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.

Friday, December 27, 2013

DSWD beneficiaries’ stories to be shared in new book

By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Who are the poor? What are their struggles, and how do they cope? These questions will be answered in a book by the poor themselves who wish to have their voices heard by the public.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Social Marketing Unit here is currently producing Paglaom Part II, a compilation of success stories of the poor, particularly the beneficiaries of its poverty-reduction programs. The book is tentatively scheduled to be launched January 2014.

“The beneficiaries of our programs, Pantawid Pamilya, Kalahi-CIDSS and the Sustainable Livelihood Program have much to share about how they are very determined to succeed in spite of their struggles,” said Narrabelle Bue, DSWD-IX regional information officer.

The book shall contain stories of beneficiaries of the three programs from different municipalities in Western Mindanao. The programs are collectively called Tatsulo, which is the agency’s convergence initiative geared towards multiplying the impact of the three among individual families.

In the poorest municipalities all over the country, the three programs are complementary. While Pantawid provides families with conditional cash grants for children’s education and health, Kalahi-CIDSS capacitates community residents in the poorest areas to identify and implement by themselves priority developmental projects such as the construction of roads, schools, health stations and others.

In addition, the SLP trains Pantawid beneficiaries to be able to start a sustainable micro-enterprise. These programs also involve the participation of various non-government and civil society groups, to ensure that the programs are free from corruption.

Social welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman has defined Tatsulo, or the merging of the programs as a “torch that will bring the poorest out from poverty”. (PIA9)

Polanco bags 1st year CROWN maintenance award

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The municipality of Polanco in Zamboanga del Norte has received on Tuesday its 1st Year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) maintenance award in an awarding ceremony held in this city by the National Nutrition Council (NNC)-9.

This award is given to the local government unit (LGU) which has consistently shown an excellent implementation in its local nutrition programs and in the reduction of under-nutrition prevalence for three consecutive years.

Meanwhile, the municipality of Piñan and the city of Dipolog were the Green Banner awardees for Regional Outstanding Nutrition Program Implementation category while the municipality of Alicia in Zamboanga Sibugay was also the Green Banner awardee in said province. 

Dapitan City, on the other hand, received a certificate of recognition as first runner-up winner in the Outstanding Performance in Nutrition Implementation. 

Dr. Domiciano P. Talaboc of Polanco town, Dr. Ricardo S. Awit of Piñan town and Meriam O. Lacaya of Dipolog City were given certificates of recognition as outstanding nutrition action officers.
Recognized as the outstanding barangay nutrition scholars were Felisa J. Guilingan of Guinles, Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte, Alicia F. Cabayacruz of Boalan, Zamboanga City, Tessie Espinosa of Poblacion Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, Florence P. Reville of Larayan, Dapitan City, Normalita Tactacon from of Upper Sibatang, Pagadian City, Jocelyn T. Macaambac of Kailan, Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur, and Luzviminda Maligro of Sta. Filomena, Dipolog City.

Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture (DA),  Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Food Authority (NFA), Nutritionist Dietitian Association of the Philippines and the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) have received a certificates of recognition for the implementation of special program support to the NNC in the region. (PIA9)

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Catbalogan spearheads “Pasko Caravan” for Yolanda children-survivors

By Gideon C. Corgue
TACLOBAN CITY – A relief operation initiative dubbed “Pasko Caravan” spearheaded by the city officials of Catbalogan City ended Sunday, December 23, 2013.

The “Pasko Caravan,” which is 9 days of joy and smile, has provided not only toys and slippers to the children-survivors of Typhoon Yolanda but also some entertainment.

Catbalogan City Mayor Stephanie Uy-Tan in an interview with the staff of Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 said the caravan did not only provide give stuff toys and slippers but also entertainment to children  seriously  affected by supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan)  
Tan said the caravan ran from Dec. 16 to 23 in  the cities of  Catbalogan and Tacloban and in the provinces of Eastern Samar, Western Samar, and Leyte.

More than a thousand children received the gifts from Tan who personally led the caravan.

Tan said she was encouraged to initiate the project when she visited Hernani, Eastern Samar, which was devastated by supertyphoon Yolanda.

“It was the children of Hernani, Eastern Samar who pushed me to initiate the caravan. I have seen their unfortunate situation and feel pity on them for having experienced the trauma wrought by super typhoon Yolanda,” Tan said.  

Tan declared that holding the Pasko Caravan gave the children joy and made them smile. It helped them recover from their traumatic experience.

The lady mayor wanted to prove others wrong in saying that “there is no Christmas for typhoon Yolanda survivors.”

“I want to disprove the claim of others that there is no Christmas for typhoon survivors,” Tan said adding “with the smile of the children is a sufficient proof that there is indeed Christmas for them.”  

Meanwhile, Tan urged all typhoon Yolanda survivors to stay strong during hard times, as Filipinos are resilient. “I also encourage them to always pray to God for these things did happen to measure our faith in Him,” Tan concluded. (PIA9) 

PRC continues to accept donations for Yolanda victims

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Zamboanga del Norte Chapter continues to accept donations from the public for the Yolanda victims but used clothing.

PRC-ZN Provincial Administrator Hector Soledad said in a recent “Kapihan sa Dipolog” radio program held here at Sunburst Restaurant, Camilla Hotel I that the local chapter has already generated more than P100 thousand cash assistance and an estimated P1.2 milion worth of food and non-food donations for the typhoon victims.

The PRC here is scheduled to transport another batch of relief goods to Tacloban City tomorrow using the vehicles of the provincial government, consisting of food and non-food items and medicines.

Soledad also expressed his thanks for the support extended by provincial government, the two cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, the 25 municipalities of the province as well as the public and generous individuals for lending their vehicles to transport the relief goods to the Port of Pulawan in Dapitan City, including George and Peter Lines and Lite Shipping for providing free accommodations for the relief goods to be transported to Tacloban via Cebu.

He assured the public of transparency in handling donations for the Yolanda victims. “All cash generated by the local chapter is remitted to the national headquarters for disposition except those intended for administrative expenses,” Soledad said.

Meanwhile, PRC- ZN Chairman Soccoro Hamac urges the public to participate in disaster preparedness trainings to enhance their capability to respond in times of calamity. She noted that in most of trainings conducted only the “tanods” and a number of barangay officials are participating.

Soledad stressed the needs of least one member of the family to know the basics of first-aid to be able respond appropriately to any untoward incident.

Executive Assistant Joshua Bicoy of the provincial government reiterated Governor Roberto Uy’s appeal to the public for prayer and thanks to the Almighty as Zamboanga del Norte had been spared from major calamities that hit other parts of the country.

It may be recalled that despite appropriate warnings from the concerned government agencies of the coming of  supertyphoon Yolanda - considered one of the most damaging typhoons that hit the country – it still left more than 6,000 people dead, thousands injured and missing, and billions of properties, agriculture and infrastructures damaged. (PIA9) 

Catbalogan spearheads “Pasko Caravan” for Yolanda children-survivors

By Gideon C. Corgue

TACLOBAN CITY – A relief operation initiative dubbed “Pasko Caravan” spearheaded by the city officials of Catbalogan City ended Sunday, December 23, 2013.

The “Pasko Caravan,” which is 9 days of joy and smile, has provided not only toys and slippers to the children-survivors of Typhoon Yolanda but also some entertainment.

Catbalogan City Mayor Stephanie Uy-Tan in an interview with the staff of Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 said the caravan did not only provide give stuff toys and slippers but also entertainment to children  seriously  affected by supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan)  

Tan said the caravan ran from Dec. 16 to 23 in  the cities of  Catbalogan and Tacloban and in the provinces of Eastern Samar, Western Samar, and Leyte.
More than a thousand children received the gifts from Tan who personally led the caravan.

Tan said she was encouraged to initiate the project when she visited Hernani, Eastern Samar, which was devastated by supertyphoon Yolanda.

“It was the children of Hernani, Eastern Samar who pushed me to initiate the caravan. I have seen their unfortunate situation and feel pity on them for having experienced the trauma wrought by super typhoon Yolanda,” Tan said.  

Tan declared that holding the Pasko Caravan gave the children joy and made them smile. It helped them recover from their traumatic experience.

The lady mayor wanted to prove others wrong in saying that “there is no Christmas for typhoon Yolanda survivors.”

“I want to disprove the claim of others that there is no Christmas for typhoon survivors,” Tan said adding “with the smile of the children is a sufficient proof that there is indeed Christmas for them.”  

Meanwhile, Tan urged all typhoon Yolanda survivors to stay strong during hard times, as Filipinos are resilient. “I also encourage them to always pray to God for these things did happen to measure our faith in Him,” Tan concluded. (PIA9) 

Monday, December 23, 2013

PNoy to evacuees: Your gov’t is with you all the way

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY – “Narito po ang inyong gobyerno upang akayin kayo sa bawat hakbang tungo sa mas mabilis at ganap na rehabilitasyon. Naka-angkla ang ating plano sa isang malinaw na istratehiya, build back better” (Your government is with you every step towards faster and complete rehabilitation. Our plan is anchored on one clear strategy, build back better), Pres. Benigno Aquino III emphasized during his visit here, yesterday.


President Aquino, who inspected the condition of the evacuees and the bunkhouses inside Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex (Grandstand), said the government is not just trying to erase traces of the tragic past during the MNLF-Misuari faction attack but it is pushing for Zamboanga City to stand back on its feet stronger and better.

The President said his government is making sure that the rehabilitation of the affected areas in the city will give the victims safer and better condition.

“We have allocated P3.5 billion for the Zamboanga City Road Map to Recovery and Reconstruction or Z3R. This includes shelter assistance, infrastructure, and assistance to more than 5,600 affected families,” Aquino explained.

According to him, the government’s priorities are those families whose houses were razed or destroyed during the September siege.

“Walang sinasayang na oras ang inyong gobyerno para tugunan ang inyong pangangailangan. Tungkulin ko pong siguraduhing mas mabuti ang inyong kalagayan sa hinaharap,” (Your government is not wasting any time to address all your needs. It is my duty to ensure you have a better life in the future.) the President said.

Aquino explained to the evacuees that the bunkhouses are just temporary shelter assistance. He said they are making sure that the areas for relocation where their permanent homes will be built are safe, have enough facilities, and peaceful.

Pres. Aquino promised them that the government will be there for them.

“Sa kabila ng patung-patong na suliranin na kinakaharap ng ating bayan sa kasalukuyan, hindi po makakaligtaan ng gobyerno ang inyong kapakanan at ang mga pangangailangan,” (Despite the different problems our country is facing, your government will never forget your welfare and your needs.) Aquino stressed.

Before the President ended his speech, he presented the architectural renderings of the different houses that will be built for the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts within six to 18 months. Aquino said the rehabilitation and reconstruction plan of the city, carefully studied by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the local government of Zamboanga, and UP PLANADES, include planned road networks, drainage system, and sanitary system on the stealth houses for the badjaos.

President Aquino, finally, left a strong challenge to everybody to make all efforts successful.

“I urged all of you to help us and be on the same page with us, united and helping one another. We will do everything that we can, but we can hasten our job because you, our bosses, are also working hand in hand with us. We will not stop until you are in a better situation and condition. (PIA9)    

“Task Force Kapatid” helps restore power in towns of Leyte province

By Gideon C. Corgue
TACLOBAN CITY – The Task Force Kapatid- Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative –I (TFK-ZAMSURECO-I) as well as the other 517 electric cooperatives from Mindanao successfully fulfilled its mission in restoring electricity in nine typhoon-ravaged municipalities of Leyte.

TFK-ZAMSURECO-I team leader Jigger Lauganas in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 said the team, which was dispatched by ZAMSURECO-I Manager Jose Raul Saniel on Nov. 12, 2013, had fulfilled its mission in restoring the electricity in Leyte province on Dec. 19.

TFK is a project of National Electrification Administration (NEA) established in 20 comprising volunteers from the different electric cooperatives (ECs) from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to render free services to other ECs which need technical help in times of calamities for immediate power restoration and construction of additional lines in remote barangays.

Lauganas said the TFK-ZAMSURECO-I composed of 21 linemen equipped with service and complete linemen’s gears and foodstuffs helped restore power of Leyte’s eight municipalities, namely, Alang-Alang, Barugo, Carigara, Capoocan, Jaro , San Miguel, Pastrana  and Sta. Fe as well as the Leyte Metropolitan Water District, the source of potable water in Tacloban City and Leyte.

Lauganas said the team was very happy to have contributed their skills by bringing back electricity in the hardly-hit areas of supertyphoon “Yolanda” in Leyte.

“We are very happy that with our more than a month stay in Leyte, we were able to help other TFK electric cooperatives in Visayas restoring the electricity in eight municipalities which were badly hit by the supertyphoon ‘Yolanda” on Nov. 8.

“It’s so fulfilling to help and make the affected families of super typhoon Yolanda smile. Despite adversities, we gave them hope by extending our helping hands,” Lauganas said.

Lauganas said, after the full restoration of power on Thursday, a simple Christmas party followed at the NFA command center in Palo, Leyte.

The party was graced by Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, NEA Administrator Editha Bueno, and Deputy Administraror Edgardo Piamonte. (PIA9) 

PNOY approves Z3R; orders swift implementation of plan

President Aquino yesterday approved the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R), the rehabilitation plan that is intended to build back a better Zamboanga following the massive destruction wrought by the 23-day armed conflict last September.

The president, who visited Zamboanga City yesterday, likewise approved the over P3 billion funding for the Z3R and ordered the agencies concerned to ensure the swift implementation of the rehabilitation plan.

“Makakaasa po ang mga taga Zamboanga, sa kabila ng patung-patong na suliranin na hinaharap ng ating bayan sa kasalukuyan, hindi po nakakaligtaan ng gobyerno ang inyong kapakanan at mga pangangailangan, (Zamboanga residents can expect that despite the numerous challenges besetting our country at present, the government will not be remiss in its responsibility to attend to your needs), the president told the crowd in an address at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex.

The president arrived in Zamboanga City past 12 noon yesterday from Compostela Valley. Together with Cabinet Secretaries Voltaire Gazmin of National Defense, Dinky Soliman of Social Welfare, Carlos Petilla of the Department of Energy, Rene Almendras (Secretary to the Cabinet), Panfilo Lacson (Tacloban rehabilization czar), Rogelio Singson of Public Works and Highways and National Housing Authority General Manager Chito Cruz, the president immediately met with local officials and representatives from the multi-sectoral groups led by Mayor Beng Climaco at the EAAB arrival area for a briefing on the Z3R.

During the briefing, the president was presented with resolutions of the City Council and the Darul-Ifta and other sectors approving the Z3R plan, based on the consultations held December 13 in Zamboanga City.

Sec. Singson, who heads the Zamboanga Rehabilitation Team, comprehensively discussed the Z3R plan which the DPWH, UP PLANADES team and the local rehabilitation team coordinating structure painstakingly conceptualized.
He explained to the president that the plan’s overarching concept is “Build Back Better” with 3 objectives: improve the overall environment of the affected communities covering some 46 hectares, minimize adverse social impacts and relocation and improve public safety and security of the community.

Based on calculations of the National Housing Authority represented  by general manager Cruz, the construction of the permanent houses will take about 6 to 18 months to complete. The DPWH, through Singson also committed to complete the construction of roads and drainage system in 6 months to a year.

President Aquino directed Singson and Cruz to finish the projects within the time frame or if possible, ahead of the timeline set.

On the other hand, the president said, the national government will see to it that the Z3R will be fully realized but stressed that it will require the support and cooperation of the local government, the families affected and all sectors concerned. “Walang sinasayang na oras ang gobyerno para tugunan ang inyong mga pangangailangan.”

Meanwhile, Sec. Soliman in her report to the president said the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex, the biggest evacuation center, now houses 2,733 families or a total of 11,903 individuals from the previous 5,350 families with 25,304 individuals.

The grandstand has 10 bunkhouses, 9 of which were constructed by the Philippine Army’s 52nd Engineering Brigade with funds coming from the DSWD and one funded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Each bunkhouse has 12 rooms and can accommodate a total of 36 families.

After the closed door briefing at the EAAB, the president proceeded to the JEMSC or grandstand to inspect the bunkhouses and to address the crowd composed of the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

From Zamboanga City, the president and his cabinet secretaries left for Tacloban City to also look into the situation of victims of super typhoon Yolanda. (Sheila Covarrubias)

Beng thanks PNOY for full support to Z3R

Mayor Beng Climaco Sunday expressed all out gratitude to President Aquino and the members of the Cabinet for ensuring that the Zamboanga rehabilitation plan is continuously progressing.

In her message during the executive session with the president at the Edwin Andrews Air Base noontime Sunday, Climaco also presented to the president the collective support to the Z3R plan of the people of zamboanga through the City Council resolution and that of the Darul Ifta representing the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

”As grateful Zamboanguenos, we gather here today to underscore our deep appreciation and for giving the people of Zamboanga hope and confidence to rise again,” the mayor declared.

The executive session was held to brief the president on the Z3R plan which was prepared by the Zamboanga Rehabilitation team led by Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson and the UP PLANADES team in coordination with the local rehabilitation coordination structure.

The president during the briefing approved the plan and ordered the agencies concerned to complete the plan within the timeline and if possible ahead of the time schedule which is between 6-18 months.

Climaco said the president has journeyed with the Zamboanguenos through thick and thin. “From the very start of the crisis you were with us and sent your secretaries to guide us. This was further amplified by your presence and your clear directives: pre-emptive calibrated response that saved the lives of the hostages. Thank you to all of you for being with us”.

The mayor emphasized that the experiences in the Zamboanga siege have shown that despite diversities—Muslims, Christians and Lumads, the people remain united in the cause of upholding one flag, one nation and one Zamboanga.
“We thank you for painstakinglyh overseeing the preparation of the plan and for coming over to personally engage with the different sectors,” the mayor added.

Aside from the mayor, also present during the briefing with the president were Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde and the members of the City Council, representatives from the different sectors, the heads of the Humanitarian, Recovery and REhabiltiation Coordination Structure, the barangay officials from the affected communities, police and military officials and other officials.

From the Cabinet, present were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Energy Secretary Carlos Petilla, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Sec. Panfilo Lacson-designated rehabilitation czar for Luzon and National Housing Authority General Manager Chito Cruz. (Sheila Covarrubias)

Zamboanga City mayor reaffirms support for peace process

ZAMBOANGA CITY -  Mayor Beng Climaco reaffirmed her unwavering support for President Aquino’s program for peace, particularly the ongoing peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“But we reiterate that the people Zamboanga City in two plebiscites, just a reminder, do not want to be part of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) or the Bangsamoro territory that the MILF is currently negotiating with the government,” Climaco said during a dialogue between officials of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) led by Secretary Miriam Coronel Ferrer and members of the city council headed by Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Wednesday morning.

Despite the Moro National Liberation Front’s (MNLF) attack on Zamboanga City last September, Climaco still believes that Zamboanga, being a very influential and important part of Mindanao, needs to continue the dialogue with all other sectors that really want to be relevant to any efforts at attaining peace in Mindanao.

“The lesson that we have learned is very painful that up to now we are still reeling from all the difficulties. We know what it was and what it is, and we still feel the pain years onward,” the lady chief executive said.

According to her, the city of Zamboanga holds the GPH peace panel dearly that whatever actions, initiatives and programs it will have will really hopefully redound to a more progressive, a more participatory understanding of what is for Minadanao to forge peace.

“It it not peaceful when we say everything is okay, but there are disgruntled groups,” she said. “Time and again, as I have already said in congress that we just really have to patiently continue dialoguing with them and that is what we have been doing in Zamboanga City,” she added.

“It might be in this particular term that we will try to contribute to what we call peace but definitely also we respect the voice of the people of this city and we will continue to strive for justice so that our children will have a better opportunity for a brighter future,” Climaco further said.

For her part, Secretary Ferrer shared with the mayor’s statement, stressing that learning from the lessons of the past is one of the guidelines that the President has given to the OPAPP.

“Learning from the past, lessons of the very recent past, the pain that Zamboanga continues to feel and the difficulties in rebuilding. This is something that is very paramount in all considerations that we are doing now in OPAPP,” Ferrer said. “The process is also participatory, transparent and of course within the constitution.”

She told the mayor and the councilors that “we are not negotiating independence; that’s overstepping the constitution, but the flexibilities of the constitution. Within these parameters we have been able to reach this stage where we are at the brink of completing the comprehensive agreement hopefully by January of February next year.”

Ferrer was in the company of former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani and NCMF Commissioner Mehol Sadain. (FPG/JPA/Vic Larato/PIA/CIO)

Zambo. Sur LMP President conveys message of hope for Tacloban

Alma L. Tingcang

TACLOBAN CITY  Dumalinao  Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Zamboanga del Sur Chapter encouraged  the people  gravely affected by Typhoon Yolanda to rise above the storm and put their hope in God as they struggle back to normal life.

In an interview over Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) Power FM radio anchored by Fryan Abkilan and Gideon Corgue, Mayor Cerilles said everyone is working to help them in their plight. “The show of support is overwhelming and encouraging. Everybody is involved and we are working as one Filipino nation helping each other,” he noted.

Cerilles said there is hope for Tacloban amidst the devastation wrought by Typhoon Yolanda and Filipinos are known for being strong-willed, hence he will rise above the situation and emerge victorious.

He assured that help is on track for LMP president Mayor Leonardo Javier of Javier, Leyte who was also affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

It can be recalled that the LMP gave its all-out support to make possible the presence of the PIA 9 team in Tacloban when RD Noemi B. Edaga presented the plan to extend communication support to PIA Region 8, in partnership with CARAGA RD Abner Caga.

Team One Mindanao is composed of PIA9 and CARAGA region as augmentation force in the delivery of information services to the public, giving situation updates on Typhoon Yolanda as well as accomplishments

of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) composed of various government agencies.(PIA9)

Filipino-Australian cousins hand Christmas presents to children-evacuees in Tacloban

By Gideon C. Corgue
TACLOBAN CITY – Thanking God for sparing their grandmother from the fury of supertyphoon ‘Yolanda” (international name, Haiyan), Filipino-Australian cousins gave Christmas presents to the children in the evacuation centers of Tacloban City.

Anne Robson and Ethel Teleron, Filipino-Australians who lived in Mexico along with their cousin Sivan Japor from Cebu City, distributed gifts to children who survived  the most powerful typhoon ‘Yolanda’  that hit the Visayas region last Nov. 8, leaving thousands of people dead and billions of properties wasted.

The gifts comprising toys, shoes, drawing books, notebooks, pencils, slippers and basketballs were given to more than 100 children at People’s Center, the evacuation center for the affected families from barangay 51 right after  the film showing and free cellphone charging conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 there.

Robson said she got a call from her mother informing her of the devastation wrought by supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’ in Tacloban where her 85 year-old grandma, Porferia Mabalhin, who is living in barangay 52, was among the victims.

Robson said she was very happy upon learning that her grandma survived the typhoon. 

“I am very happy that my grandma who is already in a frail health was saved by my relative in our ancestral house and survived the wrath of Yolanda,” Robson said.

“As our own way of thanking God, we came here to thank Him for saving our dear grandma,” Robson said adding that thousands were killed by the killer typhoon.

Robson said we bring Christmas presents to bring back the smiles on the faces of the children and to help them recover from the trauma brought about by Yolanda. (PIA9)

Feature: Emotional ordeal taunts IDPs at Zambo evac center

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - “Hoy! Umuwi na kayo!” (Hey! Go back to wherever you came from!)

Lydia struggled with tears as she shares how passers-by at the evacuation center in Sta. Maria Elementary School treated them and the other displaced persons currently sheltering there. The jests would be followed by mocking laughter. As if they chose to be here; as if they still had a home to go back to.

In addition to physical difficulties while at the evacuation centers such as the lack of potable water, light, closed bathrooms for women, and numerous others, emotional abuse towards IDPs is also rampant.

On December 18, one hundred days since the start of the conflict in Zamboanga City, an inter-agency/organization communications team composed of personnel from the City Information Office (CIO), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) visited the evacuation center and dialogued with the IDPs there.

Lydia and several others were very emotional during the discussion.

Annalie shared that when she visited a health center, she sensed a feeling of hostility from one of the personnel. “Hindi pa ba kayo uuwi?” (Won’t you go home yet?) the personnel would condescendingly say.

“Binubully kami, para kaming hindi mga tao,” (we are bullied, as if we’re less than human) Annalie said.

Not even the children were spared.

Juliet, a mother, shared that her children would also suffer similar treatment from classmates.

“Ang tawag sa kanila mga ‘bakwits.’ Pinaglalait-laitan sila. Lagi silang binubully ng mga classmates nila; ayaw na ng mga anak kong pumasok dahil nahihiya na sila,” (They are taunted, teased as “bakwits”. Their classmates always bully them. My children would refuse to go to school anymore because they are ashamed) said Juliet.

But the truth is, as much as those who constantly demean them, IDPs are desperate to go back home to their communities. The difficulties and uneasiness can sometimes be too unbearable.

“Kailan po ba kami makakauwi?” (when can we go back home?) they were one in asking.

The communications team clarified that IDPs cannot remain at the evacuation centers since the living conditions there are not encouraging. Eventually, they will be transferred to temporary shelters in Tulungatung, Taluksangay and at the Zamboanga Grandstand.

Billy Jamisdamin II from the IOM explained that currently, there are still over 25,000 IDPs scattered in the different evacuation centers. “Pero itong numero bumababa. Ibig sabihin ay unti-unti nang tinatransfer ang mga IDPs sa mga temporary shelters, at mas maayos dun kaysa dito.” (But this number is decreasing. What it means is that IDPs are being transferred to their temporary shelters, which are much better than the evacuation centers.)

The IDPs will be temporarily relocated to spacious bunkhouses at the resettlement sites, which is far better than the tents where several people cram together.

Moreover, IDPs will have opportunities to participate in cash for work, cash for food and other livelihood programs, minimizing their dependence on relief goods.

Eventually, perhaps in a matter of six to eight months to a year, they will be able to return to their homes and communities in Rio Hondo, Mariki, and in some parts of Talon-Talon (where houses were totally destroyed) after these areas will have been reconstructed.

“The government will build back better communities for you. This means that your areas will already have better infrastructures and other amenities once you return,” said City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias. “The reconstruction is a high priority, which means that the reconstruction will begin soon.”

Meanwhile, Covarrubias assured the IDPs that their concerns and difficulties will immediately be brought to the attention of the concerned agencies.

“Huwag na sana nating payagan na maulit ito,” (we should not let this happen again) pleaded Juliet.

In the meantime, this being only a few days before Christmas, the IDPs are requesting for one more thing: “noche Buena.”

“Klarong-claro po na hindi pa talaga kami makauwi ngayong Pasko,” requested Jimmy. Pero kung pupuwede po sana, may magandang puso na paghandaan kami ng Noche Buena.” (We can’t go home this Christmas, but hopefully, someone would share a Christmas eve meal with us.) (PIA9)

Liga ng mga Barangay elects officers

By Jocelyn P Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) or the Liga ng mga Barangay here held on Wednesday its election of officers.

Barangay Putik Chairman Jerry Perez was elected president vice Abdurahman Nuño of Barangay Talauksangay.

Vic Larato of the City Information Office (CIO) said with the election of Perez as ABC president, he will also take the place of Nuño as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. “He will receive the same privileges as the regular councilors do,” Larato explained.

Larato said the ABC election of officers was supervised by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Zamboanga City Office headed by Moh. Taha Arakama.

Shortly after DILG declared the winners of said election, the officers took their oath with Mayor Beng Climaco as the inducting officer.

Other ABC officers are Rey Modillas, vice president, and Joselito Macrohon, auditor. The members of the Board of Directors are Ronald Maravilla, Rogelio Miranda, Raphael Apolinario, Attang Mohammad Nu, Angelica Inot, Razdy Mukaram, Jose Alavar and Antonio Saavedra.

Three barangay chairmen failed to cast their votes. (PIA9/CIO)

Zambo. Norte library is recipient of US “embassy bucks”

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Library and Information Center (ZNPLIC) has recently received communication and educational equipment from the US embassy in Manila through Thomas Jefferson Information Center’s program dubbed “embassy bucks.”

The grant amounting to $ 1,000.00 consists of equipment such as 32 inches LED flat screen colored television and computer set.

These donations will be placed in the “learning salon” located at the second floor of the building and will be used in news writing workshops and storytelling for elementary and secondary students.

ZNPLIC is the only recognized “library kiosk” in the entire region. It constantly receives donations like books, posters, pamphlets and other reading materials. 

A Kindle 3G+wifi has been installed, a donation from the US Embassy, was also installed inside the library particularly at the American corner

The library will soon have its LCD projector to be used in trainings, workshops, film showing and similar activities.

This undertaking of the US embassy aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of intellectual consumers in relation to the importance of social networking tools with the traditional and new media.

ZNPLIC was also recognized as one of the “2012 five most outstanding provincial libraries” in the country. (PIA9)

Zambo. Norte bags “Pamana ng Lahi” award

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte is set to receive P3 million from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as the regional winner of the “Gawad Pamana ng Lahi” award. 

The province has been recognized for its exemplary performance in the field of development planning, sound financial management, transparency and accountability, and valuing performance monitoring.

With this, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has recently passed a resolution authorizing Governor Roberto Y. Uy to enter into a memorandum of agreement with DILG-9 represented by Regional Director Paisal Abutazil to effect the implementation of an infrastructure project to be funded with the P3 million prize from the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) in Siocon town.

Under the MOA, the provincial government will provide the technical assistance to the municipal government of Siocon through participation, transparency and accountability to the project.

It could be recalled that a 1.3-kilometer road concreting project along the provincial road at Barangay Malipot in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte was already implemented under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Pillar 3 Project with an appropriation of P15 million. Such a project is the national government’s intervention in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas in the country in support of the peace initiatives of the government. (PIA9)

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

PIA9 director bares purpose of Tacloban trip over dxBC

By Gideon C. Corgue
BUTUAN CITY – Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 on Friday morning was interviewed over RMN-dxBC here on PIA9’s support to the communication activities in typhoon-ravaged city of Tacloban.

In said interview, Director Edaga explained that the PIA9 team would serve as reinforcement to PIA One Mindanao organized PIA-Caraga Regional Director Abner Caga that is assisting PIA-8 in the information work following the onslaught of supertyphoon Yolanda last Nov. 8.

Edaga was interviewed by Archer Capadeso, anchorman of “Straight to the Point” radio program.

Edaga’s attendance to the interview was in response to the invitation of dxBC Station Manager Ramil Bangues.

Edaga said the team travels in convoy of three vehicles from Pagadian City to Tacloban City.

The group, which brought along relief goods and tents for affected PIA personnel and media men in Tacloban, left Pagadian on Thursday evening, arrived in Butuan City on Friday morning and proceeded to Tacloban with PIA Caraga on Saturday.

Edaga thanked the generous donors in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Pagadian City and Dipolog City for supporting PIA9’s initiative in helping the typhoon victims saying that “the team was overwhelmed with the cooperation they have shown to the agency.”

“At first, we hesitated to pursue with our mission to help because we have zero fund. We have no logistics at all. But when we made an appeal to

some government officials and businessmen they responded positively,” Edaga explained.

Edaga specifically mentioned the help extended by Zamboanga del Sur governor Antonio Cerilles, Pagadian City mayor Romeo Pulmones, Dumalinao mayor Ace William Cerilles, Dipolog City mayor Evelyn Uy, First Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, Ramona Fishing Corporation, Zamboanga Motors Supply, and Caritas Shield Insurance.


The team arrived at Leyte Sports Development Center, Tacloban City on Saturday evening. (PIA9)

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Zambo. Norte “job order workers” to get pay hike next year

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Job order workers of the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte have all the reasons to smile these days as they will receive an increase in their daily wages effective Jan. 1 next year.

In its regular session recently, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has agreed to raise the daily wage of the job order workers from P260 to P312 or an increase of P62, as incorporated in the newly approved executive budget of the provincial government for fiscal year 2014.

Earlier Board Member Romulo Soliva of the province’s second district who chairs the committee on finance and appropriation pushed for the passage of the provincial budget for 2014 worth P1,610,582,418 as contained in his Committee Report of the Whole No. 13-01.

It could be recalled that upon their assumption to office and having learned that the job order employees are only receiving P260 a day, both Governor Roberto Uy and Vice Governor Senen Angeles have pushed for the increase in job orders’ salary.

Governor Uy hopes that the approved daily wage increase will serve as a motivation to the workers of the provincial government to do their work better.

Presently, the provincial government has 990 job order workers assigned in the different provincial offices and another 148 are assigned at the Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center. (PIA9)

Campus scribes meet for provl press confab

By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY – Budding campus writers from the different elementary and high schools in Zamboanga del Norte have converged here recently for the annual provincial schools press conference with the theme, “Campus Journalism and Transformational Leadership.”

Dr. Fe J. Lakian, English supervisor, bared that some 300 student-participants had attended the three-day activity which comprised lectures and contests on newswriting, feature writing, sports writing, science and health writing, copyreading and headline writing, editorial cartoon and photojournalism.

Lakian said the top seven winners of each category would be qualified to participate in the regional press conference.

The regional press conference is now going on in Pagadian City starting Dec. 11-13.

Prior to the conduct of the provincial press conference, the Zamboanga del Norte Press Club (ZNPC) held free journalism seminars for high school students in Zamboanga del Norte and the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan in July to September.

Providing free journalistic writing workshops for high school students has evolved into a regular project of the press club in order to help the schools hone the writing skills of their students.

A number of “press club alumni” had managed to win awards in the regional and national press conferences. Some of whom are now successful professionals.

One of the successful “press club alumni” is the vice mayor of Polanco town, Atty. Faith C. Penados, who during her high school days emerged as champion in an essay writing contest sponsored by the club. (PIA9)

Zambo. Norte home to 5 protected areas in region 9, says DENR 9

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – Roservirico A. Tan, chief of the Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 said that Zamboanga del Norte is home of five declared protected areas in the region during the recently concluded 1st Regional Ecotourism Summit on Dec. 5-6, 2013 held at Mibang Hotel this city.

“Zamboanga del Norte recorded the highest number of protected areas in the region and in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the islands of Aliguay, Selinog and Murcielagos, the Siocon Resource Reserve and the Jose Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape,” Tan disclosed.

He added that Zamboanga del Sur has two protected areas, namely, Mt. Timolan and Dumanquillas Bay. The Buug Natural Biotic Area is the protected area in Zamboanga Sibugay while the Pasonanca Natural Park is the protected area in Zamboanga City.

On the other hand, the ARMM which is still under DENR-9’s jurisdiction has two protected areas: the Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi and Mt. Dajo National Park in Jolo, Sulu.

The summit aimed to raise awareness among stakeholders on the protection and conservation of natural resources, wildlife sanctuary, natural biotic areas, protected landscape and seascapes, natural parks and monument.

“This convention will not only provide awareness on the protection of terrestrial and marine sanctuaries but also, in a way, boost the economic condition of the community living within these areas. With the natural wonders their place has to offer, more tourists will be captivated and enthralled to visit,” Tan explained.

He added that once the people are aware of the importance and benefits [of these things] in the community, they themselves will advocate their protection and preservation.

On the part of the provincial government, Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy represented by 3rd District Board Member Ruth M. Brillantes promised that the provincial leadership will do its part in the protection and conservation of the ecological system and will make sure that “the commerce and trade operating within the province will conform not only with the laws of man but also with the laws of God.”

It can be recalled that Governor Uy recently requested the Sangnguniang Panlalawigan to pass a law declaring barangay Linay of Baliguian town as protected area for wildlife and endangered species with the discovery of the Monkey-Eating Eagle popularly known as Philippine Eagle, tarsier or locally known as Basing, Deer or Binaw, unique monkeys and many others.

The governor vowed that the provincial government will continue to help and support the DENR, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform and other national agencies in the protection of our environment so that “all can live a healthy life and the next generation can happily inherit this earth.” (PIA9)