Sibalom Antique

Happy Birthday Gov. Exequiel Javier!

2011-10-13T01:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our beloved Governor EXEQUIEL B. JAVIER!!! God bless you with good health, wisdom, and Divine inspiration as you lead our province. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Huge crater found in Sibalom!

2011-08-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

A huge crater with about 6 kilometers in diameter is found in Sibalom, Antique. The Sibalom crater's perimeter is from Brgy. Imparayan, Tabagan Hill, La Union, Tubudan, Aningalan, Apong, and Mt. Poras. Further verification is still needed to determine the origin of this crater whether this is a prehistoric volcano or caused by a meteor. Mau-it River, which is literally filled with semi precious gemstones, runs through the center of this crater.

Diana Rose Giagone and Dominic Abad wins Mr. and MIss SNHS

2011-01-31T01:19:00.000-08:00

Dominic Abad and Diana Rose Giagone romped away with the Mr. and Miss Sibalom National High School 2011 held last January 25, 2011 at the Sibalom National High School quadrangle. Both of them also won all but one special and minor awards of the pageant. Dominic Abad, a sophomore student, won the nod of the judges with his good looks, relaxed poise, and intelligent answers. Diana Rose Giagone, a freshman student, also won the nod of the judges with her beauty, relaxed poise and intelligent answers.

SNHS celebrates 1st Foundation Day

2011-01-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

Sibalom National High School celebrates its 1st Foundation Day on January 28, 2011. Hon. Gov. Exequiel Javier, who authored the Bill of SNHS, praised the leadership of the school headed by Mrs. Elenita Bacho. Hon. Exequiel Javier is virtually the Father of the Sibalom National High School and the University of Antique. Young, good-looking Hon. Cong. Paolo Javier promised one building every year for Sibalom National High School amidst cheers from teenage fans and students. Hon. Mayor Joel Occena promised full support for the SNHS. Mayor Occena lends his heavy equipments for free when SNHS requests assistance. Asst. Schools Superintendent Victor De Gracia Jr. hinted that SNHS will receive additional permanent teacher items this year and praised all who contributed in the success of this school making it one of the biggest in Antique.

Ralph Kian Trivilegio and Rhianne Belle Denosta crowned Little Mr. and Miss Day Care 2011

2011-01-23T23:18:00.000-08:00

King Ralph Kian Trivelegio I and Queen Rhianne Belle Denosta I were crowned Little Mr. and Miss Day Care 2011 at the Municipal Plaza last January 21, 2011. Earlier in the morning, a parade with the University of Antique Marjorettes and beautiful floats honored their Royal Majesties. This parade and coronation festivities were made possible through the diligent efforts of Ms. Sally Jowin, Day Care Worker, Mrs. Rebecca Signo, Day Care Parent Association President, and the Barangay Officials of District III led by Brgy. Captain Patrocinio Morales. In behalf of Hon. Mayor Joel P. Occeña, Hon. Sebastian Butiong congratulated the District III Day Care Center and District III Brgy. Officials for successfully holding this activity. The debonaire SB Member conveyed the congratulatory message of the Honorable Mayor who is attending a Mayor's League meeting in Iloilo City. Hon. Mayor Joel P. Occeña expressed his happiness to see the parade of the Royal Court earlier in the morning. Other SB Members who graced the affair were Hon. Erlinda Niquia, Hon. Zenaida Baraquia, Hon. Santiago Lotilla IV, Hon. Eleuterio Millamena, Hon. Rexon Nodque, and Hon. Donna Cris Yan Subong. Hon. Edgar Denosta, Senior Board Member of the Province of Antique, made the affair more complete. Miss Mayz Mercado and Mr. Gavereal Villalobos serenaded the King and Queen. Hon. Lilia Villarta, Mrs. Susan Solis, MSWDO and Mrs. Laura Bacaling were among those present including the joyful parents of the King and Queen and her royal court. The emcees for the night were Miss Wilma Fe Vego and Mr. Francis Natividad. Congratulations!

Javiers grant P30.0 Million for UA

2011-01-19T01:15:00.000-08:00

The University of Antique receives a late but bountiful Christmas gift today - P30.0 million from Congressman Paolo Javier and Governor Exequiel Javier. In a speech delivered today at the University of Antique Main Campus in Sibalom, Gov. Exequiel Javier and Congressman Paolo Javier announces the allocation of P10.0 million for the College of Engineering, P10.0 million for the College of Marine Studies, and P10.0 million for the College of Forestry. Such benevolence from our beloved leaders would benefit not only the people of Sibalom but the whole Province of Antique especially the parents of students who could hardly afford the education expenses of their children if sent to other provinces. The harmonious teamwork of Congressman Paolo Javier and Governor Exequiel Javier would surely hasten the development and progress of Antique.

Happy Birthday Congressman Javier!

2011-01-16T16:24:00.001-08:00

Sibalom greets the young, dynamic, good-looking, and energetic Congressman of the lone District of Antique! Happy Birthday HON. PAOLO JAVIER!!! God grant you good health, wisdom, and inspiration as you serve the people of Antique!

Sibalom approves Historical, Environmental Ordinance

2011-01-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

The Sangguniang Bayan passed an Ordinance declaring the Century Old Talisay in front of the Romn Catholic Church a Heritage Tree and a Monument of History of the Municipality of Sibalom. This Ordinance sponsored by Hon. Santiago Javier Lotilla IV, is another landmark ingenuity on the part of the Sangguniang Bayan and the Municipal Government under Hon. Mayor Joel Occeña and Hon. Vice Mayor Felipe Lacsama. This Talisay tree has withstood the test of time and could age even more than 200 years old. Some elder people of Sibalom recounted that their grandfathers told them that this Talisay tree is already maturely grown in their grandfather's childhood. It is easily the oldest tree in the poblacion today. This Talisay tree symbolizes Sibalom's evolution from a simple pueblo during the Spanish era into a bustling urban municipality today. This Talisay Tree had singularly claimed the fame and honor of being a witness to the saga and journey of the Municipality of Sibalom to the milestone events that took place in the town plaza, standing firm in her resolved to survive, weather the storm and catastrophe, both natural and human, economic and even socio-political. This Ordinance is an unprecedented move to emphasize the Sibalomnons way of thanking God and nature for having gifted the town with such a Tree that represents the very life and story by which Sibalomnons will live and die for. Thank you Mayor Joel Occeña, Vice Mayor Felipe Lacsama, SB Santiago Lotilla IV and all Sangguniang Bayan Members!

Miss Petronila Petiaoco - World War 2 Hero

2011-01-02T00:09:00.000-08:00

This coming January 18, 2011, this day in 1944, the Japanese soldiers who patrolled the mountains ruthlessly massacred 40 civilians in Barangay Salvacion, Sibalom. One of the victims was Miss Petronila Petiaoco, an Elementary School Teacher assigned as Food Administrator in Salvacion and she happened to be present when the Japanese arrived in the barrio. She died a rather heroic death. May we keep her memory and others like her who risked their lives to resist the enemies of our beloved land.

Trivia on Jose Rizal Monument in Sibalom

2010-12-28T22:47:00.000-08:00

The statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Sibalom is erected in the middle of the municipal plaza. It was erected during the term of of Municipal President Nemesio Naranjo (1908-1909). The life-size structure of Dr. Jose Rizal was donated by Atty. Ramon Maza. It was bought in Manila and brought personally by the donor to Sibalom. The foundation of the statue was constructed through voluntary contributions. The donors' names were written and placed inside the monument. With the coming celebration of Rizal Day on December 30, may we remember those who contributed in making the Rizal Monument in Sibalom a reality.

Trivia on Bonifacio Monument in Sibalom

2010-11-22T18:06:00.000-08:00

Come November 30, 2010 is the celebration of Bonifacio Day. Here are some facts about the Bonifacio monument in Sibalom. The Bonifacio Monument in Sibalom was erected in 1923 during the term of Municipal President (presently called Mayor) Sabas Tordesillas. The bust of Bonifacio was given to Sibalom as a prize for the cleanest town in the 1923 Clean-up Week contest. The donor of the prize was Mr. Angel Salazar Sr. The monument was first erected in the northern part of the municipal plaza. In 1952, it was moved to the intersections of Avenida Quezon, Venegas, and Bonifacio Streets. It was moved to the present place for historical remembrance. Avenida Quezon was the first route followed by the Katipuneros when they assaulted the Spanish convent during the revolution. The lot was donated by Mrs. Eugenia L. Magbanua. Avenida Quezon and Bonifacio Sts. were later renamed to Lotilla and Furio sts. respectively.

WD General Managers meet with CSC, PHIVOLCS officials

2010-07-27T00:18:00.000-07:00

The Water District General Managers in Antique met last Friday, July 23, 2010 at the Sibalom Water District office. Atty. Maria Lina Gonzaga, CSC Director II, was the resource person in the morning session. She was requested by the General Managers to provide technical assistance in the installation of the PMS-OPES of each Water District. The PMS-OPES will be the basis of each Water District in qualifying and quantifying the performance of each employee. The Antique Water Districts hoped to be the first in Western Visayas in the installation of the PMS-OPES which is designed to optimized the performance of each government employee.
In the afternoon Session, Ms. Perla J. Delos Reyes, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Officer-in-Charge, Geology and Geophysics R & D Division, PHIVOLCS, brief those present on the need to be aware and prepared on the possibility of Liquefaction. This is the effect of the water table collapsing and in the process causing damage to infrastructures. In the hazard map presented, Sibalom has the widest flood plains in Antique and most prone to 'liquefaction'. Ms. Delos Reyes gathered some well data from the water districts for their reference. She further said that future cooperation/coordination between her office and the water districts is needed.
After the PHIVOLCS briefing, GM Jesse Ysulat of Tobias Fornier Water District echoed his experiences in the Water Summit last June 2010 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. In the said Summit, the delegates especially the water districts were made aware about the pressing global problems especially climate change. Particular concern is the watershed protection. The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is offering the water districts a soft loan of P500,000.00 at an interest rate of 5% per annum intended for watershed protection and rehabilitation. Among the water districts included in the list were Sibalom, Tobias Fornier, Pandan, Barbaza and Bugasong for the province of Antique. The water districts should be in the forefront in watershed protection. Antique is still very fortunate not to suffer much during the El Nino last summer. The General Managers adjourned their meeting at around 3:00 p.m.

DENR to conduct BMS in Sibalom Natural Park

2010-07-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

In the Sibalom Natural Park - Protected Area Management Board (SNP-PAMB) meeting last June 28, 2010 at the Sibalom Water District office, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) told the PAMB that they will conduct a Bio-diversity Monitoring System (BMS) on July 14-23, 2010 in Mt. Poras. On a sample area, the team will monitor and count the number of species in the said area. It is a fact that the flora and fauna in the forest are interrelated with each other. The meeting was attended by PENRO Vicente Sardina, PASu Russel Rizardo, and PAMB members. The DENR will also conduct a capacity building seminar among PAMB member on July 29, 2010. Sibalom Natural Park is a very important watershed area and home to the very rare giant flower Rafflesia Speciosa.

Sibalom potable water supply unaffected by El Nino

2010-07-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

The El Nino last summer has affected a number of water districts especially in Antique. Culasi Water District has reported that their spring source was significantly affected that during peak hours water in the poblacion is experincing low pressure. I have visited their source a few years ago and was amazed by how abundant the spring was. The excess water was made into a fish pond and irrigation. Now, for the first time, it was affected by the El Nino. Barabaza Water District was also severely affected. Their spring source dried up. The worst experience they have so far. Patnongon Water District also was affected when the production of their deep well lessened by almost half of their capacity. The deep well of Patnongon was once the envy of other water districts because it is naturally 'flowing'. Hamtic and Tobias Fornier water districts also was reportedly affected. Nearby San Joaquin Water District in Iloilo also experienced for the first time that their deep well dried up.
Sibalom Water District is very fortunate that their water supply was not affected by El Nino. Daily monitotirng shows that the two deep wells of Sibalom Water District quickly recharges its water. The pump draws 22 lps of water in its deepwell. Before, during, and after pumping, the water levels are monitored. Data shows that the water level immediately recharges after pumping. The draw down of water during pumping is on a very safe level. This shows that water supply of Sibalom Water District was very stable during the El Nino. We thank God for the good forest cover of the watershed area of Sibalom.
However, Sibalom should not be complacent and just feel good about the situation. Sibalom should continue to be vigilant in protecting this vital source. The watershed area should continually be rehabilitated and strictly protected. We dont want to wake up one day and discover that our water supply has been depleted. We must always be vigilant and active in the protection of our watershed.

Mayor Joel 'Dodoy" Occeña holds first day of office

2010-07-01T02:02:00.000-07:00

Mayor Joel Occena holds his first day of office as Municipal Mayor of Sibalom in the Municipal Library. The Municipal Building has been declared by the Municipal Engineer fit for demolition because it is no longer safe to hold office there. One of the top priorities in the first 100 days of Mayor Occena is the construction of new Municipal Building. Among his other rpiorities is the beautification of the municipal plaza and improvement of the market. Sibalom has the biggest market day in Antique. Mayor Occena appeals to all Sibalomnons to unite and support his vision and programs for the development of Sibalom.

Please vote

2010-01-07T21:45:00.000-08:00

Please vote on the issue whether you agree of the desilting project proposed by the Province wherein a Singaporean company would desilt the rivers in Antique for free, buy the sand at current price per cubic meter, and bring it to Singapore.

As a background: After typhoon Frank last June 2008, the rivers of Antique have been heavily silted. Silt deposited in some areas are 10 feet in depth thus making our rivers very shallow especially in Sibalom. No typhoon has passed through Sibalom after typhoon Frank and yet during heavy rains people living near the river are in panic situation. At least twice have I seen the river threatening to overflow its banks. No typhoon yet has passed Sibalom after typhoon Frank. God forbid, a typhoon bringing heavy rains would most probably cause another flooding of the poblacion. Desiltation is a must! We all know the province cannot afford it much less the municipality. On the other hand, the project involving selling our sand to a foreign country raises questions of our patriotism. Please share your views.

Antique Water Districts donates to Luzon flood victims

2009-10-11T05:49:00.000-07:00

The Water Districts in the Province of Antique collectively donates 17 sacks of rice for the flood victims of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in Metro Manila and Luzon. In its meeting last October 5, 2009 in Sibalom Water District, the various water districts all throughout Antique are one in sympathy to the people of Luzon especially those badly affected by the two devastating typhoons. As can be recalled, Panay was also devastated by Typhoon Frank. The people of Panay fully understands the despair and situation of many residents of Luzon. Most of them would surely still feel the effects of the flood even after a year. Hopefully, more donations would pour in as we continue to pray for the people of Luzon.

133 hectares reforested in Cabladan

2009-10-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Sibalom Natural Park (SNP) held its meeting at the Sibalom Water District last October 2, 2009. PENRO Vicente Sardina presided over the meeting.

The Park Superintendent (PASU) of SNP and the Brgy. Captain of Cabladan reported the completion of the reforestation of 133 hectares of grassland in the said barangay. The seedlings used were of endemic species. This project is under the Upland Development Program of the DENR.

Notable reforestation projects were also done in barangays Bululacao and Imparayan. It is a joy to see that the endemic tree seedlings planted a few years ago have grown into little trees. The survival rate were estimated at 90 percent. Other barangays are also undergoing rehabilitation and reforestation in their areas.

With this development, Sibalom is setting an example in the protection of its watershed especially in the Sibalom Natural Park area.

Greenfields kissed by the sun

2009-09-29T00:49:00.000-07:00

The true wealth of a town is its people and Sibalom is blessed by having produced such exemplary children. There are lots of them and one of the most notable is our very own Mrs. Precious Lotilla Javier.

A woman of exemplary character, courage, intelligence, beauty and a true blooded Sibalomnon in heart and mind. She made the most poetic and romantic description of our beloved town. "A land of greenfields kissed by the sun".

Lessons from the flood

2009-09-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

The devastation of brought by Typhoon Ondoy is very disheartening and alarming. For two consecutive years, the Philippines was hit by extraordinary typhoons never experienced before in history. Last year, Panay was hit by typhoon Frank which brought extraordinary rains. Last Friday, Typhoon Ondoy brought similar volume of rains in Metro Manila and Luzon. The rainfall for one month was poured down in just one day! Do we expect another similar typhoon next year? I pray not!

Sibalom has not yet been hit by a typhoon this year. Yet, many times, Sibalom River have threatened to overflow. In fact, I can recall twice, that it actually overflowed a 'little'. The river has already been filled with siltation that some parts of the river banks are just a meter in elevation. Typhoon Frank has heavily silted the river that moderate rains now pose a danger of overflowing. Resident adjacent to the river feel nervous everytime there is heavy rain. And, I repeat, we have not been hit directly by a typhoon yet.

There is a need now for desilting the river and we dont have the luxury of time to wait. We need to think of a way to do it. And we need to think fast. I hope everybody would be a solution to this problem.

Metro Manila, Luzon flood

2009-09-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

Our dear brothers and sisters in metro Manila and Luzon, the people of Sibalom sadly convey their sympathy and prayers for you. We empathize with your present situation. Our hearts are deeply saddened by the damages brought by Typhoon Ondoy.

More than a year ago, Sibalom and the rest of Panay have been devasted by Typhoon Frank. Sibalom alone reported damages of more than a billion pesos excluding the emotional trauma it brought. Watching the news reports, Typhoon Ondoy, have surely brought more damages. It could easily reach Trillion pesos in damages.

Sibalom stands with Metro Manila and Luzon at this time of tragedy. We offer our deepest prayers for your immediate recovery. God bless you and take care of you people of Metro Manila and Luzon.

PSCA celebrates 55th Foundation Day

2009-01-19T20:26:00.000-08:00

The Polytechnic State College of Antique (PSCA), the premier tertiary school in the province of Antique, celebrates its 55th Foundation Day, this January 19-20, 2009.

The theme for this celebration is "Hearts Ablaze for Universityhood's Race". The PSCA has met all the requirements needed for a University Status and all is needed right now is the Bill in congress to be passed. Universityhood is the cry of every Antiqueño and nearby towns of other provinces. The University status is very important for PSCA and its students and faculty. This will increase the budget for the school and opening of new courses like Nursing and Forestry. Better facilities for the students and faculty to used.

The PSCA has its main campus in Sibalom and satellite campuses at Tibiao, Hamtic, Caluya and Libertad. It offers very low tuition fees (around P6,000.00 per semester) to students as compared to private schools who charge an average of P18.000.00 per semester. Standard of living is also lower in Sibalom compared to Iloilo and other places thus benefitting the students tremendously in their day to day expenses. PSCA is one effective proof of the Government's thrust of helping the countryside.

It is indeed high time for PSCA to be a University. God bless PSCA.

Sibalom Water District 2008 Anniversary Pictures

2008-10-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

Sibalom officials respond to alarm of another flood

2008-09-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, September 20, 2008, Sibalom folks once again braced themselves as typhoon 'Nina' brought heavy rains. Irrigation canals overflowed including some areas of the river banks. Many residents evacuated to higher grounds as water was rising up.

Once again, the Sta. Rita Parish Church became a place of refuge for many residents as text messages of another flood began pouring in. The trauma of the June 21, 2008 flash flood is still fresh in people's minds and hearts.

The local public officials led by Mayor Virginia Lotilla and ABC President Erick J. Lotilla were the busiest people I knew during these moments. They took charge in monitoring all night the water levels in pracically all the barangays near the Sibalom and Tipuluan River. Firemen were on alert to sound the alarm if needed. Pangpang bridge was impassable again as the approach was damaged. The Natinal road along Nrgy. Bongsod was flooded. Mr. Rodel Esler, MDCC head, was also there prepared to assist in any emergency and so was Mr. Charlie Tacda, a volunteer for the Red Cross. Nuns were also on hand to help the residents who evacuated.

Water levels in the river began to subside at around 10 p.m. as heavy rains also stopped.

PSCA holds intrams, parade

2008-09-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, September 16, the PSCA opened up its Intramurals with a parade around Sibalom poblacion. The intrams will be participated by all their college units and laboratory high school. Culural contests will also be held.

PSCA is a fast growing school with a reported increase in student population for this semester of more than 1,500 students. With its quality education and very low tuition fees (around P6,000.00 per semester including miscellaneous fees), PSCA is indeed a school that serves the education needs of the Antoqueños including nearby towns of other provinces.

Public Hearing on the site of the proposed new Municipal Hall

2008-09-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, September 16, a public hearing was conducted to determine the public sentiments/opinions on the proposed site of the proposed new Municipal Hall. The proposed site is in the plaza fronting the new Caltex station.

Opinions and ideas were exchanged. Pros and cons were heard. Two primary choices cropped up;

1. They agree with ther proposed site in the plaza fronting the new Caltex station.

2. They prefer the site where the present Municipal Hall is located.

A voting was held through a piece of paper and to be opened by the SB members when they meet the next day for their regular session.

Sibalom Natural Park updates

2008-09-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the Protected Area Management Board(PAMB) of Sibalom Natural Park met at the Sibalom Water District office. The meeting was presided by the boyish DENR PENRO Vicente Sardina.

Among the agenda taken were the SB Resolution authorizing the Municipal Mayor to negotiate in behalf of the Municipality for the Loan-Grant offered by the German Bank KFW for Sibalom Natural Park. Also in the agenda are the study proposals of the Egaña National School on the Rafflesia and the Leyte State University students.

Aside from the students from the respective schools, the guests included representatives from the PROCESS Foundation ( a local NGO), Hon. Tobias Javier (Provincial Board Member), and Hons. Lorryvice Magdaug and Edgar Denosta (SB Members).

Hon. Denosta informed the PAMB body that the SB Members have already passed a Resolution to Authorize the Municipal Mayor to negotiate with the Landbank and KFW regarding the proposed P20-35 million loan-grant offered by KFW. The next step will be the Letter of Intent of the Municipal Mayor.

The proposed projects would directly benefit the 16 barangays involved in the protection of Sibalom Natural Park. The Sibalom Natural Park, as remembered, is one of the major accomplishment of then Mayor Erick Javier Lotilla, when he was very instrumental in the proclamation of the park as the first Natural Park in Panay under the NIPAS Act.

PSCA to hold Intrams next week

2008-09-11T00:21:00.000-07:00

The Polytechnic State College of Antique will be holding their intramurals starting Monday, August 15, to Friday, August 19. A parade will be held on Monday participated by their campuses in Hamtic, Tibiao, and Libertad.

New Generator Set, pieplines for SWD

2008-09-10T23:57:00.000-07:00

The Sibalom Water District has just purchased a brand new 75 kva Generator Set for its pumping operations. This Generator set is a necessity since the province of Antique is experiencing brownouts every once in a while. When there is a brownout, there is practically no water in the pipeline served by the water district. Potable water is a very important part of our daily life and that the continuous flow of it to our households must be a priority.

Along with the arrival of the Genset are PVC Pipes to be used for expansion going to Brgy. Cubay Napultan and Alangan. This pipelines will hasten the development of the said area as potable water is an important factor to progress.