The Daily Guardian | Western Visayas' Most Read and Respected

BIRTHDAY Mayor Evelio Leonardia and his wife Elsa blow birthday candles on his cake when the chief executive celebrated his natal day at the Grand Hall of the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel on July 10, 2017. (PIO)
AKLAN province hosted the most number of tourists in the first half of 2017 thanks to Boracay Island. (L.G. Tejares/File)
TEAM Philippines, which includes Kentjane Pastrana and Princess Fabruada of Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School (DMLMHS) in Negros Occidental, is ready to compete in the ASEAN School Games in Singapore, July 13 to July 21, 2017. (Jerome Galunan Jr.)
HANNAH and John Noble, shown here with their father Michel, are natives of Miagao, Iloilo. They recently bagged gold and bronze medals in the US National Taekwondo Championships in Detroit, Michigan, USA on July 2, 2017.
THE Iloilo City Peace and Order Councils and the Iloilo City Anti Drug Abuse Council hold a special joint meeting at the City Hall, July 11, 2017, the deadline for the declaration of illegal drug-free villages in the city. Sadly, not one barangay was able to beat the cut-off. (MA De los Santos)
THE use of Torrent and YouTube has been restricted in all offices at the Capitol to avoid slowing down internet speed. (Courtesy of Tara Yap)
CHIEF Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in Western Visayas affixes his signature in Covenant "Protect Panay and Guimaras." Protect Panay and Guimaras movement is a mass-based approach that aims to heighten volunteerism in combating terrorism, criminality, illegal drugs and corruption in the community. Led by the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC), the movement was launched July 10, 2017 at the Iloilo Sports Complex, Iloilo City. (Ricky D. Alejo) (click image to enlarge)
MAYOR Marina Luz Gorriceta leads the groundbreaking of the new municipal hall of San Miguel, Iloilo on July 7, 2017 which is set to be completed in 2019. Joining her is Pavia Mayor Michael Gorriceta who represented second district Rep. Arcadio Gorriceta. (Louine Hope Conserva)
THE eight Nursing Board topnotchers with Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Councilor Mandrei Malabor, former city councilor Perla Zulueta and WVSU College of Nursing dean Dr. Rosana Grace Belo-Delariarte and faculty. The achievers and school officials received incentives and recognition from City Hall, July 10, 2017. (Ricky D. Alejo)
(From left) Leon Flores III, OTOP national program manager; DTI Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga; and DTI-6 regional director Rebecca Rascon in a press conference on the improved One Town One Product (OTOP) program in Western Visayas, July 6, 2017 at Seda Hotel, Iloilo City. (Ricky D. Alejo)
PROTECT (From left) Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 spokesperson, Supt. Gilbert Gorero; PRO-6 regional director, Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag; Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC) director, Msgr. Meliton B. Oso; Philippine Army 301st Infantry Brigade commanding officer, Colonel Pio Q. Diñoso; and JASAC official during the launching of Protect Panay and Guimaras Movement, July 10, 2017. (Ricky D. Alejo)
GUIMARAS ISLAND is a favorite biking destination not only for its challenging trails but also for its natural spots and sceneries. In this photo, a father and his daughter spend quality time together while enjoying the foggy roads of Brgy. Daragan in Buenavista, Guimaras, July 9, 2017. (Ricky D. Alejo)
A HAMMERHEAD shark was found floating near the fishing port of Estancia, Iloilo over the weekend. According to Frank George Sanson, fishing port administrator, fisherfolks may have abandoned the shark after discovering that it was tangled in their net. (Contributed photo)
A HAMMERHEAD shark was found floating near the fishing port of Estancia, Iloilo over the weekend. According to Frank George Sanson, fishing port administrator, fisherfolks may have abandoned the shark after discovering that it was tangled in their net. (Contributed photo)
ONE of PECO’s EMC sites in Iloilo City equipped with smart meters.
DR. Irene C. Montilla and sons Juan Miguel and Enrique (second row, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, respectively) join the BIPA officers and children of members in the blessing and inauguration of the School Library of BIPATECH on July 8, 2017.
FR. ESPERIDION CELIS airs his concerns on drug-clearing operations of PDEA in the 3rd Quarterly Meeting of Iloilo City Peace and Order Council July 6, 2017 at the City Hall. (Ricky D. Alejo)
MAYOR Evelio Leonardia (4th from left) and Rep. Greg Gasataya (5th from left) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new 4-storey, 20-classroom school building of Emiliano Lizares National High School in Barangay Granada, Bacolod City on July 5, 2017. The building cost P33.7 million. They are joined by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran (4th from right), Councilor Renecito Novero (3rd from right), DepEd-Bacolod Schools Division Superintendent Cynthia Demavivas (3rd from left), DPWH Bacolod District Engineer Abraham Villareal (left), Granada Barangay Captain Alfredo Talimodao Jr. (2nd from left), School Principal Felino Menosa (right) and former principal Joseph Roque (2nd from right). (PIO)
THE Municipality of Luna, La Union officials headed by Mayor Victor Marvin Marron, Vice Mayor Romeo and the members of the Sangguniang Bayan and Department Heads visit Iloilo City Council to learn the latter’s best practices in local governance, July 4, 2017 at the Iloilo City Session Hall. (Ricky D. Alejo)
ILOILO CITY Hall employees and officials evacuate the building at around 4 p.m. of July 6, 2017 following an Intensity III earthquake. (Ricky D. Alejo)
ILOILO CITY Hall employees and officials evacuate the building at around 4 p.m. of July 6, 2017 following an Intensity III earthquake. (Ricky D. Alejo)
PROTECTORS (From left) Sri Atmini of Indonesia, Norasma Dacho of Malaysia, Wilmott Barnabas of Papua New Guinea, Remia Aparri of Philippines, Rosalie Masu of Solomon Islands, and Horacio Guterres of Timor Leste; Astrid Lim, CTI regional director and Joan Binondo of WWF in a press conference, July 6, 2017 at the Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City. They are part of the 3rd Coral Triangle Fishers Forum and Tuna Governance Workshop organized by the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management Technical Working Group (EAFM TWG) of the Coral Triangle Initiative for Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF), in cooperation with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. (Ricky D. Alejo) (click image to enlarge)
CHIEF Insp. Sheila Marie Sardoma, Jordan PNP chief of police, presents the firearms, vehicles, and other items seized from Task Force Crusaders members in an interview on July 5, 2017. The so-called Crusaders were collared for mounting an illegal raid. (Ricky D. Alejo)
CHIEF Insp. Sheila Marie Sardoma, Jordan PNP chief of police, presents the firearms, vehicles, and other items seized from Task Force Crusaders members in an interview on July 5, 2017. The so-called Crusaders were collared for mounting an illegal raid. (Ricky D. Alejo)
CHIEF Insp. Sheila Marie Sardoma, Jordan PNP chief of police, presents the firearms, vehicles, and other items seized from Task Force Crusaders members in an interview on July 5, 2017. The so-called Crusaders were collared for mounting an illegal raid. (Ricky D. Alejo)
PAST District Governor Eking Arguelles (right) administers the oath of the new Rotary Club of Iloilo officers and directors for Rotary Year 2017-2018 at Hotel del Rio, Iloilo City. The club is now led by 3-time President Roberto “Bobby” Pison.
SEPAK-takraw players from Negros comprise the Philippine team to the ASEAN School Games in Singapore. (Jerome Galunan)
THE effects of the outcome of the arbitration case between Metro Iloilo Water District and FLO Water Resources on consumers will surely be felt in the coming days. (L.G. Tejares/File)
SARI-SARI stores and street vendors are also covered by the plastic ordinance of Iloilo City. (R. Alejo/File)
AN ATI kid fixes the hair of her friend. The two live in an Ati Village in Lanit, Jaro, Iloilo City which is set to receive government projects from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture and other private institutions to make it a highly urbanized barangay. To date, Indigenous Peoples in the country are still fighting for their rights to education, ancestral lands, economic opportunities, among others. (Ricky D. Alejo)
ILOILO CITY Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog with the fire victims from Calubihan, Jaro, July 3, 2017. (Ricky D. Alejo)
SIGNING (from left) Mayor Andrew Montelibano of Murcia, Mayor Neil Lizares of Talisay City, 3rd District Rep. Alfredo Benitez, Mayor Wantan Palanca of Victorias City, Mayor Mark Golez of Silay City and Mayor Marvin Malacon of EB Magalona sign a Memorandum of Agreement during the launch of the Asenso Metro 3rd Burial Assistance Program on July 3, 2017 at the Nature's Restaurant in Bacolod City.
A K9 unit helps secure the fast craft terminal in Iloilo City, July 2, 2017. (F.A.L. Angelo)
GLOBAL Business Power Corp. (GBP) assured that its power plants in LaPaz, Iloilo City are safe from terror threats. (F.A.L. Angelo)
MAYOR Jed Patrick Mabilog (center) receives the plaque of recognition from PENRO Raul Lorilla (left), July 3, 2017 at Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City. Also in photo is Engr. Noel Hechanova of CENRO. (Ricky D. Alejo)
MAJOR Gen. Jon Aying, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, delivers a message to members of Kasanag Foundation on July 3, 2017 at the Grand Regal Hotel in Bacolod City.
GBP President Jaime Azurin and NOCECO board vice chair John Peter Millan lead the signing of the 12-MW power purchase agreement between the electric cooperative and Panay Power Corp. The signing was held June 30, 2017 at the GBP site in Brgy. Ingore, La Paz, Iloilo City. (Louine Hope Conserva)
TALKING PEACE (From left) Chief Supt. Cesar Hawthorne Binag, PRO-6 regional director; Gen. Jon Aying, 3ID commander; Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr.; LMP president, Ajuy Mayor Jett Rojas; and Mayors John Tarrosa of Zarraga and Geefre Alonsabe of Alimodian during the LMP Iloilo meeting at Days Hotel-Iloilo, June 30, 2017. (Ricky D. Alejo)
BENEFICIARIES of Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan program in the ceremonial planting of vegetable seedlings during the launch of the urban agriculture project at Brgy. Lanit, Jaro, Iloilo City, June 30, 2017. Present in the launching program are DSWD-6 regional director Rebecca Geamala, SM Foundation, Inc. AVP for Outreach Operations Cristy Angeles, City Agriculturist Romulo Pangantihon, ICUPAO head Jeck Conlu, among others. (Ricky D. Alejo)
DISSOLVED Task Force Kasanag national commander John Chong (center) with Manny Villaera, (left) director for operations; and Vincent Fritz Cruzawi (right) deputy commander announced on July 2, 2017 that Task Force Crusaders (TFC) has been dissolved amid reports that some members were involved themselves in unlawful activities, including illegal drugs.
ANOTHER road project is underway in Jordan, Guimaras. However, the lack of transparency board leaves the public clueless on important information like how much is the project, the contractor, how long the project will take, among others. (Ricky D. Alejo)
ANOTHER road project is underway in Jordan, Guimaras. However, the lack of transparency board leaves the public clueless on important information like how much is the project, the contractor, how long the project will take, among others. (Ricky D. Alejo)
ILOILO Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. meets with the general managers and other officials of the three Iloilo electric cooperatives at the Capitol boardroom on June 29, 2017. (E. C. Garcia)
GLOBAL Business Power President Jaime Azurin (left) shakes the hand of Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative Vice Chairman John Peter Millan after signing the 22-month Electric Power Purchase Agreement (EPPA) on June 30, 2017. (Dolly Yasa)
TAXPAYERS queue at the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Iloilo City. The BIR in Negros Occidental has filed charges against alleged tax evaders and corrupt officials this year. Will the same crackdown also happen in Iloilo City and province? (File photo)
CENTENARIAN Consuelo Fernandez (seated) of Brgy. 16 receives a check for P100,000 from Mayor Evelio Leonardia (left) for reaching the age of 100 in February 2017, at the Bacolod City Government Center on July 12, 2017. Bacoleño centenarians are entitled to a P100,000 incentive from the city government by virtue of City Ordinance No. 09-16-789. Accompanying the centenarian is Consuelo Fernandez II (2nd from right) and Brgy. 16 Kagawad Jude Bryan Alson (right). (PIO)
A FEW minutes of downpour is enough to inundated this portion of Quezon-Delgado Streets in City Proper, Iloilo City. Meanwhile, works on the comprehensive drainage system of the city is still in the works. (Maricyn A. de los Santos)
AROUND two years ago, a fallen tree damaged a portion of the fence around LaPaz plaza in Iloilo City. To date, the damaged fence remains unrepaired with the trunk of the tree still stuck in the iron grills. (Contributed photo)
CURIOSITY-seekers continue to mill on the edge of the “overflow bridge” at Himoga-an River in Sagay City, Negros Occ. morning of July 14, 2017 after a teacher identified as Rona Beleganio, 23, and habal-habal (passenger motorcycle) driver Clodualdo Padayon, 58, accidental fell into the river. The duo remains missing as of press time. (Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod photo)
GOV. Arthur Defensor Sr. distributes cash incentives to the Iskolar sang Iloilo (provincial government scholars) who graduated from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) recently. The granting of cash incentives is one of the policies set and approved by the Provincial Scholarship Management Board. The provincial government scholars who received the cash incentives are (from left) Liandro Sanquilos (BS Fisheries)-P1,000; Glydil Rose Patigas (BSBA Marketing)-P1,000; Jessa Salido (BSBA Marketing, Cum Laude)-P3,000; Jose Palmon Jr. (BSBA Marketing)-P1,000; Cathryn Cyra Cordova (BS Accountancy, Cum Laude)-P3,000; John Carlo Dauba (BSBA Marketing, Cum Laude)-P3,000; Richard Magullado (BA Comm & Media Studies, Cum Laude)-P3,000; and Seth Exequiel Bautista (BS Publich Health)-P1,000. Two other graduates were not present during the distribution of cash awards – Zyrah Maranon (BS Applied Math) and Judy Ann Villa (BS Management). (Erly Garcia/Capitol News)
ELEMENTARY pupils nowadays lug bags filled with books and other school materials, like these kids studying at LaPaz Elementary School. At a young age, they are exposed to rigorous school work, but what about their emotional and mental growth? (FAA)
A GRAND parade kicked off the month-long celebration of Iloilo City's 80th Charter Day anniversary, July 17, 2017. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Sangguniang Panlungsod members led the parade. (Ricky D. Alejo)
A GRAND parade kicked off the month-long celebration of Iloilo City's 80th Charter Day anniversary, July 17, 2017. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Sangguniang Panlungsod members led the parade. (Ricky D. Alejo)
REP. Ferj Biron meets DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu along with Mayors Jesry Palmares of Passi City, BJ Biron of Barotac Nuevo, Jessie Alecto of Dingle, Mamerto L. Pelopero III of Dueñas, Lee Ann Debuque of Anilao, Trixie Fernandez of San Enrique, Onal Golez of Dumangas, and Carlos Cabangal of Banate.
INSPECTION DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar (center) walks through the newly completed Iloilo Esplanade 1 Extension from Nabitasan Bridge (background) along with (from left) DPWH-6 Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto, DPWH Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Priority Projects Karen Olivia J. Jimeno, DPWH-6 Regional Director Wenceslao M. Leaño Jr., and Construction Division Chief Ormel G. Santos. (Melvin S. Sedicol)
WINNING SWIMMERS The swimming contingent of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology VI to the 9th BJMP Sportsfest pose for posterity at the onset of their individual and team competitions last June 27, 2017 at Marikina Sports Park in Marikina City. Bagging third place are (from left) Jail Officer 1 Angel Bert Ferrer, Jail Officer 1 Aiza Jadulos, SJO2 George Pilla, Chief Inspector Richard Servano, Jail Officer 1 Noel Garcia and JO1 Froilan Pajotagana. (J. Britanico/BJMPVICRS)
SUPERINTENDENT Rogen Morales (sitting left), SITF Rebeta commander, discusses with the Iloilo media their findings on the mind-boggling death of Engr. Arnel Rebeta of DPWH-Antique during a press conference, July 18, 2017. (ICPO photo)
GOOD DEED Charlotte Cadiao (center) of Tibiao, Antique thanks Iloilo City Government employee Shirley Superticioso (right) for returning her wallet containing P9,870 through the city Customer Care Center, July 17, 2017. Also in photo is Cadiao's co-trainee at the Bureau of Fire Protection, Joje Lyn Eren. (Ricky D. Alejo)
DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry-6 OIC regional director Rebecca Rascon and DTI-Iloilo provincial director Diosdado Cadena lead the opening of Ilonggo Food, Arts and Crafts Festival 2017 at SM City Iloilo, July 17, 2017. Also in photo are officers of the Regional Coffee Council, DTI-partner institutions representatives, among others.
ILOILO CITY government employees led by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog recite the "Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno" during the Flag Ceremony at the Iloilo City Hall, July 19, 2017. The pledge of Civil Service workers enumerates the duties and responsibilities of government employees, including reporting to work on time, not receiving bribes, be always honest and competent, serve courteously, among others. (Ricky D. Alejo)
BEFORE AND AFTER More than 5,000 cubic meters of residual wastes from Brgy. Manoc-manoc in the famous Boracay Island were hauled to the Sanitary Land Fill in mainland Malay, Aklan. The Malay local government under Mayor Ciceron S. Cawaling fulfilled their commitment to DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu’s Boracay Challenge and was even four days ahead of the deadline. Residents, especially students at the Manoc-manoc Elementary School, can now heave a sigh of relief as they will no longer have to suffer from the foul odor emitted from the garbage area. (DENR-6)
BEFORE AND AFTER More than 5,000 cubic meters of residual wastes from Brgy. Manoc-manoc in the famous Boracay Island were hauled to the Sanitary Land Fill in mainland Malay, Aklan. The Malay local government under Mayor Ciceron S. Cawaling fulfilled their commitment to DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu’s Boracay Challenge and was even four days ahead of the deadline. Residents, especially students at the Manoc-manoc Elementary School, can now heave a sigh of relief as they will no longer have to suffer from the foul odor emitted from the garbage area. (DENR-6)
ILOILO City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog (3rd from right) and Dr Joseph Dean Nicolo, WVMC chief, sign the MOA for the transfer and re-installation of cardiac catheterization machine, July 19, 2017 at Iloilo City Hall. Also in photo are (from left) Dr Jay-n Magallon, Dr Marcelino Felisarte, Dr Mae Dagooc, Dr. May Delmo of CHO and Iloilo City Administrator Hernando Galvez. (Ricky D. Alejo)
Philippine basketball girls celebrate their victory after winning the crown in the 9th ASEAN School Games against Singapore.
JACK Ma-alat, Sammy Palanca, Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) Chairman of the Board Alberto Agra, Rep. Alfredo Benitez, Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares III, Reynaldo Bantug and Willy Au meet at the Bacolod Pavillion Hotel to explore the possibility of a reclamation project in Talisay City with the PRA and the Bacolod Real State Development Corp.
CARL Kevin Tanasas and Juaymha Calipes pose besides their creations during the 1st Regional ABILYMPICS held July 17, 2017 at SM City Iloilo for the 39th NDPR week celebration. Tanasa and Calipes, who represented Iloilo City in the regional event, won first place in the Table Skirting competition and third place in the Fruit and Vegetable Carving competition, respectively. (LAF/PIA-Iloilo)
JONILO Patrimonio, a Person with Disability with orthopedic impairment from Iloilo, shows his creation and the P5,000 cash prize he received for winning the Fruit and Vegetable Carving competition during the 1st Regional ABILYMPICS in Western Visayas held in line with the celebration of 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week at SM City Iloilo last July 17, 2017. (PIA-Iloilo)
BEST OF FRIENDS Loreto Salvador (standing), 77, of Purok Tangkong and former village chief Aurelio Arimas, 75, of Purok Kulitis in Barangay Dos Hermanas thanked Mayor Neil Lizares III of Talisay City, Negros Occ. for the P450 hike in the allowance of senior citizens from a measly P150. The two are among the more than 900 elderly residents of Barangay Dos Hermanas, Talisay City who are recipients of the program which also covers 26 other barangays in the city. (Starlyn Casiano)
DAISY EULA owns a makeshift food stall at the Iloilo City government’s property on Muelle Loney Street, City Proper for a decade now. But Daisy is preparing herself to leave the place as the city government will use for the P100-million new Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. A city hall task force has begun demolishing 38 illegal structures in the area. (Ricky D. Alejo)
THE Liga ng mga Barangay-Iloilo City chapter said P1,000 cash given to village chiefs who attended their meeting at the City Hall on July 20, 2017 was their honorarium, not bribe from a power distribution firm. (Photo courtesy of Aksyon Radyo-Iloilo)