By Claro A. Lanipa
BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-9) through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) distributed on Tuesday production supplies, utensils and equipments to two Women Empowerment Movement-Rural Improvement Club (WEM-RIC) groups here.
Damit WEM-RIC with 90 registered members received an initial of P114,750 worth of production supplies. The group’s budgetary requirement is placed at P340,000 and will venture in “bagoong making.” While Depore WEM-RIC was given a total of P42,100worth of utensils and equipment whose budgetary requirement was pegged at P149,000 and would engage in banana chips making.
PESO Manager Cerilo Carcueva disclosed that these two projects were being funded under DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program with a counterpart from the municipal government.
Carcueva said the LGU of Bayog through his office would closely supervise and monitor the implementation of these projects. The project management staff will also undergo the needed training to ensure sustainability of the program.
PESO will be tapping government agencies in the conduct of such training like the Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), he said.
“Through these projects, housewives from low-income families would find employment opportunities,” the PESO manager said.
Friday, August 29, 2014
PNPA to administer cadet admission test for cadetship program
By Claro A. Lanipa
PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) will once again administer the annual Cadet Admission Test for Cadetship Program for the Bachelor of Science in Public Safety (BSPS) Class of 2019.
PNPA Director PCSupt. Armando Estepa Ramolete said application is now open to interested applicants. Deadline of submission of application is on September 26, 2014 and the examination is scheduled on October 26, 2014 in 27 test centers nationwide. For Region IX the test center will be in Zamboanga City.
PCSupt. Ramolete said applicants must be natural-born Filipino citizen; 18 years old and not more than 22 years old on April 15, 2015; single with no parental obligation; at least high school graduate upon application; at least 5 feet and 4 inches for male and 5 feet and 2 inches for female; physically and mentally fit for cadetship training; with good moral character (no criminal, administrative and civil derogatory record).
Without pending complaint and/or case before any tribunal of whatever nature; not a former cadet of the PNPA or other similar institutions and not have been dismissed from any private or government employment position for cause, Ramolete added.
Applicants must pass the PNPA Cadet Admission Test, medical, psychological and psychiatric examinations, agility test and interview, Ramolete said.
High school veledictorians and salutatorians, and college cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude are exempted from taking the written Cadet Admission Test, provided, he or she shall apply and submit the application form with certification of honor from his or her school to reach PNPA Registrar’s Office before September 26, 2014.
Interested applicants may submit their accomplished application forms together with the pre-paid LBC Airvelop Regular/N-Pouch or self stamped window envelope to the Office of the Registrar or mail to the Director (Attn: Registrar), Philippine National Police Academy, Camp General Mariano N. Castaneda, Silang Cavite 4129.
Application forms can be downloaded at www.pnpa.edu.ph. or visit PIA-9 Regional Office at P. Urro Street, San Francisco District, Pagadian City.
PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) will once again administer the annual Cadet Admission Test for Cadetship Program for the Bachelor of Science in Public Safety (BSPS) Class of 2019.
PNPA Director PCSupt. Armando Estepa Ramolete said application is now open to interested applicants. Deadline of submission of application is on September 26, 2014 and the examination is scheduled on October 26, 2014 in 27 test centers nationwide. For Region IX the test center will be in Zamboanga City.
PCSupt. Ramolete said applicants must be natural-born Filipino citizen; 18 years old and not more than 22 years old on April 15, 2015; single with no parental obligation; at least high school graduate upon application; at least 5 feet and 4 inches for male and 5 feet and 2 inches for female; physically and mentally fit for cadetship training; with good moral character (no criminal, administrative and civil derogatory record).
Without pending complaint and/or case before any tribunal of whatever nature; not a former cadet of the PNPA or other similar institutions and not have been dismissed from any private or government employment position for cause, Ramolete added.
Applicants must pass the PNPA Cadet Admission Test, medical, psychological and psychiatric examinations, agility test and interview, Ramolete said.
High school veledictorians and salutatorians, and college cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude are exempted from taking the written Cadet Admission Test, provided, he or she shall apply and submit the application form with certification of honor from his or her school to reach PNPA Registrar’s Office before September 26, 2014.
Interested applicants may submit their accomplished application forms together with the pre-paid LBC Airvelop Regular/N-Pouch or self stamped window envelope to the Office of the Registrar or mail to the Director (Attn: Registrar), Philippine National Police Academy, Camp General Mariano N. Castaneda, Silang Cavite 4129.
Application forms can be downloaded at www.pnpa.edu.ph. or visit PIA-9 Regional Office at P. Urro Street, San Francisco District, Pagadian City.
DOST-SEI scholarship exams set on Sept. 21
By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 announced recently that it is now accepting applications for the 2015 DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) Undergraduate Scholarship Examination until Aug. 29, 2014.
“We have been given a directive by our DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, that slots provided for each of the municipalities in provinces be filled-in,” said Ms. Francis Melanie T. Temonio, science research specialist of DOST-Sibugay.
DOST-Sibugay currently has 18 scholars under the DOST-SEI Program for 2013.
“Out of the 16 municipalities that we have, three municipalities with scholarship slots were not filled in last year,” Ms. Temonio disclosed.
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship is open to high school students with high aptitude in science and technology.
There are two types of scholarship programs being offered by DOST: R.A. 7687 Undergraduate S&T Scholarship and Merit scholarship programs.
“The R.A. 7687 scholarship reaches out to poor, talented and deserving students desiring to pursue baccalaureate degrees in science and technology along identified priority areas in selected higher education institutions in the country, whereas, the Merit scholarship programs is the precursor of all S&T scholarships of DOST,” explained Temonio.
Scholarships in BS degree programs will be awarded to qualifiers planning to pursue priority fields in basic and applied sciences, engineering and science teaching.
Among the scholarship privileges include tuition and other school fees up to P 10,000; book allowance of P10,000 per year; monthly living allowance up to P 5,000; PE uniform allowance; round trip transportation allowance; group health and accident insurance; and post-graduation clothing allowance.
As of this writing, a total of 249 high school graduating students coming from Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte were listed as registered applicants.
The nationwide qualifying examination is scheduled on September 21, 2014.
Application form and brochure on the scholarship can be downloaded at http://www.science-scholarships.ph.
For more information, you may visit DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center of Zamboanga Sibugay at 2/F Faundo Bldg., National Highway, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay or contact them through telephone and cell phone nos. (062) 955-0825/09067391926 and look for Ms. Jeyzel A. Aparri.
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 announced recently that it is now accepting applications for the 2015 DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) Undergraduate Scholarship Examination until Aug. 29, 2014.
“We have been given a directive by our DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, that slots provided for each of the municipalities in provinces be filled-in,” said Ms. Francis Melanie T. Temonio, science research specialist of DOST-Sibugay.
DOST-Sibugay currently has 18 scholars under the DOST-SEI Program for 2013.
“Out of the 16 municipalities that we have, three municipalities with scholarship slots were not filled in last year,” Ms. Temonio disclosed.
The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship is open to high school students with high aptitude in science and technology.
There are two types of scholarship programs being offered by DOST: R.A. 7687 Undergraduate S&T Scholarship and Merit scholarship programs.
“The R.A. 7687 scholarship reaches out to poor, talented and deserving students desiring to pursue baccalaureate degrees in science and technology along identified priority areas in selected higher education institutions in the country, whereas, the Merit scholarship programs is the precursor of all S&T scholarships of DOST,” explained Temonio.
Scholarships in BS degree programs will be awarded to qualifiers planning to pursue priority fields in basic and applied sciences, engineering and science teaching.
Among the scholarship privileges include tuition and other school fees up to P 10,000; book allowance of P10,000 per year; monthly living allowance up to P 5,000; PE uniform allowance; round trip transportation allowance; group health and accident insurance; and post-graduation clothing allowance.
As of this writing, a total of 249 high school graduating students coming from Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte were listed as registered applicants.
The nationwide qualifying examination is scheduled on September 21, 2014.
Application form and brochure on the scholarship can be downloaded at http://www.science-scholarships.ph.
For more information, you may visit DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center of Zamboanga Sibugay at 2/F Faundo Bldg., National Highway, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay or contact them through telephone and cell phone nos. (062) 955-0825/09067391926 and look for Ms. Jeyzel A. Aparri.
1st Sumisip Youth Leadership Summit draws commitments for peace, environment protection
by Rene V. Carbayas
SUMISIP, Basilan – Young people here have committed themselves to working for peace and development as well as for environmental protection during the first Youth Leadership Summit held last August 22 to 24 at Tumajubong this town.
This historic event served as a venue for the youth to speak out their minds on the current issues affecting their town and express their take in the overall peace and development of Basilan.
On the first day, Nagdilaab Foundation Executive Director Miriam Suacito led participants to self-discovery sessions.
The Philippine Information Agency, meanwhile, handled the second day with sessions on leadership and Climate Change Advocacy activities. The PIA-ZBST-produced 30-minute video documentary was shown as basis for discussion. Through role playing the youth illustrated the impact of climate change on the community.
An Ustadz and a priest were also present to share views on inter-faith dialogue. The Municipal Social Welfare Office also presented government programs and interventions to address poverty. At the culmination activity, young people drew their vision of peace and development in their community.
Through the initiative of the 64th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Tumajubong, Sumisip, some 140 youth coming from 22 of its 29 barangays for the first Youth Leadership Summit at Tumajubong National High School.
Lt. Col. Melisan Raymund N. Recaido INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 64IB,1ID expressed his gratitude to Mayor Gulam S. Hataman and all those who supported and helped make the event possible.
“Our aim of this activity is for the youth to develop their potentials to become responsible citizens of the community and that the youth will become our partner and [be] the catalyst of our pursuit for peace and development of Sumisip,” Recaido told participants.
The youth underwent three days life skills seminar on personhood, leadership, communication skills, peace and development, and Climate Change Resiliency Advocacy.
Mayor Hataman cited the efforts and role of the 64th IB Philippine Army in maintaining the peace of the municipality. He also lauded the contribution of the 104th Brigade in TARBIDCI cooperative when it faced certain problems.
In his message, Col. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista INF (GSC) PA, Commander, 104Bde, 1ID, PA recalled Gat Jose Rizal’s famous line that “the youth is the hope of the fatherland” as he posed the question whether the participants still look at themselves as they are expected to be.
“Do we still believe in this? Let us not forget this. Malaking challenge ito sa ating mga kabataan kung paano nila ipapakita at mapapatunayan na sila ay pag-asa ng bayan (This is a great challenge to our youth to prove that they are truly the hope of the fatherland),” Bautista said.
He said that this activity also sought to empower the youth to become leaders who, at the same time, mobilize their peers. He stressed that a leader who works with his/her team must show respect for the members to emulate, and that leaders must encourage collective decision so that there is a sense of ownership. “I urge the youth to lead by example,” he concluded.
SUMISIP, Basilan – Young people here have committed themselves to working for peace and development as well as for environmental protection during the first Youth Leadership Summit held last August 22 to 24 at Tumajubong this town.
This historic event served as a venue for the youth to speak out their minds on the current issues affecting their town and express their take in the overall peace and development of Basilan.
On the first day, Nagdilaab Foundation Executive Director Miriam Suacito led participants to self-discovery sessions.
The Philippine Information Agency, meanwhile, handled the second day with sessions on leadership and Climate Change Advocacy activities. The PIA-ZBST-produced 30-minute video documentary was shown as basis for discussion. Through role playing the youth illustrated the impact of climate change on the community.
An Ustadz and a priest were also present to share views on inter-faith dialogue. The Municipal Social Welfare Office also presented government programs and interventions to address poverty. At the culmination activity, young people drew their vision of peace and development in their community.
Through the initiative of the 64th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Tumajubong, Sumisip, some 140 youth coming from 22 of its 29 barangays for the first Youth Leadership Summit at Tumajubong National High School.
Lt. Col. Melisan Raymund N. Recaido INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 64IB,1ID expressed his gratitude to Mayor Gulam S. Hataman and all those who supported and helped make the event possible.
“Our aim of this activity is for the youth to develop their potentials to become responsible citizens of the community and that the youth will become our partner and [be] the catalyst of our pursuit for peace and development of Sumisip,” Recaido told participants.
The youth underwent three days life skills seminar on personhood, leadership, communication skills, peace and development, and Climate Change Resiliency Advocacy.
Mayor Hataman cited the efforts and role of the 64th IB Philippine Army in maintaining the peace of the municipality. He also lauded the contribution of the 104th Brigade in TARBIDCI cooperative when it faced certain problems.
In his message, Col. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista INF (GSC) PA, Commander, 104Bde, 1ID, PA recalled Gat Jose Rizal’s famous line that “the youth is the hope of the fatherland” as he posed the question whether the participants still look at themselves as they are expected to be.
“Do we still believe in this? Let us not forget this. Malaking challenge ito sa ating mga kabataan kung paano nila ipapakita at mapapatunayan na sila ay pag-asa ng bayan (This is a great challenge to our youth to prove that they are truly the hope of the fatherland),” Bautista said.
He said that this activity also sought to empower the youth to become leaders who, at the same time, mobilize their peers. He stressed that a leader who works with his/her team must show respect for the members to emulate, and that leaders must encourage collective decision so that there is a sense of ownership. “I urge the youth to lead by example,” he concluded.
Dipolog holds public hearing on proposed revision of real property taxes
By Mary May A. Abellon
DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here through the City Assessor’s Office (CAO) in collaboration with the Sangguniang Panlungsod is now conducting a series of public hearings on the proposed revision of real property taxes in eight clustered barangays.
This undertaking is in response to the directive issued by the Department of Finance (DOF) urging the assessor’s office to effect revisions on the market values and assessment level including the classification of real properties in the city for the 2014 General Revision of Real Property Assessment as mandated by Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.
The last revision on real property assessment made by the city government was in 2007.
“Supposedly, as provided under the law, the provincial, city or municipal assessor shall undertake a general revision of real property assessments every three years but it is only this year that we will make revisions from 2007,” Liza Rasonable of the City Assessor’s Office said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
She added that for purposes of assessment, real property shall be classified as residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, mineral, timberland or special including the buildings built thereon.
The said public hearing will conducted in four remaining clusters remaining clusters, namely: Barangays of Galas and Olingan on Sept. 1; barangays Punta, Sinaman and San Jose on Sept. 3; barangays Cogon, Diwan and Sangkol on Sept. 5; and barangays Central and Miputak on Sept. 8.
Taxpayers are also encouraged to pay their taxes before Jan. 31, 2014 to avail themselves of 20% discount on their real property taxes.
The public hearings gained positive response from the people who hope that their taxes will be judiciously used for projects that benefit the masses.
DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here through the City Assessor’s Office (CAO) in collaboration with the Sangguniang Panlungsod is now conducting a series of public hearings on the proposed revision of real property taxes in eight clustered barangays.
This undertaking is in response to the directive issued by the Department of Finance (DOF) urging the assessor’s office to effect revisions on the market values and assessment level including the classification of real properties in the city for the 2014 General Revision of Real Property Assessment as mandated by Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.
The last revision on real property assessment made by the city government was in 2007.
“Supposedly, as provided under the law, the provincial, city or municipal assessor shall undertake a general revision of real property assessments every three years but it is only this year that we will make revisions from 2007,” Liza Rasonable of the City Assessor’s Office said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
She added that for purposes of assessment, real property shall be classified as residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, mineral, timberland or special including the buildings built thereon.
The said public hearing will conducted in four remaining clusters remaining clusters, namely: Barangays of Galas and Olingan on Sept. 1; barangays Punta, Sinaman and San Jose on Sept. 3; barangays Cogon, Diwan and Sangkol on Sept. 5; and barangays Central and Miputak on Sept. 8.
Taxpayers are also encouraged to pay their taxes before Jan. 31, 2014 to avail themselves of 20% discount on their real property taxes.
The public hearings gained positive response from the people who hope that their taxes will be judiciously used for projects that benefit the masses.
DepEd, humanitarian agencies join hands for IDP children’s education
By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Education for the hundreds of children affected by last year’s siege has regained a sense of normalcy two months after the opening of classes last June, as the Department of Education (DepEd) and humanitarian agencies have appropriated classrooms and provided interventions for this purpose.
In a report, Acting City Schools Superintendent Pedro Natividad shared, “the pupils coming from displaced families are now attending classes in temporary school sites and in composite schools in the transitory sites.”
Hundreds of schoolchildren were displaced last year, and now they are attending school in Baliwasan Central School and in the Zamboanga East and West Central Schools, and in Taluksangay and Tulungatung transit sites. Classes have also resumed in Rio Hondo and Talon-Talon elementary schools.
In addition to the existing classrooms, Natividad bared that 13 makeshift rooms and temporary learning spaces (TLS) were provided by UNICEF and the Tzu Chi Foundation. “More help for the students came from various civil society groups and non-government organizations in the form of feeding programs, child protection and counseling, provision of school kits and teachers’ kits, WASH facilities and water supply,” he added.
Teachers for Taluksangay and Tulungatung were already appropriated with daily traveling expenses, considering that the areas are far from the original campuses that were destroyed during the siege.
Meanwhile, some teachers are worried over the presence of several IDP families in the campuses, particularly in the Zamboanga West Central School. They noted that some adults are smoking inside the campuses. Moreover, IDPs dispose of garbage and waste improperly, and water pipes were destroyed.
Electric bills remain unsettled particularly in Talon-Talon, now amounting to over a hundred thousand pesos.
The DepEd has already sought the assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the local government and other agencies to help resolve the problems confronting the schools and pupils.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Education for the hundreds of children affected by last year’s siege has regained a sense of normalcy two months after the opening of classes last June, as the Department of Education (DepEd) and humanitarian agencies have appropriated classrooms and provided interventions for this purpose.
In a report, Acting City Schools Superintendent Pedro Natividad shared, “the pupils coming from displaced families are now attending classes in temporary school sites and in composite schools in the transitory sites.”
Hundreds of schoolchildren were displaced last year, and now they are attending school in Baliwasan Central School and in the Zamboanga East and West Central Schools, and in Taluksangay and Tulungatung transit sites. Classes have also resumed in Rio Hondo and Talon-Talon elementary schools.
In addition to the existing classrooms, Natividad bared that 13 makeshift rooms and temporary learning spaces (TLS) were provided by UNICEF and the Tzu Chi Foundation. “More help for the students came from various civil society groups and non-government organizations in the form of feeding programs, child protection and counseling, provision of school kits and teachers’ kits, WASH facilities and water supply,” he added.
Teachers for Taluksangay and Tulungatung were already appropriated with daily traveling expenses, considering that the areas are far from the original campuses that were destroyed during the siege.
Meanwhile, some teachers are worried over the presence of several IDP families in the campuses, particularly in the Zamboanga West Central School. They noted that some adults are smoking inside the campuses. Moreover, IDPs dispose of garbage and waste improperly, and water pipes were destroyed.
Electric bills remain unsettled particularly in Talon-Talon, now amounting to over a hundred thousand pesos.
The DepEd has already sought the assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the local government and other agencies to help resolve the problems confronting the schools and pupils.
DOST-SEI offers free online reviewer for 2015 Undergraduate Scholarship Exams
By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY -Secondary senior students who have qualified for the college scholarship examination of the Science Education Instituite (SEI) may now access a free online reviewer in preparation for the 2015 S & T Undergraduate Scholarship Examination on Sept. 21 this year.
DOST-9 Regional Director Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano said that this opportunity is made possible through the department’s latest initiative called the “Syensiya-Bilidad Online Reviewer.”
The free reviewer, designed to help aspiring scholars to better prepare for the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Exam. can be accessed at www.dostseireviewer.org.
Even students who live in the provinces can experience and learn from the exam simulation,” said Dir. Nazareth-Manzano.
Based on the “Primer for the DOST-SEI Aptitude Test Battery for Science and Technology courses,” the reviewer contains questions on Biological Science, Physical Science, Mathematics and Linguistics further grouped to measure a student’s Intellective Speed, Intellective Power and Linguistic Ability.
Manzano also emphasizes the online reviewer as a practice test environment simulating the actual exam. The question grouping, time constraints and format following the actual examination with questions was formulated by a pool of experts. At the same time, the online reviewer can enhance test-taking strategies giving students greater chances of passing the exam.
The DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology (PCIEERD) is the monitoring agency for the development of the software program, including the online reviewer for Philippine Science High school (PSHS, which is accessible through www.pshsreviewer.org.
Moreover, DOST-SEI also announces the extension of the deadline for the submission of 2015 DOST-SEI Scholarship application to August 29, 2014.
For more information, interested persons are advised to visit DOST IX office at Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City or contact telephone nos. (062) 991-1024/992-1114 and email address dost9info@gmail.com or visit its official website at http://region9.dost.gov.ph/.
DIPOLOG CITY -Secondary senior students who have qualified for the college scholarship examination of the Science Education Instituite (SEI) may now access a free online reviewer in preparation for the 2015 S & T Undergraduate Scholarship Examination on Sept. 21 this year.
DOST-9 Regional Director Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano said that this opportunity is made possible through the department’s latest initiative called the “Syensiya-Bilidad Online Reviewer.”
The free reviewer, designed to help aspiring scholars to better prepare for the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Exam. can be accessed at www.dostseireviewer.org.
Even students who live in the provinces can experience and learn from the exam simulation,” said Dir. Nazareth-Manzano.
Based on the “Primer for the DOST-SEI Aptitude Test Battery for Science and Technology courses,” the reviewer contains questions on Biological Science, Physical Science, Mathematics and Linguistics further grouped to measure a student’s Intellective Speed, Intellective Power and Linguistic Ability.
Manzano also emphasizes the online reviewer as a practice test environment simulating the actual exam. The question grouping, time constraints and format following the actual examination with questions was formulated by a pool of experts. At the same time, the online reviewer can enhance test-taking strategies giving students greater chances of passing the exam.
The DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology (PCIEERD) is the monitoring agency for the development of the software program, including the online reviewer for Philippine Science High school (PSHS, which is accessible through www.pshsreviewer.org.
Moreover, DOST-SEI also announces the extension of the deadline for the submission of 2015 DOST-SEI Scholarship application to August 29, 2014.
For more information, interested persons are advised to visit DOST IX office at Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City or contact telephone nos. (062) 991-1024/992-1114 and email address dost9info@gmail.com or visit its official website at http://region9.dost.gov.ph/.
NAST-PHL holds Biotech IEC forum in Dipolog
By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY - The National Academy of Science and Technology-Philippines (NAST-PHL) has conducted on Tuesday a Biotechnology Information, Education and Communication (IEC) forum at D’Hotel and Suites this city.
The one-day activity aimed to create awareness and provide science-based information on modern biotechnology among policy-makers, key personnel of the different local government units (LGUs), DOST personnel, science teachers and students from Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte, media and the general public.
Dr. Marcos Valdez Jr, Biotechnology Focal Person for region 7 said the forum also aimed to give the public the right information about biotechnology especially the farmers.
”Lots are already products of biotechnology. This has been used not only in the Philippines but all over the world especially in the field of agriculture,” said Valdez.
Last year, Valdez said, the Philippines became corn self-sufficient country and has already exported corn to South Korea.
In a study conducted from 2000-2012, Dr. Antonio Lorena said the farmers who usually planted hybrid corn had increased their harvest by 19 percent when they shifted to GM-Bt corn. The farmers had also reduced their production costs as GM-Bt corn is resistant to corn-borers pests and other insects.
Lorena said in 2012, 700,000 hectares in the Philippines have been planted with Genetically-Modified Bt corn. Philippines is the first country in Asia to plant Genetically Modified food crop.
However, Lorena pointed out that biotechnology does not compete with the organic farming pushed by the government. ”We only provide the farmers with the right information and never compete with the organic farming pushed by the government.”
Acording to Lorena, biosafety regulations is strictly based on international standard. In June 2013, Philippine Food and Drug Administration declared that all GM foods in the market are safe for human consumption.
Dr.Marilou Elago, Biotechnology Focal person for region 9, in her lecture cited the vital role of the farmers in improving the lives of the people, particularly those living in the countryside.
Aside from Dipolog, NAST-PHL has also conducted IEC forum in other parts of the country like Tuguegarao, Puerto Princesa City, Cebu City, and Dumaguete City.
DIPOLOG CITY - The National Academy of Science and Technology-Philippines (NAST-PHL) has conducted on Tuesday a Biotechnology Information, Education and Communication (IEC) forum at D’Hotel and Suites this city.
The one-day activity aimed to create awareness and provide science-based information on modern biotechnology among policy-makers, key personnel of the different local government units (LGUs), DOST personnel, science teachers and students from Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte, media and the general public.
Dr. Marcos Valdez Jr, Biotechnology Focal Person for region 7 said the forum also aimed to give the public the right information about biotechnology especially the farmers.
”Lots are already products of biotechnology. This has been used not only in the Philippines but all over the world especially in the field of agriculture,” said Valdez.
Last year, Valdez said, the Philippines became corn self-sufficient country and has already exported corn to South Korea.
In a study conducted from 2000-2012, Dr. Antonio Lorena said the farmers who usually planted hybrid corn had increased their harvest by 19 percent when they shifted to GM-Bt corn. The farmers had also reduced their production costs as GM-Bt corn is resistant to corn-borers pests and other insects.
Lorena said in 2012, 700,000 hectares in the Philippines have been planted with Genetically-Modified Bt corn. Philippines is the first country in Asia to plant Genetically Modified food crop.
However, Lorena pointed out that biotechnology does not compete with the organic farming pushed by the government. ”We only provide the farmers with the right information and never compete with the organic farming pushed by the government.”
Acording to Lorena, biosafety regulations is strictly based on international standard. In June 2013, Philippine Food and Drug Administration declared that all GM foods in the market are safe for human consumption.
Dr.Marilou Elago, Biotechnology Focal person for region 9, in her lecture cited the vital role of the farmers in improving the lives of the people, particularly those living in the countryside.
Aside from Dipolog, NAST-PHL has also conducted IEC forum in other parts of the country like Tuguegarao, Puerto Princesa City, Cebu City, and Dumaguete City.
73 Pantawid beneficiaries hurdle DSWD-SLP, TESDA assessment service
By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY - A total of 73 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries of Zamboanga del Norte successfully passed the free assessment jointly conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Social Livelihood Program (SLP) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through its National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Competency Assessment and Certification Program recently.
The said activity has been conceptualized through a collaborative effort of the two government agencies to help the 4Ps beneficiaries, who have skills in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, welding, and electrical installation, to obtain National Certificate (NC) II for possible employment here and abroad.
Among the 73 passers, 23 are for carpentry; 26 for masonry; 19 for Electrical Installation Management (EIM), and 5 for plumbing.
Those who failed to pass the assessment would again take the said assessment to be able to get NC II certification from TESDA.
Provincial Director Nilda Espiritusanto of TESDA-Zamboanga del Norte commended the DSWD-SLP personnel in coordinating and collaborating with them for the conduct of the said activity. “This initiative is our agency’s way of supporting the Pantawid participants in improving their livelihood capabilities,” Espiritusanto said.
Some 122 4Ps beneficiaries from the municipalities of Manukan, Roxas, Katipunan, Polanco, Piñan, Mutia, La Libertad, Sibutad, and Rizal, including Dipolog City and Dapitan City participated in the two-day assessment, which was simultaneously conducted at the Senior Citizens Covered Court at Barangay Sta. Isabel and Dipolog Medical Center College Foundation Inc. Assessment Center in Barangay Sta. Filomena on July 31 to Aug. 1, 2014.
DIPOLOG CITY - A total of 73 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries of Zamboanga del Norte successfully passed the free assessment jointly conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Social Livelihood Program (SLP) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through its National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Competency Assessment and Certification Program recently.
The said activity has been conceptualized through a collaborative effort of the two government agencies to help the 4Ps beneficiaries, who have skills in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, welding, and electrical installation, to obtain National Certificate (NC) II for possible employment here and abroad.
Among the 73 passers, 23 are for carpentry; 26 for masonry; 19 for Electrical Installation Management (EIM), and 5 for plumbing.
Those who failed to pass the assessment would again take the said assessment to be able to get NC II certification from TESDA.
Provincial Director Nilda Espiritusanto of TESDA-Zamboanga del Norte commended the DSWD-SLP personnel in coordinating and collaborating with them for the conduct of the said activity. “This initiative is our agency’s way of supporting the Pantawid participants in improving their livelihood capabilities,” Espiritusanto said.
Some 122 4Ps beneficiaries from the municipalities of Manukan, Roxas, Katipunan, Polanco, Piñan, Mutia, La Libertad, Sibutad, and Rizal, including Dipolog City and Dapitan City participated in the two-day assessment, which was simultaneously conducted at the Senior Citizens Covered Court at Barangay Sta. Isabel and Dipolog Medical Center College Foundation Inc. Assessment Center in Barangay Sta. Filomena on July 31 to Aug. 1, 2014.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
1st FAB beefs up delivery of govt programs, services
By Claro A. Lanipa
TINOTUNGAN, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur – To help bridge the gap and act as catalyst between the government and the barangay folks through the delivery of government programs and services, the 1st Field Artillery Battalion (FAB), Army Artillery Regiment, Philippine Army has embarked on “adopt-a barangay” program.
In keeping with this program, a medical and dental outreach program was held on Tuesday at Barangay Tinotungan by the officers and men of the 1st FAB led by Lt. Col. Sonny M. Sales in collaboration with the Zamboanga del Sur provincial government and this town.
Civil Military Officer Capt. Zal L. Bagondol said “apart from the medical and dental services we also conducted first aid training to the members of the Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT), a tree planting activity in support of the National Greening Program (NGP), supplemental feeding for the malnourished children, free circumcision, and others.
The battalion has identified five barangays for the implementation of the said program, namely, Tinotungan, Man-ilan, and Sto. Rosario of Tukuran town and San Isidro and Tawagan Norte of Labangan town all of Zamboanga del Sur.
Last Aug. 5, the same activity was conducted in the barangay where 68 residents availed themselves of the medical consultation and were given free medicines, 24 children were circumcised, eight children were immunized, six pregnant women were given pre-natal services, and four others underwent sputum test.
A tree planting is going to be held tomorrow, Aug. 28, in the same barangay to be participated in by the officials and employees of Tukuran, Barangay officials and residents, and schools.
Barangay Chairwoman Victoria G. Pintac expressed her deepest gratitude to the officers and men of the 1st FAB for choosing her barangay as one of the beneficiaries of the program.
The same services will also be undertaken in the other four identified barangays.
TINOTUNGAN, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur – To help bridge the gap and act as catalyst between the government and the barangay folks through the delivery of government programs and services, the 1st Field Artillery Battalion (FAB), Army Artillery Regiment, Philippine Army has embarked on “adopt-a barangay” program.
In keeping with this program, a medical and dental outreach program was held on Tuesday at Barangay Tinotungan by the officers and men of the 1st FAB led by Lt. Col. Sonny M. Sales in collaboration with the Zamboanga del Sur provincial government and this town.
Civil Military Officer Capt. Zal L. Bagondol said “apart from the medical and dental services we also conducted first aid training to the members of the Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT), a tree planting activity in support of the National Greening Program (NGP), supplemental feeding for the malnourished children, free circumcision, and others.
The battalion has identified five barangays for the implementation of the said program, namely, Tinotungan, Man-ilan, and Sto. Rosario of Tukuran town and San Isidro and Tawagan Norte of Labangan town all of Zamboanga del Sur.
Last Aug. 5, the same activity was conducted in the barangay where 68 residents availed themselves of the medical consultation and were given free medicines, 24 children were circumcised, eight children were immunized, six pregnant women were given pre-natal services, and four others underwent sputum test.
A tree planting is going to be held tomorrow, Aug. 28, in the same barangay to be participated in by the officials and employees of Tukuran, Barangay officials and residents, and schools.
Barangay Chairwoman Victoria G. Pintac expressed her deepest gratitude to the officers and men of the 1st FAB for choosing her barangay as one of the beneficiaries of the program.
The same services will also be undertaken in the other four identified barangays.
Tsunami survivor hails disaster preparedness trainings
BY: GIDEON C. CORGUE
PAGADIAN CITY – A tsunami survivor thanked the government for conducting disaster preparedness training in the barangays here to lessen the adverse impacts of disasters on the populace.
During the 38th commemoration of Moro Gulf Tsunami last Aug. 17, tsunami survivor Zacharias Espadilla said the disaster training would help the people prepare for any emergencies.
“Nagpasalamat ko sa kagamhananan nga naghimo ug disaster preparedness training tungod kay pinaagi niini ang mga tawo makabalo kung unsay angay buhaton panahon nga ang kalatagman moabot ug makabalo usab sila kung asa nga dapit sila moadto aron malikayan ang dakong kadaut,” Espadilla said.
(I thanked the government for conducting disaster preparedness training because through this, people would know what to do when disaster strikes and they would also know where to go to protect themselves from great destruction.)
Espadilla recounted that he lost his wife and four children to the earthquake-induced tsunami that occurred in the midnight of Aug. 17, 1976.
“Kung nakabalo lang unta ang mga tawo kung asa modagan palayo sa higante nga balod, wala untay liboan ka mga tawo ang mamatay ug unta ang akong pamilya dili usab mamatay,” he said.
(If the people know where to run and escape from the giant waves, my family and thousand others would be spared.)
The tsunami had left 1,400 dead, 7,100 seriously injured and more than a thousand missing.
Mayor Romeo Pulmones said “the great destruction of lives in the 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami could have been avoided should the people know about disaster preparedness.”
Pulmones said the city government has intensified its efforts at conducting disaster preparedness training to prepare the public for natural disasters. “The disaster can strike anywhere, to anyone and anytime,” he added.
“I have ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to conduct a series of earthquake and tsunami drills in barangays and public elementary and secondary schools especially during the National Disaster Consciousness month to equip the public with a better and improved knowledge on disaster preparedness,” Pulmones announced.
The mayor also bared that earthquake and disaster drills were already conducted in Sta. Lucia National High School, San Pedro National High School and Zamboanga del Sur School of Arts and Trades, all situated along coastal barangays of the city.
The city government has also passed an ordinance mandating the employees, barangay officials and residents to commemorate August 17 every year and thereafter as earthquake and tsunami day for the public to remember that fateful day in the history of Pagadian.
PAGADIAN CITY – A tsunami survivor thanked the government for conducting disaster preparedness training in the barangays here to lessen the adverse impacts of disasters on the populace.
During the 38th commemoration of Moro Gulf Tsunami last Aug. 17, tsunami survivor Zacharias Espadilla said the disaster training would help the people prepare for any emergencies.
“Nagpasalamat ko sa kagamhananan nga naghimo ug disaster preparedness training tungod kay pinaagi niini ang mga tawo makabalo kung unsay angay buhaton panahon nga ang kalatagman moabot ug makabalo usab sila kung asa nga dapit sila moadto aron malikayan ang dakong kadaut,” Espadilla said.
(I thanked the government for conducting disaster preparedness training because through this, people would know what to do when disaster strikes and they would also know where to go to protect themselves from great destruction.)
Espadilla recounted that he lost his wife and four children to the earthquake-induced tsunami that occurred in the midnight of Aug. 17, 1976.
“Kung nakabalo lang unta ang mga tawo kung asa modagan palayo sa higante nga balod, wala untay liboan ka mga tawo ang mamatay ug unta ang akong pamilya dili usab mamatay,” he said.
(If the people know where to run and escape from the giant waves, my family and thousand others would be spared.)
The tsunami had left 1,400 dead, 7,100 seriously injured and more than a thousand missing.
Mayor Romeo Pulmones said “the great destruction of lives in the 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami could have been avoided should the people know about disaster preparedness.”
Pulmones said the city government has intensified its efforts at conducting disaster preparedness training to prepare the public for natural disasters. “The disaster can strike anywhere, to anyone and anytime,” he added.
“I have ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to conduct a series of earthquake and tsunami drills in barangays and public elementary and secondary schools especially during the National Disaster Consciousness month to equip the public with a better and improved knowledge on disaster preparedness,” Pulmones announced.
The mayor also bared that earthquake and disaster drills were already conducted in Sta. Lucia National High School, San Pedro National High School and Zamboanga del Sur School of Arts and Trades, all situated along coastal barangays of the city.
The city government has also passed an ordinance mandating the employees, barangay officials and residents to commemorate August 17 every year and thereafter as earthquake and tsunami day for the public to remember that fateful day in the history of Pagadian.
1st FAB beefs up delivery of govt programs, services
By Claro A. Lanipa
TINOTUNGAN, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur – To help bridge the gap and act as catalyst between the government and the barangay folks through the delivery of government programs and services, the 1st Field Artillery Battalion (FAB), Army Artillery Regiment, Philippine Army has embarked on “adopt-a barangay” program.
In keeping with this program, a medical and dental outreach program was held on Tuesday at Barangay Tinotungan by the officers and men of the 1st FAB led by Lt. Col. Sonny M. Sales in collaboration with the Zamboanga del Sur provincial government and this town.
Civil Military Officer Capt. Zal L. Bagondol said “apart from the medical and dental services we also conducted first aid training to the members of the Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT), a tree planting activity in support of the National Greening Program (NGP), supplemental feeding for the malnourished children, free circumcision, and others.
The battalion has identified five barangays for the implementation of the said program, namely, Tinotungan, Man-ilan, and Sto. Rosario of Tukuran town and San Isidro and Tawagan Norte of Labangan town all of Zamboanga del Sur.
Last Aug. 5, the same activity was conducted in the barangay where 68 residents availed themselves of the medical consultation and were given free medicines, 24 children were circumcised, eight children were immunized, six pregnant women were given pre-natal services, and four others underwent sputum test.
A tree planting is going to be held tomorrow, Aug. 28, in the same barangay to be participated in by the officials and employees of Tukuran, Barangay officials and residents, and schools.
Barangay Chairwoman Victoria G. Pintac expressed her deepest gratitude to the officers and men of the 1st FAB for choosing her barangay as one of the beneficiaries of the program.
The same services will also be undertaken in the other four identified barangays.
TINOTUNGAN, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur – To help bridge the gap and act as catalyst between the government and the barangay folks through the delivery of government programs and services, the 1st Field Artillery Battalion (FAB), Army Artillery Regiment, Philippine Army has embarked on “adopt-a barangay” program.
In keeping with this program, a medical and dental outreach program was held on Tuesday at Barangay Tinotungan by the officers and men of the 1st FAB led by Lt. Col. Sonny M. Sales in collaboration with the Zamboanga del Sur provincial government and this town.
Civil Military Officer Capt. Zal L. Bagondol said “apart from the medical and dental services we also conducted first aid training to the members of the Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT), a tree planting activity in support of the National Greening Program (NGP), supplemental feeding for the malnourished children, free circumcision, and others.
The battalion has identified five barangays for the implementation of the said program, namely, Tinotungan, Man-ilan, and Sto. Rosario of Tukuran town and San Isidro and Tawagan Norte of Labangan town all of Zamboanga del Sur.
Last Aug. 5, the same activity was conducted in the barangay where 68 residents availed themselves of the medical consultation and were given free medicines, 24 children were circumcised, eight children were immunized, six pregnant women were given pre-natal services, and four others underwent sputum test.
A tree planting is going to be held tomorrow, Aug. 28, in the same barangay to be participated in by the officials and employees of Tukuran, Barangay officials and residents, and schools.
Barangay Chairwoman Victoria G. Pintac expressed her deepest gratitude to the officers and men of the 1st FAB for choosing her barangay as one of the beneficiaries of the program.
The same services will also be undertaken in the other four identified barangays.
DSWD awards Huwarang 4Ps Family 2014
ZAMBOANGA CITY - To give due recognition to family-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps who maintain strong family ties, demonstrate positive Filipino values and have a positive impact in the community where they reside, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) recently awarded a family as Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya regional winner.
Four family-beneficiaries of 4Ps from across Zamboanga Peninsula who are themselves provincial winners in their respective provinces vied for the regional title and the family of Mr. and Mrs. Renato Gituayan from Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur emerged as this year’s regional winner.
The four contestants gathered in an awarding event held recently here in the city, where each family showed off their talents through sing and dance number.
The winning family received P2,000 in cash, Certificate of Recognition and mixed goodies from DSWD.
The Gituayan family will represent region 9 in the national level.
It was learned that provincial and regional searches were conducted in all DSWD field offices with family-contestants subjected to desk validation and panel interviews. In the desk validation, the judge is allowed to scrutinize and review the packaged documentations submitted based on their activities at home and participation in the community.
The Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya is an annual search, which was launched in 2012 by National Program Management Office (NPMO) and the National Committee on the Filipino Families.
Other family-finalist for the regional search were Mr. and Mrs. Dario Ponce from Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte; Mr. and Mrs. Ereneo Carumba from Zamboanga Sibugay and Mr. and Mrs.Ruben Abdurasid from District I-Recodo, Zamboanga City.
Four family-beneficiaries of 4Ps from across Zamboanga Peninsula who are themselves provincial winners in their respective provinces vied for the regional title and the family of Mr. and Mrs. Renato Gituayan from Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur emerged as this year’s regional winner.
The four contestants gathered in an awarding event held recently here in the city, where each family showed off their talents through sing and dance number.
The winning family received P2,000 in cash, Certificate of Recognition and mixed goodies from DSWD.
The Gituayan family will represent region 9 in the national level.
It was learned that provincial and regional searches were conducted in all DSWD field offices with family-contestants subjected to desk validation and panel interviews. In the desk validation, the judge is allowed to scrutinize and review the packaged documentations submitted based on their activities at home and participation in the community.
The Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya is an annual search, which was launched in 2012 by National Program Management Office (NPMO) and the National Committee on the Filipino Families.
Other family-finalist for the regional search were Mr. and Mrs. Dario Ponce from Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte; Mr. and Mrs. Ereneo Carumba from Zamboanga Sibugay and Mr. and Mrs.Ruben Abdurasid from District I-Recodo, Zamboanga City.
ZCMC crafts policy on media relations
By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - In consonance with the ISO certification of the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), the government-run hospital crafted a clear-cut policy on media relations.
ZCMC Chief Administrative Officer Violeta Mangaso said a meeting with members of the Zamboanga Press Club was conducted recently to discuss the said hospital policy to the media.
Mangaso said the policy provides guidance to both ZCMC and the media in the release of information about the patient.
“It is our primary concern that the patient’s right is not put into jeopardy or is not violated,” Mangaso emphasized.
Mangaso said the policy on media relations uphold the right, dignity, privacy, confidentiality and consent of the patient with regard to giving information to media or an interview.
Mangaso asked the understanding of the local media that before an interview [with the patient concerned] is granted, the Public Assistance and Customer Care Unit (PACCU) shall present the request [of the media] to the patient and his/her family including the attending physician/head nurse on duty regarding the interview, if the patient or the latter’s family give the consent needed through signing the consent form, then the interview now may proceed. A PACCU representative shall accompany the media personnel.
She also said all media interviews, photography or video tape sessions with patients must be coordinated with PACCU during office hours. In case of inquiries during evenings, weekends and holidays, the Senior House Officer on duty is the authorized spokesperson to media queries.
The chief administrative officer said PACCU staff member should at all times accompany the media during the duration of his “transaction” (interview, taking photos or video). Mangaso, however, clarified that media access may be denied in cases where media presence would aggravate the patient’s condition or interfere with appropriate clinical care.
“After the patient is discharged, the hospital is no longer in the position to disclose information about the him/her,” Mangaso further explained.
Mangaso clarified that although ZCMC is viewed as a public service institution, medical information is not an open public record. “There are rules to follow and policy to respect,” she said..
“Only ZCMC-accredited media men shall have access to the hospital and patients,” she said.
“To be accredited, their managers/station managers, editor in chief shall write us and enumerate the names of their reporters or writers that they want us to accredit,” Mangaso explained. She said, those who will be accredited shall be issued an ID.
‘The ZCMC will set up a media center where the media can hangout as they do their stories or after a coverage. We are also thinking of conducting a regular press conference, probably one a month, ” Magaso said.
ZAMBOANGA CITY - In consonance with the ISO certification of the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), the government-run hospital crafted a clear-cut policy on media relations.
ZCMC Chief Administrative Officer Violeta Mangaso said a meeting with members of the Zamboanga Press Club was conducted recently to discuss the said hospital policy to the media.
Mangaso said the policy provides guidance to both ZCMC and the media in the release of information about the patient.
“It is our primary concern that the patient’s right is not put into jeopardy or is not violated,” Mangaso emphasized.
Mangaso said the policy on media relations uphold the right, dignity, privacy, confidentiality and consent of the patient with regard to giving information to media or an interview.
Mangaso asked the understanding of the local media that before an interview [with the patient concerned] is granted, the Public Assistance and Customer Care Unit (PACCU) shall present the request [of the media] to the patient and his/her family including the attending physician/head nurse on duty regarding the interview, if the patient or the latter’s family give the consent needed through signing the consent form, then the interview now may proceed. A PACCU representative shall accompany the media personnel.
She also said all media interviews, photography or video tape sessions with patients must be coordinated with PACCU during office hours. In case of inquiries during evenings, weekends and holidays, the Senior House Officer on duty is the authorized spokesperson to media queries.
The chief administrative officer said PACCU staff member should at all times accompany the media during the duration of his “transaction” (interview, taking photos or video). Mangaso, however, clarified that media access may be denied in cases where media presence would aggravate the patient’s condition or interfere with appropriate clinical care.
“After the patient is discharged, the hospital is no longer in the position to disclose information about the him/her,” Mangaso further explained.
Mangaso clarified that although ZCMC is viewed as a public service institution, medical information is not an open public record. “There are rules to follow and policy to respect,” she said..
“Only ZCMC-accredited media men shall have access to the hospital and patients,” she said.
“To be accredited, their managers/station managers, editor in chief shall write us and enumerate the names of their reporters or writers that they want us to accredit,” Mangaso explained. She said, those who will be accredited shall be issued an ID.
‘The ZCMC will set up a media center where the media can hangout as they do their stories or after a coverage. We are also thinking of conducting a regular press conference, probably one a month, ” Magaso said.
BNHS studes back environment protection, climate change adaptation
Gideon C. Corgue
BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – Students of Bayog National High School (BNHS) here have expressed their support to protecting the environment, as they formulated an action plan aimed at addressing the adverse effects of climate change.
In a climate change advocacy forum conducted on Wednesday by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), a 30-minute video documentary on climate change produced by PIA and a six-minute video produced by the GMA Network were shown to the students, followed by an open forum.
The students were also asked to give their suggestions and recommendations to mitigate the impact of climate change.
“We have to plant trees so that we can help the government address climate change that is already affecting us today,” said Armie Jay Anlap, a senior high school student adding that “human beings are now suffering the adverse effects of climate change and so with our agriculture.”
Grizzell Elardo, also a senior high school student, said “we have to observe proper disposal of garbage and avoid burning of plastics, as these would contribute to global warming and climate change.”
“No one will be spared from the severe consequences of climate change. We need to act now. Otherwise, we will all suffer,” Elardo urged.
Nasher Dulay, a freshman student said he is ready to participate in tree planting activity to be undertaken by the school to help solve climate change problem.
Dulay recalled that during his elementary years, he actively participated in tree planting activities conducted by the Boy Scout of the Philippines at the Eco-Park in Bayog.
“I am very much eager to plant more trees and will support other activities related to climate change mitigation and adaptation,” Dulay added.
Meanwhile, School Principal Danilo Ungang said BNHS has implemented Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, in support of the climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts of the government.
“We are teaching our students to be responsible by strictly observing proper disposal of garbage in our school, Ungang concluded.
BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – Students of Bayog National High School (BNHS) here have expressed their support to protecting the environment, as they formulated an action plan aimed at addressing the adverse effects of climate change.
In a climate change advocacy forum conducted on Wednesday by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), a 30-minute video documentary on climate change produced by PIA and a six-minute video produced by the GMA Network were shown to the students, followed by an open forum.
The students were also asked to give their suggestions and recommendations to mitigate the impact of climate change.
“We have to plant trees so that we can help the government address climate change that is already affecting us today,” said Armie Jay Anlap, a senior high school student adding that “human beings are now suffering the adverse effects of climate change and so with our agriculture.”
Grizzell Elardo, also a senior high school student, said “we have to observe proper disposal of garbage and avoid burning of plastics, as these would contribute to global warming and climate change.”
“No one will be spared from the severe consequences of climate change. We need to act now. Otherwise, we will all suffer,” Elardo urged.
Nasher Dulay, a freshman student said he is ready to participate in tree planting activity to be undertaken by the school to help solve climate change problem.
Dulay recalled that during his elementary years, he actively participated in tree planting activities conducted by the Boy Scout of the Philippines at the Eco-Park in Bayog.
“I am very much eager to plant more trees and will support other activities related to climate change mitigation and adaptation,” Dulay added.
Meanwhile, School Principal Danilo Ungang said BNHS has implemented Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, in support of the climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts of the government.
“We are teaching our students to be responsible by strictly observing proper disposal of garbage in our school, Ungang concluded.
DSWD awards Huwarang 4Ps Family 2014
ZAMBOANGA CITY - To give due recognition to family-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps who maintain strong family ties, demonstrate positive Filipino values and have a positive impact in the community where they reside, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) recently awarded a family as Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya regional winner.
Four family-beneficiaries of 4Ps from across Zamboanga Peninsula who are themselves provincial winners in their respective provinces vied for the regional title and the family of Mr. and Mrs. Renato Gituayan from Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur emerged as this year’s regional winner.
The four contestants gathered in an awarding event held recently here in the city, where each family showed off their talents through sing and dance number.
The winning family received P2,000 in cash, Certificate of Recognition and mixed goodies from DSWD.
The Gituayan family will represent region 9 in the national level.
It was learned that provincial and regional searches were conducted in all DSWD field offices with family-contestants subjected to desk validation and panel interviews. In the desk validation, the judge is allowed to scrutinize and review the packaged documentations submitted based on their activities at home and participation in the community.
The Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya is an annual search, which was launched in 2012 by National Program Management Office (NPMO) and the National Committee on the Filipino Families.
Other family-finalist for the regional search were Mr. and Mrs. Dario Ponce from Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte; Mr. and Mrs. Ereneo Carumba from Zamboanga Sibugay and Mr. and Mrs.Ruben Abdurasid from
Four family-beneficiaries of 4Ps from across Zamboanga Peninsula who are themselves provincial winners in their respective provinces vied for the regional title and the family of Mr. and Mrs. Renato Gituayan from Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur emerged as this year’s regional winner.
The four contestants gathered in an awarding event held recently here in the city, where each family showed off their talents through sing and dance number.
The winning family received P2,000 in cash, Certificate of Recognition and mixed goodies from DSWD.
The Gituayan family will represent region 9 in the national level.
It was learned that provincial and regional searches were conducted in all DSWD field offices with family-contestants subjected to desk validation and panel interviews. In the desk validation, the judge is allowed to scrutinize and review the packaged documentations submitted based on their activities at home and participation in the community.
The Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya is an annual search, which was launched in 2012 by National Program Management Office (NPMO) and the National Committee on the Filipino Families.
Other family-finalist for the regional search were Mr. and Mrs. Dario Ponce from Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte; Mr. and Mrs. Ereneo Carumba from Zamboanga Sibugay and Mr. and Mrs.Ruben Abdurasid from
DOE begins 5th Phil. Energy Contracting Round in ZamPen
By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) is now holding the 5th Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR5) for potentially coal-rich areas all over the country. Eight municipalities in region 9 are covered in the areas to be bid out to private companies for exploration. The contracting period will end in September this year.
In an information-dissemination campaign conducted by the DOE in Garden Orchid Hotel here, it was learned that the eight municipalities are Godod, Baliguian and Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte, and Kabasalan, Alicia, Imelda, Payao and Malangas in Zamboanga Sibugay. Representatives from the local government units of these areas attended the activity, including Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma.
DOE Undersecretary Zenaida Y. Monsada explained that the PECR “is a mechanism whereby the government bids out areas with potential indigenous energy resources for exploration and possible development and production”.
“This provides a more transparent and competitive system of awarding petroleum service and coal operating contracts,” Unsecretary Mosada added.
According to Engr. Nenito Jariel, OIC-Chief of the Coal and Nuclear Minerals Division, applicant private corporations must be Filipino, and must submit the necessary legal, technical and financial documents on or before September 26, 11:00 am Philippine Standard Time. Failure to submit on or before the deadline will cause disqualification.
“An application fee of P50,000 will be collected and non-refundable,” Jariel said. “Only exploration works will be accepted,” he pointed out.
The applicants will be screened on criteria including legal qualifications, work program, technical and financial qualifications.
Winning applicants will be endorsed on November 21.
In the development, production and sale of coal resources, the host LGUs are entitled to the following shares: 20% to the province, 45% to the municipality and 35% to the barangay. Utilization of these shares include 80% to lower the cost of electricity in the LGUs where such source of energy is located, while 20% will be used for development and livelihood.
From 2009 to 2013, LGUs have received a total of P22.77 million worth of shares from the coal industry.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) is now holding the 5th Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR5) for potentially coal-rich areas all over the country. Eight municipalities in region 9 are covered in the areas to be bid out to private companies for exploration. The contracting period will end in September this year.
In an information-dissemination campaign conducted by the DOE in Garden Orchid Hotel here, it was learned that the eight municipalities are Godod, Baliguian and Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte, and Kabasalan, Alicia, Imelda, Payao and Malangas in Zamboanga Sibugay. Representatives from the local government units of these areas attended the activity, including Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma.
DOE Undersecretary Zenaida Y. Monsada explained that the PECR “is a mechanism whereby the government bids out areas with potential indigenous energy resources for exploration and possible development and production”.
“This provides a more transparent and competitive system of awarding petroleum service and coal operating contracts,” Unsecretary Mosada added.
According to Engr. Nenito Jariel, OIC-Chief of the Coal and Nuclear Minerals Division, applicant private corporations must be Filipino, and must submit the necessary legal, technical and financial documents on or before September 26, 11:00 am Philippine Standard Time. Failure to submit on or before the deadline will cause disqualification.
“An application fee of P50,000 will be collected and non-refundable,” Jariel said. “Only exploration works will be accepted,” he pointed out.
The applicants will be screened on criteria including legal qualifications, work program, technical and financial qualifications.
Winning applicants will be endorsed on November 21.
In the development, production and sale of coal resources, the host LGUs are entitled to the following shares: 20% to the province, 45% to the municipality and 35% to the barangay. Utilization of these shares include 80% to lower the cost of electricity in the LGUs where such source of energy is located, while 20% will be used for development and livelihood.
From 2009 to 2013, LGUs have received a total of P22.77 million worth of shares from the coal industry.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Lapuyan town trians stakeholders on disaster risk reduction plan formulation
By Gideon C. Corgue
LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – To enhance the capacity of stakeholders on disaster risk reduction, particularly on prevention and mitigation measures, a one day orientation on Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management plan formulation was conducted on Thursday, Aug. 14, at the old municipal gym here.
The activity, which was an initiave of municipal government through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Office, wasparticipated in by 104 barangay officials composed of punong barangay, barangay kagawad, barangay secretary, and chiefs of barangay emergency response team.
MDRRMC Officer Nasrudin Ismael said the LGU had invited experts from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) to guide the participants in peparing their disaster plan.
Ismael said the activity was alsoin compliance with the provision of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System.
The barangay officials, Ismael said,must be equipped with knowledge and skills on how formulateand implement a comprehensive disaster planto make their communities resilient to disaster.
The MDRRMO chief said there are areas in Lapuyanidentified by Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) at risk of possible rain-induced landslides such asDumara,Lubusan, Maralag,Pampang, Pantad,Poblacion, Salambuyan, Talagag,Tiguha, Tininghalang, and Tipasan.
Meanhwile, Vice Mayor Joel Sulongsaid with the disaster plan, barangays can help reduce the possible risk of landslides.
“Angmgamulupyosabarangay makabalonaunsaangilangbuhatonpanahonangkatalagmanmahitabougniini. Malikayanusabnilaangmgadautangepektosakalamidadpinaagipagpatumansagimugnangadisaster plansailang barangay.”
(The residents in barangays will know on what to do in times of disaster. They can also prevent harmful effects of disaster by implementing the disaster plan in their barangays.)
Punong barangay FelicitoSetit of Tiguha said he was very thankful that the LGU conducted the activity saying“it capacitated them to become active local partners in disaster risk mitigation.”
“Ang among nagamanga BDRRM plan akokiningire-echo saakongmgakatawhanatolsa barangay assembly aronmahibalo kamikung unsay angaybuhatonpanahonsaemerhensya,”Setit concluded.
(The BDRRM plan that we have formulated will be be re-echoed to my residents during the barangay assembly so that we would know on what to do in times of emergencies.)
LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – To enhance the capacity of stakeholders on disaster risk reduction, particularly on prevention and mitigation measures, a one day orientation on Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management plan formulation was conducted on Thursday, Aug. 14, at the old municipal gym here.
The activity, which was an initiave of municipal government through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Office, wasparticipated in by 104 barangay officials composed of punong barangay, barangay kagawad, barangay secretary, and chiefs of barangay emergency response team.
MDRRMC Officer Nasrudin Ismael said the LGU had invited experts from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) to guide the participants in peparing their disaster plan.
Ismael said the activity was alsoin compliance with the provision of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System.
The barangay officials, Ismael said,must be equipped with knowledge and skills on how formulateand implement a comprehensive disaster planto make their communities resilient to disaster.
The MDRRMO chief said there are areas in Lapuyanidentified by Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) at risk of possible rain-induced landslides such asDumara,Lubusan, Maralag,Pampang, Pantad,Poblacion, Salambuyan, Talagag,Tiguha, Tininghalang, and Tipasan.
Meanhwile, Vice Mayor Joel Sulongsaid with the disaster plan, barangays can help reduce the possible risk of landslides.
“Angmgamulupyosabarangay makabalonaunsaangilangbuhatonpanahonangkatalagmanmahitabougniini. Malikayanusabnilaangmgadautangepektosakalamidadpinaagipagpatumansagimugnangadisaster plansailang barangay.”
(The residents in barangays will know on what to do in times of disaster. They can also prevent harmful effects of disaster by implementing the disaster plan in their barangays.)
Punong barangay FelicitoSetit of Tiguha said he was very thankful that the LGU conducted the activity saying“it capacitated them to become active local partners in disaster risk mitigation.”
“Ang among nagamanga BDRRM plan akokiningire-echo saakongmgakatawhanatolsa barangay assembly aronmahibalo kamikung unsay angaybuhatonpanahonsaemerhensya,”Setit concluded.
(The BDRRM plan that we have formulated will be be re-echoed to my residents during the barangay assembly so that we would know on what to do in times of emergencies.)
UN-OCHA to honor Zambo ‘humanitarian heroes’ on Aug. 19
By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) and other UN agencies in the city will honor five local “humanitarian heroes” who have served during and after the September 2013 siege on World Humanitarian Day tomorrow, Aug. 19.
UN-OCHA Zamboanga Hub head Ben Pickering told the media Thursday, Aug. 14, that aside from honoring five local humanitarians, the event further seeks to trigger more discussions on humanitarian work especially among the youth.
“The point (of the activity) is to start an awareness (on humanitarian work). This is just a start (to get the discussions going),” Pickering explained.
According to Pickering, students from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and the Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) were engaged to nominate five persons who, from their perspective have demonstrated outstanding performance in humanitarian work for the internally displaced persons here. Criteria for selection include the four principles of humanitarian work: neutrality, humanity, independence and impartiality.
Asked why only students were engaged considering the possibility of partiality and biases for their nominations, Pickering replied that “this is a modest activity, one that we can actually manage”. However, he stressed that they welcome disagreements over the nominations, since this is an indication that people would have become more interested in humanitarian work. Pickering believes that through this first-time event in Zamboanga, the interest and discussions would spread especially in the social media.
World Humanitarian Day has been celebrated every year in commemoration of the 2003 bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad where 22 people were killed. “It is a day to honor humanitarians who have lost their lives helping others and to those who continue to serve,” Pickering explained.
In 2013, fifty million people were displaced as a result of violence and other disasters. This is six million more compared to 2012.
Thousands were displaced in Zamboanga alone last year. “We need to reach out and gain more supporters for humanitarian work since the need for them continues to increase,” Pickering furthered.
He pointed out that humanitarians work in extremely difficult conditions, and many are subjected to violence themselves. “The spotlight is on the humanitarians on August 19. We honor them and recognize the very important work that they do.”
Pickering invited netizens to join the online discussions and use the following hash tags “#TheWorldNeedsMore #HumanitarianHeroes” in social media, which is also this year’s World Humanitarian Day theme.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) and other UN agencies in the city will honor five local “humanitarian heroes” who have served during and after the September 2013 siege on World Humanitarian Day tomorrow, Aug. 19.
UN-OCHA Zamboanga Hub head Ben Pickering told the media Thursday, Aug. 14, that aside from honoring five local humanitarians, the event further seeks to trigger more discussions on humanitarian work especially among the youth.
“The point (of the activity) is to start an awareness (on humanitarian work). This is just a start (to get the discussions going),” Pickering explained.
According to Pickering, students from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and the Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) were engaged to nominate five persons who, from their perspective have demonstrated outstanding performance in humanitarian work for the internally displaced persons here. Criteria for selection include the four principles of humanitarian work: neutrality, humanity, independence and impartiality.
Asked why only students were engaged considering the possibility of partiality and biases for their nominations, Pickering replied that “this is a modest activity, one that we can actually manage”. However, he stressed that they welcome disagreements over the nominations, since this is an indication that people would have become more interested in humanitarian work. Pickering believes that through this first-time event in Zamboanga, the interest and discussions would spread especially in the social media.
World Humanitarian Day has been celebrated every year in commemoration of the 2003 bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad where 22 people were killed. “It is a day to honor humanitarians who have lost their lives helping others and to those who continue to serve,” Pickering explained.
In 2013, fifty million people were displaced as a result of violence and other disasters. This is six million more compared to 2012.
Thousands were displaced in Zamboanga alone last year. “We need to reach out and gain more supporters for humanitarian work since the need for them continues to increase,” Pickering furthered.
He pointed out that humanitarians work in extremely difficult conditions, and many are subjected to violence themselves. “The spotlight is on the humanitarians on August 19. We honor them and recognize the very important work that they do.”
Pickering invited netizens to join the online discussions and use the following hash tags “#TheWorldNeedsMore #HumanitarianHeroes” in social media, which is also this year’s World Humanitarian Day theme.
Sibugay PPOC beefs up CLIP implementation
By Alma L.
Tingcang
IPIL, Zamboanga
Sibugay - The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) here
convened on Wednesday, Aug. 13, for its 3rd Quarter Meeting whose
main agenda was strengthening the
Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) implementation for former New
People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
Retired CSupt. Miguel A. Bernante, Executive Assistant for
Peace and Order and Public Safety presided over the meeting which started with
a security briefing and orientation on the CPP/NPA/NDF (CNN) organizational
structure by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP).
Regular members of the NPA who have expressed the desire to
abandon armed violence and become productive members of society including their
spouses, partners, children (legitimate or illegitimate) parents or siblings
can apply for the program.
“Enrolment to the CLIP will not exempt former rebels from
criminal and civil liabilities,” said Ms. Cherlita A. Garate, Provincial Social
Welfare and Development Officer.
The CLIP is a locally-driven government initiative that seeks
to contribute toward achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of
all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups. It aims to facilitate the mainstreaming
of former rebels as productive citizens.
Arnel F. Gudio of DILG-Zambo Sibugay said RA 7160 otherwise
known as the Local Government Code of 1991, mandates LGUs to provide social
welfare services which include programs and projects for rebel returnees.
The activity ended with the creation of the Provincial CLIP
Committee who shall oversee and monitor CLIP implementation in the province as
well as ensure convergent efforts in the delivery of identified services of the
program.
Also present during the PPOC Meeting were Col. Ignacio A.
Obligacion, commanding officer of 102nd Infantry Brigade of the
Philippine Army, PSupt Kenneth H. Mission of the PNP, and other members of the
PPOC.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Dipolog, PAHP’s model city in Mindanao
By Mary May A. Abellon
DIPOLOG CITY - “Dipolog City will become the model city in Mindanao for the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty’s (PAHP) initiative in food procurement from famiy farmers for school feeding program,” said National Program Coordinator Lawrence Cruz during the convergence meeting of DAR-DSWD-DA-FAO-WFP held here last week.
PAHP is a holistic approach to alleviate the poor households from hunger and poverty, bringing together the programs of the government to provide essential services to the poorer sectors in the community.
With this holistic approach, Cruz said, poverty and hunger incidence would be fully addressed through the technical assistance from the government and consistent project implementation.
ARCP II National Project Coordinator Director Herman Z. Ongkiko said that Dipolog City has an edge over the rest in the implementation of the program since “the local government unit itself promotes organic farming to its farmers.”
He added that all infrastructure projects of the government in rural areas will be linked with agri-enterprise.
Meanwhile, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Consultant Flavio Luis Mazzaro De Freitas stressed that this program is patterned after his country, Brazil, which was then replicated in Africa and now in Asia particularly the Philippines.
“This program will increase the income of small farmers, improve access to food, promote local economies, increase food varieties to be produced by small farmers, and boost the importance of organic products,” de Freitas said.
He further emphasized that with the convergence program, “PAHP initiative will reduce the chances of failure.”
Representative from the Office of the Secretary of DSWD, Natassia Quijano, said “this convergence wherein government concurrent efforts are linked is very important in achieving inclusive growth aimed by the Aquino administration,” as she thanked the LGUs and other agencies that are open to this initiative.
Dipolog Mayor Evelyn T. Uy also expressed her gratitude because the program coincides with the city’s thrust of reducing hunger and poverty by helping the farmers in particular and the community in general.
The lady mayor is optimistic that this program will succeed because Dipolog serves as the trading center for fruits and vegetables in the province.
DIPOLOG CITY - “Dipolog City will become the model city in Mindanao for the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty’s (PAHP) initiative in food procurement from famiy farmers for school feeding program,” said National Program Coordinator Lawrence Cruz during the convergence meeting of DAR-DSWD-DA-FAO-WFP held here last week.
PAHP is a holistic approach to alleviate the poor households from hunger and poverty, bringing together the programs of the government to provide essential services to the poorer sectors in the community.
With this holistic approach, Cruz said, poverty and hunger incidence would be fully addressed through the technical assistance from the government and consistent project implementation.
ARCP II National Project Coordinator Director Herman Z. Ongkiko said that Dipolog City has an edge over the rest in the implementation of the program since “the local government unit itself promotes organic farming to its farmers.”
He added that all infrastructure projects of the government in rural areas will be linked with agri-enterprise.
Meanwhile, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Consultant Flavio Luis Mazzaro De Freitas stressed that this program is patterned after his country, Brazil, which was then replicated in Africa and now in Asia particularly the Philippines.
“This program will increase the income of small farmers, improve access to food, promote local economies, increase food varieties to be produced by small farmers, and boost the importance of organic products,” de Freitas said.
He further emphasized that with the convergence program, “PAHP initiative will reduce the chances of failure.”
Representative from the Office of the Secretary of DSWD, Natassia Quijano, said “this convergence wherein government concurrent efforts are linked is very important in achieving inclusive growth aimed by the Aquino administration,” as she thanked the LGUs and other agencies that are open to this initiative.
Dipolog Mayor Evelyn T. Uy also expressed her gratitude because the program coincides with the city’s thrust of reducing hunger and poverty by helping the farmers in particular and the community in general.
The lady mayor is optimistic that this program will succeed because Dipolog serves as the trading center for fruits and vegetables in the province.
NAPC inspects BUB, GPB projects in Sibugay
By Emmanuel D. Taghoy
ROSELLER T. LIM, Zamboanga Sibugay – The provincial focal person of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) was here yesterday to monitor and evaluate the implementation of Bottoms-Up Budgeting (BUB) projects with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), one of the implementing agencies.
Four farmers’ associations and one cooperative, all recipients of seedlings distributed by DENR-Sibugay from the BUB funds, were initially inspected and evaluated.
“The evaluation and monitoring seeks to find out whether the projects implemented by the participating agencies have addressed the real needs and concerns of the people in the community, thus, reducing poverty incidence in the area,” said NAPC Provincial Focal Person Edgar N. Alegre.
“About P15 million was allotted for each municipality every year from the BUB, which has been changed into Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB), for projects in the year 2014 onwards intended for the populace in the grassroots level,” explained Alegre.
Alegre pointed out that it is important for implementing agencies of the BUB projects to be transparent in their financial accountabilities and candid in their delivery of services.
Meanwhile, interviewed farmers’ associations expressed gratitude to the DENR for the assorted seedlings distributed to them. They said they were satisfied with the project since farming is their main source of living.
About 266 hectares identified for the DENR’s National Greening Program (NGP) in R.T. Lim town were covered by the BUB project for the year 2013.
According to Alegre, the evaluation and monitoring for the other implementing agencies will also commence this month.
ROSELLER T. LIM, Zamboanga Sibugay – The provincial focal person of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) was here yesterday to monitor and evaluate the implementation of Bottoms-Up Budgeting (BUB) projects with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), one of the implementing agencies.
Four farmers’ associations and one cooperative, all recipients of seedlings distributed by DENR-Sibugay from the BUB funds, were initially inspected and evaluated.
“The evaluation and monitoring seeks to find out whether the projects implemented by the participating agencies have addressed the real needs and concerns of the people in the community, thus, reducing poverty incidence in the area,” said NAPC Provincial Focal Person Edgar N. Alegre.
“About P15 million was allotted for each municipality every year from the BUB, which has been changed into Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB), for projects in the year 2014 onwards intended for the populace in the grassroots level,” explained Alegre.
Alegre pointed out that it is important for implementing agencies of the BUB projects to be transparent in their financial accountabilities and candid in their delivery of services.
Meanwhile, interviewed farmers’ associations expressed gratitude to the DENR for the assorted seedlings distributed to them. They said they were satisfied with the project since farming is their main source of living.
About 266 hectares identified for the DENR’s National Greening Program (NGP) in R.T. Lim town were covered by the BUB project for the year 2013.
According to Alegre, the evaluation and monitoring for the other implementing agencies will also commence this month.
PAHP launched in Dipolog
By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) together with Food and Agriculture Administration (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) have launched recently the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) at the Top Plaza Hotel this city.
Attending the PAHP launching, which was organized by DAR-Zamboanga del Norte were Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Mohammad Dassan Adju Dipolog Mayor Evelyn T. UY, ARCP II National Project Coordinator Director Herman Z. Ongkiko, National PAHP Coordinator Lawrence Cruz, DSWD- Protective Services Bureau Director Margarita V. Sampang, Ms Natassaia Quijano of DSWD–OSEC, DSWD Nutritionist Richel de la Cruz, DSWD-9 Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo, DAR-9 Assistant Regional Director Agnes Maata, and other personnel from the line agencies, provincial government as well city government personnel.
Ongkiko said Dipolog City was chosen as the pilot city of PAHP in recognition of its support to the various programs implemented by the national government in the city, citing among others the P58-million rehabilitation project of Dipolog Communal Irrigation System, now supplying water to 750 hectares of ricefields in Dipolog City and Polanco.
The program is a colaborrative effort of DAR, DSWD and DA with technical assistance from FAO and WFP, and with the active cooperation and participation of the local government units (LGUs) to address hunger and poverty in the country.
Mayor Uy was grateful to the program implementers for choosing Dipolog City as its pilot area and assured all the stakeholders of a successful implementation of said program in the city. Representatives from the different line agencies present also expressed their commitment of support to the program.
FAO Consultant Flavio Luis Mazzaro de Freitas cited the value of the Food Acquisition Program in the successful implementation of “Zero Hunger Strategy,” which was adopted by Brazil to address its hunger and poverty problem.
Ongkiko said the program was initially tested in region 5, after a team from DAR, DSWD and DA went to Brazil in June 2013 to study the implementation of the program.
Under the program, the farmers with support from DA through updated farm technology and other farm inputs will be provide rice and vegetables needed for the supplemental feeding program of DSWD, specifically to the beneficiairies of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) together with Food and Agriculture Administration (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) have launched recently the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) at the Top Plaza Hotel this city.
Attending the PAHP launching, which was organized by DAR-Zamboanga del Norte were Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Mohammad Dassan Adju Dipolog Mayor Evelyn T. UY, ARCP II National Project Coordinator Director Herman Z. Ongkiko, National PAHP Coordinator Lawrence Cruz, DSWD- Protective Services Bureau Director Margarita V. Sampang, Ms Natassaia Quijano of DSWD–OSEC, DSWD Nutritionist Richel de la Cruz, DSWD-9 Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo, DAR-9 Assistant Regional Director Agnes Maata, and other personnel from the line agencies, provincial government as well city government personnel.
The program is a colaborrative effort of DAR, DSWD and DA with technical assistance from FAO and WFP, and with the active cooperation and participation of the local government units (LGUs) to address hunger and poverty in the country.
Mayor Uy was grateful to the program implementers for choosing Dipolog City as its pilot area and assured all the stakeholders of a successful implementation of said program in the city. Representatives from the different line agencies present also expressed their commitment of support to the program.
FAO Consultant Flavio Luis Mazzaro de Freitas cited the value of the Food Acquisition Program in the successful implementation of “Zero Hunger Strategy,” which was adopted by Brazil to address its hunger and poverty problem.
Ongkiko said the program was initially tested in region 5, after a team from DAR, DSWD and DA went to Brazil in June 2013 to study the implementation of the program.
Under the program, the farmers with support from DA through updated farm technology and other farm inputs will be provide rice and vegetables needed for the supplemental feeding program of DSWD, specifically to the beneficiairies of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Monday, August 11, 2014
Basilan holds 1st Coco Summit to curb cocolisap infestation
by Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Basilan held the first Coco Summit rrecently to address the coconut scale insect infestation that threatens the local coconut industry.
Government agencies, non-government organizations, and the local government units converged at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hall at the Capitol building of the Provincial Government of Basilan to gain public support and generate strategies to control the spread of cocolisap.
Officials from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Central Office in Manila, the regional office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and region 9 were present to respond to the issues and concerns confronting PCA’s intervention in curbing the cocolisap infestation in the affected city and province.
Efren Carba of PCA-9 gave an audio-visual presentation on the status of implementation of the region’s intervention to control cocolisap in Isabela City, while Marina Wahab and Onesima Hayawan of PCA-ARMM also provided updates.
Carba said that since the infestation was first verified in October 2012, various activities and initiatives were conducted by PCA in partnership with government agencies in the control and treatment of the cocolisap.
PCA reported that as of end of July 2014, some 92,359 coconut trees were already infected in Isabela City alone. Isabela has some 954,722 coconut trees as per record of PCA-9. In the ARMM province of Basilan, data are still being collated. Of the 6.5 million coconut trees in the province, the number of infected trees is still to be determined. But, since it was sighted and verified in Batungal of Maluso town last September 2013, some 2,482 coconut trees were reportedly infected in Lamitan City as well as in Lantawan, Maluso, and Tuburan towns. PCA-ARMM said that some 1,143 were given treatment through pruning and biological control.
PCA Deputy Administrator Roel Rosales admitted that the coconut industry is now in danger. He, however, thanked the local stakeholders for the expression of support to fight the cocolisap and for recognizing the lack of personnel of PCA in the locality. Rosales said that additional personnel were already hired in Isabela City and soon for the province.
“While it is a concern, the number of infected trees is still small, which is barely one percent of the total population of coconuts in the Philippines. But it does not mean that the government will be complacent as the spread is rapid,” Rosales said.
With the infestation, Rosales believes that the coconut farmers are the ones who can fully respond to the crisis when fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills in handling the infestation in their farms. With this Rosales said they will strengthen the capacity of the farmers by putting up coconut farmers’ schools and FITS (Farmers’ Information and Technology Service) Center.
When asked where government failed in curbing the spread of infestation, Rosales said that one has to put things in perspective. He said that the scale insect was endemic in the Philippines and that the local specie was not destructive.
But when the spread was rapid, authorities have suspected that the specie may not be local. He said that scientists have verified that indeed the destructive scale insect foreign in origin.
After the PCA presentations, discussions and forum in the morning, almost half of the participants came back in the afternoon for the action planning. Some participants observed that some key stakeholders in the crisis were not present, like the local chief executives, who play vital roles in terms of local government unit’s responsibility in controlling the infestation.
Provincial Administrator Tahira Ismael said that the mayors were invited because the summit was intended for them. She only hoped that the mayors’ representatives who were present would update their respective mayors as to the results of the Summit.
The Summit has identified some issues and concerns in curbing the cocolisap menace. Among them was the continued spread of the scale insect in spite of PCA’s intervention, the lack of local PCA personnel, the poor knowledge of coconut farmers on the infestation, the lack of engagement with unresponsive landowners/farmers, and the lack of pertinent data.
Some interventions were also identified, such as: strict implementation of quarantine in all ports and borders of the province, deputation training, massive information drive, continue with PCA’s intensive treatment program, documentation and data gathering, and personnel augmentation by the province and agencies concerned.
Moreover, Rosales has encouraged the coconut farmers to start value-adding with their coco lands by intercropping and livestock-raising as alternative livelihood while waiting for the infected coconuts to recover for about a year.
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Basilan held the first Coco Summit rrecently to address the coconut scale insect infestation that threatens the local coconut industry.
Government agencies, non-government organizations, and the local government units converged at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hall at the Capitol building of the Provincial Government of Basilan to gain public support and generate strategies to control the spread of cocolisap.
Officials from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Central Office in Manila, the regional office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and region 9 were present to respond to the issues and concerns confronting PCA’s intervention in curbing the cocolisap infestation in the affected city and province.
Efren Carba of PCA-9 gave an audio-visual presentation on the status of implementation of the region’s intervention to control cocolisap in Isabela City, while Marina Wahab and Onesima Hayawan of PCA-ARMM also provided updates.
Carba said that since the infestation was first verified in October 2012, various activities and initiatives were conducted by PCA in partnership with government agencies in the control and treatment of the cocolisap.
PCA reported that as of end of July 2014, some 92,359 coconut trees were already infected in Isabela City alone. Isabela has some 954,722 coconut trees as per record of PCA-9. In the ARMM province of Basilan, data are still being collated. Of the 6.5 million coconut trees in the province, the number of infected trees is still to be determined. But, since it was sighted and verified in Batungal of Maluso town last September 2013, some 2,482 coconut trees were reportedly infected in Lamitan City as well as in Lantawan, Maluso, and Tuburan towns. PCA-ARMM said that some 1,143 were given treatment through pruning and biological control.
PCA Deputy Administrator Roel Rosales admitted that the coconut industry is now in danger. He, however, thanked the local stakeholders for the expression of support to fight the cocolisap and for recognizing the lack of personnel of PCA in the locality. Rosales said that additional personnel were already hired in Isabela City and soon for the province.
“While it is a concern, the number of infected trees is still small, which is barely one percent of the total population of coconuts in the Philippines. But it does not mean that the government will be complacent as the spread is rapid,” Rosales said.
With the infestation, Rosales believes that the coconut farmers are the ones who can fully respond to the crisis when fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills in handling the infestation in their farms. With this Rosales said they will strengthen the capacity of the farmers by putting up coconut farmers’ schools and FITS (Farmers’ Information and Technology Service) Center.
When asked where government failed in curbing the spread of infestation, Rosales said that one has to put things in perspective. He said that the scale insect was endemic in the Philippines and that the local specie was not destructive.
But when the spread was rapid, authorities have suspected that the specie may not be local. He said that scientists have verified that indeed the destructive scale insect foreign in origin.
After the PCA presentations, discussions and forum in the morning, almost half of the participants came back in the afternoon for the action planning. Some participants observed that some key stakeholders in the crisis were not present, like the local chief executives, who play vital roles in terms of local government unit’s responsibility in controlling the infestation.
Provincial Administrator Tahira Ismael said that the mayors were invited because the summit was intended for them. She only hoped that the mayors’ representatives who were present would update their respective mayors as to the results of the Summit.
The Summit has identified some issues and concerns in curbing the cocolisap menace. Among them was the continued spread of the scale insect in spite of PCA’s intervention, the lack of local PCA personnel, the poor knowledge of coconut farmers on the infestation, the lack of engagement with unresponsive landowners/farmers, and the lack of pertinent data.
Some interventions were also identified, such as: strict implementation of quarantine in all ports and borders of the province, deputation training, massive information drive, continue with PCA’s intensive treatment program, documentation and data gathering, and personnel augmentation by the province and agencies concerned.
Moreover, Rosales has encouraged the coconut farmers to start value-adding with their coco lands by intercropping and livestock-raising as alternative livelihood while waiting for the infected coconuts to recover for about a year.
Mothers urged to love, care for children
By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZSMC) chief of clinics, Dr. Aurito Ampong, has called on all mothers love and care for their children.
In his message during the culmination of the National Breastfeeding Week celebration Thursday, Ampong quoted award-winning singer/song writer Gary Valenciano who said: “the secret of serving is loving.”
“I encourage you all mothers to serve and love your children. You can show your love by breastfeeding them,” Ampong stressed.
Ampong explained the importance of breastfeeding to 12 postpartum mothers from the OB-Gyne and private wards who attended the activity along with the doctors and nurses of the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, a mother-baby friendly hospital.
Breastfeeding, Ampong said, provides ideal nutrition for infants. “If you breastfeed your children, they will grow healthy and strong.”
Ampong encouraged also his fellow doctors and nurses to continue doing advocacy on breastfeeding to the mothers in the hospital to address the prevalence of malnutrition.
In related development, Dr. Ma. Rovelle Blancia, provincial health officer and acting hospital administrator of the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center said the hospital’s administration has a reason to celebrate saying that the ZSMC was awarded by the Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Committee (regional level) a certificate of commitment as breastfeeding hospital for two years for sustaining the guidelines and implementation of the program.
Blancia said it also received another certificate of commitment for establishing lactation rooms for their breastfeeding employees at the OB-Gyne ward located and the 2nd floor and for their patients and watchers at the outpatient department at the first floor.
The establishment of lactation rooms is one way of promoting and encouraging breastfeeding and gave opportunities for mothers to continue expressing their milk and/or breastfeeding their infant or young child.
PAGADIAN CITY – Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZSMC) chief of clinics, Dr. Aurito Ampong, has called on all mothers love and care for their children.
In his message during the culmination of the National Breastfeeding Week celebration Thursday, Ampong quoted award-winning singer/song writer Gary Valenciano who said: “the secret of serving is loving.”
“I encourage you all mothers to serve and love your children. You can show your love by breastfeeding them,” Ampong stressed.
Ampong explained the importance of breastfeeding to 12 postpartum mothers from the OB-Gyne and private wards who attended the activity along with the doctors and nurses of the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, a mother-baby friendly hospital.
Breastfeeding, Ampong said, provides ideal nutrition for infants. “If you breastfeed your children, they will grow healthy and strong.”
Ampong encouraged also his fellow doctors and nurses to continue doing advocacy on breastfeeding to the mothers in the hospital to address the prevalence of malnutrition.
In related development, Dr. Ma. Rovelle Blancia, provincial health officer and acting hospital administrator of the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center said the hospital’s administration has a reason to celebrate saying that the ZSMC was awarded by the Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Committee (regional level) a certificate of commitment as breastfeeding hospital for two years for sustaining the guidelines and implementation of the program.
Blancia said it also received another certificate of commitment for establishing lactation rooms for their breastfeeding employees at the OB-Gyne ward located and the 2nd floor and for their patients and watchers at the outpatient department at the first floor.
The establishment of lactation rooms is one way of promoting and encouraging breastfeeding and gave opportunities for mothers to continue expressing their milk and/or breastfeeding their infant or young child.
Dipolog gets “very high” net score in CSIS survey
By Franklin P. Gumapon
DIPOLOG CITY – The people here are ready to join the city government in improving the quality of life of the community, as they have expressed willingness to coordinate and engage with the local officials in any development endeavor.
This was the result of the 2013 Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS) survey as presented during the recently held CSIS utilization conference attended by the city mayor, city councilors, department heads as well as representatives from civil society organization and academe.
Registering a very high net score of 83.75 percent, the city government received a positive support from its constituents, according to CSIS Focal Person Russell Jef Castañeda of the Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9.
In 2013 the CSIS survey was being administered to 34 priority cities based on the National Competitive Council’s list of 50 competitive cities and provinces nationwide.
Dipolog City was chosen as the pilot local government unit (LGU) in region 9 with the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) as implementing partner.
In his opening statement in the said conference, DILG-9 Assistant Regional Director Pedro G. Cuevas Jr. said “any institution, whether government of private, the ultimate goal is provide its clients the best service possible.”
“The real essence is defined and determined by the level of client satisfaction with the services these institutions provide,” Cuevas added.
For her part, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy found the CSIS very challenging, saying “first we are quite apprehensive but, on the other hand, enthusiastic of how we can improve based on its result.”
However, the city government scored low on the aspect of peoples’ awareness of the city government’s programs, projects and services. So, Mayor Uy urged the different departments to inform the City Information Office (CIO) of their programs and services for public dissemination.
The lady mayor hopes that the level of awareness of her constituents on the city government’s programs and services will improve after six months. “So, let us all work together to achieve this while maintaining also the satisfaction that our people have on us,” she urged.
The survey was conducted on Dec. 11-19, 2013 to 150 respondents in 16 of the 21 barangays of the city.
DIPOLOG CITY – The people here are ready to join the city government in improving the quality of life of the community, as they have expressed willingness to coordinate and engage with the local officials in any development endeavor.
This was the result of the 2013 Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS) survey as presented during the recently held CSIS utilization conference attended by the city mayor, city councilors, department heads as well as representatives from civil society organization and academe.
Registering a very high net score of 83.75 percent, the city government received a positive support from its constituents, according to CSIS Focal Person Russell Jef Castañeda of the Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9.
In 2013 the CSIS survey was being administered to 34 priority cities based on the National Competitive Council’s list of 50 competitive cities and provinces nationwide.
Dipolog City was chosen as the pilot local government unit (LGU) in region 9 with the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) as implementing partner.
In his opening statement in the said conference, DILG-9 Assistant Regional Director Pedro G. Cuevas Jr. said “any institution, whether government of private, the ultimate goal is provide its clients the best service possible.”
“The real essence is defined and determined by the level of client satisfaction with the services these institutions provide,” Cuevas added.
For her part, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy found the CSIS very challenging, saying “first we are quite apprehensive but, on the other hand, enthusiastic of how we can improve based on its result.”
However, the city government scored low on the aspect of peoples’ awareness of the city government’s programs, projects and services. So, Mayor Uy urged the different departments to inform the City Information Office (CIO) of their programs and services for public dissemination.
The lady mayor hopes that the level of awareness of her constituents on the city government’s programs and services will improve after six months. “So, let us all work together to achieve this while maintaining also the satisfaction that our people have on us,” she urged.
The survey was conducted on Dec. 11-19, 2013 to 150 respondents in 16 of the 21 barangays of the city.
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