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Thursday, November 20, 2014

Dumalinao town bags DSWD award

By Alma L. Tingcang

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur – It pays to submit reports on time.

This town has recently been awarded a Certificate of Recognition for its prompt and regular submission of reportorial requirements for the Social Pension Program Implementation for calendar years 2013-2014.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Lolita F. Jakosalem received the said award from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 Regional Director Zenaida L. Arevalo at the Grand Astoria Hotel in Zamboanga City.

“We have 226 senior citizens in our town and 36 new members under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), said Ms. Jakosalem.

Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles said the beneficiaries receive P500 pension every month which is released every quarter. “Regular monitoring and follow-up aside from personally handing over the checks to recipients are being done to ensure that they receive their benefits.” 

“Our senior citizens are still very productive members of the community,”  the mayor pronounced, as he is very supportive of their endeavors led by the federation president, Ms. Rita Chavez.

Mr. Alberto Embudo, focal person for senior citizens and manpower development assistant patiently delivers the pension of every senior citizen.  If they are not around, it is delivered through the barangay captain.

“I see to it that the payroll and other needed documents are sent back immediately to the regional office without delay. Maybe that was our edge,” explained Jakosalem.

In another development, four wheelchairs given by Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” C. Binay during his recent visit in town were turned-over to identified recipients upon the recommendation of the MSWDO. They were Josephine Mann, Riza Belen, Silvina Apoya and Genaro Aguilar. 

City sees delay in Dec. 15 deadline for full transfer of IDPs

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Following questions posed on the quality of housing units for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) resulting from the September 2013 siege, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said their transfer to transitory shelters will go beyond the Dec. 15 deadline.

“It would be quite considerable to be slow in the construction as long as the housing units are of good quality than to rush things up just to meet the deadline and end up compromising the quality of the shelters,” Climaco explained adding “the city cannot meet the Dec. 15 deadline to move all IDPs out of the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex.”

“We can be slow as long as we are sure that the housing units we will give to the IDPs are of good quality. We have to make sure of quality more than meeting the deadline,” She pointed out.

Mayor Climaco said, of the 2,086 IDPs still occupying the grandstand since last year, the most that the city can do is to move out 380 families on or before the December 15 deadline.

The Mayor even expressed her desire of having permanent shelters already constructed for the remaining IDPs at the grandstand rather than spend money for temporary shelters then later to permanent homes.

“We want to relieve the IDPs with the burden of transferring from grandstand to temporary shelters then to their permanent homes,” Mayor Climaco said. 

It can be recalled, the national government has set Dec. 15, 2014 as the deadline for the clearing of the grandstand and full transfer of IDPs. 

New civil service computerized exams more secure, cheat-free – Duque

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is confident that its new computerized examinations (ComEx) required for the career sub-professional and professional eligibilities, has outgrown its predecessor in becoming a more secure, accurate and efficient system.

CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III, who was here recently for the ComEx launch said that the new system is now “fraud free and impenetrable”.

“The new ComEx now uses biometrics, which ensures that there will be no impersonation during examinations,” Duque said. He added “the system will be linked to a central database that will make verification procedures simpler.”

On the other hand, CSC-Examination, Recruitment and Placement Office Director Fernando Porio explained that only the registration of the test takers would be done online. “The biometrics and the actual test will be kept in a secure line, which makes it impossible for online hackers to tamper with the exams.”

Duque described the new system to be very “simple.” First, an applicant will create a user account in the ComEx website at www.comex.csc.gov.ph, then after successfully creating the account, he or she will pick the most convenient schedule to take the exam from a list. After accomplishing the online form, the examinee will then receive an e-mail confirming his or her slot reservation.

Upon confirmation, the examinee will simply have to appear at the venue on the schedule. The examinee’s identity will then be verified. An examination fee of Php600 will be collected, followed by the biometrics, photo and signature specimen taking. Afterwards, the examinee will be escorted to a computer room where the test will be taken.

The CSC professional test will last for three hours, while the sub-professional exam will last for two and a half hours.

“The results will be made known one hour after the test,” said Porio.

Meanwhile, CSC Regional Director Atty. Macybel Alfaro-Sahi said that they are targeting to have the ComEx fully operational here by December. However, the Pencil and Paper Test (PPT) will still be available with a fee of P500.

It can be recalled that an earlier computerized examinations system stopped after gaps in its security surfaced.

“The ComEx and other modern innovations in human resources management will help ensure us that only the best, brightest and most competent will join government service,” Duque emphasized. 

Tambulig town inmates receive goods from PCLEC

By Gideon C. Corgue

TAMBULIG, Zamboanga del Sur – The Pagadian City Lady Eagles Club (PCLEC) headed by Ms. Alna Joy Cedeño on Tuesday distributed personal hygiene products and snacks to 23 inmates at a jail here.

Cedeño said giving out toiletries and foodstuffs to the inmates “is part of the organization’s community service.”

PCLEC is a civic organization composed exclusively of wives of Fraternal Order of Eagles, the first Philippine born fraternal civic organization, founded in Pagadian City on Sept. 6, 2014 with 23 members.

“We are conducting this activity as part of our community service. We also want the inmates to maintain their personal hygiene without bothering their families to buy them these goods,” Cedeño elucidated.
  
Vice President for External Affairs Juvy Gavenia said “the PCLEC is committed to fulfill its goals to give back to the community and to provide service to the community through strong sisterhood.”

Gavenia added “this is the first time that PCLEC has conducted this kind of activity after its creation two months ago.”  

“Giving toiletries to the inmates is a simple thing that PCLEC is doing to bring them hope and joy while inside the prison cell.”

Municipal Jail Warden SJO4 Aladin Salinding lauded the PCLEC for initiating said activity saying it helped the families of the inmates in providing for their personal hygiene.

“The activity is the PCLEC’s support to the inmates welfare development program. I hope they would continue to support the inmates while they are inside the jail,” Salinding said.

Inmate Singson Nhorris expressed his profound thanks to PCLEC officers for giving them the toiletries, as it has given them joy.

“Dako kaayo ang among kalipay nga gihatagan kami ug mga butang gikan mga tawo nga adunay malumo nga kasingkasing. Bisan dili namo sila kaila apan nagpakita sila ug dakong pagpakabana kanamo nga ania sulod sa bilangguan,” said Nhorris who has been incarcerated for drug pushing for seven years now.

(We are very grateful that we were given things from kind-hearted people. Even if we do not know them but they have shown their great concern for us while we are inside the jail.)

Nhorris along with his inmates sang ‘Thank You” song to the delight of the PCLEC officers.

Meanwhile, Cedeño expressed hope that after the inmates have served their sentence, they will be transformed into productive citizens of our country. 

The IPs now and what they fight for

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A technical paper published in 2012 describes the country’s indigenous peoples (IPs) to be “among the poorest and most marginalized sectors of Philippine society.”

The paper titled “Country Technical Notes on Indigenous People’s Issues” written by Jacqueline K. Cariño for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) describes many of the problems that IPs continually face for decades due to neglect from other sectors of society.

Indigenous peoples are those that have survived colonization, like during the Spanish occupation in the Philippines beginning in the 1500s. For centuries, or perhaps even before pre-history, they have maintained their traditions, cultures and way of life and have remained indigenous, that is, unchanged and original.

According to the Cariño, IPs now do not only experience poverty; they lack access to basic social services and are heavily burdened by seasonal to chronic food shortages resulting to poor health. In addition, many face displacement from their ancestral lands due to the onslaught of industries such as mining, illegal logging and other natural or man-made causes. One example is the recent displacement of the Bajau tribe and other groups in the city due to the Zamboanga siege last year.

However, contrary to popular perception and given these scenarios, IPs are one of the most prudent sectors that contribute to society.

National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Commissioner Al-Anwar Anzar shared that IPs, in spite of their own difficulties continuously perform responsibilities that protect the environment and even promote peace.

“Many are asking, what can they do?” Anzar said. “The truth is there are more to them than meets the eye. We have to understand their roles in preserving the environment and promoting peace, among others to be able to appreciate them more.”

‘Land is life’

Cariño’s paper shares that the world view “land is life” is deeply embedded into IP culture, which accounts for their close ties with ancestral lands, and as such, giving great care for the forests, mountains or seas in which they reside in.

Anzar reiterates this philosophy by emphasizing that IPs are more protective of the environment than most educated Filipinos.

“They do not have factories that pollute, they do not participate in illegal logging, they do not mine, they do not use plastics since they prefer indigenous materials,” Anzar explained. “If we look at things differently, they are more effective in protecting our environment.”

In fact, IPs’ concern for the environment and their ancestral lands have at times caused the deaths of tribal leaders.

Anzar bared that the killing of IP leaders has been going on for years especially in Mindanao. “IP leaders have been fighting for their lands and because of this, many of them have been killed,” he said, attributing the deaths to be allegedly perpetrated by private armed groups with vested interests.

“IP leaders are the figureheads of their tribes, they are the cultural bearers. Their deaths represent a great loss to the tribes,” Anzar clarified.

IPs hold all life to be dear, which explains their inclination towards peace. “Whenever they cut even a single tree, they offer a ritual or a prayer,” Anzar said.

A simple, peace-loving people

Milabel Richter, a local tour guide shared a story illustrating the IPs’ simplicity. Richter was touring a foreigner in the city when several Bajau children approached them, begging for money. The foreigner, instead of giving them cash, fed them in a local mall and afterwards took them shopping for clothes. The following day, the same tourist was approached by the same set of children wearing the same tattered clothes from the day before, begging for money. The tourist wondered, and Richter explained to him that the children had most probably sold their new clothes in exchange for money or food. The Bajau had no use for fancy clothes, all they need is to feed their hungry stomachs, one of the reasons why many of them are scattered in many parts of the country as beggars in the streets. Many of them have chosen this way of life due to the loss of their natural dwellings, the seas, which they have lost to pirates and extortionists.

In addition, IPs are known to be a peace-loving people. “They do not have private armies, nor do they covet what belongs to others. They respect other people’s rights,” he added.
Anzar said that IP groups have their own way in dealing with and pacifying conflicts. Whenever conflicts arise, IPs would usually pacify the issue among themselves. Elders would often intervene and act as mediators.

City IP representative Councilor Ismael Musa, a Sama Bangingi explained that IPs have “their own system of reconciliation”.

“We have a very different culture,” Musa said, emphasizing the need for other groups to learn about them. Musa shared that as during disasters, IPs would rather prefer to stay with their families than be in evacuation centers.

Looking to the future

On November 21-22, this year, about 200 IP representatives from different areas in Mindanao will converge in the city. The two-day event dubbed “Dayaw” aims to showcase the different tribes’ cultures, traditions and arts, as well as share with the public issues, concerns and realities currently facing them.

“Dayaw is a cultural platform for enhancing cultural knowledge to strengthen solidarity in diversity under the principle of mutual respect and peaceful co-existence,” Anzar said.

In essence, Dayaw aims to reach out to other sectors of society to give IPs the recognition that they deserve. Anzar hopes that through the sharing of IP culture and knowledge, more will be able to understand and appreciate them.

“In other countries, IPs are considered to be priceless. They are more than just tourist attractions,” Anzar said. “They are part and partial to society and the pillar of national consciousness. Our IPs should be seen by society this way.” 

Diane, Zamboanga del Sur’s Pantawid exemplary child

By Claro A. Lanipa

KUMALARANG, Zamboanga del Sur – Intelligent. Talented. Kind. This is how people described Diane Rose C. Gasque, the “2014 Pantawid Exemplary Child” of Zamboanga del Sur.

Born to parents Elmer and Emelyn Gasque of Diplo, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur, Diane, 11, is a consistent honor student from pre-school to grade school. Now in grade 5, her teachers said Diane is one of the smartest and most intelligent students in her school.

Living hand-to-mouth, her family strived to support her studies from her father’s meager income as a laborer of rice dryer in the barangay. During off-season the Gasque family would resort to vegetable gardening to sustain their daily needs.

The family was registered into the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the year 2009, a conditional cash transfer program of the Philippine government implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The program aims to eradicate extreme poverty in the countryside by investing on health and education. From then on, the family has been actively involved in the Pantawid programs and 100 percent compliant with all the conditions set by the implementing agency. As a proof, Diane’s mother is one of the most active parent leaders in the community.

Although Diane is always chosen to represent her school in either academic or non-academic competitions, she also enjoys playing with other children her age. But she loves reading books and devotes more of her time to studying than playing, her mother said.

When asked of her ambition in life, she answered: “Gusto ko mahimong usa ka abogado tungod kay gusto ko motabang sa mga pobre nga walay pang bayad ug abogado (I want to become a Lawyer so that I can help the poor who cannot afford to pay for the services of a lawyer).

At home, she helps in household chores like fetching water, cleaning the house, cooking and also washing plates. At her young age, she is aware how her parents work hard for her future. So, she never fails to help in household chores to ease the burden of her parents who are usually tired from work.

Diane’s family is also active in church, allowing her to be one of the servers of the altar during masses.

As the only child she is very close to her parents who shower her with love and care, and teach her to be God-fearing and respectful for others.

Diane is an epitome of a model child that others should emulate. She is now representing Zamboanga del Sur in the 2014 Exemplary Pantawid Child – regional level selection. 

Zambo to host largest gathering of Southern Philippine tribes

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Throngs of people belonging to the different indigenous peoples (IP) groups in the whole of Mindanao are set to converge in the city on Nov. 21-22 for Dayaw 2014: The Indigenous People’s Festival, considered as the largest gathering of different Southern Philippine tribes here.

“The Dayaw participants come from 27 tribal affiliations composed of 12-13 clusters from all over Mindanao,” said Al-Anwar Anzar, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Commissioner for the Sub-commission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts (SCCTA).

”We expect this to be a very happy celebration and at the same time, this will be a positive strategy in promoting Zamboanga knowing that it was infiltrated last year,” added Anzar, emphasizing that this event is a first for the city. According to him, Zamboanga City was chosen as venue for Dayaw for a number of reasons, including the support from the local government, the presence of a number of IP groups, and because of the series of events that transpired last year during the siege.

“Zamboanga City is a classic example of unity in diversity,” said Anzar. “People of different cultures have been living here together for a long time.” Anzar explained that the convergence of cultures here is testimony to the locals’ love for peace and mutual understanding and respect, and that what happened during the siege was a result of a problem only brought to Zamboanga.

Anzar bared that among the IP groups to visit the city are the Yakan, Subanen, Badjao, Manobo, Higaonon, Bagobo, Mandaya, Mansaka, B’laan, Sangir, Ata Manobo, T’boli, Teduray, Arumanen, Mamanwa, Maranao, Magindanao, Iranun, Tausug among others.

During the two-day event, activities such as the showcase of traditional crafts and cuisines, photo exhibits and music festivals will be held in various locations in the city.

He shared that Dayaw aims to be a highly entertaining event; however, it will also delve into issues currently facing the IPs, particularly on promoting peace, environmental protection, and strengthening solidarity in diversity. Forums will be conducted during the two-day festival for this purpose. These activities aim to show to the public how IPs have been contributory to society in spite of being one of the most marginalized sectors.

“We want to share our living treasures to the world,” he emphasized.

Dayaw is undertaken by the NCCA in partnership with the Zamboanga City Indigenous Peoples Council of Leaders and the City Government.

Councilor Ismael Musa, the city council’s IP representative said that they have already coordinated with the local authorities with regard to the security of the participants.

“This event is very timely, and we are very grateful for having been chosen as the host,” Musa said.

The ceremonial kick-off of the activity will be held at the Plaza Pershing on Friday, with the IPs performing their traditional rituals there. Other venues where activities will be held include the Zamboanga City State College of Marine Science and Technology (ZCMST) and the Paseo del Mar.

POPCOM 9 to celebrate POPDEV Week 2014

Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – In observance of the Population and Development (POPDEV) Week 2014, the Commission on Population (POPCOM)-9 will spearhead this year’s celebration on Nov. 23-29 with the theme “Bigyang Halaga ang Bawa’t Pinoy sa Pag-unlad… Ngayon at Bukas.”
POPCOM 9 Regional Director Reynaldo O. Wong emphasizes the need to consciously catapult the welfare of every Filipino in inclusive development. “The commemoration calls for the explicit consideration of the well-being of every Filipino in development outcomes and in ensuring that every Filipino is provided with quality life in a sustainable manner,” Wong said.

“In recognition of the importance of integrating population dynamics with development planning, policy-making and resource allocation to achieve local development, POPCOM-9 adopts POPDEV Integration as one of the key strategies to ensure the success of the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP),” Wong explained.

The main objective of this strategy is to achieve development outcomes that are facilitative and supportive of sustainable human and socio-economic development from the grassroots up, Wong further said.

Over the years, he said, POPCOM 9 has already capacitated the local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies in integrating population variables with local development processes. Various modules and tools have been developed and promoted to guide program managers and planners in analyzing and tackling development administration in their localities.
EndFragment

In line with the celebration POPCOM 9 will hold a POPDEV summit in the city on Nov. 19, 2014 to tackle the policy and program implication of having 100 million Filipinos in the country and aspires to reach a consensus on key action areas.

DTI hands P685-T financial assistance to 3 towns in Zambo. Norte

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Three towns of Zamboanga del Norte have recently received a financial assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) program during the Rubber quality Improvement Advocacy seminar at the top Plaza Hotel here.

In a simple turnover ceremony, DTI-9 Regional Director Sitti Amina M. Jain, together with Engr. Noel S. Bazan, provincial director, DTI-Zamboanga del Norte handed over the checks totaling P685 thousand to the mayors of Baliguian, Piñan, and Sindangan, this province.

Baliguian Mayor Albina A. Esmali received P285 thousand for the munncipality’s Pangasi Rice Wine Packaging and Training, Piñan Mayor Jose Belleno got P200 thousand for the Business Permit and Licensing System, and P130 thousand for Sindangan Mayor Florentino Z. Sy for the upgrading of the municipality’s Business Permit and Licensing System (BLPS).

GPB, formerly known as Bottom’s Up Budgeting (BUB), is one of the poverty-alleviation program of the Aquino administration aimed at addressing poverty problem confronting the Filipino people.

Meanwhile, Salug town, one of the recipients of GPB is still complying with the requirements set by DTI for the establishment of a Bio-Diesel Processing Plant in the said municipality. The project is worth P6 million.

101st brigade honors Labason mayor

By Alfonso T. Ruda

PIÑAN, Zamboanga del Norte - The 101st Infantry Brigade of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division based here has recently tendered a testimonial parade and review in honor of Labason Mayor Eddie Quimbo for the latter’s invaluable support and cooperation in the implementation of various programs and projects pursued by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Brigadier General (BGen.) Apolinario Alobba, commanding officer of the 101st Infantry Brigade, said Mayor Quimbo was instrumental in the successful implementation of various infrastructure projects and the conduct of medical outreach programs in Labason town especially in the far-flung barangays.

Alobba commended Mayor Quimbo for instituting reforms and implementing various development projects in the municipality to the benefit of his constituents. 

Mayor Quimbo, who was accompanied by his wife Dahlia during the recognition ceremony, expressed his delight over the honor accorded to him and thanked the leadership of 101st IB for recognizing his efforts, saying that this was the first time in his entire life to receive a military honor. 

Alobba also cited the support extended by the mayor through the Municipal Police Office to the 10th Infantry Battalion stationed at Barangay Osukan under Lt. Col. Leonil Nicolas that contributed to the municipality’s peace and order condition.

Aside from his wife, the recognition and the testimonial parade and review was   also witnessed by men and women of the brigade, and the municipal employees of Labason.

Sen. Guingona visits Dipolog, tackles Bangsamoro framework

By Mary May A. Abellon 

DIPOLOG CITY – The move to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law has awakened the call for federalism in Mindanao, Senator Teofisto Guingona III told the press during his recent visit here.

Guingona said once the said law is passed, 75 percent of the revenues would go to the Bangsamoro entity and only 25 percent would go to the national government.

He, however, said: “If such sharing of wealth could be made possible for the Bangsamoro entity, why can’t it become possible also for the other parts of Mindanao.” 

The senator also stressed that the plan for federalism in Mindanao could be a good idea, but admitted that “this is a long process.”

“What we want is fair treatment. The wealth of Mindanao is for Mindanao,”  said Guingona who serves as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee.

Meanwhile, the Senator has vowed to help the city in its health programs and projects. 

Guingona and Senator Aquilino Pimentel III are the only two senators who come from Mindanao. 

Ex-NPA rebel receives cash assistance from Philippine Army

By Gideon C. Corgue 

OROQUIETA CITY – A former member of the National People’s Army (NPA) received a check amounting to P221,000 from the Philippine Army (PA) during the ceremonial turnover of firearms held recently at the Provincial Farmers Cultural and Training Center, Capitol Compound here.

Joseph C. Segovia, 25, known as “JM” received cash assistance from PA’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) during the signing of a joint resolution declaring Misamis Occidental as Conflict-Manageable and Development-Ready province.

1st Tabak Division Commander BGen. Gerry Barrientos Jr. said JM was given such an amount, which was equivalent to the firearms he surrendered under Guns for Peace Program of the AFP. “This Program is a component of the CLIP, which encourages the rebels to lay down their arms and abandon the armed struggle to become productive citizens,” Barrientos explained. 

Segovia was a former rebel working for the “Baking Front” of CPP-NPA operating in Mount Malindang.    

Accordingly, JM was recruited by CPP-NDF in 2012 with the promise of financial support for the family and monthly wages.

In an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA), JM said he realized the futility of armed struggle and the threat of being liquidated by his own comrades, as well as the hardship caused by pressures from AFP and PNP operations.

JM said he left the armed group and voluntarily surrendered with his M-16 and 3 assault rifles or baby armalite to the Philippine Army in Dec. 2012 in Ozamis City. After his surrender, he was instrumental in the recovery of the bodies of three other rebels who were killed by their own comrades. Their bodies were retrieved with 2 AK-47 rifles, 1 M16 rifle, assorted ammunitions, medical kits subversive documents and personal belongings.

JM thanked the national government through the Philippine Army for the CLIP program.
“Dako kaayo akong kalipay nga nahatagan ug bili sa nasudnong kagamhanan pinaagi sa Philippine Army ang akong pagtahan ug pagbalik sa sabakan sa balaod. Pinaagi niini akong makauban ang akong asawa ug anak ug magpuyo nga magmalinawon sa katilingban,” JM said.   

(I am very grateful that the national government through the Philippine Army gave me the chance to surrender and to return to the folds of law. With this, I can be reunited with my wife and son and to live peacefully in our society.)

Asked what would he do with the cash assistance he received from the government, JM answered he would use the money for his family.

“Akong gamiton ang kwarta pinaagi pagsugod sa pangkinabuhiang proyekto aron akong suportahan ang akong pamilya ug gamiton usab paggasto sa edukasyon sa akong anak.”

(I will use the money to start a livelihood project to support my family and for the education of my son.)

JM encouraged his former rebel-comrades to surrender and return to the folds of law.

“Akong gidasig ang akong mga kauban kanhi sa grupo nga motahan sa inyong kaugalingon ug mobalik sa sabakan sa balaod kay adunay mga kaayuhan nga atong madawat sa gobyerno ug magpuyo uban sa atong pamilya nga magmalinawon,” JM appealed.

(I encourage my former comrades to surrender and return to the folds of law because as certain benefits await us from the government and to be able live with our family peacefully.)

Zambo. Norte PDRRMO bats for spiritual readiness in disaster preparation

By Mary May A. Abellon

KATIPUNAN, Zamboanga del Norte – “The most important preparation in times of disaster is spiritual preparedness,” Planning Officer Ryne M. Bustillo of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) said during the recently conducted climate change advocacy forum  at Katipunan National High School (KNHS) in this municipality.

Bustillo emphasized the importance of prayer in preparing for and in times of disaster.

The said forum, which was attended by 260 student-officers was conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 in collaboration with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), PDRRMO and barangay officials of Barangay Uno.

Ms. Maribel Acama of PENRO highlighted the effects of greenhouse gases and global warming on the environment. She then threw questions to the students and those who were able to give the correct answers were given prizes.

At the end of the forum, the participants recited the KaligKasan Pledge and joined the commitment signing in support of the climate change advocacy campaign. 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

DTI conducts Rubber Quality Improvement Advocacy seminar

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry through the Bureau of Philippine Standards conducted a Rubber Quality Improvement Advocacy Seminar at the Top Plaza Hotel here recently.

DTI-Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Director Eng. Noel S. Bazan said the seminar, which was participated in by the rubber farmers all over the province, aimed to improve the quality of rubber products in the region, particularly in Zamboanga del norte in preparation for the ASEAN integration in 2015.

In her message, DTI-9 Regional Director Sitti Amina M. Jain, urged the rubber farmers to give priority to the quality of their rubber and avoid using battery solution and foreign objects into their product.

Ms Fernando of the DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) talked on the standardization activity on rubber and rubber-based products, Standards Development Program and the ASEAN Integration.

The BPS was established by Republic Act 4109, also known as the standardization law of the Philippines and by Executive Order No. 133.

It serves as the Natiional Standards Body of the Philippines, tasked to develop, promulgate, implement and coordinate standardization activities in the Philippines.

On the other hand, Engr. Roger Bagaforo of the Department of Agriculture (DA) shared the best agricultural practices on rubber, stressing the importance of proper preparation of planting sites and quality planting materials to produce quality rubber.

According to Bagaforo, the establishment of a nursery offers the advanrages of producing large number of good and healthy planting materials at the earliest possible time with less expense.

However, he also cited some factors to be considered in the eatablsihment of a nursery, like the availability of constant supply of water; flat and well-drained terrain; open area with fence; passable with transportation;  near the area to be planted; availability of bush for scions, manpower and propagators and demand of the planting materials.

On the rubber latext harvesting, he pointed out the need for a good tapper who must have a good pulse to avoid deep wounding on the tree, able to maintain the required slope of the tapping, able to finish the tapping at the earliest possible time, and should be in good health to be able to do his work efficiently.


The Rubber Quality Improvement Advocacy Seminar here is the first of the three seminars to be conducted in the Zamboanga Peninsula region. Similar seminars would be also conducted in Pagadian City and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay