NewsExpress

SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) – – The Provincial Government of Antique initiates the groundbreaking rites of
the government center in barangay Badiang, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique on  April 28, 2023.
Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao led the groundbreaking ceremony and lowering of the time capsule with
Vice Gov. Edgar Denosta, Antique’s Lone District Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda, Sangguniang
Panlalawigan members and other local officials.
The Office of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio was also represented during the program by Dr.
Christopher G. Sorongon, Officer-In-Charge of the Office of Vice President Satellite Office in Bacolod
City.
Cadiao said the P970 million budget for the construction of the government center was sourced from
the savings of the provincial government some years back.
“This is quite hefty, P970 million pesos without the loan, 10 years worth of Provincial Government’s
savings,” she said during the launching program.
Cadiao lauded the collective efforts of the provincial officials and employees particularly the local
finance committee for properly managing the funds of the provincial government.
She also noted that the construction of the newest capitol is possibly the most important infrastructure
project of and for the people of Antique under her administration.
The site will become the center of good governance both for provincial and national government offices
to provide public services to the Antiqueños in one place with ease and convenience.
Cadiao also cited the significant historical event that happened on April 28, 1957, some 66 years ago
when her father, the late Gov. Josue L. Cadiao who was then the local chief executive  of the province
started the construction of the New Capitol that currently housed the different offices of the provincial
government.
“In these 66 years, Antique expanded from a sleepy, agricultural province to the Rising Star of Western
Visayas, it’s only natural that the Provincial Government outgrows its home,” she said.
The government center sits on 6.4 hectares and the entire lot cost P110.7 million including taxes and
other fees.
In a press conference, Provincial Administrator retired Judge Nery Duremdes said that the completion of
the project is expected in two years while the bidding process will take almost two months.
In a press release from the Provincial Information Office, it noted that the three-storey building will use
solar energy. When completed, the Antique Government Center will be the largest building in mainland
Antique to use solar panels. (PIA-Antique)

In a collaborative effort to eradicate electrical fire incidents in highly populated areas, the Iloilo City
government have taken the lead in launching the Integrated Approach to Fire Prevention program.
Together with the City Government of Iloilo, MORE Power, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and other
stakeholders will work closely to tackle the common causes of fire incidents within the area, including
jumpers, unauthorized load connections, open wirings, substandard service wires, and lack of
awareness/negligence.
“The city government is working with MORE Power on the integrated approach to fire prevention
program. The fire incidents in Iloilo City are mostly preventable and due to illegal electric connections.”
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said.
This initiative aims to achieve specific objectives, such as ensuring all service lines are jumper-free,
rehabilitating old Elevated Metering Centers (EMCs) and over-extended low-lying wires, validating and
converting unauthorized load-side connections, and institutionalizing fire safety through community
involvement.
The program will be implemented in four phases, starting with the deployment of line sweepers to
conduct thorough inspections of secondary lines, service drops, metering facilities, flying connections,
and loop connections.
The program will also validate and convert unauthorized load-side connections, with households
apprehended for such violations to be regularized through the MORE Konek program. Moreover, old
EMCs and over-extended low-lying wires will be rehabilitated, with priority given to those in depressed
or vulnerable barangays.
“We need to work closely with MORE Power and the barangays to legalize electric connections to
prevent fire incidents in the city. Funds of the city going to financial assistance can be put to better use”
the Mayor added.
To ensure that corrective measures are implemented, MORE Power will work in collaboration with
barangay officials, the BFP, OBO/CEO, and its own distribution engineers. In addition to the mentioned
action plans, MORE Power will implement an Information, Education, and Communication program (IEC)
covering electrical and fire safety, as well as RA 7832.
The BFP will also be involved in facilitating fire safety seminars. With these measures in place, the City
Government of Iloilo, MORE Power, BFP and leaders of the local communities hope to achieve the target
of zero fire incidents within six months.
Iloilo City Government’s leadership in this program demonstrates how it values partnership and
collaboration as well as the importance of collective efforts to prevent fires and make homes and
communities safer.
Through continuous effort and determination, this project shows that it is possible to achieve the target
of zero fire incidents.

Firm eyes modern transport system in Iloilo City

By Vincent P. Grecia
A modern transport system may soon enter Iloilo City.
Futran Philippines Inc. expressed its proposal to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas for the
establishment of an environment-friendly mass transport system using podcars.
Podcars, also known as personal rapid transit, is a mode of public transport featuring small low-
capacity automated vehicles operating on a network of specially built guideways.
“As the Mayor of the City of Love, I am thrilled to announce that Futran Philippines, Inc. has
presented an exciting proposal that could revolutionize transportation in our city! With the
potential implementation of podcars, we can finally bid farewell to the frustrating traffic and
usher in a new era of sustainable commuting. This game-changing investment is a testament to
the power of public-private partnerships in uplifting the lives of our citizens. Let’s rally together
to make this vision a reality and propel our beloved city toward a brighter, more efficient
future!” Treñas announced in a Facebook post.
Executives of Futran Philippines led by its president Jose Christopher Fornier II presented the
proposal to Mayor Treñas last week.
Initial information obtained from company source said that the podcars transport system in Iloilo
City will cover 16 kilometers and could be extended to the neighboring towns of Pavia, Oton,
Leganes and San Miguel.
If realized, Iloilo City will be the among the first three cities to benefit from the podcars transport
system through Public-Private Partnership. Mandaue City, Cebu province and Ilagan City,
Isabela.
The podcars transport system has been proven to be safe for passengers based on the countries
that use this system such as Germany, Japan, and China.
The company ensures that its products are safe and reliable as it is under the approval of
Germany’s TUV Rheinland, the world’s recognized technical service provider and certification
body.
The proposed transport system will not disturb the usual road activities in the city, citing the
company’s modern transport technology that is going to be above ground.
CAPTIONS
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas welcomes Futran Philippines president Jose Christopher Fornier
II and company during their visit at the Iloilo City Hall last week. (Iloilo CMO)

Artists rendition of the podcar which an environment-friendly modern transport system.

Manggahan Festival of the Province of Guimaras makes a sweet comeback this year with a full packed face-to-face activity during the month long celebration. Events will take place every weekend to take advantage of the influx of tourists in the island during Saturdays and Sundays with the highlight slated on May 19-22. “Imbukada” will kick off Manggahan festivities on April 29, 2023 with a mass and opening program. The Agri-Fishery and Eco-Tourism Expo and an art exhibit likewise open on the same day. An open dance sport competition and live band will culminate the opening day of Manggahan Festival 2023. On e o f t h e mo s t anticipated events every Manggahan Festival, the “Mango-Eat-All-You-Can”, is set to return. Feast on mouth-watering Guimaras mangoes from May 19-22. If you want to experience mango picking, go to the Mango Harvest Festival. Pick and pay what you have harvested. Other activities that will add color to this year’s celebration are battle of the bands, cook-off challenge, bike fest, street dance battle, job fair, color fun run with celebrity guests, folk dance competition, and dog show. Miss Guimaras will be crowned on May 20 while Mr. Guimaras pageant will take place on May 18. The Provincial Government has also prepared for sports enthusiasts who will come to Manggahan. There is water sports and jet ski showcase, jujitsu, basketball where the Philippine Basketball League will play, and a volleyball tournament. Nightly entertainment will feature different OPM rock bands. The celebration ends on May 22 in conjunction with the 31st anniversary of Guimaras becoming a province. A thanksgiving mass will be offered before the provincehood anniversary program. Five competing “hubons” from the municipalities and a non-competing group from Guimaras State University will showcase the rich culture and history of Guimaras in the Manggahan Cultural Competition. A fireworks display will be held at the Capitol grounds to be followed by performances of two big OPM rock bands on the last night of the festival.