Feature:

Supporting Panay Products

By Pepin

Panayanons are creative craftsmen. No doubt about that. They create and sell almost anything – from woven handbags to mango wines. A visitor from England was even surprised to witness how people from Panay can create eye-catching and durable items from indigenous materials.

In the different regions of Panay, local goods are given greater attention by the government. In fact, each town is given an opportunity to promote their own product through the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In this program, the town is required to set up a livelihood and produce goods in which people can identify them with. For example, the town of Dueñas, Iloilo promotes loom weaving. Their products include Hablon gown, throw pillow cases, table runners, shawls, and floor runners. Passi City, on the other hand, is known for their herbal oils and exotic wines, while the Municipality of Ibajay, Aklan is getting famous for being one of the largest producers of virgin coconut oil in the region.

Some other OTOP products from Panay are the following:

Kalibo, Aklan – Pinya (Pineapple) Silk

Hamtic, Antique – Colored Buri Gift Bag

Jordan, Guimaras – Dried Mangoes

Roxas City, Capiz – Cocoshell Accessories

Maasin, Iloilo – Bamboo Furniture

Aside from adopting the DTI project, every Municipal government also funds local craftsmen and organizes programs for small businessmen that provide skills training, product-design development, and capability building.

To top it all, each town established a souvenir shop or better known as “Pasalubong Center”, where they can put up for sale their native goods for the visiting tourists. Oton, Iloilo, for example, started the United Producers Association of Oton, and opened a souvenir shop that exclusively sells “Ogtonganon” products, such as lampshades and accessories.

Panay Products are becoming distinctive nowadays. In no time, these local goods will be known by more and more people, and Panay craftsmen will be distinguished as some of the world’s best.

Feature:

Dr. Jose P. Rizal: 

Bayani ng Bayang Sinilangan

“Kung dugo ang iyong kinakailangan

Sa ikadidilag ng iyong pagsilang,

Dugo ko’y ibubo’t sa isa man lamang

Nang gumigiti mong sinag ay kuminang.”

- Mula sa tulang “Ang Huling Paalam” (Mi Ultimo Adios)

Ang Panay Mud Pie ay nagkakaisa sa buong Sambayanang Pilipinas sa pagunita ng Ika-150 na kaarawan ng Pambansang Bayani ng Pilipinas.

Feature:

A Celebration of Ilonggo Fashion

By Pepin

Glitz and glamour sealed the day as top Ilonggo designers conquered the runway at SM City Iloilo last June 10, 2011 in a fashion show entitled, “Ilongga: A Fashion Show of Filipino Inspired Gowns.”

Prominent women in the society wore elegant gowns by popular Ilonggo designers.

The event was made livelier with the folk music of Ritmo Tambores.

Health Update:

It’s time to immunize!

By Pepin

Influenza, Pneumococcal Infection, and Chickenpox – these are only some of the diseases that can be prevented through proper immunization, but a lot of people still do not value the benefits of this preventive measure. As a result, many Filipinos, especially young children, die every year and many more suffer because they failed to take the first step to protect themselves from pathogens that cause chronic illnesses.

Immunization can do a lot better than cure. Aside from preventing the disease and providing lifelong protection, it is also economical. It cost much less than the treatment that a person might be receiving. It is also safe and effective because the process and the vaccines are products of extensive health research and are approved by the World Health Organization.

Here in the Philippines, the law states that newborn babies are to be immunized as soon as they are born. These will give them protection against diseases that can compromise their feeble health.

Vaccines given at birth to 12 months:

BCG (tuberculosis and meningitis) – birth or anytime after birth

DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) – 6 weeks

Oral Polio Vaccine – 6 weeks

Hepatitis B – at birth

Measles – 9 months

Source: Expanded Program on Immunization – Philippines

Immunization is enforced for some people, especially among health care workers because they have the highest risk to contact pathogens in the hospital and in other health care facilities. Specific immunizations, such as for malaria, yellow fever, and typhoid fever are recommended for people who wish to travel to areas where these diseases are common. Moreover, people who use drugs or has more than one sex partner are obliged to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

Millions of lives can be saved through immunization. It is the first step that the country should take to promote and live a healthy life.

Announcement:

"KALAYAAN: Panindigan ng Bayan"

PANAY MUD PIE joins the entire Filipino nation in the celebration of 113th Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2011.

Feature:

An Unequaled Beauty of 

Lapaz Park

By Pepin

Truly a pride of Iloilo City, Lapaz Park has been a witness to many important events in the past and has been a venue of several big gatherings and sport competitions in the province. It offers a refreshing atmosphere lightens everyday stress. 

Opened in March 1998, “Plaza Lapaz,” as what many would call it, became a place of relaxation and sunrise strolls. A lot of people of various ages would often be seen around, especially at the lagoon, which features a beautiful garden, a huge acacia tree at one side, and fully-furnished gazebos at the corners. 

A cool shade is also available for students who would wish to have a tranquil time for studying. For day-trippers, they can rest on benches as they take pleasure on a beautiful view of the scenery. Plus, everyone can enjoy a heart-warming sight of little children playing around huge trees and bushes every afternoon.

There are also several sport facilities available around the park, such as the basketball court, tennis courts, and a large football field. These facilities are well-maintained since some of the city’s sporting events are often held here.