Iloílo City and Province

[sandrin]

Originally Posted by wecky

WOW Philippines nga .... great stuff, Sandrin. I love to see one. Pag nakita ko, I'll take a pic gid.

Again, ILONGGO MEETING IN U.K. this coming October 29 at Earl's Court. Come and join our fellow Ilonggos here in London for more business opportunities for our city.

hahahhaha I just can't imagine Wecky chasing all that London black cabs to take a picture. Might as well board it para hindi halata.

Sa tapat ng Harrods marami Wecky hahhaha...

[wecky]

WELCOME TO SAVANNAH

here's its grand entrance ...

[wecky]

Originally Posted by sandrin

hahahhaha I just can't imagine Wecky chasing all that London black cabs to take a picture. Might as well board it para hindi halata.

Sa tapat ng Harrods marami Wecky hahhaha...

I went to Harrods this morning ... wala akong nakita Sandrin. They might be roaming around London. Btw, these cabs fare are quite expensive. I rather used the underground (tube) than riding on these cabs. A kilometer of this cab will cost more than £5 sterling pounds. At least with my £5 in underground, I can have zones 1-6 all day long.

[wecky]

More good news for Iloilo City and province .. wow .. hala bira !

Originally Posted by Sunstar Iloilo News Online

Badiangan folks get P.3M capital assistance

BADIANGAN, Iloilo -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI released a P300,000 capital assistance for the people of Badiangan, Iloilo recently.

"We are releasing this amount to be your seed capital for your business. We hope that you will make use of this money in your own businesses," stressed Teresita S. Rosales, OIC regional director of DSWD Field Office VI.

Rosales, together with Mayor Suzette Mamon of Badiangan, Iloilo, handed the cash money to a total of 60 residents of Badiangan, all engaged in entrepreneurship. The 30 residents who received P5,000 each are members of the Small Entrepreneurs of Brgy. Talaba (Sea-K) Self-employment Assistance-Kaunlaran. The other 30 residents who also received P5,000 each are members of the Sariri Sea-K Association P150,000 to Charity Joy Canuto, President of Sariri Sea-K Association.

The Small Entrepreneurs of Barangay Talaba SKA can be traced back to one organization formed in 2001. It was the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Iloilo, with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, that organized and gave funding to the group from the province then headed by then Governor Arthur Defensor (now Congressman of the third district) from the Lingap para sa Mahihirap Program. The Talaba group was able to fully return the seed money.

Members of the Talaba Association are engaged in various micro-enterprises like sari-sari stores, cooked food vending and buy and sell of fruits and vegetables.

On the other hand, the Sariri Sea-K Association was organized in May 11, 2005. Most of the members are engaged in vegetable production while others are into buy and sell of fruits, vegetables, charcoals and livestock.

For her part, Mamon was quoted saying, "We are happy that the DSWD is helping the people of Badiangan. We hope that these could augment to your capital and improve your lives."

The funding was sourced out from the DSWD Field Office VI Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran program. SEA Kaunlaran Program is community-based credit assistance program utilizing people's organizations to be uniformly called SEA Kaunlaran Associations (SKAs) as credit conduits. Its target communities are those that have low income or depressed municipalities or cities where the potential resources for entrepreneurial activity are present.

---

Region 6 tops Ombudsman competition

CEBU CITY -- Contenders from Region 6 shone in the European Commission and Office of the Ombudsman sanctioned competition On the Spot Poster Making, Slogan Making and Essay Writing awards ceremony held at the Convention Hall, Cebu Normal University, October 6.

Delegates from Region 6 grabbed 15 out of 27 awards in the multi-event competition. Nine went to the host Region 7 and three for Region 8. The On the Spot Poster Making, Slogan Making and Essay Writing competition were divided into three categories: students, government personnel, and private sector.

The theme for this year's competition is: Building a Culture of Integrity and Excellence. Primo C. Miro, deputy ombudsman of the Visayas, said the theme is timely as the country is facing a political turmoil amidst corruption and economic crisis.

In the On the Spot Poster Making Contest - student category, the winners are all students from Iloilo City. 1st Prize: Alex P. Ordoyo of Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST); 2nd Prize: Cletus C. Dapatnapo of Western Institute of Iloilo (WIT) and 3rd Prize: Alexis G. Jover of WVCST.

In the government personnel category. 1st Place: Leoniel R. Cerbas (Reg. 6); 2nd Prize: Heidrun Milan (Reg. 7) and 3rd Prize: Rene M. Petancio (Reg. 8).

In the private sector category: 1st Place: Ric Isiderio of Pulso Ilonggo Advertising (Reg. 6); 2nd Prize: Ronnie C. Granja Arts Assoc. of the Phils. - Iloilo (Reg. 6) and 3rd Prize: Al N. Constantino (Reg. 8).

The OMB will send all first prize winners of the On the Spot Poster Making Contest to Manila later this year for the national competition.

In the Essay Writing competition, five winners are from region 6 and seven from region 7. In the student category, the winners are: 1st Prize: Kristian Rey Rubi (Reg. 7) 2nd Prize: Phrixel Gerald S. Pimentel (Reg. 7) and 3rd Prize: John Leon Moya Jr. of Fellowship Baptist College - Negros Occ. (Reg. 6).

In the government personnel category. 1st Prize: Early Sol A. Gadong of UPV - Iloilo (Reg. 6); 2nd Prize: Alex Tiempo (Reg. 7) and 3rd Prize: Renelda B. Lacaba (Reg. 7).

In the private sector category, all winners are from Region 6. 1st Prize: Leo Cicero V. Pelleso from Bacolod City; 2nd Prize: Francis Romulo J. Moya from Negros Occidental; and 3rd Prize: Lester Mark P. Carnaje from Iloilo City.

In the Slogan Making Contest - student category. 1st Prize: Adrinne Joy Cerbo (Reg. 6); 2nd Prize: Lauren Angelic J. Toledo (Reg. 7) and 3rd Prize: Charles Novabos (Reg. 7).

In the government personnel category. 1st Prize: Leonilo D. Lopido of PIA-8 Office (Reg. 8); 2nd Prize: Early Sol A. Gadong of UPV - Iloilo (Reg. 6) and 3rd Prize: Renelda B. Lacaba (Reg. 7).

In the private sector category. 1st Prize: Ian Thaddeu C. Dela Cerna (Reg. 7); 2nd Prize: Rodolfo P. Gumabong of Jaro, Iloilo City (Reg 6); and 3rd Prize: Joey Frank L. Ausan of La Paz, Iloilo City (Reg 6).

All winners in the slogan-making and essay writing contests are final entries to the national competition in December this year.

Cyril E. Ramos, assistant ombudsman in the Visayas, was keynote speaker during the awarding. He stressed the role of the society in helping the government fight corruption in all levels and "redeem the nation from the bondage of corruption."

Also present were Tony Kwok, chief adviser, EC-OMB Corruption Prevention Project and Former Deputy Commissioner, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC); Luc Vandebon, head, Economic Political Affairs Section, European Commission Delegation, Atty. Virginia Palanca - Santigao, Dr. Renato Alba, president, Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST), and Atty. Helen Camarista from Department of Tourism - Region 6. (LM Carnaje/ PR)


---

City ready for Clean and Green evaluation

ILOILO City is ready for evaluation by the regional Clean and Green assessment team next week, Task Force Clean and Green chair Marilen Locsin announced with confidence Tuesday.

Locsin issued the statement following a pre-evaluation conducted on possible sites in the city likely to be visited by the team.

Locsin said the task force, primarily in-charge of cleaning and greening the city, is right on course in maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the areas expected to be rated by the inspectors. These are the City Hall building, the different city public markets and government schools, the Calajunan dumpsite, the city's slaughterhouse and nurseries.

She said the evaluation would be done through ocular inspections, spot interviews and review of pertinent documents.

The criteria for judging include the physical conditions of the built-up areas which include absence of eyesores, well maintained facilities, presence of health and environmental-friendly practices, and well maintained green areas; the support systems provided by the city government on programs and projects on cleanliness, greening, solid waste management, health and sanitation program and the other related efforts on functional structure, equipment and manpower, budgetary requirement and monitoring and enforcement mechanism; and community mobilization and civil society's participation in environmental protection and management.

The 2005 Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Clean and Green contest is an annual event particularly aimed at improving the nation's environment. The activity will enable local government units and their respective constituencies to maintain and sustain the cleanliness of their surroundings.

In an earlier statement, Mayor Jerry P. Trenas stressed that maintaining cleanliness and greening the metropolis should not only be practiced because of the competition. Cleaning and greening should be a regular activity for the good of the city and its residents, he said.

---

DTI holds consumer awareness forum

THE Department of Trade and Industry-Iloilo Provincial office conducted a Forum on Fair Trade Laws and Consumer Awareness to 76 local consumers, retailers, mall management and tenants last October 5 at the DTI - Audio Visual Room.

Among the participants are members of the Philippine Retailer Association headed by its President, Francis Chung. This is the first of a series of activities organized by the DTI-Iloilo in observance of the Consumer Welfare Month this October.

The topics discussed were The Consumer Act of The Philippines otherwise known as R.A. 7394; Dept. Administrative Order (DAO) #2 S 1993 on Advertising and Sales Promotion; and, (DAO) #2 Series of 1992 on Product Standards. An open forum followed where both consumers and business owners ventilated their issues and concerns, more specifically on the proper exercise of rights by the consumers as well as the establishment owners. Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr. of DTI- Iloilo addressed the issues and concerns raised during the open forum.

Proclamation No.1098, declaring the month of October of every year as Consumer Welfare Month has been observed since 1997 with the joint efforts of government agencies, like the Dept. of Trade and Industry, Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Health; and the private sectors like the consumer organizations, and the business sector led by the Philippine Retailers Association or PRA.

Other activities to be undertaken for this year's event are: October 18, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, forum on PD 1572 on Accreditation of Repair/Service Shops at the DTI - Audio Visual Room. Participants to this forum are the repair and service shop owners, the municipal and city representatives of transport group and the insurance companies; October 20 to 21, setting up of Price Bulletin Board in three major markets, the Iloilo Terminal Market, La Paz Public Market and the Iloilo Central Market; and October 26, 8 a.m. to 12 noon, forum/information drive with cement manufacturers and dealers to be held at the DTI - Audio Visual Room.

The public is enjoined to be involved and participate in these activities, the DTI said.


---

City surpasses business tax target

THE Iloilo City Government has already surpassed its business tax and non-tax revenue collection targets for 2005 by some 3.65 percent, Mayor Jerry P. Trenas announced over the weekend.

Trenas said a collection report submitted by City Treasurer Katherine Tingson indicate that the city has already collected a total of P233,022,556.93 as of September 30 from business and non-revenue taxes, surpassing the forecasted target of P224,810,000 for this year.

In her report, Tingson said the target P178,410,000 for business taxes has already been surpassed by 102.09 percent with an actual collection of P182,138,133.22.

On the other hand, the P46,400,000 target for the non-tax revenue has been exceeded by 109.66 percent with an actual collection of P50,888,423.71.

Business taxes are revenues collected from movie houses, the Iloilo Coliseum, community, corporate, professional, transfer and franchise taxes and delivery vans and trucks.

Trenas said the accomplishment is a welcome development in the face of recent economic difficulties in the country. She said the revenue would certainly help the City Government pursue its various projects for the remainder of this year and beyond.

Meanwhile, Tingson farther assured that the city treasury will continue to implement efficient policies and systems to meet, if not exceed, annual collection targets.

The mayor commended the city treasury for a job well done and for going the extra mile in serving the public. He said the satisfactory tax collection results likewise reflected the dedication of the treasury rank and file to their duties.

Trenas further reminded all Ilonggos to pay their taxes promptly so as to avoid inconvenience and penalties imposed on late payments.

Originally Posted by Panay News Online

City gov’t poised to take over PPA operations

BY DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – The city government of Iloilo is poised to take over the operations of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) here if it could not pay its dues to the city government.

The City Treasurer’s Office had already issued to PPA a Notice of Garnishment, revealed Mayor Jerry Treñas.

On September 23, City Treasurer Katherine Tingson notified PPA Port Manager Fernando Claveria of the Notice of Garnishment of PPA’s bank account with the Land Bank of the Philippines – Iloilo Branch “until the Authority pay in full all its taxes due to the City of Iloilo.”

“The Supreme Court in a landmark decision in the case of the Philippine Port Authority vs. City of Iloilo, et al., (GR No. 109791), has decided with finality not only the factual issues concerning the propriety of tax assessment of PPA’s various facilities…but also the legal issue that PPA is a profit-earning corporation and its properties are subject to tax,” Tingson’s letter to Claveria read.

Tingson explained that the garnishing of PPA’s bank account with the LBP – amounting to P44,298,470.11 – “is being supported by laws and jurisprudence.”

The PPA and the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex has a real property tax and penalty to pay for various properties amounting to P46,173,471.37, as of December 2004.

However, on September 29, 2005, Claveria claimed that the Notice of Garnishment issued by Tingson “was against the account of PPA in LBP Iloilo Branch.”

According to him, PPA already paid its real property tax on the warehouse which was subject matter of the case entitled “PPA vs. Iloilo City” docketed as GR No. 109791.
Also, Claveria said, the business taxes of the PPA was already paid on September 29, 2005.

He considered the Notice of Garnishment “rendered moot and academic” and “excessive and unwarranted.”

Furthermore, Claveria said, the subject of the case “PPA vs. Iloilo City, et al.,” docketed as GR No. 143214 which Tingson claimed to be “final and executory” was limited only to the non-payment of real property taxes covering buildings at the Fort San Pedro Terminal from 1985-1989 with respect to the following properties: warehouse - P81,369.26; residential house - P1,754.68; and buildings amounting to P42,867.01 – totaling to P125,990.95.


---

Ilonggos in Canada going home for
Dinagyang 2006

ILOILO City — A number of Ilonggos residing in Canada will be taking time off from their labors to come home to Iloilo and watch the Dinagyang Festival this coming January.

Mayor Jerry Treñas, fresh from an official trip to Canada, said most of the Ilonggos he conversed with in Vancouver had expressed their intentions of coming back to Iloilo to see how the city has developed and to take part in the Dinagyang festival merriment.

“Ilonggos in Vancouver are very happy to hear about many developments in Iloilo City, and would want to experience first hand what it's like to be back in their native land after a long absence,” Treñas said.

The mayor likewise disclosed that the city government, through the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, is seriously contemplating inviting Miss Vancouver Philippines to grace next year's festival.

Treñas revealed that Vancouver Ilonggos are interested to help uplift the state of education in the city.

“They displayed enthusiasm to support our plan to computerize all public high schools here, and so I asked them to forward their donations to the Ayala Foundation,” he said.

The city government, in collaboration with Ayala Foundation, will be sponsoring a cocktail party besides the Ayala museum on October 18th to raise funds for the public high school computerization project.

Treñas, concurrent president of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities while in Vancouver.

Along with the MOU was a Cities Alliance Grant by the Federation to the LCP amounting to $540,000.


---

Aboitiz Transport System holds medical mission

Aboitiz Transport System, owner and operator of leading shipping company, SuperFerry, in partnership with GMA channel 7’s Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko, will hold a medical and dental mission in Iloilo City on October 13, 2005, 9:00 AM, at the SuperFerry Iloilo Branch Passenger Terminal.

With the theme, Gamot Para Sa Kapwa, the affair is in line with the social amelioration objective of the ATS Super SIGLA program. Immediate beneficiaries are the families of porters working in SuperFerry, Supercat and Cebu Ferries.

A nationwide endeavor, Super SIGLA stands for Sipag, Galing at Lakas ng Samahan.

These livelihood programs are being initiated for the families of the participants. Some of the skills taught in these livelihood programs are dressmaking, cosmetology and hair styling and cutting.

The medical mission is also made possible by the SM Foundation, which is a partner of Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko for this particular concern. Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko is now on its 30th year of providing direct medical services, outreach, services, community based health programs and relief operations through its foundation- television program.

Originally Posted by The News Today Info Online

Additional 100 houses for families of street kids

A generous donation from a telecommunications company will enable the city government and Gawad Kalinga to build an additional 100 houses for families of street children, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas declared yesterday.

Treñas said funds for the additional 100 houses were solicited from Smart Communications and their construction would start next year.

Aside from the additional houses solicited from Smart, Treñas said the city government will be sponsoring a breakfast-conference with local businessmen here aimed at soliciting support in building more houses for street children and their families.

Earlier, the Gawad Kalinga and the city government forged a pact to initially build 32 houses for street children and their families anytime this month in a 1.2-hectare land owned by the city.

The land, located at Barangay Sooc in Arevalo district, is actually part of a relocation area acquired by the city government for families affected and displaced by the Iloilo flood control project.

Treñas said Gawad Kalinga will be responsible for the housing materials with an estimated cost of P50,000 per house while the beneficiaries and some volunteers will provide the labor.

Funds for the construction of the 32 houses came from (10) Gawad Kalingan-Manila, (10) Taytay sa Kauswagan, (10) Sen. Francisco Pangilinan, (1) Sangguniang Pnalungsod and (1) City Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo.

This organization has already established 570 communities all over the country and has forged partnerships with over 200 local government units already. They have more or less built 10,000 houses nationwide.

In Iloilo City, GK-sponsored houses can be found in Barangay Sooc, Mandurriao and Barangay Sto. Niño, Arevalo.

Meanwhile, a task force, chaired by Treñas himself, was created to monitor the development of the GK community in Arevalo. Aside from Treñas, other members are vice-mayor Guillermo de la Llana, with city councilors Peñaredondo and Jose Espinosa III, ICUPAO chair Roy Firmeza, CSWD head Clarita Dignadice, Task Focrce on Street children chair Rosalie Treñas and the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps. (Adora B. Bandorio/PIO)

---

2006 DOST Scholarship now open for application

The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) announced lately the implementation of the 2006 Science & Technology Scholarship Program.

In a letter of DOST Regional Director Zinnia Parcon-Terruel to Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr., the former is asking the support of the latter in the dissemination of the scholarship programs being offered by the said department for parents to encourage their children to pursue S&T courses and be able to contribute to the development of their community.
Terruel said DOST-SEI shall award scholarships in baccalaureate degree programs to those who wish to pursue priority fields of study in Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering course.

She said two scholarships being offered are RA 7687 Science & Technology Scholarship for applicant whose family gross income does not exceed P156,600.00 annually and DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship for applicant whose family gross income is more than P156,600.00 annually.

Terruel further said the applicant must belong to the upper five percent (5%) of the high school graduating class, be a resident of the municipality in the last four (4) years, be a natural-born Filipino citizen, be in good health and be of good moral character.

She said the scholarship privileges are: a) tuition and other school fees not to exceed P4,500/semester/term; b) allowance for prescribed textbooks and essentials school supplies at P3,000.00/academic year; c) outright grant for prescribed Military Science/Physical Education uniform of P500.00 for first semester, first year only; d) free transportation for one economy-class round trip fare between permanent residence and place of study on reimbursement basis (for those studying outside of their home province);

e) monthly allowance for 10-11 months duration: RA 7687 S&T Scholarship-monthly living allowance of P4,000.00 for those who will pursue Physics and Physics Teaching Courses and P3,000.00 monthly living allowance for those who will purse other DOST-SEI priority courses; while for DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship – monthly living of P4,000/P2,150/P1,825 for full/partial/special scholarship, respectively for those who will pursue BS Physics, BS Applied Physics, BS Physics , PS Physics for Teachers and BSE Physics and Technology and for those who will purse S&T priority courses, a monthly living allowances of P3,000/P1,400/P1,200 for full/partial/special scholarship, respectively; f) group health and accident insurance; and g) additional privileges during summer, if required in the curriculum.

Interested student in Iloilo Province can secure application forms at the DOST Regional Office at Magsaysay Village, La Paz, Iloilo City. A non-refundable testing fee of P200.00 is required. Accomplished application forms should be submitted to the said office on or before Nov. 4, 2005.

Examination will be on Dec. 4, 2005 at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology, La Paz, Iloilo City. (Ian Espada/Capitol News)

---

Recreational activities of children during WWII


Japan’s imperialist ambition and her Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere propaganda led to the bombing of dark Field in the Philippines and other military installations starting December 8, 1941. Earlier, Pear Harbor, an American naval base in Hawaii, had also been attacked. With this, war had started in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia and the Pacific area. By 1942, the Japanese had launched so many successful offensives that the joint Filipino-American forces were forced to surrender.
The Philippines was now under Japanese rule. It will be for the next four years.

During the Japanese occupation, many inhabitants of Panay, fearing alleged Japanese atrocities and brutalities, fled with their families to evacuation areas. Most of these places are usually heavily wooded and hilly in nature like the province of Antique, the towns of Janiuay, Lambunao and Calinog in Iloilo Province, and Tapaz, Dumarao and Dumalag in Capiz Province. Here they stay from a few months to even years.

Life is harsh in these evacuation areas and the people have to make do with things at hand. They prepare their food using plants and animals indigenous to that particular area. They also build makeshift shelters made of light materials such as bamboo, cogon grass and coconut leaves. Better still, they dig into the soil behind clumps of plants or trees and make holes big enough for a family to hide in which they cover with leaves during Japanese penetrations or air raids. It is a time when Filipino ingenuity and resourcefulness are manifested.

In the case of the children who have found themselves in the middle of the war, life goes on as usual. They even find going to evacuation areas enjoyable and full of adventure. The children like the fact that there is no school, as classes have been suspended, and no work as there is little to do but wait. Of course, with a significant amount of free time at hand, they play a lot. Usually, they do their recreational activities during late afternoons when the sun is not that hot and bright and twilight is fast approaching. Nights are also conducive for playing as darkness elicits more excitement and fears of being discovered by the Japanese are lessened.

Recreational activities are always part of childhood. They can be social activities and considered as important tools for socialization. They make significant contributions to children’s personal and social adjustments. For this, they are vital learning experiences. But simply said, children indulge in recreational activities for the enjoyment and relaxation they get.

Some games and play activities that were engaged in by children in evacuation areas are still being played up to the present, some no longer. Common to these recreational activities is that there is always the room for improvisation. Whenever the children cannot find the needed materials for a particular game, they substitute them for the more common materials. They also revise the nature and mechanics of a game to suit the given conditions.

"Panaguay”, ”tumba patis”, and "pitiw" or “pikyaw” are the most common-played games. “Panaguay” is easy and requires a group to play it. One player acts as the "it” and covers his eyes while counting, usually from one to ten. The rest of the players hide themselves. After the “it” stops counting, he looks around and tries to outfox the hidden players. If he saw a player, he says “bong!” and runs to the designated home base. If the “it” outruns the "revealed player”, it is the turn of the latter to be the "it”. If not, then the "it” goes on looking for the others until he finds one he can outrun. This is usually played in the dark or in areas with many hiding places. The game requires agility and speed.

'Tumba patis” is also a group game. The players are situated in a home base some distance from a tin can or any object for that matter. If a player threw a fist-sized stone or a slipper at the can and only touches it, he becomes the “it”. He can only stop being the “it” if another player does the same or if the "it” first make the can hit by the player stand upright and then catches the player in retrieving his stone or slipper used to hit the can. This game is played in a clearing and flat area. It also requires a lot of running.
"Pitiw” or "pikyaw” make use of two sticks, one long and one short, for each player. A shallow hole is dug where the short stick is made to rest on. The first part of the game is to dislodge the stick by using the long one. It should either fall short or over-extend a player standing at a distance from the hole. If the player catches it, it is now his turn. The second part has the short stick being hit by the long one to make it fly. If the other player does not catch it, he must run to where the stick landed and from there, tries to throw it back to the hole. If it landed very near the hole at less the length of the long stick, it is now time for the players to exchange places. If the short stick landed far from the hole, the distance is measured making use of the long stick and is counted. The third and last part has the small stick placed in a slanted position on the hole. It is hit again by the long stick to make it fly. Mid-air, it has to be hit again and should not be caught by the other player. The winner is determined by the sum of the farthest hits he made in the three parts. This game is played in flat areas and requires muscular dexterity.


---

Computerization of city high schools in the offing

To enable public school students here to compete on an equal footing with their private school counterparts, the city government is finalizing a plan to computerize all city public high schools here.

In an interview with members of the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps, city mayor Jerry P. Treñas said a cocktail party will be held anytime this month to gather all Ilonggos staying in Metro Manila to sponsor the project.

The cocktail would be sponsored by the Ayala Foundation in cooperation with the city government. Treñas said the foundation wants to raise some P1.2-million for the project during the cocktail party. The amount will be added to a city government counterpart fund of P1.2-million.

The P2.4 million will then be used to procure computer units for use of the city high schools. On the other hand, Ayala Foundation will provide free internet access for one year to let public school students experience the information revolution.

“This project, once implemented, will give public school students the chance to compete with students from the private schools,” he concluded. (Adora Bandorio/PIO)


---

DENR- 6 boasts success of CLASPS Project

DENR –6 Regional Executive Director (RED) Celso V. Loriega, Jr. is happy to announce that during a recent assessment made by the Ecosystems Resource Development Service (ERDS)-DENR of the Community Livelihood Assistance Special Program (CLASP) project in Brgys Tambaliza and Botlog, Concepcion, Iloilo had been found to be successful. Analysis of the fish catch and fishing trends showed that there is a sustainable figure and that the fishermen’s way of life had greatly improved.

The project entitled “Sustainable Blue-crab Harvesting Project, Sustainable Hook-and-Line Fishing, and Coastal Reforestation Project” at a total cost of Php500,000.00 started in 2004 under the Foreign Assisted Special Project Office (FASPO). The program extended technical assistance in the form of trainings like record keeping, conduct of information campaign on coastal protection, conservation and management and monitoring and supervision of the project through a collaboration between the local government and the DENR. The People’s Organizations namely: the Botlog Sustainable Fishermen Association (BOSFA) and the Tambaliza Sustainable Fishermen Association (TASFA) implement the project. All funds are being handled by both organizations depending on the extent of the activities implemented in their area.

Since 2002, there had been a series of information dissemination and trainings/orientation conducted by the DENR and the LGU. The DENR even hired a Site Coordinator to handle the coordination whose wages is charged to the total funding and is being paid by the People’s organization.

Both associations, BOSFA and TASFA, will not accept the project if it will be a grant especially on the hook-and-line fishing where bancas and kerosene lamps are issued, so they decided among themselves that issuances of equipment or tools to the members shall be on a roll-over basis. Under this scheme, if the fisherman cooperator will receive a banca, he will be returning the total cost of the unit divided on equal installment for a one-year period. The amount remitted by the members will again be used to construct the banca or used for the purchase of a kerosene lamp. With this scheme, the members will be assured of the sustainability of the livelihood project.

Meanwhile, after 2004, the BOSFA had already issued 18 bancas and were able to issue four (4) rolled-over bancas while the TASFA had issued 42 bancas covering all their members. The roll-over remittances are being deposited in the TASFA funds which is being saved for future use.

Concepcion Mayor Raul Banias, M.D. was very happy with the result of the CLASP Projects because he said that this is one project that the DENR had implemented wherein the needs of the beneficiaries were really addressed specifically.

Meanwhile, RED Loriega recognized the efforts of Regional Technical Director Alice Lustica reason which made the project successful.

The project is now gaining its sustainability with the cooperation of the people’s organization and the support of the local government. Mayor Banias is very appreciative of the assistance made by the DENR and welcomes any project in the future that may be given to the coastal towns of Concepcion. (rac/RPAO)

[wecky]

ROBINSON'S PLACE - ILOILO

Originally Posted by Manila Standard TODAY online

Designing Iloilo
By Rowell B. Capuz

In a province where old traditions and modern panache go side by side, it’s not a wonder Iloilo is home to society habitués with discriminating taste. Culture, art, and history— name it, the province has it. But this idyllic province is slowly becoming the melting pot of creative minds who share the same passion: fashion.

For its fourth year now, Robinsons Place Iloilo became the rendezvous of rising designers who are all stalwarts in Ilonggo fashion. In a show dubbed “Wedding Rituals,” nine talented and bold designers veered away from the traditional to come up with a wedding collection that stood above the rest. If that’s not enough, internationally renowned designer Frederick Peralta, also a proud son of Iloilo, graced the event with a heart-stopping bridal collection, which was donned by the province’s most beautiful and dashing models.

Apart from the wedding gowns, “Wedding Rituals” fair includes exhibits of jewelry, cake designs, gift items, souvenirs, floral arrangements, bridal registry, photography & video, and arrangements by Iloilo’s top hotels.

Bringing together wedding experts of the region in one grand event of the hearts, the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo was the romantic backdrop for the wedding gown creations.

Classic meets modern

Classical music set the mood as Ilonggo models—made more beautiful by makeup artists Koala and Nonoy Mosquera—strutted through the mall’s improvised square catwalk that surrounded the beautiful fountain.

Jackie Peñalosa’s take on piña and silk was showcased in her bridal ensemble. She used beads and pearls to give her creation, which she considered a cross between modern and traditional, a classic look. Claire Jarantilla’s appliqué pink gown was so lovely even debutantes can wear them.

For Sol Fernandez, minimal is beautiful. His white gown, beaded silk bodice with layered gossamer skirt, was a classic favorite. Elegance was embodied in Nonoy Jaranilla’s creation, a white off-shoulder silk gown. In fact, the gown was so smooth and shiny it seemed to reflect the lights on the ramp.

As the background music changed from classic to Latin, so did the creations that were seen on the walkway. Bo Parcon surprised everyone with his bridal ensemble. The shoulder strap of his gown, a ribbon silk lace, once detached from the bodice, became part of the bouquet.

Somehow inspired by Helen of Troy, Don Protasio made a brownish white chiffon gown, a 10-meter cotton fabric cut in half and joined together. According to Don, it’s a deconstruction of the Maria Clara.

The bold and beautiful

Francis Ian Chua is an avant-garde designer. Bold as he was, Francis fused the style of casual wear and the sophistication of a formal wedding gown in his creation. His two-piece silk gown (with half sleeves) is perfect for the conservative bride. The only downside to it was that the draping was so long the model found it hard to maneuver without stepping on it. (A small slit on the front side could have made this gown more comfortable or, better yet, cut the drape by a few inches more to make it floor-length.)

One of the favorites in the show was the serpentina gown by Mandy Salcedo. A translucent bodice, (with a substantial fabric covering the bust area) multilayered sheer skirt, and floral-knit trail drape creation, this ensemble commanded awe from the crowd.

Bamboos are resilient. They are made into musical instruments, fences, and house structures. But have you ever heard or seen a gown made of bamboo? Fret no more because Angelette Borja Ragus—the most seasoned designer in the group—having been an apprentice of her designer mother, Judith Borja, at a very young age—made just that. Her gown was not entirely made of bamboo. But the silk and organza were undermined by the bamboo stalk bodice that looked like a girdle and shredding that outlined the upper chest area. Moreover, the bamboo shredding was used to create a patterned floral print on the skirt and the veil, making it a unique but elegant gown.

The climax

“We’ve been doing this kind of fair for the past four years. But this is the first time that we invited a renowned designer from Manila. We are very thankful that Frederick (Peralta) graced this event. To lead our local designers to work as one is a noble task. He made it all possible,” said Joseph Sian, Robinson’s Visayan Group GM.

Two years ago, Frederick made a similar show in the province. The scenario was different then.

“Before, little was known about the talent of Ilonggos in fashion. But they are slowly picking up the pace, especially now that some of the designers here are joining big fashion events in Manila,” said Frederick, a native of the town of Duenas. For this event, he made an awe-inspiring bridal collection never before seen in his previous shows.

This fashion guru holds a rich set of unnerving yet glamorous designs in his chest. A seasoned maestro, he can masterfully sway from the mainstream to bring a fresh look for the bride who wants to exude flair and elegance on her big day.

Models from the province were transformed into heavenly beings as they donned Frederick’s collection, which ranged from avant-garde to oriental chic, as well as creations inspired by the ‘20s modish era. These Ilonggo mannequins exuded different moods and aura that captured the theme and inspiration of every creation.

“Fashion designers here should work as one. For how can you say that there is an industry here when the local designers are not united? This is a good start of brighter things in the future,” concluded Frederick.

Making sure that the event ran smoothly was Ditas Taleon, RP Iloilo mall manager. Maurice Archache was there to welcome guests and designers. Robert Blancaflor and Nueva Flora provided flowers.

Originally Posted by The Manila Times online

Paseo Iloilo spells fun
for historic Visayan City

By Lynda C. Corpuz

Development is definitely blowing south. In line with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s efforts to decentralize government from the capital, several business investors have diligently followed suit. In Iloilo, Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) is proudly leading the pack with the grand opening of Paseo Iloilo.


Paseo Iloilo is a hub that seeks to bring together the scattered bars, cafés, restaurants and leisure spots in the original Queen City of the South. Located in the city’s central business district, it is made for Iloilo’s young professionals—bankers, doctors and medical representatives—who need a place to unwind after a hectic day.

“The area is where Ilonggos can find affordable food, entertainment and nightlife destinations,” informs Ditas Taleon, who manages Robinsons Place Iloilo mall in Paseo. She adds that in gathering the mall tenants, RLC was very careful in its selection so as not to “duplicate” the other destinations within the complex. “We want to give the Ilonggos variety.”

And true enough, Paseo Iloilo in De Leon Street boasts of establishments ranging from trendy bars to mineral water stations.

Apart from offering leisure activities, however, Taleon discloses that RLC will soon work closely with different local government agencies to promote tourism. Iloilo, of course is a historic city with endless centuries old structures. RLC is aware that what it needs are modern-day amenities to bring in more visitors from around the country and the world.

“RLC plans to have something similar to Nayong Pilipino in Paseo Iloilo to highlight the historical details and features of the province,” adds Taleon.

But for the moment, the corporation is busy spreading the word around that Paseo Iloilo is filled with interesting places to check out. And for the tourist, the list below is The Life & Times’ suggested itinerary for a fun and budget-friendly night at the town.

Mang Inasal is probably the fastest growing establishment in Paseo Iloilo. From its open-air space to the present air-conditioned unit beside Robinsons Supermarket, the grilled barbecue chicken and other Pinoy specialties house is a hit for both Ilonggos and tourists. Owned by Edgar Sia II, the restaurant is packed daily with customers who crave for chicken pecho or paa paired with garlic rice and buko juice, and of course, halo-halo for dessert!

Original Biscocho Haus spells “pasalubong.” Owned by the Guadarramas of Jaro, the company was born in 1975 and since then, has never stopped baking its famous biscocho. Later, Guadarramas developed other specialties in its aim to be the ultimate pasalubong center of Iloilo.

Ted’s La Paz Batchoy is where you can partake of the famous batchoy of Iloilo. Have it with puto or pan de sal.

HA! HA! HA! Comedy Bar is owned by July Galang and Raha Sabordo. It is the first comedy house, bar, restaurant and disco in one in Western Visayas. Manila-based comedians perform at the venue Friday and Saturday nights.

Reasons Bar and Resto is a music lounge and sing-along bar that is fast becoming a haven for Ilonggo music enthusiasts. It has the widest selection of songs from standards, to OPM, and pop, folk, rock and jazz. It is open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

Apart the endless list of food and entertainment places, Paseo Iloilo also has Rooks Sports Bar for billiard guys and gals; Go Fish for the hobbyists; and Netopia Internet Cafe for the techie.

“This is still a work in progress,” says Taleon, thrilled at the turn out of visitors at the launch. “And we promise Ilonggos more fun in the very near future.”

Originally Posted by Inquirer online / Global Nation

Iloilo celebrates new
dining, entertainment strip
By Linda Bolido
Inquirer News Service

ILOILO does not really need another attraction. Very few places can match its beautiful old churches and equally lovely old houses, delicious and unique delicacies, fresh seafood, people with extensive and impressive antique collections, lovely gardens and the local weaving industry that makes the shimmering hablon fabrics, the colorful patadyong, pina and jusi.

Both locals and visitors are still awed and charmed by the baroque Miag-ao Church no matter how often they see it. The century-old Locsin ancestral house and the 1930s Jalandoni residence speak of a past of gentility and subtle luxury.
And though the antique stores may not look like your usual commercial establishments, the treasures in relics from a storied and colorful past that they hold are more than a match to the best places in Metro Manila.

Still, Robinsons Place Iloilo felt the city and province could use yet another crowd-drawer. The mall chain opened recently Paseo Iloilo, a dining/entertainment strip that brings together a merry mix of eating and fun places that try to meet every conceivable taste and preference.

For visitors, Paseo Iloilo is a convenient one-stop place for local dishes and delicacies, with establishments offering the best the province has to offer located just a few steps away from each other. For the locals, the strip provides an opportunity to explore cuisines beyond their shores and to sample new and interesting fun ideas, if they want something other than old favorites. Paseo, the area between the mall and the multi-level parking structure, has fast-food joints and restaurants, cafes and bars.

Halfway place

It is just the right place for catching one's breath after an exhausting shopping expedition, to have an early dinner before taking in a movie or a late supper afterward, indulge someone's passion for music for few hours in a karaoke joint, and treat the kids to pizza or hotdog. The visitor can also get all those baked goodies and confections the province is famous for to bring as pasalubong for friends and family. And all the food, fun and entertainment are reasonably priced.

Appropriately, the opening was fun, entertaining and distinctively Ilonggo. After Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Trenas, assisted by Robinsons Mall's general manager Nilo S. Mapa and Ms Robinson 2004 Diana Clyde Clavero, lit the ceremonial torch and switched on the lights along the Paseo, a fashion show was staged by members of the Designers' Guild of Iloilo that highlighted the beauty and versatility of local fabrics. Participating designers were Jaki Peñalosa, Bituin ng Kasuotang Filipino Grand Slam winner; Bo Parcon, finalist in the Metropolitan Museum's Terno for the 21st Century competition; Sol Fernandez, and Angelette Borja-Ragus.

Singer Rachel Alejandro gave a spirited performance to the delight of the Ilonggo audience. Recording artist Aliyah Parcs hosted the event, which was directed by Don Protasio and Sol Fernandez.

The new Paseo Iloilo consists of the Biscocho Haus, Kim's Bob Korean Restaurant, a.s. Mixx Restobar, Rooks Sports Bar, Go Fish, Reasons Bar & Restaurant, Busay Seafood Restaurant, Netopia Internet Cafe, Ultra Pi, Mang Inasal, Planetarium Cafe, Ha! Ha! Ha! Comedy Bar, Papa Heinz Pizza, and Ted's Lapaz Bachoy.

Events partners for the Paseo Iloilo opening were Holiday Inn Galleria Manila, Cebu Pacific Air, Robinsons Movieworld, Picture City, Four Season Hotel, Panorama Printing Inc. and Connie's Handwoven.

[sugarboy]

Originally Posted by wecky

WOW Philippines nga .... great stuff, Sandrin. I love to see one. Pag nakita ko, I'll take a pic gid.

Again, ILONGGO MEETING IN U.K. this coming October 29 at Earl's Court. Come and join our fellow Ilonggos here in London for more business opportunities for our city.

Hey, did you know that the only Filipina employed by the royal household (serving the late Princess Diana) is an Ilongga?

[wecky]

Originally Posted by sugarboy

Hey, did you know that the only Filipina employed by the royal household (serving the late Princess Diana) is an Ilongga?

really Sugarboy? Is she still single ? ... hehehe .. (just joking). Wished I can have a good look what's inside of Buckingham Palace. I know that they open the Palace every summer for public viewing, but unfortunately, I spent most of my summer outside London din. So bad timing talag. Anyway, have you got this lady number or name? Baka pwede ma-contact for future reference .. hehehe ...

[sugarboy]

Originally Posted by wecky

really Sugarboy? Is she still single ? ... hehehe .. (just joking). Wished I can have a good look what's inside of Buckingham Palace. I know that they open the Palace every summer for public viewing, but unfortunately, I spent most of my summer outside London din. So bad timing talag. Anyway, have you got this lady number or name? Baka pwede ma-contact for future reference .. hehehe ...

Yes she is very much single. That doesn't mean though nga young and single.

She was my landlady when I used to live in London many years ago. PM ko sa imo number niya.

[wecky]

Originally Posted by sugarboy

Yes she is very much single. That doesn't mean though nga young and single.

She was my landlady when I used to live in London many years ago. PM ko sa imo number niya.

napakadlaw mo man ko ba. Okay lang a .. mas older, mas better para may yaya man ko. Miss ko na akon yaya sang gamay pa ko mo (just joking).

Sugarboy, thanks for the number. I'll try to contact her before the end of this month. Hopefully, she's still living in this address and still carrying the same landline number. Cheers. Man naga-networking pa ko di. Actually, subong lang ina.

[sugarboy]

speaking of yaya, she used to be "yaya" of sorts to Prince Harry. o sey mo? at least antes sa imo, prinsipe sang inglatera! then you can walk down Kensington High Street saying "My yaya used to be the yaya of Prince Harry" ! lol

[wecky]

hahaha ... absolutely grand! I like that ... hehehe. Sige lang a ... basi damo pa ina iya kuwarta sa akon and ako pa ang himuon niya nga yayo ... hehehe.

Actually may meeting mga Ilonggo di mo ... basi maka-attend siya ... and maka-attend man ako (i wish!). But really, I'll try to get in touch with her sooner ... finger-crossed.

[lex_99]

Originally Posted by wecky

hahaha ... absolutely grand! I like that ... hehehe. Sige lang a ... basi damo pa ina iya kuwarta sa akon and ako pa ang himuon niya nga yayo ... hehehe.

Actually may meeting mga Ilonggo di mo ... basi maka-attend siya ... and maka-attend man ako (i wish!). But really, I'll try to get in touch with her sooner ... finger-crossed.

Wow! Nd ka na gd ma reach weck! hehe... Royalties!

[wecky]

Indi man .. I'm too old para sa yaya, Lex. Anyway, nice seeing you here once more. Sako man abi ang tanan mo. How are you, btw? You see, I'm glad to post a lot of good things nga nagakatabo sa Iloilo City and province. Guess the awakening begins !

[wecky]

and here's more, I guess ...

Originally Posted by Panay News online

City hall revels in effective tax drive

ILOILO City – The city government here has already surpassed its business tax and non-tax revenue collection targets for 2005 by some 3.65 percent, Mayor Jerry Treñas announced.

Treñas said a collection report submitted by city treasurer Katherine Tingson indicate that the city has already collected a total of P233,022,556.93 as of September 30 from business and non-revenue taxes, surpassing the forecasted target of P224,810,000 for this year.

In her report, Tingson said the target P178, 410,000 for business taxes has already been surpassed by 102.09% with an actual collection of P182,138,133.22. On the other hand, the P46,400,000 target for the non-tax revenue has been exceeded by 109.66% with an actual collection of P50,888,423.71.

Business taxes are revenues collected from movies houses, the Iloilo Coliseum, community, corporate, professional, transfer and franchise taxes and delivery vans and trucks.

Treñas said that the accomplishment is a welcome development in the face of recent economic difficulties in the country. He said the revenue will certainly help the city government pursue its various projects for the remainder of this year and beyond.

Meanwhile, Tingson said the city treasury will continue to implement efficient policies and systems to meet, if not exceed, annual collection targets.

The mayor commended the city treasury for a job well done and for going the extra mile in serving the public.

He said the satisfactory tax collection results likewise reflected the dedication of the treasury rank and file to their duties.

Treñas reminded all Ilonggos to pay their taxes promptly so as to avoid inconvenience and penalties imposed on late payments.

Originally Posted by Sunstar Iloilo News online

High Court tells port authority to pay P46M tax
By Lory Ann B. Bilbao

"THE Supreme Court decided with finality that the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) pay Iloilo City Government P46,173,471.37 worth of Real Property Taxes and Penalties for various properties it owns," Katherine Tingson, Iloilo City Treasurer said Wednesday.

The city seeks to get its share through a notice of garnishment with the local Land Bank, which PPA disputed.

In her letter to Fernando B. Claveria, port manager of the PPA at Barangay Loboc, La Paz, he stated that the city's move to garnish in Land Bank its remaining account, which worth 44 million is unwarranted and excessive while Tingson said it's supported by laws and jurisprudence.

In Claveria's letter dated September 29, in response to Tingson's letter September 23, he contended that the garnishment of the city to the account of PPA is excessive reiterating that the PPA has already paid the real property tax on the warehouse which was the subject matter of the case entitled "PPA vs. Iloilo City.

Photocopies of the official receipts were also enclosed stated in the letter.

"With respect to the business taxes, PPA has already paid the same on September 29, receipts were also issued by your office."

"The subject of the litigation of the case of PPA vs Iloilo City which you claimed to be final and executory, is limited only to the non-payment of real property taxes covering buildings at the Fort San Pedro Terminal, Barangay Veterans Village, for the years 1985-1989 and only with respect to the following properties: warehouse - P81, 369.26; Building (shed) Residential House - P1, 754.68; Buildings (4) - P13, 959.42, P10, 294.10, P9, 998.86, P2, 821.41. A total of P125,990.95."

"Your notice of garnishment in the amount of P44, 298, 470.11, therefore, is found to be excessive and unwarranted. Further, it may not be unworthy to mention that to date PPA has not received a copy of the court's entry of judgment, if, indeed, this particular case has become "final and executory", as alleged.

He also concluded that the Notice of Garnishment issued by Tingson's Office against the personal property of PPA is premature at this stage.

"Hence, we vehemently oppose the issuance thereof and accordingly demand its immediate withdrawal."

Tingson in her reply October 12, she said "the Supreme Court in a landmark decision in the case of Philippine Ports Authority vs City Of Iloilo, et al., (GR> No 109791), herewith enclosed, has decided with finality not only the factual issues concerning the propriety of tax assessment of PPA's various facilities recited in your letter, but also the legal issue that PPA is a profit-earning corporation and its properties are subject to tax."

"The summary of Real Property Taxes and Penalties for various properties of PPA and Iloilo Commercial Port Complex, which your office received October 10, 2005 indicates that the Authority must pay the City of Iloilo the amount of P 46,173,471.37 as of December, 2005 and by virtue of the Supreme Court resolution on the taxable status of the PPA, we hereby dismiss as without legal basis your allegation that our garnishment of your account with LBP in the amount of P44,298,470.11 as excessive and unwarranted."

"We believe our remedy is legal and our stand is firm to maintain the garnishment of PPA's account with Land Bank of the Philippines-Iloilo Branch until the Authority pay in full all its taxes due to the City of Iloilo."

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Trenas said he wanted the City Government to get the payment in full. And its but fitting that the city get through garnishing the remaining account of the PPA realizing that it owes more than how much was left in their account.

Tingson said that the garnishing already lapsed and the city is getting more eager to get what really belongs to it.

Trenas said it would be a "big help in implementing the primary concerns of the city such as roads, water, electricity among others."

---

Drive for town's new ambulance gets support
By Ruby P. Silubrico

THE municipal officials of Sta. Barbara are optimistic that they can buy a new ambulance before the year ends as more people gave their pledges.

In Tuesday's launching of "Piso mo, Ambulansya ko," at the covered gym of Sta Barbara, some balikbayans assured Mayor Isabelo Maquino they will help the program.

With this, Maquino believes that they can reach their targeted amount of P800,000 to acquire the first People's Ambulance in the province.

"The health of the people is our main concern. Nothing is impossible if we will work hand in hand," Maquino said.

Iloilo Governor Niel D. Tupas Sr., through Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada assured that the Provincial Government will give P100,000 to the campaign.

The town has raised P240,000 as of the present. This came from the 60 barangays that allocated P4,000 each.

Maquino said that he was inspired to pursue such program because of the success of Tribu Kahilwayan during the Dinagyang Festival. The group's funds came from donations of the townspeople.

"Tribu Kahilwayan got the grand slam award through the help of our concerned citizens, so, with this program we hope to achieve it," Maquino said.

The project is spearheaded by the Liga ng mga Barangay-Sta. Barbara Chapter headed by ABC President Pelagia Provido in cooperation with the LGU.

Maquino said the program was conceptualized to generate P.8 million within four months for the purchase of a fully equipped ambulance that will reinforce the services given by their old ambulance.

This project has three components - barangay counterpart, solicitation through individual giving and conduct of a raffle draw.

The barangay officials in 60 barangays had already pledged P240,000 including the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and the second component is a database of Sta. Barbaranhons working and living abroad as potential donors was secured. Solicitation letters will be sent to them.

The third component, the raffle, will involve the LGU employees, elected officials, NGOs and cooperatives, Department of Education (Deped), transport sector as well as generous residents.

---

SM Foundation's medical mission benefits 1,500
By Lory Ann B. Bilbao

EIGHTY-YEAR-OLD Leoncio Borres, a resident of Jordan, Guimaras was among the thousand of people who were extended with a free medical check up of SM Foundation last Wednesday.

His grand daughter accompanied Lolo Leoncio to Boulevard, Molo.

Despite the distance constraint, Lolo Leoncio made it to Boulevard to just have his eye checked up.

"It has swollen for several days already," his grand daughter told Sun. Star.

The senior citizens were checked up in the Barangay's chapel, thus were served easily and faster. Lolo Leoncio was later given prescription for proper dosage.

SM Foundation Executive Director Connie Angeles said they were expecting to give free medical and dental services to a total of 1,500 people in Boulevard, Molo ranging from senior citizens, middle aged, to little children.

Former actor and a public servant for nine years, Angeles said that the foundation, together with the Iloilo City Government, Kapwa ko Mahal Ko and the GMA Kapuso Foundation is glad that again, free medical and dental services were extended to more people from an area in the city.

"We've been to various towns in the Province of Iloilo and this is the first time that we reached the part of the city," Angeles said.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Trenas said the city chose the area for the venue of the medical-dental mission and expressed that the service granted by SM Foundation is indeed a big help for the community having been aware of the soaring prices of medicine and medical and dental services.

The foundation is eyeing another activity this December.

[lex_99]

Originally Posted by wecky

Indi man .. I'm too old para sa yaya, Lex. Anyway, nice seeing you here once more. Sako man abi ang tanan mo. How are you, btw? You see, I'm glad to post a lot of good things nga nagakatabo sa Iloilo City and province. Guess the awakening begins !

Hehe... I always visit naman this thread e, I mean evry single day kag more than once pa... kaso la lang ko ga post, weck. Well, ari work, work, work lang. La na time for travel kag recreations. Keep posting lang weck kay im sure all Ilonggos really liked to be informed. Ang skyscrapercity kong baga dw one-stop shop nlang. No need na magvisit sa sunstar kag panaynews para ma informed sa mga gakatabo sa aton beloved Iloilo City. And thanks to you btw.

Goodluck lang da sa imo weck, kag sa tanan nga Ilonggos sa London. Hopefully, maka attend man ko sa Centennial Celebrations da sa 2012. Naks! hehe...

[wecky]

Huo man, lakat ka di kay i-grand welcome ta gid ka. Lagaw ta dayon. Lex, ano ka nga batch sa aton? '99? Ano imo kurso? (baw kapalamangkot gid sa akon .. okay man kung sabton mo ah). Anyway, ako na lang ma-post sang mga news info di para ma-informed tanan. Si Chymera nadula gulpi, siguro nagtirik to ... hehehe .. man ang bata palalagaw. Last time I've heard mapa-Guimaras siya .. ay maan dulang ah.

Ti, ambut kag ambut gid sa inyo tanan da. Too much work will burned you out. Hinay-hinay lang, Lex.

Dugay-dugay, mati naman ko di Toyang Ermitanya ... hahaha ... Bombo Radyo Iloilo is serving all Ilonggos worldwide. 24/7 amon Bombo diri. Sa Australia and America amo man. Kis-a sa chatroom dala pa ang Zona Libre nga topiko.

Ti, halong lang da.

[lex_99]

Originally Posted by wecky

Huo man, lakat ka di kay i-grand welcome ta gid ka. Lagaw ta dayon. Lex, ano ka nga batch sa aton? '99? Ano imo kurso? (baw kapalamangkot gid sa akon .. okay man kung sabton mo ah). Anyway, ako na lang ma-post sang mga news info di para ma-informed tanan. Si Chymera nadula gulpi, siguro nagtirik to ... hehehe .. man ang bata palalagaw. Last time I've heard mapa-Guimaras siya .. ay maan dulang ah.

Ti, ambut kag ambut gid sa inyo tanan da. Too much work will burned you out. Hinay-hinay lang, Lex.

Dugay-dugay, mati naman ko di Toyang Ermitanya ... hahaha ... Bombo Radyo Iloilo is serving all Ilonggos worldwide. 24/7 amon Bombo diri. Sa Australia and America amo man. Kis-a sa chatroom dala pa ang Zona Libre nga topiko.

Ti, halong lang da.

Really weck?! hehe...Masave ko anay a para may pamasahe. batch 2004 kag ECE cors ko. Lex_99 na kay I was addicted with the net since 1999. Hehe... funny ka gd ya!

Well. nami lang mamati gani sang 2yang... dw feeling mo dri ka lng sa Iloilo especially nga mas malayo ka kanami sang feeling. O, pla nalang ka minutes 2yang na...hehe... gapamati man ko gani kon kis-a. Halong man da weck a.

[chymera00]

Originally Posted by wecky

WELCOME TO SAVANNAH

here's its grand entrance ...

nice pictures I wonder how many people are currently living in Savannah, it looks huge

[chymera00]

Originally Posted by wecky

ROBINSON'S PLACE - ILOILO

ROBINSON Iloilo is only a 3 level mall, Gaisano City is a bit bigger. It has nicer shops than SM and Gaisano, but the location isn't very nice. Thanks for sharing your pictures

[chymera00]

thanks for the news update wecky, feeling ko nag-internet ako everyday hehe ... A lot of good news since i left ... and wow for Guimbal, I hope this will mean more investments to the area.

The nation’s best
Guimbal bags PCCI’s ‘Most business-friendly’ award



The Municipality of Guimbal, Iloilo some 29 kilometers south of Iloilo City bested other municipalities emerging as the national choice of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for being the “Most business-friendly” local government unit.

In a ceremony held in Manila Thursday, Guimbal Mayor Richard Garin received the distinction in behalf of the town with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as PCCI guest of honor.

To Guimbal’s credit came the PCCI’s recognition of longtime efforts observed by the town that continuously booster investor-confidence. From the influx of new businesses established within the year and years before that, number of firms availing of investment incentives, number of firms provided with assistance in securing credit, special services of the town, steady and efficient flow of business permit issuances up to the meetings and consultations made with the business sector, PCCI found Guimbal to be the country’s best thus “Most business-friendly.”

The national PCCI citation leveled off Guimbal to good governance not only by encouraging trade and investments but ensuring that accountability, transparency and efficiency in the conduct of business-related regulations or procedures are observed. It also took note of innovations in said town that further helped raise the efficiency of its trade and investment activities.

“We are very honored to receive this recognition from our partners in the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. And this honor goes to our hardworking employees and officials in Guimbal. This will also serve as our motivation to work even better and harder,” Mayor Garin said.