PRESS RELEASES

 

Speed guns use start June 1 along Diversion Road

The Iloilo City Government through the Transportation Management and Traffic Regulation Office (TMTRO) together with Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) will start the use of speed guns along Diversion Road in Mandurriao district June 1.  

TMTRO already installed speed limit signs along the stretch of major highway to advise the drivers.

A maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour (km/ph) is set for passenger automobiles and motorcycles and speed limit of 50 km/ph for trucks and buses plying from corner of General Luna Street to Diversion Road and up to Brgy. Ungka, Jaro district, under Regulation Ordinance No. 2015-283.

ICPO also reminded the public to drive carefully and check the readiness of vehicles before travelling, noting an increasing trend in vehicular accidents.

"Most of the traffic incidents were due to reckless driving and mechanical problem," said ICPO spokesperson S/Insp. Shella Mae Sangrines.

A total of 104 traffic incidents were recorded last week, higher compared to 86 incidents during the same period last year.

Of these, 19 cases were reckless imprudence resulting to physical injury and 83 cases were reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property.

"With this data, the ICPO and TMTRO have to double up our effort in reminding the public to be careful when driving especially that there are still on-going road projects here," Sangrines said. (Iloilo City PIO)

 

Iloilo City dengue cases drop 60 %

Mosquito-borne dengue cases in the first five months in the metropolis posted a significant drop of 60 percent, Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) statistics showed.

A total of 87 dengue cases were recorded as of May 31, lesser compared to 252 cases during the same period last year.

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog encouraged residents not be complacent but continue Do-Day every Saturday and regular cleanup activities in the villages.

CHO chief Dr. Bernard Caspe credited the barangay clean-up drive as one of the factors that contributed to decreasing dengue cases.

"We have also distributed larvicide and insecticides in all districts considering that it is rainy season already," said Caspe.

Mandurriao district had the most number of dengue cases with 18 cases, followed by Molo with 17 cases and Arevalo with 16 cases.

Brgy. Bakhaw, Mandurriao topped with eight cases because its environment is "watery."

Dengue is caused by day-biting mosquitoes Aedes egypti and Aedes albopictus that breed in clear, stagnant water.

Caspe said dengue symptoms are high fever, body ache, headache, appearance of skin rashes and vomiting.

"When you have dengue, your fever usually starts from day one and lasts until five to seven days. So if you have high fever, immediately go to the nearest health centers or hospitals for check-up and proper medication," advised Caspe.

He also urged the public to clean their surroundings everyday and destroy breeding places of mosquitoes. (Iloilo City PIO)

 

 

CHO advises BP check vs. hypertension  

The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) advised public to avail of free blood pressure (BP) check-up in health centers daily.

CHO chief Dr. Bernard Caspe noted an alarming 699 deaths in 2016 due to heart diseases as top cause of mortality in the metropolis.

He said that most of cardiovascular diseases suffered by many Ilonggos are caused by hypertension.

Thus, Caspe encouraged the public especially those who aged 18 years old and above to undergo blood pressure check.

CHO suggested that diet should be less salty, less fatty and less sugar foods but more fiber foods, avoid fastfood, practice healthy lifestyle and more exercise.

May is National Hypertension Awareness Month that aimed to create awareness about the leading lifestyle disease. (Chris John Gamarcha, WVSU Intern)

 

PRESS RELEASES

Iloilo City peaceful, orderly - ICPO

Crime volume in the metropolis last week was lower compared to the same period last year, Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) statistics showed.

"Iloilo City remains peaceful and orderly. The situation is manageable. We have intelligence-based focus and proper deployments of our personnel during night and day shifts especially at places of convergence and areas which are vulnerable to crimes," ICPO spokesperson Senior Insp. Shella Mae Sangrines stressed.

ICPO recorded a total of 46 crimes from May 15 to 21, lower than 110 crimes posted during the same period last year.

Sangrines attributed the relentless campaign against illegal drugs and intensified criminality operations of ICPO personnel as the reasons why there was steady decrease in crime volume.

She noted some "physical injury cases but these do not affect the crime volume since it is only minimal."

"Those who are involved are mostly under the influence of liquor, so we are advising the community to avoid chaos," said Sangrines. (Iloilo City PIO)

 

Alta Tierra, Jaro fire sub-station opens May 29

To easily respond to fire incidences in Jaro district area, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Iloilo City is set to open its new fire sub-station at Alta Tierra Village, Brgy. Quintin Salas on May 29.

"By May 26 and 27, our personnel will already man the new sub-station but the inauguration and activation will be on May 29," said City Fire Marshall, Senior Supt. Jerry Candido.

City BFP's ninth sub-station will cover barangays Quintin Salas; M.V. Hechanova; Balabago; Tacas; Tabuc Suba; and Cubay.

"Actually, our Jaro district is fully covered with fire trucks because we have fire sub-station at barangays San Isidro and Tagbak and Jaro Plaza. However, I was amazed with the economic development and how businesses sprout near Alta Tierra, that is why I find a way on how the BFP could protect these establishments from fire incidences and so we have put up this new sub-station," explained Candido.

He stressed that time is essential during fire incidences.

"Although Ata Tierra is about four kilometers away from the plaza and about six kilometers from Tagbak fire sub-station, we find it difficult especially during rush hour because of traffic and congested area," Candido clarified.

"So with the new sub-station, we could easily respond to neighboring barangays at soonest possible time," he added.

The lot was donated by Alta Tierra Homeowner's Association Incorporated while the building was donated by Brgy. Quintin Salas.

Meanwhile, the construction of fire sub-station in Brgy. Calumpang, Molo is on-going and expected to be done before 2017 ends.

City BFP also plans to put up fire sub-station in Brgy. Banuyao, La Paz to cover the houses and business establishments along Coastal Road, said Candido. (Iloilo City PIO)

 

 

PRESS RELEASES

Elderly inmates to be granted OSCA IDs

The Iloilo City Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will hold a data capturing activity for senior citizen inmates at 10am on May 15 at Police Precinct 1 in General Luna Street, City Proper.

"Our OSCA is doing this to provide the elderly inmates with Identification Card (ID), and Medicine and Purchase Booklet that will grant them various benefits and privileges," Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said.

The local chief executive has been pushing for an inclusive availment of the city's services by bringing them closer to the people.

"After the participants have complied with needed requirements, we will explain to them the various benefits they may acquire under Republic Act (RA) 9994 which is an amended version of RA 7432 about maximizing the benefit grants to senior citizens," OSCA head Elpidio Azuelo Jr., said.

Beneficiaries of OSCA ID will enjoy lifetime benefits and privileges which include free medical, dental, diagnostic and laboratory services in all government facilities; 20% discount on medical, dental, diagnostic and laboratory services in private facilities; 20% discount for medicines, in hotels, restaurants, recreation centers; 20% discount for domestic air, sea and public transportation; 5% discount for basic and prime commodities on limited items; 12% discount for VAT exemption in purchase of goods; and 5% discount in utilization of water and electricity provided that consumption is under the name of the senior citizen.

The participants will have to fill up the forms to be provided by OSCA before they will be given their IDs.

OSCA also plans to integrate the service for senior citizens who are hospitalized, bedridden and incapable of moving around to fully maximize the said program, Azuelo added. (Christian John Gamarcha, WVSU Intern/Iloilo City PIO)

 

Brgy. officials told to wear ID at City Hall

The Iloilo City Government calls on elected and appointed barangay officials to wear the identification card (ID) issued by the Office of the Barangay Secretariat every time they transact business at City Hall.

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog has issued a Memorandum Order recently directing elected or appointed barangay officials to wear their official ID cards in all government transactions in pursuant to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Laws and Rules (Sec 4b) of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

"We would like to imply proper disciplinary action to all barangay officials because of their habit of not using their official ID cards properly especially when they are transacting business here at City Hall," said Consuelo Rico-Geduspan, head of Office of the Barangay Secretariat.

Geduspan observed that some barangay officials put their ID cards inside their pocket instead of using it properly.

"Aside from easily recognizing them as barangay officials, wearing their identification cards also shows professionalism," Geduspan added.

Meanwhile, she urged barangay officials including barangay tanods to also wear their ID during their duty in their respective barangays.

There are 1,800 barangay officials in the city's seven districts and almost a thousand barangay tanods on duty. (Ma. Nie Ville Lumawag, WVSU Intern/Iloilo City PIO)

 

Iloilo City dental program cited

Iloilo City Government's Oral Health Program has been recognized by dental care company Colgate-Palmolive Philippines.

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said the citation is a manifestation of the effective dental health access and services being delivered to the Ilonggos.

City Health Office (CHO)-Dental Division chief Dr. Daishiela Valasote received the Plaque of Appreciation during the awarding rites at Maida's Hotel, Pasay City March 5.

Valasote said Colgate credited City Hall's efforts in implementing a comprehensive and strong campaign for Orally Fit Children (OFC).

"Iloilo City has one of the highest numbers of orally fit children. We provide comprehensive dental services to our residents, thus the national award," said Valasote who was also awarded with Plaque of Recognition.

OFC refers to children ages one to six years old who have no dental caries or tooth decay caused by bacteria attached to the teeth which produces acid that destroys the tooth's enamel and dentin.

There are 7, 413 children in the metropolis who are considered as orally fit, based on Dental Division data.

Arevalo district has 1,749; City Proper I with 1,203; City Proper II with 622; La Paz with 516; Lapuz with 985; Molo I with 362; Molo II with 145; Mandurriao with 386; Jaro I with 834; and Jaro II with 611.

Free dental services for children include tooth extraction, fluoride varnish, pits and fissures sealants and tooth restoration to day care, pre-school and Grade 1 pupils.

Valasote also stressed the City Government offers full dental package to constituents.

"We provide four services including curative, promotive, preventive and restorative dental services to residents. We have complete services, we are not only doing tooth extractions," she added.

Other dental awards included Regional Orally Fit Award and Regional Orally Fit Day Care Center for Barangay Balabago given by the Department of Health in 2013. (Iloilo City PIO)

 

Iloilo City PESO lists 6,000 jobs

More than 6,000 job vacancies are up for grabs in the upcoming Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Job Fair on May 18-19, 9 am-6pm to be held at Metro Supermarket, Atria, in Mandurriao.

Fifty nine companies will be participating including 37 local companies, 11 overseas and 11 Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms offering employment opportunities to applicants particularly fresh graduates.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said PESO brings employment services closer to constituents by conducting regular job fair in commercial centers where crowd converge.

PESO head Ma. Elena Benitez advised interested applicants to bring the necessary requirements including resume, certificate of employment in past jobs, passports, certificates attained in school and transcript of records. (Christ John Gamarcha, WVSU Intern/Iloilo City PIO)

 

 

City Hall mulls pay hike for traffic aides, day care workers

The Iloilo City Government plans to increase the salaries of traffic aides and auxiliaries, and day care workers.

City administrator Atty. Hernando Galvez said that Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog directed the Local Finance Committee to make a study for the possible salary increases of said workers.

"The plan of Mayor Mabilog followed after his talk with our traffic enforcers, auxiliaries and day care workers. They receive P7,500 monthly and it's not enough for them," said Galvez.

He also cited that the traffic enforcers and day care workers even work seven times a week and they usually render overtime.

The higher honoraria will also discourage corruption among employees.

City Hall plans to implement the honoraria hike effective July following approval.

"After the study of Local Finance Committee and if it's positive, we will forward the request to the City Council in order to make an ordinance for this plan," explained Galvez.

"This will be a big help for their families considering the expensive prices of commodities now," he added.

Department heads are also encouraged to regularly talk with their personnel in order to know their concerns.

"The Mayor wants to know the problems of our employees and he wants to address it," said Galvez. (Iloilo City PIO)

City Hall gets P3.4-M performance incentives

City Hall gets P3.4-M performance incentives

 

Iloilo City Hall's performance in terms of good governance has paid off and will result to more projects for the people.

After bagging the 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the City Government through Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog received the P3.4-million Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) incentives.

City DILG chief Atty. Ferdinand Panes turned over the PCF check to Mabilog during Wednesday Group meeting May 10 attended by all department heads, divisions and task forces.

"The PCF is an incentive given by the national government through the DILG to Local Government Units (LGUs) that were SGLG 2016 awardees," said Panes.

The SGLG is an award given to LGUs that were able to pass the three core areas including Financial Administration, Disaster Preparedness and Social Protection and at least one essential area on Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order, and Environmental Protection.

"Absence of one core area means disqualification. For the part of Iloilo City, it passed all the core areas and almost all essential areas in the criteria," added Panes.

Mabilog personally received the plaque during the awarding in Manila last year.

Panes explained the PCF can only be used in development projects of LGUs and proposed projects should be approved by DILG.

Panes said he is confident that Iloilo City has big chances of getting back-to-back recognition this year.

"We are now preparing for the 2017 SGLG regional evaluation on May 23. Given that Iloilo City passed the regional evaluation, there will be evaluators coming from DILG main office who will come here to confirm and validate again," he added.

Panes noted the DILG has set different criteria for this year's award.

"If before, the LGU needs to pass the three core areas and one essential area, this time, they need to pass four core areas and one essential area," he said.

The core areas will now include Financial Administration, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection, and Peace and Order.

The essential areas will cover Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Environmental Protection, and Tourism, Arts and Culture.(Iloilo City PIO)