Roads and bridges in Iloilo during the American rule

In the last decades of the Spanish rule, there were probably no better roads found in the Philippine Islands outside of Manila than in the Province of Iloilo, but from lack of attention, they had fallen into a state of deterioration. Consideration that the prosperity of the City and Province was also greatly dependent upon the facilities for transportation and communication, the American administration spent substantial amounts for road improvements in the province.

During the first months of 1902, the Provincial Board, utilizing the loan of P94,000 granted by the Philippine Commission, undertook the construction and repair of the principal roads of the Province, with the dual purpose of providing good roads and of furnishing work to the common people. The project was put under the immediate responsibility of the Provincial Supervisor. However, the work was stopped in the latter month due to the appearance of cholera. The government had to re-channel the funds in order to combat this urgent epidemic. Thus, only the road from Jaro to Sta. Barbara was completed (Report of the Governor of the Province of Iloilo, 1905).

In 1904, 36 kms. of roads from the town of Iloilo to the interior sections were reported repaired. This placed the provincial capitol in an easier communication with the more proximate towns of the Province. Later, repaired roads reached roads reached as far as Guimbal to the south, Banate to the north and Janiuay to the inland interior, with a cost of P82,73 (Ibid). Repairs were also made on the bridges in Jaro and Mandurriao, and on the road between Iloilo and La Paz, and from Jaro to Pavia, and that of Leganes to Zarraga.

In 1907, many improvements were made. A number of concrete and wooden bridges and culverts were constructed and facilitated communication among many towns. Many roads were reconstructed, among them: the Hibao-an road that joined the municipalities of Mandurriao and San Miguel. The following year, the Forbes Bridge connecting Iloilo with La Paz on the way to Jaro was constructed during the administration of Ruperto Montinola as Governor Iloilo. The concrete structure replaced the temporary structure made of wood and bamboo used during the Spanish period. The bridge was named in honor of the American Governor-General, W.Cameron Forbes.

Street projects continued progressively all throughout the 1920s, especially in the town of Iloilo. They were the construction of the Baluarte and Arroyo streets, extension of Delgado Street to Valeria and from Fuentes and Jalandoni streets up to the present-day U.P. in the Visayas. Quezon and Mabini streets were asphalted while their sidewalks were also constructed. More significant was the installation of streetlights all throughout the city in 1921. in 1926, the widening of important streets, like General Luna, J.M. Basa and Ledesma was started. In 1927, an improved street, Valeria-Ledesma (formerly known as Weyler) was inaugurated (David 1937).

In the early 1930s, many construction projects were accomplished. These were the 330 meters Guimbal bridge, reputed to be the longest in Panay at that time and even up to the present; Tigbauan concrete bridge, Halawud (Jalaur) bridge, Tiolas River bridge, Tigum River bridge, and the Miag-ao River bridge. Thus, by 1935, Iloilo Province maintained a total of 404.8 kms. of first class and 111 kms of second and third class roads. Of these, 36.5 kms were asphalt-paved and 2 ms. were concrete-paved.

source: The News (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/05/roads.and.bridges.in.iloilo.during.the.american.rule.html)

i just read on the bombo website that dinagyang was again voted as the best tourism event in the country during the 2007 atop convention in camarines. 2nd was the maskara festival and 3rd was the paraw regatta. congratulations to western visayas!

http://www.bomboradyo.com/bombonewsview.asp?ID=2660

Congratulations to Iloilo City for topping Western Visayas COA report when it comes to economic profile.

Congratulations to Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta for besting the tourism event in the country to date.

Hala Bira ! :banana: :banana:

^^ You're right.

Why add more cities when they all look like towns where instead we can not have more cities but improve the current ones.

Ayus Migs Space!
It's because ....... hahahahahaha. Amo ina ang in sa aton iya.
Guys, thanks for posting pertinent information regariding our city's profile. It will definitely help us a lot to sort out our priorities. And like Space's said, this is a good analytical tool for all of us Ilonggos to reflect on where we want our city to go in the next few years to come. Otherwise, a big congratulations to all !

quoted from adelro2049.... i just read on the bombo website that dinagyang was again voted as the best tourism event in the country during the 2007 atop convention in camarines. 2nd was the maskara festival and 3rd was the paraw regatta. congratulations to western visayas!



^^ Congratulations to Western Visayas for these additonal laurels on its beautiful head! :banana::tyty: :rock:

That's right, Icarus.

Dinagyang and Ati-Atihan are two of the best festivals in the country to date. I hope Iloilo and Aklan will continue to collaborate on their exchanges and make Panay the haven of tourists in the years to come.

posting the Ilonggo news from Bombo:

Dinagyang Festival sang Iloilo liwat ginkilala bilang Best Tourism Event sa bug-os nga pungsod
Ilonggo News

Doble ang kadalag-an nga naangkon sang Dinagyang Festival sang siyudad sang Iloilo, matapos nga liwat ini ginkilala bilang Best Tourism Event in the Philippines, sa bag-o gid lamang natapos nga 8th ATOP national convention nga ginpatigayon sa Camarines Sur.

Sa awarding ceremony kagab-i, nagpanguna ang Dinagyang Festival sang siyudad sang Iloilo bilang Best Tourism Event sa bug-os nga Pilipinas, ginsundan sang Masskara Festival sang siyudad sang Bacolod, kag nagpangatlo naman ang Paraw Regatta sa gihapon sang siyudad sang Iloilo.

Suno kay Mr. Ben Jimena, ang Executive Director sang Dinagyang Foundation nga ang nasambit nga kompetisyon ang ginbase sa documentary report nga ila ginpresentar, kun sa diin nakabalhag ang tanan nga nagakatabo sa ti-on sang selebrasyon, ang kadamuon sang mga tawo nga nagasaksi sa festival kag ang ila mga reaksyon, kag ang epekto sang kahiwatan sa industriya sang turismo sang isa ka lugar.

Ginpahayag pa ni Jimena nga ang nasambit nga pagpasidungog ang isa ka kahigayunan agud labi pa nga makilala ang Dinagyang Festival sang Iloilo.

Madumduman nga sang nakaligad nga tuig, ginkilala man ang Dinagyang bilang Best Tourism Event in the Philippines.


source: Bombo Radyo Philippines (http://www.bomboradyo.com/bombonewsview.asp?ID=2660)

kanami basahon sang ilonggo news ah. nice clipping, space.

there's actually one article about fashion in the Guardian. I'm just too lazy to post it here. :lol: :lol: inabot ako sang katamaron ko mga nonoy.

posting the Ilonggo news from Bombo:

Dinagyang Festival sang Iloilo liwat ginkilala bilang Best Tourism Event sa bug-os nga pungsod
Ilonggo News

Doble ang kadalag-an nga naangkon sang Dinagyang Festival sang siyudad sang Iloilo, matapos nga liwat ini ginkilala bilang Best Tourism Event in the Philippines, sa bag-o gid lamang natapos nga 8th ATOP national convention nga ginpatigayon sa Camarines Sur.

Sa awarding ceremony kagab-i, nagpanguna ang Dinagyang Festival sang siyudad sang Iloilo bilang Best Tourism Event sa bug-os nga Pilipinas, ginsundan sang Masskara Festival sang siyudad sang Bacolod, kag nagpangatlo naman ang Paraw Regatta sa gihapon sang siyudad sang Iloilo.

Suno kay Mr. Ben Jimena, ang Executive Director sang Dinagyang Foundation nga ang nasambit nga kompetisyon ang ginbase sa documentary report nga ila ginpresentar, kun sa diin nakabalhag ang tanan nga nagakatabo sa ti-on sang selebrasyon, ang kadamuon sang mga tawo nga nagasaksi sa festival kag ang ila mga reaksyon, kag ang epekto sang kahiwatan sa industriya sang turismo sang isa ka lugar.

Ginpahayag pa ni Jimena nga ang nasambit nga pagpasidungog ang isa ka kahigayunan agud labi pa nga makilala ang Dinagyang Festival sang Iloilo.

Madumduman nga sang nakaligad nga tuig, ginkilala man ang Dinagyang bilang Best Tourism Event in the Philippines.


source: Bombo Radyo Philippines (http://www.bomboradyo.com/bombonewsview.asp?ID=2660)

Yes! :banana: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Congrats to all!

I wish Bola bola will rise again. :banana:

Saint Paul Hospital had the first kidney center outside MM...

http://www.stpaulshospitaliloilo.com/spice.htm

SPH's Expansion...
http://www.stpaulshospitaliloilo.com/images/building.gif

This is one of the best hospitals in the region and they have the most, if not one of, complete equipment, even with the top of the line MRI.

Go go go SPH! Number pa rin sa Nursing in the whole country!

asus. Sige lang, Noy. he he

Yes! :banana: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Congrats to all!

I wish Bola bola will rise again. :banana:
Is Tribu Bola-bola competing next year? I hope we'll see the list of tribes as early as november or decenber. Then we can take our bet. he he

Saint Paul Hospital had the first kidney center outside MM...

http://www.stpaulshospitaliloilo.com/spice.htm

SPH's Expansion...
http://www.stpaulshospitaliloilo.com/images/building.gif

This is one of the best hospitals in the region and they have the most, if not one of, complete equipment, even with the top of the line MRI.

Go go go SPH! Number pa rin sa Nursing in the whole country!
I like the look of St Paul's Hospital. When are they planning to start the construction for expansion?

Is Tribu Bola-bola competing next year? I hope we'll see the list of tribes as early as november or decenber. Then we can take our bet. he he

:ohno:
No. INHS doesn't seem to have the funds, as what I've heard. Sayang. The last time they joined, they won 3 out of the 5 major awards and they only garnered 3rd?! That's something to ponder on.

it's exciting. I would love to see the rising of the New Ateneo de Iloilo Campus. Any more renderings, IloiloCityKid?

something's missing, I guess. We'll check it with Mrs Amaguin na lang siguro.

I like the look of St Paul's Hospital. When are they planning to start the construction for expansion?

I don't know when but I know Ateneo Campus' construction will be in 54 days. There's a countdown in their site.

something's missing, I guess. We'll check it with Mrs Amaguin na lang siguro.

Sir, she retired last year. :ohno:
Very outstanding woman and so many accomplishments to date. Sayang

it's exciting. I would love to see the rising of the New Ateneo de Iloilo Campus. Any more renderings, IloiloCityKid?

As of now, I have no more news. That's all I saw this day. Btw, flyover is still not being finished! :ohno:

I don't know when but I know Ateneo Campus' construction will be in 54 days. There's a countdown in their site.
let's keep our hopes up that the construction will start as scheduled. Ateneo de Iloilo is another big addition to our already growing and progressive educational system in Iloilo City.

Sir, she retired last year. :ohno:
Very outstanding woman and so many accomplishments to date. Sayang
I've seen her once during here commencement speech. She's absolutely brilliant. I hope INHS-Special Science will maintain its high-standard after Amaguin.

guys,ano ang sched ng weeesam from iloilo to bacolod? wala kasing davao-bacolod na flight :( davao-iloilo lang 8am ata aalis ng cebu (connecting flight) so siguro mga 9AM nasa downtown na ako?

Bacolod - Iloilo & Vice Versa
Daily (Morning Schedule)
6:30 am / 8:00 am / 9:30 am / 11:00 am
Daily (Afternoon Schedule)
1:00 pm / 2:30 pm / 4:00 pm / 5:35 pms

Yes, it's a 1 hour trip

The drums are starting to beat once again ... Dinagyang 2008 schedule already posted in IFDI Official Site: http://www.dinagyangfoundation.com

^^bah! may plans si mayor to bring a dinagyang group to Europe in 2008, per that website. cool!

Bacolod - Iloilo & Vice Versa
Daily (Morning Schedule)
6:30 am / 8:00 am / 9:30 am / 11:00 am
Daily (Afternoon Schedule)
1:00 pm / 2:30 pm / 4:00 pm / 5:35 pms

Yes, it's a 1 hour trip

nice, so i can take the afternoon trip na lang (230PM) para mag laag laag sa ko sa iloilo :D

The drums are starting to beat once again ... Dinagyang 2008 schedule already posted in IFDI Official Site: http://www.dinagyangfoundation.com

^^bah! may plans si mayor to bring a dinagyang group to Europe in 2008, per that website. cool!

agood and welcome news to all of us here in Europe. I hope the Spain one will be in Barcelona and I hope they'll post the schedule ahead of time so Ilonggos and Filipinos here abroad will have ample of time to request for their days off and holidays in view of the upcoming Dinagyang in Europe.

Anyhow, thanks for sharing the info. I'll try to review all information later.

Cheers.

;15759993']guys,ano ang sched ng weeesam from iloilo to bacolod? wala kasing davao-bacolod na flight :( davao-iloilo lang 8am ata aalis ng cebu (connecting flight) so siguro mga 9AM nasa downtown na ako?

;15761076']nice, so i can take the afternoon trip na lang (230PM) para mag laag laag sa ko sa iloilo :D
hope you'll enjoy your upcoming visit in Iloilo, Waway. Welcome ka gid sa Iloilo.

Btw, are you planning to spend a half day in Iloilo before going back to Davao? Tani maka-one whole day ka man for you to have enough time to roam around downtown area and visit some beautiful churches around the city.

syempre, since my trip would probably be:

a. davao-iloilo (via cebu) by plane then weesam to bacolod and v.v.

or

b. davao-gensan (bus) gensan-bcd (superferry) then bcd-ilo (weesam) tapos ilo-dvo (via cebu) by plane :D

la pa final date, la pa time to buy ticket..anyway i still have about 2 weeks :D

but if di man ako makatagal sa ilo on my way to bcd, pauwi ko ng davao mag overnight talaga ako sa iloilo :D

nice plans, waway. Anyhow, enjoy and keep us informed. I'm sure SSC-Iloilo forumers will be delighted for your visit.

Focus on education, health
programs, local execs urged

ILOILO City – Newly appointed Presidential Assistant for Panay and Guimaras Islands Dr. Raul Banias is urging municipal and provincial officials here to know the state of education and health status of their localities for them to be able to come up with right action plans inspite of the many limiting factors.

Banias stressed that the need to address the two concerns was part of the major thrusts of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as spelled out in her 10-point agenda.

“I am committed to advocate this to our municipal and provincial officials. If they only know the state of education in their locality I am very certain that they can find funds, more than the special education fund that they can use to address the many education concerns,” he said.

His advocacy on health reforms he said goes with the fact that he is a doctor and during his stint as mayor of Concepcion he has initiated programs that benefited the nine towns of northern Iloilo.

He was able to source out funds for educational reforms, specifically on improving the reading skills and comprehension of public school students through his linkages at the International Visitors Program, which is a US State Department initiated program.

Likewise, he was instrumental in sourcing out from the Aurelio Continual Foundation financial support for a reading program that was launched at the Jaro II Elementary School in Iloilo City.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras8.htm)

nice plans, waway. Anyhow, enjoy and keep us informed. I'm sure SSC-Iloilo forumers will be delighted for your visit.

may mga "coyote-ugly" type bars ba kayo dyan? hehe :colgate:

nope, its the complete OPPOSITE... IRA means in simple term kung ikaw estudyante amo na allowance mo. The higher IRA means you are very dependent for your BUDGET and SUSTAINABILITY... also it could mean a lot of things is being SUBSIDIZED by Government. Or also if the city has low earnings it has to get the BUDGET elsewhere like in this case through IRA (Internal ALLOTment Revenue)

SO LOWER IRA means you have more income to facilitate your daily/weekly "gastusin" or OPERATIONAL COST.... or it could translate to being more progressive... cause you are LESS DEPENDENT for your needs.

kung sa aton pa nga halambalon... taas IRA meaning salaguron pa, kung nubo na IRA or wala na pwede ka na mag on your OWN... Just like QC... wala na sila need for IRA kay dako ila earnings. Clear? I hope di na maglibog ulo mo Bird.

FYI :)

oh yeah...Gin text ko gid kahapon ang teacher ko last year sa Social Studies amo man na ginhambal ya parte sa IRA:lol:Si sir is a graduate, cum laude, he majored in Political Science and Business Administration..kaya mas damu sya nabal an:) kay maalam mo:lol:

^^ As far as I know, wala. Sorry Boyet :lol:
Iloilo is not that liberated yet. :)

Sir, she retired last year. :ohno:
Very outstanding woman and so many accomplishments to date. Sayang

for me, shes the best and most brilliant principal INHS ever had!

^^ No, IMO...Iloilo City ever had. She transformed that drug-addict/murderer/holdaper/rapist haven that we used to call a shcool to the country's number 1 secondary school and made the school the only member of SEAMEO from the country. The teachers undergo a year or two of training in Japan. I forgot her other accomplishments but it's posted just near the guardhouse.

Amaguin is the best.

^^ i fully feel what you said! i'm an alumna of this school! she's a tough act to follow indeed!

Teletech SM City
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2095/1506811966_558395ce49.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2410/1506794616_f87e8e4045.jpg?v=0

Soon to open Goldilocks SM Annex Delgado
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2313/1505938797_39807dd893.jpg?v=0
La Sallette Building
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2273/1505942587_bcc8737020.jpg?v=0
Queen Bank and Equitable Bank
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/1505945787_5589029344.jpg?v=0
SM Delgado
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2319/1505948447_b7da8087ac.jpg?v=0

Guys time to say goodbye! This is my last post here. Im gonna miss you all!Hope to see you here again. Good Luck and Goodbye!!!

Guys time to say goodbye! This is my last post here. Im gonna miss you all!Hope to see you here again. Good Luck and Goodbye!!!
Aw malakt ka nmn? I mean masakay gle ...

Guys time to say goodbye! This is my last post here. Im gonna miss you all!Hope to see you here again. Good Luck and Goodbye!!!

Goodluck to you, too, Collin. Bon Voyage Amico !

Dinagyang, Paraw win best even plums
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

ILOILO City won twin honors in the tourism industry during the national convention of the Association of Tourism Officer (ATOP) of the Philippines in Camarines Sur.

For the second time since last year, Dinagyang festival won the best tourism event plum, besting other festivals around the country.

The Paraw Regatta festival, a race of colorful sailboats in the Iloilo-Guimaras Strait, won third place also in the best tourism event awards.

Bacolod City’s Masskara festival placed second.

ATOP is the organization of tourism officers in all local government units in the country.

The organization’s purpose is to study and develop strategies and programs that will boost tourism potentials in the Philippines.

ATOP has been giving recognition to achievers in the tourism industry through the Best Tourism Practices Awards.

The awards acknowledge the Most Outstanding Tourism Officer of the Philippines, Best Tourism Event in the Philippines, Most Outstanding Tourism Officers Club of the Philippines, and Best Tourism Week in the Philippines.

Iloilo City will host the ATOP national convention next year.

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

Winery Tourism In Iloilo
By Bombette G. Marin
Photos by Romeo “Toby” Pagulayan Jr. (PALI)

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/trsm3O3.jpg
The newly-packaged Pototan red and white rice wines

Dedicated to promoting the manufacture of quality wines, the province of Iloilo is fast becoming one of the finest wine-producing provinces in the region.

The municipality of Pototan, the region’s leading rice-producing province, and Passi City, known as the pineapple capital of Iloilo, have organized groups of concerned growers and wine-makers dedicated to advancing rice and pineapple wines both domestically and abroad.

Growers and wine-makers combine science with traditional techniques and their reputation for producing quality wines is firmly established for an over-growing global market.

Their shared ideas forged the foundation of producing quality wines, marking an important point in the province’s wine history.

The scenic rice fields of Pototan – a town 29 kilometers away from the city of Iloilo – is the main source of livelihood of the people of Barangay Pajo. The barangay takes pride in its POTOTAN RICE WINE exclusively made by their barangay officials.

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/trsm6O3.jpg

CPU tourism students managing Pototan booth in the recent TUMANDOK celebration at Robinsons mall

Pototan Rice Wine was officially launched during the 2nd TUMANDOK Celebration in 2006. With the support and encouragement of their very active municipal mayor Pablo Perez, the Department of Agriculture is also in the production of rice wine.

Rice wine is a rich-flavored liquid made from fermented rice. It has been a popular alcoholic drink in China around 2500 B.C. and is consumed in very large quantities during festivals, social gatherings and holidays.

It comes second to soy sauce in terms of importance to Chinese cuisine sinc eit is used to tenderize meat and seafood marinades and imparts flavor to food when used as sauce.

Many fruits can be made into wine. And with the pineapple-covered farmlands of Barangay Pagaypay, one of the 51 barangays of Passi City – a town 50 kilometers away from Iloilo City – the fun and zingy, mellow pineapple blend of SONTER’S (Sons and Daughters) PINEAPPLE WINE is something not to be missed.

It is a light wine that lingers on the palate with a fruity finish. It has a good acidity perfect with a light meal or a summer barbecue. It can be served for all occasions.

The Pagaypay 4H Club is the main producer of this soft, semi-dry wine. Currently with 55 members, the club is managed by Liza Detore with Ricky Suplico as president.

Our local wines are some of the bestsellers during tourism trade fairs. They are great alternatives for anyone who enjoys drinking popular brands. Our wines also have all the versatility of popular brands but they have more character.

These are easy wines for food pairings and drinkable on their own. They are a remarkable value that demonstrates the potential of Iloilo province.

There is a feeling among wine lovers that a fine wine tastes even better if consumed in the place where it was made. Why not test this theory?

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

‘Best in the world’
Concepcion’s anti-poverty program cited
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

THE coastal municipality of Concepcion in northern Iloilo has been recognized as a prime mover in the poverty alleviation initiatives of the United Nations, said former mayor Raul Banias.

Banias, now presidential assistant for Panay and Guimaras, said he was invited to speak of the anti-poverty program before the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) 2nd World Congress in Jeju, Korea, Oct. 26-31.

The Barcelona-based UCLG represents and defends the interests of local governments on the world stage – regardless of the size of the communities they serve.

The organization’s mission is to be the united voice and world advocate of democratic local self-government, promoting its values, objectives and interests through cooperation between local governments and within the wider international community.

Banias said the UCLG is one of the parallel organizations under global funding giant World Bank.

“I will present our program which was awarded by Galing Pook Foundation and the United Nations on local initiatives to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),” Banias told reporters.

The MDGs aim at halving poverty, improving health to ensuring environmental stability, among others.

“The program is the Zero Poverty 2020 and integration of population on health and environment programs. This was chosen as one of the best practices in the world for program in social inclusion – meaning the one encompassing all sectors of communities,” Banias explained.

“It’s a program that responds to the many cries of the poor for help – giving voices for the poor,” he stressed.

Banias said the initiative was recognized during the UCLG meeting in Barcelona, Spain few weeks ago where he was invited on all-expense paid trip for the Korea forum to be joined by 138 countries and 2000 delegates.

“The success has been measured as far as poverty reduction shown in data available using the minimum basic needs survey that the poverty incidence has been reducing significantly from a high of 87 percent in 2000 to 47 percent in 2004,” Banias disclosed.

“Meaning, if we have to look at it, we have almost cut half (of) the poverty incidence,” he affirmed.

Banias added: “If we would like really to sincerely address poverty, it is not just about livelihood and adding income but one important component is to listen to the voice of the poor.”

“Meaning, we have to involve this sector and engage them in development planning – so that even if they see that the local government has minimal resources – they would know that it responds to their needs,” he asserted.

“We have been assessed twice a month by local governments units from all over the country and we are even visited by foreign countries to see how we have been implementing the project with the hope they will replicate it in their respective areas,” said Banias.

Concepcion bagged the Galing Pook Foundation Awards 2006’s Special Citation on Local Capacity Innovations for the MDGs.

“Poverty is our greatest challenge. But we have set our dream to eradicate poverty with passion, professionalism and good governance,” said Banias of what best illustrates the conviction of the leaders and residents in their efforts to free the fourth-class municipality from poverty.

“The measures they have adopted have earned the municipality the distinction as a ‘living university’ and a ‘laboratory of replication’ of pioneering initiatives,” the award stated.

“Banias, himself a medical doctor is aware of the requirements for people to be healthy, the programs helped in halving the incidence of poverty in the area in a span of only four years, and increased income and reduced infant mortality,” it said.

Meanwhile, since its creation in May 2004, UCLG has worked tirelessly towards a formal advisory role for local government within the UN.

UCLG believes the UN can only develop truly effective global policies by consulting those people who have the experience and know-how to implement the policies on the ground: mayors and local governments.

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

Goodluck to you, too, Collin. Bon Voyage Amico !
Well Good Luck on your trip :D Till a few months later nlng eh :)

Dinagyang, Paraw win best even plums
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

ILOILO City won twin honors in the tourism industry during the national convention of the Association of Tourism Officer (ATOP) of the Philippines in Camarines Sur.

For the second time since last year, Dinagyang festival won the best tourism event plum, besting other festivals around the country.

The Paraw Regatta festival, a race of colorful sailboats in the Iloilo-Guimaras Strait, won third place also in the best tourism event awards.

Bacolod City’s Masskara festival placed second.

ATOP is the organization of tourism officers in all local government units in the country.

The organization’s purpose is to study and develop strategies and programs that will boost tourism potentials in the Philippines.

ATOP has been giving recognition to achievers in the tourism industry through the Best Tourism Practices Awards.

The awards acknowledge the Most Outstanding Tourism Officer of the Philippines, Best Tourism Event in the Philippines, Most Outstanding Tourism Officers Club of the Philippines, and Best Tourism Week in the Philippines.

Iloilo City will host the ATOP national convention next year.

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

wow! we have an ilonggo sweep this year! for three straight years now, dinagyang has been winning this award! i'm glad this year, masskara and paraw regata won also. a testament to the ilonggo creativity in hosting festivals. i hope these awards will translate to more successes of all three festivals and become even bigger and better in the coming years! congratulations to dinagyang, masskara and paraw regata!:)

waaaaaa walang flight davao-iloilo :(

^^ sa pagkaalam ko, the flight connections are davao-cebu-iloilo.:)

P1.3-B projects set in Iloilo, Guimaras
DANNY FAJARDO

ILOILO CITY -— The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has endorsed P1.362-billion worth of projects for Metro Iloilo that would cover improvements of roads and bridges in the two provinces.

Danilo Peroy, DPWH planning division officer-in-charge, said the amount will be used for the improvements of the 1.73-kilometer stretch from Diversion Bridge to Tabucan Airport Road worth P170 million; a one-kilometer road from Jalandoni bridge to Diversion Road worth P60 million, and .82-kilometer road from Jalandoni to Tabucan Bridge estimated at P70 million.

Meanwhile, the proposed road asphalting and widening improvements from the Montinola Bridge to Buntatala in Jaro, near the boundary of Iloilo City and Leganes Iloilo with a length of 6.067 kilometers, was estimated to cost P109.5 million.

The biggest proposed project is the construction of the first level of Iloilo City’s 14.18-kilometer circumferential road estimated to cost some P1.022 billion.

Metro Iloilo covers the municipalities of Pavia, Sta. Barbara, Leganes, San Miguel, Oton, and Iloilo City.

But the projects are concentrated in Iloilo City and when completed, will provide alternative routes and access roads for vehicles coming from the said neighboring municipalities.

Peroy said they hoped to receive favorable results for the proposed projects.

He said they are awaiting approval of the projects by the DPWH central office to facilitate availability of funds for the projects.

Meanwhile, Peroy said the DPWH will construct P119.323-million worth of infrastructure projects in Guimaras in 2008.

Peroy said funds for the projects will be sourced from the congressional development fund of Congressman Rahman Nava, the DPWH, and Urgent Bridge Construction for Rural Development of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

The projects to be funded locally include the construction and re-blocking of the one-kilometer Guimaras circumferential road worth P20 million; concreting of another 1.8 kilometer stretch of the circumferential road, P30 million, and concreting of the 1.13 central road from San Miguel to Constancia estimated to cost P18 million.

source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20071008105178.html)

;15774480']waaaaaa walang flight davao-iloilo :(

Naa pud oi! ILO-DVO via CEB through 5J (CebPac) and 2P (AirPhil), all morning flights. :D

Have not been checking SSC...Ano naman ni, inaway naman liwat between Iloilo and Bacolod? Haynakupo, palarehas man ta Ilonggo, dason daw makadlaw lang ang mga Ilonggo kag Bacolodnon sa gwa sang SSC. Kay kon tinuod nga may inaway, ti ginsuspender na guro ang fastcraft services sa duha ka ciudad ai.

Anyway, mapost lang ko karon kay magkitaay kami.

Regarding the Iloilo Airport update, I better keep it a secret in order to avoid hypes and misinformation or misinterpretation. :D

ILIASCO questions 'eligible' rating given to two port services bidders

The Ilonggo arrastre services company that is bidding to reclaim the contract to provide cargo handling services at the Iloilo River Wharf here in Iloilo City is asking the chairman of the Philippine Ports Authority's (PPA) Bids and Awards Committee to mark as "ineligible" two participating bidders earlier rated by the members of the BAC as "eligible."

In a letter dated October 1, 2007 and sent to Port District Office Manager Raul Santos, who also chairs the BAC, Atty. Gerson P. Espinosa, Sr., president and chief executive officer of the Iloilo Integrated Arrastre Services Corporation (ILIASCO), questioned the BAC's decision to give an "eligible" rating to both the Prudential Customs Brokerage and Services, Inc. (PCBSI) and Filipinas Port Services, Inc. (FILPORTS) despite the two firms' non-submission of a valid and current mayor's permit/municipal license as required in the PPA's Checklist for Eligibility Requirements and Section 23.6, paragraph 1 (b) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184.

"During the opening of bids (conducted on September 17, 2007 in Cebu City), we have learned that you have rated as 'Eligible' the eligibility requirements as contained in the Eligibility Envelopes of the two (2) participating bidders (PCBSI and FILPORTS)… We have also found out that the afore-named bidders have not submitted a valid and current Mayor's Permit duly approved and issued by the City Government of Iloilo. It is our strong contention that the participating bidders must submit and possess a valid and current Mayor's Permit where the Cargo Handling Services is to be provided, basically because of the fact that a business entity cannot operate in Iloilo City without the required Mayor's and/or Business Permit," part of the letter stated.

The letter went on to say that since the operation for the privatized cargo handling services would immediately commence upon the award of the contract and execution thereof, "it is therefore necessary that all the participating bidders must, at the time of the public bidding, already possess a valid and current Mayor's Permit."

"Hence, the requirement as regards the Mayor's Permit as therein contained in the Checklist and as stated in the IRR of R.A. 9184 should be strictly construed to be a Mayor's Permit where the cargo handling services is to be provided, in this case a Mayor's Permit issued by the City of Iloilo," the letter added.

Espinosa said ILIASCO's representatives during the said bidding in Cebu were unable to express their objections to the "Eligible" rating given to both PCBSI and FILPORTS in compliance to one of the rules conveyed at the start of the Opening of Bids that "no questions will be entertained."

"In view of the foregoing, it is herein interposed that the eligibility requirements submitted by PCBSI and FILPORTS should be rated as "Ineligible" for their failure to submit a valid and current Mayor's Permit in the City of Iloilo, pursuant to Section 23.2 of the IRR of R.A. 9184, which states that: '23.2. X x x. In this regard, failure to submit a requirement, or an incomplete or patently insufficient submission, shall be considered 'failed' for the particular eligibility requirement concerned. X x x. If a prospective bidder is rated as 'failed' in any of the eligibility requirements, it shall be considered ineligible to participate in the bidding, and the BAC shall mark the set of eligibility documents of the prospective bidder concerned as 'ineligible.'"

"Wherefore, we are hereby interposing our strong objection to the initial finding of the herein members of the BAC in rating the eligibility requirements (Eligibility Envelopes) submitted by PCBSI and FILPORTS as 'Eligible,'" the letter stated in conclusion.

Aside from ILIASCO, the Makati-based PCBSI and the Davao-based FILPORTS, the other company that submitted a bid for the 10-year cargo handling services contract at the Iloilo River Wharf is the Consolidated Port Management Services, Inc. (CPMSI) of Iloilo.

ILIASCO's major shareholders include Fast Cargo Corp. of the Chongbian family; Feliciano Casing of Cebu; company president Atty. Gerson Espinosa, Sr.; and Helen Jimenea Divinagracia, who sits in the board after the death of original director Antonio Jimenea; among others.

ILIASCO, which had previously operated cargo handling services in the Iloilo River Wharf, has maintained a clean and solid reputation as a foremost arrastre services company in the Visayas since its inception way back in 1975, mostly because of its president Atty. Gerson Espinosa, Sr., a well-respected businessman here in the city. It presently operates cargo handling services at the Fort San Pedro area.

To note, there were reports PCBSI is being favored to win the contract due to the alleged support and influence of Negros Occidental fifth district Rep. Ignacio Arroyo, who is rumored to be the "special friend" of a certain Grace Ibuna, whose family owns the said corporation.

RP's first: Iloilo town bans, criminalizes plastic-use
By Florence F. Hibionada

Plastic cellophanes 'endangered specie' soon? If the Municipal Government of Santa Barbara, Iloilo is to be followed, it will be.


In fact, a warning is now out to all residents and visitors that not only is it illegal here now to litter and scatter plastics and wrappers, the Municipal Government has also outlawed and criminalized its use.

As such, vendors, traders, business establishments and locals themselves are prohibited to use plastic bags. If caught, a hefty fine awaits the violators with no less than Santa Barbara Mayor Isabelo Maquino leading the information campaign. A letter was also individually sent to all residents in the past month with Mayor Maquino explaining the rationale of the ordinance.

The message is clear - it is all about saving the environment and Santa Barbara's aggressive drive to become "eco-friendly."

"Ang Gobyerno Munisipal sang Santa Barbara naga dihon sang isa ka ordinansa nga ipahibalo nila sa ila mga suki o kon manugbakal nga magdala sang ila kaugalingon nga suludlan sa tion nga sila ang magbakal sa tindahan. Tinutuyo naton nga maibanan ang ginagamit nga plastic cellophane kag kung mahimo nga aton untaton ang pag-gamit sini (The Municipal Government of Santa Barbara passed an ordinance requesting the vendors and customers to bring their own bags when going to the market. The purpose is to lessen the use of plastic cellophane and if possible, stop its use)," the Mayor's letter to the vendors as obtained by The News Today (TNT) went.

The prohibition took effect last week and is in full swing this week and the coming weeks. The exception only applies to ice candy, ice water sellers and retailers of salt, sugar, coffee and milk. Other than them the selected few, "tanan nga mga pamalaklon dapat isulod sa libon, katsa, alat kag iban pa nga eco-friendly nga suludlan (all purchased goods must be placed inside native basket, bag made of cloth and other similar eco-friendly bags)."

Maquino went on to further explain and warn the locals that continued burning of cellophane plastic releases harmful chemicals to the environment. Such, the mayor warned, causes various ailments such as cancer, asthma, chronic bronchitis, nervous system damage, developmental problems on children, birth defects and miscarriages, skin rashes, persistent coughs and throat irritations.

Mayor Maquino also shared how Bangladesh implemented a total ban on plastic bags back in 2002 citing environmental threat.

"Nagapatimaan lamang ini nga kung maobra sang iban nga pungsod nga madula ang plastic cellophane sa ila bilog nga nasyon, masarangan ta man diri sa banwa sang Santa Barbara nga dulaon ang plastic cellophane. Kung ini matigayon, kita ang pinakauna nga banwa sa bilog nga Pilipinas ang makadula sang plastic cellophane paagi sa ordinansa (This only shows that if other nations can stop the use of plastic cellophane then we can also do it here in Santa Barbara. If this happens, we will be the first town to do this through an ordinance)," the mayor in his letter of appeal ended.

Law student leaders tie up with IBP – Iloilo

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/IBPlaw.JPG
Law students with Atty Virgilio T. Teruel (sitting), IBP – Iloilo Chapter President: (From left) Atty. Rutchel Hechanova; PO2 Francisco B Lindero Jr., UI, In Solidum Frasority president; Raul Docdocil (UI); Ana Mae Pedregosa, ALSP – Visayas Secretary; Mark Borres, former ALSP - national vice president; Donel Traspoto – USA-Sigma Alpha Lex 1st vice president; Khristopher Ian Magboo, ALSP-Visayas vice chairman; Glaiza Lava, CPU - Order of Kalantiao Committee on Public Affairs head; and, Jesusa Mendiola (CPU). Photo courtesy of Diana May C Reyes

STUDENT leaders from three law schools in Iloilo City recently visited the office of Atty Virgilio T. Teruel, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter, to discuss possible areas of cooperation relative to the upcoming activities of the Association of Law Students Philippines (ALSP).

Among the concerns which Teruel and the student leaders discussed are the financial support/sponsorship and availability of resource persons for selected activities of the ALSP.

The ALSP is a law students organization composed of more than 60 law schools nationwide.

The Colleges of Law of the University of Iloilo; University of San Agustin and Central Philippine University are active members of the ALSP and have hosted the ALSP regional and national Conferences the past two years.

This year, the ALSP officers and student leaders of the three law schools organized several activities to develop camaraderie, social awareness and legal knowledge among law students not only in Iloilo City but also other law schools in Panay and neighboring islands.

Among the upcoming activities of the ALSP is the Moot Court Seminar Workshop on October 24-25, 2007 to be held at the University of San Agustin.

The workshop is geared towards helping the law students develop their skills in legal brief writing and oral advocacy.

The resource lecturer of the seminar workshop is Atty, Ralph A. Sarmiento, Philippine National Administrator of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition and a faculty of St. La Salle University – College of Law in Bacolod City.

“I joined once in a Moot Court. And, we want our fellow students to experience and learn the skills of this activity,” explained UI – In Solidum Frasority president Francisco Lindero Jr., who attended the Moot Court Workshop in University of San Carlos, Cebu City last May 2007.

On October 26-29, 2007, the ALSP will hold the 4th Regional Conference in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

In pursuit of the theme, “Becoming Lawyers with a Conscience,” delegates from different law schools in the Visayas Region are expected to participate in various academic and social activities aimed at molding future lawyers who have a strong sense of legal ethics and an undying compassion for the welfare of the marginalized and the environment.

Siliman University will host this year’s conference.

ALSP officers and student leaders of UI, CPU and USA also partnered to hold the 1st Iloilo Law Students’ Week February 11-16, 2008.

“The Iloilo Law Students’ Week is a way of bringing to unity and cooperation the law students in the three law schools in Iloilo City,” said former ALSP national vice president Mark Borres.

The organizers will ask the support of the Iloilo City Council to pass an ordinance declaring the 2nd week of February as Iloilo Law Student’s Week.

I'm for the phase out of plastic bags but must be in a gradual phase.

You can't get rid of it easily. Here in Australia, plastic bags are widely used in grocery supermarkets but a resuable grocery bag was slowly introduced to shoppers more than a year ago and its sold at an affordable price. Yet still, only a handful of the population are currently using the grocery bag.

It will be a very big problem in the Philippines if plastic bags will be banned. What will be the alternative to plastic bags? Paper bags could not carry the weight of canned and bottled products unless you carry it with both hands, with one hand at the bottom of the bag for support. Paper bags will also have an environmental impact. More trees will be needed to be cut to cope with the demand of paper bag production. Recycling is an option but the production of recycled paper nowadays can not even cope with the demand for it anymore.

Worse, what sort of packing material will you use for seafoods you buy from the wet market to avoid it from dripping?

Perhaps, if total ban will be implemented, there will be a resurgence of the bayong in Philippine culture once again... the Pinoy shopping bag!

^^ Perhaps the best solution would be to genetically modify trees so that they grow faster.

^^ ^^ same here, Shy. Slowly, they are changing plastic bags into a paper one plus a drive for re-using plastics are encouraged.

Camp Delgado PECO bill reaches P2M mark, electric bill 4 months unpaid:ohno:

Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 Headquarters in Camp Delgado, Iloilo City is among the 'delinquent' payers of Panay Electric Company (PECO).

Yet thanks to the longstanding agreement, PECO can not serve a "Notice of Disconnection" to PRO 6 top brass. As such, power remains throughout the PRO 6 premises, home of the region's top cops and headquarters of police units in Western Visayas. And this, despite the electric bills piling up since the month of June.

PECO condonation of the overdue PRO 6 account comes with a catch though as it imposes an interest to the four-month unpaid amount.

In a report, The News Today (TNT) gathered that latest PRO 6 PECO bill is nearing the P2 million mark, P504,950.78 of which is only interest due to date.

For the month of June, PRO 6 posted a balance of P369,252.80 while month of July generated electric consumption of P401,039.31. The month of August saw a decrease with PRO 6 bill amounting to P303,387.22 and month of September pegged at P330,225.97.

In similar 'league' is the Iloilo Provincial Government with an unsettled "final bill" of P842,192.60. Capitol was served the notice back in July still with its electric meter pulled out last week of June. The Capitol is now using its sub-station amidst intent to generate substantial savings and stable power supply for its operations.

Naa pud oi! ILO-DVO via CEB through 5J (CebPac) and 2P (AirPhil), all morning flights. :D

Have not been checking SSC...Ano naman ni, inaway naman liwat between Iloilo and Bacolod? Haynakupo, palarehas man ta Ilonggo, dason daw makadlaw lang ang mga Ilonggo kag Bacolodnon sa gwa sang SSC. Kay kon tinuod nga may inaway, ti ginsuspender na guro ang fastcraft services sa duha ka ciudad ai.

Anyway, mapost lang ko karon kay magkitaay kami.

Regarding the Iloilo Airport update, I better keep it a secret in order to avoid hypes and misinformation or misinterpretation. :D

tried booking online via 5j and wala daw flight (tapos ang ilo-ilo davao is via manila WTF?) maybe kasi busy season ngayon dahil sa masskara?

might take 2p na lang (waaaaa yoko ng airphil)

nice updates. Guys, are we officially taking this title to our next thread or we can make another new one, it's not new actually but I want Heart of the Philippines as title of our thread. :banana:

P1.3-B projects set in Iloilo, Guimaras
DANNY FAJARDO

ILOILO CITY -— The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has endorsed P1.362-billion worth of projects for Metro Iloilo that would cover improvements of roads and bridges in the two provinces.

Danilo Peroy, DPWH planning division officer-in-charge, said the amount will be used for the improvements of the 1.73-kilometer stretch from Diversion Bridge to Tabucan Airport Road worth P170 million; a one-kilometer road from Jalandoni bridge to Diversion Road worth P60 million, and .82-kilometer road from Jalandoni to Tabucan Bridge estimated at P70 million.

Meanwhile, the proposed road asphalting and widening improvements from the Montinola Bridge to Buntatala in Jaro, near the boundary of Iloilo City and Leganes Iloilo with a length of 6.067 kilometers, was estimated to cost P109.5 million.

The biggest proposed project is the construction of the first level of Iloilo City’s 14.18-kilometer circumferential road estimated to cost some P1.022 billion.

Metro Iloilo covers the municipalities of Pavia, Sta. Barbara, Leganes, San Miguel, Oton, and Iloilo City.

But the projects are concentrated in Iloilo City and when completed, will provide alternative routes and access roads for vehicles coming from the said neighboring municipalities.

Peroy said they hoped to receive favorable results for the proposed projects.

He said they are awaiting approval of the projects by the DPWH central office to facilitate availability of funds for the projects.

Meanwhile, Peroy said the DPWH will construct P119.323-million worth of infrastructure projects in Guimaras in 2008.

Peroy said funds for the projects will be sourced from the congressional development fund of Congressman Rahman Nava, the DPWH, and Urgent Bridge Construction for Rural Development of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

The projects to be funded locally include the construction and re-blocking of the one-kilometer Guimaras circumferential road worth P20 million; concreting of another 1.8 kilometer stretch of the circumferential road, P30 million, and concreting of the 1.13 central road from San Miguel to Constancia estimated to cost P18 million.

source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20071008105178.html)

when do we supposed to know whether they'll approve this or not? We could not wait for a long time and keep delaying the projects.

BIR-Zarraga exceeds goal

ILOILO – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (District Office-75) in Zarraga, Iloilo performed very well last month. It overshot its goal by over 61 percent.

RDO-75, covering 27 towns and one component city of Passi, has a total collection of P46,751,540 for the month of September alone, or an excess of P17,762,540 from its goal.

According to Atty. Jose Rimi Lebrilla, Chief Revenue Officer, there is bigger chance that they would again overshoot their monthly goal this October as his office is exerting more effort to campaign for collection.

He said that despite some hitches in collection because of the lean months, the forthcoming quarter, which is a harvest season, offers bright prospects not only for Zarraga office but also for other BIR offices all over the country.

Meanwhile, RDO-75 has a new head in the person of Ms. Mansueta R. Rios. She recently transferred from her previous assignment in Bacolod City.

The lady RDO, whose laudable performance in Bacolod City has been her inspiration to double time, also announced that on October 16, a seminar on Tax Education and Information Dissemination Campaign will be held at the Zarraga Covered Gym.

All government accountants, finance officers and treasurers are invited to attend the seminar and learn about year-end adjustments and other updates relative to withholding tax compliance.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/iloilo4.htm

Dinagyang keeps title
as ‘best tourism event’
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Dinagyang Festival won a back-to-back victory as the country’s premiere celebration during the recently concluded meeting of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP).

City Tourism Officer Benito Jimena said the city’s prime festivity bagged the highest votes among the country’s tourism officers as the Best Tourism Event of the Philippines in a gathering at Camarines Sur.

Mayor Jerry Treñas welcomed the development, saying it continues to put the metropolis in the limelight.

Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival was considered the second best festival. Iloilo’s Paraw Regatta came third.

The top three festivities chosen by the country’s tourism officers are all from Western Visayas’ highly urbanized cities.

Paraw Regatta, the country’s premiere sailboat competition, is being held here during the first quarter of the year.


from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/iloilo3.htm

DPWH sets rehab of Iloilo City streets
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – The Department o Public Works and Highways (DPWH) girds for the pavement resurfacing of the city’s thoroughfares stretching from Yulo-Delgado Streets, funded from the agency’s Special Local Road Fund (SLRF) under its Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) Law.

DPWH and the city government already inked a memorandum of agreement for the pavement rehabilitation worth P1.336 million. It will include roadside maintenance, drainage improvement and bridge and structure maintenance, among others.

The DPWH shall assist the local government unit in installing and operating an approved budget tracking system and to conduct assessment on the progress and quality of the road maintenance, road safety and traffic management projects.

The MVUC Law provides that money collected under the Act “shall be earmarked solely and used exclusively for road maintenance and improvement of road drainage; for the installation of adequate and efficient traffic lights and road safety devices; and for air pollution control.”

The agreement was signed by DPWH Assistant Regional Director for Maintenance Operations Emilio Gabarda Jr. and Mayor Jerry Treñas.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras4.htm

when do we supposed to know whether they'll approve this or not? We could not wait for a long time and keep delaying the projects.

i thought the city government is already rolling up its sleeves on these projects? or at least, on some of them.

DBP forest program benefits Iloilo and Guimaras

The Development Bank of the Philippines’ Forest Program was launched in April 2005 to support and encourage the reforestation of open and denuded areas by planting relatively high value fruit trees and other useful species.

The program is envisioned to contribute to the protection of coastal areas and the conservation of soil and water in the uplands, while improving spawning grounds for terrestrial and marine aquatic life.

With a seed fund amounting to P50 million from Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) of Germany, the program taps as forest partners the state universities and colleges (SUC), local government units (LGU), and people’s organization (PO’s) that have been awarded Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) agreements.
In Panay Area, DBP has partnered with West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Panobolon Mangrove Growers Asssociation, Inc. (PMGAI). Both projects were launched in December of 2005.

Located inside the WVSU Lambunao Campus in Lambunao, Iloilo, high value fruit and forest trees seedlings are continuously being planted to cover 500 hectares.

As of March 31, 2007, a total of 28,570 fruit trees seedlings and 14,980 ilang-ilang and bamboo seedlings were planted on 190 hectares of land. Other fruit trees planted were durian, pomelo, lanzones and cashew.

DBP, with the assistance of the Provincial Government of Guimaras, also partnered with PMGAI to establish a 26.46-hectare mangrove plantation in Panobolon Island, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

The project also aims to increase forest cover, protect shoreline from erosion/ siltation, enhance improvements of habitat for fishes and other aquatic animals, and to protect/conserve existing mangrove forest.

As of May 17, 2007, 13.43 hectares were planted with mangrove seedlings.

PMGAI members have committed to rehabilitate and monitor the 47,962 seedlings affected by the oil spill.

Under this partnership, DBP provides initial funding support for the purchase of planting stocks, administrative and maintenance expenses.

Partner POs composed of farmers and fishermen in beneficiary communities handle actual planting and cultivation, site preparation and other necessary forest/plantation activities.

The DBP Forest Project was conferred the Most Outstanding Environmental Development Project Award by the Association of Development Financial Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) May 9, 2006 during its 29th Annual Meeting held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

As DBP President Reynaldo G. David declared during the awarding ceremonies: “We have always believed that progress must not take its toll on the environment. Believing that good ecology is good economics, we have always directed our efforts at achieving best of the worlds – a healthy environment and a progressive economy.

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

nice updates. Guys, are we officially taking this title to our next thread or we can make another new one, it's not new actually but I want Heart of the Philippines as title of our thread. :banana:
we don't know yet. I'll stop when I reached the thousandths post for them to start the thread. Otherwise, I'll take up your suggestion of renaming Iloilo thread as "Iloilo: The Heart of the Philippines!"

Metro Iloilo jeepneys’
strike fizzles out
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Transport groups of municipalities comprising Metro Iloilo stayed off the streets yesterday to protest the city government’s traffic experiment affecting their routes, but their move failed.

It was business as usual for this city, said Mayor Jerry Treñas.

The transport groups were from the towns of San Miguel, Leganes, Oton and Sta. Barbara. They claimed that the traffic experiment affected their income.

“I have received no reports of passengers having a hard time reporting to work (because of the transport strike),” Treñas said.

Not all the passenger jeepeneys from the said towns joined the transport strike.

Treñas said transport operator Lydia Songano had informed him of the transport strike last week yet. “(She) said they would not lodge a transport strike. But they want the full implementation of the Perimeter Boundary Ordinance,” he added.

The PBO prohibits provincial public utility vehicles from entering the city’s main thoroughfares but allows public utility vehicles plying Metro Iloilo towns to penetrate the city’s prime business district.

At present, however, provincial public utility vehicles are still allowed to enter the city provided they have car passes.

On Sunday, Treñas said, Songano informed him that they might not able to “control” their drivers.

Songano is the president of the newly-created transport organization comprising the Metro Iloilo towns.

Treñas said he made several rounds of the different transport terminals to check the situation and had instructed Traffic Management and Engineering Unit’s Robert Foerster and Councilor Erwin Plagata to do the same to ensure peace and order.

Around 11 a.m., Treñas said, the striking drivers resumed their operations.

The PBO was designed to decongest Iloilo City’s frequently jammed streets. Treñas said traffic congestion is a big turn-off to potential investors.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/iloilo1.htm)

Iloilo City things to see - and feel.


For food, check out Valeria-Delagado Street, dubbed as the Food Center of the City

For nightlife partying, check out Smallville Complex and Riverside Boardwalk.

For a taste of culture, check out Museo Iloilo and our beautiful mansions and during January, get ready for the Dinagyang Festival, the best the Philippines has right now

For a place to stay, numerous hotels have been sprouting lately. Newly opened ones include Riverside Inn, Westown Hotel and Castle Hotel. Moritz Hotel and Urban Inn are now being constructed.

For shopping, go to SM City Iloilo, Robinsons Iloilo, Gaisano City, Marymart, Amigo and Atrium Malls. SM City, Robinsons and Gaisano are also the biggest in the region. The classic Calle Real is also a great shopping destination.

For beaches, Southern Iloilo offers the best feel of the beach while Villa Beach is also a great place to have fun.



Iloilo City is more than Churches or Malls; You to be here to feel what she really is. :lol:

Thread 39 na tayu! Wooooooohh :banana:

I made a new thread, my first one :lol:

Requesting locking this thread :lock:

ILOILO : More Than The Usual Sights!
~ Thread XXXIX ~

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8342/iloilofuentepd2.gif

I thought we agreed already on a generic title :|

we already have a consensus regarding the generic title of the iloilo city thread. it was proposed by samwisegamgee back then that won the majority votes of the forumers.

^^ Sorry about that. I thought we can still do this. Mods, please feel free to do change the title.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/09/tupas_tn.jpg

Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. (center) yesterday appointed as Warden of the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC) Senior Supt. Ricardo De la Paz (left), officer-in-charge of the Iloilo Provincial Police Office. De la Paz replaced retired police Supt. Juan Mabugat who is on indefinite leave. At right is retired police Supt. Roberto Nufable.

Traffic experimentation to go on

Public utility jeepneys (PUJs) under the Metro Iloilo Development Council (MIDC) yesterday held a strike in protest of the traffic experimentation being implemented by the city government.

of PUJs from Oton, San Miguel and Sta. Barbara stopped operating early in the morning to protest the cutting of their routes which allegedly caused them economic hardship.

An official of a drivers association in Oton said that they seldom get passengers in their new route. "The drivers become hungry. Their earnings are just enough to pay for the rental and gasoline," the official said.

The 30-day traffic experimentation which started last October 1 limits the entry of PUJs from nearby municipalities to the city proper.

The affected drivers complained that the experimentation is unfair as the Perimeter Boundary Ordinance (PBO) is not implemented well.

City Mayor Jerry Treñas lamented the move of the drivers but he said they should bear with the inconvenience as this (traffic experimentation) is for everybody.

Treñas said officials of the different drivers organizations informed him of the planned strike last Sunday. He said it is their own prerogative but "we also have to pursue with our plans to address the traffic problem in the city."

Treñas noted that mayors of the affected towns where the PUJs originate have not intervened with the traffic experimentation being implemented by the city.

AFP official dodges attack
By Florence F. Hibionada

Some forty locals of a hinterland village in Leon, Iloilo cordoned off an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) here from a potential attack Sunday evening.

In a report, The News Today (TNT) got the confirmation of the incident that said to have placed the life of AFP Captain Lowen Gil Marquez and his family in danger. Marquez is the commanding officer of the AFP's 3rd Civil Relations Group and is in the forefront of the AFP's insurgency campaign.

Reached for comment, Captain Marquez said he had the matter reported to the town police as he went on to identify his alleged principal attacker, one Joven Tababa. The suspect, Marquez added, is known for his alias "Ka Randy" and reportedly an organic member of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA), the splinter armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Ka Randy was purportedly with a "private army," all fully-armed and appeared to be ready for battle. Captain Marquez said he recalled seeing at least six armed men, two visibly brandishing long-arms and the others with short side-arms.

Labeling the confrontation as clear harassment and direct threat to his life and his family, Captain Marquez decried the actuations of the suspect and his associates.

As such, he called for intervention and action from RPA top brass saying it is a must that abusive acts of its members cum comrades be stopped. The RPA is currently involved in peace talks with the Philippine Government.

"The incident happened early evening in Barangay Camando," Captain Marquez said in a TNT interview. "I was there with my family for a personal visit with old friends and classmates, Leon being my hometown. Then this Ka Randy appeared with his group and demanded to talk to me. But I can see that he was drunk or at least was under the influence of alcohol so the people in the barangay refused to let him come close to me. The people protected me though he clearly wanted to ‘engage'. He even pointed his .38 caliber to one resident. It was at that time that I decided to leave the premises with my family. The people surrounded us and walked with us some 500 meters to the main road."

Marquez said it was the first time he ever had a physical confrontation with the suspect. In fact, off hand he cannot give a motive to the unprovoked attacked.

"I hope these harassments do not continue and the RPA higher-ups can do something about it," Captain Marquez ended.

It was not immediately clear what further actions, if any, will be pursued out of Sunday's incident.

Dinagyang is Best Tourism Event in the country
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Dinagyang Festival was again awarded as the Best Tourism Event in the country in the recent 8th National Convention of the Association of Tourism Operators in the Philippines (ATOP) held in Camarines Sur last week.

Dinagyang bested at least nine other festivals from other cities in the country including its rival Sinulog festival of Cebu. In 2006, Dinagyang also bagged the top award in the tourism event.

The Masskara Festival of Bacolod City was adjudged as second place while the Paraw Regatta, also of Iloilo landed on the 3rd place.

With the recent development in the city's tourism, Mayor Jerry Treñas said Ilonggos should be proud of the Dinagyang's awards.

"This is not only for one person or group, but it is for everyone. The pride and honor Dinagyang festival has brought to Iloilo should be an ownership of the entire Ilonggo," Treñas said.

The achievement should also serve as vehicle for all Ilonggos who have families in the US, Europe and different parts of the globe to invite them during the Dinagyang festival. The award will encourage more tourists to come to Iloilo and witness the yearly festival, the mayor added.

The yearly festival which is in honor of Sto. Nino is also supported and promoted by the United Nations Millennium Development Goal.

:cheers: We're the best - again...

DPWH sets rehab of Iloilo City streets

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – The Department o Public Works and Highways (DPWH) girds for the pavement resurfacing of the city’s thoroughfares stretching from Yulo-Delgado Streets, funded from the agency’s Special Local Road Fund (SLRF) under its Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) Law.

DPWH and the city government already inked a memorandum of agreement for the pavement rehabilitation worth P1.336 million. It will include roadside maintenance, drainage improvement and bridge and structure maintenance, among others.

The DPWH shall assist the local government unit in installing and operating an approved budget tracking system and to conduct assessment on the progress and quality of the road maintenance, road safety and traffic management projects.

The MVUC Law provides that money collected under the Act “shall be earmarked solely and used exclusively for road maintenance and improvement of road drainage; for the installation of adequate and efficient traffic lights and road safety devices; and for air pollution control.”

The agreement was signed by DPWH Assistant Regional Director for Maintenance Operations Emilio Gabarda Jr. and Mayor Jerry Treñas.

SUSPENDED CONTRACT

DPWH probes discrepancies in flyover project
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/frontO9.jpg
STANDING IDLE:Motorists and passengers will have to endure for a while until the DPWH has completed its investigation on the discrepancies in the construction of this P400-million flyover project. (FAA)

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is investigating purported discrepancies committed by the contractor of the P400-million flyover spanning General Luna and MH Del Pilar Streets.

DPWH regional director Rolando Asis said the project is now 90 percent completed based on accomplishment report by the contractor.

^^ :ohno: P400M ang budget and now this!?

Thank you for starting the thread, IloiloCityKid.

To All:

Welcome to Iloilo:

"The Heart of the Philippines"

Thread 39

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

City stakes claim as
RP's ‘convention site’

ILOILO City – This metropolis stakes its claim as the convention destination of the Philippines, with nine such activities since January this year,” city tourism officer Benito Jimena boasted.

National organizations which conducted their conventions here were the Save the Children Foundation, Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET), National Private Schools Athletic Association or PRISAA, Sheriffs Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), Association of Local Civil Registrars, Lions Internationl, Philippine Association of Secondary School Administrators and the Agriculture Summit.

The conventions brought in about 8,000 participants.

Jimena said Iloilo city deserves to be the next convention site because it has the right facilities and amenities.

“In terms of facilities and infrastructure, and the accessibility of Iloilo, we could very well be the convention destination of our country,” Jimena added.

The official cited the operation of the new Iloilo airport of international standards as one of the reasons why many national organizations meet here.

“We have 14 flights incoming, and 14 flights outgoing… so it’s easier for our visitors to access the place,” he said.

An organization of physicians and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) have chosen Iloilo as their venue for their national meeting next year.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras3.htm)

JICA dev’t program for
Iloilo, Guimaras starts

ILOILO City -- A three-year program aimed towards the development of a traffic plan for the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC), with technical support coming from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC), has kicked off.

The three-year ‘Capacity Enhancement Program’ has the formulation of a “Multi-Stakeholder Transport Planning and Traffic Management Improvement in MIGEDC” for its sub project.

An agreement entered into by the MIGEDC and JICA on March 20 this year stipulated that JICA will provide some 500,000 dollars in form of technical assistance to the former.

Japan will be sending in experts to Iloilo and Guimaras for capability training and oversee the implementation of the various process regarding the creation of the traffic plan.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, who is also MIGEDC's chairman, expressed hope that the traffic plan will ultimately provide solution to the transport problems here.

MIGEDC is composed of the municipalities of Oton, San Miguel, Pavia, Leganes, Sta. Barbara, province of Guimaras and Iloilo City.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras4.htm)

Treñas: Paraw Regatta a
big boost to city tourism

ILOILO City -- Mayor Jerry Treñas said the Paraw Regatta, which garnered a major award in the 8th National Convention of Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) last October 6th in Camarines Sur, will significantly help in the city’s tourism development efforts.

Paraw Regatta, considered the premier sailing event in the Philippines, is a race of native outriggers from Iloilo City to Guimaras Island.

Treñas said that apart from the Paraw Regatta which capped the third place, the Dinagyang Festival got the first place for the second year running.

The mayor congratulated the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation (IPRF) officers for the success and encouraged them to further develop the festival to be able to attract more tourists to Iloilo City.

“I am certain that the Regatta will reach an even higher level of success by constantly thinking of ways to develop the event and attract more spectators from all over,” Treñas said.

Meanwhile, IPRF chair Manuel Villa bared that the foundation is planning a grander and more exciting regatta next year.

The regatta will have more activities which will not be concentrated only in Villa Beach where the main event is slated, but will include events that will be held in other parts of the city, Villa mentioned.

A major event will also be introduced in next year’s contest; a team competition featuring five or more paraws per team which get to compete against each other.

“This is to encourage camaraderie and to give chance to others who do not make it in the main event,” Villa mentioned.

Next year’s edition will mark the 36th year of the event, and will be held on February 17th, along the shorelines facing Tatoy’s Manokan Restaurant, in Villa Beach, Arevalo.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras5.htm)

^^ :ohno: P400M ang budget and now this!?

What they're doing is so stupid. Why not finish the project before going into the anomalies. :ohno: They only think of themselves.

@iloilocitykid pls check your inbox, may gn PM ko

What they're doing is so stupid. Why not finish the project before going into the anomalies. :ohno: They only think of themselves.
First it was the lack of lighting and now this?
Treñas: Paraw Regatta a
big boost to city tourism

ILOILO City -- Mayor Jerry Treñas said the Paraw Regatta, which garnered a major award in the 8th National Convention of Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) last October 6th in Camarines Sur, will significantly help in the city’s tourism development efforts.

Paraw Regatta, considered the premier sailing event in the Philippines, is a race of native outriggers from Iloilo City to Guimaras Island.

Treñas said that apart from the Paraw Regatta which capped the third place, the Dinagyang Festival got the first place for the second year running.

The mayor congratulated the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation (IPRF) officers for the success and encouraged them to further develop the festival to be able to attract more tourists to Iloilo City.

“I am certain that the Regatta will reach an even higher level of success by constantly thinking of ways to develop the event and attract more spectators from all over,” Treñas said.

Meanwhile, IPRF chair Manuel Villa bared that the foundation is planning a grander and more exciting regatta next year.

The regatta will have more activities which will not be concentrated only in Villa Beach where the main event is slated, but will include events that will be held in other parts of the city, Villa mentioned.

A major event will also be introduced in next year’s contest; a team competition featuring five or more paraws per team which get to compete against each other.

“This is to encourage camaraderie and to give chance to others who do not make it in the main event,” Villa mentioned.

Next year’s edition will mark the 36th year of the event, and will be held on February 17th, along the shorelines facing Tatoy’s Manokan Restaurant, in Villa Beach, Arevalo.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras5.htm)
I'm already excited what the foundation has in store for next year, I hope they release their schedule soon too.
JICA dev’t program for
Iloilo, Guimaras starts

ILOILO City -- A three-year program aimed towards the development of a traffic plan for the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC), with technical support coming from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC), has kicked off.

The three-year ‘Capacity Enhancement Program’ has the formulation of a “Multi-Stakeholder Transport Planning and Traffic Management Improvement in MIGEDC” for its sub project.

An agreement entered into by the MIGEDC and JICA on March 20 this year stipulated that JICA will provide some 500,000 dollars in form of technical assistance to the former.

Japan will be sending in experts to Iloilo and Guimaras for capability training and oversee the implementation of the various process regarding the creation of the traffic plan.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, who is also MIGEDC's chairman, expressed hope that the traffic plan will ultimately provide solution to the transport problems here.

MIGEDC is composed of the municipalities of Oton, San Miguel, Pavia, Leganes, Sta. Barbara, province of Guimaras and Iloilo City.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras4.htm)
Wow ... This is the first time I knew JBIC is also helping MIGEDC. This is really good news that an increasing number of foreign groups are supporting Metro Iloilo.
City stakes claim as
RP's ‘convention site’

ILOILO City – This metropolis stakes its claim as the convention destination of the Philippines, with nine such activities since January this year,” city tourism officer Benito Jimena boasted.

National organizations which conducted their conventions here were the Save the Children Foundation, Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET), National Private Schools Athletic Association or PRISAA, Sheriffs Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), Association of Local Civil Registrars, Lions Internationl, Philippine Association of Secondary School Administrators and the Agriculture Summit.

The conventions brought in about 8,000 participants.

Jimena said Iloilo city deserves to be the next convention site because it has the right facilities and amenities.

“In terms of facilities and infrastructure, and the accessibility of Iloilo, we could very well be the convention destination of our country,” Jimena added.

The official cited the operation of the new Iloilo airport of international standards as one of the reasons why many national organizations meet here.

“We have 14 flights incoming, and 14 flights outgoing… so it’s easier for our visitors to access the place,” he said.

An organization of physicians and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) have chosen Iloilo as their venue for their national meeting next year.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras3.htm)
Hmm... good news but Iloilo still needs a lot to improve on.

Dinagyang is Best Tourism Event in the country
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Dinagyang Festival was again awarded as the Best Tourism Event in the country in the recent 8th National Convention of the Association of Tourism Operators in the Philippines (ATOP) held in Camarines Sur last week.

....................

:banana: Good news indeed and I hope that the city will make every Dinagyang celebration bigger and on a much grander scale every year and must work hard to make Dinagyang into a ""household" term on a national scale


City stakes claim as
RP's ‘convention site’

ILOILO City – This metropolis stakes its claim as the convention destination of the Philippines, with nine such activities since January this year,” city tourism officer Benito Jimena boasted.

National organizations which conducted their conventions here were the Save the Children Foundation, Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET), National Private Schools Athletic Association or PRISAA, Sheriffs Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), Association of Local Civil Registrars, Lions Internationl, Philippine Association of Secondary School Administrators and the Agriculture Summit.

...................
source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras3.htm)

another good news :banana:
but if we have bigger and better facilities plus bigger support in almost all aspects from both the city and provincial government, then we can truly fast track this dream.

*crosses fingers for the ad congress in 2009 :D *

:wave:
so sa SM DELGADO gali maopen ang GOLDILOCKS.well, red ribbon wont be taking it lightly they are set to open sa sm delgado replacing that KODAK stall near sportshouse/globe.though dinuguan man lang ang ginalagas ko sa goldilocks :D at least we finally have a branch in the city, an inidcator of good business climate.

hopefully by the end of the year la salette will be fully leased para nami na gid ang area nga ina sang city. :banana:

isa pa gid gale,tani ang building occupied mercury drug/mang inasal/andoks in front of sm delgado and marymart mall would be converted into a full-gimik-resto place

c/o COLLIN JASPER :banana:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2313/1505938797_39807dd893.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2273/1505942587_bcc8737020.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/1505945787_5589029344.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2319/1505948447_b7da8087ac.jpg

City stakes claim as
RP's ‘convention site’


ILOILO City – This metropolis stakes its claim as the convention destination of the Philippines, with nine such activities since January this year,” city tourism officer Benito Jimena boasted.

National organizations which conducted their conventions here were the Save the Children Foundation, Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET), National Private Schools Athletic Association or PRISAA, Sheriffs Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), Association of Local Civil Registrars, Lions Internationl, Philippine Association of Secondary School Administrators and the Agriculture Summit.

The conventions brought in about 8,000 participants.

Jimena said Iloilo city deserves to be the next convention site because it has the right facilities and amenities.

“In terms of facilities and infrastructure, and the accessibility of Iloilo, we could very well be the convention destination of our country,” Jimena added.

The official cited the operation of the new Iloilo airport of international standards as one of the reasons why many national organizations meet here.

“We have 14 flights incoming, and 14 flights outgoing… so it’s easier for our visitors to access the place,” he said.

An organization of physicians and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) have chosen Iloilo as their venue for their national meeting next year.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras3.htm)


Uhh, where is FISHLINK 2007 which was held May 17-19 at Grand Hotel and organized by the UP Aquaculture Society?

in as much as we want to claim as the next convention destination, we still have so uch to prove for oursleves. The coming of many national conferences, workshops, lectures, symposoiums, etc around the city is already a good indication of our improving convention facilties and continuous promotion. However, small scales some of these conventions maybe, they remains really vital for our bid to become the next convention hub of the country. We're still lacking a lot of faciltities but we're getting there. We need to push further ( little bit more) to lure big hotel investors to come and invest in the city. Our convention facility remains small in nature with the only biggest convention center we have is located in Centennial (2500 capacity but attached to a hotel). How I wish the provincial government will push through their plan of erecting big convention center that can hold at least 3,000 or more attendees in the future.

this is just a portion of the new ILOILO CITY OFFICIAL Website:

http://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/webanner.jpg
http://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/dinagyangpics.gifhttp://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/iloilosbest.gif
http://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/visitors.gifhttp://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/business.gifhttp://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/residents.gifhttp://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/community.gif

.... try to visit the www.iloilocity.gov.ph. I think all the sections are still underconstructions.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

^^ the proposed city hall that they included in their website as one of the eye catchers, that's only about 6 floors tall. the final design of the city hall on the other hand, is a 9 floor building.

^^

finally something is happenning here... maybe may nakahutik kay Mayor Jerry to do something about the Iloilo Website... very GOOD!

Go go go! :)

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/images07/081307/front%20pic%20link.jpg

Risky Flyover? :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: Mga bobo ang mga engineer nag ubra sine!!!

Why @collin? What's wrong with it?

this is just a portion of the new ILOILO CITY OFFICIAL Website:

http://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/webanner.jpg
http://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/dinagyangpics.gifhttp://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/iloilosbest.gif
http://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/visitors.gifhttp://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/business.gifhttp://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/residents.gifhttp://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/images/community.gif

.... try to visit the www.iloilocity.gov.ph. I think all the sections are still underconstructions.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

:banana: Wow!
What it lacks is more things to showcase Iloilo to the world. For one, they lacked Museo Iloilo(dubbed one of the best), Calle Real(heritage sight), Fort San Pedro, Molo and Jaro Churches and the Jaro Belfry which are all worthy of visiting. I myself never get tired of going to the 150 year old Cathedrals and marvel at the view of the Belfry across me. It's best to visit the place at 7-8 in the evening. :)
They only showed Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta which happens only once a year.

But all in all, it's better and much more impressive than the old site. Good job. :cheers:

^^ the proposed city hall that they included in their website as one of the eye catchers, that's only about 6 floors tall. the final design of the city hall on the other hand, is a 9 floor building.

:banana: Wow!
What it lacks is more things to showcase Iloilo to the world. For one, they lacked Museo Iloilo(dubbed one of the best), Calle Real(heritage sight), Fort San Pedro, Molo and Jaro Churches and the Jaro Belfry which are all worthy of visiting. I myself never get tired of going to the 150 year old Cathedrals and marvel at the view of the Belfry across me. It's best to visit the place at 7-8 in the evening. :)
They only showed Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta which happens only once a year.

But all in all, it's better and much more impressive than the old site. Good job. :cheers:
it's just only few of the features the new website will have. There's few more. And I'm glad they are working on it NOW.

Iloilo City is starting to incorporate things for tourism and promotion purposes, which I believe is a good way to help expedite whatever projects or prospects we having and want to have in our beloved city.

Actually, guys, you can email the webmaster directly. And we can send feedback from time to time. The website looks really colourful and alive. I'm glad it's all going in right direction.

:banana: :banana: :banana:

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/images07/081307/front%20pic%20link.jpg

Risky Flyover? :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: Mga bobo ang mga engineer nag ubra sine!!!

Nong Collin, sakto ka...it's a stupid infra project! :ohno:

Here's the news today...

RISKY FLYOVER
Flyover may collapse if
not reinforced – DPWH

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – The construction of this city’s first P400-million flyover has been suspended. The structure may collapse during an earthquake.

The contractor of the flyover was also suspended for not following the specifications given by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said Regional Director Rolando Asis.

The flyover, traversing General Luna - M.H. del Pilar Streets here, will thus not be inaugurated this month as earlier announced.

For non-compliance of the contract in the construction of the flyover, Mabey and Johnson Limited, the UK-based designer, supplier and contractor of the flyover project, was suspended by the DWPH central office in Manila.

Asis said the contractor used materials not in conformity with the specifications stated in the contract – that is, it failed to meet the required strength of the reinforced steel bars at the piers.

Piers are the foundation which holds the columns (the vertical structures) holding the flyover.

Asis said the contractor failed to meet the required flyover tensile strength and yielding point of “Grade 60.”

“They did not follow the contract agreement,” he lamented.

Because of this, four of the six piers – of the seven-span modular steel flyover – supported by board piles and abutments need to be reinforced, Asis said.

“Piers 2, 3, 4 and 5 will have to be upgraded … he groundwork is weak,” he stressed.
“The structure is still safe and sound for passage but it may collapse in case of earthquakes,” Asis revealed, noting that Region 6 is close to a fault line.

Aside from this, Asis said, the upgrading will also include the putting up of tie-beams between two board piles to further strengthen the flyover’s structure.

The flyover aims to ease traffic congestion in the city and meet the increasing demand of vehicular traffic. The project is under the President’s Bridge Program.
Asis said the project is now 90 percent complete.

The flyover stretches 305 linear meters with a standard capacity of 20 tons.

The long-delayed project was supposed to be finished within 120 calendar days.

Construction began in April 10 this year; it was supposed to open for traffic in August.
Asis said it will take two to three more months for the flyover to be completed.“The standard curing process (of cement) alone is 21 days,” Asis said.

The unfinished portions of the flyover include the embankment and approaches; concreting of the bridge seats at abutment; and part of the retaining wall at approaches.
Only last month, Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed concern over the curing process of the pavement towards the flyover’s approach, citing the many vehicles using the path.

The city government, as its counterpart in the ongoing project, shall clear obstructions 20 meters towards the approach of the vehicular flyover – which include the restructuring of the island and concreting of the pavement.

Due to heavy traffic in the area “the curing process of the concrete pavement may be affected by the continued vibration caused by vehicular traffic,” Treñas explained.

“I have (also) instructed the City Engineer’s Office to come up with a proposal for the lighting of the flyover,” Treñas said.

He said the illumination of the flyover is not covered by the project and that the DPWH is hesitant to install light posts on top of the flyover.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

:down: :wallbash: :evil: :doh: :cry:
I hate the Politics in the country...:ohno:

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/images07/081307/front%20pic%20link.jpg

Risky Flyover? :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: Mga bobo ang mga engineer nag ubra sine!!!
too many controversies haunting that first flyover. Some were blown out of proportion. I just jhope they'll finish it. Get it all done. Get on in it and be happy. Enough of talking. Make the flyover work for us when it's done.

However things are getting better...

Iloilo City mulls P940M budget

ILOILO City – The P940-million proposed executive budget is now ready to be transmitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan before the October 15 deadline.

But Mayor Jerry Treñas said the proposed 2008 budget is not enough to cover the honorarium of contractual employees and allowances of national government employees.

Contractual employees are hired locally, which include traffic aides and day care workers. Meantime, the city also gives allowances to prosecutors, judges, teachers and policemen.

According to the mayor, there was no allocation in the budget for the mentioned employees for the last quarter of 2008.

Meanwhile, the city budget office said that shortages in allocations can be covered by the passage of a supplemental budget, depending on the availability of funds.

Joy Ann Toledo, budget officer-in-charge, said what is important is that the city has allocations intended for its contractual obligations such as electricity, water among others.

The city gets 55 percent of its fund from local revenues while 45 percent come from the Internal Revenue Allotment.

^^ ^^ ^^ that's good budgetting. And I'm guess it's very positive considering that our income as a city is way too higher than that (1.2Billion last year). Meaning we can have positive balance by the end of the year. However, if you've notice, Trenas says, it does not include several things and hese things we need to look at at present that can even reach more to more than 1.2 billion. I wonder on how we will be faring with our Annual Income this year.

IloiloCityKid, the budget always falls below 25-50% of the total income of the place so that there will be ample of leeway for supplemental budget proposals, just in case.

Look at the Province of Iloilo (capitol) is doing right now. The budget is less than a billion but every 3 to 4 months, Tupas is asking for supplemntal budget to cover other expenses. All in all, it reaches more than a billion peso budget. The capitol remains on positive side but they need to review their budgetting from time to time.

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/images07/081307/front%20pic%20link.jpg

Risky Flyover? :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: Mga bobo ang mga engineer nag ubra sine!!!

:ohno: i think there was no effective safety monitoring at the construction site.
what was needed was action against those responsible for the construction,delikado ina,tani indi na paghulaton sa mayor nyo nga may matabu dira:ohno: It is high time the relevant authorities acted against errant flyover works contractors who have no regard for public safety.:ohno: te san o gali e demolish ang inyo fly over?:)

^^ Where'd you get the idea of demolishing it? They'll just add beams to support it then it's all better.

Good thing that this anomaly is uncovered in the Iloilo project because the contractor of this project is the same one who will be constructing bacolod's flyover

:ohno: i think there was no effective safety monitoring at the construction site.
what was needed was action against those responsible for the construction,delikado ina,tani indi na paghulaton sa mayor nyo nga may matabu dira:ohno: It is high time the relevant authorities acted against errant flyover works contractors who have no regard for public safety.:ohno: te san o gali e demolish ang inyo fly over?:)

^^ so i guess we have to suffer 3-4 mos. more of bad traffic in that area!:lol:

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/images07/081307/front%20pic%20link.jpg

Risky Flyover? :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: Mga bobo ang mga engineer nag ubra sine!!!

P400 million? Ugh.. I can find no words to express my disgust. Nice aerial though.


Ateneo de Iloilo site development plan
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/8369/imgp2876wg6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Basi may gusto mag-donate dira. P200 million lang naman. It's like, half of a flyover.
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4780/imgp2877fz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^ i wonder if, say like, 10-15 years from now, there will be an intellectual rivalry that will occur between upv and ateneo de iloilo?:)

i personally like that there will be!:lol: for it will spawn great ideas, among others. these two schools are just near each other.

nice renderings! thanks for the post @ iamme!

Based on the render, I think the campus has no college building.

^^ i do hope it's in their long term plans though.

:ohno: i think there was no effective safety monitoring at the construction site.
what was needed was action against those responsible for the construction,delikado ina,tani indi na paghulaton sa mayor nyo nga may matabu dira:ohno: It is high time the relevant authorities acted against errant flyover works contractors who have no regard for public safety.:ohno: te san o gali e demolish ang inyo fly over?:)

Lagpat ko gd nga may mag react mo. Ang kahisa-on bala inde gd mapa iway ah.:ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :bash:

P400 million? Ugh.. I can find no words to express my disgust. Nice aerial though.


Ateneo de Iloilo site development plan
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/8369/imgp2876wg6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Basi may gusto mag-donate dira. P200 million lang naman. It's like, half of a flyover.
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4780/imgp2877fz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Wow!

Lagpat ko gd nga may mag react mo. Ang kahisa-on bala inde gd mapa iway ah.:ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :bash:

collin I am so sad to hear that..i do not like it when u would plainly show me dat u do not like anything i say or do:nuts: :ohno: but its ok ur still my friend.:) ..mag binuligay lang ta bala.para sa kauswagan sa western visayas:banana: :banana: :banana: :cheers: birdfluuu:cheers1: collin

iloilocitykid:Where'd you get the idea of demolishing it? They'll just add beams to support it then it's all better. ang tito ko hambal ya humok duta sa Iloilo basi mag usmod ang flyover nyo..kabalo na sa kay Engineer man ina sya kag maalam man opinion ko man lang na..nga kon ako pamankoton mas gusto ko e demolish ang flyover kay hambal ni collin dangerous indi safe ang pag construct:)

^^ ok, since "gusto" mo, let's demolish it tomorrow!:cheers: :banana: :banana: :banana:

as said already if you've only read. They only have to add reinforced beams. Demolishing it would be would be a wasteful idea.

^^ well, hambal sng tito ya kuno e!:) and maalam ang tito ya! it could be nga mango ang mga nag construct sini!:lol:

Hay... there are really people in this world who don't have critical thinking skills... kakapoy mamati sang minango ah!

ti ginpamangkot mo si tito mo kun ano mayu himu-on? :lol:

collin I am so sad to hear that..i do not like it when u would plainly show me dat u do not like anything i say or do:nuts: :ohno: but its ok ur still my friend.:) ..mag binuligay lang ta bala.para sa kauswagan sa western visayas:banana: :banana: :banana: :cheers: birdfluuu:cheers1: collin

ang tito ko hambal ya humok duta sa Iloilo basi mag usmod ang flyover nyo..kabalo na sa kay Engineer man ina sya kag maalam man opinion ko man lang na..nga kon ako pamankoton mas gusto ko e demolish ang flyover kay hambal ni collin dangerous indi safe ang pag construct:)

Hay... there are really people in this world who don't have critical thinking skills... kakapoy mamati sang minango ah!

maalam man na sya siguro! he has quite an adept predisposposition to hide his intentions with honeyed words. but it's still glaring even if you don't have to read between the lines. it's like appearing to kiss someone when the intention really is to bite him.

we all welcome criticisms here! even us not infrequently minces no words in criticizing our own! but the point is, criticisms meant to hopefully improve and criticisms out of heartfelt and "genuine" concern! what we can't stand is hypocrisy at its finest. especially when it becomes an oft repeated habit!

Actually I realized that critical thinking is not really needed in this kind of problem. Common sense will do. Hay...Bisan "Common Sense" na lang. Why am I wasting my time to people like him/her?

let's just hope na ma change na sya ah!:)

^^ impressive info for Ateneo de Iloilo. I could not wait for the construction to start. I think the college plan is not incorporated in the planning yet as shown in the renderings. Maybe later. Remember, they have 7 hectares to develop. I don't think seven-hectare will only devoted for elementary and secondary schools only.

ti ginpamangkot mo si tito mo kun ano mayu himu-on? :lol:
that's what I like here in our thread. We analyse first, ore than anything. We go deeper to the problem and not blab around. Sadly, we have a bad suggestion from other company. I just hope he/he will think first before posting anything here. Cos I don't like any funny postings here in our thread. It just loses the relevance and importance of a project if we always tend to jump without thinking.

Regional housing fair ’07

The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) will hold the Western Visayas Housing Fair 2007 October 23-25 at the Iloilo provincial capitol lobby.

The fair is themed “Serbisyong Tapat, abot-Kayang Pabahay Para sa Lahat.”

The fair is held in coordination with other shelter agencies like the PAG-IBIG Fund (HMDF), National Housing Authority (NHA), National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), Housing and Land Regulatory Board (HLRB) and other government financial institutions.

The main purpose of the event is the disposition of acquired properties of the key shelter agencies and the government financial institutions at a discounted rate, as well as the newly built housing units of the private developers.

The expected target market will include government and private employees and the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

Organizers of the Housing Fair are inviting all working sectors, the families of OFWs, barangay officials, teachers and students and LGU representatives, including officers of cooperatives, to visit the event and see the different types and model houses.

Pag-IBIG Fund OIC Branch manager Ma. Lourdes Z. Uy said some 14 private developers will display their program/project packages for sale. They are also expected to present during the technical sessions on the second day.

The Fair will start with a motorcade and opening program on October 23 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby. (PIA 6/ESS)

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

MOC for UPV land use plan inked
By Lyncen M. Fernandez

Land disputes are often a messy and complicated problem.

There is a delicate balance between protecting the rights of the rightful owner and considering the welfare of informal settlers.

The University of the Philippines-Visayas has long grappled with the situation involving the informal settlers that encroached its 10-plus-hectare land in Iloilo City.
A brief look at its history explains why things have come to be what they are now.

Iloilo City, like the rest of the country, was caught in the frenzy of rebuilding from the rubbles of the Second World War after 1945.

City officials at that time, led by Don Fernando Lopez, dreamed of a UP education in Iloilo City and passed a resolution for this happen.

They must have worked very hard such that, by July 1947, UP Iloilo College opened its door to Ilonggos.

The new college occupied a lot that was donated by the Iloilo City Government with the condition that the said donation would remain in place as long as the donee needed the site and building for educational purposes.

The UP administration has allowed for self-built houses to be constructed on its property by employees due to the absence of UP housing units.

Sixty years later, UPIC (now UP Visayas), occupies only around four hectares for its building and school facilities out of its almost 10-hectare property. The remaining land is already occupied by informal settlers who have already settled on considerable portions of the undeveloped and unprotected property.

The “UPV Iloilo City Campus Land Property: Development and Management Options” is a project that will come up with a profile of the UPV Iloilo City community and an inventory of its prospective beneficiaries.

The proponents of the project are Prof. Rhodella A. Ibabao of the College of management and Prof. Jose A. Go of the College of Arts and Sciences.

From these data, management and development options of UPV Iloilo City campus property will be formulated.

The project will also come up with a demographic and socio-economic profile of the current residents who reside outside the perimeter wall of the campus. It will make an inventory of prospective beneficiaries that the UP administration will initiate.

The project will also describe the perceptions of settlers regarding their conditions and sentiments on their tenuous status.

It will also take into account the sentiments of concerned agencies on the utilization and development of the property outside the perimeter wall of the campus and will provide options for managing the use of the University’s property based on the results of the study.

On October 8, 2007, the UPV represented by Chancellor Glenn D. Aguilar, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), the Iloilo City Urban Poor Affairs Office (ICUPAO), and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas sent ICUPAO Chairman Romy H. Firmeza on his behalf.

In his speech read by Firmeza, the Mayor said that the signing of the MOC should bode well for the people of Iloilo City, particularly for the less-privileged sector.

The Mayor was optimistic that the MOC will turn out in the best interest of all concerned especially the urban poor.

He was also hopeful that it will spawn opportunities for them to be productive and will make them help turn the wheels of progress by carrying part of the load demanded by growth and development. A brief look at its history explains why things have come to be what they are now.

Iloilo City, like the rest of the country, was caught in the frenzy of rebuilding from the rubbles of the Second World War after 1945.

City officials at that time, led by Don Fernando Lopez, dreamed of a UP education in Iloilo City and passed a resolution for this happen.

They must have worked very hard such that, by July 1947, UP Iloilo College opened its door to Ilonggos.

The new college occupied a lot that was donated by the Iloilo City Government with the condition that the said donation would remain in place as long as the donee needed the site and building for educational purposes.

The UP administration has allowed for self-built houses to be constructed on its property by employees due to the absence of UP housing units.

Sixty years later, UPIC (now UP Visayas), occupies only around four hectares for its building and school facilities out of its almost 10-hectare property. The remaining land is already occupied by informal settlers who have already settled on considerable portions of the undeveloped and unprotected property.

The “UPV Iloilo City Campus Land Property: Development and Management Options” is a project that will come up with a profile of the UPV Iloilo City community and an inventory of its prospective beneficiaries.

The proponents of the project are Prof. Rhodella A. Ibabao of the College of management and Prof. Jose A. Go of the College of Arts and Sciences.

From these data, management and development options of UPV Iloilo City campus property will be formulated.

The project will also come up with a demographic and socio-economic profile of the current residents who reside outside the perimeter wall of the campus. It will make an inventory of prospective beneficiaries that the UP administration will initiate.

The project will also describe the perceptions of settlers regarding their conditions and sentiments on their tenuous status.

It will also take into account the sentiments of concerned agencies on the utilization and development of the property outside the perimeter wall of the campus and will provide options for managing the use of the University’s property based on the results of the study.

On October 8, 2007, the UPV represented by Chancellor Glenn D. Aguilar, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), the Iloilo City Urban Poor Affairs Office (ICUPAO), and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas sent ICUPAO Chairman Romy H. Firmeza on his behalf.

In his speech read by Firmeza, the Mayor said that the signing of the MOC should bode well for the people of Iloilo City, particularly for the less-privileged sector.

The Mayor was optimistic that the MOC will turn out in the best interest of all concerned especially the urban poor.

He was also hopeful that it will spawn opportunities for them to be productive and will make them help turn the wheels of progress by carrying part of the load demanded by growth and development.

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

7 firms to receive DTI-certified establishments program

SEVEN firms in Iloilo are awardees of the Department of Trade and Industry-Certified Establishment (CE) Program.

Each company will receive a DTI-CE Seal in the awarding rites to be held during the opening of the Consumer Welfare and Product Safety and Quality Standards Expo 2007 at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo October 15, 2007, 2:30pm.

The awardees are: for service and repair shops category – Nissan Iloilo (S&J) Motors, Inc. (silver seal) and Naces Appliance Sales Corp. (bronze seal).

For Supermarkets Category: Bronze seal for five branches of Iloilo Supermart located at Gen. Luna St., Valeria-Delgado Sts., Molo, Jaro, and Mandurriao.

For Appliance Center Category: Naces Appliance Sales Corp. (bronze seal).

DTI - Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. said the DTI - CE Program was launched July 06, 2006 with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement by Secretary Peter B. Favila and the business sector.

The program aims to give recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business.

It encourages businesses to adopt a self-policing mechanism designed to promote and foster the highest business ethics and uphold a fair and honest market place through voluntary self-regulation and service excellence.

All retail establishments, supermarkets, department stores, appliance centers, hardware stores and DTI accredited service and repair shops may apply for certification under the program.

Three levels of awards are given to deserving establishments.

The Bronze Seal is given to firms that have complied to Fair Trade Laws, i.e. Consumer Act, Price Act, Price Tag Law and in addition, have available Consumer Welfare Desk.

The Silver Seal is awarded to establishments that have complied with the bronze requirements and have shown social commitment by being involved in civic action projects or worthwhile local and charitable projects.

The Gold Seal is for firms that have achieved the Silver requirements, at the same time compliant with some elements of ISO 9001/14001.

Awardees of a lower level DTI - CE Seal can apply for a higher level upon compliance of the necessary requirement/s after a period of six months after receiving the seal.

Cadena said a DTI-certified establishment has an edge over its competitors because more consumers will patronize its products and services.

Certification would mean that the store sells quality goods and provides quality service to consumers. (Ruby M. Melliza with reports from Felisa Judith L. Degala/DTI)

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

DILG allowed Treñas to travel
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE legal counsel of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional said local officials can travel as long as they satisfy the requirements set by their central office.

Atty. Ferdinand Panes said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas was allowed to travel to Taiwan “because he met the prerequisites of the Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS).”

One of the requirements that local officials must submit before they can be allowed to travel abroad is the invitation from the entity or group that will sponsor the trip.
“The invitation must be attached to the request to travel abroad so we can determine the nature of the trip. Mayor Treñas satisfied our requirements, thus he was allowed to travel,” Panes said in a phone interview.

The BLGS is headed by Atty. Genaro Jose Demeterio S. Moreno who is also the DILG central office’s chief legal officer.

As regards the case filed by an environmental group against Treñas before the Office of the Ombudsman, Panes said it is up to the mayor to answer the charges and issues involving his travel.

The Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy through lawyer Romeo Gerochi charged Treñas with grave misconduct and violation of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) when the mayor traveled to Taiwan upon invitation of Formosa Heavy Industries Corp. (FHIC) to observe and inspect coal-fired power plants there.

FHIC is the industrial partner of Global Business Power Corp. which is proposing to put up a 100-MW coal-fired power plant in La Paz, Iloilo City.

As regards the scheduled trip of Iloilo City councilors to Taiwan, Panes said Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog also sought authority to travel and an opinion from their legal department on the legitimacy of their travel.

Panes said the issue became complicated with the recent memorandum from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) excluding local government units from the process of issuance of environmental compliance certificate to plants and other establishments.

“This memorandum must be considered because the LGUs now have no hand in the granting of ECCs to projects,” Panes said.

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

^^ ^^ sour-graping lang si Gerochi because he wasn't invited after all. he he

Janiuay rediscovers abaca
By Bombette G. Marin

Abaca, an indigenous fiber in the Philippines, belongs to the "hard" fiber group and is widely known as Manila hemp.

Considered as the most valuable of all fibers, abaca is used generally for cordage purposes.

To the untrained eyes, this naturally-grown plant can easily be mistaken for a banana plant without a fruit.

Abaca has been cultivated in the Philippines since the 1500s and became known worldwide in the 1800s because it is used to make ropes in ship rigging. It is extremely strong and durable; resistant to salt water.

Abaca can also be used to make hard-wearing products; has a beautiful texture when made into hats and other products; biodegradable and eco-friendly; and relatively cheap to produce.

Abaca fiber is considered as one of the most important and profitable agricultural produce of the province and is expected to continue making a stronghold in both domestic and international markets.

For a number of years, it was reported that it comprised approximately two-thirds of the total export trade of the country (Abaca in the Philippines, Saleeby Murab M.)

Iloilo is considered as one of the largest abaca fiber-producing provinces in the region due to the thriving abaca handicraft industry operating in Janiuay, a town 29 kilometers away from Iloilo City.

Janiuay has a land area of 17,910 hectares, a substantial portion of which is reserved for abaca production.

At Barangay Tuburan, some seven kilometers away from the poblacion, the abaca industry was revived through the support of Taytay Sang Kauswagan Inc. (TKSI), one of the country's largest Micro-Finance Institution and a non-stock, non-profit Christian development organization.

The Tuburan Abaca Weavers Association (TAWA) is a newly-registered group managed by Captain Flora Insulente who is a weaver herself.

Insulente revived and managed Janiuay's One Town One Product (OTOP).

TAWA presently has 26 member-weavers composed of mostly women and out-of-school youth trained who earn their living by transforming abaca fibers (abundantly grown at Barangay Quipot) into unique, functional and creative designs of bags, coin purses, slippers, Christmas decors, placemats, baskets and other gift items.

The local government of Janiuay through the efforts of Mayor Bienvenido Margarico is helping TAWA market its products by joining local and national trade and tourism fairs. TAWA products are also featured in the town's annual LANOT Festival held every January.

The Iloilo provincial government is doing its share in the campaign towards wider awareness and interest on the fiber which is now growing in popularity and usage.

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

Megaworld pays P9M transfer tax
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

MEGAWORLD Corp., the developer of the 54-hectare old airport property in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, yesterday paid the City Hall its P9-million transfer tax.

“We’re very happy as the payment is timely because the city is still looking for available funds for other obligations until the yearend,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas upon hearing the information from City Treasurer Katherine Tingson who received the paycheck yesterday morning.

He added the money will go to the general fund and will become basis for supplemental budget the city will need until December.

“If there are big investments, these will result to better resources and more projects for the city,” Treñas stressed.

Megaworld is planning to invest another P1.5 billion to put up a business process outsourcing center, hotel and convention center in developing the area.

It has paid the Department of Finance (DOF) P1.2 billion in cash as payment for the property few weeks ago.

Treñas said the transfer tax represents three-fourths of one percent of the P1.2 billion that was paid by the Megaworld to the DOF for the purchase of the old airport site.

The transfer tax is the share of the local government unit (LGU) once the private investor buys a real property within the LGU’s jurisdiction.

Megaworld pays P9M transfer tax
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

MEGAWORLD Corp., the developer of the 54-hectare old airport property in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, yesterday paid the City Hall its P9-million transfer tax.

“We’re very happy as the payment is timely because the city is still looking for available funds for other obligations until the yearend,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas upon hearing the information from City Treasurer Katherine Tingson who received the paycheck yesterday morning.

He added the money will go to the general fund and will become basis for supplemental budget the city will need until December.

“If there are big investments, these will result to better resources and more projects for the city,” Treñas stressed.

Megaworld is planning to invest another P1.5 billion to put up a business process outsourcing center, hotel and convention center in developing the area.

It has paid the Department of Finance (DOF) P1.2 billion in cash as payment for the property few weeks ago.

Treñas said the transfer tax represents three-fourths of one percent of the P1.2 billion that was paid by the Megaworld to the DOF for the purchase of the old airport site.

The transfer tax is the share of the local government unit (LGU) once the private investor buys a real property within the LGU’s jurisdiction.

Good news, another savings to our city.:banana: :banana:
Amo ni sya ang gina hambal nga desidido gd ang megaworld mag invest, ara dayon,naga tupa. inde pareho sa mga local projects ta nga ma buta anay sang controversies asta nga matapos ang projects. hay tani inde lang masudlan sang politika ang project nga ine.

Megaworld turns over to gov’t P1.2-B payment for former Iloilo airport
By Iris C. Gonzales
Thursday, October 11, 2007

Andrew Tan-owned Megaworld Corp. has turned over to the National Government its P1.2 billion payment for the acquisition of the 54.5-hectare Iloilo airport property in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, giving government’s privatization and fund-raising efforts a major boost.

Representatives of the property firm the other day sealed the sale agreement with the government represented by Finance Secretary Margarito Teves.

Outgoing Finance Undersecretary for Privatization John Sevilla said the full amount of P1.2 billion would be remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) this month.

Monica Salomon, first vice president for corporate management of Megaworld said the company would be coming out with its plan for the property within 60 days. “But it’s going to be mixed-used.

We will be putting up facilities for business process outsourcing (BPOs) operations and for hotels and conventions,” Salomon told reporters after the signing ceremony.

She said Megaworld is investing an initial P1.5 billion for the development of the property, particularly the BPO facilities.

In an earlier disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Megaworld also said it plans to build educational facilities aimed at manpower requirements of call centers and other business offices.

It plans to apply with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority for a special economic zone license and turn the old airport lot into a business district.

Asked if Megaworld would be looking into other government properties to develop in the future, Salomon said the company is constantly on the lookout for possible acquisitions.

The sale of the Iloilo property is part of the government’s privatization program. This year alone, the Department of Finance expects to raise P86.1 billion from the sale of state-owned assets and roughly P30 to P35 billion next year.

Aside from the Iloilo property, the government is eyeing to sell this year its stake in the Philippine International Trading Corp. (P25.2 billion), its remaining stake in Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. (P39 billion), its 4.6 percent stake in Philippine National Bank (P998 million) and the Fujimi property in Japan worth P3 billion.

The government is doing its best to manage its deficit, sell its state-owned assets and raise revenues with the objective of wiping out the budget deficit by 2008.

The government hopes to trim the budget deficit to P63 billion this year and wipe this out by 2008 or two years ahead of the original 2010 deadline.

source: Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=2007101079)

From the Iloilo City Tourism Office:
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2268/iloilodinagyangeo1.jpg

From the Iloilo City Tourism Office:
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2268/iloilodinagyangeo1.jpg
Dinagyang 2008 will be the most exciting event ever.

MOC for UPV land use plan inked
By Lyncen M. Fernandez

Land disputes are often a messy and complicated problem.

There is a delicate balance between protecting the rights of the rightful owner and considering the welfare of informal settlers.

The University of the Philippines-Visayas has long grappled with the situation involving the informal settlers that encroached its 10-plus-hectare land in Iloilo City.
A brief look at its history explains why things have come to be what they are now.

Iloilo City, like the rest of the country, was caught in the frenzy of rebuilding from the rubbles of the Second World War after 1945.

City officials at that time, led by Don Fernando Lopez, dreamed of a UP education in Iloilo City and passed a resolution for this happen.

They must have worked very hard such that, by July 1947, UP Iloilo College opened its door to Ilonggos.

The new college occupied a lot that was donated by the Iloilo City Government with the condition that the said donation would remain in place as long as the donee needed the site and building for educational purposes.

The UP administration has allowed for self-built houses to be constructed on its property by employees due to the absence of UP housing units.

Sixty years later, UPIC (now UP Visayas), occupies only around four hectares for its building and school facilities out of its almost 10-hectare property. The remaining land is already occupied by informal settlers who have already settled on considerable portions of the undeveloped and unprotected property.

The “UPV Iloilo City Campus Land Property: Development and Management Options” is a project that will come up with a profile of the UPV Iloilo City community and an inventory of its prospective beneficiaries.

The proponents of the project are Prof. Rhodella A. Ibabao of the College of management and Prof. Jose A. Go of the College of Arts and Sciences.

From these data, management and development options of UPV Iloilo City campus property will be formulated.

The project will also come up with a demographic and socio-economic profile of the current residents who reside outside the perimeter wall of the campus. It will make an inventory of prospective beneficiaries that the UP administration will initiate.

The project will also describe the perceptions of settlers regarding their conditions and sentiments on their tenuous status.

It will also take into account the sentiments of concerned agencies on the utilization and development of the property outside the perimeter wall of the campus and will provide options for managing the use of the University’s property based on the results of the study.

On October 8, 2007, the UPV represented by Chancellor Glenn D. Aguilar, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), the Iloilo City Urban Poor Affairs Office (ICUPAO), and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas sent ICUPAO Chairman Romy H. Firmeza on his behalf.

In his speech read by Firmeza, the Mayor said that the signing of the MOC should bode well for the people of Iloilo City, particularly for the less-privileged sector.

The Mayor was optimistic that the MOC will turn out in the best interest of all concerned especially the urban poor.

He was also hopeful that it will spawn opportunities for them to be productive and will make them help turn the wheels of progress by carrying part of the load demanded by growth and development. A brief look at its history explains why things have come to be what they are now.

Iloilo City, like the rest of the country, was caught in the frenzy of rebuilding from the rubbles of the Second World War after 1945.

City officials at that time, led by Don Fernando Lopez, dreamed of a UP education in Iloilo City and passed a resolution for this happen.

They must have worked very hard such that, by July 1947, UP Iloilo College opened its door to Ilonggos.

The new college occupied a lot that was donated by the Iloilo City Government with the condition that the said donation would remain in place as long as the donee needed the site and building for educational purposes.

The UP administration has allowed for self-built houses to be constructed on its property by employees due to the absence of UP housing units.

Sixty years later, UPIC (now UP Visayas), occupies only around four hectares for its building and school facilities out of its almost 10-hectare property. The remaining land is already occupied by informal settlers who have already settled on considerable portions of the undeveloped and unprotected property.

The “UPV Iloilo City Campus Land Property: Development and Management Options” is a project that will come up with a profile of the UPV Iloilo City community and an inventory of its prospective beneficiaries.

The proponents of the project are Prof. Rhodella A. Ibabao of the College of management and Prof. Jose A. Go of the College of Arts and Sciences.

From these data, management and development options of UPV Iloilo City campus property will be formulated.

The project will also come up with a demographic and socio-economic profile of the current residents who reside outside the perimeter wall of the campus. It will make an inventory of prospective beneficiaries that the UP administration will initiate.

The project will also describe the perceptions of settlers regarding their conditions and sentiments on their tenuous status.

It will also take into account the sentiments of concerned agencies on the utilization and development of the property outside the perimeter wall of the campus and will provide options for managing the use of the University’s property based on the results of the study.

On October 8, 2007, the UPV represented by Chancellor Glenn D. Aguilar, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), the Iloilo City Urban Poor Affairs Office (ICUPAO), and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas sent ICUPAO Chairman Romy H. Firmeza on his behalf.

In his speech read by Firmeza, the Mayor said that the signing of the MOC should bode well for the people of Iloilo City, particularly for the less-privileged sector.

The Mayor was optimistic that the MOC will turn out in the best interest of all concerned especially the urban poor.

He was also hopeful that it will spawn opportunities for them to be productive and will make them help turn the wheels of progress by carrying part of the load demanded by growth and development.

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

i wonder where this will lead to? will upv city campus reclaim the remaining 6 hectares of its land from informal settlers or will there be an acceptable compromise between the two? @iamme or @bernie, any ideas regarding this?

Regarding the flyover issue. Haynaku, here we go again. Its just like what happened to Pier 5 (sakto ba ina) of the Jalandoni Bridge which harboured its delay. The said beam was said to be sinking, only to be reinforced later and now operational.

These controversies are nothing new in the country anyway.

And where did you get the idea of demolishing the said construction? I've seen to much stupid projects of DPWH such as that of Loboc, Bohol in which the bridge was to destroy the 3 centuries old stone church (the good news is that it didn't pushed through, bad news is...another white elephant). It would be a very obvious stupidity if we are to demolish it.

i love the poster for Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta. Looks like next year's battle for ATOP will be between these two festivals.

For more pictures of the Iloilo Airport, just go to the NIA thread. I'll be posting more next week. :)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/55/500x500/68/IMGP0179.JPG?et=61JZ0IMpz6nVV5wUMtco1g

By the way, may we suggest (but depends on the rest of the forumers) if they would add up "Province" in our title of the thread? IMO, I don't want the city and the province be seperated as they have been traditionally inseperable.

^^ Bern sorry about that. I was the one who made the post and I totally forget we had the province by our side. To the mods, please feel free to change anything. Thank you. :)

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/8369/imgp2876wg6.jpg
:dance: :banana2: :eek2:

This is lovely.

I hope it will be one of the top universities in the country, being able to compete with its sister in Manila.

I just hope there'll be no gang wars between the UP's and Ateneo's students. It happens a lot nowadays.

^^ Bern sorry about that. I was the one who made the post and I totally forget we had the province by our side. To the mods, please feel free to change anything. Thank you. :)

Ngek! Ngaa ma-sorry ka toto? Waay man ko na-offend, wahehehehe!!! Its just a suggestion and everyone is free to decide.

As what the quote from Cebu Capitol says:
"The Authority of the Government Emanates from the People", wahehehehe!!! :D

^^ :lol: Basi may na offend ya, noh di bala?!

Nong bern, what's the news you were keeping regarding NIA? Will it have international flights? It's ok if it's just a hunch but at least we'll have the idea that there are tourists keen on going here.

^^ Basta, I'll just make it as a secret unless there would be a press statement regarding it. :D

By the way, UP and Ateneo frat wars? Looks like its a distant possibility in Iloilo, wahehehe!! :D

:okay:

Regarding the frat wars, well we never know. Tulukanay lang gani may napatay na...I hope it won't happen here in Iloilo.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/8369/imgp2876wg6.jpg
:dance: :banana2: :eek2:

This is lovely.

I hope it will be one of the top universities in the country, being able to compete with its sister in Manila.

I just hope there'll be no gang wars between the UP's and Ateneo's students. It happens a lot nowadays.

the rendering is great, hope that they expand the access road, kay daw 2 lanes man lang ang bag-o nga kalsada dira. 4 lanes is great

^^ 2 lines ang road...at the moment. But the area it covers is wide enough to fit four lanes plus center islands.

^^ At least they alloted allowances for the expansion of the Diversion-Tabucan Road into a four-laned road.

so we will wait for another a year to make the budget enough for the construction of Ateneo, since they start receiving the donation last year, so far they collected 80M+ Not bad.

^^ They're excellent in terms of collecting money. I wish Jaro Cathedral were like them.

Tan-awa lang anay. Seryoso katama sa mga istorya ta. :D
Benjo at ang Paglalakbay by Talibong1

WWxb4DMbG2o
Voiced by Collin Jasper himself, bwahahahahahahahah!!!!! :lol: :lol:

^^ Ayus bord! :lol:
Kick out lang galing si talibong1 eh...

DPWH 6 to take over completion of Infante flyover
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The regional office of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will undertake the completion of the P400 million Infante flyover.

This was confirmed yesterday by Mayor Jerry Treñas after he met with Director Emil Sadain of Project Management Office (PMO) of the DPWH central office last Friday.

Treñas learned that all the contracts for the on going President's Bridge program in the different parts of country were suspended after contractor Mabey & Johnson Ltd. failed to follow the project specifications of the bridges as stipulated in the contract.

It was not immediately known on how many contracts in the Philippines were awarded to Mabey & Johnson Ltd. which is a United Kingdom-based construction firm.

In Iloilo City, among the discrepancies noted in the project construction are the piers 2, 3, 4 and 5. The contractor likewise has remaining works to do such as the embankment, approaches, concreting of abutment and part of the retaining wall in approaches.

The Infante flyover is a six-span modular steel bridge supported by board piles, piers and abutments.

Treñas said the piers have to be upgraded and reinforced. Nevertheless, he was assured by Sadain that it is still safe to use the Infante vehicular flyover as all discrepancies in the original project design will be remedied.

He said he is primarily concern of the structural design and safety of all the end users of the vehicular flyover.

When asked on why the discrepancy was only discovered after the vehicular flyover was already 90 percent complete, Treñas said he has no idea on whether those responsible for the project construction checked on the details of the project the way it should be constructed.

The vehicular flyover here topped the list of high impact projects of the DPWH. The project is being undertaken and supervised by the President's Bridge Program Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways Central Office. The regional office of the department has no control over the project construction.

The delay in the completion of the vehicular flyover eventually caused delay in its operation. The city government is looking forward on the assurance made by DPWH officials that the vehicular flyover will be operational by December, said Treñas.

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Oh well...better than nothing. :)

Drivers end strike
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Instead of bowing down to pressure, City Mayor Jerry Treñas called on drivers of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) belonging to towns under the defunct Metro Iloilo Development Council (MIDC) to bear the inconvenience as what the city is doing is for the good of the general public.

Treñas met with Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas Sr. and MIDC town mayors the other day to address the concerns of the jeepney drivers affected by the traffic experimentation being implemented by the city government.

PUJs from MIDC towns namely Oton, Leganes, San Miguel and Sta. Barbara stayed off the streets on Monday and Tuesday to show their protest to the traffic experiment which shortened their existing routes. They resumed operations yesterday.

The meeting facilitated by Gov. Tupas was attended by Pavia Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta, San Miguel Mayor Greg Villarico, Oton Mayor Vincent Flores, Sta. Barbara Mayor Isabelo Maquino, Leganes Mayor Adolfo Jaen and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regional director Porfirio Clavel.

Treñas maintained that the city government would go on with the 30-day traffic experimentation to see if it helps address the city's traffic problem.

Treñas was saddened by the strike conducted by the drivers as it was barely a week since the experimentation was implemented.

He said it is just normal that resistance occurs every time change is effected but he appealed for the drivers' understanding and open-mindedness.

Treñas further said that he has no vested interest with regard to the conduct of traffic experimentation. He said they are just looking for ways to address the city's worsening traffic problem.

He added that the traffic experimentation will not only affect provincial PUJs but also the city loop PUJs. In fact, he said an executive order is underway to make some rerouting on certain city loop PUJs.

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This is good but Metro Iloilo Development Council is defunct? I don't understand why...

City drivers back traffic experiment
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Drivers associations belonging to the city loop routes expressed full support to the 30-day traffic experimentation being implemented by the city government.

Two drivers associations came out with statements of support to the traffic experiment amid complaints raised by drivers groups from the Metro Iloilo Development Council (MIDC) towns, namely, Oton, San Miguel, Sta. Barbara and Leganes.

Iloilo City Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (ICAJODA) Inc., headed by its president Vulcan Espinosa, on Monday passed a resolution expressing full support to the month-long traffic experimentation. The resolution was signed by 21 drivers associations under ICAJODA.

The resolution stated that vehicles passing the identified traffic areas have lessened since the traffic experimentation began last October 1.

Another umbrella organization, the Iloilo City Alliance of Drivers Association (ICADA) led by its president Nicasio Dalisay also issued a statement of support to the traffic experimentation. ICADA said the initial implementation of the traffic experiment "gained positive results."

The ICADA statement of support was signed by 21 active transport organizations that practically has the same members with ICAJODA. The statement was approved by its members last Monday.

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This could have been a reason for the pronvincial jeep's end of strike. :)

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/11/kids.play_tn.jpg
Fun is etched on the faces of this two kids gleefully playing on a boat docking at Muelle Loney wharf.

I really salute the photographer for this. :cheers: THe picture really tells me that despite the high economic background of the city with poverty ranging everywhere, the poor can still show a smile and have fun. :cheers:

TRICKY TAIWAN TRIP
Treñas faces criminal, administrative raps

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – The Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (RISE) filed criminal and administrative complaints against Mayor Jerry Teñas before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas over his recent trip to Taiwan.

RISE is a coalition of non-governmental, people’s organizations, and civic groups here. Lawyer Romeo Gerochi specifically accused this city’s chief executive criminally for violation of Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and administratively for grave misconduct.

The complaint was endorsed by Green Forum – Western Visayas, Professionals for Social Responsibility and Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) – Iloilo. Gerochi chairs the FDC.

The complaint stemmed from the Taiwan trip made by Treñas though the invitation of Formosa Heavy Industries Corp. (FHIC) on September 28 to 29.

FHIC is the technical partner of Global Business Power Corp. that proposes to put up a 100-megawatt coal-fired power plant in this city.

Treñas had admitted that the proponents shouldered the expenses for his two-day trip.

Gerochi said that the trip, with the expenses shouldered by the proponent, was unlawful.

He cited Section 7, paragraph (iii) of the Code stating prohibited acts and transactions by public officials. One of these is “the acceptance by a public official or employee of travel grants or expenses for travel taking place entirely outside the Philippines (such as allowances, transportation, food, and lodging) or more than nominal value if such acceptance is appropriate or consistent with the interests of the Philippines, and permitted by the head of office, branch or agency to which he belongs.”

Treñas pooh-poohed the complaint.

“Let them file (it). Everyone is entitled to their (sic) own opinion,” Treñas said, “I don’t find anything wrong (with the Taiwan trip).”

He also stressed that his travel was authorized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Aside from this, “(FHIC) is not a contractor of the city. There are no approvals (needed from) my office for the proponent to put up the (coal-fired) plant,” said Treñas, lawyer by profession.

Treñas cited Department of Environment and Natural Resources Memorandum Circular No. 2007-08 dated July 13, 2007 stating “no permits, and/or clearances issued by the national government agencies and local government units shall be required in the processing of environmental compliance certificate (ECC) or certificate of non-coverage (CNC).”

“I made no violation,” Treñas stressed.

Upon his return to this city, Treñas concluded that a coal-fired power plant can do no harm even if it is situated in a thickly populated area.

“(It was) very educational,” Treñas said, adding that his fears vis-à-vis the coal-fired power plant were clarified.

Treñas said he visited three coal-fired power plants in Taiwan. The trip, he added, increased his level of confidence in the proposed coal-fired plant for Iloilo City.

“There was no reported increase in cases of asthma and cancer” in areas adjacent to the plant, he revealed.

In fact, Treñas said, a mall was just a few hundred meters away from one of the coal plants he checked.

GBPC targets to put up a 100-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in the City of Iloilo to address the power demands of the metropolis with the upsurge of economic and infrastructure development here.

GBPC is the mother company of Panay Power Corporation (PPC), an independent power producer here. It plans to put up the power generation technology at the PPC compound in Brgy. Ingore, La Paz district.

Some city councilors are also flying to Taiwan to check the coal-fired power plants there on October 12 to 14.

Treñas had said in earlier interviews that the city needs a stable supply of electricity because the lack of it turns off prospective investors.

Local environmentalists have warned of dire ecological effects of a coal-fired power plant in the metropolis. They also said the population’s health would be at risk.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
These so called green groups do not have anything else to throw at. They're at a loss at the power plant issue and now, they just file a case against Mayor J even if there's no harm in what he did. :ohno:

Basi subsidiary sang Bayan Muna ang mga Green Groups nga ni...:ohno:

Regional housing fair ’07

The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) will hold the Western Visayas Housing Fair 2007 October 23-25 at the Iloilo provincial capitol lobby.

The fair is themed “Serbisyong Tapat, abot-Kayang Pabahay Para sa Lahat.”

The fair is held in coordination with other shelter agencies like the PAG-IBIG Fund (HMDF), National Housing Authority (NHA), National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), Housing and Land Regulatory Board (HLRB) and other government financial institutions.

The main purpose of the event is the disposition of acquired properties of the key shelter agencies and the government financial institutions at a discounted rate, as well as the newly built housing units of the private developers.

The expected target market will include government and private employees and the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

Organizers of the Housing Fair are inviting all working sectors, the families of OFWs, barangay officials, teachers and students and LGU representatives, including officers of cooperatives, to visit the event and see the different types and model houses.

Pag-IBIG Fund OIC Branch manager Ma. Lourdes Z. Uy said some 14 private developers will display their program/project packages for sale. They are also expected to present during the technical sessions on the second day.

The Fair will start with a motorcade and opening program on October 23 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby. (PIA 6/ESS)

so we will wait for another a year to make the budget enough for the construction of Ateneo, since they start receiving the donation last year, so far they collected 80M+ Not bad.

^^ They're excellent in terms of collecting money. I wish Jaro Cathedral were like them.
80 million is enough to start the construction of few buildings for Ateneo. I thinktheir budget is almost 100-million. Once the construction starts, money will start pouring. It's the same as CPU. We always want the foundation before donation starts pouring. Kadali lang mangita bulig kung naga-umpisa na. Pero kung wala pa, people will be in doubts [a.

the rendering is great, hope that they expand the access road, kay daw 2 lanes man lang ang bag-o nga kalsada dira. 4 lanes is great

^^ 2 lines ang road...at the moment. But the area it covers is wide enough to fit four lanes plus center islands.

the plan looks grand IMO. I ope they'll start to develop AdI campus as soon as. $ lanes with centre islands s a very welcome development indeed.

80 million is enough to start the construction of few buildings for Ateneo. I thinktheir budget is almost 100-million. Once the construction starts, money will start pouring. It's the same as CPU. We always want the foundation before donation starts pouring. Kadali lang mangita bulig kung naga-umpisa na. Pero kung wala pa, people will be in doubts [a.

Well, CPU's alumni are VERY supportive of their alma mater. Many projects (buildings, school stuff) being built every year, in my opinion and most of them were from the alumni.

I don't know the case with the Ateneo de Iloilo...

The Dinagyang U.S. Tour Show at SM City Iloilo

SM City Iloilo was host to the ECD (Edwin C. Duero) Dance Company of the Philippines' "Arrival Performance" last Oct. 8, 2007 of the group who were sent by the Iloilo City Government to the United States to showcase Dinagyang Festival to the Filipino communities in the states as well as tourists and residents of the areas.

This momentous activity showcased the dances of this Iloilo-based dance company, which they featured in the United States last June 2007. By holding presentations before the Filipino community in San Antonio, Texas
and Minneapolis, Minnesota, our brothers and sisters abroad were made aware that there is such a thing as "cultural excellence" in Iloilo City. More than 60,000 people in America witnessed the presentation, according to Ben Jimena, executive director of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI).

Eight females, eight male dancers and six technical members were part of the delegation. Their trip was sponsored by the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in coordination with the national government, city government and the IDFI.

Jimena added that another proof of cultural excellence is Dinagyang Festival's bagging the "Best Tourism Event for 2007" award in the national convention of the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP) held in Camarines Sur last Oct. 5, 2007. This was Dinagyang Festival's second win in the said convention. It garnered the same award in 2006.

Iloilo's Paraw Regatta won as second runner-up.

"We are attempting to make Dinagyang Festival ‘larger than life'," Jimena said. "We will involve not only Iloilo but Filipino communities abroad. We are going to revive the drum and bugle competition and we are working on extraordinary tribe performances for Dinagyang 2008."

The cultural dances in SM City Iloilo were followed by a fashion show by Hector Gellangarin. He showcased some of the best Filipiniana designs ever created. The finale was a contemporary Dinagyang Ati-Ati performance.

The mall event was spearheaded by SM City Iloilo, The Iloilo City Government, The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc.(IDFI) and Department of Tourism 6.

This is not the only exciting event that one can look forward to in SM City Iloilo. Expect more fun-filled happenings in the Ultimate Shopping and Entertainment Destination --— SM City Iloilo.

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

Dinagyang is already the best (that's a fact) in the country! Now what it needs is it to be the best in Southeast Asia and soon Asia and soon still, the world! :)

Well, CPU's alumni are VERY supportive of their alma mater. Many projects (buildings, school stuff) being built every year, in my opinion and most of them were from the alumni.

I don't know the case with the Ateneo de Iloilo...
as long as it's for the best of CPU, we are all support.

Btw: for all Centralians:

5th GLOBAL REUNION will be in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - 2008

Details available in CPU Website.

I hope I can go with Wecky if he decides to go for this Global Reunion again. The Canada last 2003 scares everyone here in Europe due to SARS. And even people in US is in minimum. They just 100 or more. For Europe, 2 people attended, one from Sweden and one here in UK. Australia has also one representativ. I hope the Las Vegas one will be more global in nature as we're expecting more people coming from Europe, Australia, Mid-East, other parts of Asia and The Philippines to come and gather for our dear alma mater.

Watch out guys !

The Dinagyang U.S. Tour Show at SM City Iloilo

....

Dinagyang is already the best (that's a fact) in the country! Now what it needs is it to be the best in Southeast Asia and soon Asia and soon still, the world! :)

that's why it is the only festival supported by United Nations until the present. Gracie ! :banana: :banana: :banana:

^^ Really? I didn't know that. Talagang the best tayo!

tanong lang po.

usually ilang contingents ang sumasali sa dinagyang at ilan dito ang out of town contingents? :)

^^ I don't know exactly but most towns in the province sends their representative and most public schools in the city have their own such as Bola bola.

may contingents din ba galing sa Bacolod at sa ibang Is.? thanks.

^^ Nope. They have Masskara.

walang out of town contingents na nanggagaling sa ibang Is.? sana makabisita ulit ako sa Iloilo.:)

^^ For the 2008 Festival, the website Dinagyang (http://www.dinagyangfoundation.com) doesn't yet show the contesting Ati Tribes. We'll know more in the future.

I hope you can visit us here. You're always welcome.

thanks. sana i tour ako ni bernie. :D

Megaworld, DOF to ink Iloilo airport sale

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/frontO12.jpg


(L-R) Monica Salomon, Megaworld first vice president for corporate management; Lourdes Clemente, Megaworld senior vice president for finance and administration; Finance Secretary Gary Teves; and Patrick Ty of the Department of Finance sign the sale and purchase agreement sealing Megaworld’s purchase of the 54.5-hectare old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao, Iloilo City for P1.2 billion.TOP executives of giant real estate developer Megaworld Corp. and Department of Finance (DOF) will arrive here for the ceremonial signing of sale of the 54-hectare old airport property in Mandurriao, Iloilo City at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center today.

TOP executives of giant real estate developer Megaworld Corp. and Department of Finance (DOF) will arrive here for the ceremonial signing of sale of the 54-hectare old airport property in Mandurriao, Iloilo City at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center today.

Mayor Jerry Treñas and other city government officials will witness the signing of the sale documents that will signal the start of airport site developments. “We are happy with this single biggest investment in the city. They (Megaworld) are already preparing the master plan,” Treñas told reporters.

Megaworld has earlier signed a sale and purchase agreement with the Philippine Government in Manila for the purchase of the old Iloilo airport. The property developer paid the DOF P1.2 billion cash as payment for the property.

The firm is also planning to invest P1.5 billion to develop a business process outsourcing (BPO) center, hotel and convention center in the old airport area.

Megaworld, which pioneered the development of cyber-parks, foresees that BPO companies will be interested to set up offices in the Visayas region.

Thus, they plan to put up an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) park in the city’s prime lot to boost the BPO sector.

The BPO industry includes call centers, medical and legal transcriptions, software development, architecture and animation using state-of-the-art computer technology.

Iloilo is considered the center of trade and commerce and education being the home of prominent universities in Panay Island.

Megaworld will apply for a special economic zone license with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) to transform the old airport property into a new business district.

It envisions a Peza-accredited business hub which offers tax incentives to become a magnet for major BPO companies interested to expand in the metropolis.

In addition to office buildings for BPO industry, the project will host educational facilities geared to provide value added training to equip prospective employees with necessary skills suited to the requirements of call centers and other BPO businesses.

“They (Megaworld) would not find it difficult to get the necessary permits at the City Hall. We will make it easy for them to invest in the city. They are very serious with the investments,” Treñas stressed.

“The acquisition of the old airport shows confidence for the economy and growth of Iloilo City—this is a big investment,” he pointed out.

Megaworld paid the City Hall its P9-million transfer tax Tuesday.

“If there are big investments, these will result to better resources and more projects for the city,” Treñas said.

He explained that the transfer tax represents three-fourths of one percent of the P1.2 billion that was paid by the Megaworld to the DOF for the purchase of old airport site.

The transfer tax is the share of the local government unit (LGU) once the private investor buys a real property within the LGU’s jurisdiction.

Old airport privatization to boost Iloilo economy

THE national government, through the Department of Finance, has signed an agreement selling the 54-hectare old Iloilo airport property in Mandurriao, Iloilo City to publicly listed Megaworld Corp. for P1.2 billion.

The transaction represents the first major privatization of a real estate asset located outside of Metro Manila.

Secretary Gary Teves said “the sale of the old Iloilo airport property will not only generate revenues for the national government, but will also pave the way for a billion-peso development by Megaworld that will attract tourists and investors, and lead to more jobs and revenues for Iloilo.”

Proceeds from the sale of the property will go to the national treasury and will help finance the government’s delivery of vital infrastructure and social services.

Once revenues from the sale have been booked, it will bring the total receipts from privatization up to P43.2 billion year-to-date and help the national government achieve its P63 billion budget deficit target for 2007.

Iloilo mayor Jerry Trenas lauded the government’s privatization policy for its many economic benefits, including the positive impact on provincial development.

“We welcome the sale and Megaworld’s promise to invest P1.5 billion in the development of the property. The development will result in higher investment and economic activity in the province.”

Megaworld has announced plans to build a hotel, convention facilities, and business process outsourcing offices on the property. The real estate developer has also said it plans to apply with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority for a special economic zone license for the development.

Megaworld is one of four groups that expressed strong interest in the purchase of the property, reflecting the attractiveness of Iloilo as an investment destination.

The property sold to Megaworld used to be the site of the Iloilo airport, which has since transferred to a sprawling 188-hectare site between the towns of Cabatuan and Santa Barbara northwest of Iloilo City.

Apart from the DOF and the City of Iloilo, agencies that also contributed to the success of the transaction include the Air Transportation Office, the Department of Transportation and Communication, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Budget and Management.

Ilonggos celebrate family week with prayers, vows

ILONGGOS celebrated the National Filipino Family Week here with not just the usual fun and laughter activities for the family, this time, with ecumenical prayers and pledge of commitment of various agencies to provide services for families left behind.

The week began with a Family Day of the DSWD Field Office VI on September 24, 2007.

It was a day filled with lectures on enhancing family relationships and keeping the bond between husbands and wives.

On Tuesday, a motorcade participated by the different line agencies, Local Government Units, Non-Government Organizations and Religious organizations was conducted in major thoroughfares of Iloilo City.

The group converged at the Church of the Latter Day Saints in Lapaz where an opening program for the Family Week was held.

Guests during the activity were Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon of Iloilo City and Provincial Administrator Boy Mejorada. The highlights of this program include the awarding of cash prizes to families which displayed with them banners and the ecumenical prayers rendered by representatives from different religious denominations.

From September 26 to 27, line agencies and other organizations conducted their own activities in their respective offices such as forum and media guestings.

On September 28, the Regional Office initiated in the conduct of the Social Welfare and Development (SWD) Forum entitled, “Famlies Left Behind,” the highlight of which was the pledge of commitment to provide services for families of migrant workers left behind of line agencies of the government—including Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Foreign Affairs, PhilHealth, Department of Education, Population Commission, Department of Interior and Local Government, National Economic Development Authority, among others.

During the forum, two mothers, a father and a son left behind by their partners working abroad were invited to share their experiences. Three experts were also invited to provide inputs— Dr. Daisy L. Chua-Daquilanea (Psychiatrist); Ma. Corazon Tolentino-Berjes (Psychologist); and Sr. Ma. Serafica Tolentino, OP. from the religious sector.

The activity was attended by OIC Regional Director Teresita S. Rosales and Assistant Regional Director Joel P. Galicia./mcastillo

Welcome to Iloilo Megaworld!!!:banana: :banana: :banana:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2406/1546234757_58e90e383c.jpg?v=0
:dance: :dance: :dance:

Exciting times for the City, I love this City above all else, walang kokontra! heheh

Hope I can go home for the '08 Dinagyang,Regatta.

Exciting man ang Grand Reunion sa Vegas sang CPU, i'll plan to go with my sis too, yey!

^^ Ayus bord! :lol:
Kick out lang galing si talibong1 eh...

not true

^^ Wala siya na kick out?

Anyway, Coffeebreak is opening a new branch beside Metro Bank along Gen. Luna St.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/12/police.agility.test_tn.jpg
PIO-PRO 6
Police applicants undergo agility to test their stamina and physical prowess inside Camp Martin Delgado.

Treñas rejects LTFRB's odd-even scheme proposal

By Maricar M. Calubiran

City Mayor Jerry Treñas has rejected the proposal of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regional director Porfirio Clavel to implement the "odd-even scheme" to address the city's traffic problems.

Treñas said the odd-even scheme, which is being used in Metro Manila, is not applicable to Iloilo City.

The odd-even scheme regulates motor vehicles on the streets by way of its plate numbers.

Treñas said most of the people here belong to middle class families having only one vehicle.

Clavel made his suggestion in the recent meeting with the chief executive, Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. and municipal mayors beloging to Metro Iloilo Development Council (MIDC).

While the odd-even scheme would decrease the number of vehicles plying on the streets it could also cause burden among the riding public, said Treñas.

Meanwhile, Treñas said he is determined to continue the traffic experimentation to get a real picture and solution to the city's traffic problem. "They should first give the city a chance to implement the traffic experimentation," he said.

Meanwhile, municipal mayors who are members of the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) will join in the capability training for the three-year traffic development plan funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The training cost $ 500,000 assistance is in form of technical support. They are currently having a planning workshop which focuses on Capacity Enhancement Program' and has the formulation of a Multi-Stakeholder Transport Planning and Traffic Management Improvement in MIGEDC.

The chief executive said the mayor's participation was included because they want a final three year traffic development plan. Two Japanese experts are here to oversee the capability training and implementation of the different process and procedures in relation to the creation of the traffic plan involving the MIGEDC.

Mabilog, 7 councilors off to Taiwan for a tour on coal power plants

By Maricar M. Calubiran

Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog and seven members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod pushed through with their trip to Taiwan after the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) central office issued them a travel clearance.

The travel clearance for Mabilog along with Councilors Lyndon Acap, Julienne Baronda, Jose Espinosa III, Ely Estante Jr., Armand Parcon, Nielex Tupas and Eduardo Peñaredondo was approved by DILG Undersecretary Austere A. Panadero.

Mabilog and the councilors left Iloilo City yesterday (Thursday).

While, Councilors Marietta Orleans, Jeffrey Ganzon, Stevie Rey Abitang, Eldrid Antiquiera, Antonio Pesina, Erwin Plagata and Perla Zulueta did not join the trip.

Expenses for the trip as well as accommodation will be shouldered by Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC), owner of Panay Power Corporation which distributes the bulk of power in Iloilo City.

The two companies are proposing to build a 100-megawatt coal plant at the PPC plant site in Barangay Ingore in La Paz District here. It plans to tap technical assistance from the Taiwan-based Formosa Heavy Industries Corp. (FHIC), which operates the Asia Power Energy Corporation (APEC) coal plant in Mabalacat town in Pampanga.

In her authorization, Panadero said the city officials were allowed to travel from October 12 to 14,2007 for a study and observation tour on Clean Coal Technology. The same order contains conditions under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2001- dated May 8, 2001.

Among the conditions for their trip are that no expenses shall be borne by the city government in connection with the travel; delegates have been properly cleared from money and property accountabilities and from any administrative charge or criminal case filed against each of them.

The travel approval for the vice mayor and seven councilors was issued last October 10, 2007, the same day some environmental advocates filed criminal and administrative complaint against Mayor Jerry Treñas for going to Taiwan.

Trenas's trip was also sponsored by GBPC. However, the mayor said he has done nothing wrong when he went to Taiwan since GPC, PPC and FHIC are not contractors or suppliers for any projects of the city government. He said his trip cannot be covered by prohibitions of the law because the coal-plant project does not need the approval of the city government.

Meanwhile, Atty. Romeo Gerochi also threatens to file criminal and administrative complaint against other city officials who will go to Taiwan.

Treñas urges ICPOC members to voice concerns

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas urged member-agencies of the Iloilo City Peace and Order Council (ICPOC) to express their concerns every meeting so that it will be addressed promptly.

The mayor made this statement during the regular monthly meeting of ICPOC held at the chief executive's office yesterday.

"I ask you not to hesitate to raise your concerns during our meeting so that I will know the problems that you or your organizations are having relevant to the peace and order situation of our city, and so that I or PNP city director Wesley Barayuga can address it accordingly," Treñas said.

Treñas believes that the membership of the council is ably represented by the various public and private sectors and can credibly assess the peace situation of the city.

He also ordered the city police to coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and maximize their efforts to curb the illegal drug trade and reduce if not eliminate the proliferation of illicit substances.

Meanwhile, Treñas thanked the public and the private sector for supporting the current 30-day traffic experiment, which is the city's latest move to minimize traffic congestion.

The ICPOC is composed of Treñas as chair, vice-mayor Jed Mabilog as vice-chair and representatives from government offices and business, academic and religious sectors as members. (EAM/PIO)

Yap to keynote organic farming congress

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap will keynote the 4th National Organic Agriculture Congress which will be held on October 17-18 at the Sarabia Manor Hotel, Iloilo City. Sec. Yap will also award the winner of the Best organic Farm.

About 300 participants and guests are expected to attend the congress which carries the theme "Converging Thrusts for the organic Industry Development in the Philippines.

The event is organized by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Product Standards of the Department of Agriculture and Fishery Product Standards of the Department of Agriculture headed by Dir. Gilbert Layesa, in cooperation with the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) chaired by Prof. Marilou Ang-Lopez, and the Panay Organic Producers Association, Inc., headed by Ms. Dawn Jamandre.

Representatives from the IFOAM, Department of Trade and Industry, PCARRD, BAFPS and the Organic Producers Trade Association on the topics, "Overview of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines", "The Growing Global Demand for Organic Food", "Enabling Regulatory Mechanisms for Organic Agriculture", and "Organic Trade in the Philippines."

Other presentations in the congress will include "Organic Agriculture: A Winning Platform for Rural Development," "Internal Control System," "Negros: the Organic island," "Building Communities Through organic Agriculture," "Organic Banana: No longer the same Banana,: Nurturing Nature in Farming," "Organic Rice: Feeding the Community," and "Muscovado: The Sweet Success."

The organizers said sessions on Participatory Guarantee System and Organic Farm Conversion and Certification will also be part of the event.

They also said participation in the Congress is by invitation only and those interested can log on to the Website of the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards at www.bafs.da.gov.ph. (PIA 6)

ICPO-PCR section top performance rating

The police community relations (PCR) and family protection and gender sensitivity sections of the Iloilo City Police Office headed by Senior Inspector Lourdes S. Banzuelo topped the 3rd quarter Performance Evaluation rating regionwide.

The rating was given by the Regional Police Community Relations Division of the Police Regional Office-6 headed by Senior Supt. Edwin R. Gabrinez.

The ICPO-PCR got a score of 156.72 points followed by Bacolod City Police Office with 155.16 out of the total of 162 points.

The PCR has been very active in various community-based activities such as the conduct of symposia, pulong-pulong, mass feeding, conferences, seminars with force multipliers and other activities geared towards winning the hearts and minds of the populace.

^^ Wala siya na kick out?

Anyway, Coffeebreak is opening a new branch beside Metro Bank along Gen. Luna St.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/1551501101_1a65faae75.jpg?v=0
yeah they occupy that small area beside metro bank, they made the right idea of putting that coffee shop there. banks employee gd ang maka benefit sina.BPI, CITIBANK, METROBANK, another structure na naman ang maka padugang katahum sng gen luna.:banana: :banana: :banana:

Ng5iMon-wjY
Benjo: Ang Pagsalakay: The Rise of Black Bord

ILOILO CITY--Megaworld Corp. will pour an initial investment of P1.5 billion into its newly acquired 54-hectare property, where the old Iloilo airport used to stand.

Megaworld, which acquired the property in Mandurriao District for P1.2 billion, plans to build a business park here.

"This is our first major investment outside of Manila," said Kingson Sian of Megaworld Corp. during Friday's turnover ceremony at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center. "This shows how much we are bullish and committed to Iloilo."

Sian said the Iloilo site comprised half the land area of Megaworld's other properties.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said Megaworld's project is the single biggest investment in Iloilo City.

"This is a historic turnover," said Treñas. "We will build a new city within a city."

Megaworld is known for developing high-end properties including residential and commercial projects. Among its biggest projects are the Empire East Land Holdings Inc. and Empire East Properties Inc.

It was the only firm among prospective buyers that submitted a bid that met the P1.2-billion minimum price set by the government for the property.

Robinson's Lands had submitted a bid of P1.09 billion; Empire East, P701 million and SM Prime, P435.79 million.

Megaworld plans to put up residential units; a hotel and convention center; commercial and retail stores; recreation centers and skills development facilities.

Sian said they are optimistic that Iloilo would become among the world's top business process outsourcing centers.

Employment in call centers are expected to increase from the 200,000 workers in 2006 to a million by 2010, said Sian.

Key to the investment is the manpower supply that is expected to be fulfilled by the many colleges and universities in the city.

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, who attended the turnover rites, said the Megaworld investment "shows that there is a lot of potential in Iloilo."

http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=94128

wow, another first! sm delgado was the first sm outside metro manila and now megaworld's first major investment out of manila.

MEGAWORLD NEEDS 35MW OF POWER

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. needs more than 30 megawatts of electricity to sustain its investments on the old Iloilo airport lot.

Megaworld executive director and senior vice-president Kingson Sian said they need 35MW of power to energize the Iloilo Business Park that the firm is planning to put up on the old airport property.

Sian said they envision a live-work-play-learn community to sprout from the lot.

Megaworld will spend P1.5 billion to put up business processes outsourcing (BPO) offices, residential units, hotels, convention center, commercial and retail outlets, skills training center, and recreational facilities (see related story on Page 1).

“We need stable supply of power because this will be a whole community, a city within a city,” Sian said.

Sian added that BPO investors and companies also require steady and uninterrupted supply of electricity because of its round-the-clock operations.

“We know that there are some problems as regards the power supply of Iloilo City but we are also confident that our local officials and the business leaders here will do something to solve this concern,” Sian said.

Megaworld, one of the largest property developers in the country, has hired the topnotch services of architectural firm Palafox Associates in drafting a development masterplan for the old airport lot.

Iloilo City mayor Jerry Treñas said Megaworld initially required 20MW of power in the initial stages of its investments.

“The city will find ways to address their requirement because of the investment that they are going to pour in here,” Treñas said.

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, who graced the ceremonial turnover of the airport property at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, said the issue of power supply is one concern that must be resolved to attract more investors in Iloilo.

“BPO investors really focus on the power supply because of their 24/7 operations. We can realize the investment and employment potentials of Iloilo in the BPO sector if we have stable and cheap supply of electricity,” Teves said.

Oscar Sañez, chief executive officer of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), said telecommunications and electricity are their top concerns when investing in a city or province.

Sañez said their group is very interested in Iloilo because of its manpower resources and modern telecom infrastructure.

“The price of power does not really concern us. As long we have stable supply—which means no sudden brownouts—the BPO sector will be willing to invest in Iloilo City,” Sañez said.

Iloilo to rise in BPO world map

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

GIANT real estate developer Megaworld Corp. yesterday vowed to put Iloilo in the world map of rising business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.
Megaworld top executives led by executive director and senior vice-president Kingson Sian arrived in Iloilo City yesterday for the turnover of 54-hectare old airport property in Mandurriao district at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center here.

“This is a rare opportunity for us to transform the site into a vibrant economic catalyst of Iloilo. Megaworld built its reputation throughout Manila and now we’re bringing that to Iloilo,” Sian told the audience.
“We are bringing development we hope all Ilonggos can be truly proud of—this is our first major investment outside of Metro Manila,” he stressed.

Sian said Megaworld is largest landlord of BPO companies in the Philippines and the fastest growing real estate company in the country.

Why is Megaworld bullish on the property market?

“We have identified five growth drivers including BPO, middle-income housing, power of OFWs, decreasing home mortgage rate and government infrastructure spending,” Sian explained.

“Megaworld envisions the Iloilo Business Park a live-work-play-learn community hosting BPO offices, residential units, hotels, convention center, commercial and retail outlets, skills training center, and recreational facilities,” he pointed out.

Sian said a theme park will become a hub for tourists.
Sian said BPO firms in one of their projects in Metro Manila employ some 17,000 persons and they expect the figure to rise in the coming years.

Megaworld bought the old airport lot at P1.2 billion which it paid in cash to the Department of Finance and plans to invest P1.5 billion to develop the area.

A pioneer in the development of cyber-parks, Megaworld foresees that BPO companies may be interested to set up offices in the Visayas region.

The BPO sector includes call centers, medical and legal transcriptions, software development, architecture and animation using state-of-the-art computer technology.

Megaworld will apply with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) for a special economic zone license to transform the old airport property into a new business district.

A Peza-accredited business hub which offers tax incentives to become a magnet for major BPO companies interested to expand in the metropolis.

In addition to office buildings for BPO industry, the project will host educational facilities geared to provide value added training to equip prospective employees with necessary skills suited to the requirements of call centers and other BPO businesses.


WISE INVESTMENT


Iloilo is considered the center of trade and commerce and education being host to several universities in Panay Island.

“One of the key factors for success is manpower availability. We are very satisfied with the quality of labor and there are lots of universities here as what we need. Major telecom players are already established here. There’s no reason why Iloilo should not be in the world map of BPO,” Sian said.

He was referring to headlines that Cebu, Pasig and Baguio have been cited among the world’s emerging BPO centers.

“We are very excited—this is a wise investment. Iloilo is a very progressive city with very cooperative local government unit and we want to be a part of that growth. We will create a community—we want to add and enhance to the city’s growth. We don’t want to wait any longer—the opportunity is there,” Sian stressed.

He was also optimistic that of adequate power supply which is vital especially to BPO center’s 24/7 operations while they need at least 35-MW power based on initial estimates.

“If the power concern is insurmountable, we could not have invested. But we are confident we could rise to the occasion and solve the problem,” said Sian.

Oscar Sañez, chief executive officer of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines, said Iloilo belongs to the “big city potential” category among prospective BPO locators because of its quality manpower and existing infrastructure.

“The telecommunications infra here is one of the most modern and it is improving. We have highly qualified manpower here because of the number of universities and students here. We in the BPO sector are very bullish on Iloilo’s potentials because of these factors,” Sañez said.

TreÑas excited on taxes, jobs from old airport dev’t

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday expressed excitement on the turnover of 54-hectare old airport property in Mandurriao district to giant real estate developer Megaworld Corp. at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center here.

Department of Finance (DOF) secretary Margarito Teves and Kingson Sian, executive director and senior vice-president of Megaworld, led the turnover ceremony witnessed by city government officials and department heads, business groups and Association of Barangay Captains’ district presidents.

The mayor said he specifically invited officials of big firms Panay Power Corp. (PPC), Panay Electric Co. (Peco) and Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) “to see how much is needed for the airport site development so they could start working to meet the demand of power and water supplies.”

PPC is the bulk energy supplier while Peco is the lone power distributor in the metropolis.

MIWD provides potable water supply to its bulk of consumers in the metropolis.

“I am very happy and pleased that we have been witnesses to the historic turnover of the development of a ‘new city within a city’,” Treñas told the audience.“I am certain that we’re all excited about this single biggest investment in the city. I am excited not so much on the taxes that we receive although I’m excited but because of the jobs it will provide from construction to completion,” stressed Treñas.

“And the more sustainable jobs to be generated by the businesses to be put up there. We hope that it will provide the necessary jobs to the graduates here so that they will not have to go out to look for jobs abroad,” he affirmed.

Megaworld bought the old airport lot to the tune of P1.2 billion which it paid in cash to DOF even as it plans to invest P1.5 billion to put up a business process outsourcing (BPO) center, hotel and convention center in developing the area.

It has also paid the City Hall its P9-million transfer tax Tuesday.

“If there are big investments, these will result to better resources and more projects for the city,” Treñas pointed out.

He explained that the transfer tax represents three-fourths of one percent of the P1.2 billion that was paid by the Megaworld to the DOF for the purchase of old airport site.

The transfer tax is the share of the local government unit (LGU) once the private investor buys a real property within the LGU’s jurisdiction.

Trenas is optimistic that Megaworld’s takeover of the old airport will benefit the city in the form of real property taxes (RPT) and employment opportunities for the residents.

“Our benefits will be gained from real property taxes and jobs to be created from the development of the airport site by private investors,” he said.

Trenas said the property used to be managed by Air Transportation Office (ATO) and was exempted from RPTs but has become taxable after it is sold to the private developer.

Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pledged that “the proceeds will go to the development of Iloilo City and the rest of Panay Island.”

Treñas had said the city government eyed the “airport money” to be utilized for the establishment of a road network linking to the neighboring Metro Iloilo towns of Oton, Leganes, Pavia and San Miguel and Sta. Barbara.

A pioneer in the development of cyber-parks, Megaworld foresees that BPO companies may be interested in setting up offices in the Visayas region.

Thus, they have planned to put up Information and Communications Technology (ICT) park in the city’s prime lot to boost the BPO sector.

The BPO industry includes call centers, medical and legal transcriptions, software development, architecture and animation using state-of-the-art computer technology.

Iloilo is considered the center of trade and commerce and education being host to several universities in Panay Island.

Megaworld will apply with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) for a special economic zone license to transform the old airport property into a new business district.

It envisions a Peza-accredited business hub which offers tax incentives to become a magnet for major BPO companies interested to expand in the metropolis.

In addition to office buildings for BPO industry, the project will host educational facilities that would provide value added training to equip prospective employees with necessary skills suited to the requirements of call centers and other BPO businesses.

Again, another Good news!!!

wow, another first! sm delgado was the first sm outside metro manila and now megaworld's first major investment out of manila.

Thats true! this is the big boost to the economy of Iloilo.
So excited to see the masterplan of palafox associates.

I´m impressed with all the developments ongoing with Iloilo City right now. Iloilo City definitely deserves better this time. Welcome MEGAWORLD to ILOILO, The Heart of the Philippines ! :banana: :banana:

Same News from www.panaynewsphilippines.com

BILLION-PESO INVESTMENT
P1.5B business park to
rise at old Iloilo airport
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – A P1.5-billion business park will rise at the present site of the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district here, developer Megaworld Corp. announced yesterday.

One of the fastest-growing companies in the country today, Megaworld Corp. won the bidding for the 54-hectare property. It acquired the area from the national government for P1.2 billion.

Kingson Sian, Megaworld’s executive director and senior vice president, said they will transform the old airport “into a vibrant economic catalyst for Iloilo.” It will be called the Iloilo Business Park.
Sian was here yesterday for the turnover ceremony of the property. He presented Megaworld’s proposed Iloilo Business Park to city officials and said it is the company’s first major investment outside Metro Manila.

The Iloilo Business Park will house business process outsourcing offices, mid-income housing units, a hotel, a convention center, commercial retail services, skills training center, and recreational facilities.

Sian said a master plan is currently being drawn.

“We hope to start the development early next year .. when the master plan is in place,” Sian told reporters.

He said the pace of development depends on the demand of investments, noting that the project is huge … “it is a long term project.”

“We are very excited … we want to start immediately. The soonest we can do that, the soonest the people of Iloilo can benefit from the employment opportunities,” Sian said.

“The faster the infrastructures are placed, the faster the investments pour in,” he added.

Mayor Jerry Treñas welcomed Megaworld’s proposal. He said it will “result in higher investment and economic activity in the city and province of Iloilo.”

“We want to participate in the growth of Iloilo. We are making this wise investment. Iloilo City is a very progressive city,” Sian added.

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, who was also present yesterday, said the sale of the property will not only generate revenues for the national government but will also pave the way for a billion-peso development that will attract tourists and investors, and lead to more jobs and revenues for Iloilo.”

Part of the sale contract was for the successful bidder to take charge of the illegal settlers currently occupying portions of the old Iloilo airport.

Megaworld’s executive director and senior vice president said they will be coordinating with the city government for the relocation of some 113 illegal settlers.

“They will be relocated properly,” Sian said.

Megaworld will also work for the relocation of the office of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration which is near the old airport.
But even as it envisions the realization of its huge project, Megaworld also acknowledged one crucial concern – the power supply in Iloilo City.

Sian said Megaworld is looking for an initial energy of 20 megawatts primarily for the operation of business process outsourcing “which operates 24 hours a day.”

“We are keenly looking at issues revolving around power, but we have all the confidence that the local government will be able to solve the problem,” he said.

Treñas had been reiterating that the lack of a stable power source in the metropolis might discourage investors to come in.

“If it is going to be an insurmountable problem … we would have not invested. We are confident that the people of Iloilo will be able to rise to the occasion and solve that,” Sian said.

BRAVO!!!

I´m impressed with all the developments ongoing with Iloilo City right now. Iloilo City definitely deserves better this time. Welcome MEGAWORLD to ILOILO, The Heart of the Philippines ! :banana: :banana:
I CAN SEE that iloilo city will compete Cebu in the near future. TWO PROGRESSIVE CITY
Maayong Buntag Cebu!!! Maayong Aga Ilonggos!

Its final, Megaworld owns Old Iloilo Airport. A multi billion investment and first Megaworld project outside Manila.
Welcome Megaworld!!!

random shots of the New Iloilo Airport few days before its inauguration

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/whytewhyte/ILOILO/airportetc.jpg

arrival

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/whytewhyte/ILOILO/arrival.jpg

departure

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/whytewhyte/ILOILO/departure.jpg

ILOILO GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
snapshots


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/whytewhyte/ILOILO/golf1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/whytewhyte/ILOILO/golf2.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/whytewhyte/ILOILO/golf3.jpg

BREAKTHROUGH sa BAYBAY
Villa Beach, Iloilo City


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/whytewhyte/ILOILO/breakthruin.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/whytewhyte/ILOILO/breakthrua.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/whytewhyte/ILOILO/breakthru2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/whytewhyte/ILOILO/breakthrufud.jpg

very nice photos! this picture was taken during the inauguration?

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/whytewhyte/ILOILO/breakthrufud.jpg
daw gin gutom ko ba. Daw mapuli ko liwat sa Iloilo ah. Nice photos Whyte!!!

very nice photos! this picture was taken during the inauguration?

the sunday before the inauguration :D that explains the monoblock chairs in one pic.
naunahan pa namon si PGMA saka sa podium nya.

Treñas reallys loves the developments in the city. I bet if he weren't the mayor, he'd be an avid poster here.

Also, I hope Iloilo City can regain it's crown which it held for almost 500 years as the Queen City of the South.

Drivers end strike
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Instead of bowing down to pressure, City Mayor Jerry Treñas called on drivers of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) belonging to towns under the defunct Metro Iloilo Development Council (MIDC) to bear the inconvenience as what the city is doing is for the good of the general public.

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



This is good but Metro Iloilo Development Council is defunct? I don't understand why...

to give way for the MIGDEC (metro iloilo-guimaras development council) i guess

Treñas reallys loves the developments in the city. I bet if he weren't the mayor, he'd be an avid poster here.

Also, I hope Iloilo City can regain it's crown which it held for almost 500 years as the Queen City of the South.

50 lang guro :D

anyway,lets get over with regaining that title and look forward for a brighter future.

yup.mayor trenas is all our for developments that can be "seen".
i remembered the time when he was acting mayor, in lieu of malabor and then vice mayor .... due to the elections, his first (cant be sure though) action was to have a city wide clean up drive complete with caravan,etc.

I CAN SEE that iloilo city will compete Cebu in the near future. TWO PROGRESSIVE CITY
Maayong Buntag Cebu!!! Maayong Aga Ilonggos!

It cannot compete with Cebu. And there is no basis of competition. Cebu had already laid out her economic baseline. While Iloilo is just starting to determine her economic baseline.

^^ Well, maybe now, Iloilo can't but maybe after 30 years or so, it has a chance.

^^ Well, maybe now, Iloilo can't but maybe after 30 years or so, it has a chance.

BILLION-PESO INVESTMENT
P1.5B business park to
rise at old Iloilo airport

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – A P1.5-billion business park will rise at the present site of the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district here, developer Megaworld Corp. announced yesterday.

One of the fastest-growing companies in the country today, Megaworld Corp. won the bidding for the 54-hectare property. It acquired the area from the national government for P1.2 billion.

Kingson Sian, Megaworld’s executive director and senior vice president, said they will transform the old airport “into a vibrant economic catalyst for Iloilo.” It will be called the Iloilo Business Park.

Sian was here yesterday for the turnover ceremony of the property. He presented Megaworld’s proposed Iloilo Business Park to city officials and said it is the company’s first major investment outside Metro Manila.

The Iloilo Business Park will house business process outsourcing offices, mid-income housing units, a hotel, a convention center, commercial retail services, skills training center, and recreational facilities.

Sian said a master plan is currently being drawn.

“We hope to start the development early next year .. when the master plan is in place,” Sian told reporters.

He said the pace of development depends on the demand of investments, noting that the project is huge … “it is a long term project.”

“We are very excited … we want to start immediately. The soonest we can do that, the soonest the people of Iloilo can benefit from the employment opportunities,” Sian said.

“The faster the infrastructures are placed, the faster the investments pour in,” he added.

Mayor Jerry Treñas welcomed Megaworld’s proposal. He said it will “result in higher investment and economic activity in the city and province of Iloilo.”

“We want to participate in the growth of Iloilo. We are making this wise investment. Iloilo City is a very progressive city,” Sian added.

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, who was also present yesterday, said the sale of the property will not only generate revenues for the national government but will also pave the way for a billion-peso development that will attract tourists and investors, and lead to more jobs and revenues for Iloilo.”

Part of the sale contract was for the successful bidder to take charge of the illegal settlers currently occupying portions of the old Iloilo airport.

Megaworld’s executive director and senior vice president said they will be coordinating with the city government for the relocation of some 113 illegal settlers.

“They will be relocated properly,” Sian said.

Megaworld will also work for the relocation of the office of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration which is near the old airport.
But even as it envisions the realization of its huge project, Megaworld also acknowledged one crucial concern – the power supply in Iloilo City.

Sian said Megaworld is looking for an initial energy of 20 megawatts primarily for the operation of business process outsourcing “which operates 24 hours a day.”

“We are keenly looking at issues revolving around power, but we have all the confidence that the local government will be able to solve the problem,” he said.

Treñas had been reiterating that the lack of a stable power source in the metropolis might discourage investors to come in.

“If it is going to be an insurmountable problem … we would have not invested. We are confident that the people of Iloilo will be able to rise to the occasion and solve that,” Sian said.

Regarding the statement of Cebu and Iloilo as competing cities, there is somewhat a sector that they would compete. Again, this is a healthy competition and will contribute to the overall health of our economy in the country.

Cebu is different as it has laid its path towards industrial, tourism and IT sector while Iloilo has to improve its strength for human resource, its services sector and of course agriculture.

Its better to have a holistic growth over the Visayan region or the Philippines rather than being monopolized by few di ba?

naks, basta si bernie ga hambal daw kanami pamatian!

and id rather have it that iloilo be a commercial, cultural, educational and recreational/vacation hotspot more than a "heavy-industry" player... that way we can retain the old world charm, grandeur and serene life that has always defined our city... i hope this doesn't sound like an anti-progress statement...

^^ Wahahahaha!!! Ti, musta na ang life mo sa Vicente Sotto Memorial?

I don't think so. There are some progressive cities that maintains its laid-back and old world charm in other countries in Asia. I like Iloilo City the way its laidbackness, cost of living and "homey" feeling.

Remember what Michael Tan said in his column regarding Pinoy Cities?
"The only time that the cities outside of Manila (he might be referring to Cebu, Iloilo and Davao in his column) lose its distinct laidback characteristic or its uniqueness (pinasahi sa aton) is that these cities would imitate Manila itself."

IMO, there is no point of competing or comparing our status with other cities in Visayas or in the country. It would be better if we gear our focus to the direction of local economic stability and self-sufficiency. In this way, we can develop in terms of our own and locally fit economic niche, instead of imitating the track of other industrialized cities. They have their own economic niche and we have to develop our own niche.

Also, when we say compete there must be a common ground why two entities compete. For Cebu or Iloilo, there is no common ground to compete. So there is no competition.

I sometimes feel irritated when we always try to compare our city to other cities. Iloilo has a lot to hurdle before we can state that we can compete.

^^ IMO, a little comparing does no harm and can actually boost the city. For one, Iloilo and Cebu compete for tourism. Cebu for it's beaches, nightlife and heritage while Iloilo for it's festivals, beaches and food.

When comparing, we can see where we are right now and what we need to improve. It's the same as the country comparing with it's neighbors.

^^ Thats what you call benchmarking Kent. If we are to compare other cities, we do not have to feel envy or jelousy as this would bring immature policy-making.

Comparing cities is just one way in order to learn what are the advantages and disadvantages of each different cities then focus and check what we lack and what they lack. See what advantages or disadvantages that we have or they have.

Benchmarking is just one of the ways in assessing the economic life of a city.

Its a simple learning and sharing thing that most LGUs do in the Visayas (And as far as I observed, it is only in SSC that we have these CvC bashings and not in the reality).

^^ Anyway, we can always know if there's a CVC threat coming

^^ Amo na. If we allow our regional prides to take-over our rational thinking, then we would be ruled like a mob and consider ourselves immature.

^^ Agree. Lesson learned there.

^^ Thats what you call benchmarking Kent. If we are to compare other cities, we do not have to feel envy or jelousy as this would bring immature policy-making.

Comparing cities is just one way in order to learn what are the advantages and disadvantages of each different cities then focus and check what we lack and what they lack. See what advantages or disadvantages that we have or they have.

Benchmarking is just one of the ways in assessing the economic life of a city.

Its a simple learning and sharing thing that most LGUs do in the Visayas (And as far as I observed, it is only in SSC that we have these CvC bashings and not in the reality).

I know it berns... but I was referring to comparison for competition but not comparison for improvement.

I hate to see and read statements with the word "compete" without further detailing the basis of competition. There is a big difference between the words "compete" and "compare."

On the other side of the note... is it really necessary for us to benchmark things against other city? I believe not. We only do benchmarking between two entities when their nature is the same. We benchmark not against the data of other cities because the internal dealings and local economic movement of these cities are different than ours. I suggest we benchmark within our own data in this way we avoid any negative comment.

I am not defending any city here... but I am trying to understand the statements we are writing here.

BILLION-PESO INVESTMENT
P1.5B business park to
rise at old Iloilo airport

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – A P1.5-billion business park will rise at the present site of the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district here, developer Megaworld Corp. announced yesterday.

One of the fastest-growing companies in the country today, Megaworld Corp. won the bidding for the 54-hectare property. It acquired the area from the national government for P1.2 billion.

Kingson Sian, Megaworld’s executive director and senior vice president, said they will transform the old airport “into a vibrant economic catalyst for Iloilo.” It will be called the Iloilo Business Park.

Sian was here yesterday for the turnover ceremony of the property. He presented Megaworld’s proposed Iloilo Business Park to city officials and said it is the company’s first major investment outside Metro Manila.

The Iloilo Business Park will house business process outsourcing offices, mid-income housing units, a hotel, a convention center, commercial retail services, skills training center, and recreational facilities.

Sian said a master plan is currently being drawn.

“We hope to start the development early next year .. when the master plan is in place,” Sian told reporters.

He said the pace of development depends on the demand of investments, noting that the project is huge … “it is a long term project.”

“We are very excited … we want to start immediately. The soonest we can do that, the soonest the people of Iloilo can benefit from the employment opportunities,” Sian said.

“The faster the infrastructures are placed, the faster the investments pour in,” he added.

Mayor Jerry Treñas welcomed Megaworld’s proposal. He said it will “result in higher investment and economic activity in the city and province of Iloilo.”

“We want to participate in the growth of Iloilo. We are making this wise investment. Iloilo City is a very progressive city,” Sian added.

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, who was also present yesterday, said the sale of the property will not only generate revenues for the national government but will also pave the way for a billion-peso development that will attract tourists and investors, and lead to more jobs and revenues for Iloilo.”

Part of the sale contract was for the successful bidder to take charge of the illegal settlers currently occupying portions of the old Iloilo airport.

Megaworld’s executive director and senior vice president said they will be coordinating with the city government for the relocation of some 113 illegal settlers.

“They will be relocated properly,” Sian said.

Megaworld will also work for the relocation of the office of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration which is near the old airport.
But even as it envisions the realization of its huge project, Megaworld also acknowledged one crucial concern – the power supply in Iloilo City.

Sian said Megaworld is looking for an initial energy of 20 megawatts primarily for the operation of business process outsourcing “which operates 24 hours a day.”

“We are keenly looking at issues revolving around power, but we have all the confidence that the local government will be able to solve the problem,” he said.

Treñas had been reiterating that the lack of a stable power source in the metropolis might discourage investors to come in.

“If it is going to be an insurmountable problem … we would have not invested. We are confident that the people of Iloilo will be able to rise to the occasion and solve that,” Sian said.

^^
Yum Yum! Loved every words of this...

ON SUTHERLAND update:

This is what I know that is CONFIRMED. I was able to talk from my source with SUTHERLAND who was able to talk with the Trainer...

By JULY next year FULL BLAST na ang ILOILO OPERATION. Already SUTHERLAND ILOILO is in Founadtion training and 2 trainers was sent. 1st account will be customer service for McAffe...by november or december this will start operating... this is sure na! Right now they are into accent and language training in ILOILO. The LOCATION is not yet final. I'll give more updates soon...

^^ Yum yum also. Construction is EVERYWHERE, except the flyover of course. :ohno:

Anyway, I hope this goes on. I'll expect to see a Starbucks and a high rise building in 5 years time. :banana:

Most water refilling stations
lack sanitary permit – CHO

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – There are over a hundred water refilling stations in this city, but only a handful passed safe tests, revealed the City Health Office (CHO).

“There is no guaranteed safety in drinking bottled water because (most of the bottled waters here) lack safety seals on their containers,” said Dr. Urminico Baronda.

An alarmed tourism officer of the city government, Benito Jimena, urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the CHO to conduct on-site examinations to verify the treatment processes being undertaken by water refilling stations.

“We should not wait for (tragedy to happen) before agencies concerned look into the matter,” stressed Jimena after the CHO revealed that only about 12 percent of more than a hundred water refilling stations in this city were able to secure sanitary permits.

He urged the public to “be very careful in choosing bottled water purchased in the market.”

For his part, Baronda said it is always best to boil the water first.

Jimena expressed fear on the possible adverse impact of unsafe water to the city’s tourism industry.

“The reason why people patronize bottled water is because they believe what they buy is clean,” Jimena added.

He added: “If there is no regulatory body that ensures the safety bottled water in the markets, potential visitors and tourists might get the impression that in this part of the country, drinking water is unsafe.”

According to CHO Sanitation Inspector Romeo Lustria, water refilling stations operating in the metropolis must secure sanitary permits annually.

He confirmed that only 12 percent, of the more than one hundred water refilling stations in the metropolis have sanitary permits.

The CHO has already called that attention of the refilling stations to comply with the requirement, he added.

Prior to the issuance of a sanitary permit, water refilling undergo a tedious inspection process.

First, the applicant must secure a certificate of potability from the CHO. In securing a certificate, three water examinations at source are undertaken and another three water examinations on the product (the bottled water itself).

“(The testing) is done every six months,” Lustria said.

After the issuance of the certificate of potability, the applicant must apply for an initial permit and operational permit at the regional office of the DOH, Lustria said, after which the applicant shall present the permits at the CHO for the inspection of the refilling station, before it issues the sanitary permit.

Lustria said only a few water refilling stations are complying because of the rigid inspection process being observed.


:ohno: Can we import water from Davao?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/374455339_28738fee5a.jpg?v=1191611328

Dinagyang Festival 2008 Event Schedule posted

Click Here (http://www.exploreiloilo.com/dinagyang-festival-event.html)to View

(http://www.exploreiloilo.com/dinagyang-festival-event.html)

^^ Nong chy, will they really change the color of Dagoy to brown?

Iloilo to rise in BPO world map

By Jeehan V. Fernandez


“Megaworld envisions the Iloilo Business Park a live-work-play-learn community hosting BPO offices, residential units, hotels, convention center, commercial and retail outlets, skills training center, and recreational facilities,” he pointed out.

Sian said a theme park will become a hub for tourists.


hmmmm may theme park man gali ang megaworld? i think 54 hectares kulang pa ina sa bpo offices sang mega world kaya indi dapat butangan theme park ang airport sang Iloilo kay kulang ang area:) opinion ko lang na ha? maybe 30 years time pwedi man cguro..:)

^^ Fine, whatever you believe. Basta indi ka lang maginsulto nga personal diri o bisan sa thread nyo, your always welcome.

Anyway, theme park like Enchanted may not be possible for Iloilo's market for now and again from what I've heard, it would be a staggered development application for Megaworld, that means gradual development of the airport lot and not "all of a sudden" move.

That is why Megaworld focuses on developing the "earning" or profit-earner realty investments such as construction of the BPO buildings or commercial establishments.

^^ ^^hahaha! maybe you could share your dollars' worth of opinion to megaworld!:lol: perhaps they would be all ears!

hmmmm may theme park man gali ang megaworld? i think 54 hectares kulang pa ina sa bpo offices sang mega world kaya indi dapat butangan theme park ang airport sang Iloilo kay kulang ang area:) opinion ko lang na ha? maybe 30 years time pwedi man cguro..:)

Do you have an uncle or aunt who can provide a "good" advice to Megaworld?

^^ You challenged me to prove a negative...that is, prove what you say isn't true..:ohno: As I've said before, your behavior shows that you seem to be operating from your own version of:bash: :) obviously..you are not up to this level of debate. nabasa ko ang iban nyo na mga post:nuts: opinion man lang na ya..peace:)

^^ that's just a random and simple question... you can say no or yes.

Anyway, don't worry that's fine. Your point is taken already and we highly respect others opinion. But sometimes be careful with how you approach things because you might be swimming in unknown waters. :D

I assume, you are thinking of a theme park in the scale of disney,universal,or 6flags...maybe ala enchanted kingdom man...and I have to agree with you, indi pa ready ang Iloilo for a theme park in that scale, in fact maski diin nga city diri sa WV is not be ready for that sa subong.

hmmmm may theme park man gali ang megaworld? i think 54 hectares kulang pa ina sa bpo offices sang mega world kaya indi dapat butangan theme park ang airport sang Iloilo kay kulang ang area:) opinion ko lang na ha? maybe 30 years time pwedi man cguro..:)

hmmmm may theme park man gali ang megaworld? i think 54 hectares kulang pa ina sa bpo offices sang mega world kaya indi dapat butangan theme park ang airport sang Iloilo kay kulang ang area:) opinion ko lang na ha? maybe 30 years time pwedi man cguro..:)
you posted on your bacolod thread that, its better to put a theme park or mini enchanted kingdom on your 17hectares airport. where is bigger 54hectares or 17? dont you think its feasible to put mini encahnted kingdom in your place? Iloilo is not ready for that...like what daks said.

next for your info... im still here in philippines...and im very proud that im the hero of the nation. wala personalay ok...bay-i lang basi may pasalubong ka man.peace

^^ You challenged me to prove a negative...that is, prove what you say isn't true..:ohno: As I've said before, your behavior shows that you seem to be operating from your own version of:bash: :) obviously..you are not up to this level of debate. nabasa ko ang iban nyo na mga post:nuts: opinion man lang na ya..peace:)

^^ that's just a random and simple question... you can say no or yes.

Anyway, don't worry that's fine. Your point is taken already and we highly respect others opinion. But sometimes be careful with how you approach things because you might be swimming in unknown waters. :D

Thats true. We respect your opinion. Its just a matter on how you post it or expressing it on the right way. Like the banana smiles on the other thread. You should be careful in expressing your words. I myself was angered by your posts but would rather have you decide it.

you posted on your bacolod thread that, its better to put a theme park or mini enchanted kingdom on your 17hectares airport. where is bigger 54hectares or 17? dont you think its feasible to put mini encahnted kingdom in your place? Iloilo is not ready for that...like what daks said.

next for your info... im still here in philippines...and im very proud that im the hero of the nation. wala personalay ok...bay-i lang basi may pasalubong ka man.peace


I agree with Collin and Daks or even to you Birdfluu that Iloilo is not ready yet to have a theme park ala Enchanted or Orlando. Maybe a Civic Activity Center Area or another night out place would do.

you posted on your bacolod thread that, its better to put a theme park or mini enchanted kingdom on your 17hectares airport. where is bigger 54hectares or 17? dont you think its feasible to put mini encahnted kingdom in your place? Iloilo is not ready for that...like what daks said.

next for your info... im still here in philippines...and im very proud that im the hero of the nation. wala personalay ok...bay-i lang basi may pasalubong ka man.peace

ive read that post in the yonder thread too! and that's what made me laugh! the double standard treatment is obvious! anyway, birdfluu is always welcome in this thread!:) i think it's a matter of how the posts are expressed and the motives behind them.

guys, i'm happy about this development in our city, with or without a themepark, i'm not at all flustered by some other peoples negative and passive-agressive comments, i'm proud that our city is the FIRST city where Megaworld has Invested outside of the capital. And No one not even an Avian Infection can stop the continuing progress of our City, heheh, peace!

Well, Megaworld might not make a theme park out of that but it's gonna be a booming business center in the future. Think of it, Megaworld made Eastwood City the BPO center of the country, maybe they can make Iloilo City the BPO center of the South. Go go go!

A theme park might be feasible in a few years time and the ideal location would be in the undeveloped areas in Jaro and Lapaz. :banana:

MEGAWORLD NEEDS 35MW OF POWER

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. needs more than 30 megawatts of electricity to sustain its investments on the old Iloilo airport lot.

Megaworld executive director and senior vice-president Kingson Sian said they need 35MW of power to energize the Iloilo Business Park that the firm is planning to put up on the old airport property.

Sian said they envision a live-work-play-learn community to sprout from the lot.

Megaworld will spend P1.5 billion to put up business processes outsourcing (BPO) offices, residential units, hotels, convention center, commercial and retail outlets, skills training center, and recreational facilities (see related story on Page 1).

“We need stable supply of power because this will be a whole community, a city within a city,” Sian said.

Sian added that BPO investors and companies also require steady and uninterrupted supply of electricity because of its round-the-clock operations.

“We know that there are some problems as regards the power supply of Iloilo City but we are also confident that our local officials and the business leaders here will do something to solve this concern,” Sian said.

Megaworld, one of the largest property developers in the country, has hired the topnotch services of architectural firm Palafox Associates in drafting a development masterplan for the old airport lot.

Iloilo City mayor Jerry Treñas said Megaworld initially required 20MW of power in the initial stages of its investments.

“The city will find ways to address their requirement because of the investment that they are going to pour in here,” Treñas said.

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, who graced the ceremonial turnover of the airport property at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, said the issue of power supply is one concern that must be resolved to attract more investors in Iloilo.

“BPO investors really focus on the power supply because of their 24/7 operations. We can realize the investment and employment potentials of Iloilo in the BPO sector if we have stable and cheap supply of electricity,” Teves said.

Oscar Sañez, chief executive officer of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), said telecommunications and electricity are their top concerns when investing in a city or province.

Sañez said their group is very interested in Iloilo because of its manpower resources and modern telecom infrastructure.

“The price of power does not really concern us. As long we have stable supply—which means no sudden brownouts—the BPO sector will be willing to invest in Iloilo City,” Sañez said.

Iloilo to rise in BPO world map

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

GIANT real estate developer Megaworld Corp. yesterday vowed to put Iloilo in the world map of rising business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

Megaworld top executives led by executive director and senior vice-president Kingson Sian arrived in Iloilo City yesterday for the turnover of 54-hectare old airport property in Mandurriao district at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center here.

“This is a rare opportunity for us to transform the site into a vibrant economic catalyst of Iloilo. Megaworld built its reputation throughout Manila and now we’re bringing that to Iloilo,” Sian told the audience.

“We are bringing development we hope all Ilonggos can be truly proud of—this is our first major investment outside of Metro Manila,” he stressed.

Sian said Megaworld is largest landlord of BPO companies in the Philippines and the fastest growing real estate company in the country.

Why is Megaworld bullish on the property market?

“We have identified five growth drivers including BPO, middle-income housing, power of OFWs, decreasing home mortgage rate and government infrastructure spending,” Sian explained.

“Megaworld envisions the Iloilo Business Park a live-work-play-learn community hosting BPO offices, residential units, hotels, convention center, commercial and retail outlets, skills training center, and recreational facilities,” he pointed out.

Sian said a theme park will become a hub for tourists.

Sian said BPO firms in one of their projects in Metro Manila employ some 17,000 persons and they expect the figure to rise in the coming years.

Megaworld bought the old airport lot at P1.2 billion which it paid in cash to the Department of Finance and plans to invest P1.5 billion to develop the area.

A pioneer in the development of cyber-parks, Megaworld foresees that BPO companies may be interested to set up offices in the Visayas region.

The BPO sector includes call centers, medical and legal transcriptions, software development, architecture and animation using state-of-the-art computer technology.

Megaworld will apply with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) for a special economic zone license to transform the old airport property into a new business district.

A Peza-accredited business hub which offers tax incentives to become a magnet for major BPO companies interested to expand in the metropolis.

In addition to office buildings for BPO industry, the project will host educational facilities geared to provide value added training to equip prospective employees with necessary skills suited to the requirements of call centers and other BPO businesses.

WISE INVESTMENT

Iloilo is considered the center of trade and commerce and education being host to several universities in Panay Island.

“One of the key factors for success is manpower availability. We are very satisfied with the quality of labor and there are lots of universities here as what we need. Major telecom players are already established here. There’s no reason why Iloilo should not be in the world map of BPO,” Sian said.

He was referring to headlines that Cebu, Pasig and Baguio have been cited among the world’s emerging BPO centers.

“We are very excited—this is a wise investment. Iloilo is a very progressive city with very cooperative local government unit and we want to be a part of that growth. We will create a community—we want to add and enhance to the city’s growth. We don’t want to wait any longer—the opportunity is there,” Sian stressed.

He was also optimistic that of adequate power supply which is vital especially to BPO center’s 24/7 operations while they need at least 35-MW power based on initial estimates.
“If the power concern is insurmountable, we could not have invested. But we are confident we could rise to the occasion and solve the problem,” said Sian.

Oscar Sañez, chief executive officer of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines, said Iloilo belongs to the “big city potential” category among prospective BPO locators because of its quality manpower and existing infrastructure.

“The telecommunications infra here is one of the most modern and it is improving. We have highly qualified manpower here because of the number of universities and students here. We in the BPO sector are very bullish on Iloilo’s potentials because of these factors,” Sañez said.

^^ Oh boy. THe theme park question has been answered and they will build it. It's only a matter of when...

Peryahan na lang anay para feasible.....hehehe! :lol:

It was said by the executive director and senior vice-president Kingson Sian of Megaworld that they will develop a theme park in the old iloilo airport wala na siguro kita iya labot kay sila man 'ya magasto. Ngaa sagid man 'ta 'ya kinumod kung indi feasible ang theme park sa mandurriao airport. They are the expert, we are not in the rightplace nga pamatukan sila.

birdfluuu, I suggest to put facts in your comments para indi ka pagbarahun! Or magpanumdum ka man 'bi sang dalum.

^^ Birdfluu = birdbrain

Bernie,Collin,Soul,eonex,lewd kag kid wala ko ya ga hikay da ah..damu ga hambal ang problema sang Iloilo traffic:ohno: te kon patindugan theme park pa gid sin o ma problema kamu man dyapon.. indi ko gusto e compare ang traffic sang Iloilo sa Bacolod:) kamu gani ga post man to sa Bacolod thread..wala man sang ga away sa inyo.pero kon diri..permi lang sala hambal ko..tama na bala...wala ko ya ga panghikay a.:)

hay birdfluuuuu ah! I told you to think first before you post. Expect nga lawig na naman nga barahanay ini. :ohno:

I suggest that we better not to read your comments or ignore you. wala ka man may maayo nga suggestions, You better stay and comment sa Thread nyo kag indi ka sagi pahilabot diri.

^^ You also posted that when collin goes abroad, he'll be happy...tama na bala? You do not know what it feels :ohno:

Gin-edit mo pa ang post mo kag gindugang pa ang ngalan ko. hehehe! Gusto mo siguro matindakan 'ta 'ka? Waay ka pa siguro kaagi kadi 'no? jk.

Tama na ina. Indi ka na di sagi pasilabot.

Bernie,Collin,Soul,eonex kag kid wala ko ya ga hikay da ah..damu ga hambal ang problema sang Iloilo traffic:ohno: te kon patindugan theme park pa gid sin o ma problema kamu man dyapon.. indi ko gusto e compare ang traffic sang Iloilo sa Bacolod:) kamu gani ga post man to sa Bacolod thread..wala man sang ga away sa inyo.pero kon diri..permi lang sala hambal ko..tama na bala...wala ko ya ga panghikay a.:)