Zambo. Norte engineering office completes P831-M water development projects

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY – The Provincial Engineering Office (PE0) of Zamboanga del Norte has implemented and completed P831-million worth of water development projects during the first five months of the administration of Governor Y. Uy.

This was contained in the report submitted by Provincial Engineer Renato Ajero to the governor through the PEO’s Barangay Waterworks Development Unit (BWDU).

Ajero said these water projects include the construction of water supply system at Barangay Canim in Sibutad town, repair and rehabilitation of the water supply system at Barangay Dos, Katipunan and the installation of pipelines at the Zamboanga del Norte Sports Complex during the holding of the Girls Scout council encampment in Dipolog City recently.

The provincial engineer added that construction of P1.6 million water development project is going on in Sirawai town while the PEO is also processing the papers for the implementation of another P2.6 million worth of water development projects for the other municipalities in the province.

It could be recalled that Governor Uy has considered water development project as one of the priority agenda of his administration as he always puts emphasis on the importance of potable water for a healthy community. (FPG/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte with report from Mishel Monderamos)

Pagadian City holds “Walk for Rice”

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA)-9 in collaboration with the city government here held Wednesday a “Walk for Rice” to highlight the culmination program of the National Rice Awareness Month celebration.

Some 800 participants composed of national and local government officials and employees, academe, and non-government organizations joined the walk around the city’s main streets that ended with the culmination program at the city gymnasium.

In his welcome address, Councilor Christopher Ariosa, committee on agriculture chair, said “to sustain sufficient rice production, let’s join hands and help each other toward achieving progress and development not only for our own self but for the betterment of every one particularly our children and our children’s children.”

As the chair of the agriculture committee in the city council,  Ariosa   expressed his commitment and support to the government’s program, which is anchored on the theme “Sapat na Bigas, Kaya sa Pinas,” and encouraged everyone to stay united.

On the other hand, Mayor Romeo Pulmones whose message was read by City Administrator Prixio Daniel, said “the government’s effort to attain rice sufficiency is a laudable and encouraging vision, but to achieve this there is really a need for the cooperation of everyone, the farmers, policy makers and the consuming public.”

“Let’s not entrust this program only to the farmers or just leave it to the government to achieve rice sufficiency in country; everyone has to do his part,” Pulmones added.

“Today we are culminating the celebration of National Rice Awareness Month, but the pursuit to attain rice sufficiency continues. Let us help each other because none other who will benefit from this program except us in this present time and let us also prepare for the generations to come,” Mayor Pulmones concluded. (PIA9)

DepEd-9 conducts IP education forum

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – To engender a meaningful education for indigenous peoples (IPs) in the region, the Department of Education (DepEd)-9 has conducted here recently a forum on Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) with school superintendents, education supervisors, representatives from the different government agencies and private organizations as participants.

The forum tackled the national IPEd policy framework in pursuance of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 otherwise known as RA 8371, which seeks to design a curriculum appropriate for the IPs.

With an “indigenized curriculum,” the subjects are discussed from IP perspective in relation to their cultural heritage, customary laws, traditions, beliefs and practices.

DepEd also aims to come up with an IPEd curriculum that reflects and integrates indigenous knowledge, system and practices.

Engr. Aphli Dave I. Lampayan, a full-blooded Subanen working for the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Zamboanga del Sur, said a total of 110 ethno-linguistic groups are found in the different parts of the country and most of these tribes are in Mindanao. He, however, lamented that these IPs remain the poorest sector in the society.

Based on the 2010 census, the IPs in the country accounted for 14 million.

In Zamboanga Peninsula, the dominant IP group is Subanen. This tribe can be traced in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and even in Misamis Occidental of region 10.

Other ethnic groups living in the region are Badjaos, Yakans, Kalibugan,Tausugs and Samals.

The forum was capped by a declaration of commitment among stakeholders for IPEd. (PIA9)

PNP-Zambo. Sur extends aid to typhoon victims in Tacloban City

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – The Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO) has collected some 500 kilos of relief goods for the victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” in Central Visayas region particularly the hardest hit Tacloban City.

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Senior Superintendent Sofronio Ecaldre, police provincial director, said that as a show of sympathy and support to typhoon victims, he directed the PNP personnel in the 24 municipalities through the chiefs of police to give in-kind assistance to the victims.

The relief goods include sacks of rice, boxes of canned goods, mineral water, instant noodles and used clothing, Ecaldre told the PIA.

Ecaldre said that ZSPPO’s initiative helps raise consciousness of each policeman that his role is not only confined to protecting the lives and properties of the civilians but also to “doing humanitarian services in order to alleviate the agony and hunger of people in distress.”

“A helping hand is the best thing that we can share to them at times like this,” said Ecaldre, who is also a victim of super typhoon Yolanda as his houses in Baranagay Sagchan in Tacloban City and Barangay No. 5, Salawahan, Eastern Samar were all wiped out by the typhoon. His family members were spared from the nature’s wrath, though.

Ecaldre said the relief goods that they had collected would be shared to the typhoon victims in Central Visayas and the Zamboanga crisis.

“The packed foods will be shared to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City,” Ecaldre said adding that immediate priorities of the victims are food and water.

“The used clothes will be transported to Zamboanga City for the war victims there since houses were burned by the MNLF rebels and they need clothes,” Ecaldre explained.  (PIA9)

OCD-9 conducts BICS training to V. Sagun town officials

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – To effectively respond to any disaster, the elective and appointive officials of Vincenzo Sagun town participated in a three-day training on Basic Incident command System (BICS) conducted at Four Queens Resort here on Tuesday by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-9.

Mayor Merlinda Maata said “there is an urgent need for the municipality to undergo BICS training as the municipality had experienced natural disasters caused by climate change.”

Mayor Maata underscored the need to equip the municipal officials with the knowledge and skills in preparing for and responding to any disaster so as to mitigate its impact on the people.

Recently landslides occurred in barangay Nilugwayan and Maraya, the mayor said.

“During typhoons, we closely monitor the coastal areas. Like what happened last Nov. 8 when super typhoon Yolanda hit the Visayas region and caused tremendous losses of lives and properties, we urged our people to leave their homes and transfer to the evacuation center to protect them against any untoward incident.

Engr. Angelito Casinillo, OCD training officer, said the training which employs modules, is an effective tool for the stakeholders to respond in times of disaster. “The participants are taught the effective utilization of resources and use of reliable communication system during disasters,” Casinillo explained.

OCD-9 Regional Director Adriano Fuego lauded the town officials for their initiative in having such a training saying that “it is the first time that a municipality in the province has requested his office to hold BICS training for its officials with the municipality itself funding the activity.”

“Before, the training would be conducted in a cluster basis where one cluster was composed of three municipalities, and the logistics were all shouldered by the OCD,” Fuego added.

Fuego encouraged other municipal officials in Zamboanga Peninsula to emulate what the town officials of Vincenzo Sagun did to help the national government in disaster preparedness. (PIA9)

CHR to hold human rights forum in Dipolog

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of National Defense (DND) is slated to hold a forum on human rights and anti-torture here on Dec. 10, 2013 to cap the Human Rights Consciousness Week celebration.

Republic Act 9201, which declares every Dec. 4-10 as National Human Rights Consciousness Week and the International Human Rights Day in the Philippines, mandates all government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations to make people aware of their basic human rights in relation to the functions and services offered by these government instrumentalities.

Atty. Frederick Ian S. Capin, CHR-9 regional director, said the forum aims to raise public awareness and knowledge on human rights matter, both among people who are lucky enough to enjoy their rights, those who are not so lucky, and those who have little freedom and few rights.

Capin said the forum is also in pursuance of Republic Act 9745 otherwise known as the Anti-Torture Act of 2009. Its target participants are officers and members of   the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) with resource persons from DILF, AFP, and CHR-Central Office.  

It can be recalled that every Dec. 10, people around the world commemorate the International Human Rights Day as the United Nations General Assembly had adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights on December 10, 1948. (PIA9)

Canciones de Pascua set Nov. 7

Canciones de Pascua, a yearly Christmas choral competition among students of different elementary schools in the city is set on December 7 at 4pm at the Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar.

The competition which features chabacano Christmas songs to promote and preserve the chabacano dialect, forms part of the annual Christmas Festival dubbed “Pascua na Zamboanga” which starts December 2.

Among the mechanics for the contest set by the City Tourism Division under the Office of the City Mayor are: the choral group  may represent a school, parish, district or interest group; choral group participants must be in grade school; the Choral Group must have a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 30 members; Participating schools or groups  must have only one entry; Choral Conductors may be professionals; No child conductor is allowed and that accompaniment will be at the discretion of participating choral group.

Participating choral groups shall render two song performances, all in Chavacano; choreography is allowed; the wearing of school uniforms/or display of anything (seal/lanterns/streamers) that will identify the school’s identity is strictly prohibited and costumes are encouraged.

There shall be five mayor winners- first, second, third, fourth and fifth prize winners and that the decision of the board of judges shall be final.

Deadline for the submission of entries will be on Friday, November 29 at the City Tourism Office in Paseo del Mar.

Criteria for judging includes tonal quality- 30%; dynamics-20%; harmony (blending/balance)- 20%; musicality (rhythm/tempo)- 20% and stage deportment (costumes)- 10%. (Sheila Covarrubias)

Beng inspires participants in guidance counseling gab

“Laugh often. Laughter is a great way to stay positive and upbeat. Watch a funny movie, share jokes with friends and look for the humor in everyday life.”

Thus, how Mayor Beng Climaco inspired the guidance counselors attending the two-day seminar at Ateneo de Zamboanga University during which she shared her experiences and stress managing techniques at the height of the 23-day siege last September.

She told the guidance counselors that Zamboanga City paid a high cost to defend freedom, independence and sovereignty.

“The damage was wide and expansive. The crisis did not only destroy homes and claim lives, it also caused emotional wounds, trauma and stress,” Mayor Climaco lamented. “The challenge is heal and build back trust,” she added.

She advised the guidance counselors that in times of stress “we need to listen to the little voices that seek comfort and love.” “Let us find an opportunity to talk to everyone of what troubles them, help them understand their thoughts, feelings and behavior “

“As guidance counselors you need to help people explore difficult feelings and experiences and work out some ways of living life more positively and constructively,” she said.

According to Climaco, a little stress is not always bad; it can be an effective motivator and the adrenaline that stress creates can help improve both mental and physical performances. “But too much stress can negatively affect your performance on duty, your relationships and your physical and mental health.”

The lady chief executive ended her inspirational message with some stress debriefing exercises, to the delight of the guidance counsellors. (Vic Larato)

City sets “tribute to heroes” Dec. 2

The City Government of Zamboanga will hold on Monday, December 2, 2013, 8am at City Hall, a solemn ceremony honoring the fallen and living heroes of the September 9 Zamboanga siege.

Dubbed as “Tribute to Heroes”, the activity is meant to remember in a special way those who have risked their lives in defense of Zamboanga against infamy perpetrated by some misguided elements affiliated with Nur Misuari.
The event seeks to put a closure to the senseless siege and to jubilantly usher in the Advent season.

Invited to the special memorial ceremony are families of slain soldiers, policemen and civilians; those who took part in the defense of Zamboanga against the MNLF forces and all those who offered their time, effort and resources to the cause of upholding one flag, one nation, one Zamboanga. Top government officials from Manila will also grace the event.

Overall, the event will be acknowledging the experiences of all people who shaped and defined the character of Zamboangueños—who, despite diversity in religion, culture and  ideology—are united in their conviction to a cause and love for the city and country.  (Sheila Covarrubias)

CONZARRD, KASAMMAKA continue to gather relief goods for “Yolanda” survivors

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – The painful experience of people in the Visayas region wrought by super typhoon “Yolanda” (international code name, Hyan) on Nov. 8 has encouraged the  Convergence of Non-government  and People’s Organizations in Zamboanga del Sur for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (CONZARRD) to donate relief items for the survivors.

CONZARRD Executive Director Teodolita Suano said that while watching the news on television featuring the many affected people in agony and trauma after losing their relatives and properties to the super typhoon, she and her companions immediately decided to donate relief goods for the survivors.

“We are deeply touched by the situation of typhoon ‘Yolanda’ survivors who are desperately begging for food and water,” Suano said.

Suano said they have collected relief goods from their members. “The goods comprising 800 kilos of dried fish, 400 sacks of rice, 1,000 kilos of mongoes, and other food items,” Suano added. 

Suano said the relief efforts initiative of CONZARRD dubbed “Humanitarian Action Network Against Disasters” was supported by the KASAMMAKA (Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma/Mamumuong Kababayen-an), whose total number of members reaching almost 2,000, was aimed at extending assistance to survivors.

“This is our own little way of extending help to the survivors. With our little donation, we hope it will make them smile despite the tragic incident that happened in their lives,” Suano said. 

Suano said the relief goods which they sent on Tuesday to Tacloban City was just the first batch of the goods. “We will be collecting more relief goods from our members for the victims,” pointed out.  (PIA9)

UN: Information, a basic need in Zambo rehabilitation efforts

By Dominic I. Sanch

ZAMBOANGA CITY - While Zamboanga City is moving towards the early recovery phase after the crisis that lasted 23 days last September and displaced thousands of people from their homes, there is a need to step up communication efforts, particularly to create a strong feedback mechanism where information is shared between the displaced persons and the government and non-government service providers.

“In communicating (with the displaced), we have to ask ourselves: Swak ba yung ating ibinibigay? (Are we giving exact information?)” asked Malou Eudela, humanitarian affairs assistant for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) during a media seminar held here Saturday. UN-OCHA is currently working with the city government of Zamboanga, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other agencies in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts for the IDPs.

Ms. Eudela added that there have been many instances of miscommunication in cases such as the one Zamboanga had experienced, and it brought about severe consequences.

“As a result of miscommunication, the people experience disillusionment, basically for the non-delivery of the services that they need and expect,” she said. “In worst cases, this may lead to angst.”

“The responses and services provided to them should be guided by their feedback,” she added.

On the other hand, Sheila Covarrubias, city information officer said: “Communication, like food is a basic need. Information is at par with any other social services provided to the people.”

“The lack of information or misuse of it can lead to misunderstanding,” she stressed.

In light of this information need, the Communicating with Disaster-Affected Communities (CDAC) Working Group, or CWG was established, which is composed of the City Information Office (CIO), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the different agencies involved in the rehabilitation like the DSWD. More helping hands came through various other organizations including the UN-OCHA, the UNICEF, Save the Children and other international non-government organizations.

The CWG has been developing localized IEC materials for the IDPs’ consumption which will respond to their information and communication needs. It has been conducting studies on how best to establish a feedback mechanism between the IDPs and their service providers. Moreover, the CWG has been closely coordinating with each other through weekly meetings, and with the private media through press briefings.

In the seminar conducted last Saturday, approximately 30 media personalities, information officers including those from the police and military, and campus journalists were oriented on the rehabilitation efforts of the city government. They were briefed on laws pertaining to handling gender and child sensitive stories.

The lady mayor said “if we are going to build back Zamboanga, it has got to be a better one. But this can only be achieved if those who are at the forefront of information speak with one voice.”

Mayor Climaco participated in a coordinated sharing of information among the communication practitioners. (PIA9)

11th PFLCW congress bats for women empowerment

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – A three-day seminar-workshop capped the 11^th general assembly of the Philippine Federation of Local Councils of Women (PFLCW), which was held here last Nov. 20-22.

Aimed at empowering the women in all aspects of social, political and economic endeavors, the activity also sought to determine the various opportunities and issues that go with women empowerment programs and projects.

Speaking in the said assembly, Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy lauded the unswerving efforts and commitment of all officials and members of the PFLCW in empowering the women through various development initiatives to contribute to nation building.

The participants were acquainted with the rights and laws protecting the women against violence and all forms of abuses.

They were also given lectures on entrepreneurship and eco-livelihood tour at the Livelihood Skills and Development Center (LSDEC) where they were taught how to make t-shirts, cassava chips, bottled sardines and noodles.

Dipolog was chosen to host this year’s PFLCW assembly, as the city was one of the awardees in the 2012 Search for Outstanding Local Council of Women (LCW) of the Year. PFLCW believed that its members could learn a lot from LCW-Dipolog’s successful projects.

With this, women leaders from the different municipalities and cities were able to gain better ideas in advancing the causes pursued by the women sector.

Present during the assembly were PFLCW chair Myrna T. Yao and national coordinator Edna Madrigal, Women in Nation Building chair Atty. Anna Luz Cristal, Heide Ong of Yellow Boat Foundation, Polanco MTC Judge Deborah G. Nazario, Lerma M. Campanerof DILG-Dipolog, Councilor Jasmin Pinsoy, Assistant City Information Officer Leonor Rabino, City Civil Registrar Rosemarie P. Miranda, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy and LCW delegates.

The PFLCW assembly was anchored on the theme, “WE (Women Empowerment) Inspire by Breaking Barriers.” (PIA9)

Communicators’ congress cum workshop set

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Hundreds of government information officers from all over Mindanao are expected to gather and attend this year’s communicators’ congress and workshop  on Dec. 5-7 at the Big 8 Corporate Hotel in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte.

The activity is being spearheaded by the Mindanao Communicators’ Network, Inc. (MindaComNet) in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

Mr. Efren F. Elbanbuena, president of MCN and PIA-12 regional director said this year’s communicators’ congress is anchored on the theme “Communicating PNoy’s Social Contracts with the Mindanaoans” with the primary objective of communicating the Millennium Development Goals under the Philippine Development Plan.

MindaComNet is an organization of government public information and relations officers of national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions (GFIs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao. (PIA9)

Special barangay election in Zambo peaceful, says CIO

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The special barangay election held here yesterday was generally peaceful, City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias reported.

The Crisis Management Council (CMC) thanked the security forces both from the police and the military for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the election.

Covarrubias noted that the only problem encountered during yesterday’s balloting was the missing names of some voters.

“Except for some minor incidents and perennial snags during elections, voting in Zamboanga City was generally peaceful,” she said.

Mr. Edgardo A. Falcatan, principal of Boalan Elementary School, said the election would have been much smoother if they were furnished the master list of voters.

“There are some voters who complained because they can’t find their names in the list. While some are persistent and asked us for help, some became impatient and went home without voting. But other than that, we have a smooth election,” Falcatan said.

Other board of election supervisors from neighboring barangays also aired the same observation. Some, however, were fortunate as volunteers from Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) helped them find the names of the voters.

Police Regional Office 9 Information Officer C/Supt. Ariel Huesca also affirmed that election was peaceful.

The CMC also expressed gratitude to the teachers and volunteers who rendered services and contributed to the smooth conduct of the election.

As of this morning, winners from 76 out of the 98 barangays in the city were already proclaimed. Tallying is still continuing and is expected to be finished today. (PIA9)

DOST-9 to hold 2013 regional invention contest, exhibits

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-IX) in coordination with Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and Regional Inventors Society (RIS) will conduct the 2013 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) on Nov. 28 – Dec. 1, 2013 at Gaisano Mall this city.

DOST – 9 Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said the RICE serves as the elimination/qualifying round for the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) scheduled in July 2014 in Manila.

Manzano said inventors and creative researchers from all over the region are expected to participate in at least one of the six different contest categories, namely, Outstanding Inventions (Tuklas Award), Utility Models, Industrial Designs, Creative Researchers (Likha Award), Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for high school and college students.

RICE 2013 aims to provide support to Filipino inventions by bringing their inventions to the attention of the public, potential investors and possible commercial partners, Director Manzano added.

Dr. Carol M. Yorobe, DOST undersecretary for regional operations will be the guest of honor and keynote speaker during the opening program together with Engr. Edgar I. Garcia, director of DOST-TAPI, Manzano said.

This year’s event is anchored on the theme “Inventions and Innovations for Smarter Philippines,” which underscores the invaluable contributions of Filipinos inventions and innovations in helping the country move forward by coping with the diverse challenges brought about by global economic crisis. (FPG/CAL/PIA9 with reports from DOST-9)

DENR to partner with LGUs in land titling

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – To fast-track the adjudication of public lands and the issuance of titling, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will soon partner with the local government units (LGUs) pursuant to its Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2011-06.

DAO No. 2011-06 is the DENR’s first national policy that involves LGU in land titling program and has been considered a milestone in the devolution of land titling program down to the local level.

Roservirico Tan, chief of the Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO), DENR-IX said LGUs can provide invaluable assistance to DENR field offices in terms of resources, logistics and general knowledge of the existing conditions in their respective area.

He said LGU will be authorized to facilitate the titling of public lands through an ordinance creating a local titling program, titling office and adjudication teams. Such ordinance shall be a prerequisite for an LGU to avail of the assistance from DENR field offices and shall include provisions for manpower and other resources, Tan elaborated.

LGUs are also encouraged to create a land information office to facilitate exchange of information, reconciliation and reconstruction of data from different local offices and national agencies in support of the titling program, Tan added.

He also disclosed that his office had already made exploratory meetings with the Dumalinao municipality led by Mayor Ace William Cerilles for the piloting of this program in the province. (PIA9)

GCNet, DOLE, DepEd conclude “Career Fiesta 2013” in Sibugay

By Alma L. Tingcang

DIPLAHAN, Zamboanga Sibugay - About 2,000 students and parents converged at Diplahan National High School on Nov. 22, 2013 for the Career Fiesta 2013 spearheaded by the Guidance Counselors Network (GCNet) Zamboanga Sibugay Chapter.

The activity, held in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-9 and the Department of Education (DepEd), endeavored to reduce the number of job-skills mismatch and provided the students and parents alike with adequate information to guide them in choosing courses that would either lead to gainful employment or equip them with skills to become entrepreneurs.

DOLE-9 Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano lauded the GCNet for hosting the Career Fiesta 2013 and for its untiring efforts in guiding the students to make intelligent career decisions consistent with the current labor demand to better prepare them in the world of work.

Darius Antigua, GCNet president said, “We know for a fact that some parents decide what courses their children would pursue in college. The Career Fiesta 2013 aims to change this perception so that parents would guide and support their children in whatever course they want to pursue.”

High school graduating student, Marifel Balase, 16, was so glad that the career fiesta was held. “I plan to take up education in college. It is my dream to become a teacher. This way I can help my parents send my other siblings to school,” she stated.

One mother from Maganay, Buug, this province commended the worthy undertaking of the GCNet, DOLE and DepEd. “My youngest son is graduating in high school. He plans to take up automotive mechanic, either a two-year or four-year course, it all depends on him. We will support him all the way,” she said in vernacular. 

Students gathered information on scholarship and admission requirements, and received guidance on the first step to career planning from various participating schools, while colleges and training institutions put up an information booth and conducted orientation, testing and interviews.

Parents assembled in one big learning session aptly titled, “Kung Yan ang Gusto Mo, Suportahan Taka (If that is what you want, I will support you),” facilitated by Ofelia Amik of Pilar College, Zamboanga City.

Most of the students attended the “Yayaman Ako (I’ll become richer)” session, a talk show on self-employment and entrepreneurship. The religious sector also provided a panel discussion on opportunities for ministry and missions. (PIA9)

Gov’t to shoulder 25% of displaced persons’ pay under emergency employment program

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Zamboangueños who were displaced by the crisis in the city may be hired by private companies through the government’s Emergency Employment Program (EEP), where said companies will only have to shoulder 75 percent of their salaries while the government will provide 25 percent counterpart.

According to Regional Director Sisinio Cano of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-9, P2 million has already been allotted to pay the 25 percent of the wages of some 800 displaced persons in the city.

“Under this program, the total displaced workers hired shall not exceed 20 percent of the total number of existing workforce of each participating establishment and whose employment period shall not exceed six months,” said Director Cano.

The employment may be extended by their respective establishments upon satisfactory performance. However, after six months, they will have to shoulder the full wages of these workers.

“The employment period is from November until the end of December this year,”  Director Cano explained.

Moreover, participating establishments, as per the memorandum of agreement are tasked to enroll the displaced persons with the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG, if the latter are not yet members.

The DOLE is scheduled to hold a jobs’ fair in the city on Dec. 5. (PIA9)

PIA, BASCOMNET hold 1st campus journalism workshop in Lamitan City

By Rene V. Carbayas

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan – The Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-ZAMBASULTA Information Center and the Basilan Communicators Network, Inc. (BASCOMNET) conducted over the weekend the first campus journalism seminar-workshop for high schools in this city.

With the support from the Embassy of the United States of America in Manila and the Department of Education-ARMM, some one hundred students from seven high schools in Lamitan converged at the Claret School of Lamitan last Nov. 23 - 24.

Kurt J. Hoyer, US Embassy Attache in Manila, stressed in his video message to the participants that Journalism plays an important role in all free societies, saying that “Freedom of the press is one of the basic rights enshrined in the American Constitution and also an important part of the free society here in the Philippines.”

“Only if people had accurate and thorough information can one make a free choice in a free society,” he added.

Hoyer further told participants that journalists have to be smart, tough, and independent. “These are core features of what we hope to inspire in students who wants to be a journalist,” he said.

In her message, Mayor Rosita U. Furigay said that the city is lucky that the PIA had initiated a two-day seminar, which she said is a rare opportunity for students in Lamitan. She hoped that all high schools were represented as this seminar-workshop would harness the talents and skills of young journalists.

“What and how we communicate are very important issues nowadays because others had become careless and irresponsible in conveying their messages,” the mayor noted as she cited that young people today have the modern technology, like the internet and the cellular phones, to communicate.

Meanwhile, DOST-ARMM Regional Secretary and current BASCOMNET President Myra M. Alih encouraged the students to engage in journalistic activities as she stressed that information is vital to society.

For two days, the participants underwent an intensive training with lectures on the following: Basic Newswriting with Dave Malcampo, Writing Feature Story with Imee Gay Molve, Basic Photography and Photo Journalism with Rene Carbayas, Editorial Writing with Angela Lazaro, Journalsim Ethics and Peace Journalism with Dave Malcampo, and Citizens Journalism and Social Media with Rene Carbayas.

Moreover, the students also had an opportunity to interact with US Embassy Charge d Affairs Brian L. Goldbeck during a phone-patched interview on the first day. Goldbeck encouraged students to harness their skills to contribute to the transformation of the society.

Participants were also engaged in competition for newswriting, feature writing with photos, editorial writing, and writing reports through SMS (short messaging system).

The seminar was also made possible with the support of the city government of Lamitan. Participating schools include Colony National High School, Look National High School, Claret School of Lamitan, Lamitan National high School, Ubit National High School, Parangbasak National High School, and the Basilan State College Laboratory High School. (PIA9)

Dumingag parishioners donate 770 packs of relief goods for “Yolanda” victims

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – “We are touched by what happened to our kababayans (brethren) in the Visayas region.”

Thus disclosed San Jose assistant parish priest Father Elvin Sabandal of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 after the two truckloads of relief goods were unloaded at said office, the designated drop-off center of the 1^st Infantry Tabak division’s “Oplan Tabang Visayas.”

Sabandal said super typhoon Yolanda’s (international name, Haiyan) fury prompted the parishioners to donate relief goods for the victims in Tacloban City, Leyte.  

Sabandal said the San Jose Parish through parish priest June Nilo Vics, in his homily, appealed to the parishioners to donate relief goods such as rice, bottled water, canned goods, and noodles to support the relief operations for the victims.  

“We are impressed with the overwhelming support of the community on our appeal for donations to the victims,” Sabandal said adding that a total of 770 packs of in-kind donations arrived at San Jose Parish church an hour after the mass.    

The donation, Sabandal said, was meant to convey the parishioner’s deepest sympathies to those affected by this great tragedy.

 “With this, we are sincerely grateful to the parishioners, the schools and other generous donors. It is heartwarming that at this time of tragedy, we are seeing the deep concern of our people,” Sabandal stressed.

Christian Padayhag, a senior student of San Jose Academy said he had volunteered in repacking the relief items as a way of helping the typhoon victims. And he never felt tired.

When asked what motivated him to volunteer, Padayhag answered that he pitied the victims every time he sees them on TV begging for food, water and other relief goods.

Sabandal also expressed his thanks to the parishioners and student-volunteers who assisted in repacking the relief goods so they could quickly transport the goods to Tacloban City. (PIA9)

Zambo. Norte officials to undergo anti-terror training

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be conducting today and tomorrow an anti-terrorism training for elective officials in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, according to P/SSupt. James B. Mejia, police provincial director of Zamboanga del Norte.

Mejia said the training, which is dubbed “Terrorist Targets: Operationalizing the whole nation,” will be conducted in the eight regions of the country including region 9.

“This is in compliance with the directives earlier issued by President Benigno Aquino III, it being the priority concern of the regions in Mindanao, Cebu and National Capital Region(NCR),” Mejia stressed.

Among those invited to attend the training is Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Uy, Vice Governor Senen Angeles, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan(SP), particularly Board Member Julius Napigquit who is the chair of SP’s committee on police and peace and order together with his vice chair, Board Member Joven Zamora, and Board Member Romulo Soliva.

Also attending are city/municipal mayors of the different cities/municipalities in the Zamboanga Peninsula as well as the PNP officials assigned in the region.

On the first day of the training, there will be a ceremonial signing of the manifesto to be administered by the technical experts from the Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other law enforcement agencies.

It can be recalled that the Zamboanga Peninsula region is confronted with all the terrorist groups operating in the area like the Communist Party of Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other Moro rebels. (FPG/ATR/PIA9-Zambo. Nortewith reports from Editha Pagente-Tomong)

Zambo. Norte media men celebrate press week

By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY – Broadcast and print media practitioners of Zamboanga del Norte have converged here Sunday to join a motorcade signaling the start of the press week celebration spearheaded by the Zamboanga del Norte Press Club (ZNPC), Nov. 17-23.

Local radio stations and newspapers turned up to participate in the motorcade from Dipolog to Polanco town where a “budol fight” with municipal officials and a bowling tournament among news men followed.

Budol fight is a way of eating foods placed on banana leaves scattered on long table with bare hands.

Anchored on the theme, “The Press: Continuing its role as vanguards of good governance,” the members of the fourth estate are reminded of their roles as watchdogs of the public servants.

“The profession we chose is a unique one. We shape the destiny of our nation. We are the watchdogs of our public servants. We are the vanguards of good governance. Let us continue to be so,” ZNPC President Rosemarie P. Miranda told her fellow journalists.

It can be recalled that during the Marcos regime, two media men here known to be critics of the dictator, were slain. The deaths of Atty. Zorro Aguilar and Jacobo S. Amatong have remained unsolved today.

In 1996, another newspaperman in the person of Atty. Ferdinand Reyes was gunned down right at his law office by unidentified assassins.

The last victim was radio commentator Clyde Cantoneros who was shot dead in May 2005. He fiercely denounced the wrongdoings of certain local officials in his radio program.

Awarding of prizes to sports fest winners will be done during the dinner fellowship on culmination day. (PIA9)

P15-M PAMANA road project to be implemented in Siocon town

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Zamboanga del Norte has recently granted authority to Governor Roberto Y. Uy to enter into a memorandum of agreement MOA with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the concreting of the provincial road in the third district of the province.

In its regular session Monday, the provincial board approved the resolution passed by Board Member Julius Napigquit, presiding officer pro-tempore, granting Governor Uy the authority to ink a MOA with DILG for the concreting of a 1.3-kilometer provincial road at Barangay Malipot, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

As stipulated in the MOA, the DILG will fund the project through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Pillar 3 project amounting to P15 million.

For its part, the provincial government shall extend technical assistance during the execution of the project to ensure transparency and accountability.

This project is the national government’s intervention for conflict-affected and vulnerable areas in support of the peace initiative pursued by the present administration.

The PAMANA is also part of the President Benigno S. Aquino III’s social contract as articulated in the Philippine Development Plan from 2011-2016 to achieve a comprehensive, just, peaceful and orderly community. (FPG/ATR/PIA-Zambo Norte/with report from Edith P. Tomong)

DTI steps up price monitoring on basic commodities

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Zamboanga  del Norte has intensified its monitoring on the prices of basic commodities in the province to ensure stable prices of goods.

This developed after President Benigno Aquino III declared the whole nation under the “State of National Calamity” due to the onslaught of super-typhoon Yolanda in the Eastern Visayas.

Republic Act 7581, otherwise known as Price Act of the Philippines, as amended by R.A.10623 provides that once a place or a country is declared under the State of National Calamity, prices of all basic commodities are also frozen within a period of 60 days. 

In view of this, Engr. Noel Bazan, DTI-Zamboanga del Norte provincial director, appealed to the local businessmen to cooperate and follow the freeze order and not take advantage of the situation like manipulating the prices and/or create artificial shortage of supplies of basic commodities. He also urged the public to remain calm and notresort to panic-buying as this is only temporary.

DTI monitors the price of canned goods, processed milk, soap, school supplies, nails, battery, and electrical supplies.

However, Bazan clarified that not all products are being monitored by the DTI, as there are other products that are under the jurisdiction of other agencies of the government.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) or the local agriculture office monitors the prices of the agricultural products like rice, root crops, fish and other marine products, meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, oil, animal feeds, veterinary products and others.

On the other hand, the Department of Energy also monitors the price of household liquefied petroleum gas, and kerosene, except gasoline which is not included in the price act. Gasoline is not considered a basic commodity and is subject to the Oil Deregulation Law.

Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) monitors the prices of medicines while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) monitors the prices of wood products like firewood, plywood, etc.

Based on its observation, the DTI noted a religious compliance by the local traders with the suggested retail prices of basic commodities. (PIA9)