Iloilo Metropolitan Times Volume 2 • Issue 71

METROPOLITAN

ILOILO

the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

TIMES

VOL. II ISSUE NO. 71

June 29 - July 5, 2014 Php 12.00

developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

Acts 3:6

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATE Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - June 20-26 , 2014

USD/PHP

44.9000

43.8950

43.8800

43.9747

43.8600 43.8400

43.8487

43.9451 43.8250

43.8200

43.8187

43.8000 Jun 20, 2014

43.8035 Jun 22, 2014

Jun 24, 2014

Jun 26, 2014

DTI PRICE MONITORING Prime Commodities (April 2014) Prime Commodities (April 2014)

CANNED SARDINES Current Price INSTANT NOODLES Current Price

Paradiso (155g) Young’s Town Bonus (155g) Lucky 7 (155g)

12.15 Lucky Me! (55g) 13.25 Payless (50g) 13.75

PROCESSED MILK Current Price

7.10 6.30 Current Price

BREAD

Alaska Sweetened Filled 51.30 Milk - Condensed 300 mL Pinoy Tasty (400g) Alaska Filled Milk 37.00 Pinoy Pandesal Evaporated 370 mL Angel Filled Milk Evaporated 410 mL

37.00

(pack of 10 pieces) 22.50 36.80

DA PRICE MONITORING Processed and Manufactured Commodities (April 2014) Processed and Manufactured Commodities (April 2014)

Commercial Rice Regular Milled Well Milled Premium Special (Fancy) Sugar Refined Washed Brown Sugar Cooking Oil Lapad (bottle)

Current Price 38.00/kg 40.00/kg 42.00/kg 50.00/kg 46.00/kg 42.00/kg 40.00/kg

Meat & Poultry Pork Liempo Pigue (Ham) Beef Rump Brisket Chicken Fully Dressed Egg (Medium) Fish Bangus

Current Price

190.00/kg 180.00/kg

260.00/kg 200.00/kg 130.00/kg 4.50/pc

WATER PROBLEM WORRIES BUSINESSES 27.00

Current Price 120.00/kg

HUNGRY PHILIPPINES. In the past 15 years (1998-2013), the degree of hunger among Filipino households rose from 11% to 19.5%, according to polling firm Social Weather Stations (SWS).Photo from Reuters.

DENR-6 speaks: Cut the trees!

BYELYROSE NAORBE

Ironically, while environmentalists are opposing to cut the trees, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 6 Regional Director Jim Sampulna is taking a stand in favor of uprooting the trees growing in the median islands, particularly in the stretch of General Luna Street for the P260-million road-widening project in the metropolis.

Sampulna, in a news release, said the trees inappropriately planted pose danger to pedestrians and vehicles.

“Some of these trees may fall anytime, they are very old and others are decaying,” he added “It is not ideal to plant trees in the middle of the road. It’s better to have ornamental plants,” Sampulna suggested.

DENR-6 /p11

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD

The Iloilo Business Club (IBC) believes that businesses in Iloilo cannot perform well-grounded if the water problem persists.

“Water, in general, is a basic requirement in businesses. Like power, we cannot expect businesses to operate here in a sustainable manner,” said Ma. Lea Victoria E. Lara, executive director of the IBC. She observed that most businesses here are serviced-based like hotels, hospitals, and restaurants which is in dire need of water for their basic operations.

“We divide the problem into two areas- the supply and distribution.

Our mother organization, the Iloilo Economic Developmet Foundation Inc.( ILED), when we organized that group in 2007, we first work on the supply and distribution problem like the water supply distribution concern,” she added.

Lara remarked that on the supply side, that can be addressed in the long term by the Jalaur Multipurpose River Dam because it has potable water component that can be passed into the pipes.

“But again, the distribution problem is really a big concern, that’s the one being handled by the MIWD. Their short term solution right now is to provide water to existing franchise area or service nila is to get bulk water supply first, now from Prime Water and Flo water,” she said.

Lara stated that they have met with them in several occasions in ILED’s part and tried to get sides from both parties and noted that these are all technical issues that need internal solutions.

“We, from the business sector are at a deadlock. Deadlock in a sense that we have no intervention to offer them,” she grieved.

“As consumers, we would want to think that privatization is the best solution to make it more efficient. Why not privatized like the other cities are experiencing nga naging efficient ang ila water distribution?” she stated.

“We are at the pace, ang growth sang Iloilo, we cannot postpone the issue kilanlan na siya aksyonan subong that will detrmeine kung ano magiging solusyon sa water issues naton. It cannot go on like this and for us to expect nga it will go away kag madako pa gid ang problema if we postpone it. Once matapos na di ang mga developments they really need water. It’s a complex problem.”IMT

Avida launches largest showroom in Iloilo City

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) subsidiary, Avida Land, has opened its largest showroom in the VisayasMindanao region in Iloilo City.

Offering seven room models, for both low-rise and high-rise condominiums, the new Atria Showroom imparts visitors a sneak on to what it will be like in Avida’s Atria developments -- Avida Storeys Atria and Avida Towers Atria, the residential component of Ayala

WHAT’S INSIDE business NEWS

Cement price up

by P13 3 SPORTS

Amateur Boxing Competition plays in Iloilo 11

RORO ports, ships in WV not ready for tourists 2 OPINION

Get Real

6

Luna St., La Paz, Iloilo City

Land’s Atria Park District.

Guests will be able to see studio to two bedroom model units ranging from 22.4 sq.m. to 59.7 sq.m.

“We will continue to support the development thrust of Iloilo for the benefit of the communities here,” Pol B. Tanco, Avida Project and Strategic Management Group head told Iloilo Metropolitan Times what Avida envisioned for the city.

Located along Donato Pison Ave., Barangay San Rafael, Avida launches /p11

Ilonggos BIZ spend more on food

pulse

Incomes may vary, but so do spending habits. Food and personal care top the list of where the incomes of our respondents go.

Iloilo Metropolitan Times have surveyed 10 people and found out that groceries and dining out still serve as the major component of everyone’s stipend, so does personal care in the likes of clothing, medicines and toiletries. Utilities being paid out like water, gas, phone and electric bills are second on their list.

Third, expenditures in other forms were changeable by family type because expenses could vary depending whether the respondents have a family to attend to or not.

“First sa akon is food, then mga bath soaps and shampoo then ang mga kilanlan sang mga bata ko sa school,” said Dina, a mother of three.

“Pagkaon. Sa groceries pa lang galulumpat na. May mga baba ko nga gina pakaon. Tapos, mga bayo naman nila,mga Ilonggos /p11

METRO NEWS

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METRO

on the road

PCA The Philippine Coconut Authority in Western Visayas is strengthening its quarantine measures in all ports of entry in the region to guard against the coconut scale insect (Aspidiotus rigidus).PCA 6 Officer in Charge Jeffrey de los Reyes said that so far they have not monitored any occurrence of CSI in the region but will strengthen quarantine measures in all ports of entry in the region such as Caticlan port in Malay, Aklan and Culasi Port in Roxas City, Capiz.

DILG Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas today (June 17) announced the activation of a text hotline – 09176276927 – where the public can report complaints or any criminal activities in their localities.

The DILG chief said he will personally attend to the complaints texted to him, adding that this will ensure confidentiality of information received from the public.

DENR The DENR Ecosystems Research and Development Service recently conducted various activities in its established clonal nurseries to ensure good production of quality planting materials for the National Greening Program (NGP). Regional Technical Director Dr. Alicia L. Lustica led the group of ERDS staff at the Regional Clonal Nursery in CENRO Btac. Nuevo in conducting sanitation pruning of scale insects infecting Dankalan seedlings at the nursery rearing beds, grading of Balete seedlings, preparation of Narra wildings and potting of 7,800 Narra seedlings, among others.

RORO ports, ships in WV not ready for tourists

BY REYMAR LATOZA Lack of security measures and poor sanitation were among the array of problems observed in some major roll-on-roll-off (RORO) vessels and ports of Western Visayas (WV) in a two-day Critiquing Activity initiated by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI before the official launch of

its newest tourism product dubbed as the “Cruise and Drive Tours”.

Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena, one of the participants, was dismayed over lack of clean restrooms and poor security and facilities in several ports in the provinces of Iloilo (Lapuz Port in Iloilo City and Dumangas Port) Negros Occidental (Pulupandan Port and BREDCO

Thousands of voters may not vote in 2016

BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE If elections are to be held this week, hundreds of thousands of voters in Western Visayas could not vote, according to Commission on Election (Comelec) 6 Regional Director Dennis Ausan “So far about 545, 585 applicants pa ang basi indi makaboto sa 2016 elections for not validating their applications through biometrics,” Ausan said Comelec-6, as of May 6 – June 22, 2014, have received only 69, 676 applications.

Ausan urged the voters with incomplete biometrics data to update their records or else they will be removed from the voters’ list and will not be able to vote in the 2016 elections. They may only reactivate their registration after 2016.

Apart from it, the Comelec offices in the region are also accepting

registration for new voters and accommodating other concerns such as transfer of registration records, change or corrections of entries in the registration records, reactivation of registration records, inclusion of registration records and reinstatement on the list of voters.

According to Ausan, they already received 17, 899 applications for validation, 23, 185 applications for new registration, 12, 110 applications for transfer, 5,362 applications for reactivation, 8, 564 applications for change of name or correction, and 2, 556 applications for multiple registration – voters who will undergo process both on application for transfer and application for reactivation.

Voters› registration started last May 6 until October 31, 2015, Sunday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., based on the Comelec Resolution No. 9853. IMT

205 internet stations are illegal

DOH With the rainy season already here, the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas said that DOH-retained hospitals are all set to respond to people’s health needs and to various emergency situations that may occur. Flor Lynn Gallardo, DOH6 Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) Coordinator said that personnel, logistics, medical supplies, facilities, and adequate measures are in place to manage emergency situations during the rainy season.

DA The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas said that the locally grown garlic can compete with the imported ones in terms of quality.

DA-6 Regional Technical Director Manuel Olanday said that while the imported garlic is easier to peel, the local garlic is more potent and flavorful compared to the imported varieties.

“It is a matter of choice. The imported garlic is easy to peel but the aroma of the local garlic lasts longer,” he said.

Port in Bacolod City) and Guimaras (Jordan Port and Sibunag Port).

RORO vessels, meanwhile, include FF Cruz and Montenegro Shipping Lines.

“Wala sang inspection sa mga dala sang mga tawo so anybody could just bring something sa ibabaw nga makajeopardize sang safety sang mga pasahero,” Jimena disclosed “Ginatake for granted nalang nga nothing will happen. Dapat indi tana paghulaton nga may matabo pa,” he added.

In terms of cleanliness and quality of facilities, Jimena said, “Madamo pa sang dapat kay-uhon especially ang restrooms, mga pulungkuan kag

ventilation.”

“Ang restrooms importante guid kag dapat matinlo kay amo guid ini ang ginapangita sang mga turista pagkatapos maglibot.”

Generally, for now, ports and shipping lines in the region are not yet ready to accommodate tourists, according to Jimena.

“Nagagwa nga ang ila facilities gindesign sang mga travelers nga indi pislian kag indi para sa mga turista,” Jimena said.

Jimena encouraged the management of shipping lines and ports to take extra effort to push the image of WV by improving their facilities and security measures.IMT

Dirty toilets in Iloilo City turn-off for tourists

BY REYMAR LATOZA

GK Anchored on the theme “Walang Iwanan”, the 2014 Bayani ChallengeIloilo has generated support of more than 140,500 volunteers - local and foreigners, for the past two months since its launch in April 11 in Iloilo city.

Gawad Kalinga Provincial Head Ma. Rosa Cacho said Bayani Challenge Iloilo hit more than its targeted number of 82,000 volunteers as more than 140,500 have selflessly participated in the various hometown activities conducted to help rebuild the ten typhoon ‘Yolanda’ stricken municipalities of the province from April 11 to June 8 during the closing ceremonies held at Concepcion town on June 12 that coincided with the celebration of the 116th Independence Day.

June 29 - July 5, 2014

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN Almost half of the internet shops in Iloilo City operate without business permits, according to the Task Force on Internet and Gaming Center AntiPiracy and Pornography (IGCAPP) IGCAPP Director Ben Palma Jr. said a total of 488 internet stations operating in this city were already inspected.

However, only 205 stations were able to secure their business permits while 270 stations have no permits or have permits still on the process.

“We already informed these stations to renew their business permit s if they are still willing to continue their operation,” he said.

Palma said due process is always given to the operator.

However, if they still insist to operate without complying with the appropriate requirements set by the city government, then their case will be referred to the City Legal Office for proper disposition of their cases Palma also added that they are closely monitoring 13 closed internet shops in Iloilo City for possible reopening as classes started in June.

He said they have already issued affidavits of undertaking to these closed internet stations which disallowed

them to reopen without complying the requirements set by the Iloilo City Government.

Palma said most violations committed by these internet owners are operating without business permits, thus, they are closely monitoring them for possible reopening.

138 Ilonggo minors rescued inside internet cafes during class hours Meanwhile, IGCAPP rescued 138 minors inside different internet stations in the city during class hours from February to June 20, 2014.

Palma said rescued children were turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development while minor students were turned over to their school authorities for proper disposition of their case.

Palma added since these minors were caught inside gaming stations, they are strictly enforcing the penalties for computer station owners who are allowing minors to transact business with them during class hours.

Palma stressed all internet stations were ordered to follow the existing City Ordinance 2011-185, which regulates the operation of gaming centers in the city. IMT

Sanitation is a big factor to lure tourists and dirty toilets, therefore, can drive them away.

Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena emphasized the importance of clean restrooms especially for visitors and tourists alike coming to Iloilo City.

“Ang isa ka lugar could only be prepared sa mga visitor kon makaoffer sila sang facilities nga maayo kag isa guid sa mga ginapangita sang mga bisita ang restroom,” Jimena said Jimena disclosed that even some hotels in the city have dirty toilets.

“Makita nyu man nga sa syudad maskin sa mga hotel nga mayo kun kis-a and restroom wala ginalimpyuhan, wala sa maintenance nga mayo, “Jimena said.

To address this problem, the City Tourism Office is planning to pursue an operation requiring all

establishments in Iloilo City to provide clean and scented restrooms.

“Operation Clean Restroom”, according to Jimena, aims at boosting tourism in the city by keeping the restrooms clean.

Jimena also encouraged other local government units (LGUs) to provide sanitary toilets and maintain its cleanliness.

Based on the recent study conducted by the Economic of Sanitation Initiative (ESI), the total number of tourists choosing a country for their holiday is partially related to the general sanitary conditions of the country.

“One of these factors include the presence of toilets that offer comfort and privacy in hotels, restaurants and bus stations, “ ESI said.IMT

What Ilonggos should learn from Japanese

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD “The operative is always -- be prepared. It is imperative, it is urgent, it is always important to be prepared for natural disasters.”

That is what MMDA Chairperson Francis Tolentino said when he was invited to speak by the Student Council Alliance of the Philipines (SCAP) about Post Yolanda Efforts and Young People’s Niche in Times of Disaster on June 20 at Central Philippine University, Iloilo City.

He stated that it is something everyone should learn from Japan, a country where all sorts of calamities happen, like major earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons, yet, still manage to sustain well.

“It is a quality that Japanese has internalized and institutionalized.

It is programmed in their way of life, engraved in their culture and hardwired in their institution,” he said.

He called on to be the same like the Japanese and promote public awareness to be always prepared as the Philippines is located in the pacific ring of fire.

Tolentino remarked that one can stage such likeness through drills. But he observed that many are not serious about it.

“When students come out, they come out laughing. While others have their books on top of their heads, some teachers are putting on make-up,” he said.

All in all, he urged everyone to unite and be prepared when disaster strikes. IMT

June 29 - July 5, 2014

METRO BUSINESS

3

Cement price up by P13

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD

Prices of construction materials started to increase this week, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI. In a report handed by Demar L. Solinap, DTI-Iloilo price monitoring officer, cement is in short supply due to increase in demand last week by contractors to finish various projects before the scheduled visitation of President Benigno Aquino III in Iloilo to inaugurate them.

Per monitoring, supply of other construction materials and electrical products are sufficient in the market.

Prevailing price of construction materials this week ranges from thus--

Cement 40kgs/bag Type 1 ranges from P225 to P238.33.

Hollow blocks (Non-load bearing) /piece with width of 101cm is P9; with width of 152cm is P11.50 Common Wire Nails per kilogram with 50mm is P50; with 100mm is P45.

Steel wire per kilogram with 1.65mm (gauge 16) is P55; with 1.25mm (gauge 18) is P56.

GI Sheet (corrugated) with Z215 (0.2mm x 1830mm) 6ft ranges from P120 to P198.

GI Sheet (corrugated) with Z215 (0.3mm x 2440mm) 8ft ranges from P229.87 to P284.

GI Sheet (corrugated) with Z215 (0.3mm x 3050mm) 10ft ranges from

Power and water woes threaten tourism

P287.33 to P367.

GI Sheet (corrugated) with Z215 (0.4mm x 2440mm) 8ft ranges from P268 to P369.60.

GI Sheet (corrugated) with Z215 (0.4mm x 3050mm) 10ft ranges from P335 to 462.

Deformed regular steel bars (grade 230 or 33) with 10mm x 6m is P120; with 12mm x 6m is P P171 Tubular Fluorescent Lamp with 20 watts ranges from P49 to P82.94.

Compact Fluorescent Lamp with 9 watts ranges from P70 to P129.38.

Compact Fluorescent Lamp with 11 watts ranges from P70 to p147.

Compact Fluorescent Lamp with 15 watts ranges from P75 to P163.58 Incandescent Lamp with 25 watts

ranges from P19.95 to P27.75.

Incandescent Lamp with 40 watts ranges from P23.75 to P35.

Starter (S10-P) ranges from P9 to P17.63.

Starter (C-10) ranges from P12 to P17.33.

Snap Switch ranges from P30 to P72.

Tumbler Switch ranges from P26.75 to P75.

Fuse with 30amp ranges from P12.75 to P 25.21 Fuse with 60am ranges from PP29.75 to P49.

Ballast with 18watts ranges from P135 to P199.75.

Ballast with 20 watts ranges from P86 to P188. IMT

BY REYMAR LATOZA Sufficiency of water and power supply is essential for tourism development, according to Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena.

Jimena cited the significant effects of water and power supply problems on tourism businesses such as hotels and restaurants in Iloilo City.

“Kon Wala tubig kag kuryente ang operation sang isa ka hotel apekatado so mahalin ang ila bisita kag wala sang may makadto sa ila,” Jimena said.

In fact, Jimena shared that hotels are spending higher today due to the looming water and power issues in the city.

“Nagaspend ini sila para lang may tubig sila nga mayo kag sige sige ang kuryente just to make sure that their businesses will attract more clients,” Jimena said.

Consequently, the costs and rates of their services increased despite advice from the City Government to make their rates affordable to the domestic travelers, according to the tourism officer.

POWER PROBLEM The city continues to experience rotating power interruptions because of the relocation of electric poles and installation of new lines and equipment.

Engr. Randy Pastolero, Panay Electric Co. (PECO) vice president for operations said they are speeding up their works to minimize power interruptions.

The relocation of poles will last until October 7, based on the schedule handed by PECO to Iloilo Metropolitan times WATER PROBLEM Currently, the Iloilo City Government wants to privatize the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) to solve the problem on water distribution in the city.

The spotlight turned to MIWD, the sole water distributor of the city, after the bulk water supplier FLO Water Resources cut off its supply to the latter. IMT

Dry spell delays rice planting, harvest in Iloilo

P11-B Guimaras windmills project starts

BY MONTESA GRINO-CAOYONAN The P11-billion windmill project, now being constructed in San Lorenzo, Guimaras, will be operational before June next year.

Several components of the windmill project arrived in Guimaras last week to officially start the construction of 27 windmill energy units.

Guimaras provincial administrator Raymund Moderes said the components of these windmill units came directly from Manila and were shipped out via roll-on, roll off (RORO) going to Negros Occidental up to Sebaste wharf in Sibunag of this island.

Moderes said the first of the windmill, each measuring 80 meters high and 40 meters wide, is now being constructed in Barangay Suclaran in San Lorenzo town.

He said construction of other windmills will follow in the villages of M. Chavez, Cabano, Igcawayan, Cabungahan and Gaban, all in the said

municipality.

Moderes said each windmill can produce 2 megawatts of electricity or a total of 54 MW from the 27 units.

Governor Samuel Gumarin said these windmills could bring in tourists in the island apart from its white sand beaches and sweet mango plantations.

He said this will become another destination like the windmills in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.

Once finished, Gumarin said the 54 MW power to be produced is very sufficient for them since the entire island is only consuming 13 MW everyday from its power supplier — Trans-Asia Power Generation Corp.

In fact, Gumarin said the same private investor is also eyeing to construct more windmill units in Sibunag town for its second phase project.

Aside from Guimaras, another wind power plant is also being eyed in Nabas, Aklan that is expected to produce 15 MW of electricity.IMT

DOT-6 still finalizing “Cruise and Drive Tours”

BY REYMAR LATOZA The newest tourism product dubbed as the “Cruise and Drive Tours” of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI is still being finalized.

Before its official launching, a two-day “Critiquing Activity” was conducted recently by the tourism department, which was participated in by tourism officers, tour operators, tour Guides and media in the region.

The Cruise and Drive Tours aims at connecting the three islands of the region, namely “Panay, Guimaras and Negros using roll-on roll-off (RORO) ships to carry the tourists and their automobiles, cars, rented vans, jeepneys and tour buses that are driven on and off the ship.”

According to Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena, one of the participants, the Cruise and Drive Tours is an “economical way” to explore the bests of Western Visayas (WV).

“People who don’t have private cars can make use of RORO which is cheaper compared to the mainstream transportation,” Jimena said.

Jimena also noted a potential boost the region can gain through this tourism product.

After the Critiquing Activity, Jimena hopes to see some significant improvements in the quality, services, facilities and security measures and procedures of RORO ports and vessels in the region.

Meantime, Jimena suggested to institutionalize the partnership among the government agencies involved like Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and emergency response groups.

Once finalized, the final product will be a tour package exclusive for Cruise and Drive and will be distributed at the DOT foreign and regional offices, DOT-6 Office, LGUs, DOT accredited travel and tour agencies and promotional events among others.

The Cruise and Drive Tours was introduced few months ago during the Experience Western Visayas First Grand Launch. IMT

Aquino inaugurates infra projects in Iloilo

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN Rice planting in Iloilo has been delayed due to the absence of rainy days, said Dr. Ildefonso Toledo, Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) chief.

Toledo said planting of rice was supposed to start in the middle of May, but only 15 percent of the total 137,000 hectares of rice land in the province have been planted as of this month.

“Presently, there is no problem on the rice supply since we have sufficient supply during the last cropping but if the phenomena will continue until the first cropping this June up to October which is the start of the El Niño, I’m sure there will be problem on rice supply,” he said.

Toledo added if farmers could still not plant rice during the second cropping, definitely there will be a big problem on rice production next year.

The PAO chief stressed since the

BY REYMAR LATOZA rice planting for the first cropping is already delayed, it is also expected that the harvest season which is in September to October will also be delayed.

“The delay is not good for rice but it will be good to other crops like vegetable and corn,” he said.

Toledo added that higher price of rice per kilo could be felt nowadays since some traders are hoarding the grain.

Apart from hoarding, Toledo said there are also some who are selling their rice outside the province.

As a result, the director said prices of well-milled rice rose from the previous P34.00 to P35.00 per kilo to P39.00 to P40.00 per kilo.

“Minimal rice supply which causes artificial shortage in the market is an indicator of hoarding. They are hoarding rice because traders want higher price in the market which is profitable for them,” he ended. IMT

President Benigno Aquino III recently inaugurated three of its infrastructure projects worth P4billion in Iloilo.

The first one was the P1.9billion 14.18-kilometer four-lane circumferential road around Iloilo City.

The project includes the the four bridges, namely Iloilo Bridge II, Mandurriao Bridge I and II and Jaro Bridge.

The project, which was named after the late former President Cory Aquino, aims to improve the efficiency of the transport system in Iloilo.

The next was the P200-million Iloilo River Esplanade in Mandurriao district.

Esplanade I and II were constructed at P100-million each.

Lastly, the 15.60-kilometer road widening and expansion of the Senator Benigno Aquino Avenue.

The P128-million widening of

the popularly known Iloilo diversion road started early last year.

These projects was initiated by Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon under the under the Aquino administration.

Apart from inaugurating the said projects, Aquino also led the turn-over of 1,000 housing units in Brgy. Lanit in Jaro district to the beneficiaries.

IMT

METROPOLITAN

the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

2

Western Visayas

June 29 - July 5, 2014

developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

Guimaras gets MANGO TREATMENT facility guimaras

GUIMARAS - The Department of Trade and Industry - Guimaras Provincial Office (DTI-Guimaras) formally turned over the shared service facility (SSF) for mango hot

water treatment and processing to the Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative (GMGPDC), who will manage and run the facility, last May 15, 2014 at

aklan

DENR Aklan awards checks of Php 575, 973 for CBFM CARP project, Php 142,368.75 for Contract Refo, donated 4,093 bd. ft. of lumber and distributed 106 land titles through “Gobyerno sa Baryo”

antique

DENR distributes P21M

SAN JOSE, Antique - Some P21,544,229.00 worth of checks were distributed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to the beneficiaries of the various programs and services under the coverage of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENRO) of Culasi and San Jose.According to OIC, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ruel L. de los Reyes the amount involves assistance for the cash for work for typhoon Yolanda affected coastal communities; people’s organizations under the National Greening Program (NGP) seedling production 2014; Community-Based Forest Management-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CBFMCARP); and Grassroots Participatory Budgeting.

DENR 6 Chief of Staff Louie L. Laud said that the very purpose of the NGP-CARP through the CommunityBased Forest Management Agreement

is to address poverty in the upland area, and to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people in the said area.

“We have to improve the environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, as well as increase awareness about climate change preparation, adaptation and mitigation,” Laud said.

RTD for forestry Livino Duran who represented DENR 6 Director Jim O. Simpulna led the distribution of the checques. He was assisted

by Vice-Gov. Rhodora Cadiao, SP Member Victor Condez, Libertad Mayor Norberto Raymundo, PENRO Ruel delos Reyes, among others.

Cong. Paolo Everardo Javier for his part urged the community in his speech to plant more trees in order to conserve the vital source of water, and to support the government’s National Greening Program in order to mitigate the impact of climate change.PIA-6

CAPIZ

BFAR expands AHON initiative from boats to freezers ROXAS CITY – Qualified fishing villages and fishermen organizations in the province will be provided with freezer units by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) within the year.

This was disclosed by BFAR – 6 OIC regional director Remia Aparri during the turnover of livelihood assistance to 556 AHON beneficiaries from the city’s 10 coastal barangays held June 24 to help the fishermen recover from supertyphoon Yolanda’s devastation last year.

“BFAR’s assistance will not only be confined to boats, marine engines and other fishing gears but we also wanted to help fishermen preserve their catch,” she noted.

Aparri cited a data that about 35 percent of the fishermen’s post harvest losses was due to absence of cold storage and ice supply which are

needed to lengthen the market value of their produce.

The livelihood assistance is part of the first phase of the AHON program of BFAR which focused on the immediate restoration of damaged boats, fish nets and gears.

Provincewide, beneficiaries of the project reached more than 2,000 based on BFAR record.

The program’s next phase will involve the distribution of fiber glass boats to fishermen with totally damaged boats.

AHON, a Tagalog word for “to rise up”, is the bureau’s version of Public Private People Participation (4P) because the initiative involves various sectors, including the beneficiaries, to help Yolanda survivors re-established their livelihoods or earned higher than what they used to net before the super typhoon. PIA-6

the National Mango Research and Development Center (NMRDC) Compound, San Miguel, Jordan Guimaras.

Mr. Yonder Yondre, NMRDC Officer-in-Charge, welcomed the guests and visitors during the ceremony. Mr. Yondre also thanked the DTI for the facility, which is being housed in the Mango Processing and Packing House of the NMRDC. Mr. Felipe Gamarcha, Chairman of the mango cooperative, said that the facility is significant to the mango industry of Guimaras since fruits that undergo the hot water treatment will result in low damage for fresh as well as processed mango products. Ms. Rebecca Tubongbanua, President of the Guimaras Food Processors Association and a Magsasakang Siyentista, thanked the DTI in behalf of the processors. She said that the facility will enable them to use quality processing grade mangoes for their mango-based products.

The facility, consisting of a hot water treatment and food processing equipment valued at PhP0.418 million, was funded by the DTI under its Shared Service Facility (SSF) program. The

SSF is intended to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to increase their productivity, accelerate competitiveness, and address gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain of priority industry clusters through the provision of processing machines and equipment for their common use.

Ma. Carmen I. Iturralde, Officerin-Charge of DTI-Guimaras, said that said equipment was identified as one of the needs of the mango industry during the value chain upgrading workshop conducted by the DTI last year.

The turn-over rites and testrun was attended by mango growers, processors, GMGPDC officers, NMRDC, and DTI-Guimaras, as well as guests and visitors from UP-Los Baños (UPLB), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Don Mariano Marcos State University (DMMSU), Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), Pangasinan State University (PSU), and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development – Department of Science and Technology (PCAAARD – DOST).

(DTI-Guimaras)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Campuestohan Highland Resort owner gets nomination in Tourism Star Awards

Ralph Richard “Siote” Tan (center) is a national nominee in the search for Tourism Star award individual category, a program organized by the Department of Tourism Central Office. He is joined by Janice E. Esmane, DOT Investments Promotion Officer (1st from left) and Sarah Gemanil, Tourism Officer I. The awarding will be held in Malacanang on September this year. Campuestohan highland resort was developed in an area which was once a grassland at Sitio Campuestohan, Barangay Cabacungan, Talisay City and has turned out to be a top tourist destination in the province of Negros Occidental.

BY VERMI C. ESMALLA bear testament to Filipino hospitality.

Ralph Richard “Siote” Tan is a The young Tan along with his national nominee in the Tourism parents Ricardo and Nita Tan at Star Awards (individual category,) a first, did not see the potential of program organized by the Department Campuestohan Highland Resort until of Tourism Central Office. it was cleared and its natural scenic Janice E. Esmane, DOT beauty captured their interest to Investments Promotion Officer and develop it into a family-oriented theme Sarah Gemanil, Tourism Officer I park. interviewed him at DOT Region VI Their original plan was to build office in Iloilo City Thursday. a rest or a retirement house for his Tourism Star Philippines aims parents. But now they could hardly to instill a culture of Tourism in rest because people has patronized it every Filipino and motivate them to so well. extend an efficient, professional and The said highland resort has thoughtful service to tourists given with blossomed into a top tourist destination the genuine warmth and hospitality; to in Negros Occidental. help raise the competitiveness of the If he will be chosen, Tan will Philippines as tourist destination and will be awarded in Malacanang in also to engage the participation of the September this year by no less than Filipinos and tourists in the It’s more President Benigno Simeon Aquino fun campaign thru distinct stories that III.IMT

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 6th Judicial Region BRANCH 37 Iloilo City SPL PROC NO. 14-12038 IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF DAWN MARIE TURNER DAWN MARIE TURNER, Petitioner, -versusTAMMY MICHELLE TURNER, THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF ILOILO CITY and NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE Respondents x-----------------------------------x

ORDER In a verified Amended Petition dated April 15, 2014 petitioner through counsel prays that, after due notice, publication and hearing in accordance with the Rules of Court, this Honorable Court rule that the erroneous entry as appearing in the Certificate of Live Birth of DAWN MARIE TURNER pertaining to the nationality of her mother Tammy Michelle Turner be cancelled and corrected from “American” to “Filipino”.

Finding the Amended Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing on July 24, 2014 at 8:30 in the morning, before Branch 37, this Court, Chief Justice that any person having objection to the petition may personally appear or file his/her written opposition thereto on or before the afore-mentioned date of hearing Let this Order be forthwith published at the expense of the petitioner in Iloilo Metropolitan Times, a newspaper of general circulation in the City and Province of Iloilo at least once a week for three (3) successive weeks.

Let a copy of this Order and the Amended Petition be furnished the Office of the Solicitor general at 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City; the Local Civil Registrar of Iloilo City; the National Statistics Office and Tammy Michelle Turner.

SO ORDERED Iloilo City May 15, 2014 (ORIGINAL SIGNED) MARIE YVETTE D. GO Presiding Judge

June 29 - July 5, 2014

METRO HEALTH

5

Two meals a day may be best for Type 2 diabetics Eating a hearty breakfast and lunch might benefit people suffering from Type 2 diabetes who are now encouraged to go with up to six small portions a day, according to a new study.

“We compared the efficiency of the classic model with five or six small meals a day with that of two larger meals, breakfast and lunch, having more or less the same daily calorie count,” Hana Kahleova, a researcher at Prague’s IKEM institute, told AFP on Tuesday.

The research focused on a sample of 54 men and women aged 30-70 who suffer from obesity and Type 2 diabetes, which is not insulin dependent.

Within three months, those who ate larger meals twice a day lost 1.4 kilos (three pounds) more than those who followed the classic model, Kahleova said.

“Levels of sugar, insulin and glucagon on an empty stomach also fell more rapidly in patients who ate in the morning and at midday, and their

sensibility to insulin also improved.”

But she warned that “anyone taking insulin cannot start on this diet without consulting a doctor,” saying it would require a significant adjustment of the insulin dosage.

She added that more extensive research was now needed to confirm the results of the study.

“We cannot draw general recommendations based on this single study,” she told AFP. — Agence France-Presse

researchers was accused of fabricating data.

For the new study, Semba and his colleagues used data from 783 Italians who were tracked starting in 1998, when they were at least 65 years old. All were still living within their communities at that time.

The participants were examined and asked to complete a questionnaire about their diets. Urine samples were also collected from people in the study to measure levels of broken-down

resveratrol.

Just over one-third of the participants died during the next nine years. About five percent were diagnosed with cancer and 27 percent of those that didn’t initially have heart disease developed it during the study.

The researchers found there were no differences in rates of death, heart disease or cancer or in amount of inflammation between people who started out with high and low levels of broken-down resveratrol in their urine.

Although resveratrol levels were only measured once, Semba said diet was assessed every three years via questionnaire and didn’t change much during the study—so the researchers assume resveratrol in the urine stayed somewhat consistent as well.

“This study suggests that dietary resveratrol from Western diets in community-dwelling older adults does not have a substantial influence on inflammation, cardiovascular disease, cancer, or longevity,” they write.

Reuters

Wine compound not tied to improved health: study A compound found in wine and chocolate may not be linked to improved health as was once claimed, according to a new study.

The compound resveratrol was not associated with less inflammation, cardiovascular disease or cancer or with increased longevity among a group of elderly Italians, researchers found.

“This is contradictory to all the hype that we typically hear from the popular arena,” said Dr. Richard Semba, the study’s lead author from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland.

Past studies had found that resveratrol, a compound naturally present in certain fruits and vegetables, has properties that may benefit people’s health, Semba and his colleagues write in JAMA Internal Medicine.

But there was little evidence on the compound’s effect on a large population, they add.

Research on resveratrol hit a snag in 2012, when one of the field’s leading

Women with breast cancer don’t get enough exercise – study Only one in three women living with breast cancer is meeting current physical activity guidelines, suggests a new study.

African American women, who tend to have higher rates of death from breast cancer than white women, were less likely to meet the guidelines.

“Physical activity is thought to lower the risk of other diseases among breast cancer survivors, increase their overall quality of life and reduce their mortality from breast cancer and other diseases,” Andrew Olshan told Reuters Health in an email.

He worked on the study at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

About one in eight U.S. women will develop breast cancer at some point in her life.

Olshan and his colleagues used

data from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study to see how physical activity levels change after a breast cancer diagnosis.

The study included 1,735 women ages 20 to 74 who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2008 and 2011 in North Carolina. The women were an average of 56 years old when they were diagnosed.

The research team found that 65 percent of breast cancer survivors fell short of meeting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommendations of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week.

About 60 percent of the study participants reported exercising less after their diagnosis than before when they were interviewed roughly six months post-diagnosis.REUTERS

T E C H N O L O G Y

Internet usage doubles in PH

Internet use in the Philippines nearly doubled in the past four years, from 27 percent in 2010 to 52 percent in 2014, partially due to the growing use of mobile devices, according to the results of The Nielsen Company’s first

quarter of 2014 Pinoy Netizen survey.

“Notably, the use of desktop computers to access the internet shows a significant decline from 63 percent in the last quarter of 2012 to 35 percent in the first quarter of 2014,” Nielsen

At Google I/O 2014 on June 25 (June 26, Philippine time), Google released the latest version of the Android operating system, introduced as Android L. Android L is what they’re calling a consistent vision for mobile, desktop, and beyond, expected to release in the Fall of 2014.

Android L is based around Material Design, which uses shadows and elevation to create user interface layers for the operating system. There is easier transition between apps, as well as a better overall experience when new elements appear.

ANDROID L. The latest version of Android has an improved interface that works on a material design philosophy. Screen shot from keynote.

Android L also reworks the notifications system, with the lock screen giving a full list of notifications you can act on. There is also a new type

of notification, known as headsup notifications, which appear over an open app and can be acted on too, allowing for swiping to dismiss the notification and tapping to open the app connected to that notification.

A smart unlock feature, described as Trusted Environments, is also available as part of Android L, where the security of the device automatically changes based on the proximity of nearby devices that it recognizes. When there’s a nearby friendly bluetooth watch, for example, the device will easily open on a swipe; without it, a lock screen will show instead.

Android L will also be optimized to

said in their Pinoy Netizen report.

Along with desktop usage, there was a slight decline in the use of laptops, from 42 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012 to 41 percent in the first quarter of 2014. Nevertheless, laptops remain the most commonly used device to access the internet.

Meanwhile, the use mobile phones jumped from nine percent to 35 percent from the fourth quarter of 2012 to the first quarter of 2014.

Mobile devices are thus used just as often as desktop computers to access the internet.

Aside from the increased use of mobile devices, the amount of time users spend online also grew. They were also proportionately accessing the internet more often.

“Among home internet users,

almost six in 10 (58%) are online daily in Q1 2014, against 23 percent in Q4 2013. While connected, 33 percent say that they spend more than two hours a day online, compared to the previous quarter’s proportions of 28 percent on weekdays and 26 percent on weekends,” Nielsen reported.

The poll also found that 95 percent

of netizens visited social networking sites, while 44 percent played online games.

Nielsen’s Pinoy Netizen poll was conducted face to face, using a structured questionnaire. The poll was taken among males and females, aged 10+ across all socio-eco classes and has a quarterly sample size of 2,500. — Kim Luces/DVM, GMA News

Don’t write off teens and Facebook just yet.

A report released by Forrester Research on Tuesday showed the world’s biggest social network is still by far the most popular among US teens despite the rise of new apps and services like Snapchat and Tumblr.

Forrester’s report was based on a survey of 4,517 US respondents between the ages of 12 and 17 “The results were clear: Facebook remains young users’ favorite social network. More than three-quarters of online youth use Facebook — twice as many as use Pinterest or Tumblr or Snapchat, and more than use Instagram and WhatApp combined,” said Forrester analyst Nate Elliott.

“And 28 percent of young users who are on Facebook say they use it ‘all

the time,’ a higher percentage than said this about any other social network.”

Forrester began its research after Facebook and a number of analysts suggested that teens were falling out of love with the social network.

“Ever since Facebook CFO (chief financial officer) David Ebersman admitted last October that young teens were visiting the site slightly less frequently, most have accepted as fact that young people are fleeing Facebook en masse,” Elliott said in a blog post.

But he said the study indicate that Facebook’s usage among young people has declined only slightly and that “the huge majority of this audience still uses the site.”

“The bottom line: The sky is not falling. Facebook does not have a problem attracting or retaining teen users,” he said. Agence France-Presse

Facebook still reigns among teens

Google previews latest version of Android

improve both application performance and battery life. Battery life will be improved through an internal initiative

by Google – called Project Volta – that Google says will dramatically increase or otherwise improve Android device battery life.

Android L’s developer preview will launch for developers later in the day.

– Rappler.com

METRO OPINION

6 EDITORIAL

GET REAL

Pacquiao’s other love aside from boxing

“M

aking money is a hobby that will hile the water problem in Iloilo is complement real, the approaches to resolving it being provided by some stake any other hobbies you have, beautifully.” Scott Alexander holders have become a fantasy.

W

Imagine a local government abruptly declaring to take over the operation of Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) simply because its bulk water supplier cut their water supply to the water distributor.

The bulk water supplier, Flo Water Resources Iloilo Inc. is actually demanding from MIWD to pay its debt based on the calculation and provision of an erroneous contract signed by both of them when the water distributor was then under the management of the two-sets of illegally installed board of directors and officers.

MIWD under its newly re-installed policy makers is still recovering from the fatigue brought about by the issues of mismanagement exposed by typhoon Frank six years ago, political meddling of a presidential wannabe and lack of political will of the city’s leaders then and now.

Now, everybody seems like hell bent in pushing and easing out MIWD in the manner their whims want it to be. Everyone wants the board and officers of MIWD to do magic and wonders in turning the losing books of the corporation in a matter of six months. The mayor wants to take over the PD 198-created local water utility and acquire its water distribution functions. The representative of the city wants MIWD privatized.

There are even crazy talks circulating around the city that there are businessmen willing to take over the P700 million more or less debt of MIWD. Why the sudden urge to become the water hero out of the problems about water the city and province of Iloilo faces today? Now is the time for everyone to pause and reflect in order to be more realistic.

Now is the time for all the real and assuming leaders of the community to sit down and help MIWD manage its problems.

The water problem and the woes of MIWD are table concerns that grandstanding and emotional outbursts cannot resolve.

June 29 - July 5, 2014

Former Iloilo vice governor Roberto “Obet” Armada believes basketball, or working as coach of KIA Motors in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), will only distract Rep. Manny Pacquiao if he really intends to square off versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. (46-0, 26 KOs) next year.

Armada, 50, a cockfighting enthusiast like the 35-year-old congressman from Saranggani Province, suggested that Pacquiao should focus in his fistic career if he does not intend to retire as a prizefighter.

“He is already into politics aside from being a world boxing champion,” sighed Armada, a former vice mayor of Janiuay, Iloilo. “As a PBA coach, he would be wearing multiple hats at the same time.”

Like other boxing fans, Armada is also excited to watch Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KOs) test the mettle of the hard-hitting black American superstar even if it would be the Filipino fighter’s

farewell fight.

“That would be the richest boxing duel in history,” Armada surmised.

But Pacquiao as head coach of the debuting KIA Motors is already a sealed deal. For sure, an assistant coach would take over the job once Pacquiao prepares for his next fight either against Ruslan Provodnikov conqueror Chris Algieri (20-0, 8 KOs) or Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7-1, 40 KOs) in September 2014.

ENOUGH As if the PBA distraction is not enough, Pacquiao will also throw his hat in the senate race under the ticket of Vice Presidet Jejomar Binay in 2016. According to grapevine, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum and Golden Boy Promotion boss Oscar De La Hoya plan to stage the mega Pacquiao-Mayweather 12-round tussle in 2016, the same year the Philippines will hold the presidential and congressional elections.

Politics is already eating up some of Pacquiao’s quality time.

He gets invited left and right to appear in stamina-sapping promotional and social events, as well as activities related to his being a member of the House of Representatives. Plus the PBA

job.

POOL

World pool champions Bata Reyes and Django Bustamante even allowed Pacquaio to pull the rug from under in their series of “friendly” matches where bets were reportedly so heavy every pool player wanted to sacrifice a stint in rich tournaments abroad just to have a golden chance to play with Pacquiao and throw a match to satisfy the boxer’s ego. The more they lose a billiard game against Pacquiao, the more they are guaranteed to laugh on their way to the bank. Pacquiao is such a generous opponent. Let him win a match and he will let your pocket overflow with cash.

The ring heartthrob, the only boxer in the planet to win eight world titles in eight divisions, maintains a dart area in his Los Angeles apartment where he plays when he wakes up in the morning.

The dart area inside the Los Angeles apartment was where I used to sleep while preparing to cover the Antonio Margarito vs Miguel Angel Cotto clash in Las Vegas in July 2008.

One morning while I was still sleeping, courteous Pacquiao was careful not to make unnecessary noise while playing dart when he noticed someone was still sleeping on the floor.

It was an experience worthy of praise. The center had extraordinary toys --- wooden blocks, cloth dolls and animals, strings made out of paper --mostly things we find around us yet have never thought of to be used as toys. Tubes made out of bamboo, wooden building tools and blocks. My son and his classmates had the best time while playing with these toys.

I saw how his imagination worked when he built an architectural masterpiece out of the blocks. Suddenly I remembered that among my three sons, he is the one who has the least toys. He mostly played with things he can find around the house. He imagined and created because he was left to discover that ordinary things in the house can be toys too.

When it was time to eat healthy snacks (which parents had to prepare at home and bring on the assigned day), they were each given a placemat, food on a breakable plate and a breakable glass too. After the meal each of them had to bring their plate first to the sink, then the glass and finally fold the placemat and return it in its proper place. I cannot believe my son is doing this. At home, we all treated him like a baby.

He was fed while sitting on his chair. When he wants to drink water, we hold the glass for him thinking he might break it. But in school, he carries his plate to the sink, drinks from the glass on his own and can even fold his placemat correctly. Since when can he do this? We adults always have the notion that we should do things for them lest they break the plates and glasses. He can do it on his own! After a few days, I can see this same independence at

home. We allowed him and realized he really can do some things on his own. We just did not give him the opportunity.

While he was playing, I was brought back to a book I recently got as a gift from my parents, The Power of Play

by David Elkind. In his book, Elkind showed through a time line how children develop from infancy to adulthood in terms of their ability to play. During infancy and early childhood, play is the dominant and directing mode of activity. Children learn best through self-created learning experiences.

During the first week, the center spent at least an hour of free play with the students.

It was one precious hour for my son and all the other children in the room. It was here where imaginations soared to unimaginable heights. They may look like simple wooden blocks and cloth but to my son and his classmates, they meant the world. They used the toys to create what it is that defined their world. Some children emerge as engineers; others are chefs, farmers, nurses and doctors. By the second week, most of them can already enter the room on their own. When I was finally able to let go of my son, I can hear him playing and creating without minding whether I am still beside him or not. He had his share of crying at first upon looking back and not seeing me seated near him but I am positive this will do him well. My baby is growing up fast. In no time, I am so sure he will let me go even before he enters the classroom.

When that time comes, I know he is ready to face the world and make it his playground.

Even before thinking of securing a PBA franchise, Pacquiao was already a true-blue basketball enthusiast. He distributed free ringside seat tickets to the entire playing members of the Boston Celtics when he poleaxed in two rounds Ricky Hatton for IBO light welterweight tiara on May 2, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Aside from basketball, Manny Pacquiao’s other favorite past times are dart, billiards and chess.

ARRIVE The first thing Pacquiao did when he arrived inside his suite at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas after a fourhour drive from Los Angeles was to play chess against members of his staff on April 28, 2009 at around past 9 o’clock in the evening.

He does not play like super GMs Wesley So and Vassily Ivanchuk, of course, but he knows the game’s fundamentals.

No pawn pusher would be happy to checkmate a world champion in a friendly match, thus we don’t expect Pacquiao to yield a single chess game against a good player.

10 Things You Need to Do to Be Happy

M

y youngest s o n turned three early this year. A few weeks before his 3rd birthday, I was deep in thought whether to enroll him in a preschool when the school year starts in June. I thought about his eldest brother whom we enrolled in school at 2 ½ years old. By July of that school year, he became tired of the routine of having to wake up early in the morning to go to school and didn’t have the patience to sit down for a few hours each morning. What was I thinking back then? He was only 2 ½! So my husband and I decided he was not yet ready for school and we stopped sending him. Then our second son entered school at exactly 4 years old. We noticed that he was just ripe for school.

He seemed ready --- for the lessons, for the routines and for not being near me for at least 3 hours a day.

I thought of waiting until our youngest is 4 years old before sending him to school.

Then towards the end of the last school year, he was talking about school. It was easy to teach him letter sounds, numbers, songs, shapes, colors.

By the time he was 2 ½, he can memorize the letter sounds, count, recite colors and shapes and can identify most animals and things around the house.

That got me thinking. He might just be ready for school.

So I went around looking for a preschool that would suit him. I did not like a traditional school which will require him to follow routines. I believe that at his age, he should still explore the world around him and be exposed to natural things we adults sometimes

take for granted --- the flowers, butterflies, rocks, a friend’s hand, a teacher’s soft but firm voice. I did not have to look far.

Right in my alma mater since high school, UP in the Visayas, was a modest child minding center that would be so perfect for my son. It is aptly called Balay-Balay Child Minding Center. I was told they do not exist to teach their students the ABCs and 123s but rather to get to know themselves better by interacting with the world around them. My son will not be taught that A is for apple but he will be taught life skills which will be beneficial as he matures.

I felt so glad when I learned more about the center because I knew this is where my son belongs. I did not want him to learn his letters and numbers yet although he already knows them. I wanted him to be in a place where he can be himself --- a young child with a free spirit. Free to express himself, free to explore his world.

When I got a message that he was accepted, I cannot contain my happiness. He will finally be going to school. I will be bringing my little bundle of joy and sunshine to a place where he will experience what most children cannot and will never experience anymore in this age of the internet and technology.

The first day brought butterflies to my stomach. I was excited for my son yet nervous whether he will let go of me and enter the room on his own.

When Teacher announced that parents can sit inside for the first week, I was overjoyed.

That meant I will experience what it will be like for him to go to school for the first time.

June 29 - July 5, 2014

METRO OPINION

SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE (Part 2)

I

n both survey locations, the focus group discussions revealed that farming has gradually shifted from the cultivation of paddy rice to vegetables and other high-value crops over the last three decades.

In Vietnam, many farmers in the study sites still grow rice in the dry and wet seasons, with 85 percent being used for home consumption. Farmers grow a variety of different vegetables, the main types being cabbage, yardlong bean, mustard green, cauliflower and Chinese cabbage. Although most of the produce is sold, 38 percent of the households also consumed some of their own production of yard-long bean.

In both countries, yard-long bean is produced by small-scale operations.

In Thailand, the average household planted this crop 2.4 times/year on a total area of 1.25 ha; in comparison, the average farm size was 1.54 ha. Other cultivated crops included cucumber, chili, rice, sugarcane, mustard green, asparagus, cauliflower and sponge gourd.

Producers in Vietnam planted an average 1.43 cycles/year on a total area of only 0.08 ha; this is in comparison

to an average farm size of 0.19 ha. The average pod yield/cropping cycle was 5.9 tons/ha in Thailand and 23.2 tons/ ha in Vietnam. The average yield in Thailand was relatively low, but comparable to the national average yield of 6.15 tons/ha.The large difference in average pod yield can be explained by differences in production systems and especially the intensity of cultivation.

There are two distinct systems of yard-long bean production in Thailand. In Kanchanaburi Province, it is cultivated as an upland crop requiring sprinkler or furrow irrigation; in Pathum Thani Province, most farmers use the rong nam cropping system. This is a kind of dike-and-ditch system in which crops are grown on raised beds surrounded by channels. Boats are used by the farmers to navigate through the field, irrigate the crop and transport the harvest. Creating and maintaining the beds is labor-intensive, but this system helps to protect crops from seasonal floods and eases some farm operations.

Production of yard-long bean in Vietnam is very intensive. Farmers plant the crop at a high density, using virtually every square meter of the plot, and tend their plants individually. As in Kanchanaburi Province, farmers

in Vietnam irrigate their plants with furrows, but sometimes also use a hose to water individual plants.

The three main commercial cultivars in Vietnam are ‘Xanh dai’, ‘Hat trang’ and ‘Hat tim’. Many more cultivars were available in Thailand; the survey recorded 17 different names, yet 58 percent of the growers used just two, ‘Sorn Dang’ and ‘Lamnanche’. Thai farmers like to try different cultivars, as 65 percent had switched cultivars in the last three cropping seasons.

Their main reason for this was the better characteristics of the bean pods, such as a bigger size, greater firmness, better shape, taste or colour.

The average farm-gate selling price, converted to the US dollar (USD), was USD 0.37/kg in Vietnam and USD 0.57/kg in Thailand. However, average prices varied widely within the year. In Vietnam, prices were low in April and May when the market supply was high, and gradually increased towards the end of the year; in Thailand, there was no such trend in 2010.

Pod borers were reported by 88 percent of the respondents in Thailand and 100 percent in Vietnam and given the highest rank in both countries. In Thailand, aphids were the second most important arthropod pest problem, mentioned by 63 percent of the

respondents. In Vietnam, armyworm (Spodoptera litura and S. exigua), bean butterfly (Lampides boeticus) and bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) were all considered major pest problems and were mentioned by nearly all growers.

The pod borer is a major pest during the period from flowering to pod forming in Vietnam while pod borers and aphids are the most important pest of yard-long bean in Thailand. Aphid adults and nymphs not only cause direct damage by feeding, but can also transmit aphidborne mosaic virus, resulting in severe yield losses.

Although the information is scarce on secondary pests of yardlong bean in Vietnam, armyworm, bollworm, bean fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli) and aphid (Aphis craccivora) were reported to be the key pests besides M. Vitrata in Thailand. The surveyed farmers reported yield losses from pod borers as follows: 36 percent (zero or low), 32 percent (from 10 to 25 percent), 26 percent (from 26 to 50 percent) and 4 percent (above 50 percent).

It was found that the borers could lead to at least 28 percent pod damage if the crop was left unprotected.

Therefore, the perceived yield losses by most of the respondents in Thailand matched the results from our field

7 trials. Farmers in Vietnam felt that the available insecticides provided an effective means of control, and 95 percent of the respondents perceived that harvest losses due to pod borers were below 10 percent.

However, it was found from the field trials at Gia Lam district in Hanoi, Vietnam, that the borers could lead to 30 percent pod damage resulting in only 0.45 tons/ha of marketable pods, if the crop was left unprotected from April to May 2012. Therefore, it is possible that the pod borers could cause about one-third of marketable yield losses in the unprotected crop.

In terms of plant diseases, leaf rust caused by Uromyces vignae was identified as a serious problem with virtually all farmers reporting the disease in both countries. Yellow mosaic virus, leaf spot caused by Mycosphaerella cruenta and root rot caused by Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani were other major problems in Vietnam.

Thai bean growers had more problems with damping off (a fungal disease affecting seedlings) caused by Pythium spp. Although plant diseases are prevalent, a large number of farmers in Thailand (48 percent) did not report significant crop yield losses from them. For all plant diseases combined, the average crop yield reduction as perceived by the Thai farmers was about 15 percent.

THE HILIGAYNON REVOLUTION OF 2014 – Part II W

h a t triggered your Hiligaynon Revolution of 2014?

Basically just my desire to produce the work of others in Hiligaynon.

On the first year of my Foundation, I helped propagate the language by giving an incentive for others to write in Hiligaynon. My Peter’s Prize contests generated a huge literary output from other writers. So my next logical step was to preserve what was collected. Since I am a one-man production company, I had to edit the works for publication. It is while editing the work of the newer writers that I realized that most people have no clue about the orthography of Hiligaynon. So, right there and then, I decided that I should do something about it. I saw the need to revolutionize Hiligaynon as we know it.

Do you like editing?

Very honestly, no. To edit means to polish what other writers cannot write very well. To spell what they can’t,

and to clarify in better sentences what muddled ideas they have originally written. Then, also to feel guilty about mangling their original vision. I know that I can do much, much better, if I were just writing my own stories and poems. Given a choice, I would rather just write than edit. But if I were to be an editor, I would like to be the best editor there is. I want the final work to sound intelligent, and to sparkle like diamonds.

What did you discover while editing?

First, that new writers tend to write as they speak. For the present progressive “playing,” for example, most new writers just use “gahampang” instead of the correct “nagahampang.” Now, ‘naga’ is an important prefix, as opposed to ‘maga’ and ‘nag’ that differentiate tenses. You loose that accuracy if you short cut the present progressive form to just “gahampang.” So it seems to me that many of these writers do not understand that there is a different discipline for Hiligaynon writing. Now, I am very particular about this because I

Equality means business

BY PACITA “CHIT” JUAN

“M

en are hired on potential and women are promoted for performance.”

What a disturbing thought to think that in evaluating men and women, different standards apply. There seems to be an unconscious bias to rate men as leaders and bread winners while women are rated as homemakers or caretakers.

Men, please do not feel like this is the usual feminist statement. Please read on. There is a lot of sociology, culture and psychology involved than meets the eye.

Many companies now recognize dual roles in the home where it is not unusual for men to take the”caregiving”role or in local parlance, being the “house-band.”

A keynote speaker in the recently held Women Empowerment Principles Event at the United Nations celebration of Women’s month, Susan Stalker, declared that her husband had no problems about being the “dominant parent” at home.

Double income parents usually have to take turns in taking charge of the domestic issues. But in countries where hired househelp can be expensive, the issue of who takes charge of house stuff usually arises.

I am a witness to husbands taking charge of their sick children rather than their wives being saddled with having to take leaves from work. I admit I used to get affected as an employer when my male staff had to be the “responsible domestic

parent.” After hearing the reports on what is happening all over the world, I am now more understanding of male partners being more “housecentric.”

We can admit that in the Philippines, we stereotype women as the mothers or parents to take care of all domestic matters. Well, if we ask for gender equality, we must open our minds to a broader understanding of domestic roles.

Gender equality is not about women’s lib or feminist issues. Gender equality means understanding that both sexes, both parents share in duties and privileges, as well. Companies who have signed up with the Global Compact like international audit firm Deloitte, for instance, allow both men and women to take a break from work because of a child’s important game or in our country, a first communion, a first milestone or otherwise an important school activity or a doctor’s visit.

Though we Filipinos have the luxury of being able to hire househelp, many households in the urban areas now prefer to do away with hired help.

This has given rise to new business like laundromats even way back in the early nineties, to fast food deliveries and the availability of convenience products in the supermarkets like sliced vegetables ready to be made into “pinakbet” or chopsuey. This phenomenon shows a skew towards having households with both parents working and having to still cook when they get

am a Hiligaynon tester of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. There is a different test for writing, and another test for speaking Hiligaynon. Second, I also noticed a lot of corrupted words that newer writers use carelessly. For “even if,” they use “biskan” when it should be “bisan.”

They also use “maskin ano” instead of “maski ano” for “whatever.” My theory is that “maski” comes from Spanish “mas que” literally meaning “more what” that then came down to us as “maski ano” to mean “whatever more” or simply “whatever.” Corollary to that, “maskin” comes from “mas quien” for “more who” or “who more,” so if you use it, maybe you should use “maskin sin-o;” although I wouldn’t use it. The new generation also uses “Ambi ko” for “I thought,” they say it with a careless extra ‘m’ instead of “Abi ko.”

and publisher of other people’s work, I also gained additional responsibilities.

It was like I earned the right and became entitled to initiate the standardization of Hiligaynon spelling. I mean, if I use my own money to publish the work of other people in books, I better believe in them. I better have faith in the writers and their stories, in their spelling and grammar. I better have faith in my readers’ knowledge and intelligence.

I don’t believe in dumbing down the spelling and concept for readers. I believe that the new Hiligaynon readers and writers know very well how to read and spell “coiffeur” properly. And to spell “coiffeur” they would need a ‘c’ and an ‘f.’ That’s why I advocate for the 28-letter alphabet that has been adopted by the Filipino language in 1987, some 27 years ago.

That’s when you decided to revolutionize the language?

As a writer, I can only be most responsible for my work. But once I graduated from mere writer to editor

Do you anticipate a lot of criticism?

Of course. And it’ll mostly come from people in the academe and our so-called veteran writers. Because I am not an academician, no MFA or PhD, or specialization degree in Literature

or Linguistics, the people who have crowned themselves experts and powers-that-be are threatened by me.

Well, they and the senior writers can rant all they want, but I will prevail.

But they have to remember that I only waged this revolution because they didn’t do anything for almost three decades. To be very honest, I am not in business for them. My new Hiligaynon is geared towards the new generation of writers and readers who have no recollection of “hunghungan” for “telephone” or “balatangan” for “bed.” My generation is the Facebook and Skype generation, people who frequently go out of the country and have become truly cosmopolitan eating Kentucky Fired Chicken and not just pinirito nga manok, and having the Starbucks cafe experience instead of just pangapekape. My Hiligaynon revolution is the Hiligaynon for the globally aware, and for those who use “post,” “delete,” “like,” “tweet,” “skype,” and “facebook” as activities of daily living. Welcome to my global Hiligaynon.

home.

Equal pay Besides taking care of domestic matters, gender equality also means allowing more young mothers to quickly join back the workforce. Did you know that in the USA, even with Masters degrees, about 51% of degree holders drop out of the work force – what they now call “the missing middle”? Are the reasons child-bearing years? Besides having to rear children from toddler to teenage years, women also feel they “lose less” than having their husbands drop out from work.

And this is why equality means business. Both parents must realize these “midlife” choices and probably take turns in leaving work or in taking different roles at home. And the opportunity loss must be equal. Not pro-males or antifemales. If women and men had equal pay, this would be an easier decision to make.

The other area needing equality is in the boardroom. A top global company stated they had 32 board members and only 2 were women. For more women to get into the board (recommended diversity percentage is 20% of seats to be at least another gender), some of the men will have to give up their board seats, and allow women to rise to the top. Who takes care of this decision? Shareholders do.

Let us think of this “diversity in the boardroom” the next time we vote directors into board positions (Maybe our group SHAREPhil can make a campaign on this.).

So, equality also means gender pay

parity and equal opportunity hiring or recruitment. Men are more likely to get raises or accepted into positions. If only quailfications or work experience are stated in resumes, and genders were blind, think about how many more women may be chosen rather than men or vice versa.

This is where recruitment needs a push from the CEO to be gender-blind.

And lastly, think about procurement.

Gender equality also pushes the CEO of a global firm to think about womenowned enterprises or WOEs. Womenowned firms specially SMEs have to contend with more issues like access to finance and access to markets because of their limited exposure and domestic jobs they still are in charge of.

Culturally, women-owned firms also have to contend with multinational competitors whose financial muscle and marketing may be miles ahead of SMEs. Gender equality suggests giving SMEs (mostly WOEs) an equal chance by making even government look at the Procurement process, and choosing to diversify supplier preferences to include small, WOEs. Around 670 companies globally have already signed the Global Compact who observe the WEPs. Or Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). Read about who these companies are in: www. weprinciples.org/Site/CeoStatement In brief, the Women’s Empowerment Principles ask signatories to: 1. Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality; 2. Treat all women and men

fairly at work – respect and support human rights andnondiscrimination; 3. Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers; 4. Promote education, training and professional development for women; 5. Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women; 6. Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy; and 7. Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality.

Companies can engage with the WEPs in a number of ways: • Demonstrate high-level commitment by signing the CEO Statement of Support.

• Use the Principles to assess, improve, promote and report on progress in implementing gender equality goals within the company and its sphere of influence.

• Share examples of business efforts for inclusion in the WEPs document Companies Leading the Way: Putting the Principles into Practice.

• Participate in meetings and events at the global and local levels.

• Promote the WEPs to peers and partners.

• Offer financial support and corporate sponsorship.

Is your company ready to sign up?

Think about it. There is a business case in pushing for equality as observed and practised by 670 global companies. We need thousands more to sign up. (Check out www.weprinciples.org.) - Rappler.com

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Republic of the Philippines Province of Iloilo Municipality of Concepcion SANGGUNIANG BAYAN MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE 2014-01 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CODE OF MUNICIPALITY OF CONCEPCION Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Concepcion, Province of Iloilo, that: CHAPTER 1- PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS ARTICLE 1- GENERAL PROVISIONS SECTION 1- TITLE This ordinance shall be known and cited as the Traffic Management Code of the Municipality of Concepcion.

SECTION 2- SCOPE OF APPLICATION This ordinance provides for the traffic rules and regulations on all roads in the municipality, whether national or local in classification, pedestrian rules and regulations; vehicle stops and transport terminals; roads used by motor vehicles including motorized tricycles and pedicabs, bicycles and other forms of conveyance whether public or private, and such other rules and regulations hereinafter promulgated in furtherance of an optimum utilization of the road network in the Municipality of Concepcion where the context applies, the rules shall also apply to the public places.

SECTION 3- DECLARATION OF POLICY It is hereby declared in the policy of the Municipality of Concepcion that: a. The flow of people and goods through the road network shall be as efficient, safe, unhampered and orderly as possible for the economic and social vitality and viability of the municipality. b. Traffic problems and issues must be resolved in a rational manner, guided by facts and shaped through consultation, collaboration and coordination with the surrounding municipalities as well as national agencies like Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation’s and Communications; c. The public has the right to be informed prior, and to participate in the formulation of any measures that may affect the community and travelling habits; The driver of any emergency vehicle may, when it is expedient and safe to do so: a. On a sounding siren, bell or repeater horn, proceed, pass a traffic control signal displaying or proceed contrary to the direction or instruction of any traffic control devices; b. On a sounding siren, bell or repeater horn, drive in any direction or any part of the road or overtake or pass on either side of another vehicle; c. Stop, leave waiting or park the vehicle at any place at any time; ARTICLE II- DEFINITIONS ARTICLE III- IMPLEMENTING AUTHORITIES SECTION 1- COMPOSITION OF THE TRAFFIC CODE AUTHORITIES a. Concepcion Traffic Management Unit.

There is hereby created a Traffic Management Unit and shall be composed of the following: b. Function and Duties of the Traffic Management Unit and Traffic Enforcement SECTION 2- THE MUNICIPAL AUXILIARY POLICE (MAP) a. The Municipal Ordinance No. 02 Series of 2008 states that the Local Chief Executive through a Committee on Finance and Appropriation has recognized and created the Municipal Auxiliary Police (MAP) per Executive Order No. 25 Series of 2007 of the Local Chief Executive. b. The designated Municipal Auxiliary Police (MAP) will be under the direct supervision of the Chief of Police and had undergone proper orientation and trainings and has the following functions and responsibilities: A. Shall strictly enforce Municipal Ordinances relative to the implementation of Ecological Solid Waste Management Program and Anti littering of the Local Government of the municipality.

B. Shall augment the Police Force particularly in the implementation of Traffic Rules and Regulations provided in this Code.

C. May perform other functions that may be ordered by the Chief of Police and the Local Chief Executive.

D.Composition of the Municipal Auxiliary Police D.1. the Municipal Auxiliary Police (MAP) shall be composed of the following through an Executive Order of the Local Chief Executive.

1. Team Leader; 2. Member; 3. Member; 4. Member; 5. Member; 6. and one representative from each of the transportation group recognized by the Municipality of Concepcion.

D.2. the Municipal Auxiliary Police designated through the Executive Order shall receive the 40% incentive as prescribed in the Municipal Ordinance No. 2 Series of 2008.

ARTICLE IV - OPERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE SECTION 1- LICENSE TO DRIVE MOTOR VEHICLES a. A Drivers License shall be carried by the driver at all times when operating a motor vehicle, and shall be shown and/or surrendered for cause and upon demand to any person with authority. b. Valid Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) of the motor vehicle must be carried by the driver at all times; c. No driver of any motor vehicle is allowed to operate within the Municipality of Concepcion without updated Drivers License and municipal permit. d. It is unlawful for minors/children to drive any two wheeled or 4 wheeled vehicle.

SECTION 2- CONFISCATION OF DRIVERS LICENSES a. Law enforcement and peace officers duly deputized by the LTO/Local Chief Executive for such purpose shall apprehend any driver for violations of this ordinance or of any regulations, confiscate the license of the driver concerned and issue a receipt prescribed by the LTO/ municipality.

SECTION 3- STUDENT DRIVERS a. No student driver shall operate a motor vehicle unless accompanied by a duly professional licensed driver. b. The licensed driver accompanying the student driver shall likewise be responsible and liable for any violation and for any injury or damage done by the motor vehicle on account or as a result of its operation by a student under his discretion.

SECTION 4- ILLEGAL USE OF LICENSES, NUMBER PLATES, ETC. a. No person shall use imitation or similitude, expired/invalid or delinquent or which has been revoked or suspended Drivers License, Official Receipt (OR), Certificate of Registration (CR) of the motor vehicle, and/or Number Plate.

SECTION 5 – No minor shall be allowed to drive any motor vehicles within the Municipality of Concepcion.

ARTICLE V- ACCESSORIES OF MOTOR VEHICLES SECTION 1 a. All motor vehicles shall be equipped with devices which is needed for the safety of not just the driver but also the passengers and pedestrians. b. Headlights, Taillights, Stop lights and other vehicle lights or signal lights must be functional on every motor vehicle. c. Additional lamps and light may be carried, but no red lights shall be visible forward or ahead of the vehicle.

Trucks, buses, trailers, and other similar vehicles must carry, while in use on any public highway during night time, colored riding lights on each of the four corners not more than ten (10) centimeters from the top. d. All vehicles shall be equipped with devices for varying intensity of light, and the driver must dim the headlights or tilt the beams downward whenever the vehicle is being operated on well-lighted streets and thickly populated districts or whenever such vehicle meets another vehicle on any public highway. e. All pedicabs (Trisikad) are required of light reflector as a requisite for the municipal permit. f. It is unlawful for a driver to change any motor vehicle design particularly on lights, sounds and muffler.

CHAPTER II- TRAFFIC RULES ARTICLE I- CREATION AND OPERATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL ITEMS SECTION I- CREATION AND INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC CONTROL ITEMS a. No person shall, except whose duly authorized by the proper authority, erect, establish or display on any road or in the view of any person on any road, or interfere with, alter or take down, any traffic control sign or item. b. No person shall establish, place, maintain, or display on any road or in the view of any person on any road or anything which purports to be or is an Traffic Code of the Municipality of Concepcion imitation of or any traffic control sign or item or which interfere with the effectiveness of or prevents an approaching driver from clearly distinguishing the whole or part of any traffic control item, or distracts his attention from any traffic control signs or items.

SECTION 2- LIMITS ON OPERATION OF SIGNS a. Any sign associated with a “No Parking Area”, or “No Waiting Area” “Parking Area” or any sign of a kind referred to in Section 1 shall be limited in its operation and effect in respect of days, periods of the day, classes of vehicles or circumstances to the extent (if any) shown on the sign.

SECTION 3- TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS OR ITEMS TO BE OPERATIVE a. Where any traffic control sign or item of a kind referred to in this article exists on road, it shall be effective and operative as traffic control item duly established for the purpose under this code. b. Any traffic control or item which substantially conforms to the requirements of these sections with respect to the dimension, shape, color, position, direction, angle or any other features of traffic control signs or items of any kind shall be deemed to by traffic control sign or item of that kind.

SECTION 4- OBEDIENCE TO SIGNS Traffic signs installed shall be obeyed by motorists at all times. For purpose of this article, a. A driver shall not cause his vehicle to turn at any intersection contrary to the instruction to turn on any “No Turns”, “No Left Turn” “No Right Turn” or “No U-turn” signs installed to face an approaching driver at or near the intersection. b. Where a “One-Way” sign is installed to face a driver entering a thoroughfare beyond the sign. c. Where a “No Entry” sign is installed over or adjacent to a thoroughfare to face an approaching driver, the driver shall not proceed on that thoroughfare beyond the sign.

ARTICLE II- SPEED RESTRICTION SECTION 1- SPEED LIMITS a. Any person driving a vehicle on all roads/streets/ thoroughfare shall drive the same at a careful and prudent speed in consideration of the traffic rules and regulations of this municipality. b. No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed exceeding the design limits for the streets as indicated by numerals on signs set on along the road. The rate or speed of any motor vehicle shall not exceed the following:

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SPEEDS

MOTORCYCLES, CARS, JEEPNEY AND THE LIKE

MOTOR TRUCKS AND BUSES

1. From Iyang Bridge to Concepcion Boundary and Vice Versa

20 kph

20 kph

2. From Brgy. Batiti to Brgy. Poblacion and Vice Versa

30 kph

30 kph

3. Approaches to Poblacion proper through crowded streets, approaching intersection at “blind corners” passing school zones, passing other parked vehicle or for similar dangerous circumstances.

15 kph

15 kph

c. The foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply to the driver of an emergency vehicle. d. Nothing in this section shall be construed to justify the driver of a vehicle driving at a speed which may constitute driving carelessly, recklessly or at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to the public having regard to all the circumstances; e. Exceed any maximum speed applicable to the vehicle and fixed by any law, ordinance or regulation.

ARTICLE III- ONE WAY STREETS SECTION 1- DESIGNATION OF ONE WAY STREETS a. Vehicular traffic on any street or highway or portion thereof maybe designated by the Sangguniang Bayan and approved by the Local Chief Executive as stated at Article V Section 3 of this code.

SECTION 2 – EXEMPTION a. Trisikad shall be exempted and shall be allowed entry in designated one-way streets.

SECTION 3- OPERATING RULES a. The driver shall drive along a one-way thoroughfare only in the direction indicated by the arrow on the sign.

SECTION 4- SPECIFIC ONE-WAY STREETS a. The following areas are hereby specified as One-way streets in the Municipality of Concepcion and shown on the map on Appendix I: • Along Azucena St. • Corner Salcedo Street and Gen. Luna Street going to D.B. Oñate Street ARTICLE IV- PARKING ZONES AND FACILITIES SECTION 1- DESIGNATION OF PARKING ZONES a. The Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Concepcion is hereby authorized and directed to establish and designate portion of a thoroughfare as parking Zones. b. The Sangguniang Bayan shall establish specific loading and unloading areas to avoid stopping/anytime specifically along intersection.

SECTION 2- TERMINAL FOR JEEPNEYS, TRICYCLES, PEDICABS a. All drivers of Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJ) with Concepcion-Sara route are required to park in the portion of Leonidas Street. b. Tricycles operating in the municipality with BAJADOT are required to park at Aglipay Street. c. 1. Pedicabs with route all over the town are required to park in the portion of D.B. Oñate Street in front of Concepcion Business Park.

2. There shall be establish pedicabs parking at the entrance of NIPSC Concepcion Campus.

3. There shall be established pedicab parking along Salcedo St. along municipal gym.

4. There shall be established pedicab parking at the corner Salcedo St and Puntalis Road at the side of Municipal Building.

5. There shall be establish pedicab parking along Azucena St. fronting Concepcion Central School (CCS) provided that these parking areas shall not impede normal flow. d. All single motorcycles operating in the municipality has the following parking areas: • MATANIPLANDA -Portion of Aglipay Street fronting

Brangay Hall • POJABACALIDA -Portion of D.B. Oñate Street

In front of Business Park • AGBASMODA -Portion of D.B. Oñate Street

Frontin RR Store, Jun-jun Store and Junbee Store • LONITODA - Portion of Salcedo Street

Side of Municipal Gymnasium SECTION 3- PARKING FACILITIES AND TRANSPORT TERMINALS a. Parking facilities and public transport terminals may be constructed, operated and maintained by the municipality or private entities, subject to an authorization by the Sangguniang Bayan and approval of the Mayor. b. Delivery Vans, trucks that deliver good of commerce shall not impede normal traffic flow, along main street (D.B. Oñate St. from NIPSC to Business Park) c. Delivery Vans shall park along the Business Park alongside the Leonidas St. of the Municipal Fish Port or the side of municipal gym.

ARTICLE V- MISCELLANEOUS TRAFFIC RULES a. Reckless Driving- No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any highway recklessly or without reasonable caution considering the width, traffic, grades, crossing, curvatures, visibility and other conditions of the highway and the conditions of the atmosphere and weather, or so as to endanger the property or the safety or rights of any person or so as to cause excessive or unreasonable damage to the highway. b. Right of way for police and other emergency vehicles- upon the approach of any police or fire department vehicle, or of an ambulance giving audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle shall immediately drive the same to a position as near as possible and parallel to the right hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection of highways, and shall stop and remain in such position, unless otherwise directed by a peace officer, until such vehicle shall have passed. c. Driving while under the influence of liquor or dangerous drug- no person shall drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor or narcotic drug. d. Obstruction of Traffic- no person shall drive his motor vehicle in such a manner as to obstruct or impede the passage of any vehicle, nor, while discharging or taking on passengers or loading or unloading freight, obstruct the free passage of other vehicle on the highway. e. Duty of driver in case of accident- in the event that any accident should occur as a result of the operation of a motor vehicle upon a highway, the driver present shall show his driver’s license , give his true name and address and also the true name and address of the owner and that drivers can be instrument to peace and order.

No driver of a motor vehicle concerned in a vehicular accident shall leave the scene of the accident without aiding the victim, except under any of the following circumstances: 1. If he is in imminent danger of being seriously harmed by any person or persons by reason of the accident.

2. If he reports the accident to the nearest officer of the law; or 3. If he has to summon a physician or nurse to aid the victim.

ARTICLE VI- PROCEDURES AND PENALTIES SECTION 1- PROCEDURES AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF SUCH CODE a. Any person violating any provision of this Ordinance or any ordinance of the Municipality of Concepcion will be apprehended by the Municipal Government through proper authorities, Philippine National Police and Local Chief Executive and the Municipal Auxiliary Police designated for such purpose. b. The following penalties shall be imposed for violations of this ordinance: A. Driving a motor vehicle without first securing a drivers license, Official Receipt (OR)/ Certificate of Registration (CR) of the motor vehicle while driving.

• First Offense – P200.00, • Second Offense – P300.00, • Third Offense – P500.00 and impounding of vehicle B. Driving a vehicle with a delinquent or invalid driver’s license, Official Receipt (OR)/ Certificate of Registration (CR) of the motor vehicle.

• First Offense – P200.00, • Second Offense – P300.00, • Third Offense – P500.00 and impounding of vehicle C. For passing on One-way streets• First Offense – P200.00, • Second Offense – P300.00, • Third Offense – P500.00 and impounding of vehicle D. For violations of any provisions of this ordinance or regulations promulgated pursuant hereto, not hereinbefore specifically punished, a fine of not less than Two Hundred pesos (P 200.00) or more than Five Hundred pesos (P 500.00) shall be imposed.

ARTICLE VII- FINAL PROVISIONS SECTION 1- MISCELLANEOUS a. Notwithstanding, the provisions of this Code, and other existing Ordinances and laws, the Municipal Mayor is hereby given full power and authority to issue Executive Orders and rules and regulations, with the end in view of making this Code truly reflective of the ideals of good governance, especially in regulating the use and enjoyment of the municipal streets.

SECTION 2- SEPARABILITY CLAUSE a. If for any reason, any section or provisions of this Code is declared illegal or unconstitutional other sections or provisions hereof which are not affected hereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 3- REPEALING CLAUSE a. All previous issuances, ordinances, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this Code are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 4- EFFECTIVITY a. This Code shall take effect Ten (10) Days after its approval, posting in different conspicuous places in the municipality and publication in any newspaper of general circulation.

UNANIMOUSLY ENACTED.

I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE CORRECTNESS OF

THE ABOVE ORDINANCE:

ATTESTED AND CERTIFIED TO BE DULY ADOPTED:

(sgd) JIM A. PENDON Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan

(sgd)AGUSTIN G. GARILVA, JR. SB Member Temporary Presiding Officer (sgd)MILLIARD S. VILLANUEVA, C.E.S.E APPROVED: ¬May 26, 2014 Municipal Mayor Date

MetroMisc

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June 29 - July 5, 2014

WAFFLES CORNER: The Iloilo’s newest scrumptious concoction

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD It is just as delicious as it sounds.

Sink your teeth on the waffle tide with The Waffles Corner. It’s the latest, scrumptious concoction here in Iloilo, teasing the palate of many Ilonggos.

The Waffles’ Corner in Iloilo was established on May 8 by Erwil de le Cruz, 36 years old, a Mechanical Engineering. It started when he and an architect friend of his wanted to start a business in the Philippines. They were both working in Singapore then. They went back earlier in May and started a waffle business.

He though it a bit funny since it is not in line with his previous experience as a mechanical engineer. Yet, being in business is what he really wanted. He longed to have a restaurant of his own.

“If you have passion, if you love what you do, go for it,” he beamed.

Now, they have opened their third branch in Pampanga. The other one waves in Manila.

The business’ first few months were interesting because it’s a new concept where they serve is not just waffles. People came in and the sweet smell of coffee, pasta and set meals permeated the air.

“We noticed that waffles are not enough, so, we incorporated meals with rice like baby. We have backribs, tapa, daing nga bangus and hot and cold drinks,” said de la Cruz.

Tickle your taste buds with their bestsellers on hand – Sugar Kissed Strawberry with Mango and Whipped Cream, and Creamy Peanut Butter with Banana Slices and Whipped Cream.

These tried and true waffles are perfect for brunch or other special occasions.

Try having your waffles with their Americano, Caramel Macchiato or Frosty Banana Butter Scotch frappe.

Have your breakfast there as well!

Located at Luna St., Lapaz, Iloilo City, they open at 8am to 9pm.

You can reach them at (033) 330-0571.

BANANA PUREE

FRAPPES

ICED/ HOT CLUBHOUSE COFFEE

IMT Fun Time

ARIES:

The stars have you all charged up on Monday, but by Tuesday and Wednesday, your battery may be a bit low. Plug in -- engage on a deeper level with a certain someone, dedicate your efforts in meaningful ways and be sure to listen to what your body is telling you. From Thursday through sometime Saturday, you can definitely put your renewed energy to great use, particularly when it comes to starting new projects or even new relationships. As far as the rest of the weekend, an issue that’s been simmering may come to a boil. Will you lose your cool?

TAURUS:

LIBRA:

Think large scale and long term on Monday, regarding work, relationships and more. Then, on Tuesday and Wednesday, zero in on some of the pertinent details -- go step-by-step. And listen up, because you may hear (or maybe overhear) something helpful. From Thursday through sometime Saturday, the air around you crackles with your electricity -and when it comes to romance, something pleasantly shocking can happen now (especially if you make it happen!). During the rest of the weekend, do a selfless good deed (small, medium or large) to consciously change your perspective.

Stay behind the scenes on Monday. Making a splash just isn’t the best move now. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, some arrangements you’ve been making can begin to come together in the most pleasing way. Be sure to follow up, either at work or when it comes to personal (even romantic!) business. From Thursday through sometime Saturday, your inner depths are calling, but you’ll also want to stay attuned to the world around you. It’s all about balance. As far as Saturday night and Sunday go, you’re totally tuned in -- not to mention the center of some very appreciative attention.

GEMINI:

SAGITTARIUS:

Take a great idea -- at work or in your personal life -and get it going on Monday. Then, on Tuesday and Wednesday, look closely: You’ll foresee a potential issue and be able to prevent it. (It’s so much better to nip it in the bud.) From Thursday through sometime Saturday, you’ve got tremendous energy of the fun and flirtatious variety. Plan a special date (and make the arrangements in advance!) or, if you’re single, get out and strut your considerable stuff. As far as the rest of the weekend goes, if you slow down, something important will come to you.

You’re a great communicator on Monday, so get the word out, whether at work or on a more personal level. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, you’ll be more tight-lipped -- you’ve got a lot on your mind now, and you may not be ready to share your findings or feelings. Have patience with those around you, annoying though they may be. From Thursday through sometime Saturday, their questions suddenly don’t seem so pesky, and you’ve got answers they’ll love. Fun’s in the stars, too, so pick your poison. As far as the rest of the weekend, you’re likely moving slowly. Rest up!

On Monday, you’re in a generous -- maybe even extravagant -- mood. Just make sure you can back up what you’re saying. By Tuesday and Wednesday, though, you’re exchanging grand plans for practical ones. You’ve got a low-key charm that’s far more alluring than others’ overblown efforts now. Take care with balancing the different aspects of your life from Thursday through sometime Saturday, when issues surrounding home or a partner are liable to come up. Will you be able to find the middle ground? A brisk walk on Sunday morning clears your head in a most helpful way.

Monday could find your week off to a bit of a rough start. Be alert to potential trouble spots, and have a contingency plan.

By Tuesday and Wednesday, though, things go more smoothly, especially if you invest a little time in additional understanding. Ask a few extra questions -- others will know you’re really engaged, and they’ll be impressed. You’re particularly work- or goal-oriented from Thursday through sometime Saturday, but don’t miss the interpersonal angles.

Relationships of all sorts need care and feeding, too. On Sunday, you can recharge in a very empowering way.

You’ve got bold, beautiful energy on Monday, so think big!

By Tuesday and Wednesday, on the other hand, that energy’s turned inward. While others may wonder what’s up with you, those mental wheels are turning in ways that can produce some great stuff. You’ll likely be ready to share those thoughts -- not to mention some feelings -- from Thursday through sometime Saturday, and those who you tell about it will know they’re lucky.

(Speaking of lucky, these days are also prime for romance. Go get ‘em, tiger!) As far as the rest of the weekend goes, be ready to bring something out in the open.

Others may be dragging around on Monday, but you’re probably up to something extraordinary. Start the week with a bang! Around Tuesday and Wednesday, you’ll need to really focus. It’s important to find out what’s at the core now, so don’t miss the point. You’re extra brainy from Thursday through sometime Saturday, and if you also bring your best interpersonal skills into play, well, there’s very little you can’t do. Warmth and wit: It’s an unbeatable combo. As far as the rest of the weekend, you’ll probably want some privacy.

LEO:

KU

SCORPIO:

Be ready to build bridges and strengthen relationships on Monday. Try others’ shoes on for size, and let ‘em know how they feel. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, your efforts at empathy and your emotional intelligence should have you sitting pretty -- whether at work or personally, relationships look sweet now. Mutual fulfillment is a win-win situation! From Thursday through sometime Saturday, be active. Change your daily routine, fit in a walk, express your emotions, even see some art -- it’ll all open your eyes. As far as the rest of the weekend, beware of passion turning into jealousy.

CANCER:

S U DO

MEDIUM

Answer for June 22-28, 2014

The rule of the game are simple: You simply fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares contains all the digits from 1 to 9 without repeats or omissions.

CAPRICORN:

AQUARIUS:

Across

5 Mad (9) 8 African country, capital N’Djamena (4) 9 Relating to the major blood vessels VIRGO: PISCES: (8) If other people are cramping your style on Monday, Monday looks busy, so make a plan and stick to it -- 10 Unicellular living thing (6) placate them and keep on going as best you can. By Tuesday and include sensible eating and exercising for energy. Around and Wednesday, you should have much more freedom of Tuesday and Wednesday, know the difference between looking 11 Bad (6) movement -- and that style of yours can earn you some serious admiration. thoughtfully at a situation and overanalyzing it (the latter can lead to not- 13 Move unsteadily (6) Sometime between Thursday and Saturday, it’s time for a heart-to-heart. very-helpful paralysis). From Thursday through sometime Saturday, life 15 Sad (6) If a decision is involved, you’ll want to put your head together with a can improve by leaps and bounds -- just balance intellect and instinct, and 16 Act of throwing something away (8) pertinent person. As far as the rest of the weekend, what you think you choose your path. As far as the rest of the weekend, plan some low-key, 18 Good fortune (4) can get done and what’s actually possible are a little different. One thing relaxing activities with some low-key, relaxed people. at a time!

19 Cad (9)

Answer for June 22-28, 2014 Down 1 Most off-colour — bed waits (anag) (8) 2 Melon-like tropical fruit (6) 3 Trash (6) 4 Unbiased (4) 6 In a total mess (9) 7 Strong bag slung over the shoulder (9) 12 Exciting film? (8) 14 Near the knuckle (6) 15 Illness (6) 17 Speed (4)

June 29 - July 5, 2014

METRO SPORTS

11

Amateur Boxing Competition plays in Iloilo

BY ELYROSE NAORBE To promote martial arts particularly boxing to our fellow Illongo both as a fitness regimen and as a lifestyle, the Cage Iloilo Management Team in partnership with the Global Amateur Boxing Association Inc. will be holding an amateur boxing competition at 2 pm of July 12, 2014 in San Rafael, Mandurriao Gym. Part of the program is to train boxing scholars for free in the hope of them going from amateur to professional. By having the events, it will help support boxers and motivate them to train further to improve their skills and get a chance for a career and an opportunity to get free education.

This will be the first of many events that the team will be organizing. The participants are

DENR-6...from page 1

Sampulna also challenged the constituents of Iloilo City that they must “level up” and “upgrade” ideas to augment to the vibrant development for the city’s tourism boom.

“Before, Iloilo City is only at the background. Now, it is time put Iloilo City at the forefront.”

Meanwhile, the said project being implemented by the Department of

Ilonggos...from page 1 shampoo. Tapos ga eskwela pa sila tanan. Te hamak mo na! Damu gasto!” exclaimed a mother, a vendor along Calle Real.

Four women with families of their own considered educational expenses of their children as their third important to see through.

“Duwa lang bata ko pero damu

mostly underprivileged kids and boxing enthusiasts from different martial arts camp in Iloilo and neighboring provinces.

Present to witness in the event are Australian boxing committee which also serves to the gym’s grand opening day. Exciting match ups will be expected in this event.

The Global Amateur Boxing Association Inc. will bring three fighters and three officials.

Bradly Saunders who is 19 yrs old is weighing at 60kg and is experienced in the field of boxing.

William Kwong who is 15 yrs old is weighing at 60kg has his record of 6 wins, 1 loses and 1 draw.

Marco Kent who is 13 yrs old and is weighing at 41 kg with his record of 3 wins, 2 loses. IMT

Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is still waiting for the final decision of the City Council to decide on to allow or not the cutting of trees.

DPWH District Engineer Rodney Gustilo, however, told Iloilo Metropolitan Times that they will still continue the road widening project without touching or cutting any single tree. IMT man ila requirements sa school eh,” remarked Nanding.

The other six, however, are more concerned of their home expenses such as rent, and land taxes.

“Ako, well, ga rent man lang ako sang apartment, so gina keep in mind ko guid ina nga may balaydan pa ako.

Halin ako sa Capiz eh,” laughed Louie, a young professional. IMT

First NCAA ALL-Star game for charity

BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE To highlight its 90th season, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) will hold an AllStar basketball game for the first time in the league history.

The All-Star game will be played on August 16, 2014, after the first round of eliminations as the basketball tournament comes off the wraps at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The proceeds of this All-Star game will go to a charitable institution.

San Beda starts its drive for five straight titles as it clashes Jose Rizal University on the opening day, and last year’s runner-up Letran will play perennial contender San Sebastian.

As the league’s eighth regular member, this season will also feature Arellano University after San Beda, Letran, San Sebastian, Perpetual Help, St. Benilde, Jose Rizal and Mapua Institute of Technology.

Emilio Aguinaldo and Lyceum seek to achieve the same status with solid showing not just in basketball but in other sports as well.

Season 90 host vowed to stage

NCAA to hold All-Star basketball game for the first time. San Beda is eyeing a fifth straight title and other schools hope to finally stop the run. a memorable opening show that will revolve around this year’s theme, “NCAA Season 90: We Make History.

Today’s Heroes, Tomorrow’s Legends.”

Other things to watch out for are St. Benilde’s bid of retaining the overall championship and the

Avida Launches...from page 1 Mandurriao, Avida Storeys Atria and Avida Towers Atria are expected to bring 509 units with the former having 132 units and the latter with 377 units.

Project launch of Avida Storeys Atria will be on October 2015 and the project turnover on the first quarter of 2016. Meanwhile, Avida Towers Atria is planned on the April 2016 and slated for turnover on the third quarter of

2016.

Scheduled on September of this year is a 100-bed 8 clinic Qualimed Hospital. Ayala Land Inc, with its partner, Mercado General Hospital Inc, aims to provide modern and quality health care services to Ilonggos with the first QualiMed Hospital outside Manila.

Meanwhile this December,

dominance of Perpetual Help in indoor volleyball.

To those who will catch up the different games of this season, all games will be shown live on either TV5 or Aksyon TV or both during Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.IMT Atria Park District shall include a supermarket and a retail and dining center called The Shops at Atria.

The Atria Park District is ALI’s first integrated, masterplanned, mixed-use community and largest investment in Iloilo. Once completed, the 32-hectare township will integrate residential, retail, office and hotel components, healthcare and educational institutions, as well as spaces for parks and landscaped areas. IMT

METRO BACOLOD

12

Illegal slaughtering rampant in Bacolod

BY VERMI C. ESMALLA

proposed a resolution requesting the City Veterinary Office through the Office Illegal slaughtering of animals of the Mayor and AVM Bernardo to has reportedly become rampant in safeguard the health of the public Bacolod City as many meat vendors no consuming meat from food animals longer avail of the slaughtering services in adherence to City Ordinance 459 of AVM Bernardo Engineering, the of 2008, or “The Illegal Slaughtering authorized slaughterhouse of the city Ordinance of Bacolod City” and in consonance with Republic Act 10536. government.

Reports indicated that some meat R.A. 10536 is the Meat Inspection Code vendors are slaughtering their animals of the Philippines.

The resolution stated tha the such as cow, hog and carabao in their own backyards which do not conform to present city slaughterhouse operated

by AVM Bernardo is much improved the existing laws on slaughtering.

Councilor Carlos Jose Lopez in terms of sanitation and efficiency

Newks favors PDAF scam reopening in Senate

BY VERMI C. ESMALLA Bacolod City Mayor Monico O. Puentevella said that the investigation of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam should be re opened in the Senate and let PDAF queen Janet Lim Napoles speak to expose others who are also involved.

He said this is to have fair play and justice. “Let the ax fall where it should as no one is above the law. I know that there will be more.”

As former solon for nine years, he has been blessed that his name is not included or has been dragged in the controversy.

“Only those who are interested in my position or my political enemies want to charge me with something. But of the 180 congressmen who were allegedly involved, I thank the Lord that I was not included. But I am praying for those who are involved. For me, it would be fair to let Napoles and Benhur Loi speak further. Why is it that they

closed the investigation?”

Only three Senators namely Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla, Jr. were charged of Plunder before the Sandiganbayan.

Two have already surrendered Revilla and Estrada.

Meanwhile, Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano yesterday said that the surrender of two Senators is a welcome development. It is a clear manifestation that the government is serious about it.IMT

compared to the old one in Barangay 35.

It has been observed as of late the prevalence of illegal slaughtering of food animals and the proliferation of meat sold in the various markets in the city, which were not slaughtered in the city slaughterhouse but in unaccredited slaughterhouses, and without undergoing prior inspection by the CVO, it said.

The resolution said it is imperative that the City Government of Bacolod should put an end to these illegal slaughtering practices and to the selling of food animal meats in the various markets in the city, which were not slaughtered in the city abattoir.

This poses great risk and danger to the welfare and health safety of the consuming public, let alone to the constituents of the City of Bacolod, it added.IMT

GROUNDBREAKING: Bacolod Rep. Evelio R. Leonardia and Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano (extreme right) with Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya, (1st, L-R), Barangay Captain Mona Dia Jardin (4th), Councilor Bobby Rojas and some barangay officials led the groundbreaking of the biggest barangay hall in Bacolod which will be called as the Barangay Felisa Government Center.Carla N. Canet/IMT