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The Boys Scout of the Philippines now has a digital approach to address questions about its biggest event as City Mayor and 18th National Scout Jamboree Camp Chief Atty. Stephen A. Palmares formally unveiled the official Jamboree Portal.

The Jamboree Portal is an all-in-one application, supported by the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and DigiHwy, through the initiative of the 18th NSJ Information Center Committee.

The newly launched app can be accessed three ways: through a QR Code, its website (http://dhwy.ph/jamboree), or with the application that can be downloaded from the website.

It contains the basic answers to the needs of the participants and guests for the December 11–17, 2023 event.

From the routes to the City of Passi, to the Access to Travel, Passi City LGU Emergency Hotlines, or on the 18th NSJ Program Outlines and Schedules – the Jamboree Portal has it all.

Each tab has an attached image which is easy to click and expandable. And the best feature of the Jamboree Portal is that – it can be accessed offline.

“The basic purpose of the app is to provide convenience to its users who have no access to the internet in their area, or on travel, off-site activities, or within the vicinity of the Pintados de Passi Camp,” said one of its creators. “It also contains personalized schedules favorable to the members of each sub-camp.”

With the launching, the City of Passi has just created an alternative way to direct participants and guests to the roads leading to the home of the 18th National Scout Jamboree, and made it easier to monitor all its activities.

In a groundbreaking achievement for urban infrastructure development, MORE Power’s Underground Distribution Services (UDS) project along JM Basa Street is advancing rapidly, with an anticipated completion date set for June 2024.

The civil works, constituting 35% of the project and encompassing dredging and drilling activities, are well underway. Engr. ArmilLogarta, Head of Project Development and Management at MORE Power, affirms that the project, launched on October 10, 2023, is progressing seamlessly according to schedule, with no reported delays to date.

Projected for completion in June 2024, with an additional 2 months allocated for the removal of existing facilities, the UDS initiative spans from the corner of Arroyo St., Aldeguer St., Guanco St., Mapa St., Ortiz St., until Rizal/Zamora St. (Burgos St.) and Libertad Plaza.

This encompasses a onekilometer stretch of Iloilo City’s historic business district, including the heritage zone known as Calle Real.

Engr. Logarta elaborated on the UDS project’s three pivotal phases: Phase 1 involves intricate civil works, Phase 2 centers on electrical works, covering cable laying and termination, and Phase 3 culminates with the removal of existing overhead lines and structures, unlocking the full potential of the UDS project.

The phase 2 or the actual undergrounding of cables is expected to commence in January 2024 and run until June 2024. Utilizing Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), a cutting-edge method for installing underground utilities and plumbing, the UDS project stands apart from traditional methods by eliminating the need for open trenches.

This approach ensures minimal disruptions to the downtown area, with construction activities strategically conducted from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, contributing to a smoother traffic flow during daytime.

During the May 30, 2023 groundbreaking ceremony, Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo, Vice President for Network Operations, highlighted that the UDS project will eliminate the risks of geckos, birds, and rats approaching overhead lines, ensuring a safer and more reliable electrical infrastructure.

This includes resolving the menace of power outages caused by animal intrusion and addressing the annual concern of balloons slipping away during the Dinagyang festival.

Additionally, this will also eradicate the need for periodic tree trimming, allowing the trees to grow unhindered.

MORE Power’s President and CEO, Roel Castro, expressed that the UDS project reflects the company’s steadfast commitment to supporting local government initiatives, particularly in preserving the cultural and heritage aspects of the community.

Castro remarked, “I believe there are very few cities in the Philippines that can genuinely boast of having a rich heritage and culture, evident in the edifices and monuments scattered around the city. These structures serve as testaments to the city’s exceptionally rich cultural and historical legacy.”

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasized that the removal of above-ground power lines will notably diminish the risk of accidents stemming from adverse weather conditions, fallen trees, and unforeseen circumstances. This initiative aims to provide uninterrupted power to residences, businesses, hospitals, and schools.

He expressed, “This enhanced reliability will stimulate economic growth, entice new investments, and cultivate a favorable environment for businesses to flourish.” The Underground Distribution System (UDS) stands as one of the diverse investments that MORE Power has introduced to the City of Love since commencing its operations in 2020.

The implementation of Iloilo’s biggest irrigation development project has unlocked another milestone. The Jalaur High Dam, the reservoir dam of the project has finally attained its designed height at 109 meters tall or at elevation 194 meters above sea level.

On November 27, 2023, the Project Management Office (PMO) of the Jalaur River Multi-purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) together with its international contractor Daewoo E&C carried out the final batch of concrete pouring at the high dam spillway bridge, which likewise indicated that the structure was already substantially completed.

With this development, all dams of JRMP II were already considerably completed and remaining activities at the dam sites include reservoir preparation, tunnel plugging, preparation of stilling basin and electromechanical works for the operation phase, among many others.

The Afterbay Dam was completed by the Contractor in February this year while the Alibunan Catch Dam was completed in December 2021.

Major remaining construction activities are now on the irrigation component of the project which covers the 80-kilometer High Line Canal and another 80-kilometer Main and Lateral Canals that shall convey water from the dams to the farmlands.

The high dam, during its operation, will store an estimated 250 million cubic meters of water that can be utilized for multi-purpose uses such as irrigation, bulk water, hydroelectric power and inland fishery. The reservoir dam will likewise generate eco-tourism opportunities and mitigate flooding in Calinog and nearby towns.

The JRMP II is a major economic booster for the Province and City of Iloilo as its realization and eventual operation will usher holistic rural development.

At the helm of its implementation are NIA Administrator Engineer Eduardo Eddie Guillen and NIA 6 Acting Regional Manager and concurrent Project Manager Engineer Jonel Borres.

The Provincial Government of Aklan has lifted the submission of hotel vouchers as a requirement to enter Boracay island in Malay town.

Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores issued Executive Number 097 Series of 2023 on  Nov. 15, which orders the lifting of the implementation of EO No. 009, series of 2022 that requires visitors to submit hotel vouchers via the AKQUIRE system in the province of Aklan, particularly in Boracay island.

Previously, Miraflores issued EO No. 003 on July 4, 2022, and EO No. 0047 on October 25, 2022, which mandated the lifting of imposition of QR code requirements to enter the province for returning Aklanons and tourists, respectively. 

Miraflores said that such steps are in response to the pronouncement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on tourism as an engine of growth and that Local Government Units of tourist destinations shall start easing travel requirements for tourists.

In removing the hotel voucher, tourists need only to go to the Tourist Registration Center at Jetty Port before proceeding to the Payment Counter and Seacraft boarding.

However, tourists and travelers are strictly reminded and highly encouraged to book only to accommodation establishments that are accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT). This is to ensure the security and safety of the travelers as well as to avoid further inconvenience to guests who are having their vacation on the famed island.

Following the issuance of EO No. 097, the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) expressed its happiness with the latest development on the island that further relaxes the policy on tourists’ entry to the island.

In a media interview, Dindo Salazar, Chairman of BFI, noted that they positively welcome such a step of the provincial government because it will 

have a huge impact and help Boracay Island, which is considered one of the top destinations for both local and foreign tourists. 

Salazar stressed that stakeholders actually requested the provincial government to drop the hotel voucher requirement as this is one of the reasons that many tourists are reluctant to go to the island, and with this development, BFI is confident that it will help attract more tourists to spend their vacation in Boracay Island.

Aside from the hotel voucher requirement, Miraflores also revealed some changes in regulations in Boracay Island as discussed during the 2nd Boracay-Caticlan Sustainable Development Council (BCSDC) Meeting in Boracay Island.

The white beaches of Boracay become more open as guests and tourists are now allowed to bring with them their beach beds and umbrellas, and night swimming is extended to 9:00 p.m.

Also, food and drinks are now allowed in party boats.

The provincial government of Aklan likewise suspended the P20,000 fee for foreign tour guides, and there is a continuous dialogue on having a unified ticket at the jetty port. (PIA-Aklan)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) conferred the seal of the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA) award to 25 local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas with the regional kick-off of the 31st National Children’s Month (NCM) on Wednesday.

“This audit is included in the Seal of Good Local Governance, wherein if you cannot pass, you cannot enter the top award in local governance. The child-friendly is more on social protection,” DILG Western Visayas Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero said in an interview.

The recipients of the CFLGA seal included the towns of Anilao, Dingle, Lambunao, Oton, Pavia, Dumangas, Concepcion, Tigbauan, Tubungan, Pototan, Santa Barbara, Igbaras, and Passi City from Iloilo province; Buenavista and Nueva Valencia in Guimaras province; Dao, Sapian, Jamindan, and Tapaz in Capiz; and the cities of Himamaylan, Silay, San Carlos, and La Carlota, and Hinoba-an, all in Negros Occidental province.

During the kick-off ceremony, the DSWD and the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) introduced the Mahalin at Kalingain ang ating mga Bata (Makabata) helpline 1383, which is expected to be operational next year.

“The Makabata helpline primarily aims to develop a mechanism that will provide quick response, monitoring, and feedback through calls, electronic mail, and different social media platforms,” said RSCWC regional coordinator Franz Hermocillas in his presentation.

It provides services to all children, parents, and adolescents with varied needs relating to child rights and concerns.

Meantime, concerns and issues can be reported using the smart number 0919-3541383, globe line 0915-8022375, or by emailing makabatahelpline@cwc.gov.ph.

This year’s NCM celebration has its theme, “Healthy, nourished, sheltered: Ensuring the right to life for all.”

Other events to highlight the celebration are the children’s congress on Nov. 24-25 and the children’s contest with child development learners as participants on Dec. 6.

The kick-off ceremony started with the participants reciting the Hiligaynon version of the “Panatang Makabata.” (PNA)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Iloilo together with the National Youth Commission and the Local Youth Development Officers started the mandatory training for newly -elected Sangguniang Kabataan officials in the province of Iloilo.

All Sangguniang Kabataan Officials from the 43 local government units are expected to undergo the Sangguniang Kabataan Mandatory Training (SKMT), a requirement before they can assume office pursuant to Section 28 of Republic Act No. 10742.

Two batches of SK leaders from the municipalities of Tubungan and San Dionisio have already completed the SKMT on November 5.

The rest of the SK leaders in the province will undergo the training before November 15.

The training includes 3 modules covering 5 sessions with the topics on Decentralization and Local Governance, SK History and Salient Features, Meetings and Resolutions, Planning and Budgeting and Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards.

This is also conducted in collaboration with the Iloilo provincial government through the Provincial Youth Development Office.  (PIA-6)

By Vincent P. Grecia

The Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) has called for the removal from office of the Iloilo Airport manager and the Acting Manager of Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Area VI.

The Iloilo Airport Manager is Manuela Luisa Palma  while the CAAP Acting Area Manager is Eusebio Monserate, Jr.

IDC VI in its Resolution No. 05 series of 2023 stated that the two officials failed to attend the fourth quarter meeting of RDC-IDC on November 8, 2023 where IDC chairperson Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas sought updates on the Iloilo airport upgrading.

The IDC VI also noted that several airport facilities and equipment need repair and improvement, particularly the non-working escalators and chillers.

Iloilo airport, the 5th busiest airport in the country in 2022, is not in good condition and cannot accomodate the increasing passenger and cargo traffic, it added.

There is a leadership crisis in the Iloilo airport, hence a new, responsive and more active management is needed to address the prevailing concerns, the IDC VI resolution stated.

“I am very disappointed with the present status of the Iloilo airport. The air conditioning machines are not working, the x-rays are not working, and the escalator is not working. Even the toilets are smelly. It is no longer the same airport. Furthermore, the passenger terminal is congested. No plans from CAAP National at all,” told the media in an interview after the IDC VI resolution came out in public.

Earlier, the Provincial Development Council (PDC) Executive Committee passed two resolutions relative to the urgent expansion of the Iloilo International Airport during their meeting presided by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. on October 9, 2023 at the Governor’s Boardroom.

First, the council submitted a resolution requesting Prime Asset Ventures, Inc. (PAVI) to submit all the documentary requirements to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) regarding their proposed unsolicited proposal (USP) in the amount of ₱6.89 billion.

Second is a resolution requesting the DOTr to expedite the evaluation of the unsolicited proposal of PAVI.

Governor Defensor has been strongly pushing for the urgent expansion of the facility to cater to more passengers following the rapid growth in the city and province.

The governor brought the matter to DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista during his recent meeting with the latter last September 29, 2023.