Zambo City observes Earth Hour

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city joined the rest of the world in the recent observance of Earth Hour, a worldwide movement to reduce the impact of global warming.

More than a hundred participants, mostly city hall employees, gathered at the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) covered court for the Earth Hour observance which was marked by a ceremonial switch-off of lights at 8:30 in the evening.

Sheila Covarrubias, Public Information Officer (PIO), said “Mayor Celso Lobregat issued Executive Order 499-2013 expressing the city government’s support and commitment to the observance of the said event, which is a call to action for energy efficiency, conservation and to address climate change.”

“At exactly 8:30pm, lights were turned off, sending a strong message that something can be done to minimize the impact of global warming,” Covarrubias said.

During the one hour “switch off,” employees of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) performed a fire dance to entertain the participants.

The lady PIO said the city has been supportive and has been joining the observance for the past 6 years now.

Covarrubias informed that the “Earth Hour has been spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE) and Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) in collaboration with the Green Army and the SWITCH Movement.” (PIA9)

Tungawan poor folks to own house thru Bayanihan Challenge

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – At long last poor residents of Tungawan town can have their own houses.

This was declared by Tungawan Mayor Randy A. Climaco during the launching of Brigada Challenge 2013 in Poblacion, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay recently.    

“Bayanihan Challenge” is an initiative of Pilipinas Natin, a nationwide movement that calls for an active involvement of the citizens, cultivating the Filipino culture of caring, sharing and “bayanihan” (cooperation).

 

In his message, Climaco said “the launching of Brigada Challenge is a great help in the development of the municipality especially in building community through a spirit of volunteerism.”

“As a manifestation of our active and strong support to the Bayanihan Challenge, the LGU will donate 20 units of houses to start the implementation of the project and to effectively address poverty in our municipality,” Climaco said

Climaco said “the municipality is lucky because it is one of the identified ‘conflict areas’ in Mindanao, hence, it was chosen as one of the pilot areas for the project.”

“For the first time in our province, the Bayanihan Challenge project has been launched here and this is a welcome development to us,” Climaco stressed.

Tungawan is said to have 65% of its population living below poverty line.

With the launching of the project, the mayor said, he was optimistic that the negative impression of some people about his town would be erased.

“Before, our town was tagged as dangerous place because of the presence of lawless elements and many people were scared to visit, but with the implementation of the project, the negative impression will be erased,” Climaco said. 

The stakeholders also expressed their support to the project saying that the project would benefit the poor sectors of society and help sustain peace in the area. (PIA9)

Zambo. Norte candidates sign poll peace pact

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The provincial office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Zamboanga del Norte, Commission on Election (COMELEC), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have successfully facilitated the signing of the peace covenant among local candidates vying for various political positions in Zamboanga del Norte.

The peace covenant signing, which was held recently at Camila Hotel II in this city, aimed to draw commitment from each candidate to abide by the guidelines set by COMELEC governing the conduct of the May 2013 midterm elections.

In his opening statement, DILG-Zamboanga del Norte OIC-Provincial Director Arnel F. Gudio, lauded the candidates’ support to the covenant signing and he looked forward to a peaceful political exercise on May 13, 2013 in the province.

First Infantry Tabak Division Head, Brigadier General Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, on the other hand, assured the public of the readiness of the military in the area to extend the needed support to ensure the conduct of a peaceful and orderly election.

Zamboanga del Norte is now manned by the 10^th Infantry Battalion led by Col. Leonel Nicolas with more than 2,000 camp detachments strategically stationed in various locations in the province.

Nicolas replaced Col. Tarahudin Ampatuan who is currently assigned at the division in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

“We’ll do everything to avoid any election-related violence. And we are ready to augment our force here if necessary. Maasahan ninyo ang tulong ng Philippine Army (You count on the help of the Army),” Cruz said.

The candidates who turned up during the covenant signing were former Dipolog City Mayor Roberto Uy, who runs for governor under the Liberal Party, his running mate, Dipolog City Vice Mayor Atty. Senen Angeles, third district congressman Cesar Jalosjos of the Nacionalista Party (NP), candidate for Governor, and his running mate, incumbent Dapitan City Vice Mayor Patri B. Chan, and first district congressman Seth Frederick Pal Jalosjos who is running for his second term.

Absent during the covenant signing were Atty. Edgar Vicente Balisado - LP congressional candidate for the first district, incumbent second district congressman Rosendo S. Labad-labad of LP and his rival, incumbent governor Rolando E. Yebes of NP, third district congressional candidate Atty. Isagani S. Amatong of LP and his rival incumbent board member Johanna Jalosjos-Parreno of NP.

Nonetheless, Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Tomas Valera said those who failed to attend the covenant signing can still affix their signatures on the document at the COMELEC provincial office.(PIA9)

PIA chief asks Basilan youths to bet on time, ‘heart’ in nation-building

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY – Philippine Information Agency Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena has asked some 130 young people of Basilan to bet on time and  be a “heart” in order to contribute to nation-building.

The PIA chief spoke before the youth on separate occasions Sunday at a forum held late morning and during the Kalinga Night, the second day of the nationwide Bayani Challenge 2013 in Basilan.

He explained the need for every Filipino to offer time, talent, and passion to change lives without fear.

“Let us not compromise our dreams because of fear,” he stressed, saying that nothing can happen if one is enveloped with fear.

Oquiñena also challenged the youth to accept that one is a Filipino and one’s being a Filipino. He is saddened by the fact that young people assume personalities and races like imitating the looks and ways of Koreans and Americans other than themselves.

“We need to appreciate who we are and what we are, the beauty and the talents that we possess as Filipinos,” he said.

He added that aside from life and money, “sometimes we also bet on forgiveness and let go of the past.” He also urged the youth to inspire their fellow youth to do something like what they are doing now, volunteering for Bayani Challenge.

In the afternoon DG Oquinena led the ceremonial groundbreaking at Pamucalin build site in Lantawan Municipality, together with Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar, 104^th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito Galvez (PA), Provincial Board member Yusop Alano, Provincial Administrator Tahira Sansawi-Ismael, Gawad Kalinga Area Coordinator Dan Bercasio, and some local government executives and officials.

In her message, Gov. Akbar expressed her deepest appreciation and gratitude to Gawad Kalinga and the volunteers for the chance to be gifted with the project.

“I see how our young people are interested and willing to help and participate in this project. Because I saw the moon shining already at sunset, there is a big hope that our dreams will come true,” she said.

Akbar said that this is one story that young people of today can share to future generations. She assured GK and the donors of the projects that the people of Basilan will take care of the gifts given them and prayed that more houses will be built in the days ahead.

For his part DG Oquiñena bared that Basilan has a special place in President Aquino’s administration as manifested by the presence of the President’s exclusive radio-television Malacañang crew who would document the events to show to the entire country of the unique Bayanihan spirit here.

He asked the volunteers and local government officials to tell those who will benefit from the project to take care of the houses that will be given to them because so many people have invested their hearts and passion to build the houses.

He said the 30 houses were the first of the many more houses to be built in Basilan. He did not cite figures, however.

“Am not promising how many more, but in my experience, when the first houses were done right, more projects are possible. But when done wrongly, nothing could follow,” he said.

“But I feel, what we have done here, because of the convergence, everything would be more than right,” he pointed out.

He hoped that the “people of Manila will be educated that Basilan is the most beautiful province in the country.” (PIA9)

Lady police chief urges women to show talents

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – Police Superintendent Christine Sorosa-Tan, chief of police of Molave, Zamboanga del Sur, encouraged all women during the weekly PIA forum held on Friday at the Anastacia Pensionne House in this city to show their talents.

She said several women are now holding top positions in government and private institutions. “We too, have to show what we can do. Don’t underestimate (yourself) but show and prove yourself. What men can do, you can do it also,” Tan pointed out.

“We are equal and, at the same time, we are not competing with each other but we are complementing one another in everything we do, because if there are no men, there are no women also,” the lady chief of police added.

It was learned in said forum that Tan was a recipient of the Most Outstanding Police Woman award in 2002 in the entire country. 

Presently, she is the lone lady chief of police in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

In the same forum, 1Lt. Myleen P. Sagadraca, administrative officer of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics (G4) of  the First Infrantry ‘Tabak’ Division, Philippine Army(PA) also encouraged all females who want to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “to go ahead and share your individual potential to the organization and to the people we serve.”

She said “the role of women in the society is important. So, whatever your role is, be it a mother or as a professional ‘Filipina,’ do your best.”

Lt. Sagradraca hails from a family of soldiers and a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 2009.

The forum was held in support of this year’s Women’s Month celebration that carries the theme, “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan.” (PIA9)

DAR beefs up agricultural insurance in ARBs

By Anjanette Vallejera-Nemiaga

DIPOLOG CITY – “The whole package of intervention through our support services is a clear manifestation that we are indeed continually placing our agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) right at center of development.”

This was the message of OIC-PARO II Moh. Dassan J. Adju of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Zamboanga del Norte during the recently concluded provincial orientation for Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers (MAOs) and representatives from Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) on the crop insurance program.

Jointly conducted by DAR, Department of Agriculture-Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (DA-PCIC), Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries - Agricultural Insurance Program (ARB-AIP), the said activity aimed to orient MAOs and ARBO representatives as potential underwriters for the crop insurance program. Enhancing credit access for ARBs is DAR's key support services intervention.

In addition to facilitating agricultural production and agri-enterprises credit as well as microfinance for ARBs, DAR proposed a budget of P1 billion in the 2013 General Appropriations Act (GAA) under the budget of DA-Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (DA-PCIC), which shall be exclusively used as premium subsidy for agricultural insurance of ARBs to be endorsed by DAR.

The program shall be implemented for a period of one year unless additional funding for succeeding years shall be provided.

The ARB-AIP will be jointly implemented by DAR and DA-PCIC. The premium subsidy is said to lessen the cost of borrowing by ARBs, by shifting the cost of crop insurance from the borrower to the government. It will also lessen the credit constraints of ARBs as the insurance coverage can act as a guarantee or collateral to the production loans of ARBs.

The program also seeks to address the vulnerability of ARBs to extreme weather conditions brought about climate change with the crop insurance protecting them from losses due to pest and disease infestations, natural calamities, and other weather-related disasters.

Under the joint program, the DAR shall identify the ARBs to be provided with the premium subsidy while the DA-PICC shall provide the necessary agricultural insurance cover for the ARBs utilizing the P1 billion subsidy fund.

The program aims to provide ARBs and ARB household members with premium subsidy for agricultural insurance to protect them against losses due to pest and disease infestations, natural calamities, and extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change, and to improve their productivity.

The program shall give priority to ARBs which are members of ARBOs that have not yet accessed to any credit from formal financing institutions. The insurance program shall also cover crops like rice, corn and high-value crops as well as livestock production. (FPG/AVN/DAR9/PIA9)

DAR-CARD, Inc. launches microfinance operations

By Anjanette Nemiaga

DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. has launched the microfinance operations in Langatian Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (LACARBEMCO), Langatian, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte recently.

The DAR is now adopting microfinance as strategy in support services delivery to help agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) meet their financial needs through cooperatives and other microfinance institutions in agrarian reform areas.

The CARD, on the other hand, which is one of the largest micro-credit service providers in the local microfinance industry and one among the best in the world, is a microfinance-focused non-government organization (NGO).

DAR-Zamboanga del Norte and CARD, Inc. shall jointly implement the Microfinance Capacity Development Project for partner organizations for a period of three years to ensure the sustained access of ARBs to microfinance services.

The DAR provincial office together with CARD, Inc. will then oversee the overall project directions and ensure a favorable financial environment for the sustained provision of microfinance services to agrarian reform areas.

Because of the significant performance of the project and the need to adopt a more sustainable approach through the complementation of financial and non-financial services in its implementation, the project has been scaled up to reach and engage a bigger number of ARBs/ARB households.

It can be noted that 30 cooperatives nationwide would be developed as microfinance conduits and one of these was selected as project partner in Zamboanga del Norte. LACARBEMCO was successfully chosen as project partner in the province.

The microfinance project intends to reach out to more ARBs that are in need of the micro-agri financial and non-financial services. Microfinance is also an effective tool for poverty alleviation.

The cooperative was brought to KIMAYA Peoples Multipurpose Cooperative in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental for a learning expedition to meet with its selected officers and management staff  and familiarize with the coop’s operations and implementation of microfinance in the community.

In his message, OIC PARO I Raul J. Sy said: “Kami sa DAR kanunay anaa sa inyong kiliran aron sa pagsuporta sa atong mga agrarian reform beneficiaries. Atong ipadayon ang atong paningkamot aron sa paglambo sa atong mga mag-uuma. Labaw sa tanan, atong panggaon ug amomahon ang mga proyekto nga gihatag sa gobyerno (We in DAR are always on your side to support the agrarian reform beneficiaries. Let us continue to improve our farmers. More importantly, we will care and nurture the projects given by the government).”

LACARBEMCO board chair also aired his thoughts and said: “Maningkamot kita aron sa atong kalamboan ug mohatag kita sa atong dugang capital aron mas modaku pa ang atong kooperatiba (We will strive for our progress and we will give additional capital to expand our cooperative)” (FPG/GCC/DAR9/PIA9)

DOH conducts training on NCD interventions

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Health-Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD), Zamboanga Peninsula recently conducted a training on the package of essential non-communicable disease (NCD) interventions for primary health facilities in low resource settings at Guillermo Hotel this city.

Sixty one “Doctors to the Barrios” (DTTBs) and Public Health Nurses (PHN) deployed in the different municipalities in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte attended the said training.

Dr. Ma. Agnes Mabolo, NCD regional focal person said the training aimed to upgrade the skills and knowledge of the participants on the essential interventions for NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes.

Topics discussed were guidelines in the use of the protocol on the integrated management of hypertension and diabetes (risk assessment and risk screening), improving access to essential medicines and guidelines for distribution/use of NCD medicines, PhilHealth Financing for NCD, reporting, health information system, registries and evaluation, among others.

Meanwhile, Dr. Antonio Paraiso, National Program Manager of Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) discussed the importance of urinalysis and the 10 clinical syndromes in Nephrology. (PIA9) 

Bantay Bayanihan launched in Basilan

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The civil society group in Basilan launched recently the Bantay Bayanihan (BB) to ensure the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is being implemented in accordance with its guidelines.

Miriam L. Suacito, Executive Director of Nagdilaab Foundation said “the IPSP signifies the intent of the AFP to draw support and increase involvement of the multi-stakeholders in all levels in addressing peace and security concerns.”

The IPSP is the security sector’s commitment to the attainment of quality and progressive life for the Filipino people as a partner in peace and development.

“In Basilan, the IPSP partners had been doing efforts toward realizing the intended goal, which is lasting peace and development through the collaborative efforts of civil society, government line agencies and security sector,” Suacito stressed.

The conveners of the oversight group in Basilan, who decided to launch the BB last March 5 during the duration of the Pakaradjaan Festival, were the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. and the BAPESDA (Basilan Advocates for Peace, Environment, and Sustainable Development Association).

Ribi Daño, representative of the national secretariat said the “BB is a civil-society-led oversight body that will monitor the implementation of IPSP. It is an initiative that aims to create an oversight body over the armed forces, including defense and security policies (strategic, tactical and operational levels).”

The BB is envisioned to be a dialogue space that brings together civil society organizations, the academe, civilian government units (whose services have direct bearing on conflict formation and peace building), and the AFP.

“There’s a national secretariat that serves as the working group on security sector reform, a research unit under the Department of Political Science of Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU),” Daño said.

She added the secretariat serves as the communication channel and liaison between and among chapters from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Also, it serves as the agenda-setter during national meetings of the group.

“The nature of engagement is constructive, but critical in the sense that we are an oversight; we have a tool for monitoring the assessment of the implementation of the IPSP, but at the same time constructive because we know that we are part of the solution. We criticize but at the same time we give recommendation,” she explained.

She also revealed that an annual assessment will be held this coming June to present the results of the assessment matrix crafted by the Bantay Bayanihan to the civil society organizations.

The security sector reform research unit of AdMU is expected to publish its results and findings, have a book launch, and do some policy recommendations to legislators.

“Bantay Bayanihan is already an institutional partnership between the CSOs and the AFP,” Daño further said.

As to the impression about Basilan, she said “when one is from outside Basilan, the impression is that the place is dangerous and that one should have to coordinate his movement with the authorities. But surprisingly it’s just like Batangas, just like I am having a vacation here,” she observed, noting further that the CSOs in Basilan are very passionate about fighting for peace and development in the province.

Regional convener, Dr. Grace Rebollos of Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) presented the concept of the Bantay Bayanihan. The security sectors—the AFP and the police—also presented their security strategies and programs in winning peace in the province.

104^th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito Galvez said “the military is studying the dynamics of the different areas where it operates as basis for their strategic approach in addressing security concerns in the area.

He also observed that “the people of Basilan are already saying NO to war and are thirsting for development projects.”

He said that security concerns should be resolved in as peaceful way as possible with the support of the peace and order councils in the area.

Security Sector Reform means transforming the security sector/system, which includes all the actors, their roles, responsibilities and actions—working together to manage and operate the system in a manner that is more consistent with democratic norms and sound principles of good governance, and thus contributes to a well-functioning security framework.

The groups that form the Security Sector are: the armed forces, the police, Intelligence, Border Management Services, and the supporting institutions—oversight bodies such as Congress, justice and penal systems, non-statutory security forces and civil society groups.

A core objective of Security Sector Reform (SSR) is to reform the security sector institutions so that they are transparent, respectful of the rule of law and human rights, and accountable to democratic civilian authority, such as the parliament and the justice system. Hence, the it is an important component of peace-building, democratization and development. (PIA9)

Bayani Challenge 2013: Giving our best to the least among us

By Alma L. Tingcang

TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay - “I’m sure the donor of this lot has a very big heart,” thus declared Jose Mari Oquinena, Director-General of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Undersecretary for Special Concerns during the recent launching and groundbreaking ceremony of the Bayani Challenge 2013 in Barangay Tigbanuang, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Situated along the national highway, the hilly terrain spanning 1.8 hectares donated by Danda Banggi of the Kalibugan tribe offers a magnificent view of the deep blue sea and the verdant mountains surrounding the area.

Mayor Randy A. Climaco said the launching of the Bayani Challenge in Tungawan has brought new hope to the local folks. “This is a convergence of all sectors: the local government unit, PNP, AFP, academe, civic-religious organizations, people’s organizations and everyone in the community,” he elucidated.

Barangay Tigbanuang, the site of the Bayani Challenge 2013 housing project, used to be a place feared by everyone as well as the local folks and commuters traversing the area. This place was then a “hot spot” where ambush, killings, hold-ups/robberies and other crimes often took place a few years back.

“Let it be said that good things are happening in Tungawan. As you build this village, know that you are raising the next generation of residents of Tungawan. It is not for us but for the little children to grow up in a peaceful village, who will grow up knowing that everybody is a friend. That there was a time when Christians, Muslims and Lumads worked together. So, this will be our greatest legacy,” he said.

“The Philippines cannot be poor. Why should we be poor when we are the texting capital, having 88 million subscribers? Just think, if every subscriber gives P10 in a month, that would be P880 million. If that is given here in Tungawan, there would be no poor family who would have no home,” DG Oquinena said in Pilipino.

DG emphasized that Bayani Challenge “is not about building houses. It’s about building a village, a community for everybody. Everyone has a stake and whatever future projects of the local government unit should be done bayanihan style.”

“Poverty is not about economics. It is a breaking out of relationships. It comes when people say “kami muna bago kayo (we first before you).” Poverty comes when we forget to care for our fellowmen,” Oquinena challenged.

He said “we cannot expect to solve our problems and change our country if we only look up to one person to solve it. We should start doing our part.”

“We have to make people understand that we are not building houses. We are building a community. Iba po yun (That’s a different thing). We have to become friends in a community. Sa pabahay (in housing), you don’t need to become friends with your neighbors,” Oquinena quipped.

He also pointed out that “the Bayani Challenge is not about how many houses we complete, not how many trees we plant. It hopes that everyone will get used to volunteer for others, that it would become natural for people to say, kayo muna, bago ako (you first before me).”

The rationale behind Bayani Challenge 2013 is that after President Benigno C. Aquino III’s term ends in 2016, the reforms he wanted to achieve would be realized. So, it endeavors to develop and mold the young generation who will reject corruption and embrace volunteerism, and be part of nation building.

Putting aside all differences, a new hope is here. “We are all Filinos. This is our country. Pilipinas natin ito, hindi Pilipinas ng ibang tao (this is our country and not of other people). Hindi Pilipinas ng mga nakaupo, ng mga mayayaman, hindi ng mahihirap  pero Pilipinas natin ito lahat (This is not a country of those sitting officials, nor of the rich and poor, but of everyone else). At hinog na ang panahon para makilahok tayo sa pagtatayo ng Pilipinas Natin (And the time is ripe for everybody to participate in building our nation).   

Barangay Tigbanuang is one of the 37 sites of the Bayani Challenge 2013 on March 23-27 as volunteers from across the nation will work together to ensure that no Filipino will be left behind in the national pursuit for progress and sustainable development. (PIA9)

Women and men should work together towards “Matuwid na Daan,” urges NGO chief

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – For women to be the “guide” towards development, there should be mainstreaming of their participation and equality with men in all aspect of life and not be marginalized, said Ms. Maisie Faith Dagapioso of the “Katilingban Para sa Kalambuan” (Society for Progress) in yesterday’s forum held by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on women’s concerns.

Ms. Dagapioso further said “it is not enough that women serve as guide towards development but that they should work hand in hand with men, and be given more opportunity to participate in nation building.”

“We should not be on the sidelines watching while men do almost everything, for example, in state matters. We have 24 senators but only three are women. Majority of the heads of offices are still men. What we are saying is there should be equal opportunities for both men and women. This way we can be more productive and effective as guide to development,” pointed out Dagapioso, the program coordinator of the Katilingban Para sa Kalambuan, a non-government organization affiliated with the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc.

Ms. Kates Allas of zambotimes.com, an online media outfit, also said that while women may be less strong physically than men, women are at par with men in other aspects.

“Admittedly, we are not as strong as men physically. But when it comes to mental strength and key aspects in everyday life, we are equal with men. That’s why we should be given opportunities to show what we are capable of,” Ms. Allas emphatically said.

Dagapioso also stressed the need for media to change its portrayal of women.

“Media plays a big role in influencing the public. Unfortunately, even in media, there are prejudices against women. Take for example, detergent soaps advertisements. Women are always portrayed as housewives, whose image is just to do the laundry, make things in order inside the house. In some liquor advertisements, women are used to attract men to buy such products, which is demeaning to us women. We are not empowered through media but it’s the other way around,” she rued.

The different perceptions on men and women, according to most forum participants, are cultural in nature. One participant summed it up in one simple statement when she said: “Both men and women are victims of culture”.

Filipino culture has taught us, especially those of the old times, that men should do the work, while women should stay home and tend her family’s needs. This belief has assigned roles to Filipinos based on gender which leans toward the empowerment of men, but has limited women’s role in the family and society in general.

Dagapioso emphasized that this should not be the case now, as she talked about this year’s women’s month’s theme, “Kababaihan: Gabay Tungo sa Matuwid Na Daan”.

“How can we help guide in achieving development when we are marginalized? When we are not empowered? We believe that for us to be effective, we should be empowered, be in the mainstream, and participate in decision-making, policy formulation and everything concerning our community or country. We should be working side by side with men,” she espoused. (PIA9)

Php285-M in pension adjustments released by GSIS

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - A total of P285 million intended for pension adjustments has been released by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to its 45,000 retirees as of February 2013 after reviving its  policy in recomputing their pension based on their first day of retirement.

Pensioners who retired on or after September 2009 and are in active status as of payment date.are covered by the new policy.

In a press statement, GSIS President and General Manager  Robert G. Vergara said,  “the decision to adopt the payment of proportionate pension in 2011 was based on the principle that pension is not a privilege but an earned right.”

Engr. Leoncito S. Manuel, GSIS branch head here said pensioners were informed of their adjusted pension through a letter and received the amount through their eCards.

“We have 53 pensioners covered by GSIS Pagadian Branch,” Manuel quoted.

Under the new policy, a government employee who retired from the service effective February 15, for instance, will be paid a portion or fraction of his or her pension covering February 15-28 apart from the monthly pension thereafter. 

Previously, a retiree would start receiving his or her pension only in March, which means losing a proportionate pension in February.

GSIS started crediting Php212 million in pension adjustments to 33,000 eligible pensioners last December 2011.  The second tranche, amounting to Php50 million, was credited  to 8,000 retirees in May 2012; while the third tranche of Php23 million covering 4,200 retirees was credited from December 2012 to February 2013.

The crediting of adjustments for the remaining 1,870 pensioners is scheduled this month. (PIA9)

DTI conducts stakeholders’ meeting for the processed fish industry

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Zamboanga del Norte recently conducted the stakeholders’ meeting for the processed fish industry at the Bamboo Garden Function Room capped by the presentation of the Processed Fish Action Plan 2013.

“Our very own Spanish Style Sardines can make it global and the demand for export would be greater if instead of processing it in bottles, we will store it in cans,” said Noel R. Bazan, DTI provincial director and product manager for the processed fish industry.

Bazan presented the problems besetting the fish industry. These are the lack of cold storage facility; the inadequate capacity of some firms (micro) to put up or upgrade their facility to meet Food Safety Standards (i.e. FDA license to operate); certificate of product registration, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification; the high shipping cost; and unavailability of cargo vessels.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Asst. Regional Director Engr. Joseph C. Florig said that businessmen in the fish industry need cold storage facility to ascertain whether they have the ability to supply fish in a certain period of time.

Engr. Florig gave an update on the cold storage facility in Dapitan City.

“With a cold storage, to become a millionaire is not impossible,” he added.

Florig said the proposal was to offer each room of the storage facility in Dapitan with the fish industry as a priority. “What then the government will do is to monitor and collect for rentals. The maintenance is charged to the lessee,” he explained.

However, such proposal still needs the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (PIA9)

Dipolog CDRRMC conducts earthquake drill

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Dipolog City Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has successfully conducted an earthquake drill at Dipolog City National High School (DCNHS) in Barangay Barra this city.

Mr. Felipe T. Mangila Jr., Dipolog City CDRRMC Officer-in-Charge said the drill was in compliance with the directive from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), urging all DRRMCs throughout the country to conduct the First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on March 18, 2013.

During the post-evaluation conference, evaluators noted the lack of seriousness among the participants during the conduct of the drill.

Dipolog City Councilor Cyril Ruiz, CDRRMC adviser, cited the importance of the earthquake drill in strengthening the capability of the people to respond during emergency situation.

DCNNHS Principal Joselito Tizon, on the other hand, vowed to equip his school with the gadgets needed in times of calamity to minimize the impact of any disaster particularly the loss of human lives.

Aside from the CDRRMC, other members of the evaluation team include the representatives of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepED) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA). (PIA9)

World renowned artist stages “Art for Peace”, a call to halt Sabah conflict

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – His call for peace never ceases as evidenced by his works. A result of being a war victim himself, Rameer Tawasil once again used art to convey his call to put a stop on the ongoing Sabah crisis.

“This conflict should stop immediately. Most of those caught in between the two warring sides are women and children. This just has to stop”, Tawasil said.

He said there should be a peaceful resolution to this problem and that to achieve this, the government of the Philippines and the Malaysian Government should look deeper into the historical and legal aspects of the conflict.

“It would be for the benefit of everyone, including the Philippine Government and all concerned parties to revisit the history of Sabah. By then, we can be assured that any move, particularly, by the Philippine Government, will be appropriate including the peaceful resolution of the ongoing carnage in Sabah”, Tawasil stressed.

The Art for Peace, which was held last Mar. 14, was also in partnership with the Western Mindanao State University - Center for Peace and Development (WMSU-CPD) headed by Dr. Marcelina Carpizo, together with the Muslim Youth Movement based in the city, and high school students of WMSU who voluntarily joined the activity.

Dr. Carpizo echoed Tawasil’s sentiment saying, “The victims in this kind of conflict are the civilians, with women and children being the most vulnerable that’s why we are calling for the immediate halt of this conflict”.

Carpizo, whose group has been actively participating in anti-human trafficking, said if this conflict continues, many Filipino may become victims of abuse in Malaysia, especially those undocumented.

“I have been to Sabah to visit prisons and check how Filipinos are treated. Clearly, Filipinos who were apprehended there, especially those without proper documents, were not treated properly. I have seen it personally”, she pointed.

Aside from these concerns, Tawasil also pointed on the huge effect of this crisis to the city’s economy, and the economies of the three island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

“If there will be massive evacuation and deportation of Filipinos, we will be the first one to be affected since Zamboanga City is the economic center of the region. Food supply definitely will be affected, and everything follows. It’s a domino effect”, he said. (PIA9)

Pagadian dad says women have equal rights and opportunities with men

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – “Women have equal rights and opportunities with men.”

Thus declared Mayor Samuel S. Co during the Women’s Month celebration recently held at the covered court here.

Speaking before a crowd of 2,500 women from different groups of the Local Council for Women, Co said that “we have to show respect, gratitude and appreciation towards women and at the same time acknowledge their economic, political, and social contribution to our society.”

He emphasized that respect of women’s rights is clearly imbedded in Republic Act 6949 declaring March 8 of every year as working special holiday to be known as National Women’s Day”,  where all heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations as well as local government units are mandated to observe and celebrate women’s day.

The city government celebrated women’s month by showcasing the  dancing and singing skills of participants making it an enjoyable and entertaining occasion.  

Co said women who were victims of discrimination, violence and oppression and other abusive acts are now emancipated.

With the advent of that law, he said  many women today are accomplished.  “In fact, we have already two lady presidents, the then Corazon Aquino and  Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, we also have lady generals in the AFP, commercial pilots, and a representative of the 2^nd district, Aurora Enerio Cerilles,” Co announced.

Meanwhile, singer-actress Sheryl Cruz, who represented her cousin Grace Poe-LLamanzares , a senatorial bet of Team Pnoy was happy for the warm welcome given by the LCW. 

Cruz informed the LCW members that Poe has a great concern for women by citing her personal advocacy on television dubbed “One billion women and children against violence”.  Her advocacy aims to show full respect on the rights of  women and children. (PIA9)