Tupas vetoes SP approved P861 million Executive Budget

Erly C. Garcia

Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas Sr. has officially vetoed the entire Appropriations Ordinance 2008-01-A approved recently by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).

He submitted his 10-paged veto message to the SP secretariat yesterday.

Appropriations Ordinance 2008-01-A embodies the executive budget of the province of Iloilo for this year 2008.

P14.8M computerization program to start this month

Maricar M. Calubiran

Services in money and revenue making offices of the city government will be computerized starting this year courtesy of the World Bank.

City Mayor Jerry Treñas, in an interview with the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps yesterday, said the computerization project is worth P14.8 million.

A.CHRIS FERNANDEZ

The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas in the region is now accessible to the public through text and e-mail with the launching of its “TXT OMB” and “Mag-email sa Ombudsman” projects yesterday. Photo shows Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol explaining the project.

Gordon bent on passing Tourism bill as RP lags behind Asean neighbors

Florence F. Hibionada

The Philippines have the resources -- both natural and human -- and clear potential to make it big in the international tourism industry. Yet for Senator Richard Gordon, until the government gets really serious, then current efforts in existing tourism programs will not put the country where it should be.

ILOILO NEWS

Video presentations promoting Iloilo City in the works

After the successful Dinagyang Festival, the city government will embark on another mode to further promote Iloilo City towards its vision of becoming a Premiere City by 2015.

'I've earned it,' he asserts as new org gets Ilonggo members

Of all the reported presidentiables come 2010, Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon wants the voting the public to know that he and he alone is the most qualified. In fact, asked on said much-publicized reports, the Senator has a ready and quick response – "I've earned it."

Ombudsman now just a text away

The Ompbudsman-Visayas Regional Office is now just a text away for those who have complaints or requests for assistance with the launching of its "TXT OMB" and "Mag-Email sa Ombudsman" projects yesterday.

Dragon boat race, anyone?

Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director Edwin Trompeta dreams of having a dragon boat competition in the city apart from the yearly Dinagyang festival to encourage more tourist arrivals from the neighboring Asian countries.

PANAY NEWS

Lakbayan starts amid sweltering heat

Bacolod City – The sweltering heat did not prevent at least 2,000 farmers yesterday from starting their four-day pilgrimage to this province's capital to demand for the immediate extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and to dramatize their determination for the continued acquisition and distribution of land under it.

Negros Occidental gov goes back to work at hospital

Bacolod City -- Negros Occidental Governor Joseph Marañon is back at work, at the hospital at least, signing appointments of the province's contractual employees.

Next PRO6 director known on or before Feb. 14

The next Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6) director will be known on or before Feb. 14 when current Police Chief Supt. Wilfredo V. Dulay, Sr. retires.

COLUMNS

		Bonafide Text Friends By Nicfranz C. de los Reyes

		Consumers Domain Save TESDA! Prosecute Syjuco! By Ian M. Seruelo

		Bridging the gap The Indag-an Primary Multi-purpose Coop in Miag-ao, Iloilo By Prof. Henry Funtecha

		Accents Remember! Celebrate! Act! By Julia Carreon-Lagoc

		Serendipity On Cruise Control By Joanne Marie Combong-Pijuan

		Blogger Enjoying the holidays By Kathy M. Villalon

OPINION

Reflection:

Self-promotion or service?

/ Fr. Roy Cimagala

Freespirit:

Waiting to be read…

/ Jo Martinez Clemente

PINCH HITTER:

Always at the losing end

/ Ed Jalbuna

Contribution:

A well-deserved kudos to Iloilo's cops, army

/ By Florence F. Hibionada

Rational Insanity:

Rearing to write

/ Bryan Mari. Argos

FEATURES

Charmed: A refreshing face and talent in the art scene

During a Dinagyang Festival-related exhibit in one mall recently, a young lady has caught the attention of several shoppers. There she was on the booth, getting busy with her sketch pad and pencil. She stares at a model in front of her, memorizing every feature so she could immortalize it through her artwork.