ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

More than 200 kilograms of fresh vegetables were harvested during the Harvest Festival in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro, Iloilo City, marking another successful collaboration between local farmers and private partners. The activity was headed by the Iloilo City Agriculturist Office and Tacas San Isidro Farmers Association under the program of Mayor Raisa Treñas, in partnership with Iloilo City's sole electricity distributor MORE Power. A total of 204.9 kilograms of assorted vegetables were gathered during the event, including string beans, radish, okra, corn, squash, watermelon, bananas, melon, tomatoes, and other crops. Employees of MORE Power participated alongside members of the farmers’ association in harvesting the crops. The vegetables were then immediately transported to the company’s office, where they were sold to employees—demonstrating a direct farm-to-market approach. In addition to the harvest, members of the Tacas San Isidro Farmers Association received 160 packs of seeds...

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin recently highlighted Iloilo City’s significant 14% increase in power demand in 2025, well ahead of the national average. According to Garin, this growth stems from programs led by Mayor Raisa Treñas in collaboration with MORE Electric and Power Corporation. She noted that it reflects progress not just in business but in every household, as consumers gain the capacity to purchase additional electrical appliances - a key driver of the city’s rising demand. Recently, the Department of Energy and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) visited Iloilo City to promote the Expanded Lifeline Rate Program. However, the Iloilo City Government and MORE Power have implemented the original Lifeline Rate Program since its launch in July 2023, outpacing other cities. Today, Iloilo City has 6,310 Lifeline Program beneficiaries: 4,360 from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the rest from indigent communities or marginalized residents.  “I have to say ang mga ...

Sta. Barbara is a colorful, romantic town with rich history and culture. Visitors should check out its historic center , the town’s most eye-catching architecture , the  Baroque-Renaissance architectural style of  the Sta. Barbara Parish Church and Convent. Constructed in 1849 and finished in 1878. The convent was built the same time as the church. Materials used in the construction of the church and convent were of adobe and coral stones quarried from Alimodian and red bricks used for the flooring, walls and posts. Materials were transported to the town through carts drawn by carabaos.  Connected to the side door of the church is its L-shaped convent of Antillan architectural style. The church served as the headquarters for the Ilonggo Revolutionary Forces in Western Visayas under General Martin Delgado in 1898. It was untouched during World War II and had withstood the 1948 earthquake. It was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Inst...

Mangroves are a highly valued resource in the province of Iloilo. They are found along much of Iloilo’s coastline. The most extensive mangroves are found in the northern district with the town of Ajuy having one of the most luxuriant mangrove covers. Ajuy is home to a diversity of marine organisms. One of the most valuable features of its biodiversity is the presence of a mangrove ecosystem. The town is an ecotourism excursion destination that visitors should include in their itineraries when making plans to explore Iloilo. Barangay Silagon, situated 10 kilometers from the town proper, is a destination you can consider as an itinerary if you have enough time visit to Ajuy. The area offers lush mangrove forests worth visiting with family and friends who seek a unique experience. The barangay Opened last December 23, 2019, the Silagon Mangrove Eco-Park is a 240-meter bamboo boardwalk extends beyond the existing mangroves and has become a special feature for visitors to the barangay. Take...

This serene and picturesque view is one of the many reasons why Roca Encantada is among the top tourist attractions in Guimaras. The summer house of the illustrious Lopez clan of Iloilo is built on a rock that juts out into the sea earning its nickname - the Enchanted Rock.  More than 100 years old now, it  was built in 1910 in honor of Dona Presentacion Hofilena Lopez.  It was declared a “Heritage House” in 2002 by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (formerly National Heritage Institute.) The stairs not only serve as entry way to the house but a perfect backdrop for countless selfies and photo-ops. But it's the grand balcony of the heritage house that offers the most photogenic views - so better get your cameras and batteries ready. A perfect place not only to relax after that climb but also to get that picture perfect snapshot. It offers a  picturesque view of the sea (Iloilo Strait) and beach front (Navala...