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DITO energizes Dinagyang Festival 2024 with all-out enjoyment
DITO energizes Dinagyang Festival 2024 with all-out enjoyment 2048 1152 NewsExpress

Iloilo experienced all-out fun and connectivity at the Dinagyang Festival 2024 with DITO Telecommunity’s Todo na DITO sa Dinagyang activities held from January 26-28. Dedicated to fortifying connectivity and nurturing dynamic telecommunities nationwide, DITO elevated the festive atmosphere at Iloilo’s grandest religious and cultural event with lively concert performances, vibrant experiential booths, exciting games & contests, and delightful gastronomic activities.


Dinagyang, acknowledged as the country’s most awarded festival, secured the Best Tourism Event accolade for three consecutive years (2006-2008) from the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines. DITO proudly sponsored key events that enhanced the festival experiences of both Ilonggos and tourists, including the Miss Iloilo Coronation Night, Ilomination Street Dance Competition, TODO NA DITO sa Dinagyang Concert, Dinagyang Tribes Competition and Awarding Ceremony.
Festival enthusiasts also reveled in an abundance of fun at DITO’s interactive booths, where a variety of games and activities added to the excitement. The booths also showcased DITO’s value for money products, encompassing mobile prepaid and postpaid services, as well as DITO Home 5G WIFI prepaid and postpaid options. Special promotions and freebies complemented the showcase. The connectivity facilitated by DITO’s 5G technology allowed both Ilonggos and guests to fully immerse themselves in the TODO na DITO sa Dinagyang experience.
One of the event highlights was the Dinagyang Official Party, powered by DITO. The crowd was treated to an electrifying musical experience featuring stellar performances by the renowned band Kamikazee, setting the stage ablaze with their energetic repertoire. Local bands and DJs also added a vibrant touch to the festivities.
A standout event during this year’s Dinagyang was the DITO Todo Gaming, Sayawan & Kantahan. DITO subscribers enthusiastically participated in the dancing and singing competitions, showcasing their talents either individually or as part of a group. With a remarkable number of contestants delivering spirited performances, the competition not only added excitement to the event but also highlighted the talents within the DITO community. The ultimate champions for the competitions earned prestigious titles along with a total prize of Php 50,000.
“We are thrilled to be part of this year’s Dinagyang Festival. DITO is honored to enhance the overall enjoyment and connectivity. Facilitating such connections is at the core of DITO’s mission, as we strive to unite Filipinos through meaningful cultural celebrations like this one,” shared Evelyn Jimenez, Chief Commercial Officer at DITO.

Tribu Pan-ay 2024 DINAGYANG FESTIVAL CHAMPION
Tribu Pan-ay 2024 DINAGYANG FESTIVAL CHAMPION 1912 1366 NewsExpress

IPG inks MOU with HEIs, industry groups to boost employment facilitation
IPG inks MOU with HEIs, industry groups to boost employment facilitation 2048 1536 NewsExpress

Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ten higher education institutions (HEIs) and two industry groups today to strengthen employment facilitation services and address the challenges of unemployment and underemployment in the Province of Iloilo. “This is another engagement with our academic institutions in the area of employment. We want to teach our students the direction of the economy and the country,” said Governor Defensor.
The participating schools in the MOU include: 1. West Visayas State University (WVSU) 2. University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) 3. Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU) 4. Iloilo State University of Fisheries, Science and Technology (ISUFST) 5. Northern State University (NISU) 6. University of Iloilo (UI) 7. Central Philippine University (CPU) 8. University of San Agustin (USA) 9. John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) 10. St. Therese – MTC Colleges (STMTCC)
The goal of the partnership is to leverage the collective expertise and resources of the HEIs and the Iloilo Provincial Government through PESO to design and implement programs aligned with local job market demands, ensuring graduates are equipped with relevant skills, and providing holistic support to students and alumni to address career-related needs.
The ceremony was personally attended by WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, UPV Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano, ISATU President Dr. Gabriel Salistre, Jr., UI Chief Operating Officer Ofelia Odilao-Bisnar, STMTCC President Dr. Ma. Teresa Sarabia, and CPU Vice President Dr. Esther Rose Romarate. ISUFST, NISU, USA, and JBLFMU were represented by their Student of Affairs and Job Placement Officers.
An (MOU) signing between the Iloilo Provincial Government, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Iloilo Chapter (PCCI), and the People Management Association of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter (PMAP) was also held, signifying a collaborative commitment in sharing industry insights and trends, facilitating the exchange of labor market data, and collaborating on addressing industry needs.
Provincial PESO Manager Francisco Heler, Jr., said the partnership will leverage the pivotal role of PCCI and PMAP in bringing employers together in hopes of strengthening PESO services.
“PESO will extend services such as recruitment assistance and job matching to PCCI and PMAP member businesses, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to enhancing employment opportunities and workforce development in Iloilo,” said Heler.
Also present to witness the significant milestone was Provincial Administrator Raul Banias.
These partnerships embody a shared vision for a robust, progressive, globally competitive, and resilient Province of Iloilo.

‘Tsinoy’ community marks Ilonggo friendship in 20th Chinese New Year celebration
‘Tsinoy’ community marks Ilonggo friendship in 20th Chinese New Year celebration 960 718 NewsExpress

The Filipino-Chinese community in Iloilo City will mark its years of friendship with the Ilonggos as they celebrate the 20th Chinese New Year – ‘the grandest ever’, according to Peter Chan, chairperson of the Chinese New Year 2024 task force.
During the celebration’s press launch, Chan acknowledged the years of relationship between them and the Ilonggos, which resulted in the success of the city and helped create a better living environment for the public.
“Everyone [should] go deeper in the essence of the celebration. The mutual respect and understanding, the active participation of all the agencies and institutions involved. At the end of the show, the thousands of participants would have realized the essence of unity, the true meaning of the Chinese New Year,” he emphasized.
The celebration anchors on the theme “Harmony in Blossom: 20 Years of Cultivating Filipino-Chinese Unity”, which according to Iloilo Festival Foundation Inc. president Ryan Allan Tan speaks of the “time to honor the tradition that bridges both Filipino and Chinese cultures that brought communities together in the spirit of unity and prosperity.”
“We gather, not only to celebrate the year of the Dragon, but also to recognize the significance of this cultural celebration to us, Ilonggos. As we embark on this joyous occasion, we reflect on the rich history of customs and beliefs that have shaped Ilonggo and Tsinoy identities,” Tan added.
Meanwhile, one of the highlights of this year’s celebration is the showing of the Quanzhou string puppetry on Feb. 10-11. They will perform five stories in eight shows at the West Visayas State University cultural center.
“These are not small puppets but are life-size puppets. It’s very exciting because it is the first time for Iloilo to host, and this is for free, sponsored by our counterpart in China through our sister city,” Tan said in a media interview, noting that the group already visited over 50 countries and performed during the opening of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics.
While other events prepared during the entire celebration of the Chinese New Year include the Photo Exhibit on Feb. 6 at SM City Iloilo, Grand Parade from Iloilo Provincial Capitol to Iloilo Chinatown on Feb. 9, and the Chinese New Year Mall Show by Iloilo Scholastic Academy, Hua Siong College of Iloilo, and Sun Yat Sen High School Iloilo at SM City Iloilo.
There will also be a grand cultural show, food festival, and fireworks display on Feb. 9 at the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arc at the Plazoleta Gay on Iznart Street.
The Chinese New Year festivity in Iloilo City, according to Chan, is considered as the biggest celebration being held outside Metro Manila. (PIA Iloilo)

Jan 29 – Feb 4 Issue
Jan 29 – Feb 4 Issue 1707 2560 NewsExpress

ILOILO CITY IMPLEMENTS P217-M WORTH OF SEF INFRA PROJECTS IN 2023
ILOILO CITY IMPLEMENTS P217-M WORTH OF SEF INFRA PROJECTS IN 2023 1200 630 NewsExpress

The Iloilo City Government has implemented a total of P217-million worth of various infrastructure projects under the Special Education Fund (SEF) last year.
According to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, this speaks volume of the commitment of the city government to uplift education, being one of the priority agenda of his administration.
“Our ultimate goal is to invest on our Ilonggo youth, for our future generation. We believe that having a conducive learning environment equipped with necessary facilities is a factor that could help our learners to perform well in their studies,” he said.
The projects include the P44.9 million 4-storey 16-classroom building (Phase 1) for La Paz National High School (NHS); P40.9 million 3-story 12-classroom Building for Nabitasan Elementary School (Proposed Integrated School) in La Paz; P25 million 2-storey 8-classroom building also in Nabitasan ES; P12.3 million construction of Ramon A. Avanceña Learning Center; P11.9-million construction of 2-storey school P.E. Facilities with demolition of Mandurriao NHS; P6.9 million 2-storey-8 classroom of Fort San Pedro National High School; and P4.9 million repair of classrooms of S. Abeto Elem School in Arevalo.
Aside from school buildings and facilities, last year’s accomplishment of the city government included the completion of 2-storey building with complete basic facilities in Barangay Dungon A, Jaro amounting to almost P5 million. This was sourced from the Local Government Support Fund – Support to the Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP).
“We have also rehabilitated our public plazas and open spaces. We are also improving our public markets. We have constructed health facilities such as dialysis centers with services for free for our indigent residents in need. Soon, the construction of our P250-million legislative building and one-stop business center will also be completed. This year, we also target to construct our multi-level parking building,” the city mayor noted.
“This is where our taxes go. We are giving back to the community through programs and projects that can truly benefit them,” Treñas emphasized.
For this year, as a continuous priority, more improvement of school facilities will be implemented.
Among the ongoing -related education projects under SEF for 2024 include construction of 2-storey 6-classroom building with demolition at E. Juntado Elementary School in Molo amounting to P23.9 million; construction of 2-storey 30-classroom building at TCT-AR Foundation Integrated School in Lanit, Jaro in the amount of P100.9 million; and the construction of 3-storey 9-classroom building at Tabucan ES in Mandurriao amounting to P34.9 million. (Iloilo City PIO)

Metro Pacific Iloilo Water uses new Technology to repair leak
Metro Pacific Iloilo Water uses new Technology to repair leak 816 460 NewsExpress

With Metro Pacific Iloilo Water’s aggressive campaign to bring down its water losses, the water utility has started using the Tyfo Fibrwrap Pipe (TFP) Rehabilitation System for its pipe repair operations in Carpenters Bridge.
MPIW is the first water utility company in Western Visayas to use this technology which allows the repair of a primary pipeline without interrupting the water supply service during its leak repair operations.
Given that the pipe is a critical asset to meet the water demand of 4,700 customers in Molo, Arevalo, and City Proper, it is not practical to implement the conventional approach of replacing every pipe segment. Instead, MPIW implemented an innovative trenchless technology using a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer strengthening material to externally repair the pipe and structurally rehabilitate the 37-year-old, 600mm water pipe.
MPIW Chief Operating Officer Robert Cabiles said ,“the complete assessment found that the pipe still meets the 150 psi test pressure, but it also identified significant problems, including several pipe sections in an advanced state of distress requiring immediate repair to prevent further water losses and water quality issues. Many options for rehabilitation were considered and the Tyfo Fibrwrap system was selected due to system reliability, shorter repair schedule, and its flexible installation processes.”
Through the combination of innovative trenchless technology and repair methods, MPIW is able to safely renew a vital piece of infrastructure while minimizing expense and impact to Esplanade River.
“We want to recover more water for our customers at the soonest possible time without causing interruption to our customers, to property and environment so we are constantly on the lookout for technologies and innovations that will allow us to do this” added Cabiles
This 2024, MPIW allotted approximately Php 400 million for its Non-Revenue Water (NRW)or Systems Loss Reduction Program.
The rehabilitation of the Carpenters Bridge Pipe crossing with a total project cost of Php 15 Million is expected to be completed next month.

January 22-28 Issue
January 22-28 Issue 150 150 NewsExpress

SENATORS GRILL NGCPNGCP slammed over claim that grid still ‘normal’ when first PEDC plant tripped
SENATORS GRILL NGCPNGCP slammed over claim that grid still ‘normal’ when first PEDC plant tripped 150 150 NewsExpress

By Vincent P. Grecia

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP)’s claim that the grid remained in a “normal” state when a plant of the Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC) tripped around 12 noon of January 2, 2024 is misleading according to Senators attending the inquiry on massive power outage in Western Visayas on January 10, 2024.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian cited NGCP’s claim to be “misleading” considering that the power plant of the PEDC already tripped.
“When one of the plants went down, it created a negative margin. In other words, mas mataas yung demand kaysa sa (the demand became higher than the) supply. Officially, that will create an imbalance in the grid,” Gatchalian said.
“It’s misleading because it’s no longer in a normal state. It’s deficit margin,” he added.
When asked about the claim, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said what happened can already be qualified to be in an alert or emergency state by the Philippine Grid Code.
“Emergency na siya (It is an emergency) because for an emergency state in Section 6223 of the Grid Code, it says emergency state — any of the following conditions exist: generation deficiency or operating margin is zero,” Dimalanta said.
The ERC chief also pointed out that NGCP’s claim was focusing on the grid frequency and the voltage requirements which are just part of the six parameters to consider if the grid is in a normal state.
Clark Agustin, who heads NGCP’s Visayas System Operations, claimed to the panel that before the tripping of PEDC power plant, the grid was in normal condition.
“Meaning, the voltages, frequency, loading levels of transmission lines, our operating margin is sufficient. So, normal,” Agustin told senators.
Even when the PEDC power plant had an unplanned outage, Agustin said the system remained stable.
“Normal po yung system, stable siya (The system is normal, it was stable). Voltages and frequency are within limits, normal limits. Loading levels, wala tayong (We had no) transmission line which was overloaded,” Agustin insisted.
“Between 12:06 p.m. to 2:19 p.m., since stable nga po yung grid (the grid was stable) — voltage and frequency were in normal limits within required. Wala po tayong (We had no) overloaded line or tripping of lines. So, we did a normal dispatch, process, responsibility as system operations,” he added.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, who chairs the panel, was annoyed by Agustin’s statements saying NGCP should have done something when the PEDC power plant shut down.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero raised the need to have the Philippine Grid Code reviewed to prevent similar incidents from happening.
Escudero cited the current situation wherein power plants can make an unscheduled shutdown if it affects only frequency but is silent about unbalance and voltage.
Local officials from Western Visayas, who were also present during the inquiry, are seeking to make NGCP accountable by paying their billions of economic losses during the massive power outage.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, in his statement during the hearing, urged the body to hold those responsible for the massive brownout accountable, adding that no one was blamed when a similar incident happened in April of 2023.
“I ask you this time, find someone who is guilty, hold them accountable, and let them pay,” said the mayor, who joined the hearing virtually.
He said the city suffered a loss of an estimated P2 billion or an estimated P500 million a day.
“We are serious this time, and we hope, ultimately, the Senate and the House of Representatives together, to punish those who are accountable and to hold them accountable for these losses, especially in my beloved city,” he added.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., for his part, pleaded for an immediate solution to the problem and pushed for the perfection of the management of the grid and completion of phase 3 of the Cebu Negros Panay (CNP) backbone and other ancillary civil structures to strengthen the grid.
“We in Iloilo and the rest in Western Visayas are positioning to take legal recourse to vindicate the rights of our people so they can be compensated for the damage done, and more importantly, to exert the strongest pressure so that the blackout will not happen again,” he said.
The province, he added, has suffered P3.8 billion in economic losses.
Guimaras Governor JC Rahman Nava, meanwhile, asked the committee for a review of the “swinging reserves” billed by the NGCP to consumers.
He said more than 30 to 50 percent of the monthly bill are for ancillary support services, including contingency and dispatch reserves intended to prevent incidents like outages, that are passed on to consumers.
“Paying that much monthly to guarantee incidents such as this will not happen is too much for us consumers. This should be put under review,” he said. (Reports from PNA)

© 2024 Newsexpress Iloilo
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