Typhoon Frank remains top story of 2008
Posted by admin @ 11:31 am on January 5th, 2009
Filed under Updates
THE multi-billion peso worth of devastation caused by Typhoon Frank last June 21-22, 2008 and its aftermath, including government’s rehabilitation efforts, remain the top story in Iloilo province for 2008.
Other year-ender stories were about efforts to rehabilitate Panay Island provinces, prop up the local economy, and resuscitate the business climate reeling from the effects of the super typhoon that hit the island and the rest of Western Visayas.
On the other hand, despite the crisis caused by the global economic meltdown, Iloilo appears to be sustaining its development in 2009.
Iloilo Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Governor Niel D. Tupas Sr. agree that the interests of the city and province should come first before political skirmishes. The two are at the forefront of rehabilitation efforts.
The National Government came to Iloilo’s rescue and provided P8 billion in rehabilitation fund for repair of infrastructure like roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, markets, and health centers, among others. The initial amount promised as Paglaum Fund was P15 billion.
Presidential Assistant Raul Banias of Task Force Panay said they are trying to fast track the release of the amount to take advantage of the good weather and start reconstruction efforts early this year.
Acknowledging that 2008 was a very challenging year, Treñas said 2009 may pose difficulties on the economic and social fronts because of the worldwide economic crisis.
Following Typhoon Frank’s devastation is the top story involving the construction of a P16 billion coal-fired power plant set to start early this year in Iloilo City after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) granted an environment compliance certificate to the project last September 2008.
The project, a sole private business initiative, is the first coal-fired power plant investment in Iloilo by Global Business Power Corporation and its affiliate Formosa Heavy Industries of Taiwan that aims to supply sustainable electric power to the city.
Another top story in 2008 is the multi-billion investments of Megaworld Corp. after it bought last year the 54-hectare lot of the old airport site in Mandurriao district.
Megaworld is set to convert the area into a new and modern commercial district complete with Internet and business process outsourcing technology, theme park, business offices, and other amenities.
Ayala Land Corp. is also eyeing to build another business and commercial area in the city and is expected to give more employment opportunities to the Ilonggos.
In the province of Iloilo, the top story remains the killing of Ajuy Vice Mayor Ramon Rojas allegedly masterminded by his own first cousin, businessman Vicente Espinosa. One suspect was killed while another suspect was arrested in Butuan by Iloilo policemen.
By Lydia C. Pendon
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Comments (4)
January 5th, 2009 at 11:36 am
[...] Continue reading… [...]
January 5th, 2009 at 11:41 am
[...] Continue reading… [...]
January 19th, 2009 at 10:57 am
[...] The National Government came to Iloilo’s rescue and provided P8 billion in rehabilitation fund for repair of infrastructure like roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, markets, and health centers, among others. The initial amount promised as Paglaum Fund was P15 billion. Read more… [...]
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