Iloilo Metropolitan Times Volume 1 • Issue no 48

METROPOLITAN

ILOILO

VOL. I ISSUE NO. 48

the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

TIMES

developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

January 12 - 18, 2014 Php 12.00

Ezekiel 11:19

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATE Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - Jan 4 - 10, 2013

USD/PHP

44.7400

44.7296

44.7200

44.7154

44.7173

44.7155

44.7000 44.6800

44.6799

44.6600

44.6564

44.6564 44.6400 Jan 4, 2014

Jan 6, 2014

Jan 8, 2014

Jan 10, 2014

DTI PRICE MONITORING Prime Commodities (25 Oct 2013) Prime Commodities (25 Oct 2013)

CANNED SARDINES Current Price INSTANT NOODLES Current Price

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

12.15 Lucky Me! (55g) 13.00 Payless (50g) 13.25

PROCESSED MILK Current Price

7.10 6.30 Current Price

BREAD

Alaska Sweetened Filled 49.50 Milk - Condensed 300 mL Pinoy Tasty (400g) Alaska Filled Milk 34.50 Pinoy Pandesal Evaporated 370 mL Angel Filled Milk Evaporated 410 mL

35.75

37.00

(pack of 10 pieces) 22.50

DA PRICE MONITORING

January 14 & 16, 2014 January 15, 2014

Processed and Manufactured Commodities (25 Oct 2013) Processed and Manufactured Commodities (25 Oct 2013)

DINAGYANG UPDATES

Dinagyang Food Aid Program for School Children Walk with Mary, Turning over of Outgoing Hermanos, Sto. Niño Mass

January 17, 2014 January 18, 2014

Commercial Rice Regular Milled Well Milled Premium Special (Fancy)

Opening Salvo Medical Mission, Dinagyang Bamboo Tee Golf Tournament

Sugar Refined Washed Brown Sugar Cooking Oil Lapad (bottle)

Current Price 35.00/kg 38.00/kg 42.00/kg 45.00/kg 45.00/kg 42.00/kg 38.00/kg

20.00

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 120.00/kg 4.50/pc

Current Price

‘BISYO’ PRICES HIKE ANEW

Filipinos are hopeful that 2014, the Year of the Wooden Horse, will bring them good fortune and prosperous life. Photo by Jane Ubay/IMT

Villar Wants Loan Assistance To Ofws

TO defray the family of living expenses during the first three months of his/her absence, Senator Cynthia A. Villar pushes for providing an overseas contract worker with a valid employment contract a P50,000 loan from the Overseas Worker and Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Senate Resolution No. 507, entitled “An Act Establishing A Credit Assistance Program for Overseas Workers,” also provides that any member of the family of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), not disqualified by law, can be a coborrower of the loan and can execute necessary documentation related it.

Villar said the OFW making the loan must be certified by the Philippine O v e r s e a s Villar wants /p11

Mila’s Hill

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA The second wave of the price hike for “sin products” took effect on January 1, 2014. Prices of cigarettes and liquor, considered as “sin products”, increased in accordance with the sin tax law.

The price hike aims to aid the collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which amounts to around P33 billion in revenues. The collection will be utilized to fund health and livelihood programs for tobacco farmers – the sector that is greatly affected by the increase.

For fermented liquor that costs less than P50.60, tax went up from P15 in 2013 to P17 this year. Meanwhile, liquor that costs more than P50.60 is

Mabilog pushes ‘sunshine’ journalism

BY REYMAR LATOZA

With its powerful influence, media can either create good or bad things, unite or divide people and destroy or build community.

Mini Hotel Amenities

In Land Resort OPENS DAILY 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m.

FOR RESERVATION : Call or Txt (033) 396 9698 09059347957

WEBSITE

Pasil, New Lucena Iloilo

Cottages

Pavilion

www.milashill.blogspot.com

EMAIL ADDRESS

milashill.inlandresort@gmail.com

taxed P21 from P20 last year.

A pack of tobacco that costs P11.50 is taxed P17 from P15 in 2013 while a pack of cigarette that costs more than P11.50 is taxed P27 from P20 the previous year.

BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said that it is of common sense that the price of the so-called “sin products” will increase on a minimum of P5.

The implementation of the law will be gradual for five consecutive years.

Sin tax law assures the government a total revenue of P39.5-billion in 2013; P45.7-billion in 2014; P52.3billion in 2015; P57.7-billion in 2016; and P64.4-billion in 2017. IMT

Gazebo

Recognizing this, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog wants to utilize the quad-media to promote Iloilo City.

The quad-media is composed of television, radio, print and online writers and Mabilog pushes /p11

120.00/kg

Caram completes MIWD

BY PAULINE BALMES Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. has recently appointed the fifth member to complete the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) board of directors.

Josephine Beata Abad-Caram takes her oath of office from Atty. Josephine Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. as member of the Board of Beata Abad-Caram, Directors of Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD). Photo who is also a civil credits to Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo Page engineer will represent the business 8 ordered by the Supreme Court sector. ordered his authority to appoint the Caram took the place of Celso MIWD directors.

Javelosa whose term ended recently.

Caram, a graduate of Bachelor Other reinstated members of the of Science in Civil Engineering at board were Dr. Danilo Encarnacion the UP Diliman, is currently the and Dr. Sergio Gonzales, Engr. Adrian president of Multi-C Construction & Moncada and accountant Bernadette Realty Development Company Inc., Castellano. a family-owned business. engaged in January 3rd when Defensor real estate development. She passed the reinstated the four original board 1990 Bar Exams after graduating the of directors of MIWD pursuant to University of San Agustin Bachelor of Presidential Decree (PD) 198 Section Laws degree as Class Valedictorian.IMT

METRO NEWS

2

METRO

on the road

AWOL police shot dead in Negros

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA AND MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN A police officer was found dead on a beach resort in the town of Hinigaran, province of Negros Occidental on January 5.

The victim was identified as SPO1 Rex Delos Reyes, who was declared dead on the spot due to severe wounds caused by a .45 mm caliber pistol while on Bulubito-on Beach resort.

According to the chief officer of Hinigaran police station C/Insp.

Lino Dalisay, two suspects went inside the resort while the three other suspects served as lookouts and immediately escaped using a van after the incident.

The Hinigaran PNP along with Pontevedra and La Castellana Police station, immediately put up check point areas which led to the arrest of the suspects in the area of La Castallena.

On the initial investigation, the suspects were named as Micahel Hansilan, 37 years old and resident of Brgy. Malipayon, Iloilo City; Openiano Dolar Eballa Jr., 51 years old of San Juan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental; Vicente Poseros Bacaran, 30 years old from Brgy.

Alimango, Escalante City; Roger Someros, 28 years old of Helicon Montinola, Cabatuan, Iloilo; and Eduardo Montañ6 Arsola, 43 years old from Brgy. Hunob-Hunob, Escalante City.

The investigation is still ongoing and the motive of the crime is yet to be determined.

De los Reyes is allegedly AWOL in service.

Nava denies connection with murdered ex-police Iloilo City Councilor Atty. Plaridel Nava denied any connection with SPO2 Rex de los Reyes who was shot to death in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental last week.

“I don’t have any idea on his other activities’, Nava said in an interview over DYRI Radio Mindanao Network.

Although, Nava admitted that de los Reyes is his client to his several criminal cases in Iloilo.

De los Reyes’s name was dragged in several grenadethrowing incidents in Iloilo particularly on the house of retired and deceased Chief Insp. Musa Amiyong in Molo, pawnshop robbery and allegedly killing of two fellow police officers – PO2 Frederick Capasao (former member of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6 (PDEA-6) and PO3 Jerome Jaculina, a warrant officer of Jaro police station.

The latter is formerly assigned at the Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) based in Camp Delgado here but went AWOL (absence without leave) after he was transferred to Mindanao only last year.

Immediately, right after the assignation of de los Reyes wherein the victim succumbed nine gunshot wounds, five suspects were arrested carrying assorted firearms. Out of the five suspects, three of them are from Iloilo.

January 12 - 18, 2014

pedestrianization modified

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES

After thorough experimentation, the Iloilo City Council has decided to shorten the Calle Real pedestrianization to one day.

Traffic Management and Transportation Regulation Office (TMTRO) chief Engr. Jose Tengco said that the pedestrianization will only take place on Sundays starting January 12.

The street span from corner Arroyo St. or the Plazoleta Gay until corner Mapa St. at the Freedom Grandstand will be walkable from 6 a.m to 9 p.m.

“Saturday traffic will be back to

normal. Roads in Calle Real will be passable again to commuters,” he said.

The implementation of the said ordinance began last year, December 14, 2013, Saturday.

PBO Ordinance Tengco also added that suspension of the implementation of the comprehensive perimeter boundary ordinance (PBO) is not hampering any operation of the TMTRO. “The suspension has no effect on our operations. We are in a status quo, thus we will still follow the old PBO,” he said.

“Better services in 2014” - PECO

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The Panay Electric Company (PECO) assured its consumers of better services this 2014.

“Year by year we are laboring hard to improve our services for our consumers especially those who are into business,” Engr.

Randy Pastolero, PECO vice president for operations told Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

IMPROVE RELIABILITY OF SERVICE Pastolero said the number of interruptions in Iloilo city decreased from 9.029 in 2012 to 8.080 last year.

In terms of duration, from 509.93 in 2013 the length of power outage went down to 453.82.

This 2014, Peco projects a 0.5 SAIFI point reduction (number of power interruptions) and a 30-minute SAIDI reduction (duration of power interruption) from the previous record.

IMPORTANCE OF ELECTRICITY He also recognized the importance of electricity for the developments of Iloilo city as a whole.

“The city cannot grow without power that’s why weare cooperating with the Iloilo City Government” Pastolero said they committed to the city government that after January 15 all their poles, with tangled wires, situated in the center aisles and along the Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City will be cleared.

The plan covers the area from Corner General Luna starting in front of PAG-IBIG office to Corner Diversion Road-Jalandoni in front of SM City.

“This is to pave the way for the utilization of the new 50-footer poles we built from the former ‘Marina

Restaurant’ to Injap building,” Pastolero explained.

He added that they will also put up a ‘new circuit near the Smallville area towards the Plazuela de Iloilo.’

ENOUGH POWER SUPPLY Besides these, PECO is also ‘constructing a new line towards the Megaworld area and it will be energized next month.’

“It will be able to bring power to the Megaworld with a capacity of 8 megawatts and we have also an alternative supply line with four megawatts. At the mid of 2014, Megaworld will have a supply from PECO of around 12 megawatts,” Patolero said.

MINIMIZE POWER INTERRUPTIONS On the other hand, PECO will start reconductoring their feeder lines to minimize power interruptions.

“23 of them feeder lines will be reconductored from #4/0 ACSR to 336.5. MCM ACSR will improve reliability by providing flexibility of supply between substations during maintenance. This will allow the transfer of loads and at the same time minimize our power interruptions and loses..” Pastolero explained.

SOLAR POWER This year also, PECO will be signing contract with solar plants investor for solar power technology in Iloilo City.IMT

PALM Concepcion gets new investor

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES Palm Concepcion Power Corp.

(PCPC) has acquired a new investor in the name of Oriental Knight Limited (OKL) acquiring 30.46% equity interest in the said project.

Listed parent, A Brown Company Inc., disclosed that PCPC reduced its sales to 20% to pave way for a new investor to come in.

The 14-billion power plant will operate a 135-megawatt (MW) coalfired power plant in Concepcion, Iloilo using circulating fluidized bed combustion technology. It will be located to Brgy. Nipa in the municipality of Concepcion, Iloilo.

Last month, PCPC issued a notice to proceed the construction

of the project to the engineering, procurement and NLSC, its contractor.

“Project financial closure was completed in July 2013 and the commissioning of the plant is expected by mid-2016,” the disclosure stated.

NLSC is a consortium consisting of First Northeast Electric Power Engineering Corp. of China Energy Group, Liaoning Electric Power Survey & Design Institute and Shenyang Electric Power Design Institute Company Ltd. PCPC shareholders include Palm Thermal Consolidated Holdings Corp. (PTCHC), Jin Navitas Resouce, Inc. (JNRI). with report from Business World/ IMT

Meanwhile, all roads rehabilitation and constructions affected by the upcoming activities like Kasadyahan and Dinagayang Festival will be suspended during the duration of the activity.

“Suspending the construction would mean there are some road that

are already passable such as in Tanza area. The construction will resume after the activities are done,” he said.

All construction activities are expected to be completely finished on the last week of January or beginning of the February 2014. IMT

Salinas to become full-fledged PD

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN Citing his good standing performance for almost six months, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. has finally approved the endorsement of officer-in-charge Senior Supt.

Cornelio Salinas to be the full-pledged provincial director of Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) based in Camp Sumagaysay, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Salinas, who replaced ‘overstaying’ former IPPO director Senior Supt.

Gil Lebin, has been the choice of the governor after the police official assumed office last July 9, 2013 more than a month after the May 13 elections.

On Wednesday last week, Defensor said he already signed and submitted Salinas’s nomination paper to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Central Office in Manila for the final approval.

The governor said there is no reason that Salinas will not be endorsed since he has been satisfied with the latter’s performance during

the October 28 barangay elections and against all forms of illegal activities particularly on illegal drugs and gambling.

“I am very much pleased by his performance,” the governor said.

Although, the governor admitted that illegal gambling activities in the province was not totally eradicate because of the legalized Small Time Lottery (STL) in Iloilo City where these bookies based their winning combinations from the winning STL numbers, but as a whole these illegal games were minimized.

On his part, Salinas thanked the governor for the trust and confidence he has given to him and assured the governor that he will work hard and do his responsibility in accordance to the law.

Salinas said the governor’s approval will sealed the process to complete his full-time director and as a full-time director, he has already the power to appoint or relieve any police personnel to transfer or reassign to other police-related assignments. IMT

No new tax in 2014

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA

No new taxes other than the scheduled increase on sin taxes will be implemented this 2014 as assured by the government. The administration will strengthen its tax collection to fund the government projects and program.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that President Benigno Aquino III promised not to impose additional tax on the start of his administration.

“The record of the administration

shows that efficient use of resources allowed the government to increase the budget for social services without having to raise taxes”, Coloma said.

He added that the government concentrates on achieving its inclusive growth by creating additional employment and expanding social protection to the ones who need help the most.

“The government will create more Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programs to draw investments and give further jobs to the Filipinos”, Coloma declared. IMT

Kasadyahan 2014 still a contest

BY REYMAR LATOZA

Defying this year’s competing tribes, the Kasadyahan cultural event of the 2014 Dinagyang Festival will remain a competition.

The decision was made to live up to the excitement that the said event offers every year by arousing the competitive spirit of every competing tribes during their performance.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog claimed that holding a competition for participating tribes and regional fiestas will spice up the much anticipated cultural event.

This final decision is in contrary to the earlier announcement made by the Dinagyang organizers that Kasadyahan will simply be a presentation of festivals and fiestas from different provinces and municipalities in Western Visayas this year.

Kasadyahan Committee chairperson Dr. Eden Deriada said in the previous report of Iloilo Metropolitan Times that lack of resources, due to the devastation caused by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ was the primary reason of not holding a competition.

Meanwhile, Deriada confirmed that seven major festivals in Western Visayas and three Iloilo City-based

schools will join the 2014 Kasadyahan competition.

Kalibo Ati-atihan, Masskara of Bacolod, Manggahan of Guimaras, Hugyaw Kansilay of Silay City, Sinadya sa Halaran of Capiz, Pintaflores of San Carlos City and Banigan of Libertad, Antique committed to join.

Other participating tribes are from John B. Lacson Foundation University (JBLFU), St. Therese College, and the Fort San Pedro National High School.

Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena explained that Participanting festivals from outside Iloilo City will be given a subsidy of P150,000, P180,000 or P200,000 depending on the result of their assessment basing on the distance and difficulty of coming to the event’s place.

Kasadyahan 2014, one of the Dinagyang Festival’s highlights, is set on January 25. IMT

January 12 - 18, 2014

METRO BUSINESS

3

SELLING OF DINAGYANG KIOSKS STARTS

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN

The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) has started selling kiosks Friday last week (Jan. 10) in line with three-day Dinagyang festival on January 24-26, 2014.

This year, the foundation has increased its kiosks to 1, 038 from 779 last year. Each kiosk measured 2.5X3

meters.

Rodolfo Villaruz, chairman on Kiosks Sales and Management Committee said they have added kiosks along streets of Guanco, Ledesma and Iznart apart from old kiosks located along main streets of Valeria, Delgado,

Solis and Casa Plaza along Capitol area.

He also said the rate of kiosks vary depending on the area. He said kiosk along Capitol area is

LLCS full implementation on January 14

P1,000; Guanco is P1,200 while other areas are P1,600 for three-day affair including the electricity and additional fees for Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Villaruz stressed all kiosks are first come first serve basis and definitely, no reservation is allowed.

The chairman added they will be coming up with an

SilkAir to fly Kalibo

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES assessment, compliance The Department of Labor and visit, and occupational SilkAir, a wholly owned Employment 6 (DOLE-6) is now safety and health subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, ready for the full implementation investigation. will open thrice-weekly, circularof Labor Law Compliance System Under the new Kiosks fill in the streets of Iloilo City during the Dinagyang Festival. routing flights to Kalibo, Aklan (LLCS) which encourage all system, the DOLE could issue period in joint assessment or 10-day on May 27,2014, vice versa. establishments to voluntary comply Certificate of Compliance on General correction period in compliance visit.

SilkAir Chief Executive, Mr. Ligutom also tackled some salient Leslie Thng said they are excited to add with the new system.

Labor Standards (GLS) and Certificate DOLE-6 director Ponciano of Compliance on Occupational features of the LLCS. Among these are Kalibo to their network and confident Ligutom said the new system which Safety and Health Standards (OSHS). (1) companies can apply to go through that will be warmly welcomed in the is more into developmental approach The GLS could be issued to joint assessment and get a Certificate country. rather than regulatory, will help them establishments found to be compliant of Compliance valid for two years “As the regional wing of Singapore empowering their private partners on labor standards, monetary benefits from the date of the issuance, (2) Airlines, SilkAir plays a role to extend toward culture of voluntarily comply and to establishment which was motion for Reconsideration from the Singapore Airlines Group network with general standard even without initially found to be non-compliant Compliance Orders issued on August by seeding and developing emerging the watchful eye of the DOLE. but was able to correct the deficiency 22, 2013 and onwards will no longer destinations,” he said. be entertained by the Regional Office.

“There are no inspectors anymore within the 10-day correction period.

SilkAir disclosed tha Boracay at the start of the new system. This Meanwhile, the OSHS could The remedy is to directly file an appeal is one of the main reasons why they move aims to improve working be issued to establishments found and post the necessary bond, (3) the choose Kalibo as another port of conditions with many establishments”, to be compliant on the OSHS, and regional director has the authority destination after Cebu and Davao. he said. to establishment which was initially to dismiss non-perfected appeal/s “Kalibo is the capital of Aklan Ligutom said the mode of found to be non-compliant but filed beginning August 22, (3) the province and gateway to the idyllic implementation under this new LLCS was able to correct the deficiency Secretary of Labor shall issue a general Boracay island, which is located off the has three approaches, namely, joint within the three months remediation authority designating LLC officers to northwestern investigate OSH violations committed tip of Panay. in plain view or in his/her presence, The island is for instance, non-provision of PPEs known for and installation of unsafe structures its stunning and scaffolding. white sandy The director also emphasized b e a c h e s

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA that a work stoppage order shall be and crystal immediately issued by the regional clear waters.

Online-processing for order upon receipt of information B e s i d e s the renewal of business of an accident resulting to disabling soaking up permit has started and an injury.

IMT the sun on estimated 12, 500 businesses its beautiful all over the city are expected to renew their permits and they will not licenses this January. experience hassle Francis T. Cruz, Local during last days of Economic and Investment processing.

Promotions Officer, said that After availing the online process, customers will pay Iloilo City processing is now made easy their dues and payment personally at Treasurer’s Office. is a recipient with three easy steps. He said that the according to the letter and number of of the Cities approach is client-based. their account number. Renewal of the D e v e l o p m e n t The first step is to submit all business permits will last until January Initiative under required documents by logging in to 20, 2014. the United “www.iloilocity.gov.ph” and click Cruz said they have received States Agency the link to apply for “online business positive feedbacks since the start of for International permit renewal”. The in-charge then the implementation. He added that D e v e l o p m e n t will compute everything for the client’s eventually they will improve the (USAid), and convenience and send the Tax Order system. is committed of Payment (TOP) and Declaration of “Maybe next year or in the very to improve its Gross Receipt (DGR) back via email. near future we are planning to make business licensing The second step is to print the emailed the payments through banks. We are and permitting TOP and DGR and the third and coordinating with banks for a possible process in final step is to pay all dues, including partnership”, Cruz said. partnership BFP, CTC and other fees, to the city Also, Cruz further explained that with the USAid treasurer’s office. building permits and other clearances I n v e s t m e n t In addition, the business permit will be processed online soon.

E n a b l i n g and licensing system (BPLS) put up a Cruz appeals to the private sectors E n v i r o n m e n t special lane for those who will renew, to renew their permits earlier so that project. IMT

Business permits processing now online

Service sector “in” this 2014

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA Service sector and disaster-related activities are in store for the business sector this 2014. Housing projects, renovations, relocations, constructions and real-estate properties are still ongoing according to the Iloilo Business Club (IBC).

IBC executive director Maria Lea Victoria Lara said they are assuming the completion of the hotels and the exterior of the Convention Center before the end of 2014. In addition, recovery livelihoods for agriculture and fishing industry like boats, crafts and coconuts will be given to typhoon victims.

Lara added that there is also a need

to change the policy to govern typhoonrelated programs and overhauling of climate change activities.

Meanwhile, with the lack of additional rooms, IBC see opportunities in expansions of establishments, food products, manpower services, suppliers of equipments and facilities for this year. Lara further added that expansion of seaports, terminals and airport is also important.

“The Iloilo Airport needs more facilities and bigger space for departure and arrival areas”, she explained.

IBC also foresee the major role of agriculture in the economy. Lara said that supply is very important for Iloilo has several restaurants and hotels.

‘identification card system’ to all the kiosk owners for easy monitoring to prevent reselling and sprouting of other unauthorized kiosks.

Last year, the chairman said they have an income of P 1.1 million from kiosks alone apart from sponsorship.

Interested applicants may visit the City Tourism Office along Freedom Grandstand or call 337-3439 for more inquiries. IMT

“We are doing our best to attract investors. We will have Invest Mart on January 21, where Canadian visitors will go to the city and we will also have Travel Mart”, she disclosed.

IBC seeks to attract companies that produce products for exports, which is a huge help in income generating for the city. IMT

beaches, Boracay also offers a wide array of land and sea activities,” SilkAir stated in a press statement.

These flights will be operated with Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, featuring both Business and Economy Class cabins which will be conveniently connected via Singapore to more than 90 cities in the joint Singapore Airlines – SilkAir network.

SilkAir added that the two new services will be introduced during the Northern Summer operating season, between 30 March 2014 and 25 October 2014, and make network adjustments during this season that comprises both capacity increases on several routes and reductions on others.

Aside from the Philippines, SilkAir have on-going flights to Thailand, Australia, Indonesia and Myanmar. IMT

4

METRO ENTREPRENEUR

A Lifetime Investment

BY TIFFANY BALTAZAR

Julito also ventured into hotdog stall business and had it manage by his family in Bohol. For Julito, one of the downfalls was when his whole house in Bohol collapsed. But he said that instead of being discouraged, the tragic event only made his faith in God stronger and deeper.

At present, he was promoted as the OIC of a national newspaper in Dumaguete. He said he is more focused and considers the company as his own but it doesn’t mean that he will turn his back to his personal

business. Patience and humility made Julito what he is now and considers everything a lifetime investment. Julito still manage to sing in special occasions despite his busy schedule. He will never want to miss out a Sunday not singing or present at the Jaro Cathedral Parish Church, where he was an active choir member.

Every cent that he earns sustains both his and his family’s needs and wants. Now that his vision for himself and for his family comes into reality, this inspired him to help others by sponsoring them to join the business. IMT

Julito Geolagon’s positive outlook in life is a big factor in his success in the business world. Though this trait pushed him forward in every road of failures, reality is, it did not assure him of what lies ahead. He faced several obstacles and struggle in his career.

“Since I was a kid I would sell candies in school and from then on, I can tell that I am a business-minded person”, said Julito.

Julito said he showed interest in business at a very young age, which eventually led his family NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC to put up a “sari-sari” store in their barangay.

In compliance with the publication requirement Leaving his hometown and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. in Bohol, Julito took risk by 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the pursuing his college education at the Central Philippine Adminstrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on University (CPU) in Iloilo.

R. A. 10172). Notice is hereby served to the public Along with him is the hope that ANDRE LERADO LOSBAÑES has filed that this might be the pathway with this Office, a petition for correction of entry that could help him to grow as in the date of birth from “December 6, 1961” to person, to be independent and “November 30, 1961” in the Certificate of live birth to be a provider for his family.

Julito was a direct-seller of ANDRE LERADO LOSBAÑes at Lambunao, during his college years. He Iloilo and whose parents are Diosdedit G. Losbañes started his direct selling business and Leonor L. Lerado. on his second year in college Any person adversely affected by said petition through the encouragement may file his written with this Office. of his friends and his teacher.

For a man who is goodlooking, he was not ashamed to carry plastic bags filled with cosmetics and several shoe boxes, which he will deliver to his costumers. The experience gained him confidence and taught him to be tough in the challenges of life. After several efforts and patience in selling these products, he became the group supervisor in one of the products he’s working with while venturing into insurance at the same time.

“It doesn’t mean because I’m into business, I will just sell products for the sake of earning.

I also make sure that every product I offer is of quality so that my customers will stay loyal. I also use some of my products so I can tell which is best and I would let my friends try some so I will know which product is good to offer”, he added.

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January 12 - 18, 2014

BY REYMAR LATOZA Endowed with great effort, the Municipal Government of Janiuay is laboring to acquire the most coveted status.

Their tagline “Surong Janiuay” is a manifestation of the town’s competitive spirit to attain the cityhood status.

Being the mayor of the municipality for almost 15 years, Hon. Frankie H. Locsin said that Janiuay has gone far when it comes to progress and development and it’s time to set a bigger dream.

Mayor Locsin said with unity and cooperation, acquiring the said status is not far reaching.

As an innovative leader, Mayor Locsin created projects, programs and activities beneficial to its people.

“Aside from administering normal things in governance, I have to be innovative to give more benefits to my constituents,” Locsin said.

“My main advocacy is to give income to my people in an equitable manner. And I want to instill in their minds that as long as you work hard you will get benefits,” Locsin added.

His people’s interest and best are always on top by making sure that all his projects can generate more employment.

“If your people feel that they are given importance, they will also return it back to you and they will love their municipality,” he said.

Mayor Locsin proudly shared that his biggest accomplishment in his past terms was he able to create lots of livelihood projects to many Janiuayanons (People in Janiuay).

For the farmers, he provided them of post harvest facilities. Other notable agricultural projects are the construction of farm to market roads, trading centers and upgrading of irrigation systems in many barangays.

In terms of infrastructure, Mayor Locsin presented his upcoming projects this year. Among those are the 5 million restoration of the old municipal building, the construction of evacuation centers to house people from flood, earthquake, and landslideprone area, $12 million modern sanitary landfill to be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the construction of Rural Health Center, and the creation of 1 additional branch of the Regional Trial Court in the town.

On the other hand, the town of Janiuay is also known for its rich culture and historical heritage.

The century-old Romanesque Church built in 1839-1871 inaugurated on November 20, 1884, the Japanese Watch Tower built by the Japanese forces during the Japanese occupation are among the historical structures that Janiuaynons are proud of.

Janiuay as a potential tourist destination home to the different tourist attractions like Barasalon Cave . The cave itself is an enormous subterranean chamber. On the roof hang grown, fang-like stalactites while on the floor like porticos stalagmites.

Tourists can also visit Mamalaytayon Rice Terraces, Banderahan in Yabon, The Spanish Docking Site, the Cross of Yabon, and several falls and resort.

According to Corel Hannah Yap, Municipal Tourism Officer, the major thrust of mayor’s office now is promoting the eco-tourism in the town.

She said besides its impact in the tourism industry, it will also boost up their economy.

Their eco-tourism plans will help generate income to many local of Janiuay.

Every year, Janiuaynons celebrate the Festival of Lights.Locals and foreigners crowd the town plaza filled with the glittering multi-colored lights every December to celebrate the spectacular ‘Festival of Lights’.

‘Festival of Lights’ is a monthlong celebration of Janiuaynons to rejoice the coming of God to world.

It is considered as among the major tourist attractions of the town.

Aside from the enticing colorful lights around the town plaza, people also witnessed the mesmerizing 3D projection.

The town also came up with a cultural festival every month of April showcasing the colorful and vibrant history of Janiuay.

Mayor Locsin said they are the first municipality in the province of Iloilo to form cultural groups, the ‘Sulognon’ and ‘Bukidnon’ tribes.

To instill the love and ownership of their municipality, Janiuay recently launched the “I love Janiuay” advocacy.

The first-class town of Janiuay is

more o r less 33 kms away from Iloilo City or a good 15-minute ride away from Iloilo International Airport at Sta. Barbara, Iloilo – it is absolutely worth keeping; worth being around when this town turns into a city. Or if you’re eyeing just yet for good opportunity to put up one, Janiuay is simply the place for you to start and grow.

Vision: Janiuay as a booming trading and agro industrial center in Central Iloilo with united, God loving, contented, and productive women and men in an equitable and globally competitive economy of healthy environment anchored on governance with strong political will and service oriented leadership.

Mission: We, at the Local Government Unit of Janiuay, abide by the Local Government Code to promote the general welfare of our people. We shall endeavour to be self-reliant and to ensure full and satisfying life of every man and woman within our territorial jurisdictions. We affirm our role to ensure and support the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.

(Sources: surongjaniuay.com, http://www. janiuay.gov.ph, LGU- Municipality of Janiuay, iInterview with Mayor Frankie Locsin and Corel Hannah Yap, Municipal tourism Officer)

6

METRO OPINION

EDITORIAL

Getting Ready

A

ll is set for the grandest celebration in Iloilo. It will again be witnessed not only by locals but the whole world as well.

“It is all systems go for this year’s Dinagyang Festival,” said Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog As early as September, the planning team, composed of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc., the Department of Tourism and the Iloilo City government, has been very active in organizing the necessary preparation to make this event successful.

This year’s theme, “Dinagyang Festival 2014; Bringing More Fun to the World” presents the world-class celebration of culture and excellence of the Ilonggos.

Series of activities are prepared, both on liturgical and cultural aspect, to set equilibrium of appreciation among Ilonggos and visitors on the cultural celebration.

The Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang 2014 will project the faces and talents of a true Ilongga.

Food Aid Program and medical missions will also be extended to school and communities.

Sports event will also be conducted to gather sports enthusiasts to uphold sports camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Street parade for the opening salvo and fluvial processions will culminate the celebration.

The Kasadyahan Festival, on the 25th of January, will unwrap the celebration on the two-day highlights with cultural competitions from participating towns and cities showcasing the bests of Western Visayas festivals. On January 26, the 11 tribes which will be competing in the AtiAti Competition will captivate the visitors in astonishment.

After winning grandslam in the annual Aliwan festival last year and awarded the 2012 Galing Pook Award for innovative and exemplary local governance program, Dinagyang is set to conquer the stage once more and wow the very eyes of the spectators.

Dinagyang is not only a historical and cultural tourism event but has an equal religious importance that every Ilonggo should also appreciate. The challenge now for us Ilonggos, is not on how vibrant and flamboyant we celebrate the event but on how we go back to the grass roots, appreciate our culture and putting our faith in the context of the celebration.

January 12 - 18, 2014

Of Traffic Jams And Steel Parkings I t

is

coincidental

that the new year 2014 is the Year of the Horse, a symbolism of man’s earliest form of transportation, while 2014 for Iloilo City will be one big, congested traffic jam. For the past year, we have seen the worsening traffic situation of Iloilo City that even the designation of a traffic czar did not decongest. We will see worse than that this Year of the Horse.

For someone who has lived with Metro Manila’s monstrous traffic jams for years, driving in the streets of Iloilo City is like a breath of fresh air. Rush hour for Iloilo City is just like the 10 PM regular traffic for Aurora Avenue in Cubao. Yet despite of this comparison, this writer can feel that the worse is yet to come for Iloilo City’s streets. The

ingredients are already there, it will only grow exponentially.

Main streets the size of barangay roads, booming second hand car commerce, unprecedented parking, undisciplined drivers, commuters who will not go out of their comfort zones (and old habits), pot holed and damaged roads and PUVs and trucks plying the same roads are just the main ingredients for the coming congestion that is brewing until it gets out of hand. Yes, our local government is successful in widening the roads in the city but basically not for the traffic problem but for vying for the APEC Summit, solving the traffic problem is just an afterthought and a by-product of the effort.

How many percent of these road widening and improvement projects cover the city roads? It is

New Year

I

do not know w h a t exactly awaits us this new year : 2014. Maybe, this new year we will have lots of surprises, lots of surprising events. But may the all-powerful, the Mightiest of all masters, spare us – our nation – from new calamities: typhoons, earthquakes, destructive events.

If we try to recall the past, in the year 2013, we did not expect that our nation had to suffer earthquakes, super typhoon Yolanda’s effects – hundreds of billions of pesos lost, thousands of persons dead, thousands still missing.

Those calamities were beyond the control of wise men.

But many have tried to help ease the burden suffered by this nation.

We have tried to ease the burden suffered by our fellow Filipinos.

From around the world, people united their efforts to help, to provide some aid for the victims of calamities.

Other unfortunate events happened also, like the killings in the open, without regard for innocent lives, that happened at the

NAIA Terminal 3.

Fortunately, I was not there when the killings happened, but it makes me uneasy to think that killings happened in that secured area, in the bay area where one has to exit from the airport.

I happened to be in that area for three times in 2013, to attend some seminars or take short vacation in Metro Manila.

2013 was also an unfortunate year for those who did not win the senatorial race, the congressional elections, the local elective positions. It was also a year unfortunate for those who inordinately wanted their children win the SangguniangKabataan elections, because no such election was ever held. But those who won in the 2013 elections have gotten more challenges than they expected.

Fortunately in 2013, the source of scam of the lady who bathed in milk was declared unconstitutional.

Fortunately in 2013, the Philippines won titles in beauty pageant competitions, like the Miss World

by Ms.Megan Young, Miss Supranational

by Ms.Mutya Johanna

just less than ten percent and cannot catch up with the bludgeoning number of vehicles commuting daily in the city. Yes, traffic jams exist only during rush hours and persists for a little more than three hours at the most but it will grow and will grow exponentially this 2014.

With road maintenance funds inadequate to repair damaged roads, road widening and reclaiming projects not enough to cover the city roads and parking is not strategically situated and solved we are doomed to be congested. We will not fail to be at par with Metro Manila in no time at all.

It is high time we invest in paid parking within the city to decongest our streets with vehicles which not only causes road choke points but also makes pedestrians step into

the road and away from the curb, endangering people’s lives in the process.

There are many old and unused buildings within the city that would be ideal for multi-level steel parking like those found in Makati City. If one has roamed around Makati you will notice street parking is as limited as possible, confined to those included in the building’s perimeter and outside of the public sidewalk.

In Iloilo City, we use the curb and sidewalks as parking spaces which is counterproductive in the over-all scheme of things.

Also, the city engineers can require new buildings to be erected in the city to include parking spaces as mandatory in the construction. If we take all the vehicles off the curbs in Iloilo City, half of our traffic woes

Datul.

In boxing, “The Filipino Flash” NonitoDonaire elated the Filipino community with his win over southpaw Vic Darchinyan in a technical knockout before the end of ninth round of ten rounds, while Manny Pacquiao revived the hopes of his Filipino fans when he won in a unanimous decision over Brandon Rios in their match in Macau – the place I visited the day before their fight.

This 2014, we expect better conditions, better relations, better performance, better than 2013. And I am optimistic of this.

Consider last Christmas day how jam packed were the movie houses where the Metro Manila Film Festival official entries were shown. It was difficult to exit from the movie house because of the crowd moving in or toeing the line to buy their tickets to watch their favourite movie/s.

I think most of the entries will earn more than they expected.

“Pagpag” and “My Little Bossings” will most likely be on the top grossers. P-Noy himself watched the latter.

It is not only the filmmakers that will earn, but the watchers will hopefully be inspired, re-energized to do better in life, to earn their living, after treating members of their families to movie houses.

I myself love to go and watch movies ina movie house , though I love also to watch movies on DVDs or online. I would love to bring my father in the cinema, if only he could see.

In 2014, while I still have eyes that can see, I want to see beautiful things, speak of them, share them, make use of them for good.

It is my new year’s desireto bring forth more goodness in me, bearing in mind the exhortation: “While we have time, let us do good.”

2014 is a new time given to us. I wish, it will be a great, happy time for all of us. **** Congratulations to the 3rd reunion of Norberto-Sergia Velasco-Bermudo clan held on December 27, 2013 at Maasin, Iloilo.

May your tribe increase a hundred fold! Happy and Prosperous New Year to all!#

January 12 - 18, 2014

METRO OPINION

Elements of the World W

i n d , Fi r e , Earth, Water and Minerals; these are the five elements with individual characteristics that when in harmony can create a powerful energy.

A year ago, these five elements were living their own lives. No stress. No pressure. It was all pure pleasure.

They have nothing to be proud of as of the moment, but they were happy, contented and relaxed. Their pockets were not full, no bank accounts, no gadgets.

A year ago, they were ordinary.

They were just plain and ordinary.

A phone call came…

The five ordinary elements then, for the first time, received a call they could not turn down. It was something they never wanted but fate said they need to answer.

From different parts of the world, they gathered in a place they call “the whereabouts”. It was

small, without much of furniture but was enough to bring them all together. They were composed of three girls and two boys; all from different walks of life with different stories to tell.

Earth called them together.

She said she needed help and they were the only ones who can help her. Fire, with passion burning in her heart to fulfill a dream and accept a challenge she said wouldn’t do, answered the call wholeheartedly. Wind was always a good friend of Earth. He said the call was what he needed at the moment. It was a long time dream he is struggling to achieve.

Minerals was always a part of Earth. Sometimes she keeps hidden, but sometimes she goes out to create beautiful accessories for Earth’s inhabitants. She never could imagine that she’s going to be the bloodline of the group.

Then came the Water; a little bit late but never too late. He needed nothing more than to make a way

for realizing his dreams.

They were all different. They were all just living according to their purpose. They were all just ordinary.

No one is really ordinary.

Everyone serves a purpose but not all knows what. Everyone has a choice. And the five ordinary elements had a choice: to answer the call or reject it. But since fate has been good to them, they chose to answer the call and they were transported into a world where misery, pain and heartaches welcome the newly hired and can only meet happiness and victory at the end of the journey.

We all believe that we are living in one world. Partly, that is not true. There are different kinds of the world, believe it or not.

There’s the dark world, the unseen world, the magical world, the real world and the world we live in.

The voice that called the five elements transported them into a part of the real world. This

JAMES FRANCO AND ME

but this time, without the eye on the prize or profit. When I asked myself what I’d like for Christmas, or what my birthday wish is, I actually had trouble answering because there is really nothing that I want more for myself. I am pretty happy and content with everything that I have. That pretty much spells success for me. But also, I have someone to love and to hold, and that someone loves me back very much. I have done good in every career that I made as a social worker, missionary, teacher, writer, newspaperman, nurse, filmmaker, among many others. What more can you ask of me?

on my own, with my own cunning, hard work, and dedication.

Nothing was freely given to me.

But you don’t know my failures and sacrifices to get to where I am today, so I really hate it that some people resent my successes.

you are a success?

H

ow do you know that

I just turned 45 on January 6th.

But I prepared for that landmark birthday two or three months in advance. I did serious soul searching and life review. I prayed very hard for direction and guidance. And this much I understood about myself: Financial success does not make me happy. I like Nursing, but I hate how it is becoming just another job. Maybe it’s just the seven-year itch [I will be seven years in my current employment as a nurse on February 5], but I’m seriously feeling the stress of my job, and I just don’t want to become an angry person. I want to retire now, and really enjoy life with the people that I love most.

I also know that I would like to write more, and create more art,

Do you really feel that people care about your successes?

world is ruled by envelopes, lords, politicians, drugs and connections.

But that was just a front. The real world was just behind the locked door guarded by the envelopes.

Only the chosen ones can enter the door.

Envelopes are everywhere and without them, no one from the outside can enter any door. Lords, politicians and drugs supply the needs of the envelopes to seal them and be loyal to the master.

However, if the outsider knows a connection that will link him to any of the lords, politicians or drugs, he can immediately enter the locked door as long as the connection exchanges something the envelope could never turn down. The thicker the filling, the more the seal of the envelope opens.

The world the five chosen elements entered changed their characters. Minerals, who used to be hard, beautiful and vibrant. But suddenly, pressure broke her walls and turned her into a stone no one has ever seen before. Water, a

silent and smooth sailor, suddenly gushed forcefully into the rocks that block his way, entering new paths he never imagined possible.

The Wind, who was always free to do whatever he wants to do, was imprisoned into a container to serve a purpose – whether he likes it or not. The Fire, who was always passionate and burning learned to control her fire and serve other purpose other than burning someone’s property. She learned to grill, to boil, to mold, to connect and to lead. Earth, the strongest of them, felt her body shaking and cracking. She cried lots of tears and let go of the things she used to love but created new realms where light and darkness became one.

They were almost drowned by the system governing the world.

Before they were thoroughly drowned, they change themselves and strengthen their will to live.

Thus, they emerge victorious.

The elements are now ready to take on another year of hardships and victory.

and inspiration. And if you still haven’t notice, I’m really the only Ilonggo writer that is perennially in the news, year in and year out. I mean, to be that newsworthy, I have to be some sort of a celebrity. Sure, I’m not as hot as Prince Harry, but in 50 years’ time, I know that I’d still be remembered when they talk about famous Ilonggos.

how the so-called high society get incensed and agitated that I reigned over the society pages in the Ilonggo newspapers while I made a career as editor and poseur in the first few years of the new millennium before I immigrated to the USA. They were like, “Why is this poor provincial mouse in the newspaper instead of me?” Whatever! I knew that I couldn’t compete with their money, but I could control and manipulate the newspapers, which I did with much audacity. In the end, I have created my legend, and sealed my legacy. Among the writers, I also know that many begrudge me because I always win the awards, especially the ones with big cash prizes. I don’t know if there’s anyone else in Iloilo right now who can claim that his/her total literary career prize winnings have crossed the one million pesos mark. If there is, I know that I won’t resent him/her, rather, I would gladly tell that person, “Welcome to the club!”

And yet, you feel that some people resent your success?

Luck has nothing to do with it. I was born poor as a rat, and nobody handed me anything on a silver platter. I’m also not the kind of person who wins the lottery.

Whatever I have accomplished in all of my 45 years, I have achieved

If they don’t, they have a very funny way of showing it. You see, I have reached the 5,000 friends limit on my Facebook account, and my several other pages have their own distinct followers; and these followers feed on what’s happening to me. If that’s not a literal “public following” at this time and age of social networks, I don’t know what is. Also, every time that I visit the Philippines, aside from picking up prizes, I go around on lectures and campus tours where teachers and students openly tell me how much they adore my literary works, and how much they admire my kutzpah. They call me their “idol”

04-05, 2014. In common sense, it is our everyday kumustahan and kuwentuhan. Istoryahanay, a, with the most important element: pagpamati (listening).

We have met Brgy. Captain Barcenal in poblacion earlier, in the house of my good friend Maida Magsipoc-Basañes, a high school teacher at Northern Antique Vocational School (NAVS), our local host and coordinator. She has introduced us to his childhood friend, Zurick Sumugat, also an active community leader, and the one responsible for bringing Brgy.

Captain Barcenal to us for our introductory meeting, who is in another meeting around that time in the poblacion. Feels like a case of things falling into right places at an opportune time. So between listening to Brgy. Captain’s stories about local politics and the dynamics of relief operation that simply passed them by, their barangay being the 3rd smallest in population that a construction of a Day Care Center could not even

be approved, we close the deal: they will be our adopted barangay.

We ride the tricycle down the streets toward a narrow path by the rice fields. The road turns narrower and big trunks of fallen trees greet us. Coconut trees line the road. They look depressed. We arrive at the plaza, the entrance of the barangay.

It is wide enough, asphalted, and typical to any Philippine barangay, where a basketball court stands.

Nearby, there is the barangay hall and beside it, the chapel. A onestop communal space: perfect for our purpose.

They are celebrating their barangay Christmas Party. Children are dancing to a disco music. Old women, middle-aged and young mothers with their infants sit on a row of mono block chairs, waiting for the program to start.

Few men are in sight, the elderly.

There is drizzle and Mt. Madya-as is covered with mist. We go inside the barangay hall, our intended space for the chiropractor. Here, women – barangay officials – are

manning the prepared community meal. There are packs of candies and biscuits for the kids.

After a while, Zurick arrives and invites us to their home. We walk through coconut trees along a plain view of ricefields. Her mother Zanaida greets us and impresses us three as someone beautiful inside and out. Sitting in their living room, we come to know she is the municipal HR Head. She tells us about their Yolanda experience, how Brgy. Captain Barcenal is a good leader for showcasing initiative and imagination the day after the super typhoon by purchasing chainsaw, hammer, nails, and other construction materials for the whole barangay, as well as for roasting a pig for everyone to partake. But she tells us more about her eldest son whose family is in Tacloban. He is scheduled to go back to work as a seaman yet he has to secure first his family’s situation.

From Manila to Tacloban, this son passes by Antique and in his mother’s house, he fires out some

How have you very successfully gotten your act together?

7

What can I say? I’m like James Franco, really, if you know him. You see, like me, James is quite popular, and has many adoring fans. He is pretty inspirational with how he got his act together as an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, author, teacher, and PhD candidate at Yale. But in the showbiz community where he belongs, he’s not liked very much. Other movie stars are seriously envious of him.

They are like, “Why him? Why not me?” It’s pretty much like that for me in Iloilo. I can still remember

Dagyaw sa Antique Project, Assessment Day B

e t we e n Mararison Island and Mt. Madya-as in Culasi, Antique, a ricefield. It blooms, a spread of green, courtesy of frequent rainshowers these past weeks. It is home to several barangays described as interior.

One is Brgy. Janlagasi, named after ‘lagasi,’ a tree. Brgy. Captain Mariet Barcenal, 59, a widow, points it out to me on our walk out of the barangay plaza from a merienda of bread and slices of watermelon from her house. We are here, our first visit, the afternoon of December 28: I, my sister Pearl Joy who is a trained and experienced psychosocial facilitator, and Jessie Frencillo, an active ministry servant of the Light of Jesus. In Pearl Joy’s term, we are doing a rapid need assessment for the Dagyaw sa Antique Project, a psychosocial support, chiropractic treatment, community-meal and gift-giving initiative I designed and organized for implementation on January

anger and frustration. They let him bring their only electric generator, which this son manages to carry with him aboard several cramped ships, toward his own family.

It takes more than three hours of commuting from our place in Dao in the south to Culasi, the north. Zurick and her mom walk us in the drizzle for our way back before dark. While waiting for our tricycle ride, we are told the name of the eldest son is Hannibal. In glee, our girly shriek. Its reference to Anthony Hopkin’s character in The Silence of the Lambs, a 1991 psychological thriller and a classic, convinces us more this is our place, our people.

The drizzle accompanies us as we leave Janlagasi. We hop into the first van to San Jose, the capital of the province. There is the last jeepney trip waiting for us. We arrive in the town of Dao past seven in the evening. On a motorcycle with Jesse, we trail the way back home, a 7-kilometer away, to the warm soup at dinner.

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January 12 - 18, 2014

METRO AGRICULTURE

9

DA targets 100 percent rice sufficiency

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN The Department of Agriculture (DA) is targeting a 100 percent rice sufficiency to prevent rice importation from other rice- producing countries despite the wide devastation of typhoon ‘Yolanda’ recently.

In able to attain its target, DA-6 director Larry Nacionales said each region should have its rice contribution

so that our country should produce more than 20 million metric tons of rice to meet and sustain the target rice stability in the coming years.

Nacionales said Region 6 should contribute 2. 6 million metric tons to the national level and in fact, the region has contributed 2. 29 million metric tons of rice in 2012.

The National Food Authority

(NFA) is the one facilitating palay procurement through buying unhusked rice for P17.00 per kilo, banking of rice supply to make sure that there is buffer rice stock at the warehouse and augmenting supply to other identified areas with rice scarcity.

One region dependent to NFA supply is Region 11 composed of Davao City, Compostela Valley and

Butterfly garden and aviary to rise in Leganes

BY MARIE KATHERINE VILLALON Butterflies are flower pollinators, making them important in the health of our ecosystem. Through pollination, seeds are created. The more seeds are made, the more plants, flowers and trees will grow.

With more greens around, people will enjoy cleaner air, will feel destressed and will be healthier.

Studies have shown that the presence of plants in your area reduces your chances of getting a headache and other ailments.

More fruit-bearing plants and trees also mean food security.

Thus, the plan of the Leganes Garden Club to put up a butterfly garden and lovebirds aviary is a welcome development.

The club was organized in 2011 under the leadership of Nonito Gulmatico. In 2006, it was registered with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). Currently, the president is Araceli Sulla Tolones.

Tolones said the club conducts trainings in flower arrangement, orchid production, ornamental plants propagation, landscaping and making dish gardens. Its objectives include the promotion of harmonious relationships among the members, empower the growers and develop

P120,000 for its butterfly and aviary project.

T o l o n e s revealed that students visit the club’s showroom daily and learn about flower arrangements and gardening.

To make the tourists’ visit to the Leganes Garden

awareness in community involvement.

The club’s showroom, which is located at the Leganes Plaza, consists of flower and plant stalls of the members. It stands on a 500 squaremeter lot awarded by the municipal government.

Recently, the Local Support Program for Local Economic Development and the Department of Interior and Local Government, with the support of the Canadian Urban Institute and other organizations, awarded the Leganes Garden Club

Club more worthwhile, To l o n e s said they plan to provide them with ready-to-buy and easy-to-carry souvenirs. They will also venture into dish gardening and proper packaging.

This will be taken from the P120,000 grant.

From the grant, the Leganes Garden Club will also enhance the

Davao del Norte province.

During the recent tour of DA-6 Press Corps in Davao City, DA-11 director Remelyn Recoter said Davao is high-value producing region, known to its sweet durian and banana

that are currently exported to other neighboring countries.

Recoter, a former DA-6 director said rice is only part of its production that’s why some of its rice supply came directly from NFA-6. IMT

National Food Authority Iloilo Provincial Manager Marianito B. Bejemino said that imported rice from Vietnam is being unloaded now in the Iloilo International Port at Brgy.

Loboc, Lapaz. The 120,000 bags of rice being unloaded from MV Vien Dong 5 is to boost the province’s buffer stock as well as the other provinces of Panay Island.

This is part of the government-togovernment agreement approved by the NFA council wherein Region 6 will be receiving a total of 700,000 bags of imported rice from Vietnam. This is to

augment the region’s rice stocks in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

“The Province of Iloilo is scheduled to receive its final rice allocation this March. This is to assure the province that we have more than enough rice reserve to meet the needs of the province. Besides the fact that the agency continuously procures palay from our local farmers.” PM Bejemino added.

In addition, Negros Occidental will also be receiving 500,000 bags of Vietnam rice. Its initial allocation is scheduled to arrive in the province this month.

site. The bamboo fences and gate will be replaced with steel. To protect the butterflies, the whole area will be enclosed in a green net.

Tolones proposes that the aviary be constructed at the top of the nearby waiting shed.

The improved space for the butterflies and the lovebirds will serve as an educational observatory for tourists.

Tolones shared, “To make their visit fun, the tourists will be taught how to make dish gardens.

They will just buy the materials from us and they can take their dish gardens home after. This way, we can also raise funds for the club.”

The butterfly garden and lovebirds aviary are added attractions in Leganes, which was nominated as one of the tourism sites of Iloilo Province. It is hailed as a pilgrim site

of the devotees of St. Vincent Ferrer.

Many miracles such as healing from serious illnesses have been credited to the “palapak” that is held after every mass at the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church.

(The writer is an independent online journalist of kathyvillalon. blogspot.com. She recalls that during her elementary and high school days, her mother trained her and siblings how to cultivate the garden at home.

Sometimes, she would pretend she’s asleep just to avoid the activity. It was only four years ago when she learned how to take care of plants by herself. ‘If I can’t take care of a plant, it means I can’t take care of a relationship’ is the challenge that the writer posed upon herself. Thanks to that childhood training, the plants are still alive. Email: katvillalon@ gmail.com)

120,000 Bags Of Vietnam Rice Being Unloaded In Iloilo

DOH-6 monitors increasing measles cases in WV

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN The Department of Health 6 (DOH-6) is now strictly monitoring the increasing cases of measles in the region onset of measles outbreak in Aklan province.

Measles is a very contagious viral illness that characterized by fever,

rashes, cough, runny nose and red eyes.

This could be transmitted through airborne, droplet spread, direct contact with nasal and throat secretions of infected persons.

The DOH-6 has recorded a total of 240 laboratory confirmed measles cases recorded from January 2013 to January 7, 2014.

Of the number, 193 cases are in Aklan, Negros Occidental, 18; Capiz, 14; Iloilo, eight; Antique, four and Guimaras, three.

Is measles a killer disease?

BY REYMAR LATOZA

Measles is not a deadly disease but it can bring complications that can cause death.

Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon of Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) said if a measles victim has low resistance, diarrhea, pneumonia, croup, otitis media, meningitis, encephalitis might set in and develop into complications.

She further said there is no medicine or anti-viral drugs for the measles.

“Measles is caused by a virus called measles virus so it is selfcontained. If a victim will be able to regain his resistance back his disease will be gone,” Quińon explained.

Vitamin A depletes if a person has measles. The physicians would usually prescribe victims to take vitamin A or medicines to cure the complications, said Quińon.

According to the record of the Department Of Health (DOH-6),

DOH-6’s medical specialist Dr. Renilyn Reyes said their department has already visited Aklan and conducted intervention for early prevention.

She said the last outbreak was declared in Negros Occidental in 2012 wherein the province has recorded 377 cases out from 406 measles cases recorded in the region.

Reyes said most the victims are children below 1 year old up to 20 years of age. She added victims who suffer from measles may experience complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, deafness, ear

(3 cases).

This year, as of January 6, there were 2 new confirmed cases and 5 suspected cases recorded by the IPHO. They were from the town of Oton (21-yearold male) and Cabatuan (19-year-old male).

In Iloilo City, the City Health Office has registered no cases of

measles Image of a man with measles Photo by deweydigest.com Meanwhile, Adelfa there were 240 total measles cases in Quidato Coroz, Provincial Provincial 2014.

Expanded Program Immunization Majority of the victims were (EPI) Coordinator said the IPHO found out lacked of anti-measles is conducting the catch up plan for vaccinations.

5-month-old. It is an immunization The province of Aklan topped the campaign especially for children list with 193 cases. Negros Occidental 5-month-old and below. recorded 18 cases followed by Capiz “All municipalities are directed to with 18 cases. immunize under 5-month-old babies.

Other provinces are Iloilo (8 2nd dose of measles containing cases), Antique (4cases) and Guimaras vaccines should be given twice as early

infection, diarrhea, dehydration and encephalopathy.

Reyes said person with measles could inflect 19 to 20 persons in one area only.

“That’s why persons with Dr. Renilyn Reyes (2nd from left), Medical Specialist III of symptoms of the Department of Health (DOH) gives updates on measles measles would seek cases in Western Visayas during the press conference held immediate medical Wednesday at Sarabia Manor Hotel. Photo by PIA consultation and isolation to prevent Reyes said measles vaccine is free spread of infection”, she said. and it may be given as early as six Reyes added that this viral disease months old and another shot for 11 to is rapidly transmitted through air and 15 months old for proper protection. direct contact with an affected patient.

She added they are also giving “That’s why we advised them free vaccination for children to stay at home for the meantime to ages from 1 to 5 years old that prevent harming others”, she stressed. were not vaccinated.

IMT as that age to ensure them against measles,” Coros said.

5 month old babies are more prone to acquire measles virus.

“We urged parents to ensure that their babies were vaccinated of right dose of measles and we also encourage everyone to cooperate by visiting their health centers to immunize themselves against measles to stop the said contagious disease from spreading,” Coros added.

Measles (Tigdas,Tipdas) is an acute highly communicable viral illness caused by the measles virus in the genus Morbillivirus of the family Paramyxovirus.

It is characterized by a prodrome fever, cough, conjunctivitis, coryza, and small spots with white or bluish

white centers on the erythematous base on the buccal mucosa known as Koplik spots followed by masculopapular rash on the third to the 7th day beginning on the face then becoming generalized.

It is transmitted through direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons or by articles freshly soiled with nose and throat secretions.

A total of 1,724 measles cases have been recorded nationwide with 21 cases being fatal as of January 8.

(Sources: PIDSR Manual of Procedures, Inquirer.net, IPHO, Dr. Socorro Quiñon and Adelfa Quidato Coroz who was recently awarded as the Most Outstanding EPI Coordinator in the whole region. ) IMT

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CITY OF ILOILO OFFICE OF THE CITY TREASURER Ground Floor Iloilo City Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City 5000 Tel. No. (033) 333-1111

NOTICE OF PAYMENT OF REAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2014 Pursuant to Section 233, 235, 236, 246, 249 and 250 of RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, notice is hereby served that payment of ONE AND A HALF PERCENT (1.5%) Basic Tax on Lands and TWO PERCENT (2%) Basic Tax on buildings, machineries and other improvements; the additional ONE PERCENT (1%) Ad valorem on Residential Idle Lands and the additional two percent (2%) Ad valorem on Commercial, Agricultural & Industrial Idle Lands for Calendar Year 2014, shall become due and payable on the first day of January 2014. The said taxes however, may be paid in four (4) equal installments without penalty at the discretion of the taxpayer as follows:

1st Installment - on or before March 31, 2014

2nd Installment - on or before June 30, 2014

3rd Installment - on or before September 30, 2014

4th Installment - on or before December 31, 2014 These Basic Taxes, additional 1% Special Education Fund and 1% and 2% tax on idle lands shall be collected simultaneously. A TEN PERCENT (10%) discount shall be granted to any taxpayer who pays within the prescribed period of payment. Payment of the said taxes shall be effected in the Office of the City Treasurer, City Hall, Iloilo City. Taxes may also be paid at the Office of the Provincial, City or Municipal Treasurer where the taxpayer resides.

Payment of the said taxes after the dates indicated above shall subject the taxpayer to a penalty of TWO PERCENT (2%) for each month of delinquency until the said tax is fully paid. However, in no case shall the total interest on the unpaid tax or portion thereof exceed thirty six (36) months. If at the end of the calendar year payment of the said taxes has not been effected, the remedies provided in Section 256, 257, 258, 260 and 266 of RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, will be availed of by this Office.

Iloilo City, November 18, 2013

January 12 - 18, 2014

METRO SPORTS

IBL

Iloilo Basketball Leauge

11

USA defeats WVSU to grab the championship title

BY REYMAR LATOZA

Beefed- up performance!

The University of San Agustine (USA) was engulfed in a victorious

mood as they seized the championship in this year’s Iloilo Basketball League (IBL) Women’s Basketball Tournament, 34-26.

From their loss in game 2, USA stepped up and upset West Visayas State University (WVSU) in game 3 of the tournament’s best-of-three finals

1st BPI Iloilo Golf Cup held

BY REYMAR LATOZA One of the country’s biggest bank conducted its first ever BPI Iloilo Golf Cup at Sta. Barbara Golf and Country Club, Sta. Barabara, Iloilo.

Bank of the Philippine Islands’ (BPI) clients and senior officers faced off in the golf course.

Cezar Consing, BPI CEO and President graced the said event.

Mayor Frankie Locsin of Janiuay, Mayor Dennis Superficial of Sta. Barabara, and Mayor Allan Celino of Roxas City were also among the 82 participants.

Winners of different divisions are Diane Jiminez (Runner-UP) and Maggie Rivera (Champion) in Ladies Division, Ding Puentevella (Runner-Up) and Dominador Ruiz (Champion) in Class C Division, Leopoldo Locsin (Runner-Up) and Erwin Plagata (Champion) in Class B Division, Ramel John Zapanata (Runner-up) ans Ponciano Saldana Jr.

Villar wants...from page 1 Employment Administration to qualify to loan application.

She said the loan will also help an OFW in his recruitment expenses, including placement fees, documentation costs and plane tickets.

“It is but fitting to extend our OFWs all the assistance that the government can give, including an exclusive credit assistance program as proposed under this measure,” said Villar who stressed that OFWs have

series.

The motivated USA cagers drew first blood, ending the first quarter with 1 point edge against WVSU. In the second quarter, the game 2 winner failed to contain USA from earning more points. WVSU struggled mightily in the said quarter, 15-8.

Pressured WVSU was on a serious mission to bungle USA in the third quarter. Despite the 12-10 blast, WVSU was still short of five points, 25-20.

USA maintained its dominance in the fourth quarter proving that they are hard too hard to stop.

The said tournament was organized by Iloilo Basketball (IBL) League, headed by Alfie Lagman as President of the said league.

It was participated by the six teams namely West Visayas State University (WVSU), PEI, University of Agustine (USA), Iloilo National High School (INHS), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) as well as two others teams namely, Avengers, and Textus.

It aims to promote and flourish the field of sports in Iloilo by developing and discovering potential Ilonggo basketball players.IMT

Mabilog pushes...from page 1

(Champion) Mark Rivera (Best Gross Champion) and Rey Gomez (Best Net Champion).

Other winners are Johnny Young

(Hole 13: Nearest to the Pin), Miles Lim (Hole 11: Most Accurate) and Ponciano Saldana (Hole 17: Longest Drive) in Fun Holes. IMT

reporters in Ilolio City.

Mabilog encouraged them to practice developmental journalism or also called ‘sunshine’ journalism.

“Reporting good things and positive developments will help uplift Iloilo City. It will also speed up our progress as it attracts more investors to put up their business here,” Mabilog said.

Without the intention to control of the media, Mabilog appealed to them to focus as well to the positive

time and again been referred to and honoured as our “modern day heroes.”

She described as “expansive” the credit facilities envisioned under her proposed piece of legislation.

She said OWWA would grant and release the loan upon proper submission by the applicant of the following documents—employment contract, plane ticket and bank account.

These must be duly certified in writing by the recruitment agency with corresponding authentication

and properly certified/verified by the POEA. The senator, whose Villar Foundation, has been helping OFWs for the past several years, said the OWWA appropriation for the loan will come from the Overseas Welfare Fund.

The loan shall be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments or more but not exceeding 24 months at a preferred interest rate not to exceed 6% per annum through the bank account.

Overseas workers availing of the loan should establish a bank account where the monthly remittances of his salaries and wages abroad and payments on the loan shall be made.

“It shall be the obligation of the overseas worker-borrower to remit his earnings abroad only through the said bank account,” also stated Villar.

She said the applicant shall execute the necessary authority for the bank to withhold the monthly loan amortization from his remittances.

The BPI Iloilo Golf Cup was kicked off by a ceremonial tee off at Sta. Barbara Golf and Country Club.

things because there are lots good things happening in the the city.

Created several years ago, the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps has been covering the affairs of the city government.

Members of the said press corps write and report news about the city government’s activities, programs and projects.

Mabilog said the local media organizations had been saturated the whole development of Iloilo City. IMT “Consistent with the State policy that the State affirms labor as a primary economic force and that it shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare, it is hereby declared that the government and its instrumentalities must promote and carry out programs geared towards advancing the interest of OFWs by providing them access to credit facilities even before their departure,” explained the former Las Piñas congresswoman.

NBA 2013-2014

DIVISION REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS WESTERN CONFERENCE

EASTERN CONFERENCE L

Northwest

W

L

16

17

Oklahoma City

27

8

Brooklyn

13

21

Portland 3

26

9

Boston

13

22

Denver

17

17

New York

12

22

Minnesota

17

17

Philadelphia

12

23

Utah

12

25

Central

W

L

W

L

28

6

Golden State

4

24

13

15

18

L.A. Clippers

5

24

13

14

21

Phoenix

20

13

Cleveland

12

23

L.A. Lakers

14

21

Milwaukee

7

27

Sacramento

11

22

Souteast

W

L

Soutwest

W

L

27

8

San Antonio

27

8

18

17

Houston

22

13

Atlantic Toronto

Indiana

Miami Atlanta

W

1

Chicago Detroit

4

6

8

2 3

Washington

1

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing promoter Bob Arum is allegedly mapping out plans for Manny Pacquiao’s eventual exit from the boxing scene by setting the Filipino fighter up against a younger and future pay-per-view draw.

According to ESPN’s Dan Rafael, Top Rank is grooming WBO super featherweight champion Mikey Garcia for a future welterweight fight against Pacquiao in two years.

“Basically they know Manny is near the end,” Rafael said in ESPN’s Sports Nation chat. “They want to establish Garcia as a PPV guy since Top Rank has no other PPV guys.”

Rafael believes Top Rank is setting up Pacquiao in the same way Oscar de la Hoya’s demise was arranged when he was pitted against the Filipino superstar in 2008.

“They are taking a page out of the OscarPacquiao book. Make a new star by having beat the old star, if he can,” he said.

To do that, Rafael said Top Rank will have

to accelerate Garcia’s growth as a fighter, making the Mexican-American climb weight classes like what Pacquiao did.

Garcia has been campaigning in the featherweight and super featherweight ranks and will have to climb three weight classes before reaching Pacquiao’s level.

“It won’t take two years to move up to 140 (junior welterweight). Garcia defends his 130 title on January 25 vs. (Juan Carlos) Burgos and in his next fight he is moving up.

Might take a fight at lightweight and then on to 140,” Rafael said.

Pacquiao began his sensational rise in boxing when he defeated South Africa’s Lehlohonolo Ledwaba in 2001. But it was only in 2008, when he outclassed a taller Dela Hoya, that he became a global sports superstar. (abs-cbn.com)

comments on Kenneth Bae, an American missionary imprisoned

by Pyongyang. Rodman is visiting North Korea with a group of fellow U.S. basketball players.

“I want to apologize. I take full responsibility for my actions, Rodman said in a statement issued by his American publicist.

“It had been a very stressful day. Some of my teammates were leaving because of pressure from their families and business associates. My dreams of basketball diplomacy were quickly falling apart. I had been drinking. It’s not an excuse but by time the interview happened I was upset. I was overwhelmed.”

He added: “I embarrassed a lot of people. I’m very sorry. At this point I should know better than to make political statements. I’m truly sorry.”

Rodman’s current visit to North Korea, his fourth, has drawn criticism from human rights activists and Bae’s family after he appeared to suggest in an interview peppered with obscenities that Bae, rather than the North Korean authorities, was responsible for his incarceration. (Reuters)

Pacific

7

6

2

15

17

Dallas

20

15

Charlotte 7

15

21

New Orleans

15

18

Orlando

10

24

Memphis

15

19

5

Mikey Garcia being groomed against Pacquiao

8

Rodman, in trouble over interview, blames drink

SEOUL - Retired U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman apologized on Thursday for suggesting that an American jailed by North Korea was himself to blame for landing in prison, adding that he was upset at the time and had been drinking.

Rodman, who calls himself a friend of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, caused a furor with his