9,696 additional poor families in Zanorte, now new beneficiaries of 4Ps

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, NOV. 29 (PIA)---Nearly ten thousand families from Zamboanga del Norte province were added as beneficiaries to the anti-poverty program of the government- the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT)- a component of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Mr. Resty Ragas, 4Ps Provincial Grievance Officer said, 9,696 additional poor families in Zamboanga del Norte identified thru the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction survey were among the more than 40,000 families in the region to benefit the program.

The new batch of 4Ps beneficiaries, belonging to set 6 of the 4Ps beneficiaries were enrolled in the program after the registration/validation was conducted from September to November 2012.

Under the Program, each family-beneficiary will receive a maximum of P1,400.00 monthly allowance for the health and educational needs of the children, until they reach 14 years old, provided they comply with the requirements set under the program.

Each studying child is expected to spend 85% of their time in school and should not incur three(3) absences from classes in a month while those aging below 5 years must be regularly brought to the health center for medical check-up and the needed immunization.

Meanwhile, Ragas reminded the beneficiaries of their responsibilities under the program, like their attendance and participation in the monthly Family Development Session regularly called by their designated parent-leader.

Ragas also warned parent-leaders to refrain from calling for a meeting among parents other than what is mandated under the program. He urged them to closely coordinate with their Municipal or City Links before holding any meeting.

He issued this warning after receiving report that some parent-leaders are holding a meeting not for Family Development Session but to discuss election-related issues, particularly on the candidate to be voted upon this coming 2013 election.

Ragas also cautioned the 4Ps aspirants not to be fooled by the promises of some local politicians of their assured membership to the program once they will vote for a particular candidate this coming election. 

The Provincial Grievance Officer clarified that the transfer of voting precincts won’t affect the membership of the 4Ps beneficiaries as long as proper coordination is made to the Municipal or City Links regarding the transfer of residency.

Ragas stressed that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is an anti-poverty alleviation program of the national government and its would-be beneficiaries are determined only through the NHTS survey conducted the DSWD and not by any politician.(JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

DOST bats for “smart ASEAN” via ICT

MANILA, November 28 - - Smart agriculture, smart transport systems, smart grid program, leading to “smarter ASEAN.”  Such smart initiatives, according to Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the Department of Science Technology (DOST), are not only happening in the Philippines, but also “around ASEAN in other centers of innovation.” Sec. Montejo revealed his dream of a “smart ASEAN” as he spoke before telecommunications and information technology ministers and senior officials of ASEAN countries during the 12th ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers (TELMIN) Meeting held in Mactan, Cebu on November 15 and 16. Montejo also takes over from Myanmar as TELMIN leader while DOST Undersecretary Louis Casambre of the DOST’s Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) chairs the assembly of ASEAN senior officials supporting the ASEAN TELMIN. In his opening speech, Sec. Montejo hinged the concept of a “smart society” with the emerging role of ICTs in a world being increasingly defined by how people use them.  “We may be seeing an emerging shift in ICTs manifested in directions beyond mere access to the technology to its strategic use as it becomes embedded in all aspects of life,” Montejo said. “This is a shift from the so-called information society paradigm to a new one—the paradigm of a smart society.” The DOST chief further expounded on the economics of digital devices, relating that while their cost continues to plunge, their level of sophistication increases, resulting in the pervasiveness of these modern and smart gadgets in everyday lives. This scenario brings about an abundance of real time information and data which can be analyzed and processed for faster decision-making and more efficient systems management in various industries— from agriculture, health services, and energy, to meteorology and weather, traffic management, and other governance systems. This smarter way of task performance has resulted in increased productivity, efficiency, and responsiveness in a quick and timely manner. “Let us continue to share our experiences, learnings, and strategies that will respond to common challenges and go beyond a connected ASEAN to embody a smart ASEAN that has truly leveraged ICTs to enable the aspirations of the ASEAN people for a better future,” said Sec. Montejo.  Other highlights of the two-day conference include the signing of a Memo of Understanding between ASEAN and the International Telecommunications Union on Joint Cooperation on ICT development in ASEAN, the 1st ASEAN ICT Awards, and the signing of the Mactan–Cebu Declaration between ASEAN member states to advance ICT cooperation and integration in ASEAN, and strengthen DOST’s commitment to socio-economic development through ICT. The ASEAN Telecommunications and ICT Ministers from the ASEAN member states and dialogue partners from China, India, Japan, Korea, the European Union, and the International Telecommunications Union discuss their respective countries in Information and Communications Technology  in order to have a clearer view of the region’s progress in accordance with the ASEAN ICT Masterplan, which is looking at having an integrated ASEAN by 2015. At the same time, the delegates also identified plans for 2013. The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology is the Philippine government’s lead agency on ICT related matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, eGovernment, ICT policy development, Internet for all and cybersecurity. (Roy Espiritu, DOST S&T Media Service/PIA9/alt)

PHL Navy completes SEAGULL maritime training in Brunei

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Nov 28 (PIA) – The Naval Task Group 80.1 of the Philippine Navy, the country’s participants to the recently concluded Maritime Training Activity (MTA) SEAGULL 05/12 between the Philippine Navy and Royal Brunei Navy, arrived at 2lt Lagare Pier, Tide Pole, Parola in Palawan on Tuesday Nov 27.

In a press release, Acting Public Affairs Officer 2Lt Ann F Abrigo PN(M) shared that MTA SEAGULL is a bilateral naval exercise hosted by Negara Brunei Darussalam and is the fifth in the series of bilateral engagement held every two years.

She said it is aimed to foster better and more cordial relationship between the two navies and enhance interoperability.

As the Guest of Honor, Commander of Western Command LtGen Juancho M Sabban AFP led the ceremony in welcoming home the participants.

“From November 19 to 25, nothing was handed to you, except the opportunity to enhance your capability and represent the fighting spirit of the Philippine Navy in the western front,” LtGen Sabban said. 

The Commander commended the participants for grabbing the chance, which he considered as an achievement in itself.

“Now that you are back with the new found knowledge, I am confident that you are all more enthused by your commitment to service for aggressive efforts toward peace and security in the Area of Responsibility (AOR),” he stressed. 

“As participants of the recently concluded maritime training, you have accepted the responsibility to define a better future in this part of the country”, he added.

Although WESCOM is making important progress, LtGen Sabban said that efforts need to get further along in creating a platform of lasting success. Through unified endeavors, Palawan and the Kalayaan Islands Group (KIG) will surely embrace a more promising future.

“I urged everyone to continuously get dynamically involved in moving the last frontier ahead. This is just a starting point. There is more to do. And together, we can do it best,” he concluded.

NTG 80.1 is composed of two ships, namely BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37) and BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS38), a team from Naval Special Operations Group and a support/evaluation group from Fleet-Marine Ready Force led by Commo Alexander S Lopez AFP, with a total compliment of 118 personnel.

Activities conducted during the joint training included Communications Exercise, Diving Techniques and Procedures, Combined Practical Boarding, At-Sea Maneuvers, and Gunnery Exercise. (RVC/WESCOM/PIA9-ZBST)

NIA releases 123-M for Dipolog irrigation projects

By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY, Nov. 28 (PIA) – A total of P123.5 million has been earmarked for the two irrigation projects currently implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in this city.

Dionisio Solutorio, head of the institutional services division of NIA-Zamboanga del Norte told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that P23.5 million was allotted for the construction of a communal irrigation project in barangay Diwan and P100 million for the repair and rehabilitation of the Dipolog Communal Irrigation System, which covers 1,087 hectares of rice fields in six barangays.

Solutorio also disclosed that the Diwan irrigation project would benefit 65 rice farmers.

In a related development, NIA has also allocated P120 million for the completion of the communal irrigation project in Sindangan town with an irrigable area of more than 1,000 hectares.

NIA-Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Irrigation Manager Carlos Sabado has also expressed his gratitude to Congressman Rosendo S. Labadlabad of the province’s second district for facilitating and helping in the release of said funds.

The construction of irrigation systems throughout the country seeks to complement the government’s efforts to improve rice production to attain food security in the country. (JPA/FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

PhilHealth Express Office set up in local mall

By Felipo David Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY ,  Nov.28 (PIA)- - to bring PhilHealth operations and basic services “closer” to the public and in line with its mandate of achieving universal healthcare for all Filipinos, the government’s premium health insurance has set up a PhilHealth Express Office (PEO) in one of the local malls here.

PhilHealth IX Regional Vice-President Romeo D. Alberto said the health insurance recently inaugurated its PhilHealth Express Office, conveniently located at the Ground Floor of Star Mall, Putik, this city.

Alberto said “the facility serves as an additional transaction hub for PhilHealth members”.

He said the opening of the PEO is expected to ease the volume of daily transactions at the main PhilHealth Office.

“It also seeks to bring various PhilHealth services closer to its members particularly those coming from the east cost of this city.”

The PEO serves as an information kiosk catering to walk-in inquiries.  Frontline services available in the said site include identification card generation, member data record printing, records amendment, claims eligibility checking.

PhilHealth Field Operations Division Chief Edgardo F. Faustino said the public can expect that the office will be working on the next step and that is the setting up of a system to allow payment of premium contributions at the PEO.

“Similar facilities will be strategically put-up in the future, in places with high volume of foot traffic to further expand PhilHealth operations and basic services to the public,” Fausino said. (JPA/FDM PhilHealth/PIA-ZBST)

Basilan peace council endorses implementation of P40-M PAMANA project

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Nov 27 (PIA) – The Basilan Peace and Order Council (PPOC) approved and endorsed for immediate implementation the Php40 million PAMANA project for the four towns in the province.

In an emergency meeting called for the purpose last Nov 20, presiding Chairperson Governor Jum J. Akbar has asked the members of the council to look into the project proposals submitted to the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA)-DILG Funds.

She thanked the members of the council for responding to the invitation in spite of the very short notice, an indication she said of “your love for Basilan and for peace and development.”

“The PPOC is the very body that is assigned by law to assist in the approval and implementation of these projects which cover the municipalities of Lantawan, Tipo-Tipo, Maluso and Tuburan and in the aggregate amount of 40 million pesos,” she stressed.

She also expressed concern over the urgency of the project saying that “the funds for the project must be released before the year ends or they will be reverted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).”

Sahon A. Suaib, DILG Provincial Director disclosed that his office already received a notice of cash allocation that the funds under the PAMANA-DILG Fund for CY 2012 were already released and downloaded to the DILG Regional Office IX.

The said notice has also asked the local government units concerned to expedite submission of documentary requirements for the immediate implementation of the projects.

After deliberations, the PPOC approved and endorsed the projects through a resolution for their full implementation the soonest possible time.

The DILG’s notice of cash allocation has indicated the following projects that needed PPOC approval and endorsement: construction of public market building in Lantawan (P5-M), water supply development in Lantawan (P3-M), provision of rubber nursery in Lantawan (P2-M), concreting of 500 LM road in Maluso (P7.5-M), provision of fish cage livelihood project in Maluso (P2.5-M), provision of organic farming livelihood in Tuburan (P7-M), and construction of box culvert for four locations in Tuburan (P3-M).

The said notice also indicated that PAMANA will also fund the P10 million-worth of the farm-to-market roads in Tipo-Tipo with an LGU counterpart of P1.1 million, namely: rehabilitation of 3km FMR Badja-Bangcuang, 2.5km FMR Lagayas-Limpoupas, 3km FMR Lagayas-Bohetambak, and 2.5km FMR Tipo-Tipo proper-Sitio Sumenne Tarbadeko.

PAMANA is the national government's program and framework for peace and development. It is implemented in areas affected by conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements.

A complementary track to peace negotiations, the Program’s main strategy is to bring back government to PAMANA Areas, ensuring that the communities benefit from improved delivery of basic social services and are served by responsive, transparent and accountable government units.

OPAPP website reveals that for the period of 2011-2016, PAMANA will be implemented in 48 provinces where each area will receive development programs according to the specific needs of the people residing in that region. (RVC/PIA9-ZBST)

WESCOM visits Kalayaan group of islands in West PHL Sea

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Nov 27 (PIA) – Commander of Western Command LtGen Juancho M Sabban AFP and party visited military troops deployed to the nine (9) Philippine-held islands in the Kalayaan Group of Islands at the West Philippine Sea.

In a press release, the Public Affairs Office of WESCOM disclosed that the Commander’s visit to all the nine island detachments from Nov 19-22 was aimed to personally assess the Area of Operations, particularly on the aspect of readiness as well as the morale and welfare of troops.

The report said that the visit served as an opportunity for the military personnel to meet and talk to the Commander in person about their issues and concerns. It is also the first time that WESCOM has undertaken such visit and is also one of the Command activities in relation to Yuletide Season.

Christmas gifts, which included groceries and other supplies, were doled out to the deployed soldiers.

LtGen Sabban commended the troops for their commitment to protect and defend the country. Likewise, he inspired them to be more resolute in the accomplishment of the Defense mandate.

“Our commitment to perform our mandated mission, which is to protect our nation’s peace and its legitimate possessions and to defend our democracy  and territorial integrity against all enemies – foreign and domestic, continues to be the moving force from where we draw our strength and inspiration,” he stressed.

During the ocular inspection to the detachment facilities, the Commander noted the operational hurdles that need to be addressed in strengthening WESCOM’s forces and enhancing its capabilities to meet the needs of today’s evolving threat environment.  The troops were assured that the Command will do everything to address the existing operational concerns.

“With our continued confidence in our cause to make our sovereignty more secure and fortitude in making our organization more formidable, we cannot be defeated and intimidated to keep our flag flying mighty. We will steadily deliver in being at the forefront. We will defend this country. And we will defend it to the end,” the Commander said.

He also reminded soldiers that “our military service is vital to our nation’s future. Our country’s future depends upon us. As our predecessors have done, we will pass on to our children, the same liberties that were preserved for us.”

The nine island detachments that were visited are Lawak Island, Patag Shoal, Likas Island, Parola Island, Pag-asa Island, Panata Shoal, Kota Island, Rizal Reef, and Ayungin. (RVC/WESCOM/PIA-9-ZBST)

City turns over 51M school bldgs to Education Sec

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, 27 NOV. (PIA) - - A total of PhP51 million worth of school buildings constructed in four schools here were turned over by the city government to Education Secretary Armin Luistro over the weekend.

Sheila Covarrubias, City Information Officer (IO) in a press statement said a total of 48 classrooms were constructed by the city in Mampang Elementary School, San Jose Gusu Elementary School, Recodo National High School and Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School.

Covarrubias said Sec. Luistro was grateful with the efforts and commended the city government, specifically for having foresight in constructing the 2-storey 12 classroom for the San Jose Gusu Elementary School which is a flood-prone area. “The new building is elevated and would not be affected by flood waters in case of heavy downpour,” Covarrubias said.

The lady IO emphasized that this education effort of the city headed by Mayor Celso Lobregat is to provide better future for young Zamboangueños.

“Lobregat administration puts in a lot of priority on education , to provide the students a conducive learning environment, to improve the performance of students and teachers and ultimately to move the city further forward,” she expressed.

Covarrubias however pointed out that while school facilities are sufficient, the number of teachers is still short, that is why Mayor Lobregat asked Sec. Luistro to allocate additional teacher items specifically for Recodo National High School.

As of June 2012, Recodo NHS has a population of 887 students with 24 teachers—8 of whom are employed through the Local School Board (LSB). (JPA/PIA9)

Communicators’ Congress set in Davao City

By Claro A. Lanipa

Pagadian City, 27 Nov (PIA) – The Mindanao Communicators Network, Inc. (MindaComNet) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency will hold a communicators’ congress and workshop on November 28-30, 2012 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City.

The MindaComNet is an organization of government public information and relations officers of national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions (GFIs) state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao.

Some 200 public information and relations officers are expected to attend the said congress.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma will be the Keynote Speaker during the opening program on November 28.

Senator Gregorio Honasan II, Chairman, Committee on Public Information and Mass Media will speak on the Freedom of Information and Institutionalizing Government Information Officers.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles will share the recent development on the  peace process in Mindanao.

Other invited speakers are Dr. Rolando Doria who will discuss Responsible Mining in Mindanao and Director Romeo Montenegro of the  Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) with the topic Powering Mindanao’s Growth Through Improved Power Sector, among others.

Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino, MinDA chair will be the guest of honor and speaker during the closing program on November 30. (ALT/CAL/PIA9) 

ASEAN Tourism HRD Program in the Philippines

BORACAY, November 27 – The ASEAN-Korea Centre has organized the ASEAN Tourism Human Resources Development (HRD) Program on November 26-  27, 2012  in Boracay, Philippines.

In such a beautiful island popular as a honeymoon destination, the 2012 Philippines HRD program is being held for two days which is co-organized with the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT).

The Tourism HRD Program aims to build the capacity of tourism professionals and boost tourism exchange between Philippines and Korea by further enhancing awareness of Korea in the Philippines.

With 45 participants from both public and private sectors related to tourism industry, the program will provide a series of lectures on Korean tourism, Korean culture, and Korean language. Specifically, lectures will have an in-depth analysis of tourism trends and prospects of the Korean tourism market; a general overview of Korea including its history, culture, lifestyle that will facilitate the understanding on Korean tourists; and a practical language training course on basic Korean expressions that can be used by tourism professionals in providing better services for Korean tourists.

According to the DOT, a total of 3,149,985 tourists visited the country from January to September 2012. The DOT data also showed that South Korea ranks the No.1 country visiting the Philippines, with 752,918 visitors from January to September, 2012 which accounts for 23.9% of total tourists that visited the Philippines.

In 2012, Boracay has been named the Best Island in the world by an international travel magazine (Travel + Leisure). Boracay Island and its beaches have also received awards from numerous travel publications and agencies.

Boracay is a small island in the Philippines located approximately 315 km (196 miles) south of Manila and is famous for the White Beach, Balabag Beach, and various marine sports, as well as island-hopping and spas.

The ASEAN-Korea Centre is an intergovernmental organization aiming to increase trade volume, accelerate investment flow, invigorate tourism and enrich cultural exchanges between the ASEAN Member States and the ROK. (ASEAN-KOREA CENTRE) 

Region 9 stakeholders to converge for PYDP Regional Action Planning

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

PAGADIAN CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) - - To ensure  the implementation of mainstreaming of the 2012-2016 Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP), the National Youth Commission (NYC) in partnership with the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) has started conducting series of Regional Action Planning Workshops (RAPW) nationwide.

For Region 9, the RAPW is set to be conducted on November 27 at the Aristocrat Chinese Restaurant, Zamboanga City.

Expected to attend the RAPW are representatives from the national government agencies, non-government organizations, Local Government Units, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials and youth organizations (In-school Youth, Out of School Youth) from all over the region.

The activity is expected to derive commitment and contributions of duty bearers and to determine mechanism to mainstream the plan in the regional level.

“The workshop activities are geared towards establishing  a common ground on how the PYDP will be appreciated and understood by the different stakeholders; and what type of strategies  will be applied to translate the plan into concrete programs, projects and activities,” said NYC in a press statement.

The PYDP serves as the blueprint of youth programs and policies in the country. It was created to revolutionize youth development with the objectives to: improve enabling conditions for youth participation in governance, society and development; increase contribution and benefit of youth in the attainment of the Millennium development Goals and other goals; and improve access to quality basic services and social protection through enabling policies and programs. (JPA/PIA9)

Government professionalizes farmers skills

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, November 26 (PIA) –-The government starts professionalizing the skills of our farmers by conducting training and assessment.

This was disclosed by TESDA-9 Regional Director Lorenzo Macapili during the closing ceremony of the 5-day Training on Small Engine Servicing on Enhancing Agricultural Productivity through Skills Development jointly conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on November 19-23 at the ATI  Training Center here .

Speaking before a group of 24 small farmers, agricultural technicians, and agriculturists from Zamboanga Peninsula, Macapili said the government has started to professionalize our farmers in their different lines of interest or fields of specialization.

Macapili said the farmer leaders have skills but their skills need to be developed to help raise agricultural productivity. “ They need to undergo further training in skills transfer, demonstration, and learning evaluation,” he added.

The engine repair service,  he said is one of the qualifications that anchored in agri-fishery course and is designed to equip participants with the necessary expertise in machine repair service.

Macapili encouraged the participants to be sincere in their commitment in developing their potentials.

“We encourage you to be sincere in your commitment in developing your potentials through this intensive training. Ultimately, you will be benefited on this training,” Macapili extolled.

He said after the training, participants will undergo a competency and assessment certification by TESDA accredited assessors where those who pass will be issued a national certificate (NC) II.

The issuance of NC II certificate is one way of recognizing the skills of the farmers by the government after long years of cultivating their lands.

Meanwhile, TESDA provincial director Eulalio Lumactod said the knowledge and skills that the participants acquired during the training could be very helpful in mechanizing their work in agriculture and that it will greatly help farm worker’s productivity.  (ALT/GCC/PIA,Pagadian City) 

DDB conducts survey in Bayog

By Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan

Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, 23 Nov (PIA) – The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) in collaboration with the Philippine Normal University Research Center and concerned agencies in the different cities, municipalities and barangays in the Philippines is now conducting the 2012 Nationwide Survey on the Current Nature and Extent of Drug Abuse.

With this development, some personnel of DDB composed of Corazon Mamigo, Gina Pecson and Marrianne Belga arrived in Bayog for the said activity. Prior to the survey, a briefing with selected local enumerators was conducted at the  Mayor’s office last Tuesday, November 20, 2012.

During the briefing, Mamigo emphasized that samplings were randomly selected where respondents must come from the two most populated barangays in rural and urban barangays of a province, municipality or city.

She said among the municipalities in Zamboanga del Sur, Bayog and Lakewood were randomly selected for the conduct of said survey.

The two most populated barangays in Bayog are Poblacion and Kahayagan.

Immediately after the briefing, the enumerators started their task. Only 42 respondents were required in every barangay, after which, DDB personnel will do the consolidation of the survey results. (ALT/BAG/CAL/PIA9).

DepEd sponsors "Buffet International Decoration in 2012"

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, November 23 - -  Secondary and elementary teachers from Region 9 handling Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) and Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) subjects converged at Hotel Guillermo to attend the "Buffet International Decoration in 2012"  sponsored by the Department of Education in cooperation with Classique Applause Production and Globe.

Elpidio M. Buscato, executive director of Classique Applause Production and  event organizer, said this is the first training/workshop of its kind held in Pagadian City which centered on buffet decoration, fruits, vegetables, ice carving and egg canapés.

“The 2-day activity was very successful. The teachers were so excited and maximum participation was achieved during the demo/workshop and hands on at the end of each lecture,” Kuya Alfe, as he was fondly called, eagerly quipped.

Kuya Alfe previously worked in 5-star hotels as food and beverage manager. To name a few, Hotel Intercontinental Manila, Holiday Inn, Bahrain and another hotel in Saudi Arabia.

One interesting activity was the ice carving of a blue marlin. As the ice slowly melts, the more its beauty was revealed with added light effects making it more attractive.          

The workshop consisted of lectures and video presentations facilitated by Chef Ramir R. Claros of Zamboanga City, whom Kuya Alfe met at the Manila Peninsula. Chef Ramir once worked in a luxury liner and a 5-star hotel.

Participants ballooned to 83 since there were more who clamored to be part of the training-workshop in order to gain more enlightening experience on what the training had to offer. Zamboanga City recorded the biggest delegation.

“We are waiting for another schedule which would be the second batch after arrangements as to schedules and availability of trainers and facilitators will be finalized,” Kuya Alfe explained.

Kuya Alfe said DepEd Regional Director Walter O. Albos, who saw the presentations  was impressed and requested him to facilitate another training because this would have a great impact on the teachers’  learning capabilities. 

One thing about Kuya Alfe being blessed is because he shares his blessings to the less fortunate. In Pagadian City, the kids at the Lingap Center are recipients of his generosity through feeding program.

The activity was also sponsored by Camella Homes Pagadian, Classique Herbs Corp. Ever Bilena, Nature’s Spring, Yakult, Elisher Merchandise and Virginia Foods Inc.  (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)

BALS to hold A & E test next month

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, NOV. 22(PIA)--- The Bureau of Alternative Learning System of the Department of Education is all set to conduct this year’s Accreditation and Equivalency (A & E)Test in Dipolog City next month.

Ms. Catalina S. Barinaga, Dipolog City Schools Division ALS Supervisor said they have already received the advisory from DepEd  Central Office for the conduct of the said test on December 16 this year.

The examination will be conducted in two separate venues.

The examination for the out-of-school youths (OSYs) will be held at the Zamboanga del Norte National High School (main campus) in Barangay Estaka, while the examination for the detainees of the  Dipolog City Reformatory Center at Barangay Upper Dicayas, this city will be held inside the reformatory complex.

A total of 758 qualified examinees, 683 out-of-school youths and 75 residents of the Dipolog City Reformatory Center, will be taking this year’s A & E test.

Meanwhile, 580 OSY and 56 detainees will take the Secondary level while 103 OSY and 19 detainees will also take the elementary level.

Successful examinees in the elementary level are eligible to enroll in high school in the opening of classes of the succeeding school year. On the other hand, those who will pass the secondary level will be eligible to enroll in college.

The Accreditation and Equivalency Test, originally scheduled last October 7 was postponed twice for administrative reasons. (ALT/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

WESCOM marks start of Yuletide season

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Nov 23 (PIA) – The Western Command marked the official start of the holiday season dubbed as Kapaskuhan 2012 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan with the ceremonial lighting of its Christmas tree on the evening of November 16.

In a press release, Acting Public Affairs Officer 2Lt Ann F Abrigo PN(M) disclosed that leading the ceremony is its Commander LtGen Juancho M. Sabban, who highlighted the essence and importance of the Yuletide season.

Sabban said that the lighting of the tree is being done not only because it is a time-honored tradition, but because it is a time to revere the message of Christmas.

“We gather here not simply to light the tree, which is a time-honored tradition, but more importantly to revere the message of Christmas, which is peace and good will towards all men that has been the guiding principle of our endeavors. Likewise, it reminds us of our noble duties to others - Christians and non-Christians alike,” the Commander explained.

According to him, it has been a tough year for WESCOM, especially because its resolve to protect and defend the country’s territorial integrity and patrimony has been challenged. Nonetheless, its troops stood unfazed and the unity of the Filipino people prevailed.

“As we continue to draw inspiration from our patriotic commitment, we shall remain undaunted and eager to serve the flag and country.  This is the challenge that is imposed on us not only this season, but as long as we are in the service. Indeed, we have much yet to do, but we enter this season with higher hope, new confidence, and stronger faith. May all our prayers of peace and prosperity for Palawan and throughout the country be granted,” he stressed.

Aside from the ceremonial lighting of Christmas tree, the light display at the headquarters was also lit and Christmas songs were played.

Other upcoming activities include display of Christmas decorations, Belen/Lantern-making contest, gift-giving to CGARSH patients, command Christmas party, Misa de Gallo, visit to line units, midnight Mass, Noche Buena, New Year’s Mass, Media Noche, and traditional New Year’s call. (RVC/WESCOM/PIA9-ZBST)

NGCP upgrades control system for Balo-i Substation in Mindanao

By Elizabeth A. Ladaga

PAGADIAN CITY, November 23 - - In a move to increase the reliability of the entire Mindanao Grid, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) recently upgraded its control system for the Balo-i Substation in Lanao del Norte.

Since NGCP and its technical partner State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) started working together in 2009, many changes have been implemented in terms of systematically improving operations and management to build a stronger power grid.

The installation of state-of-the-art computer technology of a microprocessor-based substation control (MBSC) in Balo-i is just one of these improvements that aim to enhance system reliability and efficiency in NGCP substations. The upgrade is expected to result to a lower number of undesired line trippings in the area.

With the MBSC in place, old manual substation operations in Balo-I have been replaced with computerized operations.

The MBSC works in tandem with protection relay, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and anti-fire systems to boost the overall security and reliability of the substation and improve flexibility in transmitting Mindanao’s power supply requirements.

Mindanao Operation and Maintenance Head for District 2 Mr. Eric Vincent Cariaga explained that “The whole system of the Mindanao Grid will benefit from the Balo-i Substation MBSC Project because the bulk of the power generated from the Agus Complex come in to Balo-i Substation. NGCP recognizes the importance of transmitting this bulk power to the different parts of Mindanao with high efficiency and reliability.”

The inauguration ceremony for the substation’s MBSC was held last November 9 with the presence of NGCP’s top officers from the technical, operation and maintenance, and support services groups. (Elizabeth A. Ladaga/NGCP/PIA9/ALT)

Badjau leaders attend orientation on coastal resource management

By FDG Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, NOV. 22 (PIA) - - “Ngayon po, alam na namin,” (now, we know) said Sali Absali, when asked about his acquired knowledge on the protection and conservation of coastal resources.

Speaking in mix dialects during an interview, Absali explained that way back in 1972 the fish were in abundance in their traditional fishing grounds. At present, both the fish and the coral reefs are gone. Absali said, he now has better understanding of “things and why”.

Another Badjau leader, Mengpi Salbarati, described how difficult it is to support a family of 6 with the dwindling fish catch coupled with the presence of pirates in the open sea that constricted their fishing activities.

Absali and Sabarati are among the 21 participants who attended the “orientation on coastal resource management and fishery laws” conducted at Claret Formation Center in Zamboanga City, from November 18-20, 2012. Other participants came from Siasi, Sulu; from Bongao, Tawi-tawi, and from Zamboanga City.

The activity was a joint endeavor of the Claret Samal Foundation, Inc. (CSFI), and the Regional Fisheries Training Center (RFTC). RFTC is the training arm of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-9).

RFTC training officer Abubakar A. Abdullah was resource speaker on coastal resource management. He also lectured on fishery laws and other pertinent laws related to fishing. Another resource speaker, Jaafar Kimpa, president of Jabu-Jabu, lectured on proper utilization and conservation of fishery resources.

In his message to the participants during its closing ceremonies, RFTC Director Pendatun I. Talib underscored the importance of education and attending seminars and trainings – for the empowerment of every individual and the community as a whole. As he identified government fishery programs, he expressed optimism that organized Badjau fisherfolks can avail of some of these livelihood assistance, particularly in seaweeds production.

He said that Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala recently announced  that  the budget allotment for the seaweed industry next year will be around P265 million, or six times bigger than that of  the current year.

The conduct of this orientation-seminar is an off-shoot of the annual Sama-Badjau national assembly conducted last April this year h in Zamboanga. (JPA/FDM/ PIA9-ZBST)