Iloilo City and Province - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 91

IMPRESARIO

December 11th, 2007, 03:49 AM

Sorry lang medyo di maayo ang kuha ko but anyway this is the Tribu Atub-atub performance sa MOA yesterday. Damo spectators.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/PC090264.jpg

Grabe ang gigs sang Dinagyang diri sa Manila.

December 9, 2007 @ SM Mall of Asia for the National Launching of Dinagyang Festival
December 10, 2007 @ Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City
December 11, 2007 @ Pasig City
December 12, 2007 @ Quirino Grandstand, Manila City for the Global Peace Festival

Info about the Global Peace Festival

Philippines to launch first Global Peace Festival

Manila (10 December) -- Peace advocates will gather on December 12 at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila for the first Global Peace Festival on the theme "One Family Under God."

Organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), the festival aims to drum up world wide support for peace-making efforts and for implementing of the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals.

UPF Philippines Secretary General Celestino Jose V. Navalta said one of the ways to achieve peace is by living for the sake of others. Peace is possible, he said, if people would always consider the welfare of their fellow men.

More than 200,000 students, professionals, teachers, academe and leaders from government and civil society are expected to join the various activities of the festival.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. were also invited to participate in the main event.

World-renowned peacemaker Martin Luther King III and UPF Chairman Hyun Jin Moon will be delivering inspiration messages during the program.

A peace parade from Roxas Boulevard to the Quirino Grandstand will take place at 2 pm. The parade will be followed by a free concert from peace endorsers such as Pops Fernandez, Jay-R, Iya Villania, Manny Pacquiao and other local artists.

The program for the main event will begin at 4 pm with universal prayer for peace.

UPF - Asia Secretary General Ursula Mclackland explained that the Philippines was chosen as the venue for the launching of Global Peace Festival because its citizen are peace loving people who love families and uphold its values.

"The Philippine GPF can be a model for the world," said Mclackland, "it promotes the family as the foundation for peace. It is in the family when the values necessary for peace building are learned."

"We think that peace begins within the individual and then it extends to the family, the society, the nation and the world," she said. (PIA)

From another article...

For some people, they think and see the Global Peace Festival as exciting because there will be a lot of cultural presentations, the group of Dinagyang who won the Global Festival at Europe is coming to perform sponsored by the City Mayor of Iloilo.

Link : http://www.familytimes.net.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90&Itemid=29

^^wow, cool! thanks for the pic and info lew, a great honor indeed for the Dinagyang to be included in this GLobal Peace Festival, another Laurel for our city and people, never going to cebu, we have better pickings somewhere else.

IMPRESARIO

December 11th, 2007, 03:51 AM

Opening Soon

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/IMGP4125.jpg
Figaro at SM City Iloilo
^^tambayan naman...:cheers2:

IMPRESARIO

December 11th, 2007, 04:18 AM

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2267/frontdec11bf2.jpg
Tribu Atub-Atub performs before thousands of spectators during the national launch of the 2008 Dinagyang Festival at SM Mall of Asia Sunday. The launching aims to invite more visitors and tourists to witness the two-time Best Toursim event of the country. (Photo by Tara Yap)

source: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/

^^nice! better though if they kept the black body paint.

eonynx

December 11th, 2007, 06:31 AM

Iloilo City’s Treñas is
‘Ambassador for Peace’ILOILO City -- Mayor Jerry Treñas will be conferred the title “Ambassador for Peace” by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) during the UPF International Leadership Conference as part of the activities of the Global Peace Festival 2007 slated on December 11 to 12 in Metro Manila.

The title will be bestowed on Treñas for his “exemplary contributions in the building of peace.”

Treñas will be joining UPF’s global network of Ambassadors for Peace worldwide “to bring civil society solutions to global problems.”

UPF is a global network of individuals and organizations committed to peace building through dialogue, education and service.

The title will be received on his behalf by city tourism officer Benito Jimena who will join the Dinagyang Atub-Atub tribe, which was also invited by the UPF to perform during the culminating activity at the Quirino Grandstand on December 12.

Treñas said the event is another opportune time for the country’s top tourism event to showcase what it has and what makes it the best tourism attraction in the Philippines.
--------------------------------------------

from the Panay News

eonynx

December 11th, 2007, 06:36 AM

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5084/94057391afb8cb4765wj7.jpg

is this the heritage building beside SM Jaro?

habagatcentral1

December 11th, 2007, 07:15 AM

^^ Nope. That's Celso-Ledesma Mansion at corner Ortiz-Rizal downtown Iloilo City.

The heritage house that was reused as a Korean school is the Montinola House just beside SM Jaro.

Our Quote for the day:

"The Ilonggo paralysis is curable with good governors and responsible citizens. Iloilo's history has proved that Ilonggos have the spirit, strength, ability, creativity and brains to become the best of what they can be. They can do it again. No ifs or buts."

- Excerpt from Rex C. Drilon II. "Ay, Ay Kalisud". [Iloilo: A Rich and Noble Land]

IMPRESARIO

December 11th, 2007, 07:35 AM

is this the heritage building beside SM Jaro?

^^ Nope. That's Celso-Ledesma Mansion at corner Ortiz-Rizal downtown Iloilo City.

^^its near UI High School.

eonynx

December 11th, 2007, 08:45 AM

oh! thanks for the info!:) nice, the building looks well-preserved unlike most of our downtown heritage structures.

BYAHILO

December 11th, 2007, 09:16 AM

lapit na sa sakayan sang pumpboat going to guimaras di ba?

neways ill just post my dinagyang launching photos hopefully sa weekend kay sako sako gd ako subong. i still have 1 press event for this week. + 2 food tour + giant lantern festival on saturday + bunyag na sang baby sa sunday.

hello iloilo!!!

@CHYMERA> nag submit ka na imo accreditation letter for Press ID sa dinagyang? nag hatag na ko request sang weekend kay sir ben. i forward nya na to kay miss nena magalona sa media relations committee kay sila na ga release sang ID.

BYAHILO

December 11th, 2007, 12:31 PM

@whyte i sent u a PM

IMPRESARIO

December 11th, 2007, 12:52 PM

IMPRESARIO

December 11th, 2007, 01:32 PM

where's shyaman? its december the year is about to end, i remember he did some statistical data on our threads and number of posts by member before, busy guro sya ay...;)

habagatcentral1

December 11th, 2007, 01:37 PM

Hay, there's more to the real thing than what you see on newspaper articles. ;)
In reality, urban planning and promotion has a deeper, beyond-what-you-conventionally-see-in-SSC things.

Anyway, busy man guro si nong Shyaman subong.

habagatcentral1

December 11th, 2007, 02:19 PM

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/131/500x500/4/Banate00004.jpg?et=IPo5zp7jhVyoNxuww9%2Ca2w&nmid=71946020

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/131/500x500/11/Banate00011.jpg?et=j86mhWiyfajO1Y5ClRbEfQ&nmid=71946020
Iglesia de San Juan de Bautista. Take note, this is one of the few Agustinan Spanish-Colonial era churches in northern Iloilo.

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/131/500x500/12/Banate00012.jpg?et=5DgpOQ0GvMHYL9cl4FEdIA&nmid=71946020
An Aglipayan Church.

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/5/photos/131/500x500/15/Banate00015.jpg?et=VBzg%2CZh8THwj9XZiNknr0Q&nmid=71946020
Livelihood

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/5/photos/131/500x500/13/Banate00013.jpg?et=Vmlctk8l932CTyJ1QXncJQ&nmid=71946020
Port of Banate. Several Bancas dock embark here for Negros Occidental

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/131/500x500/16/Banate00016.jpg?et=naJf%2BSaLTrTYtLrd0cNnIQ&nmid=71946020
And thats Negros over there

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/131/500x500/17/Banate00017.jpg?et=Y8seLacq1QcLwEllzRiU%2Bg&nmid=71946020
Fishing Town

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/131/500x500/24/Banate00024.jpg?et=o7EALobSTvWyNsJExM3RLg&nmid=71946020

BYAHILO

December 11th, 2007, 02:53 PM

great photos!

IMPRESARIO

December 12th, 2007, 02:45 AM

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/3/photos/131/500x500/24/Banate00024.jpg?et=o7EALobSTvWyNsJExM3RLg&nmid=71946020
^^Pinakas, mabudlay mangita sina dri sa east coast, namit guid na tani, especially now with this cold weather here. :)

lewdsaint

December 12th, 2007, 05:04 AM

Paraw a symbol of Ilonggo lifestyle

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

THE annual colorful native sailboats competition Paraw Regatta Festival symbolizes the Ilonggo style of living, said Department of Tourism (DOT-6) regional director Edwin Trompeta.

He said Paraw Regatta has been recognized as the third most outstanding tourism event in the country by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (Atop).

Trompeta added that several innovations have been conceptualized to add color to the sailing event between the strait of Iloilo City and Guimaras Island on Feb. 17-18, 2008.

He said there will be a team competition composed of five paraws in a group.

“If the paraw did not win individually, we will also get the total time of the group’s five paraws and those with shortest travel period will win. It will urge the community or barangays to unite—this is not just a race,” Trompeta stressed.

He added that other special events include the Paraw Slalom or the race of shorter distance, beach volleyball and football, samba dance contest, and Miss Paraw Regatta competition.

The celebration is hosted by the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation (IPRF), Iloilo city and provincial governments and DOT.

“Paraw Regatta has been gaining achievements as it fosters unity and cooperation allowing everybody to be part of the event,” said Trompeta.

“Last year, we have started the scholarship program—among the firsts organized by tourism events in the entire country—to finance the education of deserving children of paraw crew who have been participants to the annual festival for many years,” he pointed out.

Trompeta asserted: “Paraw Regatta has very significant contribution to community life. It is not just a contest of skills, it’s all about coordination—not just fun for prizes but a symbol of Ilonggo lifestyle—the paraw has been used as means of livelihood, transportation and ambulance of people living in the islands of Iloilo and Guimaras.”

IPRF chair Manny Villa, Jr. said Paraw Regatta has been adjudged as one of the premiere tourism attractions in the country, drawing the attention of foreigners.

“The Ambassador of Norway and Norwegian ship-owners have considered Filipinos as the best seamen. Most master and chief engineers working in Norwegian ships are Filipinos. Thus, they have initiated the 500 scholarship grants for nautical and maritime courses here,” Villa disclosed.

Villa said the festivity will start as early as Feb. 10, 2008 to show that Paraw Regatta is “not just in the beach but all over the city.”

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the success of the festival can’t be done by the foundation alone, thus all sectors should help and participate even as City Hall has committed P600,000 financial support while Capitol has pledged P250,000 for the successful hosting of next year’s edition.

Link : http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/

kianshi

December 12th, 2007, 07:53 AM

Iloilo City Random PIcs

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e3/kianshi/th_RECO0037.jpg

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e3/kianshi/th_RECO0012.jpg

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e3/kianshi/th_RECO0029.jpg

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e3/kianshi/th_RECO0028.jpg

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e3/kianshi/th_RECO0066.jpg

lewdsaint

December 12th, 2007, 10:59 AM

DTI to open one-stop shop center for investors in Iloilo

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with related government agencies, will launch on Wednesday a National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC), which will serve as a one-stop shop center for would be investors.

The NERBAC, which was pilot-tested in Cebu and Davao, was designed as information database of basic information about investment opportunities in the region.

It was conceptualized to provide faster service in the processing of permits and licenses.

The highlight of the launching activity would be the signing of the memorandum of agreement and pledge of commitment between NERBAC and partner agencies to be witnessed by Trade Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Carissa Cruz-Evangelista.

Among the agencies involved in the NERBAC are DTI for Business Name Registration for single proprietorship; Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for SEC Registration for Corporation and Partnership; Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) for Certificate of Cooperation for Cooperatives; Iloilo City Local Government Unit (LGU) for the mayor's or business Permit; Social Security System (SSS) for Certificate of Registration and Membership; Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG) for Certificate of Registration; Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for Tax Identification Number and Certificate of Business Registration; and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) for PhilHealth Employer Number.

NERBAC will also link up with the Philippine Business Registry so that processing of documents could be done simultaneously by agencies involved. (PNA)

Link : http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/12/12/dti.to.open.one.stop.shop.center.for.investors.in.iloilo.html

shyaman

December 12th, 2007, 11:10 AM

where's shyaman? its december the year is about to end, i remember he did some statistical data on our threads and number of posts by member before, busy guro sya ay...;)

Anyway, busy man guro si nong Shyaman subong.

Ari lang ko di ah... galabay labay nga daw aso.

And yes @bernie, I'm very busy for 2 straight months in a row that's why I'm so looking forward to the coming xmas holidays.

Re the statistics, without you knowing it, it's updated but I just don't have the urge to scan and upload. Next year na lang ah. :)

IMPRESARIO

December 12th, 2007, 02:11 PM

^^hi shy! oh cool, looking forward on your "year-end report/statistics" heheh

IMPRESARIO

December 12th, 2007, 02:14 PM

Centroverde Residencias de Iloilo launched

http://images02.olx.com/user_images/168/1680819_1.jpg

The biggest residential development in Iloilo was formally launched last Nov. 11, 2007. Centroverde Residencias de Iloilo has 3,000 lots with 18 percent of it already sold. This township development is located along the circumferential highway in Pavia. This growth area boasts of good roads.

The development has four villages --- Palma de Mallorca, 399 square meter lots; Villa Valencia, 159 square meter lots; Sitio Sevilla, 120 square meter lots; and Avenida Comercio, which consists of commercial lots.

"This is the biggest real estate development in Iloilo in terms of land area. This is a strong indication that the Iloilo market is ready," said a Centroverde executive.

The development is now at 45 percent, and the project duration is at three years.

From Nov. 26 to Dec.2, 2007, Centroverde held a sales blitz in SM City Iloilo. Ten lots were sold on the first day. Another will take place in the same mall on Dec. 24, 2007 until Jan. 8, 2008.

The features and amenities of this township includes a well-planned community, fully-landscaped entrance gate with guard house, community clubhouse, swimming pool, covered basketball court, badminton court, tennis court, children's playground, wide concrete road network, paved sidewalks with concrete curbs and gutters, underground storm drainage system, complete electrical and water system and shade trees and mercury lamps along the road.

Centroverde is developed by Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc., with Uni-Asia Properties Inc. as the landowner and with Fil-Estate Group of Marketing Companies as its marketing arm.

source:
http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/12/11/centroverde.residencias.de.iloilo.launched.html

IMPRESARIO

December 12th, 2007, 02:17 PM

'Franchise power' back in Iloilo
By Florence F. Hibionada

Key players in the country's franchise industry are back in Iloilo City for a regional venture facilitation and resource linkaging seminar.
With a day-long educational session up for would-be franchisors, the Chamber Commerce & Industry of Iloilo, Inc. and the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 6 lead the event.

Dubbed "The Power of Franchising," Bing Limjoco and Manuel Siggaoat of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) are among the confirmed speakers.
As such, Ilonggo entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts are enjoined by the PFA to be part of this "power" event.

William Martirez, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo told The News Today (TNT) that topics up for discussion will greatly help would-be franchisors "take off rightly."

"Feel the power of franchising," "Discover the franchise advantage," Learn Franchising the right way," "Know the franchise development process," "Gain perspective on the industry," and "Meet the people who can help you" are the sessions lined up.

Speakers from Manila and the PFA are also set to give an overview of the "Fast Ventures Project" aimed at accelerating the sustainable transformation of Ventures Project. There will also be an extensive talk on the government's small-medium enterprise agenda, the legal aspects involved in the industry and the opportunity for linkages with financial groups.

Project Director is Rene Cabalum, marketing specialist of the Taytay sa Kauswagan Inc. (TSKI). It was also the TSKI that put together last year the biggest franchising event here in Western Visayas where top players in the Ilonggo business community gathered.

Venue for Thursday's franchising gab is the Days Hotel along General Luna Street corner Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City. All participants will also be issued a certificate that is needed by any would-be franchisor.

Program partners are Pearl 2 and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

source: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/12/12/franchise.power.back.in.iloilo.html

habagatcentral1

December 12th, 2007, 03:38 PM

Just an advisory to those traveling in Iloilo City and Province its Day 2 tomorrow for the transport strike. Those who will take the jeepneys that still ply the streets despite the strike, have yourself ready and pray that there will be no one harassing you or the rest of the passengers or even the jeepney drivers. It has been a common practice in most strikes nationwide regarding angry and drunk "tanmbay" drivers getting pissed off whenever they see their collague not participating in the said demo. Halong kamo pirmi. :)

iloilocitykid

December 13th, 2007, 03:04 AM

Urban leaders to get citations

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

AT least eight individuals and institutions will be recognized for their significant roles in shaping urban development in the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras (MIG) region.

The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) in the Philippines announced its second Urban Leadership Awards to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the enhancement of public realm and quality of life in MIG area and the rest of Western Visayas.

The “surprise” awardees will receive trophies and cash prizes during the awarding ceremony of Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) Leaders’ Summit at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center on Dec. 14.

There will be eight awardees, four individuals and four organizations.

CUI president and CEO David Crombie explained: “The quality of urban life is rooted deeply in the quality and strength of its public realm—education, healthcare, social services, public transit, arts and culture, energy resources, public safety and security, justice, libraries, environmental stewardship, roads, streets and public places have been the connecting tissues linking our individual private worlds and fusing one generation to another.”

“The public realm has been the glue that holds the city together and the bedrock upon which it builds its prosperity, its communities and its social peace,” said Crombie.

The awardees were nominated from Sept. 15-Nov. 30 under the following award categories:

• Building the Regional City – for contributions in the creation and strengthening of a city-region as a means of addressing big issues with collective decisions;

• Renewing the Public Realm – for investing financial, social and institutional capital towards the improvement of the public realm and the development of community assets;

• Regenerating the Economy – for contributions in the creation of wealth and the establishment of new strategies for the city-region to succeed, and for building a strong economy-environment relationship; and

• Making Democracy Work – for bridging the widening gap of trust and relevance between the government and the governed, and filling the “democratic deficit” which is the growing disconnect between what matters to most citizens and what political institutions and political parties have to offer.

iloilocitykid

December 13th, 2007, 03:08 AM

Where’s the ‘prettiest plaza’ in Metro Iloilo-Guimaras?

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

MEMBERS of Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) have groomed public plazas in their respective areas that had been flooded with political posters in the aftermath of the May 14 elections.

MIGEDC is composed of Iloilo City and neighboring towns of Pavia, Sta. Barbara, San Miguel, Oton, Leganes and Guimaras.

MIGEDC launched last July the “Pretty Plaza, Banwa Gwapa” contest aimed at “investing in the public realm” for tourism purposes.

Iloilo City Tourism Office (CTO) chief Ben Jimena said the contest was first conceptualized in May as part of Santacruzan with the launching of the city’s official flower, bougainvillea.

“A plaza is the center of community activities that ties together members from different sectors within the public realm. An active, vibrant public plaza has the ability to make a city ‘the next big thing,’ by redefining and giving identity to the city,” the contest rationale said. “Not only are there numerous health and safety benefits that correlate directly to a successful plaza, but the plaza also allows citizens to connect with one another in diverse events and gatherings.”

Jimena said the City Hall-initiated project which is a joint undertaking with City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), Office of Public Services (OPS) and city’s clean and green taskforce and beautification program, presented the concept of a beautiful plaza to MIGEDC.

“The cleanup campaign was introduced immediately after the elections because of scattered political ads all over the plazas,” he added.

Jimena explained a “beautiful and clean plaza” boasts of landscaped areas with well-trimmed grass; absence of trash and uncollected garbage; clean and good-smelling comfort rooms; abundant and healthy flowering plants and trees; clean and safe play areas; secured and well-lighted; absence of fire hazards and others like open man-holes; presentable and newly-painted structures, statues and lamp posts; absence of tangled electrical wires; and abundance of bougainvillea.

The participating plazas were judged as to cleanliness (20 percent), beautification (20 percent), safety and security (30 percent) and usefulness and sustainability (30 percent).

The contest has undergone three evaluations and a final presentation for the selection of the winners by the judges from Department of Tourism, an architect, a horticulturist, a landscaper and an environmentalist.

Iloilo City has cited Mandurriao last October as the cleanest and greenest district in the city-wide plaza beautification drive.

The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) which supports MIGEDC programs will sponsor the P30,000-prize for the champion MIGEDC member-LGU and P10,000 as consolation prize.

The prettiest plaza award will be given to the winning LGUs during the awarding ceremony of MIGEDC Leaders’ Summit at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center on Dec. 14.

iloilocitykid

December 13th, 2007, 03:09 AM

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/frontDec13.jpg
Private and public utility vehicles congest the Capitol rotunda despite the transport strike Wednesday mounted by militant drivers groups. (FAA)

iloilocitykid

December 13th, 2007, 03:14 AM

Iloilo City: Asia’s premiere by 2015

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City wants to rise as Asia’s premiere metropolis by 2015, reveals Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Treñas will highlight the city’s roadmap 2015 during the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) Leaders’ Summit at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center on Dec. 14.

“Touted as ‘the next big thing,’ Iloilo City sees itself as a premiere city of Asia by 2015. It strikes anyone who is not from Iloilo as a bold vision,” the mayor stresses.

But the question is, can Iloilo City realize it?

Iloilo City’s Roadmap 2015 has envisioned that objectives are seen in terms of three themes for easy navigation—vibrant, well-governed, and prosperous.

Over the past few years, the city has been coping with problems associated with fighting urban poverty and rapid urbanization which undermines its natural assets, Treñas explains.

“My leadership along with other public officials has committed to be on the lead in the practice of participatory governance. In other words, responsible citizens of the city need to get involved—and more of them the better,” he affirms.

Treñas says stakeholders came together and work in mutual support of each other that would provide the coinage for growth and development.

“This could be speeded up and sustained depending on the social responsibility of the citizens – who are now called upon to take on and assume the collective burden of promoting the city’s progress,” he adds.

Together, Treñas says, the stakeholders need to speed up the pace of progress to open up more and better opportunities for all.

He also bats for “upgrading the standards of education, ethics, and transparency in city government.”

“High standards of education and ethics need to be observed by all and transparency in government would also require the participation of a socially concerned citizenry. So, if government needs to be transparent in all its transactions, then citizens as the other party to the transactions must not only demand, but also cooperate in securing such transparency,” Treñas says.

Another guiding principle is for the city to focus on “expansion and improvement” of its infrastructure, he says.

“The aim is nothing less than to secure a dynamic, safe, peaceful and healthy environment conducive to learning, sports and eco-cultural tourism,” he explains.

Treñas also pushes for the city needs to give great importance to its culture—which it must keep enhancing and enriching.

Likewise, the city needs to train its focus on education and learning, bringing up its standards so it would get to the top ranks of academic excellence.

But Treñas clarifies: “Such environment would be impossible to create without the citizens’ deep and substantive involvement. The road from vision to actual results is rather long and hard. All citizens should travel with clearer objectives and targets.”

“Certainly, there’s a lot more than just preparing the Iloilo City and MIGEDC roadmaps. We are challenged by the obvious heavy workload that lies ahead as we adjust to our expanded membership and new areas of collaboration such as transportation and information technology,” Treñas asserts.

So far, where has Iloilo City gone along the development track?

“We have gained a lot from the passionate citizen participation nurtured over the years—our Dinagyang Festival is a best practice on public-private partnership and multi-awarded tourism event in the country,” Treñas points out.

He boasts: “We have also been attracting big investments in real estate development. Just recently, we broke the ground for the development project of Megaworld at the old airport site in Mandurriao district.”

Megaworld will develop the P1.5-billion 54-hectare lot as a business park that will host business process outsourcing offices, condominium units, hotel, convention center, themed commercial center, recreation facilities, and skills training center.

“But that is not all we want. We are trying our best to make big things happen – big change – from limited resources, limited power. This is an audacious ambition for a better future,” says Treñas.

BYAHILO

December 13th, 2007, 06:23 AM

our IT team in SGS might go to iloilo during the dinagyang. weeee

basta ako sure na.

spacewagon1

December 13th, 2007, 07:00 AM

nice exchange of information and ideas here. Guys, thanks for posting all the articles. Yehey ! :banana::banana::banana: Just came back from few days off,:banana:

spacewagon1

December 13th, 2007, 07:02 AM

GOLDILOCKS IN PAVIA

JUST three days after the inauguration of the P88-Million Parc Regency Clubhouse, gym and swimming pool along Mayor Felix H. Gorriceta Avenue in Pavia, Iloilo, another multi-million peso private investment was blessed in the progressive municipality!

Goldilocks, owned by Harvest Wheat Bakeshop, opened its commissary in Pavia to serve Western Visayas outlets.

Goldilocks has over 200 outlets in the Philippines and the US.
Happy gid si Mayor Cadio Gorriceta. More than 80 Pavianhons were immediately employed!

More power!

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

spacewagon1

December 13th, 2007, 07:04 AM

DOT-6 ready for influx of tourists

ILOILO City – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is ready for the influx of tourists in Western Visayas particularly in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan which is being regarded as the favorite tourist destination in the country

DOT Assistant Regional Director Helen Camarista said that they expect to exceed their 10 percent goal for this year over the 1,844,525 tourist arrivals in the region in 2006.

Of the total tourist arrivals in Western Visayas, there were 554,181 tourists who visited Boracay Island in 2006.

Camarista said tourists have already started arriving for their Christmas vacation in Boracay and in other parts of Western Visayas.

She said that with the Iloilo airport in Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan towns in Iloilo province, there would be more tourists attracted to come in because of the new facility.

Also, it would be at this time when the taxi drivers who have been trained as tour guides by DOT could really put into practice what they have learned, Camarista said.

Camarista said they have already been long preparing for the influx of tourists in the region, thus she is confident that tourists could really find their vacation here more meaningful and convenient.

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

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

December 13th, 2007, 07:47 AM

our IT team in SGS might go to iloilo during the dinagyang. weeee

basta ako sure na.

Eric, i was there in MOA... just delayed... some emergency... but I was able to meet Lew and we have some talks about ILOILO and personal stuffs. I posted the pic in Dinagyang thread. Wasn't able to have a photo of the performance... just the exhibit. Kitakits ILOILO by January! :)

GOLDILOCKS IN PAVIA

JUST three days after the inauguration of the P88-Million Parc Regency Clubhouse, gym and swimming pool along Mayor Felix H. Gorriceta Avenue in Pavia, Iloilo, another multi-million peso private investment was blessed in the progressive municipality!

Goldilocks, owned by Harvest Wheat Bakeshop, opened its commissary in Pavia to serve Western Visayas outlets.

Goldilocks has over 200 outlets in the Philippines and the US.
Happy gid si Mayor Cadio Gorriceta. More than 80 Pavianhons were immediately employed!

More power!

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

Very nice Info.... more Job to Ilonggos and another addition to Pavias economy.

So far so good! More great news, more investments for 2008!

Hala Bira ILOILO!

IMPRESARIO

December 13th, 2007, 08:38 AM

chymera00

December 13th, 2007, 02:08 PM

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6615/shdtas4.jpg
TRAFFIC is unusually smooth in Iloilo City’s usually congested Bonifacio Drive. Passing it were mostly private vehicles yesterday, the first day of the two-day transport strike, although some public utility jeepneys and taxis continued to ply the streets.

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/photo%20of%20the%20day.htm

that looks soooooooo familiar

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/30/95599489_cb11e10775.jpg?v=1191614257

It's the third time they used my photo. Kad2an ko naguid ni sila bwas. talaka ah, they could have at least contacted me. They even cropped out the watermark, it's very disrespectful guid ya.

IAMME

December 13th, 2007, 02:12 PM

I was about to say the same thing but it wasn't sure.. Diba this was taken a long time ago? They make it appear like they took it yesterday :ohno:

I didn't expect the region's 25-year old newspaper daily could do this. Paging Mr. Dexter John Sevilla, this is not good marketing..

habagatcentral1

December 13th, 2007, 02:13 PM

that looks soooooooo familiar

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/30/95599489_cb11e10775.jpg?v=1191614257

It's the third time they used my photo. Kad2an ko naguid ni sila bwas. talaka ah, they could have at least contacted me. They even cropped out the watermark, it's very disrespectful guid ya.

Updan ta ka gusto mo? :horse: This is an outrage!! :bash: Where are the media ethics? :bash:

Anyway, Figaro will be opened tomorrow at the Lower Ground Floor at SM City Iloilo, just near the Smart Center and Bingo Iloilo. Its just like a kiosk like Bo's, Vienna, Coffedream, etc.

chymera00

December 13th, 2007, 02:16 PM

New Leganes Market

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2103629132_0204a6ae24.jpg

Plazoletagay Spider Webs and Traffic

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/2103628682_8dbd9ce46e.jpg

New Coffee Break General Luna

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2103628324_e405e90538.jpg

St. Pauls Hospital and University

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/2102838747_04cc9c5875.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2096/2102849335_36bba48f7f.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2225/2102848965_9522e48129.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2335/2103627316_40e999aaec.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2172/2102848151_cfb72d2861.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/2103626682_8ee5f90c77.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/2102847569_b14dcf7a28.jpg

General Luna St.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2102847169_3f53707fce.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/2103625624_0fb18a4297.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2034/2103625234_207e47e463.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/2103624920_7df610fa3e.jpg

Smallville

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2322/2102845735_466620bbcf.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2212/2103624250_263d17d7b7.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/2103623948_6d92452e46.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2017/2103623640_0459290e22.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2376/2102844447_dd7216c916.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2367/2102844067_1aefc2090d.jpg

iloilocitykid

December 13th, 2007, 02:19 PM

Very great Smallville pics especially that of Medicus!

Pacific_leopard

December 13th, 2007, 02:22 PM

that looks soooooooo familiar

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/30/95599489_cb11e10775.jpg?v=1191614257

It's the third time they used my photo. Kad2an ko naguid ni sila bwas. talaka ah, they could have at least contacted me. They even cropped out the watermark, it's very disrespectful guid ya.

media talaga oh wala maubra (pati kana sang una nga naive pa ko amu man na ubra ko) anyways marc, good decision you should really go there.

habagatcentral1

December 13th, 2007, 02:24 PM

Marc, where are the Banate pix? By the way, Sir Bombette wants to meet you sometime kon san-o ka bakante, basi may ishare ka nga pix. Also, he has some other info on unknown potential tourist attractions such as those in Banate like a waterfalls and an undersea cave (accessible only during low tide).

chymera00

December 13th, 2007, 02:24 PM

I was about to say the same thing but it wasn't sure.. Diba this was taken a long time ago? They make it appear like they took it yesterday :ohno:

Updan ta ka gusto mo? :horse: This is an outrage!! :bash: Where are the media ethics? :bash:
I took the Photo years ago pa. The caption is does directly connect it to the strike held today and yesterday. Totally misleading di bala?

Ano man guid bala? The Guardian said that the same area (Bonifacio Drive) continued to have "Congested" traffic but Panay News said that "Smooth" kuno ang traffic and displayed a photo taken 3-4 years ago pa (a photo that they just copy/pasted from the internet and cropped out the watermark). LOL

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/frontDec13.jpg
Private and public utility vehicles congest the Capitol rotunda despite the transport strike Wednesday mounted by militant drivers groups. (FAA) from The Guardian (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

Makad2 ko to bwas mga 4 or 5pm, depende kung what time matapos duty namon. Txt ta lang ka berns if ever ara ka man sa City Area.

habagatcentral1

December 13th, 2007, 02:26 PM

IAMME

December 13th, 2007, 02:28 PM

Notice the change in the landscaping within the islands:

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6615/shdtas4.jpg
Mar 30 2005

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/frontDec13.jpg
Dec 12 2007

iloilocitykid

December 13th, 2007, 02:32 PM

Now we know the credibility of the media...tsk tsk

IMPRESARIO

December 13th, 2007, 02:42 PM

^^ Goodness, its a big lie ang ara sa mga captions! I'll be in the city late afternoon as usual. Just keep in touch.

If they are in desperate need of photos, why don't they just call or contact.

And since wala pa ko trabaho subong, they may hire me as a freelance photographer, wahehehehe!!! Joke! :D

And by the way, isn't it supposed that the tarpaulin signboard on the right side is already Tanduay?

^^yep, one simple phone call could've done it, kasi naman kung makalusot sila pipilitin talaga hangang walang umaangal. btw, excellent pics as usual chy. what is that "the avenue" project, where is located?

habagatcentral1

December 13th, 2007, 02:48 PM

Notice the change in the landscaping within the islands:

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6615/shdtas4.jpg
Mar 30 2005

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/frontDec13.jpg
Dec 12 2007

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/11/photos/16/500x500/49.jpg/The%20Atrium.jpg?et=pTdyAqmdhwppaDeFuTcjJg&nmid=21222994
Dason, Tanduay na ang tarpaulin sign, not Family's Brand Sardines!!!! This was taken during Dinagyang 2007. Eversince January, they have changed the tarpaulin sign already.

Makahulubog nga ilimnon na ang gina-advertise subong kag indi sardinas!!! :lol:

chymera00

December 13th, 2007, 02:49 PM

@IloiloCityKid: OO man, reflective guid man sa credibility nila but no further comment lang ko anay until I get an explanation from them

@Incognito: sa Smallville man gyapon dapit, sa kilid sang Pirates, between sang pirates and sa boardwalk

@Bernie: Sige contact ko lang Sire Bombette. Gusto ko guid na ya bala mga paupod ako sa mga trip niya :(

@Pacific_Leopard: With consent man to ya that you used my pictures

habagatcentral1

December 13th, 2007, 02:50 PM

^^ May bag-o sya nga number Marc. Iforward ko lang sa cellphone mo karon. :)

chymera00

December 13th, 2007, 02:53 PM

More of New Leganes Market

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2041/2103615766_2f3d78a3dd.jpg

Proposed Commercial Complex in Santa Barbara

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2339/2103615402_ec9f154698.jpg

Jaro (Ungka) Road Widening

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2102836149_cede80b23a.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2209/2103617982_1df08ee36a.jpg

Banate Pictures

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/2102839531_bb8b61371e.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/2103618876_dcee4fc7cb.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2028/2102840335_cd353559a0.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2014/2102840587_a373141df1.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2020/2103619826_a594cc6cd9.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2217/2102841307_9eb2b82994.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2249/2103620454_37dc2b04d0.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/2102842135_469ebab033.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2415/2103621766_58272ef571.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2211/2102843355_faacf38122.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2061/2103622458_c8713c9e8a.jpg

A news article months back mentioned that if ever the Panay-Negros bridge will push through they will be building the Panay end in Banate, Iloilo. I've done a few measurements in Google Earth and the shortest distance I got was 15kms. That's quite a long bridge definitely one of the longest if built.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2365/2103621188_2013838510.jpg

chymera00

December 13th, 2007, 02:58 PM

City of Festival Part 1

E7wDFHoX7ww

City of Festival Part 2

QT6_00aQAfw

Dinagyang Festival

PesGKuZ_TRw

Hala Bira Iloilo!

ahDstm0hyA4

The videos were requested from the City Government of Iloilo and posted with permission from Mr. Benjamin Jimena (City Tourism Office).

http://www.exploreiloilo.com/iloilo-promotional.html

habagatcentral1

December 13th, 2007, 03:04 PM

^^ Thanks Marc for uploading! :okay: The productions were done by Oscar Nava Productions.

Anyway, Nong Whyte, walang reklamuhay ha? Wahehehehehe!!!! :lol:

IMPRESARIO

December 13th, 2007, 03:26 PM

^^was this the one that whyte was highly critical about? not that bad IMO, hehehe, even the arevalo fireworks was ok, i liked the background guitar music too.

habagatcentral1

December 13th, 2007, 03:27 PM

^^was this the one that whyte was highly critical about? not that bad IMO, hehehe, even the arevalo fireworks was ok, i liked the background guitar music too.

Yes. Thats it. Hala, nag-gwa pagka-bias sa Villa Arevalo, wahahahaha!!!! :lol:

caloy

December 13th, 2007, 04:16 PM

cant blame whyte.

ok lang, can they make it more better?

at least nakita ko na. daw documentary ang presentation ca festival city.

in hala bira iloilo segment, medyo dinagyang lang ang concentration.

well, im a tourist in my own place now.

im still proud though. more more more... ( means namia pa guid)

tani the next one will surpass this one. like having the madyaas quality with a combination of this one.

habagatcentral1

December 13th, 2007, 04:18 PM

^^ Mayad? Lets ask them, wahehe!! Pero at least it is quite different already than the usual docu-stuffs of the past made in Iloilo.

caloy

December 13th, 2007, 04:24 PM

^^ Mayad? Lets ask them, wahehe!! Pero at least it is quite different already than the usual docu-stuffs of the past made in Iloilo.

i stand corrected. thanks bossing.

mayad man ah...

caloy

December 13th, 2007, 04:26 PM

nice vids, but i still like kruuuhay sang antique.

still the best. all the best of antique in one video. thumbs up.

i rarely give recommendations, highly recommendable.

habagatcentral1

December 13th, 2007, 04:28 PM

i stand corrected. thanks bossing.

mayad man ah...

nice vids, but i still like kruuuhay sang antique.

still the best. all the best of antique in one video. thumbs up.

i rarely give recommendations, highly recommendable.

Your welcome. The simplicity of the Kruhay made the difference.

IMPRESARIO

December 13th, 2007, 04:46 PM

Yes. Thats it. Hala, nag-gwa pagka-bias sa Villa Arevalo, wahahahaha!!!! :lol:

^^nyahahaha, well like what caloy said, hopefully they can do more better next time, but not bad at all.:)

habagatcentral1

December 13th, 2007, 04:47 PM

Hopefully gid. And even more promotional videos not just from the city but from the province and MIGEDC as well. :okay:

caloy

December 13th, 2007, 05:07 PM

yes, i agree, i concur and likes...

dapat medyo diverse. less talk, more video, catchy songs. catchy phrase...

i think that will help them to remember...

the next big thing?

eonynx

December 13th, 2007, 05:23 PM

chymera00

December 13th, 2007, 05:29 PM

IMPRESARIO

December 13th, 2007, 05:52 PM

^^another coffee shop, :sleepy: ,dunno about starbucks, the only thing i order from it is their White Chocolate Mocha its my fave, its really the brand you're buying.

IMPRESARIO

December 13th, 2007, 05:55 PM

question: Is the SM Jaro renovation finished?

IMPRESARIO

December 13th, 2007, 06:09 PM

^^sorry guys but don't bother, i found the answer to my own question, hehehe :D
http://www.exploreiloilo.com/expansion-renovations.html

death327

December 13th, 2007, 11:10 PM

@ Bernie and Chy - Thank you for all the updates. :D I am happy to see the city with sprouting dining locations. :D

spacewagon1

December 13th, 2007, 11:59 PM

spacewagon1

December 14th, 2007, 12:02 AM

More groups back coal-fired power plant

ADDITIONAL groups have expressed support for the construction of a coal-fired power plant in Iloilo City.

The latest organizations to endorse the project are the Sto. Niño de Arevalo Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the Brotherhood Calumpang Jeepney Owners/Drivers Association, Inc., the Brgy. San Juan Paghiliusa Association and the Calumpang Interior Trisikad Transport Owners and Drivers Association, Inc.

The organizations were one in saying that the proposed coal-fired power plant will spur development in the city.

The groups added that power shortages and outages affect the business sector and the ordinary consumers.

They said the establishment of the coal-fired power plant in the city could afford residents and businesses low cost and steady supply of electric power “thereby ensuring the sustainable growth and development of the city and its people.”

The resultant economic development of the project will also benefit them through employment and other opportunities, the groups said.

Earlier, the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Iloilo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Iloilo Hotels, Restaurants and Resorts Association and the Iloilo City Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association voiced support for the coal-fired power plant citing its economic benefits.

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

spacewagon1

December 14th, 2007, 12:44 AM

spacewagon1

December 14th, 2007, 12:53 AM

Experts to discuss education prospects
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

HIGH-profile educators will seek to address the dual concerns of educator supply and quality in the schools, as well as tell stories of innovative programs which incorporate universal values into the training of future leaders and human resources of the region.

This is one of the break out sessions dubbed “Educating the City Region” during the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic and Development Council (MIGEDC) Leaders’ Summit at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center today.

The speakers are University of San Agustin president Rev. Fr. Manuel Vergara, OSA on “Education for Regional Sustainability;” Ayala Foundation director Mario Deriquito on “Iloilo City’s GILAS: Literacy Enhancement;” Iloilo Foundation for Information Technology (IFIT) chair Dr. Glenn Aguilar on “What’s in Store for the IT;” and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-6) regional director Evelyn Trompeta on “Educating Local Governments."

Education leaders have been brainstorming and taking bold initiatives in an attempt to solve the deteriorating quality of education, particularly in primary public schools.

For one, several giant businesses and education stakeholders gathered for Iloilo City’s first Education Summit at Sarabia Hotel here last Sept. 14.

The summit has created a “draft work program of the Iloilo education stakeholders” in an effort to achieve desired outcomes including Zero Non-reader by 2009; increased test achievement; independent readers; genuine love for books; and reading proficiency among students as well as proficient teachers.

Education key players have identified the systems that need to be transformed and interventions to be provided including teacher’s training on English, Science and Math, and instructional materials development for teacher competencies.

For parent development, there are several proposals including learning program on responsible parenting and values formation; literacy program for parents; and provision of livelihood and skills training for parents.

Likewise, there should be focus on feeding program in schools and instructional materials with provision of textbook and workbook on 1:1 ratio and donation of storybooks.

It is also encouraged that overcrowded and inadequate classroom facilities could be addressed through donation of school buildings and establishment of child-friendly classrooms.

Drop-out prevention could be attended to by scholarships through “Adopt a School Program”—one central school and non-central school with highest incidents of drop-outs.

“But despite these interventions, we still need a more concerted effort among all stakeholders—the home-school-community collaboration intensified,” said Mati Octavio, executive assistant to the mayor for education.

A big responsibility, parents should assist teachers during review classes; attend sessions with children to be able to teach their children at home; and barangay officials to fetch children who are not in school during Saturday review.

“We have identified areas of public education which need help for improvements. We will collate the efforts of the private sponsors and come up with an educational plan for the city,” Mayor Jerry Treñas stressed.

The initiative is an offshoot of the 57-75 project of business and non-government organizations that gears towards quality public education.

The numbers 57 symbolize the target average in National Achievement Test and 75 as the passing mark in exams.

The 57-75 group is composed of the League of Corporate Foundations, Philippine Business for Education, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Ateneo Center for Educational Development, Synergia Foundation, and Foundation for Worldwide People Power.

“We aim to reverse the education crisis through a focused private sector intervention and school-community action towards system-wide performance improvements in public education in the city,” Treñas pointed out.

The 57-75 project enjoins big corporations to support public education through their corporate social responsibility programs including Synergia, Ayala Foundation Center for Social Development, Metrobank Foundation, Ronald McDonald House of Charities, ABS-CBN Foundation, Foundation of Worldwide People Power, Montinola Foundation, Zuellig Pharma Corp., Global Business Power Corp., Microsoft Phils., Smart, SM Foundation.

Other education-oriented organizations are Rotary Clubs, Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA), World Vision; business groups Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo, Iloilo Business Club, Iloilo Multi-Sectoral Business Organization, Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce-Panay, and Foundation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; and academe like University of San Agustin, University of the Philippines Visayas, West Visayas State University, and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology.

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

spacewagon1

December 14th, 2007, 01:08 AM

this is for Guimaras but with great emphasis on MIG region, I opt to post it here in Iloilo thread, too, so we may know what good is happening in Guimaras as well and its role in developing MIG region.

Guimaras upbeat on tourism, infra dev't

THE island province of Guimaras has been catching up with its tourism and infrastructure development even as rehabilitation efforts have been pouring in to revive its economic growth in the aftermath of the Aug. 11, 2006 oil spill.

The provincial government under Gov. Felipe Hilan Nava has identified investment areas for prospective investors. These growth areas are focused on agri-eco-tourism to include farm, beach, mountain/inland, and island resorts; campsites; and natural, zoological and botanical parks.

Another attraction is devoted to historico-cultural heritage projects for heritage tourism on landmarks and religious tourism on retreat houses and pilgrimage shrines.

The establishment of tourism estates is expected to rise on golf courses, target ranges and adventure parks.

Investors are also encouraged to venture on support facilities and services including transportation, communication, restaurants, hotels, apartelles, hostels and pension houses.

The manufacturing industry has bright spots on metal crafts; furniture/furnishings, garments, gifts, toys and house wares; shell crafts/handicrafts; lime processing; assembly plants, fashion accessories and cement production.

Agri-business is targeted to have a boost on post-harvest facilities (fish landing, feed mill, cold storage, vapor heat treatment and irradiation technology); high-value commercial crop production/seed production; food processing (fruit, meat, fish); aquaculture and seaweed production/processing; poultry and livestock production; and water processing.

The services sector is urged to develop the media/advertising; information technology; financial; engineering/architectural; training and sports; ship building; repair and development; indigenous power resources development; human resource (construction, security, business, domestic and households); funeral homes/memorial parks, infrastructure (construction of ports); transportation (domestic airport); research and educational facilities; spa/massage parlors/physical fitness facilities; pawnshops; and medical/physical therapy clinics.

Real estate developers should invest on shopping malls, retirement villages, and convention facilities.

‘Guimaras like Boracay’

Guimaras has been considered to have the same potentials of world famous island resort of Boracay in Aklan.

This is the assessment of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-6) regional director Evelyn Trompeta even as she said that Western Visayas has been positioned as tourism haven in the country.

“Guimaras is the best competitor of Boracay. While Iloilo is an economic hub, the proximity of Guimaras has very best potentials for tourism,” Trompeta stressed.

What makes Guimaras the next tourism destination?

Trompeta says three things to consider: peace and order situation, local governance and agri-tourism master plan.

“Guimaras’ peace and order program has been awarded among the best implemented. The province has also a politically healthy environment – there is a positively healthy relation between the executive and legislative – the opposition is very negligible, there’s no political bickering. And the agri-tourism master plan is in place,” she pointed out.

Trompeta added the island’s tourism plan has been drafted with the support of Department of Tourism (DOT) and Canadian Urban Institute (CUI).

“Guimaras is the only province in the region that has come up with its provincial economic and development office which focuses more on tourism development. Heritage tourism is also one of the best potentials,” she affirmed.

The DILG chief said they will conduct an alliance building to create a team for Guimaras not only in terms of politics but for five municipalities to complement for the development.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-6) regional director Lormelyn Claudio said they will establish at least five eco-tourism sites in the island.

Claudio added they have coordinated with Western Visayas Caving Association and National Museum to assess the potentials of caves and lay down the resources management.

Guimaras tourism industry has been assessed to be more than just its beaches struck by the oil spill last year.

DOT-6 regional director Edwin Trompeta said there’s more Guimaras can offer to tourists coming over.

“Guimaras is not only dependent on beaches. It has also its own eco-and-agri-tourism sites, adventure parks, caving tours, mangoes and more scenic attractions,” he said.

Guimaras has been emerging as the next tourism destination in Region 6 as this recognition was evident in the 2nd Western Visayas Tourism Assembly in Bacolod City last month.

The province reaped several citations including three special awards, best barangay tourism council, best tourism-oriented LGU, best tourism officers, and best emerging destination.

‘Village tourism booming’

The Barangay Dolores Tourism Council (BDTC) in Nueva Valencia was cited for managing the Guisi Community-Based Heritage Tourism Project designed to develop and promote the natural, agricultural, religious, historical and cultural heritage of the village.

BDTC is undertaking two complementary programs serving and entertaining clienteles from excursion and barangay tourism.

Excursion tourism promotes day trips from other parts of the region while barangay tourism caters to international guests who would want to experience rural life.

The council has designed programs for the promotion and development of the heritage tourism project and implements these with the aim to contribute to poverty reduction goals of the local government units.

The multi-awarded Experience Guisi, a village-based economic enterprise that features multi-stakeholder and participatory approaches intends to introduce community-managed initiatives to preserve and promote natural, cultural, agricultural and religious heritage of the province.

It also received the Urban Leadership Award from CUI in 2005.

Guisi is a unique experience where visitors can frolic in the village’s white-sand beach, hike in its mountain trails, time-travel under a Spanish-era lighthouse, enjoy local food and get inspired with cultural presentations.

‘Tourism-oriented province’

Recognized as the best tourism-oriented LGU for two straight years, Guimaras is a pioneer in public-private partnership in tourism development.

In 2004, the province received the Galing Pook Awards for its innovative and collaborative program between the government and private sector that aims to facilitate the planning of development of tourism industry in a participatory approach.

The program features cultural preservation, environmental protection and economic empowerment as fundamentals of tourism development.

Guimaras has embarked in a program known as Community-Based Tourism Awareness and Appreciation Campaign, an advocacy campaign that seeks to disseminate and raise awareness and appreciation of people on tourism as an economic service industry.

The initiative is being assisted by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through CUI.

At the helm of the successful Guimaras tourism program is provincial tourism officer Angeles Gabinete who twice bagged the best tourism officer award.

Gabinete is credited for having conceptualized and prepared the Guimaras Tourism Development Plan which presents the long-term goal, immediate benefits, intended results and inputs needed for tourism growth.

She also pioneered the award-winning Public-Private Partnership in Guimaras Tourism Development as a tool for helping address poverty.

Believing in the power of organization, Gabinete has helped organized tourism-related groups like the Tour Guides Guild of Guimaras, Association of Caterers of Guimaras, and Guimaras Resorts Association, among others.

‘Holy Island’

The Barangay Hoskyn Tourism Council in Jordan town manages during Good Friday a huge tourism event which has been celebrated even before the council was created.

The event is a yearly pilgrimage to the Balaan Bukid, the “mecca” of Roman Catholics during the Holy Week that attracts thousands of devotees since 1954.

It is a difficult task yet the council survives an annual rigid test, mainly because of organization, policies and community support.

On top of this, the council has also initiated several tourism programs, one of them the Layag Festival held every first week of May to celebrate the significance of sailboat with side events including mini-paraw regatta race and pinta de layag art competition.

The council is also promoting the preservation of cultural practices like boat-making and production of tultul or salt slabs.

It has likewise helped organized the Layag Theater Group among the youth and spearheads the village’s participation in the province main celebration, the annual Manggahan Festival.

‘More than just mangoes’

“Guimaras is to mangoes,” said tourism consulting firm Asia Pacific Projects Inc. (APPI) that administered a survey in August to departing visitors at the Iloilo Airport and Seaport.

“Around three out of 10 visitors to Iloilo associate the island of Guimaras with mangoes and beach resorts. Almost 75 percent of the respondents were not first-time visitors to the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras (MIG) area,” it added.

APPI conducted the survey as part of the initiative to prepare the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Integrated Tourism Strategy Action Plan (MIG-01) sponsored by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAid) under the Local Governance Development Programme (LGDP).

APPI reported that more than 80 percent of the respondents were domestic travelers, 14 percent said they were on a holiday trip to MIG area, and 20 percent of the respondents were foreigners.

“Dining in local restaurants and sightseeing were the most popular activities among the visitors. Generally, the foreigners said they were satisfied with their visit in MIG area, with 95 percent adding they wish to go back soon.” the study said.

As a shopping destination, shopping for various types of mango products and souvenir items should be pushed by tourism stakeholders.

Aside from mangoes, Guimaras has been boosting cashew nuts which is also abundant in the island, as a flourishing business.

“These products should be upgraded in terms of quality, consistent supply and packaging,” the APPI study suggested.

Tourism stakeholders should propose projects under the tourism strategy plan which will focus on developing new products and improve existing ones, thereby raising their quality.

“By expanding the markets for these products, local communities can directly benefit from tourism spending.”

An interesting suggestion which came out of Sept. 19 Tourism Appreciation Workshop conducted by APPI is to come out with a “Proudly made in Iloilo/Guimaras” sticker that will denote quality standards.

“If this sticker is tacked on to all products made in the region, this will be another way to promote shopping as one of the main tourism activities when visiting MIG.”

Tourism front-liners including the Iloilo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Iloilo Producers Association, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism and Guimaras should work together to disseminate information to potential visitors about what is available for sale and to list down all shopping outlets that tourists should visit while they are in the region.

Guimaras should also make their products available in Iloilo City for visitors who could not find time to cross to the island.

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

IMPRESARIO

December 14th, 2007, 01:43 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2376/2102844447_dd7216c916.jpg
^^whats this? parang coffee shop na naman or hang-out place?

IMPRESARIO

December 14th, 2007, 01:49 AM

IMPRESARIO

December 14th, 2007, 01:51 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2103628324_e405e90538.jpg
^^Very nice, parang maganda ang ambiance dito ah, very green and clean pa ng mga surroundings. :okay:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/2103625624_0fb18a4297.jpg
My favorite street, Gen. Luna St., clean and green. :okay:

have they started fixing the roads of iloilo which were damaged during the typhoon season? Dinagyang is a month away.

spacewagon1

December 14th, 2007, 01:52 AM

I've asked around, Starbucks is indeed planning to open a branch in Iloilo though they have not yet finalized a location. Speculated location is (what used to be) the garden area of SM City (Parking Lot).
that's nice. I love Starbucks. Even at winter's time, I still go for Moccha Frappuccino. he he. Well, another welcome development in the city naman ini, just in case. Any company that are planning to invest in our small yet lovely city is welcome GUID.

yes, i agree, i concur and likes...

dapat medyo diverse. less talk, more video, catchy songs. catchy phrase...

i think that will help them to remember...

the next big thing?
we need more promotional materials to speed up the tourism promotion of Iloilo, Metro-Iloilo Guimaras and the entire Western Visayas Region. There's still a lot of things we need to develop. Somehow, somewhere, some ways, we're doing something to make things better .... he he. Daw kanta ba.

The NeXt Big Thing ni Mayor Jerry, medyo naga-amat-amat na ah.

Hopefully gid. And even more promotional videos not just from the city but from the province and MIGEDC as well. :okay:
we need to think the region. It's where our strength lies. We can not exist better and bigger in Iloilo if we only focus in the city alone. The MIG region is paving a great way for building more opportunities in all sectors and I hope these opportunities will turn into our strengths in the days to come.

Hala Bira ! :banana::banana:

our IT team in SGS might go to iloilo during the dinagyang. weeee

basta ako sure na.
Wow! Welcome gid kamo Eric for the upcoming Dinagyang 2008. I hope you'll enjoy Dinagyang.

Hala Bira ! Viva Senor Sto Nino !
:banana::banana::banana:

eonynx

December 14th, 2007, 08:40 AM

eonynx

December 14th, 2007, 09:00 AM

habagatcentral1

December 14th, 2007, 09:13 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2376/2102844447_dd7216c916.jpg
^^whats this? parang coffee shop na naman or hang-out place?

Yup. We had already MO2, Smallville Commercial Complex, and Red Square. I have no idea whats the name of this commercial building but the other one is named "The Avenue", another hanging out place.

Wow, in 5 years time, there's a lot of difference with its night life. Back in 2002, I think Barracks, ConVan and Calzada Grill (the first 2 are now defunct) were the only places to hang out. From what was once a curfew-driven city to a "aswang-scheduled weekends", wahehe!! :lol:

LOLZ! guimaras will really come of age in the MIGS overall development masterplan if all these will come true. as for being the best competitor to boracay, im not sure cause there are other beaches whose developments are in full swing! but surely, it could really be a nice and topnotch alternative to boracay. but that's quite still a lng time in coming.

Paging mam Narz Lim, hahaha!!! Anyway, hopefuly there would be someone investing in the Ecoport Project in the Rotary Park. The MIGEDC is also emphasizing (as what Mr.Gentoral told us in a seminar) that the private sector is a very important stakeholder in these efforts in MIGEDC area.

Anyway, if I'm not mistaken (from the Investors Forum), Guimarasnons don't like to have a bridge connecting to Iloilo for a reason that they don't want to spoil its rustic beauty. They want to remain rural yet progressive.

IAMME

December 14th, 2007, 10:22 AM

2007 Investment Forum pushes for Iloilo to regain its title as Queen City of the South

“Queen City of the South,” this was the Iloilo that Oscar M. Lopez, Chairman of the Lopez Group of Companies, remembered during his childhood years. Mr. Lopez was in Iloilo City as keynote speaker of the “2007 Iloilo Investment Forum” held on November 22, 2007 at the Sarabia Manor Hotel.

The Forum was organized by the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc., the Provincial and Iloilo City governments, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dr.Glenn D. Aguilar, Chancellor of UP Visayas and also the current president of the Iloilo Federation for Information Technology, was tapped to be one of its featured speakers. He presented a very positive outlook about Iloilo readiness for business process outsourcing or BPO. BPO is a process of contracting a specific business task, such as payroll, to a third-party service provider. It is usually implemented as a cost-saving measure for tasks that a company requires but does not depend upon to maintain its position in the marketplace. The most common examples of BPOs are call centers, human resources, accounting and payroll outsourcing. Because it is dependent on information technology, it is also called as information technology enabled services or ITES.

Back to the Lopezes, one of the country’s most powerful and influential families because of their many highly successful businessman ventures. Oscar’s father is Eugenio Lopez III who is the chief executive officer and chairman of ABS-CBN, one of the largest media networks in the Philippines. And who will forget Fernando López, Oscar’s uncle, who served three terms as Vice-President of the Philippines?

Oscar Lopez added that even though he has lived most of his adult life in Manila, he has very fond memories of the Iloilo of his childhood. “It has lots of culture. We Lopezes even had our own orchestra,” he recalled.

Indeed, Iloilo’s past showed a flourishing economy. It started with the weaving industry that earned for it the title of "Textile Capital of the Philippines." Examples of these products were sinamay, piña and jusi and were sold not only in Manila but imported to foreign places. It is the textile industry that gave birth to the rise of the upper middle class in Iloilo.

In addition, the opening of Iloilo's port to the world market in 1855 put its industry and agriculture on direct access to foreign markets. But what really triggered its economic boom in the 19th century was the development of the sugar industry. Because of this, Iloilo’s status was raised from a town into a city by the Queen Regent of Spain and honored it with the title La muy leal y noble ciudad de Iloilo.

The 2007 Iloilo Investment Forum was an aggressive campaign to regain Iloilo’s former economic prowess. The organizers of the event meant business. The occassion was graced not only by Oscar Lopez, but also by Iloilo’s top political brass such as Iloilo Gov. Neil D. Tupas, Sr. and Iloilo City Major Jerry Treñas and the leaders and prime movers of the Iloilo business community led by Dr. Alfonso A. Uy, Chairman of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation; and Rex C. Drilon, President of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation. Former Sen. Franklin Drilon was also present.

Gov. Tupaz commended the locally initiated forum and vowed that his office will continue to support the business sector which, he acknowledged, is the engine of economic growth. In addition, he said that the Province will do its best to maintain the peace and order situation to provide a safe environment for the business community.

“For the past seven years, we have been trying to be the best city in the country,” says Mayor Jerry Treñas. He said that for now, Iloilo City ranks 8th as the most business-friendly city in the Philippines.

The groundwork for Iloilo’s potential economic growth has been laid with the inauguration of the Iloilo Airport of International Standards, the multi-billion peso investment brought by Megaworld Corporation and the construction and opening of new roads and bridges around the vicinity of Iloilo City.

Aside from Chancellor Aguilar, five other presenters were featured to give potential investors what Iloilo can offer as a haven for economic investment. They are:

1.) The Iloilo-Guimaras Infrastructure Master Plan by Nathaniel Von Eisendel, President of CONCEP;
2.) Iloilo-Guimaras Tourism Master Plan by Narzalina Lim, President of Asia Pacific Projects, Inc.,
3.) Iloilo City Roadmap by Francis E. Gentoral, Regional Manager, Canadian Urban Institute;
4.) Iloilo Province Strategic Plan by Mario Nillos, Iloilo Provincial Planning and Development Office, Province of Iloilo; and
5.) Iloilo Agribusiness Roadmap by Dr. Rolando Dy, Dean, School of Management, University of Asia and the Pacific.

The idea and prospect of Iloilo regaining its supremacy as the Queen City of the South has electrified the 300 or so business folks that attended the forum. This was even fueled when Oscar Lopez said that the Lopez group is exploring the possibility of building a shipyard as a potential investment in the city. He said that this was to “give back something” to their native province.

One of the most important accomplishments of the forum was the spark that ignited within the Ilonggo community for its great potential to attract investors. In the words of Oscar Lopez, “the best is yet to be” for Iloilo. (by Lyncen M. Fernandez)

source: www.upv.edu.ph (http://www.upv.edu.ph)

-----------------------
Let's hope Iloilo City would perform better next year in attracting businesses.

death327

December 14th, 2007, 10:33 AM

iloilocitykid

December 14th, 2007, 10:57 AM

^^ In the process of focusing on the needs of the citizens, we might unconciously regain the title..also, it's a big boost for the city to have the title esp. in tourism. But I'm not saying we should place that title on the top of the list. We have tons of problems before something as that.

IMPRESARIO

December 14th, 2007, 11:14 AM

Why do we have to regain the title? Is it important? Does it matter? Why do we always need to stress out that we will be getting again our title "Queen City of the South?" I can't really understand why they need to do this.

For, IMHO, I guess they need to focus on providing the citizens of the city sustainable growth in all economic terms. Focusing on the regaining the title will leave other components of the development unnoticed.

^^ In the process of focusing on the needs of the citizens, we might unconciously regain the title..also, it's a big boost for the city to have the title esp. in tourism. But I'm not saying we should place that title on the top of the list. We have tons of problems before something as that.

^^I totally agree with all your statements, we should just focus on working hard for our city, if we regain the title, then well and good, but it should not be a priority. The Queen's City naman tayo ah! heheh

IMPRESARIO

December 14th, 2007, 11:33 AM

Yup. We had already MO2, Smallville Commercial Complex, and Red Square. I have no idea whats the name of this commercial building but the other one is named "The Avenue", another hanging out place.

Wow, in 5 years time, there's a lot of difference with its night life. Back in 2002, I think Barracks, ConVan and Calzada Grill (the first 2 are now defunct) were the only places to hang out. From what was once a curfew-driven city to a "aswang-scheduled weekends", wahehe!! :lol:

Paging mam Narz Lim, hahaha!!! Anyway, hopefuly there would be someone investing in the Ecoport Project in the Rotary Park. The MIGEDC is also emphasizing (as what Mr.Gentoral told us in a seminar) that the private sector is a very important stakeholder in these efforts in MIGEDC area.

Anyway, if I'm not mistaken (from the Investors Forum), Guimarasnons don't like to have a bridge connecting to Iloilo for a reason that they don't want to spoil its rustic beauty. They want to remain rural yet progressive.

^^Yeah, in my college days, we always go to Barracks, and i think once or twice sa Convan, the city's nightlife has been very lively for the past couple of years. with its huge number of students and young professionals, this (the city's nightlife) will only grow even bigger and more exciting.

Guimaras has to improve its facilities and infrastructures first before we start thinking of constructing a bridge that will connect the 2 islands. I personally would like to see a bridge constructed, right now guimarasnons have not realized the great potential that this megastructure will bring.

Resorts,Hotels, Roads, Terminals,etc must be drastically improved in the island province. A big bridge is really useless if the destination is not worth going to.

habagatcentral1

December 14th, 2007, 02:12 PM

We need more hotels by the way.

Anyway, OT. I might not be contributing pictures for months. Just lost my 3 month old digicam to the pickpockets...hay life!!!

daks2003

December 14th, 2007, 03:25 PM

I've noticed in all of the pics posted in here. I always see the name NG MORALIDAD....he seems to be the hottest architect nowadays in Iloilo...you see his projects left and right from residential to commercial bldgs...btw, I think THE AVENUE is owned by the Que's...siguro masaylo dira ang coffee break from bourbon and maybe they'll gonna make bourbon a bigger party place

habagatcentral1

December 14th, 2007, 03:31 PM

Guimaras has to improve its facilities and infrastructures first before we start thinking of constructing a bridge that will connect the 2 islands. I personally would like to see a bridge constructed, right now guimarasnons have not realized the great potential that this megastructure will bring.

They prefer isolation over urban encroachment towards Guimaras. Their isolation has made their mangoes protected against pests and everything. Also, the pristine beauty of Guimaras might get lost if it has to add up a megastructure now. As of now, they wanted to maintain its pristine beauty as an island destination far from urbanity.

What we need to focus now is to upgrade the ferry services to and from Iloilo and Guimaras. The Ecoport and the ferries must be upgraded to attract more tourists and investments in Guimaras. So that accessibility will be easier than before.

daks2003

December 14th, 2007, 05:09 PM

btw, here's another National Event to look forward to in January

http://ppsanationals2007.com/

We have 3 of the best IPSC shooters in the country right now. Nelson Uygongco(Standard Division - Worldshoot Shootoff Champ in the Modified Division),Emil Jardeleza(Production Division), and Philip Chua(Revolver-Current Asian and AustralAsia Champion)

Fundador

December 14th, 2007, 05:23 PM

We need more hotels by the way.

Ow di ba noong time na President pa si Luzuriaga ng Sm ng Iloilo Business Club ba yon o IIFI ? tama ba? sa radio interview sabi nya may papasok sana ang Legend Hotel yong 400 room hotel 22 storey itatayo sana malapit sa U. P at saka yong Sheraton Hotel na 5 star na malapit sa SM City na hindi binigyan ng clearance ng ATO dahil malapit sa airport..dahil sa sobrang taas ng building..matagal na yon ha..gina research ko gani sa internet kon may article sa mga old local news kon ara pa..sabi babalik lang pag wala na ang airport sana matuloy ito..nami pamankuton sya liwat..kon ara pa ang mga investors nga ini.:)

daks2003

December 14th, 2007, 05:51 PM

^^^^
the last time I heard...he is virtually bankrupt

leii_tomo

December 14th, 2007, 07:15 PM

leii_tomo

December 14th, 2007, 07:22 PM

^^I totally agree with all your statements, we should just focus on working hard for our city, if we regain the title, then well and good, but it should not be a priority. The Queen's City naman tayo ah! heheh

i agree with you also...

but whoever gave the title to Iloilo as the Queen City of the South,He/She has the only right to take it away from us...

i personally believe the City can achieve its goal...proper governance, cooperation and support from all sector...

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 12:27 AM

‘MAKE UP YOUR MINDS’
Rep. Defensor: Energy woes must be resolved soon

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/frontDec15.jpg
‘DON’T DILLY-DALLY’ - Rep. Arthur Defensor Sr. (standing, center) stresses a point during the leaders’ roundtable discussion of the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council summit. With him are (from left) Iloilo Business Club president Antonio Jon, Msgr. Jose Marie Delgado of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary, Dr. Josette Biyo of the Philippine Science High School and Marissa Segovia of the Iloilo City Solid Waste Management Board. (FAA)
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

HOUSE Majority Floor Leader Arthur Defensor Sr. urged community leaders to act and decide on the solution to the expensive and unstable power supply in Iloilo City.

Defensor, who represents the 3rd congressional district of Iloilo, said the Panay (power) grid “is one of the most expensive if not the most expensive grid in the entire country.”

“Electricity here is very expensive that’s why you cannot attract investors here. They’d rather go to Cebu, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. But they will not go to Iloilo,” Defensor said.

Defensor was one of the discussants in the Leaders’ Roundtable of the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) leaders’ summit at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center Friday.

Defensor said Ilonggos must make a choice where to source cheap electricity.

“We have to make up our minds. Are we going to put up coal-fired power plants to address these problems immediately?” he said referring to the proposed coal plants in Iloilo City and Concepcion town.

Global Business Power Corp. is planning to put up a coal-fired power plant inside the property of Panay Power Corp.

DM Consunji Inc. is the proponent of the Concepcion plant.

The congressman also said statistics and real situations must be presented as regards the perceived effects of coal-fired power plants.

“Please give us the statistics and tell us what is happening in the US and Europe where they have coal-fired power plants. Is it possible to put up plants that do not affect the health of inhabitants?” Defensor said.

Instead of quarreling, Defensor urged all sectors to decide and act as regards the city and province’s power problems.

“Our biggest problem is power. Let us make up our minds on this. We cannot afford to dilly-dally and quarrel on this or else it is useless talking about investments.”

The MIGEDC summit was convened by Iloilo Mayor City Mayor Jerry Treñas in cooperation with the Canadian Urban Institute, Department of Interior and Local Government, AusAID, Canadian International Development Agency, Local Governance Development Program and Coffey International Development.

The summit, which is themed “The Power of One”, aims PROMOTE sustainable development of Metro Iloilo and Guimaras by sharing the recognized practices of Iloilo City, Guimaras and Metro Iloilo local governments.

The affair also aims to foster sustainable partnerships with the business sector, donor organizations and non-government organizations in attracting investments for priority development projects and recognize leadership excellence in Metro Iloilo and Guimaras.

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

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 12:31 AM

Urban Leadership Awards

Henry Babiera
Tourism Development Champion
Believing that Guimaras is an island that first everyone’s taste, he spends his personal energy promoting its tourism potentials here and abroad.
Category: Building the Regional City

Henry Babiera believes in the tourism potentials of Guimaras, his home province. But he knows he can’t do much for the island’s tourism industry if he will just stay there. So after a series of successful ventures in Manila which includes his establishment of the Prime Asia Trade Planners and Convention Organizer (Patepco), Henry thought it was time to look back to Guimaras and invest in what he believes in.

Henry began his contribution to Guimaras tourism with the opening of the Lombija Wildlife Center in Nueva Valencia, which features a wildlife research and breeding center, a botanical garden, a zoological park, a heritage plaza and a mountain resort. He also believes that the island’s beauty can’t just be found on land but also underwater, so commissioned a team of divers to document its diving spots, revealing vital information about Guimaras’ vital marine resources.

Using his experience as an event organizer, he made himself available as a consultant whenever Guimaras participates in travel fairs. His goal is to always put Guimaras’ best foot forward, firmly believing that the island-province fits everyone’s taste.

Sonia Cadornigara
Slums Upgrading Champion
Believing that the homeless are not powerless, her leadership, hard work and persistence brought hope among informal settlers in Iloilo City and the world.
Category: Making Democracy Work

The poor may be feeble and weak, but Sonia Cadornigara believes that they are not voiceless and powerless. Born to a family of informal settlers, she had not only seen houses torn down by demolition teams but also hopes shattered because of homelessness. But shattered hopes can be a source of strength if only the poor believes in their selves, and Sonia showed them how.

After helping establish the Kabalaka Homeowners Association in Calumpang, Sonia introduced a community savings scheme in a bid to raise funds to buy land for informal settlers. Since 1997, they have saved a whopping P2.4 million towards buying 4.4 hectares of inexpensive land located towards the edge of the city. The community went through the steps of finding out who owned the land, researched the zoning and right of way for all the pieces, and in November 1998 struck a deal to buy the land.

Now, 72 families, each given a parcel of land in the property that Kabalaka, are preparing to construct their houses so they can sleep well at night without having to worry that their houses will be demolished. One of these families is that of Sonia, her husband Herman and their children Herman Paul and Sheena Mae.

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

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 12:38 AM

Firm proposes biogas facility
at dumpsite
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – A private firm specializing in biogas projects has presented a renewable energy proposal targeting this city’s dumpsite.

In a proposal submitted to the Iloilo City Solid Water Management Board (ICSWMB) recently, PhilBio Sciences Company seeks to convert a segment of the existing 23-hectare Calajunan dumpsite using garbage as fuel to produce biogas or methane gas.

The gas will be used to generate electricity. But there’s another benefit – it will reduce the volume of garbage in the landfill.

Also, the proposed facility will convert a section of the dumpsite into a park, upgrade its waste disposal system with installation of cell-type modular residual landfills to extend its economic life, improve the Leachate Collection System for re-circulation and increased recovery of biogas for energy applications, and for compliance with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003).

Ricky Beltran, PhilBio consultant, suggested a Build, Own and Operate scheme to benefit the city government from full funding of capital expenditures, operation and upkeep of the facility, discounted rates of electricity and energy supply generated from the facility, proper closure of dump site, upgrade of waste treatment facilities, and acquisition of carbon credits for the government under the Kyoto Protocol in ensuring clean air.

PhilBio Manager John Cesar Santos said the project would entail a 25-year land use agreement and 25-year waste supply agreement with the city government.

The project proposes the conversion of some 50 metric tons of pure organic garbage to generate one megawatt of power supply.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said that while PhilBio’s proposal sounds promising and beneficial on the part of the local government since no monetary output is required, the proposal has to be assessed further by the ICSWMB and forwarded to the city council afterwards.

Treñas was interested in the proposal since the use of natural waste as energy would greatly help this city in its clean and green campaign, particularly lessening the volume of garbage that continuously piles up at the waste disposal facility in Mandurriao district.

The dumpsite, located some six kilometers from the city’s business center, accommodates about 160 tons of garbage daily collected from the public markets, residential areas and shopping malls.

Some 75 percent are organic garbage which can be converted into waste energy power.

Since it started operation in 1989, the present volume of waste in the area is approximately around 300,000 cubic meters, with the garbage mound as high as five meters.

Beltran said the local government unit’s collateral and responsibility on the Build, Own and Operate scheme is the site where the facility will be put up and the daily supply of organic waste that will be processed.

According to Beltran, PhilBio is the only producer of a Covered In-Ground Anaerobic Reactor (CIGAR) used to convert solid waste to biogas, and which can then be used to produce electrical energy or energy used for cooling.

The technology is already being tapped in Inayawan, Cebu, he added.

Treñas said two more companies, Graskoph + Oragon Inc. and Pangea Inc., are set to present soon their proposals on waste energy and carbon credits to the city government.

The city government had already been notified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the closure and the conversion of dumping sites into sanitary landfill.

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

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 12:44 AM

Economic research center launched

ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed all-out support to the establishment of the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) which is expected to help hasten investment opportunities and processing in this city.

During the launching recently, Treñas said the city government is committed to support NERBAC by providing personnel and equipment to further bolster its efficiency.

“We are very happy that there is a NERBAC here for this will help especially new investors in Iloilo City in facilitating their permits required by the city government and other agencies,” said Treñas.

The NERBAC, as provided for in Republic Act 7470, is a one-stop action center tasked to provide prospective entrepreneurs/investors basic information on various business options and to facilitate the processing of business permits/license.

The Iloilo NERBAC is the third to be set up after Davao and Cebu. This brings together eight regulatory agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Social Security System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), local government unit (LGU) and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Treñas said there should be a concerted effort between the national government and the local government unit to make life easier for prospective entrepreneurs to invest and do business in the city.

The chief executive noted that Iloilo City has been identified as one of the eight “most business friendly” cities in the Philippines by the National Competitiveness Council.

“We intend not only to be one of the eight business friendly cities but we intend to be the most competitive city in the Philippines. NERBAC will help us in achieving our dream to be the most competitive city,” added Treñas.

DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Carissa Cruz-Evangelista led the recent launching of the Iloilo NERBAC located at the Ground Floor, DTI Building, corner J.M. Basa – Peralta Streets, Iloilo City. Aside from Mayor Trenas, she was also joined by Regional Association of National Government Agencies in Western Visayas (RANGE-WV) President and PIA Assistant Director General for Visayas Atty. Janet Mesa, other concerned Regional Directors, DTI 6 officials and Provincial Directors, some local government officials, representatives of business organizations and media.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/business1.htm)

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 12:47 AM

Food festival attracts lovers of good Christmas music, too
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Instead of just having live band to entertain guests and food lovers, organizers of the two-day food festival that began yesterday has come up with an innovation – a repertoire of Christmas songs to regale the crowd.

This year, television giant ABS-CBN and the Iloilo Hotels Resorts and Restaurants Association (IHRRA) have conceptualized the Kapamilya Kanta’ta Chorale Competition on the Street during the two-day food festival at the strip of Delgado Street extending from Iznart to Valeria Streets in downtown Iloilo.

“It is open to all choral groups in this city,” said Charie Ilon, ABS-CBN Iloilo station manager.

Yesterday, 10 choral groups performed for the elimination round. Each group, composed of 10 to 20 members, was limited to a seven-minute performance with a repertoire of Christmas songs.

Ilon said they shall select five groups to perform today for the P15,000 first prize, P10,000 second prize, and P7,000 third prize.

A consolation prize of P1,000 each shall be given to the other participating groups.

IHRRA president Robert Ferrer said at least 30 stalls have been set up for the food festival.

“The different restaurants and hotels have booths and their foods are available at a lesser price,” Ferrer said.

For years, IHRRA had been holding food festivals to bring the products and services of the different hotels, resorts and restaurants (particularly its authentic cuisines) in the metropolis closer to the people.

“Foods sold at the festival are 10 to 30 percent cheaper compared to when you dine in these hotels and restaurants,” Ferrer added.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/business2.htm)

iloilocitykid

December 15th, 2007, 03:00 AM

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 04:58 AM

They prefer isolation over urban encroachment towards Guimaras. Their isolation has made their mangoes protected against pests and everything. Also, the pristine beauty of Guimaras might get lost if it has to add up a megastructure now. As of now, they wanted to maintain its pristine beauty as an island destination far from urbanity.

What we need to focus now is to upgrade the ferry services to and from Iloilo and Guimaras. The Ecoport and the ferries must be upgraded to attract more tourists and investments in Guimaras. So that accessibility will be easier than before.

well, if the masterplan for guimaras will prioritize sustainable develoment over growth, the addition of this bridge wll not rob the island of its unspoilt beauties. but then again, if theses are the sentiments of the guimarasnons as of this moment, well and good also.

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 05:01 AM

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 05:06 AM

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 05:11 AM

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 05:15 AM

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 05:19 AM

for me if we get back the title its just a bonus, most important we fulfill the dreams we have for our city...

yeah, like what's in a name anyway! what we need now is prosperity with progress. gtowth with equittable development.

IMPRESARIO

December 15th, 2007, 05:20 AM

well, all i can say is, we already have dilly dallied for too long! seeing the industrial zones of these places (laguna and batangas) makes me wonder why we cannot have the same when iloilo has very rich human resources. from the academics to skilled industrial artisans, we have it in abindance. and all because of power shortage that our full progress have been held captive!

^^too long indeed,monopoly and greed. with the ongoing Bali Conference on Climate Change, will it change anything in our preference for future power source?

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 05:23 AM

^^i don't think so! clean coal technology is the trend among developing and many developed countries. the trend towards completely green power technology is one of gradual change, not a revolutionary overhaul of the present power status quo.

IMPRESARIO

December 15th, 2007, 05:32 AM

^^with exclamation point talaga! heheh, but i get you and its logical indeed. :)

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 05:35 AM

IMPRESARIO

December 15th, 2007, 06:04 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/2103628682_8dbd9ce46e.jpg
very austere ang x'mas decos around the city ah...

whyte

December 15th, 2007, 06:07 AM

:wave:

* sorry to hear BERNIES misfortune kahapon. :( at least for now, wala ka pics nga iplagiarize sang mga local dailies :lol:

* kahapon gale kadlaw ako kay naglunch kami sa FIESTA SARAP :lol: the interioes looked festive, bright colors clashing with each other nga daw banderitas sang fiesta. what can is say about the experience?
- the ambiance was quite subdued, indi fiesta :lol: daw sort of fine dining pero ang gina kaon mo less than that.well it depends on the time of the day
- its a self service resto just like the others. the staff were very friendly
- they sort of combined what can be eaten in separate restos in la salette.
- namit ang ila nga spareribs pero their batchoy was :ohno: ang chicken nila daw mang inasal man kadaku.
- price is somewhat of the same range.kahapon bisan it was lunch time where customers were overflowing sa iban nga resto sa tupad, they had a good crowd pero mga half of its capacity.
- they need to be more aggressive sa campaign nila bisan dira lang sa sagwa. I HATE THEIR RADIO AD :lol:

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 06:11 AM

^^where's this fiestsa sarap? hindi rin yayaman yang mga pickpokets na yan!

iloilocitykid

December 15th, 2007, 06:12 AM

^^ I think it's in La Sallette building. I guess it opened already. Nice

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 06:13 AM

ah ok, there's always a vibrant crowd there every yuletide.

whyte

December 15th, 2007, 06:19 AM

whyte

December 15th, 2007, 06:27 AM

LA SALETTE

mang inasal
deco's orginal la paz batchoy
decos' pasalubong center
"barbershop"
dapli by breakthrough
teds la paz batchoy
dulgies
fiesta sarap
"under construction"

IMPRESARIO

December 15th, 2007, 06:44 AM

^^food trip talaga si whyte, ikaw na cguro ang official food correspondent ng SSC-iloilo, hehehe

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 06:48 AM

^^2 days ago, i was in sm city lipa, batangas. mang inasal has a branch there! whether you're a fan of their food or not, you've got to give it to them when it comes to marketing savvy!:lol:

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 06:53 AM

LA SALETTE

mang inasal
deco's orginal la paz batchoy
decos' pasalubong center
"barbershop"
dapli by breakthrough
teds la paz batchoy
dulgies
fiesta sarap
"under construction"

i wonder if dulgies will serve fruitcakes this christmas?

habagatcentral1

December 15th, 2007, 08:27 AM

^^^^
the last time I heard...he is virtually bankrupt

Ow di ba noong time na President pa si Luzuriaga ng Sm ng Iloilo Business Club ba yon o IIFI ? tama ba? sa radio interview sabi nya may papasok sana ang Legend Hotel yong 400 room hotel 22 storey itatayo sana malapit sa U. P at saka yong Sheraton Hotel na 5 star na malapit sa SM City na hindi binigyan ng clearance ng ATO dahil malapit sa airport..dahil sa sobrang taas ng building..matagal na yon ha..gina research ko gani sa internet kon may article sa mga old local news kon ara pa..sabi babalik lang pag wala na ang airport sana matuloy ito..nami pamankuton sya liwat..kon ara pa ang mga investors nga ini.:)

Yup. Also, the reported "miscommunication" between the Luzurriagas and the Sys. Right now, since their contract has expired, it now sits as a "vacant lot ready to be developed anytime".

for me if we get back the title its just a bonus, most important we fulfill the dreams we have for our city...

Kumbaga bonus na lang ina. C'mon guys, we all know that we are lagging behind Cebu as of this moment. Having a vision means that we can attain our goals in order to fulfil it. That is why most companies and institutions have this "vision-mission" statement. Its what keeps them to do more, buot-silingon performance-based ta. :okay:

‘MAKE UP YOUR MINDS’

Rep. Defensor: Energy woes must be resolved soon

Bag-o lang nagbrownout sa Pavia. Ti, daw naanad na kami at the same time natak-an na gid!!! :bash: Hulag na bala mga pulitiko!!! Indi naman ta maghinulat sang pila ka tuig tulad sang airport ta. Hulag before its too late!

well, if the masterplan for guimaras will prioritize sustainable develoment over growth, the addition of this bridge wll not rob the island of its unspoilt beauties. but then again, if theses are the sentiments of the guimarasnons as of this moment, well and good also.

Pwede man, but at least thats what I've heard from Narz Lim.

:wave:

* sorry to hear BERNIES misfortune kahapon. :( at least for now, wala ka pics nga iplagiarize sang mga local dailies :lol:

^^where's this fiestsa sarap? hindi rin yayaman yang mga pickpokets na yan!

DI man sila magmanggaranon ah. In fact, upon stealing, that camera is "cursed" for whosoever buys it shall have bad luck. Hay, bahala na ang Ginoo sa ila kay ang huli nga picture didto, ang statwa pa ni Candelaria. hahaha!!! :lol:

i wonder if dulgies will serve fruitcakes this christmas?

Basi, lets check em out later. :)

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 08:28 AM

re: FESTIVALS OF ILOILO CITY videos

* as I've said the move itself is commendable but still has great room to improve (mga 100sq maters of room pa cguro :lol: )

* i emphasize na this is a promotional video and its main objective is to sell, its not a documentary feature o someone elses project presentation. we take pride in our city, its tourism potentials, its development, almost everything but do we hve to settle on this kind of promo? its harsh but thats how it is now, we cant win toruists or investjments simply narating to them facts and records of iloilo, we need to show them and we need a big improvement on those videos. pero as ive said the move is commendable more improvement gid ang kinanglan
i actually agree with you, whyte. I kept on reviewing the videos and the more I watched them, the more i realised that it's more of a docu-presentation rather than promotion. The "Hala Bira ILOILO" song video by the city government tops my list of fave of the four but it could be better pa tani. However, I'm glad that the city government is doing what they can to make these video clips for Iloilo.

Hala Bira gid !:banana:

habagatcentral1

December 15th, 2007, 08:32 AM

By the way, today is Pamukaw. Foot Parade signaling that Dinagyang will commence in a month time. Me and Chy will be at Calle Real later this afternoon.

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 08:35 AM

i agree with you also...

but whoever gave the title to Iloilo as the Queen City of the South,He/She has the only right to take it away from us...

i personally believe the City can achieve its goal...proper governance, cooperation and support from all sector...

for me if we get back the title its just a bonus, most important we fulfill the dreams we have for our city...
what's with the title? he he. That was ages ago pa. I think our focus should not by regaining same title but creating a new one appropriate to our present vision. Iloilo City was once the Queen City and it was undisputedly given by our Spanish forefathers, no contest whatsoever. If ever we've lost it (so we say) then let's blame it to our local government in the past. But right now, we are doing well. In fact, everyone in the city and province are greatly inspired with all the achievements.

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 08:41 AM

Ow di ba noong time na President pa si Luzuriaga ng Sm ng Iloilo Business Club ba yon o IIFI ? tama ba? sa radio interview sabi nya may papasok sana ang Legend Hotel yong 400 room hotel 22 storey itatayo sana malapit sa U. P at saka yong Sheraton Hotel na 5 star na malapit sa SM City na hindi binigyan ng clearance ng ATO dahil malapit sa airport..dahil sa sobrang taas ng building..matagal na yon ha..gina research ko gani sa internet kon may article sa mga old local news kon ara pa..sabi babalik lang pag wala na ang airport sana matuloy ito..nami pamankuton sya liwat..kon ara pa ang mga investors nga ini.:)

^^^^
the last time I heard...he is virtually bankrupt
Fundador, I've heard that plan before but it looks very vague na siguro nga matabo pa. Hopefully, Luzurriaga will come back to Iloilo Businessworld. He's got a good vision, and I admire him in the past. Sayang nga lang ang natabo eh. It would be nice to see him back in "business as usual" one of these days.

habagatcentral1

December 15th, 2007, 08:59 AM

what's with the title? he he. That was ages ago pa. I think our focus should not by regaining same title but creating a new one appropriate to our present vision. Iloilo City was once the Queen City and it was undisputedly given by our Spanish forefathers, no contest whatsoever. If ever we've lost it (so we say) then let's blame it to our local government in the past. But right now, we are doing well. In fact, everyone in the city and province are greatly inspired with all the achievements.

Actually we cannot say that the "crown" can be taken. Again, its "mission-vision" statement. A true progress cannot be measured alone by infrastructure, but also of social services. Actually, some nacionalistas want that title La Muy Leal out of the seal, the Ilonggos responded with a "no", indi lang anay. :D That "taking the crown" inspires us to do more than mediocrity, because it whats keeps us going. Cebu on the other hand has also its vision as a a vibrant Asian City. These visions help us prioritize and do more. It trickles down not with pride but for the sake of our citizens as well, for employment, social security, sustainability, progressiveness and livability. Those are the main targets of each and every city here in the Philippines. To offer better lives to their citizens. :)

Fundador, I've heard that plan before but it looks very vague na siguro nga matabo pa. Hopefully, Luzurriaga will come back to Iloilo Businessworld. He's got a good vision, and I admire him in the past. Sayang nga lang ang natabo eh. It would be nice to see him back in "business as usual" one of these days.

Pero anyway, again the lot that they owned before is "Vacant Lot Ready to be developed anytime". Their contract has expired and therefore can be developed by anyone.

ANyway, KAPIDECO (KAuturang sang PIson DEvelopment COrporation/Company) gali consists almost entirely of Barangay San Rafael. Its aim is to develop the once Pison Hasindas into a commercial hub in Iloilo City since it sits besides Smallville, Megaworld Properties and SM.

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 09:02 AM

perhaps, this is one of the projects RISE is banking on for its green power advocacies. it's indeed very advantageous for the city to have this if materialized! it may seem far fetched for now but with projects like this, the city could perhaps achieved a zero waste management program in the future.
MAYBE. And hopefully this time, they'll get involve with lobbying and persuading the investors rather than a voice from the dessert na lang. It's so unfortunate enough that we only heard the complaints and not the real works, which "me" as citizen would love to see and hear most of the time.

well, all i can say is, we already have dilly dallied for too long! seeing the industrial zones of these places (laguna and batangas) makes me wonder why we cannot have the same when iloilo has very rich human resources. from the academics to skilled industrial artisans, we have it in abindance. and all because of power shortage that our full progress have been held captive!
we did. And I'm glad that there's another sane person to point out this one AGAIN, AGAIN and AGAIN. More than anything else, more groups are thinking out loud for the best of the city. I think it is more humane and practical to reason we need to improve our economy to help others unemployed find jobs rather than becoming a holier than thou. In luring investments, we need investors and we need power stability. It would be an insult to any businesses we're asking to invest if we can't provide power stability. I think Defensor message is very apt to the present. I hope people will hear it and support it, too.

could this be a productive and proactive threesome marriage of the government, the academe, and the business sector? it's not only an economic research center but a business assistance center as well
Good one. This is indeed a very good move. Slowly, we are becoming more and more proactive in helping our industry and economy back in Iloilo. Well done.

habagatcentral1

December 15th, 2007, 09:04 AM

Suggestion to UK-ILonggo based people:

Why don't you make a manifesto supporting "coal power plant" for Iloilo?

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 09:08 AM

By the way, today is Pamukaw. Foot Parade signaling that Dinagyang will commence in a month time. Me and Chy will be at Calle Real later this afternoon.
Post updates here. Photos if possible. Cheers.

habagatcentral1

December 15th, 2007, 09:11 AM

^^ Megs, kon gusto mo mag-offer kamo sang camera sa akon. I just lost my cam yesterday to desperate pickpockets. hehe!! :D

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 09:13 AM

Suggestion to UK-ILonggo based people:

Why don't you make a manifesto supporting "coal power plant" for Iloilo?
i don't think there's an ilonggo organisation here in UK nga nabal-an ko. But yes, we are giving our full support for the construction of coal power plants in Iloilo City and Iloilo Province. Right now, it is what we need and we need to address the pressing issue immediately, I believe.

habagatcentral1

December 15th, 2007, 09:16 AM

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 09:16 AM

^^ Megs, kon gusto mo mag-offer kamo sang camera sa akon. I just lost my cam yesterday to desperate pickpockets. hehe!! :D
why not? I'll ask Wecky and Kirby if we can chip-in para sa digicam. Oks? Btw, I'm sorry about the lost.

habagatcentral1

December 15th, 2007, 09:20 AM

^^ Haha!! You make me smile despite the crisis. Thanks anyway, I think I can make it through. :)

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 09:24 AM

^^ Because, its really a big headache with this periodic blackouts. I have no idea whether it is orchestrated or really is with the supply. As long as we are taken out of the dark, then thats fine for us Ilonggos. :)
amo gid eh. San-o pa ta mahulag? Kung patay na ang kabayo? Ay ambut na lamang sa iban Bernie. Pero indi ko iya ka-intiende sang rason nila. Kay sa subong ang importante may ara kita kuryente. Sila iya, indi man ina sila ka-provide sa aton sang kuryente. Kung mag-browout kay mag-source out sila kuryente sa aton, ti basi pa lang mapati ko sa ila. he he

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 09:25 AM

^^ Haha!! You make me smile despite the crisis. Thanks anyway, I think I can make it through. :)
well, the offer has been made na. Depende lang ina sa imo. PM lang ko kung si Wecky ah. Hambal niya pirmi man siya nagabasa sang SSC. Ambut kung tuod ina? he he.

wildmusic!

December 15th, 2007, 09:26 AM

^^ Megs, kon gusto mo mag-offer kamo sang camera sa akon. I just lost my cam yesterday to desperate pickpockets. hehe!! :D

gee, i'm sorry to hear that bro.. :ohno: i hope that didn't stop you from shooting more pics when you get a new cam.

bisita lang ko di sa thread nyo migs ah. basa lang ko updates :)

habagatcentral1

December 15th, 2007, 09:27 AM

Ay, idugang gali da ang pagkabarato sang kuryente. We have to be competitive when it comes to cheap electricity. MIGEDC has so many plans but it needs the private sector for investment. They are emphasizing on the private sector as an important stakeholder in this business of cities.

@Wildmusic. Thanks! It'll not stop me for taking pix. Manghulam ko anay camera, bwahahaha!!! ANyway, we welcome you here in SSC ILoilo! Have a nice day reading megs! :) Dubiztas rule (ari sila gali di sa December 20 sa Sarabia) :D

wildmusic!

December 15th, 2007, 09:32 AM

@Wildmusic. Thanks! It'll not stop me for taking pix. Manghulam ko anay camera, bwahahaha!!! ANyway, we welcome you here in SSC ILoilo! Have a nice day reading megs! :) Dubiztas rule (ari sila gali di sa December 20 sa Sarabia) :D

hehe thanks! :) aww wala pa gid ko ya ka lantaw ni isa ka live performance nila. wala gid bi time tsk..tsk..tks..

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 09:34 AM

‘GARIN FORMULA’
DA approves innovative
coconut planting project

ILOILO – Secretary Arthur Yap of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved the Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) innovative coconut planting project that seeks to plant 10 million coconut seedlings throughout the country using the most prolific coconut varieties – the OPVs or Open Pollinated Varieties.

The project is the brainchild of PCA Administrator Oscar Garin, culled from his long years of modern farming experience in Guimbal, Iloilo.

Dubbed as the “Garin Formula”, it adopts the participatory and reward system approaches wherein the participating farmers get the following monetary incentives:
a.) P5 for every good seednut sown in their own seedbed and with an identified and ready area for future planting
b.) another P5 for every good seedling at least two feet tall, grown and maintained in the seedbed for five months; and
c.) P20 for every transplanted good seedling three feet tall which was stabilized in the field for five months during the rainy season.

Based on this formula, farmers will earn a minimum of P30 per seedling or P3,000 incentive per hectare. Thus, if they have five hectares to be planted with coconuts, they would get a total of P15,000.

The grant of incentives will be in the form of checks payable to the individual farmers – a transparency mechanism.

The scheme is a great departure from the old system of implementing the project as it eliminates the tedious and more expensive process of nursery operation, polybagging of seedlings, transport and handling of seednuts / seedlings from source to planting site, among others, thereby significantly reducing the cost, said Garin.

The project is doable, practical and caters to the common interests and needs of the farmers in terms of earnings and hunger mitigation, Garin added.

The project would need a total budget of P350 million, enough to cover the development of some 100,000 hectares and is expected to benefit a total of 100,000 farmer-beneficiaries.

The budget would cover incentives for a total 15 million good seednuts sown in the seedbed; 12.5 million good coconut seedlings at least two feet tall grown and maintained in the nursery for five months; 10 million transplanted seedlings three feet tall which were stabilized in the field for five months; and, minimal overhead cost.

In the implementation of the project, timing is of the essence, said Garin.

Based on the PCA’s timetable, by December 2007 to January 2008 farmers must have seednuts sourced from their own farms or in the neighboring farms.

Garin said it is important to source the seednuts during these times as they are actually the product of long rainy season that started in June. Hence, they are considered of good quality.

The seednuts must be laid on the ground before the end of January 2008 to give the ample time for them to germinate and grow vigorously up to June.

By June or July 2008 the seedlings must be transplanted in the field to take advantage of the onset of the rainy season and allow them to grow robustly and stabilize up to December so that they can survive the onset of the dry season the following year.

The project is expected to boost the coconut production, generating a total of 400,000 metric tons (MT) copra equivalent starting on the sixth up to the 10th year. It could also generate income for the industry totaling to P6 billion.

Yap also approved in principle the funds amounting to P100 million that would be sourced from the Coconut Industry Investment Fund or CIIF through its Chief Executive Office and President, Danilo M. Coronacion, to jumpstart the implementation of the project this 2008. They are set to launch the project in January 2008.

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

habagatcentral1

December 15th, 2007, 09:35 AM

^^ Bisan ako man. I have no time seeing them perform live. I'll just compensate that with their CDs, wahehehe!!! :D

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 11:59 AM

i don't think there's an ilonggo organisation here in UK nga nabal-an ko. But yes, we are giving our full support for the construction of coal power plants in Iloilo City and Iloilo Province. Right now, it is what we need and we need to address the pressing issue immediately, I believe.

well, at least, across the board na ang support for clean coal. from big to small businesses. from politicians across party lines (i think) to the ordinary citizens.

daks2003

December 15th, 2007, 01:47 PM

Even the owner nagapang hakroy na kuno becoz of their dismal sales. That's the problem with a lot of businessmen right now....if you want to copy some other people's idea, you have to give the market a much better alternative. Price alone will not give you an edge.

Ilogon na lang bi nila si Mang Inasal nga gahatag binalde nga libre hehehe

:wave:

* sorry to hear BERNIES misfortune kahapon. :( at least for now, wala ka pics nga iplagiarize sang mga local dailies :lol:

* kahapon gale kadlaw ako kay naglunch kami sa FIESTA SARAP :lol: the interioes looked festive, bright colors clashing with each other nga daw banderitas sang fiesta. what can is say about the experience?
- the ambiance was quite subdued, indi fiesta :lol: daw sort of fine dining pero ang gina kaon mo less than that.well it depends on the time of the day
- its a self service resto just like the others. the staff were very friendly
- they sort of combined what can be eaten in separate restos in la salette.
- namit ang ila nga spareribs pero their batchoy was :ohno: ang chicken nila daw mang inasal man kadaku.
- price is somewhat of the same range.kahapon bisan it was lunch time where customers were overflowing sa iban nga resto sa tupad, they had a good crowd pero mga half of its capacity.
- they need to be more aggressive sa campaign nila bisan dira lang sa sagwa. I HATE THEIR RADIO AD :lol:

daks2003

December 15th, 2007, 01:48 PM

maybe you can start with CPUAA

i don't think there's an ilonggo organisation here in UK nga nabal-an ko. But yes, we are giving our full support for the construction of coal power plants in Iloilo City and Iloilo Province. Right now, it is what we need and we need to address the pressing issue immediately, I believe.

daks2003

December 15th, 2007, 01:54 PM

A potential of 500+ shooters will be arriving, mga alalay nila wala pa da na include. Hotels will be very happy with this and mga kalan-an.

for sure the gun association of iloilo will have a field day watching this

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 02:47 PM

^^how many days is this shooting contest?

daks2003

December 15th, 2007, 03:24 PM

http://www.ppsanationals2007.com/match%20sched.html

According to this site, its from Jan14 to 19. Actually indi lang ni local shooters...there would be competitors from the US,Australia, and other Asian countries. This is a major shooting event where the Philippine Team for the Worldshoot in Bali, Indonesia would be announced.

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 03:37 PM

^^if im not mistaken, philippine shooters are one of the world's best! im sure they'll very much be in the thick of the fight! go philippines! thanks for the info!:)

daks2003

December 15th, 2007, 03:48 PM

^^^^
Yups. Nelson Uygongco(The Master) is the current World Shoot-Off Champ for the Modified and the current top Standard shooter in the National Team, he is the only Filipino Shooter who holds 5 Championship for all the division- Open,Modified,Production,Standard,Revolver. Philip Chua is Asia's Revolver King and the current world number 4 in the same category. Emil Jardeleza is the top Production Division shooter in the country today and could be the next World Champion for Production coz this kid is virtually unbeatable. --> basically, Iloilo is the Team to Beat for this Competition. :)

eonynx

December 15th, 2007, 03:59 PM

^^they're all ilonggos, i suppose! good luck na lng sa iloilo and the whole philippine team for that matter! i wonder if my schoolmate from roxas, capiz who is also a member of his city's gun association will participate in this competition! i hope the home court advantage and not home court jitters will work to their advantage!:lol:

daks2003

December 15th, 2007, 04:14 PM

^^^^Yups...puro gid na mga Ilonggo.

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 07:00 PM

maybe you can start with CPUAA
i don't think CPUAA-UK will give much support about the issue of coal plants in Iloilo. The Association is binded by by-laws and regulations, which simply focused itself of helping with the development of CPU and CPU alumni. Even the Federation of CPUAA-Europe (main in Europe based in Sweden with Dr Regalado) or CPUAA Global (based in US with Mrs Londres) will not give a go signal on issues like this. If it is purely of CPU in nature, maybe CPUAA Global will have a bigger force, just like the time when CPU wanted to buy West Negros College, with all alumni abroad disapproved the plan, hence, the admin/corp has to cancel it.

whyte

December 15th, 2007, 07:05 PM

^^food trip talaga si whyte, ikaw na cguro ang official food correspondent ng SSC-iloilo, hehehe

:lol:
i just love sharing information and taking pics and sharing them
come to htink of it 90% are food photos :banana:

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 07:11 PM

well, at least, across the board na ang support for clean coal. from big to small businesses. from politicians across party lines (i think) to the ordinary citizens.
that's why I'm very glad for the info dissemination that's happening in Iloilo and the media. I hope to see more and more Iloilo-based groups supporting the construction of coal plants in Iloilo with clean technology. Let's not close our mind to the idea of new technology, etc. Iloilo needs coal plants at present for its continuous development and in the future. In saying this, we also open to welcome all other forms of energy provider who are all willing to invest in Iloilo as well, be it diesel, renewable, nuclear, and all others.

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 07:15 PM

A potential of 500+ shooters will be arriving, mga alalay nila wala pa da na include. Hotels will be very happy with this and mga kalan-an.

http://www.ppsanationals2007.com/match%20sched.html

According to this site, its from Jan14 to 19. Actually indi lang ni local shooters...there would be competitors from the US,Australia, and other Asian countries. This is a major shooting event where the Philippine Team for the Worldshoot in Bali, Indonesia would be announced.

^^^^
Yups. Nelson Uygongco(The Master) is the current World Shoot-Off Champ for the Modified and the current top Standard shooter in the National Team, he is the only Filipino Shooter who holds 5 Championship for all the division- Open,Modified,Production,Standard,Revolver. Philip Chua is Asia's Revolver King and the current world number 4 in the same category. Emil Jardeleza is the top Production Division shooter in the country today and could be the next World Champion for Production coz this kid is virtually unbeatable. --> basically, Iloilo is the Team to Beat for this Competition. :)
another thing to look forward to before Dinagyang Festival. I reviewed the site and voila, aside from this national event, they are also promoting three things in Panay - AtiAtihan in Kalibo, Boracay and Dinagyang in Iloilo. Indeed, a very good promotional idea for national and international shooters who will take part in all the games. Well, to all, welcome to Iloilo, the Heart of the Philippines.

whyte

December 15th, 2007, 07:16 PM

i wonder if dulgies will serve fruitcakes this christmas?

si CHY ang insider naton sa dulgies :lol:

whyte

December 15th, 2007, 07:26 PM

i actually agree with you, whyte. I kept on reviewing the videos and the more I watched them, the more i realised that it's more of a docu-presentation rather than promotion. The "Hala Bira ILOILO" song video by the city government tops my list of fave of the four but it could be better pa tani. However, I'm glad that the city government is doing what they can to make these video clips for Iloilo.

Hala Bira gid !:banana:

actually, the song is really good. very catchy and it really captures the "spirit" of Dinagyang :banana::banana:

i hope it gets more airplays not only locally but also nationwide though medyo mabudlay ina.hopefully mr. florete can help us with this one thru his am and fm stations.and maybe the lopezes through abs cbn/studio23/others

documentaries are also good promotional videos but they have a target audience, IMO.

but i have to commend the tourism people for having these videos shown on cablestar and skycable :banana::banana:
hopefully, they can be shown sa airport if there is a tourism booth, or monitor sa departure area just like the old mandurriao airport.

im sure national tv stations will have their features on Iloilo by the time dinagyang nears and hopefully these videos can reach them

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 07:29 PM

Actually we cannot say that the "crown" can be taken. Again, its "mission-vision" statement. A true progress cannot be measured alone by infrastructure, but also of social services. Actually, some nacionalistas want that title La Muy Leal out of the seal, the Ilonggos responded with a "no", indi lang anay. :D That "taking the crown" inspires us to do more than mediocrity, because it whats keeps us going. Cebu on the other hand has also its vision as a a vibrant Asian City. These visions help us prioritize and do more. It trickles down not with pride but for the sake of our citizens as well, for employment, social security, sustainability, progressiveness and livability. Those are the main targets of each and every city here in the Philippines. To offer better lives to their citizens. :)
i would say no as well if they'll planning to take the "La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo" in our city seal as well. That imprint was there ages ago and it shouts for history. Although there's a bias of our great support to Spain but it played as part of our history. The seal will not be there if Iloilo City is not the Spain's last city in Asia. Historically, it means so much and I hope everytime we see that line in our seal will remind us to go back to the history where Iloilo played a major role in Philippine economy in the past.

Pero anyway, again the lot that they owned before is "Vacant Lot Ready to be developed anytime". Their contract has expired and therefore can be developed by anyone.

ANyway, KAPIDECO (KAuturang sang PIson DEvelopment COrporation/Company) gali consists almost entirely of Barangay San Rafael. Its aim is to develop the once Pison Hasindas into a commercial hub in Iloilo City since it sits besides Smallville, Megaworld Properties and SM.
i have the inkling that SM or any other national company will take interest in buying the land that used to be the site of Iloilo Corporate Center. There might be some negotiations ongoing right now that we don't know. But I have a very positive vibe that it was taken already by one company. :)

Any idea what's KAPIDECO plan/s? Aside form the company donating a 7-hectare piece of land to Ateneo de Iloilo, I never heard any plan development of Pisons in Iloilo. Anyhow, looking forward for any, just in case, in the future.

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 07:33 PM

actually, the song is really good. very catchy and it really captures the "spirit" of Dinagyang :banana::banana:

i hope it gets more airplays not only locally but also nationwide though medyo mabudlay ina.hopefully mr. florete can help us with this one thru his am and fm stations.and maybe the lopezes through abs cbn/studio23/others

documentaries are also good promotional videos but they have a target audience, IMO.

but i have to commend the tourism people for having these videos shown on cablestar and skycable :banana::banana:
hopefully, they can be shown sa airport if there is a tourism booth, or monitor sa departure area just like the old mandurriao airport.

im sure national tv stations will have their features on Iloilo by the time dinagyang nears and hopefully these videos can reach them
that's right. Videos can be played in Iloilo Airport Tourism Information Area, all major malls in the city, Regional Tourism Office, Provincial Tourism Office in Capitol, etc. We need to be aggressive with our promotion of Dinagyang. Remember, Dinagyang Festival is not only bringing Filipinos across the archipelago to Iloilo but the world is watching Dinayang Festival as it continuous to promote the United Nations Millenium Development Goals.

Hala Bira ILOILO ! :banana::banana::banana::banana:

whyte

December 15th, 2007, 07:46 PM

here we go again, discussing about our lost title and getting it back :lol:

cant we get over with it?
its makes us as if we cant move on without that title

whyte

December 15th, 2007, 07:51 PM

that's right. Videos can be played in Iloilo Airport Tourism Information Area, all major malls in the city, Regional Tourism Office, Provincial Tourism Office in Capitol, etc. We need to be aggressive with our promotion of Dinagyang. Remember, Dinagyang Festival is not only bringing Filipinos across the archipelago to Iloilo but the world is watching Dinayang Festival as it continuous to promote the United Nations Millenium Development Goals.

Hala Bira ILOILO ! :banana::banana::banana::banana:

will Dinagyang 2008 be the first dinagyang after being included in the UN pogram?
hopefully we can ask for assistance

yup. its great to see videos/info etc all about a place upon your arrivla to that said place thru airports/piers etc.and hopefully not only this dinagyang but also year round.

whyte

December 15th, 2007, 08:16 PM

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 08:27 PM

will Dinagyang 2008 be the first dinagyang after being included in the UN pogram?
hopefully we can ask for assistance

yup. its great to see videos/info etc all about a place upon your arrivla to that said place thru airports/piers etc.and hopefully not only this dinagyang but also year round.

Nope. 2007 Dinagyang or 2006 Dinagyang, I guess. The United Nations spared 500,000 pesos last year to support Dinagyang Festival, being the only festival recognised by UN to promote its MDGs worldwide. Remember when Dinagyang performed in Nepal during UN Convention? UN, will surely shed some amount this year again for Dinagyang promotion. And I hope we will live up to UN's expectations.

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 08:30 PM

here we go again, discussing about our lost title and getting it back :lol:

cant we get over with it?
its makes us as if we cant move on without that title
he he. I don't know why either. That title doesn't suit Iloilo anymore. It aged already ... he he. Iloilo, for me, is the Heart of the Philippines, today. Past title is a thing of the past already. Remember the misnomer? Iloilo is not the queen city of the south BUT the Queen's City of the South during Spanish regime. Anyhow, a good think to look back at times, and I'm sure that there's a lot of things we can learn from it. :):cheers:

spacewagon1

December 15th, 2007, 08:42 PM

Executive Summary 2006
Written by Monitoring & Evaluation Section, PPDO
Sunday, 09 December 2007

The Annual Accomplishment Report for CY 2006 indicated the accomplishment of the Province of Iloilo under the administration of Governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr. The accomplishments of different sectors were focused on the achievement based on the 9 priority governance agenda of the administration, mainly enhanced agriculture and aquaculture production, environmental protection and conservation, maintain peace and order, increase job generation through entrepreneurship development, adoption of the latest state of the art information technology, energize the Iloilo Provincial Government Organization and broaden participation of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Associations (CSAs) and the private sector.

Under the Economic Services, Agriculture sector focused on the intensified agriculture and aquaculture production as its strategic direction. For CY 2006, the Province targeted to surpass passed years production and maintain its position as top 3 leading producers of rice in the whole country.

The Iloilo Province with its agri-based economy performed better compared to other provinces in agricultural sector . Under crop sector, Iloilo ranked 4th in Rice Production for CY 2005 and 4th place in CY 2006 in the entire country despite the unfavorable weather condition combined with pests infestations. Corn was produced as feedgrains and Iloilo had a national awardee in the person of Ms. Florita Villanueva from San Dionisio, as an outstanding quality corn farmer.

The successful and well-attended National Mango Congress with approximately 600 participants held last May 2006, placed Iloilo in the international map as a producer of sweet mango. Fruits like mangoes, bananas and pineapples were produced not only for local consumption but for export market as well as part of Banana and Mango Development Program.

Promotion and development of cutflower is another area the Province is focusing its investment, as a potential source of high income and quick return on investments for farmers. In line with this, a National Floriculture Congress was conducted last November with about 250 participants nationwide.

Poultry and livestock sub-sector continuously provided Iloilo Province with a sizeable volume of quality meat for domestic consumption. We have outstanding provincial achieves for large ruminant animal raiser and small animal raiser, in the person of Mr. Uldarico Tiongson of Cabatuan and Mr. Thomas Sinense of Balasan, respectively.

At present, Iloilo considered a dairy zone with state of art milk processing plant produced 105,478 liters of milk with 36,286.29 liters sold to commercial market. The Provincial Dairy Project implemented in 28 barangays had 404 heads of cattle providing milk for nutrition and income generating project.

Iloilo had been active with Canine Rabies Prevention and Control Program with the vaccination of 115,236 dogs and construction of billboards and reproduction of brochures regarding anti-rabies campaign info.

Under the Environment and Natural Resources sub-sector, data showed that in CY 2005, Iloilo's total forest area had only 12.9% cover left. As part of environmental protection and conservation, the promotion of sustainable environmental management was facilitated with delineation of 13 sub-watershed areas and reactivation of various watershed councils. Project Greening included nursery development with 232,530 seedlings for production and 122,164 seedlings for distribution, tree planting and greening of highways. Cleanliness and greening of Province had been maintained. Iloilo had been consistently a regional winner since CY 2002 in Cleanest and Greenest Province in the entire country.

The sub-sector on Trade and Industry is one of the priority areas for investment. The issue on lack of employment or job opportunities had been addressed with the implementation of programs and project geared towards promotion of investments, livelihood opportunities and skills development on entrepreneurship. Under Livelihood development, 25 cooperative associations with 2,500 members availed loan assistance in the amount of P5.55 Million. The ITLDC was strengthened with the conduct of 13 technology trainings for 581 participants, advocacy program to 28 LGU coops. The Province also supported the GMA Nutri Plant Project Supports Services to enhance multi plant products and generate local job opportunities.

The promotion of alliances and clustering of contiguous municipalities were facilitated through the financial assistance to Provincial Watershed and Watershed Boards organized by Provincial Watershed Management Board.

The sub-sector on Tourism showed a marked increase in tourists arrival from CY 2003 to 42% in CY 2006. Tourism development was promoted to develop Iloilo as a multi-faceted tourist destination. Formulated was Ten Year Provincial Tourism Development Plan and participation in 8 local and international events. Also documented on video were 33 municipalities corresponding sites and destinations and 27 festivals.

Under the Social Services Sector, direction towards promotion of better health nutrition and other basic services was accomplished. Iloilo Province improved a lot in their hospital services as part of its commitment to sustain effective and efficient health and welfare services. Amended users fee were implemented in all district hospitals and 1 Provincial hospital. As a result, services were improved such as laboratory services, nursing services and ancillary services in addition to infrastructure support facilities and services. Hospital reforms for quality assurance were improved with consultative, advocacy and skills training for health personnel. Healthcare financing (Medicare Para sa Masa) had benefited 38,614 families province wide as part of its strategic direction to increase coverage for health care financing, Drug Management insured us 40% less cost for drug with safe storage and pooled procurement and consignment of medicine for provincial and District hospital pharmacies.

In the area of Nutrition Program, Iloilo was awarded as the Most Outstanding Nutrition Program in the country for CY 2006 by Nestle Philippines and a Regional Awardee CY 2006 Nutrition Program. Milk Supplementation program benefited 2,891 malnourished children while Nutri Mix Feeding Program benefited 2,200 children. There was a remarkable decrease in the prevalence of malnutrition in CY 2006 compared to CY 2005 among the pre-school children (0-71 mos.). There was a .28 decrease in below normal very low nutrition status and 1.57 decrease in below normal low nutrition status and 1.7% in total combined BNVL/BNL status for CY 2006.

Under the sub-sector Welfare Services, Iloilo Province was a national awardee as a Best Performing LGU in the implementation management of Early Childhood Development Project. In the municipal level, Concepcion and new Lucena were Provincial awardees of Child Friendly Municipalities and nominees to Regional Level Awards.

As part of its commitment to strongly support the education sector through education and skills development, school building facilities and equipment were greatly improved. SEF appropriations for CY 2006 was P40,734,000.00 allotted for 548 projects such as day care centers, health centers, water systems, streetlights, drainage canals and other financial assistance. Sports Development Program was actively pursued with the hosting of national football competition and local sports competition for 140 participants. Provision for scholarship program was pursued through Iskolar sang Iloilo Program which produced 42 scholars from various universities.

Maintaining peace and order was focused mainly in curbing illegal drugs, activities and criminalities. Iloilo was still firm in its drive as Jueteng-Free Province. Iloilo Rehabilitation Center with new facilities was already transferred to a bigger area in Pototan.

Under the General Public Services, maintenance of effective and efficient provincial government machinery had been achieved through provision for priority infrastructure support were achieved through improvement of roads, bridges and government buildings facilities. The Roads and Bridges Development Program was appropriated P4 Million while the President's Bridge Development Program Phase I, II and III in Lambunao was appropriated P5 Million. Further, a new set of construction equipment/machineries were acquired at cost of P126,737,680.67 for road construction/repair efficiency. The New Iloilo Airport Development Project in Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara is now completed and to be operational by CY 2007. The Province appropriated P20 Million for 535 Community Direct Action Projects (CDAP) and P18.88 Million for 312 Provincial Barangay Based Social Development Assistance Projects (PBBSDAP) to immediately respond to the needs of rural areas.

Strengthened and maintained effective linkage, collaborating and networking with NGOs CSAs, and POs were greatly encouraged by the Provincial Government. These organizations were funded by British Embassy, World Bank and foreign donors in Transparency and Accountability in governance, development planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Maintenance of information accessibility and development and other decision support systems were achieved through Geographic Information System (GIS) and Websites launching of the Province and Municipalities. Monitoring and Evaluation was improved with ICODE partnership through implementation of Transparency and Accountability in Governance project funded by British Embassy.

Promotion and maintenance of effective and efficient fiscal management was achieved through its Revenue Generation and Fiscal Management Program with the conduct of 21 sales of Delinquent Real Properties at Public Auction province wide and RPTACS computerization program and Revenue Audit in 42 municipalities. Real Property Assessment Program revised assessment of all real properties province wide and conducted Tax Wrapping Operation.

Establishment of Public Enterprise was accomplished through its Public Enterprise Development wherein, 150,000 walk-in clients benefited and total revenue of P3,225,918.50 from cash tickets, rentals and facilities were earned by the Province. Also additional sports facilities and 8 hostel rooms were constructed and 3 years Sports Development Plan was formulated.

source: Province of Iloilo Official Website (http://www.iloilo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=455&Itemid=1)

IMPRESARIO

December 16th, 2007, 02:50 AM

^^practically the same as last years report by the Governor,IMO.

daks2003

December 16th, 2007, 04:42 AM

Don't worry...indi ko na kilala o paryente ang tag iya sang fiest sarap :lol::lol::lol: You are telling the truth about what you experienced kay i know people who also "dared" to try the establishment :lol::lol:

you seem to have a lot of info re: fiesta sarap ah :lol:
cguro i may have lambasted fiesta sarap before, sa la comida ilongga thread, i actually tried them.cguro i may tone down a bit pero i would still maintain they will be the first to leave la salette :lol:

so try them now before its too late :lol:

eonynx

December 16th, 2007, 09:23 AM

si CHY ang insider naton sa dulgies :lol:

well, the thing is, i'm not really a cake person but fruitcakes are quite an exception!:)

eonynx

December 16th, 2007, 09:34 AM

i don't think CPUAA-UK will give much support about the issue of coal plants in Iloilo. The Association is binded by by-laws and regulations, which simply focused itself of helping with the development of CPU and CPU alumni. Even the Federation of CPUAA-Europe (main in Europe based in Sweden with Dr Regalado) or CPUAA Global (based in US with Mrs Londres) will not give a go signal on issues like this. If it is purely of CPU in nature, maybe CPUAA Global will have a bigger force, just like the time when CPU wanted to buy West Negros College, with all alumni abroad disapproved the plan, hence, the admin/corp has to cancel it.

well, the thing is, even if it's just a de facto support and not official in nature among many of our ilonggo ofws, that would still count. it would still put pressure on our government and concerned society to push through with this positive and environmnetally sound project.

chymera00

December 16th, 2007, 10:04 AM

New PAL Office

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/2113843337_f363a16da4.jpg

New Standalone McDonald's

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2396/2113843211_891aaf2b6e.jpg

Leganes Municipal Hall during Christmas

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2236/2113843053_9ca0062f0e.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/2113842897_3ae15aa353.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/2113842819_6fd52a10be.jpg

Iloilo: A Rich and Noble Land Book by Lopez Foundation

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/2114619434_ab596b1887.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2168/2113842219_7d0245a855.jpg

New Nes and Tat's Underconstruction

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2002/2113842413_d7380ab749.jpg

IMPRESARIO

December 16th, 2007, 12:37 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/2114619434_ab596b1887.jpg
I'm eager to get a copy of this book, after all, only a very few places in the country have such a posh and well put up na coffee table book. :okay:

IMPRESARIO

December 16th, 2007, 12:40 PM

habagatcentral1

December 16th, 2007, 12:44 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/2114619434_ab596b1887.jpg
I'm eager to get a copy of this book, after all only a very few places in the country have such a posh and well put up na coffee table book. :okay:

Log on to www.metrozines.com (http://www.metrozines.com) to get information on how to buy a book for US-based customers. :)

^^re:the PAL office,that's the old TongYangs place right?
Where's that Mickey D's located?

Old TongYang is the new office for PAL.
McDo (as we dearly call it here, bwahaha!!) is located along E.Lopez Street, within vicinity of Iloilo Mission Hospital-Lopez/Luna St junction. :)

IMPRESARIO

December 16th, 2007, 12:49 PM

^^malapit lang ba ito sa Jollibee E. Lopez berns?

habagatcentral1

December 16th, 2007, 12:54 PM

^^ Layo because Jolibee E.Lopez sits in the corner of Jalandoni-E.Lopez (tupad sang Sanson-Montinola Ancestral House) dason ang McDo, ara lang lapit sa DonBenito kag Mission Hospital Junction (laban-laban ang icater nila nga market ya students sang National High, WVSU, ISAT kag mga ara sa hospital sang DonBenito kag Mission) :D

SamwiseGamgee

December 16th, 2007, 12:55 PM

9 Mornings of Devotion (http://simpliving.blogspot.com/2007/12/simbang-gabi-heralding-christmas.html)

At around four o’clock this morning, the Christmas season in the Philippines will be ushered in by a uniquely Filipino Christmas tradition, the Simbang Gabi or dawn mass...

... Let us all partake in the celebration of the Simbang Gabi, whether physically or otherwise, and whether you are in a familiar neighborhood in the Philippines, in a posh condo in America, or in the lonely deserts of Arabia. Let us all share the spirit of Christmas.

Merry Christmas! Maligayang Pasko! Malipayon nga Paskwa sa aton tanan!

habagatcentral1

December 16th, 2007, 12:56 PM

^^ Yupyup. It started this morning. With all the bingka and the cool breeze is all around us and yes my favorite, the singing of Latin songs in the duration of the 9 mornings mass. :okay:

zhock2001

December 16th, 2007, 01:03 PM

IMPRESARIO

December 16th, 2007, 01:04 PM

IMPRESARIO

December 16th, 2007, 01:11 PM

im coming home this weekend! wooohooo! so excited to see the changes in iloilo!
btw, does anyone know how much a ticket to dinagyang in freedom grandstand costs?? are there available tickets by now? heheh!

^^ a thousand probably or more, we bought additional tickets from our brgy. captain, libre kasi yung sa kanila, so ibinenta nila sa amin. We also have free complimentary tickets. You have to get your tickets early because that is the most demand area during Dinagyang. damo pa give aways and food, last time i think McDo or Jollibee ang guin pang hatag nila sa Freedom grandstand audience. :)

habagatcentral1

December 16th, 2007, 01:21 PM

im coming home this weekend! wooohooo! so excited to see the changes in iloilo!
btw, does anyone know how much a ticket to dinagyang in freedom grandstand costs?? are there available tickets by now? heheh!

May masugat sa imo bai? Hehe!! Basi wala man ko guro sa Iloilo by X'mas weekend. I might be by New Year (my Lola is insisting me to go back to Iloilo as soon as X'mas ends, hay) :D

^^is this infront of JD's then? yung may kalye papasok sa NG review center?

Huo. Amo na. Sa atubang JD Jaro. :D

Anyway, some restos/cafes that opened over the weekend. Pasensya na lang kay wala na ko camera (God bless for those who stole it!)

1.) Goldilocks SM Delgado
2.) Figaro SM City Iloilo (outdoor type cafe within the mall)
3.) Dapit by Breakthrough Restaurant at La Sallete Building

iloilocitykid

December 16th, 2007, 03:15 PM

^^ There's a plan to have Goldilocks in Robinson's...is this true bai?

habagatcentral1

December 16th, 2007, 03:16 PM

^^ Not sure about that though but I'm sure that there's one at SM City.

iloilocitykid

December 16th, 2007, 03:18 PM

^^ Great :) My friend said it's already being constructed at Rob. Let's wait for the updates

lewdsaint

December 16th, 2007, 03:27 PM

It might be true because of this.........

GOLDILOCKS IN PAVIA

JUST three days after the inauguration of the P88-Million Parc Regency Clubhouse, gym and swimming pool along Mayor Felix H. Gorriceta Avenue in Pavia, Iloilo, another multi-million peso private investment was blessed in the progressive municipality!

Goldilocks, owned by Harvest Wheat Bakeshop, opened its commissary in Pavia to serve Western Visayas outlets.

Goldilocks has over 200 outlets in the Philippines and the US.
Happy gid si Mayor Cadio Gorriceta. More than 80 Pavianhons were immediately employed!

More power!

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

habagatcentral1

December 16th, 2007, 03:28 PM

^^ Daw wala ko kabalo sina. Kadtuan ko na lang bwas guro. Right now I need to go to the nearest clinic....

IMPRESARIO

December 16th, 2007, 03:35 PM

So, tanan nila nga cakes/pastries in Iloilo/Bacolod branches halin sa Pavia? cool! :okay:

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 03:55 PM

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/bannerphoto1216.JPG

Members of Tribu Paghidaet of the La Paz National High School give Ilonggos a sample of their performance for the upcoming Dinagyang 2008 during the Pamukaw Saturday. The Daily Guardian, Maxipeel and Vitress are supporting Tribu Paghidaet.(FAA)

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

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 03:59 PM

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/IMdinagyang.JPG

FIRST BANG !
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas beats a drum to signal the opening of the Dinagyang 2008 season during the Pamukaw of competing tribes Saturday. (FAA)

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

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 04:04 PM

$35T grant for city OFWs
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

FAMILIES of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Iloilo City will undergo a computer literacy program starting January next year, an initiative of Vice-mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

He explained the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has provided its counterpart of office space for the venue of computer training.

Mabilog has gotten the nod of computer giant Microsoft Philippines which approved the assistance of $25,000 out of the total $35,705 to be used for the purchase of software and computer units for the program to equip recipients the technology skills.

“The 40-hour training on basic computer applications and Internet will be handled by a team from Western Visayas College of Science and Technology for some 850 beneficiaries. This is one of my regular programs for OFWs,” he told reporters.

Last year, the vice-mayor initiated the putting up of OFWs’ help desk where they and their families could raise their concerns and seek support.

Citing his version of “OFWs’ Month,” Mabilog said he will hold a Christmas party cum medical mission at his residence to some 200 OFWs and their families on Dec. 20.

He added the event will be highlighted by “OWWA Wish” of P25,000 to be awarded to a very poor returning OFW identified by the Department of Social welfare and Development (DSWD) for them to start a sari-sari store business.

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

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 04:12 PM

^^re:the PAL office,that's the old TongYangs place right?
Where's that Mickey D's located?

Log on to www.metrozines.com (http://www.metrozines.com) to get information on how to buy a book for US-based customers. :)

Old TongYang is the new office for PAL.
McDo (as we dearly call it here, bwahaha!!) is located along E.Lopez Street, within vicinity of Iloilo Mission Hospital-Lopez/Luna St junction. :)
pardon for my ignorance pero diin dampi ang old TongYang's [lace nga ini? I haven't been to that resto (or whatever) before so I have no slightest idea gid. Please provide more info. Thanks.

^^malapit lang ba ito sa Jollibee E. Lopez berns?

^^ Layo because Jolibee E.Lopez sits in the corner of Jalandoni-E.Lopez (tupad sang Sanson-Montinola Ancestral House) dason ang McDo, ara lang lapit sa DonBenito kag Mission Hospital Junction (laban-laban ang icater nila nga market ya students sang National High, WVSU, ISAT kag mga ara sa hospital sang DonBenito kag Mission) :D

Seems like McDo is starting to become more and more aggressive as other competitiors in the market of Iloilo City and the metro region resurfaced. For this year alone or starting last year, few Mc Donalds including those small stores in Iloilo Doctor's College vicinity and CPU area were realised. I hope to hear more updates from increasing number of fastfood chains across Iloilo.

eonynx

December 16th, 2007, 04:13 PM

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 04:14 PM

May masugat sa imo bai? Hehe!! Basi wala man ko guro sa Iloilo by X'mas weekend. I might be by New Year (my Lola is insisting me to go back to Iloilo as soon as X'mas ends, hay) :D

Huo. Amo na. Sa atubang JD Jaro. :D

Anyway, some restos/cafes that opened over the weekend. Pasensya na lang kay wala na ko camera (God bless for those who stole it!)

1.) Goldilocks SM Delgado
2.) Figaro SM City Iloilo (outdoor type cafe within the mall)
3.) Dapit by Breakthrough Restaurant at La Sallete Building

^^ There's a plan to have Goldilocks in Robinson's...is this true bai?

^^ Not sure about that though but I'm sure that there's one at SM City.

^^ Great :) My friend said it's already being constructed at Rob. Let's wait for the updates
that's a very quick expansion IMO? Three stores for less than six months? Wow ! :banana::banana::banana:

eonynx

December 16th, 2007, 04:16 PM

^^if im not mistaken, that was an empty lot before- the place right across JD jaro.

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 04:17 PM

what about? The old TongYang's place?

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 04:22 PM

It might be true because of this.........

^^ Daw wala ko kabalo sina. Kadtuan ko na lang bwas guro. Right now I need to go to the nearest clinic....
maybe, Lew. What really makes it good is that Pavia is now creating a good market for investments, not only for Iloilo, but the whole Panay and Western Visayas region. I would really love to see Pavia as seat of regional industries and distribution center, not because it is RAIC but because Pavia provides a very good alternative area to all businessmen and investors in putting investments in the region next to Iloilo City. I think more and more industries will relocate in Pavia soon.

eonynx

December 16th, 2007, 04:22 PM

im not familiar with tongyangs!:)

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 04:27 PM

eonynx

December 16th, 2007, 04:29 PM

^^i think it's another pharmacy. it's still like a store but i dont know whats the name or who is managing it.

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 04:29 PM

great capture!:)
that's right. And it's all in pink. I haven't known that The Guardian Iloilo is supporting Tribu Paghidaet?

Do we have the list of competing tribes already for Dinagyang 2008?

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 04:30 PM

^^i think it's another pharmacy. it's still like a store but i dont know whats the name or who is managing it.
ok. I hope it's a pharmacy-cum-grocery store as well like the set-up in the past. Sayang ang LaBotica dira and Jollibee sang una.

eonynx

December 16th, 2007, 04:31 PM

^^if there's a list, i haven't seen it. all i know, there are 20 competing tribes for next year's competition

eonynx

December 16th, 2007, 04:33 PM

ok. I hope it's a pharmacy-cum-grocery store as well like the set-up in the past. Sayang ang LaBotica dira and Jollibee sang una.

imo, they have a better set up right now because of the presence of two pharmacies catering to the needs of the wvsu hospital. i think one of the pharmacies there is mercury drug. but im not sure. yes, they still have groceries adjacent to one of the drugstores

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 04:35 PM

^^if there's a list, i haven't seen it. all i know, there are 20 competing tribes for next year's competition
that's good. We don't know either whether the 20 competing tribes will be peforming in Ati-Ati contest or this includes the Kasadyahan s well. Anyhow, we'll keep on eye for the updates.

spacewagon1

December 16th, 2007, 04:36 PM

imo, they have a better set up right now because of the presence of two pharmacies catering to the needs of the wvsu hospital. i think one of the pharmacies there is mercury drug. but im not sure. yes, they still have groceries adjacent to one of the drugstores
that's a good one then. Thanks for the info, eonynx.

eonynx

December 16th, 2007, 04:38 PM

^^the last time i've seen the hospital, there's a render regarding its proposed expansion. this is for both the medical arts building and the hospital itself. i don't know if this has already been started

oboi

December 16th, 2007, 05:39 PM

ah ok. I'm not too familiar with some restos etc around the city pero kung ihambal lang kung diin siya malapit or giving good point of reference, I'm sure ma-picture out ko pa.

Btw, ano na nagbulos sa old SM/LaBotica dira sa atubang sang Don Benito?

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/12mercury.jpg
Pic taken last April 25, 2007

pakiconfirm na lang sa mga pinalangga ta nga forumers nga ara sa Iloilo kun amo man gihapon ang nahamtang sa daan nga pwesto ka La Botica.

death327

December 16th, 2007, 10:47 PM

chymera00

December 16th, 2007, 11:09 PM

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/12mercury.jpg
Pic taken last April 25, 2007

pakiconfirm na lang sa mga pinalangga ta nga forumers nga ara sa Iloilo kun amo man gihapon ang nahamtang sa daan nga pwesto ka La Botica.
Mercury Drug Store and Liquir Barn is still there but M2M is already replaced by a Korean Grocery (selling Korean products) between the Korean Grocery and Liquorbarn is a long and narrow pathway leading to I-Zone (a PC station with 21" flat widescreen monitors, fast PCs and internet connection with more than a hundred units. Their rate is only P10/hour).

IMPRESARIO

December 17th, 2007, 12:50 AM

what about? The old TongYang's place?

^^The Old tongYangs was located beside Barracks and the Jeepney Terminal of SM City Mandurriao.

steadyasweroll

December 17th, 2007, 02:49 AM

great developments for goldilocks... hope there's an update on their rob branch... btw ang airphil na office maybe located sa my tijuana ayun...

eonynx

December 17th, 2007, 08:28 AM

^^The Old tongYangs was located beside Barracks and the Jeepney Terminal of SM City Mandurriao.

what became of that barracks establlishment by the way?

eonynx

December 17th, 2007, 08:29 AM

Mercury Drug Store and Liquir Barn is still there but M2M is already replaced by a Korean Grocery (selling Korean products) between the Korean Grocery and Liquorbarn is a long and narrow pathway leading to I-Zone (a PC station with 21" flat widescreen monitors, fast PCs and internet connection with more than a hundred units. Their rate is only P10/hour).

this is what im talking about! to the left of this pharmacy across the street is another pharmacy also

BYAHILO

December 17th, 2007, 08:29 AM

Dinagyang Launching @ the Mall of Asia

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2378/2117297090_7c1dfa6333_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2267/2117281108_4d66bd80ab_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2168/2117281104_33d32d8538_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2179/2117281092_78f0649358_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2410/2117281086_7ebda5f971_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/2117281082_d715796a79_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/2117281068_7878756310_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2152/2116492369_0ea0c2bb28_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/2116492349_db4584759a_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/2116492347_edd2880f59_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/2116492353_46c061ac19_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/2116492365_7c8f39bf8f_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2065/2116492357_b83ea9c9a5.jpg

eonynx

December 17th, 2007, 08:33 AM

^^great pic @eric but i don't like the brown color!

eonynx

December 17th, 2007, 08:41 AM

Dinagyang Launching @ the Mall of Asia
[/IMG]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/2116492347_edd2880f59_o.jpg

[/IMG]

oh, dagoy has many fans!;)

BYAHILO

December 17th, 2007, 08:45 AM

forgot to include captions

those were the foreign dignitaries from the World Peace Festival. They have invited Dinagyang to perform during their program.. wednesday last week

IMPRESARIO

December 17th, 2007, 09:38 AM

brown guid ya? black na lang bla,heheh

lewdsaint

December 17th, 2007, 10:45 AM

IRA of 13 provinces pegged at P1 billion-plus each
12/17/2007 | 04:00 PM

The province of Pangasinan topped the billionaire's league in terms of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for year 2008.

The 2008 IRA of Pangasinan is P1,362,971,958. The provinces of Cebu and Negros Occidental came second and third, respectively, with P1.330 billion and P1.326 billion.

The other members of the billionaire's league are the provinces of Bulacan (P1.183 billion), Quezon (P1.116 billion), Isabela (P1.110 billion), Palawan (1.078 billion), Cavite (P1.053 billion), Batangas (P1.049 billion), Laguna (P1.040 billion), Nueva Ecija (P1.036 billion), Iloilo (P1,003,330,587) and Leyte (P1,003,327,815).

Link : http://www.gmanews.tv/story/73189/IR...lion-plus-each

spacewagon1

December 17th, 2007, 11:13 AM

eric, thanks for the Dinagyang MOA's promotion photos. And like Incongnito, I prefer black as the colour of Dinagyang's warriors rather than brown. But I guess it wouldn't affect much anyway when it comes to performance, nonetheless.

spacewagon1

December 17th, 2007, 11:16 AM

Defensor eyes improvement of city's int'l seaport
By Maricar M. Calubiran

House Majority Floor Leader Arthur Defensor highlighted the city's need to have an international seaport during the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Leaders Summit 2007 last Friday.

Defensor, who was a keynote speaker at the summit, said the international seaport could spur economic development in the city and neighboring towns.

The lawmaker said the existing Iloilo international seaport in Brgy. Loboc, La Paz is "not an international seaport in the real sense of the word." He noted that the Loboc port could only accommodate one vessel at a time.

Defensor vowed to help facilitate the construction of an international seaport in the city.

"There should be an efficient seaport to compliment the airport of international standard. The airport of international standard in Cabatuan is not enough to attract investors," Defensor stressed.

Defensor also said Iloilo City needs to resolve issues on adequate port facilities, power, water, deal with the pollution issues and means of transportation in the island-province of Guimaras before the member towns think of progress and development.

Defensor stressed there should be one clear idea as what the theme of the summit says. The theme of the summit is "The Power of One." Among the MIGEDC member towns are Iloilo, Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Leganes and San Miguel.

On the problem on lack of power, Defensor suggested that those opposing the coal-fired power plant as alternative source of energy for the city should make up their mind. "It is not the time to quarrel but the issue on the lack of power supply should be addressed," he said.

"There is no way that the city could attract investors if we have the most expensive power rate and unreliable power supply," Defensor said.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/12/17/defensor.eyes.improvement.of.citys.intl.seaport.html)

spacewagon1

December 17th, 2007, 11:20 AM

Latin mass to highlight Mandurriao religious fiesta on Jan. 23

A solemn high mass in Latin will highlight the fiesta of Mandurriao parish on January 23, 2008. Rev. Fr. Esperidion Celis, parish priest of Mandurriao, said he wrote Pope Benedict XVI to seek his blessing of the significant religious undertaking.

Celis said the idea of holding the solemn high mass in Latin is in support of the Holy Father's decision to bring back and give wider use of the Latin mass according to the 1962 Rite approved by the Papal Moto Proprio "Summorum Pontificum."

Celis said it would be the first time since the 1960s that the Latin mass will be conducted in the Archdiocese of Jaro and even in the entire country.

The Latin mass will be held after the 2:00 p.m. procession around the plaza on January 23.

The mass, which will be officiated by Msgr. Juanito Tuvilla, will have a Gregorian Chant and traditional Christian hymns like Mozart's "Ave Verum" and Franck's "Panis Angelicus", as well as a polyphonic rendition of the "Messe Solenelle de Ste. Cecile" by Charles Francois Gounod.

Celis said they have invited parishioners from as far as the province of Capiz and Antique to witness the holding of the Latin mass. They have also invited students of Catholic schools in the city to attend the celebration to give them the chance to experience the 1962 Rite in Latin.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/12/17/latin.mass.to.highlight.mandurriao.religious.fiesta.on.jan.23.html)

spacewagon1

December 17th, 2007, 11:23 AM

Paraw Regatta, a symbol of Ilonggo's history, culture—Trompeta
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Department of Tourism (DoT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta viewed Paraw Regatta as a symbol of Ilonggo's history and culture. It manifests the Ilonggo's lifestyle and not just a race among the native outriggers in the strait between Iloilo and island province of Guimaras, he said.

Trompeta said "paraw" (sailboat) is part of Ilonggo's culture and history. Paraw is used as means of livelihood and as means of transportation. People living in the islands particularly in Panubolon Island in Guimaras use paraw to bring their goods in the mainland and transport their children to school. Paraw also served as ambulance to transport the sick to the nearest island and to the hospital.

In last Tuesday's launching of the 2008 Paraw Regatta Festival, Trompeta stressed that next year's theme which is "Iloilo Paraw Flies! Making a Name, Sailing High!" is a significant theme for the activity. It manifests family life, coordination and cooperation among the government and private sector.

Trompeta, who is one of the board of trustees of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation (IPRF), said the ongoing scholarship offered by the foundation to the children of paraw crews is a contribution to family life. The foundation is struggling to gather resources but something good came out with the scholarship program.

He said they will give out prizes to teams that shows cooperation in next year's competition. The foundation will give awards to the group. Sailing a paraw needs a collaborative effort and cooperation from the crews. It needs team effort to sail.

The foundation is expecting a team of five people from Parara, Tigbauan, Camangay, Leganes, Isla de Higantes in Carles and from the different barangays in the island-province of Guimaras to join in the team competition, said Trompeta.

He compared the cooperation of the paraw crews to the cooperation among the local government units and the private sector. Paraw sailing is not just a contest of skill but a coordinated effort from the crews. The Paraw Regatta could not have been successful without the help of both government and private sectors, he added.

"Cooperation spells a difference between success and failure. We should develop team unity and spirit. It is not only a matter of generating income but foster unity in the community. Paraw Regatta is a community," said Trompeta.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/12/17/paraw.regatta.a.symbol.of.ilonggos.history.culture.trompeta.html)

spacewagon1

December 17th, 2007, 11:27 AM

City has great potential to turn waste into energy
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Tons of garbage at the city's dumpsite in Brgy. Calajunan, Mandurriao could be used to generate one megawatt of electricity that could augment to the city's power needs.

This was learned from Ricky Beltran, consultant of the Philippine Bio-Sciences Company Inc. (PhilBIO) during a presentation with the Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB) last week.

PhilBIO is proposing to put up Restore Biogas Cogeneration Facility (ReStore), which could turn biodegradable wastes into energy, at the city's dumpsite.

Beltran said they have the technology to hasten the processing of biodegradable wastes. The waste will be collected in the Covered In-Ground Anaerobic Reactor (Cigar) before turning it into methane gas. The Cigar will act as storage facility and treatment vessel.

Iloilo City generates around 50 tons of organic waste daily dumped into the Calajunan dumpsite.

For the Calajunan dumpsite, PhiBIO proposes to use 5,000 square meters of the dumpsite for the project. The site would have a Cigar, park, a modular landfill area and a treatment facility. The remaining portion of the property can still be used for the Material Recovery Facility (MRF). The project lasts for 25 years.

In the same presentation, Beltran made clear that they can only process biodegradable waste such as waste from the market, household and supermarkets. They do not have the technology to process hazardous and hospital wastes.

ReStore project will serve as model for viable plan for the proper closure of open dumps and controlled dumpsites as mandated by Republic Act 9003, restoration of existing waste disposal facilities through the application of PhilBIO's proprietary biological treatment technologies, utilization of recovered methane gas to deliver profit from electric and thermal facilities and provision of capital investments and operating funds through Built Operate and Own or Built Operate and Transfer process.

Beltran said with the PhilBIO's proposal, the city do not have to spend for the facility. The local government unit should only provide the site. The interested local government unit could use Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) through a BOT scheme or a joint venture with private investors, said Beltran

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/12/17/city.has.great.potential.to.turn.waste.into.energy.html)

spacewagon1

December 17th, 2007, 11:40 AM

One-stop action center pushed in Iloilo City
By DANNY FAJARDO

ILOILO CITY– Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed allout support to the establishment of the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) which is expected to help hasten investment opportunities and processing in this city.

During the launching recently, Treñas said the city government is committed to support NERBAC by providing personnel and equipment to further bolster its efficiency.

"We are very happy that there is a NERBAC here for this will help especially new investors in Iloilo City in facilitating their permits required by the city government and other agencies," said Treñas.

The NERBAC, as provided for in Republic Act 7470, is a one-stop action center tasked to provide prospective entrepreneurs and investors basic information on various business options and to facilitate the processing of business permits/license.

The Iloilo NERBAC is the third to be set up after Davao and Cebu. This brings together eight regulatory agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Social Security System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), local government unit (LGU) and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Treñas said there should be a concerted effort between the national government and the local government unit to make life easier for prospective entrepreneurs to invest and do business in the city.

The chief executive noted that Iloilo City has been identified as one of the eight "most business friendly" cities in the Philippines by the National Competitiveness Council.

"We intend not only to be one of the eight business friendly cities but we intend to be the most competitive city in the Philippines. NERBAC will help us in achieving our dream to be the most competitive city," added Treñas.

DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Carissa Cruz-Evangelista led the recent launching of the Iloilo NERBAC located at the Ground Floor, DTI Building, corner J.M. Basa – Peralta Streets, Iloilo City. Aside from Mayor Trenas, she was also joined by Regional Association of National Government Agencies in Western Visayas (RANGEWV) President and PIA Assistant Director General for Visayas Atty. Janet Mesa, other concerned Regional Directors, DTI 6 officials and Provincial Directors, some local government officials, representatives of business organizations and media.

source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/archive.php?date=2007-12-16)

spacewagon1

December 17th, 2007, 11:43 AM

US firm helps train 420 Iloilo English teachers

ILOILO CITY – An American business delivery firm has issued two checks jointly worth US$ 50,000 early this week to the local service foundation here to help in the local literacy program and the English teachers proficiency and literacy program to improve the quality of education in both elementary and high schools in the city.

Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who organized the Haligi Foundation (HF), said the grant, coming from the United Parcels Service (UPS), will have a project cost of roughly about P10 million.

It intends to upgrade English teaching skills of 420 teachers.

Haligi Foundation also received recently a P500,000 assistance from the countrywide development fund of Sen. Edgardo Angara to start the program which is already recognized by the local school board.

The teachers training program will be conducted every weekend.

Meanwhile, the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Microsoft Philippines recently approved a US$ 35,705 in financial assistance to HF for its computer skills training for overseas workers and their dependents.

The computer training program will be conducted at the OWWA office for 850 initial beneficiaries covering 40 training hours starting January 2008.

Mabilog said that Haligi Foundation will spearhead the training program to assist OFWs integrate into the job stream in other countries or in the Philippines.

Similarly, Haligi will also spearhead a program of OWWA Wish with a P25,000 cash grant to a returning OFW and her family to start a sari-sari store.

The awarding will be held on Dec. 20 at the Mabilog compound in Molo district together with a medical mission for indigent families and Christmas party.

source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/archive.php?date=2007-12-16)

spacewagon1

December 17th, 2007, 11:46 AM

Good prospects for alternative fuel welcomed in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY – City Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed enthusiasm on the good prospects proposals for alternative energy sources and said he would welcome anyone with a plan to supply electric power here.

He said that PhilBIO, a firm using solid wastes as fuel to generate biogas or methane gas, presented its proposal Dec. 13 to generate electricity, reduce solid wastes and prolong life of the landfill here.

The project would also generate carbon credits for the government provided under the Kyoto Protocol in ensuring clean air.

PhilBIO manager John Cesar Santos said the project would entail a 25-year land-use agreement and 25-year waste supply agreement with the city government.

The project proposes the conversion of some 50 metric tons of pure organic garbage to generate one megawatt of power supply.

The city is generating some 170 metric tons of garbage daily collected from its seven public markets, residential areas and shopping malls.

Some 75 percent are organic garbage which can be converted into waste energy power.

Santos said the new technology is already implemented in Inayawan, Cebu and daily garbage are collected from shopping malls in Cebu.

Iloilo City has several big shopping malls aside from public markets and several housing villages and the collected garbage are dumped at the landfill at Calajunan, Mandurriao district.

source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/archive.php?date=2007-12-16)

spacewagon1

December 17th, 2007, 11:51 AM

200 Visayas leaders hold reg’l development summit
Provinces, cities must bind together as one strong region

ILOILO CITY – About 200 Visayas leaders from Metro-Iloilo and Guimaras have agreed to think as one region in making community development goals.

This could be done, they said, by unifying goals and efforts, working together as one powerful region, effectively addressing social and economic problems.

The leaders’ workshop and conference, held at Sarabia Manor Hotel here, became a venue for an exchange of bright ideas towards achieving the "Power of One," by working as one region, and not as separate provinces and cities.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said it was a virtual summit of leaders and bright minds from the government, non-profit private sector, labor, and academe that had worked together to seek ways to improve the local economy, and create a quality manpower pool.

Treñas said "it is time to turn good ideas into action and start addressing the issues and problems that hinder our growth. Let us muster all our individual ideas and actions so we can act on them as one."

The summit saw the convergence of political and business leaders from Iloilo City and the Leyte towns of Oton, San Miguel, Pavia, Sta Barbara and Leganes, and the municipalities of Jordan, Buenavista, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo and Sibunag in the island province of Guimaras collectively known as the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC).

The leaders were joined by development counselor Sam Zappia of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), First Secretary Frances Tanner of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and Rep. JC Rahman Nava.

The round table discussion was participated in by Dr. Josette Biyo of the Philippine Science High School, Iloilo Rep. Arthur Defensor, Msgr. Jose Marie Delgado of Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary, Iloilo Business Club chair Antonio Jon and Iloilo City Solid Waste Management Board co-chair Marissa Segovia.

The contributions of various groups to improve living conditions and socially-relevant community projects had also been presented.

The Urban Leadership Award recognizes outstanding individual and group contributions to the public realm and quality of life in Metro Iloilo and Guimaras.

The awardees are Taytay Sa Kauswagan as Microfinance Champion for its commitment to the development of micro-enterprises that gave opportunities to the jobless and underemployed, bridging the gap between poverty and progress;

The SM Supermalls Waste Market Fair Project as Environmental and Entrepreneurship Champion, giving a new dimension to the malling phenomenon and that also made everyone realize that garbage is everybody’s business;

The Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center, for its role as a people empowerment champion by educating and guiding the poor and giving the powerless the strength to stand on their feet;

The Iloilo Washington Commercial as Rural-Urban Links Champion for its corporate social responsibility project that served as a bridge between rural and urban economies, highlighting the need to synergize the development;

The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation as Public-Private Champion, for fostering partnership and transparency in its management of the Dinagyang Festival as a globally recognized best practice;

The Callbox Call Center as Information Technology Champion for its faith in Iloilo City and its human resources that made the metropolis a global business hub;

Businessman Edgar Sia as Creative Entrepreneurship champion, who believed in the economic potentials of Iloilo City and convinced everyone that fresh ideas and fusion can spell a global difference;

Marissa Segovia as Solid Waste Management Champion for believing that everyone should do their share in making communities better and inspired Iloilo City, with her volunteerism and passion for cleanliness;

Sonia Cadornigara as Slums Upgrading Champion for believing that the homeless are not powerless and her leadership, hard work and persistence brought hope among informal settlers in Iloilo City and the world and,

Businessman Henry Babiera as Tourism Development Champion for believing that Guimaras is an island, promoting its tourism potentials here and abroad. (Lydia Pendon)

source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/archive.php?date=2007-12-16)

eonynx

December 17th, 2007, 02:46 PM

eonynx

December 17th, 2007, 02:51 PM

eonynx

December 17th, 2007, 02:59 PM

habagatcentral1

December 17th, 2007, 04:27 PM

Latin mass to highlight Mandurriao religious fiesta on Jan. 23

Pope Benedict XVI gave the Tridentine or Latin mass a comeback just this year. Anyway, Latin Songs have been traditionally being sung in Iloilo's Simbang Gab-i or Misa de Gallo.

City has great potential to turn waste into energy

At least we have an alternative here too. :okay: Pero daw kulang ang 1MW but that would quite augment the city's power woes.

One-stop action center pushed in Iloilo City

This is nice. Indeed I saw Cebu and Davao's NERBAC and they are quite in use for investing in a place. At least you won't have the hassle of the bureaucratic processes in the government if you plan to invest. :)

the write-up here states "LEYTE" towns. it's either a typo error or an honest mistake in geography.

Haha!! In a blink of an eye, were in Leyte! From Western to Eastern Visayas! hehe!!!

Pero fast fact: There is a town in the Province of Leyte named Jaro. :)

totopurz

December 18th, 2007, 03:03 AM

^^ Maybe you can talk to the people in the business sector perhaps and negotiate this? I mean I do see you in GMA and ABSCBN all the time. How do we encourage the business sector and the policy centers to look into this option while they are the ones who are endorsing the coal power plant so vigorously?

Well I tried in the 'Power of One' gathering last friday and Mr. Jon of IBC said he will bring this up to their ILED meetings. Yesterday the Iloilo City Development Council was convened by Mayor Trenas, below is my letter submitted to the Council on the subject:

December 17, 2007

Hon. Jerry P. Treñas
City Mayor, Iloilo City
Chairperson, Iloilo City Development Council

On the Exorbitant Rates of Peco and PPC/Global Business Power Corp.

Dear Mayor Treñas and Members of the City Development Council,

Warm Greetings!

Grave impacts of Iloilo City’s exorbitant rates and unreliable supply of electricity are stunting the growth of business and burden heavily the consumers. As a representative of Civil Society organizations in this Council, I request immediate actions on this problem by doing the following:

* Stop Peco and PPC-GBPC’s abuse of the market by compelling them to remove the double charging on electricity generated by Napocor;
* Make representation with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the reduction of the Minimum Guaranteed Electricity Quantity (MGEQ) between Peco and PPC-GBPC from 373 million kWh/year to 160 million kWh/year;
* Double the baseload geothermal electricity coming from Napocor from 15MW to 30MW;

Background. The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed on January 24, 1997 between Panay Power Corp. (PPC) and Panay Electric Co. (PECO) provided for a Minimum Guaranteed Electricity Quantity, from 313.58 million kWh per year on the 1st Contract year to 511.56 million kWh per year on the 7th to 25th Contract Years. On the 7th Contract Year, 2004, while the MGEQ was 511.56 million kWh the actual demand was only 325.25 million kWh or an unutilized MGEQ of 186.31 million kWh (57.3% of actual demand).

In 2005, the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) ordered PECO to do the following:

* Reimburse consumers P2.89 billion for overcharging
* Reconnect with Napocor (Visayas Grid)
* Approved the lowering of the MGEQ from 511 million to 373 million kWh/year

On 27 June 2007, PECO reconnected with the Grid (Napocor) for a Firm Contract of 15 megawatt (MW) baseload capacity. It is equivalent to the following in terms of kilowatt-hour (KWH) per month:

15 MW = (15 MW)(1,000 KW/MW)(24 hrs/day)(30 days/month)
= 10,800,000 kWh/month
Less System’s Losses (9.5%) = 10,800,000 – 1,026,000 = 9,774,000 KWH/month

PPC generating cost as of July 2007 billing is P7.216/kWh while the Napocor effective rate for the Visayas was only P2.90/kWh. Since the reconnection, Peco billing reflects the mixed generation rates at about P7/kWh.

Peco billing rates is exorbitant. Monthly electricity demand of Iloilo City is about 31 million kWh per month. Considering mix of electricity from Napocor and Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC), the following should be the computation of generation cost per kWh:

Napocor: 9,774,000 kWh/month @ P3.60/kWh = P35,186,400
GBPC: 21,226,000 kWh/month @ P7.22/kWh = P153,251,720

Total Monthly Cost = P188,438,120

Mixed Generation Cost /kWh = P 188,438,120 / 31,000,000 kWh
= P 6.08 / KWH

However, GBPC is charging not only for actual electricity it produce but for the whole 31,000,000 kWh guaranteed (take or pay) by PECO monthly. PPC/GBPC charges Capacity and Energy Fees for the approximate 9,774,000 kWh/month that it does not produce because it comes from Napocor thus increasing the cost of electricity in Iloilo City.

Computations:
Napocor: 9,774,000 kWh @ P3.60/kWh = P35,186,400
GBPC: 21,226,000 kWh @ P7.22/kWh = P153,251,720
GBPC (MGEQ Balance): 9,774,000 kWh @ P3.00 = P29,332,000

Total Monthly Cost = P217,760,120

Mixed Generation Cost / kWh = P 217,760,120 / 31,000,000 kWh
= P 7.02 / kWh

Instead of enjoying a reduction of at least P 1.14 / kWh for the interconnection with the Grid, consumers are given a reprieve of only P 0.20 / kWh. This is grossly unfair and unjust since the main purpose of the interconnection is to provide consumers cheaper and more stable source of electricity.

PPC/GBPC justify that they are charging for the ungenerated electricity because these will serve as ‘spinning reserve’ equivalent to about 32% of total demand. If we have a 32% ‘spinning reserve’ then why does the City continue to suffer recurring brownouts? Is it not ridiculous that consumers pay more for the reserve capacity @ P3/kWh when the generation cost is now only P2.83/kWh?

To immediately reduce further the cost of electricity in the City, Peco should increase its baseload supply from Napocor from 15mW to 30mW.

Napocor: 19,548,000 kWh @ P3.60 = P70,372,800
GBPC: 11,452,000 kWh @ P7.22 = P82,683,440

Total Monthly Cost = P153,056,240

Mixed Generation Cost = P153,056,240 / 31,000,000 kWh = P4.94 / kWh

This will greatly reduce the generation cost by at least P2.28 / kWh, which for an average family using about 350 kWh per month could translate to about P800 monthly savings.

Constraints of Transco’s Sta. Barbara Power Substation to supply Peco with additional 15mW is being addressed with the construction of substations in Sibalom, Antique and Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. These additional substations will relieve Sta. Barbara of tremendous demands for Antique, Southern Iloilo, and Northern Iloilo thus allowing it to concentrate on areas covering Cabatuan to Metropolitan Iloilo.

We are suggesting here practical and doable solutions to the energy problem that is hindering the progress of our City. Inaction is tantamount to gross negligence of our duty to the people of Iloilo City. Thank you.

In the service of the people, we remain

Melvin Purzuelo