PRC ZamboSur chapter to honor blood galloners today

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, July 31 (PIA) – The Philippine Red Cross, Zamboanga del Sur Chapter will culminate the month-long celebration of Blood Donor’s Month today at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the City Commercial Center (C3) with 1^st Infantry (Tabak) division commander BGen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III as guest of honor and speaker.

PRC administrator Hildaliza F. Muñoz said plaques and certificates of recognition will be presented to the blood donors, sponsors and supporters who continue to give blood and save people in emergency situations.

The blood galloners, namely: Noel Quicoy, Victoria Gutierez, Champrix Galeza, and John Delmar Maglinte who voluntarily donated 450cc of blood for 9 times or a total of 4,050cc each will receive certificates of membership, PRC pin and ID.

The 1^st Infantry (Tabak) division, considered as the “champion” on blood services who donated more than 1,000 bags of blood will also be given a plaque of appreciation.  “The officers and men of the 1^st Infantry division, the highest blood contributor will be given due recognition for their noble act,” Muñoz proudly announced.

Several agencies, offices and groups are also slated to receive certificates of appreciation for the valuable efforts extended to the program.

The activity is in line with the Blood Donors Month which is being celebrated in July. This year’s theme is “Every Blood Donor is a Hero”. (ALT/GCC/PIA9-Zambosur)

Dipolog City Airport PNPASG apprehends rape suspect

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, JULY 31(PIA)---The long arms of the law has caught up with the rape suspect before he could board on his flight back to Manila.

Dipolog City Airport PNP Aviation Security Group Chief, SPO4 Constancio B. Salac identified the suspect as Albert Saldon Y Bagatua, a resident of Dapitan City but presently residing in Metro Manila.

He was the prime suspect of rape case committed 25 years ago in Dapitan City.

Saldon, 36 years old was travelling with his wife and two kids, both girls aging 4 and 5, was about to board on a Cebu Pacific flight bound for Manila on July 26, 2012, when he was apprehended by police authorities inside the Dipolog City Airport terminal building, at about 12:15PM, Thursday.

Dipolog City Airport PNPASG Deputy Chief, SPO3 Arturo G. Mante, who served the arrest warrant, said Saldon admitted to be the person implicated in the rape case and did not show any sign of resistance when handcuffed in the presence of his family.

He was apprehended by virtue of the Warrant of Arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 7 Judge Soledad Acaylar (now retired) for rape in connection with Republic Act 7160.

The initial investigation conducted by SPO3 Mante disclosed that Saldon came home to visit his relatives in Dapitan City and celebrate the patronal fiesta of the city.

Saldon, who was identified as the suspect of a rape committed 15 years ago was able to elude police authorities during that time and went into hiding in Metro Manila when his warrant of arrest was issued.

After the arrest, Dipolog City Airport PNPASG immediately turned-over the suspect to the elements of Dapitan City Police Office who were at the airport when the arrest warrant was served.

Saldon is now presently detained at the Dapitan City Police Office detention cell for proper disposition with no bail bond recommended.(ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

NUTRICOMNET-IX best media practices recognized

By Alma L. Tingcang

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 31 - - The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and the FNRI Employees Association, Inc. has recognized Zamboanga Peninsula's Nutrition Communicators Network's best practices in bringing Science and Technology (S&T) closer to the people through food and nutrition promotion using the communications media.

NUTRICOMNET-IX was given recognition for its exemplary and unique media works during the recent 38th FNRI Seminar Series (FSS) at FNRI-DOST in Taguig City by its Director, Mario V. Capanzana, along with FNRI’s top officials.

The certificate of recognition was received for NUTRICOMNET-IX by its president, Philippine Information Agency-IX regional director Noemi B. Edaga.

Two other NUTRICOMNETs from the 16 NUTRICOMNETs nationwide, namely Region 2 and Region 5, were also recognized for their exemplary media works in the promotion of food and nutrition.

The 38th FSS themed "Food and Nutrition R&D - Responding to Challenges of Today, Investing for a Healthier Tomorrow," is hoped to fuel inspiration among NUTRICOMNETs to spur more information drive on food and nutrition promotion using media and its multipliers. (ALT/PIA9-Zambo Sur)

Congresswoman Cerilles officiates oath taking ceremony of WEM/RIC

By Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan

Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, July 31, (PIA) -- The Federated Women Empowerment Movement/Rural Improvement Club (WEM/RIC)  took their oath before Congresswoman Aurora Cerilles of the 2^nd District of Zamboanga del Sur last Friday,  July 27, 2012 at the municipal gymnasium, this municipality.

The mass oath taking was attended by the municipal officials headed by Mayor Leonardo Babasa, Jr., the barangay chairmen together with Marilyn Bersales, Provincial Agriculturist and Arlene Zacal, Provincial Coordinator-WEM/RIC.

The Cong. Cerilles  congratulated the women and emphasized that with women empowerment, there is now equality between men and women to share equally in power.  She urged them to work hard on whatsoever programs they may have in the future because women’s empowerment is vital to sustainable development.

After her message, she distributed tokens to the women including those who attended the program.

After the oath taking ceremony, the lady lawmaker took time to visit  the 800 pupils of Bayog Central Elementary School (BCES) and distribute school supplies.

And then, attended the  Program Orientation and Launching of GULYAN SA KABAHAYAN AT PAARALAN, a Public-Private Partnership between the Province of Zamboanga del Sur and the TVI Resource Development, Philippines Incorporated held at the conference room of BCES, attended by the teachers, school officials and the purok presidents of the municipality. (BAG/PIO-Bayog/CAL/PIA9)

OWWA releases P140,000 worth of Livelihood assistance to 14 beneficiaries

By Mary Jane R. Amarado

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 31 - - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has released P140,000 worth of checks to 14 OFW returnees as recipients of the P10,000 Livelihood Assistance on  July 25, 2012 at the OWWA 9 office.

The Livelihood Assistance is intended to finance various livelihood projects that will generate community employment and source of income for the beneficiaries and aims to enhance the entrepreneurial and technical/production skills of distressed and displaced Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Jennifer Romera, a former OFW was one of the 14 OFWs who sought the assistance of OWWA so that she could buy a pedicab to start her mini-transportation business.

Meriam Midel, also a former OFW and a resident of Pagadian City asked the help of OWWA to assist her in her small “puto-cheese”, basket and rags business, as she finds it difficult to find another job abroad.

Regional Director Hassan Gabra Jumdain said that since the implementation of OWWA & NRCO Livelihood Assistance, countless OFW groups and individuals have been given the opportunity to venture into small-scale but viable businesses and provide them with alternate livelihood in their respective areas.

"These business enterprises have not only directly benefited the recipients, but also their families and their communities", Jumdain said.

The beneficiaries are OFW returnees who were repatriated due to some causes, some were terminated from their work due to unforeseen events while others finished their work contract abroad and decided to stay in the Philippines.(Mary Jane R. Amarado/OWWA9/PIA9/alt)

Here’s your copy of ONE MINDANAO for Monday, July 30, 2012.

Please click the link below to access/browse your copy.

http://issuu.com/piamindanao1/docs/one_mindanao_-_july_30__2012?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222

Cooking, veggie display contests highlight Nutrition Month culmination in Basilan

by Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, July 30 (PIA) – “Without cooking and vegetable booth display contests, the Nutrition Month observance is meaningless.”

This was the statement of Isabela City Nutrition Action Officer Maria Jennesa S. Tubongbanua as the city highlights veggie cooking and vegetable booth display contests at the culmination celebration of the 38^th National Nutrition Month in the city.

Some twenty of the forty-five barangays under the city participated in the vegetable display contest. The veggie booth display of Aguada Barangay got the nod of the judges and was awarded as the best booth.

This year, the different city department heads, including some units of the Philippine National Police, compete for the veggie cooking contest. The clustered departments displayed their cooking abilities in preparing nutrition-rich meal that is cost-efficient and palatable, most especially for kids. The entry from the Provincial Police Office won first place with their vegetable barbeque (stir-fry mix vegetables with barbeque sauce).

The recipe of Ginataang Kalabasa at sitaw with bulad and Kalderay won second and third places, respectively.

In her message, Isabela City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar urged the public to plant vegetables in their respective backyard, as she anchored her message to this year’s theme “Pagkain ng Gulay Ugaliin, Araw-araw itong ihain.” She reiterated the benefits of eating vegetables and encouraged parents to make it a daily habit to serve kids with vegetables.

  

Every year, the city government has been very supportive of the City Nutrition Committee’s efforts, especially on programs that entail public participation in nutrition celebration activities. Last year, the different barangays competed for the vegetable recipe cooking. (RVC/PIA9-ZBST)

PNRC conducts blood donation activity in Bayog

by Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan 

Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, July 30 (PIA) – With the theme “Save a Life, Share a Blood, Be a Blood Donor Today,” the local government unit of Bayog in partnership with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) based in Pagadian City conducted a mass blood donation activity last Thursday,  July 26, 2012 at the Municipal Health Center, this municipality.

The activity is a joint venture  of PNRC, LGU of Bayog headed by Mayor Leonardo Babasa, Jr. thru the Rural Health Unit and the Board of Directors of  Timber Mines Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TIMMULCO).

Almost a hundred residents voluntarily came to the RHU for screening, but only 65 of them passed the screening and were allowed to donate their precious blood.

Mayor Babasa  have noticed that since there are still many residents who are willing to donate their blood,  the same activity will be conducted in the municipality soon.

The Red Cross personnel were composed of Dr, Mae Lyn Estrada, Red Cross Blood Bank physician as team leader; Delia Autor, Sheen Kisten Alcibar, and Mae Ann Grace Sayson, RC MedTechs and RC First Aiders Elgie Villabeto and Jenny Lingating.

In behalf of the PNRC, Dr. Estrada said, they are happy and satisfied with the number of volunteers who came to share their blood and thanked the LGU through the RHU personnel under Dr. Gretchen Dubrico, who assisted and facilitated the activity. (BAG/PIO-Bayog/CAL/PIA9)

DOLE turns-over SPES checks to 81 grantees, Starter kits to PWDs

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, July 30 (PIA) – “It is a great honor and privilege to be one of the SPES beneficiaries. Because of this, we are motivated to study harder and pursue our dreams,” Stella Rose Demaulo, one of the 81 students from St. Columban College (SCC) said during the turn-over program held at the aforementioned school.

“Sana po, marami pa kayong matulungan na kagaya rin naming salat sa buhay,” Demaulo said, full of gratitude to the government through the Department of Labor and Employment.

On July 26, DOLE Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano handed the SPES checks amounting to P216,270.00 to SCC President Fr. Gilbert M. Hingone for 81 grantees. “Make good in your studies because nobody can take it away from you. Bisan wala moy kwarta apan aduna kamoy edukasyon, makakita kamo ug maayong trabaho,” Cano said. (Even if you have no money but are educated, you will be able to find a good job.) “Hopefully you will earn a degree out of this scholarship. And someday, you will be somebody in the community,”  Cano encouraged the students.

He likewise awarded Starter Kits worth P10,000 each to 6 beneficiaries namely Genefaith Bala of Pitogo; Ruben Gamalando – Tukuran; Drek Meria – Diplo; Simplicio T. Ecot Jr. of Mahayag; Julito Talledo and Rio Norca of Pagadian City.

Cano urged the PWDs to make good use of the resources that the government has provided for them, engage in entrepreneurial activity and hopefully earn a modest living out of it. The starter kits include sewing machines, drafting materials and other items.  

SCC President Fr. Gilbert M. Hingone expressed his gratitude to everyone who worked hard for this program especially the DOLE family, and Ms. Mary Jane Omandam, SCC Guidance Counselor and Public Employment Service Office (PCSO) Manager.

“I would like to thank the DOLE family for sustaining this noble partnership. For me this is noble because our goal is to help the sector of our students who needs it most. SCC is also committed to help poor but deserving students. DOLE’s assistance is truly a blessing from above,” Fr. Hingone declared.    

Another SPES grantee, Juda Cabalog said, “I was so happy to receive my first SPES check. I was able to pay my back accounts and use it for my thesis. I don’t have to ask money from my parents who are financially hard up. I feel so blessed and lucky and it inspires me to study hard and pursue my dreams knowing that government agencies are ready and willing to help us,” he tearfully related.  

All the 81 grantees promised to make good in their studies so that government assistance extended to them will not be in vain.

The turn-over ceremony was attended by ARD Virginia L. Bonbon, DOLE employees, Fr. Belstar O. Ediang and other school officials as well as the families of PWDs. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)

Here’s your copy of ONE MINDANAO for Friday, July 27, 2012.

Please click the link below to access/browse your copy.

http://issuu.com/piamindanao1/docs/one_mindanao_-_july_27__2012?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222

Aquino mimando ni Abad ug Brillantes pagtan-aw sa pahat sa COMELEC

Ni Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, JULY 27(PIA)--- Gimanduan ni Presidente Benigno Aquino III sila si Budget Secretary Florencio Abad ug COMELEC Commissioner Sixto Brillantes nga hatagan ug taas nga panahon ang pagtuki sa budgetary requirements sa Commission on Elections aron masiguro nga mahinayon ang piniliay sa 2013 nga walay kakulian.

Sa gipahigayong press conference human nga iyang gipangunahan ang ika-114 nga Founding Anniversary sa Departamento sa Kalihokang Langyaw sa Dakbayan sa Pasay niadtong Huwebes, ang Presidente miingon nga ang pag-angal ni Brillantes sa dakong bahin nga gikuha gikan sa pahat sa COMELEC sa 2013 General Appropriations Act maresulba pinaagi sa pagpahigayon ug diskusyon uban kang Abad.

“Nagtoo ako nga kinahanglang magkasulti ang Kalihim sa Budget ug si Comelec Chairman  Brillantes para magkatugma ang atong panginahanglan ug gastuhon sa maong panginahanglan,” matod pa ni Presidente Aquino.

Murag kulang gamay ang diyalogo. Ako, anad namang mahimong referee. Atong pa-istoryahon ang duha,” matod pa sa Presidente.

Gihatagan ug punto ni Presidente Aquino nga kon mapatin-aw sa COMELEC ang panginahanglan sa dugang pondo, buhaton sa gobyerno ang tanan sulod sa iyang gahum nga ihatag ang iyang gikinahanglan.

“Atong obligasyon ang pagpahigayon ug malinawon ug katuhoang eleksyon sunod tuig. Hatagan nato ug tukmang kagamitan ang mga nanginahanglan,” matod pa sa Presidente.

Kung makita gyud nga dunay kakulangan sa pondo, mangita kitag paagi nga ato kining madugangan,” pahayag pa ni Presidente Aquino.(ATR/PCOO/PIA9-Zambo Norte

Malakanyang walay nakitang armed conflict sa West Philippine sea

ni Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY, July 27 (PIA) - - Taliwala sa tensyon tali sa mga nasud nga miangkon sa West Philippine Sea, masaligon gihapon ang nasud sa Pilipinas nga masulbad kini sa inamigo nga pamaagi.

Sa iyang press briefing karong bag-o didto sa Malakanyang, gipasabot ni Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda nga nagto-o ang Malakanyang nga makab-ot ang malinawong solusyon sa maong suliran ilabina nga ang Association of Southeast Asian Nations kamulo karong gapanday sa Code of Conduct on the West Philippine Sea.

Dugang pa ni Lacierda nga sa susamang pamaagi, ang nasud sa China naningkamot usab nga makab-ot ang malinawong solusyon sa tensyon nga may kalambigitan ang Panatag Shoal.

Gipaklaro ni Lacierda nga padayong himoon sa Pilipinas ang de-escalation para mahumpay ang tensyon sa West Philippine Sea. (FPG/PCOO/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

Palasyo namahayag COMELEC adunay igong pundo alang sa automated elections

ni Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY, July 27 (PIA) - - Gipaneguro sa Palasyokarong bag-o a nga ang Commission on Election (COMELEC) adunay igong pundo para magamit sa pagpahigayon sa automated election sunod tuig.

Matud pa ni Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda nga mamahimong gamiton sa COMELEC ang dakung saving niini aron idugang sa pundo nga gipahat alang sa umaabot nga piniliay.

Dugang pa ni Lacierda nga sa iyang pagpakighinabi ni Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, gibutyag niini nga ang COMELEC adunay igong saving sa iyang budget.

Kahinumduman nga mi-angal si COMELEC Chairman Sixto Brillantes sa pagkunhod sa pundo nga gipahat alang sa COMELEC ubos sa 2013 General Appropriations Act gikan sa P24 bilyones karong tuiga ngadto sa P8 bilyones alang sa sunod tuig.

Gipahayag ni Brillantes nga sa pagkunhod sa pundo nga gipahat sa COMELEC, lagmit mubalik sila sa “manual counting” sa mga balota sa piniliay sunod tuig. (FPG/PCOO/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

Pag-IBIG to require the use of MID numbers in all transactions starting Sept.1

By Felipo David G. Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 27 (PIA) - - The Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund Zamboanga announces that starting September 1, 2012, all its fund members shall transact with the Pag-IBIG fund using their Membership Identification numbers.

 “Starting September 1, 2012, all Pag-IBIG Fund members are required to have Membership Identification (MID) Numbers for all transactions,” said Corazon Mamauag, Chief,  Marketing and Enforcement Division-Pag-IBIG.

Mamauag explains that this move is “part of Pag-IBIG Fund’s transition to an enhanced system that will make our services even faster and more efficient for the member employees and employers.”

With this development, the active marketing chief advises all employers to indicate the names and MID numbers of their employees on the remittance form in every remittance of contributions and loan payments.

Failure to do so may mean delay in the processing of their contributions or payments.

Mamauag also advises member- employees without MID to register and secure a Registration Tracking Number (RTN) with their office or via online registration at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph.

“The RTN can be used in place of the MID,” “The RTN can be used in place of the MID,” Mamauag said.

For faster posting of Pag-IBIG contributions and loan payments, member-employees are also advised to submit a softcopy (computer file) of the remittance schedules with the fund.

“They can secure our easy-to-use softcopy format at all Pag-IBIG Branches or online at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph,” Mamauag informed. (JPA/FDM/PIA9-ZBST)

OWWA 9 announces scholarship for 2013-2014

by: Mary Jane Amarado

Pagadian City, July 27 (PIA) – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration announces its opening for the application of scholarship for children or siblings of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who wanted to pursue college degrees.

OWWA Regional Director Hassan Gabra Jumdain said that the office is now accepting applicants for its Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP).

The scholarship is given to direct dependents of OFWs who are graduating from high school. A beneficiary could enroll in any school of their choice, provided it is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Beneficiaries should not be more than 21 years old, must be in good health and have passed qualifying examinations of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) or other college admission tests of the schools where they wish to enroll. Those who qualify will receive P30, 000 each semester as financial assistance.

Applicants need to submit three copies of 2x2 ID pictures, Form 137 or Transcript of Records, Proof/Certification of relationship to OFW/Birth Certificate obtained from the National Statistics Office, and receipt of OWWA membership.

The deadline for submission of applications is August 31, 2012.

Interested applicants can personally visit or call the OWWA 9 office at the 4th floor BGIDC Corporate Center (PhilHealth Bldg.), Gov. Lim Ave., Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 991-2785 & 991-7764 or at any DOLE Provincial Offices in Region 9. (Mary Jane R. Amarado, Labor Communications Officer/DOLE9/cal/PIA9)

Upland Rice Development Program in ZamPen

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, July 27 (PIA) -- A total of forty participants attended the recently conducted Regional Stakeholders Upland Rice Development Program (URDP) in Ipil.

The Upland Rice Development Program aims to promote sustainable farming systems and practices in the upland farming communities that will help farmers increase their yields and income, and  to develop a sustainable models of locally organized Community-based Seed Banks (CSB) and a viable seed  production system.

Gilbert Romarez of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) said,

the country’s production capacity is only averaging from 1.5 to 2.0 tons per hectare.  If this marginalized upland rice farms will be given the proper technology and assistance, it is estimated that its yield will increase to 4.0 to 4.5 t/ha  which is significant enough to complement the production in the lowland and irrigated  areas.

Some areas like Region 10 have shown that with the improved management technologies with Traditional Varieties (TVs) its production of 4.16t/ha was increased  to 6.5 t/ha and with Modern Varieties (MVs) from 3.13t/ha to 6.7 t/ha. 

Ruben  Miranda, National URDP leader said, that “the establishment of CSB will help solve the lack of seed problem, utilization of quality seeds and accessibility of seeds.”

The National URDP is strengthening its program by creating regional Agri-Pinoy URDP team that will lead in the regions. The team is headed by the DA Regional Director and representatives coming from DA, PhilRice, IRRI, ATI, BSWM, NSQCS, BAS, NFA, PCIC, DENR, DAR, DSWD, Landbank, SUCs, NGOs, NCIP, PLGUs, MLGUs,  CLGUs and Upland Farmers’ Organizations (UFOs).

Each agency was given their tasks as to their roles and responsibilities in the URDP Agri-Pinoy. The regions’s target for 2011-2013 is 6,169 hectares. (ytavellaneda/DA9/cal/PIA9)