Thousands participate in Arbor Day na Zambo

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - An estimated crowd of over 7,000 people actively participated in Arbor Day na Zamboanga, a city-wide celebration in consonance with the June 25, 2013 Philippine Arbor Day observance.

Thousands people filled up the Climaco Freedom Park in Abong-Abong, to show their love and concern for mother earth and their willingness to protect and preserve the environment by planting trees.

Mayor Celso Lobregat during the short program preceding the tree planting, was amazed at the turnout of participants for this year’s observance of Arbor Day. He said: “This is the most-well attended Arbor Day na Zamboanga celebration.”

Shortly after the program, the multitude of crowd which consisted of city and national government employees, policemen, military men, students from the different schools, barangay, private, civil organizations and various other sectors participated in the massive tree planting activity at designated areas in the Climaco Freedom Park.

“We really appreciate the help and support you’re giving to the local government,” the chief executive said.

The Arbor Day program was made even livelier with the cheering competition and the “on the spot search for Miss Arbor Day.”

For the cheering competition, the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) contingent won the first prize of P10,000; the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) delegation won the second prize of P6,000 while the military-police combined group received P4,000 as third place winner, while Ms. Arbor Day went to WMSU representative who took home 1,200 cash prize, ZSCMST was first runner up with P1,000 cash price, P500 was given as consolation price to other participants.

Winner for the search for Miss Arbor Day was based on the loudest applauds and cheers.

After the program and the tree planting event, tagging with metal plates of declared Heritage and Century trees was conducted at identified areas.

The Arbor Day na Ciudad de Zamboanga is a yearly undertaking of the City Government through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (OCENR) in pursuant to Ordinance 281 designating June 25 as the day for the celebration and mandating the active participation of the public in tree planting activities. (PIA9)

CSC to conduct 2013 meat inspection and safety exam

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announces the conduct of the 2013 Meat Inspection and Safety Examination on August 11, 2013 at two testing centers only, Quezon City and Cagayan de Oro City.

Filing of applications started June 20 to July 12, 2013 at any CSC regional/field Offices on a first –come, first served basis. Applications may no longer be accepted before the deadline if the target number of applicants has already been reached by the CSC regional/field offices.

The examination is open to all meat inspectors and private individuals who are interested to join the meat inspection service.

Applicants must be a Filipino citizen, with good moral character and must be mentally and physically fit, have not been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude, or of disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness, or addiction to drugs.

Moreover, the applicant must have not been dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed for cause from any civilian positions in the government, must be at least 18 years of age at the date or time of filing of application and must have at least seventy two (72) units leading to a bachelor degree.

Application forms are available at any CSC Regional/Field Offices or may be downloaded from the CSC website: www.csc.gov.ph.

Application forms may be reproduced in legal size bond paper provided the same format is followed. For more information interested applicants may visit the nearest CSC Regional or Field Office in the area.(PIA9) 

Free eye cataract surgery benefit retired soldiers, poor patients

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – “Every one of us plays a crucial role in brightening one’s life.”

This was declared by assistant division commander Col. Amadeo Azul Jr. during the opening program of the two-day free eye cataract surgery dubbed “Brotherhood Operation Saving Sight” (BOSS) held recently at Kuta Sang-an Station Hospital, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

The two-day activity was a joint project of the 1^st Infantry (Tabak) division, Philippine Army, Alpha Phi Omega-Southern Zamboanga Alumni Association (APO-ZOSA ALAS), and the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation.

In his message, Azul said a person’s quality of life can be greatly improved with the simple procedure of cataract surgery.

“With the different organizations comprising the team behind the free cataract surgery, the activity becomes a concrete testimony that ‘Bayanihan’ is very much alive,” Azul stressed.

Referring to the Internal Peace and Security Plan or “Bayanihan,” Azul said, “this is the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ paradigm shift that embraces the broader frame of humanity and gives equal focus to its twin role as the protector of the people and protector of the state.”

“Activities like this, remind our indigent ‘kababayans’ that here is indeed a government working for them and that there are existing organizations ready to extend help,” Azul said.

Acting chief of staff Col. Manuel Ordoña, on the other hand, said “the activity is one of the great strides in elevating our noble cause of public service,” citing the free cleft surgery conducted by the same group last year at the Tabak Division headquarters.

Retired 2^nd Lt. Edgar Llarena, a cataract patient said he was very happy that he had availed himself of the free cataract surgery saying that he has no money to pay to undergo cataract surgery in private hospitals. “I also thank the doctors because they have offered their services as free and treated many indigent cataract patients,” Llarena added.

A total of 61 indigent cataract patients, mostly elderly, were spared from blindness and poor eyesight complications. (PIA9)

Pres. Aquino declares July 1 special non-working day in Dipolog City

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared July 1, 2013 a Special Non-Working Holiday in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte in celebration of its 100^th Foundation Day anniversary  with the theme, “Dipolog Soaring High after 100 years and Beyond.”

Pres. Aquino issued Proclamation Number 595 which was signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on June 6 declaring July 1, 2013 a Special Non-Working in Dipolog City to give the Dipolognons the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

The centennial celebration started last June 24 with a thanksgiving mass at the Holy Rosary Cathedral followed by opening ceremonies of Panagsangka 2013, a parade along the city’s main thoroughfares, video presentation, and a presentation by the Sangguniang Kabataan at the Dipolog Boulevard.

One of the highlights of the weeklong celebration is the formal oath-taking of the newly-elected officials of Dipolog City and Zamboanga del Norte headed by Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy and Governor-elect Roberto Uy.

The city’s centennial celebration will culminate on July 1 with Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV as guest speaker.

Later in the evening, David Pomeranz, an international performer will also have his concert at the city boulevard.

Dipolog was separated from Dapitan in 1912 through a decree issued by then Governor John  Pershing of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu. It became a municipality on July 1, 1913 with Mayor Pascual T. Martinez as its first municipal mayor.

On June 6, 1952, the Philippine Congress approved Republic Act 711, naming Dipolog as the capital town of Zamboanga del Norte. (PIA9)

DENR 9 conducts training on forest fire control, community based-integrated pest management

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Zamboanga Peninsula is now conducting a three-day training on Forest Fire Control and Community Based Integrated Pest Management (CBIPM) starting June 26-28, 2013 at Pagadian Bay Plaza Hotel this city.

The training aims to equip People’s Organizations (POs) and extension officers of DENR on forest fire control and pest management in preparation for their farm land and the importance of fire management in Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) areas.

In his message during the opening program, Regional Executive Director Arleigh Adorable said “this is a new training, in the sense that it is integrated with a subject on pest management.”

“We have been conducting trainings on fire control through the years, this time we wanted to tap the PO’s to partner with us in controlling fire,” Adorable said.

“We are partnering with the PO’s in addressing this problem, one reason is that you are in the area and we hope through you we will know what is happening in your respective places and you can also talk to the people in the upland to avoid unnecessary burning,” he pointed out.

Adorable urged the participants to open and instill in their minds the things discussed in the training and practice it by heart when they go back to their respective areas.

“Let us join hands in helping our government in addressing climate change and other livelihood programs,” he said.

“We will be effective in this venture, because in unity there is strength,” Adorable concluded.

More than 30 PO’s and extension officers from CENRO Dapitan and Dipolog Cities, Liloy and Siocon representing first batch attended the training.

The same training is set on July 3-4 and July 10-12, 2013 for CENROs of Zamboanga del Sur including Buug and CENRO’s East and West in Zamboanga City and Ipil, respectively. (PIA9)

GSIS issues advisory on computation of GSIS retirement and pension benefits

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY -  “There is no truth to speculations that the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Average Monthly Compensation (AMC) will soon be based on the member’s salary for the last ten years of service.”

This was the gist of the message of Engr. Leoncito S. Manuel, GSIS branch head in an interview with Philippine Information Agency.

Manuel said the Average Monthly Compensation that is used as a basis in computing the amount of GSIS retirement and pension benefit is the average of the member’s basic salary in the last three (3) years or 36 months of his or her service in government.

Earlier, there were suppositions that the AMC will shortly be based on a member’s salary for the last ten (10) years of service. Manuel went on to explain that GSIS has no intention of revising the definition of the AMC under Republic Act 8291.

The AMC is one of the factors in the computation of the Basic Monthly Pension (BMP) of a GSIS member which is computed, BMP = (.025) x (AMC + P700) x Period of Paid Premium.

To better appreciate one’s benefits upon retirement, GSIS facilitates Pre-Retirement Counseling to its members which is scheduled every month and even accommodates special requests from national government agencies and local government units who wish to avail of such services.

For the month of May and June, it was held at the Department of Education and Department of Agriculture in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Manuel said the Pre-Retirement Counseling on July is slated to be held  in the island municipalities of Olutanga, Talusan and Mabuhay also in Zamboanga Sibugay Province to bring its services closer to the people. (PIA9)

DSWD campaigns ‘Bawal ang Epal’ in anticipation of barangay polls

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - To ensure that its big ticket poverty alleviation programs remain free and untouched by politics particularly in the coming barangay elections this October, the Department of Social Welfare and Development is now lining up activities to continue its “Bawal ang Epal Dito” or BAED advocacy campaign.

The BAED campaign uses posters, tarpaulins, stickers and other materials to communicate to the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the general public that only the DSWD has the authority to remove or delist members from receiving the conditional cash grants. Moreover, the campaign emphasizes that the programs are implemented with no political intervention especially from local officials.

BAED is the department’s response to beneficiaries’ complaints that accordingly, many of them are pressured to favor certain political parties if they desire to continue receiving the cash grants from the government. The DSWD has continuously emphasized that local and barangay officials have no authority to decide who will or will not receive the cash grants, since this is a national government program backed by an objective data known as the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

“In addition to producing advocacy materials, we shall also be conducting barangay-based forums on BAED,” said Jayson Elias, DSWD Information Officer for Pantawid Pamilya. “We want to emphasize to the beneficiaries that it is their right to receive the cash grants for their health, education and development, and that nobody, especially local politicians, can take these rights away from them. Only they themselves can cause their delisting if they don’t comply with their co-responsibilities.”

“Epal” is a Filipino derogatory slang that means someone who takes credit for somebody else’s work and accomplishments. (PIA9)

ZamPen SMEs get gov’t support thru SME Roving Academy

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

  

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Micro, Small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) will once again be receiving valuable assistance from the government to help them grow their businesses and become big players in the region’s economy thru the 2013 SME Roving Academy to be held region-wide from July 1-7.

Formerly known as SME Caravan, this year’s activity is still the same as the previous years with the sole intention of extending help to SMEs by way of technical and even financial support thru the convergence of all concerned government line agencies in the region, with the Department of Trade and Industry IX as the lead agency.

The activity also encourages everyone to venture into business to strengthen the region’s economy, provide added family income, and also address unemployment in this part of the country. Moreover, it will serve as a venue for existing SMEs to work hand in hand with the government to improve their products and look for potential local and international markets.

“If our SMEs grow more, we will have a stable regional economy and there will also be more job opportunities”, DTI IX Assistant Regional Director Sitti Amina Jain said during last SME Core Group meeting.

The SME Roving Academy will officially start in Dipolog City from July 1-2 with topics focusing on Business accounting and Marketing eco-tourism which include product packaging, destination events and promo materials preparation.

The group will then proceed to Pagadian City for the second leg on July 3-4 wherein participants will be trained on quality and productivity management in manufacturing, and internet/online marketing with fraud detection.

Next stop will be Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Province where quality and productivity management in rubber and abaca production and processing will be tackled since Zamboanga Sibugay is the region’s rubber capital.

The Zamboanga City and Isabela City leg which was originally set on July 16-17 and 19 respectively, will be moved to September.

DTI is encouraging interested participants to register with the nearest DTI offices in their areas. (PIA9)

DOT-9 holds media familiarization tour in Davao

By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY – Five media men from this city have recently visited Davao City on a three-day “familiarization tour” jointly sponsored by the Department of Tourism (DOT)-9 and the Cebu Pacific Airline Company in coordination with DOT-11.

DOT-9 Regional Director Mary June Bugante said the media familiarization tour was designed to drum up awareness on the different tourist destinations from Dipolog City to Davao City and the neighboring provinces.

On the first day, the group was toured around the city where the biggest China town in the whole world is located. Passing through the old streets named after the country’s national heroes and leaders, the media men were brought to Davao City 911, a highly computerized and fully integrated emergency and rescue dispatch system.

Davao City 911 emergency response system is said to be the first of its kind in the country and in Asia, and the third in the world after the United States and Canada.

On the second day, the Dipolog media men were toured to Museo Dabawenyo, Malagos Garden Resort, Philippine Eagle Park, Eden Nature Park and Resort and Crocodile Farm. Then, on the last day, they were brought to Pearl Farm Beach Resort and to the 14-hectare marine reserve where the giant clams are being grown, all at the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte.

In a related development, DOT-11 Regional Director Art Boncato Jr. said in an interview that a group of media men from Davao will also be having their familiarization tour in Dipolog City either in July or August this year. “This is geared towards a good exchange of destinations between the two cities,” he said.

He also disclosed that DOT-11 currently embarks on three major programs, namely: eco-tourism, developing minds and promoting connectivity and access.

Eco-tourism aims to promote the different tourist destinations from island to island while the second program seeks to promote Davao City as the center for conventions/conferences.

Promoting connectivity and access program, on the other hand, refers to infrastructure and transportation facilities that will make travel among local and foreign tourists easier.

The media men joining the tour were Zamboanga del Norte Press Club President Rosemarie P. Miranda, Kapihan sa Dipolog host Editha P. Tomong, RMN-dxDR station manager Richard Villaronte, Sunny Dimasuhid Jr. of ABS-CBN and Franklin P. Gumapon of the Philippine Information Agency. (PIA9)

Tabak soldiers wounded in fight vs. rebels recognized

By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – “Wounded, injured, disabled or killed while in line of duty is part of an oath of soldiers in defending and protecting  the country against all enemies.”

This was how 1^st Infantry (Tabak)) division officer-in-charge Brigadier General (BGen.) Felicidad Virgilio Trinidad Jr. described the role of soldiers in an awarding ceremony for four wounded soldiers during the 115^th  Independence Day celebration on June 12, 2013 at Kuta Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Trinidad personally pinned the medals to wounded Tabak troopers, namely, 2^nd Lt. Jose Aristeo Pamor, Sgt. Willy Paracale, Cpl. Joseph Vincoy, and Pvt. Rudy Leo Jr.

“The wounded troopers have shown their great love, service and dedication to our country, thus they absolutely deserve the honor they got today,” said Trinidad who also got wounded when he was then a lieutenant.

Trinidad said it has been a yearly tradition of the 1^st Infantry division to give award to wounded soldiers in recognition of their exemplary acts of patriotism and sacrifice in the service of our nation.

Lt. Pamor said he had mixed feelings upon receiving the award, saying, “Masaya, at the same time,  malungkot ako sa pagtanggap ng award. Masaya dahil ginawa namin ang aming tungkulin na ipagtanggol ang bansa laban sa mga kaaway, at malungkot dahil may mga tropa rin na nasugatan na handang  isakrapisyo ang buhay para sa ating bansa (I am happy and at the same time sad in receiving the award. Happy, because we fulfilled our promise to protect our country from the enemies, and sad because there are still troopers who are wounded and are ready to sacrifice their lives for our nation).”

Pamor was wounded at his back and head during an encounter with 35 fully armed insurgents in Barangay Anonang, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental on May 22, 2013. He was with Vincoy and Lee who also got wounded.

Paracale, on the other hand, was hit in an encounter with members of NPA in barangay Nacibac, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte on May 30, 2013. (PIA9)

Teen pregnancy endangers young moms, babies

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The 2008 National Demographic and Health Statistics (NDHS) of the National Statistics Office (NSO) revealed that 19 percent of the births delivered by the 26 percent of the total young mothers aging 15-24 years old have multiple medical risks due to a combination of the mother’s age, birth interval and birth order.

In a press release, Eva A. Goyena, of the S & T Media Service of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) said that in a related survey conducted by FNRI-DOST among 1,650 pregnant Filipino women showed that 40 percent of the pregnant teen-agers below 15 years old and 36 percent among pregnant women 15-19 years old are nutritionally-at-risk due to their gestational age.

According to the survey, 36 percent of pregnant women aging below 20 years old nutritionally-at-risk is almost twice higher compared to 23 percent noted among those aging above 20 years old.

Goyena said, the FNRI survey further disclosed that the low weight gain during pregnancy among 43.4 of the teen-age mothers due to under-nutrition most likely attributed to the mother’s short lactation and the babies’ low birth weight.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stillbirths and death in the first week of life are 50 percent higher among babies born to mothers younger than 20 years old than among babies born to mothers 20-29 years old.  

The WHO also noted that rates of premature birth, low birth weight and asphyxia or difficulty of breathing among babies of adolescents increased the chance of early death and future health problems.

In 2001, the Population Commission has also documented that poor nutrition aggravated by multiple pregnancies and closely-spaced births make younger moms more susceptible to infectious diseases as well as health complications that may result to maternal or infant deaths and low birth weight babies. (PIA9)

PCSO-Zamboanga spends P2.2-M monthly for medical assistances

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in Zamboanga City disburses P2.2 million monthly on various medical assistances being sought mostly by poor patients coming from the different barangays and even neighboring towns.

“We usually spend about P100 thousand daily, amounting to approximately P2.2 million in a month,” said Analiza Narciso, PCSO-Zamboanga’s chief financial management officer in a radio interview.

According to Narciso, the amount only caters to an average of 12 patients in a day, but in reality, more people come to their office seeking assistance on a daily basis.

“Some come to queue as early as 1:00 a.m.,” shared Narciso, adding “pag dating ng alas 8 ng umaga, ang haba-haba na ng pila, hindi namin mai-accommodate lahat (at 8:00 a.m., the queue was already long and we could not accommodate all of them anymore).”  

“The 2.2 million pesos monthly allocation is really not enough,” she said.
In availing of medical assistance, priority is given to the indigents. However, in certain cases, patients from the average-income bracket may be accommodated like treatment of cancer through chemotherapy and other serious ailments.

The PCSO provides assistance for hospitalization expenses, laboratory procedures and purchase of medicines, chemo drugs, dialysis solutions, antibiotics, implants, devices and other medical needs such as wheelchairs. However, Narciso reiterated that other expenses such as food and the doctors’ professional fees are not covered.

Those needing medical assistance should prepare the following documentary requirements for submission to the PCSO: letter request to the PCSO chairman / general manager, medical abstract, bill/quotation/costing from hospital pharmacy / supplies, lab request / medicine prescription, endorsement/acceptance letter from hospital social services /credit collection office.

The PCSO is located in HC Marketing Building, Governor Camins Avenue in Zamboanga City. (PIA9)

AFP Chief leads WESMINCOM inauguration of 3 infra projects

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) has recently inaugurated three new and rehabilitated infrastructures inside its headquarters.

Colonel Rodrigo T. Gregorio, Command Public Information Officer said in a press release that the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gen. Emmanuel T Bautista arrived at the headquarters last June 20 to visit field units and to personally lead and grace the inauguration and blessing of three  projects inside Camp Navarro this city.

Under the leadership of LT.GEN. REY C ARDO, WESMINCOM undertook the major renovation and rehabilitation of the Flamingo, a multi-purpose hall, the La Solidaridad, a function area with swimming pool, and the construction of the Brigadier General Teodulfo Bautista Lounge, a function room intended as reception hall for VIP guests.

Col. Gregorio said that among the three newly renovated and constructed facilities, the Flamingo is probably the most significant and most memorable to most retired and senior officers who are still in the active service.

“Flamingo has in one way or another become part of their lives and career. No less our honoree, the present Chief of Staff, AFP, Gen BAUTISTA and Cmdr, WestMinCom LtGen Ardo were once billeted in this facility 32 years ago when they reported here in Mindanao for their first assignment as new 2^nd Lieutenants in 1981,” Gregorio said. 

He added that Flamingo is derived from latin word flamma which means flame. The original Flamingo Officers’ clubhouse traces its root in the 1970s during the height of the Muslim rebellion in western Mindanao. The then ‘flamboyant’ Commanding General of the 4^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army BGen Alfonso Alcoseba was responsible in conceiving the construction of the said facility and named it Flamingo, accordingly after the famous Flamingo in Las Vegas in order to serve as venue for unwinding and relaxation of the Officers from the stress and fatigue of the intense fighting in Mindanao during that time.

Since then, Flamingo has evolved to serve for other purposes and functions to include: as an EP Clubhouse in the 1990s and as Female Officers Quarters renaming it to Patio de la Mujeres in 2000s.

Today, Flamingo is still situated in its original location and retains most of its original architectural designs after undergoing another major renovation in the hope to bringing back its former glory, fame and memories. (FPG/RVC/WESMINCOM/PIA9)

Tawi-Tawi seaweed growers receive solar dryers from DTI

Felipo David G. Malcampo

BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi – Organized seaweed-producers in nine island- municipalities of Tawi-Tawi are recipients of solar dryers on stilts from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-ARMM).

In a long distance interview, DTI OIC-Provincial Director Nazrullah G. Masahud said that each of these 9 units of solar dryer, which includes a stockroom and production materials, cost some P388.210.

The solar dryer measures 60 feet by 40 feet while the stockroom is 18 feet by 18 feet.

Masahud also disclosed that the project is part of the P 8.59 billion allotted by President Benigno Aquino III under the Transition Support Plan (TISP) - a roadmap to ‘matuwid na daan’ of good governance and reforms in the provinces and cities within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

In a separate interview, Senior Trade Industry Specialist Gunna H. Mohammad explained that while there are many seaweed growers in the province, only one established and organized group per island-municipality was initially targeted. “The project is a grant and the beneficiaries are bound by a memorandum of agreement (MOA)," she added.

The nine beneficiaries, Mohammad said, are coming from the island-municipalities of Sitangkay, Sibutu, Bongao, Sapa-sapa, Tandubas, Languyan, South Ubian, Simunul, and Panglima Sugala.

Tawi-Tawi province has 11 island-municipalities.

Meanwhile, Monitoring Officer Raja Lakandula Aming stressed that “the TISP closely monitors the project implementation in all phases in collaboration with other non-government and people’s organizations in the area.”

The ceremonial turnover of the solar dryers last June 15 in a loc al hotel here was led by DTI-ARMM Secretary Sangkula Tindick .

Gracing the occasion were Bongao Municipal Mayor Japer Que and Executive Assistant Abraham Dalagan, who represented Governor Sadikul Sahali.

Also in attendance were DTI-IX Assistant Regional Director Sitti Amina Jain; DTI-XII Regional Director Ibrahim Guiamadel; Provincial Director Anacleto Blanco, ARMM-TISP National Coordinator; and DTI provincial directors from Tawi-tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Lanao and Maguindanao.

The same affair was witnessed by personnel from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and representatives from various people’s organizations. (PIA9)

Team Basilan meets with SCARBIDCI stakeholders to solve coop woes

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Basilan Peace and Development Coordinating Committee, also known as Team Basilan, conducted consultative meetings and workshops with stakeholders of the Sta. Clara Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative, Inc. (SCARBIDCI) to resolve certain issues confronting the cooperative.

On June 19, Team Basilan visited the cooperative, met and talked with the different stakeholders to gather information and consult the affected workers on the prevailing issues to find ways to address the problems besetting the cooperative.

The cooperative’s problems reached Team Basilan some three or four months ago from the report of 104^th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito Galvez who asked the provincial government to intervene in the crisis the cooperative is experiencing. Since then, the team had been tackling the concerns in its meetings until it decided to hold consultations.

On June 12, a sit-down strike was held by a small group of affected workers and individuals who demanded the release of their salaries. The workers have complained that the cooperative was remiss in religiously paying their salaries on time. The workers have also complained of mismanagement, thus, calling for reforms.

The workers said they are highly dependent on their salaries to put food on the table and to provide for other needs of their families, more particularly the needs of their students.

Col. Galvez said “the problem of SCARBIDCI is like a ticking time bomb waiting to be ignited.”  “Before it happens, the government must already find ways to intervene and help the cooperative resolve its miseries,” he said.

Local Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) officer Marilou Cruz said the cooperative had already accumulated some P176 million of debt from internal and external transactions. As a result, she said, “conflict arises between persons and groups for failure of the coop to meet their needs and or what is due them.”

SCARBIDCI is one of the oldest and biggest agrarian reform community in Basilan with rubber as its major product. Other product output include coconut, charcoal, banana, oil. With the growing debt, the coop contracted and sought the help of a “financier” to continue its operation. With the delay in salaries, affected workers feel that the contract was violated.

The members of Team Basilan also fear that the problems besetting SCARBIDCI might be also happening to other agrarian reform cooperatives in Basilan.

Last year, the team also tried to help in resolving the crisis in Tumajubong cooperative (Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative) with similar operational and financial problems, exacerbated by a series of shooting incidents that victimized some of its workers. (PIA9)

DOST-SEI scholarship exam set Sept. 22

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) is slated to hold its undergraduate scholarship examinations for school year 2014-2015 on Sept. 22, 2013 nationwide.

The said examination is open to high school graduating students who would like to pursue priority courses in science and technology, mathematics and engineering.

DOST-Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Science and Technology Director Marcial Dahonan said the application forms are available at DOST-PSTC offices or they can be downloaded at www.sei.dost.gov.ph or www.science-scholarships.ph.

Dahonan also disclosed that the high school students applying for the said examination from Zamboanga del Norte and its twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan will take the test in Dipolog City.

Each applicant shall pay a non-refundable examination fee of P200 and the deadline for submission of applications will be on Aug. 23, 2013.

The examination is designed to measure the examinee’s abilities that determine his/her academic and professional success in science, mathematics and engineering.

The awardees shall be selected on the basis of their performance in the 2014 Science and Technology Scholarship Examination.

The awardees are entitled to enjoy tuition fee assistance, book allowance, P500 for P.E. uniform, transportation allowance, monthly living allowance, summer allowance (if required by the curriculum) and post graduation allowance.

For more information, applicants may call telephone number (065) 212-2244 or (065) 908 0117, or in his mobile number 0917 859 0384. (PIA9)

OCD prepares for rainy season

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-IX bared its regional preparation for the rainy season during the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC)-IX meeting held at one of the local hotels here recently.

Jose Eric Castillo of OCD reported that recent observations and climate model forecast indicate that El Niño Southern Oscillation conditions are likely to continue starting May up to August of this year.

“The onset of the rainy season is expected on the last week of May to early June,” he said.

He said PAGASA advisory states that rainfall distribution for May is expected to be near to above normal in most parts of the country.

“Slightly cooler surface air temperatures are expected in many parts of the country. Predicted ranges of temperature for the month will be 22°C to 36°C over the lowlands of Luzon, 16°C to 26°C over the mountainous areas of Luzon, 23°C to 35°C for Visayas, 23°C to 35°C over the lowlands of Mindanao and 19°C to 32°C over the mountainous areas of Mindanao,” he reported.

“This is the reason why the RDRRMC needs to have a contingency plan for the rainy season just so we be prepared for any eventualities,” he said.

Castillo also the ongoing preparations conducted by the OCD.

One of the continuing preparations of OCD is the conduct of inventory of non-food items (NFIs).

Castillo said OCD had started its inventory of NFIs since May 3, “just so we know what are the readily available NFIs in the event of any disaster during the rainy season,” he said.

He also disclosed that the OCD is now also conducting inventory of available resources (human and material) to assess who and what are the available resources that may be used or tapped during disaster- whether human-induced hazards or natural.

OCD is also active in the ongoing conduct of Evacuation Drill on Flood, Lightning, and Landslide.

OCD is yet to implement other activities in preparation for the rainy season. These include the 3-day Training on Post Disaster Need Analysis (PDNA); Inventory of Safe Haven/Evacuation Centers; Activation of Task Force Avenida or Brigada Kontra-Baha to Conduct Clean-up drive Operations on Rivers and Coastal Areas; MOA signing with reservists (PN-NRCWM, 6th ARCEN-PAF, PA-RCDG9, PCG-CGSWM Auxiliary) and the conduct of Rescue Olympics.

The RDRRMC IX meeting was conducted to discuss the draft Regional DRRM Plan, 2013 National Disaster Consciousness Month observance and Gawad KALASAG and the organization of an All-Hazard Incident Management Team.

The RDRRMC meeting was attended by more than 30 member-agencies. (PIA9)

DSWD-9 to conduct series of consultation dialogue among social pensioners, stakeholders

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office 9 (DSWD-9) will conduct a series of re-orientation and consultation dialogue among social pensioners and stakeholders on the Social Pension Program of the government.

Social Pension Regional Coordinator Evelyn Lingatong said the dialogue will take place in Aurora, Margosatubig and Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur on June 19, 20 & 21, 2013 respectively.

The activity will focus on the review of the department’s Administrative Order No. 15 Sections 3 and 4 which states the operational procedure in the implementation of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC).

The SPISC is one of the provisions stated under Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9994 otherwise known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.”

It is an additional government assistance in the amount of P500.00 as monthly stipend to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens.

According to Section 3 of RA 9994, an indigent senior citizen is as an elderly aged 77 year old and above; frail, sickly or with disability; not receiving any other pensions and with no permanent source of income, compensation and not receiving any financial assistance from relatives to support his/her basic needs.

“To date, Zamboanga del Sur has a total 5,412 social pension beneficiaries out of 17,296 in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula Region,” Lingatong said.

Issues and concerns about the program will also be tackled during the activity after which will be the assessment and evaluation. (PIA9)

OWWA-9 honors OFW families at Migrant Workers Day

By Mary Jane R. Amarado

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The  Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Regional Welfare Office No. 9 paid tribute to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families during the 18th anniversary celebration of  Migrant Workers Day  on June 15 at Marcian Garden Convention Center, this city.

OWWA-9 Regional Director Hassan Jumdain said a total of 616 OFWs and their families, Institutional partners, OFW Family Circles (OFCs) Federation, licensed recruitment agencies in the Zamboanga Peninsula region participated in the event.

Alexander E. Asuncion, member of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Governing Board representing the Land-based sector, who came all the way from Metro Manila was the guest of honor during the event. With his 32 years overseas experience, he cited different situations encountered by our OFWs while working abroad. Asuncion likewise underscored the importance of strengthening family ties and the willingness to sacrifice despite the yearning to be with the family.

Director Jumdain said one of the highlights of the celebration was the launching of “Abot Kamay Kita,” a song composed especially for OFWs. It sings about the pains and sadness of OFWs while they work overseas away from their loved ones.

The song which was composed by multi-talented songwriter/composer Vehnee Saturno was played and viewed simultaneously in different OWWA regional offices and selected posts in Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Another highlight was the conduct of the jobs fair, in coordination with the POEA-9 and the Association of  Zamboanga City Recruitment Agencies (AZCRA).

On the other hand, a plaque of recognition was awarded to OFW Carim M. Jaupakal, an outstanding beneficiary of the 2-Billion Reintegration Program for his entrepreneurial skills which led to the success of his Long Life Bakery.

A plaque of recognition was also awarded to MMML Recruitment Services, Inc. & SML Human Resources, Inc., as Top Endorsers and Outstanding Recruitment Agencies in the region for their support to the programs and services of OWWA specifically in compliance to the PDOS Advisory No. 6, series of 2012.

The participants were treated with free snacks, entertainment performances, and raffle draw prizes. A free overseas call was provided by Globe Telecom Inc., for those who wished to communicate with their loved ones abroad.

This year’s Migrant Workers Day has the theme, “Migranteng Pilipino: Tayo ay Magkasama sa Pag-abot sa Pangarap Mo.” (MJRA/OWWA9/PIA9/ALT)