their informative and unique modern presentations, mostly with themes focusing on the town's popular local industries: Bingawan Bolo-Making; Badiangan Instant Taho, and Loom-Weaving.
The tribe competition is scheduled on June 20, 2007 at 8 am.

:banana: :banana: :banana:

The Newstoday

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

June 20th, 2007, 05:32 PM

now for some good news...

Malnutrition among Ilonggo pre-schoolers declines

Iloilo City (20 June) -- The prevalence of malnutrition among pre-school children in Iloilo has decreased from 40.8 percent in 1998 to 14.85 percent in 2006.

This was disclosed by Iloilo Provincial Nutrition Program Coordinator Rosarie San Luis in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency recently.

Data obtained showed that the prevalence of malnutrition among pre-schoolers in the province was recorded at 40.8 percent in 1998, it went down to 20.4 percent in 2004, 16.7 percent in 2005 and 14.85 percent last year.

San Luis attributed the decline to the integrated nutrition, health, agriculture and environment programs being implemented by the provincial government and the different municipal nutrition councils.

San Luis said these programs have contributed a lot in addressing the health and nutrition problems of the province for the past years.

“Some of these programs were even recognized in the whole country because of its impact to its beneficiaries”, she said.

She cited the Milk Supplementation Program - “Batang Ilonggo, Palangga Ka” of the provincial government which was chosen recently as one of the Top Five Most Outstanding Health and Nutrition Programs in the country by Nestle Philippines winning P100,000 cash prize and a trophy.

The MSP-“BIP KA” was nominated to the Nestle Philippines Search in October 2006.

San Luis added that there are also two other entries from the province that were included in the top ten of the said search. These are the School Health Integrated and Nutrition Program of Badiangan and the Health and Nutrition Services Program of Sta. Barbara.

San Luis said the drop in the cases of malnutrition in Iloilo should inspire all concerned to do more to improve the nutritional status of the malnourished children as she urged to further strengthen nutrition education.

“We need to strengthen nutrition education to effect behavioral changes in food and eating practices especially among the children and youth”, said San Luis.

PIA Press Release
2007/06/20

Cheers to that! :banana: :banana: :banana:

COLLIN JASPER

June 20th, 2007, 06:07 PM

400 million per flyover? mahal pa sya sa proposed City hall naton bah! is that a true figure? woah!!!

@Sinjin, tell your 'rents either you go to iloilo or to basilan
instead,lol, joke lang!

as i know, the budget for infante, gen luna fly over costing 400M, siguro pareho man ang budget sa gina proposed nga flyover sa diversion, san augustine kg jaro(macro) kay IMPORTED pa ina from UK ang mga material. No worry coz government project ina, iya ni gloria.
So far the diversion road flyover maga start na siguro digging sg ground by nxt week, may nakita na ako nga mga circle palatandaan sa asphalt road kon diin sila ma dig. kg ang filling sang lupa beside the highway naga start na i dont know kung part pa ina sng flyover or for road widening.

Sa CBD portion, may nakita ako yesterday nga gina tampukan na ang area sa likod gasoline station lapit sa Nes and Tats restaurant, subong gina compact na ang lupa. Daw ka saku na gd subong sng pag tampok dira sa palibot sa area malapit sa patindugan sang Ateneo de Iloilo.

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 06:26 PM

Paper-less city council eyed
By Lydia C. Pendon

The Iloilo City council will soon be a paper-less wifi zone if plans of vice mayor-elect Jed Patrick Mabilog are to be implemented before the end of this year.

The legislative staff of the city councilors will also undergo seminars and training to as to equip them with proper knowledge on legislative work and understand the workings of the respective city councilor.

The executive-legislative agenda must be understood by all the staff including the city councilors for a smooth flow of communication and proper cooperation between the executive branch and the city council.

These are some of the plans of Mabilog in having a closer working relationship with all the city councilors including the two opposition members.

Mabilog also expressed the plan of reviving the television coverage of the city council while in session every Wednesday afternoon. He said he has already talked with the management of CableStar for a possible live cable coverage of the session to let the people of this city know what their city councilors are doing and discussing.

Mabilog is also having a pigeon hole for each media outlet covering the city council for all communications such as press releases and copies of documents discussed in the session floor.

Regarding the computerization of the city council, Mabilog said it is not farfetched to see that council members will bring in their personalized computers during sessions so as to have easy access to information and other legislative works ready for deliberation.

source: The ILOILO Daily Informer (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1079&Itemid=137)

^^ ^^ very brilliant move for Iloilo City Council. Transparency will dfinitely move Iloilo City to greater heights. Good job JED ! :banana: :banana:

death327

June 20th, 2007, 06:29 PM

The first time I've been to Iloilo was when I was less than a year old. Now, after 16 years, I want to go back there. But the thing is, my parents are not convinced about the destination. What's the best thing about Iloilo that will be able to convince my parents to go there?

Hi Sinj, well I think the best time for you to go to Iloilo is during Dinagyang festival. At least you have a very valid reason to go there... fun and food :)

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the metropolis awaits three more flyovers that would decongest traffic at its busy intersections.
Citing his talk with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last week, Treñas said the national government has approved the plan to construct two additional flyovers in the city, aside from the initial two projects one of which is already nearing completion.
“We will have two more vehicular flyovers to be implemented later on,” an enthusiastic Treñas told reporters.

2 more flyovers for Iloilo City
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Another two flyovers will rise in the city after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved the request of City Mayor Jerry Treñas for additional flyover projects to address the worsening traffic situation in the city.

A flyover project is presently constructed at the junction of Infante and Gen. Luna streets while another one is slated along Jalandoni-Diversion road.

My gosh. I am not sure why they are so excited to have flyovers around the city. I cannot see any visible solution for the traffic problems of the city. I hope they will try to reconsider things, instead of building 1.6 B structures that will be white elephants in the future.

City needs additional P10.6 M to finish new slaughterhouse
By Maricar M. Calubiran

City Mayor Jerry Treñas requested Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap for another P10.6 million for the completion of the double AA abattoir in Barangay Tacas, Jaro district. The government has already spent P16 million for the project.

Treñas said the amount will be spent to finish the construction of the new slaughterhouse. Once approved by the department, the construction cost of the new abattoir will already reach P20.6 million. The budget does not include refrigeration facilities.

The construction of the new slaughterhouse started sometime in 2005 and was projected to become operational by July 2006.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/20/city.needs.additional.p10.6m.to.finish.new.slaughterhouse.html)

I thought this was already finished. Tsek tsek more more money to be poured.

This is great news pips! They are now planning to have chartered int'l flights especially to and from S. Korea.

Int’l flights possible in NIA Image

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/frontpage_june14.jpg

INTERNATIONAL flights will soon land on the New Iloilo Airport (NIA) after it passes international safety and security standards.

Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Secretary Leandro Mendoza said they have requested the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to conduct safety assessment on the P6-billion facility.

Initially, the DOTC is planning to operate international cargo flights in the new airport “as 60 percent of seafood products come from this area.”
“We plan to send these seafood products from Iloilo to Hong Kong and Japan,” Mendoza said.

- The Guardian

This is good news. But I hope they can sustain this kind of business in the long run. I just don't want to see the history of Iloilo Fishing Port Complex to happen again (the prawn industry). The seafood industry of the whole region declined dramatically. If they can initiate good investment policies and developmental protocols on this kind of export venture then WV will gain foothold again in international trade.

Aside from seafood they can also export seaweeds, meat and poultry products.

On the other hand, why not built UNDERPASS naman after the flyovers .... hehe. Di, kumpleto rekados na kita. Wala pa ina ma-mention ang proposed revival of Panay Railways and the proposed metro-rail from NIA to Iloilo City. May God Bless Us All na lang. :cheers:

I believe it is not feasible for us to have UNDERPASSES within the city. Iloilo is really a swamp... we will be spending much to build underpasses.

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 06:39 PM

Capitol workers expect 10 percent hike in July
By Ariel B. Catubig

Capitol workers will be more inspired to work harder beginning next month following the announcement of Iloilo Governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr. of a salary increase for provincial government employees.

During his oath-taking on Monday, the governor assured the department heads and employees that in accordance with the law increasing the salaries of national officials, an increase of the salaries of Capitol workers will be effective beginning July 1.

The increase will be based on the Executive Order No. 611, “Authorizing Compensation Adjustments to Government Employees,” earlier signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

However, the fund for the salary increase will be sourced from local coffers, said provincial information chief Marilou Sumbing.

The EO 611 which will give a 10% increase over the basic salaries as of June 30, 2007 of government employees will take effect next month.

With unprecedented lead of 208,000 during the May 14 elections, Tupas said he deemed it necessary to return the favor to the provincial employees who worked with him during his two terms as governor.

In signing the EO 611, the President feels that there is an imperative need to improve the morale of the civil service through a more competitive compensation system that supports the economic well being of government personnel.

It is stated in EO 611 that except for the year-end bonus, and fixed personnel benefit contributions, there shall be no corresponding increase in the present allowances and benefits being received by or paid for civilian government personnel, which we computed at a percentage of their basic salaries, notwithstanding the 10% authorized salary increase.

source: The ILOILO Daily Informer (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1081&Itemid=137)

^^ ^^ bastante naman ang mga empleyado sini sa Capitol. Does it mean that the province has the capacity to pay 10% from the exisiting salary? Wow, kadako na ina. And to note that with the presence of the new airport in Sta Barbara, Iloilo province will soon double its tax collection. Baskog ! :banana: :banana:

COLLIN JASPER

June 20th, 2007, 06:41 PM

Hi Sinj, well I think the best time for you to go to Iloilo is during Dinagyang festival. At least you have a very valid reason to go there... fun and food :)

My gosh. I am not sure why they are so excited to have flyovers around the city. I cannot see any visible solution for the traffic problems of the city. I hope they will try to reconsider things, instead of building 1.6 B structures that will be white elephants in the future.

I thought this was already finished. Tsek tsek more more money to be poured.

ang disadvantages sina lalo na gid nga maga gutok ang kalsada, kag matabunan ang katahum sng mga edepisyo, like UP, Jollibee M.H del pilar, San agustine, SM City, kg John B Lacson. Okay lang ina kon mahagan hagan ang tapiko sa syudad, wala na ta choice kg mahimo pa tungod nasugudan na.:)

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 06:44 PM

as i know, the budget for infante, gen luna fly over costing 400M, siguro pareho man ang budget sa gina proposed nga flyover sa diversion, san augustine kg jaro(macro) kay IMPORTED pa ina from UK ang mga material. No worry coz government project ina, iya ni gloria.
So far the diversion road flyover maga start na siguro digging sg ground by nxt week, may nakita na ako nga mga circle palatandaan sa asphalt road kon diin sila ma dig. kg ang filling sang lupa beside the highway naga start na i dont know kung part pa ina sng flyover or for road widening.

Sa CBD portion, may nakita ako yesterday nga gina tampukan na ang area sa likod gasoline station lapit sa Nes and Tats restaurant, subong gina compact na ang lupa. Daw ka saku na gd subong sng pag tampok dira sa palibot sa area malapit sa patindugan sang Ateneo de Iloilo.

that's right. Wala man gastuhon ang ciudad ah. Hatag man lang ini sang National Government so batunon ta sing huot. Naks. I think the construction of several flyovers around the city is a positive outlook of the city's economy. Remember, it's the economic or business activities ang ginabasihan nila on giving these flyovers. These flyovers may not be the answer to our traffic problem yet they will lessen the impact of traffic in our city roads. Imagine a yearly increase of private cars in our city, indi lang gid tuod traffic scheme ang sabat. Aside from discipline, road widenings, etc, we need better infras to answer this problem. One of the solutions identified is the construction of flyovers. Gracias Gloria !

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 06:58 PM

Grand-sounding acronym: MIG

MIG - Your Next Grand Destination :)

if there's MM (Metro Manila), there's MIG (Metro Iloilo-Guimaras) as well.
It there's NAIA, there's NIA as well.

kinda funny abberviations, we Filipinos always fond of. :lol: :lol:

For me, flyovers won't solve the problems of traffic. Traffic management (stricter implementation) and creating new alternate routes and widen the roads not just inside the city but the metropolitan area as well. Our advantage though is that we have so many lands to exploit surrounding the city.
They never say that flyover is the answer to our problems. It'll always be the combination of all these infras and schemes. However, with the presence of flyovers, new routes are being built and traffic in certain areas will be lessened. All you've mentioned abover Bern, ginahimo naman nila ie creation of alternative routes, road widening, etc. We just to be opened to all these developments in order to move on.

400 million per flyover? mahal pa sya sa proposed City hall naton bah! is that a true figure? woah!!!

@Sinjin, tell your 'rents either you go to iloilo or to basilan
instead,lol, joke lang!
might be. Kung mag-amo sini, puwede na ta kapatindog apat ka city halls kung ang budget lang sang kada flyover ang estoryahan. But like Collin says, we're importing materials from other countries so medyo mahal- mahal na gid man. Imagine the shipment cost and the customs tax.

Btw, any idea of the plan seaport/s expansion in Iloilo?

chymera00

June 20th, 2007, 07:38 PM

oboi

June 20th, 2007, 09:49 PM

What's with this overpass/flyover frenzy going on in our city? Can't we have better traffic solutions instead of building these ego boosting monuments for some of our egotistical politicians?

The last time I was in Iloilo I was so disappointed with the progress of our transportation infrastructures especially the roads. A lot are still in disrepair. Some of the reported road widening were merely a few meters long of concrete pavement, which serves more as loading/unloading area of PUJs.

A portion of Jalandoni St. in Jaro is constantly underconstruction. Ever wonder why nobody has ever been penalized for the substandard road construction? As a matter of fact, it takes months for them to finish this less than a kilometer stretch of road whenever they feel its time to repair it. I bet the contractor made millions already. It's an insult to the tax payers.

Another thing, P400M is very pricey for each flyover. The controversy ridden BGH 296-meter flyover is estimated to cost up to P180M while Bacolod's proposed flyovers are at P250M each. So what made our flovers more expensive to build? That's a difference of P150M to P220M we're talking here and not loose change. :ohno:

What irritates me even more are the so called "heavy traffic" areas in and around the city are caused not by narrow roads and too much vehicular traffic but instead by irreverent and blatant disregard of traffic rules by PUJs. Bottlenecks and traffic jams usually happen on areas with high concentration of PUJ commuters. Those illegally parked private vehicles aren't making it any better. Add the jaywalkers and you have the perfect formula to traffic mayhem.

The city can raised more funds by penalizing illegal parking violations. Towing or clamping them will surely be effective. Might as well bring back the time when jaywalkers are fined or humiliated in public. That's a lot of monetary resources untapped by our local government.

I wish our local officials have the political will. ;)

I wish Bayani Fernando can be our city mayor someday! :)

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 10:03 PM

SISTER CITIES
Sisterhood pact with San Antonio, Texas to boost Iloilo City tourism
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City will ink a sisterhood agreement with the metropolis of San Antonio, Texas in the United States city tourism officer Ben Jimena said in an e-mail to the City Hall.

Jimena is in the US together with Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) president Lee Chuan to lead the 20-man cultural mission June 7-29.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the harmonious ties between the two cities will promote the Iloilo City’s tourism and economic potentials with the help of its more-developed sister cities.

San Antonio will be Iloilo City’s seventh “sister” after its mutual agreement with Makati City, Philippines; Stockton, USA; Honolulu, Hawaii USA; Qing Dao, China; and Dededo City, Guam USA and Guigang City, China.

While in Texas, Jimena invited residents of San Antonio to visit Iloilo City.

Upon instructions from Mayor Jerry Treñas, Jimena made arrangements between Iloilo City and San Antonio government with the assistance of Evelyn Crow, president of Karilagan Philippine Cultural Group, Inc.

Jimena said Crow, an Ilonggo herself, is the former director for international affairs of St. Mary’s Hall, an exclusive international school based in San Antonio.

It was Crow who invited Jimena and the Dinagyang contingent composed of 16 performers from Edwin Duero Dance Company to a showcase at the Texan festivities June 8-10.

Karilagan and St. Mary’s Hall have been partners in sponsoring US performances of Duero’s group in the past.

“An audio-visual presentation about Iloilo City will be hand-carried by Crow to the international liaison officer of San Antonio to initiate the twinning process. The sisterhood will pave the way for strengthening inter-city relationship, exchange visits between officials of the two cities and sharing of local best practices,” Jimena said.

He said the Dinagyang visit is a great opportunity for a sister-city agreement to be realized and has created awareness among Filipinos based in Texas about Iloilo City.

“The visit also opened doors for Filipinos, especially the Ilonggos, to come to Iloilo City next January for the 2008 Dinagyang Festival,” Jimena said, adding Iloilo City and Santonio “have things in common.”

“Just like Iloilo City, San Antonio is an old city with old buildings and a river. They have a river walk that connects every big hotel and restaurant in the city, a steak house of juiciest beef, an international house of the thickest pancake, the deepest underground cavern and, of course, the old ruins of the legendary Alamo,” said Jimena.

Since Texas is in the north border of Mexico, some residents in San Antonio also speak Español, he said.

San Antonio is popularly the home of The Spurs of NBA’s fame.

“Just like the Ilonggos, Texans here in San Antonio are enthusiastic over basketball with the San Antonio Spurs winning the 2007 NBA Championship,” Jimena said.

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 10:07 PM

BORA IN COSMO ILOILO !
Pagemaker by Zedric Señeres
Photos by Albert F. Fajardo

WE are talking about Club Bora Resto Bar which opened recently right in the heart of Iloilo City ’s entertainment and dinning center, Smallville.

As the name suggests, Club Bora brings to the metropolis the unique and summery feel of Western Visayas ’s paradise island, Boracay.

Club Bora caters to all kinds of party animals. It has the usual indoor club complete with lights and sounds for those who want to dance the night away.

For a more relaxed and airy setting, try the open air arena themed just like the world famous island gem of Aklan.

The highlight of the fun-filled opening nite the summer resort collection fashion show of Cosmo Iloilo’s prince of fashion, Mandy Salcedo and the awe inspiring fire dance performance of the sultry and sassy Rachel Lobangco.

Overflowing, cool San Mig drinks and heady music courtesy of DJ Surf from Spain left even the most jaded in a blissful state till the bewitching hours.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

Rolls-Royce

June 20th, 2007, 10:48 PM

spacewagon1

June 20th, 2007, 11:15 PM

What a great wish list and I loved them all. Tani ........ tani ....... kag ..... tani .... lang no? Actually Rolls, some of them can be very achievable like nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 10 and 11 in a period of 5 years time kung tutukan lang naton ang development. All we need is another brilliant visionaire to seat in the city hall of Iloilo. Trenas started the development but he only have 3 more years in service. I hope the next mayor will be at par or better than Trenas. The man has a great vision for the city, and he's really working hard enough to slowly change the static economic life of Iloilo City before. At present, Iloilo city is becoming more and more vibrant as the days go by. I hope the Greater Iloilo Area will soon be realised cos at present other member towns of MIG remains in apathy. They really need to get a grip and start taking cue from the city and begin their urban planning. Well done Rolls. Keep on dreamin'. :)

Rolls-Royce

June 21st, 2007, 01:11 AM

Thanks Space. As you know, Iloilo in my opinion is a living museum in itself, and we could attract millions of tourist given the chance. We have the heritage, old buildings and such like. Knowing the Japanese, Koreans and some of our neighbours would be dying to visit a city with a resemblance to a European city. It's just sad to know that a lot of people in Iloilo don't realize that there is a European in us, they don't have to look far. The influence we had from the Spaniards and Americans are right in our face. The potential is endless really

eonynx

June 21st, 2007, 06:56 AM

eonynx

June 21st, 2007, 07:03 AM

the charm of iloilo is the fusion of the past and present even as it is apparently, albeit somewhat belatedly, deadset for its future! with construction seemingly everywhere in the city, you can see modern malls slowly rising within stonethrow of antique structures. example of this is the expansion of SM Jaro which also happens to be near the jaro cathedral, the center of roman catholicism in wester visayas.

habagatcentral1

June 21st, 2007, 07:23 AM

Here's my wish(ful thinking) list on how Iloilo could become a major tourist destination, convention city and business hub:

1. Transform Calle Real into a pedestrianized heritage site.
2. Transform the corners of JM Basa, Iznart into a Times Square-like street with colourful neon lights and electronic billboards.
3. Ply high-tech but environmentally friendly buses within the city proper
4. Build world class resorts and hotels along the Zarraga to Leganes coastline that would eventually become a part of Greater Iloilo Area.
5. A central business district that could rival Makati along Diversion Road and within the old Mandurriao Airport.
6. A world-class Zoo with dolphin shows.
7. A world class convention centre designed by Calatrava architects or Norman Foster located along the majestic Iloilo River (where the eyesore Foremost Milling is now) and could accomodate more than 10,000 guests at any given time.
8. The Regent Theatre transformed into an opera house.
9. River cruise along Iloilo River that could be transformed into a floating restaurant at night time.
10. More fountains in every plazas and major corners of the city - a la Rome.
11. A bigger Iloilo Museum and a Museum for Modern Arts.
12. A modern bridge to connect Iloilo and Guimaras. To escape the hustle and bustle of city life to a more sedate and relaxed lifestyle. More world class resorts all over the island of Guimaras.
13. A brand new olympic-sized 90,000 seat stadium located in Pavia, Zarraga or Oton.
14. Two central high-speed train stations that would connect Iloilo to the rest of Panay in no more than 3 hours. High Speed-train connection to the Iloilo International Airport from Jaro in 10-15 minutes.
15. More local and International sports event to be held in Iloilo. A formula one Iloilo Grand Prix would be nice.

HHHHmmm. please can somebody wake me up:)
Feel free to add or delete on my wish(ful thinking) list

What a great wish list and I loved them all. Tani ........ tani ....... kag ..... tani .... lang no? Actually Rolls, some of them can be very achievable like nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 10 and 11 in a period of 5 years time kung tutukan lang naton ang development. All we need is another brilliant visionaire to seat in the city hall of Iloilo. Trenas started the development but he only have 3 more years in service. I hope the next mayor will be at par or better than Trenas. The man has a great vision for the city, and he's really working hard enough to slowly change the static economic life of Iloilo City before. At present, Iloilo city is becoming more and more vibrant as the days go by. I hope the Greater Iloilo Area will soon be realised cos at present other member towns of MIG remains in apathy. They really need to get a grip and start taking cue from the city and begin their urban planning. Well done Rolls. Keep on dreamin'. :)

I'm not ruining your dream nor I sound pessimistic. Its just reality that we have here. Dream big to fulfill it. But what I have here are several factors or challenges in order to attain those dreams. The Economist (magazine) once told that a successful city would have to go several rebirths, like carbon turned into diamonds.

1. Not now, maybe later. If we pedestrianized Calle Real (and bury the cables which would take millions of pesos), it may affect the bustling activity in the area. I suggest they implement it gradually rather than drastic. Im quite dissapointed in Smallville because the power lines are still visible and is not yet buried underground. DAMN PECO!!!
2. Neon lights. Much better, but with PECO, eeewww!!! Pa-NPC na lang ta. :D
3. Its feasible to suburbia and other districts but not city proper. Besides, why go bus (given the small population as of this moment) if we can improve our passad jeepneys.
4. Leganes-Zarraga area is zoned for Industrial use.
5. Sa Western Visayas pwede pa. Hopefully someday, the Philippines as well. :okay:
6. Hopefully there would be.
7. I believe Phil Foremost is not an eyesore but a part of the urban landscape that we have as an agro-industrial island. How I wish the new convention center would be in the river BUT NOT IN THE CAPITOL GROUNDS. :(
8. Pwede man. :) But if the cultural revival in Iloilo will not go to into full gear, its fate may end as another ukay-ukayan like Allegro.
9. They started it na sa Hotel Del Rio. River cruise from Gaisano City to Molo is feasible (for tourism purposes pero daw boron kon himuon nga alternative public transportation na sya). When the Riverside plan (by 2010) would p;ush thru, the river itself is already an asset of the city, not as the "biggest CR" but the "biggest lure of tourists in the city." :)
10. We have to solve the water problems first in MIWD. Crisis during summer, surplus during rainy season.
11. I definitely agree! We need a bigger room for museum artifacts! Museo Iloilo has a lot of pix and artifacts that are not displayed due to lack of space.
12. Tani guid. But Guimarasnons right now would prefer to be seperated to foster more on their agro-tourism (quarantine their own mangoes against outside elements).
13. In the future...Pero daw kadaku sang sini. It may turn into another white elephant like the housing project.
14. We have to determine first the feasibility and the volume of passenger traffic between the places. This plan may be within 2 decades time or 3.
15. Pwede man.

@Space. Why apathetic MIG towns? Are we in Pavia kind of apathetic towards progress? Were doing our own part but most of us don't notice it. We cannot see the dramatic change within a short span of time. Iloilo back then took decades to be the Queen City.

well, we can start with the best asset of iloilo: its people!:) charming and sweet! one of the interesting things about iloilo are also its old churches. for a medium sized city, it has lots of them: from the grand jaro cathedral to the
vertically imposing molo church. then there's the st clement's church and the red-colored san jose church. out-of-the-city tour of the chuches in the surrounding towns can also prove rewarding! then there are the lopez clan's antique mansions. there's also one of the oldest protestant church bulidings near the jaro catheral (forgot the name though). then, there are the sumptous ilonggo delicacies. i'll start with the renowned lapaz batchoy. u can also try tatoy's manokan in the villa district. at night,there's the flourishing smallville area to cater to many of your night-owl instincts! and many more!:)

What if we make a Iloilo City Guide within a day? A walking tour for tourists. Especially during Dinagyang.

By the way, there are plans to seperate Kasadyahan from Dinagyang. Kasadyahan would bring emphasis to the Iloilo province's festivals like that of "Panaad sang Negros".

spacewagon1

June 21st, 2007, 09:39 AM

MAJOR CHANGES
Plagata mulls amendments to
Perimeter Boundary Ordinance
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Major amendments will be introduced to the Perimeter Boundary Ordinance (PBO) when the new set of city councilors starts convening next month.

The PBO regulates the entry of provincial public utility vehicles (PUV) to the city. It prohibits their entry to the city’s main thoroughfares without the valid car passes.

Among others, the problem on car passes will be ironed out, said Councilor Erwin Plagata who will be new chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities.

Car passes are issued to PUVs to enter the city. No car pass, no entry. This is specifically designed to limit the number of vehicles entering the city so as to decongest the city’s jammed streets.

Traffic congestion has become a problem in this city. Solving it is one of the priorities of the city government. Mayor Jerry Treñas has acknowledged that traffic congestion discourages investors from coming in.

“There are gray areas in the issuance of car passes. A lot of public transport organizations are mushrooming just to secure car passes,” Plagata told Panay News yesterday.

A transport organization’s access to car passes is limited to 30 percent of its total number of member-vehicles. The more the member of a transport group, the slower its members can secure a car pass.

Drivers have gotten around this by forming more associations with only a few members; the lesser the number of drivers in an organization, the faster a driver could get a car pass in making the rounds of the metropolis. The end result: traffic jam because of the many PUVs still entering the city.

One case in point is that of PUVs plying the Leganes-Iloilo City route and vice versa.

From the original two transport organizations, this route now has five drivers’ groups.

Once he chairs the committee, Plagata said, he would insist that his committee will be the one “to regulate the issuance of car passes as part of the regulatory power of the City Council.”

He said the Traffic Management and Engineering Unit (TMEU) should have been in-charge in regulating the car passes but it has no idea as to the number of car passes that have been issued to transport organizations.

Some of the amendments that Plagata wants to introduce to the PBO are:

* PUVs plying the Leganes-Iloilo City route and vice versa will only be allowed until SM City Iloilo, and shall make their turn to Jalandoni Street on their way back to Jaro Plaza going to Leganes

* PUVs plying the San Miguel-Iloilo City and vice versa shall make a turn to the old airport road in going to the city and shall return to their origin

* PUVs plying the Oton-Iloilo City route and vice versa shall only be until Molo district, making their turn at Brgy. San Pedro on their way back to Oton; and

* all PUVs plying the Sta. Barbara-Iloilo City route and vice versa shall only be until the transport terminal in Brgy. Ungka.

Prior to the implementation of these amendments, Plagata said his committee will conduct public hearings. All the affected sectors will be invited.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/main%20news.htm)

spacewagon1

June 21st, 2007, 09:44 AM

APEX Animation: Building
the Ilonggo animation industry
By ADELLE PACIFICAR

“IT’S called a light box. Animators can’t live without it,” said the thirty six-year-old Arnold Fuentes, APEX Animation and Creative Studio’s Head of Operations as he looked at his left where two young men in their early 20s did some quick and clean pencil maneuvers on the animation papers, illuminated by their light boxes.

APEX, the first animation studio in Western Visayas, started its operation on March 2007 and had its formal launching on April 2007. Its animators who undergone a 2d assistant animators training are products of PGMA scholarship program with the support of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST), and Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI).

According to Fuentes, APEX was formed after five of them from the day batch, including the 29-year-old Elstin Seguiban who now manages the studio, conceptualized of having a local animation studio in the region. To date, they have worked on some projects and one is the “Dreamer,” their first short film, which was used as a flag teaser during WVCST’s career guidance tour.

“Proud man kami kay nakaubra kami Barter of Panay (We’re also proud that we made an animation on Barter of Panay),” Fuentes expressed with a wide smile when his group played the animation based on the story of the negotiation between Ati Chief Marikudo and Bornean leader Datu Puti.

Fuentes hopes that APEX will create more animations dealing with the seemingly forgotten Ilonggo culture, like in the case of Barter of Panay, so children and future generations will be, not only entertained, but also be educated through animation.

Fuentes also added that they’re now working on the sequel of Barter, “The Forgotten Legacy.”

Barter of Panay, along with three other animations- “Kamalig,” “Medalyon,” and “Vacant Lot”- will be APEX’s entries to an animation contest this year, sponsored by ACPI.

With their animations, styles vary. Most of the Apex animators admitted that they adapt that of by Japan- the anime while others also venture on that of the Western’s. The group, however, want to develop what Fuentes calls “mangaville,” a style which is a fusion of Western and anime, with an Ilonggo touch.

Because the group is a hodge-podge of artists, software developers and programmers, the studio doesn’t only offer animation services such as 2D and 3D animation, flash animations and character designs, but also the following: web content design, mobile content, TV ads, and software and development.

Fuentes and Seguiban know well that putting up an animation studio, especially outside Metro Manila, is a struggle but they both believe that they have the passion.

“There’s no impossible to the willing heart,” said Fuentes, eyeing the storyboards on a wall of their studio, with the hope that more will come to life.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/people%20&%20places.htm)

spacewagon1

June 21st, 2007, 10:00 AM

Terminal for Guimaras pumpboat passengers eyed
By Maricar M. Calubiran

City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the plan to construct a pump boat terminal at the Fort San Pedro is now under way after Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Angelo Reyes made a positive response on the request of the city government for a P10 million budget.

Treñas said the terms and conditions for the construction of the terminal is now being finalized in the regional level. The proposed terminal will rise at the Rotary Park wherein the Philippine Coast Guard is currently located.

He said they will look for another area for the Coast Guard to occupy. The area will be developed to give passengers more comfort, accessibility and a better structure. At present, there is no structure like a terminal that serve as shelter for passengers for heat and rain. They only have a canopy.

The chief executive said tourists always complain that there is no good pump boat terminal from Iloilo City to Guimaras. The plan to construct a pump boat terminal will erase the bad impression made by tourists especially the foreign tourists on the non-availability of a terminal to cater to the need of the passengers.

Currently, there are two pump boat pick up points in the city, the one in Ortiz which caters to pump boats that dock in the town of Jordan and the other pick up point is in Fort San Pedro. It is near the proposed new pump boat terminal.

The plan for the construction of a pump boat terminal is also a joint effort between Iloilo City and Guimaras, both of which are members of the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC).

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/21/terminal.for.guimaras.pumpboat.passengers.eyed.html)

^^ ^^ another upcoming infra construction and beautification for Iloilo and Guimaras. Kudos Mayor Trenas ! :banana:

spacewagon1

June 21st, 2007, 10:14 AM

P200M feeder road project to link Lapaz, Molo districts
By Maricar M. Calubiran

To liven up economic activities along the Iloilo River, another P200 million worth of road project will be constructed from Gaisano City to Carpenters Bridge in Tabucan, Mandurriao. Out of the P200 million budget, P60 million is already sourced out.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the project will be constructed in routes where there is no need for the city government to exercise expropriation proceedings. He said no private property will be affected in the proposed P200 million road project.

The road project will be more of a feeder road, Treñas said, adding the funding source will be the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The city made a road investment proposal before the project was approved. The market price of properties are expected to increase dramatically because of the proposed road improvement. Real property owners near the soon to be developed areas will benefit from the project.

"The city invoked 'economic justification' for the approval of the feeder road," said Treñas.

There are several aspects to be considered in constructing feeder roads, these are the economic impact, social impact, traffic impact, sustainability of the project and environmental impact. Portions of the proposed site is consist of mangrove plantations.

Treñas said values of real property along the covered areas will increase. He envisioned that developers will invest on restaurant and hotels business as the project is facing the Iloilo River. The presence of the proposed project is also an additional alternate route in going to old airport site. The proposed new road project will likewise decongest traffic along General Luna in going to Molo or Mandurriao.

The old airport is currently subject of a bidding. The city government wants the prospective buyer to make portions of the property a theme park, an IT center and even a hospital. As to date, the Department of Finance (DoF) has yet to make its final decision over the bidding.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/21/p200m.feeder.road.project.to.link.lapaz.molo.districts.html)

^^ ^^ ^^ WOW ! Another good infra project will soon be realised. Iloilo City is constantly moving in a good pace in terms of economic development, business activities and infrastructure progression. Seems to me that Iloilo City is catching up for its lost time. As Chymera quoted in the past, "seems the whole city is underconstrction". Now is the best time for the "NeXt BIG Thing" to pick up the pace in terms of development.

eonynx

June 21st, 2007, 03:29 PM

The Cebuano Exultor

June 21st, 2007, 03:45 PM

Here's your wish(ful thinking) list on how Iloilo could become a major tourist destination, convention city and business hub nga gin-edit ko...hehe. :D
[The once that are highlighted are feasible while the once that aren't are pure fantasy/visionar/dream projects for Iloilo.]

1. Transform Calle Real into a pedestrianized heritage site.
2. Transform the corners of JM Basa, Iznart into a Times Square-like street with colourful neon lights and electronic billboards.
3. Ply high-tech but environmentally friendly buses within the city proper
4. Build world class resorts and hotels along the Zarraga to Leganes coastline that would eventually become a part of Greater Iloilo Area.
5. A central business district that could rival Makati along Diversion Road and within the old Mandurriao Airport. No one can supplant Makati's financial-might in the Philippine context/setting...not even the aggregate financial power of Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Bacolod and Cayan de Oro. :yes:
6. A world-class Zoo with dolphin shows.
7. A world class convention centre designed by Calatrava architects or Norman Foster located along the majestic Iloilo River (where the eyesore Foremost Milling is now) and could accomodate more than 10,000 guests at any given time.
8. The Regent Theatre transformed into an opera house. Opera ain't popular in Pinas...so...
9. River cruise along Iloilo River that could be transformed into a floating restaurant at night time.
10. More fountains in every plazas and major corners of the city - a la Rome.
11. A bigger Iloilo Museum and a Museum for Modern Arts.
12. A modern bridge to connect Iloilo and Guimaras. To escape the hustle and bustle of city life to a more sedate and relaxed lifestyle. More world class resorts all over the island of Guimaras.
13. A brand new olympic-sized 90,000 seat stadium located in Pavia, Zarraga or Oton. This is too big a venue for Iloilo.
14. Two central high-speed train stations that would connect Iloilo to the rest of Panay in no more than 3 hours. High Speed-train connection to the Iloilo International Airport from Jaro in 10-15 minutes.
15. More local and International sports event to be held in Iloilo. A formula one Iloilo Grand Prix would be nice. Formula One, or any motor sport for that matter, ain't popular in the Philippines.

IMPRESARIO

June 21st, 2007, 03:49 PM

eonynx

June 21st, 2007, 03:58 PM

^^ maybe the big reason for the inflated price(s) of the flyovers can also be attributed to the fact that many of the materials that will be used are imported. the road project materials on the other hand are likely to use local materials!:)

shyaman

June 21st, 2007, 04:12 PM

^^ I don't think so. I can't think of any imported materials that could possibly be used for these fly-overs that will make them more expensive to construct than any other flyovers in the country?

eonynx

June 21st, 2007, 04:24 PM

i read somewhere in here that many of the materials that will be used to construct the flyovers will be brought over from the UK. but then again, i'm not really that certain!:) anyway, i'm inclined to believe that constructing a flyover is more complicated than constructing a usual road. so maybe also, that more complicated construction process can also be the reason for its more expensive construction costs even if the materials are sourced locally:)

Rolls-Royce

June 21st, 2007, 04:35 PM

oboi

June 21st, 2007, 06:08 PM

^^ I don't think so. I can't think of any imported materials that could possibly be used for these fly-overs that will make them more expensive to construct than any other flyovers in the country?

Nong Shy (are you shy? :D), I think you are a materials engineer perhaps you can do a guestimate on how much should this flyover along Gen. Luna St. cost. :)

i read somewhere in here that many of the materials that will be used to construct the flyovers will be brought over from the UK. but then again, i'm not really that certain!:) anyway, i'm inclined to believe that constructing a flyover is more complicated than constructing a usual road. so maybe also, that more complicated construction process can also be the reason for its more expensive construction costs even if the materials are sourced locally:)

I don't think there's a necessity for the contractors to import materials from UK. What's so special with these 400M flyovers?

As a comparison, the C5-Boni Serrano/Katipunan interchange was completed at a cost of P678.9M in 2005. It's not just a mere flyover. This 1.2km interchange is composed of a 4-lane flyover, a 4-lane tunnel and service roads at both directions. Even if you factor the rising cost of labor and materials and the depreciation/appreciation of our currency against the US dollar, our flyovers shouldn't get this expensive to think that the one currently underconstruction is only 305.80 linear meters in length. :ohno: :rant:

Calling the attention of Acting Secretary of Justice...
I can say these flyover projects in Iloilo are overpriced and needs to be investigated. Unless... somebody who lives both in Tacas, Jaro, Iloilo City and in Valle Verde VI, Pasig City is pocketing a large sum from each flyover proposed. :ohno:

spacewagon1

June 21st, 2007, 06:17 PM

wow! P200 million? that's a huge budget for a road project! and it's good for iloilo because we all know how terrible the traffic situation has become in the city! it's really time for iloilo to open/construct new routes as most of the city roads we have were planned during the spanish times when horse drawn carriages were the king of the city streets!

actually, I'm not bothered with the price for any infras back home. The one that matters most is the implementation and realisation of the project. Sometimes people are just so hooked up with numbers, and from there damo na kita reklamo. But seeing all these developments going on, we can see that ILOILO is definitely moving. Soon, we'll be having a world-class ferry terminal for Iloilo-Guimaras pumpboats. One of Trenas' dreams to answer to the many comments and unhappiness of tourists visiting Guimaras using the "not-so-good" look of the present wharves in Iloilo. With the approval of the budget from DENR, the new ferry terminal soon find its way to service tourists, locals, businessesmen, etc plying Iloilo and Guimaras everyday.

Another good project is on the offing. The feeder road will surely boost the economic activity within LaPaz, Mandurriao and Molo districts. It will not only serve as an alternative route but will hasten economic activities within the area. And with the vision of hotels and restaurants lining Iloilo River, is already a very welcome indication of Iloilo's progression and beautification. IMO there are few more "new" roads in Iloilo for communters to use nowadays. By-pass roads are also available for mototrists.

^^for me,nothing can beat the P400 million flyover (each) project in iloilo,lol
he he. Imagine having four flyovers for Iloilo City alone within this year? The city will be filled with cranes in every corner. And to think that the Iloilo flyovers cost are way too high compared to other cities proposed flyovers, daw makibot ka man. Pero ako iya, wala ako reklamo. As long as the 400 million pesos times 4 will NOT be taken from the city coffers, okay na ina. Ti, aside from by-pass roads, feeder roads, road-widening, flyover will create another legendary route man to help ease the traffic. Salamaha sila amigo. he he.

^^ maybe the big reason for the inflated price(s) of the flyovers can also be attributed to the fact that many of the materials that will be used are imported. the road project materials on the other hand are likely to use local materials!:)
Accdg sa report, some of the items will be imported pa diri halin sa amon sa UK. he he. Ok man ina ah. I'm sure high quality gid ina iya. But I guess you'e right eonyx, it's the little bit of complexity in building a flyover compare to the usual road that make it more costly.

Budlay man ini sa aton kay sang wala project damo man kita reklamo. Sang damo na projects, reklamo man gihapon. Wala na ni palakadtu-an aton gobyerno. I do believe nga we want to comment and moan about sa mga proyekto but deep inside gusto ta man makita nga ma-implementar ang mga proyekto nga ini. Iloilo City deserves these projects. It's been a long time nga nagpa-ukoy man ta kay aton former mayors, iba man ila gina-suportahan. Time to think and re-assess the situation of our beloved city and continue to extend our help to make Ilonggos life better as the days go by. Remember, it's the perseverance of Iloilo City officials and the Ilonggo community that gave Iloilo City's annual budget 53% increased last year. For a city of less than a 70 sq km land area and with a budget of more than 1.25 billion pesos is already a big economic success for all of us. All we need is to continue supporting reforms by our local government.

Hala Bira ILOILO !

spacewagon1

June 21st, 2007, 06:44 PM

I do appreciate the comments on my wish(ful thinking list) however, some of them are just a product of my wild imagination. Formula One racing wasn't that popular in Malaysia, not long ago however, the Malaysian Grand Prix came into being. Since the inception of the Malaysian Gand Prix, it became a must see in the calendar of events of the Malaysian tourism authority. Motor Sport is a global sport and it attracts a lot of foreigners, not just by the locals of a certain country. It beggars belief that we Filipinos or as Ilonngos for that matter have limited choices of sport to watch in our backyard. Only a handful of sporting events are being held in Iloilo, local or national.
I support you wild imagination. he he. It's just a wishful thinking anyway. And speaking of Grand Prix, Hamilton (British) is doing really well. he he.

Although not all of them are achievable in a period of 5-10 years' time, okay gid siya. At least you've shared your vision with us para sa aton nga ciudad. We don't need to make all of them happened/realised however, make them as a guide man lang. Kabudlay man abi kay it seems some people take it in a very literal way. he he. Dibdibanay na gid iya ah. ng pamangkot dira nga kung puwede man lang, di ba?

Anyhow, we really need a big sporting event to raise awareness sa aton sporting side dira sa Iloilo. Iloilo )Barotac Nuevo) hosts the National Headquartes of Philippine Football Association today. I hope from there thing will evolve and a proper football arena will be constructed in Iloilo in a very near future. Right now, damgo lang anay ang tanan.

Thanks Space. As you know, Iloilo in my opinion is a living museum in itself, and we could attract millions of tourist given the chance. We have the heritage, old buildings and such like. Knowing the Japanese, Koreans and some of our neighbours would be dying to visit a city with a resemblance to a European city. It's just sad to know that a lot of people in Iloilo don't realize that there is a European in us, they don't have to look far. The influence we had from the Spaniards and Americans are right in our face. The potential is endless really
You're welcome Rolls. Pati gid ko sa imo migs nga there's always a European in us kay ti ari kita diri sa Europe mo. he he. Joke lang. I guessed you're right to say nga we don't have to look that far. We have the living evidence of the progressive old world in Iloilo. All we need is to develop them and turn tem into a heritage tourism. Ang pamangkot naman is the budget to support this kind of tourism in our homeland. It's a big challenge gid ina sa aton nga mga Ilonggos.

the charm of iloilo is the fusion of the past and present even as it is apparently, albeit somewhat belatedly, deadset for its future! with construction seemingly everywhere in the city, you can see modern malls slowly rising within stonethrow of antique structures. example of this is the expansion of SM Jaro which also happens to be near the jaro cathedral, the center of roman catholicism in wester visayas.
Any updates of SM Jaro expansion? Ano kadako ang gin-expand niya gid man horizontally? And how about the vertical expansion? Pila ang idugang nila nga floors sa SM Jaro?

@Space. Why apathetic MIG towns? Are we in Pavia kind of apathetic towards progress? Were doing our own part but most of us don't notice it. We cannot see the dramatic change within a short span of time. Iloilo back then took decades to be the Queen City.

Not only Pavia, Bern. The rest of MIG towns are apathetic. Just look at the business climate within the borders of Iloilo City and we could not find massive developments dira. Maybe ithe sprouting of number of first and second class subdivisions lang siguro, otherwise, wala na ko makita nga activities happening dira. Even sa mga news articles, I'm always looking forward nga tani I can read news like this business will be opening soon in any MIG towns ie a mall, office buildings, schools/university, manufacturing firms, etc. But there you go, daw wala gid. If we keep on believing that we'll wait for decades inorder for these towns to move then I hope MIG will still be an exisitng economic council not of Iloilo City alone by then. I wonder how these mayors meet, etc to further promote MIG developments? Even Pavia, being the RAIC has almost nil industrial investment for the last 10 years. Tani bala kung maghulag ang ciudad, hulag man ang other member towns. IMO, mas mapati pa ko nga mangin progreso ang Sta Barbara compare sa Pavia in less than 2 years. Ina kung ang mayor sang Pavia indi maghulag to promote Pavia as the best alternative business hub in Iloilo after Iloilo City.

oboi

June 21st, 2007, 06:48 PM

Figures back up the facts but well not everyone wants to know or hear the truth. Four flyovers at P400M each is P1.6B total. So I must turn a blind eye on this blatant display of overpricing, huh? Imagine how much will be pocketed by some government officials out of these flyovers. That huge sum of money can be used for other developments in our city. Perhaps, this shouldn't be our concern. Let these politicians pocket these pesos since we got these well-funded projects anyway. So I guess this is the new attitude I should be having from now on. I'll just be indifferent. Let the politicos do what they want while the taxpayers take the brunt of their greed. Let the majority wallow in poverty while the few squander the country's coffers. Is this how the government apply their so-called austerity measures? :ohno:

spacewagon1

June 21st, 2007, 06:59 PM

^^ well, everyone wants to know the truth, but it's already given. And we're not so sure anyway of the amount to be pocketed by politician(s) sa project nga ini. On whether or not may ara gid man tuod. We're just assuming, so they say. And besides, it's not the government of the city of Iloilo ang naga-fund sang sini nga project. It's from the national government thru the implementing department, DPWH. It's not that I don't like to whine myself (or hear somebody's whining) BUT if what we hear is always a complaint, it's dead disappointing.

Oh well, 'ika nga, we all view things in a different light. "Unity in Diversity". Cheers. :)

chymera00

June 21st, 2007, 07:26 PM

Good news nanaman ...

I've heard from a friend who passed by Carpenter's Bridge kaguina that Saviour International Hospital has put up a tarpoline/billboard, which shows the rendering of their expansion building. I'm gonna check it out tommorrow, ambal ya taas kuno but I'm not sure yet so indi ko lang anay pag hambalon kung pila man guid ka floors ang guin sugid niya (kag basi guin into ya lang ko). Share ko lang revelations ko tommorow :D

eonynx

June 21st, 2007, 07:39 PM

guys, anybody here fortunate enough to take pictures of the ongoing flyover expansion in front of upv? haven't gone home to iloilo for about 6 mos. now! i just hope the flyover doesnt cover the "up oblation" when viewed from the opposite side of the road! hehehe

IAMME

June 21st, 2007, 07:49 PM

oboi

June 21st, 2007, 08:09 PM

A welcome development for the city and province if that proposed expansion of SIH pushes through! :okay:

I know I said this before and I'm gonna say it again.

We need to invest more in top-notch medical infrastructures and better staff. Our churches and other heritage sites are come-ons to some tourists but not all. It's not really a tourist magnet for me. Manila (metro) has more historical sites packed densely in a smaller area yet it doesn't draw much tourists because of that. People come to Manila for shopping, entertainment and medical care.

Through medical tourism we can lure them to come to our city. It's a multi-billion dollar industry. With the influx of domestic and foreign patients seeking medical care in our city, our economy will surely boom even better. For me, we should have medical tourism as our main thrust in promoting the city. The local government hasn't tapped this yet or has seen the potentials it has. I hope SIH saw this vision and will help us propel to national recognition if not globally. I hope we can have hospitals in Iloilo that can be at par with St. Luke's and The Medical City (both are JCI-accredited and the only two in the Philippines) and having that will surely be another reason for us Ilonggos to be proud of. I hope the Lopezes will bring back investments in our city since they own The Medical City.

It's not just the hospitals that will reap from the boom of medical tourism but the whole economy of Iloilo as well. Patients and their relatives won't just be at the hospital the entire time but would love to explore the city and province too. They'll also would want to shop, dine and relax. All businesses will greatly benefit from it.

And that's my vision for Iloilo.

spacewagon1

June 21st, 2007, 08:26 PM

Capitol to acquire P500-M loan
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE provincial board approved Tuesday a P557-million loan from the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), bringing the capitol’s indebtedness to almost P1 billion.

Of the said amount, P350 million will be used for the construction of a convention center on the old Iloilo Rehabilitation Center lot just beside the new capitol building.

Aside from the convention center loan, the board also authorized another P217 million loan also from PVB to “take out” or absorb the Capitol’s loans with the Land Bank of the Philippines.

The committees on ways and means chaired by Board member Niel “Jun-Jun” Tupas Jr. and legal matters under BM Domingo Oso pushed for the approval of the said loans.

The two board members justified the loan saying PVB offered a lower interest rate at 7.9 percent per annum compared to LandBank’s 9 percent.

“The provincial government can pay its debts given the low interest rate,” they said.

Even if the PVB absorbs part of the Capitol’s debt to LandBank, the provincial government still has to repay some P215 million to the latter bank.

Two weeks ago, the board also authorized Governor Niel Tupas Sr. to negotiate loans with governmental financial institutions to finance the proposed convention center and information technology (IT) park.

The IT park, which will cost the provincial government some P380 million. will be constructed on a province-owned lot behind the Iloilo Sports Complex at Brgy. Magsaysay, LaPaz, Iloilo City.

Concerns have been raised about the burgeoning debts of the Capitol to fund infrastructure projects.

Earlier, The Daily Guardian reported that the Tupas-led Capitol’s loans could burgeon to more than P1 billion in this year. This figure exceeds the annual budget of the provincial government which is estimated at more than P800 million excluding the three supplemental budgets already approved by the board.

The Capitol is also servicing its P190 million loan for the construction of the new Capitol and another P100 million for the purchase of brand new heavy equipment.

Incoming Vice Governor Rolex Suplico has vowed to examine the loans and determine if the Capitol can pay all its obligations without prejudice to basic services.

But BM Tupas said the provincial can repay its debts as the proposed projects are income generating.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

^^ ^^ ^^ looks like the Capitol is too keen to start the Convention Center Project. I hope they'll reconsider the effect of higher loans compare to annual income. I'm pretty sure Iloilo Province will surpass the 1 billion mark annual budget this year due to an increase tax they'll get from the new airport. Moreso, since lots of new subdivisions are outside the city nowadays, real property tax will greatly improved as well.

oboi

June 21st, 2007, 08:27 PM

I have so much expectations of Iloilo based on news feeds I gather from here and the internet but was greatly disappointed with what I actually saw when I got there last April. It seems I didn't miss much while I was away.

__________________

There could be a need for us to build a flyover or two in the name of progress but I don't buy the rationale presented in building a total of 4 or 5 flyovers all over the city. I see these sudden flood of flyovers as cash cows for these money-hungry politicians. I am not against progess and development as long as long as its conscientiously done.

spacewagon1

June 21st, 2007, 08:30 PM

Consumer trend updates in IBC meeting
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

WHAT do you know of customers now?

This question will be answered during the general membership meeting of the Iloilo Business Club (IBC) today, June 22, at the Amigo Terrace Hotel.

Hans Lopez-Vito, vice president and head of the Strategic Planning group of McCann Erickson Phils., is the guest speaker of the IBC 2nd quarter meeting.

Lopez-Vito will speak on the latest consumer trends, updates in consumer preferences and lifestyle patterns to help the business sector understand today’s customers.
McCann Erickson Phils. is part of the McCann Erickson Worldwide, the largest and most globally experienced advertising agency network.

With offies in over 130 countries and almost eight decades of multinational experience, McCann Erickson handles more global accounts than any other ad agency and is recognized by many as the gold standard in global advertising.

The agency’s global resources, combined with vast local expertise, have made McCann Erickson as one of the top five agencies in almost every market.

It has major market agencies in Europe for more than 75 years, in Latin America for 70 years and in Asia Pacific for 45 years.

DOF exec denies bungling airport sale
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

DEPARTMENT of Finance (DOF) undersecretary for privatization John Philip Sevilla dismissed the alleged bungling of the sale of the 54-hectare old Iloilo Airport property in Mandurriao district.

Sevilla was referring to the statement of Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon saying “the privatization council bungled the auction by insisting the minimum bid price at P1.2 billion when the appraisal of the lot was only at P800 million to P1 billion.”

The May 9 bidding failed after the bidders’ offer, the highest of which was P1.089 billion, fell short of the target price.

Drilon on Monday criticized the privatization council tasked to dispose the old airport facility for the delayed sale of the property and thus the delay of possible economic benefits for Iloilo.
Sevilla heads the privatization task force composed of DOF, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Department of Justice (DOJ).

In an interview with Bert Ladera of RMN-Iloilo, Sevilla debunked Drilon’s claims.

“I’d rather not comment on opinion but give the facts. The minimum price of P1.2-billion was subjected to public bidding but the bidders offered below it. Thus, the property is open for negotiated sale subject to the law. However, it was not a successful attempt. But we can’t change the minimum price. Even if it is a negotiated sale, the bidders should meet the minimum price,” Sevilla said.

Sevilla added: “The appraisal was part of the inputs (to come up with the bid price) but whatever the minimum price set was the judgment call by the privatization council. The DOF presented and recommended the price which was approved by the council.”

“There are people who believed that the price was high while others believed it was still low. I just want to give facts rather than respond to statements – that’s his (Drilon) own opinion,” Sevilla pointed out in response to Drilon’s allegations.

“Generally, when we privatize government assets, the issue of prices is always controversial––we are used to that. What we can assure is that we have followed the process on selling the old airport. The sale is very transparent––we are open to facts,” said Sevilla.

Sevilla said, “We can accept offers if anybody want to negotiate.”

“We have not decided for the next step yet. Although, personally, it seemed clear that if the government insists on the P1.2-billion bid price, the old airport might not sell. Thus, the government should decide on this,” the DOF executive said.

Sevilla earlier announced that the old airport site can fetch around P500 million to P2 billion in revenues.

He had based the estimated price of the airport on the property value assessments conducted by international commercial real estate services firm CB Richard Ellis.

City council live on boob tube
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

ILOILO City residents can now keep track of the performance of their councilors during Sangguniang Panlungsod sessions right in the comfort of their homes.

With over a week before he assumes the second highest post in the city, Vice Mayor-elect Jed Patrick Mabilog said he will have SP sessions aired live over cable TV outlets “to provide our constituents the chance to see how their officials perform.”

Mabilog said a cable TV provider has agreed to cover the sessions for free.

“This move will compel our colleagues in the council to perform their functions and to do their homework before taking to the rostrum. Some of them are expected to do some ‘pasikat’ or grandstanding but they should do their homework to avoid public embarrassment,” Mabilog said.

Mabilog said he expects the SP members to become more active in participating in debates if there is live TV coverage.
“Some of our councilors are not that proactive. They don’t debate and discuss. If there is live coverage, there is a big possibility that they will participate. But before they can plunge into the debate, they must be aware of the agenda, do some research and prepare their piece. They will become more active and come up with very relevant measures,” he added.

Mabilog also wants to link the SP to the information highway by providing Internet connection to all offices, particularly the councilors.

He said the Internet can help city councilors when drafting and forming their ordinances and other proposals.

A high tech City council will also help the SP save on paper.

“We can use the Internet technology to facilitate the flow of documents from one office to another. Instead of passing around papers, the councilors can access documents using their computers. And we can save money for buying paper,” he said.

Mabilog said the savings will be used to smarten up the SP offices at the Terminal Market, popularly known as Super Market.

“We want to maintain the cleanliness of the offices, particularly the comfort rooms. I later learned that the utility personnel don’t have cleaning materials. I’m still looking for ways on how to come with funds for such materials,” Mabilog said.

Treñas mad over MIWD diggings
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas was mad over the uncovered diggings of several private contractors hired by the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) to install waterlines all over the metropolis.

Treñas ordered City Engineer’s Office (CEO) chief Engr. Marito Amatorio to stop issuing permits for the installation of waterlines until the unfinished excavations are restored.

“I had been irritated by the unattended diggings that my blood pressure went up. I had been telling the MIWD about it even before Dinagyang Festival last January,” Treñas told reporters.

The mayor had urged MIWD to take a clear action on the diggings “because the city looked like a war-zone with these holes” when a lot of visitors came over for Dinagyang.

Earlier, Treñas had obliged MIWD project engineer Jerry Guillergan to address the eyesores which might create inconvenience to the public.
He explained that the MIWD project is covered by an ordinance that provides for the MIWD-hired contractors to fill back the excavated portions.

“Under the project, the city has no obligation to restore the diggings since it is the contractor’s responsibility. The city only helped out because they can’t cope up with diggings and excess materials,” Treñas clarified.

In an earlier interview, Guillergan said diggings in some areas are not restored yet because they are still conducting hydro-testing, a process which involves excavation to trace leakages in the pipelines.

“After the hydro-testing, there is a transfer of service connection lines from old to new one that would take about three days to a week per block. In case of leaking, we have to do repairs,” he added.

MIWD’s overall system rehabilitation is being undertaken through the P207-million Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)-Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s Small Town Water Supply Sector Project.

Guillergan said the plan then renamed Metro Iloilo Water Supply Improvement Rehabilitation Project is established to replace the dilapidating pipelines.

“The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate our pipelines which were first constructed in 1926 while we have been experiencing leakages that resulted to losses,” said Guillergan.

He said about 75 percent of the project was already completed in the city proper area and they hope to finish by December last year.

Guillergan said they posted 87 percent accomplishment for the whole of MIWD-serviced areas including the city and towns of Maasin, Cabatuan, Oton, San Miguel, and Leganes.

The project works in these areas was bidded out and started October 2005 but Iloilo City’s completion took longer because of wider coverage.

Guillergan said there could have been a spillover up to last January although they tried to finish the rehabilitation of all pipelines by December of last year.

He said they had a series of meeting with CEO and Traffic Management and Engineering Unit (TMEU) to ensure that the excavation works would not interrupt traffic flow along the major thoroughfares.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (www.theguardianiloilo.ph)