Diabetics prone to develop renal disease, says nephrologist

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL,  Zamboanga Sibugay, December 28 - - “If you are diabetic, you have a 43.8% chance of developing renal failure,” Dr. Michael U. Abutazil, head of the Renal Transplant Unit of the Western Mindanao Medical Center (WMMC),   Zamboanga City said during a media forum held recently at Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel here.

Abutazil, who is one of the coordinators of the Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) of the Department of Health together with the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) explained the importance of the kidney and its functions which is to maintain balance of body fluid, produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to generate red blood cells and prevent anemia, among others.

According to Abutazil, 2003 census showed that Diabetes is the number one cause of renal failure followed by hypertension. Today, kidney diseases rank as the number 10 leading cause of mortality in the Philippines, causing death to 7,000 Filipinos every year.

He cautioned the use of herbal medicines and taking pain relievers as well as antibiotics that are not prescribed by doctors. “Masisira ang ating kidneys because it has not undergone processing to remove the toxins,” he said.

“Have a healthy eating lifestyle and keep your weight in check, know your ideal body weight,” he advised. Drinking 8-10 glasses a day for adults and 6-8 glasses for children would also help, according to Abutazil.

To prevent End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), one should have a yearly urinalysis. Maintenance of normal blood sugar levels and blood pressure is very vital to prevent kidney problems.

Dr. Abutazil said treatment is expensive for ESRD which would require renal replacement therapy such as dialysis and transplantation.

He is looking forward to a healthy Philippines with the help of the REDCOP/NKTI, PIA and the media which play a vital role in disseminating timely and accurate information to the public. (JPA/ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)

Zanorte-PDRRMC and Dipolog CDRRMC - 2012 Regional Kalasag Awardees

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY,DEC. 27 (PIA)- - The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils of Zamboanga del Norte and Dipolog City were recently adjudged as the best disaster councils in the Zamboanga Peninsula region for 2012.

Mr. Victor Bernido, Civil Defense Officer, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 9 and Zamboanga del Norte Coordinator said the “Kalasag Award” was given to Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (ZN-PDRRMC) and Dipolog City Risk Reduction and Management Council(DC-DRMMC) in an awarding ceremony held in Pagadian City last December 20.

The two LGUs received plaque and cash prize of P30,000 each from OCD-9 Regional Director Adriano Fuego.

Bernido said the “Kalasag Award” is given to the Local Government Units based on their disaster preparedness capability to respond to the needs of their constituents during emergency situation or in times of calamity.

As OCD coordinator for Zamboanga del Norte and Dipolog City, Bernido said he felt so happy that his sacrifices paid-off. “The award is just a manifestation of the LGU’s support to the government’s effort to minimize casualties and damage to properties in times of calamity,” he said.

Being this year’s regional Kalasag Awardees, Zamboanga del Norte and Dipolog City will represent the region in the national level competition. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

ZSPPO donates relief goods to victims of typhoon ‘Pablo’

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, December 26 (PIA) –-The Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO) sent relief goods for victims of typhoon ‘Pablo” that ravaged the province of Compostela Valley and killed more than a thousand people on December 4.

Provincial director Senior Superintendent Romeo Uy said he ordered Senior Inspector Simplicio Pasaol Jr., chief of PPO Community Relations Division to transport at once boxes of noodles and canned goods, bundles of clothes and other materials to the PNP regional office in Zamboanga City.

The goods were gathered from the 24 municipal police stations after the assistance call was made by the then outgoing PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

Uy said he directed all chiefs of police to sympathize with the victims of typhoon “Pablo” by sharing and donating relief goods to the victims.

The goods, Uy said  will be delivered first to the PNP regional office and it will be turned-over to ABS-CBN after all relief goods from the PNP provincial offices are sent in the region. (JPA/GCC/PIA9) 

RDRRMC-OCD holds year-end conference, Gawad Kalasag Regional Awards

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY, 26 Dec (PIA) – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) and the  Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Office 9 recently conducted a year-end conference and 2012 Gawad Kalasag Regional Awards held in Pagadian Bay Plaza Hotel, this city.

OCD 9 Regional Director Adriano D. Fuego in his welcome address said, “ it is indeed a privilege that you were able to attend this conference. Another year is about to end and this is a great opportunity to come together and look back to the year 2012.”

Meanwhile, Dir. Fuego also disclosed that this is the first time that they have given awards to the best prepared province, city, municipality and non-government organizations (NGOs) heroes in the region.

The Regional Gawad Kalasag Awardees  for 2012 were as follows:  Zamboanga del Norte as the Best Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Dipolog City as the Best City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Molave, Zamboanga del Sur as the Best Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The awardees received a plague of appreciation and a check amounting to P30,000 each.

For the Best Volunteer Organization and Hospital, the Organized Radio Assistance and Communication Information Services (ORACIS) and Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) was adjudged as the Best Volunteer Organization and Best Hospital (Regional & Training) respectively, they were given a plague of appreciation.

And for the Heroic Act/Deed during emergency response and rescue operations (individual category) the following were given a plague of appreciation; Karon Esmali, Ricky Buyser, Constantino Soriano, Jr. and Edwin Casalan all of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

OCD Undersecretary and Executive Director of NDRRMC Benito T. Ramos who was ably represented by BGen. Romeo Fajardo, Deputy Administrator of OCD as the guest of honor and speaker congratulated the RDRRMC for Region 9 under the leadership of Director Adriano Fuego for a job well done in making this fiscal year a very productive one for the disaster risk reduction and management advocacy.

“Let us heighten our watchfulness against any salient calamity, so that even it becomes like a thieve  in the night we shall be ready and therefore, I urge you to maintain vigilant and be pro-active,” Fajardo said. (JPA/CAL/PIA9)  

120 ZNPPSC elements undergo random drug test

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, DEC. 21(PIA)---The Zamboanga del Norte Public Safety Company has recently subjected its personnel to a random drug test.

It was conducted last December 10, 1012 at the Zamboanga del Norte Crime Laboratory headed by Police Chief Inspector Anne Aimee T. Pelaire.

Pelaire said the random drug test was in compliance to the letter-request of the newly-installed ZNPPSC Commander, Sr. Supt. Reynaldo T. Maclang.

Upon his assumption as the new head of the ZNPPSC, Maclang said he immediately considered the drug test as one of his priority projects to cleanse his command from the undesirable elements and ensure that none of his men are involved in illegal drugs

The drug test was conducted amidst report that some members of the Zamboanga del Norte Public Safety Company are involved in illegal drugs, which is a big “NO” in the police service.

Maclang assured the public of his commitment to preserve peace and order in the province as he considered its importance in the economic development of the province.

Zamboanga del Norte is composed of (3) Congressional Districts with 25 municipalities and two cities- Dipolog City and Dapitan City. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

BFP, PNP, Media to conduct inspection in business establishments

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, December 21 (PIA) –- The composite team of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and  Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club, Inc. will conduct this week an inspection in all business establishments to check if they are selling firecrackers this Christmas season.

City fire marshall Sr. Inspector Rheno Cimafranca in the weekly media forum at New Roxan Hotel hosted by the Philippine Information Agency said the team’s inspection will ensure fire safety not only to establishments but to the public as well.

Cimafranca said store owners are strictly prohibited to display firecrackers inside their establishments which is usually the cause of fire incidence during Christmas celebration. 

Even without a directive from the DILG, Cimafranca said the team is doing the activity every month of December to ensure a safe and fire-free holiday season. “We make sure that the pertinent provisions of the Fire Code are strictly observed by the establishment owners, particularly those who are peddling firecrackers and pyrotechnics,” he added.  

Records from the BFP shopwed that in 2010 and 2011, Pagadian City has recorded zero fire incident caused by firecrackers.  

This year, Cimafranca said, “the agency strives to achieve zero fire incident  through information dissemination campaign dubbed “ricorida’ to raise level of awareness of the public especially the children, in line with our efforts to reduce injuries and prevent deaths resulting from the use of firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year revelries.” Cimafranca explained.

Regional chief operations officer Supt. Clemente Alvarez said the campaign is strictly implemented in the 843 municipal fire stations in the region.

Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office asst. provincial director P/Supt. Jalilul Bandahala said the PNP is now closely coordinating with the team and encouraged local chief executives to actively participate in the government’s anti-firecracker campaign to reduce fire-cracker related incidents in their respective localities.  (ALT/12GCC/PIA,Pagadian City) 

NCIP holds Tribal Leaders’ Forum

By Bernadine Astillero Gabawan

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, 20 Dec (PIA) – The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Office 9 conducted a Tribal Leaders’ Forum with the aim to iron out conflicts on  Ancestral Domain issues on Tuesday, December 17, 2013.

Sangguniang Bayan Member Celso A. Matias who represented Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa, Jr. in his welcome message expressed his gratitude to the NCIP for holding the said forum. “Through this forum, peace and unity will be attained among the tribal leaders,” he said.

It can be recalled that during a Peace Forum held last June 28, 2012, a map indicating the ancestral domain claims of the tribal group was presented by the four tribal leaders, namely: Timuays Casiano Edal, Ramon Lumige, Lucenio Manda, and Joel Lumpinas.

During the forum, it was learned that there are two conflicting groups who applied for ancestral domain claims led by  Timuay Casiano Edal and Timuay Luciano Manda.

NCIP Commissioner for Northern and Western Mindanao Cosme Lambayon and NCIP-9 Regional Director Salong Sunggod strongly recommended to end their divisibility and to have one common goal to attain peace and progress. They also suggested there should be one representative to stand for the group who will also serve as the liaison.

Regrettably, one of the two conflicting leaders did not agree on the recommendation, but it was later resolved by assigning the two leaders to represent their group.

Also present during the forum were: Mercilyn Hatad, Officer In-Charge, NCIP Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office, Dr. Robert Barcela, OIC-NCIP District Office based in Guipos, Vicky Cajandag, PDSI Executive Director, Atty. Fausto Lingating, NCIP Legal Consultant, Celso Matias, SM Member, LGU-Bayog, Lt.Col. Victor Tanggawohn, Commanding Officer, 53^rd IB, Philippine Army, some barangay chairmen and NCIP employees. (ALT/BAG/CAL/PIA9)

DENR uses GT to aid Greening Program monitoring

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, December 19 (PIA) –- In consonance with the government's effort in providing importance to transparency and accountability in the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP), environment office region 9 came up with a  Training and Workshop Design on Applied Geo-Tagging Technology for NGP Coordinators and Implementers.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Information Chief Roservirico Tan in a statement said the five (5)-day training is being conducted December 17-21 at Chandler Suites Hotel, Pagadian City

Tan said “Geo-Tagging is now being employed as a management tool in the NGP and has made a difference compared to monitoring and validating accomplishments from past reforestation efforts.”

Tan explained Geo-Tagging (GT) is a technology that assists project validators in monitoring greening activities under the NGP even in far-flung areas.

Tan further said, to gather data for the GT, the technology uses or utilizes equipment such as computers Global Positioning System (GPS) units with cameras and cellular phones.

“This new technology utilizes equipment such as Desktop or laptop computers, tablets, Global Positioning System (GPS) units with cameras and cellular phones to gather, input and upload spatial, textual and photo data and process them for a more simple and comprehensive presentation on-line or off-line,” Tan said.

He enumerated, “GT utilizes and associates digital resources such as photos, website, and short message system with a physical location given in terms of longitude and latitude coordinates which can pinpoint any reforestation site with a high degree of precision, provide accurate data and make the information available to everyone.” (JPA/PIA9)

DOE conducts energy forum in Zamboanga del Sur, Zambo Sibugay

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, December 19 (PIA) –- To raise the level of awareness on government rules and regulations and its top priority programs of ensuring welfare and protection of consumers, the Department of Energy (DOE) in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)  recently conducted an energy forum with stakeholders at Hotel Guillermo here.

The forum is part of the scheduled activities in observance of the 2012 National Energy Consciousness Month anchored on the theme “Achieving Energy Sustainability.”

Speaking before the group of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) dealers, local government unit officials, academe, consumers, non-government organizations, media practitioners and concerned citizens, DOE Mindanao Field Office head  Engr. Nilo Geroche said participants were informed on topics such as LPP and LPG products safety and consumer tips, energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy technologies and other related issues.

Geroche thanked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the invaluable assistance extended to the DOE  by inviting stakeholders from the 26 municipalities of the province including Pagadian City and for making the forum a resounding success.

He said DOE tapped the services of DTI, their regular program partner saying that they have no office in Pagadian. They only have one Mindanao Field Office in the region located in Davao which covers the Mindanao area including the provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The DOE team conducted a similar forum  on December 6 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay at  the Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel.  (ALT/PIA9-Zambo Sur) 

POEA, OWWA intensify anti-illegal recruitment campaign

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 18 (PIA) – The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Overseas Workers Welfares Administration (OWWA) in Zamboanga Peninsula continue to intensify their campaign against illegal recruitment and trafficking in person as ordered by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz.

In a press conference during DOLE’s 79^th Anniversary on December 7, POEA-9 Officer in Charge Ms. Marietta Bellotindos said they will come up with more information dissemination activities to help warn the public on illegal recruitment.

“We have a marching order from DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz to intensify our campaign against illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons. We are presently conducting seminars in schools. Next year, we will go municipal and provincial-level with all sectors in the community to really help inform the public especially those in far-flung areas who are more vulnerable to illegal recruitment,” Bellotindos said.

She pointed that this will all materialize as there is already a budget for this campaign.

Aside from this, POEA is also conducting Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) for Overseas Filipino Workers set to go out of the country.

“We also invite our OFWs to our in-house Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar to properly inform them on illegal recruitment where we include anti-illegal recruitment modules”, she added.

Bellotindos said there are easy ways to identify illegal recruiters.

“Legal recruitments are conducted in the official business addresses of recruitment agencies, or in our office. Anything outside these mentioned places like malls, house-to-house schemes, and similar activities are deemed illegal. When we go out, it’s in the form of jobs fair where we have all the concerned agencies in one place,” she explained.

OWWA-9 Administrative Head Angeles Engalla also added that part of their job is to make sure that Filipinos leaving for abroad are safe and protected from illegal recruiters.

“Before our OFWs leave, we give them Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS). We also advise them to visit the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) to know the veracity of their job orders if these are really from jobsites,” Engalla said.

POEA has also announced that Saudi Arabia and Japan are presently hiring nurses, with no required placement fees. Caregivers are also needed in Japan. Other hiring includes factory workers in Taiwan and South Korea. Interested applicants are advised to go the nearest POEA office in their area. (ALT/MVC/PIA9-ZBST) 

LGU-Bayog, MASS SPECC and MinDa conduct tree planting activity

By Bernadine A. Gabawan

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – The local government unit of Bayog in partnership with the Mindanao Alliance of Self-Help Societies-Southern Mindanao Educational Cooperative Center (MASS-SPECC) through the Timbermines Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TIMMULCO) recently conducted a tree planting activity at Glupa Gulian Agro Tourism Park, Sitio Quibranza, Kahayagan, this municipality.

The activity also gained the support of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

An estimated area of 2.5 hectares of the park was planted with rubber trees, with more than 500 tree planters composed of rank and file employees of Bayog, DepEd teachers, barangay officials, faculty and students of the JH Cerilles State College and cooperative organizations.

Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa, Jr. in his message said, “we plant trees to support the National Greening Program of the present administration to address the issues on global warming and climate change which we are facing today.”

“I urge you to do some mitigation now before it is too late. Let us help in the advocacy to instill people’s awareness and to help ensure environmental sustainability. Let us work together and plant trees even in our own backyards,” Mayor Babasa said.

“This is not only for us but also for our children, for our children’s children and for generations yet to come,” Babasa added.

He  expressed his thanks to MASS SPECC for choosing his town as the planting site of this program among other municipalities in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Bayog-LGU and TIMMULCO capped the day which provided for the latter’s funding assistance in the amount of P25,000 per hectare for three years for the nurturing of the trees. (ALT/BAG/CAL/PIA9)

Dipolog City PNP plants 11,555 trees

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, DEC. 17 (PIA)--- The Philippine National Police has proven once again that maintenance of peace and order is not their only concern but it is also an active partner of the government’s National Greening Program.

Recently, members of the Dipolog City Police Office (DCPO) have planted  varieties of seedlings in the different barangays here.

SPO4 Victoria Amora said since the National Greening Program was implemented by the national government, DCPO personnel have already planted more or less 11,555  various seedlings.

National Greening Program is one of the programs of the PNP with its guiding theme, ”Pulis Makakalikasan, 10 Milyong Puno Pamana Para sa Kinabukasan.”

Amora said under the program, every policeman/policewoman is mandated to plant six (6) trees a month or seventy-two (72) trees a year.   

To ensure religious compliance to the program, Amora pointed out that every  personnel is required to maintain a Tree Planting score card duly signed by the Barangay Chairman where the tree-planting activity is conducted.

“Participation to the tree-panting activity also serves as a basis for promotion,” Amora said.

The effort of the local police force has earned the recognition of the City Government of Dipolog as Mayor Evelyn T. Uy vowed her all out-support  to their tree-planting activity.

Uy sees DCPO’s tree-planting initiative as a major contribution to the government’s effort to preserve our environment and lessen the impact of climate change. (ALT/ATR/PIA9-ZamboNorte)     

OCD, DepEd to conduct simultaneous school-based tsunami and earthquake drill

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, December 17 (PIA) –- The Office of Civil Defense, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) IX in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), Pagadian City will conduct the CY 2012 4^th Quarter Simultaneous School-Based Tsunami and Earthquake Drill on Wednesday, December 19. 

OCD-9 Regional Director Adriano D. Fuego said the activity endeavors to promote disaster preparedness, mitigation and awareness of the community especially among students and teachers. “It also aims to assess the capacity level of the schools during the event of earthquakes and other disasters,” Fuego added.

During the activity, the OCD-RDRRMC and evaluators from different agencies will observe and evaluate the conduct of the said drill at Santiago Elementary School, this city.

Pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 1012, preparedness and mitigation are key strategies in reducing disaster risk.

Fuego said challenging activities such as tsunami evacuation, fire after the earthquake, blockage of identified evacuation route which will be specific to the school situation will be performed by the students.

As contained in DepEd Order No. 84, series of 2012 issued by Secretary Armin Luistro,  all bureau and regional directors,  schools division and city superintendents, heads of public and private elementary and secondary schools were directed to actively participate in the drill and to submit a consolidated report to the DRRMC, central office.

It can be recalled that 36 years ago, people in Pagadian City were horrified by the destruction of a tsunami wrought by a 7.5 intensity earthquake on August 17, 1976 causing hundreds of death and millions of properties  damaged. (ALT/GCC/PIA,Pagadian City) 

GSIS to pay members P930-M in dividends, up by 14%

MANILA, December 17 - - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has announced that it will pay out P930 million in dividends to its members this year, 14% higher than in 2011, after posting surplus earnings from its Social Insurance Funds.

The pay-out includes all active Compulsory Life Insurance policyholders whose insurance coverage has been in force for at least a year as of December 31, 2011.

Upon their entry in government service, employees are automatically covered by a life insurance. Those employed prior to August 1, 2003 are covered by the Life Endowment Policy or LEP while those who entered after July 31, 2003 are insured under the Enhanced Life Policy or ELP.

Active members whose LEP matured after December 31 2011, and were issued ELP will still receive cash dividends based on their LEP.

LEP policyholders who converted to ELP after December 31, 2011 will also be entitled to cash dividends based on their LEP.

GSIS members can expect the amount to be automatically credited to their GSIS eCards on or before December 25, 2012.

Excluded from the cash pay-out are members whose policies lapsed, matured, or were terminated in 2011; who have defaulted in their salary and consolidated loans for at least 12 months or have unpaid premiums for at least 12 months as of December 31, 2011; and whose agencies were suspended  as of December 31, 2011. (GSIS/PIA9/alt)

OCD conducts 1st ICS training in 1st Zambo Sur District

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY, 13 Dec (PIA) – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD-9) spearheaded in the conduct of a 3-day Basic/Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS) training course from December 10-12, 2012 at Four Queens Resort, this city – the 1^st set of training for Zamboanga del Sur.

The ICS is a standardized on-scene emergency management concept specifically designed to allow its user(s) to adopt an integrated organization structure, equal to the complexity and demands of a single or multiple incidents. OCD 9 Regional Director Adriano D. Fuego said the training is designed to equip local government units to heighten its vigilance in ensuring that disaster risks are prevented or minimized and prepared to address and respond to the needs of affected population when disaster or emergencies occur.

In his opening statement he said, the training is very important especially now a days that Region 9 has become a typhoon path.  It is the first time in history that Region 9 was placed under signal No. 3 brought by typhoon Pablo.

“It only shows that there is a need for us to prepare and this ICS training is timely because this is the answer on how to effectively response to disaster incidents.” Director Fuego added.

The training course involved eight (8) modules with the following topics: Introduction to ICS, ICS Organization and Staffing, ICS Incident Facilities, Organization and Managing Incidents and Events, Incident/Event Assessment and Management by Objectives, Incident Resources and Resources Management, Incident and Event Planning and Transfer of Command, Demobilization and Closeout.

The training was facilitated by expert cadres of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and was attended by 47 participants from the clustered municipalities of the first district of Zamboanga del Sur, namely; Molave, Ramon Magsaysay, Tambulig, Tukuran, Josefina and Dumingag. (NBE/CAL/PIA9)  

10,000 join “Paskuhan 2012” celebration

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

PAGADIAN CITY, December 12 (PIA) –- An estimated crowd of 10,000 people trooped to Plaza Luz-the Christmas village of the city, to witness the much awaited opening of the “Paskuhan 2012” held December 8.

The throng of people started to literally “fill” the Plaza as early as six in the evening to get a nice spot and view for the much awaited ceremonial switch-on of the 100ft giant Christmas tree and other Christmas decorative lights.

While waiting for the ceremonial switch-on, some dance and song numbers performed by the ABS-CBN talents from Cagayan de Oro City cheered the crowd away.

It was about nine in the evening when the gigantic Christmas tree, lanterns and other Christmas décors were finally lighted as thousands of people including children watched with amazement.

The opening salvo of the “Paskuhan 2012” was made even more exciting with the feet stamping, hip swaying musically gyrating “dancing fountain” show that “swirled” its water into ranged of more than 20 feet high with colorful spot lights.

The spectacular dancing fountain show consisted of carefully selected and diverse songs with different beats that synchronize with the rhythmic dancing of the water with lights, sound and enhanced special effects.

The Paskuhan activity was highlighted with euphoric fireworks display that illuminated the night sky.

Paskuhan is an annual Christmas activity initiated and launched by the city government in 2004.

The festivity has provided total entertainment not only to Pagadianons but to local visitors as well. (JPA/PIA 9)

OWWA gears up for OFW Family Day

By Mary Jane R. Amarado

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 11 -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will celebrate “OFW FAMILY DAY” this month as a tribute to our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families for their contribution to the economic growth of the country.

For Region 9, the event is scheduled on Saturday, 15 December 2012, 1 p.m. at the Dr. Juanito Bruno Gymnasium, Western Mindanao State University, this city.

In a statement, Regional Director Hassan Jumdain said “We are inviting all OFWs whether they are active or inactive OFWs. This year we have lined up several activities for the conduct of the said event and we hope that we can gather all OFW families during the yuletide season.”

“Admission is free. We don’t require any entrance fee. A pre-registration is now going on at our office located at the 4th floor, BGIDC Corporate Center, Gov. Lim Ave,” he added.

The celebration which will gather more or less a thousand of OFWs & their dependents will also be participated by different government agencies and private entities. While games and raffle prizes await lucky families. (Mary Jane R. Amarado, LCO/OWWA9/PIA9/alt) 

Physician from ZamPen awarded Outstanding Achievement in Community-Projects

By Mary Jane R. Amarado

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 11 -- A former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and an eye, ear, nose and throat specialist from Zamboanga City took home the Special Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community-Projects.

Dr. Orlando Pansi Paber was chosen among the 34 contenders from other regions during the National Awards Ceremony of the Search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) held on December 6 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

Regional Director Hassan Jumdain said that Dr. Paber who represented the region, worked for nine years at the Dammam Central Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. From his earnings abroad, he invested in purchasing equipment for his clinic which he maintains and upgrades to better serve his patients.

MOFYA which is an annual activity of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) was first conceptualized in 2003. It fetes the exemplary performance of OFWs who properly harnessed the financial gains of overseas employment and maintained strong family ties despite difficulties in migration.

He helped the marginalized fisher folks who are overly dependent on marine resources for livelihood including the Badjaos, who acquire cataract problem due to extreme sunlight exposure. Among the areas directly benefited by his free cataract surgeries are the provinces of Zamboanga, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.

Driven by his strong desire to help the indigent, he has received various awards and recognition for his active civic involvement in the community.

His family was conferred as 1998 Model Family Awardee by the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

Multiple awards were received from LIONS Club International for services done in eye surgery of indigent cases. In 2001, he was awarded Model Citizen of Brgy. Guiwan.

Dr. Paber, who is also a part of the Tzu Chi Foundation, performs cataract surgeries to patients who are deprived of better living conditions. This unfailing participation in Medical Outreach Missions was recognized by his colleagues in Zamboanga Medical Society.

He was a nominee for most outstanding physician in year 2000, a two time awardee through the “Resolution” of Lamitan Sangguniang Bayan for “Sight First Operation”.

The recognition and success of the Paber Family are made even more meaningful because in all of their professional, creative and productive endeavors, they are driven by one desire and that is to be of service to others. (Mary Jane R. Amarado, LCO/OWWA9/PIA9/alt)

Phil. Army supports “Paskuhan 2012”

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, December 12 (PIA) –- The First Infantry (Tabak) Division Philippine Army actively participated in the successful opening of the Yuletide celebration “Paskuhan 2012” held December 8 at Plaza Luz.

Tabak Division Commander MajGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, in his message read by Col. Michael Lowell Chiong, the commanding officer of the Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battalion (HHSB), said  “I am in high spirit as we participate and witness the lighting of giant Christmas tree  and colorful dancing fountain signaling the month long celebration of the Yuletide season,”

The ‘Paskuhan’, is an annual undertaking of city government celebrating the Christmas season.

Paskuhan provides entertainment to the public thru the fabulous dancing fountain show, fireworks display, lighting of the giant Christmas tree, , lighted Christmas lanterns and décors, nightly carol bonanza and variety shows, etc.  at the Christmas village of Plaza Luz.

“Truly, Christmas is in everybody’s hearts and minds. The enjoyment that we have now is in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ who was sent to us on earth by the Heavenly Father to be our savior and our exemplar,” Cruz added.

The Tabak commander said that in the celebration of Christmas, the 1^st Infantry division continues to perform their duties and tasks in protecting the country’s sovereignty in the pursuit of peace, progress and prosperity.

Mayor Samuel Co in is message said “let us learn to forget our mistakes and misfortunes and hope that this Christmas and New Year 2013, we will receive abundant blessings from the Almighty Father.”

Co said “Pagadianons should be thankful to God that we only lost time, and not lives, money, and property unlike the victims of super typhoons ‘Sendong’ and ‘Pablo’ who suffered much from the wrath and devastations of natural disasters.  

The chief executive also said that this year’s 9^th Paskuhan celebration is the grandest Christmas festival ever under his administration. (JPA/GCC/PIA,Pagadian City) 

DAR supports Mindanao Week of Peace celebration

By Breezy C. Jimenez

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, Dec. 10 -- The Department of Agrarian Reform here is supportive of activities in celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace on November 29 - December 5, 2012 with the theme “Love of God and Love of Neighbor, a Challenge for Mindanao. 

In a meeting held to get the consensus on the proposed activities and establish unity in making the Week of Peace a successful one between and among national line agencies, schools and universities, Mayor Eldwin Alibutdan said, “Peace is not a problem of a particular entity or organization, rather, peace in Mindanao is everybody’s concern.” Mayor Alibutdan further stated that “peace is a long process, it is a journey, and everyone must be proactive.” 

The opening program included Walk for Peace during on November 29 organized by the LGU of Ipil. 

Other activities include a Cultural Show on November 30, showcasing the rich and diverse culture which flourished in Zamboanga Sibugay Province and likewise depicting a peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the residents despite the apparent cultural differences. 

A Youth Peace Camp was held on December 1-2 at Marcelo Spinola Memorial School. Barangays Tenan, Bangkerohan and Magdaup were recipients of the outreach feeding program on December 3 while December 4 was devoted to Pride Campaign in Buluan Island with a symposium and mangrove planting. The celebration culminated on December 5 with a “Bangkete sa Panaghiusa,” (Feast/Banquet of Unity) which is an evidence of unity despite sheer diversity. 

Apart from implementing agrarian reform in the country, DAR is also works for lasting peace in the country, Rizzel B. Villanueva, DAR-Sibugay head, said. (BCJ/DAR-Sibugay/PIA9/alt)