8 10 713 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 It is without exaggeration to say that much have been heard from the violin of Mr. Kabayao and much more have been written to laud and celebrate his virtuosic career. And aptly so for a Filipino musician who has maintained a renowned, if not too prominent, stature in classical music and in the reinterpretation of local melodies and tunes. Kabayao was cut to the tradition of classical artistes. Following a breakthrough concert at Carnegie Hall in New York, he undertook a world tour that brought the young violinist through the various music capitals of the world and established him as the new rising star of his time, in the performance and interpretation of the great composers. Suffice it to say that Paris, Brussels, Vienna, Spain, and Tokyo, among others, heard the lyrical virtuosity of his violin and applauded him to rave reviews. While the canon for masterful violin music might run with names most unfamiliar – think Paganini, Sarasate, Wieniawski, Kreisler, or Ravel – Kabayao was able to breathe new life to these masterpieces. Carrying on the legacy of his contemporaries, counting among them would be his instructors Theodore and Alice Pashkus (who also mentored Yehudi Menuhin on the instrument), the young violinist quickly found his niche in the realm of the musical performative. But Kabayao did not limit himself to the constraints and constructs of the concert stage. He understood the universality of the music that he performed and as such, broke conventions that it may reach further and wider audiences, especially putting in the front row the common tao. Far from the glitter and glamor of opulent concert halls filled with musical luminaries was the violinist’s burning zeal for the less privileged to experience the music of the masters. The image stuck with him: what was truly avantgarde and unique about his ‘brand’ of classical music was the manner with which he brought this to the Filipino masses. By jeepney or truck, on improvised stages or at open-air spaces, his trusted Stradivarius lifted the spirits and warmed the hearts of his listeners, and for some of them, introduced them to names and melodies that would have been limited solely to audiences clad in gowns and tuxedoes. In basketball courts, open-air quadrangles, makeshift platforms, prisons, hospital corridors, auditoriums, cockpits, classrooms, and practically everywhere where there are willing hearts and ears to appreciate these melodies, Kabayao was more than ready to accommodate them. Simple enough was his musical gospel: classical music – in all its sundry genius and dynamism – is never elitist and the humblest of Filipinos has every right to hear and appreciate it. His critics and their critiques were unanimous in their acclamatory verdict. “He believes that bringing music to the people was a form of public service and that music should be shared,” wrote Nati Valentin in a 1961 review published in Manila Times. Quite aptly, a 1972 article featured in New Sentinel would provide a belated rejoinder that “if one of these days a market vendor recognizes a Tchaikovsky, or a grade schooler pauses to hum a Beethoven, there’s only one man…to give credit to for all these – Gilopez Kabayao.” With a career that has coursed through the limelight and ornate stage of the Great Hall of Vienna to the crudest and coarsest cockpit in the country, his passion and verve for music, in all its diverse aspects, remained undiminished. That was his mission in the name of art, as columnist Jaime Picornell described it. In a 1972 review, writer Exequiel S. Molina commented on a series of his concerts and observed that the violinist was convinced that in a world that hardens men and women, “callousness can be overcome by the soothing, elevating, humanizing, and divinifying power of music.” Carrying out this musical crusade by the most unconventional methods, Kabayao has indeed brought Bach to the boondocks and Mozart to the barrios. Through the decades, he was the quintessential ‘traveling salesman of music’ to Filipino audiences: traipsing amid townspeople of the provinces, among the sugarcane laborers of Negros and Hawaii, rubbing shoulders with the construction workers at the Arabian desert – all in the name of music. Not for nothing did Kabayao’s admirers attach the moniker of ‘the artist for the Filipino people’ to his name. (The author is the subject area coordinator for Social Studies in one of the private schools in the city. The photos are used with permission from the Kabayao family.) Access Note Note about nature of access (if by request, etc.) Estolloso, J.A.S. (2024, May 27). Gilopez Kabayao’s musical crusade. Daily Guardian. 10-11 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 Gilopez Kabayao’s musical crusade Description An account of the resource It is without exaggeration to say that much have been heard from the violin of Mr. Kabayao and much more have been written to laud and celebrate his virtuosic career. And aptly so for a Filipino musician who has maintained a renowned, if not too prominent, stature in classical music and in the reinterpretation of local melodies and tunes. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Estolloso, John Anthony S. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/gilopez-kabayaos-musical-crusade/" 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 May 27, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Violinists Kabayao, Gilopez L. Gilopez Kabayao Notable Ilonggos 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 While much have been said and written about Dinagyang as a religious festival and as a cultural celebration, there are sparser conversations about the annual festivity as street theater. Watch one, even just one, performance of a competing tribe and you will encounter the essential elements of the theatre magnified in the most spectacular dimensions; of course, at its core would be the creative storytelling and the deep-seated characterization that gives the celebration much of its festive spirit. Yet this piece of street theater that makes its presence felt every January is often viewed and understood through a purely devotional or cultural lens. What of its thespian aspect – to paraphrase Whitman’s verse, the performed compendium of powerful plays that goes on annually? For even in its most basic staging, the Dinagyang is inherently a public spectacle, requiring a public arena and the public gaze. Not unlike the dramaturgy of ancient Athens or the rotund spaces of the Elizabethan theatre, it is cut as communal art and entertainment. In the reiteration of narratives, the rhythmic statements of musical themes and motifs, the ostentatious display of pageantry and costumery, and the mise-en-scène of set designs is the coming together of artists and audience to retell once more the stories the build up our imagined past and heritage. With such, the festival fulfills the basic function of theatre: in retelling these legends and plots, it takes slices of mythological time – that is, a recurring ‘present’ transcending chronological time – and projects the events in a shared space, as informal instruction or sheer diversion. It then becomes a meeting place where the contemporary must come to terms with the ‘re-imagined’ past, an aspect of theatre that has not changed much since the times of Sophocles or Shakespeare. By understanding or reinterpreting what is believed to be plausible (though not necessarily factually true) in this past, the Dinagyang infuses a religious verve to the mythology. Beneath the feathery plumes and chromatic headdresses, the overly ornate spears and shields, the hypnotic drumbeats and skirls, the frenetic leaping and swaying of heroes and warriors, and the gargantuan sets and props looming and moving through the streets are the integral legends of Ilonggo heritage intertwined with a populist and intense devotion to the Santo Niño. At the heart of the festival’s storytelling is its remarkable characterization. Albeit the absence of a spoken script, choreographic movement and gestural nuance performed en masse move the plot forward. Augmented by theatrical cosmetology, costumery, and heavily rhythmic notation, the Dinagyang can easily be charged with exoticism – yet for some reason, our Ilonggo sensibilities do not find this masquerade of blackface racist or culturally inappropriate at all. Ultimately, Dinagyang as street theater involves both performer and onlooker. More than just the execution of theatrical elements, there is the encouragement to the audience to take part in the performative and thus, the festival climaxes to the carefree street-dancing and merrymaking of its evenings, an elusive reminder that the theatrical art in its Athenian infancy was a Bacchic festival, replete with wine, choric song, and bawdy humor. One hears in the panáad an echo of the invocation to the divines recited by the masked Chorus at the start of the drama. In the sádsad and dagyang at the streets, we see glimpses of a modern and subdued bacchanalia while the Dionysian rites of alcoholic libations and burnt oblations are reincarnated by the evenings’ merrymaking inebriated with beer and barbecue of the food stalls. January of next year would find the same spectacle staged at our streets – and quite rightly so. The theatricality of the Dinagyang is the Ilonggos’ effusive outburst of religious fervor melded through an amalgamation of artistic mediums, familiar yet also fresh to their sensibilities. The stories will be somehow similar to the previous years’, the musical instruments will be the same, the visual designs thematically parallel to previous performances, but they will always be new to the audience, locals and tourists alike. After all, the Dinagyang is street theater: there is nothing inherently original there, only the novel and the well-loved that makes the powerful play go on. [The writer is the subject area coordinator for Social Studies in one of the private schools of the city; the artwork is by Kyle Benedict Sioco. Additional photos courtesy of Al Destacamento and Ramil Gorrieza] Citation Citation of the article Estolloso, J. A. S. (2024, January 30). Dramaturgy of the street. Daily Guardian, 10. 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 Dramaturgy of the streets Description An account of the resource While much have been said and written about Dinagyang as a religious festival and as a cultural celebration, there are sparser conversations about the annual festivity as street theater. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Estolloso, John Anthony S. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/dramaturgy-of-the-streets/#google_vignette" 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 January 30, 2024 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Festivals Dramaturgy https://iloiloelibrary.com/files/original/5e504398aa6c865d217bed1a28fa56c6.pdf 9ed6205a9df5374488270ff33f8c0d34 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 LibroIlonggo Description An account of the resource Books by Ilonggos and about Iloilo Province 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. Citation Citation of the article Fajardo, L. V. (1961). Visayan folk dances: Volume 1. Manila: Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation. Access Note Note about nature of access (if by request, etc.) Full text available 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 Visayan folk dances: Volume one Subject The topic of the resource Folk dances Description An account of the resource Folk dancing is an essential unit of the total physical education program. At present all public and private schools in the Philippines include folk dance instruction in their physical education classes. Folk dancing was never taken up by large numbers until recent years. The revival of interest and the increased popularity of our native folk dances must nave been brought out by the success of the performances of the different folk dance groups in the country and abroad. Our folk songs and dances have been handed down to us our heritage. They evolved during a time about which have very written historical records. Except for the pioneering work of Mrs. Francisca Reyes Aquino, Philippine folk dance literature is unquestionably meager in this country. The publication of a book containing instruction in dancing is very appropriate at this time since it will meet the needs of many teachers and leaders in the physical and dance fields. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Fajardo, Libertad V. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1961 Language A language of the resource English Ilonggo culture https://iloiloelibrary.com/files/original/33b5471dda6ce01cd49d6490c9703e18.pdf 030d2915874bfcfbb466546b1e89b24f 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 LibroIlonggo Description An account of the resource Books by Ilonggos and about Iloilo Province 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. Citation Citation of the article Sia, E. J. and Fonacier, K. (2017). Life principles by Injap Sia. Mandaluyong City: Summit Publishing Co., Inc. Access Note Note about nature of access (if by request, etc.) Preliminary pages and table of contents only 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 Life principles by Injap Sia Subject The topic of the resource Sia, Edgar "Injap" Jaruda, II Biographies Businessmen Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Fonacier, Kristine Sia, Edgar "Injap" Jaruda, II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Summit Publishing Co., Inc. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Book Notable Ilonggos 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 prov’l gov’t mulls Pan de Azucar as eco-tourism hub By Neljoy N. Galigao -Thursday, April 24, 2025 Pan de Azucar Island, famous for its towering Mount Pan de Azucar (Sugarloaf Mountain), is home to three barangays: Macatunao, Talotu-an, and Tambaliza. Its rich biodiversity and natural beauty make it an ideal candidate for eco-tourism. Pan de Azucar Island, famous for its towering Mount Pan de Azucar (Sugarloaf Mountain), is home to three barangays: Macatunao, Talotu-an, and Tambaliza. Its rich biodiversity and natural beauty make it an ideal candidate for eco-tourism. ILOILO – The provincial government is ramping up efforts to position Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion town as a leading eco-tourism destination, with a focus on sustainable development and environmental preservation. Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. recently met with officials and stakeholders from the Save Pan de Azucar group to discuss the island’s transformation into a model eco-tourism site that will conserve its unique ecosystems while fostering local tourism. Pan de Azucar, famous for its towering Mount Pan de Azucar (Sugarloaf Mountain), is home to three barangays: Macatunao, Talotu-an, and Tambaliza. Its rich biodiversity and natural beauty make it an ideal candidate for eco-tourism. To further this vision, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias convened a coordination meeting with the Provincial Tourism Office and local barangay officials. The goal of the meeting was to assess the island’s tourism potential, evaluate its existing infrastructure, and pinpoint opportunities for sustainable development. “First, we need to inventory our tourism assets and facilities and determine the needs of the island to make it an eco-tourism area,” Banias stressed. As part of the initiative, the provincial government plans to organize a broader stakeholders’ meeting to align various development proposals with the needs and aspirations of Pan de Azucar’s residents. This inclusive approach aims to maximize the economic and social benefits of tourism while ensuring that the island’s ecological integrity is maintained. In 2024, residents near Pan de Azucar raised concerns about proposed quarry and mining activities on the island, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the environment and public health. They expressed strong opposition, particularly due to concerns over arsenic contamination in the local groundwater, underscoring the island’s vital ecological role. The move to develop Pan de Azucar into an eco-tourism hub is in line with Governor Defensor’s Executive Order No. 168, which established the “Turista sa Barangay” program. This initiative promotes rural tourism by developing villages as attractive destinations for visitors and creating spaces that cater to tourists while ensuring environmental sustainability. As part of this effort, the provincial government is also focusing on reforestation and social forestry projects to preserve and enhance green spaces across the region./PN Citation Citation of the article Galigao, N. ( 2025, April 24 ). Iloilo prov’l gov’t mulls Pan de Azucar as eco-tourism hub. 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 Iloilo prov’l gov’t mulls Pan de Azucar as eco-tourism hub Description An account of the resource ILOILO – The provincial government is ramping up efforts to position Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion town as a leading eco-tourism destination, with a focus on sustainable development and environmental preservation. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Galigao, Neljoy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/iloilo-provl-govt-mulls-pan-de-azucar-as-eco-tourism-hub/" 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 April 24, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Ecotourism Reforestation Concepcion 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 Debuque rallies SP to embrace unity, critical thinking By Neljoy N. Galigao -Thursday, July 3, 2025 Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque flashes a confident smile as she presides over the inaugural session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo, marking her first official act as the province’s second-highest official. NELJOY GALIGAO/PN Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque flashes a confident smile as she presides over the inaugural session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo, marking her first official act as the province’s second-highest official. NELJOY GALIGAO/PN ILOILO – In her first official act as presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque called on Provincial Board members to set aside politics, embrace diversity, and adopt critical thinking to craft policies that reflect the real needs of the people. Addressing the SP during its inaugural session at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Debuque underscored the importance of listening, reasoning, and respectful debate to improve legislation and governance. “Many were curious as to how I will manage as presiding officer. One of the key things instilled in me is critical thinking. To listen, to question, to reason, and thus I encourage everyone to have debates, to tackle and have different opinions — not for the sake of disagreement, but to sharpen our ideas and arrive at a better outcome for our people,” she said, Debuque, a former mayor of Anilao, also emphasized the importance of collective effort and humility in governance: “What I have learned as a Mayor of Anilao for the last nine years is that you cannot govern alone. I will enjoy the pleasure and the challenge of presiding over the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo.” She also acknowledged the shared vision among board members and expressed optimism for their legislative term: “I am excited to put my heels on rest and work with you. I would also like to be with my fellow Board Members in their shared vision for the Province of Iloilo.” New board members likewise used the session to affirm their commitment to public service. First District Board Member Rica Jane Garin, in her maiden speech, said she was overwhelmed by the support she received and vowed to give back through dedicated service. “Amo ja ang una nga beses nga pag-intra ko sa serbisyo publiko kag nabatyagan ko gid nga sobra-sobra ang anda nga pagpalangga kanakon… Wala man ni sa ambition ko nga mangin board member… but nevertheless I take pride sa pagsalig ka akon pamuluyo,” said Garin. Third District Board Member Mark Palabrica recalled his early exposure to public service as a youth leader during Boys and Girls Week: “I never imagined that after 32 years of being a Boy Provincial Board Member… I am now elected as a regular member of the SP… As a newly-elected SP member, I will try my best to accomplish my mandate of being the voice of the people.” Fourth District Board Member Dominique Paul Oso echoed his colleagues’ sentiments, saying: “Tinguhaan ko nga ang ila pagpalangga baylohan ko sang akon kapisan, nga mag serbisyo sang tampad kag sa bilog man nga probinsya.” Board Member Nielito C. Tupas of the 5th District also spoke of a renewed sense of purpose in his return to the board: “Nagbalik ako kay may mga kulang… ang third run is to God, to myself, and to the 5th District, that in mind tinguhaon ko gid nga makahimo kag makabulig.” Fellow 5th District Board Member Rolex Suplico offered a reflective take on their legislative role: “What we do in life echoes in eternity… We are legislating lives, not just paperwork. At the end of the day, we are here to realize the dreams not just of this generation, but for generations to come.”/PN Citation Citation of the article Galigao, N. ( 2025, July 3 ). Debuque rallies SP to embrace unity, critical thinking. Panay News, 3&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 Debuque rallies SP to embrace unity, critical thinking Description An account of the resource ILOILO – In her first official act as presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque called on Provincial Board members to set aside politics, embrace diversity, and adopt critical thinking to craft policies that reflect the real needs of the people. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Galigao, Neljoy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/debuque-rallies-sp-to-embrace-unity-critical-thinking/" 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 July 3, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Local government Sangguniang Panlalawigan 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 Initiative seeks to address youth joblessness, strengthen Iloilo Province’s middle class By Neljoy N. Galigao -Monday, July 7, 2025 A total of 102 Ilonggo youth were recognized during the JobStart SCST Recognition Program held at the Grand Dame Hotel in Iloilo City. The training was led by the Office of the Provincial Public Employment Service Manager in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment. A total of 102 Ilonggo youth were recognized during the JobStart SCST Recognition Program held at the Grand Dame Hotel in Iloilo City. The training was led by the Office of the Provincial Public Employment Service Manager in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment. ILOILO – A total of 102 Ilonggo youth from various towns in Iloilo Province have completed a 10-day Soft/Core Skills Training (SCST) under the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) JobStart Philippines Program – a step toward addressing youth unemployment and supporting the province’s vision of a robust middle class. The SCST graduates were honored in a recognition program held on July 2 at the Grand Dame Hotel in La Paz district, Iloilo City. The training forms the first phase of JobStart Wave 2025, aimed at improving the employability of at-risk youth through life skills development, job readiness activities, and career coaching. Implemented in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Public Employment Service Manager (OPPESM), local government units, and the private sector, the program is aligned with Iloilo’s development blueprint, MoRProGRes, which seeks to create a globally competitive and resilient province driven by a strong and financially capable middle class. Provincial Administrator Raul Banias credited OPPESM, led by Dr. Cynthia Dario, for the successful implementation of the JobStart program in Iloilo. “This is about preparing young Ilonggos for the demands of the job market and giving them a better shot at long-term success,” he said. Fourth District Board Member Rolando Distura highlighted the importance of empowering youth with the skills needed to thrive across various sectors, “We are committed to providing relevant training that allows them to compete in today’s fast-evolving labor landscape,” he noted. DOLE Iloilo Field Office Director Joselito De la Banda emphasized that the JobStart program does more than just connect young people to jobs. “It instills soft skills like communication, teamwork, and discipline—qualities that are crucial for career growth and industry relevance,” he said. JobStart Philippines, institutionalized through Republic Act No. 10869, offers structured pathways for unemployed youth through partnerships with employers. It aims to bridge gaps in job readiness and ease the transition from school to work. Dr. Dario echoed the urgency of the initiative, pointing out that nearly half of the country’s unemployed are youth — many of them recent graduates. “You are fortunate to have undergone this training that has better prepared you for the workforce,” she told the graduates, commending their dedication. The program is expected to play a vital role in tackling youth unemployment in Iloilo and building a more skilled and competitive generation of workers — paving the way for greater economic resilience across the province./PN Citation Citation of the article Galigao, N. ( 2025, July 7 ). Initiative seeks to address youth joblessness, strengthen Iloilo Province’s middle class. Panay News, 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 Initiative seeks to address youth joblessness, strengthen Iloilo Province’s middle class Description An account of the resource ILOILO – A total of 102 Ilonggo youth from various towns in Iloilo Province have completed a 10-day Soft/Core Skills Training (SCST) under the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) JobStart Philippines Program – a step toward addressing youth unemployment and supporting the province’s vision of a robust middle class. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Galigao, Neljoy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/initiative-seeks-to-address-youth-joblessness-strengthen-iloilo-provinces-middle-class/" 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 July 7, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Employment Unemployment 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 PhilHealth expands Z-Benefit coverage; free hip, knee implants now accessible in WV By Neljoy N. Galigao -Monday, September 1, 2025 ILOILO City – Western Visayans suffering from hip fractures, arthritis, and other mobility-related illnesses may now undergo life-changing orthopedic surgeries without the crushing financial burden, as the government-owned Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) launched the Z-Benefit Package for Orthopedic Implants. The program covers expensive procedures such as hip arthroplasty, with financial assistance ranging from P48,000 to P169,400 depending on the implant used. Beneficiaries include PhilHealth members — direct and indirect contributors — and their qualified dependents who pass the clinical criteria set by accredited hospitals. “For the Z-package benefit criteria, for the joint replacement, there are certain criteria: First, the patient should be ambulatory, then the disease, either he or she has a leg fracture or arthritis, whatever the cause is in the hip joint, then that will be considered as okay to proceed, plus, the risk factors, so the anaesthesiologist will also assist the patient if there are 2-3 comorbidities only. Meaning, even after the surgery, the patient will still benefit from the surgery, not really in high risk. Those are the criteria,” explained Dr. Michael Muñoz, vice president of the Philippine Hip and Knee Society, during a press conference on Aug. 29. WVMC data show that from January to August 2023 alone, the hospital processed 444 orthopedic implant claims. The most common were arm and forearm plating (129 cases), femur intramedullary nails with interlocking screws (106), locked compression plates (59), cementless partial hip prostheses (47), and cementless total hip prostheses (29). Smaller numbers were recorded for knee prostheses, wrist plating, and other implant procedures. “That is why we prioritize orthopedic procedures here in Western Visayas — to ensure that our people, especially the Ilonggos, have the opportunity and the freedom to move around and lead productive lives. We are dedicated to improving health outcomes and empowering individuals through accessible orthopedic care,” said Dr. Guadalupe V. Matejka, WVMC chief training officer. She noted that mobility loss often forces patients into dependence on family members, creating financial strain and worsening poverty. “The Z-Benefit package provides free implants for hip and knee surgeries,” added Dr. Justinian Aquilino IV Cyril Ll. Pimentel, president of the Philippine Orthopaedic Association, crediting PhilHealth’s role in supplying implants while surgeons provide expertise. Philippine Hip and Knee Society president Dr. Herminio R. Valenzuela Jr. highlighted the urgency, saying the country conducts only 12,000–15,000 joint replacement surgeries annually, far below the estimated need of 75,000–80,000. “PhilHealth’s support, particularly through the Z-Benefit package, will be instrumental in addressing this demand and will enhance access to joint replacement surgeries for more Filipinos, especially among the elderly,” he stressed. From 2023 to August 2025, PhilHealth allocated P30.39 million to WVMC for Z-Benefit claims, including orthopedic implants, cancer care, coronary bypass grafts, and leukemia management, according to regional vice president Lazaro T. Tabsing. PhilHealth urged members to visit www.philhealth.gov.ph/PN Citation Citation of the article Galigao, N. [ 2025, September 1 ]. PhilHealth expands Z-Benefit coverage; free hip, knee implants now accessible in WV. Panay News, 3&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 PhilHealth expands Z-Benefit coverage; free hip, knee implants now accessible in WV Description An account of the resource ILOILO City – Western Visayans suffering from hip fractures, arthritis, and other mobility-related illnesses may now undergo life-changing orthopedic surgeries without the crushing financial burden, as the government-owned Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) launched the Z-Benefit Package for Orthopedic Implants. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Galigao, Neljoy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/philhealth-expands-z-benefit-coverage-free-hip-knee-implants-now-accessible-in-wv/" 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 September 1, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Orthopedic implants Health insurance Public health Western Visayas Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) 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 Mamon elected unopposed as new LMP-Iloilo president By Neljoy N. Galigao -Monday, September 1, 2025 ILOILO – Badiangan’s Mayor Suzette Mamon has officially taken the helm of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Iloilo Chapter after winning the presidency unopposed in an election held on August 30. Mamon’s rise to the post was widely expected after Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. publicly endorsed her candidacy in July, citing her “extensive experience and demonstrated potential to lead the league.” She previously served as LMP-Iloilo vice president and was regarded as the natural successor of outgoing president, San Enrique mayor Rosario Mediatrix Fernandez. The nomination process saw Miag-ao mayor Oscar “Richard” Garin endorsing Mamon without any opposition, leading to her proclamation. Newly elected officers also took their oath before Defensor during the same event. “I have served as an officer for many years and have done so voluntarily. The Mayor’s League functions as a consultative, participative, and collaborative organization. It provides a platform for all local government units (LGUs) and mayors to engage in cooperative efforts and develop beneficial programs originating from our Governor. We are consistently prepared to collaborate and disseminate these initiatives within our respective LGUs,” Mamon said in her acceptance speech. Mamon, known for her inclusive and participative leadership style, vowed to strengthen cooperation among Iloilo’s municipalities during her 2025-2028 term. Newly Elected LMP-Iloilo Officers (2025-2028) * President – Mayor Suzette A. Mamon (Badiangan) * Executive Vice President – Mayor Ma. Teresa F. Debuque (Anilao) * Vice President for External/Special Concerns – Mayor Oscar “Richard” S. Garin Jr. (Miag-ao) * Secretary-General – Mayor Joe Abad S. Lazaro (San Joaquin) * Treasurer – Mayor Ian Kenneth A. Alfeche (Alimodian) * Auditor – Mayor Matt P. Palabrica (Bingawan) * Business Manager – Mayor Ma. Angelica Bianca Requinto-Espinosa (Estancia) * Public Relations Officer – Mayor Ma. Jofel M. Soldevilla (Zarraga) * Sergeant-at-Arms — Mayor Rey P. Grabato (Mina) * General Legal Counsel – Mayor Virgilio T. Teruel (Tigbauan) Board of Directors * 1st District — Mayor Janette G. Colada (Guimbal), Mayor Vicente E. Escorpion Jr. (Igbaras) * 2nd District — Mayor Bonifacio Salapantan Jr. (San Miguel), Mayor Ma. Lina C. Holipas (Leon) * 3rd District — Mayor Elizalde G. Pueyo (Cabatuan), Mayor Rafael Enrique P. Lazaro (Pototan) * 4th District – Mayor Gian Carlo Niño P. Fernandez (San Enrique), Mayor Robert Martin U. Pama (Dueñas) * 5th District – Mayor Jon N. Aying (Sara), Mayor Nielo C. Tupas (Barotac Viejo)/PN Citation Citation of the article Galigao, N. [ 2025, September 1 ]. Mamon elected unopposed as new LMP-Iloilo president. 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 Mamon elected unopposed as new LMP-Iloilo president Description An account of the resource ILOILO – Badiangan’s Mayor Suzette Mamon has officially taken the helm of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Iloilo Chapter after winning the presidency unopposed in an election held on August 30. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Galigao, Neljoy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/mamon-elected-unopposed-as-new-lmp-iloilo-president/" 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 September 1, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Municipal government Local government Leadership Alimodian Anilao Badiangan Barotac Viejo Bingawan Dueñas Estancia Igbaras Leon Miag-ao Mina Pototan San Joaquin Tigbauan Zarraga 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 WVSU dominates licensure exam for teachers, tops both elementary and secondary levels; University produces three topnotchers By Neljoy N. Galigao -Saturday, December 20, 2025 ILOILO City – West Visayas State University (WVSU) once again asserted its dominance in teacher education by emerging as Top 1 Best Performing School in both the elementary and secondary levels of the 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LET), producing three national topnotchers and posting near-perfect passing rates across programs. WVSU logged a 99.26 percent passing rate in the elementary level after 134 of 135 examinees from its Main Campus passed the exam, while 241 of 242 takers hurdled the secondary level for a 99.59 percent passing rate, also earning the university the top spot nationwide. Capping the university’s standout performance, three WVSU graduates landed in the national Top 10 of the September and November 2025 LET. Bea Mae E. Balanza, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English from the Main Campus in La Paz, Iloilo City, placed 9th with a 93.20 percent rating, while fellow Main Campus graduate Franchesca Kimberly Ann Louise Anib Altes, also an English major, ranked 10th with 93.00 percent. Another WVSU graduate, Mary Diane Garcia Dulay of the Himamaylan Campus, also secured a 10th-place finish with a 93 percent rating in the same secondary education category. WVSU president Dr. Joselito Villaruz said the 2025 LET marked a milestone for the university, noting that it was the first time both elementary and secondary results were simultaneously considered in national rankings. “We’ve always maintained a culture of excellence at WVSU, starting with a careful selection process of students entering our programs, followed by high-quality instruction throughout their academic journey,” Villaruz said. He underscored the role of faculty mentorship and institutional support in sustaining WVSU’s performance. “Our dedicated faculty members play a crucial role in nurturing our students’ talents and preparing them for successful careers as educators,” Villaruz added. While celebrating the university’s sweeping success, Villaruz acknowledged that two WVSU graduates did not pass the examination, describing the outcome as a temporary hurdle. “We remain supportive of these two students. It’s just a minor setback; with resilience and preparation, we believe they will succeed in future attempts,” he said. Nationally, the LET remained highly competitive, with 57,729 of 79,493 examinees passing at the secondary level, and 21,967 of 43,035 passing at the elementary level—figures that further highlighted WVSU’s exceptional performance relative to the national average. Education officials said WVSU’s results reinforce its reputation as one of the country’s leading teacher-training institutions, setting a benchmark for excellence in licensure performance and educator preparation./PN Citation Citation of the article Galigao, N. [ 2025, December 20 ]. WVSU dominates licensure exam for teachers, tops both elementary and secondary levels; University produces three topnotchers. Panay News, 3&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 WVSU dominates licensure exam for teachers, tops both elementary and secondary levels; University produces three topnotchers Description An account of the resource ILOILO City – West Visayas State University (WVSU) once again asserted its dominance in teacher education by emerging as Top 1 Best Performing School in both the elementary and secondary levels of the 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LET), producing three national topnotchers and posting near-perfect passing rates across programs. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Galigao, Neljoy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/wvsu-dominates-licensure-exam-for-teachers-tops-both-elementary-and-secondary-levels-university-produces-three-topnotchers/" title="Panay News" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.panaynews.net/wvsu-dominates-licensure-exam-for-teachers-tops-both-elementary-and-secondary-levels-university-produces-three-topnotchers/</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 December 20, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Teachers Licensure examination State universities and colleges Academic achievement Himamaylan Iloilo City West Visayas State University