Data released by the agency showed that food and non-alcoholic beverages posted a 1.1-percent inflation rate during the month, a sharp turnaround from the -2.1 percent recorded in March. The commodity group accounted for the biggest share in the province’s inflation uptrend at 57.9 percent.

Transport emerged as the second-largest contributor, registering a steep 31.2-percent inflation rate from 18.2 percent in the previous month. The sector contributed 32.5 percent to the overall increase in inflation.

Meanwhile, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels also recorded higher prices, posting a 3.3-percent inflation rate.

Despite the uptick, Guimaras Provincial Statistics Officer Nelida Losare noted that the province’s inflation rate remained lower compared to the national level and the overall inflation rate in Western Visayas.

Losare said the inflation monitoring report aims to provide the public with timely and accurate information on price movements and their impact on the cost of goods and services in the province.IMT

The post Guimaras inflation climbs to 4.4% in April first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The latest data placed the region as the 11th highest in inflation among all regions nationwide.

PSA-6 attributed the spike mainly to the faster annual increase in the index for food and non-alcoholic beverages, which remained the biggest contributor to the region’s inflation uptrend.

This was followed by higher inflation rates in transport, as well as housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels.

The agency also recorded faster price increases in alcoholic beverages and tobacco; furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance; health; recreation, sport and culture; and restaurants and accommodation services.

Meanwhile, slower inflation rates were observed in clothing and footwear, along with information and communication.

PSA data further showed that inflation rates for education services, financial services, and personal care and miscellaneous goods and services remained unchanged during the month.

In light of the rising prices, PSA-Western Visayas advised the public to practice prudent spending and prioritize the purchase of essential goods and basic necessities.IMT

The post WV inflation surges to 6.6% in April first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Inasal ranked 40th in the list of best dishes around the world and topped the best chicken dishes in Southeast Asia, while adobong manok was listed 7th in the latter’s category.

Pork sinigang, meanwhile, secured the 52nd place in the world listing, with TasteAtlas pointing to Max’s Restaurant as a dining spot that offers the dish’s “most iconic” version.

This variety of the Filipino soup dish, popular for its tangy and savory broth, consist of various pork cuts simmered along with tamarind fruit.

Chicken inasal, on the other hand, is a signature grilled dish hailing from Western Visayas, and is known for its rich smoky taste coming after being marinated in a mixture of vinegar and numerous spices such as lemongrass, garlic, and ginger.

“During grilling, the meat is brushed with the annatto-infused oil which provides the chicken with an appetizing golden color and a unique peppery flavor,” TasteAtlas wrote in its entry of the dish.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay hailed the recognitions for further elevating Filipino culinary traditions on the global stage.

“Filipino cuisine has always been a powerful expression of our identity and a meaningful driver of cultural tourism. Each dish carries the stories, traditions, and creativity of our people, offering both foreign and local visitors a deeper connection through shared flavors,” she said.

Beyond culinary prestige, Angara-Mathay said such citations give the Philippines greater boost by creating opportunities for the sector, specifically farmers, food producers, chefs, and small business owners.PNA

The post Inasal, sinigang, adobo among world’s best dishes—TasteAtlas first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Boracay, a key tourism hub in Western Visayas, generates an estimated P50 billion to P56 billion annually. In 2024, Aklan’s economy grew by 6 percent, driven largely by tourism, trade, health and utilities.

In a statement, the Department of Energy (DOE) said officials from the agency, Energy Regulatory Commission, National Transmission Corporation and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines conducted a site inspection on April 14 to assess the project’s progress.

“Now at 93.16 percent overall completion, the project marks a major step forward in strengthening the transmission backbone, serving one of the country’s most important tourism and economic centers,” the DOE said.

The agency said the project “will help address rising electricity demand, improve system reliability, encourage energy investors to develop renewable energy plants, and reinforce the grid against technical and environmental vulnerabilities that have long affected power stability in the area.”

It added that the project is “expected to benefit around 155,474 residential, 13,388 commercial, and 27 industrial customers by providing a more reliable and stable power supply across the province.”

DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said the government is accelerating the project’s completion.

“We are fast-tracking the completion of this critical project because reliable power is fundamental to economic growth, public service, and the continued development of Boracay and the rest of Aklan,” she said.

“Our inspection confirms that substantial progress has been made, and the Department remains fully committed to ensuring that this infrastructure is completed on schedule and built to the highest standards of safety, quality, and long-term reliability,” Guevara added.

The DOE said major components have been completed, including the Nabas Substation, operational since Dec. 17, 2023; the rehabilitated Unidos-Caticlan Transmission Line, energized on Feb. 3, 2026; and the replacement of the Caticlan 69-kilovolt XLPE cable, energized on Feb. 13.

It added that adjustments to the 69-kilovolt bypass line, completed in December 2025, are now addressing “power tripping incidents previously caused by high tides and strong wave activity.”PNA

The post Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay transmission project nears completion first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The assessment covered 78 retail establishments across the region, indicating adequate supply and consistent pricing of essential goods.

Among the basic necessities monitored were bottled water, bread, candles, canned sardines, coffee, locally manufactured instant noodles, laundry and detergent soap, processed milk, and salt.

Meanwhile, prime commodities included flour, corned beef, luncheon meat, meat loaf, soy sauce, vinegar, fish sauce, toilet soap, and batteries.

DTI reported that regular deliveries and efficient distribution systems continue to ensure public access to these products.

Most items were found to be compliant with the agency’s Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs), except for minimal adjustments implemented by some manufacturers due to increased logistics and distribution costs.

The agency also confirmed that no incidents of hoarding or price manipulation were recorded during the monitoring period.

DTI assured the public that it will sustain strict market surveillance to maintain stable prices, adequate supply, and fair trade practices, thereby safeguarding both consumers and the regional economy.IMT

The post DTI: Prices, supply of basic goods stable in WV first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed poverty incidence fell to 13.8% in 2023 from 18.2% in 2021, bringing the province close to pre-pandemic levels and marking steady recovery.

Legarda said the gains prove that community-based industries and local resources can drive long-term growth. 

“Recovery was anchored on what communities already knew how to do and what the land could sustainably provide,” she noted.

From MSME support to infrastructure, hospitals, and livelihood programs, Antique’s progress reflects sustained investments, with poverty levels dropping sharply from over 50% in 2006 to near the national median today.

The senator also emphasized continuing support for small businesses and local industries to sustain the province’s momentum.IMT

The post Antique poverty drops, Legarda cites livelihood push first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The updated timeline was confirmed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) through regional director Denise Maria Ayag.

According to the director, several preparatory requirements must still be completed before the multi-billion-peso infrastructure project can begin.

Ayag explained that although the detailed engineering design (DED) of the bridge system has already been finalized, government agencies are still working on critical groundwork such as the right-of-way acquisition and refinements in project planning intended to ensure smoother implementation.

The PGN Bridge project is designed as a major inter-island link composed of two main sections.

The Panay–Guimaras Bridge (Section A) will span 13.616 kilometers, while the Guimaras–Negros Bridge (Section B) will extend 19.47 kilometers, creating one of the most ambitious connectivity projects in Western Visayas.

Under the plan, the first bridge will connect Leganes in Iloilo to Buenavista in Guimaras, forming the initial phase of the larger inter-island corridor that will eventually reach Negros Occidental.

Earlier projections from the agency in September 2025 targeted the start of construction for the first phase within the third or fourth quarter of that year.

However, adjustments in the project’s implementation plan and land acquisition processes have pushed the schedule back.

The entire infrastructure undertaking carries an estimated P167.5 billion budget, with more than P57 billion allocated for the Panay–Guimaras segment and around P109 billion for the Guimaras–Negros connection.

Once completed, the inter-island bridge network is expected to significantly shorten travel time, improve logistics, and strengthen economic and tourism links across Western Visayas, transforming how people and goods move between the islands.IMT

The post Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge groundbreaking moved to 2027 first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The birds—comprising two White-collared Kingfishers, four Spotted Doves, four Common Emerald Doves, and four Barred Rails—underwent thorough health assessments to ensure they were fit to survive independently in the wild.

The release was led by Semirara Mining and Power Corporation’s Environmental, Social, and Governance Sustainability Department, in close collaboration with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Antique and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Culasi.

Environmental specialists supervised the operation to ensure proper handling and adherence to wildlife conservation standards.

The Bantayan Release Site provides a protected sanctuary where human interference is minimized, allowing wildlife to thrive naturally. Barangay Captain Catherine Lim of Semirara and other local officials expressed full support for the initiative, noting its benefits for both the environment and the community.

Authorities underscored the ecological role of these birds: from dispersing seeds to maintaining soil fertility and sustaining balanced ecosystems, each release contributes to the health of Caluya’s forests and wetlands.

“The successful return of these birds is a testament to the harmony we can achieve between development and nature,” said a spokesperson from Semirara Mining and Power Corporation. “By protecting wildlife and their habitats, we preserve the natural heritage of Caluya for generations to come.”

The release highlights ongoing collaboration between corporations, government agencies, and local communities in advancing environmental stewardship, proving that conservation efforts can thrive alongside responsible development.IMT

The post Rehabilitated birds return to wild in Caluya, Antique first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-6), in coordination with the Boracay Island Water Quality Management and Conservation Area (BIWQMACA), conducted a two-day monitoring activity covering Bulabog Outfall 1, Malabunot Outfall 2, Bulabog Drainage Outfall, and Lugutan Outfall.

On-site physical tests showed that dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, and pH (alkalinity) levels in all sampled areas complied with water quality standards appropriate to their classifications.

Additional samples for total suspended solids (TSS), color, and fecal coliform concentrations were collected and sent to the laboratory for more detailed analysis.

Authorities emphasized that these quarterly assessments are part of a continuous effort to monitor environmental compliance and guide sustainable development on the island.

“Regular monitoring ensures the protection of Boracay’s coastal and drainage systems while supporting the island’s long-term environmental sustainability,” officials said.

EMB-6 and BIWQMACA pledged to maintain their routine water quality evaluations to safeguard both residents and tourists, reinforcing Boracay’s reputation as a premier and eco-conscious destination.IMT

The post Boracay water quality ‘within standards’ first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Their formal applications, processed Tuesday, March 3, in Ibajay, Aklan, through the Local Amnesty Board, reflect a growing trust in initiatives aimed at ending decades-long local conflicts in Western Visayas.

Military officials described the move as a tangible sign that reintegration efforts are working, with former combatants choosing to leave the uncertainty of armed struggle and return to their communities.

The program not only allows applicants to clear past offenses linked to armed conflict but also provides access to support services designed to help them reconnect with families, pursue education, and explore livelihood opportunities.

Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), said the gesture represents more than legal clearance—it is about restoring lives and strengthening communities.

“Peace is not just the absence of conflict. It’s about giving people the chance to reclaim their lives, contribute positively to their communities, and leave violence behind,” he said.

Authorities believe the increasing number of amnesty applicants signals a shift in mindset among former rebels, who are beginning to see the government not as an adversary but as a partner in rebuilding their future.

Officials also urged those still in armed groups to consider surrendering and participating in the reintegration programs.

With each application, the province moves closer to long-term stability, proving that peace in Western Visayas is not just a policy but a personal journey for those willing to embrace change.IMT

The post Former rebels in Aklan take steps toward peace first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.