New Iloilo airport to open on March 2007

Panay News. October 14, 2006

ILOILO City – The New Iloilo Airport Development Project will become operational in March 2007 while the Negros Occidental airport is set for completion in the second quarter of 2007, revealed Sen. Franklin Drilon.

Last October 9, the Senate Finance committee chaired by Drilon approved a P5.5-billion infrastructure fund that will pave the way for the operation next year of these two biggest airport projects in Region 6.

"The bombing of the Negros airport is certainly a setback, but the move of the committee to provide funding for this airport sends the signal that we are determined to push through with the project that will bring the region economic progress," Drilon said

Drilon called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement appropriate security measures to ensure the safety of the New Iloilo Airport Development Project so as not to delay its opening amidst the bombing of the Silay airport project.

New People's Army rebels numbering at least 30 and disguised as policemen raided the Silay airport project before dawn of Sunday, bombing structures and torching construction equipment.

In the wake of this development, the government urges the public to cooperate because such terror acts will only affect the economy negatively and embolden political destabilization that will hurt the country and destroy the gains that has already been achieved. It also continues to press on with measures to secure vital projects and infrastructures in the country and to further intensify the counter- terrorism campaign in all fronts.

The allocation for the New Iloilo Airport of international standard in Iloilo amounting to P2.712 billion and P2.788 billion for the Negros Occidental airport was declared by Drilon during the committee hearing on the P17.6 billion budget of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) for 2007 submitted for Senate approval.

"The rise of a first-rate airport in Western Visayas that is compliant with international standards is crucial to the development of the country. This will boost our air transportation services, making the Philippines more accessible to the rest of the world," said Drilon.

Panay News. October 14, 2006

21 join Western Visayas' 'Parade of Festivals'

Sunstar Iloilo. 10/5/2006
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A TOTAL of 21 festivals in the region are joining the Parade of Festivals in Iloilo City this coming October 27.

The "Parade of Festivals" is one of the activities lined up for this year's celebration of Western Visayas Tourism Assembly, which will start on October 23 to 29 with Iloilo City as the host city.

From Iloilo City are the world famous Dinagyang Festival and Paraw Regatta; Pintados de Pasi of Passi City; Carabao-Carroza Festival of Pavia; Pandayan Festival of Badiangan; Tinu-om Festival of Cabatuan; Binanog Festival of Lambunao; Pakuyang sa Tangyan of Igbaras, Tultugan Festival of Maasin; Kahilwayan Festival of Sta. Barbara and Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena.

The parade of festivals will start at 8 a.m. from the Provincial Capitol grounds to Iznart Street and then towards Solis Street, which will be the first performance area for the parading groups. The festivals will then march to the second and final performance area at the Freedom Grandstand before ending at Robinson's Place after passing Ortiz, Rizal, Iznart and De Leon Streets.

Jimena said the parade will not be a competition among participating festivals, although special awards will be given during the closing ceremony of this year's celebration of Western Visayas Tourism Assembly. (Jo Agudo, PIO)

Sunstar Iloilo. 10/5/2006
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