21 10 362 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Ajuy mayor vetoes winning composition for town hymn; SB member-composer claims politics behind rejection By Ime Sornito -Monday, August 12, 2024 Mayor Jett Rojas of Ajuy, Iloilo Mayor Jett Rojas of Ajuy, Iloilo ILOILO — Ajuy’s Mayor Jett Rojas has vetoed the Sangguniang Bayan (SB)-approved Ordinance No. 2023-131 adopting as municipal hymn a composition that won the contest conducted for the town’s official hymn. The winning composer, SB member Genesis Diesto suspected that the rejection may have something to do with local politics. Diesto’s winning piece is titled “Ajuy Nagadayaw Kami sa Imo”. It bested other entries in the contest held last August 2023. In a letter to the SB and its presiding officer, Vice Mayor Robert Villaruz, Mayor Rojas explained his veto. He emphasized the importance of fairness and non-partisanship in governance and public administration. Here’s Mayor Rojas’ letter in full explaining his veto: “Non-partisanship is often associated with neutrality, objectivity, and independence in decision-making processes especially in the context of governance and public administration. “Non-partisanship is always important in good governance as it ensures that decisions and policy-making are made based on merit evidence, and the public interest rather than partisan agendas and personal interests. Public servants like us are often expected to carry out our duties in a non-partisan manner to maintain the integrity and impartiality of our office, promoting fairness and accountability. “The Proposed Municipal Ordinance No. 2023-131 should consider this doctrine as it is crucial to maintain our credibility and trust of our people. I believe that crafting the Ajuy Municipal Hymn should be made in a balanced and impartial manner, so that we can deliver to our people the multiple perspectives without bias, enabling our constituents full support and cooperation of these meaningful values and aspirations. “I am vetoing some provisions of this measure particularly the adoption of the lyrics and music of the composition of the Ajuy Municipal Hymn because I support the significance of non-partisanship and public trust as trust is essential for governance, and it is therefore necessary for government units to build it among its people. “Local Government Units should also stress the role of its constituents in policy-making, mutually reinforcing, and reciprocal relationships. I strongly believe that we should involve the participation of the public, and the main proponent of the composition of our Ajuy Municipal Hymn should be given as a privilege to our local artists, musicians, and/or other professionals and not from any public servant as ethics will dictate that it would essentially be for the best interest of our Municipality and for our people. “There are provisions in the proposed Municipal Ordinance that is not in line with the principles of trust and integrity as virtues of public ethics and public service. This veto seeks to promote justice and fairness for our people and to explore the possibility of engaging our local artists, musicians and/or other professionals as proponent(s) of our Ajuy Municipal Hymn and for us to formulate options for public review to address the opinions and ideas of our people.” ‘FAIR PROCESS’ SB Diesto, the composer, questioned Mayor Rojas’ veto explanation. He said the local government of Ajuy itself organized the hymn contest, thru the Municipal Tourism Office, in August 2023. He defended the fairness of the process, noting that the contest was open to all bona fide residents of Ajuy and that the contest’s mechanics did not explicitly exclude elected officials from participating. The other mechanics were: * The composition must be originally written in Hiligaynnon, with no adaption of lyrics, tone and music from any other compositions. * The time duration of the composition and interpretation of the Hymn must be at least three minutes and must not exceed five minutes. * The composer may perform the composition or may identify artist who will interpret the composition. Diesto said his entry met all the mechanics. He suspected that his political leanings vis-à-vis the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections may be what prompted the veto. He said he supports another candidate for mayor. Diesto said he is considering filing a formal complaint against the mayor, noting that the local government of Ajuy spent to organize the hymn contest. “Nag-agi kami sa proper committee hearings, dasun nag-contest gid para fair,” he stressed. Diesto urged Rojas to be fair and respect the contest result. Here’s the lyrics of the winning, composition, “Ajuy Nagadayaw Kami sa Imo”: I Banwang hamili nga ginmat-an Ang gugma sa imo indi mapunggan Banwang Ajuy, labaw sa tanan Mapabugal bisan kay sin-o man II Ajuy tambobo sang kabugana-an Talento, kaalam kag kinaadman Ajuy sadsaran sang kadalag-an Sa kadam-an ikaw gid makit-an Chorus Ajuy takus ikaw nga pasidunggan Banwa nga naghatag sang kadayawan Lugar sa Norte sang Dios ginpakamaayo Banwang Ajuy nagadayaw kami sa imo III Pagbutlak sang adlaw imo makit-an Malambo nga humay sa kaumahan Preska nga isda sa kadagatan Ginbugay sang Dios sa aton tanan IV Pagtunod sang adlaw sa kahapunanon Sa tambobo mo Ajuy kami nagatipon Mga tawo, pispis kag kasapatan Sa imo Ajuy kami may katawhayan Chorus Ajuy takus ikaw nga pasidunggan Banwa nga naghatag sang kadayawan Lugar sa Norte sang Dios ginpakamaayo Banwang Ajuy nagadayaw kami sa imo Bridge Ajuy Padayon kita padayon sa bulig sang Ginoo Itib-ong Ajuy padulong sa pag-asenso Banwang Ajuy nagadayaw kami sa imo. Repeat chorus (2x) Ajuy takus ikaw nga pasidunggan Banwa nga naghatag sang kadayawan Lugar sa Norte sang Dios ginpakamaayo Banwang Ajuy nagadayaw kami sa imo./PN Citation Citation of the article Sornito, I. (2024, August 12). Ajuy mayor vetoes winning composition for town hymn; SB member-composer claims politics behind rejection. Panay News, 2&15. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Ajuy mayor vetoes winning composition for town hymn; SB member-composer claims politics behind rejection Description An account of the resource ILOILO — Ajuy’s Mayor Jett Rojas has vetoed the Sangguniang Bayan (SB)-approved Ordinance No. 2023-131 adopting as municipal hymn a composition that won the contest conducted for the town’s official hymn. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Sornito, Ime Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/ajuy-mayor-vetoes-winning-composition-for-town-hymn-sb-member-composer-claims-politics-behind-rejection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panay News</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Panay News Incorporated Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 12, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Songs Ajuy Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Gov’t employees elated over salary hike, additional benefits By Panay News -Monday, August 12, 2024 BY IME SORNITO AND MA. THERESA LADIAO ILOILO City – Government employees expressed joy and overwhelming satisfaction following the confirmation of an upcoming salary increase this year. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 64, which raises salaries and authorizes an additional allowance for government workers. Ma. Airis Sobrevega-Penetrante, Population Program Officer II of the Provincial Population Office and president of the Association of Iloilo Provincial Government Employees (AIPGE), shared that the announcement made during the third State of the National Address (SONA) on July 22 left the employees ecstatic. The formal signing of EO 64 brought even greater joy. “We are overwhelmed. Currently, with the inflation rate, everything has become expensive — food, gasoline, education. The news is a significant relief for our employees,” Penetrante told Panay News. In the provincial government, around 2,171 regular employees are eligible for the salary increase, with 1,568 based at the capitol and 603 in hospitals. When asked if they were satisfied with the upcoming salary increase, Penetrante explained that as government employees, any increase, big or small, is a substantial help. Penetrante also expressed hope for swift implementation, citing Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s (SP) consistent compliance with past salary increases. Penetrante was also pleased to announce that starting next year, employees will receive an annual medical allowance of up to P7,000 to cover health maintenance organization (HMO)-type benefits. “This medical allowance will significantly help everyone, as it adds motivation for our employees to work harder as public servants,” said Penetrante. Araceli Esperidion Aldamar, a public school teacher from Alimodian, Iloilo, expressed her gratitude to the national government for the salary increase. “It’s a big help and serves as recognition of the invaluable contributions teachers make to society,” said Aldamar. Jethro Importado, a public school teacher at Jaro National High School, is grateful for the salary boost, noting it will help alleviate his daily expenses amid rising costs. Ludovico A. Navarro Jr., an employee of the General Services Office (GSO) of the Iloilo City Government, shared his relief upon learning of the increase. “This is a great help for my maintenance and daily expenses, especially since I commute to work daily,” said Navarro. Irish Mae Martirez, a nurse at Western Visayas State University Medical Center, was also thrilled. “The salary increase is a crucial support, especially since I rent my place here in Iloilo City. It helps with food and transportation expenses,” Martirez told Panay News. She thanked President Marcos for recognizing the need for wage increases, especially among nurses. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to finalize the guidelines for releasing the salary increase. The first tranche of the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) VI, retroactive to January 1, 2024, is set to roll out, with a second tranche planned for next year. “We have secured funding not only for this year but also for 2025. The increase this year is assured, and there will be another next year,” Pangandaman said. The additional cost of implementing the first tranche for national government employees in 2024 is estimated at approximately P36 billion, sourced from the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA). The approved increase will be implemented in four tranches, starting retroactively from January 1st of this year. Starting in FY 2025, government workers will also receive an annual medical allowance of P7,000 as part of their benefits package, subject to conditions and guidelines issued by the DBM or the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), as applicable./PN Citation Citation of the article Sornito, I. (2024, August 12). Gov’t employees elated over salary hike, additional benefits. Panay News, 7. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Gov’t employees elated over salary hike, additional benefits Description An account of the resource ILOILO City – Government employees expressed joy and overwhelming satisfaction following the confirmation of an upcoming salary increase this year. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 64, which raises salaries and authorizes an additional allowance for government workers. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Sornito, Ime Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/govt-employees-elated-over-salary-hike-additional-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panay News</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Panay News Incorporated Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 12, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Employee fringe benefits Merit pay Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Iloilo City, the first in the Philippines to be designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, continues to bolster its reputation as a culinary destination with the launch of Coca-Cola Foodmarks. The event, held at Festive Walk Iloilo on August 9, marked the second Coca-Cola Foodmarks location in the country, following its debut in Binondo, Manila. Running from August 9-10 and August 16-17, the Coca-Cola Foodmarks campaign features food festivals highlighting the best of Ilonggo cuisine, perfectly paired with the refreshing taste of Coca-Cola. Pablo Medina, Senior Director for Franchise Operations at Coca-Cola Philippines, emphasized the campaign’s focus on celebrating Iloilo’s rich gastronomic heritage. “This is not just a food festival,” Medina said. “It’s a celebration of Iloilo’s culinary heritage, where families bond over La Paz batchoy, friends toast over sizzling platters of kansi [Ilonggo sour soup made with beef shanks and green jackfruit, flavored with batwan or bilimbi], and communities come together to celebrate the harvest with hearty feasts. And an ice-cold Coca-Cola drink? It’s the perfect note to complete an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.” The launch event included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, attended by Coca-Cola executives and local officials, including Executive Assistant to the Mayor Jay Treñas, representing Mayor Jerry P. Treñas. Treñas expressed the city’s full support for the partnership, highlighting its role in promoting Iloilo as a hub of culinary innovation. “This gastronomic collaboration with Coca-Cola Philippines is not only a celebration of Iloilo’s culinary diversity but also a promotion of our local food industry. We are proud to further Iloilo City’s status as a hub of culinary innovation, complemented by the perfect partner: ice-cold Coke,” he said. The Coca-Cola Foodmarks experience in Iloilo invites food enthusiasts to explore a culinary treasure map of the city, featuring recognized establishments such as Balay Bisaya Batchoy, Jeara’s Tinu-Om, Kap Ising Pancit Molo, and Mat-Mat Talabahan. The campaign aims to create special moments for families and the community while showcasing Iloilo’s gastronomic treasures. Coca-Cola Philippines plans to expand the Foodmarks campaign to more cities across the country, continuing its mission to celebrate and promote the diverse culinary landscapes of the Philippines. Citation Citation of the article Oladive, M. A. (2024, August 12). Coca-Cola Launches Foodmarks in Iloilo to Celebrate Culinary Heritage. Daily Guardian, 10-9. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Coca-Cola launches Foodmarks in Iloilo to celebrate culinary heritage Description An account of the resource Iloilo City, the first in the Philippines to be designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, continues to bolster its reputation as a culinary destination with the launch of Coca-Cola Foodmarks. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oladive, Mariela Angella Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/coca-cola-launches-foodmarks-in-iloilo-to-celebrate-culinary-heritage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Guardian</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Daily Guardian Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 12, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Food tourism Coca-Cola Company Iloilo City of Gastronomy Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document ILOILO – The provincial government is set to declare a province-wide dengue outbreak due to a significant increase in dengue cases. From January 1 to August 3, 2024, the province has recorded a total of 3,608 dengue cases, which includes six fatalities. Notably, in just the week of July 28 to August 3, there were 661 new cases reported, said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), stressing the urgency of the situation. On August 8, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. convened a Provincial Civil Defense Cluster Meeting with department heads to discuss necessary measures to address the continual rise in dengue cases. Thirty-six out of 43 municipalities, including Passi City, have surpassed the alert and epidemic thresholds. The alert threshold serves as an early warning for potential epidemics, while the epidemic threshold indicates a disease occurrence level that requires an urgent response. “Based on the data from our Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), 36 municipalities have breached both the epidemic and alert thresholds. We are planning to declare an outbreak, which necessitates submitting a report to the Department of Health to officially declare a province-wide outbreak,” said Quiñon. Regarding the declaration of a state of calamity, Dr. Quiñon clarified that the IPHO does not determine such declarations as they require the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum Order No. 60, here are the criteria for the declaration of a state of calamity: * at least 15 percent of the forecasted affected population based on science-based projections needs emergency assistance; * at least 30 percent of the means of livelihood in the agricultural, business and industrial sectors are affected; * damage to critical and lifeline infrastructure/facilities such as major roads and bridges, power stations, potable water supply systems, and telecommunication facilities; * widespread destruction of fishponds, crops, poultry and livestock * disruption of lifelines such as food chains, electricity, potable water systems, other transport systems, communication systems, access to health service, and other related systems that cannot be restored within one week, or in the case of highly urbanized areas where restoration of the above lifelines cannot be done within twenty-four hours; and * significant degradation of the environment and natural resources based on the recommendations of government agencies. With the spike in dengue cases, the IPHO has summoned the Municipal Health Officers (MHOs) and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs) of the 43 local government units to discuss and plan effective dengue management strategies. Dr. Quiñon emphasized the need for a collaborative approach: “Let us all help each other. It’s not just the health sector’s responsibility to control dengue; we need the involvement of the entire municipality, the province, and the whole society,” she said./PN Citation Citation of the article Sornito, I. (2024, August 12). Iloilo Province to declare dengue outbreak. Panay News, 1&15. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo Province to declare dengue outbreak Description An account of the resource ILOILO – The provincial government is set to declare a province-wide dengue outbreak due to a significant increase in dengue cases. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Sornito, Ime Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/iloilo-province-to-declare-dengue-outbreak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panay News</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Panay News Incorporated Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 12, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Dengue Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document In the midst of Martial Law, a group of Filipino scientists and researchers were tasked to look for knowledge, ideas, and expertise outside the country to enhance the Philippine livestock industry. While travelling the farmlands of Tokyo, Dr. Bernabe Cocjin, saw the Hinai-dori; Japan’s native chicken. It was at that moment that the young researcher from Panay found an inspiration that would revolutionize the industry. The Hinai-dori, a Japanese native chicken endemic to the Akita Prefecture, is renowned for its taste and quality meat. However, during the Meiji Era (1868–1913), the Hinai-dori breed came to a point where it was at risk of being extinct due to the introduction of exotic and foreign chicken breeds. Guided by a strong cultural pride, the Japanese made an effort to conserve and protect the Hinai-dori and preserve its cultural and economic value. The Japanese implemented policies and provided institutional support to the industry. In fact, by 1942, the Hinai-dori was prescribed as a national treasure of Japan, making it a highly protected commodity. To date, the Hinai-dori is a highly sought-after delicacy bringing much contribution to the Japanese economy. In the 1970’s, the same conflict became evident for the local native chicken industry in the Philippines. Economic-wise, the industry has failed to penetrate a more significant market outside the realm of backyard farming. As the nation intensely focused on industrialization, the poultry industry invested more in highly profitable broiler breeds. Consequently, native chicken breeds across the country were neglected to become mongrels with unrefined and unpredictable performance and characteristics. Dr. Cocjin realized that if the Philippines can emulate the success of Japan in breeding a native chicken of cultural significance, the country might be able to build a strong cultural pride that will help foster socio-economic growth. Being a native of Panay, Dr. Cocjin saw the answer in the farmlands of Iloilo—the Darag Native Chicken. Never heard of Darag? Darag is one of the many native chicken breeds of the Philippines. It is endemic to the islands of Panay and Guimaras and evolved from the Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus bankiva), which has been roaming around Southeast Asia for thousands of years. To the uninitiated, Darag might seem indistinguishable from other types of native chicken breeds. One must be on the lookout for certain characteristics to identify a genuine Darag. Darag, meaning yellow in ‘Kinaray-a’ or Ilonggo, is most recognizable for its yellowish-brown plumage. The color of its feathers is a combination of dark brown and golden yellow with a distinguishable stroke of yellow line on the middle part, from base to tip of each feather. Accompanying the golden coat of Darag are its gray shanks or chicken feet. While other breeds may have a similar yellowish plumage, a genuine Darag must have gray shanks. Interestingly, farmers and breeders intentionally choose to breed chickens with gray shanks because they directly associate gray shanks with tastier meat. One cannot overestimate the satisfaction of eating Darag native chicken. Its savory meat and distinct eating experience are claimed to be better than commercial chicken meat. It also differs from the known taste and experience of eating other native chicken breeds. While Darag meat might be slightly tougher compared to commercial chicken meat, it compensates with the lack of the gamy taste that is often associated with native and wild meats. It is not hard to imagine that all around Iloilo City, Darag has overtaken many businesses. In the wet market of the old town, signages with the phrase ‘Authentic Darag native chicken’ are placed in every direction. Prices of dressed Darag plays competitively well among commercial chickens. Dressed Darag chicken is priced at 350 pesos per kilo, which can be profitable to farmers and sellers. Darag native chicken dishes have also become a go-to meal for locals and tourists alike. Dishes like ’tinuom,’ ’binakol,’ and ’inasal.’ are the common gateway food to taste the Darag. Many restaurants have been offering Darag dishes on a larger scale as the demand increases. Among the well-known establishments offering popular Darag chicken dishes is JR Rawit’s Native Lechon Manok, which has been in the Darag business for 35 years. Developing the Darag The development of Darag Native Chicken started with the initiative of Dr. Cocjin under his tenure at the West Visayas State University in the 1980s. Inspired by Japan’s Hinai-dori, Dr. Cocjin started the research on creating a purified line of Darag in the Philippines. But, just like the mountain ranges of Panay, the task was surely going to be an uphill climb. And the first challenge, of course, was where to start. Panay has been home to a large population of native chickens. The problem was that these populations were mongrels that presented varying performance and unpredictable characteristics. This situation complicates establishing a genuine population of Darag since a chicken that may look like a Darag based on its physical characteristics may carry recessive genes from other breeds. This means that the next generation of chickens will not be uniform and will again have a diverse set of characteristics. The solution was to purify the population of the Darag native chickens through targeted selection and breeding. With the combined efforts of researchers from WVSU led by Dr. Cocjin and institutional support from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), a successful selection and breeding program gave birth to a population of pure Darag native chickens. The program entails collecting enough population of native chickens from different parts of Panay and Guimaras as the first generation for breeding. These chickens were chosen by their physical characteristics as defined by the research of Dr. Cocjin. Through a meticulous selection and breeding process, the researchers developed a purified line of Darag chickens. With each generation being produced, chickens with non-Darag characteristics are taken away from the controlled population to avoid contaminating future generations with other genetic materials. Then, within eight generations of selection and breeding, a pure line of Darag with uniform and predictable characteristics was developed. Dr. Synan Baguio, Director of the Livestock Research Division at DOST-PCAARRD and an advocate of the Philippine Native Livestock Industry, explains that once purified the Darag breed became a more viable livelihood for farmers. “Noong ang Darag ay na-purify na natin, na-achieve na natin yung uniformity ng physical characteristics, predictability in production performance, and consistent product quality.” Dr. Baguio explained. With this, farmers are now able to grow Darag without facing the risk of profit loss due to inferior produce. Investing on tradition Investing in indigenous and grassroots technology may raise some eyebrows, especially in an era where Science is often related to modernity, big industries, advanced technologies, and bigger profit. It is easy to understand that people fear the risk of the unfamiliar. However, DOST-PCAARRD saw an opportunity for the native chicken industry. Dr. Baguio explains that the blossoming Darag industry in Panay is an example of reinforcing culture and pride through science as a platform for greater socio-economic development. “DOST-PCAAARD is supporting the development of Darag native chickens because ethnic delicacy in an area is part of the culture, which when developed properly can be considered one of the cultural prides. And in addition to that, there’s also the opportunity to create a stable livelihood for the farmers and for the processors who would be producing the ethnic delicacies,” said Dr. Baguio. Indeed, the S&T intervention of dedicated researchers has paved the way for a sustainable Darag industry. Moving forward, Dr. Baguio promised that the development of Darag would continue. “Ang ating mga breeding and selection activity ay magpapatuloy dahil gusto pa natin na mas pataasin ang produksyon at kalidad ng Darag na isang Philippine Native Chicken.” He also urged more scientists and researchers to help develop the Darag breed. Currently, DOST-PCAARRD is looking to fund initiatives that will continue to develop the production and sustainability of Darag. Technology to people Now that science has guaranteed the authenticity of Darag, the next step is to make sure that it is available to any consumer who wants to get a taste of it. Farmers and growers are the foundation of the industry. Therefore, empowering them is the key to creating a sustainable Darag native chicken economy. With the developed breeding program of WVSU and supported by DOST-PCAARRD, various trainings and seminars were conducted to capacitate local farmers. These trainings aim to impart the significance of conserving the genetic potential of Darag. One major leap in the promotion of the Darag native chicken was the creation of the Panay Darag Breeders Association (PADABA) in 2017. The group, consisting of over 100 local farmers, business owners, and former OFWs, aims to make the Darag a strong commodity and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers. Agnes Filipinas Moreno, known as ‘Ness’ by her peers, is among the Ilonggo farmers who adopted the breeding program for raising Darag. She is also a PADABA member. Together with her husband, a former OFW, they created a thriving business of breeding and selling Darag. Sharing her farming expertise, Aling Ness says that the production cost for Darag has been relatively cheaper than other breeds. Feed cost, for example, has been cut down to a minimum due to non-reliance on commercial feeds. Being a native breed, Darag native chickens have developed a healthy gut and can consume a variety of forages, giving them a relative advantage compared to other breeds of chickens that rely on commercial feeds alone. “Talagang maganda!” Aling Ness expressed about the business of Darag. “Puwede mong mai-recommend sa iba. Lalo na sa mga retirees. Kasi kung mahalin mo lang [ang Darag] ay bibigyan ka din nila ng magandang [kabuhayan].” (DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services) Citation Citation of the article Mendez, K. V. X. (2024 August 12). Flavors of Science: How Science created an authentic Ilonggo Flavor—Darag native chicken. Daily Guardian, 10-9. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Flavors of science: How science created an authentic Ilonggo flavor—Darag native chicken Description An account of the resource In the midst of Martial Law, a group of Filipino scientists and researchers were tasked to look for knowledge, ideas, and expertise outside the country to enhance the Philippine livestock industry. While travelling the farmlands of Tokyo, Dr. Bernabe Cocjin, saw the Hinai-dori; Japan’s native chicken. It was at that moment that the young researcher from Panay found an inspiration that would revolutionize the industry. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mendez, Karl Vincent S. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/flavors-of-science-how-science-created-an-authentic-ilonggo-flavor-darag-native-chicken/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Guardian</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Daily Guardian Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Audust 12, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Cooking (Chicken) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document USWAG ILONGGO EDUCATIONAL AID; 609 students from 3rd District of Iloilo receive P10,000 each By Panay News -Monday, August 12, 2024 Cong. Jojo Ang of the Uswag Ilonggo Party-list, along with Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor, leads the distribution of educational assistance to 609 students from the Third District on Saturday, August 10, in Pototan town. Cong. Jojo Ang of the Uswag Ilonggo Party-list, along with Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor, leads the distribution of educational assistance to 609 students from the Third District on Saturday, August 10, in Pototan town. ILOILO – Uswag Ilonggo Party-list distributed financial assistance to 609 students in Pototan town on Saturday, August 10. Each student beneficiary from the province’s 3rd District received P10,000 as part of the party-list’s ongoing efforts to support education in Western Visayas. This marks the second time the Uswag Ilonggo Party-list has provided this form of assistance to the 3rd District. Cong. Jojo Ang of the Uswag Ilonggo Party-list emphasized that this initiative is integral to their mission of ensuring a brighter future for the youth in the Third District. “This is part of our commitment to ensure the brighter future of our youth, especially in the 3rd District of Iloilo,” Cong. Ang said. Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., who was present during the distribution, also highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that it is not only a support to students but also a significant help to their families. The event was also attended by 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor and all mayors of the district – Mayor Adi Lazaro of Pototan, Mayor Boboy Pueyo of Cabatuan, Mayor Francis Amboy of Maasin, Mayor Suzette Mamon of Badiangan, Mayor Lydia Grabato of Mina, Mayor Paul Parian of Janiuay, Mayor Reynor Gonzales of Lambunao, Mayor Francisco Calvo of Calinog, and Mayor Mark Palabrica of Bingawan, who showed their full support for the program, underscoring the collaborative effort to uplift the educational standards and overall well-being of the communities in their area. The distribution was through the support of Department of Social Welfare and Development, with Assistant Regional Director Joselito Estember also present./PN Citation Citation of the article Sornito, I. (2024, August 12). USWAG Ilonggo educational aid; 609 students from 3rd District of Iloilo receive P10,000 each. Panay News, 1-2. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource USWAG Ilonggo educational aid; 609 students from 3rd District of Iloilo receive P10,000 each Description An account of the resource ILOILO – Uswag Ilonggo Party-list distributed financial assistance to 609 students in Pototan town on Saturday, August 10. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Sornito, Ime Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/uswag-ilonggo-educational-aid-609-students-from-3rd-district-of-iloilo-receive-p10000-each/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panay News</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Panay News Incorporated Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 12, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Educational assistance 3rd District (Iloilo Province) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reported a significant surge in dengue cases, with 3,608 cases, including six deaths, recorded from January 1 to August 3, 2024. The sharp increase, which includes 661 new cases reported during the week of July 28 to August 3, has alarmed provincial health authorities. “On August 8, during a meeting with the Civil Defense Cluster convened by Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) revealed that 36 municipalities out of 43 in the province have breached both the alert and epidemic thresholds. Consequently, we are planning to declare an outbreak and have already submitted the necessary report to the Department of Health (DOH) to facilitate the declaration of a province-wide outbreak,” Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Head Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon said in a statement on August 9. She reported that Passi City is currently the most affected area, followed closely by the municipalities of Dingle, Lambunao, Oton, Dumangas, Calinog, Badiangan, Janiuay, Barotac Nuevo, and Miagao. Dr. Quiñon further highlighted that, as of Morbidity Week 31, 190 barangays across the province have reported clusters of dengue cases, compared to only 142 barangays in the previous week. Passi City remains the hardest hit, with 16 barangays experiencing clusters of cases, followed by Dumangas with 11 barangays and Dingle with 9. “Breaching the alert threshold indicates a level of disease occurrence that serves as an early warning for a potential epidemic, while the epidemic threshold signifies a level of occurrence that necessitates an urgent response,” Dr. Quiñon explained. In light of these developments, provincial officials are working closely with local government units (LGUs), health offices, and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) teams to implement a comprehensive, society-wide approach to combat the spread of dengue. “Given that we have exceeded these thresholds, we conducted the meeting with respective agencies. A whole-of-society approach is now required as the situation necessitates an urgent response,” she remarked. The IPHO has already submitted an IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) report to the Department of Health (DOH), detailing the current dengue situation in the province. They are now awaiting further instructions from the DOH. Dr. Quiñon clarified that the decision to declare a state of calamity is not within their authority. Citation Citation of the article Oladive, M.A. (2024 August 12). Iloilo to declare province-wide dengue outbreak. Daily Guardian, 2. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo to declare province-wide dengue outbreak Description An account of the resource The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reported a significant surge in dengue cases, with 3,608 cases, including six deaths, recorded from January 1 to August 3, 2024. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oladive, Mariela Angella Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/iloilo-to-declare-province-wide-dengue-outbreak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Guardian</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Daily Guardian Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 12, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Dengue Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document The art group Baysulangpu is set to unveil its latest exhibit, “Dagta-an: Forming New Perspectives,” on August 10, 2024, 6pm, at the Thrive Art Gallery in The Shops at Atria, Donato Pison Ave, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The exhibit traces the group’s history and showcases works from both long-standing and new members, reflecting the evolving artistic landscape of the Ilonggo community. Baysulangpu, an anagram of the Hiligaynon phrase “Pulang Subay,” meaning hard work, was formed in 2001. The group has been an active participant in the local art scene, consistently contributing through exhibitions and community activities. “Dagta-an,” derived from the Hiligaynon word for staining or coloring, symbolizes the group’s infusion of fresh perspectives and skills from new members. The ethos of hard work has always been central to the group. This exhibit is a symbolic passing of the torch, showcasing the evolution of our group and preparing for the future in a rapidly changing art world. The exhibit will feature works from artists such as Arnold Almacen, Dea Mikaela Bañas, Edmar Colmo, Edwin De los Reyes, Johanz Mercurio, June Moreno, Kimpoy Dela Cruz, Onofre Ballescas, Vivien Gardose, and Yanni Ysabel. These artists represent a mix of the original members from 2001 and newer generations, including millennials and Gen Z, who bring diverse skills and perspectives. Baysulangpu has navigated various challenges over the years, including the socioeconomic shifts in Iloilo City and the turnover of members. “Dagta-an” not only highlights these changes but also emphasizes the group’s commitment to adapting and thriving in a constantly evolving art landscape. Each piece in “Dagta-an” tells a story of transition and growth. Baysulangpu is excited to present works that not only honor their history but also push the boundaries of contemporary art. The exhibit aims to engage the community by showcasing the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. It reflects Baysulangpu’s dedication to maintaining relevance and fostering creativity in Iloilo’s art scene. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource ‘Dagta-an’ exhibit showcases evolving art perspectives Description An account of the resource The art group Baysulangpu is set to unveil its latest exhibit, “Dagta-an: Forming New Perspectives,” on August 10, 2024, 6pm, at the Thrive Art Gallery in The Shops at Atria, Donato Pison Ave, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/dagta-an-exhibit-showcases-evolving-art-perspectives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Guardian</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Daily Guardian Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 9, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Exhibitions Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Kevin Pison Piamonte, a renowned Ilonggo in the Philippine arts community, has been awarded the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) Distinguished Alumni Award for Culture and the Arts in Film for his efforts in preserving Visayas tradition and heritage. This prestigious honor is given to UP alumni who have demonstrated remarkable achievements and made substantial contributions to society, bringing pride to the university. Piamonte’s recognition highlights his deep dedication to the arts and education, shining a spotlight on UP Visayas and Iloilo. Piamonte began his UP education as a Batch ’83 graduate from UP High School Iloilo. Interestingly, his first college degree was in Applied Physics at UP Diliman—a stark contrast to the artist he would eventually become. During his freshman year at UP Diliman, Piamonte became a company member of Dulaang UP and was mentored by National Artist for Theater Tony Mabesa. He later completed his degree in Broadcast Communication at UP Visayas. His academic journey continued at the University of Warwick in England, where he earned a master’s in English Language Teaching in 1994 through the British Council’s Chevening Awards. This educational experience has profoundly influenced his teaching philosophy, which he now imparts to his students at the University of the Philippines Visayas. As a filmmaker, Piamonte has garnered numerous accolades. His film “SOLO” won Best Short Film at the 69th FAMAS Awards in 2021 and Best Short Film at the Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival for Health. His filmography includes notable works such as “Land from God,” “Waiting Shed,” “Dog Eaters,” “Baboy Talunon” (Wild Boar), and “Bukog” (Fish Bone). Piamonte’s short stories, such as “The Window Lover” and “Old Woman of the Candles,” have been published in national anthologies and magazines, further solidifying his reputation as a notable fiction writer. Piamonte’s contributions extend to the theater, where he has directed significant productions like “Panayanon: The Epics of Panay” for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the 2002 Sambayan National Theater Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. His adaptation of the neo-sarswela “Juanita Cruz” was another highlight of his theatrical career, featured in the National Theater Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The University of the Philippines’ Board of Regents has recognized Piamonte’s prolific output in the creative arts and art scholarship by conferring upon him the title of UP Artist multiple times. His numerous awards include this year’s UP Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni for Culture and the Arts in Film and the UP Visayas Centennial Award for Outstanding Alumni Achievement in Culture and the Arts. He is also a recipient of the One UP Professorial Chair Awards. Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Piamonte is passionately committed to cultural advocacy. His work often explores and preserves Filipino heritage, making significant contributions to the nation’s cultural consciousness. His documentary “Lugta Ke Tamama” (Land from God) was officially selected for the Busan International Film Festival and showcased at numerous international festivals, highlighting the struggles and resilience of indigenous communities, particularly the Atis in Boracay. Piamonte’s dedication to the arts and cultural advocacy is also recognized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, where he is featured as a theater artist and director. Currently, Piamonte is working on post-production for his first full-length film, “Candè,” slated for completion in 2025. Additionally, he has received a production grant from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for his upcoming film “With Love, Bridgit,” set to begin filming later this year. Piamonte’s teaching and creative works significantly influence the next generation of artists and cultural advocates, embodying perseverance, passion, and a steadfast commitment to the arts and education. Through his films, writings, and theatrical productions, he pushes for his mantra “creating art that matters,” delivering to society the transformative power of creativity and cultural advocacy. Citation Citation of the article Rodriguez, R. (2024 Auguat 5) UP Alumni Association Honors Kevin Piamonte. Daily Guardian. 1-11 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource UP Alumni Association Honors Kevin Piamonte Description An account of the resource Kevin Pison Piamonte, a renowned Ilonggo in the Philippine arts community, has been awarded the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) Distinguished Alumni Award for Culture and the Arts in Film for his efforts in preserving Visayas tradition and heritage. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rodriguez, Robert Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/up-alumni-association-honors-kevin-piamonte/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Guardian</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Daily Guardian Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 5, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Artists Artists Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Iloilo capitol seeks to achieve ‘zero hunger’ province-wide By Ime Sornito -Thursday, August 8, 2024 Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. addresses participants of the Zero Hunger Summit at Casa Real de Iloilo. ILOILO – Through a series of actions addressing hunger and malnutrition, the provincial government seeks to achieve “zero hunger” across Iloilo. On August 6, the first Zero Hunger Summit, themed “Together, We Can End Hunger,” was held at the Grand Social Hall of Casa Real de Iloilo. It convened local chief executives, health, agriculture, and nutrition officers from 43 local government units, alongside representatives from the National Nutrition Council (NNC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and the private sector. Dr. Wendel Marcelo, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office’s (IPHO) Nutrition Action Officer, cited the commitment of participants to devise actionable plans to eradicate hunger in their respective areas. A significant outcome was the provincial government’s pledge, articulated by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, to establish a taskforce focused on consolidating efforts around food security, nutrition, and health. Marcelo said eradicating hunger is achievable only if child malnutrition — manifesting as stunting, wasting, and being underweight — is eliminated. While the trend of malnutrition is on the decline, challenges persist. From 2020 to 2024, underweight cases decreased from 3.47% to 2.40%, wasting from 2.12% to 0.94%, and stunting from 8.73% to 4.52%, representing significant progress in the province’s health outcomes. During the summit, Mark Lawrence Cruz, national coordinator of the Zero Hunger Alliance, introduced the “5M Approach to Zero Hunger”, which includes Magtulungan (partnership for zero hunger); Magpakain (supplemental feeding); Magpakalusog (health and nutrition education); Magtanim (community food farming); and Mag-connect (online platforms for zero hunger). Cruz commended Iloilo for its robust response and collaborative efforts to address malnutrition and emphasized the importance of annual meetings to track progress. Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the core of the province’s nutrition program is ensuring food security, which is fundamental to addressing malnutrition. He outlined that the government’s role transcends direct food provision, focusing instead on capacity building through good governance to empower communities. The summit also served as a platform for sharing various initiatives, such as the ART RESPONSE program, which covers adequate food production, malnutrition rehabilitation, and nutrition worker training. Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Ildefonso Toledo discussed sustainable agricultural programs aimed at creating agri-tourism destinations and supporting nutritionally at-risk families through the distribution of seeds and agricultural inputs. This concerted effort marks a significant step toward eradicating hunger and improving the overall health and well-being of the Iloilo community. (With an additional report from Capitol News)/PN Citation Citation of the article Sornito, I. (2024, August 8). Iloilo capitol seeks to achieve ‘zero hunger’ province-wide. Panay News, 3. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo capitol seeks to achieve ‘zero hunger’ province-wide Description An account of the resource ILOILO – Through a series of actions addressing hunger and malnutrition, the provincial government seeks to achieve “zero hunger” across Iloilo. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Sornito, Ime Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/iloilo-capitol-seeks-to-achieve-zero-hunger-province-wide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panay News</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Panay News Incorporated Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 8, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Hunger Malnutrition Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO)