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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.

The construction of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in the town of Calinog in Iloilo is on track as the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has reported that the overall physical accomplishment of the project is already at 74.07 percent.
As of January, all three dams, namely the Alibunan River Catch Dam, Jalaur Afterbay Dam, and the 109-meter high Jalaur High Dam have been substantially completed.
The agency said that the works are now focused on the irrigation component including the 80-kilometer high line canal and 80 kilometers main and lateral canals.
“With all components nearing completion, the project is expected to fully operate by 2025,” it added, noting that the completion of the project under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will boost the government’s goal of attaining food security and raising agricultural production in the country.
Once operational, the JRMP II, which is one of the 194 priority infrastructure projects under the ‘Build Better More’ (BBM) program of the government, will increase Iloilo’s rice production to 338,874 metric tons per year, equivalent to a 71.54 percent spike from the current production of 197,545 metric tons.
This will be attained through year-round delivery of irrigation water to a total of 31, 840 hectares of farmlands in 23 municipalities and directly benefiting around 25,000 farmers.
The JRMP II is also expected to generate 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric power; 86 million liters per day of bulk water supply for the province and city of Iloilo; create eco-cultural tourism opportunities; and will mitigate flooding in Calinog and other nearby towns once completed.
NIA stressed that the JRMP II is projected to expand the production areas of sugarcane and other crops, and usher inclusive rural development through the realization of its eco-cultural tourism, flood mitigation and inland fishery components. (PIA Iloilo)

By Vincent P. Grecia

The four radio anchors of DYRI RMN Iloilo are not alone in their fight versus Department of Education (DepEd) 6 regional director Ramir Uytico, after all.
Aside from a throng of their listeners and supporters, several city officials, led by no less than Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, sided with the RMN anchormen Novie Guazo, Regan Arlos, Israel Vincent “Don” Dolido, and Henry Lumawag in their commentaries against Uytico which prompted the latter to file libel cases against the broadcasters.
In a press statement, Treñas noted that he stands strongly behind the RMN commentators in their fight against the DepEd regional director.
“In my four decades of public service, my actions and decisions have been criticized by members of the media and made subject of commentaries in several programs. I have never filed any criminal case of libel against any member of legitimate media since I understand that is their job. The members of the RMN team have criticized me in many of my actions. That is their job. I always take it in stride,” Treñas said.
City Councilor Ely Estante, a seasoned radio broadcaster before becoming a politician, also rallied behind his former colleagues.
He dared his fellow public servants like Uytico to resign if they do not want to be criticized by the media.
“As government officials we should be always ready for any action nga ginahimo naton kag kon wala ka sang sala ti indi ka man matalupangdan pero kon may mga sala ka kag lain ang gina-obra mo, so, talupangdon ka kay kumo isa ka ka public official,” Estante said.
“Ginatadlong ka kag ginapaintindi ka sang imo obligasyon… ina nga bagay dapat i-absorb mo ina kay siling ko, if you don’t want criticisms from the media, you should better resign… amo na sadto ginahambal ko nga kon indi ka gusto sang kritisismo, puli ka to kag magtanom kamote kay wala gid may magsaway sa imo,” he added.
Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, on the other hand, said that it is the duty of journalists to call out government officials who are negligent in their functions and responsibilities or engage in wrongdoings.
“The media is the conscience of our society essential for our democracy to thrive. Press Freedom is the one and only hope of ordinary people to have an equal stake in public discourse to defend them from abuse of people in power,” he added.
DYRI RMN Iloilo station manager Ronel Sorbito labeled the libel suit against his anchormen as a “direct attack on the freedom of the press.”
In a statement, Sorbito said Uytico should not be onion-skinned when faced with media criticism.
“It is his responsibility to face the issues and questions at hand, as it is the right of the public to know his explanation,” said Sorbito.
“The media plays a crucial role in informing the public and holding those in power accountable. By taking legal action against journalists for doing their job, Dr. Uytico is not only silencing the voices of the media but also hindering the public’s right to access information,” Sorbito stressed.
RMN Iloilo’s anchormen criticized Uytico for his failure to answer the issues involving the suicide of a senior high school student in Mandurriao, Iloilo City; the issuance of a memorandum requiring schools to place tarpaulins bearing his image; his slow response to the conflict between the students and teachers and the school principal in Laua-an, Antique, among others.
In filing the libel cases, Uytico claimed that the RMN Iloilo anchormen tarnished his reputation through their unethical and baseless commentaries.
Last week, the Iloilo City Prosecutor’s Office conducted separate preliminary investigations on the libel cases against Guazo, Arlos, Dolido and Lumawag.
Sorbito and the other anchors, reporters and personnel showed up at the preliminary investigation as a show of support to their embattled colleagues.

3ID chief orders new battalion chiefs to finish insurgency in Panay

Major General Marion R. Sison, the Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, has directed the newly installed commanding officers of the 82nd Infantry (Bantay Laya) and the 12th Infantry (Lick ‘Em) Battalions to finish the insurgency on Panay Island.
MGen. Sison issued this directive during separate change of command ceremonies for the two battalions which he presided.
On Monday, February 05, 2024, Lieutenant Colonel Jovert Pimentel assumed the post as new Commanding Officer of the 82IB at Camp Colonel Quintin D. Salas in Sitio Asinan, Barangay Jibolo, Janiuay town, replacing Colonel Cliford Catubigan. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta took command of the 12IB at Camp General Ceferino S. Careon in Sitio Guimbunyugan, Barangay Libot, Calinog, Iloilo, succeeding Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Timbal on Tuesday, February 6.
Both ceremonies were attended by Brigadier General Michael Samson, Commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, other key officers from the 3ID, as well as the respective local chief executives and stakeholders of the said units.
MGen. Sison commended the outgoing battalion commanders for their unwavering contributions to shaping the success of their respective battalions. He acknowledged their tireless commitment, dedication, and guidance, which resulted in commendable milestones, reflected in the numerous awards and commendations bestowed upon their units and the 3ID as a whole.
“The Change of Command Ceremony marked a milestone for the Army Officers in upholding commitment and dedication to the organization. Thus, the Army officers must maintain organizational dynamics and professional growth,” said MGen Sison.
In his speech, MGen. Sison also underscored that Panay is a sleeping dragon and the remaining bastion of the Communist Terrorists Group; hence, he instructed the 82IB to work closely with the local government units, all partners, and stakeholders to facilitate the dismantling of the remaining weakened guerilla fronts in Panay Island.
“We cannot accomplish this mission without the support and collaboration of our stakeholders and local chief executives serving as chairmen of the Local Task Force-ELCAC. It is crucial to coordinate, cooperate, and maintain open communication with our partners, as they play a vital role in helping us bring an end to insurgency in Panay. It is essential to recognize that the resolution of this problem requires not only military action but also the effective implementation of Task Force ELCAC as the best solution,” MGen. Sison emphasized.
Moreover, he ordered LTC Garsuta to dismantle the weakened Central Panay Front.
“Finish the fight! That’s my first order. Lick the enemy, totally decimate and eradicate them, in coordination with the LGUs, Civil Society Organizations, the private, religious, and the business sectors, in order to establish just and lasting peace in Panay,” MGen. Sison concluded. (3ID Spearhead Troopers)

All is set for the Paraw Regatta Festival 2024, with highlights slated on March 1 to 3, 2024.
Now on its 51st year, Paraw Regatta Festival promises to offer exciting and fun events aside from the much sought paraw sailing competition.
According to Dr. Roberto Samosa, chairman of the Paraw Sailing Event, this year’s edition of the longest and biggest sailing competition in Southeast Asia will officially open on Feb. 25 at Tatoy’s Poolside Resort after a Holy Mass at Arevalo Parish.
Samosa said they expect participants for the Paraw Main Race on March 3 from as far as Boracay Island and nearby towns in Iloilo province and Guimaras. Last year, 48 paraw racers joined in the main sailing event.
Other Paraw events include Pinta Layag that will start on Feb. 26 at JBLFMU-Arevalo Campus; Pinta Regatta Contest on Feb. 27 at Festive Walk Mall Garden Atrium; Paraw Regatta Job Fair (TBA) and Miniature Paraw on Feb. 28; Slalom Race and Paraw Food Fest (Day 1) on Feb. 29; Paraw H.I.I.T, Paraw Duathlon, Beach Sports, Sinamba sa Regatta (Hall of the Justice to Freedom Grandstand) and Paraw Foodfest (Day 2) on March 2.
Aside from the main race, there will be Pinta Tawo, Pinta Layag Judging, Paraw Lechon Contest; Beach Sports at Villa Beach; Paraw Beach Bodies, Lighted Paraw and Fireworks, Paraw Food Fest (Day 3), Paraw Photo Contest and Awarding Ceremony on March 3.
Majority of the events particularly the main sailing race are traditionally held at Tatoy’s Beach Front.
The Paraw Regatta Festival is spearheaded by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) in collaboration with the Iloilo City Government, Iloilo Provincial Government and the Guimaras Provincial Government.
(Iloilo City PIO)