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First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a four-story College of Law building at the West Visayas State University (WVSU).
The First Lady is a part-time faculty member at WVSU College of Law where she teaches Criminal Law.
The WVSU, which is the first and only state university in Western Visayas that offers a legal education program in the region, recognizes the need for a separate building.
“At the height of the pandemic when most schools were closing their doors, our university took a leap of faith by opening its juris doctor program. As the only state university offering a legal education program in Western Visayas, we embark on a journey that has surpassed our initial vision,” said WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz.
During the ceremony, Villaruz took pride in announcing that the pioneer batch of the program will be taking the Bar examination in September this year.
He also extended gratitude to the First Lady and other stakeholders for “providing the university the opportunity to expand its student intake and widen its legal advocacy programs” through the construction of the state-of-the-art building.
According to DPWH Regional Director Sonny Boy O. Oropel, the College of Law (COL) building is situated within the main campus of WVSU in the La Paz district of this City and will be a green building with a total floor area of 3,456 square meters or 864 square meters per floor.
Facilities to include in the construction are six theater-type air-conditioned classrooms, an auditorium, a review room, a conference room, a legal clinic, a Wi-Fi connection, and a library.
To further enhance the capabilities of the law students, the building will also house two moot courtrooms, an arbitration or training room, and a Journal for Law Advocacy Office which will be used for the simulation of court hearings and litigation processes, among others.
For the instructors, a faculty room and offices for the college dean and associate dean will also be available upon completion of the project.
Apart from these, the COL building will also house a cafeteria, prayer room, storage or supplies room, comfort rooms with persons with disability (PWD) accessible facilities, and a parking area.
To promote the use of sustainable energy, the project also includes solar panels to supply power to the building. Elevators will also be available to allow easy access to all levels of the building for the students, faculty members, and guests.
Security features will also be incorporated including close circuit televisions or CCTV and a key card access system for the entire building.
According to the public works department, the project is targeted to be completed within 458 days after the commencement of its construction. (PIA)

Iloilo City, Futran inks MOU for establishment of podcars transport system

By Remegio G. Castor

The future of transportation is coming to Iloilo City.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas together with Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and City Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, chair of the City Council’s transportation committee, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Futran Philippines Inc. President Jose Christopher Fornier II for a feasibility study on the establishment of an environment-friendly mass transport system using podcars in the city and neighboring municipalities.
The MOU signing held last January 30, 2024 was witnessed by all the Iloilo City Councilors.
The project, that will cost around PHP 16 billion, will cover 20 kilometers of transportation line for suspended podcars traversing Iloilo City and neighboring towns.
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.
Fornier presented the project proposal to Mayor Treñas last year.
“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,” Treñas then announced following the project presentation.
Initial information obtained from company source said that the podcars transport system in Iloilo City will cover 20 kilometers and could be extended to the neighboring towns of Pavia, Oton, Leganes and San Miguel.
Iloilo City will be the among the first three cities in the country to benefit from the podcars transport system through Public-Private Partnership. The other two cities that accepted the project were 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 Philippines is the first in Souteast Asia to adopt the modern environment-friendly transportation.
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.

Iloilo City electric distribution utility MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) dismissed the allegations made by ACT Teachers Partylist Rep France Castro regarding the need for the company to be held accountable for the widespread blackout in Panay Island.
MORE Power President and CEO, Roel Castro, stated that it’s difficult to respond to Representative Castro’s accusations, especially when these lack basis. “It’s difficult to address the statement of Rep. Castro. In fairness and with respect to the Congresswoman, she doesn’t understand the whole system, and it’s difficult to respond if their basis is wrong. It was just an accusation without basis,” explained the MORE Power CEO.
Although the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) previously identified the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) as the entity at fault for the Panaywide blackout, Rep. Castro remains the only one to issue a statement including MORE Power as one of those responsible for the incident.
“The main accountability is with them because it is NGCP that is tasked with maintaining the stability of the grid. The NGCP said it would finish the Panay-Negros-Cebu Interconnection Project in August 2023. And they were not! We are now in January and they promised this in August,” explained Lotilla.
Panay is the sixth largest island in the Philippines, consisting of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo. MORE POWER’s Castro explained that while it’s unavoidable for there to be some disturbances or problems in the system, the collapse and subsequent total blackout could have been avoided if NGCP had taken immediate action. He further explained that at afternoon on January 2, 83 megawatts were lost from the grid system due to a Panay coal plant shutdown, which should have been addressed. However, it was followed by six more plant shutdowns.
“After two hours, six more plants sequentially shut down. The question is why there were consecutive shutdowns after two hours? The system operator, NGCP, is supposed to protect the system from collapsing. Seven plants on the island were out, and the fact that a total blackout occurred means that the system was not protected. This is a simplistic understanding of what happened,” MORE’s Castro said.
The MORE Power executive admitted that during the peak of the El Niño Phenomenon, a similar incident could occur if NGCP fails to protect the entire grid system. “Even if there is enough generating capacity, a similar total blackout could happen again if the system operator will not be active or will not be working,” he added.

Iloilo experienced all-out fun and connectivity at the Dinagyang Festival 2024 with DITO Telecommunity’s Todo na DITO sa Dinagyang activities held from January 26-28. Dedicated to fortifying connectivity and nurturing dynamic telecommunities nationwide, DITO elevated the festive atmosphere at Iloilo’s grandest religious and cultural event with lively concert performances, vibrant experiential booths, exciting games & contests, and delightful gastronomic activities.

Dinagyang, acknowledged as the country’s most awarded festival, secured the Best Tourism Event accolade for three consecutive years (2006-2008) from the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines. DITO proudly sponsored key events that enhanced the festival experiences of both Ilonggos and tourists, including the Miss Iloilo Coronation Night, Ilomination Street Dance Competition, TODO NA DITO sa Dinagyang Concert, Dinagyang Tribes Competition and Awarding Ceremony.
Festival enthusiasts also reveled in an abundance of fun at DITO’s interactive booths, where a variety of games and activities added to the excitement. The booths also showcased DITO’s value for money products, encompassing mobile prepaid and postpaid services, as well as DITO Home 5G WIFI prepaid and postpaid options. Special promotions and freebies complemented the showcase. The connectivity facilitated by DITO’s 5G technology allowed both Ilonggos and guests to fully immerse themselves in the TODO na DITO sa Dinagyang experience.
One of the event highlights was the Dinagyang Official Party, powered by DITO. The crowd was treated to an electrifying musical experience featuring stellar performances by the renowned band Kamikazee, setting the stage ablaze with their energetic repertoire. Local bands and DJs also added a vibrant touch to the festivities.
A standout event during this year’s Dinagyang was the DITO Todo Gaming, Sayawan & Kantahan. DITO subscribers enthusiastically participated in the dancing and singing competitions, showcasing their talents either individually or as part of a group. With a remarkable number of contestants delivering spirited performances, the competition not only added excitement to the event but also highlighted the talents within the DITO community. The ultimate champions for the competitions earned prestigious titles along with a total prize of Php 50,000.
“We are thrilled to be part of this year’s Dinagyang Festival. DITO is honored to enhance the overall enjoyment and connectivity. Facilitating such connections is at the core of DITO’s mission, as we strive to unite Filipinos through meaningful cultural celebrations like this one,” shared Evelyn Jimenez, Chief Commercial Officer at DITO.

Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ten higher education institutions (HEIs) and two industry groups today to strengthen employment facilitation services and address the challenges of unemployment and underemployment in the Province of Iloilo. “This is another engagement with our academic institutions in the area of employment. We want to teach our students the direction of the economy and the country,” said Governor Defensor.
The participating schools in the MOU include: 1. West Visayas State University (WVSU) 2. University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) 3. Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU) 4. Iloilo State University of Fisheries, Science and Technology (ISUFST) 5. Northern State University (NISU) 6. University of Iloilo (UI) 7. Central Philippine University (CPU) 8. University of San Agustin (USA) 9. John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) 10. St. Therese – MTC Colleges (STMTCC)
The goal of the partnership is to leverage the collective expertise and resources of the HEIs and the Iloilo Provincial Government through PESO to design and implement programs aligned with local job market demands, ensuring graduates are equipped with relevant skills, and providing holistic support to students and alumni to address career-related needs.
The ceremony was personally attended by WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, UPV Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano, ISATU President Dr. Gabriel Salistre, Jr., UI Chief Operating Officer Ofelia Odilao-Bisnar, STMTCC President Dr. Ma. Teresa Sarabia, and CPU Vice President Dr. Esther Rose Romarate. ISUFST, NISU, USA, and JBLFMU were represented by their Student of Affairs and Job Placement Officers.
An (MOU) signing between the Iloilo Provincial Government, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Iloilo Chapter (PCCI), and the People Management Association of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter (PMAP) was also held, signifying a collaborative commitment in sharing industry insights and trends, facilitating the exchange of labor market data, and collaborating on addressing industry needs.
Provincial PESO Manager Francisco Heler, Jr., said the partnership will leverage the pivotal role of PCCI and PMAP in bringing employers together in hopes of strengthening PESO services.
“PESO will extend services such as recruitment assistance and job matching to PCCI and PMAP member businesses, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to enhancing employment opportunities and workforce development in Iloilo,” said Heler.
Also present to witness the significant milestone was Provincial Administrator Raul Banias.
These partnerships embody a shared vision for a robust, progressive, globally competitive, and resilient Province of Iloilo.

The Filipino-Chinese community in Iloilo City will mark its years of friendship with the Ilonggos as they celebrate the 20th Chinese New Year – ‘the grandest ever’, according to Peter Chan, chairperson of the Chinese New Year 2024 task force.
During the celebration’s press launch, Chan acknowledged the years of relationship between them and the Ilonggos, which resulted in the success of the city and helped create a better living environment for the public.
“Everyone [should] go deeper in the essence of the celebration. The mutual respect and understanding, the active participation of all the agencies and institutions involved. At the end of the show, the thousands of participants would have realized the essence of unity, the true meaning of the Chinese New Year,” he emphasized.
The celebration anchors on the theme “Harmony in Blossom: 20 Years of Cultivating Filipino-Chinese Unity”, which according to Iloilo Festival Foundation Inc. president Ryan Allan Tan speaks of the “time to honor the tradition that bridges both Filipino and Chinese cultures that brought communities together in the spirit of unity and prosperity.”
“We gather, not only to celebrate the year of the Dragon, but also to recognize the significance of this cultural celebration to us, Ilonggos. As we embark on this joyous occasion, we reflect on the rich history of customs and beliefs that have shaped Ilonggo and Tsinoy identities,” Tan added.
Meanwhile, one of the highlights of this year’s celebration is the showing of the Quanzhou string puppetry on Feb. 10-11. They will perform five stories in eight shows at the West Visayas State University cultural center.
“These are not small puppets but are life-size puppets. It’s very exciting because it is the first time for Iloilo to host, and this is for free, sponsored by our counterpart in China through our sister city,” Tan said in a media interview, noting that the group already visited over 50 countries and performed during the opening of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics.
While other events prepared during the entire celebration of the Chinese New Year include the Photo Exhibit on Feb. 6 at SM City Iloilo, Grand Parade from Iloilo Provincial Capitol to Iloilo Chinatown on Feb. 9, and the Chinese New Year Mall Show by Iloilo Scholastic Academy, Hua Siong College of Iloilo, and Sun Yat Sen High School Iloilo at SM City Iloilo.
There will also be a grand cultural show, food festival, and fireworks display on Feb. 9 at the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arc at the Plazoleta Gay on Iznart Street.
The Chinese New Year festivity in Iloilo City, according to Chan, is considered as the biggest celebration being held outside Metro Manila. (PIA Iloilo)