8 10 356 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 EDUCATION CHAMPION: Treñas’ Uswag Scholarship benefits over 29,000 Ilonggo students By Panay News -Wednesday, March 5, 2025 INVESTING IN ILOILO CITY’S FUTURE. A group of Uswag scholars share an insightful conversation with Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, underscoring the city government’s commitment to investing in the future of the Ilonggo youth. Through the Uswag Scholarship program and other educational initiatives, the Treñas administration remains dedicated to empowering and nurturing the next generation. INVESTING IN ILOILO CITY’S FUTURE. A group of Uswag scholars share an insightful conversation with Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, underscoring the city government’s commitment to investing in the future of the Ilonggo youth. Through the Uswag Scholarship program and other educational initiatives, the Treñas administration remains dedicated to empowering and nurturing the next generation. ILOILO City – For 15 years now, the Uswag Scholarship, a pet program of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas since he was a congressman, has benefitted a total of 29,389 Ilonggo students in this southern city. The scholarship did not just produce graduates but achievers as 419 of them made it with Latin honors. Of the figure, 293 are Cum Laude, 123 are Magna Cum Laude, and three are Summa Cum Laude. Currently, there are 2,000 students enjoying the Uswag Scholarship benefits for school year 2024-2025, which include P5,000 in cash assistance per semester. Many of the 27,000 graduate scholars excel in their respective fields, with some now professionals, including doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers, engineers, and seafarers. Mayor Treñas said seeing the scholars graduate and contribute to the community, especially by improving the quality of life of their families, is the greatest fulfilment of the program. “I feel accomplished leaving the Uswag Scholarship as one of my legacies. I am confident that our Uswag leaders will continue this program because it is an investment in the future of our Ilonggo youth, some of whom could be our future leaders,” he said. For the scholars, the Uswag Scholarship is not just a support system; it has become one of their biggest motivations to excel academically. “I worked hard in my studies for my parents and for the people who believed in me — especially the Uswag Scholarship program, which became one of my biggest motivations to strive for excellence, not just for myself, but for the community that has supported me,” said Uswag scholar Jean-Ann D. Laurilla, who graduated with a degree in BS Community Development and earned Latin honors at the Iloilo Science and Technology University. For Laurilla, her scholarship journey doesn’t end with graduation. She vows to continue striving, keep learning, and make a positive impact as her way of giving back to the community. Another scholar, Keith Bryan P. Palomado, who graduated with a degree in BS Maritime Transportation at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), shared that the financial support provided by the Uswag Scholarship was not only a relief to his family but also instilled in him a sense of responsibility and determination to excel. “I am proud to have been part of this program, and it inspired me to work hard and achieve my goals. I also appreciate the government’s commitment to education, which made a significant difference in our lives,” Palomado said. Meanwhile, as chairman of the Local School Board, Treñas emphasized the relentless efforts to improve education in Iloilo City. The construction of school buildings, upgrading of school facilities, increasing resources, and supporting students and teachers remain top priorities. The commitment to education also includes programs for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and basic education, with 202 modern ECCD centers built. All these efforts earned the city the Gawad Edukampyon para sa Lokal na Pamahalaan award for an outstanding ECCD program. Moreover, through the Special Education Fund (SEF), the Treñas administration has invested over P2 billion since 2019 for the construction and rehabilitation of school buildings, classrooms, and other facilities, benefiting students from early childhood care and development to senior high school. Additionally, the Iloilo City Community College (ICCC) and the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC) provide free education and have produced thousands of graduates. In 2023, ICCC introduced new programs, BS in Special Needs Education and BS in Criminology, in addition to BS in Tourism Management and BS in Office Administration Learning resources were enhanced by setting up library hubs, with seven public libraries in operation and more planned. Private sector donations have included books, computers, and learning materials. The city’s sports program for the youth, the Iloilo City Sports Academy, was a national finalist for the Galing Pook Award in both 2023 and 2024./PN Citation Citation of the article Sornito, I. ( 2025, March 5 ). EDUCATION CHAMPION: Treñas’ Uswag Scholarship benefits over 29,000 Ilonggo students. 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 EDUCATION CHAMPION: Treñas’ Uswag Scholarship benefits over 29,000 Ilonggo students Description An account of the resource ILOILO City – For 15 years now, the Uswag Scholarship, a pet program of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas since he was a congressman, has benefitted a total of 29,389 Ilonggo students in this southern city. 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/education-champion-trenas-uswag-scholarship-benefits-over-29000-ilonggo-students/" 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 March 5, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Scholarships Uswag Ilonggo Partylist 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 emphasizes safety amid heightened fire threats By Panay News -Tuesday, March 4, 2025 By DHARLYN MAE QUBING Intern, University of Antique ILOILO – As the threat of fire looms, the Iloilo provincial government is ramping up its campaign for Fire Prevention Month this March, urging residents and businesses alike to take immediate steps to safeguard themselves against potential disasters. With fire-related incidents continuing to pose a significant risk to lives and properties, the provincial government is calling on the public to adopt fire safety measures and increase awareness on how simple actions can drastically reduce fire hazards. The risk of fire is always present, and it only takes a moment for a small spark to escalate into a life-threatening disaster, according to the provincial government. This month, it is intensifying its fire safety campaign to ensure that everyone knows what to do before, during, and after a fire. March has been designated as Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in 1991, an agency tasked with ensuring fire safety across the country. This month-long observance serves as a reminder of the importance of fire prevention, especially as incidents often spike during the dry season, when fire hazards are heightened. Through its Balita sa Kapitolyo Facebook Page, the provincial government is actively disseminating fire prevention tips, hoping to reach as many households and institutions as possible. They are encouraging everyone to be vigilant and adopt these simple yet effective safety measures: * Unplug devices when not in use and avoid overloading circuits. * Check for leaks and store liquefied petroleum gas tanks in well-ventilated areas. * Enforce a strict “No Smoking” policy at home and dispose of cigarette butts properly. * Keep flammable materials like candles, lighters, and matches out of children’s reach. * Establish emergency and evacuation plans, and familiarize everyone with escape routes. * Close doors to contain the fire, breathe through a wet cloth to avoid smoke inhalation, and remember to call 911. Fire safety isn’t just the responsibility of the government, it’s a collective effort, according to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., adding that community involvement and preparedness could mean the difference between life and death. In line with this initiative, the Department of Interior and Local Government in Iloilo City is also urging both public and private institutions to actively participate in the month-long campaign under the theme, “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa”./PN Citation Citation of the article Qubing, D. M. ( 2025, March 4 ). Iloilo emphasizes safety amid heightened fire threats. 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 Iloilo emphasizes safety amid heightened fire threats Description An account of the resource ILOILO – As the threat of fire looms, the Iloilo provincial government is ramping up its campaign for Fire Prevention Month this March, urging residents and businesses alike to take immediate steps to safeguard themselves against potential disasters. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Qubing, Darlyn Mae Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/iloilo-emphasizes-safety-amid-heightened-fire-threats/" 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 March 4, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Fire prevention Fire risk assessment Iloilo City 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 Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores wins Sinamba sa Regatta 2025 By Ma. Theresa Ladiao -Monday, March 3, 2025 Sinamba sa Regatta, a group dance competition inspired by Iloilo’s maritime heritage, is part of the annual Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival. Iloilo City Government Photo Sinamba sa Regatta, a group dance competition inspired by Iloilo’s maritime heritage, is part of the annual Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival. Iloilo City Government Photo ILOILO City – Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores from Jalandoni Memorial National High School clinched the championship title in Sinamba sa Regatta 2025, earning the honor to represent Iloilo City in the prestigious Aliwan Fiesta 2026. The victory was announced by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas before the start of the paraw sailing competition on March 2, held as part of the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival in Arevalo district. “This victory is a testament to the talent and dedication of our Ilonggo performers. We are proud to showcase our culture and traditions on a national stage, and I am confident that Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores will make Iloilo City proud in Aliwan Fiesta 2026,” said Mayor Treñas. In addition to the championship title, the group garnered several special awards, including Best in Street Dance, Best in Music, Best in Choreography, Best in Original Composition, and Best in Performance. Complete List of Winners * Champion – Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores * 1st Runner-Up – Grupo del Oeste * 2nd Runner-Up – Grupo Bailarines del Manduryaw * Best in Street Dance – Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores * Best in Production Design – Grupo Bailarines del Manduryaw * Best in Music – Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores * Best in Choreography – Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores * Best in Costume – Grupo Bailarines del Manduryaw * Best in Original Composition – Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores * Best in Performance – Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores * Best in Duo Performance – Grupo del Oeste * Most Disciplined – Baile de Obreros The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) has been advocating for greater recognition of the city’s diverse festivals, including the Paraw Regatta Festival, alongside the world-renowned Dinagyang Festival. Sinamba sa Regatta continues to serve as a platform for Ilonggo creativity, featuring high-energy dance performances, intricate costumes, and music inspired by Iloilo’s maritime heritage./PN Citation Citation of the article Ladiao, M. T. ( 2025, March 3 ). Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores wins Sinamba sa Regatta 2025. Panay News, 4&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 Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores wins Sinamba sa Regatta 2025 Description An account of the resource ILOILO City – Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores from Jalandoni Memorial National High School clinched the championship title in Sinamba sa Regatta 2025, earning the honor to represent Iloilo City in the prestigious Aliwan Fiesta 2026. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ladiao, Ma. Theresa Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/grupo-ilonggo-de-saltatores-wins-sinamba-sa-regatta-2025/" 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 March 3, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Festivals Aliwan Festival Paraw Regatta Festival 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 Ilongos did not see this coming so soon. Travelers were greeted this year to not two but now three international destinations they can fly out to from Iloilo. First it was the reinstatement of the flights to Singapore and Hong Kong which were suspended during the pandemic in 2020 and now, Bangkok has been added to the list. Filipinos have breached themselves to be in the top bracket in tourist arrivals in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and remarkably, in Japan and South Korea as well. More than 500,000 Filipinos visited these countries in 2024, and that’s a revelation well respected in the travel and tourism sectors. Without doubt, Ilongos will contribute significantly to the numbers in 2025. Cebu Pacific has answered their call for more flights. Apart from the three international destinations the airline has also provided connectivity to 12 domestic points (and still counting), laying ideal conditions for business and tourism growth for Western Visayas. Never has Iloilo been so effectively linked to so many cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao as of today. The airline has recently added Dumaguete, Daraga, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Zamboanga to their existing routes to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos and Puerto Princesa. The question now is sustainability. Cebu Pacific, with an impressive marketing network and solid operations, can only do so much. Local stakeholders in the entire island and across to Negros Occidental should capitalize on these linkages and do their share in creating awareness and benefits of this regional aviation hub, literary, at their doorsteps. To many, it would mean, no more torturous connecting flights in Manila. The options are opened now to depart from Iloilo City for Singapore and connect with almost 20 airlines to choose from, to anywhere in Europe or the East Coast of North America and any city in Australia and New Zealand. Likewise, from Hong Kong, one can connect anywhere to North America with almost a dozen flights a day to San Francisco and Los Angeles and New York. How local stakeholders – LGUs, hoteliers, resort owners, tour operators, travel agents and business chambers – can contribute to its regional hub success is plentiful: – Participate in road shows with the airline and tourism and transportation companies to create awareness of the Iloilo hub to Capiz, Antique, Aklan, Guimaras and Negros Occidental. These provinces serve as the catchment market. – Host travel agents, travel writers, bloggers, influencers both foreign and local, to familiarization trips to your cities in collaboration with the airline. – Promote your local festivals with greater intensity than ever, targeting Cebu Pacific’s network inside your radar. – Participate with the regional Department of Tourism office (DOT6) in sales missions to Singapore and Hong Kong to create a healthy inbound market. – As your destination is relatively unknown (except for Boracay which is perched as an elite class of its own), create attractive tour packages and reach out to a consortium of agents and wholesalers in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. – DOT6 and the Iloilo MICE Alliance to initiate and implement a long term marketing plan for 2025 with support from LGUs and business establishments such as SMX, SM Malls, Ayala, Injap Holdings, Megaworld, Iloilo Festival Foundation and our new airport operator. – Riding on helping a brother principle, explore viability of an turbo prop aircraft service between Iloilo City and Caticlan, cutting land travel from 6 hours, to perhaps 30-40 minutes. The list goes on. Cebu Pacific’s investments in mounting and sustaining these flights are enormous in every angle we look at it. We asked for these flights for connectivity, growth and economic reasons. Let’s do our role now and sustain these flights for continued progress and a better tomorrow. Citation Citation of the article Lim, C. (24 February 2025). Sustaining the Iloilo hub, 1. https://dailyguardian.com.ph/sustaining-the-iloilo-hub/ 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 Sustaining the Iloilo Hub Subject The topic of the resource Tourism Business Air travel Description An account of the resource Ilongos did not see this coming so soon. Travelers were greeted this year to not two but now three international destinations they can fly out to from Iloilo. First it was the reinstatement of the flights to Singapore and Hong Kong which were suspended during the pandemic in 2020 and now, Bangkok has been added to the list. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lim, Charles Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/sustaining-the-iloilo-hub/">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 February 24, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Iloilo International Airport 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 City government, through the Office of Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), has launched “Halad Paglibot Para sa Aton Senior Citizens,” a travel program allowing elderly residents to explore the city’s key tourist attractions. Fifteen officers of the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines–Iloilo City chapter participated in the program’s inaugural guided tour on Feb. 20. The half-day itinerary featured rolling tours and stopovers at heritage sites, including Jaro Cathedral and Belfry, Molo Mansion, Molo Plaza, and Molo Church. OSCA head Eleanor Gregorio said around 20 senior citizens would be accommodated for the tour every Thursday. Interested participants must register with OSCA and present a senior citizen ID as proof of residency. Mathilde Treñas, special assistant to Mayor Jerry Treñas, said the program aims to help seniors appreciate Iloilo’s heritage while promoting local tourism. ADVERTISEMENT She noted that many elderly residents rarely leave their homes, making this initiative an opportunity for them to visit the city’s cultural and historical landmarks. The city government encourages more senior citizens to participate. Citation Citation of the article Oladive, M. A. (2025, February 24). Iloilo City launchers senior citizen's travel program. DailyGuardian, 2, 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 Iloilo City launches senior citizen's travel program Subject The topic of the resource Older people Iloilo (Philippines)--Tours Description An account of the resource The Iloilo City government, through the Office of Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), has launched “Halad Paglibot Para sa Aton Senior Citizens,” a travel program allowing elderly residents to explore the city’s key tourist attractions. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oladive, Marela Angella Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/iloilo-city-launches-senior-citizens-travel-programx1/#google_vignette" title="Iloilo City launches senior citizens travel program">DailyGuardian</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available DailyGuardian Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 24, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Tourism 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 A year ago, I made a decision that had been on my mind for some time—I came back home to Iloilo. After years of working with multinational and national organizations, I had grown used to the fast pace of life in bigger cities, the wealth of opportunities, and the exposure to world-class innovation. But something kept pulling me back. Iloilo was changing, and I could feel it. Coming home wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was about recognizing the incredible potential of our city and province and wanting to be part of its transformation. I didn’t return to slow down; I came back to build something meaningful. What I’ve found in the past year is that Iloilo is no longer the city we once knew—it’s on the rise, and it’s calling its people back to help shape its future. Iloilo’s Time Has Come Iloilo is now one of the fastest-growing economies in the country. No longer just a quiet cultural hub, it is becoming a major center for trade, agriculture, education, lifestyle, and innovation in the Visayas. International flights are opening Iloilo to global markets, making it easier for businesses to connect beyond our borders. The Visayas Container Terminal is strengthening our position as a logistics hub, and with the construction of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge finally underway, Iloilo is becoming a vital link between key economic regions. Government leaders are also making bold moves to position Iloilo as a viable alternative for business process outsourcing (BPO) companies looking for locations outside Metro Manila and Cebu. Infrastructure projects continue to modernize the city and province, yet Iloilo has managed to retain its charm, its livability, and its deep sense of community. Even beyond the city, developments are now spreading across the province, creating new centers of opportunity in towns that were once left behind. Why It’s Time to Come Back With all these changes, Iloilo is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to build. And as the city grows, it needs Ilonggos with global experience to help shape its future. Our local economy is expanding, but real, sustainable progress will require professionals who understand international standards and best practices. We need experts who can bridge the gap between local industries and global trends—leaders in trade, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, retail, digital transformation, healthcare, fintech, learning and development, research, and academia. These fields are growing fast, but to truly thrive, they need professionals who can introduce fresh ideas and modern strategies while keeping our community’s values intact. Singapore offers a valuable case study. When the city-state faced a talent drain, its government launched programs to bring back its best and brightest. It didn’t just appeal to sentiment—it presented a vision. Singaporeans who returned were given opportunities that matched, if not exceeded, what they had abroad. Their expertise became the fuel for national progress. Today, Singapore stands as a global powerhouse, thanks in large part to those who chose to return and contribute. Iloilo is now at a similar turning point. If we want to continue this upward trajectory, we need Ilonggos who are willing to take the leap—those who can bring their global insights home and turn them into tangible progress. More Than Just Jobs—It’s About Building Something Meaningful Coming home isn’t just about finding a job. Iloilo is fast becoming a place where entrepreneurship can flourish. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, now is the time. The local market is ready for innovation, and there is plenty of room for new ideas to thrive. When I came back a year ago, I wasn’t looking to simply continue what I had been doing elsewhere. I wanted to create something here—to use my experience to help local businesses grow, to mentor, to collaborate, and to contribute to an Iloilo that is rapidly evolving. And I’ve found that there is an incredible energy in the city, a hunger for fresh perspectives, and a growing openness to change. To the Government: Support Returning Ilonggo Talents For this movement to gain momentum, the government must play an active role. While the city and province are already making strides in attracting investors and businesses, there is a clear need for programs that specifically target the return of Ilonggo global talents. Incentives such as tax breaks for returning entrepreneurs, startup grants, professional reintegration programs, and access to industry networks can make the decision to come home even more compelling. Creating dedicated initiatives for returning Ilonggo professionals—similar to what Singapore implemented—would not only enrich our local workforce but also accelerate Iloilo’s growth as a regional hub for innovation and excellence. The public and private sectors must work together to create an ecosystem where global talents can thrive, knowing that their return home is not just welcomed but supported with concrete opportunities to contribute meaningfully. The Future Is Being Written—Be Part of It Iloilo is not the same city it was a decade ago, and in another ten years, it will look even more different. The question is, will we let others define that change for us, or will we take part in shaping it ourselves? This is not just an invitation to come back home—it’s a call to build. To lead. To create an Iloilo that doesn’t just compete with other cities in the Philippines but earns its place on the global stage. Imagine building a career where you don’t have to choose between success and quality of life. Imagine being surrounded by fellow Ilonggos who, like you, have seen the world and are ready to bring the best of it home. Imagine raising your family in a city that offers modern amenities while staying true to the values that make Iloilo special. Come back home. Bring your expertise, your experiences, and your vision. Let’s build a stronger, more innovative, and world-class Iloilo—together. ___ Ken Lerona is a marketing and branding leader with over 20 years of experience. He conducts talks and workshops for private and government organizations and consults on innovation and reputational risk management. Connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenlerona. Citation Citation of the article Lerona, K. (2025, February 24). Calling global Ilonggo professionals: Come back home and build a brighter future here. Daily Guardian, 7, 9. https://dailyguardian.com.ph/calling-global-ilonggo-professionals-come-back-home-and-build-a-brighter-future-here/ 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 Calling global Ilonggo professionals: Come back home and build a brighter future here Subject The topic of the resource Professionals Iloilo (Philippines) Economic development Description An account of the resource A year ago, I made a decision that had been on my mind for some time—I came back home to Iloilo. After years of working with multinational and national organizations, I had grown used to the fast pace of life in bigger cities, the wealth of opportunities, and the exposure to world-class innovation. But something kept pulling me back. Iloilo was changing, and I could feel it. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lerona, Ken Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/calling-global-ilonggo-professionals-come-back-home-and-build-a-brighter-future-here/" 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 February 24, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article 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 Amid a surge in dengue cases, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is urging the public to support the Department of Health’s (DOH) nationwide “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” campaign, which promotes eliminating mosquito breeding sites every Monday at 4 p.m. Launching today, Feb. 24, the initiative calls on government offices, schools, barangays, and communities to participate in a province-wide Search and Destroy Mosquito Breeding Sites Kickoff Event to curb the spread of dengue. With the province exceeding both alert and epidemic thresholds, health officials stress the urgency of sustained community participation in preventive measures. The campaign aims to instill a habit of environmental cleanliness and vector control to reduce mosquito-borne infections. CASES SURGE BY 77% All 42 municipalities and one component city in Iloilo have reported dengue cases, with 592 infections and five deaths recorded from Jan. 1 to Feb. 15. This marks a 77% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The hardest-hit municipalities include: Leon – 33 cases Oton – 32 cases (1 death) San Joaquin – 32 cases Dumangas – 31 cases Cabatuan – 28 cases Lambunao – 24 cases San Dionisio – 23 cases Banate – 20 cases Janiuay – 19 cases Tigbauan – 19 cases (1 death) The province’s latest fatality is a 2-year-old girl from Tigbauan. Other deaths have been reported in Pototan, Carles, and Oton, affecting individuals from infancy to old age. Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Qui√±on, IPHO head, warned that dengue cases are expected to continue rising due to the region’s three-year dengue outbreak cycle. The IPHO urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience dengue symptoms, including sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. To combat dengue, the public is encouraged to follow the 4S strategy: -Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites -Secure self-protection by wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent -Seek early consultation for symptoms like high fever, headache, and rashes -Support fogging in areas with high case numbers Quiñon assured that dengue patients can avail themselves of free consultations and treatment at all district and government hospitals in the province, as mandated by an executive order from Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. Additionally, PhilHealth covers up to PHP19,500 for dengue treatment and PHP47,000 for severe cases. “Let’s not wait for the situation to worsen. We need to act now to prevent more people from falling victim to this deadly disease,” Quiñon said. Citation Citation of the article Oladive, M. A. (2025, February 24). Iloilo provincial backs 'alas kwatro kontra mosquito'. 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 province backs 'alas kwatro kontra mosquito' Subject The topic of the resource Dengue Cleaning Description An account of the resource Amid a surge in dengue cases, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is urging the public to support the Department of Health's (DOH) nationwide “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” campaign, which promotes eliminating mosquito breeding sites every Monday at 4 p.m. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oladive, Mariela Angela Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/iloilo-province-backs-alas-kwatro-kontra-mosquito/">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 February 24, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Department of Health Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) PhilHealth 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 construction of the Philippines’ largest desalination plant is now underway, marking a major step toward addressing Iloilo City’s growing water demand and securing a sustainable water supply. Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, alongside Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, and Metro Pacific Water (MPW) executives, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the 66.5-million-liter-per-day (MLD) facility on Feb. 21 in Barangay Ingore, La Paz. The project, spearheaded by MPW, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp (MPIC), will provide a dedicated water source for the city, doubling its current capacity through Metro Pacific Iloilo Water. “This project is a testament to our commitment to improving the lives of our people, providing not only water but also promoting sustainability and safety for the Ilonggos,” Treñas said The new supply aims to resolve the long-standing issue of water scarcity, particularly in the City Proper district. “This project will double the water capacity for the entire city through Metro Pacific Iloilo Water, the largest water distribution utility in Iloilo. For the first time, a dedicated water source will be allocated to the City Proper district, effectively addressing the long-standing issue of water scarcity in the area,” Treñas emphasized. He emphasized how essential safe drinking water is, pointing out that in 2022, a severe gastroenteritis outbreak affected all areas of the city, including Ingore barangay. According to the mayor, this project aims to address both Iloilo City’s present water requirements and ensure adequate supply for its continued expansion and development. “We are here today because of the strong partnership between the City of Iloilo, Metro Pacific Water, and all our partners. This project is a testament to our commitment to improving the lives of our people, providing not only water but also promoting the sustainability and safety of the Ilonggos,” the city mayor addressed the attendees during the groundbreaking ceremony. The P5.5-billion facility, developed in partnership with French water management firm Suez, will utilize advanced reverse osmosis technology to convert seawater into potable water. Once operational, it will supply an additional 50,000 households, ensuring a reliable water source even during droughts and reducing dependency on rivers and groundwater. By providing a consistent and dependable supply, it aims to bolster Iloilo’s position as a thriving economic hub driven by business process outsourcing, tourism, and other industries. “MPW’s commitment to providing sustainable water solutions is at the heart of this project. It underscores our dedication to supporting Iloilo’s rapid growth and development. This innovative and sustainable desalination facility will provide a long-term solution to the water challenges of Iloilo,” said Andrew Pangilinan. EXPANDING WATER SOLUTIONS FOR ILOILO As Iloilo continues to develop as a major economic hub outside Metro Manila, Treñas highlighted MPW’s commitment to exploring additional water sources. Plans include modular desalination plants to reinforce supply in high-demand areas such as Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao. The city mayor compared Iloilo’s initiative to Dubai’s use of desalination technology, stressing the urgency of further increasing the water supply. “MPW understands that the current supply is still not enough. They will continue to seek additional sources to meet the growing needs of our residents,” he added. The project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to ensure all households in Iloilo have access to potable water. The project combines the expertise of MPW, Suez, and JEMCO. With its five-decade experience in desalination and reputation as a worldwide authority in water and waste management, Suez will provide technical guidance for building and running the plant. “This facility will establish new standards for water sustainability projects across the Philippines while ensuring Iloilo’s water security through our advanced technology,” said Suez Asia chief Farchad Kaviani. Beyond serving Iloilo City, MPIW’s comprehensive plan aims to tackle water shortages in surrounding towns like Pavia, Leganes, Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan, Oton, San Miguel, and Maasin. The project is expected to serve as a model for other Philippine regions struggling with water access. Integrated Waste Management to Power Sustainability Alongside the desalination plant, Iloilo City is taking another groundbreaking step in environmental stewardship with plans for an advanced waste management facility (ISWMF) that will power the water facility. The project, a partnership between the city government, MetPower Venture Partners Holdings, Inc., and MPIC, mirrors the progressive environmental approaches seen in other Southeast Asian nations by turning waste into valuable resources. Rather than using incineration, the facility will employ a more environmentally conscious approach combining three technologies: Mechanical Biological Treatment, Anaerobic Digestion, and Combined Heat and Power. The process will generate methane-rich biogas to produce 3.5 MW of renewable energy, which will power MPW’s desalination plant. Additionally, the process creates solid digestate that can be used as agricultural fertilizer. The timing is crucial, as the city’s Calahunan landfill is nearing capacity, making this eco-friendly and cost-effective solution particularly vital for the city’s future waste management needs. Citation Citation of the article Oladive, M. A. (2025, February 24). BREAKTHROUGH FOR WATER SECURITY: Largest PHL desal plant to address city’s demand, propel sustainable growth. DailyGuardian, 1,7. 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 BREAKTHROUGH FOR WATER SECURITY: Largest PHL desal plant to address city’s demand, propel sustainable growth Subject The topic of the resource Sustainability Water-supply Iloilo (Philippines) Desalination and water purification Description An account of the resource The construction of the Philippines’ largest desalination plant is now underway, marking a major step toward addressing Iloilo City’s growing water demand and securing a sustainable water supply. 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/breakthrough-for-water-security-largest-phl-desal-plant-to-address-citys-demand-propel-sustainable-growth/#:~:text=The%20construction%20of%20the%20Philippines%E2%80%99%20largest%20desalination%20plant,water%20demand%20and%20securing%20a%20sustainable%20water%20supply.">DailyGuardian</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 February 24, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Iloilo City Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) 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 Archdiocese of Jaro will formally install Archbishop-elect Midyphill Billones as its 14th archbishop in a Eucharistic celebration on April 2 at 9 a.m. at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News. Billones, who has served as auxiliary bishop of Cebu since 2019, will succeed Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo, whose resignation was accepted by Pope Francis on February 2. Lazo, 76, has led the archdiocese since 2018 and will remain in the community as archbishop emeritus. Billones’ appointment marks a homecoming, as he was ordained a priest in Jaro nearly 29 years ago. The Vatican announced his selection on February 2, coinciding with the feast of Our Lady of Candles, the patroness of Jaro and Western Visayas. Born in Panay, Capiz, Billones studied Philosophy at St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary in Iloilo City and completed Theology at the Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City, where he also earned a master’s degree. He was ordained a priest on October 2, 1995, and later served as personal secretary to former Jaro Archbishops Alberto Piamonte and Angel Lagdameo. In 2011, he completed a Doctorate in Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Before his appointment as auxiliary bishop of Cebu in July 2019, Billones served as rector of St. Joseph Regional Seminary in Jaro. He was ordained bishop on August 27, 2019, at Jaro Cathedral. A day before Billones’ installation, the archdiocese will also celebrate Lazo’s 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. Lazo was ordained a priest for the Diocese of San Jose de Antique on April 1, 1975. He was appointed bishop of Kalibo in 2003, where he served for six years before transferring to San Jose de Antique in 2009. As archbishop of Jaro, Billones will oversee Iloilo City, Iloilo province, and Guimaras. The Archdiocese of Jaro is one of the largest ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the Philippines, known for its rich Catholic heritage and deep devotion to Our Lady of Candles. Citation Citation of the article Oladive, M. A. (2025 February 24). Jaro Archdiocese to Install 14th Archbishop on April 2, 1. https://dailyguardian.com.ph/jaro-archdiocese-to-install-14th-archbishop-on-april-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 Jaro Archdiocese to Install 14th Archbishop on April 2 Subject The topic of the resource Catholic Church Priests Archbishops Description An account of the resource The Archdiocese of Jaro will formally install Archbishop-elect Midyphill Billones as its 14th archbishop in a Eucharistic celebration on April 2 at 9 a.m. at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News. 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/jaro-archdiocese-to-install-14th-archbishop-on-april-2/">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 February 24, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Iloilo City 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 P15-M solid waste mgt facility to rise in Estancia By Ime Sornito -Friday, February 14, 2025 ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. handed over a P15-million check to the local government unit (LGU) of Estancia on Thursday morning, February 13, for the establishment of a solid waste management and material recovery facility. Mayor Mary Lynn Mosqueda received the check from the governor, joined by Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) chief Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr. and Estancia Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Ginalen Ruth S. Loy. Mosqueda said the facility would greatly help the municipality in addressing its growing waste management issues. Defensor, a strong advocate for environmental sustainability, has consistently supported efficient waste management initiatives across the province. In an interview with Panay News, Mitzi Peñaflorida, senior environmental management specialist at PGENRO, revealed that the construction of Estancia’s solid waste management facility would begin as soon as possible. The Estancia municipal government had already acquired a lot for the facility’s construction, which will significantly improve waste management by diverting recyclable materials and reducing the need for waste disposal in Passi City. Currently, Estancia’s residual waste is being disposed of at the Passi City sanitary landfill; it pays P792.24 per ton of waste. The planned facility will serve as a final segregation area, a storage space for recyclable materials that can be sold, and a composting site for organic waste./PN Citation Citation of the article Sornito, I. ( 2025, February 14 ). P15-M solid waste mgt facility to rise in Estancia. Panay News, 4. 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 P15-M solid waste mgt facility to rise in Estancia Description An account of the resource ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. handed over a P15-million check to the local government unit (LGU) of Estancia on Thursday morning, February 13, for the establishment of a solid waste management and material recovery facility. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Sornito, Ime Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="ILOILO%20%E2%80%93%20Gov.%20Arthur%20Defensor%20Jr.%20handed%20over%20a%20P15-million%20check%20to%20the%20local%20government%20unit%20(LGU)%20of%20Estancia%20on%20Thursday%20morning,%20February%2013,%20for%20the%20establishment%20of%20a%20solid%20waste%20management%20and%20material%20recovery%20facility." 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 February 14, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Integrated solid waste management Estancia