14 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 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 https://iloiloelibrary.com/files/original/f4fcefba86879d24026262fb7284d00c.pdf 8280e227bfd2b1c3bce0f65015b19f7d 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 Tourism Description An account of the resource Information on tourism in Iloilo Province and municipalities 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 GUIMBAL, Iloilo is a unique blend of old and new that gives a distinctive charm to visitors. Despite its bustling main roads, the town offers a calming and peaceful atmosphere amid historic treasures. It has fascinating restored landmark buildings found along the way such as Guimbal National High School along the National Highway of the Poblacion. Established in June 1946, this huge learning institution sits on an 8-hectare lot at the corner of Rizal and Magsaysay streets. Its centerpiece is the Gabaldon building, the first to be constructed in the school premises. A feature of the first decades of the American colonial rule, Gabaldon buildings are schoolhouses built from 1907 to 1946. Made mostly of wood, the building is situated on an elevated area flanked by two 11-step stairs. The building is dominantly painted in white with touches of dark brown and red, contrasting nicely with the bright blue sky behind it. Its frontage bears the name “Mataas na Paaralang Nasyonal ng Guimbal.” The Guimbal Central Elementary School across the National High School also has its own Gabaldon Building. Facing the main entrance, it is situated in the left side of the main building. The Gabaldon Building is dominantly painted in green with yellow and white patches. It has five front pillars and attached to the middle pillar is a brass plate with the seal of the United States of America and the text, “Rebuilt with the Aid of the People of the United States of America Under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946.” On top of the brass plate is the name of the school with an old Philippine seal. The picturesque St. Nicolas of Tolentine Parish Church is the most popular attraction for visitors of this town. The Baroque architectural style of the present church is a reconstruction of the first church built in 1774. Its outside walls are of yellow sandstone. However, it was destroyed in an earthquake in 1787. More reconstructions came in 1893 to 1896 but was again destroyed during the Second World War and the 1948 Lady Kaykay earthquake. Still big draws for visitors are the 17th century Bantayans found in Barangays Rizal Tuguisan, C. Colon, and Pescadores. These are just a few of the oldest remnants of the original Spanish settlement in Guimbal. The Bantayans remind us of their original function of securing the area from pirates. The Moros depopulated many of our Christianized coastal towns through their merciless constant attack. They swept the coasts and ravaged everything. Towns are looted and burned and their inhabitants carried off as slaves. Some areas were almost completely abandoned by their inhabitants and discouraged settlement. The Bantayans are still impressively intact and definitely worth seeing. The Guimbal Steel Bridge measuring 348 meters long and almost 11 meters wide is considered the Longest Steel Bridge in Western Visayas. It connects Barangay Bagumbayan to Barangay Bongol. It is made of Pittsburgh Steel from Virginia, USA and was finished in 1932. Getting around Guimbal is not a problem even if you do not have a car as there are tricycle services throughout the town. The town is open to everyone eager to explore its rich culture and history. Also known for its quiet beaches, not to mention many accommodation establishments to choose from, Guimbal clearly has a lot to offer to visitors. Guimbal is a Fourth-Class municipality located 29 kilometers south from the city. The town shares borders with Tigbauan in the east; in the northeast by Tubungan; Igbaras in the northwest; and west by Miagao. It has a land area of 4, 448 hectares politically subdivided into 33 barangays and populated by 33, 820 inhabitants based on the 2015 Census on Population data. To get to the town, one can take a Guimbal jeepney from the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary in Barangay Mohon, Oton or the Iloilo Terminal Market in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala I or wait at Arevalo Plaza, Iloilo City. For more information, please contact Municipal Tourism Officer Karen Felicio at 09177222477. Know more what do when in Guimbal during the 15th Tumandok Celebration in celebration of Tourism Month on September 18-22, 2019 at the event center and fountain area of Robinsons Iloilo main mall. The event is brought to you by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism, DOT-VI, Robinsons Place Iloilo and Daily Guardian. Citation Citation of the article Marin, B. G. (2019, August 16). Guimbal: Modern amenities and classic historic charm. Daily Guardian. https://dailyguardian.com.ph/guimbal-modern-amenities-and-classic-historic-charm/ 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 Guimbal: Modern amenities and classic historic charm Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marin, Bombette G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/guimbal-modern-amenities-and-classic-historic-charm/">Daily Guardian</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Daily Guardian Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 16, 2019 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Guimbal Tourism https://iloiloelibrary.com/files/original/f30e867e272cc0319d03942e4f13c2e3.pdf f66079f6d91f6a0e1bfc692ee331632c 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 Tourism Description An account of the resource Information on tourism in Iloilo Province and municipalities 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 OTON, ILOILO is a lovely seaside town located just over 10 kilometers in the southern portion of the province. Like most Ilonggo towns, it has a colorful history. The town may be a lesser-known historic destination compared to its neighboring municipalities but still offers some great sites. There are a bunch of great historic sites to take in. Oton is home to First Pueblo in Panay founded by the Spaniards in 1570. To enter the town, one must pass Batiano Bridge, an important landmark with Batiano River serving as a trading site during the Chinese and Spanish era. Oton became the seat of government of Panay and Negros islands. After the Spaniards had established their convent in Cebu in 1565, they started preaching the Gospel in Oton. The natives were known to be “master shipbuilders” for they had shipyards for building large ships and the women were engaged in weaving as most homes had a loom that produced fine textile materials. Oton was a major Chinese trading port in the Philippines. A rare Chinese burial gold leaf mask, one of the oldest objects found in Barangay San Antonio, was excavated in the 1970s by Alfredo Evangelista and F. Landa Jocano. Made of finely created gold sheets, the mask covers both eyes and a disc that covers the entire nose. The golden mask is part of a burial tradition by a limited group of Filipinos who have had early contacts with Chinese merchants. The gold death mask was dated to the late 14th to the early 15th century A.D. It was declared as a National Cultural Treasures and is known to be one of the 15 Most Intense Archaeological Discoveries of the Philippines. The Immaculate Conception Parish Church (the old church of Oton and the second to be constructed) was known as one of the best and the only one of its style in the entire archipelago. It was constructed in 1874 and was finished in 1889 under the supervision of Fr. Nicolas Gallo and was blessed and inaugurated in 1891. It resembled the Gothic cathedral of Byzantine. Greek and Gothic architectural designs, patterned after a Greek cross capped by a magnificent dome and light Gothic towers decorate the church with its main altar at the center. It was destroyed by a powerful earthquake, Lady Kaykay on January 25, 1948, and was never restored. What was left of the church were the two bells and a few stone stumps, now engulfed by the roots of a humungous tree, are used as walls for a grotto found just outside of the present church. The present image of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception on the roof of the church, still from the second church, looks over the town. Oton has its share of buildings and houses that spell out the past. The present Municipal Building, though renovated, was constructed in 1955. After the American forces liberated the island of Panay, it was in the years 1952 -1963 when Simplicio C. Carreon became the Municipal Mayor of Oton. Senator Jose C. Zulueta, the Senate President in 1953 and an Ogtonganon himself, helped build the Municipal Hall which is presently the main building. Oton Central Elementary School was established in 1911-1913. The Americans took over the town in February 1900 and with the coming of the Thomasites in the area made education accessible to everyone. It was in the time of Municipal President Epifanio Tiapon when the elementary school was constructed along with the concreting of the Public Market and the construction of the road going to the town of Alimodian. Oton National High School, formerly known as Oton Regional High School, conducted refresher courses at the Oton Public Market on March 22 to June 1945. The regular school year opened in June 1945 and ended March 1946 with Mr. Elpidio L. Cabus as the school principal. The establishment of the secondary school was realized when the Planta Family donated 4.6 hectares of land where the first 24-classroom quadrangular-shaped building was constructed through the efforts of their PTA. The Oton Catholic Cemetery was believed to have been built alongside the second church, making it the oldest cemetery in the province. Its centerpiece is the circular capilla that is made of stone. It has three entrances. On top of the main entrance are three identical skulls on crossbones; two of which are situated at both ends of the main entrance with two chalices situated a little higher; the other is on the upper center of the capilla. The first-class town of Oton is situated south of the province. It is approximately 10.2 kilometers or a 30-minute ride from Iloilo City and is bordered on the east by the district of Arevalo in Iloilo City; in the west by the municipality of Tigbauan: in the north by San Miguel; and the southern portion by a stretch of the shoreline of the Sulu Sea. It has a land area of 8, 456 hectares that are politically subdivided into 37 barangays. Oton is populated by 89,115 (2015 Census on Population) Ogtonganons. Market day is every Monday and Saturday. Its Municipal Fiesta is celebrated every December 8 in honor of our Lady of Immaculate Conception. Visitors can take a Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miagao or San Joaquin jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary in Barangay Mohon, Oton or when in the city, at the market situated behind Robinsons Place Iloilo. Know more about Oton on the 15th Tumandok celebration on September 18-22, 2019 at the event center, fountain area of Robinsons Iloilo main mall. The event is brought to you by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government in cooperation with the Department of Tourism Region VI and Robinsons Place Iloilo. Also brought to you by the College of Hospitality Management of Central Philippine University and Daily Guardian. Citation Citation of the article Marin, B. G. (2019, August 4). Oton: A historical town to match. Daily Guardian, 1. https://dailyguardian.com.ph/oton-a-historical-town-to-match-2/#google_vignette 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 Oton: A historical town to match Subject The topic of the resource History Description An account of the resource OTON, ILOILO is a lovely seaside town located just over 10 kilometers in the southern portion of the province. Like most Ilonggo towns, it has a colorful history. The town may be a lesser-known historic destination compared to its neighboring municipalities but still offers some great sites. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marin, Bombette G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/oton-a-historical-town-to-match-2/#google_vignette">Daily Guardian</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Daily Guardian Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 4, 2019 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Oton Tourism https://iloiloelibrary.com/files/original/aac43d802b77e582b0875c4c52bc6166.pdf f6afd3679c8fc9197549feab6c42323b 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 Tourism Description An account of the resource Information on tourism in Iloilo Province and municipalities 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 STA. BARBARA, Iloilo is a unique blend of Spanish, American and Filipino architecture, culture and spirit. Situated 15. 6 kilometers from the city, it is just a short drive and great for short day trips. Sta. Barbara is a colorful, romantic town rich in history and culture. Visitors should check out its historic center, the town’s most eye-catching architecture, the Baroque-Renaissance architectural style of the Sta. Barbara Parish Church and Convent. Reconstructed in 1849 and finished in 1878. The convent was built the same time as the church. Materials used in the construction of the church and convent were of adobe and coral stones quarried from Alimodian. Red bricks were used for the flooring, walls, and posts. These were transported to the town through carts drawn by carabaos. Connected to the side door of the church is its L-shaped convent of Antillan architectural style. The church served as the headquarters for the Ilonggo Revolutionary Forces in Western Visayas under General Martin Delgado in 1898. It was untouched during World War II and had withstood the 1948 earthquake. It was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute in 2013. The town is also the birthplace of Iloilo’s hero, Gen. Martin T. Delgado, popularly known as Tan Martin. He was the Revolutionary General in Visayas and Mindanao who launched the campaign to liberate the whole province from Spain. He raised the Philippine flag sent by General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first time that the Filipino national flag was hoisted outside of Luzon Island. He was the First Governor of Iloilo province in 1901, the following year he was elected governor of Panay and served until 1904. After his term, Delgado returned to Santa Barbara and served for eight years as superintendent of a leprosy sanitarium. He spent his last years as superintendent of the leper colony on the island of Culion where he died on November 12, 1918 at the age of 60. A bronze statue was erected in the Victory Plaza in his honor in 1998. The Victory Plaza is also famous for its 1925 octagonal-shaped Bandstand and the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal and the Propagandist. If Baroque architectural design was to churches during the Spanish regime, the Gabaldon for Public schools was to the American Colonial Period. The Heritage School Building of Sta. Barbara Central Elementary School along Roosevelt, Poblacion was built in 1913. While most rural public elementary schools built during the American Colonial Period were abandoned, left to deteriorate and rendered obsolete, the Gabaldon structure of the elementary school made of wood with concrete base is to be recycled for modern academic use. Its presence in the area makes history come alive for teachers and students alike reminding them of the heritage of their academic institution. Another interesting site within the premises is its historic “Poso,” looking similarly to an ice tea drink. It is said that the town has five sources of Poso. The one located within the premises of the school does not stop flowing even during the hottest season of the year. So, get ready to drink. If you find yourself looking for an unforgettable experience, visit Denila Farms in Barangay Lanag, just a 10-minute tricycle ride from the town plaza. The farm is a 2.7-hectare orchard planted with rows of mostly Brazilian-variety grapes. Trellises line both sides of the farm where grapevines grow straight up. To know if the grapes are ready for harvest, taste the fruit near the tip of each bunch and if it tastes sweet, the whole cluster is ready for picking. The fruits are harvested early in the morning by hand with the aid of a sharp shear. Grape growing is not new in Iloilo, in fact, it started in Arevalo in the 1950s. Grapes grow best in areas with warm and dry climate and where sufficient irrigation is available, Sta. Barbara provides the perfect venue for commercial vineyards. The farm also grows other fruits such as Guapple, vegetables, and flowering plants. Citation Citation of the article Marin, B.G. (2019, August 13). Sta. Barbara: No shortage of history, culture and activities to enjoy. DailyGuardian, 1. 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 Sta. Barbara: No shortage of history, culture and activities to enjoy Subject The topic of the resource History Culture Activities for fun! Description An account of the resource STA. BARBARA, Iloilo is a unique blend of Spanish, American and Filipino architecture, culture and spirit. Situated 15. 6 kilometers from the city, it is just a short drive and great for short day trips. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marin, Bombette G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://dailyguardian.com.ph/sta-barbara-no-shortage-of-history-culture-and-activities-to-enjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 August 13, 2019 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Santa Barbara Tourism