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MORE Power strengthens Iloilo community through collaborative CSR initiatives

MORE Power strengthens Iloilo community through collaborative CSR initiatives 150 150 NewsExpress

For four years now, MORE Power has remained steadfast in its commitment to the Ilonggo community. Beyond its role as the city’s sole power distributor, the company has continued its efforts to help uplift the lives of the Ilonggos.
Recently, MORE Power extended support to various charitable institutions in Iloilo City through its Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which consistently generate beneficial effects on the local community.
The identified charitable institutions include Asilo de Molo, Friends of Cancer Kids Iloilo Foundation, Inc., Philippine Red Cross, Homeless People’s Federation Philippines, Inc., St. Clement’s Parish Church, the Carmelite Monastery, Colegio De San Jose, Assumption Iloilo, Ati Orphanage and Children Center, Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center, and St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary, Inc.
What made this year’s effort particularly remarkable was the involvement of the company’s Key Accounts. Through our active participation and support in our Christmas caroling, these key accounts contributed funds that increased the allocated budget for this noble activity.
This collaborative engagement elevated the CSR initiative, amplifying the company’s core values and its dedication to serving the community.
MORE Power’s initiative marked a significant shift by not just championing a charitable cause but also fostering ongoing support for these institutions. Among the prominent key accounts that responded to MORE Power’s call were Golden Portal Industries, Grand Canyon Multi Holdings, Inc., Florete Group of Companies, Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood, Uy Group of Companies, Alfonso Tan Group of Companies, Mr. Tony Jon, Toyota Iloilo, 21 Hotels, JD Bakeshop, and Grand Xing Imperial Hotel.
Apart from the funds that MORE Power allocated to each beneficiary, additional funds were collected from these key accounts.
In embracing our responsibility towards Iloilo’s well-being, MORE Power remains deeply honored to join hands with the community in creating meaningful change. Our journey alongside these esteemed charitable institutions signifies not just corporate support but a shared commitment to nurturing hope and resilience within our beloved city.
The involvement of our Key Accounts in the Christmas caroling underscores the power of unity in serving a greater purpose. As we reflect on this collaborative success, MORE Power remains resolute in our dedication to sustaining these impactful initiatives, recognizing that true progress arises from collective compassion and unrelenting support for our community’s well-being.

January 8-14 Issue

January 8-14 Issue 150 150 NewsExpress

January 1-7 Issue

January 1-7 Issue 150 150 NewsExpress

MORE Power spreads joy making Christmas magical for the Aeta community

MORE Power spreads joy making Christmas magical for the Aeta community 1800 1013 NewsExpress

This holiday season, MORE Power embraced the spirit of giving by bringing smiles and festive cheer to Brgy. Lanit in Jaro, where they shared the magic of Christmas with the Aeta Community.

Amidst sweet smiles and bubbling excitement, MORE Power’s team engaged with the indigenous Aeta people, hosting games, and giving out prizes, making sure each individual felt the warmth of the season.

The highlight was when the children penned their wishes, and MORE Power took it to heart. Each wish was fulfilled, thanks to the personal donation from every MORE Power employee and their children.

“MORE Power, thank you for everything,” expressed Maricris Villalosendo.

Another unforgettable moment for both children and parents was the visit of Jollibee.

“We are truly happy and grateful because we felt the Christmas spirit. Not only our children but also us adults, seeing Jollibee, whom we usually only see on TV. And we’re delighted that somehow, we got to eat what they call Jollibee,” said Marina Castin.

But it didn’t stop there. MORE Power’s commitment to the community shone bright with a check donation handed to the Aeta Community’s tribal leader, dedicated to supporting livelihood and community projects.

“We are very pleased because there are many places they could go, and they chose to come here and gave us gifts… This is a special gift; before they came, they asked the children about their wishes. The children spoke, and MORE Power actually bought those wishes,” expressed the tribal leader, deeply moved by the thoughtful gestures.

The touching experience left a lasting impact on the residents, offering a moment of respite and support amidst their challenges.

“We chose the Aeta tribe because there are many children here, who really need help. This year and the coming years, we plan to continue giving to various communities,” affirmed Sarah Diana Habacon, Human Capital Manager at MORE Power, showcasing their ongoing commitment to community welfare.

In the spirit of the season, MORE Power radiated the true essence of Christmas by spreading love, joy, and hope within the Aeta Community.

This marks the fourth year in which MORE Power conducts gift-giving to 10 selected charitable institutions to provide Christmas donations. And this year, one of them is the Ati Community in Lanit, Jaro.

Gov. Defensor brings back traditional giftgiving at IDJ

Gov. Defensor brings back traditional giftgiving at IDJ 150 150 NewsExpress

Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. brought joy to the 1,100 inmates of Iloilo District Jail (IDJ) in Brgy. Nanga, Pototan, Iloilo as he revived the traditional giftgiving activity on December 23, two days before Christmas.

Gov. Defensor last held the giftgiving activity at IDJ in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tradition was started by the governor’s father, former Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. in celebration of his birthday which falls on Christmas Day, December 25.

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Assistant Regional Director for Operations and Iloilo Provincial Administrator Jail Supt. Vicente Papelera and IDJ Acting Warden Jail Chief Insp. Denver Beltran assisted Gov. Defensor in the ceremonial distribution of giftpacks to representatives of the different dormitories inside IDJ.

The giftpacks contains toiletries, such as toothpaste, bath soap, and shampoo, and coffee and sugar, among others.

Papelera thanked Gov. Defensor for bringing back his traditional giftgiving activity which was missed by the IDJ inmates for three years.

Gov. Defensor assured the BJMP officials and inmates of the Iloilo provincial government’s continued support in terms of infrastructures and improved facilities.

He also floated the idea of livelihood and skills training for the inmates at the provincial government’s Agriculture Research and Training (ART) Center which is located just outside the IDJ.

A Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Ildefonso Cachuela preceded the giftgiving activity.

Also present were Punong Barangay Julie Sequio of Brgy. Nanga and some provincial government department heads and personnel, and the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Press Corps.

The officials and staff of Iloilo Provincial Employees and Community Multi-purpose Cooperative (IPECMPC) also helped facilitate the conduct of Gov. Defensor’s giftgiving activity as part of their community service.

As an expression of gratitude, the BJMP gave Gov. Defensor a Certificate of Appreciation and a colorful painting made by inmate Abner Politico. (Capitol News)

December 27 Issue

December 27 Issue 150 150 NewsExpress

December 26 Issue

December 26 Issue 150 150 NewsExpress

December 18 Issue

December 18 Issue 150 150 NewsExpress

Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair brings gov’t services closer to Ilonggos

Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair brings gov’t services closer to Ilonggos 150 150 NewsExpress

Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, a convergence of national government agencies’ distribution of equipment, financial assistance, scholarship programs, livelihood assistance, and payouts to priority sectors, has brought the government closer to the communities in Guimbal town in the province of Iloilo.

Mario Boglosa, President of Baras Farmers Association in Barotac Nuevo, conveyed his gratitude to the government for availing various equipment under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization component of the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization.

“Nagapasalamat gid ako sa Department of Agriculture nga naka-avail kami sang harvester kag transplanter. Daku gid ina nga bulig sa amon pangunguma kag barangay. Sa liwat nagapasalamat man ako ilabi na sa aton nga presidente nga nakakuha kami machinery sa amon nga pagpanguma, (I am grateful to the Department of Agriculture that we were able to avail of the harvester and the transplanter.  This will be a big help to our farm and to our barangay. Again, thank you especially to our President that we were able to get these machineries for our farm.)” Boglosa expressed.

A total of P900 million worth of programs and services were brought to the province. Of the figure, P200 million was distributed as financial assistance.

With 51 participating national government agencies, over 160 services were offered to some 80,000 beneficiaries during the two-day fair, which started on December 9.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who served as the keynote speaker, emphasized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration’s brand of leadership to cascade government services to the grassroots level.

“Ang pangako ng Bagong Pilipinas ay isang pamahalaan na hindi naghihintay. Pamahalaan na kusang lumalapit sa mamamayan upang tugunan ang pangangailangan sa mas lalong madaling panahon,” Romualdez said.

“Sa serbisyo fair, nagsama sama ang iba’t ibang mga sangay ng pamahalaan upang maihatid at maipangako na mas mabilis at mas mahalagang impormasyon at serbisyo tungo sa ating sama-samang pag-unlad,” he added.

The BPSF offered social services from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Food Authority (NFA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

Under livelihood and educational services, the following agencies offered services: Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), DENR, OCD, and FDA.

In terms of regulatory functions, the BPSF extended services from the following government agencies: Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine National Police (PNP), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Bureau (LTFRB), Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Other government services also include those from the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

Apart from the services, the BPSF also highlighted the administration’s flagship program, “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” which supports the agriculture industry to ensure food security at a reasonable price.

To note, the BPSF in Iloilo is the ninth leg of the event as it aims to cover all 83 provinces in the country. (PIA Iloilo)

“TRAGIC DISASTER” Ceres bus tragedy in Hamtic, Antique claims 17 lives, injures 11

“TRAGIC DISASTER” Ceres bus tragedy in Hamtic, Antique claims 17 lives, injures 11 1800 1350 NewsExpress

Not only a tragic accident but a tragic disaster. This was how Antique Governor RhodoraCadiao described the dreadful vehicular accident at Brgy. Igbucagay, Hamtic, Antique last December 5, 2023 which killed 17 individuals and injured 11 others.

The incident involved a Ceres bus owned by Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) with body number 6289.

Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Broderick Train said the accident happened around 4:30 p.m. while the Ceres bus was on its way to Culasi, Antique from Iloilo City.

The bus went out of control while traversing the curving and downhill road thus overshooting the concrete road barrier and fell off a steep ravine about 70 to 80 feet high.

Cadiao said the tragic disaster is very untimely because the holiday season is coming and the Province of Antique is celebrating the Binirayan Festival which officially opened on December 1, 2023.

“Many Antiqueños will come home to celebrate the Christmas season in their hometown and also many visitors and tourists are expected to visit our province to experience and enjoy our Binirayan Festival. This is very sad not only for all the families of those involved in the accident but also for all of us,” Cadiao said.

The driver identified as Ricky Serios along with his bus conductor Wilmar Felipe Marcelino, and bus inspectors Jose Glenn Fandagani and JevyBurdago were among the fatalities in the accident.

The 13 other passengers who were killed on the spot due to severe injuries were: Tom Elizaga, Jomarie Alcala, Wilber Dellaba, Jim Andrei Secondes, Francis John Vuelga, Nelson Espina, Zairon Alcala (1-2 y.o.), FritzieJavellana, Ramon Enrique Salvani V, Patrick Mosoni, Jeanine Marquez, Federica Singh (Indian national), JevyBurdago, and Jessie Javellana.

Meanwhile, 11 other passengers miraculously survived the accident and currently being treated at hospitals in Antique and Iloilo. They were: Mica Marie Servano of Tobias Fornier, Antique, Mary Beth Santerva of Hamtic, Antique, Lorna Obeja of San Jose, Antique, Christopher Simolava of San Joaquin, Timothy Jones Quiatchon of Laua-an (transferred to Iloilo), Kirby Dominic Jucaban of Mandurriao, transferred to Iloilo, Nicolas Esisi (Kenyan national) transferred to Iloilo, Ismael Amparado – transferred to Iloilo, Arianne Mejia – transferred to Iloilo, Juan Miguel Tejares of San Joaquin, transferred to Iloilo and Kim Zyrin Ramos of Tobias Fornier, transferred to Iloilo.

Rescue groups from Antique PDRRMO and Iloilo City DRRMO along with Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) rescue personnel and the local residents joined forces in rescuing the survivors and retrieving the bodies of the fatalities.

Personnel from the Antique Police Provincial Office also provided security to the area and also provided assistance to the rescuers.

The rescue and retrieval operations lasted until around 2:00 a.m. the following day, December 6.

VTI is a statement expressed “most heartfelt apologies for those who were involved in the incident and expressed sincerest condolences to the bereaved families.”

“VTI’s Branch, Admin, and Maintenance Managers, Operations Personnel, Liaison Officers, and nurses from both the West and East branches were immediately dispatched to the location of the incident to assist the victims,” it added.

VTI also vowed to cooperate with any investigations that the authorities will be conducting.

In addition, VTI decided to voluntarily suspend all operations of the 12 remaining units under the franchise involving Case No. 11-VI-021-AK pending investigation.

“VTI will be providing financial assistance to the passengers and their families, as well as shouldering the medical and burial expenses.

The management has assigned personnel to be on stand-by at the hospital for further updates and assistance.

Rest assured that we are doing everything that we can to make sure that this is being handled properly and carefully.

The management guarantees the riding public that we are taking all the appropriate steps to ensure that our buses are road-worthy and well-maintained,” the VTI statement added.

In a related development, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 6 issued a show-cause order to VTI relative to the tragic accident on December 6.

LTFRB-6 legal counsel Atty. Jun Altura said under the said show-cause order, VTI is given 72 hours to explain why they (VTI) will not be penalized in accordance with LTFRB regulations.

Aside from the show-cause order, LTFRB 6 also ordered the preventive suspension for one month of the 12 units under the fleet, where the ill-fated Ceres bus belongs.