DTI-Zambo City warns traders not to take advantage of state of calamity

By Felipo David G. Malcampo

  

ZAMBOANGA CITY – With the city declared under the state of calamity, Department of Trade and Industry-Zamboanga City Provincial Office issued a stern warning to retailers not to take advantage of the present crisis by over-pricing their products.

Provincial Director Engr. Rolando Acuña deployed monitoring teams to safeguard the public from unscrupulous traders from exploiting the situation and check adherence to the price freeze imposed on basic commodities in areas declared under state of calamity, as mandated by Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act of the Philippines.

The Zamboanga City Council, approved Monday night, a resolution declaring the city under state of calamity as per recommendation from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) after a number of barangays were submerged in flood water, destroying agricultural and fishery areas and products due to days of continuous rains last week.

A total of 1,692 families or 4,625 individuals were displaced by the calamity according latest records of CDRRMC.

Acuña stressed that those caught violating RA 7581 will be charged and will be made to pay at least P1,000.00 to not more than P1,000,000.00 administrative fine.

Meanwhile, the city government, thru, the City Social Welfare Office continues conducting relief operations to help calamity victims.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat has also instructed the City Engineer’s office to conduct assessment of the damage wrought by the calamity for proper action and rehabilitation. (JPA/FDM/PIA9-ZBST)

AFP’s 3rd Marine Brigade welcomed back home in Western Philippines

by Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – After a long stint at the southernmost part of the archipelago, the 3^rd Marine Brigade of the Philippine Marine Corps arrived in the province of Palawan on September 28, notwithstanding the inclement weather.

In a press release, AFP’s 6^th Civil Relations Group Commander Maj. Joseph D. Bugaoan said the 3^rd Marine Brigade comes back home as an added unit in Western Philippines to realign forces in the Western Command area of responsibility. 

“Way-back in the 1970’s, the 3^rd Marine Brigade was an organic unit of Western Command and contributed a lot in the internal and territorial defense operation of the country,” Bugaoan revealed.

Commander of Western Command, LtGen. Juancho M. Sabban AFP said that it is high time for the troops to come back home, for they can be a big factor in sustaining and boosting the province’s thrust in securing, protecting and developing the mainland up to the Philippine territorial waters.

“The arrival of the 3^rd Marine Brigade would definitely beefed-up the number and strength of personnel under Western Command area of responsibility. This will further enhance WESCOM’s capabilities and function as a partner-advocate of the Palaweňos in enforcing our sovereignty towards environmental preservation and protection towards peace, development and territorial security,” Sabban said.

The 3^rd Marine Brigade under the command of Col. Andre Costales PN(M) (GSC) will be an additional unit and manpower, responsible in handling, supporting and supervising the two marine battalions, presently deployed from north to south of the province.

Bugaoan said added responsibility at stake would be as the commander over-all in-charge of the units deployed in the Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG). (6CRG/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)

Minda group asks P-Noy to keep promise

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Mindanao Muslim leaders are asking President Aquino to stick by his promise that part of the requirement in appointing officials in the transition government of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is an appointee with no intention to run for political office in the 2013 elections.

But reports have reached Mindanao leaders that Malacañang is allegedly fielding ARMM Acting Gov. Mujiv Hataman as candidate for the top post in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in next year’s election alarmed the group, saying that such move may cause divisions among Muslims in Mindanao.

In a press release, Mindanao-based organizations led by the Davao-based Movement for Sustainable Good Governance (MSGG) said such action may also cause the Palace to lose the goodwill with the Mindanao people who are likely to see the President’s appointment of Hataman to the post in 2011 as a mere political charade to increase his “winnability” in the 2013 ARMM elections.

MSGG Convenor Dr. Amildasa Annil also admonished political groups against fanning talks of alleged Palace-led “conspiracies to divide Muslim leaders by creating scenarios that OIC Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman is appointed by the President to tactically earn political `winnability’ in the 2013 synchronized local, regional and national elections” in the ARMM.

Annil said that it is best for the President to show that his move of appointing Hataman to the ARMM post as being aimed at bringing “goodwill” and “social contract” with Muslims in Mindanao.

He said that alleged “political scheme” to later “anoint” Hataman as the “administration candidate for ARMM governorship this 2013 elections” will have negative implications.

The group came out with the statement as an offshoot of news reports indicating that the President is inclined to field Hataman to the top ARMM post to continue the President’s reform initiative.

Annil reminded the President of a promise he made not to appoint to the ARMM post someone who is aspiring to run for the same post in next year’s election.

“No less than President P-Noy, in a press conference held June 30, 2011, stated that one of the qualifications for OIC appointment is ‘yung walang balak tumakbo sa ARMM Regional Government’ (someone not planning to run for the ARMM Regional Government post)," Annil said. 

The MSGG said the Aquino Administration will be judged as having successfully brought progress and peace in Mindanao should it keep its word to have Hataman serve as head of the “transition” government amid instability brought about by the Maguindanao Massacre.

“The ARMM is now at its healing stage. Notwithstanding the old and obstinate bureaucratic culture left in the institution in its remaining 8 months (to count), many are still hoping that institutional reforms can be established and corruption is reduced as government sincerely invested in its transition mechanism,” the MSGG said.

The group further noted that the achievement of the President deserves trust and confidence of the people in Muslim Mindanao and “should be protected against stereotyped political wrangling of some inept politicos who live-by the old conspiracies to divide Muslim leaders by creating scenarios that OIC Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman is appointed by the President to tactically earn political ‘winability’ in the 2013 elections.” (Sulu-PIO/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)

FPA conducts seminar for proper use of chemical flower inducer

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY –  A one-day seminar on the proper use of chemical flower inducer for mango contractors was held recently by the Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA) at Hotel Guillermo here.

FPA regional officer Avelino Caperig said the seminar aimed to teach mango contractors the proper use of chemical flower inducer such as potassium and calcium nitrate.

Caperig said reports reached his office that some unlicensed mango contractors used potassium and calcium nitrate as explosives instead of using it as chemical flower inducer in mango.

To prevent unlicensed mango contractors in doing this, Caperig said FPA is conducting the seminar for mango contractors to issue them permit and to monitor the volume of potassium nitrate and calcium nitrate in our region., Caperig explained.

Caperig said the seminar is a prerequisite for the mango contractor in obtaining permit from their office.

“After they are issued permits, the mango contractors are authorized to use these fertilizers,  and it would be easier for us to monitor the proper use and inflow of volume of said chemicals in Zamboanga Peninsula,” Caperig said.

Caperig said the permit fee is P600 and renewable every year.

Caperig said after the seminar, mango contractors with no permit will no longer be allowed  to buy chemicals from our licensed chemical store dealers.

“We are now imposing stricter regulations on fertilizer and pesticides,” Caperig declared. (JPA/GCC-PIA 9, Pagadian City)

DENR, water district ink MOA for “tree surgery”

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 27 (PIA) - - To protect and preserve the dipterocarp trees inside the Pasonanca Watershed and Natural Park (PWNP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX, in partnership with the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) recently forged a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the purpose.

Hernanita Ascura of DENR in a press statement said the MOA highlights the implementation of “tree surgery” of decay-infected Dipterocarp trees in the PWNP.

 Under the MOA, the environment office will create a research team to conduct assessment of infected trees and implementation of tree surgery.

The MOA also calls for DENR coordinate with concerned offices within the duration of the project and until after the purpose has been satisfactorily achieved; and submit report within fifteen days from completion of its undertaking.

“The ZCWD for its part shall be responsible for   paying the traveling expenses and per diems of the Research Team; shoulder the operational costs of the project implementation including the cost of equipments, supplies and materials to be used during the activity; assign personnel to assist the Research Team in the implementation of various activities including hauling of the supplies and materials to implementation site; among others,” informed Ascura.

Ascura said the MOA signing was in response to the request made by the ZCWD and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) following their report to DENR in December 2011 regarding the occurrence of pest infestation on some dipterocarp which was verified by team of researchers.

“It was found out that there are actually occurrences of stems rot disease on dipterocarp trees assessed. And if the stems rot disease is left unabated, it will yield considerable losses in terms of economic, ecological and aesthetic value of the Watershed and Natural Park,” Ascura confirmed.

The MOA was signed by DENR-IX Regional Executive Director Arleigh J. Adorable and ZCWD General Manager Leonardo Rey D. Vasquez. (JPA/PIA9-ZBST)

Pag-IBIG grants calamity loan

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, SEPT. 27 (PIA) - - The Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG grants financial assistance thru the funds calamity loan program to its members following the declaration of Zamboanga City as under the state of calamity.

The continuous downpour and strong winds in the city brought about by typhoon Lawin caused floodings in low lying areas , uprooted trees, killing a 5 year old child and displacing more than a thousand families. 

 

“The purpose of this loan is to provide financial assistance to Pag-IBIG member-victims in calamity stricken-areas,” said Corazon Mamaug, Chief- Marketing and Promotions Division, Pag-IBIG.

Mamauga said, the calamity loan is open to all of the fund’s members who has made at least 24 monthly contributions; an active member at the time of application and is a resident of the area which is declared calamity-stricken.

“The Pag-IBIG member-victim must avail himself of the Pag-IBIG calamity loan within a period of 90 days from the occurrence of the calamity,” Mamauag was quoted as saying. 

Eligible member shall be entitled to a loan amount which is equivalent to 80% of his Total Accumulated Value (TAV) or his total contributions.

“The loan is payable over a period of 24months, with three months grace period and a yearly interest of 5.95% which is way lower compared to the previous which is 10.75% per annum,” the active marketing chief said.

Mamaug Advises member-applicants who wish to avail the loan program  to submit Calamity Loan Application Form (CLAF) with two pieces 1x1 picture. (JPA/PIA9-ZBST).

Sulu sends-off AFP’s 3rd Marine Brigade

by Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept 27 (PIA) – The 3^rd Marine Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ended its tour of duty in Sulu with the send-off ceremony Wednesday.

On behalf of Governor Abdusakur M. Tan, OIC Governor Abdusakur “Tutuh” Tan II graced the sending-off of the 3^rd Marine Brigade at a military ceremony on September 26 after the completion of their tour of duty in winning the peace and safeguarding the safety and security of the people.

OIC Governor Tutuh Tan relayed the apologies of the Governor, who due to the latter’s hectic schedule, cannot attend the send-off ceremony.

“Nevertheless I hope I can do justice to this ceremony by delivering the send-off message of Governor Tan to these brave men in uniform,” Tutuh Tan said.

“For us here in Sulu this is not a goodbye but a wish and a prayer that you fare very well in your next tour of duty in other destinations. We hope, too, that the officers and men of the 3^rd Marine Brigade will be bringing with them good memories of the people here and of the many beautiful sights in this place as they leave the shores of Sulu,” Tan said.

Before bidding farewell to the departing troops, Tutuh Tan relayed the gratitude of the people of Sulu for the opportunity to have been served by the men of the 3^rd Marine Brigade especially in the community services they have rendered through the Bayanihan concept of the AFP.

Presiding at the send-off ceremony was LtGen Noel A. Coballes, Commander Western Mindanao Command AFP who were joined by Rear Admiral Rear Admiral Armando L. Guzman, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Col. Andre M. Costales Jr, Commander 3^rd Marine Brigade and other officers and men of the AFP. (Sulu-PIO/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)

ZamboSur PPO holds lecture on crime prevention

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, Sept. 27 (PIA) – With the nationwide observance of Crime Prevention Month, the Zamboanga del Sur Parole and Probation Office No. 1 headed by Supervising Parole and Probation Officer/OIC Nicasio D. Dujali recently conducted a lecture on Crime Prevention and other related topics to probationers and parolees.

Information officer Eddie L. Baldado said NBI Special Investigator Faustino Ferdinand A. Carreon was the resource speaker. “The best thing to avoid re-commission of crime is to keep yourself busy and devoting yourself to a specific employment to sustain your respective families, and refrain from associating with persons with questionable character,” Carreon explained.

Moreover, he advised clients that at this point of their life, they should somehow make some introspection and resolve to a sincere commitment to reform themselves. He made it clear that this cannot be achieved all by themselves, they need divine help and guidance from God.

The lectures ended with an open forum where true-to-life situations and problems were presented candidly answered by the resource speaker. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)

Dipolog chamber holds general membership confab

By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) - - Five more businessmen have been admitted as regular members to the Dipolog City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCI)  during its general membership meeting held recently at the West End Court Hotel, here.

The said 5 “new” regular members include Apolinario Pinsoy of Narvel Services, Atty. Eyahiya Malon of S.A. Malon, Joseph Lim of YSL Builders, Edna Capili-Chan of Seabreeze Lodge and Café and Ruena Emily C. Galleposo of Care Canada Consultancy and Immigration.

The new members took their oath before Councilor Horacio B. Velasco who represented Mayor Evelyn T. Uy in said gathering.

Atty. Paul Gudmalin, DCCI President, on the other hand, said the gathering coincided with the city government’s declaration of September as business month in the city with the theme, “Soar higher Dipolog: Collaborate, maximize business opportunities.”

The month-long celebration will also be highlighted by the holding of Dipolog Business Summit on Sept. 29 to be participated in by business leaders, government officials and investors.

The topics lined up for the said activity include Situating the business community by Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, Bringing real development to district II through transparent and accountable governance by Congressman Rosendo S. Labadlabad, Bamboo farming by Ed Manda of Philippine Bamboo Foundation, Biodiesel/alternative fuel by Dr. Sharif Adzhar H. Sarahadil of Bionas Phils. Corporation and others.

It was also learned that former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. will be coming over to serve as guest speaker in the business summit.

Highlighting the general membership assembly was the launching of DCCI website: www.dipologchamber.org. (JPA/FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

Probationers, parolees and pardonees form association

by Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) – Clients of the Zamboanga del Sur Parole and Probation Office No. 1 (ZDSPPO) from 17 municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur, composed of probationers, parolees and pardonees have gathered together and organized themselves into an association. 

This was made possible through the motivation of ZDSPPO No. 1 Officer-in- Charge Nicasio D. Dujali who said that clients will soon embark on rehabilitation-related activities that could push them forward to a peaceful and productive life. It would also be a great help to jobless members eager to return to mainstream society. 

According to information Officer Eddie L. Baldado, “Ang Bag-ong Pagkinabuhi Association” (The New Life Association) plans to establish linkages with local government units for possible funding of planned income-generating projects like hog-raising, community gardening and similar activities with the all-out support of OIC Dujali. 

The newly-elected officers were: President – Leonardo Esconde, Tigbao, ZDS; Vice President – Julex Razola, Lapuyan, ZDS; Secretary – Charito Bacus, Tigbao, ZDS; Treasurer – Virgilio Calunod, San Pablo, ZDS; Auditor – Benjie Penales, Tigbao, ZDS; Business Manager – Diego Vertolpo, San Miguel, ZDS; PIO – Juvie Lapu-Lapu, Dimataling, ZDS; Sgt. At Arms – Nestor Prasco, Dumalinao, ZDS and Dorsito Limo, Lapuyan, ZDS; and advisers SPPO/OIC Nicasio D. Dujali and PPOII Eddie L. Baldado. 

Induction of officers is slated on October 19, 2012 during the National Correctional Consciousness Week. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur) 

DOH-CHD to hold Botika ng Barangay provincial summit

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY, Sept 26 (PIA) – The Department of Health – Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD) is all set for the conduct of its “Botika ng Barangay (BnB) Provincial Summit” tomorrow, September 27, here.

The summit carries the theme “Botika ng Barangay a Way to Kalusugan                         Pangakalahatan” and a sub-theme “Para sa Kalambu-an ug Maayong Panglawas – Botika ng Barangay sa Zambosurian atong Suportahan” (For the Development and Good Health – Let us Support Botika ng Barangay in Zamboanga del Sur).

Engr. Wilfredo Casas, DOH-CHD team leader said, the purpose of the summit is to give due recognition to BNB operators and LGUs for their support and best practices in sustaining its operations.

Expected to attend the summit are some 100 participants composed of municipal mayors, barangay chairmen and BnB operators of the province.

Ely Pasco, BnB Pharmacist-I of the National Center for Pharmaceutical Access and Management (NCPAM) disclosed that five (5) Best Performing BnBs award  will be given to Poblacion, San Pablo; Gumahan, Josefina; Maligan, Molave; San Carlos, and Alindahaw, Tukuran,  Zamboanga del Sur. Each awardee  will receive a plague and electric fan.

While BnBs Tulawas and Sta Maria of Pagadian City, Militar and Sto Nino of Tukuran, and Pantad, San Pablo will receive electric fan.

She said five (5) local government units (LGUs) will also be awarded with plague of appreciation for their invaluable support to BnB programs as follows; Pagadian City, Dumalinao, San Pablo, Dimataling and Tukuran.

Meanwhile, two (2) Special Awards will be conferred to the Rural Health Unit of San Pablo represented by Dr. Hemeraldo Catubig, Jr. and to the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Pharmacist Mutli-Purpose Cooperative led by Zenaida Lumacang, Pasco said. (JPA/CAL/PIA9)

NSO holds Consultative Forum in Dipolog for 2012 CAF

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY,SEPT. 26(PIA)---In preparation for the upcoming 2012 Census on Agriculture and Fisheries(CAF), the National Statistics Office (NSO) in Zamboanga del Norte recently conducted a Provincial Consultative Forum here.

The activity was attended by representatives from various agencies of the government, local government units, non-government organizations and people’s organizations.

In her message to the participants, read by Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Statistics Officer, Ma. Lila Daan, NSO-9 OIC Regional Director Dr. Adelaida Cuarte cited the importance of the forum for the participants as stakeholders and partners of NSO as they serve as its link to the people in the community.

“Trough this forum, NSO will be able to relay the importance of the CAF to gather more views, ideas, and issues and concerns from you relative to agriculture and fishing activities and the required facilities and services that the people need in your respective areas and communities,” Cuarte said. 

The forum was conducted to generate additional inputs from the participants which could be possibly incorporated in the drafted sets of questions that would be asked during the survey.

The 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries is a large-scale government undertaking that geared towards the collection and compilation of basic information in the agriculture and fishery sector in the country.

Cuarte said, under Executive Order No. 121(Reorganizing and Strengthening the Philippine Statistical System (PSS) and for Other Purposes)  and Commonwealth Act No. 591, NSO is designated as primary agency tasked to undertake the Census of Agriculture and Fisheries. Furthermore, EO No. 352(Designation of Statistical Activities that will Generate Critical Data for Decision-making of the Government and the Private Sector) provides for the conduct of CAF every ten (10) years.

The data that will be gathered during the survey will be used by our policy makers and planners in formulating plans and programs to the socio-economic development of our country. It will also provide agricultural, aqua-cultural and fishery facilities and services in the barangay.

Meanwhile, the business and industry will use the data gathered in the CAF in making projections on production and planning the quantity and types of commodities to be produced.

Unlike the previous census, the 2012 CAF will use the census modular approach recommended by the World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA) 2010, that is, with a core census module and census supplementary modules on selected themes.

Daan said enumerators, after an extensive orientation and training on the upcoming census, will be visiting all households from February to March 2013. Establishments in agriculture and fisheries will likewise be visited by the census supervisors during the same period. The reference period for the 2012 CAF is from January to December 2012.

The 2012 CAF is the 6^th in a series of decennial agriculture census and the 5^th on the census of fisheries. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

Isabela Council of Personnel Officers holds quiz bowl for gov’t workers

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Sept 26 (PIA) – The Council of Personnel Officers (CPO) of Isabela City hosted Tuesday (Sept 25) an Inter-Agency Quiz Bowl as part of the observance of the 112^th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary.

At least seven government agencies and institutions fielded their contestants to compete for the best employee that possesses exceptional knowledge of Civil Service Laws, Rules and Regulations.

In her welcome remarks, CPO President Otilla W. Ricablanca told government employees that the quiz bowl is more of an exercise rather than a competition.

“The holding of this quiz bowl is not a battle of the brains, but merely a drill, an exercise or a wakeup call for that matter for all of us to know whether we are abreast or have the knowledge of our ‘bible’, the ‘bible’ of each and every employee working in the government—the Civil Service Laws, Rules and other updates,” she said.

In an innovative participative speech, City Administrator Ramon T. Nuñal, Jr. asked some participants about their personal thoughts on the celebration’s theme “Kawani, ikaw ay isang lingkod Bayani.”

“Our first priority is to serve for the common good, and second is for ourselves,” said Renie Egerra, Administrative Officer of the Department of Education in Isabela City.

The rest who shared have common thoughts on the theme, that government workers are obliged to serve the people, the classic phrase “country first before self” seems to have remained embedded among the civil servants.

Vido F. Yu of the City Government of Isabela dominates the easy and difficult rounds and tops the competitors with 76 points, followed by two employees from the Isabela Water District as second and third respectively: Karla Shane R. Patega (60 points) and Mary Jacklyn S. Gagaracruz (54 points).

Other participating agencies and institutions include the Department of Education, Basilan Jail Management and Penology, Basilan General Hospital, National Food Authority, and the Basilan State College.

CPO Vice President Dr. Adelfa S. Tahil reminded government workers that “we are all entrusted with a trust that is to serve the public.”

“It may not always be rewarding, but we must persist as this is the path we have taken. We are here to serve and not to be served. We have all taken our oath to public service and that we must do,” she stressed.

She also encouraged government workers to continue working in the spirit of cooperation, coordination, respect and mutual understanding.

“We are not here to compete but to foster camaraderie and goodwill amongst us,” she concluded. (RVC/PIA9-ZBST)

DOH conducts Seminar on scaling up intervention on STI/HIV AIDS

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) – In a bid to educate people about the risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections/Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (STI/HIV/AIDS), a 3-day seminar on scaling up intervention on STI/HIV/AIDS among males having sex with males (MSMs) was conducted by the Department of Health-Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD9) in partnership with the Global Fund at Hotel Guillermo on September 19-21 here.

DOH-CHD9 regional coordinator for blood, HIV and AIDS programs Claire Jose said the training was concerned primarily on gay population saying that DOH have seen a significant increase of HIV cases in which MSMs are mostly affected. “With this, we are scaling up an intervention particularly for the said group,” Jose added.

The seminar was attended by nurses, government employees, gays and other concerned individuals who wanted to gain more knowledge on the dreaded disease. Per information gathered from Ms. Jose, there are 47 recorded cases of HIV/AIDS in Zamboanga Peninsula and there are also clients on standby, waiting for the confirmatory test results from DOH.

“Before, we were looking at one case per day but now, we are looking at 3 cases  for every 6 hours. We are also focusing at the Western Pacific region wherein we belong. We are one of the 7 countries that recorded a significant increase of HIV/AIDS cases. The data is quite alarming,” Jose reported.

She said as early as now, we will educate everybody especially those who are engaging in multiple sex partners to prevent people from getting infected with HIV.

Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center nurse supervisor Minerva Ducao sees the importance of the seminar since medical personnel are engaged in health teaching and offer counseling to patients.

Philippine Red Cross blood donor recruitment officer Dorie Ortiz said the seminar is also very essential since PRC screens the blood of donors to detect if it is infected with HIV or not.

“We need to be informed on the symptoms of HIV/AIDS since we are dealing with blood to save lives.  We have to assure our clients that the blood we give them is clean and not infected with HIV,” Ortiz said. (JPA/ALT/PIA,Pagadian City)

close to a thousand families affected by floods

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, SEPT. 24 (PIA) - - as of 1:45 this afternoon, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has recorded close to a thousand families affected by floods brought about by typhoon Lawin.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat who presided over the CDRRMC emergency meeting held early this afternoon said the family-victims of flooding are now being housed at various evacuation centers.

As of press time, 10 barangays were recorded to be affected with the flooding. These include Labuan, Patalon, San Jose Gusu, Baliwasan, Sta Cruz Island, Vitali, Tictapul, Mangusu, Divisoria and Tugbunagn.

Lobregat said, the number of affected families continue to rise as there are still people coming in to the evacuation centers.

Immediate help such as food and medical assistance were given to affected families.

Lobregat said agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Air Force, and coast guard were mobilized for rescue operations. Rubber boats were also deployed to rescue those who were stranded in their homes due to heavy flooding.

Meanwhile, a 5 year old child identified as Mark Anthony Maliari of Barangay Labuan died when strong winds caused a “kapo” tree to fall on him 12:45 dawn. The child was immediately brought to a hospital where he expired around 2:00am. (JPA/PIA9-ZBST).

PNVSCA to hold regional symposium on volunteerism

by Claro A. Lanipa

Pagadian City, Sept. 24 (PIA) – The Philippine Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), in partnership with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region 9 will conduct a Regional Symposium on Volunteerism on October 4, 2012 in Zamboanga City.

NEDA 9 officer-in-charge Gemma Mendoza said, the purpose of the activity is to advocate volunteerism especially at the local level to enable more people and communities to appreciate the benefits of volunteer service and participate in volunteerism for nation-building.

She said, the symposium will also serve as a venue to generate inputs from the regional level for the formulation of the Road Map for the Voluntary Sector as provided for in Republic Act (RA) 9418, otherwise known as the Volunteer Act of 2007.

As stated in Section 2 of RA 9418, it is the policy of the State to promote the participation of the various sectors of the Filipino society, and as necessary, international and foreign volunteer organizations in public and civic affairs, adopt and strengthen the practice of volunteerism as a strategy in order to attain national development and international understanding.

The inculcation of volunteerism as a way of life shall rekindle in every Filipino the time-honored tradition of bayanihan to foster social justice, solidarity and sustainable development, the Act further stated.

The said symposium will consist of presentation, open forum and small group workshops with focus on Volunteerism and RA 9418, Volunteerism and the Regional Development Thrusts and Priorities 2011-2016 and on the Road Map for RA 9418, Mendoza added. (JPA/CAL/PIA9)