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August 14-20 Issue
August 14-20 Issue 150 150 NewsExpress

India bizmen donates P12.9 M medicines to Iloilo
India bizmen donates P12.9 M medicines to Iloilo 150 150 NewsExpress

The India Business Forum (IBF) Philippines Association Inc., through the Embassy of India and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo, has donated medicines worth P12.9 million to the province of Iloilo.
The turnover ceremony was led by Mr. Sadre Alam, Counsellor of the Economic and Commerce; Mr. Dileep Tiwari, President of the Indian Business Forum; PCCI President Mr. Fulbert Woo; Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.; Provincial Administrator Raul Banias; Hospital Management Office Chief Dr. Paz Calopiz, and the chiefs of the provincial and district hospitals on July 31, 2023 during the regular flag ceremony at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby.
Alam said the event is “a testimony to the longstanding friendship and strong partnership between our two countries.”
“The socio-economic agenda and priority sectors of the government of Philippines such as agriculture, health, Fintech etc. are also the focus areas of cooperation of my government,” he said.
Last May, the Indian government held a business roadshow in Iloilo in partnership with PCCI.
“As part of our development partnership, in the coming days, we look forward to implementing few quick impact projects in Iloilo that would exemplify our bilateral relation and for this, we seek the active and continued collaboration of the Iloilo local government,” he said.
“Next year, India and Philippines will mark and celebrate the 75th (platinum) year of our diplomatic relations. We seek your kind support to ensure a grand celebration at the popular level in every part of Philippines including Iloilo,” Alam added.
Governor Defensor thanked the Indian Business Forum for the donation which is a big help to the hospitals and the healthcare system in the province, adding that it is the first concrete step in furthering the partnership between the province of Iloilo and India.
The governor said that the donation of medicines also serves as an inspiration in the province’s plan to embark on research and development in partnership with the universities and academic institutions.
“The companies of India can donate medicines because they have a developed pharmaceutical industry. And we are inspired by that. We are partnering with universities and academic institutions in pursuing research and development and that may include pharmaceuticals. Because we have universities here and academic institutions that are very good and has potential in pharmacy,” Defensor said. (Capitol News)

SCAMMERS ALERT
SCAMMERS ALERT 150 150 NewsExpress

Boracay visitors told to deal only with DOT-accredited establishments

Boracay visitors and tourists are told to be wary of dealing with travel agencies and agents who are not Department of Tourism’s (DOT) accredited, especially those transacting online.
The local government unit of Malay, Aklan through its Municipal Tourism Office (MTO), released an advisory calling on would-be visitors and tourists bound for Boracay Island to have their travel arrangements only through the DOT-accredited travel agencies and accommodation establishments in Boracay Island and in Mainland Malay.
Chief Tourism Operations Officer of Malay Felix Delos Santos, Jr. said these agencies have been vetted and approved by the LGU and the DOT, providing a higher level of reliability and security for travel necessities.
“I sincerely believe that our office is really doing its best to provide our tourists a safe and comfortable vacation, and so I hope that the tourists will also be responsible enough to exercise extreme caution in every travel transaction they do online,” Delos Santos said.
LGU Malay issued an advisory on the list of trusted DOT-Accredited Travel Agencies and Accommodation establishments referring to the official Facebook page Malay-Boracay Tourism Office as well as recommending to visit the website www.boracayinfoguide.com 
or Project Big A, for reliable information in planning trips to Boracay safely.
Project BIG-A is a one-stop, all-in-one mobile application with all the authentic, relevant and timely information necessary to travel to Boracay Island that is accessible anytime and anywhere.
The website also offers essential tips, travel guidelines, and insights about the island to ensure that the tourists will have a delightful and trouble-free experience.
The MTO further reminded tourists and visitors planning to go to Boracay to beware of suspicious emails, social media accounts, or websites claiming to offer travel deals that seem too good to be true.
“Tourists should always verify the authenticity of the sources by relying on DOT-accredited travel agencies and 
accommodation establishments and remember to prioritize secure payment methods when making reservations,” Delos Santos added.
Meanwhile, to further protect would-be tourists and visitors bound for Boracay Island from fake travel agencies, the local tourism office announced that currently, there is only one travel and tour operator association exclusively recognized by the LGU – the Boracay Island Travel Agency and Tour Operators Association (BITATOA).
According to Claribel Casimero, BITATOA president, the group is the sole association officially recognized by the LGU-Malay as the governing body for travel agencies and tour operators operating within the municipality of Malay.
BITATOA was established on August 13, 2014 and boasts a total membership of forty reputable entities, all of which are accredited by the DOT. 
“This exclusive recognition highlights BITATOA’s dedication to upholding high standards of service and adherence to local regulations,” Casimero said.
She assured that BITATOA, along with its accredited members, is committed to providing the tourists with exceptional service and memorable experiences during their stay in Boracay.
“With our collective efforts, we can ensure that every visitor enjoys a safe, enjoyable, and respectful visit to this paradise island,” Casimero added.
Based on the records of DOT-Boracay, there are 35 DOT-accredited travel and tour agencies in Boracay Island, while Mainland Malay, mostly in Barangay Caticlan, has 14.  (PIA-6)

Iloilo City gov’t presents innovate Iloilo roadmap
Iloilo City gov’t presents innovate Iloilo roadmap 150 150 NewsExpress

The Iloilo City Government, through the Local Economic and Development (LEDIP) Office, is stepping up its game toward making an innovative and sustainable metropolis in partnership with the private sector through the Innovate Iloilo movement.
Headed by its Project leader, Velma Jane C. Lao, they presented the movement’s updated roadmap and crafted its policies alongside public and private stakeholders on July 31 at the Park Inn Hotel, Iloilo City.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas expressed his support for boosting this project to create more development frameworks, encouraging more partnerships between the public and private sectors in the pursuit of innovation and progressive development for the constituents to enjoy.
“With Innovate Iloilo, we hope that we carry forward the spirit of innovation, embracing it as a driving force in our lives. As we foster a culture of excellence through our projects, we will nurture the next generation of trailblazers and visionaries”, said Lao.
Innovate Iloilo is a public-private movement aimed at promoting innovation in the city and province of Iloilo, with the goal of making Iloilo City the premier “Innovation Hub” of the Philippines by 2030.
It was created under Executive Order No. 112, signed by Mayor Treñas to pursue the said movement and formulate and implement its roadmap and functions.
It is grounded on the following pillars: visionary leadership; smart cities and communities; innovative human capital; innovation-driven economy; creative industries; and strong startup ecosystem.
Most of the projects created under the movement include the jumpstarting of incubation centers, research and development programs, and hosting forums in partnership with different academic institutions. (Angelo Miranda/Iloilo City PIO).

Aug 7 – 13 Issue
Aug 7 – 13 Issue 150 150 NewsExpress

‘PRIORITY PROJECT’Ilonggo leaders glad that PGN bridge included in PBBM’s top projects
‘PRIORITY PROJECT’Ilonggo leaders glad that PGN bridge included in PBBM’s top projects NewsExpress

By Vincent P. Grecia

Ilonggo leaders were happy with the mention of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) bridge project in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 24, 2023.
The 32-kilometer PGN is one of the priority infrastructure projects of the Marcos administration under his Build Better More (BBM) program.
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) earlier deported that the PhP 189.5 PGN bridge project may start construction in 2025.
Currently, the project’s Detailed Engineering Design (DED) is in the works.
The PGN bridge project, conceptualized during the time of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, covers an entire route of 32.47 kilometers, composed of two sections: Section A (13 km Panay-Guimaras) and Section B (19.47 km Guimaras-Negros).
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the PGN bridge project is an important project that will create impact on the lives of the people in Western Visayas.
Treñas also cited Pres. Marcos directive to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to finish the Cebu-Negros-Panay (CNP) interconnection.
He noted that through the construction of the PGN Bridge, ease of transportation, dynamic movement of goods and services, and enhanced economic and tourism activities will be assured, while the CNP interconnection will provide the city a stable energy source, transmission and distribution.
“Iloilo City, being the regional hub of Western Visayas, stands to benefit from these high impact projects. We are looking forward to their realization, as we also hope for the implementation of other projects of the national government, namely, the Iloilo Airport expansion, the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project, and the improvement of international port,” the mayor added.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., who personally attended the SONA, said that the PGN bridge project once realized will be a “game changer” in the economic development of the Western Visayas region.
Defensor was also happy that the President gave emphasis on the national government’s Farm to Market Road (FMR) projects, in which Iloilo will most likely benefit being an agricultural province.
“Ang Farm to Market roads, nalipay man kita sina bilang isa ka agricultural province, kay damo pa kita sang dalan nga dapat himu-on para makabulig sa aton mga mangunguma… Damo ang mga ginhambal sang presidente nga align sa programa sang probinsya, so nalipay kita,” Gov. Defensor said.
Defensor noted that the proposed Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway (ICAEX) project which was mentioned in Pres. Marcos’s first SONA will complement the PGN bridge project.
Although, it was not mentioned in his second SONA, Gov. Defensor believed that it is already in the pipeline of the BBM program.
Meanwhile, Ilonggo legislators like Representatives Julienne Baronda (Iloilo City), Michael Gorriceta (Second District of Iloilo), Lorenz Defensor (Third District) and Raul Tupas (Fifth District) also lauded the SONA of the President, noting that it was delivered in a clear manner, straightforward and extensive.
During the SONA, President Marcos Jr. appealed to Congress for its support for different priority legislations, namely the Essential Tax Measures under the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (Excise tax on single-use plastics, VAT on digital services, Rationalization of mining fiscal regime, Motor vehicle user’s charge/road user’s tax, Military and Uniformed Personnel Pension); Amendment of the Fisheries Code; Amendment of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act; Amendment of the Cooperative Code; New Government Procurement Law; New Government Auditing Code; Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming; Tatak-Pinoy Law; The Blue Economy Law; Ease of Paying Taxes; LGU Income Classification; and The Philippine Immigration Act. (with reports from PIA-6)

Guimaras Dragon Fruit Fest to kick off on August 4
Guimaras Dragon Fruit Fest to kick off on August 4 150 150 NewsExpress

The province of Guimaras is preparing to once again hold the Dragon Fruit Fest that will kick off on Friday, August 4, 2023 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds.
Now on its second year, the festival aims to offer a different experience to locals and visitors through a 10-day event with events slated on weekends to take advantage of the influx of tourists in the island.
A first in Western Visayas, Guimaras Dragon Fruit Fest desires to position dragon fruit as an emerging agriculture high value crop and tourism event destination attraction in the island province.
The Dragon Fruit Costume Parade that showcases the creativity and innovation in dragon fruit-inspired costume will kick off the celebration.
Dragon fruit products such as fresh fruits, processed or value-added products, planting materials, and other major agricultural products of Guimaras will be on display at the trade fair.
The festivities will likewise feature dragon fruit farm tour which will showcase different dragon fruit farms in Guimaras while demonstration of dragon fruit cuisine and dragon fruit-based value-added products will take the spotlight at “Dragon Fruit Kulinarya”.
“Taste the Dragon Fruit” will provide venue for visitors and guests to enjoy the flavors of Guimaras’ dragon fruit products while visitors visiting the trade fair can have more to look forward to with the “Dragon Fruit Classroom”.
An international business forum on dragon fruit farming will present opportunities to exchange knowledge on the update on technology on dragon fruit farming that could contribute to economic recovery of Guimaras particularly employment creation, increase household income, and increase local revenue focus on dragon fruit farming.
Busking sessions and bands will provide nightly entertainment during the festival.
By conducting such festival, the Provincial Government of Guimaras and partner organizers aim to increase awareness of the dragon fruit which may increase the income of the local growers.

July 31 Issue
July 31 Issue 150 150 NewsExpress

July 24 – 30, 2023 Issue
July 24 – 30, 2023 Issue 150 150 NewsExpress

MORE Power consumers delighted as they receive refunds for bill deposit
MORE Power consumers delighted as they receive refunds for bill deposit NewsExpress

In a surprising turn of events, numerous consumers of MORE Power Iloilo were so happy to receive letters notifying them of a refund for their bill deposit.
Josephine Kanagasingam, who had applied for electricity three years ago during the transition period with the former distribution utility, was among the recipients. Josephine, like many others, had gone through the application process and paid a bill deposit of 4,000 pesos for her electrical connection.
Recently, while going through her mail, she came across a notice from MORE Power, Iloilo City’s power distribution utility. Curious, she visited MORE Power’s office to verify the legitimacy of the letter, only to be surprised that she was indeed eligible for a refund – the same 4,000 pesos she had paid three years ago, plus the accumulated interest earned, which will be deducted from her next billing.
Speaking about her experience, Josephine expressed her gratitude, saying, “I asked the staff there if it was true, and they confirmed that it was. I really appreciate MORE Power because they are returning it. It’s the first time I’ve experienced a deposit being refunded. In the past, other companies would keep the deposits, which were even larger. So, thank you very much, MORE Power!”
Josephine was one of twenty consumers who qualified for a refund by consistently paying their bills on time for 36 months, equivalent to three years. In a simple ceremony, she and her fellow consumers, Violeta and Kgd. Keiffer Espinosa, received their refunds.
Violeta, another MORE Power consumer, hailed from Brgy. Rizal Pala-Pala, known as one of the most densely populated areas in Iloilo City. She expressed her gratitude to MORE Power not only for the refund but also for simplifying the application process compared to the previous distribution utility.
“MORE Power has not only improved our lives through reliable electricity but has also shown a genuine commitment to the welfare of its customers. The refund received has made a tremendous difference in my child’s health, allowing us to continue providing the necessary care”, expressed by Tiangson.
Kgd. Keiffer Espinosa shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the ease of application, connection, and payment under MORE Power. He ensured timely payment by providing a one-month deposit to avoid disconnection, and he plans to deposit the refund he received for the next billing period. According to the Magna Carta for Residential Consumers, bill deposits can be refunded to consumers who have paid on time for 36 months without experiencing disconnection.
Apart from the bill deposit, an annual interest rate is also credited to the customer’s account to be deducted from their next billing. The Iloilo City Government commended MORE Power for this historic initiative, with Francis Cruz, Special Assistant to Mayor Jerry Treñas, stating, “Today’s turnover ceremony symbolizes the unwavering dedication that you, the remarkable team at MORE Power, have exhibited in providing the best possible service to the Ilonggos.”
Mr. Roel Castro, President of MORE Power, clarified that the refunds are not rewards but rather rights of every consumer based on the law. He highlighted the attention their program has garnered, stating that initially, only three consumers qualified for refunds, but now there are twenty.
He reiterated that the bill deposit belongs to the consumers, and it is the law’s mandate to return it. In June, three consumers qualified for the bill deposit refund, and this month, MORE Power identified twenty more eligible consumers. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairman, Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta, praised MORE Power for consistently setting an example for other distribution utilities to follow.

© 2024 Newsexpress Iloilo
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