Iloilo’s ‘Chinatown’ needs rehab
The downtown Iloilo dubbed the Central Business District (CBD) Heritage Zone and touted as “Chinatown” in the city needs rehabilitation, the Consultants for Comprehensive Environmental Planning, Inc. (Concep) said in its study.
Concep was hired by the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) for the drafting of an Integrated Urban and Regional Infrastructure Plan Project – a package assistance funded by Australian Agency for International Development’s (AusAid) Local Governance Development Program (LGDP) in 2007.
“In general, downtown Iloilo particularly the Heritage Zone conveys an image similar to Binondo in downtown Manila of several years ago – old, run-down buildings with interesting architectural facades but needing repairs and renovation,” Concep stressed in its report.
Iloilo’s Chinatown encompasses the triangular Iznart-JM Basa-Aldeguer streets in the City Proper.
The Heritage Zone includes commercial-residential mixed blocks bounded by the major streets of J.M. Basa, Iznart, Muelle Loney, Rizal and General Luna.
It also stretches to neighbor blocks bounded by the side streets of Guanco, Arroyo, Aldeguer, Arsenal, Mapa, Delgado, Yulo, Solis, and Aduana.
“The land use is dominantly commercial with very little residential uses which also appear rundown and poorly maintained,” Concep added.
What’s “killing” the Chinatown?
“Traffic congestion is pervasive as evidenced by several streets serving as jeepney routes and mixing of different transport modes including tricycles and trisikads. There also appears a lack of parking as some sidewalks are used for the purpose. This is further aggravated by jaywalking and general disregard for designated loading/unloading zones,” the consultant firm assessed.
“While the buildings are arcaded, sidewalks are also congested caused mainly by ambulant vendors and illegal structures. Certain establishments also extend their business operations onto the sidewalks including repair of cars and installation of car accessories,” it added.
The Chinese-Filipino dominated business hub in the heart of metropolis has been “chaotic.”
“Signs and billboards are chaotic, most of it not blending with the beautiful architectural ornaments of the Art Deco-style buildings. Further promoting the overall chaotic visual image of the area is the spaghetti-like overhead wires and cables,” Concep said.
Is the Chinatown here really dying?
“According to several city residents, due to the competition from the newer shopping malls, many of the small businesses in the downtown area have closed down resulting in general decline of the area’s economy,” Concep disclosed.
“The enterprises remained are the ones which appear to have been able to adjust to the changing business environment. In spite of the economic downturn, business in the downtown area still manages to attract a good number of people,” the study explained.
What’s keeping the Chinatown alive as a thriving business haven?
“The public market is still a magnet for shoppers despite its congestion. There are also many banks in the area. Certain streets still enjoy a certain level of business especially those which have become identified with specific products they offer,” the consultants clarified.
It reveals that Guanco Street has been synonymous to jewelry and goldsmith shops; Aldeguer Street for dry goods, textiles and pawnshops; Iznart Street for hardware and banks; and JM Basa for retail stores, restaurants and Central market.
“The downtown area was the city’s original commercial hub and offered a wide range of retail, service and entertainment facilities. It also includes residential units including those in the upper floors of commercial buildings,” the study’s findings said.
“However, the growth of the city coupled with changes in demographics and retail shopping preferences basically altered the role of the main street commercial centers. As people became more affluent and dependent on motor vehicles, they moved to newer residential communities further out, preferring larger stores with convenient parking over smaller neighborhood shops,” Concep found out.
It added: “This trend continues, with many consumers favoring full-service shopping malls and modern office centers.
“The deterioration of downtown area can be attributed to several factors with some of the external causes such as changes brought about by new arterial roads which opened up new areas for development; increased reliance on motor vehicles; inability of the pre-automobile street to cope with major space and movement demands; and locational decisions of industries vis-à-vis transport,” said the urban development assessment.
The entry of giant malls has been considered a threat to Chinatown.
“Another major external factor is new developments in outer areas such as shopping malls. Internal causes to downtown area include shortage of space and higher rents causing businesses to move out to outer cheaper areas. It is also the neglect in maintenance, traffic congestion, ineffective building controls and the inability to manage urban growth,” Concep said.
The mushrooming subdivisions in neighboring areas have also pulled out investments from the urban center.
“But most of all, it is the exodus of the people to outlying suburban residential areas such as Jaro and Mandurriao and even as far as municipalities of Pavia and San Miguel. The overall result is the considerable weakening of the downtown in its primary function – service as a retail center,” Concep affirmed.
An analysis of the existing situation reveals that while there are ongoing initiatives to energize the CBD, these initiatives are insufficient and will need strengthening especially in the light of competition from emerging new commercial places.
In order to achieve the goals as well as benefits of revitalizing the CBD, an explicit Downtown Improvement Program needs to be organized based upon a comprehensive Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
Concep recommended that actions should be undertaken including defining the commercial role of CBD as an alternative shopping mall and initiating establishment of a downtown improvement office, among others.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
schooling
French priest helps Iloilo kids finish school
While there are many youngsters who drop out of school, thousands of kids in Iloilo are still fortunate to finish school with the help of a private foundation managed by a priest.
This after the Educational Research and Development Assistance Inc. (ERDA) founded by Fr. Pierre T. Tritz, SJ in the Philippines in 1974 has since then established more tie-up agencies in Iloilo than in any other parts of the country.
These organizations, mostly from academes, non-government organizations as well as local government units (LGUs) have partnered with ERDA to attend to the educational needs of children-beneficiaries.
ERDA has been providing the kids with school uniforms, school supplies, miscellaneous fees and graduation assistance.
Fr. Tritz organized ERDA “because of his noble dream to help and send less fortunate Filipino children to school with the end in view of making them mentally, socially, emotionally and spiritually healthy.”
The foundation has been serving the city for more than 20 years through its “Educational Assistance Program and Expanding Children’s Participation in Social Reform.”
In Iloilo City alone, more than 2,000 kids who were mostly streetchildren have been made to go to school as they became beneficiaries of the ERDA program.
Meanwhile, the city government in recognizing such noble endeavor had “adopted” Fr. Tritz as a son of Iloilo City during a tribute program last February 14, 2006.
Mayor Jerry Trenas through an executive order issued last February 10, 2006 declared the adoption of Fr. Tritz “in full recognition and appreciation of the valuable contribution to the underprivileged children in the city.”
Fr. Tritz, 91, noted he first came to Iloilo to accompany his sister Teresa to join the first Carmel of the Philippines here.
He said he set foot to the country in 1950 after a telegram inviting him from the Manila Administrator of Chaban Hall. He was then assigned for teaching stint at Araneta University-Ateneo in 1952 and Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of the East (EU) in 1969.
Fr. Tritz was a missionary in China in 1936-1948 and his native land France in 1948-1950 before he visited the Philippines.
But knowing in 1974 that he could not possibly return back to China with eleven Jesuites, he decided to stay in the country.
“I became a Filipino citizen. I renounced absolutely and forever to any other sovereignty particularly the government of France my citizenship with no mental reservation,” Fr. Tritz recalled.
“I discovered that many poor children dropped out of school due to extreme poverty of their parents,” Fr. Tritz stressed this reality has since motivate him to travel the globe while asking donations from benevolent donors.
ERDA-assisted child John Paul Claudio who was appointed First Child Commissioner by former president Joseph Estrada, said “I am the living proof that ERDA is not only providing financial assistance but is founding great personalities and building future leaders.”
He had also attended many international gatherings to speak on issues and advocacies regarding children’s rights.
Claudio who is a graduate of mechanical engineering at Central Philippine University (CPU) noted that “entering college was a great obstacle both financially and emotionally but I was able to make it through the support of ERDA.”
“Fr. Tritz has the passion to help us kids. Don’t waste that opportunity,” Claudio told schoolchildren who are currently benefited by the ERDA project.
While there are many youngsters who drop out of school, thousands of kids in Iloilo are still fortunate to finish school with the help of a private foundation managed by a priest.
This after the Educational Research and Development Assistance Inc. (ERDA) founded by Fr. Pierre T. Tritz, SJ in the Philippines in 1974 has since then established more tie-up agencies in Iloilo than in any other parts of the country.
These organizations, mostly from academes, non-government organizations as well as local government units (LGUs) have partnered with ERDA to attend to the educational needs of children-beneficiaries.
ERDA has been providing the kids with school uniforms, school supplies, miscellaneous fees and graduation assistance.
Fr. Tritz organized ERDA “because of his noble dream to help and send less fortunate Filipino children to school with the end in view of making them mentally, socially, emotionally and spiritually healthy.”
The foundation has been serving the city for more than 20 years through its “Educational Assistance Program and Expanding Children’s Participation in Social Reform.”
In Iloilo City alone, more than 2,000 kids who were mostly streetchildren have been made to go to school as they became beneficiaries of the ERDA program.
Meanwhile, the city government in recognizing such noble endeavor had “adopted” Fr. Tritz as a son of Iloilo City during a tribute program last February 14, 2006.
Mayor Jerry Trenas through an executive order issued last February 10, 2006 declared the adoption of Fr. Tritz “in full recognition and appreciation of the valuable contribution to the underprivileged children in the city.”
Fr. Tritz, 91, noted he first came to Iloilo to accompany his sister Teresa to join the first Carmel of the Philippines here.
He said he set foot to the country in 1950 after a telegram inviting him from the Manila Administrator of Chaban Hall. He was then assigned for teaching stint at Araneta University-Ateneo in 1952 and Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of the East (EU) in 1969.
Fr. Tritz was a missionary in China in 1936-1948 and his native land France in 1948-1950 before he visited the Philippines.
But knowing in 1974 that he could not possibly return back to China with eleven Jesuites, he decided to stay in the country.
“I became a Filipino citizen. I renounced absolutely and forever to any other sovereignty particularly the government of France my citizenship with no mental reservation,” Fr. Tritz recalled.
“I discovered that many poor children dropped out of school due to extreme poverty of their parents,” Fr. Tritz stressed this reality has since motivate him to travel the globe while asking donations from benevolent donors.
ERDA-assisted child John Paul Claudio who was appointed First Child Commissioner by former president Joseph Estrada, said “I am the living proof that ERDA is not only providing financial assistance but is founding great personalities and building future leaders.”
He had also attended many international gatherings to speak on issues and advocacies regarding children’s rights.
Claudio who is a graduate of mechanical engineering at Central Philippine University (CPU) noted that “entering college was a great obstacle both financially and emotionally but I was able to make it through the support of ERDA.”
“Fr. Tritz has the passion to help us kids. Don’t waste that opportunity,” Claudio told schoolchildren who are currently benefited by the ERDA project.
motoring
Iloilo’s auto market ‘better than average’
A top executive of leading car company Isuzu Philippines Corp. assessed of steadily rising auto market in Iloilo.
“The Iloilo market is better than average – it is not really growing but steady,” said Myrna Gonzales, assistant division manager for marketing and sales department of Izusu.
Gonzales was here to grace the Isuzu Super Sabado Bonanza – a Family Day Event at newly-opened Isuzu Iloilo’s showroom along Sen. Benigno Aquino Ave., Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
“Basing from the behavior of customers here, they have been trying out new product and that’s a nice market. Thus, we are addressing the demands they expect,” Gonzales told this writer.
She noted the first and newest Isuzu branch in Iloilo is the 20th Isuzu Dealership and the latest addition after a 10-year existence in the local automotive industry, marking Isuzu’s diesel authority.
Why Iloilo?
Gonzales explained: “We have studied the market and determined the fast-growing areas. Iloilo is very promising as the customer base is growing for the past ten years. Both the economic and response here are improving and getting better all the time.”
“Before, it was a small and not a full-blown dealership. But it was realized because of the high acceptance of people. I think Ilonggos are particular with buying vehicles that are multi-purpose for their families, business and outings,” she said.
Gonzales added that “the OFWs want spacious and fuel-efficient vehicle – they don’t want to waste but save their money for vehicle that suits their needs and the product that perfectly fit – they choose Isuzu.”
Though she said that last year’s sales were going down, thus a lot of promos were offered to boost product promotions.
“Surprisingly, this year, we are enjoying brisk sales in the automotive market. In general outlook, next year will be better,” Gonzales affirmed.
She said the 2003-2005 period “was unpredictable – it’s a very different market, you don’t know what happens next.”
“For next year, we are feeling a level of stability in growth – we are on the bullish side – we share sentiments of the business sector,” Gonzales asserted.
“There are opportunities to take advantage like new businesses, investments and areas being developed. The impact of call centers, for one, is a very good opportunity for growth. There is prevailing and good improvement in the market. The constant grow is very positive,” she pointed out.
Likewise, Gonzales said they want promote the preventive maintenance services.
“Once they buy their Isuzu, it doesn’t end there. We would like to take care and make sure that their Izusu are well taken care of. We should assure that the vehicle is on top condition. We encourage the customers to go back to their dealership,” she stressed.
A top executive of leading car company Isuzu Philippines Corp. assessed of steadily rising auto market in Iloilo.
“The Iloilo market is better than average – it is not really growing but steady,” said Myrna Gonzales, assistant division manager for marketing and sales department of Izusu.
Gonzales was here to grace the Isuzu Super Sabado Bonanza – a Family Day Event at newly-opened Isuzu Iloilo’s showroom along Sen. Benigno Aquino Ave., Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
“Basing from the behavior of customers here, they have been trying out new product and that’s a nice market. Thus, we are addressing the demands they expect,” Gonzales told this writer.
She noted the first and newest Isuzu branch in Iloilo is the 20th Isuzu Dealership and the latest addition after a 10-year existence in the local automotive industry, marking Isuzu’s diesel authority.
Why Iloilo?
Gonzales explained: “We have studied the market and determined the fast-growing areas. Iloilo is very promising as the customer base is growing for the past ten years. Both the economic and response here are improving and getting better all the time.”
“Before, it was a small and not a full-blown dealership. But it was realized because of the high acceptance of people. I think Ilonggos are particular with buying vehicles that are multi-purpose for their families, business and outings,” she said.
Gonzales added that “the OFWs want spacious and fuel-efficient vehicle – they don’t want to waste but save their money for vehicle that suits their needs and the product that perfectly fit – they choose Isuzu.”
Though she said that last year’s sales were going down, thus a lot of promos were offered to boost product promotions.
“Surprisingly, this year, we are enjoying brisk sales in the automotive market. In general outlook, next year will be better,” Gonzales affirmed.
She said the 2003-2005 period “was unpredictable – it’s a very different market, you don’t know what happens next.”
“For next year, we are feeling a level of stability in growth – we are on the bullish side – we share sentiments of the business sector,” Gonzales asserted.
“There are opportunities to take advantage like new businesses, investments and areas being developed. The impact of call centers, for one, is a very good opportunity for growth. There is prevailing and good improvement in the market. The constant grow is very positive,” she pointed out.
Likewise, Gonzales said they want promote the preventive maintenance services.
“Once they buy their Isuzu, it doesn’t end there. We would like to take care and make sure that their Izusu are well taken care of. We should assure that the vehicle is on top condition. We encourage the customers to go back to their dealership,” she stressed.
urban poor
‘Let’s talk about affordable housing’
Development planners talked about building low-cost housing facilities for the urban poor during the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Leaders Summit at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center on Dec. 14, 2007.
This was one of the themes of the break-out session on “Showcasing Good Governance through Harmonized Service Delivery Organized by Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic and Development Council (MIGEDC) Committee on Land Use Planning, Basic Services.”
The speakers include Vickie Antonio, project coordinator of Cities Development Strategies (CDS) who will discuss about “Iloilo City Development Strategy;” Eden Garde, acting program manager of UN Habitat will tackle “Housing in Iloilo City-Region;” and Sonia Cadornigara of Iloilo City Urban Poor Council will talk about “Urban Poor Housing Provision: Working for Total Effects.”
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the number of landless residents in the metropolis has been decreasing as these squatters are starting to own their land.
“The number of informal settlers in the city has decreased,” Treñas stressed, adding that more than 2,000 households have been relocated during his 6-year stint.
Noting records of Iloilo City Urban Poor Affairs Office (Icupao), the mayor said the 15,000-16,000 households squatting all over the city have been reduced to 13,000 households since he assumed office in 2001.
Global groups helping urban poor
The squatters may not be unfortunate at all.
Why?
Foreign organizations have looked into the plight of the city poor.
In an earlier interview, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) chief Butch Peñalosa said the city’s tie-ups with several foreign institutions were fruits of Treñas’ trip to Vancouver, Canada to speak before the World Urban Forum in June 2006.
So what attracted other global agencies to support the city’s priorities for the poor?
Peñalosa explained that “the mayor presented the successes of the city’s housing initiatives during the international forum while several groups soon responded to the call.”
“He (Treñas) highlighted the best practices such as engaging a multi-sectoral participation in the planning and implementation of relocation program, site-upgrading similarly in partnership with the grassroots and an initiated Presidential Proclamation whereby an existing area already with informal settlers is declared a resettlement site,” Peñalosa stressed.
“The mayor also shared there are ongoing efforts in partnership with private firms on micro-finance and even construction of houses for the poor. With that sharing, several institutions in the audience took interests and are now linking up and networking with the homeless federations for possible assistance,” he added.
Peñalosa clarified: “Slum-upgrading means that you don’t relocate the squatters but start off the development from where they are and improve their living condition by providing access to basic facilities like water and electricity.”
Cities Alliance ‘coming home’
A 10-man Cities Alliance Policy Advisory Board visited the city November 2007 to assess the situation of the urban poor and how to uplift their living condition.
Treñas explained the Cities Alliance has identified projects through partner non-government organization Philippines Homeless People’s Federation (PHPF).
Initially, they pledged 120 houses but might be expanded, he added.
Treñas said they expect 1,000 households to benefit from the house donations to be put up in the city-run 16-hectare relocation site in Barangay San Isidro in Jaro district.
The City Hall also hopes to accommodate more informal settlers because of the Presidential Declaration turning Barangays Concepcion, Gen. Hughes, Veterans and Duran in City Proper and Quintin Salas in Jaro district – which have been occupied by squatters – into relocation sites.
The Cities Alliance visited several relocation sites to see the initiatives of the city government for the poor and assess how they could be able to give support with the giant funding agency World Bank as partner.
The Cities Alliance (Cities without Slums) – is said to be the biggest network of cities in the world – a global coalition of cities and their development partners committed to scaling up successful approaches to poverty reduction.
The CDS Approach
In Iloilo City, the Cities Alliance is implementing the CDS which involves a participatory decision-making for poverty alleviation and sustainable urban development.
The main resolve is to adopt the CDS approach by crafting and realizing a new city vision, participatory planning and project prioritization; prepare strategies for investments in poverty alleviation, health, education housing, infrastructure and environmental management; and harmonize all development plans and activities.
Treñas also attended the 8th Cities Alliance Public Policy Forum in Manila last Nov. 6, which engaged city practitioners, national government representatives, development partners and research community to discuss challenges and opportunities of an urbanizing world.
UN Habitat ‘at home’
Earlier, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) pledged P40-million for slum-upgrading project in 15-hectare relocation site in Barangay San Isidro in Jaro district.
The relocation site is intended for some 3,000 families living along the creeks and Iloilo River to be displaced by the multi-billion Iloilo Flood Control Project (IFCP).
Treñas said the UN Habitat grant is the fruit of his speaking engagements before the World Urban Forum in Vancouver, Canada in June 2006 which discussed the plight of informal settlers around the world, from England to Africa.
A UN Habitat representative visited the city late last year to assess the living condition of squatters all over the metropolis.
“Because of presentation of programs for squatters by presidents of city’s urban poor associations, the UN Habitat based in Nairobi, Kenya pledged the multi-million fund to Homeless People Federation of the Philippines, an international organization to work on slum-upgrading,” Treñas told reporters.
According to its website, the UN Habitat is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.
Treñas said that UN Habitat will initiate the crafting of a development framework to address the housing backlogs in the city.
He added the UN Habitat will likewise conduct capability-building strategies for existing urban poor communities to make them self-reliant.
Squatters trying to save occupied lots
Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo, vice-chair of the committee on appropriations of the city council, noted the City Hall allocated P10million fund intended for land acquisitions this year.
But even the city squatters can buy their own piece of land, too.
For instance, after a four-year of threat of eviction, around 42 squatter-families have managed to save the lots they occupied by buying the bank-owned property.
The informal settlers belonging to West Habog-habog Neighborhood Association (WHNA) in Molo who are squatting in 7,924 sq.m. owned by the Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) was told to evacuate the area Oct. 23, 2002.
The bank-foreclosed property which is located near the riverbank is even considered to be a high-risk area because the river overflows during high tides and rainy season.
The BPI management brought the squatters’ condition to HPFP-Iloilo chapter because the bank did not want the property to remain as a non-performing asset.
BPI had asked Kabalaka, the HPFP’s local organization to assist on organizing the community through a savings scheme for them to be avail to purchase the land themselves.
The urban poor group has established a financial management system while mechanisms are being sustained since 2003.
Negotiations between the two parties likewise toned down the lot price to P600,000 from P840,000.
Thus, the WHNA with its three-year saving was ready to acquire the property through direct purchase as BPI required them to come up with a spot cash by Oct. 31, 2006 as deadline.
The community savings have reached P364,118 as of Aug. 17, 2006 and to cover up for the remaining balance, WHNA secured P300,000 loan from Urban Poor Development Federation (UPDF) which is payable in three years with six percent annual interest.
Meanwhile, individual monthly repayment has been computed by the local leaders with the assistance of HPFP-area resource center’s book-keeper and internal auditor.
Likewise, WHNA has started to re-survey the land so as to determine the exact area of individual lots and subsequently calculate the amount of loan for each member-family.
Migration, high cost housing breed squatters
The CPDO has assessed that squatters have been sprouting in the metropolis in search for “easy money” but they still can’t afford to buy their own house and lot because of expensive housing facilities.
Peñalosa presented the concern as one of the key issues before a 10-man Cities Alliance Policy Advisory Board that visited the city to assess the situation of the urban poor and how to uplift their living condition.
Peñalosa said poverty resulted to related problems on unemployment, underemployment, low productivity and impacts on the urban poor’s health, nutrition, housing and education.
“There is growth of informal settlements mainly due to in-migration and high cost of housing,” he explained.
People in neighboring localities tend to migrate to urban centers in the hope to find livelihood opportunities but they still fall short of their income to sustain their families as well as build better homes.
Peñalosa added the bustling metropolis has its share of environmental stress and its associated problems on flooding, garbage and pollution.
Traffic congestion has been also considered a perennial problem in the crowding city.
Why Iloilo City is a ‘nice home’?
It is teeming with main economic activities including commerce and trade, professional and skilled human resource services, tourism, agro-fishery, education and other human resource development, small and medium scale production and manufacturing, and information technology services.
The city competitive advantages are strategic location (near to capital city of Manila, Cebu and Mindanao); comprehensive land use plan with defined growth opportunities and directions; tourism gateway to Panay, Guimaras and Boracay; good political climate; low land values and development costs; regional center for education and governance; low crime rate; inter-modal transport hub; basic infrastructure and utilities; center for regional commerce and trade; skilled and managerial manpower; lower labor cost; accessibility to raw materials and production inputs; active business and civil society support and participation; numerous banks and other financial institutions; and booming real estate development.
Development planners talked about building low-cost housing facilities for the urban poor during the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Leaders Summit at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center on Dec. 14, 2007.
This was one of the themes of the break-out session on “Showcasing Good Governance through Harmonized Service Delivery Organized by Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic and Development Council (MIGEDC) Committee on Land Use Planning, Basic Services.”
The speakers include Vickie Antonio, project coordinator of Cities Development Strategies (CDS) who will discuss about “Iloilo City Development Strategy;” Eden Garde, acting program manager of UN Habitat will tackle “Housing in Iloilo City-Region;” and Sonia Cadornigara of Iloilo City Urban Poor Council will talk about “Urban Poor Housing Provision: Working for Total Effects.”
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the number of landless residents in the metropolis has been decreasing as these squatters are starting to own their land.
“The number of informal settlers in the city has decreased,” Treñas stressed, adding that more than 2,000 households have been relocated during his 6-year stint.
Noting records of Iloilo City Urban Poor Affairs Office (Icupao), the mayor said the 15,000-16,000 households squatting all over the city have been reduced to 13,000 households since he assumed office in 2001.
Global groups helping urban poor
The squatters may not be unfortunate at all.
Why?
Foreign organizations have looked into the plight of the city poor.
In an earlier interview, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) chief Butch Peñalosa said the city’s tie-ups with several foreign institutions were fruits of Treñas’ trip to Vancouver, Canada to speak before the World Urban Forum in June 2006.
So what attracted other global agencies to support the city’s priorities for the poor?
Peñalosa explained that “the mayor presented the successes of the city’s housing initiatives during the international forum while several groups soon responded to the call.”
“He (Treñas) highlighted the best practices such as engaging a multi-sectoral participation in the planning and implementation of relocation program, site-upgrading similarly in partnership with the grassroots and an initiated Presidential Proclamation whereby an existing area already with informal settlers is declared a resettlement site,” Peñalosa stressed.
“The mayor also shared there are ongoing efforts in partnership with private firms on micro-finance and even construction of houses for the poor. With that sharing, several institutions in the audience took interests and are now linking up and networking with the homeless federations for possible assistance,” he added.
Peñalosa clarified: “Slum-upgrading means that you don’t relocate the squatters but start off the development from where they are and improve their living condition by providing access to basic facilities like water and electricity.”
Cities Alliance ‘coming home’
A 10-man Cities Alliance Policy Advisory Board visited the city November 2007 to assess the situation of the urban poor and how to uplift their living condition.
Treñas explained the Cities Alliance has identified projects through partner non-government organization Philippines Homeless People’s Federation (PHPF).
Initially, they pledged 120 houses but might be expanded, he added.
Treñas said they expect 1,000 households to benefit from the house donations to be put up in the city-run 16-hectare relocation site in Barangay San Isidro in Jaro district.
The City Hall also hopes to accommodate more informal settlers because of the Presidential Declaration turning Barangays Concepcion, Gen. Hughes, Veterans and Duran in City Proper and Quintin Salas in Jaro district – which have been occupied by squatters – into relocation sites.
The Cities Alliance visited several relocation sites to see the initiatives of the city government for the poor and assess how they could be able to give support with the giant funding agency World Bank as partner.
The Cities Alliance (Cities without Slums) – is said to be the biggest network of cities in the world – a global coalition of cities and their development partners committed to scaling up successful approaches to poverty reduction.
The CDS Approach
In Iloilo City, the Cities Alliance is implementing the CDS which involves a participatory decision-making for poverty alleviation and sustainable urban development.
The main resolve is to adopt the CDS approach by crafting and realizing a new city vision, participatory planning and project prioritization; prepare strategies for investments in poverty alleviation, health, education housing, infrastructure and environmental management; and harmonize all development plans and activities.
Treñas also attended the 8th Cities Alliance Public Policy Forum in Manila last Nov. 6, which engaged city practitioners, national government representatives, development partners and research community to discuss challenges and opportunities of an urbanizing world.
UN Habitat ‘at home’
Earlier, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) pledged P40-million for slum-upgrading project in 15-hectare relocation site in Barangay San Isidro in Jaro district.
The relocation site is intended for some 3,000 families living along the creeks and Iloilo River to be displaced by the multi-billion Iloilo Flood Control Project (IFCP).
Treñas said the UN Habitat grant is the fruit of his speaking engagements before the World Urban Forum in Vancouver, Canada in June 2006 which discussed the plight of informal settlers around the world, from England to Africa.
A UN Habitat representative visited the city late last year to assess the living condition of squatters all over the metropolis.
“Because of presentation of programs for squatters by presidents of city’s urban poor associations, the UN Habitat based in Nairobi, Kenya pledged the multi-million fund to Homeless People Federation of the Philippines, an international organization to work on slum-upgrading,” Treñas told reporters.
According to its website, the UN Habitat is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.
Treñas said that UN Habitat will initiate the crafting of a development framework to address the housing backlogs in the city.
He added the UN Habitat will likewise conduct capability-building strategies for existing urban poor communities to make them self-reliant.
Squatters trying to save occupied lots
Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo, vice-chair of the committee on appropriations of the city council, noted the City Hall allocated P10million fund intended for land acquisitions this year.
But even the city squatters can buy their own piece of land, too.
For instance, after a four-year of threat of eviction, around 42 squatter-families have managed to save the lots they occupied by buying the bank-owned property.
The informal settlers belonging to West Habog-habog Neighborhood Association (WHNA) in Molo who are squatting in 7,924 sq.m. owned by the Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) was told to evacuate the area Oct. 23, 2002.
The bank-foreclosed property which is located near the riverbank is even considered to be a high-risk area because the river overflows during high tides and rainy season.
The BPI management brought the squatters’ condition to HPFP-Iloilo chapter because the bank did not want the property to remain as a non-performing asset.
BPI had asked Kabalaka, the HPFP’s local organization to assist on organizing the community through a savings scheme for them to be avail to purchase the land themselves.
The urban poor group has established a financial management system while mechanisms are being sustained since 2003.
Negotiations between the two parties likewise toned down the lot price to P600,000 from P840,000.
Thus, the WHNA with its three-year saving was ready to acquire the property through direct purchase as BPI required them to come up with a spot cash by Oct. 31, 2006 as deadline.
The community savings have reached P364,118 as of Aug. 17, 2006 and to cover up for the remaining balance, WHNA secured P300,000 loan from Urban Poor Development Federation (UPDF) which is payable in three years with six percent annual interest.
Meanwhile, individual monthly repayment has been computed by the local leaders with the assistance of HPFP-area resource center’s book-keeper and internal auditor.
Likewise, WHNA has started to re-survey the land so as to determine the exact area of individual lots and subsequently calculate the amount of loan for each member-family.
Migration, high cost housing breed squatters
The CPDO has assessed that squatters have been sprouting in the metropolis in search for “easy money” but they still can’t afford to buy their own house and lot because of expensive housing facilities.
Peñalosa presented the concern as one of the key issues before a 10-man Cities Alliance Policy Advisory Board that visited the city to assess the situation of the urban poor and how to uplift their living condition.
Peñalosa said poverty resulted to related problems on unemployment, underemployment, low productivity and impacts on the urban poor’s health, nutrition, housing and education.
“There is growth of informal settlements mainly due to in-migration and high cost of housing,” he explained.
People in neighboring localities tend to migrate to urban centers in the hope to find livelihood opportunities but they still fall short of their income to sustain their families as well as build better homes.
Peñalosa added the bustling metropolis has its share of environmental stress and its associated problems on flooding, garbage and pollution.
Traffic congestion has been also considered a perennial problem in the crowding city.
Why Iloilo City is a ‘nice home’?
It is teeming with main economic activities including commerce and trade, professional and skilled human resource services, tourism, agro-fishery, education and other human resource development, small and medium scale production and manufacturing, and information technology services.
The city competitive advantages are strategic location (near to capital city of Manila, Cebu and Mindanao); comprehensive land use plan with defined growth opportunities and directions; tourism gateway to Panay, Guimaras and Boracay; good political climate; low land values and development costs; regional center for education and governance; low crime rate; inter-modal transport hub; basic infrastructure and utilities; center for regional commerce and trade; skilled and managerial manpower; lower labor cost; accessibility to raw materials and production inputs; active business and civil society support and participation; numerous banks and other financial institutions; and booming real estate development.
boracay still on top
DOT: Boracay still Philippines’ No. 1
Boracay Island is unbeatable still.
This was the assessment of Department of Tourism (DOT-6) regional director on the world-famous island resort of Boracay as the country’s top tourists’ magnet.
The DOT-6 chief was asked to compare Boracay with the attractions of Bohol and Cebu as the government is sporting Visayas region as the tourism hub in the country.
“The number of rooms and investments could speak well for Boracay as tourism haven,” stressed Trompeta.
He was referring to the high-end luxury hotels like the newly-opened Shangrila and Boracay Discovery Shore.
These world-class hotel facilities have accommodation rates of hundreds of dollars.
Trompeta boasts of 3,600 hotel rooms, 65 flights daily and eight roll-on roll-off (RoRo) transport services bound for Boracay with point of entries from Kalibo, Roxas and Iloilo.
Trompeta said that Boracay’s tourism peaks when the Holy Week caps April 6-7 while daily incoming flights could reach to 75.
He added that the newly-introduced three international direct flights to Kalibo Airport would translate to an additional of 350 passengers taking land and boat travels to Boracay weekly compared to the usual traffic.
“There are so many things happening there with bands, concerts and bars full-packed. Holy Week is something everybody is anticipating in the island. It will really going to be crowded and noisy,” Trompeta said noting he visited Boracay before Holy Week.
Trompeta also attributed the 24/7 security operations implemented by police and other law enforcers in Boracay for maintaining peace and order situation in the island which is a vital factor for tourism industry.
Trompeta said they are expecting around 15,000 to 18,000 tourists to swarm Boracay this Holy Week.
He added that Boracay’s Holy Week rush even reached to 29,000 visitors several years ago.
Domestic tourists account for 80 percent and foreign guests for 20 percent of the arrivals during the Lenten season.
Boracay’s peak season which starts in September accommodate 70 percent domestic visitors and 30 percent of foreign travelers.
Boracay Island is unbeatable still.
This was the assessment of Department of Tourism (DOT-6) regional director on the world-famous island resort of Boracay as the country’s top tourists’ magnet.
The DOT-6 chief was asked to compare Boracay with the attractions of Bohol and Cebu as the government is sporting Visayas region as the tourism hub in the country.
“The number of rooms and investments could speak well for Boracay as tourism haven,” stressed Trompeta.
He was referring to the high-end luxury hotels like the newly-opened Shangrila and Boracay Discovery Shore.
These world-class hotel facilities have accommodation rates of hundreds of dollars.
Trompeta boasts of 3,600 hotel rooms, 65 flights daily and eight roll-on roll-off (RoRo) transport services bound for Boracay with point of entries from Kalibo, Roxas and Iloilo.
Trompeta said that Boracay’s tourism peaks when the Holy Week caps April 6-7 while daily incoming flights could reach to 75.
He added that the newly-introduced three international direct flights to Kalibo Airport would translate to an additional of 350 passengers taking land and boat travels to Boracay weekly compared to the usual traffic.
“There are so many things happening there with bands, concerts and bars full-packed. Holy Week is something everybody is anticipating in the island. It will really going to be crowded and noisy,” Trompeta said noting he visited Boracay before Holy Week.
Trompeta also attributed the 24/7 security operations implemented by police and other law enforcers in Boracay for maintaining peace and order situation in the island which is a vital factor for tourism industry.
Trompeta said they are expecting around 15,000 to 18,000 tourists to swarm Boracay this Holy Week.
He added that Boracay’s Holy Week rush even reached to 29,000 visitors several years ago.
Domestic tourists account for 80 percent and foreign guests for 20 percent of the arrivals during the Lenten season.
Boracay’s peak season which starts in September accommodate 70 percent domestic visitors and 30 percent of foreign travelers.
boracay's white sand
Boracay white-sand forms into ‘gold’
BORACAY ISLAND – The powdery white sand along the three-kilometer beachfront of this paradise island not just attracts domestic and foreign tourists but forms livelihood for some of the locals who are into sand-castle making.
Visitors would often pose for photo-taking along with the sand-castles while the makers could earn thousands of pesos after the day.
Sand-castle making has become a livelihood for some who choose to mold “gold” out of the attractive white sand which the resort island boasts of.
A can is being placed near the sand-castle where tourists drop pennies after having their picture taken with the sand-castle.
A sand-castle design which is being drawn only through imagination varies from day to day and should be destroyed at the end of the day, thus a new one will rise the next day, according to its so-called architects.
These Lenten holidays when tourists flocking the island are seen to be on their greatest number, sand-castle makers are on the zest too that their masterpiece would eventually rake in profits enough to meet their family’s needs.
“I was walking along the shores when I saw my friend forming sand-castle. I felt I wanted to build one. I offered some help to finish what he was doing and he taught me how to create one. Later on I am used to do it by myself,” recalled Gezer Gado while crafting his masterpiece out of the sand.
Gezer, a high-school student is among the hard-working individuals who choose to beat the heat of scorching sun just to earn money at the end of the day in this restless island which hosts to endless funs and parties.
Gezer said he initially tried his skills on making “lantern in the sand” which is just simple to do then crafting the more complicated sand-castle.
“It sells and I am happy that I have a source of money. I could earn as much as P1,500 a day or P500 at the least,” Gezer told this writer when asked about his sand-crafty trade.
Gezer said he has used the money for school as well as help his three siblings being the eldest while his mother is working as a househelp in Kalibo town.
He noted they are not native to Boracay but came from Concepcion Sur, Sta. Maria, Romblon while he went with his uncle two years ago for him to stay and study in the famous island.
“I usually construct the sand-castle when and where there are many tourists around. It’s all about imagination when you are constructing one, the designs differ,” Gezer said while noting the sand works would take about five hours.
He added he has to “display” his work of art from 12 noon up to 10 in the evening to woo tourists in exchange for some “donations”.
Gezer stressed he is more focused on this unique job during weekends and vacations considering the great number of tourists coming in the island would mean more chances of “selling” the sand-castle.
Another maker Bobby Canino, 23 left Cabuyao, Laguna upon prodding of his wife who lives in Boracay.
Bobby noted he first learned of the sand-castle thing together with his acquaintances and continues on his own. From then on, he commonly collects P800-P1,500 daily out of the sand and as much as P2,500 during Holy Week.
Bobby works from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon while tourists want to have their pictures shoot during the sunset. His “display” could last until 12 midnight to 1 in the morning.
“I devote all my time to sand-castle. If I work as construction worker (of buildings), I would be earning less than what I could get in this job as most of them complain of minimal take home pay,” Bobby explained.
Is it worth the sweats and burned skin?
“I could even have some savings and support my siblings out of my income. It’s rewarding when you see a lot of people want having pictures next to the sand-castle. The longer I do this, the more I enjoy,” Bobby told this writer in Filipino.
Can the sand-castle stand for a long time?
“Sometimes, I feel disappointed destroying the castle at the end of the day and build it the next day. But it can’t be left standing and you just have to start all over again everyday,” Bobby asserted.
Bobby pointed out that “unless I get a good job, I won’t stop making sand-castle even though I find it difficult to earn during off-season.”
Boracay’s off-season is noted during June-November period wherein tourist arrivals drop.
“I also used to get dollars mostly from Koreans. This is easy money during peak season,” Bobby exclaimed.
Elvi Fernandez who came from Mangaldan, Pangasinan said she has been “living in the sand” for more than 10 years already. She added she could fetch some P500-P2,000 out of this in a day.
“If we won’t make sand-castle, we have nothing to eat. This is our living and what would appear beautiful to the tourists is what we are designing. We just go to the shoreline and imagine the design,” Elvi stressed.
BORACAY ISLAND – The powdery white sand along the three-kilometer beachfront of this paradise island not just attracts domestic and foreign tourists but forms livelihood for some of the locals who are into sand-castle making.
Visitors would often pose for photo-taking along with the sand-castles while the makers could earn thousands of pesos after the day.
Sand-castle making has become a livelihood for some who choose to mold “gold” out of the attractive white sand which the resort island boasts of.
A can is being placed near the sand-castle where tourists drop pennies after having their picture taken with the sand-castle.
A sand-castle design which is being drawn only through imagination varies from day to day and should be destroyed at the end of the day, thus a new one will rise the next day, according to its so-called architects.
These Lenten holidays when tourists flocking the island are seen to be on their greatest number, sand-castle makers are on the zest too that their masterpiece would eventually rake in profits enough to meet their family’s needs.
“I was walking along the shores when I saw my friend forming sand-castle. I felt I wanted to build one. I offered some help to finish what he was doing and he taught me how to create one. Later on I am used to do it by myself,” recalled Gezer Gado while crafting his masterpiece out of the sand.
Gezer, a high-school student is among the hard-working individuals who choose to beat the heat of scorching sun just to earn money at the end of the day in this restless island which hosts to endless funs and parties.
Gezer said he initially tried his skills on making “lantern in the sand” which is just simple to do then crafting the more complicated sand-castle.
“It sells and I am happy that I have a source of money. I could earn as much as P1,500 a day or P500 at the least,” Gezer told this writer when asked about his sand-crafty trade.
Gezer said he has used the money for school as well as help his three siblings being the eldest while his mother is working as a househelp in Kalibo town.
He noted they are not native to Boracay but came from Concepcion Sur, Sta. Maria, Romblon while he went with his uncle two years ago for him to stay and study in the famous island.
“I usually construct the sand-castle when and where there are many tourists around. It’s all about imagination when you are constructing one, the designs differ,” Gezer said while noting the sand works would take about five hours.
He added he has to “display” his work of art from 12 noon up to 10 in the evening to woo tourists in exchange for some “donations”.
Gezer stressed he is more focused on this unique job during weekends and vacations considering the great number of tourists coming in the island would mean more chances of “selling” the sand-castle.
Another maker Bobby Canino, 23 left Cabuyao, Laguna upon prodding of his wife who lives in Boracay.
Bobby noted he first learned of the sand-castle thing together with his acquaintances and continues on his own. From then on, he commonly collects P800-P1,500 daily out of the sand and as much as P2,500 during Holy Week.
Bobby works from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon while tourists want to have their pictures shoot during the sunset. His “display” could last until 12 midnight to 1 in the morning.
“I devote all my time to sand-castle. If I work as construction worker (of buildings), I would be earning less than what I could get in this job as most of them complain of minimal take home pay,” Bobby explained.
Is it worth the sweats and burned skin?
“I could even have some savings and support my siblings out of my income. It’s rewarding when you see a lot of people want having pictures next to the sand-castle. The longer I do this, the more I enjoy,” Bobby told this writer in Filipino.
Can the sand-castle stand for a long time?
“Sometimes, I feel disappointed destroying the castle at the end of the day and build it the next day. But it can’t be left standing and you just have to start all over again everyday,” Bobby asserted.
Bobby pointed out that “unless I get a good job, I won’t stop making sand-castle even though I find it difficult to earn during off-season.”
Boracay’s off-season is noted during June-November period wherein tourist arrivals drop.
“I also used to get dollars mostly from Koreans. This is easy money during peak season,” Bobby exclaimed.
Elvi Fernandez who came from Mangaldan, Pangasinan said she has been “living in the sand” for more than 10 years already. She added she could fetch some P500-P2,000 out of this in a day.
“If we won’t make sand-castle, we have nothing to eat. This is our living and what would appear beautiful to the tourists is what we are designing. We just go to the shoreline and imagine the design,” Elvi stressed.
Monday, July 21, 2008
sex
13 female sex workers carry syphilis
Hot-blooded men beware!
Some 13 female sex workers in Iloilo City have carried syphilis, the Integrated HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance (IHBSS) Team here disclosed.
An online dictionary said syphilis is a serious sexually-transmitted disease caused by the spirally twisted bacterium that affects many body organs and parts including genitals, brain, skin and nervous tissue.
The IHBSS is a systematic collection, analysis and dissemination of data pertaining to sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
The team conducted the behavioral survey and serologic (blood sample collection) surveillance on registered female sex workers (RFSWs) and freelance sex workers (FLSWs) in the city from August to September 2007.
“The test results showed that all RFSWs and FLSWs serologic surveillance participants tested negative of HIV. Syphilis test results showed that two RFSWs and 11 FLSWs were positive for syphilis,” revealed Dr. Ma. Odeta Villaruel, IHBSS team leader.
Villaruel said the “risk group” RFSWs were accessed and interviewed in entertainment establishments including videoke, bars, and massage parlors and Social Hygiene Clinic (SHC) of City Health Office (CHO).
The FLSWs are those found in “streets, pick-up points and casa.”
CHO chief Dr. Urminico Baronda warned: “Syphilis thrives in the blood – you may treated this year – but become positive again next year.”
Villaruel noted there have been four RFSWs here tested positive of HIV in 1995, 1998, 1999 and 2002.
To keep track of the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has established the passive surveillance system to log all confirmed HIV/AIDS cases.
A total of 3,061 HIV positive cases have been recorded in the National HIV/AIDS Registry from January 1984 to December 2007.
Of which, 2,279 or 74.5 percent were asymptomatic (having no symptoms) and 872 or 25.5 percent were AIDS cases
Sexual intercourse is still the leading mode of transmission accounting 88 percent of the cases.
In 1993 and 1997, DOH established the active surveillance systems, HIV Serologic Surveillance (HSS) and Behavioral Sentinel Surveillance (BSS) respectively.
In 1994, the National HIV/AIDS Sentinel Surveillance System (NHSSS) of the National Epidemiology Center (NEC) selected Iloilo City as one of the sentinel sites.
The same year, Iloilo City HSS Team started conducting the serologic surveillance for both registered and freelance female sex workers.
From 1997-2001 or during the USAID-funded AIDS Surveillance and Education program (ASEP) of NHSSS, the behavioral surveillance in the city was carried out by Kabalaka Reproductive Health Center-Central Philippine University (CPU) while its implementation was done in close coordination with CHO.
During its first round, only the registered and freelance female sex workers were monitored.
In 1998, men having sex with men (MSM) were identified and included as one of the “at-risk groups.”
In 2002, CHO through SHC started to carry out the behavioral surveillance as part of the LGU’s commitment to ASEP Project.
It was done with continued assistance from Kabalaka and Process Foundation given the CHO’s lack of manpower and resources as well as data gathering capability to implement the activity.
In 2003, an HBS or HIV Behavioral Surveillance manual was provided by NEC-DOH while CHO with fieldwork assistance from Process Foundation conducted the survey.
In 2005 with funding support from USAID’s Lead for Health Project (Management Sciences for Health) and technical assistance from Family Health International, the IHBSS (formerly BSS and HSS) was conducted by CHO for NEC-DOH in coordination with Process Foundation.
During this round, NEC-DOH modified the system to have a better and an in-depth understanding of HIV situation.
Hence, risk groups were assessed, questionnaires were reviewed and revised and methodology was modified.
In 2007, while over the years the SHC has developed the capacity to conduct both serologic and behavioral surveillance, the activity was again carried out, employing methodologies based on the learning obtained from 2005 IHBSS.
It was funded by UN’s Global Fund through the Tropical Disease Foundation and DOH (NEC and Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC).
Hot-blooded men beware!
Some 13 female sex workers in Iloilo City have carried syphilis, the Integrated HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance (IHBSS) Team here disclosed.
An online dictionary said syphilis is a serious sexually-transmitted disease caused by the spirally twisted bacterium that affects many body organs and parts including genitals, brain, skin and nervous tissue.
The IHBSS is a systematic collection, analysis and dissemination of data pertaining to sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
The team conducted the behavioral survey and serologic (blood sample collection) surveillance on registered female sex workers (RFSWs) and freelance sex workers (FLSWs) in the city from August to September 2007.
“The test results showed that all RFSWs and FLSWs serologic surveillance participants tested negative of HIV. Syphilis test results showed that two RFSWs and 11 FLSWs were positive for syphilis,” revealed Dr. Ma. Odeta Villaruel, IHBSS team leader.
Villaruel said the “risk group” RFSWs were accessed and interviewed in entertainment establishments including videoke, bars, and massage parlors and Social Hygiene Clinic (SHC) of City Health Office (CHO).
The FLSWs are those found in “streets, pick-up points and casa.”
CHO chief Dr. Urminico Baronda warned: “Syphilis thrives in the blood – you may treated this year – but become positive again next year.”
Villaruel noted there have been four RFSWs here tested positive of HIV in 1995, 1998, 1999 and 2002.
To keep track of the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has established the passive surveillance system to log all confirmed HIV/AIDS cases.
A total of 3,061 HIV positive cases have been recorded in the National HIV/AIDS Registry from January 1984 to December 2007.
Of which, 2,279 or 74.5 percent were asymptomatic (having no symptoms) and 872 or 25.5 percent were AIDS cases
Sexual intercourse is still the leading mode of transmission accounting 88 percent of the cases.
In 1993 and 1997, DOH established the active surveillance systems, HIV Serologic Surveillance (HSS) and Behavioral Sentinel Surveillance (BSS) respectively.
In 1994, the National HIV/AIDS Sentinel Surveillance System (NHSSS) of the National Epidemiology Center (NEC) selected Iloilo City as one of the sentinel sites.
The same year, Iloilo City HSS Team started conducting the serologic surveillance for both registered and freelance female sex workers.
From 1997-2001 or during the USAID-funded AIDS Surveillance and Education program (ASEP) of NHSSS, the behavioral surveillance in the city was carried out by Kabalaka Reproductive Health Center-Central Philippine University (CPU) while its implementation was done in close coordination with CHO.
During its first round, only the registered and freelance female sex workers were monitored.
In 1998, men having sex with men (MSM) were identified and included as one of the “at-risk groups.”
In 2002, CHO through SHC started to carry out the behavioral surveillance as part of the LGU’s commitment to ASEP Project.
It was done with continued assistance from Kabalaka and Process Foundation given the CHO’s lack of manpower and resources as well as data gathering capability to implement the activity.
In 2003, an HBS or HIV Behavioral Surveillance manual was provided by NEC-DOH while CHO with fieldwork assistance from Process Foundation conducted the survey.
In 2005 with funding support from USAID’s Lead for Health Project (Management Sciences for Health) and technical assistance from Family Health International, the IHBSS (formerly BSS and HSS) was conducted by CHO for NEC-DOH in coordination with Process Foundation.
During this round, NEC-DOH modified the system to have a better and an in-depth understanding of HIV situation.
Hence, risk groups were assessed, questionnaires were reviewed and revised and methodology was modified.
In 2007, while over the years the SHC has developed the capacity to conduct both serologic and behavioral surveillance, the activity was again carried out, employing methodologies based on the learning obtained from 2005 IHBSS.
It was funded by UN’s Global Fund through the Tropical Disease Foundation and DOH (NEC and Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC).
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