BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
THE year 2024 was a rollercoaster of triumphs, tragedies and bold strides toward progress in Western Visayas. From record-breaking achievements to urgent public health crises, each story speaks of resilience and hope.
Here’s a deeper dive into the region’s most significant events.
JANUARY: CONTROVERSIES AND CELEBRATION
* Blackout
Panay Island, including Guimaras and parts of Negros, grappled with unexpected mega blackout on Jan. 2, the first workday back for most government and private office employees following the New Year celebrations.
The unscheduled power interruption stretched up to afternoon on Jan. 5.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that various power plants in Panay suffered multiple trippings on Jan. 2, including Panay Energy Development Corp.’s (PEDC) Unit 1 and 2, and Palm Concepcion Power Corporation, among others.
It said that with the tripping of three of the largest power generating units and the planned maintenance shutdown of PEDC Unit 3 (150MW), 451MW or 68.75% of the total 656MW in-island generation was lost to the Panay sub-grid.
Following this, lawmakers demanded transparency from the NGCP over persistent power outages. Calls for a congressional probe highlighted concerns about reliability and governance in the energy sector.
* Dinagyang Festival: Victory Amid Challenges
Tribu Pan-ay defied expectations and emerged victorious in the Dinagyang Tribes Competition on Jan. 21, stunning early favorites. However, the festival wasn’t without controversy as Tribu Silak faced penalties for oversized props, sparking debates about fair play in cultural competitions.
FEBRUARY: HEALTH CRISES AND INNOVATIONS
* HIV Cases Surge in Iloilo
Iloilo province recorded the highest HIV cases in Western Visayas, prompting hospitals and rural health units to intensify free testing and awareness campaigns. Advocacy for safer practices gained momentum as local officials addressed the alarming trend.
* Fire Tragedy in La Paz
A fire on the afternoon of Feb. 18 in Barangay San Nicolas, La Paz, Iloilo City resulted in two fatalities and damage to several residential structures.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Iloilo City said the fatalities were identified as call center agent Lynrose Sobretodo, 26, and third year Engineering student Renz Aguilar of Concepcion, Iloilo.
The fatalities were trapped on the third floor of their boardinghouse.
The tragedy underscored the importance of fire prevention and swift response in urban areas.
* Innovative Traffic Solutions
Iloilo province launched a month-long dry run for first-town jeepneys (Feb. 10), testing innovative measures to alleviate traffic congestion and improve commuter experiences.
MARCH: COMMUNITY AND CRISIS RESPONSE
* Medical Mission Empowers Communities
Hundreds benefited from free healthcare services during a medical mission organized by Panay News and Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation Inc. in Barangay Pagsanga-an, Pavia, Iloilo on March 23. Beyond its commitment to providing reliable information, both in print and digital formats, Panay News’ medical mission is its way of paying forward to the public.
* Pertussis Outbreak Declared
Rising pertussis cases led Iloilo City to declare a state of calamity. Local health authorities ramped up vaccination drives and public awareness campaigns to curb the outbreak.
APRIL: ACHIEVEMENTS AND EXTREME WEATHER
* Panay News turns 43
Panay News celebrated its 43rd anniversary on April 7. An anniversary special issue came out on April 8.
As it celebrated 43 years of public service, Panay News has not only adapted to the changing media landscape but thrived, continuously evolving with modern technologies while staying true to its core mission.
Looking forward, it continues to hold its goal clear: to serve the Ilonggos with the same fervor and dedication that marked its inception.
* Panay News Wins Big
The publication celebrated a triple victory at the Philippine Press Institute Community Press Awards, cementing its reputation as a leading voice in regional journalism – Best in Editorial Page, Best in Business and Economic Reporting and Best in Reporting on Migration Issues.
* Heatwave Threatens Health
Iloilo City sweltered under a 46°C heat index on April 20, highlighting the need for climate resilience and public awareness of heat-related risks.
MAY: CULTURE AND OPPORTUNITY
* Labor Day Breakthroughs
Over 300 job seekers were hired on the spot during Labor Day job fairs across the region, emphasizing efforts to address unemployment.
* Manggahan Festival’s Record-Breaking Success
Guimaras showcased its world-renowned mangoes during the Manggahan Festival, serving 20 tons of the fruit to over 100,000 visitors in its “Mango Eat-All-You-Can” event.
* Iloilo’s Beauty Queen Shines
Alexie Mae Brooks of Iloilo City won the Ms. Eco International Philippines crown, bringing pride to the region with her advocacy for environmental conservation./PN
