Iloilo Metropolitan Times Volume 1 • Issue no. 30

ILOILO

the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

metropolitan VOL. I ISSUE NO. 30

developmental news | critical views

times August 25 - 31, 2013

www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

Php 12.00

The newly painted Arroyo fountain has neo-classical design built in 1927 under the government of Jose B. Ledesma as the provincial Governor, the four ladies holding a huge circular entablature, and on top of which is the fountain basin symbolize the four directions: North, South, East and West. Thus, one lady is facing the North, one is facing the South, and one is positioned to the East, and another to the West, while its both base and basin attribute mythical sea creatures. it serves as a Kilometer Zero Landmark, which is the starting gauge to any point in Panay or the city proper.

According to SP Demy Sonza, Arroyo Fountain is where the original flagpole of the old Provincial Capitol was situated before.

Iloilo, Guimaras target aquaculture

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES

Strategies to help promote Iloilo-Guimaras investments are being outlined to support the developing industry of agriculture and aquaculture.

Stakeholders formed a focused discussion group (FGD), recently, to help in gathering data and interpreting results in order to determine potential developments and investment opportunities in the two places.

“The master plan will be able to help and

guide prospective investors in decision-making.

We are strongly promoting our potentials in attracting investments,” said Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog who is also the chairman of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council.

The said FDG was part of the measures set for the City Business Forum in Manila in March 2014.

Organizing the forum is part of assistance being provided by USAID to City Government

through INVEST Project which includes improving investment planning and promotion.

The forum will highlight investment potentials of city and province of Iloilo and Guimaras Island.

This will also signal investors, both local and foreign, to put in their resources and help empower people thru business and employment opportunities that it can bring.

Iloilo and Guimaras are considered among the fast-rising “next wave” local government units

Courtyard by Mariott, another first in Iloilo

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA

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Iloilo City, San Juan City volt in

BY REYMAR LATOZA

Iloilo City and San Juan City had sealed its relationship through a sisterhood agreement signed by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Mayor Guia Gomez.

Witnessed by the officials and key persons from the two cities, Mayor Mabilog of Iloilo City and Mayor Gomez of San Juan formally inked the sisterhood relationship agreement between their respective cities.

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Gomez said that the agreement will create an open sharing of resources, knowledge, and practice in local governance between the two cities.

Vice Mayor Franciso Javier Zamora read the resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Juan, establishing the sisterhood between the two cities.

He said that the sisterhood will bring about

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(LGUs) in the country with potential to lead Philippine economic growth in the next few years.

Led by ILED President Narz Lim and attended by government officials from agriculture, aquaculture, science and technology, trade and industry, and planning departments and private sector representatives, the FGD was initiated

by Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILED) in partnership with the City Government and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).Iloilo City PIO/IMT

Another first is coming to Iloilo as Megaworld, the leading real estate developer and the leader of the “live-work-play-learn” concept lifestyle concept in the country, allocate P1.5billion for establishing the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel on 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park.

The upcoming 15-storey contemporary hotel will mark the entry of an international hotel brand in Western Visayas and is another addition of hotels inside Megaworld’s biggest township in

the region. The international hotel will provide first-class accommodation to both business and leisure travelers in the area.

“This is another milestone for Iloilo Business Park. Our development in Iloilo is a showcase of our company’s commitment to uplifting the Ilonggo lifestyle to a whole new level,” says Jericho Go, first vice president, Megaworld.

Go added that the quality service of Courtyard by Marriott is legendary and will Courtyard by /p5

METRO NEWS

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August 25 - 31, 2013

Canadian organization ends Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Bioregion program

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) has ended its Metro Iloilo Guimaras Bioregion initiative program that aims to work together with different government agencies and private sectors to help address environmental, disaster management, and economic challenges.

CUI program manager Lisa Cavicchia said they started the program since 1993 and they have focused on building achievements of CUI’s work in the Philippines, adopts the Bioregional approach to planning, supports the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (R.A. No. 10121), the Philippines Climate Change Act of 2009 (R.A. 9729), Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, contributes to the achievement of the millennium development target to “halve by 2015 the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation”, and expands partnership to LGUs in the upland areas of the MIG region.

Cavicchia added the program has targeted the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Bioregion which covering the low land and coastal areas of Iloilo City, Leganes, Pavia, Santa Barbara, Oton, San Miguel, Guimaras and four new partners from the upland towns of Maasin, Cabatuan, Alimodian and Leon, all in Iloilo.

With the program, the manager said it has strengthened collaborative horizontal linkages between the local governments in these areas and national government agencies through preparing joint diagnoses to raise awareness of regional environmental and disaster risk issues.

Cavicchia added the program has also strengthened collaboration among key project partners and stakeholders in the MIG Bioregion around the themes of bioregional planning, watershed management and disaster risk management.

She also said other stakeholders like Tigum-

Aganan Watershed and the MIG Bioregion (TAWMB), Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic.

Development Council (MIGEDC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were exposed to new ideas and knowledge in bioregional planning, watershed management, rainwater harvesting and water management.

The CUI together with partners were able to conduct the MIG Bioregion initiative partners’ forum on Bioregional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework for local environmental governance, learning exchange tours, roundtable discussion event on managing our watersheds, support to project partner initiated forums and events, and Iloilo River Summit.

The CUI has conducted its exit conference and turnover ceremony at Iloilo Business Hotel in Mandurriao district here to acknowledge all the participating stakeholders.

As the program ended, the CUI hopes that local chief executives, regional leaders, business sectors and other stakeholders will advocate the Bioregionalism and alliance building, ensure participatory and active alliance, knowledge transfer/experience sharing and pursue local economic development initiatives that are protective of the watershed.

The CUI is a non-profit organization with a head office in Toronto, Canada and offices in the Philippines, Ethiopia, Ukraine and Jamaica. The CUI is dedicated to enhancing quality of life in urban areas across Canada and around the world.

An important aspect of CUI’s work is to share with the world Canada’s experiences of managing and governing its cities, towns and communities.

Our international initiatives are currently being implemented with partners in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa. IMT

Iloilo City becomes training lab

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is elated to know that other cities have high regards to the city of Iloilo as this is one of the sought after training laboratories to study good governance in the country.

This is after San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez, together with his son Senator JV Ejercito and San Juan City hall officials and heads, visited Iloilo City to attend a 2-day orientation and briefing on August 1516, 2013 on Good Governance for them also to know how it is to work hard for an award and recognition such as Galing pook, Seal of Housekeeping and national competitiveness award.

The San Juan City mayor saidshe has no words to describe the city especially when the world renowned Dinagyang festival performed a special performance when they arrived. In fact, she invited the Dinagyang team to perform in the celebration of their Wata-Wata festival every 24th of June. She was also hoping to flourish like that of the Dinagyang.

Mabilog said the Dinagyang Festival is a clear example of an effective public-private partnership (PPP) in showcasing a local best practice that win many awards and recognition in the national and international levels.

Gomez said her heart is close to Iloilo as her maternal roots came from Molo district with her fluency in speaking Hiligaynon as a proof.

A sisterhood relationship agreement was signed by Gomez and Mabilog on August 16 to concrete the exchanges of skills and knowledge

Photo courtesy of Iloilo City Government between two highly urbanized cities on good governance, environmental protection and conservation, tourism and other areas of concern.

Gomez said her own officials can learn a lot from the people of Iloilo City and its best practices including how to effectively clean the Iloilo River and preserve the old heritage houses and buildings. She also added that as Iloilo is about to recapture the title as Queen City of the South, San Juan under her term will become the Queen City of the National Capital Region (NCR) In return, the officials of Iloilo City can learn from San Juan how to increase revenues and effect a solid fiscal management on resources. Iloilo City is currently experiencing an unprecedented economic growth and wishes that San Juan and Iloilo City are both models in public service and their efforts are not in vain, Gomez added.

Iloilo City is the fourth area visited by the San Juan City officials to look around and study the best practices. Already visited are the cities of Cebu, Davao and Bacolod. Iloilo City PIO/IMT

NMIS conducts Slaughterhouse Operation and Management Orientation Seminar

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) through the Local Economic Enterprise Office of the city government conducted a Slaughterhouse Operation and Management Orientation Seminar held at Iloilo City Hall Penthouse recently.

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said in his inspirational message that the seminar is big help to ensure the safety and efficiency of slaughterhouse operations in order to process quality meat and to safeguard the well-being and welfare of our people.

“We also look forward that through this seminar, proper use and maintenance of the facility will be ensured so that it will be used for a longer time by the general public,” he added.

Last year, the upgrading of the P40-million worth slaughterhouse in Barangay Tacas was completed and became fully operational The slaughterhouse facility was expanded and upgraded into a Double A abattoir, housing a cold storage and long-line for slaughter and processing of hogs and big animals such as cattles and carabaos. IMT

Photo credit to the owner

TSKI taps LGUs to boost entrepreneurship

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN Strengthening its microfinance, the Taytay sa Kauswagan, Inc. (TSKI) has tapped all municipal mayors in the province to help them identify its community-based products that could be developed into sustainable livelihood and entrepreneurship.

According to TSKI executive director Angel de Leon, Jr., there are lots of community-based products from 42 towns of the province including one component city of Passi that were not yet developed due to financially unstable.

With this, de Leon said the TSKI is willing to help small entrepreneurs on its finances so they could come up with their own products related to ‘One town, One product’. The director also said they encouraged local entrepreneurs not to limit their product into one product only.

“We will be giving them right support, innovation, develop their products on its packaging, leveling and able to display in their finished products to our pasalubong center called Tinukib located at Pavia, Iloilo which was only opened four months ago”, he said.

In fact, de Leon said the towns of Pototan, Pavia, Miag-ao and Oton are now displaying

their products to their center which is already considered as one of the tourism destinations.

The director added their collaboration with LGUs will simply show that they wanted to reach out leaders in the enterprising so that community will improve its microfinance to create more jobs.

He stressed they want to help local community to discover more opportunities and improve industry without totally depending on investors only.

“To give you an idea, 70 percent of the employment came from small businesses and through us, it will give access of capital to many poor people”, he said.

On his part, DTI Iloilo provincial director Wilhelm Malones said the common goal for local entrepreneurs is to maximize the use of their available resources.

“This is to penetrate those local markets and sustain employment as well as educating and train our young people into entrepreneurship so that they will not be joining the rank of unemployed”, he said.

The TSKI has already released P 185 million loans to 34, 000 members around Iloilo. IMT

Traffic lights in the city, finally...

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog announced the installation of the first four traffic lights with closed circuit television camera (CCTV) out of 16 planned traffic lights for the busy street intersections in the city.

A private donor will soon install a traffic light and electronic billboard at the corner of Infante and General Luna as an experimental project, the city chief executive said.

Mabilog said the installation of city-funded four traffic lights will possibly be placed at the downtown area, along Gen. Luna St., at the Capitol area and Iznart Delgado area.

About P15 million was allotted for the

project which was taken from the allocation of a fountain at Plaza Libertad.

The plaza is currently being rehabilitated as a historical site funded by the DOT-Tourism Enhancement Infrastructure Zone Authority amounting to P4 million.

Mabilog said the first four traffic lights which cost P3.5 million each are expected to enhance the smooth flow of traffic in the downtown area and the CCTV will help deter any criminal acts along the streets.

He said the project is one of the many ways to solve the traffic congestion in the city proper.

(PNA)

About 18 million Filipinos or 17.71 percent of the estimated 98 million Philippine populations survive below P50.00 a day.

Based on a study, titled Ending Asian Deprivation conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), the said number of Filipinos who said that they are poor is higher than the Southeast Asian average.

In a report of BusinessMirror, ADB Strategy and Policy Department Director General Kazu Sakai said in a statement that the Asia’s future prosperity will only be assured if countries continue the fight against poverty and other areas of deprivation, and this will require proactive state intervention.

“As the deadline for the Millennium Development Goals [MDGs] looms in 2015, this publication provides a timely reminder of the vast unfinished business in the region and the steps needed to end deprivation across the board,” Sakai added.

BusinessMirror further explained using 2009 data, showing that income inequality in the country persists, as the numbers of those living under $1.25 per day in rural areas are significantly higher at 23 percent than the 12.13 percent in urban areas.

In Southeast Asia, those living below $1.25 per day comprise 14.9 percent of the region’s population, lower than the 17.71 percent recorded in the Philippines. Only Thailand and Vietnam beat the Southeast Asian average with

0.24 percent and 13.88 percent of its population living below the poverty line.

The study also stated that around 16.75 percent of the rural population in Southeast Asia are living below the poverty line, while only 12.64 percent of the urban population live below $1.25 per day.

Only Thailand had a lower proportion of their population in rural areas, at 0.32 percent, living below $1.25 per day compared to the whole of Southeast Asia.

In terms of the proportion of urban population that is living below the poverty line, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines beat the regional average by posting lower rates of 0.09 percent, 3.27 percent and 12.13 percent, respectively.

“Although the poor are everywhere in Asia and the Pacific, some countries have more severe rates of extreme poverty than the Asia and the Pacific average, exceeding one-quarter of the population. These include the South Asian countries of Bangladesh, India and Nepal; Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Timor-Leste in Southeast Asia; and Papua New Guinea in the Pacific,” the study stated.

These countries—along with five others with large populations in poverty (although with lower rates of poverty than the regional average) China, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam—account for almost all of the extreme poor in Asia and the Pacific, it added.

BusinessMirror/IMT

18 million Filipinos survive below P50/day

BY REYMAR LATOZA

August 25 - 31, 2013

METRO BUSINESS

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Iloilo City to get 2 APEC ministerial meetings

Iloilo City has been identified to host two ministerial meetings of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015.

“The city has been chosen to host the meetings with conditions to meet the requirements. The city will be expecting a

thousand delegates during these meetings,” said Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog.

“The event is a big boost for the city’s economy considering the number of visitors and some of them will be staying even after the meetings are over,” he stressed.

City council approves tourism code

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES The Iloilo City council has unanimously approved the passage of the city tourism code to concrete the tourism pathway by incorporating current rules and ordinances that support tourism initiatives and programs of the city.

These programs are aimed at lobbying industry concerns by emphasizing site and tourism destinations and industry initiatives, among others.

City councilor Nielex Tupas, chief proponent, said the code was recently finished after sectors involved in the implementation were gathered for consultations and studies about various tourism industry laws.

Under the code, there are 20 historical and cultural destinations that play a significant role in the economic growth of the city – Asilo de Molo, Balay na Bato,Baluarte Elemnetary School, Casa Mariquit, Central Philippine University (CPU), Fort San Pedro, Graciano Lopez-Jaena Shrine, Jaro Cathedral and Plaza, Lizares Mansion (Angelicum School), Magdalena-Jalandoni Museo,Molo Church and Plaza, Museo de Iloilo, Nelly’s Garden, Plaza La Paz, Plaza Libertad, Rosendo Mejica landmark, Sanson-Montinola, Ancestral Antillan house, Science Centrum- Iloilo National High School, and Sinamay House.

The tourism code incorporates the local Cultural Heritage Conservation Council by defining local heritage and legacy building, structures or sites prescribing its use and

conservation through Ordinance 54 and also recognizes the role of the Iloilo City Tourism Council through Executive Order 05 Series of 2003.

Heritage sites and buildings and priority areas of tourism–oriented industries will avail fiscal incentives depending on the length of years- P5-20 million for one year, P20-4- million for two years, P40-60 million for four years and above.

Tupas added that the nonfiscal incentives will include assistance in securing business permits, accessing a government financial and technical assistance programs, and facilitating local service connections.

For legitimate tourism sites, a special permit will be granted for tourism activities along with the recognition of registration, licensing and accreditation of the business site.

Furthermore, the code has marked the official celebration of the Kasadyahan and Dinagyang Festival on the respective fourth Saturday and Sunday of the month of January. Also, the Paraw Regatta every second Sunday of February, Chinese New Year, Charter Day of Iloilo City every 25th of August and a News Years Fireworks Display Countdown on New Year’s Eve. Special events like the Sinadya sa Suba and district fiestas in Arevalo, Jaro, La Paz, Molo and Mandurriao are also included in the code.IMT

Preparations up for KOICA’s US $ 7M hospital aid to Iloilo The provincial government of Iloilo and the republic of South Korea are beefing up the preparations for the latter’s US $ 7-million hospital modernization grant for the province’s three remote hospitals.

Among the activities is the two-day symposium organized

by Medipeace, a global health non-government Photo from Iloilo Prov. Capitol FB account organization, from August 19-20, 2013 in Mr. Minhyeon Song, resident representative of Korea International Seoul, South Korea.

Cooperation Agency (Koica), and Governor Arthur Defensor. Sr. sign Only Iloilo the minutes of the meeting for the Iloilo Geographically Isolated and P r o v i n c i a l Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) Health System project which will be funded Administrator Raul by the Korean government on Friday, August 2, 2013. The project entails the Banias, representing upgrading and improvement of health services in the district hospitals in Governor Arthur Alimodian, Balasan and Calinog. (ECGARCIA/ CAPITOL NEWS) Defensor Sr. and two professors from West Visayas State University- District Hospital in Alimodian town, Jesus College of Medicine are invited to attend.

M. Colmenares District Hospital in Balasan, The symposium aims to elaborate the results and Ricardo S. Provido Sr. Memorial District of the Basic Design Study for the KOICA’s Iloilo Hospital in Calinog.

GIDA Health System Strengthening Project It will likewise provide basic and and discuss ways to overcome obstacles in comprehensive emergency maternal obstetric implementing the project. and newborn care (BEmONC and CEmONC) GIDA stands for Geographically Isolated equipment and materials to Rural Health Units and Disadvantaged Areas and these descriptions of Alimodian, Leon, San Miguel, Calinog, were used as bases in choosing the beneficiaries Bingawan, Balasan, Batad, Estancia and Carles. of the project.

The Minutes of the Meeting that intends The symposium is also a way to establish to establish a framework of cooperation for the collaborative relations between experts from implementation of the project has been signed by the Philippines and South Korea for the future both parties earlier this month. implementation of the project.

On the other hand, the Records of The Iloilo GIDA Health System Discussion that stands as a Memorandum of Strengthening Project, which is projected to Agreement will be signed by both parties by the commence next year, will expand and modernize end of the August or sometime on the first week the delivery of basic health services in Aleosan of September. (PNA)

The city is already preparing the list of things to do as well as consulting with stakeholders, the mayor added.

“We are pleased to inform you that Iloilo City has been conditionally selected to host two APEC meetings – the transportation ministerial meeting on October 8-10 and food security with blue economy ministerial meeting on October 15-17,” APEC national organizing committee (NOC) chair Guillermo Luz informed Mabilog.

The NOC will visit Iloilo on Aug. 28 to

meet local hosting committee and inspect the facilities.

Hosting the APEC meetings requires conference facilities and accommodations, security and emergency preparedness, airport infrastructure utilities, attraction and area of interests, organization and road infrastructure, among others.

The committee will monitor the preparation every six months until the conference proper on 2015.Iloilo City PIO/IMT

Iloilo City interests Canadian investors

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog announced that fellow Ilonggos from Alberta, Canada has requested Dinagyang Festival to perform in a bid to show-off the tourism and business potentials of Iloilo City on 2014.

Mabilog revealed the good news after the meeting with representatives from the Local Economic Development Council (LEDC) group spearheaded by Francis Gentoral.

LEDC is organizing a group of 300 Canadian businessmen and investors, and around 100 Americans to visit Iloilo on January 19- 21 of 2014 to spot possible tourism investments in the city. Some members of the group will stay to witness Dinagyang Festival on January 25 and 26 and the Chinese New Year Festival next year.

Mabilog added that Philippine Ambassador to Canada recently went to Iloilo and invited Dinagyang to showcase their talents in Canada.

LEDC also offers

Canadian and American investments in the city and at the same thinking of helping out the scholarship programs of Iloilo City Community College specifically in adding a new Hospitality Management Course.

Iloilo is now concluding its investment portfolio and requires upgrading the data to create rooms for possible growth areas produces by big business and industry players.

Mabilog said he is also seeking the LEDC for possible investments of business corporations coming from Metro Manila and abroad through its corporate social responsibility in adopting the city community college.IMT

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METRO TOURISM

August 25 - 31, 2013

Discover the Beautiful Resorts of Oton

BY BOMBETTE G. MARIN

The historic municipality of Oton is one of the most visited places in Iloilo. It is a unique vacation destination located just 10.2 kilometers away or a 20-minuter drive from the city. Known as the “First Pueblo Panay,” Oton was the seat of confederation of Madia-as in Panay under Datu Paiburong in the 13th century that was situated in Katagman, presently known to be Barangay San Antonio.

The Batiano Bridge that connects barangay San Antonio to the poblacion was identified to be one of the five ancient Malay ports of Irong-irong (Iloilo) that traded with Chinese merchants. The town became the seat of Spanish Government and of Christianity in 1572. In the year 1638 when Panay Island was divided into two major provinces, the present-day provinces of Iloilo and Antique were under the “Provincia de Ogtong.”

If you are a bit of a luxury traveler who expects the finer things in life, Iloilo has a lot of different options for you. And if you are seeking a beautiful resort near the city, this is the perfect place for you.

SHERIDAN Boutique Resort in Barangay Buray, Oton, Iloilo is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hectic world and reconnect with themselves. Sheridan Boutique Resort features 10 guest rooms that afford privacy while still providing complete hotel pampering services. Each room has a private terrace that overlooks the resort’s picturesque garden by the lagoon.

It has indoor and outdoor living spaces such as their Japanese Gazebo that blend seamlessly with an understated elegance, designed to put the mind, body and soul at ease.

Delight your palate with flavorful cuisine at the Ayanna Restaurant where they use the freshest locally grown ingredients. Dine in at their elegant Thai-inspired dining room and lanai that creates the perfect setting for any occasion.

As you know if you have visited any Sheridan Resorts, it has a reputation of operating luxurious inland and beach resorts in the country. What separate Sheridan are the beautiful surrounding landscape and their exceptionally nice people. You will be close enough to the big city if you want to go shopping or go to a nightclub, while at the same time being far away enough to get some peace and quiet.

The acclaimed ADHARA Resort is set against Oton’s most unforgettable backdrop in scenic Anhawan Resort in Barangay J.C. Zulueta St., Barangay Poblacion. Adhara resort is known for fun family getaway, honeymoons, and soon to be one of Iloilo’s finest conference facilities. Situated on a meticulously landscaped area, Adhara resort accommodations open onto Oton’s beach. The resort is suitable for all types of lifestyles, be it couples, honeymooners or families, with seclusion, peace and privacy along with an array of facilities. It offers guests amenities of a high-class inland resort destination with the comfort and privacy of a resort vacation home.

Spaciously and fully appointed villas with rooms immaculately decorated, are tucked into lavishly landscaped clusters,

some with beachfront views. Guests of the resort also have exclusive access to the pool as well as enjoy outdoor activities such as horseback riding, kayaking ad sailing.

Enjoy elegant accommodations, fine dining, and thrilling recreation at our high-class resorts.

At the SHERIDAN Boutique Resort and ADHARA Resort you will have the opportunity to experience the best Iloilo has to offer -- whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure.

If you would like to learn more about the resorts mentioned here, or want some more options to choose from, For Sheridan go to www. sheridanboutiqueresort.com or email at inquiry@ sheridanboutiqueresort.com or you may contact their Iloilo Sales Office at (033) 3960033 or mobile at (+63) 09173077638. For ADHARA, you may contact their font office at (033) 3362247 or email at reservation@anhawanbeach.com.

August 25 - 31, 2013

METRO ENTREPRENEUR

Jaspe’s Special Baye-baye

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES This is one food one should not miss to taste when you visit gastronomic provinces in Iloilo.

Baye-baye, as we call it here in Iloilo, is one of the most popular native delicacies in some towns in the province.

It is made from scraped young coconut meat, sugar and pinipig and newly harvested palay rice.

It is usually cylindrical in shape and comes in different texture.

In the municipality of Sta. Barbara, one family has been considered a legacy in making baye-baye

WEESAM EXPRESS

ILOILO - BACOLOD - ILOILO DEPARTURES 6:30 am 8:10 am 9:50 am 11.30 am

1:10 pm 2:50 pm 4:45 pm

for 43 years already. Mr. Jose (All charges in) Jaspe and his wife Violeta Jaspe FARE: One Way started their business since Non-aircon (W3 only) P250 ECO. aircon P340 1970. This business also opened FC. aircon P435 opportunities for the family ROUND TRIP PROMO aircon P585 business to be known not only ECO. FC. aircon P665 in the municipality but also in Schedule subject to change without prior notice.

For details please call: other places.

The business has become ILOILO (033)337-3282 / 09228660338 BACOLOD (034)709-0630, 433-9125 giant flag in SM City out of baye-baye. foundation of the family to strive One secret that the Jaspe’s would like to harder. Manong Jose couldn’t have thought that from a starting profit of 200-400 pesos per day, share about flourishing a business is the essence of they were able to send frugality. For them, it is very important to monitor their eight children to finances and see to spend only for important things. As for the product to be known, it should school.

The process of be meticulously done, well-marketed and the making the traditional taste should be maintained in order for others to baye-baye is a laborious remember not only the products name but taste work because of the experience that they get from it.

For orders and inquiries, you may contact repetitive roasting of rice.

That is why it is often 09204291975 or 09297728958. You may served during special also visit their store at Brgy. Cabugao Sur, Sta. occasions, particular Barbara, Iloilo. IMT events, and Holy Week.

June and August are its lean season while aid to increase the level of accommodation and October to December is leisure in the city. the peak season.

“This is the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel Last Independence in the Philippines. We are happy and very excited Day celebration, it was that our fastest-growing brand in the Marriott the Jaspe’s who made the group will rise in Iloilo Business Park,” said Peter Gassner, Director, Hotel Development AsiaPacific, Marriott International, Inc. Courtyard by Marriott, from Mariott International’s portfolio of world-class brands, is all about “Refreshing Business”. Its goal is to give guests smart and energizing choices environment so they can make the most of their time on the road.

The hotel is equipped with 314 rooms and suites; 121 King Rooms, 140 doubles, 32 Executive Rooms and 16 suites. All rooms will have curtain wall system to provide a wonderful view of the urban landscape of Iloilo Business Park. Other amenities include a lounge bar, meeting rooms, swimming pool with pool bar,

Courtyard by...from page 1

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outdoor bar and grill, state-of-the-art gym and business center.

“The Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo will also feature a restaurant which will serve high quality food that the Courtyard brand is also famous for, featuring a variety of international and local cuisines,” Gassner adds.

Iloilo Business Park, Megaworld’s biggest township in Western Visayas, will have luxury residential condominiums, BPO office towers, a Megaworld Lifestyle Mall, a 1.1-kilometer Festive Walk commercial strip, open parks, transport hub, and the much-anticipated Iloilo Convention Center, among others.

Among Megaworld’s other successful townships include Eastwood City, known to be the Philippines’ first cyberpark; McKinley Hill in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; and Newport City in Pasay City, home of the famous Resorts World Manila.IMT

METRO OPINION

6 EDITORIAL

Once is not enough It has always been a question of whether we have learned from our mistakes or not. Over the years, the same things happen, the same routinepowerful elements coming our way destroying every bit of our surroundings, even the comforts of our home. And here we are left with fear and terror again, gaining courage trying to pull ourselves up from a nightmare of a hungry tragedy.

History repeats itself, as they say, but as we repeatedly encounter the same experiences every year, do we actually learn from them?

How do we really say that we have learned?

The recent devastation of Typhoon Maring in the Philippine Area of Responsibility is another testimony of a history we repeatedly witness every year. Remember Ondoy, Frank and the storms and calamities that struck the country even before the beginning of our generation. They may have different intensities; they may have left us a variety of numbers in death tolls, injuries and missing bodies until now, but one thing is certain- they teach us lessons. Lessons that we repeatedly learn but we forget to apply.

Maring reportedly battered the prosperous cities in the country with over P79 million damage.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) as of the press time, the typhoon spoiled P78,868,659.40 in Regions I (Ilocos), III (Central Luzon), IV-A (CALABARZON), IV-B (MIMAROPA), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Damage to infrastructure totalled P56,582,000, while agricultural damage amounted to P22,286,659.40.

(Rappler, 2013) Numbers are still expected to go up in the coming days as authorities would have ample time to visit affected areas after the typhoon has gone.

After this, the same routine again. We will blame the government for not doing their job to rehabilitate the old dikes, dams, drainages and more. We will blame the illegal settlers who are so hard-headed when we tell them to leave the area and who demands more from the government to give them shelter and relocation. We will blame those industries whose wastes have been clogging the drainage systems. We will blame the illegal loggers who cut million of trees in the forests cau7sing more flash floods in lower areas. Indeed, this is a multi-level problem that with a lot of parties to be blamed, we end up blaming no one.

Yes, because deep within ourselves we are guilty.

No doubt that the Filipino resiliency will still over power this crisis. But is this the way it should be every year? Seriously?

Why not, instead of blaming each other, we take our part to change the system. Why not, instead of looking at others’ faults, we try to assess ourselves what we have contributed to let these reality happen. Yes, history may repeat itself. Catastrophes and calamities will hit us every year; rescue and relief operations will go over the same process but it should not be like this every year. An ounce of prevention is still better than a pound of cure.

August 25 - 31, 2013

Radio is still Iloilo’s most influential medium W

orking o n the radio is a rewarding experience. Not all have the benefit of being welcomed at people’s households and be the bearer of news and information that they deserve to know.

There was one point in my life that I asked if radio still matters what with the advent of cellular phones, tv teleseryes, cable televisions, internet accessibility and online games. But seeing the figures in the survey conducted by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) through its research contractors-- Nielsen and Kantar survey firms, inspires one and all that the world’s oldest and fastest news conveyor remain a force to reckon with.

The per 30-minute segment survey result conducted February 9-15, 2013 with 100 base households , 400+ individuals, and covering 353,000 of the Iloilo City population reveals that the morning time slots have the highest rating in terms of listenership. This is because radio serves as our alarm clock before going to work, and we want to be equipped with the recent weather condition and traffic situation before all else begin. This runs contrary to the heydays of radio in the 80’s and the early 90’s where evening anchormen had become virtual cult-leaders.

The morning time slot peaks at 19.6%, the noontime at 7.3% and the evening managed to register a lower, but still a significant 5.2%. The early morning time slot is at 9.6% Viewing the figures in the competition of the top three radio stations in Iloilo, the results are as follows : In the early morning time slot at 5:00am to 5:30am time block, DYRI RMN has 6.9%, Bombo Radyo has 1.9%, and Aksyon Radyo has 0.4%. In the 5:30am-6:00am time block, DYRI RMN has 7.1%, Bombo Radyo has 2.2% and Aksyon Radyo has 4.4%.

In the morning time slot at 6:00am to 6:30am time block, DYRI RMN has 13.2%, Bombo Radyo has 5.4% and Aksyon Radyo has 1%. In the 6:30am to 7:00am time block, DYRI RMN has 13.1%, Bombo Radyo stand still at 5.4% and Aksyon Radyo stagnates at 1%. In the7:00am to 7:30am time block, DYRI RMN slightly drops at 11.2%, Bombo Radyo increases a bit at 5.9% and Aksyon Radyo insignificantly stays at 1.1%. In the 7:30am to 8:00am time block, office works may have a hand in diminishing the radio listenership. DYRI RMN stays on top with a figure slide at 10.4%, Bombo Radyo at 5.4% and Aksyon Radyo at 0.9%. In the 8:00am to 8:30am time block, the preceding time block’s sliding trend continues. DYRI RMN is at 7.3%, Bombo Radyo is at 5.2% and Aksyon Radyo concedes at 0.7%. In the final stretch of the morning public affairs programs at 8:30am to 9:00am time block, DYRI RMN is 6.5%, Bombo Radyo is 4.7% and Aksyon Radyo is 0.6%.

In the noon time slot, DYRI RMN still leads at 3.7%, Bombo Radyo at 2.1% and Aksyon Radyo at 0.8% in the 12:00pm to 12:30pm time block. The same figures for the top three radio stations in the 12:30pm to 1:00pm time block except for Bombo Radyo that climbs up from 2.0% to 2.1%

. In the 1:00pm to 1:30pm time block, DYRI RMN jumps up at 4.0%, Bombo Radyo at 2.6% and Aksyon Radyo at 0.6%.

In the evening time slot, DYRI RMN stilll leads in the 7:00pm to 7:30pm time block at 3.1%, Bombo Radyo at 1% and Aksyon Radyo at 0.3%. In the 7:30pm to 8:00am time block, DYRI RMN retain their ratings while Bombo Radyo drops from 1% to 0.8%. In the 8:00pm to 8:30pm time block, DYRI RMN is at 3.6% , Bombo Radyo at 1.1% and Aksyon Radyo at 0.4%.

In the 8:30am to 9:00 am time block, DYRI RMN has 3.4%, Bombo Radyo has 1.1% and Aksyon Radyo has 0.5%.

The figures speak well about the power of radio to reach a wide market notwithstanding the rapid shift to modernism. If there is one major reason why radio’s role has been downplayed by survey-craze advertisers nowadays is not really on the absence of images that give graphic feeds to our imagination compared to what television can offer, but the radio industry’s slow accessibility to modern ways to communicate. It’s been a little bit late before radio executives have responded to the call of the modern times. Production of radio sets start to die down. Cellphones have access to FM stations but AM stations have conceded. TV is found online while radio struggles to fit in. TV programs have been modernized but radio remained traditional.

Radio has been behind for at least twenty years compared to other competing media of communication. But given the result in this scientific radio diary methodology sampling, the radio industry will go a long way. By history, there have been officials occupying or once held elective positions who are former radio anchormen -- Joshua Alim, Rodel Fullon Agado, Ely Estante, Armand Parcon, Eugene Reyes, David Gano among others. This speaks of the medium’s popularity to the electorates.

for this independence cost the lives of our national heroes.

It is only ourselves that, in most cases, hamper us to do good, to do what is best for our country and countrymen, especially the poor, the needy, the homeless, the oppressed, the victims of calamities. It is usually us that fail to give our time, our resources and effort to help uplift the living conditions of our less privileged countrymen. I think we cannot blame anyone for this. We have to take responsibility.

Remember Ninoy Aquino who died 30 years ago on August 21. He felt, and he knew fully well, that he would die with his arch nemesis in power, but he went for it, because he knew deep in his heart that to give his life for his countrymen was the best solution to end their suffering. He was after the welfare of his countrymen – the welfare that went above that of his wife and children. Well, as a gesture of my gratitude to him, I voted for his son to become president of this country, and I also initiated the 1st Ninoy Aquino Memorial Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament – just a small event for his honor, managed by the Iloilo Lawyers and Professionals Chess Club,Inc., held on August 21 at ADPI Canteen, Jaro Plaza, Iloilo City.

But seldom can we now find politicians who are willing to give much of themselves for the sake of their fellowmen, for the sake of their country and the common good. Instead, we find many of them perpetuating in power, unwilling to give others a chance, much more, unwilling to die for others. We find many of them extending their businesses more than the business of good governance and community development, letting the interest of their own family prevail over the common good, over the general welfare, and protecting the business interests of their patrons at the expense of the general public.

A great nation, a great community, a progressive society, where everybody is happy, requires some heroic response on our part, to give a little of ourselves for others everyday,

until we totally give ourselves unselfishly to others. This is, nonetheless, not an easy mission.

Janet Lim-Napoles may have tried to be a heroine herself and have succeeded to be considered a heroine by some who benefited from her acts, but reports speak otherwise as she was instrumental in the pork barrel scam involving billions of pesos of government funds. I don’t think that we can count on her to be on the list of living heroes. Neither can we count now those who expose her participation in the scam.

But I remember the likes of Efren Penaflorida or Jesse Robredo who did not mind difficulties in serving the less privileged, the needy and uneducated in our society.

They have let the goodness in themselves shine in their lives. They have made the hero in them help improve the lives of others. Do we have more of them?

Take a look how we behave in the streets, in hurrying to take a ride, or in our dealings with others. There is usually a string attached at the end of a favour done, at the end of a food given, at the end of every labor, at the end of every service, at the end of every “pork” given or so “shared”, or at the end of every project the executive implements, or at every vote cast. There is usually, at least, a hidden agendum involved.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, reports the Philippine Daily Inquirer, said on those who are involved in the P10 billion pork barrel scam: “I believe there is goodness in every person so I’m appealing to that part of every person. You can be better than this. And you cannot deny it. There’s a goodness in you which comes from God. Just let it come and you will be free and happy.”

This I believe: We can be better than what we are now, where our heroes left us. And this starts with our positive and brave response to the invitation to let goodness - the hero in us – come.# ******** Send feedback to: arnoldcares@ yahoo.com

HEROES

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n some ways, my life has been in contrast with theirs, but should this prevent me to value theirs?

They caused the creation, the formulation of our constitution. They gave their lives for our freedom and democracy. They gave their lives for our communal good and happiness. They gave more than what was expected of them.

Without their selfless sacrifices, we can hardly imagine how are we today. Section 1, Article II of the Philippine Constitution, somehow, sums up the fruit of the labors of our national heroes: “The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.” On August 26, we celebrate their day - the National Heroes’ Day in the Philippines.

But I doubt if we already have on our tables the substantial taste of the fruit of their labors, of their selfless efforts., for we are far behind in development than our neighboring countries, far behind in giving utmost value to the person of each and every Filipino.

It is worth restating that our heroes earned for us our state of being a free and democratic country. We are no longer under the dictates of foreign pressures, of foreign powers.

We can assert ourselves as a free nation. We can assert our right to self-determination as an independent nation. We have to claim this independence always,

August 25 - 31, 2013

METRO OPINION

Silent Spring Rekindled

7

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rainwater. Carson concluded that DDT and other pesticides had irrevocably harmed birds and animals and had contaminated the entire world food supply.

Carson further explained: “No responsible person contends that insect-borne disease should be ignored. The question that has now urgently presented itself is whether it is either wise or responsible to attack the problem by methods that are rapidly making it worse. The world has heard much of the triumphant war against disease through the control of insect vectors of infection, but it has heard little of the other side of the story—the defeats, the shortlived triumphs that now strongly support the alarming view that the insect enemy has been made actually stronger by our efforts.

Even worse, we may have destroyed our very means of fighting ... What is the measure of this setback? The list of resistant species now includes practically all of the insect groups of medical importance ... Malaria programs are threatened by resistance among mosquitoes ... Practical advice should be “Spray as little as you possibly can” rather than “Spray to the limit of your capacity” ..., Pressure on the pest population should always be as slight as possible”.

Waves of criticisms from the chemical industry stalwarts followed. In writing Silent Spring, however, Carson backed up her findings from extensive research done by Marjorie Spock and Mary Richards, both organic farmers, and; Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, biodynamic farming advocate. Her attackers admitted that she presented facts accurately for the most part, but lamented that she came to unwarranted conclusions from them and ignored the benefits of pesticides.

Defenders of the Silent Spring argued that

Carson never called for the banning of DDT. The Global Malaria Eradication Campaign which advocated the use of DDT was halted in1969 for not “achieving its stated objective”, as mosquitoes were developing resistance.

Most critics were silenced, however, when DDT was banned for agricultural use in the United States in 1972 while the 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants put an end to the global use of DDT and other organochlorine pesticides.

Three years after the passage of Republic Act 10068 otherwise known as Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, only about two percent of Filipino famers are engaged in organic farming. Today, we still see sustained expansion of investments in the chemical input (fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides) industries and sales by venture capitalists. Farmers are so addicted to the extensive availability of chemical inputs that purchase volumes remain unabated.

The slow shift from chemical to organic agriculture is partly attributable to poor cash flow and marketing problems. Realistically, it will take a while to dismantle the current infrastructure established through a century of chemical-based agriculture. We need more pro-active public-private partnerships in navigating through a national action road map and consistency in promoting and supporting organic agriculture.

Perhaps the redeeming factor is our early transition towards the production, sale, processing, and consumption of pesticidefree food and fibers compared to our ASEAN neighbors. A month ago, for instance, we completed a socio-economic study on safe and sustainable management of legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata) in Thailand and Vietnam.

This was a collaborative work among research

scientists from Goducate Ltd., Singapore; Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC): The World Vegetable Center, Taiwan; Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), India.

Using farm-level survey data for 240 farm households, we found out that farmers relied heavily on the use of synthetic pesticides. The introduction of integrated pest management (IPM) is a formidable challenge due to the farmers’ high level of satisfaction with pesticides in managing the pests and lack of market demand for pesticide-free produce.

We are grateful to Nicanor “Nick” Jesus Pineda Perlas, III for spearheading the sustainable agriculture movement in the Philippines (he coined the globally-used term sustainable agriculture in 1983). Presently, he is the cofounder, president, and executive director of the Center for Alternative Development Initiatives (CADI) in Metro Manila and Iloilo City, where he guides research and policy work and develops initiatives on globalization and related issues. As former member of the national technical panel overseeing the regulation of pesticide use in Philippine agriculture, he initiated the banning of 32 hazardous pesticide formulations in the country.

He was a presidential aspirant for the 2010 national elections but lost to the incumbent president. Based on his experiences as international consultant and adviser, professor, ecologist, national and global activist, and as a technical writer, Nick is probably the best president that the Philippines has never had.

His teachings and activisms inspired by Silent Spring will always, nonetheless, be kindled in the minds of his students.

C

and childlike faith in miracles. In the course of the story, I touched on the miraculous image of the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, and some questions on theology and existence.

There’s a cameo of real historical figures like Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, and the late Alberto Piamonte. I set the story in Guimaras because I wanted to use the image of the feast of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of the island. This particular story really began as a challenge to myself to write a story that starts with the word “una” [first], and ends with the word “Dios” [God]. The Palancawinning story is called “Si Padre Olan kag ang Dios” [“Father Olan and God”].

How long did it take you to write the story?

About a week, and a day of editing a year later. I actually wrote the story in 2011 as part of my collection for the NCCA Writer’s Prize, in case I won. I didn’t win, so I just kept the story as part of my book “Stories from a Mellifluous Language” [“Mga Sugilanon sa Matam-is nga Pulong”], which was published in the United States late last year. In the original version it is called “Si Padre Olan, ang Dios, kag ang Ulan” [“Father Olan, God, and the Rain”]. While preparing for a lecture in creative writing in February this year, I

chanced to read the story again, and I said, “This really is a damn good story! It should win an award.” So, I did slight edits like increasing temperature records from 109 F to 115 F, adding some similes to describe the sweat on Father Roland aka Father Olan, and keeping the tension in the title by dropping the mention of rain. But that’s only for my Palanca submission. I still prefer the long title for the lovely alliteration of Olan and Ulan.

So you think a Palanca award can be won by a good title?

Among other things! Haha! I get asked a lot how I do it, meaning how I consistently have won at the Palanca Awards year after year since 2006. Really, people should just attend my lecture, “How to Write an Awardwinning Work,” before I leave again for the United States. I’m still not sure whether I want to hold this one-day lecture in Iloilo City or in my hometown of Dumangas. I’m still looking for sponsors. But I’m seriously looking at September 14, Saturday. So, for writers and dreamers out there, save the date and keep posted. How often does a Palanca Hall of Famer give a lecture like this? Haha!

Follow me in this newspaper, or on my Facebook account for details of the event.

I still don’t have my disposable SIM pack for this visit, but I usually announce my temporary cellphone number while in the Philippines on Facebook as soon as I get it.

How is this workshop different from all the other writing workshops around?

You mean apart from it being given by the great Peter Solis Nery who comes all the way from L.A. to share his trade secrets and expertise? Haha! Well, for one, this lecture will focus on the goal of winning awards.

More than just good writing, winning literary awards demands a certain attitude to deal with competition, maybe an acquired writing stance and philosophy, and some technical secrets that I am just too ready to share.

They may not be groundbreaking points, but I think that they need to be said again for those who wonder. Of course, you cannot rely on me to win awards, but if my record and consistency in winning awards does not impress you, just refuse to attend. Nobody is forcing you. Indimaghinangag! I am only here to inspire, to share, and to support writers who believe in me. I want to share my perspective and experiences in writing, my tricks that worked, and antics that didn’t.

Eymentodat!

lives?

This is not an insult or something that will in the end project the people of Iloilo as immature. It should be stated that progress in any place less the value of how its people will participate and project themselves is callous.

The APEC year may be far yet. However, it should be viewed as a turning point not in the future but today if we are to talk about how we are Ilonggos as a people. APEC for the nation is an opportunity. It is for our government an economic fuel. What about for us as Ilonggo people?

APEC’s value is not a ready money. It is an investment and like any investments, it is bound to flourish or fail. As a people, we should not look at it as a short-term bonus and a one-way dole out. Have you cleaned your surroundings today? Have you improved your little food business? Have you started practicing being polite with your

neighbor? Have you told yourself to stop from complaining and instead start doing it your way?

These are simple things. These are our investment as a people for the future beyond the economics of APEC. *The Blue Economy principles permit to respond to the basic needs of all with what we have. It stands for a different way of designing business by using the resources available in cascading systems, where the waste of one product becomes the input to create a new cash flow. It aims at creating jobs, building up social capital and rising income while saving the environment. An international community of companies, innovators and scientists support the concept, providing open source access to develop, implement and share prosperous business models which targets to improve natural ecosystems and quality of life. (The Blue Economy: Design Theory, Wikipedia)

was a third year University student when I got shocked and awed by the perils of chemical agriculture. It all started when our young and dynamic mentor, Nick Perlas, lectured on Rachel Carson and the implications of her book Silent Spring.

Published in 1962, the book made vivid the prospect of life without birdsong, set off a wave of environmental legislation, and galvanized the nascent ecological movement.

Silent Spring is almost 51 years old but the book continues to eloquently question humanity’s faith in technological progress.

“What happens in nature is not allowed to happen in the modern, chemical-drenched world,” she wrote, “where spraying destroys not only the insects but also their principal enemy, the birds. When later there is a resurgence of the insect population, as almost always happens, the birds are not there to keep their numbers in check.”

Carson was a former marine biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She grew up in rural Pennsylvania and loved writing about nature and poetry. She became concerned about the ill-effects of pesticides in the early 1940s and also after she heard about the aerial spraying over Long Island by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Silent Spring highlighted the insidious effects of DDT. It explained how the insecticide entered the food chain and accumulated in the fatty tissues of animals, including human beings, and caused cancer and genetic damage. A single application on a crop, she wrote, killed insects for weeks and months, and not only the targeted insects but countless more, and remained toxic in the environment even after it was diluted by

ongratulations on your latest Palanca award. Which category did you win?

I won another first prize gold medal for Hiligaynon short story this year. So haters and wannabes can just eat their heart out. I am still the reigning prince of Hiligaynon fiction!

Akobidasagihapon! I am still the Hiligaynon writer to beat among the age category of 45 and under. So, fifty years from now, when people ask who the shapers of Hiligaynon fiction were at the turn of the millennium, do not forget me. Do not forget my name.

Because awards or no awards, I am the real icon of Ilonggo literature in English, Filipino, and Hiligaynon. There is no question that I am the heir apparent to the throne of Graciano Lopez-Jaena! [I leave the title of being the new Magdalena Jalandoni to a real woman.] As for the other poseurs, hikugkamosakahisa!

What’s your winning story about?

In one word, it’s about drought. You know, El Niño and water shortage. But really, it’s about a priest -- the titular Father Olan, his parishioners, their conflicting positions regarding prayers and liturgy, church politics,

Are we ready for APEC?

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hile the City Hall and some select local and national officials are busy preparing Iloilo City for the much-coveted APEC Ministerial Meetings on October 2015 for the APEC Summit on November of the said year which will be held in the Philippines, I am thinking a bit progressive and somehow pessimistic.

After being shortlisted among other contender-host cities, the city is now cramming its way to being identified and anointed as the one. Initially, Iloilo will host the Ministerial Conference on Food Security and Blue Economy* on October 15, 16 and 17 and at the same time the Transportation Summit on October 8, 9 and 10.

While in no way that our economy reflects the essence of the said fields of discussion, the fact remains that ours is not about showcasing our best practices in Food Security and the

Blue Economy and Transportation but as venue among bureaucrats and diplomats that is clean, secure and accessible. The criteria for the venue are those with excellent facilities and infrastructure, enough power and water supply and available medical facilities.

It would be futile to debate on the readiness of Iloilo City in the context of today because it is simply not. The argument will only boil down to the steps that all sectors are doing towards the middle of 2015. It is of course in the future tense thus any judgment rendered on how ready is Iloilo City for the APEC will be labeled as negativism, pessimism and political in nature.

Setting aside the rhetoric of the city officials and some national bureaucrats, are the Ilonggos ready for the influx of visitors for the APEC Summit? How Ilonggos as a people appreciate the value of the said big time event in the context of their daily

August 25 - 31, 2013

METRO AGRICULTURE

9

An Oasis of Greenery at EPHRATHAH

BY BOMBETTE G. MARIN Natural farming is a culture where plants are grown in 100% natural environment with the least human interference and no harmful chemicals or synthetic products used. It is practically leaving the crops grow and produce in their natural environment, and man comes enhances the natural conditions to improve productivity.

The potential of the Ilonggo market for organic products is under-explored and the sector has immense growth opportunities with a good following taking to healthier and more ecofriendly lifestyles.

Organic agriculture continues to expand rapidly in Iloilo as these products continue to enter the mainstream retail trade. Major food manufacturers are developing organic product lines and food service sales on organic produce in restaurants, canteens and other institutions are also increasing. Personal care, household products, etc. are also gaining market shares with organic produce.

The Cańoto family headed by Engineer Eddie Cańoto started working for the farm that bordered their property. He learned to farm using organic and sustainable methods that

would mean applying environmentally sound and sustainable eco-organic cultivation with no chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides etc. ever used on the farm or in the nursery.

Farming over almost 9 hectares in the Barangay of Sariri, Badiangan, Iloilo, EPHRATHAH Farm is committed to organic and sustainable agriculture. The farm seeks to inspire a natural life style that cares for the environment.

Organic agriculture is intended to produce high quality, nutritious food that contributes to the preventive health care and well-being of individuals. And that the use of fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may have adverse health effects should be avoided.

As organic growers, the farm has gained new respect for the beauty and complexity of the natural system of growing. For the health of people and the environment, Ephrathah is committed to increase the production and availability of their organically grown produce.

New doors have opened. Growing organically is a very rewarding experience for the Cańoto Family.

Ephrathah Farm is presently adding value to their organic produce at the production level,

Malnutrition fight not over, Golden Rice research continues

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) are continuing to fight malnutrition in the Philippines, and continuing Golden Rice research as a potential way to reduce vitamin A deficiency.

“Golden Rice field trials are part of our work to see if Golden Rice can be a safe and

Dr. Antonio Alfonso harvesting Golden Rice effective way to reduce vitamin A deficiency in the Philippines – to reduce malnutrition,” said Dr. Bruce Tolentino, deputy director

Golden Rice Grain

general of communications and partnerships at IRRI. “Vitamin A deficiency is horrible and unnecessary, and we want to do our part to help to reduce it.”

“Our Golden Rice research is part of our humanitarian work to reduce vitamin A deficiency that mostly affects women and children – causing sickness, blindness, and even death,” Tolentino said. “Earlier today one of our Golden Rice field trials located in the Bicol region of the Philippines was vandalized. We are really disappointed that our Golden Rice field trial was vandalized, but it is just one trial and we will continue our Golden Rice research to improve human nutrition.”

In the Philippines, vitamin A deficiency affects approximately 1.7 million children (15.2%) aged 6 months to 5 years. Subclinical vitamin A deficiency affects one out of every ten pregnant women.

Golden Rice is a new type of rice that contains beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A when eaten.

Research so farindicates that eating about one cup a day of Golden Rice could provide half of an adult’s vitamin A needs.

IRRI is working with leading nutrition and agricultural research organizations to develop and evaluate Golden Rice as a potential new way to reduce vitamin A deficiency in the Philippines, Bangladesh and other countries.

In the Philippines, all GM research and development under contained conditions are overseen by the Department of Science and Technology - National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines. The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry(DA-BPI) strictly monitors field trials, coordinates evaluation of biosafety information,

Organic rice

Pickled Red Lady Papaya

Dragon Fruit

Pickled Indian Mango

Ephrathah Juice

processing and even in packaging. It has been producing organic rice such as SL-8H, pink, black and violet varieties; fresh fruits such as the rare dragon fruit and red lady papaya as well as herbal plants and forage.

Other products of the farm include tilapia, pangasius and catfish. The farm also takes pride of their pickled red lady papaya, pickled indian mango and the very refreshing Ephrathah juice that is a mixture of lemongrass, malunggay, ginger, calamansi and basil leaves.

The farm is also carefully selecting their distribution channels. Presently, they are supplying their organic produce to Central Philippine University for use in their dormitories and canteen.

Marketing, promotion and communication is also given much emphasis by the farm. Before the end of this year, the farm will be open to public for daily visits. Adding to their attraction of organic produce, the farm will open its facilities such as its mini-hotel, swimming pool, pavilion, restaurant and shop.

Whether in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption, the basic role of organic agriculture is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms from the smallest in the soil to human beings.

For more information please contact Engr.

Eddie Cańoto at 09273302191 or the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism – Iloilo Province at telefax (033) 3384910.

and approves GM crops if appropriate.

Golden Rice field trials are being conducted in the Philippines by PhilRice and IRRI. The field trials have been permitted by DA-BPI, the national regulatory authority in the Philippines for crop biotechnology research and development, after establishing that the trials will pose no significant risks to human health and environment.

The Golden Rice field site that was vandalized was located within the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 5’s (DA-RFU5) Bicol Experiment Station in Pili, Camarines Sur. The Golden Rice trial site is less than 1,000 square metres (or 0.1 hectare). Nearly all plants

have been uprooted and left on site.

“We all want to answer questions about Golden Rice,” Tolentino added. “Therefore, we need to test Golden Rice and test it according to the best and most rigorous research standards.

This means continuing field trials to ensure there is adequate data and analysis that will enable informed decisions on Golden Rice.”

“At IRRI, we remain dedicated to improving nutrition for everyone in the Philippines and in other rice-eating countries,” Tolentino said. “We’re here for the long term, and Golden Rice and other healthier rice are part of our efforts to help reduce malnutrition among rice-consumers.”irri.org

Iloilo City...from page 1 exchanges in science and technology, culture and the arts, tourism, public health, social services, and planning between the two cities.

According to Mayor Mabilog, Iloilo City and San Juan City are sharing the same inspiration as outstanding local government unit (LGU) and the said collaboration will surely create great impact and productive results.

He added that the relationship between Iloilo City and San Juan City will forever sustain good governance and culture of excellence in our common goal to effectively and efficiently deliver the best for our constituents.

Mayor Gomez who has Ilonggo roots also

believes that his city and Mabiolg’s city have many things in common as they both push for a new paradigm of political leadership and sense of compelling vision.

“We hope to become models for good governance, so the people can see and feel that our efforts have not been in vain,” Gomez said.

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, son of San Juan mayor, graced the ceremony as the main guest. He said in his speech that it was his idea that San Juan officials reach out to Iloilo City.

Ejercito added that Iloilo City is currently enjoying and experiencing tremendous economic growth and we can learn from your experience. PNA/IMT

METRO SPORTS

10

August 25 - 31, 2013

IBL elimination games heat up

BY REYMAR LATOZA

Hardcourt actions intensified as the elimination round of Iloilo Basketball League nears end.

Central Philippine University (CPU) remained in the lead based on the latest standing of IBL Developmental Basketball Tournament ’16-under’ category.

CPU is one win ahead over Westbridge with four wins, while the Assumption Passi City and Iloilo National High School (INHS) tied in the third spot with both three wins.

Cougars moved down to the fourth spot with two wins, followed by Bario Obrero National High School (BONHS) in the fifth spot with one win earned in game 15.

On the other hand, winless Bing Conlu Center (BCC) team A and B were struggling in the last 2 spots.

In game 12, CPU defeated Cougars, 69-62.

In game 13, Westbridge won over ASPC, 65- 58.

In game 14, INHS, earned its 2nd wind, deafeating BCC team B, 63-31.

In game 15, BONHS had its first win, upsetting BCC team B, 62-26.

In game 16, INHS defeated BCC team A, 66-30.

In game 17, APSC upset cougars with 2 shots margin, 40-36.

APSC maintained its lead from first to fourth quarter, 17-7, 20-13, 29-24, 40-36 respectively.IMT

The hard-court hitter

BY REYMAR LATOZA

Former tiger babe Valerie Jen Palomaria Amar, 21, unwrapped her strong passion in volleyball. She was a varsity volleyball player of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) before she had become the Centralian pride. For three years she was part of UST Tigresses Women’s Volleyball Team.

Volleyball is not just a mere sport for her, it is her passion. She said unlike any other sport, volleyball requires a whole lot of skills than what people expect.

Valerie stands 5’7’’ and weighs 63 kilograms.

She is now a senior student of C e n t r a l Philippine Un i v e r s i t y.

She is taking up Bachelor in Secondary Education Major in MAPEH. Her parents, Mr. Limar Iglesias Amar and Mrs. Arlene Palomaria

Amar are her greatest inspirations.

Why volleyball? What makes it special to you?

Valerie: “My engagement in volleyball gave me an over-all sense of well being- to take good care of my health and to maintain a healthy mind. It gave me deeper concentration, focus and determination.”

How did you learn playing volleyball?

Valerie: “Actually, my first sport was badminton, my interest in volleyball started after I was called by our elementary volleyball coach and asked me to undergo training and join the team. When I finally decided to join the team, I underwent a lot of training. I could actually recall my experiences where I always get hit in the face by the ball, that was very humiliating, since then I told myself that I will never let that happen to me again, it gave me determination to learn the sport and eventually made me love it.”

What kind of volleyball player are you?

Valerie: “I started playing as a middle hitter then my coach also trained me to play as an open spiker and then as a utility, and eventually I got comfortable in that position.”

How do you prepare yourself before the competition?

Valerie: “I believe that in every sport, mental conditioning should come first that is why before any game, I always condition myself mentally to be ready with any circumstances that might transpire during the game. I always bear in mind as well as my teammates to always think as a winner, this gives us the morale and confidence we need in every game. Also, a strong mind will help you in handling pressure especially in do or die situations, the team with the strong mind and a strong will usually get the winning point. Most of all, I prepare myself in every game by saying a prayer.”

Challenges you had encountered before and how did you survive it?

Valerie: “To have come from an individual sport, it was a challenge for me to adjust in dealing with other people especially with my teammates, as a group event, it is vital that we feel comfortable with one another so that we could move in unison while we are inside the court. A deeper understanding through frequent conversations, pep talks with our coach and the simple times we spend together outside the court mates made us comfortable with one another and

developed a special bond among the team.

Who is/are your inspiration/s?

Valerie: “First would definitely be my family, specially my father, in every competition my drive is to win because I want to make my family proud, my mother was not attendant during my competitions because she works overseas but nevertheless, I still want to make her proud to compensate her longingness for us. Other significant people who inspired me were Rhea Katrinan Dimaculangan and Aiza Maizo (UST varsity players). I really admire how good they play and I take them as my inspiration to work hard so that I could play as good as them.”

What can you advise to those who are interested in playing volleyball?

Valerie: “First would be to have a strong mind and will to overcome the challenges that lie ahead and to never quit even if the game seems so hopeless. Second would be patience, some players already have the innate talent in them. However, nothing beats perseverance and hard work in the trainings and drills. The more the bruises and pains, the better and stronger a person becomes.

And lastly, have a firm faith in God for nothing is impossible when we are with Him.”IMT

BY MARY JANE UBAY Coconut is known as the tree of life. Indeed it is. Some of our Ilonggo businesses flourish by using the coconut meat as raw material for their products. The past issue of the paper featured the success of the Buko shake business, made by one of the Ilonggo entrepreneur. Now, another business starts to flourish in the market, the Golden Buko Pie of Cabugao, Pavia, Iloilo. Manage by its proprietor Joahna Jarder Villanueva. Golden Buko Pie started its operation a few months ago, but is now becoming the latest favorite of the Ilonggos. It has the blend of fresh and selected buko meat and milk, sealed with the moist pie crust, made from the good variety of flour.

Joahna makes sure that every details of her business are carefully planned and funded. She did a lot of trial and error before she came up with the perfect taste of her product. What made her decide to make buko pie as the main course of her business? It was the suggestion of her sister and her boyfriend’s father. She served the first taste of buko pie during their visit. “Why don’t you make it a business?”, they suggested. Those words inspired Joahna to pursue it and make a careful plan for it. “As I was preparing my business plan, I see to it that this business will survive its first few months of operation” Joahna said. I started my business with the amount of Php40, 000.00 as capital. By the help of God and the people around me, in two (2) to three (3) months of our operations I got my return of investment.

Serving people as a registered nurse is fun, but for Joahna following her passion and meeting the need of people’s stomach is more enjoyable. Her unselfish attitude made every bite of Golden Buko Pie delectable. The care of a Pinay nurse combine with the mind of an entrepreneur will make you come and buy Pavia, Iloilo’s Golden Buko Pie.IMT

Metro Fashion

BY BOMBETTE G. MARIN Fiber moves forward from the traditional design and colors through a showcase of garments created in a pure thought venue celebrating

A young weaver from Salngan Multi-purpose Cooperative in Oton creativity and collaboration. The 6th edition of the Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is an exclusive fabric promotion, networking and business opportunity for the local textile industry to showcase handloom fabric, apparels, fabric fashion accessories and more. And here, handwoven fabrics from the municipalities of Miagao, Oton, Dueńas, Badiangan and Igbaras will be showcased.

The Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair annually organized by the Iloilo Provincial Government through the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism with SM City Iloilo held the first event in 2008. Celebrated this year on September 5-7, 2013 at the event center of SM City Iloilo, IFFF will weave together the fabrics of Panay through the fashion designs of talented Ilonggo designers’ Francis Ian Chua, Jun-g Candelario, Alfie Jolo Desamparado, Paul Conte and Easther Marie Grejaldo.

The Handloom Textile Industry in Iloilo has centuries old history. This tradition of handloom weaving has been brought down from generation

MetroMisc

11

The Golden Buko Pie Story

Iloilo Province celebrates tourism month through the 6th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair to generation in the local towns. The Ilonggo weavers succeeded in creating a distinct identity of their own by transforming the traditional woven patterns and color schemes into the beautiful textile designs.

Iloilo’s handloom industry is a highly laborintensive, rural based industry. It demonstrates excellent fabric handling properties partly due to its weaving method. The fabrics presently manufactured in our weaving communities are mostly of cotton with relatively small quantities of rayon, and polyester cotton. Iloilo also produces a range of products by using abaca, pińa and jusi.

These textile products have been able to compete successfully with machine made fabrics.

The organizers have turned their attention to fashion in the last six years as a way of reaching large numbers of people through every link of the supply chain. They believe in the use fashion presentations as an effective marketing tool to educate consumers on the existing weaving industry in Iloilo. Fashion is also a useful means of communication among weavers, designers and consumers.

Sample garments, color f o r e c a s t s , development fabrics and general trend ideas provide valuable information on planning and styling lines. Through this, direct customers are shown how new products can be made using our local handloomed fabrics.

The event will be bringing you a unique opportunity to explore sustainable livelihood such as weaving by sourcing in a new and innovative way. The organizers see this program as potentially

an incubator for re-introducing and re-educating the Ilonggos of our local fabrics as a source of raw materials in the local and national textile industry.

The fashion show will feature collections in contemporary yet experimental for a local audience. The designers aim to break the local fundamentals and will create a global fashion aesthetic to an Ilonggo fashion arena without disregarding their comfort zones and heritage.

The collections will use local craft fabric to emphasize statement pieces to show their passion for locality.

September 5 (Thursday) will open with Habol Ilonggo featuring the designs of Jun-g Candelario at 5:30 and will be followed by ICONS

featuring hablon pieces modeled by members of the Women Lawyers Association of the PhilippinesIloilo Chapter at 6:30 p.m.; September 6 (Friday) will open with Hablon Moda featuring the collections of Francis Ian Chua at 5:30 p.m., ICONS from the Women Lawyers Association of the Philippines–Iloilo Chapter will follow at 6:30 p.m., Easther Marie Grejaldo will close the how at 7:30 p.m.; September 7 (Saturday) will feature Habol Aninipay with Paul Conte at 5:30 p.m and Alfie Jolo Desamparados at 6:30 p.m.

The 6th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is also brought to you by ABS-CBN Iloilo, Women Lawyers Association of the PhilippinesIloilo Chapter.

Hair and makeup by John Montinola.