ZAMBOANGA CITY - “The task of building safer and more resilient communities is still a work in progress,” said Office of Civil Defense– Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (OCD-ARMM) regional director Manuel Luis Ochotorena to mayors and local government officials at the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Iba na ang Panahon forum held yesterday (April 22) at the Garden Orchid Hotel, here. “Recent events show that the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to natural calamities. The Yolanda, the 7.2 magnitude Visayas earthquake, and the floods in Zamboanga after the September siege are all illustrating a very clear message – that we need to be more prepared if we are to save lives,” Ochotorena appealed. Ochoterana shared that summits on climate change and disaster risk reduction management are being held by the DOST, in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the OCD to better inform the local chief executives on newer technologies to help the LGUs be more prepared. “We want to help the mayors make the right decisions in preparing for any calamity – to enable them to better serve their constituents before, during and after the calamities,” he said. Through these forums, the participants’ capacities are built to not only plan ahead, but to make the best decisions during times of emergencies, anchored on solid empirical and scientific basis. In these forums, the DOST has been introducing its new technologies to help the LGUs plan for disasters such as Project NOAH, hazard mapping, risk assessment and others. Meanwhile, DILG-ARMM Assistant Secretary Sharifa Pearlsia Dans emphasized the need for the ARMM towns to build alliances and pool resources, and improve their coordination between and among stakeholders. “Our ultimate goal here is to have safer communities. We are brought here together so we can put our acts together to come up with strategic actions and responses whenever disaster strikes,” said Assec. Dans.
By Gideon C. Corgue PAGADIAN CITY – A joint medical mission is slated to be held come May 3 at Barangay Deborok here by the Philippine Army’s (PA)1st Infantry Tabak Division and the City Health Office (CHO). Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief Capt. Jefferson Mamauag said the medical outreach program is one of the highlights of activities lined up in support of the division’s 78th founding anniversary which will be celebrated on May 7. Mamauag said the medical team will offer free services such as medical consultation, dental services (tooth extraction), circumcision, distribution of medicine, deworming, and Vitamin A drops for children. Asked why the division had chosen Deborok from among the 54 barangays for this outreach program , Mamauag said “Deborok had been infiltrated with the New People’s Army (NPA) more than a decade ago.” “We want that the people to feel the sincere presence of the government by providing them with free medical and dental services from the Philippine Army and the local government unit,” Mamauag said. Deborok is a rural barangay and is approximately 35 kilometers away from the city proper. The DPAO chief said the activity is a manifestation of the government’s great concern to effectively deliver the basic services to the stakeholders. The activity is also a component of the government’s anti-insurgency campaign - the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) of Philippine Army dubbed “Bayanihan” - which seeks to win the hearts and minds of the stakeholders through prompt and effective delivery of basic social services. . “With the sustained efforts between the military and civilians, we hope to attain internal security and peace in the country,”Mamauag stressed. The IPSP Bayanihan was unveiled by President Benigno Aquino III during the celebration of the military’s founding anniversary in December 2010. The campaign plan was implemented by government troops on Jan. 1, 2011.
TALUSAN, Zamboanga Sibugay – A women’s organization and a farmers’ association here received carabaos and piglets from the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn-Agrarian Reform Areas (PAMANA-ARA) Program of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
Some eight heifer carabaos aged two to three years old were given to the Strong Farmers Association and 14 Large white piglets were given to the Samonte Rural Improvement Club in a simple turnover ceremony held recently at Barangay Samonte this municipality.
A piggery structure was also constructed with PAMANA-ARA providing for the materials as well as the feeds and biologics for the piglets.
Atty. Judith Patriarca-Mantos, provincial agrarian reform program officer II of DAR-Sibugay told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in an interview that the heifer carabaos would be given to the members of the Strong Farmers Association who do not have any working animal.
She said the first calf of these carabaos shall be owned by the recipient-farmers while the mother shall again be loaned out to other farmers who have yet to acquire a working animal, and so on. This cycle would continue, she said, until all of the members of the organization shall have their own working animals.
All members of the Samonte Rural Improvement Club, on the other hand, shall take part in taking care of the piglets.
Atty. Patriarca stressed that “the piggery project aims to increase the family income of the project beneficiary.”
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the help extended by PAMANA-ARA.
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – “Disaster response requires partnership.” This was the statement of science and technology chief for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Myra M. Alih in today’s opening ceremony of Iba na ang Panahaon Science for Safer Communities (BaSulTa-ARMM leg) in Zamboanga City. Secretary Alih told participants that the concept of the activity is partnership. “Remember, during disaster the DOST does not have the sole mandate but everybody, particularly the local government unit (LGUs), is also responsible,” Alih said. She said the forum would provide the local government unit with valuable information like disaster maps that will help concerned government agencies and LGUs prepare the communities and save lives. She encouraged participants to fully participate in the forum with the other technologies that the DOST could offer to the LGUs and other government agencies. “The ARMM areas, particularly the island provinces are becoming highly vulnerable to strong winds and waves as the area has already been frequented recently by typhoons,” Alih said as she recounted some incidents happening in these places that were never experienced before. She recalled that Sulu had recently experienced unusual strong waves and flooding, destroying houses of some coastal and urban communities. In Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, frequency in the cancellation of boat trips to and from nearby Zamboanga City has increased, affecting mobility and economic activity of the island province. “We are not safe anymore in travelling and [unfortunately] we have to cross the sea to travel to Zamboanga City. And because of Climate Change, our mobility has become limited,” she said.
“The ARMM is no longer typhoon-free,” she declared.
Alih said that with the impact of the changing climate has reached alarming level, the DOST has developed technologies and early warning devices that could help mitigate the impact of disasters to vulnerable communities. “We cannot stop Climate Change. The only way is to prepare,” she noted. Some 55 local chief executives, government line agencies, members of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, and the media gathered for the two-day forum (April 23-24) at Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City.
PAGADIAN CITY – After serving region 9 for two years and nine months, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-9 Regional Director Salong Sunggod is now assigned in region 3. He is replaced by Director Woy Lim P. Wong from region 12. In a recent regional staff conference and turnover ceremony held at the NCIP-9 regional office here, Director Sunggod officially handed over the office to Director Wong in the presence of Ethnographic Commissioner Datu Cosme M. Lambayon, representatives and leaders of indigenous peoples (IP) in the region as well as NCIP regional and provincial personnel. In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Director Sunggod disclosed that he was able to institute fiscal and administrative reforms resulting in the dismissal of nine key personnel who were charged with administrative cases. “We have now our own financial management in accordance with the existing accounting rules and regulations following the ‘Tuwid na Daan’ of President Aquino,” Sunggod emphasized. “Another accomplishment we have is the increased cooperation and collaboration of NCIP with the different sectors of the society, the non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society and other government agencies,” Sunggod added. He further said that the problem of polarization or divisions among IP leaders and the IP communities was successfully addressed by the agency. Sunggod also encouraged the IPs in the region including the personnel and staff of NCIP-9 to work hard to sustain the reforms undertaken by the agency. “There are things that we have accomplished but, more issues, problems and concerns have to be addressed,” stressed the outgoing director. “These cannot be addressed alone by the NCIP, We need the support particularly of our IP leaders and other government agencies,” Sunggod pointed out adding that “we do believe that we cannot attain peace and development in our region without the support of all sectors of our society.” Sunggod hopes that all other government agencies including the local government units will give their all-out support to the cause of the IPs most particularly those living in the hinterlands “that they may enjoy their living in their own ancestral domain freely and securely.”
LAMITAN CITY, Basilan – The agriculture department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) agriculture gathered some entrepreneurs, business establishments, restaurant owners and all those in the food industry, including some government agencies, for the Halal Business Forum held here recently.
Dr. Surhayda T. Aguisanda, provincial veterinarian and concurrent ROS superintendent for Halal Industry in Basilan, said that the billion dollar potential of Halal Industry remains untapped in the ARMM region.
“The Philippines has a halal market of 8 million Muslims or 10% of the Philippine population, bigger than all other Asian countries except for Malaysia and Indonesia. And ARMM is thickly populated with Muslim communities at 3.8 million or 97% of total ARMM population,” she explained.
She added that the Muslim population around the globe accounts for 1.8 billion, or about one-fourth of the world’s population.
“It is estimated, therefore, that the market value of Halal food for Muslims could reach as high as $150,000-200,000 million with a possibility of increasing to $500,000 million,” she said.
Dr. Aguisanda further revealed that a study had showed that most of the Muslim countries, especially those in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia are the main importers of food and agricultural products from the developed countries such as the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, North America (exclusively USA and Canada) and some developing countries, such as Brazil, India, and China.
“It is obvious that those significant suppliers of food products for Muslim countries are non-Muslim, thus the claim from some developing Muslim countries about the advantage of being a Muslim country may not prove to be true as an effective marketing strategy in this case,” she noted.
She challenged the participants who are in food production and processing that the key success in Halal market must be the strength of the manufacturing standard of the country. And that these suppliers of food products to Muslim countries should create an image of high standard in manufacturing and safety, as well as the aptness to Islamic laws.
The Halal Business Forum was held last April 10 at the FITS Center of Sta. Clara Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative Inc. in Sta. Clara, this city.
During the forum Dr. Norodin A. Kuit of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and ARMM Halal Program Focal Person led the participants to understanding the different aspects of the Halal Industry and the ASEAN Economic Community 2015.
Kuit said that with the ASEAN integration, the more ARMM must fast track the development of the Halal Industry and appealed for local government unit’s support to the industry.
“There is no 100 percent Halal products in the Philippines, thus this calls for more efforts to achieve the goal,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sherwin Kasim, vice-chairman of the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board Inc. provincial committee explained the certification process of the Board.
In his closing remarks, Eugene B. Strong, OIC-Provincial Agricultural Officer of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries-ARMM challenged the provincial government of Basilan to develop a roadmap of the Halal Industry in Basilan that will provide food security and halal (a healthy way of living).
DIPOLOG CITY – “May the Lenten season strengthen our faith in the Great Savior and may the risen Christ bring us all more blessings to help us cope with our everyday struggles.” This was Mayor Evelyn T. Uy’s message to the Dipolognons during the celebration of Holy Week. The city government has mobilized the entire police force to ensure the safety of the public especially the churchgoers by securing the churches, the 3,003-step Linabo Peak where people flocked for the Good Friday’s “Kat-kat Sakripisyo” (Passion of the Cross) and other densely populated places. The Holy Week celebration began on Palm Sunday and lasted until Easter Sunday. Police personnel have been dispatched to strategic locations to ensure safe, peaceful observance of the Holy Week. By and large the Holy Week celebration in the city including its neighboring towns was generally peaceful. All beaches were filled with, celebrating the risen Savior.
“Ako si Evelyn T. Uy magkuyog ta sa kalambuan sa atong dakbayan (I am Evelyn T. Uy let us join together for our city’s progress),” Dipolog Mayor Evelyn T. Uyappealed to all and sundry during her recent State of the City Address (SOCA). Dipolog City’s first lady mayor also beamed with pride in reporting that the city is now one of the fastest growing component cities in the country today. “When I entered public service in 2007 it was clear in my mind that I will be offering myself to make a difference in our beloved city,” she said, bearing in mind that she was making a pact with her constituents to bring the city to greater heights. Business establishments are sprouting like mushrooms in the city with the coming of new investors in banking, hotel and restaurants, department stores and many more. Mayor Uy said Dipologhas become a bustling city in the northwestern part of Mindanao. Dipolog Sunset Boulevard With the construction of Foreshore Development and Wellness Center, otherwise known as Dipolog Sunset Boulevard, the city has been put in the map of tourism industry as countless local and foreign tourists come to watch the dramatic sunset there. To many it is not only a place to unwind and relax but to do their calisthenics like jogging and brisk walking, as well. Other than the beachfront restaurants along the boulevard, hundreds of ambulant vendors also converge there toward sunset, selling snacks, drinks and other native foods. Good governance The city leadership pursues good governance through the Performance Governance System (PGS) as its main driving force and key ingredient for the success it has reaped in the past years. With all the untiring efforts, the city received a special citation on “Quality Management Systems and Innovation” during the 2013 Search for the Most Business-Friendly LGU (local government unit) by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). Last year, the city obtained a “Very Satisfactory” rating in the Citizens’ Satisfaction Rating Survey conducted by the Center for Social Concerns and Development (CESCOD) and CODE-NGO. “We will continue to push forward until we are able to achieve excellence especially in the aspect of public service delivery,” vowed Mayor Uy . The lady mayor also said that there was a rapid transformation of the city’s operation resulting in sound public finance. The city’s dependency on external income sources decreased last year by 9 percent with locally sourced revenues now reached 42 percent of the total income. “Dipolog being a third class city is 39 percent higher than the average of its counterparts with respect local revenues,” Mayor Uy reported adding that “the debt service ratio of the city is only 7 percent, which implies that there are more resources available for the people.” Economic growth Mayor Uy also reported that last year some P122 million in capital was brought in by the new businessesin the city. In addition, 124 new commercial and industrial buildings amounting to P169.5 million were also constructed in the city. “Dipolog as a business brand is fast becoming to be a very attractive one for investors,” Mayor Uy declared. She also disclosed that the city government is now looking at ways to have this economic growth trickle down to small farmers, fishermen, laborers, drivers and ordinary folks. Visions Dipolog City strives to be one of the ten cities in the Philippines to be presented in the Islands of Good Governance program of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2015. It aims that by the year 2020 the city will become a “sport events center of the south,” hosting national or international sport activities. “There could be no better time than now to review and take stock of our city’s contribution to realization of our national vision: Achieving inclusive growth, creating employment opportunities and reducing poverty…. “This is what our vision asks us to do. This is how we will succeed. You and I have an important role to play for the future of a better Dipolog,” the first lady mayor emphatically said.
By Gideon C. Corgue LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division based in this town will celebrate its 78th founding anniversary come May 5. Tabak, which specializes in anti-guerilla warfare, was established on May 5, 1936 as the 1st regular division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and was stationed at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. On December 4, 1989, it was transferred and stationed in Camp Major Cesar L Sang-an in Barangay Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur. The division is known as world's best anti-guerilla fighters in Asia combating terrorists in Southern Mindanao. In a press release issued by the Division Public Affairs Office, it said that several activities were lined up for the month-long celebration, which formally commenced last April 8 with no less than the Tabak commander, Maj. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. as guest of honor and speaker during the opening ceremony held at the division grandstand. A squad challenge was held on the opening day with participants from the different battalions under 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division. They competed for a week to test their individual and collective competence as squad and to promote teamwork, leadership and unity. An inter-color sports fest was also held with eight teams actively participating in different fun games, basketball, lawn tennis and badminton. On April 26 at 9 a.m., a photo exhibit will be conducted at Gaisano Mall to update the public on the army’s capabilities in safeguarding Filipino people and protecting the country’s sovereignty. This will be followed by a fun run on May 3 to be held at Pagadian City starting at Plaza Luz to rotunda. The event, which will start at 4 a.m. will have the following features: a 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer, and 7-kilometer run. It aims to foster harmonious relationship with the stakeholders in support of the Army’s Internal Peace and Security Plan dubbed as “Bayanihan.” Following the fun run, a motorcade will also be held from Plaza Luz to barangay Kawit to be capped by a clean-up drive at the coastal area of said barangay. On May 3, a medical and dental outreach program for indigent patients will also be conducted at Barangay Deburok, Pagadian City. At 10 a.m. on May 7, an anniversary parade and arrival honors will be held at the Tabak Grandstand, and in the evening, an anniversary night will be held at the 1st Infangtry Divisions old parade ground.
By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao ZAMBOANGA CITY– Assistant Regional Director Deogracias V. Maranga of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PHILFIDA)-9 bared recently that his office is now pushing for expansion of abaca farms in Zamboanga Peninsula to increase abaca fiber production to meet the market demand. “Our central office has given us a target of 100 hectares for our regional abaca farm expansion program for this year,” Maranga disclosed. But more than the given target, Maranga said PHILFIDA-9 has also targeted a much bigger area for abaca farming. “Aside from the 100 hectares that our central office mandated us to develop this year, we also have targeted 1,000 hectares all over the region for farm expansion under the SME abaca industry champion product development,” Maranga stressed. As part of abaca fiber development, PHILFIDA is now conducting grading and classification to ensure quality abaca fiber produced in the region. “New Tech Pulp Inc., the biggest market and pulp processor in the country, is demanding producers to have good quality of abaca pulp because they want to produce quality papers as one of their by-products,” Maranga pointed out. Part of PHILFIDA’s farm development is also implementing Abaca Disease Management Program as the abaca industry recently took a blow from infestation. “Unfortunately, the industry is also vulnerable to diseases. We recently phased out some abaca farms, specifically that of GARBEMCO based in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, to avoid infestation of nearby farms. That explains why we have a reduced production of loose abaca fiber last year,” Maranga explained. Per PHILFIDA-9 record, the regional production of loose fiber last year fell to 529.66 metric tons from the 644.86 metric tons produced in 2012, or 17.86% decrease. However, Maranga is optimistic that with the initiatives put in place, they can bounce back from last year’s loss. He added that with the targets for farm development, the abaca industry in the region is in the right direction. Philippines is the biggest abaca fiber producer worldwide with as much as 80% coming from the country.
By Alfonso T. Ruda DIPOLOG CITY - The Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Team recently converged at the provincial office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) here Monday to conduct an annual assessment on the functionality of Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) in the area. The assessment team is composed of the representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Economic Development Authority(NEDA), National Nutrition Council (NNC), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Information Agency(PIA). It can be recalled that the LCPC in Zamboanga del Norte was reconstituted last year with Governor Roberto Uy as chairman and Vice Governor Senen Angeles as vice chairman, undertaking various activities for the welfare of children in the area. The provincial government has been strictly implementing the Asin Law and conducting supplemental feeding and other health interventions in collaboration with various concerned agencies in the province. However, it was found out that these undertakings were not initiated by the LCPC but were implemented by the various offices of the provincial government as part of its regular annual program. The annual assessment is to validate the existence of LCPC and to assess its functionality. It also seeks to determine whether these programs and projects for the children are being implemented.
PAGADIAN CITY – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC-IX) through the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD-IX) in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur holds a two-day Provincial Summit on Disaster Risk Reduction Management for local chief executives of Zamboanga del Sur being conducted from April 14 -15, 2014 at Alindahaw Hotel, this city. The two-day event aims to strengthen the significant roles and responsibilities of local chief executives (LCEs) in disaster risk reduction management; learn from experiences of selected local DRRMC’s and stir community based solutions; and, institutionalize and implement knowledge in DRRM planning, tools and protocols, demonstrated during the Regional Summit. OCD-9 Officer in Charge Emilia V. Julhajan in her message during the opening program expressed her sincere gratitude to the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur led by Governor Antonio H. Cerilles for the full support extended in the conduct of the said summit.“ The conduct of this summit will also ensure that we are all able to spread our messages up to the grass-root level and fully explain and answer all questions related to RA 10121, better known as the “Act of Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System,” Julhajan said. The summit is being participated by local chief executives of every municipality in the province together with their planning officers and Disaster Risk Reduction Management officers.
PAGADIAN CITY – To provide a safe, convenient and reliable mode of payment for the consumer, business, and public sector clients, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) recently launched its newest card product dubbed Land Bank Visa Debit Card (VDC). The LBP has entered into an agreement with Visa Worldwide Pte., Limited in January this year to develop the Land Bank Visa International Debit Card and to ensure that the bank is capable to offer the latest electronic card payment services and technology to its individuals and corporate customers. LBP Branch Manager Lina K. Pacio, in an interview with PIA staff said the VDC is a new product or service designed to enhance the level of satisfaction of the customers. “In the VDC, all card holders can enjoy the advantage of convenient and cashless purchases not only locally but internationally,” she added. The VDC, Pacio said, provides advantage over the regular ATM card because it allows card holders to shop on line, pay bills and purchase over the phone and via email,” she added.
Pacio said the card holders can use the VDC for their everyday purchases in department stores or in any establishments with Point of Sale (POS) terminals. “You don’t have to line up or queue outside the ATM terminals. Just simply bring the card and you can perform electronic bank transactions with greater convenience,” Pacio assured the card holders. “With the VDC, you can just swipe and sign for your in-store transactions local or international. It also allows bills payment using the card number and transfer funds via Land Bank ATMS,” Pacio announced. The card can be used in millions of retail outlets and at more than 1.9 million ATMs worldwide. “Can you imagine how wide the coverage of the VDC is? You can now transact electronic bank transactions at more than 1.9 million ATMs worldwide where the Visa Logo is displayed,” Pacio stressed. To better serve its clients, LBP launched also its i-access program. Pacio said the program offers the following features: 1) it can account a summary of the current and available balance as the date and time of inquiry, 2) transact details of account history for the past 60 days, 3) check status of checks issued, 4) allows to pay bills immediately, 5) allows to transfer funds to other account, 6) allows to request LBP branch for new check books, and 7) allows immediately tag lost/stolen ATM card as “hot card”, etc. “The client need not go to the bank. He can check status of his saving within the confine of his home and office with the use of internet facility by visiting to our website: www.lb-iaccess@yahoo.com , register and log-on,” Pacio explained. Pacio said the local government units (LGUs) in the province are now starting to avail of the programs where some of them have already signified their intention to support it. Pacio invites Pagadianons to avail of the programs saying that it provides greater convenience and access to all their clients.
By Alma L. Tingcang IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Education (DepEd) here recently held a live-in Training Workshop on Guidance Program Formulation and Career Employment Coaching at Roderic’s Hotel and Resort on April 7-8, 2014. Some 60 guidance counselors from secondary schools and colleges in the province attended the workshop. In an interview, Dr. Mona Lisa M. Babiera, guidance services division coordinator of DepEd-Sibugay said the activity was conducted so that guidance counselors will be ready in time for the opening of school year 2014-2015 in June. “The training workshop is conducted quarterly with the following topics for discussion; Conceptualizing School Guidance Program in School Setting, Factors Influencing Career Development and Decision, Guidance Program Development and other related topics,” Dr. Babiera explained. The role of guidance counselors in the K-12 Implementation, ethical standards related to Career Guidance Advocacy activities as well as career decision making process were also discussed during the 2-day workshop. The activity was held in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office headed by Elamsalih E. Ungad and the Guidance Counselors Network.
DIPOLOG CITY – The provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte in partnership with the city government is slated to launch an entertainment show dubbed “Kilom-Kilom” come April 20, 2014 at the city boulevard. “Kilom-Kilom,” which is a Cebuano term for sundown, is coined to the spectacular sunset at the Dipolog Boulevard that led the local tourism office to come up with a show that would showcase the beauty of the city’s sunset. Acting Provincial Tourism Officer Joshua Bicoy said “Kilom-Kilom” will feature music, dances, plays and visual arts by groups or individuals who want to show and present their talents. The “Kilom-Kilom” idea, it was learned, came from a US-based Dipolognon artist and photographer, Armand Bengua Frasco, who got fascinated by the nightly sunset celebration in Florida, USA. This early, City Tourism Officer Cecille Reluya-Bilog is inviting the different groups and organizations to showcase their talents during the event, saying “this is one way to invite tourists and even the locals to come and visit the city and the province.” Bicoy also said “Kilom-Kilom” will be a gathering of artists, performers and artisans in the different fields such as visual art, music, theater, literature, traditional arts, photography and others” adding that “through this Dipolog will be known as one of the creative and entertainment hubs in the region.” Among the groups signifying to hold performances for the “Kilom-Kilom” are the Zamboanga del Norte National High School –Special Program in the Arts (ZNNHS-SPA), Dipolog Dapitan Camera Club Inc. (DDCCI), Dipolog Community Rondalla, and the 101st Infantry Brigade Band. Moreover, Ta Glibon Ini Lady Art Collective, Teacher’s Choir of DepEd, Zamboanga del Norte Press Club Inc. (ZNPCI), Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents’ Association (ZNFePA), and the Zamboanga del Norte History, Culture and the Arts Council also expressed strong support to the said project.
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Military troops conducting combat operations have encountered early Friday morning an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group led by Furuji Indama at Unkaya Pukan town in Basilan.
The Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City said that as per report from the operating units on the ground, there were undetermined number of casualties from the enemy side while eighteen wounded in action from the government side, who were immediately brought to Zamboanga City for medication via military aircraft.
The clash occurred at around 2:25 a.m.
Capt. Maria Rowena A Muyuela PN(M), WesMinCom Public Information Officer said in a press release that the launching of the said combat operation has been coordinated with the AHJAG, CCCH and the PNP in pursuit of the lawless elements, primarily the ASG, which is believed to be responsible for several extortions and kidnapping cases in Mindanao.
According to 104thBde BGen Calrlito Galvez, the ASG has occupied a school building in Barangay Baguindan.
Galvez said that the operation was intended to seize Furuji Indama and his group who tried to threaten and extort money from the ongoing construction of the Magkawa-Albarka Road.
The said operation was conducted purposely to clear Tipo-Tipo and Albarka of ASG influence to pave the way for the normalization and development of these depressed areas.
Muyuela said the Western Mindanao Command will commit all available air and naval assets in support of the operations in order to immediately seize this group of criminals and bandits. (WesMinCom)
By Emmanuel D. Taghoy IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Zamboanga Sibugay conducted a three-day training on Abaca handicraft making last April 7-9 to members of Katipunan ng mga May Kapansanan sa Ipil, Inc. (KAMPIL, Inc.) at Barangay Poblacion, this municipality. As part of DTI’s capability training to enhance handicraft making, a technology demonstration on abaca twining and rope making machines was done on the first day while abaca weaving techniques, bag making and other products were tackled in the succeeding days. KAMPIL, Inc. is also one of the beneficiaries of DTI’s Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project. The group is expected to receive from the SSF project five sewing machines and one rope making machine with a total cost of P179 thousand. KAMPIL, Inc. produces different abaca products such as slippers, bags, sandals, novelty items, and several others. The SSF project is said to have been made possible through the help of the private sector through Public-Private Partnership initiative, which aims to improve the productivity and quality of the six champion products in the region, as well as the capacity of micro-enterprises and SMEs in the region. The SSF project is also implemented in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
By Claro A. Lanipa PAGADIAN CITY –The city government here joined the nation in commemorating the 72nd “Araw ng Kagitingan” (National Heroes Day) last April 9 with simple but fitting ceremonies in front of the city hall complex. The event was capped by floral offering and simultaneous singing of the “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” led by Mayor Romeo Pulmones and Col. Nixon Fortes, representing MGen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr., commanding officer of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA) based in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. Personnel from the different regional, provincial and city offices, civic and non-government organizations, senior citizens and other men in uniform also attended the event. MGen. Trinindad said in his message as read by Col. Fortes: “We celebrate “Araw ng Kagitingan” with the determination to hold that the deeds of our beloved veterans must not be put in vain, as we again manifest our shared gratitude and respect to them that the rewards we reap today were the fruits of the sacrifices that our water veterans had paid.” “As always, the road to freedom and democracy shall remain in our memory and in the memories of the younger generations,” he added. He also pointed out that the Tabak soldiers have been true and committed to fulfilling their solemn duty of protecting the people and the nation. “We see nothing less, we will aim nothing less, only pure commitment and dedicated service,” the commanding officer declared. On the other hand, Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones also expressed his respect to the Filipino veterans, as they offered their sweat, blood and life in defending the motherland. “Their sacrifices stand as a shining example for us and the youth of today and the generations to come how they [veterans] put the country above all else,” Pulmones said.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – “Disaster Risk Reduction and Management is all about the people so our leaders should prioritize this,” San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu Vice Mayor Alfredo Arquillano told the local government leaders attending the “Iba Na Ang Panahon” Western Mindanao leg.
Vice Mayor Arquillano was invited by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Assistant Secretary Raymond Liboro to share his town’s best practices and experiences relative to DRRM that led them to receive the United Nations Sasakawa Award for disaster risk reduction in 2011 with him as mayor at that time.
Arquillano introduced a “purok” system, making them disaster resilient by utilizing indigenous knowledge in disseminating critical information and risk assessment, waste segregation, delivery of health services, and related activities at the household level.
However, Arquillano admitted that it was really hard implementing such initiatives saying “it was hard to change the mindset of the people. It was a struggle but we eventually made that change”.
As a typhoon-prone area, Vice Mayor Arquillano’s administration exerted all efforts to make Camotes Isaland disaster-resilient.
“We can never avoid disaster but we can make our area resilient from it,” he added.
Arquillano also emphasized the importance of continuity of the programs initiated by the local governments to ensure the safety of the people in times of disasters.
“It should be continued by whoever would be the next chief executive,” he pointed out, adding “that is why I made sure that my brother becomes the next mayor in our area,” he jocularly said, drawing laughter from the participants. In his previous statement after winning the UN award, Arquillano said, “Think big, start small.”
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Participants to the two-day forum cum workshop on climate change and disaster preparedness are now preparing for a series of workshops aimed at strengthening disaster response capacities of all stakeholders more particularly the local government units (LGUs) in Zamboanga Peninsula. Dubbed “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities,” the activity gathered the different city and municipal officials, national government agencies (NGAs), media practitioners and other stakeholders to apprise the participants of the different hazards as well as some mitigating measures to reduce vulnerability to disasters such as earthquake, typhoons, flooding, landslide and the like. City Councilor James Cyril O. Ruiz of Dipolog City found the activity very informative, as "it focused on the technological and technical aspects on disaster preparedness.” Ruiz also serves as action officer of the City Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO). It can be recalled that in yesterday’s session, Regional Director Paisal Abutazil of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9 emphasized the important role of the LGUs in disaster management, saying “the recent calamities are a reminder for us to be constantly proactive.” In a similar note, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar stressed before the participants that the LGUs play an important role in "disaster risk management and disaster preparedness.” As the 2012 world report showed that the Philippines is the third most disaster-prone country, all the LGUs have to come up with their respective disaster preparedness plan to readily respond to any calamities.
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Imagining disaster hitting our area, picturing out what are the ill effects to properties and lives, will help us become motivated in coming up with proper response plan, Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) head Dr. Renato Solidum said in today's activity dubbed "Iba Na Ang Panahon" information dissemination campaign. "Use your imagination to picture out effects of disasters and imagine what to do to counter and recover right away," Dr. Solidum said. Solidum also stressed to local government chiefs that they should also imagine the consequences that disasters may bring. "Imagine the consequence. We need to make sure we are prepared. There will still be damages. But we can plan ahead to respond to it. We also need to have a recovery time set for especially for important facilities," Solidum pointed out. Dr. Solidum said there are four steps in imagining disaster: hazards and risks assessment, monitor what is happening in your place, warning and disseminating the warning, and proper response phase. Solidum said there is an urgent need for all LGUs in the region to come up with disaster preparedness plans since almost all places in Mindanao are prone to earthquakes. The presence of two major fault lines, the Sulu and Cotabato trenches make Zamboanga Peninsula very vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. Dr. Solidum, before ending his presentation, left a challenge to the over 300 participants today: "Are we ready in cases of eventualities?" he ended.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – “Iba na talaga ang panahon,” declared Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo, in reference to the natural calamities that have recently devastated certain parts of the country. In his speech read by Assistant Secretary Raymond Liboro in “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities”, Sec. Montejo emphasized the need for all stakeholders, especially the local government units (LGUs) to be more “disaster-imaginative”, meaning, to take into consideration the worst-case scenarios that may happen as a result of the disasters brought about by climate change in recent times. “With ‘disaster-imagination’, we can think and act two steps ahead – early warning will trigger early actions,” Seccretary Montejo said. “We should now start a greater era of resiliency after the Yolanda episode.” Montejo emphasized that we have the tools to further our disaster preparedness, and that we should make full use of its potential. “Let’s make use of science,” he urged. “The LGUs are the first responders, and we need to develop your capacities and translate this to enhanced action,” the secretary told the more or less 300 representatives from Western Mindanao LGUs, including the mayors. Meanwhile, Liboro shared that the following four points are essential in disaster risk reduction: increase local risk knowledge, hazards monitoring, test warning and communications protocols, build response capability in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and other stakeholders.
ZAMBOANGA CITY -The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 launches today “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for safer communities-” early warning, early action,” a two day activity being held April 7 to 8 in one of the local hotels here. Thelma Diego of DOST said 300 or more participants are expected to participate in the activity. “Iba na ang panahon” is a nationwide information, education campaign (IEC) of the department aimed at arming the LGUs with knowledge and science-based technologies for community preparedness against disasters especially in the face of climate change. Diego said DOST is set to conduct “Iba na ang Panahon” seminar-workshop in all the 17 regions of the country from March to May of this year and Zamboanga City is the 7th area to benefit from this project. “Iba na ang Panahon” is a joint project of DOST, DILG , LGUs and the Office of Civil Defense.
PAGADIAN CITY – “I encourage all women to fully exercise their fundamental rights and actively participate in all activities in our society,” a lady solon here said. In her message, Congresswoman Aurora Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur’s second district said on Thursday during the women’s month culmination program that “now is the time for women to strengthen their participation to the important matters and activities in our society, as the women today are, based on our lasws, enjoying equal rights with men.” This year’s women’s month celebration carries the theme: “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong!”. “Before, women were deprived of their fundamental rights. They were restricted to nurturing their children and doing household chores but with the existing laws which give women equal rights with men, the women can now equally perform the roles of men in our society,” Cerilles declared. Cerilles cited another law which protects women from being abused sexually and physically by men. “With the existence of women’s desk in every police station, physical and verbal abuse committed by men can now be prevented,” Cerilles added. The lady solon also said that with the existing laws advocating rights of women, we have now many women leaders to include herself and Pagadian City Vice Mayor Divina Grace Yu. “I am very proud to announce that the House of Congress has produced 276 members; 187 are men, and 89 are women,” Cerilles said adding that before the chamber was dominated by male legislators. Since women today, she said, are already empowered, she urged them to join meetings and assemblies in their barangays for them to become productive citizens and be a part of the decision making process. The women’s month celebration in the city was spearheaded by the Local Council for Women, which is composed of more than 20 women organizations.
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Partner agencies and local government units comprising the Regional Population and Development Coordinating Committee (RPDCC) convened here on Tuesday at Ricomar Pension House to discuss major concerns and to present the results of the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study 2013 or YAFSS4. Dr. Nimfa B. Torrizo, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH)-9 and RPDCC Chairperson presided over the meeting which was attended by 13 national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs). Also present was Director Raymond Domingo of the National Youth Commission (NYC) who is the vice-chairperson. Foremost in the agenda was a discussion on the Commission on Population’s Guidelines to Reduce Unmet Need for Modern Family Planning which is due for endorsement to the Regional Development Council. Findings on the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study 2013 (YAFSS4) revealed that 32 percent of young Filipinos aged 15-24 had engaged in sex before marriage, up from the 23 percent reported a decade ago. “We are not encouraging pre-marital sex because based on the YAFSS 4, they are already engaging in the matter,” according to Ms. Rose Fernando, Information Officer II of POPCOM IX. Media and technology-related activities dominate young people’s choices of leisure; watching TV – 49 percent; texting – 30 percent; listening to music – 27 percent and surfing the internet – 13 percent. The study further showed that today’s youth are less involved in drugs, alcohol and smoking. NCR has the highest level of youth smokers at 27 percent while ARMM registered the lowest at 12 percent.
DIPOLOG CITY – “I am imploring you to exercise personal conscience, moral ethics and personal compass in performing your duties as media practitioners.” This was aired by Ms. Natividad P. Bayubay, officer in-charge of the Zamboanga del Norte schools division, as she spoke during the 49th induction of officers of the Zamboanga del Norte Press Club (ZNPC) at the Top Plaza Hotel here last Saturday. Bayubay reminded the members of the press that their first obligation is the truth, followed by their loyalty to the citizenry. This, she said, requires the media practitioners to shun from reporting/broadcasting unverified information in order not to upset public opinion. A similar call was voiced by Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy, urging the press “to value honesty and truthfulness, and to always seek to do the right things.” Congressman Isagani S. Amatong of the province’s third district, on the other hand, underscored the importance of the press in a democratic society, as he subscribed to the stand of former US President Thomas Jefferson who preferred “freedom of the press without a government rather than a government without freedom of the press.” Amatong was one of founding officials of the club, which was created in 1965. He once served as editor of the Mindanao Observer, the longest-running newspaper in the province. He also recalled that when Martial Law was declared in 1972, he wrote an editorial against it. ZNPC’s new set of officers are Engr. Eduardo de la Cerna-President, Atty. James Cyril O. Ruiz-Vice President, Rhey Davie D. Magdayao-Secretary, Ruben Enoy-Treasurer, Robert N. Pinsoy-Auditor and Rosemarie P. Miranda, Czarito B. Zamora, Maynard T. Baes, Lorenzo A. Aseniero II, Samuel B. Amatong, Crispin S. Garcia, Sesenio B. Villalon, Mariano A. Ayuban, Dennis O. Garay and Edwin Bastion as directors. They took their oath before Regional Trial Court (RTC) Executive Judge Rogelio Laquihon.
By Alfonso T. Ruda DIPOLOG CITY -The Zamboanga del Norte Peace and Order Council (ZNPPOC) has recently convened at the Top Plaza Pension here to update its members on the peace and order situation of the province. Police and military top brass in the province together with provincial chiefs of the different line agencies, city and municipal mayors, board members, non-government organizations (NGOs), religious leaders and people’s organizations (POs) participated in the said meeting, which was presided by vice Governor Senen O. Angeles. Police Deputy Provincial Director Jerome D. Afuyog and 101s t Ingantry Brigade Commanding Officer, Col. Apolinario Alobba gave updates on the current peace and order condition of the province, including their initiatives in maintaining peace and order in the province. “Except for the recent killings in Dipolog which are now being investigated by police operatives, the entire province is generally peaceful,” Afuyog reported. However, the PNP is closely monitoring the rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front(MNL) and lawless elements in the province. Afuyog added that the PNP has already considered the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front(MILF) as non-hostile elements on account of the ongoing peace negotiation with the government. Col. Alobba, on the other hand, highlighted the initiative of the military in the province in winning peace. He pointed out the involvement of the military in various activities spearheaded by the different local government units (LGUs), and other national line agencies based in the province that address the needs of the people. He cited the important role of the local chief executives (LCEs) and the military in addressing the needs of the people concerning livelihood, rehabilitation and construction of farm–to-market roads and various facilities, training for the farmers to increase production and many others. The area of coverage of the 101st Infantry Brigade includes the whole province of Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and five municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur. On the other hand, Atty. Armi Beatriz Bayot, from the Office of the Solicitor-General and member of the legal team of the GPH-MILF peace panel, updated the PPOC members of the ongoing peace negotiation between the government and the MILF. Despite some apprehensions aired by some of the members of the council on the Comprehensive Agreement (CAB) on the Bangsamoro, Atty. Bayot is confident that the CAB will bring a genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao.
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