NE May 22-28 Issue #NewsExpress #Iloilo #RegionalNewsNewsExpressNewsExpresshttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ca83badc707ab48d4232a088cf57a3cf?s=96&d=mm&r=g
NE May 15-21 Issuehttps://newsexpress.com.ph/wp-content/themes/movedo/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150NewsExpressNewsExpresshttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ca83badc707ab48d4232a088cf57a3cf?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of the Philippines, Inc. National President Atty. Bienvenida A. Gruta, Dr. Leonida Bayani-Ortiz, Chairperson, 75 th Anniversary Ad- hoc Committee, and Ms. Neriza B. Llena, National Executive Director, awarded the Blue Triangle for Exemplary Leadership to Emee E. Saplada (inset), President, Iloilo YWCA Inc. and Vice President for Administration and Management of the YWCA of the Philippines, Inc. and 4 Stars Award and Most Participative Local Association during the association’s 75 th Anniversary and 39 th Mid-Biennium Meeting with the theme: “Y’er’s, Rise Up and Shine!” held at Manila Prince Hotel, Ermita, Manila last April 28-29,
Others in photo are: Dr. Lorena Opong (VP Program and Membership), Rosemarie T. Tarol (Chairperson, Training Committee), Young Woman/ Youth Leaders Kimberly Kim Soldevilla, Marie Silarde, Josel Ann A. Carado, Airame Aliman and Excel Babe Alcubilla.
Antique Government Center soon to rise in San Jose townNewsExpressNewsExpresshttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ca83badc707ab48d4232a088cf57a3cf?s=96&d=mm&r=g
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)
PBBM orders NGCP to address power crisishttps://newsexpress.com.ph/wp-content/themes/movedo/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150NewsExpressNewsExpresshttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ca83badc707ab48d4232a088cf57a3cf?s=96&d=mm&r=g
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to immediately address the power crisis that brought massive blackouts to the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros last week. This was relayed by Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. with the assurance that the President has been apprised of the situation and that he is closely monitoring the measures being done by NGCP. The NGCP has also been told to be transparent and continuously update local officials, distribution utilities, power generators, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of the status of the Visayas grid on a regular basis. Defensor convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Provincial Civil Defense Cluster on May 2 so they can immediately act on instructions and information critical in the immediate resolution of the power crisis. The governor disclosed that the President has specifically instructed the NGCP to make sure that a massive blackout in the grid will not happen again by synchronizing the “protection relays of transmission, generation and distribution in the next two weeks.” The NGCP was also told to immediately finish the third stage of the Cebu-Negros-Panay backbone project (CNP3) which involves linking Negros and Cebu by laying an overhead line from Bacolod City to San Carlos City then to San Carlos City to Toledo City, Cebu through a submarine cable. The whole CNP project involves the construction of a 238km long circuit, 230kV capacity transmission line linking the three islands of Cebu, Negros and Panay, which includes the expansion of the Barotac Viejo substation, the E.B Magalona cable terminal station and the Bacolod substation. Defensor also disclosed that the NGCP has been instructed by the President “to review the reliability of each Visayas sub-grids” and fast-tract the signing of the Ancillary Service Procurement Agreement (ASPA) with the ERC. Ancillary services support the transmission of power from generators to consumers to maintain reliable operations and are necessary to manage power fluctuations.
Treñas orders energy-saving measures in Iloilo City
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas called on all public and private establishments in the city to adopt energy-saving measures in the wake of recent power outages. Based on Executive Order No. 49 which he issued recently the energy-saving measures will be carried out in the City Hall and in the barangay facilities, schools, parks and Esplanade, among others. Treñas, said while efforts have been made to expand energy production to cope with the demand, there are still problems with consumption that result in power outages and unscheduled interruption. “While we demand from the NGCP (National Grid Corp. of the Philippines) and other energy suppliers and power distribution companies to improve their services, it cannot be said that one of the ways to deal with the constantly expanding need for energy and the issues it brings is to focus on energy conservation,” he said. The order prohibits the unnecessary use of office facilities while lights, air-conditioning units, and computer monitors have to be turned off during lunch break, provided they are not considered front- line service offices. The use of devices with high electricity consumption, such as electric stoves, irons, and similar devices, is prohibited while charging cellular phones and similar gadgets is highly discouraged in office premises. Street lights in all public thoroughfares shall be turned on at 6 p.m. and off at 4 a.m. the next day while those in public plazas and parks will be off at 11 p.m., provided minimal lighting is maintained for safety and security. “The public is highly encouraged not to roam around these areas once the majority of lights are off,” the EO said. Barangays are also encouraged to adopt energy-saving practices while conducting fiesta celebrations. The use of high volumes of water is also highly discouraged as the EO calls for the prudent use of water. The energy-saving measures take effect immediately until August 30 this year or until such time the supply and transmission of electricity shall improve and stabilize, the order read. The mayor has also ordered City Engineer Salvador Pedregosa, City Architect Regie Gregorio, and City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Neil Ravena to look into the feasibility of establishing solar charging stations at the plazas and esplanades for the use of the general public.
Ravena, during their executive meeting on Tuesday afternoon, said they would identify the top five schools with the biggest consumption for an energy audit to determine their high-electricity consuming facilities. (PNA)
NewsExpress May 8-14 Issuehttps://newsexpress.com.ph/wp-content/themes/movedo/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150NewsExpressNewsExpresshttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ca83badc707ab48d4232a088cf57a3cf?s=96&d=mm&r=g
WV officials vow support to ARTA’s EODB mandatehttps://newsexpress.com.ph/wp-content/themes/movedo/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150NewsExpressNewsExpresshttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ca83badc707ab48d4232a088cf57a3cf?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Following the opening of the first Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) regional office in the Visayas here, the Iloilo City government and other stakeholders signified support for the implementation of the anti-red tape and ease of doing business mandate. During the recent opening of its regional office in Western Visayas at the National Food Authority (NFA) 6 Compound in Jaro district, ARTA Director General Secretary Ernesto Perez highlighted the scaling up of the implementation of ARTA’s capacitating and enabling function as well its enforcement mandate in Western Visayas. “We are very optimistic, following the directive of the President for government officials to go down to the people and hear their concerns directly so that nobody is left behind,” said Perez. The ARTA chief also underscored the significance of streamlining and digitalizing the government processes to fight red tape and corruption, as well as attracting investors to do business here. As a response, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas signified the support of the city government under his watch to the ARTA mandate. “Iloilo City, under my watch, is one in ensuring the ease of doing business in the delivery of our services. Through this office (ARTA RFO 6), we are certain that the red tape in the whole region will be abolished and services for our people will be more accessible,” Treñas stressed. To note, the ARTA Central Office is being housed in the NFA Central Office, and the same goes for the ARTA regional office in Western Visayas and so on to the other regional offices of ARTA which have been and will be put up across the country. On the part of the private sector, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Western Visayas Regional Governor and Regional Development Council (RDC) 6 Co- Chairperson lawyer Jobert Peñaflorida signified support to the anti-red tape mandate, citing that through such the private sector can do business better. The ARTA RFO Western Visayas is currently the fourth in the country and one of the eight regional offices to be put up by the agency nationwide. (PIA6)
Iloilo City and MORE Power partner in a Program to achieve Zero Fire CasesNewsExpressNewsExpresshttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ca83badc707ab48d4232a088cf57a3cf?s=96&d=mm&r=g
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.
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.
