Seminario de San Vicente Ferrer

The Facade of the St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary

The Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary was founded in 1869. It is the fifth oldest and the last seminary that was established during the Spanish colonial period. On May 27, 1865, Pope Pius IX in the Bull of Erection, “QUI AB INITIO”, of the Diocese of Jaro, insisted that the new bishop should found and organize a seminary as soon as possible. The Archbishop of Manila, Most Rev. Gregorio Meliton Martinez on October 10, 1867, carried the decree into effect. Most Rev. Mariano Cuartero, O.P., at the time of his appointment as first Bishop of Jaro, was in Spain acting as General Procurator of the Order. He was ordained Bishop at the Dominican Seminary of Ocania, Spain, on November 1867. He took possession of his Diocese on April 25, 1868. The new Bishop founded the Diocesan Seminary where he could train good pastors for the different parishes, which at that time were almost entirely under the spiritual administration of the Augustinians Friars, who were then regarded as the Fathers of Faith in Panay.

"The Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary was founded by deocesan clergies in 1869. Formerly housed in the Bishop's Palace under the administration of the Order of Saint Vincent de Paul. The first building was built in 1871; Established and college classes of the seminary was opened in 1872. It was made as the American headquarters in 1899 and later was turned over to the Vincentians. Destroyed by fire, in 1906, it was reconstructed in 1912. It was damaged during the second world war, and classes was reopened in 1946. The present building was finished on June 19, 1954, and was enaguarated on August 15, 1954. Some its prominent alumni are Graciano Lopez Jaena, Martin Delgado, Quintin Salas, Ramon Avanceña, Delfin Jaranilla and His Eminence Jaime cardinal Sin and many others."

The Seminary, as completed in 1847, was of quadrilateral shape with dimensions 54 x 52 meters. In the center was the interior garden measuring 23 square meters. The first floor was made of stone and bricks while the second floor was made of hard wood. At that time it was undoubtedly the best seminary in the Philippines.

A closer look to architectural designs of the seminary

The new seminary soon became the most popular and first center of secondary education in the island. The number of students who requested to be allowed to take secondary education in the seminary but without any intention of pursuing priesthood was so many. Fr. Ildefonso Moral, who was reappointed rector in 1875, decided to open the seminary doors to lay students as had already been done in other diocesan seminaries.

On June 19, 1946, the Archdiocese of Jaro (Elevated; 1951) had again a modern and excellent Seminary for the proper training of its future priests. The Seminary had known a good number of changes of great importance. In 1957, the Seminary became “de facto” a regional major Seminary when the Bishops of the suffragan Dioceses of Bacolod (1946), Capiz (1957), Antique (1963) and even the Prelature of Palawan enrolled their major Seminarians in this Seminary. The number of Seminarians had broken all the previous records, introducing new subjects and adding new courses and had updated the plan of studies. The department of Latin and Philosophy had come under government recognition. In 1958, the St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary obtained government recognition of tits studies of Philosophy and power to grant the Bachelor of Arts degree.

The Historical Marker mounted at the entrance of the seminary, by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines

The St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary was the first of the seminaries to be run by the Vincentian fathers to become a first class college, being fully incorporated in the University of Santo Tomas in 1891. Sometime in 1890, Bishop Arrue from Governor General Valeriano Weyler for the authorization to offer baccalaureate studies for those students who, having finished secondary education here, couldn’t afford to pursue college studies in Manila. The request was granted without delay since the institution had complied with all the requirements of Art. 13 del Reglamento 1867. From then on and until 1897 when the first signs of Filipino-Spanish conflict started, the seminary enjoyed a flourishing life.

Good Governance: Social Accountability and the Environment

A Call For Participation:

the Students of the Master in Public Governance of WVSU

The concept of citizens' participation in governance is the key approach to restoring and maintaining confidence in the government. It builds up public office’s credibility, and enhances transparency.

As part of their advocacy for good governance and a better Filipino society, the students of the Master in Public Governance (MPG), West Visayas State University (WVSU), Iloilo City in cooperation with the Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines, Inc. (ASPAP), will hold a one (1) day activity that would bring in together the newly elected officials, employees, students of public administration,governance and management in the Graduate School level, and other members of our society to understand and discuss the issues relating to Social Accountability and Environmental Concerns.

Municipal/City Mayors the Vice Mayors, Sangguniang Bayan/Panglungsod Chairman and Members of Committee on Good Government, Public Ethics and Accountability, LIGA President, SK President, City/Municipal Planning and Development Officer; City/Municipal Accountant, Budget Officer, Treasurer, Administrator, HRMO, Executive Assistants/Private Secretaries; and President of the Employees Association, and the students of Public Administration/Management/Governance all over Western Visayas are invited to attend the Seminar entitled: Good Governance: Social Accountability and the Environment, on November 5, 2010 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iznart Street, Iloilo City, 7AM.

In order to defray cost for the venue, food and other operating expenses, a registration fee of PhP 800.00 per participant will be collected. For more inquiries and confirmation of attendance, you can email at mpg.secretariat@gmail.com

Iloilo Lokal at South Point on September 25

poster credit: Patrick Mabilog

Iloilo Lokal is a weekly event in Iloilo City. The event is getting its popularity to party lovers of this metropolis. SM City Iloilo's Southpoint is the venue.

Each week, it gathers Ilonggo music artists and local bands to perform in a night loaded with Ilonggo artistry and passion in music. It is the best venue to enjoy the weekend night with your family and friends under the roof of a variety of music genres.

This Friday, September 25, 2010, Southpoint will feature the performances of Godchild, Kwatrokantos, Bahaghari, Clique This, Joint Venture and more Ilonggo artists.

Enjoy the fun and good food this Saturday. Iloilo Lokal will start at 6PM.

Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral

The Jaro Cathedral is among the churches in the Philippines that has its belfry separated from it, across the national highway and situated in Jaro's Plaza. Historically, was used as a lookout-tower for sea raiders. This is where Philippine hero Graciano Lopez-Jaena was baptized.

The Jaro Cathedral is the first cathedral in Panay. One of its high points in Panay's history was the visit of Pope John Paul II, conducting a mass in 1982.

The Newly Renovated Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral

The Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral was built in 1864, the year the district was named a diocese by Pope Pius the IX, by order of His Grace Mariano Cuartero, first bishop of Jaro. It was destroyed by an earthquake last January 1948 and restored by order of His Excellency Jose Ma. Cuenco, first archbishop of Jaro in 1956. The cathedral’s style is basically Baroque, with the addition of Gothic elements over many renovations.

The Cathedral, before it was renovated

It's patroness - The Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria is the only female among the all-male-saints collection of the church. Her shrine is visited often by a number of faithfuls who believe the statue to be miraculous. This 400-year-old image is the focus of the Jaro Fiesta held every second day of February.

Experience to exchange your wedding vows in Iloilo

Just about everything a person needs for a wedding can be found at Amigo Plaza Mall from September 16-23, 2010. You won't want to miss out on this elegant production highlighting Iloilo City's key players in the wedding organizing industry showcasing their fresh ideas and innovative concepts.

You can have the chance to meet with photographers, florists, cake designers, event planners, specialists in announcements and invitations, and many others. Also get the chance to preview a special selection of wedding creations.

'Wedding Vows' exhibits and information assistance is located at the activity area of the Amigo Plaza Mall, until September 23, 2010.

Plazuela de Iloilo is taking shape

September 17, 2010. Plazuela de Iloilo, the newest venture of the Florete Land, Inc. is taking shape as it rigorously taking the finishing touches to beat the 10/10/10 deadline for its opening.

Owner, Dr. Rogelio Florete is setting October 10, 2010 as the official opening of the project to the Ilonggo community. This establishment is a Spanish-Italian styled building located at Diversion Road, Benigno Aquino Avenue in Mandurriao, is designed by the most notable Palafox and Associates that was also commissioned by the Iloilo City government for its urban planning. This 12,533 square meter commercial complex will host retail stores, coffee shops and restaurants in the ground level and BPO locators in the second level.

Dr. Florete is the man behind the many successes of Bombo Radyo Philippines and Queen City Development Ban.

September 2010 Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination results

The September 2010 Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination results released in four (4) days. The members of the Board of Electrical Engineering who gave the licensure examinations are Engr. Fortunato C. Leynes, Chairman; Engr. Jaime V. Mendoza and Engr. Francis V. Mapile, Members.

The top performing schools in the September 2010 R.E.E. Licensure Examination:

1. University of the Philippines - Los Baños 100%
2. University of batangas - 94.59%

3. Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (La Paz, Iloilo City) - 85.71%

Top 7 in the September 2010 Registered Master Electrician Licensure Examination:

MICHEL FRUTO VIO - 83.50 (Western Institute of Technology)

Successful Examinees in the
PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER EXAMINATION

Successful Examinees in the
REGISTERED ELECTRICAL ENGINEER LICENSURE EXAMINATION

Successful Examinees in the
REGISTERED MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSURE EXAMINATION

Public-private partnership eyed in infrastructures

September 17, 2010
Lydia C. Pendon - Sun Star Iloilo)

STAKEHOLDERS in priority infrastructure projects for Iloilo City are banking on a strong public and private partnership (PPP) and wider citizen participation.

A presentation and copy of the report on the proposed P2.2-billion infrastructures for the next six years were received by Congressman Jerry Treñas, City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Provincial Board Member Jett Rojas, representing Governor Arthur Defensor for the six Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) municipalities.

Ma. Lea Victoria Lara of the Iloilo Business Club (IBC) said possible funding will come from the General Appropriations Act of the National Government to be included in the medium term development plan of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Other funding sources may come from foreign assistance or from private investors and stakeholders.

The report, which was turned over during a ceremony at the Sarabia Manor Hotel Friday, summarizes the initiatives of IBC to assist the legislative district under Treñas in identifying necessary road projects that can wield strong economic impact to the city constituents.

IBC received technical assistance from the Research Education and Institutional Development (Reid) Foundation, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) through The Asia Foundation.

The stakeholders recognize that the partnership for better infrastructures is part of an ongoing effort to increase citizen participation on governance to sustain economic growth and decongest Iloilo City.

John Avila, cognizant technical officer of USAid, said they are ready to render technical assistance to PPP, especially on tourism projects that will help put Iloilo on the tourism map.

Ky Johnson, deputy country representative of the Asia Foundation, also batted on wider citizen participation in promoting good governance in the local government units.

Reid president Enrico Basilio also wants to promote PP in an open, competitive and transparent process, especially in the roll-on, roll-off (Roro) expansion to help the Philippines in the Asean Roro network.

The infrastructure projects are the P1.6-P1.9 billion Circumferential Road I endorsed by the Regional Development Council in 2004 that covers 14 kilometers road and five bridges starting at the Iloilo-Antique road up to the Iloilo coastal road.

Also included in the IBC report are road and bridge projects that will catalyst the urban development in Metro Iloilo area, such as the three-kilometer Jaro-Leganes Road worth P281 million from Jaro to Calle Progreso in Leganes; the 3.5-kilometer Radial 4-Bypass 2 road from Mc Arthur Drive Bridge up to Leganes worth P240 to P280 million; and the P174 million road from Jalandoni Bridge to the diversion road with construction of road and Dungon Bridge.

Afrique's Valeria Now Open

Afrique's Gourmet Pizza and Pasta has recently opened its 5th branch at Valeria street, Iloilo City, beside the Atrium Mall, last September 16, 2010.

Afrique's Gourmet started at Jaro district at an old house near Jaro Public Market. Also this year, it opened its 4th branch at Smallville entertainment center in Mandurriao.

The first customers who visited its newest branch was treated with a 50% discount, after the blessing ceremonies.

Afrique's Gourmet Pizza and Pasta has branches in Jaro, Molo, Smallville entertainment center, Gen. Huges Street, and Valeria Street, Iloilo City.

It's SM three-day sale at SM City Iloilo

SM City Iloilo, the largest mall in Western Visayas is having its three-day sale on September 17, 18, and 19, 2010. Big Discounts and Treats awaits to SM shoppers.

A big volume of shoppers are expected to troop the Big Mall starting tomorrow, Friday.

Toni Gonzaga will be at SM cinema 8 on September 18, 5PM. Superstar Auditions will be at 10AM at SM Cinema 8 with special guests.

SM City Iloilo has recently done its renovation in its mall lighting and interior designs.

Gaisano City Iloilo September 2010 Mallwide Sale

Gaisano City Iloilo at La Paz District is having a mallwide anniversary sale on September 17 - 19 plus a midnight sale on September 18, 2010.

Located in Lapaz district, this six-level mall offers up to fifty percent (50%) discount on various items. Gaisano City Iloilo is under the management of Gaisano Capital group.

Jed assures no new taxes

By Lydia C. Pendon

(The Daily Guardian)

GOOD news to taxpayers.

Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog assured taxpayers, especially the business sector, that no new taxes will be implemented this year.

Rather, Mabilog said he will pursue a comprehensive tax collection system to further increase revenues of the city government.

Mabilog said tax collection efficiency must be prioritized as the city is becoming one of the most populous areas in Western Visayas.

Mabilog said the city is enjoying the influx of investors including conglomerates based in Metro Manila and “this will result in more businesses and livelihood opportunities that will benefit the city.”

He said the city government has received several inquiries from national and foreign businesses as regards opportunities for business and investments. These inquiries were spurred by the soon to be completed 164-megawatt coal-fired power plant at Brgy. Ingore, La Paz district.

Other investment determinants include easy access to the new airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo, the roll on-roll off transportation, the presence of many universities and colleges and over-all investor-friendly climate of the city.

Mabilog also said that he is pushing for full computerization of all transactions in the city to lessen red tape especially in tax collection and tax appraisal systems.

“Also included is the computerization of employees’ office attendance that will include a biometrics system,” the city mayor said.

Youth center to rise in Iloilo City

A center that will cater to the youth sector will soon rise in Iloilo City and two other local government units in Western Visayas, replicating the success of the pilot center established in Roxas City in 2007.

The center will also be opened in Bago City, Negros Occidental and Aklan.

The facility dubbed “Teenbayan Education Center” caters to out-of-school youths, youths with disabilities and special needs, and walk-in minors with problems, among others.

Social Welfare Officer IV Susan Mogato said the center, which will be manned by trained volunteers, extends practical skills training and counseling to their peers. It also has recreational facilities such as for sports activities.
The volunteers will be supervised by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Other LGUs in the region are encouraged to put up their own TBEC, especially those with high incidence of needy and disadvantaged youth.

The first center was piloted in Roxas City and is now catering to some 90 youths. (source: PN)

August 2010 Criminologist Licensure Examination

August 2010 Criminologist Licensure Examination results released in eleven (11) working days. The members of the Board of Criminology who gave the licensure examination are Dir. Lourdes W. Aniceto, Chairman; Pros. Carolina J. Esguerra and Atty. Ernesto V. Cabrera, Members.

Successful Examinees in the
CRIMINOLOGIST LICENSURE EXAMINATION

September 2010 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination

September 2010 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination results released in one (1) working day. The members of the Board of Mechanical Engineering who gave the licensure examinations are Engr. Alfredo Y. Po, Chairman; Engr. Leandro A. Conti and Engr. Vicente B. Vosotros, Members.

Successful Examinees in the
PROFESSIONAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER LICENSURE EXAMINATION

Successful Examinees in the
MECHANICAL ENGINEER LICENSURE EXAMINATION

Successful Examinees in the
CERTIFIED PLANT MECHANIC LICENSURE EXAMINATION

2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival Schedule of Activities

2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival
39th Edition Tentative Schedule of Activities
February 13 to 20

February 13, 2011 (Sunday)
	07:00 AM	Mass Offering
	09:00 AM	Fellowship Breakfast
	03:00 PM	Formal Opening Program: 2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival
	04:00 PM	Presentationof Official Candidates: 2011 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival
	05:00 PM	Opening of The Photo Exhibit (Feb 14 to 20, 2011)
	05:15:00 PM	Opening of The Miniature Paraw-Making Contest (Feb 14 to 20, 2011)
	05:30 PM	Opening of The Iloilo Watercraft Association Exhibit (Feb 13 to 19, 2011)
	06:00 PM	Cocktails
February 14, 2011 (Monday)
	10:00 AM	Start of The “Pinta Layag” Sail Painting Contest
	04:00 PM	2011 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pre-Pageant: Festival Costume & Swimsuit Pre-Judging Competitions
February 15, 2011 (Tuesday)
	04:00 PM	2011 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pre-Pageant: Evening Gown & “Darlingof The Press” Pre-Judging Competitions
February 16, 2011 (Wednesday)
	04:00 PM	2011 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pre-Pageant: Talent Competition
February 17, 2011 (Thursday)
	06:00 PM	2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival Torch Parade
	08:00 PM	“Sinamba Sa Paraw Regatta” Mardi Gras Semi-Finals
February 18, 2011 (Friday)
	12:00 NN	2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Rowing & Paddling Competitions
	07:00 PM	2011 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pageant Coronation Night
February 19, 2011 (Saturday)
	07:00 AM	Send-Off Mass of The Governor’s Cup Deep-Sea Fishing Competition
	08:00 AM	2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Women’s Beach Volleyball Eliminations
	08:00 AM	1st Iloilo Paraw Regatta Airsoft Competition - Eliminations
	09:00 AM	2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Men’s Beach Football Eliminations
	10:00 AM	2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Beach Ultimate Elimination S
	09:00 AM	1st Iloilo Paraw Regatta Jet Ski Competition
	06:00 PM	Gma Network’s “Reggae-Ta” & Kapuso Night Beach Party
	06:00 PM	Abs-Cbn Beach Party
	07:00 PM	The 1st Iloilo Paraw Regatta “Chairman’s Ball”
	10:00 PM	Arevalo Pyrotechnics Association’s Fireworks Competition & “Luces By The Sea” Fireworks Display
February 20, 2011 (Sunday)
	06:00 AM	“Pinta Layag” Final Judging
	06:00 AM	Festival Photo Contest (Awarding On March 4 at Tatoy’s Manokan, Villa Beach, Arevalo, Iloilo City)
	06:00 AM	Main Paraw Regatta Event: Registration of Participants / Measurement of Participating Paraws
	07:00 AM	Opening Program & Opening Declaration of Race
	07:30 AM	2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta - 39th Edition Grand Take-Off
	08:00 AM	“Sinamba Sa Paraw Regatta” Mardi Gras Finals
	08:00 AM	“Pintawo” A Body-Painting Competition
	08:00 AM	Mini Paraw Beach Race
	08:00 AM	2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Women’s Beach Volleyball Finals
	08:00 AM	1st Iloilo Paraw Regatta Airsoft Competition - Finals
	08:00 AM	Sports Photo Contest
	09:00 AM	2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Men’s Beach Football Finals
	10:00 AM	2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Women’s Beach Football Finals
	10:00 AM	2011 Iloilo Beach Ultimate Finals
	12:00 NN	Arrival of The Deep-Sea Fishing Competition Participants
	03:00 PM	Awarding Ceremonies

Iloilo Dinagyang 2010 Schedule of Activities

2011 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival

Tentative Schedule of Activities

DATE	TIME	EVENT	VENUE
October 14, 2010, Friday	2:00 P.M.	LOCAL LAUNCH Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2011	Freedom Grandstand
December 16, 2010, Friday	2:00 P.M.	PAMUKAW	Assembly Area: Promenade passing Iznart, J.M. Basa to Freedom Grandstand
January 4, 2011, Tuesday	2:00 P.M.	Model Ati Dinagyang Warrior 2011 Presentation
January 7, 2011, Friday	2:00 P.M.	Model Ati Dinagyang Warrior 2011 Talent Competition
January 9, 2011, Sunday	1:00 P.M.	Model Ati Dinagyang Warrior 2011 Finals
January 14, 2011, Friday	2:30 P.M.	Mass for Opening Salvo of Tribe Dancers	San Jose Parish Church
	3:00 PM	OPENING SALVO	Judging Area
January 14-16, 2010		Iloilo Dinagyang Golf Competition 2011	Sta. Barbara Golf Club
January 15, 2011, Saturday	7:00:00 AM	SQUEAK	Parade Route
January 16-23, 2011		Dinagyang Photo Exhibit
January 16, 2011, Sunday	10:00AM - 3:00PM	DRESSING UP DAGOY
January 19-23, 2011	2:00 P.M.-12 MN	Iloilo Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association (IHRRA) Food Festival	Delgado St., Iloilo City
January 21, 2011, Friday	8:00:00 AM	TAMBOR TRUMPA MARTSA MUSIKA	Freedom Grandstand
	7:00 PM	LUCES IN THE SKY Part I
January 22, 2011, Saturday	7:00:00 AM	Mass for Kasadyahan	San Jose Parish Church
	8:00 A.M.	2011 KASADYAHAN Competition	Freedom Grandstand and other stages
	2:00PM	SPONSORS MARDI GRAS	Judging Area #4 to Freedom Grandstand
	7:00 PM	LUCES IN THE SKY Part II
	7:00 PM	Religious Sad-sad to Sr. Sto. Niño	San Jose Parish Church
January 23, 2010, Sunday	6:30 a.m	Concelebrated high mass for devotees, Tribes, Gov't. Officials, LOMAS in attendance	San Jose Parish Church
	8:00 A.M.	2011 Dinagyang Ati CONTEST	Freedom Grandstand and other stages
	7:00 P.M.	Awarding Ceremonies	Freedom Grandstand
January 24, 2011, Monday	5:30 P.M.	Thanksgiving Mass with all members of 2010 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Working Committees	San Jose Parish Church

September 2010 Chemist Licensure Examination

September 2010 Chemist Licensure Examination results released in one (1) day. he members of the Board of Chemistry are Ms. Adoracion P. Resurreccion, Chairman and Ms. Soledad S. Castañeda, Member.

Top 10 - NORBERTO CALA-ONG CABATEA - 87.25% University of the Philippines - Visayas - Iloilo City

Successful Examinees in the
CHEMIST LICENSURE EXAMINATION

September 2010 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination

September 2010 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination results released in three (3) days. The members of the Board of Medical Technology who gave the licensure examination are Dr. Marietta C. Baccay, Chairman; Ms. Marilyn R. Atienza and Ms. Marian M. Tantingco, Members.

Successful Examinees in the
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST LICENSURE EXAMINATION

Starbucks: Brewing soon in Iloilo

(Sept.6, 2010 Update). International coffee shop chain Starbucks will occupy a part of the newly constructed building inside the SM City Iloilo complex.

The two-level “Southpoint” has been completed for more than a month now. Cebu-based “Mooon Cafe” will also occupy the other portion of the building. On going development of Moon Cafe has been visible for a about more than a half of the month already. This will be their second branch in Iloilo City(Robinsons Place being their first).

Speculations about the location of the first Starbucks branch in this city finally comes to rest; as they will be occupying the corner space of Southpoint in SM City - fronting the B. Aquino Avenue.