Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has been recognized as 2023 “Outstanding Public Servant” by RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD).
Representatives from the Foundation, on March 19, arrived in Iloilo to hand over the award’s plaque and certificate to Treñas.
“This prestigious accolade reflects a comprehensive performance assessment by our department, concluded in January 2024, and is a testament to the democratic voice and trust of the people of Iloilo City, who have bestowed Mayor Treñas with exceptionally high job performance and trust ratings,” the certificate, signed by Dr. Paul Martinez, a Global Affairs Analyst and the Executive Director of RPMD, read.
Treñas expressed his profound gratitude to RPMD for the recognition, which he dedicates to all the Ilonggos.
He thanked everyone for the continued trust and confidence in his leadership and vowed to serve better and come up with more programs beneficial to the whole Ilonggo community.
“This is validation of all the hard work and dedication of all the men and women in the City Government, of course, with the support of our people and our various partners,” Treñas stated.
In giving the award, the RPMD cited that under Treñas’ transformative leadership, Iloilo City has witnessed significant advancements in infrastructure, public services, and community engagement.
“His unwavering dedication to the welfare of his constituents and his innovative governance approach have been instrumental in propelling the city towards remarkable progress, embodying the spirit of “Uswag Iloilo” (Progress Iloilo) and laying the foundations for “Rise Iloilo”, a vision that under his guidance, can be seamlessly realized,” it added.
The RPMD’s rigorous evaluation process examined the initiatives led by Mayor Treñas, gauging their impact on the city’s development and the residents’ quality of life.
“This award not only celebrates Mayor Treñas’ substantial contributions to Iloilo City’s upliftment but also highlights his role as an exemplary leader capable of navigating the complexities of modern governance to foster sustainable community development,” the RPMD emphasized. (Iloilo City PIO)
By Fems Pedregosa
Officials of the National Food Authority (NFA) in Western Visayas Regional Office V1 here in Quintin Salas, Jaro, Iloilo City are nowhere to be found to clarify some issues regarding the rice shortage and the skyrocketing prices per kilo of rice in the market.
NFA-Iloilo Branch information officer Lalaine Doronila told this reporter that Iloilo NFA Manager Epifanio Cosca, and NFA Regional Director Dianne A. Silva are not available for an interview. She tried to reach out their Operations Manager but to no avail.
The information officer also explained, because of the ongoing investigations NFA officials are hesitant to give their statement to media people.
Doronila told this reporter to refer all questions to the TV screen monitor being displayed at the NFA lobby because all the facts are there. This reporter was also being denied to take pictures inside the NFA bodega.
Doronila assured the Ilonggos that NFA has a buffer stocks of rice intended to the calamities and it is distributed thru DSWD and other related agencies. She clarified that NFA is not selling rice to retailers or traders since last year.
The mandate of NFA is to buy the palay produced by the farmers at P23.00 per kilo and sell it to DSWD, LGU and other related agencies at P1,250 per bag . She also explained that NFA is making money out of this buy and sell of rice. Their 50 years of existence is a proof of good management.
Doronila added that they are only buying the locally produced rice but they have no hands on rice importations since it was handled by the rice traders.
In an interview with the rice retailer, a certain Oscar told News Express since the time of President Rodrigo Duterte to date they no longer get their supplies at the NFA, and they have no choice but to get their supplies from rice traders. Since
As part of its effort in mainstreaming the use of renewable energy in its facilities, the Iloilo provincial government has embarked on the installation of solar rooftop projects in district hospitals.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the turnover of the 30-Kilowatt Solar Photovoltaic and Efficiency Project (Phase I) worth P3.5 million intended for the COVID Ward and Service Award of Aleosan District Hospital in the municipality of Alimodian on March 6, 2024.
The province also broke ground the construction of the Phase II which involves the installation of 30-kilowatt rooftop solar PV and streetlights which cost P3.7 million.
Joining the governor during the event are Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Hospital Management Office Chief Dr. Paz Calopiz, Aleosan District Hospital Chief Dr. Cherubin Estrellanes, Mayor. Ian Kenneth A. Alfeche, Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office chief Atty. Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco, Jr., PGENRO Energy Efficiency Excellence Focal Rey Victor Garin and representatives from the Department of Energy and Panay Energy Development Corporation, among others.
These renewable projects are funded through the province’s share from generation companies as provided by Section 66 of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or EPIRA Law.
Governor Defensor said the installation of solar projects in district hospitals is part of his development thrust under MoRProGRes Iloilo (Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo) which is to ensure a reliable energy source in the province.
“Why solar? Because we want our energy to be more reliable, more environment-friendly, and economical. That is the direction of the province with respect to our hospitals and other facilities,” the governor said.
Banias said the provincial government’s transition to renewable energy is part of its contribution to the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP). Last year, the provincial government received the Energy Excellence Efficiency Excellence Award from the DOE for its implementation of GEMP.
Banias said that the solar project saved the Aleosan District Hospital about P80,000 from its monthly bill.
Meanwhile, three more hospitals are added to the list of recipients for the renewable energy project – Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital in Dumangas, Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital in Balasan, and Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial Hospital in Lambunao. (Capitol news)
Iloilo City is undergoing a significant transformation in its public transportation network with a focus on modernization and sustainability.
The city is implementing the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), launched in June 2022, to improve public transport services.
Under the LPTRP, Iloilo City is introducing 1,782 modernized jeepneys to replace older models, with 500 units already operating within the city limits.
These modernized vehicles are set to follow 17 existing routes, 7 new routes, and 1 enhanced new/developmental route. Restrictions have been placed on traditional jeepneys, limiting their operation to designated terminals in the city to streamline traffic and reduce congestion.
In February 2023, the Western Visayas Transportation Cooperative deployed 95 new modern jeepneys across 13 routes in Iloilo City.
These jeepneys offer a host of amenities including air-conditioning, CCTV systems, Wi-Fi, GPS, and a cashless payment system, all while adhering to European emission standards for reduced environmental impact.
Future projects are underway to further revolutionize transportation in Iloilo. The city is in the process of reviewing a proposal for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, envisioned to significantly improve the efficiency of public transportation.
The BRT system aims to reduce traffic congestion and provide a fast, reliable, and eco-friendly mode of travel for residents. In an effort to further modernize the city’s transport system, a mobile app-based bike-sharing system is being explored.
This initiative will promote a healthy lifestyle and provide a sustainable alternative to motorized transport, potentially alleviating traffic congestion. The move towards electrification of public transport is gaining momentum with plans to introduce a fleet of electric buses.
These buses are expected to be integrated with the proposed BRT system, representing a leap forward in the city’s commitment to sustainable and green transport solutions.
The ambitious PHP189 billion Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge project is set to significantly reduce travel times, cutting the current four-hour journey (via ferries/RORO) between Panay and Negros islands to approximately one hour by land.
This monumental infrastructure is anticipated to be a catalyst for economic growth and enhanced inter-island connectivity.
A significant upgrade is also on the horizon for the Iloilo International Airport, with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista advocating for its privatization.
The goal is to expand the airport’s capacity to handle 10 million passengers annually, thereby boosting tourism and spurring economic development in the region. However, these developments are not without their challenges. The phase-out of traditional jeepneys in favor of modernized alternatives has met with some resistance from drivers and operators.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are actively supporting displaced drivers through the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
TESDA Director General, Tonisito Umali, announced that 900 scholarship grants have been provided to aid drivers and their beneficiaries, aiming to ensure that the transition to modern vehicles is both fair and inclusive. Infrastructure limitations also pose a hurdle, with concerns that the current infrastructure may not adequately support a fully modernized system, particularly the proposed BRT.
Moreover, public awareness is a critical aspect of these changes. Ensuring that the public is well-informed about new routes and system upgrades is essential for a smooth transition.
The city is therefore investing in public information campaigns to facilitate understanding and cooperation from all stakeholders.
As Iloilo City navigates through these transformations, the collective efforts of government agencies, transport operators, and the public will be paramount in realizing a modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation network for the future.
