Iloilo City and Province - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 85

spacewagon1

October 15th, 2007, 01:42 AM

Megaworld: Visit Iloilo first before Boracay
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

GIANT real estate developer Megaworld Corp. is crafting plans to transform the 54-hectare old airport site in Mandurriao, Iloilo City into a tourists’ haven.
Megaworld top executives led by executive director and senior vice-president Kingson Sian were here last week for the turnover of old airport property it bought from the national government to the tune of P1.2 billion.

“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 disclosed.

Sian said a theme park will become a hub for tourists.

“A lot of people just bypass Iloilo that they concentrate to Boracay – so we want them to come to Iloilo City and enjoy the culture, churches and history – then go to Boracay,” Sian enthused.

Iloilo is considered the gateway to Boracay, Panay and Guimaras islands which have been positioned as hotspots in the Central Philippines tourism program of the Arroyo administration.

Iloilo hosts the newly-opened state-of-the-art airport in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns, some 19 kilometers north of the city.

Iloilo City is home to the famous Dinagyang Festival which has been cited twice as best tourism event in the country by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (Atop).

Megaworld has set foot on Iloilo City with big economic and tourism prospects amid a burgeoning urban center.

“This is a rare opportunity for us to transform the site into a vibrant economic catalyst of Iloilo. Megaworld built its grand and reputation throughout Manila and now we’re bringing that to Iloilo,” said Sian.

“We are bringing development we hope all Ilonggos can be truly proud of,” he added.

Sian said Megaworld is largest landlord of BPO companies in the Philippines and the fastest growing real estate company in the country.

Megaworld’s six major projects in Manila have a combined area of 100 hectares. The 54-hectare lot here is already half of the firm’s developments.
Sian explained they have identified five growth drivers including BPO, middle-income housing, power of OFWs, decreasing home mortgage rate and government infrastructure spending.

“The property market has been a hit while the demand for middle-class housing is very sharp as the economy continues to grow – there’s a lot of emerging middle class that want to grow. We should also consider the power of OFWs,” he pointed out.

Iloilo is also considered an “OFW country” with the increasing demand for mushrooming residential facilities.

“We want to highlight that when we buy a major piece of property we don’t like to sit and we develop the area immediately,” Sian said.

“Filipinos (or Ilonggos in particular) will be getting well-paid jobs, good trainings and skills and will be working here and not somewhere else in the world. We want to do the same concept in Iloilo as what we have in Manila to give the Ilonggos a choice whether to stay or go abroad,” he added.

A pioneer in the development of cyber-parks, Megaworld foresees that BPO companies maybe 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 is applying for a special economic zone license with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) to transform the old airport property into a new business district.

A Peza-accredited business hub which offers tax incentives becomes a magnet for major BPO companies interested to expand in the metropolis.
He added their developments in Manila host international Chinese and Korean schools.

Iloilo has been home to Chinese community who are doing businesses in downtown area as well as Koreans flocking the city to study or do business here.

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

spacewagon1

October 15th, 2007, 01:58 AM

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.:)
it's because you're posts are funny, that's why. If you are posting with sense in here, maybe your ideas will be welcome in our thread. Howevre, you are stirring something stupid in our thread and starting a city versus city here. For sure, there's nothing to compare between Iloilo and Bacolod in all aspects. I don't know why Bacolodnons are a bit pushy to make a comparison? Would it be nice if you'll start comparing your city with others? Maybe then, there'll be a sense with what you are talking in here.

spacewagon1

October 15th, 2007, 02:03 AM

48 days more before Ateneo’s Golden anniversary launching
By Engr. Herman Lagon

EXACTLY 48 days are left before the highly-anticipated lunching of the Golden Jubilee of Ateneo de Iloilo-Santa Maria Catholic School (AdI-SMCS) fires up in Iloilo City.

The soft 50-year anniversary celebration debut will be highlighted by a seven-pronged torch parade in the late afternoon of November 30 to be participated in by distinguished alumni, parents, students, teachers and staff of the only Jesuit school in Western Visayas.

From the seven vital points in Iloilo City (namely Ateneo Old Campus, Provincial Capitol, Jaro Plaza, Mandurriao Plaza, Molo Plaza, Jollibee Molo, and SM City Iloilo), participants will march towards the new 7.5-hectare, P200-million-worth Ateneo site in Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao where the launching rites is to be held. Fireworks display, digital countdown, video presentations, food fair, and concerts shall be held thereafter to spice up the celebration.

Early morning of that same day, a mass will be held in the Santa Maria Parish at Gen. Blanco St., Iloilo City where the old site is located. This will be followed by the blessing and the simultaneous installation of the Golden Jubilee (GJ) car plates, setting of fireworks, city motorcade and the unveiling of the official GJ logo.

“The festivity would be simple but meaningful to all Ateneans young and old. It is specially designed to fit all the batches’ sensibilities and in line with our theme ‘Celebrating the Ignatian tradition of love, service, and excellence,’” said John Trompeta (Batch ’87), GJ committee chairperson.

“We have lots of surprises in store for our alumni,” Trompeta stressed, adding, “we wish to have a complete attendance from the first batch of students who enrolled in school in 1958 to the newest students in the pre-school.”

Trompeta added, “we also wish the participation of our benefactors, parents and guardians who have always been there holding hands with us in the fulfillment of the school’s noble vision, mission and goals.”

The launching marks the start of a yearlong fete of GJ celebrations, one of which is the groundbreaking of the new Ateneo site (December 8), GJ Cup (January-February, 2008), GJ Summer Camp and Educational Tour, GJ Outreach Programs (2008), GJ ‘Blue Nites’ (2008), GJ Fiesta (September, 2008), and the GJ Grand Alumni Homecoming (December, 2008), among many others.

The Ateneo de Iloilo-SMCS Alumni Association, presently headed by ABS-CBN anchorperson lawyer Joebert Peñaflorida (Batch ’82), is also planning series of activities—specially designed for the alumni and family—that are aligned with the 50-year celebration.

Ateneo de Iloilo History
Expelled from China by the Communist takeover, the Jesuits came to Iloilo in 1953, and started their apostolic work among the local ethnic Chinese community as a continuation of their missionary work in Mainland China. With the support of the Iloilo Chinese and Filipino communities, Santa Maria Parish under the tutelage of Our Lady Queen of China was established by Fr. Guerrino Marsecano, an Italian Jesuit Missionary.

Jesuits believe that quality education is essential in molding good Catholic Christians. So in 1958, with barely nine (9) students as enrollees, Frs. Andrew Joliet, a French Jesuit, and Santiago Leon, a Spanish Jesuit, acting as Founder/Director and Principal respectively, opened a parochial school that came to be known as Sta. Maria Catholic School (SMCS).

With the Holy Mother as patroness, the Jesuits have embarked on a crucial mission of forming the youth of Iloilo. A year after the founding of the school, a two-story wooden building was constructed to provide the students with eight classrooms. In 1962, through the beneficence of Eduardo and Cesar Lopez, part of the school was erected on Lopez brothers’ lot situated across the street.

The school year 1965-66 was a glorious year as SMCS saw the first batch of graduates from the Grade School Department. SMCS accepted its first batch of high school freshmen in school year 1966-67. From its founding until 1976, Fr. Joliet, S.J. had been both Director of the school and the Pastor of the parish. In 1968, the Philippine government recognized SMCS as Filipino school with a comprehensive Chinese language program. Within the same year, Fr. Felix Maliza, another Spanish Jesuit, became the Principal of the school.
And Tender Years

SMCS held its first high school graduation in March 1970. A total of 18 students received their diplomas. Fr. Maiza, whose short term as a principal ended in the same year., was replaced by Fr. Albert Ricard, a French Canadian Jesuit who also acted as school Director. From nine pupils, SMCS had na unprecedented rise in the number of students when it accepted a total of 615 enrollees for high school alone.

However, due to the decision of the Chinese Provincial Superior to maintain only an elementary school, no freshmen were accepted for the school year 1971-72. As a result, high school enrolment plummeted to 513 and to 481 the following year. When parents of the students protested the phasing-out of the high school department, the Chinese Provincial Superior reconsidered his decision. A year after, enrolment started picking up as freshmen were again allowed to enroll for the school year 1972-73.

In 1971, Fr. Peter Ignatius Li, S.J. arrived to fill in the shoes of parish priest and school Director while Fr. Ricard maintained his position as Principal for seven more years. In 1978, Fr. John Chi, S.J. was appointed Director - Principal of the School.

A donation of 3,600 square meters of land by the Lopez family in June 1972 paved the way for the construction of a four-story concrete building in 1974 to replace the wooden one. The French-German missionary Fr. Arthur Baur, S.J. Superior and parish priest of the Sta. Maria community added a new wing to the school in 1977.

Despite the limitations of a constricted space, SMCS’s physical complex continued to grow under the tenure of Fr. Chi. When SMCS celebrated its 25th founding anniversary in 1983, various development such as the construction of comfort rooms, large classrooms and a cluster of offices were undertaken. A two-story structure was also put up to house classrooms for kindergarten pupils. Two years later, administrative offices on the ground floor of the schooll were renovated and a conference room was added.

To A Renewed Vision
The merging of the China Province Jesuits in the Philippines and the Philippine Province Jesuits in 1988 facilitated the missioning of Filipino Jesuits to the three Chinese-Filipino schools: Xavier School (San Juan, Metro Manila), Sacred Heart School-Jesuit (Cebu) and the Santa Maria Catholic School (Iloilo). In June 1991, Fr. Renato Puentevella, S.J. succeeded Fr. Chi as Director - Principal. During his five-year term, SMCS went through the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) Preliminary Survey and Formal Survey.

The Grade School Department was granted a three-year PAASCU accreditation in 1995 and the High School Department followed suit the following year. Fr. Enrique Ma. Lalana, S.J. was appointed Director-Principal and Fr. Manuel A. Uy Jr., S.J. school chaplain and parish priest in June 1996. In November 1999, SMCS applied for PAASCU re-accreditation and was granted five years.

In the year 2000, Fr. Manuel A. Uy Jr., S.J. assumed the post of Director-Principal. Fr. Robert Exequiel Rivera, S.J. became the school’s chaplain for a year. When Fr. Emerito Salustiano de la Rama, S.J. came in 2001, he was appointed Assistant Director and the following year assumed the position of Principal of the Grade School Department. For the school year 2004-05, Mrs. Aurora de la Cruz was appointed Principal of the high school department. In November 2004, PAASCU conducted a resurvey visit. Both the Grade School and the High School Departments have been granted re-accreditation for 2005-2010.

Of A Higher and More Noble Dream
With the incessant clamor of SMCS alumni and the local Iloilo community to let their children study in a Jesuit school, a plan for expansion and transfer to a new and better site is in the offing.

As Santa Maria Catholic School continues its existence, it does so with renewed commitment to its mission: the Christian education and formation of the youth in Iloilo and Panay especially the Chinese Filipino youth. Thus it strives to endow them with necessary skills and tools for further development of their potential; to imbue them with values and ideals that reflect a genuine concern for participation in nation-building; and to inspire them by the personal example of Christ our Lord to become “men and women for others” in search for MAGIS for MORE in service and excellence.

To be able to answer this call and to better equip the students for the challenges of the future and the society where they will serve as builders and leaders, managers and movers, a great leap forward must be taken. It is an aspiration tempered by a deep faith in the benevolence of the Almighty that whatever endeavor, if undertaken in His name, shall see success and fruition.

Of Serving and Loving, In All
In April 30, 2004, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Jesuit Father Provincial Romeo J. Intengan, Fr. Manuel A. Uy Jr., S.J. Director of SMCS (now President of AdI-SMCS), and Mr. Victor F. Pison of the Kauturan Pison Development Corporation (KAPIDECO). Archibishop Angel N. Lagdameo of the Archdiocese of Jaro and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, an Ateneo de Manila alumnus, witnessed the MOA signing which formalized the establishment of an Ateneo de Iloilo - Santa Maria Catholic School in its new location in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Site development is now on its way in the new Ateneo site and is set for vertical construction, at least for the Grade School building, early next year. The elementary department is slated to transfer to the Mandurriao site late next year.

Undoubtedly, Ateneo de Iloilo - Santa Maria Catholic School is one of the premier schools in the Visayas as consistently evidenced by the awards, respects, and accolades it yearly receives in different facets of endeavor, may that be in the academics, outreach, spiritual development, sports, journalism, creative writing, public speaking, debates, and the arts, among others. And as it moves forward, it hopes to be a beacon of light in the Visayas by promoting a deeply Christo-centric spirituality while maintaining its first mission of ministering to the Chinese-Filipino community in Iloilo./Ripples

Source: The ILOILO Daily Informer (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=13&Itemid=132)

spacewagon1

October 15th, 2007, 02:12 AM

MegaWorld groundbreaking in 3 months, says Treñas
By Wenceslao E. Mateo Jr.

MEGAWORLD, the giant corporation which has acquired the 54.5 hectare site of the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, is just too eager to start its business interests here.

After the turnover of property to it in simple ceremonies at the Sarabia Manor Hotel last Friday, MegaWorld announced, according to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, that it has already scheduled its groundbreaking for the structures it would put up in the area three months after, or this coming January 2008.

“On January 10 (2008),” the mayor even confidently said.

“I understand that MegaWorld has already issued the checks to the National Government in full payment of the price of the lot,” the mayor also informed, adding the giant corporation has likewise paid to the city government the transfer tax on the property.

Asked if what would happen to the informal settlers in the area, Treñas said MegaWorld assured him that the 200 families here would be properly relocated once it starts works on its buildings.

Architect Celino Falafox Jr., a world renowned Filipino architect, will design the MegaWorld buildings, the mayor also informed.

He added that MegaWorld would put up in the area call centers, an amusement park, a world-class convention center, and likewise a world-class hospital that could cater to tourist patients along the government’s medical tourism thrust.

Source: The ILOILO Daily Informer (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1546&Itemid=137)

spacewagon1

October 15th, 2007, 02:29 AM

Garbage scavengers
to undergo training

ILOILO City – The city government will engage the Iloilo Business Club (IBC) in providing “capability training” to some 100 scavenger-families at the Calajunan dumpsite in Mandurriao district as part of the social development component of the dumpsite conversion into a sanitary landfill.

General Services Office chief Engr. Raul Gallo said he looked forward to the support that will be provided by the IBC in terms of trainings for livelihood programs and other livelihood options for "waste pickers" once the dumpsite will be closed.

"It is our social responsibility to provide them other options once they will be displaced in the future," Gallo explained.

The city is now implementing Phases 1 and 2, which include infrastructure support, of the sanitary landfill component.

Gallo said infrastructure support such as drainage system, access road, fencing, composting house, lights, water supply and administration building are being established.
A feasibility study and the detailed engineering design of the landfill are now up for bidding.

Gallo said he is optimistic the project will be completed in 2009.

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

^^ ^^ more than anything else, we need to help our unfortunate kasimanwas. I hope the city government's project to train the scavengers will give light and hope for them to find better ways to live life back home. I salute Trenas for his continuous support for the city's poor and desolate. Thank you, Sir.

hiiamdib

October 15th, 2007, 06:19 AM

lewdsaint

October 15th, 2007, 10:45 AM

More news about the development of old Mandurriao Airport into new business park...

Treñas elated by purchase of old airport site
By Ronilo L. Pamonag

Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed elation over the decision of real estate developer Megaworld Corp. to pour in P1.5 billion worth of investments in the City.

Corporate officials made the announcement during last Friday's turn over ceremonies for the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district.

Megaworld Corp. bested three other real estate developers for the 54-hectare oil airport, which the government privatized following the construction of the P6.2 billion New Iloilo Airport at Cabatuan town.

The corporation shelled out P1.2 billion to purchase the airport. They plan to spend another P1.5 billion to develop the property, Kingson Sian, executive director and senior vice president of Megaworld Corp., said during a presentation.

Sian revealed that they will turn the old Iloilo airport into a 'live-work-play-learn community.'

Megaworld will be building a business process outsourcing, condominium units, a hotel, a convention center, a themed commercial/retail center, a recreation area, and a skills training center, he said.

We are very bullish about the property market, he said.

Sian pointed out several factors indicating an upbeat real estate market: the demand by mid-income earners for houses, low mortgage interest rates, the Overseas Contract Workers market, and government spending on infrastructure.

Treñas said that Megaworld's investments would mean additional jobs for City residents.

The graduates of our universities and colleges would no longer have to go to Metro Manila or go abroad just to find a job, the mayor said.

It's not so much about the taxes that would accrue to the City, he said, but about employment opportunities.

However, the mayor expressed concern over the power glut in the city. He said that Megaworld would need about 35 megawatts of power, something which independent power producer Panay Power Corporation cannot supply at the present.

City officials are currently evaluating a proposal to build a coal-fired power plant in the City.

Because of the privatization of the old airport, the government was able to realize P1.2 billion, Finance Sec. Margarito Teves said during the turn over ceremonies. The income will be entered in the books for October.

To date, the government was able to raise P43.2 billion from the sale of its assets, including shareholdings . Teves said that the government received substantial income from the sale of its shares in the Philippine Telecommunications Investment Corporation (PTIC) and the Philippine National Oil Corporaion-Energy Development Company (PNOC-EDC).

Proceeds realized out of the privatization of its assets has helped the government address its yawning budget deficit.

Development of old airport into business park to kick off next year
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Megaworld Corporation's Executive and Senior Vice President Kingson U. Sian projected that development at the old airport site in Mandurriao district will start early next year. The development will take place as soon the development master plan with the concept of "live-work-play-learn community" is done.

Megaworld hired the topnotch services of architectural firm Palafox Associates in drafting a development master plan for the old airport lot. The development at the upcoming business park will depend on the demand, said Sian.

The future business park will have a Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO), residential, hotel, convention center, commercial and retail outlets, skills training center and recreation facilities. This is the first major investment of Megaworld outside Manila. "Megaworld is bullish and committed to Iloilo," said Sian.

As soon as the development master plan is completed, the ground work will start. The corporation will hire local workers as initial work opportunities they can offer to Ilonggos prior to the business park's operation.

Sian considers having business in the city as "wise investment." He said one of the key factors for success is manpower availability. We are satisfied with the quality of labor here particularly in hosting Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

Sian along with other top Megaword officials made rounds in several universities in Iloilo City last week to check on the manpower capability of Iloilo City. Manpower, stable power supply and telecommunications are among the key factors that the corporation wants to strengthen as they envision a live-work-play-learn community for Iloilo City.

Sian is also confident that the city will address their power needs as soon as they start the business. Initially, they need 35 megawatts of power. The availability of power is a major factor in BPO operation. The call centers operate in 24/7 basis.

Other than power, manpower and telecommunication, the corporation is likewise looking into the fate of the occupants of the airport. The eviction of the families and offices will be a joint effort of the corporation and the local government unit, said Sian.

Sevilla is city's adopted son
By Maricar M. Calubiran

City Mayor Jerry Treñas has declared Department of Finance Undersecretary for Privatization John Philip Sevilla an adopted son of Iloilo City for his effort in completing the sale of the old airport site.

The declaration was embodied in Executive Order No. 53-2007 issued by Mayor Treñas. A plaque was given to Sevilla Friday last week during the turn-over ceremony of the old airport to Megaworld Corporation.

Treñas said Sevilla personally committed himself in the successful completion of the sale of the Iloilo airport to the Megaworld Corporation. The corporation bought the property for P1.2 billion and will initially pour in some P1.5 billion investments.

It is the The Privatization Council that gave the final approval for any bids and proposals. The council is composed of the of the Departments of Finance, Justice, Budget and Management, Trade and the National Economic Development Authority

Treñas said the airport sale has already generated substantial amount of income for the city. It will also ensure the additional employment and development for the city in the future. Last week, Megaworld paid its P9 million transfer tax to the city.

The property developer outbid Robinsons Land that submitted P1.09 billion followed by Empire East (P701 million) and SM Prime (P435.79 million). Rockwell Land Corp. and Ayala Land Inc., who earlier expressed interest to buy the property, backed out.

All from The News Today Online (http://www.thenewstoday.info/index.htm)

spacewagon1

October 15th, 2007, 11:20 AM

A city public college mulled for Iloilo City
By Wenceslao E. Mateo Jr.

THERE is good reason for former Councilor Erlinda Liberiaga to be extremely happy, even as she is no longer a member of the City Council to push her dream ordinance for the children of the poor with a city public college, which the august body failed to act upon during her incumbency.

Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon, son of the late Senator Rodolfo Ganzon, who pioneered free elementary and secondary education in the country, has taken over her unfinished task.

On agenda for first reading in their session last October 10, was Ganzon’s proposed ordinance repealing Ordinance 94-035, which created the Iloilo City Technical Institute, and transforming it into the beginnings of a city public college he named as the “Colegio sang Ciudad sang Iloilo.”

According to his chief of staff, Mrs. Teresita Gonzales, the proposed city public college was largely patterned from that of Makati City, which its city council passed at a time when the presiding officer was then Vice Mayor Edu Manzano, Ganzon noted in his proposed ordinance that even smaller cities like Taguig, Muntinlupa and the new City of San Juan have already organized and operated universities and colleges “in response to the urgent need of providing broader accessibility to relevant college education to poor but deserving students and out-of-school youths.”

In the region, one such city public college is found in Bacolod City, which lately graduated its first batch of college degree holders.

Acknowledging the existing scholarship program of the city – originally the Timawa Scholarships of his late father – the younger Ganzon, however, stressed that “there is now an urgent and widespread demand to expand and broaden said scholarship and avail of the new concepts of college education by establishing and operating a city college.”

He stressed that “(E)ver Filipino has the right to quality education at all levels which shall be accessible to all the people.”

The younger Ganzon also emphasized that “Education is a key investment which can break the endless cycle of poverty and socio-economic barriers, and it will provide the people, particularly the financially disadvantaged youth, with more opportunities.”

Source: The ILOILO Daily Informer (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1551&Itemid=137)

spacewagon1

October 15th, 2007, 11:23 AM

Iloilo to host 4th National Organic Farming Congress

The 4th National Organic Agriculture Congress opens in Iloilo City on October 17-18, 2007 at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center. The theme of the Congress is "Converging Thrusts for the Organic Industry Development in the Philippines."

This event is organized by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Product Standards of the Department of Agriculture (DA-BAFPS), headed by Director Gilbert Layese. The Congress is organized 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 (POPA), headed by Ms. Dawn Jamandre. ABS-CBN is the media partner for the event.

The collaborative hosting of the 4th National Organic Agriculture Conference in Iloilo City by the BAFPS, WESVARRDEC, POPA and ABS-CBN is timely and relevant for Region 6 which is known as a major producer of the organic "muscovado" sugar, organic "darag" native chicken, organic "balangon" banana chips and other organic products. The partnership also demonstrates the serious efforts of the private business and government sectors to work together for the promotion of knowledge, technologies and practices in organic farming.

The global growing demand for safe, pesticide-free and naturally-farmed products has triggered interest on natural and organic farming. Still considered as a budding sector in Philippine agriculture, nonetheless, organic food production belongs to the top ten priority sectors for revenue development in the Philippines (DTI, 2006). Thus, the Executive Order 481 aims to "promote organic agriculture development, conserve environmental resources and promote social equity and product access to foreign and domestic markets."
Participation in the Congress is by invitation only. For more information please log on to the website of the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards at http://www.bafps.da. gov ph. or call Lara or Rosemarie at (02)920-6131 or (02) 920-6133.

Source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/15/iloilo.to.host.4th.national.organic.farming.congress.html)

spacewagon1

October 15th, 2007, 11:23 AM

New WVSU prexy to pursue leadership by collaboration

The new president of West Visayas State University has underscored the need to pursue leadership by collaboration during his term in order to advance the thrusts and priorities of his administration.

In his investiture address, Dr. Pablo E. Subong, Jr., emphasized that facing the challenges and implementing the themes of his administration is not a solitary exercise. “I go for a presidential leadership that collaborates and connects with both the capacities and aspirations of the entire University community,” he said.

Dr. Subong outlined eight imperatives that will form the priorities of his administration as follows: (1) Elevate the teaching, research and scholarship capabilities of the faculty; (2) Strengthen graduate programs; (3) Enhance the undergraduate experience of students; (4) Ensure that students acquire appropriate knowledge, skills and competencies; (5) Demand for enlightened governance and leadership; (6) Enhance the Business Affairs Program (BAP); (7) Support RA 8435; and (8) Effectively implement the Poverty Alleviation Program (PAP) of the University and continuously provide services for the people of the community that the University serves.

Under his leadership, Dr. Subong told the WVSU community to expect greater things from each other, because he said “the best days lie ahead of us.” “By partnering and collaborating with the world around us, we will meet challenges head-on as we tell a new story about WVSU and make the future brighter for generations to come,” he further said.

Dr. Subong was installed as the 6th president of the premier institution in Western Visayas in ceremonies held October 9, 2007 at the WVSU Cultural Center. The investiture rite was officiated by the Honorable Hdja. Luningning Misuarez Umar, Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Chair-designate WVSU Board of Regents. The ceremony was witnessed by the members of the WVSU Board of Regents, University officials, PASUC VI officials, government officials and representatives from business and civil society.

The new president is a product of schools in the Philippine and abroad. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree major in Curriculum Administration from Deakin University, Victoria, Australia in 2003. He finished his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in 1998 and his Master of Agriculture (M.Agr.) in 1984 from West Visayas State University. He earned a Certificate Program in Teaching College Physics from University of the Philippines in Diliman and a Graduate Diploma in Curriculum Administration in Mathematics from Deakin University. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree major in Agricultural Engineering from Central Philippine University in 1976.

Prior to being president, Dr. Subong was Campus Administrator of WVSU Calinog Campus, Vice President for Administration, and Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, respectively.

He is an expert in agriculture, education, business, marketing and medical research, statistics and data analysis procedure, educational planning and management. # (WVSU-CIAO)

Source: The ILOILO Daily Informer (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1548&Itemid=137)

spacewagon1

October 15th, 2007, 11:25 AM

‘Ilonggos to spend happy, not so bleak Christmas’
By Niña Jane A. Souribio

With prices of commodities remain stable in the market, undoubtedly “a happy and not so bleak Christmas” is coming ahead, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office here said.

DTI Regional Director Dominic Abad said based on their latest monitoring, primary commodities and other items in the market including imported goods are still at “reasonable” prices.

If there are other items that increased their prices, they are only quite few caused by an increase in the cost of raw materials, he added.

Prices of milk, sugar, rice and fish in the market remain stable, said Abad.
For the past two months, Abad said, in fact a detergent bar has been decreasing its price.

“It’s actually looking at two sides of a coin. If the prices are down but you don’t have money in your pocket, that’s a problem. So even if the prices increases, but we do have the money to buy the products there’s no big deal,” Abad said.

PESO GAINS
Last week, the Philippine peso gained to the highest in seven years.
It was reported that the currency rose 0.9 percent to P44.355 against the US dollar as of the 4 p.m. close of trading in Manila, according to Tullett Prebon Plc, the world’s second-largest inter-dealer broker.

The peso closed at its highest since the rate of P44.305 on July 10, 2000.
A banker had reportedly predicted that the peso will probably reach P43 by year-end as Filipinos abroad send money home to pay for relatives’ education and for Christmas.

Meanwhile, Abad welcomed the acquisition of old airport area in Mandurriao district here by giant developer Megaworld Corporation with a high note.
The investment of Megaworld in the city “will surely a big leap and jumpstart for the economy here,” said Abad.

Source: The ILOILO Daily Informer (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1552&Itemid=137)

spacewagon1

October 15th, 2007, 11:33 AM

Iloilo City officials’ overseas ocular of coal-fired plant hit
Danny Fajardo

ILOILO CITY — The city vice mayor and his seven councilors flew to Taiwan over the weekend to observe the coal-fired power plant technology being used there in generating electricity.

Their trip, reportedly sponsored by the company that put up the coal-fired power plant in Taiwan, has been made despite protests from environment groups here.

Mayor Jerry Treñas, who visited Taiwan last week at the expense of the company that proposed to put up a coal-fired power plant here, has been charged criminally and administratively before the Ombudsman by environmentalists upon his return.

Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and councilors Lyndon Acap, Julienne Baronda, Jose Espinosa III, Ely Estante Jr., Armando Parcon, Nielex Tupas, and Eduardo Peñaredondo secured an authority to travel from Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero.

All the travel and on-site expenses for the trip are being shouldered by Global Business Power Corp. (GPPC), it was learned.

GPPC is reportedly the proponent of the 100-megawatt coal-fired power plant project in this city.

Last week, the Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (RISE) filed criminal and administrative complaints against Treñas 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 accused Treñas of grave misconduct and for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20071015105765.html)

zhock2001

October 15th, 2007, 01:18 PM

what's happening here! anyway, let everyone speak his heart out... if we all think some things are good for us and birdflu thinks otherwise, it has still to be a welcome comment from him... neither a bird nor a flu can change our city's destiny... let's just keep on painting a colorful portarit of our city ok!

to you birdflu... that was such a statement, keep on doing your thing as long as it doesn't break forum rules... i got interested in this thread again... heheh... let's get back to work!

habagatcentral1

October 15th, 2007, 01:23 PM

^^ Hehe! As long as he doesn't step on someone's toes, his statements are welcome here.

By the way, I'm on alert for something, hehehe!! :D

I'll be posting a video that we may dream to hear (and will be, hehehe! ;) ) from a flight attendant but as of this moment, we need to have her corrected.

iloilocitykid

October 15th, 2007, 01:55 PM

^^ My psychic senses tell me that we will soon have international flights. :banana: Like that isn't expected. I hope it reaches in time for Dinagyang. :rock:

COLLIN JASPER

October 16th, 2007, 12:32 AM

Multi-sectoral group backs tourist promenade proposal

A MULTI-sectoral group composed of businessmen, hotel executives, bankers, educators, lawyers and other professionals strongly endorsed the proposal of the Iloilo Hotel Resorts and Restaurants Association to develop a Tourist Promenade along the banks of Iloilo River.
In a press statement, the multi-sectoral group said the promenade will begin from Gaisano City Mall up to the Carpenter’s Bridge in Molo.

Hotel executives and tour operators are pushing for the project in line with the national government’s thrust to transform Western Visayas into the tourism super region.
“Tourism officials and our City Planning Office must coordinate and act immediately on these urgent proposal and request for appropriation for this very important tourism infrastructure through the Department of Tourism because it is clearly included as one of the priority programs of our President,” the group said

The multi-sectoral group also suggested that the tourism committee of the Iloilo City Council headed by Councilors Armand Parcon and Julienne Baronda, chairman and vice-chairman, respectively, pass an ordinance or resolution calling for the development of the tourist promenade.

The development of the infrastructure can be done in phases.

Phase I will start from Gaisano City Mall up to the Jalandoni Bridge near the Residence Hotel. Phase 2 will begin from the Jalandoni Bridge up to the Marina Restaurant area, while Phase 3 will start from Marina to Carpenter’s bridge in Molo, Iloilo City. During the development, the thorough cleaning of the Iloilo River will begin.

At the same time, two “water taxis” to be operated by private businessmen will be launched and inaugurated.

These taxis are flat-bottom boats powered by second hand jeepney engines. It can accommodate 20 to 30 passengers. Aside from being a major tourist attraction, this will also help solve traffic problems.
Educators from engineering schools of various universities in the city suggested the holding of a Tourist Promenade Design Contest.

The mechanics of this contest and the prizes will be made by the “Design Contest Committee” headed by Engr. Manny Tingson.

Tingson will also recommend to Parcon the appropriation needed for the contest.

Some of the world-famous tourist promenades are the San Antonio City “River Walk” in Texas, USA; Geneva River Bank in Geneva, Switzerland; Rhine River Tree-Shaded Promenade in Rhine, Germany and the famous canals and river promenade of Venice, Italy.

spacewagon1

October 16th, 2007, 03:53 AM

ECONOMIC BOOM
US official sees robust
growth of Iloilo City
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – A United States Department of State official predicts an economic boom for this city following the entry here of one of the fastest growing companies in the country.

US Deputy Counselor Economic Section Tim Neely, who visited Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday, was referring to Megaworld Corp.’s plan to develop the old Iloilo airport into a business square focusing on business process outsourcing (BPO) centers.

“I am impressed. (Megaworld) could generate five to seven additional investments here,” Neely told reporters.

He and Treñas discussed business prospects for Iloilo City.

Megaworld Corp., one of the country’s leading property developers, is investing P1.5 billion to transform the 54-hectare airport property in Mandurriao district. The company recently acquired the property from the national government at P1.2 billion.

Aside from establishment of BPO offices, Megaworld plans to construct mid-income housing units, a hotel, a convention center, commercial retail services, skills training center, and recreation facilities.

Megaworld’s executive director and senior vice president Kingson Sian was here last week.

“Iloilo is one of the centers of education in the Philippines because of the presence of many universities and colleges that produce a lot of graduates. They offer very good opportunities for BPO companies to come and invest here,” Neely said.

Neely said, “Iloilo, like the Philippines as a whole, is really turning a corner in terms of economic development. The Philippines is entering an era of higher growth that is sustainable, as well.”

Megaworld Corp. hopes to start the development as early as the first quarter next year.
“The faster the infrastructures are placed the faster the investments pour in,” Sian had said.

Converting the old airport property “into a vibrant economic catalyst for Iloilo” will be the company’s first major investment outside Metro Manila, according to Sian.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/iloilo3.htm)

spacewagon1

October 16th, 2007, 04:11 AM

^^ My psychic senses tell me that we will soon have international flights. :banana: Like that isn't expected. I hope it reaches in time for Dinagyang. :rock:
you're psyche might be right, iloilocitykid. We're moving forward and that's what best going on in Iloilo right now. I think chartered flights will be welcomed in NIA soon with a tentative date before Dinagyang. However, we still have so much to do as Ilonggos. To sustain these chartered flights, we need to be focus on our tourism potentials in promoting Iloilo. The commercial and other business aspects will be taken care off Megaworld, other big rsidential developers, commercial investments ongoing in the city right now and in the future. We can see the trend already but let these good signs stop us from what we are doing. We need to continue to look what's best Iloilo can promote outside and how we can sustain the influx of tourists and tourism potentials in our city and province. Again, today is a challenging times for Iloilo. And I am really looking forward to its developments.

SamwiseGamgee

October 16th, 2007, 05:49 AM

Yugs, abi ko anay ang title sg thread ta: Iloilo - Old World Charm, Vibrant Future, nahlain na gali? :D

Pacific_leopard

October 16th, 2007, 05:59 AM

Calle Real

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/1583258063_832ca0b68e.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/1583255375_1476e33303.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/1584157316_4f591c3a79.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2028/1583270927_158d115bcb.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/1584154120_2e8c007a62.jpg

eonynx

October 16th, 2007, 06:05 AM

Yugs, abi ko anay ang title sg thread ta: Iloilo - Old World Charm, Vibrant Future, nahlain na gali? :D

i thought so too!:) this was agreed upon by the majority a long time ago.

iloilocitykid

October 16th, 2007, 11:59 AM

^^ Sorry for that. I didn't there was such a rule. Anyway, anyone can feel free to edit the title. :okay:

spacewagon1

October 16th, 2007, 12:06 PM

Iloilo entering era of higher growth, says US envoy
By Maricar M. Calubiran

United States Department of State Deputy Counselor for Economic Section Tim Neely said Iloilo City is "entering the era of higher growth" with the opening of the Megaworld Corporation and Iloilo airport of international standards in Cabatuan-Sta. Barbara recently.

Neely said the upcoming development at the old airport site specifically with the establishment of a Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) is already a good opportunity for the people especially with the kind of education centers here.

Neely yesterday paid a visit to Mayor Jerry Treñas and had a brief conversation over the projected development in the city. Prior to his visit at the mayor's office, he also went to the office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for a short briefing with DTI officials on Iloilo's macro-economic state. He was likewise the commencement speaker of the Central Philippine University.

Neely also met with officials of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to have an idea of the coconut industry here. The coconut production is one of the potential commodity in the place. He has no idea that the coconut trees in Boracay and some towns in Iloilo are infected with coconut beetle or brontispa.

Neely was born at the Iloilo Mission Hospital and same time spent his high school years at the Central Philippine University. He still knew how to speak some Hiligaynon words and sing lullaby.

"Filipinos and Americans get along well because Filipinos in general are friendly and hospitable. There is a cultural rapport among Filipinos and Americans. This is also the reason why companies would like to invest in the country. It is a positive and big attraction among the investors," said Counselor Neely.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/16/iloilo.entering.era.of.higher.growth.says.us.envoy.html)

spacewagon1

October 16th, 2007, 12:16 PM

DTI certified establishments in City awarded
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) yesterday awarded seven business establishments in Iloilo with the Certified Establishment silver and bronze seals.

Named as DTI-Certified Establishments are Nissan Iloilo (S&J) Motors Inc. (silver seal) and Naces Appliances (bronze seal) for repair and service shops category. At the same time, Naces Appliance Sales Corporation also received a bronze seal for the appliance center category.

For the supermart category, five Iloilo Supermart branches namely Iloilo Supermart (The Atrium), Iloilo Supermart (Valeria-Delgado), Iloilo Supermart (Avanceña, Molo), Iloilo Supermart (Tabuc Suba, Jaro) and Iloilo Supermart (Q. Abeto, Mandurriao) were also given bronze seals.

A bronze seal is given to firms that have complied with the Fair Trade Law such as the Consumer Act, Price Act, Price Tag Law and have established a Consumer Welfare Desk. While, a silver seal is awarded to establishment that complies with the bronze requirements but have shown social commitment by involving in civic action projects or worthwhile local charitable projects.

In Iloilo, no establishment has yet to be given the gold seal. Gold seal certification is granted to firms that achieved the silver requirements at the same time compliant with some elements of ISO 9001/14001. The DTI-Certified Establishment Seal (DTI-CE) program was started in 2006. All retail establishments, supermarkets, department stores, appliance centers, hardware stores and DTI accredited service and repair shops may apply for the certification program

Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena Jr. said the seven establishments were among the few establishments in the city that applied for the certification establishment seal. Nevertheless, he challenged all the establishments and 17 exhibitors that are participating in the Consumer Welfare and Product Safety and Quality Standards Expo 2007 at the Robinsons Place to also get certified.

Cadena said an establishment that has certification establishment seal has already an edge compared with other establishments in the city. The program is open to all establishments that has no record of complaints related to the Fair Trade Laws. Establishments have nothing to pay for in order to apply, said Cadena.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/16/dti.certified.establishments.in.city.awarded.html)

iloilocitykid

October 16th, 2007, 12:30 PM

Can I change the title of the thread?

spacewagon1

October 16th, 2007, 12:34 PM

^^ leave it, iloilocitykid. It's an innocent mistake IMO. We'll just make sure that the next thread will be re-titled properly.

spacewagon1

October 16th, 2007, 12:35 PM

Confusion mars first day of traffic experimentation for city loop PUJs
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The first day of the rerouting of city loop public utility jeepneys created confusion among the commuters. Traffic build up were experienced from General Luna until the Atrium and several other major thoroughfares.

Commuters have to ask on whether the public jeepneys will pass by the streets that they normally take. The affected routes includes Villa, Mandurriao, Jaro Liko (Tagbak), Lapuz and Calumpang.

In the current traffic routes, Villa jeepneys shall pass thru Avanceña Street. After reaching Molo plaza they shall turn right to Lopez Jaena Street and turn left to M.H. Del Pilar and turn left to M.H. Del Pilar. They shall go straight to Gen. Luna. Then turn right to Quezon Street and turn left to Rizal Street. From Rizal, they will turn to Valeria Street. In going back to their point of origin, they shall proceed to Gen. Luna Street to San Marcos Avenue to Avanceña Street and back to their point of origin.

For Mandurriao to Iloilo City route, Mandurriao jeepneys whether passing via Molo or Benigno Aquino Avenue, upon reaching Gen. Luna Street shall turn right to Jalandoni Street, turn left towards Ledesma Street, turn right to Iznart Street, turn right to Rizal Street, turn right to Valeria Extension, proceed to Valeria Street, turn left to Delgado Street, turn right to Mabini Street, turn left towards Gen. Luna.

In going back to Mandurriao, Mandurriao (via Benigno Aquino) will pass by General Luna right towards Benigno Aquino Avenue and back to the original point.

For Mandurriao Molo route, they will take the General Luna and proceed to San Marcos Avenue, upon reaching Molo Plaza turn right to the direction of Carpenters Bridge and back to point of origin.

For Jaro-Liko (Tagbak), from their point of origin, public utility jeepneys upon reaching Jaro Plaza instead of E. Lopez Street shall turn left to Rizal Street (fronting Archbishop's Palace), turn right to Commission Civil, turn right to Del Carmen Street, turn left to E. Lopez Street, take the stretch of Luna Street, turn left to Mabini Street, turn left to De Leon Street, turn right to Quezon Street, turn left to Rizal Street, turn left to Valeria Extension, proceed the entire stretch of Valeria Street turn right to Gen. Luna Street, proceed to direction and turn left to Muelle Loney Street, cross Drilon Bridge, turn left at Rizal Street (Lapaz), turn right to Magdalo Street, turn left to Burgos Street, proceed to Commission Civil Street to the direction of Jaro Plaza, turn right to Washington Street, back to point of origin.

For Lapuz route, from their point of origin (either through Quirino Bridge or Rizal Street-Muelle Loney) shall enter Iznart Street, proceed to J.M. Basa Street, turn right to Mapa Street, turn right to Rizal Street, turn right to Valeria Extension, traverse entire length of Valeria Street, turn right to Gen. Luna Street to the direction of Quirino Bridge and back to their point of origin.

While, for Calumpang route, Calumpang jeepneys, from their point of origin after passing Molo Boulevard shall turn left to Baluarte Street, towards the direction of Tanza, and enter Ledesma Street, turn right to Jalandoni Street, turn left to De Leon Street, turn left to Fuentes Street, turn right back to Ledesma Street, turn right to Iznart Street, turn left to Rizal Street, turn left to Ortiz Street, turn right to J.M. Basa Street. In going back, turn right to Ledesma Street in the direction of Tanza and Infante, turn right to Baluarte Street, turn left to Molo Boulevard and back to their point of origin.

Mayor Jerry Treñas asked the commuters to be extra patient while the traffic experimentation is going on. He said he also wants feed back from commuters on the experimentation. As of 10:00 am, the traffic build up is noted at the Atrium.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/16/confusion.mars.first.day.of.traffic.experimentation.for.city.loop.pujs.html)

spacewagon1

October 16th, 2007, 12:38 PM

TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT
Plagata’s next move: Run after jaywalkers and illegal parking
By Niña Jane A. Souribio

After the two traffic experimentations, Councilor Erwin Plagata will focus on limiting the parking of private vehicles in main streets and strict enforcement of anti-jaywalking ordinance.

“Tadlungon ta ni. Kinanglan ta sang information dissemination. Damo pa kita dapat nga himuon,” said Plagata.

Yesterday, the city government started the traffic experiment affecting public utility jeepneys (PUJs) of city loop organizations.

It is the second traffic experimentation implemented in the city which synchronizes with the ongoing traffic rerouting test that involves PUJs from nearby towns of Santa Barbara, Leganes, Oton and San Miguel, all members of the Metro Iloilo Development Council.

Like the first one, the traffic test is also implemented in 30 days. Affected by the rerouting test were PUJs from Villa, Arevalo, Jaro Liko, Mandurriao, Lapuz and Calumpang.

Plagata, chairman of the Council committee on transportation, said officials of city loop organizations have vowed to support the rerouting test.

Meanwhile, PUJs from the towns of Santa Barbara, Oton, Leganes and San Miguel continue to protest the traffic experimentation. Transport organizations complained that in the past few days since the start of the implementation of the 30-day traffic implementation last October 3 their income have gone down.

Plagata said they have agreed lately to allow PUJs from the neighboring towns of Iloilo City until plazas of Jaro and Molo if they are fully loaded with passengers.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas shrugged off the strike saying that the city government’s 30-day traffic experimentation will go on despite oppositions from the transport groups.

The city mayor, however, admitted that “it creates some pressure but we have to go on what we have to do.”

Members of MIDC had aired their complaints to Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas over the implementation of traffic experiment.

source: The ILOILO Daily Informer (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1557&Itemid=137)

iloilocitykid

October 16th, 2007, 12:40 PM

^^ Yep. Is it just Old World Charm, Vibrant Future forever? or was it intended for this thread only?

Grabe si Plagata! He's got my vote in 2010 for Mayor! :cheers:

spacewagon1

October 16th, 2007, 12:44 PM

i think when we voted for the title, it will be like forever here. I don't know as well since I loved to switch the title back to "The Heart of the Philippines". Because the title looks like for Iloilo City alone and the province are just in the background only. Anyhow, we'll see. But for now and maybe for the next few threads, the title "Old World Charm, Vibrant Future" is appropriate enough for both the city and province's rising economy.

habagatcentral1

October 16th, 2007, 01:07 PM

Unahon ko anay bad news ta diri sa Ciudad kag Provincia sang Iloilo:

BAD NEWS
1. Traffic was confusing. They also rerouted several city loop jeepneys (especially the south). Leganes-Highway cannot penetrate Robinsons and Marymart anymore.
2. Flyover's approach is still...not yet constructed.
3. Several days of torrential rains have brought the major roads in Iloilo City as like terra luna or like the terrain of the moon.
4. The politics of coal

Ari naman ang good news:

We (Chy, Pacific and IAMME) will be working closely with the City Government of Iloilo for the next several days in preparation for a convention to be held in 9 November at Sarabia Manor. I have spoken with Ben Jimena earlier this morning and this is what I've heard from him.

GOOD NEWS
1. Megaworld invested a total of P2.7Billion in Iloilo. P1.5B for inital investment, P1.2B for the purchase of the real estate.
2. Megaworld may start executing their plan by this date: 10 January 2008
3. Sutherland BPO stopped negotiating with the bank in Iznart and instead, negotiating with Kia Showroom in Balantang Jaro. It will be a bigger office space for the said BPO.
4. Dagoy, adapted mascot of the City Government of Iloilo itself.
5. Dinagyang Ati tribes will be painted in dark brown instead of the traditional black.

They will be making Megaworld's investment synonymous to Iloilo just like the Ayalas to Cebu.

Ari nabatian ko lang ni kay Eric and will be confirming it:
Dinagyang Ati-Ati will be in the afternoon instead of morning.

That's all for now. :okay:

iloilocitykid

October 16th, 2007, 01:13 PM

^^ Great info bern. It's nice that they changed the Dinagyang to the afternoon since it won't be uncomfortable. Anyway, is Kasadyahan still a sideline of Dinagyang or was the event moved?

habagatcentral1

October 16th, 2007, 01:20 PM

^^ There were initial plans to seperate Kasadyahan from Dinagyang as it will showcase the Iloilo Province's festivals and culture but the problem though is that it is only being manned by only one person at the provincial tourism office and will be needing more assistance.

iloilocitykid

October 16th, 2007, 01:21 PM

^^ Ahay. Hope they'll do it.

habagatcentral1

October 16th, 2007, 02:16 PM

Megaworld buys 54.5-hectare Old Iloilo Airport

Megaworld Corporation has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for the purchase of the 54.5-hectare Old Iloilo airport situated in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, for the purchase price of one billion two hundred million pesos in cash. Megaworld will apply with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for a special economic zone license for its project aimed at transforming the Old Iloilo airport property into a new business district. Megaworld envisions its project to become a magnet for major business process outsourcing (BPO) companies interested to set up shop in the Visayas region. In addition to office buildings for the BPO industry, the project will host educational facilities geared to provide valueadded training to equip prospective employees with the necessary skills suited to the requirements of the call centers and other BPO businesses that will be based in the Megaworld project.

For more news and information, contact:
Megaworld Corporation 28/F The World Centre
330 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Philippines
Phone: [63] 2-867-8826 to 40

Source: Megaworld Corporation (http://www.megaworldcorp.com/index.cfm?action=news#)

daks2003

October 16th, 2007, 04:36 PM

shyaman

October 17th, 2007, 04:35 AM

@kid, I was amazed at your signature. At first instance, I thought I read...
ILOILO CITY: AGE OLD CITY OF LOVE OF POWER AND MONEY!:D

spacewagon1

October 17th, 2007, 07:44 AM

GSIS Iloilo ranks 2nd
in eCard enrollees

ILOILO City – The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Field Office in Iloilo ranked second among eCard enrollees from the Department of Education (DepEd).

Recent data from the GSIS showed that the personnel from the DepEd who have enrolled to the eCard Plus are the highest in number after accounting for 13.5 percent of the total eCard Plus holders among DepEd employees.

To date, around 97 percent of the total 531,098 DepEd employees all over the country, mostly public school teachers have already enrolled to the eCard Plus.

Based on the GSIS data, the employees of DepEd, coming from offices in Pasay, Pasig, Manila, Cavite, Caloocan, Antipolo and Bulacaan were the highest number with 69,418, second, is Iloilo with 22,682 enrollees, third, Dagupan with 19,499 enrollees, fourth, Batangas with 19,412 and fifth, Cebu with 19,194.

The eCard Plus is the official GSIS membership identification card of all its members and pensioners. Just like any other government-issued cards ID card, the GSIS eCard is widely accepted as proof of identification for whatever legal transactions.

The GSIS eCard also serves as an identification system for the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System or G-W@PS.

Once the G-W@PS kiosk identifies the member through the eCard and his fingertips, the machine allows the member to check his payment records. Members can also apply for a loan using the G-W@PS kiosk.

In Iloilo City, there are two existing G-W@PS kiosk locations. These are in the GSIS Field Office in Iznart St. and DepEd Region 6 in Lapaz District.

The eCard can also be used by the members and the pensioners for their personal banking needs and hospitalization discount card as some of the biggest hospitals in the country provide 50 percent discount to members and pensioner’s bills.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/iloilo4.htm)

spacewagon1

October 17th, 2007, 07:51 AM

Do you know your towns and cities?

MANY of us take for granted how and why our hometowns came about and where these were originally located.

You can satisfy your curiosity at the conference on “Philippine Towns & Cities: Reflections of the Past, Lessons for the Future.”

This is the second in the series of “Towns & Cities” conferences organized by the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) in cooperation with Urban Partnerships Foundation (UPF), the Instituto Cervantes (IC) and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) are among the sponsors.

The 2007 “Towns & Cities” conference will be held in Iloilo City upon the invitation of the Iloilo City Government which is the official host.

Because of its spectacular heritage structures, Iloilo City is an excellent venue.

“Towns & Cities” will be held Nov. 9 at the Kalantiao Hall of Sarabia Manor Hotel. Registration will begin 8am. The conference is expected to adjourn 5 pm.

The “Mayors’ Forum” is a much-awaited feature of the conference. It is a stimulating exchange of “best practices” and conservation policies by mayors who have heritage resources in their towns and cities.

In the 2006 Forum, Mayors Ferdinand Medina (Vigan) and Oscar Rodriguez (San Fernando, Pampanga) explained how they approved city ordinances to balance modernization with heritage conservation.

Mayor Rex Bernardez of Bucay, Abra , a heritage “convert”, vowed to protect with proper legislation the ruins of a Spanish fort in Bucay.

This year’s forum will be very lively as the following mayors have already confirmed attendance: Jerry TreHas (Iloilo), Danilo Mindanao (San Juan, Batangas), Rosauro Masilang (Sariaya, Quezon), Jose Montelibano (Silay), Oscar Tetangco, Jr. (Apalit), Canuto Oreta (Malabon) and Celso Lobregat (Zamboanga)

Seven case studies will be presented by Engr. Jose PeHalosa (Iloilo); Profs. Floro Quibuyen (Apalit), Icelle Estrada (Zamboanga), Victoria de Villa (Sariaya) and Jaime Veneracion (19th Century Estates); and Archs. Leon Mayo (San Juan), N. von Einsiedel (Silay) and Richard Bautista (Malabon and Navotas),

For more information about seminar fees, please call Dorie Soriano (HCS) 521 2239; telefax 522 24 97; email: info@heritage.org.phThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Len DiHo (UPF) tel 895 1812/ 896 1902, email: annalynn.upf@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Vivian Taparo (Iloilo Tourism Office) 033 3372172, email: benitojimena@yahoo.com.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

“Philippine Towns & Cities” seminar series is a communications campaign to influence policy makers at the local government level.

Other stakeholders in the executive branch, the private sector and the academe are invited because heritage conservation is a multi-disciplinary concern.

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

spacewagon1

October 17th, 2007, 07:54 AM

WV entry wins poster tilt
By James Earl E. Ogatis

WESTERN Visayas entry to the nationwide on-the-spot poster making contest was cited by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as the best poster for Visayas during the celebration of the World Food Day 2007 Oct. 9.

The winning entry is a creation of Maphete Dianne M. Lustre, a grade 6 pupil of the West Visayas State University Elementary Laboratory School.

Lustre’s poster centered on the theme “The Right to Food” sending a message that each individual has the right to eat at least three times a day.

Other national winners are Sheena Faith F. Carreon (Region I) and Ronnel S. Lacas (Region III) for Luzon; Soon Yi Wednesday B. Jurado (Region X) and Brian Jones C. Brazil (Region XI) for Mindanao.

The five national winners received P10,000 cash prize and trophy while their respective schools received a plaque from the FAO.

Non-winning regional posters won P2,000 cash prize and trophy. A certificate of appreciation was awarded to the non-winning schools.

Secretary Arthur C. Yap, FAO representative to the Philippines Kazsuyuki Tsunumi and Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus awarded the winners last Oct. 15.

Director Larry P. Nacionales of DA-6 congratulated Lustre for winning the contest saying that young generations need to know and internalize the importance and role of agriculture to the existence of humans.

He stressed that these activities should be given priority in order to hone and recognize talents and skills of gifted pupils.

The on-the-spot poster making contest is conducted yearly by the DA and DepEd, FAO and NAFC and participated by elementary pupils enrolled in public and DepEd accredited private elementary schools nationwide. (JEEO/RAFID6)

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

spacewagon1

October 17th, 2007, 07:58 AM

^^^^ i hope they'll create another festival to highlights the province's festivals. They can coined other name. They can just leave Kasadyahan the way it s right now.

COLLIN JASPER

October 17th, 2007, 08:04 AM

good news! greetings from taipei taiwan! bernie call upon arrival L.A.

habagatcentral1

October 17th, 2007, 12:11 PM

iloilocitykid

October 17th, 2007, 03:19 PM

^^ Great. A new road and new roads always mean new establishments to be placed in the area.

habagatcentral1

October 17th, 2007, 03:21 PM

^^ The bad news though, what about the old roads? Lopez-Jaena St and the Diversion Road needs renovation or repair. Daw ara ka sa bulan sa kadamu sang potholes.

iloilocitykid

October 17th, 2007, 03:23 PM

^^ Yep. I was thinking that Mr. JPT passes thru that area everyday but why doesn't he do a thing.

spacewagon1

October 17th, 2007, 04:51 PM

^^ Great. A new road and new roads always mean new establishments to be placed in the area.
roads will pave way for new economic districts. we need to upgrade our roads and hopefully open more to give better accessibility in roaming around metro iloilo.

spacewagon1

October 17th, 2007, 04:55 PM

Dinagyang gets more
invitations to perform

ILOILO City -- The Dinagyang Festival continues to receive more invitations to perform both in domestic and foreign locales.

City tourism Benito Jimena said these invitations were the result of the all-out promotion the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Incorporated (IDFI) has conducted during the last five years. The promotional efforts also resulted in garnering the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines’ highest award for two consecutive years running.

Jimena said that invitations for performances next year and for the last three months of the year are pouring in. Even the Discovery Shores in Boracay he added, has written Mayor Jerry P. Treñas requesting for a Dinagyang tribe to perform during the opening of the Cornell Hotel Society Asia Pacific Regional Meeting on November 3.

There is also an invitation for Jimena to be one of the judges in the Pintaflores Festival in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on November 3rd-5th. The GMA News and Public Affairs has also sent their invitation to Jimena and to the Miss Dinagyang 2007 to grace one of their newly-launched shows.

“We are now reaping the rewards of our constant promotional efforts and our exposure to other places is a sure way of making noise for the city of Iloilo,” Jimena further said.

For the first quarter this year alone, Dinagyang has already performed in Santiago City, Isabela for the Pataraday Festival and at the Aliwan Fiesta in Metro Manila last April 28.

The contingent also went to Minneapolis and San Antonio, Texas in the United States last June to perform for the Filipino community in there.

Meanwhile, Treñas is grateful to the IDFI for the success that the festival has achieved. “It is because of the IDFI’s commitment that Dinagyang is generating all these interest and attention. I certainly look forward to a grander, more colorful edition of the festival this coming January,” the mayor added.

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

spacewagon1

October 17th, 2007, 05:00 PM

Summit series on SMEs held

ILOILO City – A provincial summit series seeking to harmonize the development plan of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Western Visayas to that of the National SME plan was held here.

The harmonization plan is the first of the two components of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program (SMEDSEP) which is being supported by the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

DTI Regional Director Dominic Abad said a lot of initiatives have been introduced in the national level and it is high time those efforts will be harmonized with the existing local SME plans.

Among the areas covered by the development plan are the business and investment enabling environment, access to finance, access to market and productivity and efficiency.

"With our Provincial SMED Plans already aligned with the National Plan, we expect a more focused delivery of services for our SMEs which constitute 99.7 percent of the total registered business in the country," he said.

Tuesday's summit was attended by local government units, business groups, heads of line government agencies and other stakeholders.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras2.htm)

spacewagon1

October 17th, 2007, 05:04 PM

Spanish organization to help boost RP's tourism industry
By Maricar M. Calubiran

With the fast growing opportunities, the Fundacion Santiago will now focus its program in the promotion of the tourism industry. Helping Small and Medium Enterprises used to be the priority of the foundation.

Señor Chaco Molina, Executive Director of Fundacion Santiago, explained that there is a promising future in the tourism industry especially in the promotion of heritage preservation. Currently, they are pushing for the Pamana and Pag-Asa program. Pamana is a cultural heritage program while Pag Asa is a social development program.

The Pamana program involves the use of all feasible means to make historical and cultural data readily available for close study and reflection. In the same program, they want access to written repositories of the Filipino culture and history for study.

In the Pagasa program, the foundation has designed a strategy dubbed as Sustainable Integrated Area Development (SIAD) approach.The target poverty groups are specified communities. They help set up social enterprise.

In Iloilo City, the foundation has already extended help to different SMEs by conceptualizing the labeling and packaging of food products. The foundation supports lot of projects ranging from assisting cooperatives to sponsoring workshops.

Nevertheless, the foundation will not totally abandon the SMEs as food products produced in one cultural heritage site will still be incorporated in the promotion.

Molina along with Ms. Rocio Moreno, information officer of the Diputacion de Cadiz (provincial government of Cadiz in Spain) are in Iloilo City to promote the Filipinas Ahora Mismo, a radio magazine program aired in government-owned station Radyo ng Bayan, dyLL.

Filipinas, Ahora Mismo is the only radio magazine that showcases Filipino culture. It is an upbeat radio program with regular segments on De Pelicula (movies) Vamos a Leer (literature), Ventana al Pasado en Camino de Cadiz (Phil-Hispanic History), De Isla en Isla (geography), El Fogon de Maria (cuisine), Su Salud (health), Mundo Mujer (women issues), Aprenda Español (Spanish Language), Deportes (sports), Sabias Que? (trivia) and Dichos y Refranes (folk wisdom) sprinkled with the best current and timeless music in Spanish.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/17/spanish.organization.to.help.boost.rps.tourism.industry.html)

Radio program promotes
Filipino-Hispanic culture

ILOILO City -- The Asociacion de la Prensa de Cadiz (Press Association of the Province of Cadiz) in Spain and the Bureau of Broadcast Services teamed-up to produce a radio program that promotes Filipino and Spanish culture over the airwaves to the Filipino audience.

Broadcast over five provincial radio stations of BBS’ Radyo ng Bayan in Quezon City, Laoag, Naga, Iloilo, and Zamboanga, the Radyo Manila Project is a joint effort to promote better understanding between the citizens of the two countries.

Titled “Filipinas Ahora Mismo” (Pilipinas, Ora Mismo), the radio program under the project is the only cultural magazine show on Filipino culture produced by Filipinos and for Filipinos that is aired in Spanish.

It has regular segments about movies, literature, Phil-Hispanic history, geography, cuisine, women issues, health, Spanish language, sports, trivia and folk wisdom.

Fundacion Santiago executive director Chaco G.A. Molina, one of the supporters of the project said they wanted to collaborate with Filipino media to update the quality of radio programs.

“In Spain, we value public media and consider it very important. It is not actually owned by the government. Society owns it,” he said.

Promoting the Spanish language among media practitioners and students of mass communication in the Philippines, giving training opportunities for upcoming and established Filipino journalists, and upgrading the broadcast capabilities of its partners in the Philippines were also the main intent for creating the radio program.

Molina, together with Cadiz provincial government Information Officer Rocio Moreno, promoted “Filipinas Ahora Mismo” to the Ilonggo audience by visiting the city Tuesday and met with Iloilo city mayor Jerry Treñas, and the local partners in the media and academe.

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

spacewagon1

October 17th, 2007, 05:14 PM

^^ keep tourism in Iloilo growing ! I'm glad we have international partners helping us develop our tourism potentials. With MIGEDC's partners + US + Spain. Well done ! :banana::banana::banana:

spacewagon1

October 18th, 2007, 12:42 AM

Iloilo to host meeting of heritage cities

ILOILO CITY: Representatives from the country’s heritage cities, private sector, nongovernment organizations and academe will gather in Iloilo City on November 9 for a Heritage Cities Conference facilitated by the National Heritage Council (NHC).

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas of Iloilo City said he received a letter from Gemma Cruz-Araneta of the NHC urging the city to co-host the event together with the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The conference aims to “enhance the participants’ understanding of heritage” and at the same time give them opportunity to appreciate the various heritage sites in Iloilo, situated mostly at the Calle Real or the central business district.

“It’s very rare that you can find a city with heritage buildings. It’s really a jewel and we hope that by understanding and appreciation of this heritage, rich culture and heritage here will be preserved,” he said.

Treñas was informed that the mayors of Vigan City in Ilocos Sur and Silay City in Negros Occidental, also known for their heritage sites, have signified their intention to participate in the conference.
--PNA

source: Manila Times (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/18/yehey/prov/20071018pro5.html)

IMPRESARIO

October 18th, 2007, 02:58 AM

^^hope we can reinstate the spanish language, tani may instituto de Cervantes man sa ciudad.

BYAHILO

October 18th, 2007, 04:36 AM

habagatcentral1

October 18th, 2007, 05:01 AM

roads will pave way for new economic districts. we need to upgrade our roads and hopefully open more to give better accessibility in roaming around metro iloilo.

But speaking of roads, the once "Hasinda Pison" or now known as the future site of Iloilo's new CBD, has new roads that will be the alternative routes to Molo and Mandurriao. And the good news is, its concrete and not the Philippine-quality asphalt that they've been paving Jaro's streets.

They should've considered that Iloilo receives torrential rains due to its westerly location which is the frontline of habagat.

For the Carpenter's Bridge though, its only 2 lanes but the construction is ongoing nontheless.

Also, regarding that controversial flyover at Stoplight Infante, I think there were activities going on with the construction of th flyover approach in the John B side of the said infra.

@Eric. Kon libehon ta ka sang plete, kadto ka di? hehehehe!!!

Farirah

October 18th, 2007, 05:51 AM

News here : http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28&aid=2007101797

ysis

October 18th, 2007, 07:21 AM

4th National Organic Farming Congress opens in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 18 (PNA) – More or less 400 participants nationwide gathered at the Sarabia Manor Hotel here for the 4th National Organic Farming Congress which kicked off Wednesday.

The two-day activity is one venue where farming enthusiasts “promote and exchange knowledge, technologies and practices in organic farming," according to Department of Agriculture Regional Agriculture and Fishery Info Division OIC-chief Jovy Gatun.

She added it is also very timely that the organizer chose Western Visayas as this year’s host because the region is known as a major producer of the organic "muscovado" sugar, "darag" or native chicken, organic ‘cassava and banana chips and other organic products.

Source: http://www.positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Events_26/4th_National_Organic_Farming_Congress_opens_in_Iloilo.shtml

Among the topics lined up for the two-day congress with the theme “Converging Thrusts for the Organic Industry Development in the Philippines” are organic agriculture in the Philippines, the growing global demand for organic food, organic trade of the Philippines, and enabling regulatory mechanisms for organic agriculture.

Likewise, the participants will get to learn about organic certification and maintaining an organic farm, winning platform for rural development and internal control system.
The gathering is hosted by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Product Standards of the Department of Agriculture (DA-BAFPS) in cooperation with the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium. (PNA)

ysis

October 18th, 2007, 07:26 AM

Iloilo’s SME Dev’t Plan to attract 1, 500 new SME’s by 2010

ILOILO CITY, Oct 18 (PNA) –- The creation of the Iloilo Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Plan (SMED Plan) is expected to attract more budding entrepreneurs, with 1, 500 new establishments expected to be established both in the city and province of Iloilo by 2010 starting this year.

Trade and Industry provincial director Diosdado Cadena said the projection will serve as Iloilo’s contribution to the national target of around 700,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to be established in 2010.

“These are new SMEs which are either new business or products of expansion. This figure is very doable,” he said.

He further explained that the figure represents the SMEs that can be serviced by more than 15 other line government agencies that helped conceptualized the SMED Plan.

Every year more or less 3, 000 new business names are being registered with DTI - Iloilo.

However, Cadena explained that the 1, 500 new SMEs are different because they not only avail of name registration but other services under the SMED Plan such as market information, availment of the right technology fitted for their business and improvements of operation.
The SMED Plan was conceptualized with the technical support provided by the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) under the Small and Medium Enterprises for Sustainable Employment Program (SMEDSEP).(PNA)

Source:http://www.positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Business_19/Iloilo_s_SME_Dev_t_Plan_to_attract_1_500_new_SME_s_by_2010.shtml

COLLIN JASPER

October 18th, 2007, 08:04 AM

good news again for iloilo
@bernie: nasa houston na ako. siguro mga 2 days pa ako dire sa hotel, along pasadena

habagatcentral1

October 18th, 2007, 10:44 AM

Substantive events in Iloilo and elsewhere
THE SOUTHERN BEAT By Rolly Espina
Thursday, October 18, 2007

....
Iloilo Business Park

The most important development in Iloilo City was the planned emergence of a business park at the old Mandurriao Airport which the Megaworld Corp. had won in a public bidding for P1.2 billion.

Megaworld, one of the fastest growing companies, won the bidding for the 54-hectare property of the national government.

My attention was caught by the statement of Kingson Sian, Megaworld’s executive director and senior vice president, that they would transform the old airport into a vibrant, economic catalyst for the province through the Iloilo Business Park.

And he made a PowerPoint presentation of the plan for the Iloilo Business Park, which will include an outsourcing office, middle-income housing units, a convention center, a hotel, skills training center, and recreational facilities, among others.

The plan will reportedly involve some P1.5 billion in investments.

While Bacolod City recently enjoyed the entry of SM Mall in the reclamation area, it seems that the development of the surrounding areas has virtually halted with the city officials focused more on taking over the operation of the Bredco Port instead of helping assure the infrastructure development which SM reportedly had been asking for such as improved roads and sewerage.

As a matter of fact, the most astounding development is that it is Bredco, with its visionary chairman Sammy Palanca, which has put up a private hospital in the area that could stimulate the growth of Bredco into a city within a city.

In the case of Iloilo, even Finance Secretary Margarito Teves pointed out that the sale of the old airport and its billion-peso development plan will attract investors and tourists. It will also bring added work opportunities to many Ilonggos, he added.

Illegal settlers at the old airport are expected to be relocated to a better site.

Floods

But for Iloilo to continue on its path to sustainable development, it really needs to have a flood control project. Unfortunately, this program has suffered some delay due to the exhorbitant demands of landowners.

According to Vice Gov. Rolex Suplico, former opposition congressman and recently in the spotlight for filing a case with the Supreme Court seeking a halt to the controversial ZTE national broadband network project, the main owner of the lands needed for the flood control project is demanding a sum more than the total national counterpart. This, of course, is unacceptable to Japan, the country helping underwrite the project. Understandable, as approval of the outrageous demand would open our officials to possible criminal charges.

The main landowner, of course, is no other than tycoon William Gatchalian. While the titles may be in the names of some companies, these are firms where the Gatchalian family has control.

Suplico is mad because the delay means regular floods for Iloilo City and its environs. Knowing the feisty character of the former congressman, Ilonggos are waiting for fireworks to start. Indeed, everyone knows that many very crucial infrastructure projects are often delayed because of right-of-way issues. When the affected individuals and families are poor, with little options available, reluctance is understandable. In the case of Gatchalian, however, something else seems to be at work. More on this controversy in subsequent columns.

Source: Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28&aid=2007101797)

iloilocitykid

October 18th, 2007, 12:29 PM

So many seminars and meetings happening in the city right now. I also noticed traffic has reduced tremendously thanks to the rerouting. Bravo to Antiquera!

shyaman

October 18th, 2007, 01:17 PM

Hey @alimol, rapit ka don mauli no? Don't forget to take pictures tapos post mo dya. Tapos mag-EB kamo dyan ka mga libayon ta nga mga forumers. :D

alimol

October 18th, 2007, 01:19 PM

hey, colin. so sa america ka na gali subong? wala kamo di ya ga hapit sa UK?

alimol

October 18th, 2007, 01:24 PM

hey shy...hidlaw man ta nimo ba...

yes, I'll be home next week na ya pero monday 6 am pa ko maabot sa Iloilo...daw ma kiss gid ko sa salog kang bag-o ta nga airport ah...

nami daad mag EB man kang mga libayon ta dya nga mga forumers...para sadya kuhaanay pictures...may SLR nga daan nga camera dya...

ga plano ko gani mag trip sa mga chuches naton kag sa mga landmarks dyan sa iloilo to take pictures...

Hey @alimol, rapit ka don mauli no? Don't forget to take pictures tapos post mo dya. Tapos mag-EB kamo dyan ka mga libayon ta nga mga forumers. :D

COLLIN JASPER

October 18th, 2007, 01:25 PM

hey, colin. so sa america ka na gali subong? wala kamo di ya ga hapit sa UK?
yup. sa europe, amsterdam, rotterdam at antwerp lang kami. Tani eh para maka pasyal man ko dyan sa friend ko sa New Castle.

shyaman

October 18th, 2007, 01:29 PM

Mayad gid dang plano mo rexiboy. Nami gid kon tanan nga simbahan maadtonan mo kag makodakan.

I-PM ko kanimo roaming smart no ko para tex-tex ta kon kauli ka don.

alimol

October 18th, 2007, 01:30 PM

yup. sa europe, amsterdam, rotterdam at antwerp lang kami. Tani eh para maka pasyal man ko dyan sa friend ko sa New Castle.

yes, pamasyar ka sa UK kon may time ka kay damu gid tu Ilonggo sa newcastle...I have few friends there as well...I think, amsterdam is very near to newcastle kay may ferry bala nga nagabyahe between them.

wala ta ka abi maabutan sa Iloilo...kasakay ka na ya, ako ya manugpuli pa lang...

alimol

October 18th, 2007, 01:35 PM

Mayad gid dang plano mo rexiboy. Nami gid kon tanan nga simbahan maadtonan mo kag makodakan.

I-PM ko kanimo roaming smart no ko para tex-tex ta kon kauli ka don.

yes shy, I am planning to have a trip in the whole panay towns if possible and take pictures with their churches and landmarks...tapos mapa capiz man ko especially pan-ay then boracay...

shy, may smart number man ko nga roaming, abi mo ikaw lang...he he he
send kanakon number mo...

COLLIN JASPER

October 18th, 2007, 01:36 PM

yes, pamasyar ka sa UK kon may time ka kay damu gid tu Ilonggo sa newcastle...I have few friends there as well...I think, amsterdam is very near to newcastle kay may ferry bala nga nagabyahe between them.

wala ta ka abi maabutan sa Iloilo...kasakay ka na ya, ako ya manugpuli pa lang...

wrong timing gid gani permi:) basi nxt year abtanay gid ta sa iloilo:cheers:

shyaman

October 18th, 2007, 01:37 PM

^^ Gin-PM ko don.

alimol

October 18th, 2007, 01:39 PM

wrong timing gid gani permi:) basi nxt year abtanay gid ta sa iloilo:cheers:

colin, next year or next next year basi kauli ko liwat kay meet ta together with other scc forumers nga iloilo base then pabalong ta hasta mag-aga...

chymera00

October 18th, 2007, 05:49 PM

Don't feed the trolls

Jaro Cathedral

Cross or Cresent?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2017/1616868867_b87fdfdefc_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2258/1616868143_eb140c0006_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2393/1616867499_b2b2897390_o.jpg

Saint Clements Church

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2249/1617754794_a77c804b3c_o.jpg

spacewagon1

October 19th, 2007, 05:57 AM

WVCST officials bound for Guam

Key officials of the West Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) will visit Guam Island upon invitation of Senator Jesse Anderson Lujan and the WVCST Guam chapter from Oct. 20-27.

The group is led by WVCST president, Dr. Luis Sorolla Jr.; Atty. Leo Sombiro, president of the alumni and trustee member; Dr. Ricardo Abaleña, dean of the Graduate Studies; Dr. Susan dela Cruz, students’ affairs office head; and Engr. Adrian Moncada, former member of the Board of Trustees.

The main purpose of the travel is to meet some government officials, particularly labor and skills training, industry and educational leaders and non-governmental organizations for a possible linkage and collaboration between the college and Guam.

This travel will open doors for WVCST graduates, students as well as other Filipino workforce to be oriented with Guam facility expansion plans and demand for skilled labor. Correspondingly, the key officials will have meetings with labor and skill officials, leading construction companies and gracility maintenance employers to effectively address issues and concerns that arise due to the next phrase of Guam’s development for the next century.

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

spacewagon1

October 19th, 2007, 05:58 AM

SM City Iloilo schedules Waste Market Fair October 20

Another Waste Market Fair is set on October 20, 2007 at the parking lot of

SM City Iloilo from 8am to 2pm.

This is a joint project with the Department of Environment and Natural Resourses (DENR-6) and the Iloilo City Government with the aim of encouraging the people in the community to segregate their waste materials and sell them to scrap buyers.

In that way, people are not only encouraged to help clean the environment but they are also given a chance to earn through their efforts.

A Waste Market Fair brings together customers who wanted to dispose of papers and cartons, plastic items, computers, and appliances and recycling companies who can use them.

This is a joint project of the SM Supermalls, the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, and the Philippine Business for the Environment.

At the Waste Market Fair, one can transact business with recycling companies and exchange your recyclable items for cash. The latter includes items that have no value or those that are considered hazardous like plysterene, Styrofoam, cellphones and batteries.

Come on October 20 and be a part of this worthwhile event only at your Ultimate Shopping and Entertainment Destination – SM City Iloilo.

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

spacewagon1

October 19th, 2007, 06:00 AM

Iloilo City to host ‘walk’
against breast cancer’

ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas supports the “Avon Walk for Breast Cancer’ on October 21, 6 a.m. starting at the Avon office on Ledesma Street.

The annual Avon Breast Cancer Crusade raises funds for advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.

In the Philippines, one woman dies of breast cancer every two hours. More than 10,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year and of these cases, 40 percent succumb to the disease. That translates to 4,000 families losing mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a grandmother, a friend.

In the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society and supported by the Iloilo City Government, Avon launched Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer. The mission is to create awareness and, through the sale of special edition lipsticks, raise funds for the establishment of the PGH Breast Cancer Center to provide care to medically underserved women and men.

The center now stands as a testament to the campaign’s success and more importantly, as a symbol of hope to the thousand Filipinos.

Councilor Joe Espinosa III, chairman of the Iloilo City Sports Council together with Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog and other City Councilors, will be attending the walkathon for a cause.

Judy Castillo, Zone Manager (Avon), and Isabelo Paredes, Operations Manager (Avon), said they are expecting 1,500 walkers from all levels of society.

There will be closure of roads as the Traffic Management and Engineering Unit (TMEU) has prepared a rerouting plan to protect the safety of the participants.

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

spacewagon1

October 19th, 2007, 06:02 AM

Heritage conservation confab set Nov. 9

City Mayor Jerry Treñas invited the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission (MHHC) to Iloilo City on November 9 to participate in the conference on "Philippine Towns & Cities: Reflections of the Past, Lessons for the Future."

The MHHC will be represented by Gemma Cruz Araneta, erstwhile Secretary of Tourism, now consultant for cultural affairs of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim.

The Manila Historical Commission was reconstituted as the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission by Manila Mayor Lim by virtue of Executive Order 10, which he signed last July.

Iloilo is known as the heritage capital of the Visayas, and Mayor Treñas is a well-known heritage advocate and active member of the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS).

This is the second in the series of "Towns & Cities" conferences organized by the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) in cooperation with Urban Partnerships Foundation (UPF). The Instituto Cervantes (IC) and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) are among the sponsors.

"Towns & Cities" will be held on November 9 at the Kalantiao Hall of the prestigious Sarabia Manor Hotel in Iloilo City. Local government officials, heritage advocates from the private sector, university students and professors will attend the conference. Registration will begin at 8 in the morning; the conference is expected to adjourn at 5 pm.

The "Mayors' Forum" is a much-awaited feature of the conference. It is a stimulating exchange of "best practices" and conservation policies by Mayors who have heritage resources in their towns and cities. In the 2006 Forum, Mayors Ferdinand Medina (Vigan) and Oscar Rodriguez (San Fernando, Pampanga) explained how they approved city ordinances to balance modernization with heritage conservation. Mayor Rex Bernardez of Bucay, Abra , a heritage "convert" vowed to protect with proper legislation the ruins of a Spanish fort in Bucay.

Mayor Jerry Treñas will lead his colleagues in this year's forum. Mayor Treñas is a long-standing member of the HCS. Others who have confirmed attendance are Mayors Danilo Mindanao (San Juan, Batangas), Rosauro Masilang (Sariaya, Quezon), Jose Montelibano (Silay), Oscar Tetongco, Jr. (Apalit), Canuto Oreta (Malabon) and Celso Lobregat (Zamboanga)

Seven case studies will be presented by: Engr. Jose Peñalosa (Iloilo), Profs. Floro Quibuyen (Apalit), Icelle Estrada (Zamboanga), Victoria de Villa (Sariaya) and Jaime Veneracion (19th Century Estates), and Archs. Leon Mayo (San Juan), Nathaniel von Einsiedel (Silay) and Richard Bautista (Malabon and Navotas),

For more information about seminar fees, please call Dorie Soriano (HCS) 521 2239; telefax 522 24 97; EM info@heritage.org.ph or Ms Len Diòo (UPF) tel 895 1812/ 896 1902, EM annalynn.upf@gmail.com, Ms. Vivian Taparo (Iloilo Tourism Office) 033 3372172, EM benitojimena@yahoo.com.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/18/heritage.conservation.confab.set.nov.9.html)

spacewagon1

October 19th, 2007, 06:03 AM

Sta. Barbara folks serious about going plastic-free
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.

Sta. BarbaraSTA. BARBARA, ILOILO--Rosario Lucinio discreetly placed the pieces of plastic bag under the table filled with all kinds of vegetables.

"I don't want my customers to see and use them," she explained. She instead placed old newspapers and banana leaves beside the eggplants, onions, tomatoes and potatoes.

"We are minimizing the use of plastic bags," said the 47-year-old Lucinio, who has been selling vegetables at a stall inside the Santa Barbara public market for the past two years.

Lucinio gamely explained why she supports the proposed municipal ordinance regulating the use of plastic bags in the market and other commercial establishments.

"I learned when I was in school that plastics cause pollution. They clog our sewers and rivers and also harm us when we burn them," said Lucinio.

The proposed ordinance is on its third and final reading before the municipal council and is expected to be passed by next month. The town, however, is already on a two-week test run in its implementation.

The ordinance aims to regulate the use or sale of plastic bags as packing or bagging materials and to institutionalize the use of biodegradable containers within the municipality.

It stresses the dangers of the continued proliferation of plastic bags including the clogging up of sewerage systems, death of land and marine animals that mistakenly ingest plastics or become entangled in plastic bags and the contamination of the food chain when polyethylene, the main component of plastic, breaks down and seeps into the soil.

Under the ordinance, vendors and commercial establishments will be required to use prescribed packing/bagging materials such as paper or cloth bags, buri bags, non-plastic sack or bags, sturdy reusable shopping bags or other biodegradable containers. These include even vendors of fresh meat, fish, fruits, vegetables.

The ordinance only allows consumers to use or carry plastic bags re-usable plastic bags which would be marked by market administrators. Shoppers and market customers shall be required to bring the prescribed shopping bags or containers.

The only exemption is in the sale of ice, ice candy, "ice water", retail packing of sugar, salt, coffee and milk.

Glenn Beup, municipal administrator and environment officer, said the ordinance is the town's response to efforts in other countries, cities and towns to reduced plastic bag use.

Among the countries that have launched campaigns or enacted laws are Ireland, South Africa, India and in some states in the United States.

Sta. Barbara, 16 km northwest of Iloilo City and with a population of 60,000, generates 10 sacks of plastic waste daily, according to Beup.

The market also serves residents of Ilolo City and the neighboring towns of Janiuay, Cabatuan, New Lucena, Pavia and San Miguel.

The town has years back implemented waste segregation and recycling but 80 percent of all their recyclable waste are made of plastic.

Beup said the ordinance also aims to boost the market for woven and other native baskets and cut the vendors' expenses on packaging materials. The woven baskets are being sold at P35-P50 each at the main entrance of the market.

Lucinio said she spends P30 per day for plastic bags which she gives for free to her customers. "We can surely save if we just use old newspapers or if our customers bring their own plastic bags."

For the past two weeks, every Tuesday and Friday, the town's designated market day, municipal employees have been monitoring the trial implementation of the ordinance.

Since July, the municipality has been conducting an information campaign on the proposed ordinance using loud speakers in the market and in elementary and high schools.

Radan Ferolin sat a desk at the main entrance with a megaphone urging residents to bring their own containers or plastic bags next time they go to the market. He also explained the reasons for the passing of the ordinance.

Another enforcer stamped and signed the plastic bags brought by the residents so that the bags can be identified when they are used again.

"We have a long way to go but some are slowly bringing their own containers or re-usable plastic bags," said Ferolin.

No penalty is imposed during the dry run but violators will face fines when the ordinance takes effect.

Vendors and commercial establishments caught violating the ordinance will be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense and P2,500 for the third offense and the suspension of business permits for three months.

Habitual offenders face cancellation and non-renewal of their business permits.

Consumers and customers who use non-prescribed plastic bags face a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense and P2,500 in the third offense.

Offenders who cannot afford to pay the fines are required to render community service of not less than eight hours.

There are some resistance from those who have been used to plastic bags and those who see no point in the ordinance.

"Other customers would still insist but they agreed to bring their old plastic bags or other containers when we ask them to. But some get angry and we have no choice," said Lucinio.

Meat vendor Samuel Soltis, 33, said that while the ordinance has noble intentions, it is impractical for customers of wet goods.

"Some do not bring their own plastic bags so we have to make sure that we have our own because otherwise they won't buy our products," said Soltis.

But for Lucinio, it's only a matter of time before their customers kicked the habit of using plastic bags.

"Some would say that this ordinance is useless because we should close down plastic bag factories first. I think doing that is impossible now. But we can do this gradually in our own small way," said Lucinio.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/18/sta.barbara.folks.serious.about.going.plastic.free.html)

spacewagon1

October 19th, 2007, 06:04 AM

Dinagyang gets more invitations to perform

The Dinagyang Festival continues to receive more invitations to perform both in domestic and foreign locales.

City tourism Benito Jimena said these invitations were the result of the all-out promotion the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Incorporated (IDFI) has conducted during the last five years. The promotional efforts also resulted in garnering the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines' highest award for two consecutive years running.

Jimena said that invitations for performances next year and for the last three months of the year are pouring in. Even the Discovery Shores in Boracay he added, has written Mayor Jerry P. Treñas requesting for a Dinagyang tribe to perform during the opening of the Cornell Hotel Society Asia Pacific Regional Meeting on November 3rd.

There is also an invitation for Jimena to be one of the judges in the Pintaflores Festival in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on November 3rd-5th. The GMA News and Public Affairs has also sent their invitation to Jimena and to the Miss Dinagyang 2007 to grace one of their newly-launched shows.

"We are now reaping the rewards of our constant promotional efforts and our exposure to other places is a sure way of making noise for the city of Iloilo," Jimena further said.

For the first quarter this year alone, Dinagyang has already performed in Santiago City, Isabela for the Pataraday Festival and at the Aliwan Fiesta in Metro Manila last April 28th. The contingent also went to Minneapolis and San Antonio, Texas in the United States last June to perform for the Filipino community in there.

Meanwhile, Treñas is grateful to the IDFI for the success that the festival has achieved. "It is because of the IDFI's commitment that Dinagyang is generating all these interest and attention. I certainly look forward to a grander, more colorful edition of the festival this coming January," the mayor added. (EAM/PIO)

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/18/dinagyang.gets.more.invitations.to.perform.html)

IMPRESARIO

October 19th, 2007, 07:49 AM

COLLIN JASPER

October 19th, 2007, 01:06 PM

iloilocitykid

October 19th, 2007, 01:16 PM

Terrorist attack on Glorietta. This is really bad. :ohno:

I hope they get stricter with the security here in Iloilo City. The security guards just don't seem to care anymore.

iloilocitykid

October 19th, 2007, 01:17 PM

Iloilo CSOs host Visayas-leg of Japan-RP pact road show

THE Coalition for Citizen's Constitution (C4CC) and the advocacy and campaign group Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC-Iloilo) will host the concluding part of the Visayas road show on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) with a forum at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas-Iloilo City Campus on October 19, 2007.

The forum is in coordination with the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment Through Alternative Legal Services, Inc. or Ideals, a Manila-based alternative legal group whose members served as civil society resource persons in the Senate hearings conducted to dig deeper on the issues surrounding the trade agreement.

Join forum on Sandiganbayan's guilty verdict on Estrada plunder case. Post comments here.

Among the resource persons are lawyers Jae de la Cruz and Tony Salvador, together with Atty. Richard Gutierrez of the Basel Action Network.

The forum has two thematic sessions. Theme one will cover the morning session composed of issues on agriculture, agrarian reform, and the environment. Theme two will be in the afternoon and will cover issues on labor and migration which will include the migration of Filipino nurses to Japan.

Likewise, the forum will serve as venue for participants to familiarize themselves with trade issues and their impact on specific sectors of Philippine society in particular and Filipino people in general.

Expected to attend are representatives from non-government organizations and people's organizations, nursing institutions, lawyer's groups, the academe and organizations representing the youth, environment, labor and farmers. Also invited are the regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, and the Commission on Human Rights.

The forum venue is at the Training Room, Graduate and Continuing Education Bldg., UP-Visayas, Iloilo City Campus, along General Luna St., Iloilo City. (Press release)

Another seminar for us. Iloilo City is fast becoming a convention center :cheers:

iloilocitykid

October 19th, 2007, 01:19 PM

CBCP: PNP’s ‘transformation’
program a ‘redeeming factor’

ILOILO City – The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Transformation Program is a “redeeming factor” in the midst of awful news hounding the police hierarchy, said Jaro Archbishop and Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Angel Lagdameo.

The Transformation Program is being implemented through the PNP Training Institute (PNTI) in Calamba City. It does not just train future officers to shoot and investigate but also to imbibe Christian values.

The academy started offering this year for police recruits Modules on Life in the Spirit Seminar, Basic Bible Seminar, Heroism and Christian Leadership Values, and Leadership and Empowering Decisions to Change, which are anchored on the vision of a “God-centered, service-oriented and family-based” agency.

Lagdameo said he was encouraging this healthy initiative that he considered a step towards building a new image of policemen, and congratulated the leadership of the PNP for such empowering initiatives among their ranks.

“This brings a wind of fresh air in the otherwise rigid military-like training of our public servants in the police force, igniting sparks of hope in a problematic situation,” Lagdameo said.

He added that in the mind of many people, the PNP is the second most corrupt agency in government but this picture is now changing for the better.

The PNTI, headed by Chief Supt. Samson Tucay, is a major constituent unit of the Philippine Public Safety College that is envisioned to become the main training ground for morally upright and competent uniformed men and women,

Lagdameo said parish organizations and parish priests can lend their pastoral and evangelizing experience which can be an initial step to motivate the PNTI graduates to share their values and leadership experiences with parish communities where they are stationed.

He further said the graduates could also become lay ministers as part of the initiatives to develop and enhance mutual trust, based on pro-active rather than reactive relationship.

IAMME

October 19th, 2007, 03:33 PM

I miss Iloilo! Now I know how it feels to have great updates from SSC. I shall be back tomorrow. Yay!

habagatcentral1

October 19th, 2007, 03:38 PM

hey shy...hidlaw man ta nimo ba...

yes, I'll be home next week na ya pero monday 6 am pa ko maabot sa Iloilo...daw ma kiss gid ko sa salog kang bag-o ta nga airport ah...

nami daad mag EB man kang mga libayon ta dya nga mga forumers...para sadya kuhaanay pictures...may SLR nga daan nga camera dya...

ga plano ko gani mag trip sa mga chuches naton kag sa mga landmarks dyan sa iloilo to take pictures...

Nong Alimol,

Palihug i-PM ang imo nga numero sa akon kay para makameet ta together with the Iloilo based forumers. :D

@Rex. May masugat sa imo?

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 02:26 AM

TESDA produces next
set of Ilonggo animators
By GLENDA CHIVA

ILOILO CITY - While Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Augusto Syjuco, Jr. envisions Filipino skills having a competitive edge, another batch of competent Ilonggo animators – the Kuris, are ready to face the bright opportunity of the growing industry of cyberspace.

TESDA and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) and the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) distributed the certificates of completion to the second batch of Ilonggo animators on October 19, 2007.

Provincial Director Lorena Yungue said TESDA is preparing Ilonggo talents to the booming industry offering them the kind of courses that produce workers with competencies.

“We, at TESDA will certify the proficiency of our workers,” Yungue said.

Once certified, the Filipino skilled worker then becomes, in Secretary Syjuco’s words, a “Sertipikadong Pinoy.”

Yungue also urged Ilonggo talents to continue learning through practice.

WVCST President Dr. Luis Sorolla Jr. and the Ilonggo animators expressed gratitude to the support given by TESDA.

“TESDA supports the passion and will of Ilonggo artists to excel in the competitive realm of cyber technology,” said one of the Ilonggo animators who received his certificate of completion.

The Professional 2D Assistant Animators Training is one of PGMA Train for Work programs.

source : Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras2.htm)

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 02:29 AM

‘Formosa coal plants observe strict standards’
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

WHAT’S dirty about coal plants?

Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and seven city councilors saw the operations of three coal-fired power plants in Taiwan.

Mabilog and company narrated their observation in a report they submitted Thursday to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Ronaldo Puno.

Mabilog also furnished the report to DILG undersecretary Austere Panadero, director of Bureau of Local Government Supervision who authorized their travel abroad.

The joint evaluation report of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the study tour on clean coal technology was prepared by Mabilog and Kagawads Lyndon Acap, Julienne Baronda, Joe Espinosa III, Ely Estante, Jr., Marietta Orleans, Lex Tupas and Ed Peñaredondo.

The SP members went on Oct. 12-14 trip sponsored by the Formosa Heavy Industries (FHI) Corp. and Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC), the mother company of independent power producer Panay Power Corp. operating in the city.

GBPC and its technical partner FHI are planning to put up 100MW coal plant within the PPC compound in Brgy. Ingore in La Paz district.

Environmental Protection

Mabilog said they visited three major industrial complexes in Taiwan: Zin Shin Power Plant, Hwa-Ya Power Plant and Mailiao Industrial Complex.

“It was observed that central to Formosa’s focus in developing clean coal-fired power plants is the strict attention given to environmental protection. The educational tour allowed the visiting officials to see for themselves the best practices of the company on environmental protection, management and safety,” the SP report to DILG said.

The vice-mayor and city councilors said they have seen for themselves the coal plants operating clean and safe.

There is enclosed coal storage for the power plants employ a dome-type mechanized system as opposed to the normal open-type coal storage – this fully automated dome-type system promotes control of dust particles and ensures clean handling of coal.

Coal conveyors are also enclosed to avoid unnecessary dust around the power plants – all plants are installed with automated closed coal bunkers to eliminate flying dust and protect the air.

The White Steam

The SP members said that white steam (similar steam we see when we boil water in the kettle) is visible in pulverized coal type boilers and none at all in circulating fluidized emission monitoring system (CEMS) that detects the level of sulfur oxide (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and total solid particulates (TSP) in real time.

The readings are also directly connected to the office of Taiwan Environmental Protection Bureau (TEPB) – which is similar to DENR – for real time monitoring.

“Formosa requires that all of their power plants are painted white to be able to properly check – on a daily basis – the level of cleanliness of each power plant. There is a round-the-clock cleaning of coal conveyors and similar areas to ensure the highest standard maintenance and equipment efficiency,” the SP said in their report.

“With state-of-the-art pollution abatement systems, Formosa adheres to all regulatory requirements of the Taiwan government that necessitate periodic review of the plants,” they added.

“The use of an electrostatic precipitator and flue gas desulfurizer is an example of how particles are controlled within the boiler system of the power plants.”

24-Hour Monitoring

The SP members stressed: “Formosa focuses not only on air emission or air quality but also on water quality through water treatment systems, noise, solid waste and safety while 24-hour online monitoring by the TEPB is conducted.”

To caution safety and health, visible safety reminders and signs all over key points of each power plant were observed while strict use of hardhats and safety paraphernalia were also imposed during the tours.

“Flagship to Formosa’s move towards environmental management is the Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) boiler technology which is designed to meet the standards for combustion of coal as established by the World Bank and Taiwan Government,” the SP members pointed out.

“It should be noted that all Formosa power plants are generating emissions way below the WB and Taiwan standards. Also, it was clearly observed that mercury deposits from the plants were not an issue. According to the lecturers, Taiwanese scientists and academe researchers found insignificant threats on health from coal plants,” they said.

They SP members affirmed: “Observing the vegetation that surrounds the power plants and its proximity to busy centers of business and communities, the generation of mercury that might affect community health and environment does not seem to be an issue in Taiwan.”

“From more in-depth discussions, it was learned that mercury deposits generated by the Formosa plants are way below normal soil mercury content,” they said.

“Residents of surrounding communities and business proprietors do not seem to mind having the white steam spewing smokestacks of the coal plants visible far and near the power plants, particularly the Mailiao plant which is situated in the largest industrial complex owned by the Formosa Group,” the SP members declared.

Though they clarified that “a three-day visit is not substantial to validate our ocular observations especially on environmental claims and issues, thus, whatever statements found in this report should not be considered as a technical opinion.”

It was learned that the Formosa Group of Companies implement many outreach programs and projects particularly focused on medical care and education.

The biggest (about one million beds capacity) chronic hospitals, care centers and schools have been built by the company across Taiwan including the Chang Gung Medical Hospital, Chang Gung Cultural and Health promotion Village and technical and medical colleges in the Chang Gung University.

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

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 02:30 AM

Workshop generates research proposals
By Lyncen M. Fernandez

The National Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (NIBMB) of UP Visayas conducted a “National Symposium on Fisheries and Aquatic Biotechnology” in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC).

The symposium was timely because the Department of Agriculture has begun the process of formulating an integrated, 10-year biotechnology research, development and extension program.

The DA has commissioned experts to evaluate the biotechnology-related programs of the different institutions and agencies within the agriculture department.

The UPV, through the NIBMB and in collaboration with SEAFDEC, conducted the “Fisheries and Aquatic Biotechnology Workshop” Oct. 4.

Its main purpose was to generate research proposals in identified fields in aquaculture.

Scientists and researchers of both UPV and SEAFDEC grouped themselves into three areas of research, namely, seaweed, stock management, and biological indicators.

The three groups will soon come up with research proposals in their area of study and submit these for funding in various agencies.

Biotechnology is an emerging field that offers so much promise to harness new discoveries in agriculture and fisheries. Its role in national development cannot be overemphasized against that fact that since1996, there has been no significant increase in our agricultural production.

Yet, the population of the Philippines continues to rapidly increase as at present, there is an estimated 80 to 88M Filipinos needing to be fed.

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

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 02:32 AM

City officials submit report on Taiwan trip
By Maricar M. Calubiran

City Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and the seven city councilors who went on a three-day study tour to Taiwan recently had already submitted their report to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) about their trip.

In their report, the city officials urged the people of Iloilo City to be open in welcoming any available source of power to augment the city's existing power supply.

"It is recommended that the city government and the people be open and ready to favor any source of energy as long as it is private investment that adheres to and promotes strict environmental conformity," they said in their report.

Mabilog along with City Councilors Julienne Baronda, Ely Estante Jr. Nielex Tupas, Lyndon Acap, Jose Espinosa III, Marietta Orleans and Eduardo Peñaredondo went to Taiwan October 12-14, 2007 to see for themselves the coal power plants operated by Formosa Heavy Industries (FHI).

FHI through Global Power Business Corp. is proposing to put up a 100 MW coal-fired power plant in the city.

The group pointed that what is important is that the city will not be burdened by the cost of putting in place the necessary facilities to operate an energy source.

"For one thing, the city government could not afford to establish a plant considering its financial capability." The city has to rely on the investment of the private sector, it said.

The investment from private sectors could benefit the people by providing a stable source of electricity on 24/7 basis and making electricity cheaper. Private investments can as well construct the required physical facilities within the shortest time possible considering their logistics. "In effect, the burden on the users will be lighter."

In the same report, the signatories said Iloilo City's vision is to be a premiere city by the year 2015. "With barely eight years to go, Iloilo City is still missing the most important component for a progressive and developed city which is reliable and affordable source of electricity."

The group also said the city continues to suffer from long and frequent brownouts even in regular days. The current price of electricity which is more than P10/kilowatt hour remains to be the highest in the country if not in the world. "Currently, the city does not have a single light industry within its boundary."

Further, they said the purchase of the old airport by Megaworld also entails additional power demand. Megaworld have an initial requirement of 20 megawatts during the initial operations and projected a 35 megawatts on full operations.

The demand will further enhance by the entry of two companies engaged in Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) namely Sutherland and Teletech. "The need for an additional supply of electricity is evident and real. It is similarly immediate.

Copies of the group's report was furnished to DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero, Director for Bureau of Local Government Supervision and DILG-6 Director Evelyn Trompeta. The department required the visiting party to submit their recommendation after their trip to Taiwan.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/19/city.officials.submit.report.on.taiwan.trip.html)

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 02:33 AM

Ilonggo traders mull bringing 'bangus' to EU market
By Maricar M. Calubiran

KellerA top official of a German association of fish processors and fish wholesalers urged local milkfish producers to improve their processing and marketing strategies in order to penetrate the European Union.

Dr. Matthias Keller, managing director of the German Association of Fish Processors and Fish Wholesalers said producers need to "do something more" to boost their chances of accessing not only the German market but also other foreign markets.

Keller said there is a good chance for the Philippine bangus to have a niche in the European market. In fact, they have already received 10 samples of bangus products. However, it needs to pass the stringent standards on health and requirements on production, processing, marketing and trade.

Keller added that the product should not come only in conservative form. There should be changes. Bangus could be in form of fillet and other cuts to attract the foreign market.

He added that there should be competitive price for the bangus. Its tough competitor in the German market is herring. It sells much lower compared to bangus. Though, there are also times when the price of herring dropped.

Herring is a species of slab-sided, northern fish belonging to the family Clupeidae (order Clupeiformes). The name herring refers to either the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) or the Pacific herring ( harengus pallasii). It is a slab-sided, northern fishes that are small-headed and streamlined with silvery iridescent sides and a deep-blue, metallic-hued back.

Keller along with other officials of the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) are here in the city to have a look on the milkfish industry here. GTZ has given technical assistance to the Iloilo Fish Producers Association Inc. to find ways to penetrate the potentially lucrative niche market.

According to Dr. Juergen Janssen, of the JLP Consulting, it is not impossible for the Philippine bangus to penetrate the European market. There is big market for seafoods in Germany. Janssen was hired as marketing consultant for the GTZ project.

Janssen said Germany is a big consumer of seafood products especially fish. It imports some 3 million tons of fish. They are looking for raw materials to sustain its fish needs. There should only be a successful introduction of new market.

Janssen explained that in foreign market, there price should be stable for the entire year as prices of commodities in the supermarket stays the same. The pricing of the commodity do not change abruptly. The importer should have a fix price for it.

According to Iloilo Fish Producers Association Inc. president Antonio Paulino Buyco, they were able to ship some 64 tons of milkfish in Europe since 2005.

Iloilo bangus entered Europe through an EU-accredited processing facility of Sta. Cruz Foods in General Santos City. Sta. Cruz Foods is one of the two EU accredited processing facility in the country. However, the bangus milkfish being shipped to Europe goes mainly to shops catering to Filipino and other Asians.

While, Nelson Sotomil, president of the Western Visayas Fish Producers Association said there are already facilities in Western Visayas such as a canning facility in Victorias for milkfish. The products are exported to the US market. They also went into value-adding through marination and bottling.

source : The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/19/ilonggo.traders.mull.bringing.bangus.to.eu.market.html)

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 02:35 AM

Pacific white shrimp hatchery up in Iloilo

Iloilo has been identified and accredited by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to breed and produce the Pacific white shrimp

The press report of the DA disclosed that the agriculture department has established four accredited hatcheries in Luzon and the Visayas to breed and produce the Pacific white shrimp, also known as Peneaus vannamei, as part of its continuing initiatives to revive the once-robust shrimp industry in the country.

BFAR Director Malcolm Sarmiento said that the other accredited hatcheries for Pacific white shrimp are located in Bohol, Cebu and Pangasinan.

Director Sarmiento said that the Pangasinan hatchery is the BFAR facility which is used as the central hatchery of Peneaus vannamei.

It was learned from the BFAR Regional Office in Western Visayas that the accredited hatchery in Iloilo to produce the Pacific white shrimp is owned by Ms. Stella Aileen Jamandre.

Sarmiento said that the Agriculture Department has been experimenting in the culture of vannamei in freshwater and has been successful so far.

He said that as part of the strict measures ordered by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, only pathogen-free broodstocks of vannamei enter the country. It has limited breeders only from Honolulu and Florida, USA.

The Philippines, which previously ranked No. 3 in the world, slid to 10th place in 2003, after being overtaken by Mexico, Brazil, Vietnam and Bangladesh.

The DA press report disclosed that Secretary Yap has assured the industry leaders that they would have a ready market for their Peneaus vannamei produce because he plans to make this highly affordable commodity available to low-income consumers in the "bagsakan" or drop-off centers and barangay food terminals that the DA have set up in various strategic location in Metro Manila.

The BFAR Director said that the highly encouraging results from almost two years of intensive studies by BFAR on Peneaus vannamei stocks had been affirmed by both fisheries experts and stakeholders in the shrimp industry, the DA press report disclosed. (PIA/T.Villavert)

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/19/pacific.white.shrimp.hatchery.up.in.iloilo.html)

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 02:37 AM

loilo CSOs host Visayas-leg of Japan-RP pact road show

THE Coalition for Citizen's Constitution (C4CC) and the advocacy and campaign group Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC-Iloilo) will host the concluding part of the Visayas road show on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) with a forum at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas-Iloilo City Campus on October 19, 2007.

The forum is in coordination with the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment Through Alternative Legal Services, Inc. or Ideals, a Manila-based alternative legal group whose members served as civil society resource persons in the Senate hearings conducted to dig deeper on the issues surrounding the trade agreement.

Among the resource persons are lawyers Jae de la Cruz and Tony Salvador, together with Atty. Richard Gutierrez of the Basel Action Network.

The forum has two thematic sessions. Theme one will cover the morning session composed of issues on agriculture, agrarian reform, and the environment. Theme two will be in the afternoon and will cover issues on labor and migration which will include the migration of Filipino nurses to Japan.

Likewise, the forum will serve as venue for participants to familiarize themselves with trade issues and their impact on specific sectors of Philippine society in particular and Filipino people in general.

Expected to attend are representatives from non-government organizations and people's organizations, nursing institutions, lawyer's groups, the academe and organizations representing the youth, environment, labor and farmers. Also invited are the regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, and the Commission on Human Rights.

The forum venue is at the Training Room, Graduate and Continuing Education Bldg., UP-Visayas, Iloilo City Campus, along General Luna St., Iloilo City. (Press release)

source: Sunstar ILOILO (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ilo/2007/10/19/news/iloilo.csos.host.visayas.leg.of.japan.rp.pact.road.show.html)

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 02:38 AM

wala pa updates?

kirby21

October 20th, 2007, 05:33 AM

how supportive MIGEDC with regards to our tourism and promotion?

habagatcentral1

October 20th, 2007, 05:48 AM

^^ They received $ (or Pesos) 7million I think from USAID according to Sir Ben Jimena. :)

kirby21

October 20th, 2007, 07:25 AM

really? That's impressive. Any program/s or projects?

iloilocitykid

October 20th, 2007, 09:58 AM

‘HEIGHTEN SECURITY!’
Iloilo cops tighten security
after Makati mall blast

By MONTESA GRINO

ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) alerted all malls here following the Makati mall blast that killed eight persons and wounded 86 others yesterday afternoon.

Senior Supt. Wesley Barayuga, city director of ICPO, said they already tapped malls here to implement strict inspection measures of their customers’ baggage.

"This is in one way to preempt a spill here. We don't know our enemies. It's better to be alert all the time," he stressed.

Barayuga already coordinated with the Firearms Explosives Security and Guards Supervision (FESAGS) to instruct their security guards of all the security measures to be applied on their area of responsibility.

Although, Iloilo City is very peaceful, Barayuga said the incident in Makati can also happen here “if we disregard this situation.”

Currently, the Iloilo City Mobile Group (ICMG) was tasked to roam around the city particularly in some major installations.

In Manila, a loud explosion broke the silence of Glorieta 2 Mall in Makati City yesterday afternoon.

Police investigators at the scene of the explosion identified four of the dead as Liza Marquez, Jose Allan de Jesus, Lester Peregrina and nursing student Janine Marcos. All died of shrapnel injuries.

Asked to describe the fatalities at the Makati Medical Center, they died due to "burns and massive internal bleeding."

Director Geary Barias, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, said they have yet to determine whether the explosion was caused by a grenade or an improvised explosive device and " are not discounting anything," including the possibility that the explosion was a terrorist attacked.

Barias also said there had been no intelligence reports prior to the blast, despite a terror alert issued earlier this month by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, which is composed of various security institutions like the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Witnesses said the blast occurred in a section of the mall with clusters of stores selling baby clothes and toys.

The explosion panicked shoppers running out of the mall as smoke billowed out of the building.

Mall security and police immediately sealed off the area and shepherded people away as ambulances rushed in to evacuate casualties.

People leaving the mall said they felt the whole shopping complex shook as from an earthquake as the "strong" explosion happened in the area between the Glorietta 1 and 2 buildings. They also said they saw windows shatter from the blast.
Witnesses said part of a ceiling collapsed while a concrete wall was blown out.

Two cars and two delivery vans were buried under wooden planks and concrete debris outside the mall.

Barias also inspected a nearby mall to ensure there will be no other explosions.

The United States and Australia both offered technical help in investigating the blast, and Australian experts were understood to be helping Filipino police on the scene.(With reports from INQUIRER.NET)

iloilocitykid

October 20th, 2007, 09:59 AM

TESDA produces next
set of Ilonggo animators

By GLENDA CHIVA

ILOILO CITY - While Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Augusto Syjuco, Jr. envisions Filipino skills having a competitive edge, another batch of competent Ilonggo animators – the Kuris, are ready to face the bright opportunity of the growing industry of cyberspace.

TESDA and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) and the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) distributed the certificates of completion to the second batch of Ilonggo animators on October 19, 2007.

Provincial Director Lorena Yungue said TESDA is preparing Ilonggo talents to the booming industry offering them the kind of courses that produce workers with competencies.

“We, at TESDA will certify the proficiency of our workers,” Yungue said.

Once certified, the Filipino skilled worker then becomes, in Secretary Syjuco’s words, a “Sertipikadong Pinoy.”

Yungue also urged Ilonggo talents to continue learning through practice.

WVCST President Dr. Luis Sorolla Jr. and the Ilonggo animators expressed gratitude to the support given by TESDA.

“TESDA supports the passion and will of Ilonggo artists to excel in the competitive realm of cyber technology,” said one of the Ilonggo animators who received his certificate of completion.

The Professional 2D Assistant Animators Training is one of PGMA Train for Work programs.

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 10:39 AM

how supportive MIGEDC with regards to our tourism and promotion?
this idea remains unnoticed, I believed esp on the role f MIGEDC in promoting Iloilo City and the entire MIG area. It seems to me that tourism in a secondary priority before, however, as Visayas is positioned as a tourism capital for four super regions, MIGEDC became more involved in Iloilo's tourism and promotion lately. And I think we will be seeing more tourism initiative in the next few months and years to come inorder to raise tourism awareness for all Ilonggos and to make tourism as part of our everyday's lives. This is very significant role for MIGEDC as it becomes more involved in helping Iloilo to further its economy and aligning its priorities. We can't never tell how serious and how in depth their ideals for tourism purposes but it seems it's working slowly for me. The increase number of tourists and visitors coming to Iloilo is a cllaborative effort brought about by all sectors of government and private agencies in Iloilo but, I do believe that MIGEDC has a bit of touch on it, too.

^^ They received $ (or Pesos) 7million I think from USAID according to Sir Ben Jimena. :)
That is quite a good amount of money if invested properly for tourism purposes. And I think more and more million-dollar initiatives for MIGEDC tourism developments will be given by our international partners in the days to come.

iloilocitykid

October 20th, 2007, 10:44 AM

^^ They received $ (or Pesos) 7million I think from USAID according to Sir Ben Jimena. :)

More likely it's 7 million dollars. 7M php is too small for such a big promotion earning them 7 B Php.

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 10:58 AM

^^ but I don't think that the 7billion earning of MIGEDC in tourism is due 7million USAID donation? Before USAID gave money for MIGEDC, the council is already promoting Iloilo by the help of AUSaid (Australian), GTZ, JICA, CIDA and CUI. I think the 7million given by USAid has not been used yet. Unless they are talking different grant tackled in several news in the past.

iloilocitykid

October 20th, 2007, 11:55 AM

DINAGYANG 2008 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Dinagyang 2008 Festival Launch
October 19, 2007
SM City Iloilo
Activity Center

Launching Jaro Fiesta sa Dinagyang Festival 2008
December 08, 2007
Jaro Plaza

Public and Press Presentation of Miss Dinagyang 2008 Official Candidates December 08, 2007
SM City Iloilo Activity Center

Pamukaw 2008
December 15, 2007
Assemby: Capitol; Route: Freedom Grandstand passing Iznart St.

Diangyang 2008 National Launching
December 15, 2007
SM Mall Of Asia, Pasay City <<<<<<< :cheers:

Dinagyang Beat Competition Night
December 15, 2007
Freedom
Grandstand

Metro Manila Film Festival Parade of Stars (VisMin leg)
December 20, 2007
Parade Route

Iloilo Hotel Resort & Restaurant
Association (IHRRA) Food Festival
December 26, 2007-January 14, 2008
SM City Iloilo

Food Fest Area <<<<<<< :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Display Period, Tongku-Dagyang
January 15-28, 2008
SM City - LGF

1st Mayor's Cup Basketball Tournament
January 13-28, 2008
Iloilo Sports Complex

Miss Dinagyang 2008 Talent Competition and Fashion Showcase
January 13-28, 2008 04:00PM
SM City Cinema 6

Opening Salvo Walk with Sr. Sto. Niño Penitential Foot Procession
January 16, 2008 04:30AM-05:00AM
San Jose Church going to surrounding 9 brgys.

Turning Over Ceremony for Incoming Hermana and Hermana Mayores for 2008
January 16, 2008 05:30PM
San Jose Church

Miss Dinagyang 2008 Final Technical Rehearsals
January 16-17, 2008
SM City Cinema 6

Solemn concelebrated mass for Dinagyang Ati-ati Tribes
January 16-25, 2008
San Jose Parish Church

9 Novena Masses and Chaplet to Sr.Santo Nino
January 16-25, 2008 05:30 AM- 07:00 PM
San Jose Parish Church

Kasadyahan Opening Salvo
January 18, 2008 8:00AM
Parade Route

Press Conference Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2008
January 19, 2008 09:00AM - 10:30AM
Amigo Terrace Hotel Anthurium

Re-enactment of the first arrival of the image of Senor Santo Nino from Basilica del Senor Santo Nino from Cebu
January 18, 2008 01:00 PM
New Iloilo Airport

Mass for Opening Salvo Dinagyang Ati
January 18, 2008 02:00 PM
San Jose Parish Church

Opening Salvo, Dinagyang Ati
January 18, 2008 3:00 P.M.
San Jose Parish Church

Kasadyahan Rehearsal
January 18, 2008 9:00 P.M.
Dinagyang Parade Route

Pre-final Judging of Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang Dinner with judges, Foundation and Production Staff
January 18, 2008 08:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Amigo Terrace Hotel

Dinagyang Booth Exhibits on Display
January 18-27, 2008 10:00AM - 9:00 PM
SM City Iloilo Lower Ground Foor

Dawn Marian Procession to Fort San Pedro
January 19, 2008 05:00 AM
San Jose Church to Fort San Pedro

Healing Mass
January 19, 2008 06:00 AM
Fort San Pedro

Dinagyang Golf 2008 5th Mayor Jerry P. Treñas Cup
January 19, 2008 07:00 AM
Iloilo Golf & Country Club, Sta.Barbara, Iloilo

6th MBCI National Mountain Bike Race 2008
January 19, 2008 08:00 AM
Down Hill Competition

Opening Parade of Jaro Fiesta sa Dinagyang
Jaro Plaza

Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2008, Coronation Night
January 19, 2008 06:00 PM
SM City Cinema 6

Cocktail for participants of Dinagyang Golf 2008 5th Mayor Jerry P. Treñas Cup
January 19, 2008 06:00 PM
Iloilo Golf and Country Club, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo

Dinagyang Half-Marathon
January 20, 2008 05:30AM to 9:00AM
Robinson Place, Iloilo-Mabini-Gen. Luna - Sen. Benigno Aquino Ave.to Pavia and back

6th MBCI National Mountain Bike Race (Short track, cross-country) January 20, 2008 8:00 A.M.
SM City Iloilo Car park

"Bugna", Dinagyang Arts Festival Opening of Exhibit, Art and Jamming Area January 20, 2008 8:00 A.M.

Mass for Barangay Children with games & snacks
January 20, 2008 08:30 A.M.-12:00 NN
San Jose Church

Medical Mission
January 20, 2008 08:30 A.M.-12:00 NN
San Jose Church

Dinagyang Golf 2006 Awards Nite for Golf Winners
January 20, 2008 07:00 PM
Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center

Tonku,Dagyang Awarding
January 21, 2008 03:00 PM

Judging of Booth Exhibits
January 21, 2008
04:00 PM

Final Rehearsal, Dinagyang Ati Tribes
January 21 & 23, 2008
Evenings Dinagyang Parade Route

4th DUBAI National Bowling Championship
January 21 - 26, 2008
Evenings St. Elizabeth Bowling and Billiard Alleys (SEBBA)

Trade and Exhibits/Dinagyang Pasalubong Center
January 21-27, 2008 10:00A.M.-09:00P.M.
SM City, Lower Ground Foor

Dinagyang Tourism Assistance Center
January 21-27, 2008
SM City, Lower Ground Floor

Healing Mass for the sick, Aged and Abandoned
January 22, 2008 10:00 A.M
San Jose Parish Church

Boxing Tournament
January 23, 2008 03:00 PM
SM City, Front Covered Walk

Coronation of Princess Isabel 2008 and Dinagyang Niño Ambassador 2008 January 23, 2008 03:00 PM
SM City, Front Covered Walk

Coronation of Princess Isabel 2008 and Dinagyang Niño Ambassador 2008 January 23, 2008 05:00 PM
San Jose Parish Church

Dinagyang Beat Competition
January 23, 2008 05:00 PM
SM City, Lower Ground Foor

Final Rehearsal, Kasadyahan 2006
January 23, 2008 05:00 PM
Dinagyang Parade Route

Bulilit Dinagyang 2008 Caravan
January 24, 2008 07:00 AM
From Molo Plaza, Tanza, Jalandoni, Street, Gen. Luna St., to Provincial Capitol

Bulilit Dinagyang 2008 Foot Procession
January 24, 2008 08:00 AM
Provincial Capitol, JM Basa, San Jose Church

Bulilit Dinagyang 2008 Mass
January 24, 2008 9:00 AM
Freedom Granstand

Bulilit Dinagyang 2008 Competition
January 24, 2008 10:00 AM
Freedom Granstand & other stages

Book Launching
"A Trip to Planet Biyo. . I dreamt of Stars, I got a Planet"
January 24, 2008 Afternoon
Robinson's Place, Iloilo

Iloilo Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association (IHRRA) Food Festival
January 24-27, 2008 2:00 PM-12 MN
Delgado Street

Novena Masses and Chaplet to Sr. Sto. Niño
January 25, 2008 5:30 AM., & 7:00 A.M. 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM
San Jose Parish Church

Awarding, "Ist Iloilo Motorshow"
January 25, 2008 2:00 PM
Iloilo Provincial Capitol Ground

Fluvial Procession and Foot Parade
January 25, 2008 3:00 PM
Assembly: Fort San Pedro, Custom House, Iznart st., J.M.Basa st., Plaza Libertad & San Jose Parish Church

Best Dinagyang Lead Dancers
January 25, 2008 4:00 PM
Robinson's Mall

Iloilo Yearbook 2005 Book Launching
January 25, 2008 4:00 PM
Robinson's Place Fountain Area

Blessing of children, Pregnant Mothers and Sto. Niño Images
January 25, 2008 4:30 PM
San Jose Parish Church

Judging of Dinagyang Ati Best Costume & Gawad Hangaway (Dinagyang Best Warrior Competition)
January 25, 2008 7:00 PM
SM City Lower Ground Floor

Kapuso Night
January 25, 2008 8:00 PM
Freedom Grandstand

3rd Iloilo Dinagyang Badminton 2008
January 25-26, 2008 8:00 AM -6:00 PM
Iloilo Sports Complex

Dawn Procession Walk with Mama Mary to Fort San Pedro
January 26, 2008 5:00 AM
San Jose Parish Church to Fort San Pedro

Healing Mass
January 26, 2008 6:00 AM
Fort San Pedro

Mass for Kasadyahan
January 26, 2008 7:00 AM
San Jose Parish Churh

Kasadyahan Competition
January 26, 2008 8:00 AM
Freedom Grandstand and other stages

2nd Mayor Jerry P. Treñas Jetski Cup 2008
Villa Regatta, Sto. Niño Sur,Iloilo City

Motorcross Funrace
University of the Philippines Centennial Celebration
January 26, 2008 2:00 PM
Freedom Grandstand

Solemn Foot Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sr.Sto. Niño
January 26, 2008 4:30 PM
San Jose Parish Church, Rizal St., Iznart St., PlazoletaGay., J.M.Basa St., Plaza Liberta& back to San Jose Parish Church

Dinner for a Cause
January 26, 2008 7:00 PM
La Paz Plaza

Religious Sad-sad to Sr. Sto. Niño
(one hour dancing, singing and petitons with candles and images of Sto. Niño)
January 26, 2008 8:00 PM
In front of San Jose Parish

Hinugyaw
January 26, 2008 8:00 PM
Provincial Capitol

Handog ng Bombo Radyo at Star FM sa Dinagyang
January 26, 2008 8:00 PM
SM City, Parking Lot

MBC Night
January 26-27, 2008 6:00 PM.-12MN
Plazoleta Gay

Children's Fancy Dress Ball Parade & Coronation (Jaro Fiesta sa Dinagyang Festival 2008)
Jaro Plaza

Solemn concelebrated mass for Dinagyang Ati-Tribes
January 27, 2008 6:30 AM
San Jose Parish Church

Dinagyang Ati Competition
January 27, 2008 8:00 AM
Freedom Grandstand and other stages

Dinagyang Photo Contest
January 27, 2008 8:00 AM

Concert
January 27, 2008 7:00 PM
Freedom Grandstand

2008 Iloilo Dinagyang Awarding Ceremonies
January 27, 2008 7:00 PM
Freedom Grandstand

Thanksgiving Mass with all members of 2008 Dinagyang Festival Executive and Working Committees, Dinagyang Ati and Kasadyahan Tribes, Sponsors and Friends
January 29, 2008 5:30 PM
San Jose Parish Church

Chinese New Year
(Xin nien kuai le!)
January 31, 2008
Iznart St., Iloilo City

WE ARE GONNA EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF WHAT ILOILO REALLY IS. :banana:

source: Dinagyang Foundation (http://dinagyangfoundation.com/2008sched.htm)

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 12:12 PM

the Dinagyang Fever has just begun. I'm really looking forward for all the updates and photos.

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 12:13 PM

.... and more tourists and visitors, too.

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 12:20 PM

IPG, NCC and AMPDCI to conduct website development training

(Iloilo City, Oct. 17, 2007) -- The Iloilo Provincial Government (IPG) through the Provincial Planning & Development Office (PPDO) together with the National Computer Center (NCC) and Association of Municipal Planning & Development Coordinators of Iloilo, Inc. (AMPDCI) will conduct a basic and advance website development training, dubbed Training on Citizen-Centric Website Development for Local Government Units (LGUs), on October 24-26 and November 6-8 respectively, of the current year at the Computer Laboratory of STI College at Mission Road, Jaro, this City.

It will be the second skills transfer training and at the same time a follow-up of the one which had been conducted by the above-mentioned agencies and organization prior to the simultaneous launching of the official Website of the Iloilo Provincial Government and those of its component municipalities last year.

It is designed to develop capabilities (for beginners) and to enhance those of the assigned personnel of municipalities who had undergone the basic course in creating and maintaining their respective websites. It will focus on municipal websites designing and information updating such as to make them more dynamic and responsive to the data or information requirements of the browsing public and clienteles particularly those of potential investors or business-oriented individuals.

Melinda Defensor of the Research & Statistics Section, PPDO said, "A course outline for each module (basic and advance) was prepared by concerned research staff and of the NCC, which will cover the necessary skills in designing and management of websites using the web-development software Joomla".

"This training will be conducted for the purpose also of addressing the clamor of online clients that websites of municipalities lack the information they need for their developmental endeavors, hence an updating of the same should be done periodically," Defensor added.

With the goal of said undertaking in view, which is to make all municipalities in the province e-commerce enabled. Hon. Niel D. Tupas, Sr., in his letter addressed to the municipal mayors, requested that each municipality should send at least two computer literate personnel to the training, one will undergo the basic and the other, the advance course in website development. Likewise, he asked that participants bring their corresponding LGU's socio econimic profile and other data/materials for the hands-on posting in their websites, the latter being the conclusive activity of the training.

source: Province of Iloilo Official Website (http://www.iloilo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=420&Itemid=1)

iloilocitykid

October 20th, 2007, 01:28 PM

DTI celebrates Consumer
Welfare Month
By GLENDA CHIVA

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) celebrates Consumer Welfare Month this October, with the theme “Consumer Education and Information: Key to Consumer Empowerment.” This is in pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation no. 1098.

DTI officially opened the “Consumer Welfare and Product Safety and Quality Standards Expo 2007” on October 15, 2007, which will run until October 20, 2007 in the Robinsons Place Iloilo’s fountain area.

The expo aims to create consciousness among consumers of their rights to better service and quality products and enlighten them on the importance of standards for product quality and safety.

DTI wanted the consumers to be aware of the salient feature of DAO#2 Series of 2002 which says “Defining the responsibilities and responsibilities of manufacturers, importers, traders, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and agents with regard to products covered by mandatory product certification and prescribing penalties thereof.”

Participating exhibitors displayed their products covered by Mandatory Product Certification.

The 17 participating companies are: Holcim Philippines Inc.; Apo Cement Corp.; JECO Distributor Co. Inc.; Firely Electric and Lighting Corporation; Kopez Manufacturing Corporation; Flat Glass Alliance of the Phil. Inc.; Magic Home Marketing; New Iloilo Supreme Marketing (Procter & Gamble); F&E Enterprises; Fabson Inc.; Iloilo Gasul Center; Aptrade Enterprises; Palmer Asia Inc.; Pryce Gases Inc.; Solid Gas Inc.; and Robinsons’ Abenson Appliance Corp. and Ambienergy Enterprises Inc.

DTI also recognized seven local establishments in the city, which were given the DTI-Certified Establishment Seal.

The DTI-CEP awardees are: Nissan Iloilo (S&J) Motors. Inc.; Naces Appliance Sales Corp.; Iloilo Supermart, The Atrium; Iloilo Supermart-Valeria; Iloilo Supermart-Molo; Iloilo Supermart-Tabuc Suba; Mandurriao Supermart; and Naces Appliance Sales Corp.
Nissan Iloilo received a Silver Seal among the awardees.

The DTI-CE Program was launched on July 6, 2006 to give recognition to establishments that upholds the rights of consumers and practice responsible business. Retail establishments, supermarkets, department stores, appliance centers, hardware stores, and DTI accredited service and repair shops may apply for certification under the program.
According to DTI, a certified DTI establishment means the store sells only quality goods and provides quality service to consumers.

alimol

October 20th, 2007, 02:35 PM

Nong Alimol,

Palihug i-PM ang imo nga numero sa akon kay para makameet ta together with the Iloilo based forumers. :D

@Rex. May masugat sa imo?

bernie, na pm ko na sa imo number ko...pm man ko sang number mo kay para text ta ka kon ara na ko da.

alimol

October 20th, 2007, 02:38 PM

iloilocitykid

October 20th, 2007, 02:42 PM

^^ Gina sa Atrium, damu ga reklamo kay gina check gid ila mga bag...:ohno:

alimol

October 20th, 2007, 02:44 PM

iloilocitykid

October 20th, 2007, 02:45 PM

^^ Indi man boring sang una, hehe. Pero yes, Iloilo is getting more fun

alimol

October 20th, 2007, 03:08 PM

^^ Gina sa Atrium, damu ga reklamo kay gina check gid ila mga bag...:ohno:

ngaa mareklamo gid bi sila? gusto guro nila malukpan bomba....may mga tawo gid man nga salawayon...

okey lang na tani kon lain nga bomba!

iloilocitykid

October 20th, 2007, 03:09 PM

^^ :lol: What bombs do you mean? Twin 15lbs bounds?

alimol

October 20th, 2007, 03:13 PM

bomba bala nga instead makapatay bala, gapadugang pa gid tawo!

iloilocitykid

October 20th, 2007, 03:14 PM

^^ :lol:

Pero laban na ga pangakig mga tigulang naman. Indi lang ko kabalo kng gina check pa nila mga auto pasulod sa mga Malls

alimol

October 20th, 2007, 03:19 PM

ang iban nga tigulang, naga inuli-anon na...dapat ang mga auto amo ang ila istriktuhan. I remember last time, daw wala man sang mga sikyu gina utihi inspect ang mga auto kay kalabanan sang may mga auto, may mga sarang. ginakigan pa gani sila kon kaisa. dapat gid inspeksyunon sang maayo kay kadamu gid dira sal-utan ang bomba...

iloilocitykid

October 20th, 2007, 03:29 PM

^^ Ang method sa pag check sng mga bomba sa salakyan sala. Ngaa matulok sila sa dalum or sa compartment area kung ara man lng ang bomba sa sulod...Dayun kung ara na sila sa compound sng SM City, i full speed nila sa Glass Entrance sng SM kg did2 palukpon.

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 07:11 PM

San-o puli mo sa Iloilo, alimol? Bon Voyage and please take more photos (and post them here). he he .Cheers mate.

spacewagon1

October 20th, 2007, 07:25 PM

grabe ang activities for the whole month of january para sa dinagyang ba. even in the month of december, naga umpisa na gid ya. lain na gid ya compare sang ara pa ko dra. sang una ya, saturday and sunday lang ang masako pero subong, the whole month na gid ya. full of activities na gid. indikasyon lang ina nga ang Iloilo gauswag kag indi na boring pareho sang una....
he he. Iba naman subong, alimol. It's not that boring in the past pero minimal lang gid ang acivities iya. I remember nga nag-sadsad kami sang una til Dinagyang. Okay man. Galing subong, kadamo lang activities. May mga concerts, etc. Plus the fact nga medyo organised na gid man plus the security is really good. I hope they'll introduce more and more activities in the years to come.

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 02:55 AM

Ties of city hall designer
with city gov’t questioned

ILOILO City – Two city councilors questioned the status of Architect Willy Coscolluela’s “relationship” with the city government relative to the upcoming construction of the P378.98-million new city hall building.

First to take the floor was Councilor Eldrid Antiquiera, who asked his colleagues if Coscolluela had already been hired by the city government as consultant for the construction of the eight-story government center “because if he has already been hired, then it should have undergone bidding as mandated by Republic Act 9184.”

To answer the question, Councilor Perla Zulueta stood to inform the body that there is no relationship yet between the city government and Coscolluela.

“As far as I understand, Arch. Coscolluela provided the proposed design for the project free of charge because he is an Ilonggo and he wants to contribute to the development of the city of Iloilo,” she said.

“But later, if we decide to hire his firm as project consultant, certainly the consultancy service contract would undergo regular bidding processes,” the Iron Lady of the City Council further averred.

It was also learned from Zulueta that the city government provides for Coscolluela’s travel expenses and accommodations whenever he goes to Iloilo City to confer with city officials on the project.

‘ASK THE MAYOR’
Antiquiera, however, appears uncomfortable with the fact that the city government is paying for Coscolluela’s plane tickets and accommodations in going here that he actually asked where Mayor Jerry Treñas is getting the money for it.

“Where did the money for Coscolluela’s travel expenses and accommodations come from?” he queried.

At this point, Councilor Jose Espinosa III, chairman of the SP Committee on Appropriations, took the floor to tell Antiquiera that such questions of his are better addressed to the mayor than propounded in the halls of the city council.

“I believe you should be propounding such questions to the mayor, not before this august body, because it is the city chief executive who could best provide you with the answers for them,” Espinosa averred, to which Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog agreed.

“Well, I only raised the issue for purposes of discussion,” Antiquiera quipped before taking his seat.

REVERSAL OF ROLES?
Much has definitely changed in the Sangguniang Panlungsod since the last elections in May to the present time, including, of course, its composition. For one, some of those who ran with Treñas in the last electoral exercise seem to be the ones now highly-critical of his every move while those from the other political group have become his staunch supporters.

Take the case of Antiquiera and Councilor Antonio Pesina, who were with Treñas in the Lakas-CMD group in the last elections. A few weeks back, both threatened to haul the city chief executive in court for awarding to a private contractor the P1.5-million contract for the demolition of the old City Hall building without authority from the city legislature.

For his part, Pesina said he cannot understand why the August 3 letter of Pacific-Orient Consultants and Management Co., Inc. general manager Conrado P. Goco to Coscolluela informing the latter of the budgetary estimate for the new city hall project had found its way to the agenda.

“Why is it that a private communication between two firms was included in the agenda when clearly we don’t have anything to do with it? And why is it that the mayor entertained an unsigned letter? That is the issue here,” Pesina quipped aloud.

Again, Zulueta took the floor to ‘enlighten’ her colleagues on the issue at hand.

“The reason why this matter was included in the agenda and eventually referred to an SP committee is because there was an endorsement coming from Mayor Treñas. As to the question whether why Mr. Goco did not sign his letter to Arch. Coscolluela, you would have had the opportunity to ask him exactly that had you attended the meeting we had with them. But you were not there so you were not able to ask him that. Worse, you prefer asking such questions here when those that could answer them are not here,” Zulueta said, already showing some signs of irritation with the kind of questions being propounded on the floor.

Later, the matter was referred to the Committee on Legal Matters chaired by Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo for study, report and recommendation.

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 02:57 AM

kirby21

October 21st, 2007, 04:38 AM

^^ will this research paved way to help increase the production of aquaculture industry in Iloilo?

kirby21

October 21st, 2007, 05:27 AM

What about Christmas Fashion?

kirby21

October 21st, 2007, 05:29 AM

bomba bala nga instead makapatay bala, gapadugang pa gid tawo!

:lol::lol: daw madula pagka-inosente ko di sa imo, alimol. :lol::lol:

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

October 21st, 2007, 06:19 AM

grabe ang activities for the whole month of january para sa dinagyang ba. even in the month of december, naga umpisa na gid ya. lain na gid ya compare sang ara pa ko dra. sang una ya, saturday and sunday lang ang masako pero subong, the whole month na gid ya. full of activities na gid. indikasyon lang ina nga ang Iloilo gauswag kag indi na boring pareho sang una....

^^
Yup its keeps on getting year after year! ITS ALWAYS A BLAST! Its been that way since Mayor Jerry assumed office. I still remeber the time when SMART outbidded GLOBE ofr Dinagyang exclusive sponsorship for a whooping PHP5-6M hehehe

That is whay as early as SEPTEMBER you can hear the drum beating at night cause some tribes are already practicing especially near Robinsons Place... de Leon wing :cheers:

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

October 21st, 2007, 06:32 AM

^^

I think hablon has the best potential for EXPORT in EU....

this would go a long way... :cheers:

any updates? :)

TheEAR25

October 21st, 2007, 10:03 AM

no probs, metro. I think as December nears, more fashion shows will be "on" in Cosmo Iloilo.

http://blog.sellsiusrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/Complaints%20thumbs%20down-784494.jpg
Huh-whaaaAAAATTTT????!!!! Cosmo Iloilo???? Dream On.. dream on... Hoy!! Gising!

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 11:05 AM

i think at this point in time, they're already practising IMO.

Btw, any changes with the new city hall design?

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 11:05 AM

^^ Uhhh...To all my fellow Ilonggo forumers, let's save our sanity. Do not talk to trolls.

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 11:06 AM

^^ No news about the city hall so far.

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 11:06 AM

^^ he he. Let bygone be bygone.

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 11:07 AM

i thought they've started the construction already.

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 11:12 AM

^^ Yup but I was refering to the change in designs. I wish they'd change it into something more unique/modern..just my opinion.

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 11:12 AM

Oh well. We Ilonggos know ourselves better. We know we are simple and not classy but we sure have the capacity - financialy and fashionably.

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 11:18 AM

:):cheers: I'll take a bow. Cheers mate.

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 11:19 AM

ah ok. I hope they'll look even better from the last one, just in case. Not a box-type building please.

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 11:41 AM

^^ Like that of London't Spiry Glass Building.

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 12:00 PM

well we can dream, can't we? he he. We need more investors first more than anything else.

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 12:10 PM

^^ Nong space, is that tall spiral building London's City Hall?

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 12:14 PM

Which one? The SwissRe? Nope. It's just a corporate centre near London Stock Exchange. The City Hall of London looks like a glass "kuhol" . he he

habagatcentral1

October 21st, 2007, 12:18 PM

Ok, here's your update of the Old City Hall courtesy of Berniemack360, wahehehe!!! :D

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/4/photos/64/500x500/75/IMGP0697.JPG?et=SLT34zlDRAksyvwUqG93pA
as of October 17, 2007

By the way, Atrium got a tight security today. :D

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 12:18 PM

^^ Thanks sa updates bern. Yup, I noticed Atrium's tight security too. Musta Bacolod bern?

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 12:19 PM

Kid, here's the pic of London City Hall:

http://www.airport-int.com/images/companies/1144/FreudenbergArticle2Image3.jpg

habagatcentral1

October 21st, 2007, 12:21 PM

^^ Thanks sa updates bern. Yup, I noticed Atrium's tight security too. Musta Bacolod bern?

I'm not in Bacolod and wasn't able to proceed there due to financial constraints, wahehehehe!!!

Anyway, I'll be posting more pictures sooner or later. I took some pictures last night at Calle Real and it was soooo risky doing it.

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 12:21 PM

^^ Wow. Lovely. But I was thinking of the other one, the taller one

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 12:22 PM

I'm not in Bacolod and wasn't able to proceed there due to financial constraints, wahehehehe!!!

Anyway, I'll be posting more pictures sooner or later. I took some pictures last night at Calle Real and it was soooo risky doing it.

:banana::banana::banana:

Yehey. Pics naman.

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 12:23 PM

it's the SwissRe you are talking about, I'm pretty sure.

Is this the one:

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/07/wow_green/image/8swissre.jpg

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 12:24 PM

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 12:26 PM

it's the SwissRe you are talking about, I'm pretty sure.

Is this the one:

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/07/wow_green/image/8swissre.jpg

Yes. :) I love that building.

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 12:31 PM

loved it, too. It's an insurance corporate tower, called Swiss Re.

Mind you, it has been copied in Barcelona. Not exactly the same. In Barcelona, it has a different colours plus the base is more straight and looks like a space shuttle.

habagatcentral1

October 21st, 2007, 12:37 PM

After seeing the street by afternoon or morning, here are the night shots of Calle Real (including cor.Aldeguer-JM Basa/Villanueva Bldg, Javellana Bldg & Arroyo Fountain with the Capitolio)

Note: Ask permission if you want a high-res. Thanks! :D

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/87/500x500/4/IMGP0911.JPG?et=hD0qhcgxJQOkLA%2BaOaHRTg

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/87/500x500/6/IMGP0914.JPG?et=i662Gkf5KwrUarT2hOsnBg

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/87/500x500/5/IMGP0912.JPG?et=FdozczYpHjHdsgpkShC7vQ

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/87/500x500/9/IMGP0917.JPG?et=8EROZd491N%2BdX02LFaTXew

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/87/500x500/10/IMGP0918.JPG?et=P5rEaDxSwE3nQiC6h2WpbA

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 12:46 PM

^^ May upod ka pag kuha mo picture? Grabe da mga kawatan daan...

habagatcentral1

October 21st, 2007, 12:52 PM

^^ Ako lang. I need company next time. :D

IAMME

October 21st, 2007, 12:57 PM

It's good to be back home.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2110/1670455788_517db9ed80_o.jpg

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 12:58 PM

^^ Great shot of Molo Church.

habagatcentral1

October 21st, 2007, 01:00 PM

^^ Sa diin mo ka nagkuha? Sa SIH?

Anyway Rex and the rest of HCS Iloilo and SSC Iloilo-based people, we hope to have an EB/General Assembly this week to discuss some things and of course, photoshoot again, wahehehe!! :D

Welcome back Rex! :)
@Chy. Iloilo Business Club is looking forward to meet you.
Looks like we will have more of Iloilo by Night pictures these upcoming days.

IAMME

October 21st, 2007, 01:18 PM

Yup, SIH. I'm looking forward to an Iloilo meet again! Please update me on the stuff we need to do for HCS so we can prepare. Schedule's quite busy. (And I thought I'd have lots of free time after college :()

Carpenters Bridge under construction. This was taken Oct 5.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/1670646082_a22c98b5a3_o.jpg

shyaman

October 21st, 2007, 01:36 PM

^^ So that will make the river crossing in effect a 4-lane bridge(s) once the new one is finished? Or will they demolish the old bridge?

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 01:37 PM

^^ They said the plans are to open the new 2 lane and destroy the old one and build a new 2 laner bridge making the capacity into 4. Not sure if this is realiable.

shyaman

October 21st, 2007, 01:43 PM

Looks like it's a waste of money again if they intend to demolish the old bridge only to replace it with another 2-laner unless it's no longer structurally sound.

chymera00

October 21st, 2007, 02:29 PM

Terrorist attack again.
@chymera: i just read your post in exploreiloilo.com about benjo, you tube. the last time i saw their latest work was 2 days ago in glorietta. lots of people watching the movie with ilonggo language and subtitle on the wide lcd screen even in the laptops, displayed during the launching of BPI credit cards SIP in the activity center.
Grabe ba sikat na guid sila, sorry dugay reply ko
bagu lang ko abot sa blay from my trip in 3-day Cadiao Antique, post pics in Antique thread later (that is if I don't doze off first) :D

eonynx

October 21st, 2007, 03:56 PM

^^ They said the plans are to open the new 2 lane and destroy the old one and build a new 2 laner bridge making the capacity into 4. Not sure if this is realiable.

for goodness sake! can't they make it a 4 laner?

iloilocitykid

October 21st, 2007, 04:02 PM

^^ THey can't directly build it into four. If the new one was four, the other two would go straight to the slaughterhouse. I think their plan is good.

death327

October 21st, 2007, 05:12 PM

Elo mga kasimanwa! Musta na ang tanan. :D :banana::banana::banana:

Hay nakakamiss ang Iloilo! :D

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 07:15 PM

Lex joins RP youth leaders to Denmark

NEOPHYTE Iloilo city councilor Lex Tupas will join a four-man delegation from the Philippines to participate in the 2nd Asia-Europe Young Political Leaders Summit to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark on Oct. 22-31.

Tupas is the only elected public official from the country who will join the 80 delegates from Asia and European countries to discuss youth related topics in the summit held every two years.

The topics will cover youth participation in national governance, midstream society and other sectors as the youth emerges strong representation in society in Asia and Europe.

Other Philippine delegates are National Youth Commission (NYC) chairman Richie Nalupta, Essa Remoquillo from the office of Senator Francis Pangilinan and an NYC delegate from Mindanao.

Tupas is the national vice president of Kabataang Liberal Party (Kalipi) and is very active in youth activities in the city. (LCP/PIO)

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

^^ time for Tupas to shine. I hope he'll make this trip to further promote Iloilo here in Europe, too. Cheers.

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 07:16 PM

No construction of convention center yet
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

ILOILO Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada has denied reports that the construction of the convention center beside the Capitol building has begun.

Mejorada said engineers are only conducting a boring test on the lot where the old provincial capitol is located.

The proposed convention center, which will cost the Iloilo provincial government more or less P300 million, will be established on the lot where the old Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC) stood.

Mejorada said the boring test will determine the strength and integrity of the soil on which the old capitol stands.

The convention center project will be funded by a loan from the Philippine Veterans Bank.

But the loan is under investigation by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan after questions of the project’s viability and practicability was raised.

Counter loan proposals from the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank of the Philippines also prompted board members identified with the opposition to investigate the loan and the project.

The investigation is spearheaded by the committee on ways and means chaired by 3rd district board member Arthur Defensor Jr.
No one has com

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

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 07:18 PM

for goodness sake! can't they make it a 4 laner?

^^ THey can't directly build it into four. If the new one was four, the other two would go straight to the slaughterhouse. I think their plan is good.
four-laner will be acceptable already unless they'll continue to relocate a lot of things in front of SIH.

spacewagon1

October 21st, 2007, 07:34 PM

Mall as usual in Iloilo
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE bombing of Glorietta Mall 2 in Makati City Friday had little effect on the operations of malls in Iloilo City.

The usual stream of shoppers flocked major malls in Iloilo City despite the Glorietta blast which killed 11 people and wounded more than 100 others as of presstime.

Shoppers went to Robinsons Place which held a three-day sale since Friday to Sunday.

Security personnel said they tightened their inspection on all mall-goers and parking areas even as they noted the heavy flow of shoppers over the weekend.

The same normal situation was noted in SM City in Mandurriao and Gaisano City in La Paz.

Jake, 25, a habitué of SM City, said they did not mind the bombing incident in Manila because they believe it will not happen in Western Visayas.

Sean, 30, said malls have ample security setup to protect them from any attack.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas urged shopping malls and the police to heighten their security in light of the Glorietta bombing.

Treñas also ordered tougher measures ports, hotels, terminals, markets and other areas of convergence in the city.

The mayor also blasted insinuations that the blast is a diversionary tactic aimed at distracting the public from controversies hounding Malacañang.

Treñas said it is a “very irresponsible statement” from sectors who want to oust President Gloria Arroyo from office.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) is now on heightened alert after the Glorietta bombing.

Senior Supt. Wesley Barayuga, ICPO chief, deployed the Iloilo City Mobile Group to conduct patrols on malls and other vital installations.

Barayuga also coordinated with the Firearms Security Agencies and Guards Supervision Office to order security guards to tighten security measures in their areas of assignment.

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

iloilocitykid

October 22nd, 2007, 01:09 AM

^^ Nice. At least business was not disrupted. Another boost to add investments here.

spacewagon1

October 22nd, 2007, 01:42 AM

that's right. I'm seeing business picking up in Iloilo quickly.

spacewagon1

October 22nd, 2007, 03:18 AM

‘Power shortage likely’
By HERBERT VEGO

ILOILO City – Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog sees urgency in the immediate construction of the proposed 100-megawatt coal-fired power plant at Brgy. Ingore, La Paz district.

“This is because,” he told Panay News yesterday, “with the forthcoming conversion of the old Mandurriao airport into a business center known as Megaworld, our available power supply would no longer be sufficient.”

The city currently consumes 80 megawatts during peak hours, which power distributor Panay Electric Company (PECO) buys from suppliers Panay Power Corporation (PPC) and National Power Corporation (NPC). An additional 35 megawatts need to be generated for the Megaworld.

“The frequency of brownouts,” Mabilog stressed, “is an indication of shortage of power supply. This is certainly alarming in this information age that demands 24-hour electricity. In addition to the Teletech that occupies the top floor of SM City, another call center, Suterland, will open soon at Amigo Plaza.”

PPC is capable of generating only 75 megawatts and NPC could not cope with the power demand of all electric cooperatives all over Panay Island.

The vice-mayor said that the two-day trip of his group (including seven city councilors) to Taiwan had convinced him of the environmental safety of clean coal technology for local application. He had already made a report on the trip to the mayor and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“The coal-fired power plant at Zin-shin, Taiwan” Mabilog enthused, “is a good model. It spews no smoke. Trees and green lawn surround the plant. The walls are painted white. Across the site is a residential complex where plant employees occupy 500 condominium units.”

Most Taiwanese coal-fired power plants have adopted the latest version of clean coal technology. Known as the circulating fluidized bed technology, it traps mercury, carbon dioxide, and other harmful gases in the boiler instead of releasing them in the atmosphere
Taiwan is already 80 percent dependent on coal for power, importing no less than 60 million tons of Australian coal annually. The country spends 1.32 New Taiwan dollars, or 4 U.S. cents, to generate a kilowatt-hour of electricity by burning coal, less than half the 2.94 NT dollars involved in gas-fired production. Because of rapid industrialization thereat, power demand has accelerated. To stave off the threat of possible shortages, Taiwan’s Bureau of Energy will issue to private corporations permits to build more coal-fired plants to provide an additional 1,980 megawatts of power next year. Right now, independent power producers provide 19 percent of the island's installed power capacity, with government-owned Taiwan Power providing the remainder.

Formosa Heavy Industries, which owns the Zin-shin plant, will team up with the local Global Business Power Corporation (GBPC) in building the Iloilo City coal-fired power plant next year. The plant will take two years to build.

“A shift to coal energy,” Mabilog said, “will certainly reduce power rates. Right now, due to instability of oil prices, we spend an average of ten pesos per kilowatt-hour.”

He clarified, however, that he does not discriminate against solar, hydroelectric and other renewable energy sources being endorsed by critics of coal technology. It is just unfortunate that they are not yet locally viable.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras2.htm)

spacewagon1

October 22nd, 2007, 03:22 AM

Bingawan towns get P4.5-M projects

ILOILO – The Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) will invest P4.5 million worth of projects in the 14 barangays of Bingawan town, situated some 68 kilometers away from Iloilo City.

KALAHI-CIDSS Regional Coordinator Joel Galicia said they will use the fund intended for the 14 barangays of Tapaz, Capiz which were transferred to the KALAHI Para sa Kalayaan.

Around P300,000 is allocated for every project, Galicia added.

Representatives of the KALAHI-CIDSS are now focused on conducting orientations in the municipality while their social workers are doing some social preparations.

The project is included in the Phase 3B of the project.

The KALAHI-CIDSS is the government’s top poverty alleviation project which aims not only to uplift the status of the poor but also to empower the people in the barangay.

The project now covers 20 municipalities, including Bingawan, in Western Visayas.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras6.htm)

spacewagon1

October 22nd, 2007, 03:28 AM

Europe interested in Iloilo ‘bangus’

ILOILO City – The German Association of Fish Processors and Wholesalers from Bremerhaven Germany recently held consultations with stakeholders of the bangus industry in the country that kicked off here.

The consultation in Iloilo was highlighted with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between German investors, German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), Iloilo Fish Producers Association, Western Visayas Bangus Task Force and the Western Visayas Fish Processors Association to pursue a harmonious private partnership in exploring ways on how the Philippines bangus can enter the European Union market.

GTZ Environmental and Rural Development Program adviser Uwe Scholz explained that the project actually started two years ago upon request from the Government of the Philippines through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to “look into export promotion potential of milkfish and other aquaculture produce products.”

“The delegation is here so it’s a chance for the Philippines to present yourself of course not only as a fantastic and friendly country, but also your aquaculture industry which is most quite powerful and is now looking for new ways and means, especially export into the European Union,” he said.

Meantime, Dr. Matthias Keller, managing director of the German Association of Fish Processors and Wholesalers, projected an increase in fish consumption in their country in the near future.

“We have to see the future and the future will be is that there is more consumption of fish in Germany. Since four years, there is a steady increase in fish demand. W are open to fish from all over the world and I think this is a good chance to start here,” he added.

After meeting with the stakeholders the group visited the milkfish pond culture facility of Gerard Arenas in Zarraga for the actual showing of bangus harvest and proceeded to the intensive shrimp farm of Retcem Resources owned by Tomas Hautea Sr. in Dumangas, Iloilo.

The team also toured the aquaculture facilities and processing plants of JC King, Multispecies Hatchery of Ehren Azarraga, Mc Carry Processing Plants and APAMI in Capiz.

A visit to the prawn farms and processing plants of Sta. Clara Farms, Unifish Inc. Victorias Food Corporation and Aquacards Inc in Negros Occidental over the weekend capped their visit to Western Visayas.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/business1.htm)

kirby21

October 22nd, 2007, 04:48 AM

if we're so keen to develop this aquaculture industry in Iloilo for exports, i suggest that processing and manufacturing plants should be built first in Iloilo.

daks2003

October 22nd, 2007, 05:24 AM

It just slipped from Jed Mabilog's mouth...Sutherland will operate at Amigo Plaza

kirby21

October 22nd, 2007, 05:46 AM

that's right. well-spotted guid, daks.

death327

October 22nd, 2007, 05:54 AM

IMPRESARIO

October 22nd, 2007, 05:55 AM

death327

October 22nd, 2007, 05:58 AM

^^ This is just the beginning. Once we have established a stable and sustainable economy, it will eventually grow, and we will be need a huge amount of electricity and water.

The city government should starting working on the lay-out of how they are going to meet the increasing daily needs of the city.

kirby21

October 22nd, 2007, 05:59 AM

if we have ample of electricity, maybe then we can start looking at renewable options. At present, we are very, very in deep need of electricity in Iloilo.

death327

October 22nd, 2007, 06:01 AM

How about our water needs? As far as I know there are still a lot of barangays in the city which don't have any access to clean and potable water.

kirby21

October 22nd, 2007, 06:05 AM

Good thing that we are having a lot of players in BPO. At least, there will be a competition in package offering. In this way our "kasimanwa" will be earning much bucks and they don't need to go here in Manila to look for work.

Who knows, some of us working here in Manila will be going back there when compensation is satisfactory.

I am wishing Iloilo the best for the coming years.

Hidlaw na gid ko.
i hope more BPOs will relocate in Iloilo soon. The presence of Megaworld project will bring ample of opportunities for their tied-up BPOs or their partners. More than that, other players will be relocating elsewhere as more buildings will be PEZA-accredited in the coming years.

kirby21

October 22nd, 2007, 06:07 AM

How about our water needs? As far as I know there are still a lot of barangays in the city which don't have any access to clean and potable water.

another problem brewing. Best solution, start relocating squatters outside the city and provide them with better accesibility to water supply.

IMPRESARIO

October 22nd, 2007, 06:19 AM

if we have ample of electricity, maybe then we can start looking at renewable options. At present, we are very, very in deep need of electricity in Iloilo.

^^ right, hopefully bio-ethanol from sugarcane will be considered. I just watched a program in CNN ("Out of gas") and this form of energy can really save us from dependence in oil and coal,we have lots of sugarcane fields here in Iloilo and in Negros.

spacewagon1

October 22nd, 2007, 10:28 AM

agree to all. Let's stabilise our power in Iloilo first, then after, we start looking for alternative source of energy. It's useless focusing on something we can't have in the next 5-10 years time when there's already a problem exisiting and needed and immediate attention.

spacewagon1

October 22nd, 2007, 10:37 AM

12 Ilonggo missionaries off to 'Mission Africa 2008'
A Special Feature By Florence F. Hibionada

"I want to be the light of the nations. I want to be the salt of the earth to show forth your Glory. And tell the story of your magnificent love."

With candles lit and eyes closed, twelve Ilonggo missionaries, all coming from various and varied backgrounds prayed and were prayed upon as said lyrics of the Praise song "Light of the World" was sung.

Chosen and commissioned for "Mission Africa 2008," a teacher turned Royal nanny, a government-certified wellness trainor, a Freshmen college student and a doctor are among those out to do volunteer work in Mozambique, South Africa.

"Mission Africa 2008" is the latest missionary work under Kayang-Kayang Missions International. Reaching the hinterlands of Valderrama, Antique, the tribes and tribal kids of Thailand, far-flung communities of Cambodia, the Kayang-Kayang team has since reached out and changed lives of thousands.

Years of hard work and dedication of the Kayang-Kayang Team were not your everyday missions. All working for God's Glory without any financial rewards nor a single centavo in pay, Kayang-Kayang Team has since redefined the true and real meaning of volunteer missionary work.

"Not a single centavo in pay for we are inspired by the Lord and inspired to serve the King of all Kings," Isabel Grace Villegas, an Ilongga Kindergarten teacher turned Kayang-Kayang Missions International prime mover said with a big smile.

Her sister, "Maam Eva," has shared her passion to serve and is among the Mission Africa 2008 volunteer-missionary.

And it has been a fruitful service with the presence of partners in God's Love Christian Fellowship, Isabel said as she welcomed Saturday the men and women of Kayang-Kayang Team in a gathering that formally launched "Mission Africa 2008."

"Our heart is not only here in the Philippines... and we are giving back to God," she said amidst loud "Amens" from the group. "And give God the best of what you can offer because only then you will have the right to withdraw. After all, there is no 'offline' in Heaven."

Local Pastor Boy Siloterio in praying for Mission Africa team sought for guidance and strength saying all twelve volunteers are "precious jewels from the Kingdom of God."

Kayang-Kayang Missions International marks its 7th year of volunteer-missionary work. Among the places ministered were the Mundo Tribe in the Province of the Antique, communities in Iloilo towns of San Enrique, Pavia, Oton, Guimbal and Concepcion.

Foreign missionary works reached villages in Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Austria, London and Australia.

"Thanking God for His sustaining grace and mighty works in the team, our secular jobs and busy schedules never hindered us from doing His work," Isabel shared. "From smaller and simple tasks to greater and strategic opportunities and even job positions. The urgency is to share His saving grace and marvelous touching of lives faithfully offered to God as we keep on ministering to the nation and the nations beyond."

Target areas of Mission Africa 2008 team are the Mseleni Hospital in Mozambique with connecting group the YWAM and South Africa Tribal Groups. Also set are art workshops for Sunday School teachers here, tract distributions to schools and universities as the team plans to reach out to the widows and orphans in Mozambique. The team will also conduct medical missions in Mozambique villages.

The twelve Ilonggo volunteer missionaries led by Isabel are sister Eva Villegas, Joenar Lopez, Ryan Triño, Atho dela Cruz, Beverly Triño, Ruth Fegoro, Noami Villegas, Aida Caberoy-Machitar, Elvie Salvacion, Rosario Edith dela Cruz, Ian Machitar and John Mark Sotaridona.

Mission Africa 2008. Caring and sharing one child, one heart, one nation at a time. This, as the Kayang-Kayang Team ends their Praise song with this line, "Lord, use my hands to comfort and hear them. Lord, use my heart to break for the world. For if we don't show them just how much you love them and tell me how – will they know?"

(Reach out to the Kayang-Kayang Team through isabel_grace2001@yahoo.com or see their wondrous works at www.geocities.com/kayangkayang or www.flickr.com/photos/kayangkayang)

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/22/12.Ilonggo.missionaries.off.to.mission.africa.2008.html)

spacewagon1

October 22nd, 2007, 10:40 AM

Diplomat recalls younger years in Iloilo City
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Iloilo City's way of of life has completely changed after more than two decades. Formerly calesas, a carriage driven by horse, dominate the streets. Now they are replaced by cars, yet the Ilonggos' friendly traits remain with the test of time.

This was the observation made by US Department of State Deputy Councilor Economic Section Tim Neely in his recent visit to Iloilo City. A diplomat for 20 years mainly in China and Taiwan, he rekindles his teenage life with his friends at the Central Philippine University (CPU).

In his recent visit to Iloilo City, Neely could not help but compare the situation of Iloilo City now and before when he was still a kid. "I am happy and excited to be back in the Philippines. It was a sort of homecoming. People are still friendly and I hope to come back in January to see if the festival (referring to Dinagyang) is exciting," said Nelly.

Neely joined the Peace Corps and served three-and-one half years in Swaziland, Africa as a teacher in a technical college before reaching his present position.

He said today most houses in the city already have cars and air conditioning units. Before, there was no air conditioning and frequent brownouts and water outages occur. "It was also difficult to buy imported products or to communicate with people overseas," he recalled.

Neely added that Hotel Del Rio used to be the best restaurant in town. After long years, restaurants, cafes and establishment mushroomed in the city.

Iloilo has a soft spot in Neely's heart since he was born at the Iloilo Mission Hospital in 1955. Iloilo Mission Hospital was then the best hospital in the region. Neely's father was a former member of the U.S. Army.

In 1957, the Neelys left the country for the US and did not return until 1967. He was then in the sixth grade. The diplomat spent his sixth grade until third year high school. "It was a big cultural shock for me but I enjoyed the noisy festivals and celebrations."

Neely is so proud of his experiences while in Iloilo City such as making Christmas lanterns out of bamboo and wrapping paper. He also made a drill bit by flattening and sharpening nails. "I learn how to use a bolo to open coconuts and climb coconut trees."

He also loved Philippine fruits. They even planted papaya and banana trees in their own backyard. "I had never seen a papaya or banana tree before. There were so many varieties that I had never seen or tasted before."

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/22/diplomat.recalls.younger.years.in.iloilo.city.html)

habagatcentral1

October 22nd, 2007, 11:08 AM

four-laner will be acceptable already unless they'll continue to relocate a lot of things in front of SIH.

Then have a 2-lane approach in Molo area? The gutters have already been established like those in downtown Iloilo.

The best thing that they can do is to make another road. Whatever happened to that Goldenville-Sooc Bridge that was constructed years ago but the Mandurriao end has no road/approach at all?

‘Power shortage likely’

By HERBERT VEGO

^^ Very likely not unless they do something right? Nagbrown-out naman liwat kahapon sang dali. I still go for green but we need practical options now like coal.

It just slipped from Jed Mabilog's mouth...Sutherland will operate at Amigo Plaza

Abi ko sa Jaro sila magpatukod hambal ni Sir Ben but anyway, Amigo Mall's space in the Iznart-Delgado 2nd floor area has been cleared and it may be for the Sutherland CallCenter. :D

spacewagon1

October 22nd, 2007, 08:04 PM

Miagao, Guimbal wins GPK contest

THE towns of Miagao and Guimbal in Iloilo topped the provincial search of the Gawad Pangulo Sa Kapaligiran (GPK) Search for the Cleanest and Greenest Municipality.

Miag-ao won the top plum in Category A (first to third class municipalities) besting 11 other municipalities.

The town of San Joaquin landed 2nd place in Category A; Lambunao – 4th place; Sta. Barbara – 4th and Janiuay – 5th.
Guimbal lorded over 30 participating towns in Category B (fourth to sixth class municipalities). New Lucena won 2nd place in the same catergory; Alimodian – 3rd place; Tubungan - 4th place; and Dingle – 5th place.

The criteria for judgment includes the absence of eyesores; well-maintained green areas; odor-free and thoroughly clean public markets, slaughterhouses and public toilets; implementation of waste segregation at source; effective and efficient garbage collection and support systems wherein the municipality manifests its implementation of the Clean and Green Program in their municipality, an example is the holding of their own inter-barangay clean and green contests.

Marylou B. Sumbing, provincial information officer and team leader of the Provincial Assessment Team, lauded the active participation of the municipalities by observing a more improved and effective implementation of the clean and green program through the annual contest.

Governor Niel D. Tupas Sr. has stressed that cleaning and greening should be a way of life.

Cleaning the surroundings will help eradicate environmentally-related diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis, gastroenteritis and diarrhea, Tupas said.

“The continuous planting of trees and mangroves will help conserve our environment, provide sanctuaries for our wildlife animals and preserve the natural habitat of our marine life,” he added.

Miagao and Guimbal will represent Iloilo in the Regional GPK tilt while the Jalaur River will represent the province in the Regional Search for Inland Bodies of Water Category. (MBS/PIO-Capitol).

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

chymera00

October 22nd, 2007, 10:16 PM

^^ right, hopefully bio-ethanol from sugarcane will be considered. I just watched a program in CNN ("Out of gas") and this form of energy can really save us from dependence in oil and coal,we have lots of sugarcane fields here in Iloilo and in Negros.
Yep ethanol plants are most probably being considered by a recent investor in Passi... they should ;)

alimol

October 23rd, 2007, 12:25 AM

:lol::lol: daw madula pagka-inosente ko di sa imo, alimol. :lol::lol:

kirby, sigurado ka nga inosente ka pa???? hmmmm...mangkot lang ko kon tuod god man...:lol::lol::lol:

alimol

October 23rd, 2007, 12:30 AM

iloilocitykid

October 23rd, 2007, 01:46 AM

Good News to All Traffic Haters!

I passed by the flyover yesterday and they're were adding up steel piles in the unfinished part of the flyover. Also, they filled up the potholes in the Diversion Road.

kirby21

October 23rd, 2007, 05:08 AM

kirby, sigurado ka nga inosente ka pa???? hmmmm...mangkot lang ko kon tuod god man...:lol::lol::lol:
:lol::lol::lol: daw sa pamatyagan ko may pagka pa.

Alimol, san-o ka mapuli sa Iloilo? Or ara ka na dira?

Hambal ni Wecky picturan mo kuno ang Alimodian kag i-post diri. Kag pamangkuta kuno kung may ara nga pagbag-o sa inyo sa Alimol.

kirby21

October 23rd, 2007, 05:11 AM

baw grabe na gid iniii...3rd kami ya...yuhooo!!:banana::banana:

anyway, congratulations to miag-ao and guimbal. you deserve the honor...I noticed nga kalabanan nga topnotcher, taga first district ba...
man strikto si Garin kuno. By the way, Guimbal still a 4th class municipality? I thought they were classified as third class municpality na? I think Garin should start working on how to improve Guimbal's economic classification.

kirby21

October 23rd, 2007, 05:19 AM

any more updates here?

kirby21

October 23rd, 2007, 05:41 AM

Bizmen welcome Tax Amnesty Law

ILOILO City -- Members of the business community here commit to support the programs of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), including the tax amnesty program which is being implemented by the agency with the purpose of “enhancing revenue administration and management.”

Iloilo Business Club President Antonio Jon said the Tax Amnesty Law provides avenue for taxpayers to make amends should they need to do it.

Likewise, the establishment of an Information Management Program (IMP) to be funded by the P400 million which will be sourced out from the money generated from the six-month implementation of the amnesty program would “provide the BIR a broader base of data that can be used in the future.”

Jon likewise, emphasized that in spite of the good working relations between the BIR and the business sector here, it is good that the agency extended its efforts to educate the taxpayers regarding the amnesty program.

BIR spearheaded a Tax Amnesty Roadshow here on Thursday with Rep. Danilo Suarez, the author of the amnesty law shedding light on issues and concerns of the taxpayers.

The activity, which gathered participants from the BIR – 11’s five revenue district offices is the 9th of the series of roadshows conducted by the agency to raise taxpayer’s awareness about RA 9480 or the Tax Amnesty Law.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras3.htm

kirby21

October 23rd, 2007, 05:43 AM

WV entry cited as best
food poster in Visayas
By JAMES EARL E. OGATIS

ILOILO City -- Western Visayas’ entry for the nationwide on-the-spot poster-making contest was cited by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as the best poster for Visayas in line with the celebration of the World Food Day 2007 recently.

The entry was created by Maphete Dianne M. Lustre, a grade six pupil of the West Visayas State University Elementary Laboratory School. It centered on the theme “The Right to Food” which depicted a message that each and every individual has the right to eat at least three times a day.

Other national winners were: Sheena Faith F. Carreon (Region I) and Ronnel S. Lacas (Region III), Best Posters for Luzon; Soon Yi Wednesday B. Jurado (Region X) and Brian Jones C. Brazil (Region XI), Best posters for Mindanao.

The five national winners received a cash prize of P10,000; a trophy and a plaque for the winning school from the FAO, while non-winning regional posters receive cash prize of two thousand pesos, a trophy and a certificate of appreciation for the non-winning schools.

Secretary Arthur C. Yap together with FAO representative to the Philippines Kazsuyuki Tsunumi and Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus awarded the winners last October 15, 2007. Each winner was escorted by one parent during the awarding ceremony at Pritil Market, Tondo, Manila.

Director Larry Nacionales of DA-6 congratulated Lustre for winning the contest saying that young generations need to know and internalize the importance and role of agriculture on the existence on humans.

He stressed that these activities should be given priority in order to hone, and recognized talents and skills of gifted pupils.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/guimaras5.htm

kirby21

October 23rd, 2007, 05:46 AM

WV eyed for bio-fuel plant

ILOILO City – The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported recently that Western Visayas region was included among the seven areas in the country that investors plan to set up bio-fuels plants.

Aside from Western Visayas, Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap identified the other areas as Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern and Central Mindanao and the Davao Region.

Yap said the investors are planning to build bio-fuels plants either through straight purchases, lease arrangements, contract growing or joint ventures.

The DA expects the growing global demand for crop-based alternative clean fuels will further boost the Philippine farm sector increasing the profitability of small stakeholders and reducing the country’s dependence on imported energy sources.

The DA, through the Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp. (PADCC) has committed to promote the bio-fuels sector by generating awareness on the use of agricultural feedstocks for ethanol and biodiesel production.

The country’s biofuel industry further receive a big boost after India committed to assist the Philippines to develop the industry through a Memorandum of Agreement signed between the Philippines and Indian-based PRAJ Industries during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s recent state visit to India.

Under the MOA both parties agreed to team up “for feedstock development and setting up of bio-fuel production plant” in the Philippines and will provide assistance in identifying varieties of sweet sorghum and jatropha for cultivation trials.

Other crops identified used as feedstock for bio-fuels production are cassava, oil palm, coconut and sugarcane.

It will be recalled that early this year President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved Republic Act 9637 or the Bio-fuels Act that seeks to reduce dependence on imported fuels with due regard to the protection of public health, the environment and natural ecosystem consistent with the country’s sustainable economic growth that would expand opportunities for livelihood.

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

alimol

October 23rd, 2007, 05:47 AM

:lol::lol::lol: daw sa pamatyagan ko may pagka pa.

Alimol, san-o ka mapuli sa Iloilo? Or ara ka na dira?

Hambal ni Wecky picturan mo kuno ang Alimodian kag i-post diri. Kag pamangkuta kuno kung may ara nga pagbag-o sa inyo sa Alimol.

kon magkitaay ta, madura gid pagka inosente mo kanakon:lol::lol::lol::lol:

sa lunes pa ko kirbs maabot sa alimodian ah. picturan ko gid and mga hilit-hilit kang banwa kag i-post ko gid dya...daw matayag ko, waay gid ti may nagbag-o ah..maan lang...hambalan mo si wecky nga insa waay ra gid tana ga post dya.

alimol

October 23rd, 2007, 05:53 AM

man strikto si Garin kuno. By the way, Guimbal still a 4th class municipality? I thought they were classified as third class municpality na? I think Garin should start working on how to improve Guimbal's economic classification.

that's what I'm wondering that despite of guimbal's economic activities, it still classified as 4th class. ever since I can remember, it's always 4th class. garin should really need to work its town classification kay hasta tulad, 4th class man sanda gihapon...

kirby21

October 23rd, 2007, 06:18 AM

kon magkitaay ta, madura gid pagka inosente mo kanakon:lol::lol::lol::lol:

sa lunes pa ko kirbs maabot sa alimodian ah. picturan ko gid and mga hilit-hilit kang banwa kag i-post ko gid dya...daw matayag ko, waay gid ti may nagbag-o ah..maan lang...hambalan mo si wecky nga insa waay ra gid tana ga post dya.

:lol::lol::lol:
Ari ka pa sa UK?
Sako si Wecky subong, alimol. He's friend from US was here for two weeks. Kapuli lang sang Domingo. Later, he's meeting another friend from Wales and basi ma-stay man sa iya til Fri. Mas hectic iya schedule. Amo na nga indi ka-post diri. Gabasa lang siya kuno. Pero indi man magpaulihi sa balita.

kirby21

October 23rd, 2007, 06:21 AM

that's what I'm wondering that despite of guimbal's economic activities, it still classified as 4th class. ever since I can remember, it's always 4th class. garin should really need to work its town classification kay hasta tulad, 4th class man sanda gihapon...
that's what I am thinking as well. It looks like Guimbal has never improved at all since then. There are lots of new things in Guimbal yet the economy remains the same. Do they reviewed Guimbal's classification lately? Coz by the looks of it, Guimbal is more economically viable than Miag-ao. Unless Miag-ao has bigger tax collection but from where?

kirby21

October 23rd, 2007, 06:49 AM

Iloilo execs endorse coal plants after trip to Taiwan
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau
Last updated 02:16am (Mla time) 10/23/2007

ILOILO CITY—Returning from a controversial Taiwan trip sponsored by proponents of a local coal plant project, city officials are now urging residents to be open to such “clean and safe” source of energy.

Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and seven city councilors said any source of energy should be acceptable “as long as it is a private investment that adheres to and promotes strict environmental conformity.”

While the officials said their report to Interior Undersecretary Austere Panadero should not be considered a technical opinion, they noted the cleanliness and safety of coal plants, and the “state-of-the-art pollution abatement systems” of three plants they visited in Taiwan on Oct. 12-14.

Joining Mabilog in the trip were Councilors Lyndon Acap, Julienne Baronda, Jose Espinosa III, Ely Estante Jr., Marietta Orleans, Nielex Tupas and Eduardo Peñaredondo.

The officials visited the Zin Shin plant and noted its location near commercial and residential areas, “surrounded by healthy trees and plants.”

“We have also observed that the leaves of plants around the plant are free of dust,” the report said.

It noted that Formosa Heavy Industries Corp. (FHIC), which sponsored the trip, utilizes a “circulating fluidized combustion bed” that purportedly ensures that its plants meet standards for combustion of coal set by the World Bank and the Taiwanese government.

The officials implied in the report that the plants were acceptable to residents living nearby. “Residents of surrounding communities and business proprietors do not seem to mind having the white steam-spewing smokestacks of the coal-fired power plants.”

Environmental groups had earlier criticized the Taiwan visit as illegal and unethical for the officials. Air fare and accommodation costs were shouldered by FHIC and its partners, Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC)-Panay Power Corp. (PPC).

GBPC-PPC, the main power supplier of the city, wants to build a 100-megawatt coal plant at its plant in Barangay Ingore in La Paz District.

The Responsible Ilonggos for Renewal Energy (Rise) has filed administrative and criminal complaints against Mabilog and Mayor Jerry Treñas for allegedly violating Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Treñas had earlier made a similar trip.

The officials have denied violating any law. They pointed out that under a new directive of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the approval of local governments was not necessary in securing permits for projects like the construction of coal plants.

They said the trip was authorized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Lawyer Romeo Gerochi, who filed the complaints, said the officials’ report to the DILG only proved that the trip was related to the “exercise of their duties and official functions and serves as a strong evidence that they violated the law.”

from: The Philippine Daily Inquirer
link: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=96142

death327

October 23rd, 2007, 08:31 AM

Hard Ball

October 23rd, 2007, 08:59 AM

THE SOUTHERN BEAT By Rolly Espina
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28&aid=2007102268

Bacolod is still reeling from an almost one-week revelry that Masskara has become over the years. But, I went to Iloilo over the weekend and encountered an infectious electrical expectation over the future prospects of the city.

In short, as Mayor Jerry Treñas pointed out to me, by January, the Mega World will start putting up the first projects it envisions for its Business Park in the sprawling site of the former Iloilo airport. Mega World bought the center for P1.2-billion, winning the bid from three others.

It was apparent that Ilonggos were thrilled by the prospects of the Business Park and what it could mean for the city, especially in terms of jobs.

For Mayor Treñas, the first consideration are the many work opportunities from local construction workers. And, later, the many IT employees that could be given work.

Lorenzo Coloso Jr., a local businessman, poured out ideas while conversing with Treñas. And the conversation rambled to a lot of other development projects, including the still to be inaugurated flyover (still unfinished) and several others.

Even Francis, younger businessman brother of Mayor Jerry, was just as impressed by the picture of Iloilo’s immediate future as outlined by Treñas.

“That, plus your future city hall, represent your legacy to Iloilo,” chortled Coloso. Treñas, incidentally, is on his third term and is no longer eligible to run for mayor in the next election.

The city is not called upon to put up a lot of infrastructure for Mega World, Treñas observed. The area has already been built up. The only problem are the squatters who need to be relocated. But, as pointed out by the Iloilo mayor, Mega World has already its planned relocation site and has completed plans for the resettlement of the illegal settlers.

The major problem is power. Mega World, Treñas said, needs about 36 megawatts by next year to power its development program.

That’s the reason why Treñas and the city’s Sangguniang Panglunsod have tagged the possibility of a coal-powered plant as the source of the power needs of the ambitious program.

Actually, based on the development plan of the Mega World, Iloilo will have thousands of Ilonggos up for employment in the near and far future. And Treñas disclosed that investors have already been lining up in droves for inclusion in the project.

“Iloilo will by the near future really be the regional capital of Western Visayas,” was how Coloso put it to Treñas during our visit to the Iloilo City mayor.

That explained the giant expectations one can see on the faces of the hundreds of visitors who crowned in front of Trenas’ office at the Robinson’s mall where he holds office. Incidentally, his office at the mall is rent free. And one can immediately appreciate the business wisdom of Robinson’s management in giving him free the office.

I shall write later about the P350-million eight storey city hall that Iloilo is now constructing. These are mind boggling developments in the Queen City of Western Visayas. No wonder that Mayor Treñas was grinning all the time that we were discussing the prospects of Iloilo City.

---

I can't help but be excited for these developments in our city. See you in Iloilo on Nov 1-4. :cheers:

spacewagon1

October 23rd, 2007, 10:02 AM

very infectious indeed. And it's giving more and more positive outlook for the city, provincial and regional residents. Iloilo is bringing back businesses to its feet.

Again, welcome to ILOILO, The Heart of the Philippines.

:banana::banana::banana:

spacewagon1

October 23rd, 2007, 10:07 AM

that's what I am thinking as well. It looks like Guimbal has never improved at all since then. There are lots of new things in Guimbal yet the economy remains the same. Do they reviewed Guimbal's classification lately? Coz by the looks of it, Guimbal is more economically viable than Miag-ao. Unless Miag-ao has bigger tax collection but from where?

Guimbal's progressiveness is just a facade. Maig-ao on the other hand have bigger income than Guimbal since then. It's just Guimbal looks clean and beautiful.

eonynx

October 23rd, 2007, 11:14 AM

^^one thing going for miagao is it has a large market because of its population. it's one of the most populous towns of iloilo. another is, it's a university town, being host to the main campus of UP in the visayas region. and there are lots of seamen who hails from miagao so the purchasing power is really there! evidences of this purchasing power are the number of grand houses and gated homes sprouting all over the town

habagatcentral1

October 23rd, 2007, 01:54 PM

10 January 2008. :D

Oh by the way, just a teaser:
The Lopez's coffee-table book, "Iloilo: Noble Land..." or something like that, will be tenatively launch at 28 November 2007. Remember, "Iloilo, the Book", well this book will be comprehensive about history, people, economic profile, infra, etc with pictures. It is believed to be tagged at around P2000 approx for hard-bound copies.

Also, the first Iloilo Investors Forum or ILED will be held at 28 November 2007 with Oscar Lopez as a guest. :D

Details when the Iloilo Business Club will have it publicly stated sometime this week or next week.

Another news: Dinagyang will send contingents to Sinulog Festival as proposed. ;)

iloilocitykid

October 23rd, 2007, 02:16 PM

^^ Hala Bira Iloilo! Dinagyang is rocking now more than ever...

habagatcentral1

October 23rd, 2007, 02:16 PM

According to someone I talked to in a meeting earlier, despite the DPWH probe, construction works for the approach continues.

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/90/500x500/1/IMGP1007.JPG?et=F2ZAuYo3RP6RpZSJW%2BuVnQ

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/90/500x500/2/IMGP1008.JPG?et=hedACnpAwR5DSRH98guo%2BA

And also, had a meeting with ICCHCC (paging Chymera, Pacific and IAMME, I'll text you later regarding the details) and they have a new chairperson in the name of Dr. Kristine Treñas (sister ni mayor)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/2/photos/90/500x500/5/IMGP1016.JPG?et=CTf2V02TPlCmNFLmZPWy5Q

iloilocitykid

October 23rd, 2007, 02:19 PM

^^ Bern, the other end of the opening of the flyover, gina construct man?

habagatcentral1

October 23rd, 2007, 02:25 PM

^^ No idea since I just rushed away to the Capitol kagina kag gaulan man, wahehehe!!! :D

Anyway, here's another set of photos from Muelle Loney Bridge by 10PM (thanks to IAMME and Chymera for watching my back, hehe!)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/87/500x500/17/IMGP1001.JPG?et=L3h5VqSVjlLWU%2CXLa2wV8g
"The Burning Bush/Tree in LaPaz"

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/87/500x500/19/IMGP1004.JPG?et=W1mMK9OFK%2BPKsTZq71FnfA
La Luz del Rio

iloilocitykid

October 23rd, 2007, 02:27 PM

^^ Photgenically Romantic, Realistically Dangerous. I've noticed there are no police patrolling those areas plus the fact that it lacks lighting. Great pics bern.

habagatcentral1

October 23rd, 2007, 02:28 PM

^^ But full of fishermen. Mga gapamunit bala kag mga bata halin sa Railroad La Paz. Nami man magtambay di kon pasiga-a lang nila. :D

iloilocitykid

October 23rd, 2007, 02:30 PM

^^ What time did you take those pics? Basi Task FOrce Boltahe ang gapa utod sang suga da.

habagatcentral1

October 23rd, 2007, 02:33 PM

^^ 10:00PM :D

iloilocitykid

October 23rd, 2007, 02:35 PM

^^:okay: :lol:

IAMME

October 23rd, 2007, 06:11 PM

IMPRESARIO

October 23rd, 2007, 06:35 PM

^^cool! is that Mr. Arellanno's pic of the capitol in the brochure?, nice one! the fuente shot also looks familiar...

death327

October 23rd, 2007, 08:04 PM

habagatcentral1

October 24th, 2007, 08:05 AM

^^ Nelly Garden, Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines. :D

habagatcentral1

October 24th, 2007, 09:02 AM

^^cool! is that Mr. Arellanno's pic of the capitol in the brochure?, nice one! the fuente shot also looks familiar...

Yup. Done with permission and there would be more SSC pictures coming there, wahehehe!! ;)

Anyway, if you have a YM messenger and interested on the Sanggunihang Panglungsod sessions of the City of Iloilo, just add this up to your contacts:

Vmoiloilocity :)

spacewagon1

October 24th, 2007, 09:12 AM

Investor starts clearing old airport site
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Occupants of the 54-hectare old Mandurriao airport, reportedly, had been given 30 days by Megaworld Corporation to vacate the area. As such, workers have started to demolish portions of the old airport's terminal building.

City Mayor Jerry Treñas, however, did not confirm the report when asked by City Hall beat reporters yesterday.

As to date, the city has yet to release the exact number of occupants to be relocated for the airport site's buyer to develop the area. Presently, portion of the property is occupied by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Several workers have been spotted cleaning the property of the tall grasses specifically along the airport's runway in Tabucan, Mandurriao.

A building near the old airport's departure area is also being demolished. The concrete fence used to secure the runway was demolished and runway lights were already removed after the transfer was made to the Iloilo International Airport of International Standard in Sta. Barbara.

In his visit to Iloilo City, Megaworld Corporation's Executive and Senior Vice President Kingson U. Sian said the relocation of the occupants would be a joint undertaking between the corporation and the local government unit.

Sian projected the development at the old airport to start early next year. The development will take place as soon as the development master plan with the concept of "live-work-play-learn community is done.

Megaworld hired the topnotch services of architectural firm Palafox Associates in conceptualizing the development master plan for the old airport property. The future business park will have a Business Processing Outsourcing, residential, hotel, convention center, commercial and retail outlets, skills training center and recreation facilities. This is the first major investment of Megaworld outside Manila.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/24/investor.starts.clearing.old.airport.site.html)

habagatcentral1

October 24th, 2007, 09:16 AM

Overseas Ilonggos, we will post the details regarding the said forum which is dated for Nov 27.

Iloilo Business Club is encouraging and inviting that you or your relatives or trusted collagues to go to the said forum.

spacewagon1

October 24th, 2007, 09:17 AM

Pre-session talks up as SP body all set to report findings on P350M Capitol convention center deal
By Florence F. Hibionada

The much-awaited report of the 9th Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) on the planned construction of the P350 million Capitol Convention Center is finally ready. Yet before any public disclosure is made, a closed-door conference will be held today in a pre-session discussion.

Called by Third District Board Member Arthur Defensor Jr., Chairman of the SP Committee of the Whole, notices were officially sent out yesterday afternoon by SP Secretary Lorenzo Tubola.

The pre-session, The News Today (TNT) gathered, will specifically address "issues, evidences and recommendations" of the committee's report.

TNT learned that at least 20 sets of the documents forming part as evidences of the final report has since been ready late last week. Board Member Defensor though had the final draft in his possession where committee recommendations were reflected.

Today's agenda carried no inclusion nor mention of the Committee of the Whole report yet SP insiders told TNT it is "most likely" that an agreement will be reached in the pre-session whether to have such in the "Other Matters." Another option is to defer the committee report to next week's regular session.

The Committee deliberations stemmed from at least three SP Resolutions namely SP Resolution No. 2007-053, "Resolution amending SP Res. No. 2007-040 authorizing the Governor to negotiate and enter into contract of loan not only with LBP and/or DBP but also with PVB for construction of Iloilo Convention Center. Also included was SP Resolution No. 2007-057, "Resolution authorizing the Governor to "take out" all existing loans and outstanding loans of Province of Iloilo with LBP with estimated balance of P215.8M and transfer the same to PVB." And finally, SP Resolution No. 2007-058, "Resolution confirming, approving and ratifying all terms and conditions of loan agreement by and between PVB and Province of Iloilo amounting to P350M to finance the proposed Iloilo Convention Center and office building project."

The SP body convened as a Committee of the Whole to ascertain viability and regularity of the planned construction of a convention center funded through a P350 million loan.

Capitol insiders though said that the SP action is seemingly "an exercise in futility" particularly since initial works have been done on the convention center project.

TNT was told of soil testing conducted in the convention center site, the former Iloilo Provincial Jail.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/24/pre.session.talks.up.as.sp.body.all.set.to.report.findings.on.p350m.capitol.convention.center.deal.html)

habagatcentral1

October 24th, 2007, 09:19 AM

^^ An insider told me that the Convention Center will push through.

Regarding BPO's, Business Process Outsourcing doesn't mean call centers only. IBC and Iloilo is targeting more than call center industry. They are targeting IT, animation, medical transcription, etc.

spacewagon1

October 24th, 2007, 09:20 AM

Capitol kicks off '08 expense at P1 billion mark
By Florence F. Hibionada

The Province of Iloilo is off to start its operations in 2008 with a planned Executive Budget of over P1 billion.

The amount is some P114 million more from this year's initial Capitol expense fund then pegged at P973, 198,797.00. The increase will be in Personal Services expenditures and the Capitol's Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).

Governor Niel Tupas in a letter sent to the 9th Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) is seeking for "legislative consideration" and corresponding approval.

Total amount as stated is P1,087,843,625.00 broken down into P515,662,238.00 for Personal Services, MOOE of P294,634,280.00 and Capital Outlay of P44,950,000.00

This year's Capital Outlay was only at the P6.9 million mark or some P38 million for more next year.

Entered as first "business for first reading" in today's provincial matters, the governor's letter and corresponding approval request is expected to be referred to the SP Committee on Appropriations.

Further still is 2008 budgetary requirements of over P176 million in Capitol's development fund, nearly P55 million in calamity fund and aid to barangay of P1.7 million.

At present, the Capitol is also on a P1.1 billion mark with the P973 million 2007 Executive Budget augmented by P138 million in supplemental budget. The latest P23.8 million supplemental budget still hangs though pending final nod of the SP body.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/24/capitol.kicks.off.08.expense.at.p1.billion.mark.html)

spacewagon1

October 24th, 2007, 09:24 AM

Iloilo's 2nd batch of animators graduate
By Kathy M. Villalon

The second batch of Professional 2D Assistant Animators under the PGMA Train for Work program has graduated last Oct. 19, 2007 in a simple ceremony held at SM City Iloilo.

The scholarship program was implemented by the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology's College of Arts and Sciences through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The curriculum was designed by the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc (ACPI).

Animation is one aspect of cyber services, including call centers, software, legal and medical transcription. "This is one of the fastest growing industry, thus there is a very bright future awaiting our graduates in the PGMA Train for Work Program in animation," said Lorena Yunque, Iloilo provincial director of TESDA.

She added that by 2010, there will be a need for 25,000 animators. "We have prepared our Ilonggo talents. This will bring prosperity to their families and Iloilo."

She encouraged the graduates to continue honing their skills and be disciplined so that the P1-billion that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has infused for scholarships won't go to waste.

During the culminating activity, the graduates presented "Kuris Rising," which showed the humble beginnings of the members and how they were inspired to learn animation. Also presented were the trailers of "The Adventures of Tasi," Dimbox's "Legend of Tibud" and Apex's "Medalyon."

Dimbox and Apex are groups from the first batch of graduates. "Legend of Tibud" was recently submitted to the ACPI for the animation competition. It was the only regional entry. If it wins, Dimbox will be asked to make a full-length piece and this will be submitted to animation studios abroad.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/24/iloilos.2nd.batch.of.animators.graduate.html)

spacewagon1

October 24th, 2007, 09:26 AM

Iloilo prov'l government to launch e-Library
By Ian C. Espada

To answer Ilonggos' needs of wide scope of facts and information, the Iloilo Provincial Government will launch the e-library (electronic library) on October 26, 2007.

The launching is simultaneous with the signing of memorandum of agreement between the Iloilo Provincial Government represented by Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. and the National Library Director Prudenciana C. Cruz.

The e-library project, being managed by the National Library of the Philippines, maintains digitized, wide resources of materials as it links to various libraries such as that of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), University of the Philippines (UP), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Bookworms need not go to the Philippine National Library in Manila to look for books since the e-library has the direct access to all data and collections of books of the said library.

The e-library further provides digitize resources which are produced locally such as but not limited to theses and dissertations, scholarly publications in humanities, social sciences and science and technology and materials that represent the country's cultural heritage.

The databases bank collections of various materials/resources and programs like EBSCO Complete Academic Packages which includes Academic Search Premier, Business Source Premier, Biomedical Reference Collection Expanded Edition, Business Source, Computer Sources, ERIC, Information Science and Technology Abstract, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Sociological and MAS Ultra; Britannica Online; IEEE Computer Society Library; and Xprefer Plus that includes full text of 150 books from over 30 world class publishers on art, bilinguals, biography, business, dictionaries, encyclopedias, food, geography, history, languages, etc., among others.

In the meantime, the National Library through the Philippine e-Library Project, will provide three internet-ready computers for the Iloilo Provincial Library and Archives e-library. Another seven units will soon be granted to cope with the demands of the users and the reading public.

Once launched, the e-library will open its gate to students, researchers and the reading public for free. However, they need to secure an ID from the Iloilo Provincial Library and Archives to avail of the services of this state-of-the-art library.

Invited guest for the launching are Vice Gov. Rolex T. Suplico, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, municipal mayors and vice mayors, municipal librarians, representatives from the Department of Education, CHED, DOST, DA, IPG Department Heads, NGOs, students and 5th District Board Member Jesus Salcedo, Jr., Chair, Committee on Education and Information.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/10/24/iloilo.provl.government.to.launch.e.library.html)

spacewagon1

October 24th, 2007, 09:34 AM

^^ Nelly Garden, Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines. :D

very nice area for launching. It's just appropriate, indeed.

habagatcentral1

October 24th, 2007, 09:37 AM

very nice area for launching. It's just appropriate, indeed.

Because the coffee-table book was initiated by the Lopezes themselves. :D

spacewagon1

October 24th, 2007, 09:39 AM

habagatcentral1

October 24th, 2007, 09:46 AM

will it mean they're starting to come back and invest in Iloilo? Part of this act is for Iloilo's promotion.

And with Lopezes, Gokongweis and Megaworld's coming to Iloilo all at once, what else could we asked for?

he he

More roads, repair the roads, repair the drainage, kay-uhon ang traffic, and most of all reliable electricity. :D Seriously.

spacewagon1

October 24th, 2007, 09:58 AM

unless coal plants will be in place, power problem will always be the main problem of iloilo.

spacewagon1

October 24th, 2007, 10:04 AM

CPU, PRDC, DOST to sponsor
1st transport packaging confab

ILOILO City – The Central Philippine University (CPU), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - 6 and its ITDI, Packaging Research and Development Center, will hold the First National Conference on Transport Packaging in the Philippines on November 13 to 14 2007 at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center.

Under the theme “Increasing the Market Opportunity for Philippine Products through Efficient and Protective Transport Packaging Systems in the Distribution Chain”, the conference envisions to let the country’s major industry players understand the important role of transport packaging in making their products globally competitive.

The conference includes topics on basic aspects of transport packaging, testing, and best practices of the other countries, standards, and cost effectiveness of appropriate transport packaging design. Notable speakers from the USA and Japan will speak on transport packaging for the two-day conference.

The speakers are: Lejo C. Braña, a Filipino packaging professional and G. Packaging technology Partners Inc. president; Eric Joneson, vice president of Marketing & Business Development for the Lansmont Corp. and executive vice president for International Safe Transit Association (ISTA); William “Bill” Kipp, associate executive director for ISTA; William J. Rehring, president of TOPS Engineering Coporation Texas, USA; and Brian E. Tudor, director for Packaging Engineering of Williams-Sonoma Inc. in Florida, USA.

To be conducted in English, it is intended for company owners, technical managers, packaging practitioners, packaging engineers, and quality control officers, production managers, forwarding companies, government units involved in packaging services, private laboratories and engineering students.

Registration fee is P5,000 that includes conference materials, snacks, lunch and a welcome dinner. Check payment should be payable to the Industrial Research Foundation (IRF).

For further information and reservation, you may contact the following: Engr. Dany Molina, CPU - College of Engineering Dean (3291971 loc 1084); Jonan Castillon, CPU executive secretary (3203824); or Ms. Pinky Loberiano and Ms. Marlut Angsanto, PRDC (837-7530 or 837-2071 to 77 local 2271).

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/business1.htm)