INFORMATION BLITZ: Paalala sa mga OFW-members ng PhilHealth: Ang PhilHealth membership and contribution ay MANDATORY ayon sa batas kaya magpamiyembro at magbayad ng kontribusyon bago umalis ng bansa. Seguraduhin ang proteksyon ng kalusugan ng iyong sarili at pamilya.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

DENR designates Forest-Pest-Watch


By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be designating forest-pest- watch officers per DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2012-05 issued by Environment Secretary Ramon J.P Paje.

DENR 9 Regional Public Affairs office Chief Roservirico Tan said DAO 2012-06 stipulates the designation of a Forest Surveillance and Monitoring Officer (FPSMO) in every Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) with forests under its jurisdiction. 

Noting in order, Tan said the FPSMO is task to perform regular forest inspection activities in his/ her area of jurisdiction and coordinate with the forest tenure holders, private plantation owners, protected area supervisors, or indigenous peoples (IP) groups, and local communities.

The active information chief said this preparation is in consonance with the department’s implementation of a Forest Pest Surveillance System, a system that will monitor/detect malevolent signs of forest fungi and insect, or collectively known as forest pests that can damage forests.

In the process of implementation, the department will need more forest guards to carry out the said system, so hiring of more forest guards is included in the plan, Tan said.

Tan however clarified that the forest-pest-watch duties of the forest guards forms part of the CENRO’s regular forest protection activities “with or without infestation.” 

Tan said the administrative order likewise provides for a set of guidelines to carry out a forest pest response mechanism that will include the preparation of a blueprint of action “to totally eliminate the pest and prevent similar incidence” in case of an outbreak of forest pest infestation.

“Also covered in the order is the pest surveillance of forest within ancestral domains where indigenous people’s leaders are to be coordinated closely with by the concerned CENRO,” Tan was quoted as saying.

Tan recalled “in 1985,  a forest pest  called “jumping lice” (Leucaena psyllids), wrought havoc in ipil-ipil tree (Leucaena  Leucocephala)  plantations in the uplands covered by the DENR’s Community-Based Forestry Program (CBFM) to the point that a moratorium in the planting of the species was recommended,  except for research, until seeds of resistant varieties   became available.”   

Tan enumerated that the beehole borer that attack the acacia, yemane and gmelina arborea; the six-spined engraver beetle or ipis beetle which feed on the  Benguet pine; shoot Borer on Mahogany; varicose borer on  bagras;  and teak defoliator  and teak skeletonizer on  teak are other forest pests that have been recorded to have infected trees thriving in the Philippine forests. (JPA/PIA9)

Coop month culminated with clean up activity

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, October 30 (PIA) –- ‘There’s no better way to culminate the cooperative month celebration than to give back to the environment,” said Supervising cooperative development specialist Nestor Mendaros as thousands of cooperative members from 58 cooperatives all over the province actively participated in the clean up drive held over the weekend  as a closing salvo to the month-long celebration.  
This year’s commemoration of the cooperative month (October) is anchored on the theme ““Kooperatiba ay Pagyamanin, Mga Kasapi Paramihin”

“The celebration kicked off with the synchronized hanging of tarpaulins in the different cooperative centers on October 1 to raise public awareness on cooperativism as strong force to reckon towards economic development, and culminated with clean up activity,” Mendaros said.
The coop month is an annual nationwide celebration pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 493 declaring October 1-31 and every year thereafter as “Cooperative Month.”
Mendaros said in support to the seventh cooperative principle, “Concern for Community” and Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as Solid Waste Management Act of 2002, cooperative members from 58 cooperatives of the city joined the activity.

“We want to show our concern for the community by cleaning the different areas for us to be spared from flood caused by garbage clogging in the streets,” Mendaros explained.

He said the 3-hour clean up day, which started at 6 am and ended at 9am was aimed at preserving the environment and maintaining its cleanliness.

“Cooperative members brought thier broom sticks, empty sacks marked with ‘bio-gradable’ and ‘non-biogradable’, bolos, rakes, and other tools,” he said.

Areas covered in the clean-up include:  Agora complex, Sta. Lucia, the bridge in barangays Balangasan and Gatas, ‘Bagsakan’ center in Sta, Lucia , FS. Pajares and Rizal Avenues, San Pedro market, Integrated Bus Terminal in Bulatok, and barangay Sta. Maria. (JPA/GCC/PIA,Pagadian City)

RDRMMC 9 Selection Committee to honor region’s best in disaster preparedness

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
  
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA) – The Regional Selection Committee of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 9 (RSC-RDRRMC) will honor the region’s best to further promote participation of all local governments, organizations, and individuals in Zamboanga Peninsula in disaster preparedness under the GAWAD KALASAG program of the national government. 
Office of the Civil Defense 9 (OCD) Regional Director Adriano Fuego called a meeting Monday, with the members of the selection committee to discuss and finalize the details of the Regional Gawad Kalasag search.

 “We need to acknowledge the efforts of those who have adhered with the law on disaster preparedness to help boost their morale and further promote participation of other LGUs who have not yet implemented their disaster preparedness program”, Fuego said.

Under the proposed search, the regional selection committee will be awarding one (1) winner as the Best Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), Best Municipal DRRMC, Best City DRMMC, down to the Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Council. There will also be 1 winner for the most disaster-prepared hospital in the region; and five to 10 individuals will also be awarded for their act of heroism. 

The selection committee is targeting November 28 for the announcement and awarding of the winners. The assessment and validation of participants will be conducted on November 14 to 16, and 21-22 respectively.

Fuego hopes that by doing this activity, more LGUs will take disaster preparedness seriously and he hopes to submit a regional winner for the National Search Gawad Kalasag next year.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have any nominee for the National Gawad Kalasag for this year as no one responded to our communication. But we hope next year, we will have a nominee from our region”, Fuego said. (JPA/MVC/PIA9-ZBST)

One Mindanao Electronic News Magazine - October 29, 2012

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

Monday, October 29, 2012

Monetary incentives provided to Siay, Tungawan ARCs

By Breezy C. Jimenez

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, October 29 - The Tri-People Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in Tungawan town and Lower Sibuguey ARC in the municipality of Siay are provided with monetary incentives to hasten the implementation of the approved rural infrastructure projects under the Department of Agrarian Reform’s Agrarian Reform Communities Project II (ARCP2) and by the national government’s fiscal transfer mechanism Performance-Based Grant System (PBGS).

In a conference held recently at Roderic’s Resort this town, the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) Procurement Unit, headed by Romeo C. Maningas encouraged the LGUs concerned to comply with the required documents the soonest possible so as to avail of the maximum 20% of the approved rural infrastructure sub-project’s contract cost but not to exceed a certain amount depending on the LGU’s income class, to mobilize the completion of the sub-project in their respective ARCs.

For Tungawan, the sub-project targeted for implementation is the concreting of Libertad farm-to-market road (FMR) with a total length of .84 km and approved budget cost of approximately P4.2 million pesos.       

For Siay town, the sub-project approved is the construction of flood control dike cum farm-to-market road with physical target of 7.35 kilometers and approved budget cost of approximately P25.4 million pesos.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Rizzel B. Villanueva lauded the objectives of the PBGS since this will likewise redound to ARB empowerment through social development.

In addition, with the present administration of Governor Rommel A. Jalosjos and Congressman Romeo Jalosjos, Jr., social development and economic progress  not just in the ARCs but in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, will definitely manifest with their joint effort and active partnership with the Department of Agrarian Reform and other line agencies to effect projects and programs.

To date, the above-mentioned sub-projects are on the process of being published in newspapers of national and regional circulation to invite prospective bidders.

Other members of the NPCO Procurement Unit who shed light on PBGS were Rene Naces, Ian Joseph Yasoña, Beth Rolusta and Eugenio Antonio Dig. (JPA/ALT/BCJ/DAR/PIA9)        

Saturday, October 27, 2012

REAWESMIN to host 11th Annual CES Conference

 by Jocelyn P. Alvarez


PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) - - The Regional Executive Association of Western Mindanao (REAWESMIN) gears up for the 11th Annual Career Executive Service (CES) Conference set on November 14-16 at the Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City.

This annual CES Conference is conducted in partnership with the National Union of Career Executive Service Officers (NUCESO) and REAWESMIN as this year’s host.

The conference underscores the public policy and program advocacy bias of the CES promoting good governance within the context of sustainable development.

Over 900 members of the CES Community from all over the country are expected to attend this year’s conference says  Macybel Alfaro-Sahi, Civil Service Commission 9 (CSC9) Regional Director and REAWESMIN President.

“The executives will be pushed to cutting edge management tools to bolster delivery of public service, with this year’s theme: Going 4G! Good to Great, Green Governance, through the different learning sessions as we capitalize our executives to better improve our delivery of basic services,” Sahi was quoted as saying.

Consequently, REAWESMIN has been burning lines reaching out to concerned people in order to make this year’s Annual CES Conference a rousing success, says egional director Noemi B. Edaga, of the Philippine Information Agency 9(PIA9) and chair of REAWESMIN Souvenir and Program Committee.


“Different committees were created and have been busy doing their respective tasks.” She said

The occasion is expected to provide various innovative learning opportunities through plenary and learning sessions, open forums and other networking activities.

On the lighter side, Sahi said, ‘REAWESMIN has prepared a city tour and exotic food to cap the learning sessions for the participants to make their Zamboanga CES conference experience not only meaningful but enjoyable as well.”

The Office of the President issued Memorandum Circular No. 37 on September 11, 2012 authorizing participation of all CESOs / Career Executive Service (CES) Eligible and Career Executive (CSE) Eligibles in the 11th Annual CES Conference.

Last year almost 800 participants attended the conference held at the Heritage Hotel Manila in Pasay City. (JPA/PIA9)

City cites need for road safety plan

By Vic Larato

ZAMBOANGA CITY, OCT. 27, - - The city lauded the Land Transportation Office 9 headed by regional director Atty. Aminola Abaton for organizing the Law Enforcement and Road Safety Summit.

“We need to educate the public about the rules of the road, and we have to enforce those rules. We will address the environment of our roads, separating modes of travel where it makes sense and designing our streets in ways that promote safety. We will evaluate our actions to ensure we are taking the right steps to reach our goal of zero fatalities, making adjustments as needed and making efficient use of our resources,” Mayor Celso Lobregat said during the recently-concluded  two-day summit.

“We will build a culture of empathy. We all have a right to use our roads safely, no matter how we choose to get around. It’s time we started looking out for each other, and taking responsibility for protecting the safety of everyone whether they are walking, biking, riding transit, driving or using any other means to get around,” he said.

According to Lobregat, road accidents and the huge volume of vehicles plying the streets on a daily basis are considered as the top reasons for the heavy traffic situation in Manila. 
  
In the Philippines, statistics from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) reveal that a total of 1,833 persons were killed, while almost 29,000 people were injured in the 85,820 road accidents that were recorded in 2011.

In relation to this, road accidents have also been ranked by the Department of Health (DoH) as the fourth top cause of death in the country, next to heart disease, leukemia and cancer.

In Zamboanga City, the number of motor vehicles plying the streets has reached 71,707 or 315% increase in 10 years, thereby causing traffic in certain intersections, especially during peak hours. However, it has been observed that road accidents seldom happen on busy streets. Most of the vehicular accidents occurred on national highways, where they have much space to drive on.

“We all have a right to use our roads safely, no matter how we choose to get around. It’s time we start looking out for each other, and taking responsibility for protecting the safety of everyone whether they are walking, biking, riding transit, driving or using any other means to get around,” the chief executive said.

Present during the summit were LTO Assistant Secretary Virginia P. Torres, DOTC Asst. Secretary and National Focal Point Decade of Action for Road Safety Dante Lantin, LTO Operations Division Chief Menelia Mortel, LTO Traffic Safety Division Chief Daisy Jacobo and LTO Asst. Regional Director Mohammad Yusop Lamping.(JPA/VL/CIO/PIA9)

Thursday, October 25, 2012

4th Wk October is Juvenile Justice and Welfare Week

By Felipo David G. Malcampo
  
ZAMBOANGA CITY,  Oct 25 (PIA) - - celebrating the first Juvenile Justice (JJ) and Welfare Consciousness Week, the National Youth Commission (NYC) spearheads the conduct of fora and lectures, film showing and various trainings  in consonance with the week-long celebration.
Anchored on the theme “Sa 9344, Bata, Bida ka,” NYC conducted yesterday (Oct. 24) a workshop with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Zamboanga City which tackled the Role of the SK’s in the Observance and Implementation of RA 9344 or the the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA).

The event which was conducted at the Marcian Garden Convention Center was participated in by close to 200 youth and volunteers.

“The activity aims to enlighten the SKs about their vital role in the implementation of the JJWA,” said Maricor Anne DG. Cauton of the NYC.

“The Sk being a unique government institution that caters and secures the participation of the youth on local governance should be in the forefront of the JJWA as it addresses issues involving juvenile delinquents,” Cauton added.

“The activity also aims to enlist the commitment of the youth, particularly the SK, through advocacy campaigns and programs,” she emphasized.

It can be recalled, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) expressed its opposition to the moves in Congress to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility currently set at 15 years old.

“Early this year, the NYC approved a resolution calling for a JJW Consciousness Week. The idea was to help increase awareness about JJ and enjoin all duty-bearers to find ways by which RA 9344 can be fully implemented,” said NYC Chairman Leon Flores III.

The proposal to have a JJW Consciousness Week was endorsed by the JJWC and eventually signed into Presidential Proclamation No. 489.

“This is a categorical indication of the government’s commitment to restore justice for young people and children,” Flores commented.

JJWC is composed of various government agencies to include Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Education (DepEd), Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) , Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and the National Youth Commission (NYC). (JPA/FDM/PIA-ZBST)

Symposium on Gender and Development held in Ipil

By Breezy C. Jimenez

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, Oct 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform-Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippine National Police – Ipil Police Station and the Beta Sigma Fraternity conducted a symposium on gender and development on October 15 at the Western Mindanao State University Ipil Campus. 

Among the topics discussed were Republic Act No. 8353 or the Rape Law of 1997, Republic Act No. 7877 or Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, Republic Act No. 9208 Anti-trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and Republic Act No. 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children. 

The students of WMSU actively participated in the open forum and received clarifications on their queries about issues related to the topics. 

This joint activity serves as an outreach program to the community of Ipil, especially to the students, for them to be aware of the issues and concerns and be wary should there be circumstances where the above-mentioned laws apply. 

Police Chief Inspector Ariel T. Huesca elaborated that everyone should be on their guard because these things are happening and is a reality. 

“If you believe that a crime has been committed, as to your personal knowledge, you report it immediately to the police station so that appropriate action shall be undertaken by our police officers,” said Huesca. 

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Rizzel B. Villanueva also said that sufficient knowledge on the above issues can be utilized as crime deterrence especially by the students since they are vulnerable to the scheming. 

The Beta Sigma Fraternity is an international fraternity committed to serve the community where it thrives successfully throughout the years. (BCJ/DAR/PIA9/alt) 

Street children gets free lunch

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, October 25 (PIA) –- 20 street children shared lunch with National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) workers during the agency's feeding activity conducted recently.
NMIS Regional Technical Director Arturo De Jesus Jr. said the feeding program is an annual activity of the agency being held as part of its anniversary celebration (in October) “and also part of our corporate social responsibility,” he said.

“The feeding program was started in the year 1992, and as we celebrate the agency’s anniversary, we share part of our blessings to the street children by giving them packed meals,” De Jesus said.

The NMIS celebrates its 40th anniversary and 19th National Meat Safety Consciousness Week on October 15-19, 2012.

“I am humbled looking on the faces of these street children, smiling while eating the food we served them,” de Jesus shared.

 “We made them feel that they are special to us,” he added.

12 year old Joven Villanza thanked the NMIS for giving them attention and included them in their feeding activity.

”Nalipay ko ug dako nga sila (NMIS) naghatag ug pagtagad kanamo nga mga kabus nga bata.  Una nako ni nga higayon nga nakaapil ani nga programa busa nagpasalamat ako kanilang tanan. Gani, busog gyud ko kaayo (I was very happy that they (NMIS) gave attention on us the poor children.  This is my first time to join this program that’s why I thanked them all.  Indeed, I feel full),” Villanza said. (JPA/GCC/PIA,Pagadian City

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

DOE to conduct inspection on LPG dealers and gasoline station in ZaNorte

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, OCT. 24(PIA)---The Department of Energy (DOE) together with various government agencies will soon conduct an inspection on all liquefied petroleum gas(LPG) and gasoline dealers in Zamboanga del Norte (ZaNorte).

The inspection will be conducted amidst report and complaints on various violations committed by some unscrupulous LPG and gasoline dealers in the province.

In a coordination meeting held recently in Dipolog City, DOE-Mindanao Field Office Head, Engr Nilo Geroche said the inspection would assess the compliance of the LPG and gasoline dealers in the province on the requirements set by the department.

Aside from DOE, other members of the inspection team are representatives from Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and Treasurers Office and Licensing Division of the Local Government Units.

Geroche said the member-agencies will have its specific task during the inspection. The DTI will check on the products’ quality; BFP on the business establishment’s   compliance on the fire safety standards and the LGU’s for the establishment’s business permits and its compliance to local ordinances concerning its business operation.

Engr. Edmar Derla said DOE will then hold a meeting with the members of the inspection team to assess the level of compliance among LPG and gasoline dealers in the province.

To further protect the consumers from unscrupulous practice of illegal traders, an extensive information education campaign is also slated to be held after the inspection.(JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

PCCIFI bags Most Outstanding Chamber of the Philippines 2012 award

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, October 23 (PIA) - - Two awards in a row!

The Pagadian-Zamboanga del Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (PCCIFI) scored a milestone since its reorganization in 2006 when it  bagged the Most Outstanding Chamber in Mindanao in the recently concluded  Philippine Business Conference at the Manila Hotel on October 9 -11.
Not only that,  PCCIFI also won the Most Outstanding Chamber of the Philippines 2012 winning an edge over Olongapo City as its closest  contender.

“Our efforts really paid off. I owe it to my professional staff, Ms. Dixie Sarmiento and Mr. Jason Pescadera, to the city government under the able leadership of Mayor Samuel S. Co and partner agencies who contributed much to the success of our programs and activities,” Ms. Mercedes Lourdes S. Quisumbing, PCCIFI president humbly said.

The biggest income-earner for the chamber was the 20th Mindanao Business Conference on Sept. 7-9, 2011, earning approximately P2.5 Million.  Simultaneous with the event was the Trade Exhibit with 20 corporate and 10 local exhibitors who participated in the event.

Aware of its corporate social responsibility, PCCIFI provided financial support to victims of typhoon “Sendong”; advocacy on child labor, ensuring that child labor will not be practiced in its member establishments; road parking painting along the city’s major thoroughfares and feeding program at Lingap Center, a shelter for abused children.

The leadership and dynamism of the PCCIFI played a pivotal role in local economic development and enabled businessmen to have a better interaction leading to faster responses on areas of concern. 

“We have to continue with what we are doing, we will institutionalize activities like the Business Week celebration, use of the chamber office as Pagadian Business Center to showcase the city’s products and other advocacies which we have started,” Quisumbing explained.

She added that they have organized the Margosatubig Chamber of Commerce in the 2nd district and Molave for the 1st district of Zamboanga del Sur.

“We are planning to have a survey of business establishments in urban barangays for the Philippine Business Registry and we’re still looking for partners in this endeavor. We have observed that new businesses are not registered, only old ones are renewing. This is one way of bringing more money to the city’s coffers,” Quisumbing said.

PCCIFI also conducted the Business Permits and Licensing Streamlining  minimizing the processing to 5 steps in 3 hours when it used to be a grueling 15 steps and 30 days to wait for its approval.

Indeed the PCCIFI merits the award but it will not rest on its laurels. It will continue to lobby policy reforms, infrastructure development, peace and order, environmental concerns and other issues it deems essential to the development of the city and the province as well. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)

Monday, October 22, 2012

Zambo City hosts 11th Annual CES Conference REAWESMIN gears up preparation

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA) - - The Regional Executive Association of Western Mindanao (REAWESMIN) gears up for the 11th Annual Career Executive Service (CES) Conference set on November 14-16 at the Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City.

This annual CES Conference is conducted in partnership with the National Union of Career Executive Service Officers (NUCESO) and REAWESMIN as this year’s host.

The conference underscores the public policy and program advocacy bias of the CES promoting good governance within the context of sustainable development.

Over 900 members of the CES Community from all over the country are expected to attend this year’s conference says  Macybel Alfaro-Sahi, Civil Service Commission 9 (CSC9) Regional Director and REAWESMIN President.

“The executives will be pushed to cutting edge management tools to bolster delivery of public service, with this year’s theme -Going 4G! Good to Great, Green Governance, through the different learning sessions as we capitalize our executives to better improve our delivery of basic services,” Sahi was quoted as saying.

Consequently, REAWESMIN has been burning lines reaching out to concerned people in order to make this year’s Annual CES Conference a rousing success, says regional director Noemi B. Edaga, of the Philippine Information Agency 9 (PIA9) and chair of REAWESMIN Souvenir and Program Committee.

“Different committees were created and have been busy doing their respective tasks.” She said

The occasion is expected to provide various innovative learning opportunities through plenary and learning sessions, open forums and other networking activities.

On the lighter side, Sahi said, ‘REAWESMIN has prepared a city tour and exotic food to cap the learning sessions for the participants to make their Zamboanga CES conference experience not only meaningful but enjoyable as well.”

The Office of the President issued Memorandum Circular No. 37 on September 11, 2012 authorizing participation of all CESOs / Career Executive Service (CES) Eligible and Career Executive (CSE) Eligibles in the 11th Annual CES Conference.

Last year almost 800 participants attended the conference held at the Heritage Hotel Manila in Pasay City. (JPA/PIA9)

ZAMSURECO II energizes four more barangays in Bayog

By Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan

BAYOG, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, Oct 22 (PIA) – The Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO II) formally energized on Thursday, October 18, 2012 four more barangays of Bayog, this province.

It was a dream come true for the barangay folks of Matin-ao, Balukbahan, Sigacad and Deporehan to finally see the “light” after long years of darkness.

The energization of these hard-to-reached barangays was made possible through the congressional funds of 2nd District Representative Hon. Aurora Cerilles.

The switch-on ceremony was attended by Congresswoman Cerilles, Mayor Leonardo Babasa, Jr., Hon. Celso Matias with Neva Jean Gorra, barangay officials and local residents, together with Engr. Renie Helar, ZAMSURECO II Power-Use Supervisor.

On the other hand, after the ceremony, Cerilles distributed school supplies, slippers and vitamins to the day care and elementary pupils, as well as to secondary students of the recipient barangays to include  also barangays Bobuan and Canoayan.

To date, out of the 28 barangays of the municipality only barangay Dagum remains unenergized. (JPA/BAG/CAL/PIA9)

Basilan holds Prov’l Health Summit

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Oct 22 (PIA) – Celebrating the success in the implementation of life-saving intervention in Basilan, a provincial health summit was concluded Thursday (Oct 18) in Zamboanga City’s Garden Orchid Hotel.

Clad in colorful traditional dresses, close to a hundred health personnel and community health workers from the different municipalities and one city in Basilan, including representatives from the different government line agencies and non-government organizations, the military, and the religious sector participated in the one-day technical forum of the summit.

A photo exhibit also donned the venue that displayed the accomplishments and activities of health workers in the different towns of Basilan.

Dr. Rhoda Delgado-Principe, provincial health officer said the Department of Health (DOH) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the technical assistance from the United States Agency for International Development had been adapting high impact evidence-based interventions in Basilan through the Sustainable Health Improvements through Empowerment and Local Development (SHIELD) project.

They include among others Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor (AMTSL), Essential Newborn Care (ENC) and Long Acting Permanent Method (LAPM)—Bilateral Tubal Ligation (LAPM-BTL) and Postpartum Intrauterine Device (PPIUD).

“These interventions are included in the Caring for Mothers and children in the Community (CMNC) training package participated by service providers in ARMM provinces and cities,” she said.

Principe disclosed that riding on the success of LS (Life Saving) intervention 3 and the dissemination forum conducted in Manila last August 29-31, 2012, the province of Basilan is sharing its experiences and successes in the implementation of these life-saving interventions in the summit.

“This will coincide with the SHIELD project close out. Best practices from the community, the local government units, and hospitals were shared to inspire and at the same time encourage local stakeholders to adopt and scale-up these best practices to help contribute in attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5.

Among those who shared best practices in Basilan were: Marie Fernandez, member of the Community Health Action Team (CHAT) of barangay Limook in Lamitan who shared on community participation; Lolita Trota, Kagawad of barangay Colonia in Lamitan on local government support; Lamitan City Health Officer Dr. Vicente Yu III on AMTSL; Afreen Amerin, RN Heals of Lamitan District Hospital on EINC hospital experience; and Kingkang Sali of Lamitan CHO on PPIUD best practice experience.

Dr. Leonardo Alcantara, SHIELD Project chief of party took pride of the significant accomplishments of the provincial health office in improving the health conditions of mother and child care in Basilan.

“(Before) ang estado ng kalusugan ay laging nasa dulo ang ARMM, but now no more,” he said, noting that the Family Health Survey of 2011 attested to the improved state of health in ARMM. He explained that the SHIELD project is supported by the USAID and that the Hellen Keller International (HKI) is only an instrument in introducing the programs in the ARMM.

A report reveals that HKI is leading an NGO consortium to implement a five-year, $15 million program to improve family health in the Philippines’ Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded the Cooperative Agreement to HKI to serve as the prime organization of the EnRICH Grantees Consortium. Partners include ACDI/VOCA, Christian Children’s Fund, and Save the Children.

The goal of the consortium is to enable communities in the ARMM to achieve and sustain improved family health. The project, called Sustainable Health Improvements through Empowerment and Local Development (SHIELD), is based on viable Family Planning, Maternal and Newborn/Child Health, Tuberculosis Control and Malaria Control strategies, and involves related health promotion and nutrition activities.

HKI indicates that the ARMM, home to 3.3 million Filipinos and growing at a rate of almost 4%, has some of the poorest health and development indicators in the country. The region suffers from a fragmented and under-financed health system, logistically challenging geography, and ongoing conflicts in some areas, all of which create major challenges to health service delivery. Most affected by these adverse conditions are the women and children, especially among the poor. (RVC/PIA9-ZBST)