Zambo displaced persons urge lawmakers to hasten passage of IDP bill

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Displaced persons from the September siege urged Congress recently to prioritize the passage of the proposed Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) bill during a public inquiry on human rights situation in this city conducted by the House Committee on Human Rights led by its chair, Congressman Guillermo Romarate Jr. of the second district of Surigao del Norte.

“We urge the committee representatives and the Senate to please fast-track the passage of this IDP bill,” appealed Gamar Hassan, an IDP from barangay Rio Hondo.

Mr. Hassan shared in said gathering the difficulties and the trauma that he and his fellow residents have experienced during and even after the crisis. At the height of the skirmishes in September, they were not allowed to leave their barangays, and others who were supposed to bring them food were prevented from getting inside ground zero by the military. Mr. Hassan recalled that they were literally starving. 

However, Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) Commander Col. Andrelino Colina explained that safety of the residents was of paramount concern; hence they could not risk people moving in and out of ground zero at that time for fear of having them caught between the crossfire.

“We were lullabied by firefights,” Mr. Hassan recalls.

Yet, even after the last shots were fired, the IDPs’ plight continues. Almost five months since September 9, thousands of them are still homeless and suffering.

Mr. Hassan said that many IDPs at the evacuation centers have already died due to dehydration and other diseases because of the unfavorable sanitation and over-all situation there. He added that every night, the IDPs dream of returning home, but wake up to a sad reality - they are still at the evacuation centers.

Most of the IDPs from Rio Hondo have lost their homes, property and their only means of livelihood (seaweeds farming) to the fires and explosions that occurred during the height of the crisis. They have no home to go back to, and have no choice but to wait until the rehabilitation of their communities would be done – in approximately 18 months.

“Our homes, our personal belongings were not protected. We suspect that there might have been looting before the burning of the structures,” Mr. Hassan added.

Yesterday morning, Congressman Romarate along with Bayan Muna representative Carlos Zarate and Gabriella representative Luzviminda Ilagan, and local officials including Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and Congressman Celso Lobregat visited ground zero, the evacuation centers and the temporary resettlement sites. “We saw with our own eyes the difficulties of the IDPs,” he said.

According to Congressman Romarate, the purpose of this inquiry is to aid the committee in crafting the law promoting the rights of IDPs and to address any lack of provisions in four bills on IDPs already filed (House Bills 239, 2247, 3003 and 3146, protection of internally displaced persons). “These rights include promotion and protection of their rights, access to basic necessities, protection from criminal offenses, freedom and right to liberty of movement, and others,” he said.

Congressman Romarate emphasized that there is a sense of urgency to the bill’s passage; it seeks to provide a remedy for the IDPs’ plight until they would already come back home.

“We need to gather as much information from the different agencies, stakeholders, and especially the IDPs themselves, which will be reinforcements for the bill,” said Congressman Romarate.

Present during the committee hearing were different government agencies including the Commission on Human Rights, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Interior and Local Government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, representatives from civil society groups and the media. (PIA9)

Coconut industry to be developed in Zambo Norte

By Alfonso T.Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Considering that Zamboanga del Norte is an agricultural province with coconut as its major product, the provincial government and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) have decided to join hands in developing the coconut industry in the province.

During its recent regular session, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has approved the resolution sponsored by Board Member Crisologo Dicierdo seeking to grant authority to Governor Roberto Y. Uy to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-9, through its Regional Manager Ralph S. Hamoy.

Under the agreement, the provincial government is tasked to plant and propagate good quality seednuts in the various nurseries of the province and identify the farmer-recipients who will plant the seedlings.

On the other hand, the obligation of the PCA is to pay P18 for every good quality seednut grown at the various nurseries of the provincial government and pay P22 for every seednut planted and grown by the recipient coconut farmers in their respective farms.

To ensure that all seednuts will really grow healthy, the PCA will provide technical assistance to the coconut farmers by giving them appropriate training on the proper and modern methods of coconut farming.

The unified effort of the provincial government and the PCA to plant coconut is part of the planting and replanting program of the agency which aims to increase the farmers’ income and to restore coconut industry as the top dollar-earning agricultural product of the country. (PIA9)

Zambo. Norte to extend P6-M financial aid to Tampilisan town

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte is set to extend P6-million assistance to Tampilisan town for the rehabilitation of the farm-to-market road from the Poblacion to Barangay New Dapitan and concreting of the road from the Poblacion to Barangay ZNAC of the said municipality.

This developed after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) unanimously approved the resolution filed by Board Member Crisologo Dicierdo authorizing Governor Roberto Y. Uy to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the municipal government of Tampilisan for the granting of P6-million assistance to the said municipality.

It was learned that the action of the provincial board was in response to the municipality’s Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Resolution No. 17-A series of 2013, seeking counterpart funds from the provincial government for the said project.

Under the MOA to be signed by Governor Uy and Tampilisan Mayor Angeles R. Carloto, the provincial government will extend P6 million financial assistance to Tampilisan as its counterpart for the road projects to be implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform Communities Projects II (DAR-ARCP II).

The upgrading and rehabilitation cover the 3.9-kilometer road from the Poblacion to New Dapitan and the concreting of the 2.9-kilometer road from the Poblacion to barangay ZNAC.

To ensure transparency in the implementation of the project and disbursement of the fund, the provincial government has directed the recipient-municipality to submit regular liquidation reports of all its expenditures relative to the implementation of the projects. (PIA9)

Jobseekers flock to STII jobs fair

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Some 180 jobseekers turned up on Saturday, January 25, for the jobs fair held at Sibugay Technical Institute Incorporated (STII) in this municipality.

Graduating students, new graduates and other jobseekers joined the said event, hoping to find employment from prospective employers.

The Jobs Fair, which is the first for the year 2014 before the graduation in March, was initiated by STII in collaboration with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the municipal government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office.

Around 13 establishments took part of the activity with over 3,000 job vacancies both here in the province and abroad.

The participating establishments for local employment are the DES Appliance Center, Tres Alaz, Rural Bank of Liloy, Taytay sa Kauswagan, Katipunan Bank Incorporated, Surequick Marketing Incorporated and Saint Peter with a total of 66 job vacancies.

For overseas employment, the participating establishments are Joseline International Manpower Corporation (former PARAS), Workgroup international Manpower Services Incorporated, Speed Continental Employment Agency Incorporated, Alkhaleej International Manpower Services, Nonstop Overseas Employment Corporation and Jenerick International Manpower Incorporated with a total of 3,877 job vacancies.

Twenty female applicants were hired on the spot for overseas employment after thorough evaluation of their documents, qualification, experience, and education background.

Some of the jobs abroad include caregivers, drivers, salesladies, service crews, private tutors, cleaners, waiters and waitresses, automotive technicians, cashiers and many others.

Labor and Employment Officer III Hector L. Yap of DOLE-Sibugay said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the event was only the beginning of the many other jobs fair that would be conducted all over the province.

“Preparations were already made and dates were scheduled for the series of Jobs Fair that will be conducted for the month of February,” he disclosed.

Yap also said the conduct of the jobs fair was a success. (PIA9)

DOT-9 conducts tourist reception, guiding techniques seminar in Dipolog

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT)-9 conducted a four-day seminar on Tourist Reception and Guiding Techniques last Jan. 22-25 at the Top Plaza Hotel here.

Designed to give knowledge and information to all local government units (LGUs) in Zamboanga del Norte about tourist operations, the training was attended by the stakeholders and “frontliners” of tourism industry from the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, and the municipalities of Polanco, Sibutad, Roxas and Manukan.

The resource speakers explained to the participants the vital role of the local guides in the development and promotion of the tourism industry in their respective localities, as they serve as overseer, coordinator, timekeeper, shepherd, interpreter, presenter and caregiver. 

As an overseer and timekeeper, the local guide should know the itinerary of the tourists and always keep in mind the time allotment for each item or travel destination. 

He should provide information and other needs of the tourists like where will they go, where will they ride and where will they eat that is within their budget.

A local guide should also secure the safety and well-being of the tourists and should know the basic first aid in case of any adversities in the course of the tour. 

Moreover, a local guide is the ideal person to narrate and explain to the guests about their customs and traditions including the introduction of their unique products to the guests.

“All this will result in the increase in income and employment in the locality,” a DOT-9 staff said. (PIA9)

Dipolog celebrates 18th autism consciousness week

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here joined the nation in a weeklong celebration of the 18th National Autism Consciousness Week last Jan. 19-25 with the theme, “Katuparan ng Karapatan ng Pilipinong may Autismo: Isulong mo, Ngayon Na!" 

The weeklong observance was in pursuance of Proclamation No. 711 of 1996, declaring the third week of January as “Autism Consciousness Week,” aimed at promoting awareness and supportive environment among communities to enable autistic persons to live with dignity, function independently, and to contribute productively to society.

Evelia Maluto, Center for Children with Special Needs coordinator here, said that streamers were hung to make the public aware of the weeklong celebration.

The activity started off with a motorcade, participated in by children with autism and their parents, teachers and personnel tasked with the development and enhancement of children with special needs. This was followed by an opening program at the SPED Center covered court inside the Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School compound.

Art works and parlor games for children with special needs were held to give more color and meaning to the autism week celebration. 

 Maluto also disclosed that “Angels Walk and Touring” were also conducted “not only to promote autism awareness but to encourage environmental awareness as well.” 

“In addition, we conducted hydrotherapy to children, like we did last year, not only to promote their well-being but also to build up camaraderie between and among them,” Maluto added. (PIA9)

Isabela City DepEd holds 1st Division Leadership Training for student leaders

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – High school student leaders gathered at Begang National High School this city for the first Division Leadership Training for Supreme Student Government  (SSG) leaders on Jan. 24-25, 2014.

About 290 student leaders from the different high schools in Isabela City participated in a two-day event organized by the Association of Supreme Student Government Advisers (ASSGA) in cooperation with the city school division.

Two personnel from the Philippine Information Agency - Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi (PIA-ZBST) Information Center were key speaker-facilitators during the event. Information Center Manager Felipo Dave G. Malcampo lectured on Communication and Decision-Making as important life skills in leadership. He focused on the development of personhood and values clarification as vital components for effective communication and sound decision-making skills.

On the other hand, PIA-Basilan Field Officer Rene V. Carbayas led participants through workshops and structured learning activities to appreciate their roles as leaders in their respective schools, and their greater responsibility towards creating a society that is just and peaceful. He discussed the basic concepts of leadership and all other skills necessary for a young leader to develop.

The two-day training was participated in by the following schools: Basilan National High School, Isabela City National High School, Begang National High School, Tandung-Ahas National High School, Basilan National Nigh High School, Kumalarang National High School, Malamawi National High School, and Geras Integrated National High School.

Ibnutaha A. Abdurajak, DepEd EPS for Araling Panlipunan, said that the training aims “to lay down the groundwork for unity, cooperation, and harmony among schools, students and other stakeholders in the division.”

“This hopes to provide a venue where the participants can improve their leadership abilities to become quality members of the society where they belong, and to equip them with ideals and principles toward participative democracy,” he said. 

The training also hopes to develop the student leaders’ skills to achieve quality education and leadership excellence as an ultimate tool in restructuring idling society. (PIA9)

First round of DILG’s BNEO training kicks off in Sibugay

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Newly elected barangay officials as well as barangay secretaries and treasurers from Mabuhay town in Zamboanga Sibugay have undergone Barangay Newly Elected Officials (BNEO) orientation conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Zamboanga Sibugay at Roderic’s Hotel and Resort here on Jan. 22-24.

The BNEO 2013 of the DILG is a term-based program that tackles the whole gamut of barangay governance. It provides guidance in ensuring smooth transition, conduct of orientation course, planning, citizenship building, performance management, specialized courses, and awards and incentives. 

Its objective is to facilitate the smooth transition of power and authorities from the outgoing to the incoming barangay officials, enhance the competencies of barangay officials in performing their mandated tasks and responsibilities and harness the participation of citizens as major partners in local development.

The methodology of the orientation includes, Radio Aralan, Face to Face Training, Webinar and Coaching Mentoring.

DILG Provincial Director Arnel F. Gudio in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said the very objective of the program plays a big role in the development and progress of every barangays wherein the outgoing officials would be able to turn-over their on-going projects, long term plans to the incoming officials to secure continuous development.

At the last day of the training, the participants were required, as their outputs, to formulate their respective Barangay Agenda for Governance and Development (BAGAD).

Gudio said the barangay officials from far municipalities like those from the three island municipalities would be housed in the venue.

“The venues should supposedly be in their respective municipalities but since some municipalities don’t have enough space for the venue, we conduct the orientation here in Ipil,” Gudio explained.

He also pointed out that the orientation has been a consistent activity of the DILG over the past years after each election.

As of this writing, an orientation has been going on for the barangay officials of Buug town. The three-day orientation-workshops will run until March 2014 to cover all barangays in the entire province. (PIA9)

Interfaith groups welcome progress of GPH-MILF peace talks

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

BFAR issues Red Tide advisory for Zambo Sibugay, other areas

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - “For the first time, Zamboanga Sibugay has experienced red tide occurrence.”

This was the statement of Provincial Fishery Officer Estrella C. Macapobre, who said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a Red Tide advisory, warning the public to refrain from eating, gathering or harvesting, and marketing shellfish from Sibuguey Bay.

The BFAR issued the Shellfish ban advisory on Jan. 13, 2014 after a series of tests on shellfishes from the island municipality of Mabuhay where the agency first received a report of sea water discoloration in Dec. 2013.

Macapobre said the advisory might take several months or even years to be in effect until such time that shellfish toxicity level shall have gone down below the regulatory limit.

To this end, BFAR will launch an orientation on red tide occurrence come Feb. 11-13, leading to the creation of a Task Force  for the 16 municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay province.

The three-day orientation, which will be attended by Ipil Provincial Fisheries Officers (PFO), local government units (LGUs) technicians and personnel  will have actual field work and establishment of sampling points in Sibuguey Bay, as well as the signing of MOA  by the municipal mayors.

Macapobre said that this initiative of the BFAR is part of their continuing Information, Education and Communication campaign (IEC), adding that “updating the public is vital especially in cases like red tide because it involves human life.”

“If there would be large quantity intake of shellfish which is positive for paralytic poison, it might cause death depending on the person’s body resistance,” Ms. Macapobre explained.

In addition, she said that fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

The shellfish advisory also includes Dumanguillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Bataan coastal waters of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal which tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limit. (PIA9)

DILG holds BNEO seminar-workshop

By Claro A. Lanipa

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – To make the newly elected barangay officials effective and efficient in performing their duties and responsibilities, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with the municipal government here and the Liga ng mga Barangay has scheduled a series of seminar-workshops to be conducted from Jan. 20-29, 2014 at the Glupa Gulian Agro-Tourism Park, Barangay Kahayagan this town.

Dubbed “seminar-workshop for Barangay Newly Elected Officials (BNEO),” the activity would be conducted in three batches of barangay leaders from the 28 barangays in the municipality with topics on effective leadership, personality development, and full disclosure policy and seal of good housekeeping.

Resource speakers include Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr. who would talk on effective leadership; Emma Albarico, chief, Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) of DILG-9 on personality development; Dumalinao town Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) Johanne Rodrigo and Pitogo town MLGOO Alfredo Angon on full disclosure policy/seal of good housekeeping.

The municipal government department heads are also assigned to discuss barangay budgeting, finance, treasury issues and concerns, barangay development planning, health program, barangay disaster risk reduction and management, and solid waste management program.

The participants would also be taught basic barangay legislation by Tony Amor while Dr. Minda S. Castillo of the Department of Education (DepED) would apprise them of certain education programs.

The last day of the training would be devoted to the formulation of Barangay Agenda for Governance and Development (BAGAD) Formulation with MLGOO Mario Baterna of this municipality as facilitator.

Barangays Bantal, Balukbahan, Balumbonan, Canoayan, Canacon, Datagan, Deporehan, Liba, Matin-ao and Sigacad made up the first batch of training participants while the second batch came from barangays Baking, Camp Blessing, Dagum, Dimalinao, Kanipaan, Matun-og, Supon, Pulang Bato and San Isidro.

The third batch comprises barangays Bobuan, Damit, Depase, Depore, Dipili, Lamare, Poblacion, Salawagan and Kahayagan. (FPG/CAL/PIA-9 with report from Bernadine Gabawan, MIO-Bayog)

TDPC essential partner in promoting peace and security, says military official

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – “The Tabak Defense Press Corps (TDPC) is a vital partner in the promotion of peace and prosperity in our area of responsibility.”

This was the statement of Capt. Jefferson Somera, outgoing Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, during the election of TPDC officers for calendar year 2014-2015 held recently at the regional office of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in this city.

“Without them the programs and activities of the 1ID will not be materialized,” he said adding “the TPDC has greatly contributed to the successful implementation of the division’s successful implementation of its programs especially the Internal Peace Security Plan or ‘BAYANIHAN’ campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).” 

“We are certain that the Philippine Army could not effectively implement its programs sans active support and cooperation of TDPC,” Somera said quoting 1st Infantry Tabak division commander MajGen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. as saying.

Somera also received a plaque of commendation from outgoing TPDC President Leah Agonoy in recognition of his unwavering and steadfast support to the organization during his incumbency as DPAO chief since April 2013.
Agonoy said the TDPC commended Somera for his admirable leadership as DPAO chief and for strengthening relationship between 1ID and TDPC by providing assistance in doing coverage of various events, conducting live interviews, disseminating press releases, holding sports fest, fellowship gatherings, etc.

“This is the first time that TDPC gave a commendation to DPAO chief. We hope that the award will serve as an inspiration for him to improve his performance in the Philippine Army,” Agonoy emphatically said.

TFDP Director Vic del Pilar said the group was impressed with Somera’s leadership in that what he had done to the group was unsurpassed.  “He always listened to our suggestions and he acted swiftly on our problems,” del Pilar stressed.

Somera has served the 1ID for about eight years and six months and is now reassigned at 5th ID at Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM).

Meanwhile, the newly elected TDPC officers were: President – Ellen C. Ajijul (GMA7-ZamPen), vice president for electronic media – Jeesrel Himang (dxWO) , vice president for broadcast – Joan Guangco (dxBZ), Vice Pesident for Print -  Charnyl Albararacin (Hardline News), Secretary – Gideon Corgue (PIA9) and Board of Directors: Noemi Edaga (PIA9), Vic Del Pilar (Hardline News), Albert Sumalpong (dxBZ), Audee Hampong (GMA7-Zampen) and Leah Agonoy -(City Press Bureau)

The officers will take their oath on Feb. 15 before Major General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. at the 1st Infantry Tabak Division headquarters, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. (PIA9)

Zambo gov’t prioritizes education; builds 20 school buildings, rehabilitates 24 in 2013

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city government here will continue to support the education sector as education is one of the priority thrusts of the Climaco Administration aside from security and health.

Mayor Isabelle “Beng” Climaco during her recent State of the City Report said 20 new school buildings were constructed and 24 others were rehabilitated/improved in 2013.

She acknowledged that the accomplishment started at the time of then Mayor Celso Lobregat, now congressman, and that her administration continued where Lobregat left off.

“We continue the thrusts previously started knowing fully well that the realization of these projects will greatly benefit the children of Zamboanga,” the lady mayor said.

Climaco said her vision to “make the children’s future a reality today” remains to be her administration’s clarion call and that the local government will continue to take steps - big and small - to realize this vision for the young sector.

She also bragged of the mini-grandstand and a covered walk the local government had turned-over to the Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology (ZSCMST) during her second day of office back in July 2013. She said the said projects were funded through the Congressional Priority Development Fund and the CDF of Councilor Ramos, respectively. (PIA9)

NBI eClearance now available to applicants

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The Department of Justice informed the public that the application for National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance can be accessible to the public through an online registration system starting today, January 24, 2014.

Applicants for NBI clearance may fill out the complete form online without the hassle and burden of getting their priority numbers and to line up waiting for their turn to be accommodated.

Following the registration online, applicants may proceed directly to any of the fifty-five sites nationwide for payment and biometric enrollment for the release of their clearance.

They may visit www.doj.gov.ph/nbi or www.nbi.gov.ph for the eclearance online registration.

With the implementation of the new NBI system, de Lima said, the agency shall continue to roll-out and implement solutions to progressively eliminate queues and simplify processes.

The NBI clearance system is a component of the flagship National Justice Information System (NJIS) to link and share information among justice sector institutions. (PIA9)

USAID-ENGAGE kicks off in Zambo

The City of Zamboanga and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Thursday, January 23, affirming their mutual intent to support transparency, good governance, and peace and development in Mindanao, through the implementation Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE) project.

The signing of the MOU signified the commitment of Zamboanga City and four other Western Mindanao local government units (LGUs) to support the ENGAGE project, a five-year USAID/Philippines project which seeks to improve the capacities of LGUs and civil society organizations (CSOs) to build prosperity and stability in Mindanao.

Among the first 10 LGU beneficiaries identified for the first ENGAGE project cycle are Zamboanga City, Isabela City, Lamitan City, the province of Sulu, and the municipality of Jolo.

The agreement was signed by US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Luwalhati Antonio, and the representatives of the five LGU beneficiaries - City Mayor Beng Climaco for Zamboanga City, Councilor Janesa Tubungbanua representing Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar for Isabela City, Mayor Rosita Furigay for Lamitan City, Provincial Board Member Abduradzmezer Burahan representing Governor Abdusakur Tan for Sulu, and Mayor Hussin Amin for Jolo.

“We really need programs of the USAID to teach us citizen participation, stakeholder empowerment, collective and collaborative processes for our constituents to be really involved,” Climaco said as she welcomed the presence of USAID and the ENGAGE project in the City.

“What we want is government transparency and accountability of elected officials who will be at the helm of leadership, to be sure that every fund of national government would trickle down to benefit the most vulnerable citizens of our country,” she added.

The MOU signing ceremony also coincided with the first Mindanao visit of Ambassador Goldberg, who earlier paid his courtesy call to Climaco at City Hall. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)

US envoy calls on Mayor Beng

ZAMBOANGA CITY - City Hall yesterday rolled out a red carpet welcome for newly installed United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, who was visiting Mindanao, Zamboanga City in particular for the first time.

Ambassador Goldberg together with Gloria Steele of the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID) arrived in City Hall shortly before noontime for a brief meeting with Mayor Beng Climaco.

During the meeting, Mayor Climaco briefed the ambassador about Zamboanga’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts anchored on the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) under the Build Back Better strategy.

Climaco likewise presented to the ambassador a serigraph of City Hall created by Zamboangueño artist Rameer Tawasil.

Meanwhile, the mayor also reiterated to the new envoy some concerns she raised during the time of Ambassador Harry Thomas  which she said would greatly help in the development efforts in the city and that of the neighboring areas in Mindanao.

These included the request for assistance on the rehabilitation/asphalting of the Airport runway which is also being utilized by American planes/jets as landing site; request for assistance in calibrating airport security and CCTV system; possible training of our 98 Barangays for a Comprehensive Security and Disaster Response Plan; request for provision of technical expertise to fully activate our City Command Center  (911 System) for emergency response and possible programs and partnerships with the City Government thru the USAID and other agencies of the US Government to sustain the livelihood of Internally Displaced and other programs.

“Over the years, the support of your government has been an integral part of the development in Mindanao. Our administration puts premium on Security, Health and Education programs and these priorities also form part of your agenda,” the mayor said. (Sheila Covarrubias)

Journey to dialogue is a token of trust- Beng

ZAMBOANGA CITY - “When we accept the journey to dialogue, it is not the material things that count, but it is a token of trust, of communion, of reaching out, and of friendship from one spirit to another, from one human being to another, and from one individual to another.”

Thus, how Mayor Beng Climaco inspired the teachers attending the workshop on teaching and facilitating a dialogue yesterday morning at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) High School in Tumaga.

Climaco said in her seven months in office as mayor of Zamboanga City she had gone through series of human and natural disasters, foremost of which were the flashfloods, the September siege and lately the kidnapping of a teacher.

“It might be unique to other cities, but we have to face the challenge,” Mayor Beng said as she narrated a story of Clarissa, a Sama Dilaut girl, who years ago gifted her with a miniature vinta sail as a symbol of friendship.

In 2013 election period, Climaco said she gave Clarissa’s vinta sail to then senator and presidential aspirant PNoy during a campaign sortie in Zamboanga City with a message in Tagalog: “Kasama ko ikaw sa paglalakbay.”

“Clarissa’s story is about trying to reach out to other people to form what we call a bridge of unity,” Climaco told the workshop participants. “Here we are my dear educators trying to rebuild the souls, the spirits, the minds, and the bodies of children and families affected by disasters,” she added.

“Why will we allow others to come and take away our homes? Why will we allow others to come and steal our teachers? Zamboanga is ours. Zamboanga belongs to our children and we all have the responsibility to ensure that Zamboanga can give a brighter, a better future for our children so that we will be able to build back a better Zamboanga,” the lady chief executive said.

Present was Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, founder of Silsillah Dialogue Movement, which co-sponsored the workshop with ADZU and another non-government organization. (Vic Larato)

MBFI opens 30th search for outstanding teachers

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – Teachers from public and private schools in elementary, secondary and higher education levels are encouraged to join the 30^th Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) this year by the Metrobank Foundation, Incorporated (MBFI).

Anchored on the theme, “Launching Dreams towards Nation Building,” the search gives distinction and tribute to outstanding teachers of the country for their unswerving commitment to the advancement of the youth through their hard work, perseverance, competence and effective educational leadership.  

 

The search, which highlights MBFI’s 35^th anniversary, is open to Filipino teachers with valid PRC license and in active teaching for the last 10 years at any school in the country.

Interested applicants are required to submit a two-page Basic Information Sheet (BIS) with no additional documents on or before Jan. 27, 2014 to the nearest Metrobank branch.

Eligible applicants will then be asked to submit their official nomination forms on Feb. 21 this year.

Each elementary school is only entitled to nominate one teacher for primary education (from kinder to grade three) and one nominee for intermediate education (from grade four to grade six).

Likewise, each secondary and higher education institution is only allowed to nominate one candidate.

However, previous regional and national finalists with good moral standing in the community are automatically considered provincial finalists.

Ten teachers will be chosen and will each receive a cash prize of P500 thousand and a medal plus a trophy and a plaque of recognition for their schools. All national finalists shall also receive a cash prize of P20 thousand each while the regional finalists will be receiving P10 thousand each. (PIA9)

Pagadian mayor hails support to “Pasalamat Festival 2014”

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Mayor Romeo Pulmones here has credited the success of the recently concluded “Pasalamat Festival 2014” to the collective efforts of the police, military, government agencies, civilians and other stakeholders. 

“The presence of uniformed personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Maritime Police (MP) and the support extended by the Bantay Bayan and civilians have made the weeklong celebration peaceful, Mayor Pulmones said in an interview.

The yearly “Pasalamat Festival” highlights the city fiesta celebration in honor of its patron saint, the Holy Child Jesus (Sto. Niño), which is celebrated every third Sunday of January, capped by street dancing, fluvial parade(regatta), sea games, trade fair, and concelebrated Mass.  

Pulmones said uniformed personnel of PNP, PA, PCG, and MP were distributed to their respective assignments to provide security to public especially in areas where the major events/activities were held.

The PNP has also fielded confidential agents and officers in plain clothes to blend with the crowd.  

“The crowd was overwhelming. We are very grateful to our Almighty that He guided us in all of our activities and fortunately no untoward incident took place during the fiesta,” the mayor pointed out.

Pasalamat festival chair Vice Mayor Divina Grace Yu also thanked the vendors for their contribution in making the celebration peaceful.

“Prior to the celebration, we asked vendors to help the police in maintaining peace and order by reporting immediately any suspicious things placed on the streets such as bags, cartoons, etc.,” she said.

“A big crowd is always expected during the street dancing, as it is one of the highlights of the parochial fiesta celebration. So, we asked their help because the people would gather on the major thoroughfares to watch the street dancing,” Vice Mayor Yu said adding that “peace is not only a police work, but it is everybody’s concern.”

This year’s fiesta celebration has for its theme, “Pagdayeg sa Batang Hesus: Kadasig sa mga Layko, Kalauman sa Kabag-ohan sa Katilingban (Praising the Child Jesus: An Encouragement for Laymen, a Hope for Reforms in Society). (PIA9) 

Pantawid Pamilya expands coverage to 15-18 years old

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Children of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) belonging to set one or those who were enrolled at the beginning of the implementation of the program aging 0-18 years old will be covered under its expansion program effective 2014.

Mr. Jose Cruz, Zamboanga del Norte 4Ps provincial link, said during the recent Kapihan sa Dipolog radio program that under National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAC) Resolution No. 12 series of 2013, which the local DSWD office recently received, the program will now include children beneficiaries aged 15-18 years old to help them in their high school studies.

Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), however, said the department will start giving the P500 cash grant to the children of 4Ps beneficiaries who are studying in high school effective school year 2014-2015.

Cruz pointed out that the expansion program will be implemented after another round of validation to be undertaken by DSWD to verify if the said children are still in the custody of the program beneficiaries.

Under the 4Ps expansion program, the child-beneficiary who will be studying in high school will be entitled to receive a monthly financial assistance of P500, less the health benefit earlier granted to households who have been covered by the program for five years with no more children enrolled in elementary.

Presently, the program provides education grants to more than 7 million children aged 3-14 belonging to more than 3.8 million households.

Under the approved P63-billion budget of DSWD for Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program for 2014, the house and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) have included, as part of the poverty alleviation program of the government, children of 4Ps beneficiaries aging up to 18 years old. 

Cruz said Zamboanga del Norte has a total of 62,898 beneficiaries under set one from the municipalities of Sibuco, Baliguian, Gutalac, Leon Postigo, Manukan, Roxas, Katipunan, Sindangan. Siayan, Jose Dalman, Godod, and Sergio Osmeña.

Cruz clarified that they have not yet received the guidelines from NAC for the implementation of the 4Ps expansion program. (PIA9)

Zambo mayor lauds city’s medalists in Southeast Asian Games

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar yesterday commended five Zamboangueño athletes for giving the city an honor in the field of international sports after they reaped medals from the 27^th Southeast Asian Games held on Dec. 11-22, 2013 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.

The athletes are Hidilyn Diaz and Margarito Angana Jr., both silver medalists in Women’s Wresting and Wrestling Greco Roman Men’s 55 kg., respectively; Joseph Angana, bronze medalist in Wresting Freestyle Category Men’s 66 kg., Jhonny Morte, bronze medalist in Wrestling Freestyle Category Men’s 60 kg., and Iris Rañola, bronze medalist in Women’s 10-Ball Pool Single.

City Sports Officer Bernardito Patiño presented the athletes to Mayor Climaco during the flag raising ceremony yesterday morning at the City Hall grounds.

He said the athletes are entitled to cash incentives from the city government pursuant to an ordinance granting monetary benefits to local athletes who can reap medals from local, national and international sports competitions.

The grant of cash incentives is part of the city’s government’s sports development program aimed at attracting the youths to play and excel in sports of their choice, thereby keeping them away from unproductive, let alone criminal activities.

Under the cash incentive ordinance, the city government will give P100 thousand and P75 thousand for silver medal and bronze medal, respectively, from the international sports competition such as the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games.

The city is now processing the necessary documents for the cash incentives of the named athletes. (PIA9) 

DTI-9 to boost Shared Service Facility program with P46-M budget for 2014

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-9’s assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) just got better with an increase in the budget allocation for the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program, almost doubling that of last year.

DTI-9 chief Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, in a press release, revealed that the 2014 budget is P46 million, roughly 70 percent higher than the P27.12 million allocation last year, giving the agency more opportunity to help uplift the SMEs in the region.

“With this bigger budget, we should be able to help more SMEs in the region which are needful of government support in acquiring needed equipment, tools or machinery to improve their production,” Doctor Jain said.

However, Jain clarified that the project or assistance is not for individual SME but for groups or duly registered SME organizations as the project’s name implies.

Jain said they will be targeting high impact projects that would result in more job creation. This project also aims to help SMEs to come up with better value added products for added income.

“In our selection criteria, poverty alleviation through jobs creation is paramount in view of this government’s commitment for inclusive growth. Walang iwanan (no one be left out) as our Secretary succinctly puts it in his marching orders to us in the field,” Jain pointed.

Last year, the DTI had officially launched the SSF in the region with Zamboanga City as the pilot area, benefiting nine cooperatives with over P3-million worth of assistance. This was part of the 67 projects the DTI targeted all over the region in 2013 to address the gaps in the value chain of priority clusters by providing processing or manufacturing equipment, tools and machinery.

DTI will also strictly monitor all beneficiaries to make sure that the project serves its purpose.

“Our work doesn’t stop there once the projects are established. We have to monitor and document the progress of each, making sure that they are used and that they deliver the benefits as planned,” the DTI-9 chief said. (PIA9)

PRC-Sibugay conducts first aid, basic life support training

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

MALANGAS, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Zamboanga  Sibugay chapter conducted recently First Aid and Basic Life Support Training to students of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU)-Malangas Campus.

The training, composed of lecture and practical examination for standard first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), catered to more or less 60 student-participants from the Criminology Department of WMSU-Malangas.

“We have only expected a maximum of 30 students participating in the event, but more came than what we have expected. It only proves their interest in the training,” said Philippine Red Cross Administrator Hilario G. Miranda Jr. in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

The agency provided four lecturers for the three-day activity which included day and evening sessions to tackle every aspect of the training.

Miranda explained that the training is a requisite for every college institution and it is very important especially to schools far from hospitals to be able to respond to any emergency.

He also added that it was not the first time that the PRC held such an activity in WMSU-Malangas.

“We have chosen WMSU-Malangas campus for the training as per request of the school. It was not the first time. We had several trainings at WMSU-Malangas because the school is also actively participating in our blood donation activities.”

WMSU-Malangas bagged PRC’s “Bloodiest School” award for Zamboanga Sibugay in 2013 for actively participating in the agency’s bloodletting activities.

Miranda hinted that this year WMSU-Malangas might still get the award. (PIA9)

Zambo mayor lauds city’s medalists in Southeast Asian Games

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar yesterday commended five Zamboangueño athletes for giving the city an honor in the field of international sports after they reaped medals from the 27^th Southeast Asian Games held on Dec. 11-22, 2013 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.

The athletes are Hidilyn Diaz and Margarito Angana Jr., both silver medalists in Women’s Wresting and Wrestling Greco Roman Men’s 55 kg., respectively; Joseph Angana, bronze medalist in Wresting Freestyle Category Men’s 66 kg., Jhonny Morte, bronze medalist in Wrestling Freestyle Category Men’s 60 kg., and Iris Rañola, bronze medalist in Women’s 10-Ball Pool Single.

City Sports Officer Bernardito Patiño presented the athletes to Mayor Climaco during the flag raising ceremony yesterday morning at the City Hall grounds.

He said the athletes are entitled to cash incentives from the city government pursuant to an ordinance granting monetary benefits to local athletes who can reap medals from local, national and international sports competitions.

The grant of cash incentives is part of the city’s government’s sports development program aimed at attracting the youths to play and excel in sports of their choice, thereby keeping them away from unproductive, let alone criminal activities.

Under the cash incentive ordinance, the city government will give P100 thousand and P75 thousand for silver medal and bronze medal, respectively, from the international sports competition such as the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games.

The city is now processing the necessary documents for the cash incentives of the named athletes. (Vic Larato)