MAY 1 - 7, 2024 * THURSDAY - WEDNESDAY * email: [email protected]
_LINK GOVERNMENT AGENCIES: PNA, PIA, CITY GOVERNMENT, PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT, DOT, DAR, DA, PHILRICE, DTI, DOH, DPWH, DPI
HEADLINE
Iloilo prepares for La Niña
As El Niño continues to wreck havoc unhinged
As El Niño continues to wreck havoc unhinged
ILOILO -- The city and provincial governments of Iloilo are getting ready for the La Niña phenomenon expected to take effect during the third quarter of 2024 as forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
“The National Resilience Council (NRC) said that we should prepare because the La Niña will be stronger,” City Mayor Jerry Treñas said in a press conference on Monday.
The NRC is a science and technology-based public-private partnership focused on building a resilient Philippines by enhancing the capacities of local government units with evidence-informed risk governance, strengthening and sustaining high-level collaboration between national government agencies and industry, and implementing the resilience program with a core group of LGUs, according to its website.
City Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CDRRM) head Donna Magno said Iloilo city is prone to flooding based on its risk profile and likely to get flooded more during the onset of La Niña.
She said, as explained by scientists of the NRC who arrived in Iloilo last week, that because of extreme heat, the ground trees could not fully absorb rainwater, thus there would be more runoff, bringing in flash floods.
The city government has an existing cistern, a tank of storing water, at the La Paz Plaza and there is a PhP17 Million fund available that can be used to construct the same facility at the Plaza Libertad.
They are also looking for more funds to establish one reservoir in Jaro Plaza and other public plazas that will serve as storage areas for rainwater.
Magno said last year, they realigned PhP17 Million of their budget to install rainwater harvesting facilities, eight of which were already installed.
“The public has to prepare for this kind of scenario. These are studies based on our assessments. Soon, the dry days will become drier and the wet days will become shorter but very, very wet. For every instance that we can catch whatever rain we can catch, we should do so,” she said.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., during the quarterly meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Monday, instructed the inventory of areas affected by flooding and their assets in responding to calamity aside from preparing for a cleanup drive, particularly on waterways.
“We need historical data on the flooding. We know the path of the flooding; chances are it will be the same areas. We need to have an inventory of the municipalities and the barangays. Once we have the data, let us have a simulation of our assets in response to flooding,” he said.
Based on the presentation of PDRRM Officer Cornelio Salinas, Iloilo’s top three hazards are flood, landslide, and storm surge.
Thirteen local government units have very high susceptibility, 14 for landslide, and 16 coastal towns to storm surge. (PNA)
“The National Resilience Council (NRC) said that we should prepare because the La Niña will be stronger,” City Mayor Jerry Treñas said in a press conference on Monday.
The NRC is a science and technology-based public-private partnership focused on building a resilient Philippines by enhancing the capacities of local government units with evidence-informed risk governance, strengthening and sustaining high-level collaboration between national government agencies and industry, and implementing the resilience program with a core group of LGUs, according to its website.
City Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CDRRM) head Donna Magno said Iloilo city is prone to flooding based on its risk profile and likely to get flooded more during the onset of La Niña.
She said, as explained by scientists of the NRC who arrived in Iloilo last week, that because of extreme heat, the ground trees could not fully absorb rainwater, thus there would be more runoff, bringing in flash floods.
The city government has an existing cistern, a tank of storing water, at the La Paz Plaza and there is a PhP17 Million fund available that can be used to construct the same facility at the Plaza Libertad.
They are also looking for more funds to establish one reservoir in Jaro Plaza and other public plazas that will serve as storage areas for rainwater.
Magno said last year, they realigned PhP17 Million of their budget to install rainwater harvesting facilities, eight of which were already installed.
“The public has to prepare for this kind of scenario. These are studies based on our assessments. Soon, the dry days will become drier and the wet days will become shorter but very, very wet. For every instance that we can catch whatever rain we can catch, we should do so,” she said.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., during the quarterly meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Monday, instructed the inventory of areas affected by flooding and their assets in responding to calamity aside from preparing for a cleanup drive, particularly on waterways.
“We need historical data on the flooding. We know the path of the flooding; chances are it will be the same areas. We need to have an inventory of the municipalities and the barangays. Once we have the data, let us have a simulation of our assets in response to flooding,” he said.
Based on the presentation of PDRRM Officer Cornelio Salinas, Iloilo’s top three hazards are flood, landslide, and storm surge.
Thirteen local government units have very high susceptibility, 14 for landslide, and 16 coastal towns to storm surge. (PNA)
Iloilo’s food festival showcases Ilonggo gastronomic excellence
ILOILO CITY -- Being the country’s culinary gem, Iloilo City is stepping again into the spotlight to cement its title as the “Creative City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). The Iloilo City Government, through the MICE Center, in partnership with Megaworld Iloilo and Iloilo Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB), launched the inaugural “Iloilo City Festival of Food: A Celebration of Ilonggo Gastronomy Excellence” last April 26 at K-Town, Festive Walk Parade Iloilo. The kick-off was led by Iloilo City MICE Center Director Salvador C. Sarabia, Jr., Festive Walk Mall Manager Karmela Jesena, and ICVB President John Frederick S. Sarabia. Among others who graced the event were UNESCO Secretary General Ivan Henares; DOT Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez; ECCP Vice President and Chair of the Food & Beverage Committee Helen Grace Baisa; Assistant City Tourism Officer Lea Lara; City Agriculturist Office Department Head Iñigo Garingalao; Celebrity Chef Victor Neri; Iloilo City Councilors; and several LGU mayors and stakeholders. The event not only highlights the excellence of the culinary industry and tradition in Iloilo City and Western Visayas but also extends to understanding and appreciating the stories behind the dishes that every Ilonggo enjoys. “This food festival promises to be our most exciting one, with a line-up of events participated in by communities from nearby towns, showcasing their best Ilonggo dishes, which will provide an unforgettable experience for all,” Sarabia said. Mayor Jerry Treñas invites Ilonggos and those who appreciate good food to come and enjoy this event, noting that “this celebration will honor the best gastronomy of our region, bringing food enthusiasts from near and far.” This first-ever festival wouldn’t be complete without the food buffet galore, featuring savory classics like La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, Cabatuan Tinuom, Leon mangoes, and San Miguel Chevon Fest, as well as delectable desserts like Sta. Barbara Baye-baye, Jaro Biscochio, and Butterscotch, among others. The event, slated for April 26–30, is loaded with other activities, including cooking demonstrations from home-grown chefs showcasing their skills in cooking authentic Ilonggo dishes, symposia on traditional cooking techniques, and live entertainment. A food map, developed by the city in collaboration with the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts (ILOMOCA), will also be introduced to guide food artisans and enthusiasts to the diverse range of the city’s cuisines. (Angelo Miranda/Iloilo City PIO) Free water,phone charging during power interruption, courtesy of MORE Power
ILOILO CITY -- MORE Power provided free cold water for washing and bathing to consumers affected by the 12-hour power interruption last April 21 due to maintenance work. Over the weekend, in response to the needs of their consumers, MORE Power not only supplied water but also offered free charging for their devices and appliances. “Together with Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Trenas, we are providing free water to affected barangays during the power interruption. Additionally, we are offering free charging (using a mobile generator) for cellphones and gadgets. These efforts are our ways of alleviating any inconvenience caused by the preventive maintenance work. We thank the Honorable Mayor for his support,” said Roel Castro, President, and CEO of MORE Power, who personally oversees his team on the ground. MORE Power continuously innovates to minimize inconvenience for consumers, like when they were affected by the 12- hour scheduled power interruption on Sunday, April 28, 2024. In partnership with Federation Fire Iloilo, MORE Power scheduled water delivery to affected barangays from 9:00 AM until power was restored. They also mobilized a roving generator set to strategic areas where affected consumers could charge their devices, such as cellular phones, power banks, and electric fans. The Barangay Captains of the affected areas deeply appreciated the initiatives undertaken by MORE Power. “On behalf sang akon Barangay Council kag pumuluyo sang Brgy. Ma. Clara we would like to extend and express our heartfelt gratitude (to MORE Power) for supporting us to supply our barangay a water kahit papano its a big help sa amon pumuluyo ang tubig nga hatag ninyo,” said Barangay Captain Gerardo Macoco of Ma. Clara City Proper. Barangay Captain Marcelo Alag of Villa Anita, City Proper, also commended MORE Power, saying, “Bisan brownout, nagarasyon ang MORE Power sang tubig. Importante gid ang tubig kag mayor nga kinahanglanon gid ini sang akon nga mga pumuluyo. Dako gid in inga bulig nga makapiyan-piyan sa akon nga mga pumuluyo.” Barangay Captain Wenceslao Simpas Jr. of Osmeña, City Proper; Barangay Captain Judy Navales of Rizal Pala Pala II, City Proper; Barangay Captain Eman Bayona of Rizal Pala Pala I, City Proper; and Barangay Captain Marebel Dariagan of Cochero, Molo, shared the same sentiments. Peter Parcon, one of the affected consumers and beneficiaries of free water, expressed his gratitude, stating that the water provided by MORE Power was enough for three days of consumption. “Pasalamat gid kami sa paghatag sang tubig sa barangay namon. Daku-daku gid ni ya nga bulig. Stock na ni namon, tatlo na ni ka adlaw nga gamit sang tubig ang hatag sang MORE Power,” said Parcon. Barangay Captain Herman Kilayko of Infante, Molo, also recognized MORE Power’s efforts in fixing the poles. “Thank you MORE Power sa pagchange sang mga post nga nagatakilid kag pagfix sang spaghetti wires, naga kalipay gd ang mga pumuluyo kay mapalayo na sila sa disgrasya.” The 12-hour scheduled power interruption last weekend is part of MORE Power’s 5-year rehabilitation plan, which is targeted to be completed in 2025. |
10 outstanding women
in Iloilo City recognized By Jeyno Besana ILOILO CITY – The city government here and the Gender and Development Office recognized the 10 Outstanding Women in Iloilo City during the Ten Outstanding Women of Iloilo City (TOWIL) 2024 awarding ceremony last April 25 at SM City Iloilo. The awardees are Maria Lucy Muralla, Early Sol Gadong, Alpha Java, Ma. Luz De Los Reyes, Elena Pabiona, Larnie Fleur Palma-Kim, Mercedes Arenas, Dr. Marovi Ascalon- Celis, Flora Segovia Salas, and Dr. Pilar Charmaine Malata. TOWIL was part of the Women’s Month celebration of the city, aimed to recognize 10 women in the city for doing “excellent jobs” in their respective fields contributing to the progress of the city. Criteria for judging of the Ten Outstanding Women of Iloilo City (TOWIL) 2024 include Advocacy on Women Empowerment – 30%; Community Service Leadership – 25%; Recognition/Awards Received – 15%; Academic and Professional Achievement – 15%; and Inspirational/Sustained Excellence – 15%. The city government also presented a posthumous award to the late Judge Ma. Rita Bascos Sarabia, which was received by her family. The awarding ceremony was led by Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon; Raisa Treñas-Chu, Executive Assistant; City Councilor Grace Parcon-Torres, Chairwoman of TOWIL 2024; City Councilors Atty. Rex Sarabia, Rudolph Ganzon, Atty. Sedfrey Cabaluna, and SK Federation President Jelma Implica. Treñas renews call to privatize Iloilo airport
By Jeyno Besana ILOILO CITY -- Mayor Jerry Treñas once again stressed the need to privatize the Iloilo International Airport after he received another complaint that the aircon and the escalator of said airport were not working. Treñas confirmed that the complaint has already reached the Senate through Senator Grace Poe, who informed him of the alloted budget of PhP190M for the repair of the airport, last year. Treñas said he is set to meet with Luisa Palma, the airport manager, to address ongoing issues at the airport. “I am calling on CAAP to explain to me what happened to the funds,” he said, referring to the PhP190 Million allocated to the agency by Senator Grace Poe to repair the airport’s facilities last year,” Treñas said. “It has become apparent that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) cannot take care of the airport. It needs to be privatized,” Treñas added. Caravan fails to paralyze public transport in Iloilo ILOILO CITY – The transport caravan, instead of the strike by unconsolidated groups, failed to cripple transportation in Iloilo and Panay on Monday, according to the assessment of the Police Regional Police Office 6. “They could not muster a big number, and what is important is they could not cripple the normal flow of public conveyance,” PRO 6 regional director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky said in an interview. “Only minimal members (have joined), and they have been noted in the past rallies, especially this Bayan group.” The Western Visayas top cop said they have prepared vehicles in case there were stranded passengers. “We have patrol cars and vehicles coming from LGUs (local government units),” he added. He said patrol cars can be utilized as long as there are no emergencies. At the regional headquarters, there are two-man trucks and 6x6 trucks. Raymundo “Boyet” Parcon, president of the Western Visayas Transport Cooperative (WVTC), in a separate interview, said there was an influx of passengers in the morning due to students and workers returning to the city. “We did not feel there was a strike since other consolidated jeepneys even ply their routes,” he said. He also assured commuters that all transport cooperatives and even those unconsolidated are plying their routes. “It has no effect,” he said, adding that they met with the alliance and agreed to continue plying their routes. (PNA) |
PHOTO SLIDESHOW
COLUMNS
EDITORIAL |
_
- Mother’s Love Prevent Child Using Drugs
- Excessive Running Triggers Heart Damage
- Shaving Does Not Cause Hair Become Thick
- Pregnant Women and New Mothers Have High Risks of Tuberculosis
- A 2 Day Diet is More Effective than a Week Diet
- Burn Fat While Sleeping
- Effective Ways to Get Rid of Bad Breath
- Half Case of Cancers Occurs Due to Lifestyle
- What Needs to be Done and Avoided During a Fever, Sinus and Wounds
TOURISM / TRAVEL |