P40 billion power deal up for Panay-Guimaras 'power' consortium

Florence F. Hibionada

Literally and figuratively speaking too for the region's biggest, and thus far, only electric cooperative consortium. With at least P40 billion in expected contract or contracts to be awarded "anytime soon," The News Today (TNT) got the confirmation as bidding process in the past weeks reportedly progressed "smoothly."

9 Iloilo festivals to perform at Freedom Grandstand

Maricar M. Calubiran

Traffic is expected in the city's main streets this afternoon, particularly near the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, as a parade of festivals will be held in connection with the 2008 Association of the Tourism Officers of the Philippine (ATOP) national convention being hosted by the city.

A. Chris Fernandez

Pumpboats bound for Buenavista, Guimaras line up at the Parola wharf in Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City waiting for their turn to ferry passengers.

Ilonggo scientist featured by Time magazine

Nestor P. Burgos Jr.

An Iloilo-based retired scientist and environmentalist has been featured by Time magazine for her work in helping protect the environment.

Jurgenne Primavera, senior scientist at the Southeast Asian Fisheries and Development Center (SEAFDEC) until she retired two years ago, is among the Time's "Heroes of the Environment" in its October 6 special issue

She was among the 30 individuals and teams, including activists, scientists, celebrities, innovators and financiers all over the world who were honored for their contribution to the protection of the environment.

ILOILO NEWS

Church-based party aim for 2010 positions in 2010 polls

Unfazed by its dismal showing in the last elections, a church-based political party will be gunning for at least 2010 positions in the 2010 national and local elections.

Entry of Oton jeepneys in city loop routes opposed

Two drivers associations yesterday met with Mayor Jerry Treñas to protest the city's experimentation scheme that allowed the entry of Oton Anhawan and Oton Derecho jeepneys into the city loop routes.

ICPO chief vows to abide by new order on presentation of suspects

Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Director Senior Supt. Bartolome Tobias said they will abide with the new guideline set by new PNP Director General Jesus Versoza relative to the presentation of crime suspects to the media.

2 more Ilonggo crew of sunken fishing vessel rescued in Indonesia

Continued search and rescue operations over the week in Indonesia resulted to the rescue of two more Ilonggo crew members of a sunken Indonesian-owned fishing vessel.

Due process assured for 2 traffic aides in extort try

City Mayor Jerry Treñas assured that the two traffic auxiliaries accused of extorting money from a driver of a passenger jeepney would be given due process before any disciplinary action would be imposed against them.

Book on Kinaray-a now out

Karay-a author Alex C. Delos Santos comes out with his fourth book, a collection of essays in Kinaray-a titled UGSAD KANG KINARAY-A.

PANAY NEWS

Roxas, one of three cities that get GTZ support on solid waste management

Three cities in Western Visayas are recipients of technical support from the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) for the furtherance of their solid waste management projects.

DENR cites positive impact of intensified agro-forestry program

Mitigating the impact of climate change and providing livelihood opportunities for upland dwellers, are the two positive results of the agro-forestry program which will be intensified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Essential child survival package highlighted in GP Round II

In step with President Arroyo's commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the eight essential child survival package will again be highlighted with the conduct of the Garantisadong Pambata Round II this October 2008.

8 coastal brgys get disaster preparedness training

ROXAS CITY – A two-day skills training for Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council (BDCC) and barangay disaster preparedness plan formulation was conducted last September 26 to 27 at the Roxas City Hall's Conference Room here.

NEGROS NEWS

Leonardia: PGMA agrees to make Oct. 20 holiday for Bacoleños

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Evelio Leonardia proudly said the other day that Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo agreed in principle to make October 20, the day after Masskara Festival highlights, a non-working holiday in Bacolod City.

'Right to reply' bill against press freedom, says Gasataya

BACOLOD CITY -- Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Greg Gasataya is against the passage of House Bill No. 3306 authored by Bacolod City Lone District Representative Monico Puentevella which seeks to punish the publisher and editor in chief of a publication or the owner and station manager of a broadcast medium if they fail to give equal treatment to a complainant's reply to a specific report.

COLUMNS

		Accents A call in the night By Julia Carreon-Lagoc

		Res Gestae Silent protest for reform By Francisco B. Lindero Jr.

		Bridging the gap Ilonggo migration and the rise of towns in northern Negros By Prof. Henry Funtecha

		reflection The universal heart By Roy Cimagala

		Bonafide Text It's about the NASSPHIL By Nicfranz C. de los Reyes

		Cerebral Combustion Chances are, Sen. Mar Roxas will Hacel Du-Chua