Energy grid guarantees reliable and stable power for 2013 elections

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, January 31 - - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reiterates its commitment to the public that the country’s power grid will remain stable and reliable during the upcoming crucial political event.

Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza, NGCP Spokesperson said a special task force has been organized which will be responsible for the smooth transmission of electricity and creation of contingency plans and measures during the election. It will commence operation as early as February 2013 and will work 24/7 from May 10 to 17, 2013, covering the election date which is May 13.

“NGCP creates a task force every election season to guarantee uninterrupted power transmission, and this election will be no different. Part of the task force’s mandate is to secure the lines and substations from any threats to avoid unplanned outages,” explained Alabanza. “Of course, NGCP can only guarantee that there will be no transmission related interruptions. Any power interruption caused by other factors, such as generation deficiencies, or those pertaining to distribution utility operations, are beyond our control,” she stressed.

NGCP will defer its regular maintenance activities 1 week before and 1 week after the election to make all the transmission assets available for power delivery. Alabanza assured, “We will make sure that power delivery is excellent and transmission lines and equipment are at their best to ensure that we have electricity for the voting machines.”

The Department of Energy (DOE) created a Power Task Force earlier this month intended to secure the country’s power supply for the mid-term elections. Together with other energy agencies, NGCP is also a member of the said task force.

“NGCP’s task force is aligned with the Power Task Force created by DOE. We shall be in constant coordination with them and with other agencies in the power industry, to ensure that we have a power interruption-free election this year,” said Alabanza. (ALT/NGCP/PIA9)

Flavor enhancers are good strategy to increase dietary intake of elderly, says FNRI

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

PAGADIAN CITY, 31 Jan. (PIA) - - Adding flavor enhancers to the dietary intake of elderly may be a good strategy in increasing the food intake of older persons to increase appetite and improve nutritional status, revealed Celina Ann Javier, Media Service, Food and Nutrition Research Institute Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in a press statement.

Javier said FNRI-DOST conducted a study to Sixty seven (67) persons aged 60 years old and above of which one group was given 0.5 grams flavor enhancer while the other group was given 0.5 grams iodized salt.

“These were added to lunch and supper of the subjects for two months. The subjects tolerated the addition of flavor enhancer and iodized salt,” the same press statement reads.

Javier said results of the study “revealed that both interventions increased the energy and all the nutrient intake of the subjects, body weight and body mass index (BMI) also increased significantly with flavor enhancer use, but not with iodized salt. “

She said that for the duration of the study, blood pressure of the subjects was also normal for both interventions and sodium in the blood of the subjects was also within the normal levels.

“This study is a scientific proof that addition of said flavor enhancers will not increase the blood pressure of older persons as long as these are used in moderation,” Javier noted.

Javier explained that older persons tend to eat less because their sense of taste and smell generally weaken as they reach the age of 60 and above. “With their weak senses, their appetite also depreciates which may result in malnutrition,” said Javier. (JPA/PIA9)

DENR 9 acquires new motorcycle units

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY, 30 Jan (PIA) – To intensify its forest protection activities and boost the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX has acquired 41 brand new units of Honda XRM-125 motorcycles.

The motorcycle units worth P2.683 million were purchased through the funds of Forest Management Services (FMS).

Regional Executive Director Arleigh Adorable, together with FMS Regional Technical Director Ali Bari and Administrative Division Chief Benjamin Rubia  led in the blessing and turnover ceremony of the motorcycles units to the different heads of DENR field offices who personally received the units.

Each Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City will receive a motorcycle unit.

Three units would also be given to each Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Zamboanga City –East, Zamboanga City – West, Ipil, Buug, Siocon, Liloy, Guipos and the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog and Pagadian City.

Other recipients were FMS with three units, Office of the RED (ORED) – two units and one unit each for Protected Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS) and Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS).

Director Adorable said the motorcycles would be used to enhance the capability of DENR personnel in monitoring various forest protection activities and to achieve performance targets and other support activities of the NGP.

In a related development, the Land Management Services (LMS-IX) has also turned-over three units Yamaha YBR motorcycles to the CENROs of Dipolog and Dapitan cities and another unit for PENRO, Zamboanga del Sur. (FPG/DENR-IX/CAL/PIA9)

ZNPPO holds media seminar-workshop in Dipolog

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY,Jan. 30 (PIA)--- The Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office (ZNPPO) recently held here a seminar-workshop for print and broadcast media practitioners who are members of the Mindanao Press Corps (MPC).  

The one-day seminar, which was held Monday at the conference hall of the PNP provincial headquarters, was titled “The Role of Media in 2013 Midterm Elections” with media men from the different regions in Mindanao as participants.

Zamboanga del Norte PNP Provincial Director P/SSupt. James B. Mejia said the seminar aims to remind the media men of their role in the upcoming election to ensure a peaceful and orderly political exercise.

Provincial Election Supervisor, Atty. Jossil Macute, who served as resource speaker, discussed the various Comelec resolutions and also urged the media men to be responsible and factual in their reports.

He also cited media men’s vital role in the conduct of the mid-term polls as members of the fourth estate.

For its part, the Mindanao Press Corps has expressed its gratitude to the PNP leadership for hosting the seminar. (FPG/ATR/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

COMELEC, PNP, AFP tackle COMELEC resolutions

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA)  -- In preparation for the conduct of the May 2013 midterm elections, the representatives of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed of Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) held on Thursday a joint provincial security control conference at Camp Abelon headquarters here to discuss the different COMELEC resolutions attendant to the upcoming balloting.

These representatives of the agencies deputized for the May 2013 elections discussed their respective roles during election period along with the implementation of the gun ban and establishment of checkpoints.

ZamboSur Police Provincial Office officer-in-charge P/Sr. Superintendent Thomas Abellar said “there is a need for them to sit down along with these agencies in the enforcement of pertinent Comelec resolutions.”

Abellar said the conference aimed at helping the Comelec in ensuring compliance with the different activities during the election period from Jan. 13 to June 30, 2013.

Also discussed in said meeting were Comelec resolutions no. 9165-A and 9588, prohibiting the bearing, carrying or transport of firearms or other deadly weapons outside the residence and in public places during election period,   and the guidelines on the establishment and operation of Comelec checkpoints.

DILG-9 Assistant Regional Director Pedro Cuevas lauded the PNP for spearheading the conference, saying that vital issues were successfully discussed between and among the Comelec, PNP, AFP and DILG particularly on the gun ban and the establishment of checkpoints.

Cuevas said a day after the implementation of gun ban, it was reported on TV, newspapers, and radio that there were already violations committed. “There is an imperative need for us to implement the said resolutions in our region and province so that we will not encounter problems,” Cuevas urged.

As provincial election supervisor Atty. Ignacio Baya failed to attend the meeting, Napolcom-9 Assistant Regional Director Pablito Abad Jr., a lawyer, helped interpret the provisions of the election code as well as the possible applications and implications of the law so as to guide the Comelec-deputized agencies in carrying out their respective duties and functions to make the May 2013 elections honest, orderly, peaceful and credible.  (FPG/GCC/PIA,Pagadian City) 

Dipolog celebrates 17TH autism consciousness week

By Mary May A. Abellon

Dipolog City, Jan. 29 (PIA) - - The city government here has joined the entire nation in celebrating the 17^th National Autism Consciousness Week last Jan. 20-27.

With the theme, “Autismo Alamin: Pagtanggap at Pag-unawa Palaganapin,” the weeklong celebration sought to develop awareness of the problems of autistic persons and promote a supportive environment among communities to enable autistic persons to live with dignity and to function independently so they can contribute productively to society.

 

Children with visual/hearing impairment as well as those with intellectual/ learning disabilities participated in the motorcade and opening program held at the Senior Citizens’ Covered Court at Barangay Sta. Isabel this city, marking the start of the weeklong celebration.

In his message, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Nelson Z. Ladera has expressed his gratitude to the parents who solidly gave their love, care and support for their children with special needs and providing them with good quality education.

 “I am very grateful to our teachers who have special skills in giving education to our differently-abled children,” Ladera added.    

Other activities conducted in support of the said celebration were hydrotherapy, artwork, play group therapy and socialization, and family ougtings.

Autism Consciousness Week is celebrated every third week of January each year pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 711 of 1996 by former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, with the end in view of addressing the growing incidence of autism among Filipinos. (FPG/MAA/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

5 Zambo. Norte artists to join visual arts festival in Pagadian

By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY, Jan. 29 (PIA) - - Five visual artists of Zamboanga del Norte are slated to participate in the Philippine Visual Arts Festival (PVAF) on Feb. 7-11 in Pagadian City, according to Emma Bengua-Prima, former president of Ta ‘Glibon Ini Lady Art Collective of this city.

These artists are Meinardo Velasco, Don Gurrea, Emma Bengua-Prima, Vicente Laput, Leo Marquiala and Desa Laput who will be bringing along their paintings for the artwork competitions.

PVAF is a flagship project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ (NCCA) National Committee for Visual Arts in support of the National Arts Month this February.

A press release issued by NCAA disclosed that the PVAF will be attended by the “different visual artist from all over the country” with their artworks.

It also said “talks and lectures about the pressing issues that concern the artists of Mindanao will be tackled during the festival,” which is headed by visual artist Nemesio Miranda.

Visual artists attending the festival shall also have a chance to interact and exchange ideas and talks among each other while joining other activities like art sale, tours, lectures, etc.

PVAF was held last year in Angono, Rizal with National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos “Botong” Francisco and National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro gracing the occasion. (FPG/PIA9)

DA leads National Year of Rice celebration

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY, 28 Jan (PIA) – With the primary goal of attaining rice-self-sufficiency this year, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 494 declaring the year 2013 as the National Year of Rice and mandated the Department of Agriculture (DA) to lead the celebration.

In a recent press conference held at Hotel Guillermo this city, DA-9 Regional Information Officer Melba Wee said part of the strategies to attain rice-self-sufficiency is the conduct of intensified information campaign and social marketing to enjoin producers, consumers and policy makers to help achieve the said goal.

Through these strategies, Wee said, by the end of 2013 fifty percent of the rice consuming public will commit to become  responsible rice consumers by eating just right amount of rice, not wasting rice, and eating other sources of carbohydrates.

“As to rice producers, 50 percent of them shall adopt a more efficient and new production technologies, and for policy makers to come up with policy statements or ordinances in support of the NYR goal,” Wee added.

“Filipinos are eating too much rice. We are eating more rice than other food groups, when rice and other grains should only be one fourth of our meal plate,” Wee stressed.

”On the other hand, every Filipino wastes about two tablespoons of cooked rice or nine grams of uncooked rice daily,” Wee recounted.

DA report stated that in 2010, wasted rice was equivalent to 13% of the total rice imports of the year, which was also equivalent to P6.2 billion or the consumption of nearly 2.6 million Filipinos a year.

With this, Wee encouraged the rice-consuming public to eat just the right amount of rice, try to take alternative food staples (such as banana, potato, cassava, corn and gabi), and eat brown rice for better health and avoid food wastage. (FPG/CAL/PIA9)

AFP, PNP, MILF, IMT hold joint convention to help Al-Barka, Basilan

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Jan 28 (PIA) – A joint convention of the military, police, the Moro Islamic liberation Front (MILF), and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) was conducted recently at the “conflict-prone” town of Al-Barka in Basilan to help rebuild itself.

In a report, Basilan police chief PSSupt Mario M. Dapilloza said that the convention had tackled the project proposal offered and funded by the International Monitoring Team with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The proposals discussed include the construction of school buildings in the municipality that would address its primordial need of educating its children and youth to build a better Al-Barka in the near future.

The police chief said that the convention held last Dec. 5 with the MILF commanders, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the IMT was a manifestation of government’s sincerity to complete the peace process and the on-going talks with the MILF in implementing the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

Dapilloza said that the Aquino administration is committed to the completion of the FAB, with the military and the police providing the needed support on the ground. The efforts, he added, include the support from local and international institutions to advocate for the full realization of the peace framework of the government with the MILF.

“Everything is towards the common goal of peace and development of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” he stressed.

He said the police is working closely with the military and other agencies as part of its advocacy to promote collaborative efforts in attaining peace and development for the Bangsamoro.

With the election period at hand, the Basilan Provincial Police Office (BPPO) also introduced at the convention its Safe and Secure Elections (SAFE) 2013 program and some issue and concerns related to the elections. The police hope that the MILF could help in maintaining peace and order during the forthcoming national and local elections.

The police chief and the military’s 104^th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito V. Galvez have conveyed their appeal to the convention participants of the need to work together, especially on the significant role that each individual could contribute to attain a safe, free, and peaceful elections. 

CHED to facilitate early processing of scholarship applications

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

  

ZAMBOANGA CITY – “By April, the students shall have known if they are awarded the scholarship or not; and by May, we can start paying our scholars to avoid any delays in their enrollment,” Commission on Higher Education-9 (CHED) Regional Director Emmylou B. Yanga said, adding that her office will be attending to all scholarship applications starting Feb. 1 to March 31, 2013.

This adjustment is in accordance with CHED Memorandum Order no. 56, series of 2012 which revises the Implementing Guidelines for the Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs).

“We want to inform our public about CMO no. 56 so that they will be aware of the revisions in the application for financial assistance since we have moved the application period earlier”, Dir. Yanga said.

CMO no. 56 aims to rationalize the administration and implementation of CHED StuFAPs by selecting the poor and deserving scholars or grantees; ensure that scholars/grantees are enrolled in duly authorized higher education institutions and in identified priority programs; and to ascertain that the StuFAPs are properly administered and implemented.

“Unlike before, we are now requiring our student applicants to submit weighted average grade from their third year and their fourth year grades from first to third grading periods. We will get 50% from their third year grade and another 50% from their fourth year grades,” Yanga explained.

The grades, according to Yanga, will determine which scholarship program the applicants can avail.

CHED’s scholarship has two categories: the Full Merit and the Half Merit.

Director Yanga said students with weighted average of at least 90% in their 3^rd year, and 90% in the first three grading periods of their 4^th year can qualify for Full Merit Scholarship, while students with at least 85% on both 3^rd year and the first three grading periods in fourth year can qualify for the half merit scholarship.

Other qualification requirements are: Student applicants should also be Filipino citizens and of good moral character; must not be more than 30 years old at the time of application; must be high school graduates or candidates for graduation; parents’ or guardians’ combined annual income must not exceed P300,000.00. Those who are exempted from income tax should present a certificate of Tax Exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); and for OFWs and sea farers, a latest copy of contract or proof of income is required. Finally, applicants must not be recipients of any government scholarship and financial assistance.

Aside from the scholarship program, CHED is also offering Grants-in-Aid and the Study Now Pay Later Program.

The grants include the Tulong-Dunong (TD) which requires 3^rd year grade of 80% and 80% of the first three grading periods in 4^th year. This grant can be availed of by students who are differently-able (persons with disabilities), solo parents or dependent of solo parents, members of cultural minorities, members of hill tribe and senior citizens, if qualified.

Other grants are the Department of National Defense (DND)-CHED-PASUC study grant intended for qualified dependents of military personnel; the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Peace Process (OPAPP)-CHED study grant for amnestied former rebels and individual member of existing groups where the government has existing peace agreements; CHED Special Study Grant Program for Congressional Districts, and the CHED Senate Study Grant Program (CSSGP).

The student applicants for the scholarship programs (Full and Half Merit), SNPL, Grants-in-Aid and Tulong-Dunong shall submit to CHED Regional Office the accomplished CHED StuFAPs application form with the above mentioned requirements while for CSSGP, DND, OPAPP shall apply directly to the office/agency concerned.

CHED has also identified priority courses under their student financial assistance programs namely Information Technology which include Information Technology and computer science, multimedia, animation, programming, and information system management; Agriculture and related fields like agro-forestry, veterinary medicine, agricultural engineering, agribusiness/management, agricultural entrepreneurship, agricultural technology, and fisheries; Teacher Education major in Math, Science, Physics, Chemistry, Reading, English, Educational Media/Technology, and Special Education (SPED); Science and Mathematics specifically B.S. Math, B.S. Physics, and B.S. Science.

Engineering courses on mechanical, electronics, communication, metallurgical/mining, computer, biomedical, chemical, geodetic, electrical, meteorological, mining and geological fields; Health Sciences to include Pharmacy, Radio Technology, and Medical Technology; Arts and Humanities; Atmospheric Sciences and Environmental Science.

Full Merit Scholars are entitled P15,000 per semester for the whole duration of the course, while half merit scholars will receive P7,500.00 per semester provided they maintain the general weighted average required.

Grantees, on the other hand, are entitled P2,500 to P6,000 per semester depending on the program applied, while the Study Now pay Later Plan will entitle a student P7,500 per semester. Grantees, however, should maintain passing grades or else the assistance will be terminated.

For more information, visit CHED Regional Office at Baliwasan Chico, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers 991-7648 to 49 or visit their website at http://www.chedro9.com. 

P4.4M water system, P2.2-M health center constructed in Bo. Patalon

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY 28 Jan. (PIA) - - “When it rains, it pours,” this saying holds true to barangay Patalon as blessings came in bundle with the joint inauguration of the barangay’s P4.4million water system and the P2.2million newly constructed health center.

The water system paves the way to potable water for Patalon population who were overjoyed with this new development in their barangay.

Vic Larato, City Information Office, in a press statement said, “The Patalon water system, which is tapped from the spring at Campo Uno in Labuan, is another joint venture of the city government and the Zamboanga City Water District ZCWD.”

The city also inaugurated Patalon’s newly constructed health center emphasizing that health is one of its top concerns.

The inauguration was lead by Mayor Celso Lobregat and ZCWD officials headed by Board Chairwoman Nelida Atilano. (FPG/JPA/PIA9)