City gov’t allots over P4M prizes for Paskuhan 2014

By Gideon C. Corgue 

PAGADIAN CITY – Mayor Romeo Pulmones on Thursday announced the prizes for this year’s Paskuhan in a press conference held at the City Mayor’s office here. 

Paskuhan is an annual Christmas activity organized by the city government participated by various business establishments and socio-civic organizations   where brightly illuminated Christmas symbols and “parols” are displayed around the public plaza. 

Pulmones said prizes for the “Paskuhan” are as follows: Light a Tree Contest  1^st Prize - P100,000; 2^nd – 75,000; 3^rd – 50,000; and a consolation prize of P5,000 each. Prizes are given in cash for this category while for Light a Barangay Hall and Light a Parol Contest, prizes will be in the form of project for the barangay.

For Light A Barangay Hall: 1^st Prize - P600,000; 2^nd – P370,000;  3^rd - P250,000 and a consolation prize of P20,000 each for non-winning entries.

Light A Parol Contest (Urban Barangay category): 1^st Prize – P700,000; 2^nd -P500,000 and 3^rd – P300,000 and a consolation prize of P20,000.00 each.

For Light A Parol Contest (Rural Barangay category): 1^st  Prize – P500,000, 2^nd - P300,000,  3^rd – P200,000 and a  consolation of P20,000 cash.

The chief executive said projects worth the prizes they won will be implemented in the 2^nd quarter of 2015. “The projects will be given by the city government in the form of infrastructure so that these can be seen by the residents in their respective barangays,” he added.

The annual “Paskuhan” is the city government’s way of expressing sincere thanks to all the graces and abundant blessings received from the Almighty Father as it values the essence of giving and loving in this holiday season. 

Meanwhile, the good mayor said PNP uniformed personnel will be assigned at the vicinity of the city plaza to maintain peace and order in the area.

The 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division also assigned some military personnel in civilian attire in the premises to augment PNP forces and to ensure public safety and order.

The Paskuhan was formally opened on Friday, 6:30 pm at the Taclobo Stage, Plaza Luz with synchronized fireworks display and colorful dancing water fountains that captured and delighted audience of all ages. 

Tambulig LGU supports climate change advocacy drive

By Alma L. Tingcang

TAMBULIG, Zamboanga del Sur - “Climate Change is the ‘new normal.’ It is here to stay. What should we do? What will be your legacy to the future generation?”

These were some of the questions asked by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 9 Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga to participants in the climate change advocacy forum on adaptation and mitigation held in this town on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

“We have to protect the environment so that the environment will protect us. Grow more trees," she encouraged.  

Zamboanga del Sur Information Center Manager Claro A. Lanipa lauded the local government unit of Tambulig under the leadership of  Mayor Caridad B. Balaod for the support to climate change advocacy campaign on adaptation and mitigation measures.

Gilbert Colegado Jr., Municipal Administrator introduced forum participants from Josefina H. Cerilles State College, Tambulig National High School, San Isidro National High School and members of the Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT).

BERT is organized to address the need for an on-time response during emergencies. A well-trained and well-prepared emergency response team will promptly and effectively respond to emergency situations brought about by natural or man-made calamities at any given time.

Participants pledged to support and contribute to the preservation of the environment through tree planting, water conservation, segregation of waste, and practice 3Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, among others.

They also agreed that information should not be kept to themselves. As advocates, they need to share the information to their family, friends, loved ones, neighbors, classmates and to everyone.

It is important that we prepare for the effects of climate change, be able to adapt and mitigate its impact to avoid loss of lives. As people would often say, “Everyday should be a disaster-preparedness day.” 

The forum was aired live over Tambulig LGU’s FM Radio Station, 94.9 Tambol. 

Bayog town officials, employees undergo BSP basic training course

By Claro A. Lanipa

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur - “You will become messengers of peace not only in Mindanao but also to the whole country if you will adhere to the guiding principles of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP),” said Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa Jr. in his welcome message during opening of the three-day Basic Training Course for adult leaders held at the municipal gymnasium here last Dec. 5-7.

Some 170 municipal officials and employees participated in the said training which was spearheaded by the municipal government in coordination with the Boy Scouts of the Philippine (BSP)-Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Council.

The training facilitators were composed of Erwin A.Lopez who served as assistant trainor course leader, Course of Managers’ Learning head Arkhe Vin Leigh Valdez, Wood Badge Scouts Bladie Sabueva-Wood Badge Jaime Lorel Dablo, Milagros A. Uba and Ryan S. Imbing. They were assisted by DepEd Bayog District Boyscouts Leaders.

The training covered lectures on spiritual activity, how to handle flag raising ceremony, study on bandaging, basic knots, flag code, camp cooker, camp layout and proper disposal of flag.

Council Scout Executive Eriberto Sumalinog also told the participants: “This is  first of its kind, no other local government unit in the Philippines has conceptualized a BSP Training Course for LGU officials and employees; it’s only in Bayog!” (with reports from Bernadine A. Gabawan/PIO-Bayog)

GSIS posts remarkable growth in assets, revenues – VP Dorado

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - “The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ranks no. 1 among government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in terms of assets and revenues. Assets of GSIS is equivalent to the combined assets and revenues of PhilHealth, Pag-ibig Fund and Social Security System (SSS),” said GSIS Vice President for Mindanao, Atty. Lourdes C. Dorado, in a meeting with representatives of public sector unions held December 5 at Chandler Suites here.

Dorado assured that GSIS is financially sound. “The premiums we collect, we use to pay our members and pensioners when any of these contingencies happen; separation, disability, retirement, survivorship and death. We should pay our loans because we will be depriving others of their benefits if we fail to pay our obligations,” the lady VP said.

“When we reach the age where we could not anymore work and we need money to provide and sustain our needs, the question is, does GSIS still have the money to pay?” she asked the participants.

Dorado reported that in 2010, revenues reached P96.7 billion; 2011 - 123.42 billion; 2012 – 137.35 billion; 2013 – 138.93billion; and Jan-Sept. 2014 – 119.52 billion, considering that it is still September and books have not been finished yet. Notably, 2013 posted a fairly low income because many of those in government service availed of the rationalization plan.

GSIS assets including real properties, buildings, lots, investments in stocks and bonds amounted to billions. In 2009 - P506.19 billion; 2010 - 566.71 billion; 2011 – 633.64 billion; 2012 - 731.93 bilion; 2013- 786.47 billion; Jan-Sept. 2014 – 883.93 billion. “The challenge of our present leadership is to attain the trillion mark and all signs show that the target is attainable,” assured VP Dorado.

Dorado said she wants all members and pensioners to know what is the GSIS Citizen’s Charter. “Here you have your benefits, the processing time, documents and other requirements and those who are eligible to avail of the benefits.

“Frontline workers should never ask you to come back several times. Clients should know their rights, assert them and fight for their rights. This is also a way to help us improve our services by providing a feedback mechanism,” Atty. Dorado appealed.

The GSIS leadership continues to conduct dialogues across the country in keeping with its commitment to be consultative, transparent, and member-focused. 

Inmates, BJMP personnel told to be alert vs. disasters

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The jail warden of the female dormitory of the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center has stressed the need for both the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel and the inmates to be wary of looming natural disasters, which are noted to be more frequent in recent times.

Female Dormitory OIC-Warden Senior Jail Officer 3 Charlene Alonso emphasized that as climate change’s effects manifest, the need for urgent preparedness arises. “Nandito na ang mga calamities, at karamihan nito ay hindi man-made, kundi natural,” (calamities are becoming more frequent, and they are not man-made, but natural), Alonso told about sixty BJMP personnel and the female wards in a climate change forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) at the female dormitory last Monday.

On the other hand, Jail Officer 3 Eugene Milanes said that in spite of being housed in the second floor of the reformatory center and relatively flood-safe, the inmates and personnel still need to be prepared for other calamities such as earthquakes and tsunamis. “We can never be over-confident and we must be prepared for any eventualities.”

During the short advocacy forum, PIA Information Center Manager Dave Malcampo emphasized that “we cannot stop the effects of climate change from manifesting,” adding that human beings themselves are mainly responsible. “But we can mitigate its effects to us, if only we are rightly prepared.”

A short documentary was shown to the participants about the causes of climate change, global warming, and disaster preparedness.

“Nakakatakot,” (scary) one of the female wards remarked while watching the documentary. She shared that she could almost feel what the people in the video felt during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda.  

The PIA here has been campaigning for climate change awareness and disaster preparedness to different barangays and sectors, including students, faculty, Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries, parishes, men-in-uniform and others. 

DepEd-Zambo. Norte to construct new office building

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY – After its office went up in smoke nearly three month ago, the Department of Education-Zamboanga del Norte division (DepEd-ZN) will soon have its new office building on a lot donated by the provincial government here in the city.

Provincial Schools Division Superintendent Natividad P. Bayubay told the press in a recent “Kapihan sa Dipolog” media forum held at Sunburst Fried Chicken, Camila Hotel I this city.

Bayubay disclosed that the two-storey building would be constructed on the 2,702 square-meter lot, under Lot 702-C-8 with Transfer Certificate Title No. 19768.  

Earlier, the provincial board has approved the Deed of Usufruct Over Real Property and granted authority to Governor Roberto Y. Uy to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with DepEd for the purpose.

Bayubay said the DepEd central office has already released the allocation of P20 million for the construction of the new building and the bidding was also completed recently. 

It could be recalled that the old division office was razed last September and the city fire department has yet to complete its investigation on the incident.

Presently, the division personnel are now holding office at the lobby of the Zamboanga del Norte Sports and Convention Center along General Luna st., Estaka, Dipolog City. 

Zambo. Sur social entrepreneur speaks of Morocco experience

By Gideon C. Corgue 

PAGADIANC CITY – Social entrepreneur Junaflor Cerilles, the Provincial Federated President of Women Empowerment Movement-Rural Improvement Club (WEM-RIC) of Zamboanga del Sur shared her experience about her attendance to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) Youth 2014 in Morocco.

Speaking during a media forum recently held by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) at the Anastacia Pension House here, Cerilles said she had learned a lot from the GES youth summit held in Marrakesh University, Marrakesh, Morocco last Nov. 19.

The GES Youth 2014 is a one-day gathering of young entrepreneurs who have recently started new firms around the world, featuring master class skills training sessions on leveraging local eco-systems and scaling up ventures and opportunities for delegates, and sharing success stories while connecting, sharing and learning from their peers.

Cerilles said there were some 7,000 young entrepreneurs who came to Marrakesh with full innovative ideas and left with high hopes of achieving their dreams with their inspiring success stories.

The delegates, Cerilles said, were drawn from Young African Leaders Initiative Network in Sub-Saharan, Africa, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative from Southeast Asia, Middle East, and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and Europe, respectively.

Cerilles said various speakers were invited to discuss topics related to dense and diverse spirit of innovation and daring the standards that must be guiding any new entrepreneur. 

“Among those who were invited was US Vice President Joe Bedin who stressed the importance of a country investing in the youth,” Cerilles said adding that “there are economic returns in investing in the youth.

In his message, Bedin encouraged women to empower themselves by taking interests in things that affect their daily lives and protect their intellectual property, as the government cannot do it alone without the help of all stakeholders.

Cerilles viewed the GES 2014 as a time of unprecedented sharing of experience, cultures and dreams for a bright future, making the youth ready to meet the great challenges of the day.

In the summit, Cerilles said there were many programs introduced such as Global Innovation Through Science and Technology, online education, among others.

Cerilles hopes to implement what she had learned from the summit in her own organization, the WEM-RIC, whose members now reach 10,000. 

Subanen youth group formed in region 9

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – “The Subanen youth are the hope of the tribe and strength to keep their culture and traditions,” said Pastor Allan B. Mangangot, Zamboanga Peninsula Subanen youth adviser in a statement.

The Subanen tribe has recently formed the Subanen Youth Organization for region 9 during the 1^st Subanen Youth Congress held at Roderic’s Resort here recently.

Around 80 participants from Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City attended the event.

Mangangot said the gathering of the Subanen youth from all provinces in the region proved the oneness and unity of the Subanen people in the area.

“Through the youth, the Subanen culture, beliefs, and traditions will continue to flourish and grow,” he said.

He even shared that the Subanen people of Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) including those in Misamis Occidental as the real Mindanaoans who had historically never been seized nor enslaved by other groups.

“As modernization flourishes, the Subanen Tribe grows as well, keeping intact its values and customs.”

According to Mr. Louie P. Lanaja, field coordinator of ZamPen Subanen youth, the youth gathering was a vehicle for change and transformation for the Subanen Tribe.

He said the activity was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the National Indigenous Peoples Commission (NCIP), Global Subanen Association (GSA), and the Zamboanga Sibugay NCIP Provincial Coordinator Princess “Bae Labi” Sonita Ryde.

22 water recipient-towns undergo DED training

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – As part of its capacity development programs for recipient-municipalities of the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (SaLinTubig) project under the Grassroots Participatory Process (GPP), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9 has recently conducted a training on Detailed Engineering Design (DED) for 22 towns in the region at Guillermo Hotel here.

Municipal planning and development coordinators, municipal engineers/water supervisors and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members composing the committee on infrastructure turned up to attend the said training. They came from the municipalities of Godod, Gutalac, Jose Dalman, Kalawit, Labason, Liloy, Manukan, Mutia, Rizal, Sibuco and Sibutad of Zamboanga del Norte, the towns of Bayog, Dimataling, Dumingag, Guipos, Lapuyan, Pitogo, Ramon Magsaysay, San Miguel and Vicenzo Sagun of Zamboanga del Sur, and the municipalities of Imelda and Buug of Zamboanga Sibugay.

The provincial planning and development coordinators of the provincial governments of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur also came to participate in the training.

The workshop, which was facilitated by DILG’s Project Development and Monitoring Unit (PDMU), taught the participants the DED preparation and procurement for the 2014 Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP) to fast-track the submission of the necessary documents of said towns for the release of funds for the implementation of SaLinTubig projects.

DILG-9 Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil told the participants that the “DED is crucial for the projects to be implemented in the region, as it is one of the requirements for the releasing of the finds.”

“Region IX is still at 38% in fund utilization while other regions are already at 85%. Hence, the LGUs need to fast track their submission of said documents for the funds to be released before the year ends and so that the allocation will not be reverted and realigned for other purposes,” Abutazil said.

SaLinTubig projects are being implemented to address the water supply problems particularly in waterless municipalities in the region. (FPG/PIA-9 with reports from Lemuel C. Mejares of DILG-9)

Multi-sectors convene for Maluso peace confab

by Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – What does it take for Maluso to be more peaceful and developed?

This was the overarching question that the different sectors of Maluso Municipality pondered on at the Maluso Peace Conference held at Maluso National High School in Basilan as part of the weeklong celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2014.

Each sector, namely: the academe, barangay officials, youth, religious, women, security, fisher folks, and the local government of Maluso have expressed their thoughts and aspirations, including things that they can give up and or sacrifice in the name of peace and prosperity of Maluso.

Speaking on behalf of Maluso Mayor Indanan K. Daud, Engr. Merhaser Hassim, Municipal Engineer of Maluso reported to the participants the recent accomplishments of the municipal officials aimed at changing the landscape of Maluso towards peace and development.

“The mayor is trying to do anything in his power to change the face of Maluso by implementing projects, like the BUB (Bottom Ups Budgeting), four infrastructure projects in four barangays, and livelihood, among others,” he said.

He also cited the role of the local police and the military in maintaining peace and order in the municipality.

Miriam Suacito, executive director of the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., expressed her gratitude to the participants for giving their time to attend the conference.

“This is part of the weeklong celebration of the annual Mindanao Week of Peace. This is not just a one-week affair but this week is the culmination of all other interventions that we are doing for peace and development,” she said.

At the conference, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Basilan put together all the aspirations of the different sectors in a synthesis. Common to the sectors’ aspirations for a more peaceful and progressive Maluso was the desire to acquire personalized capacities and genuine commitment, based on respect and other values in order to be empowered and make a difference in the community.

The Maluso stakeholders desire that these capacities and commitments be translated into effective law enforcement, good governance, people’s participation and community involvement, and human security in terms of education, economic development, and political maturity.

The participants agreed that these capacities and commitments must be founded on prayer and spirituality that is based on dialogue, inter-faith sharing, and communication, sense of inclusivity, altruism, and strong cultural founding.

Key government and non-government institutions gave their responses and disclosed their programs and plans that may contribute to Maluso’s peace and development. Among them are the Maluso City Social Welfare, Claret Samal Foundation Inc., Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., Maluso Health Office-DOH, the religious sector, the PIA, the local government, the 4SF Battalion of the Philippine Army and the local police.

Some 160 people from the different sectors of Maluso participated in the said gathering. The participants agreed to present the results of the conference to the mayor and also to organize a technical working group who will look into the next steps of the conference.

The conference was made possible through the support of the USAID, The Asia Foundation, the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., DepEd-ARMM, the 4SFBn 14SFCo of the Philippine Army, the Claret Samal Foundation Inc., and the municipal government of Maluso.

Zambo. City PENRO reiterates need for more eco-friendly citizens

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Tito Gadon is urging the public to finally change their attitudes and be more conscious of the environment, citing that apathy has been contributory to climate change.

“The reality is, until now, only a very small portion of us are conscious of the environment and have eco-friendly practices,” Gadon told the heads of departments of Universidad de Zamboanga when the school was given the Eco-Friendly School Award on Wednesday at the UZ Auditorium.

Gadon emphasized that majority of Filipinos still practice the “not in my backyard” attitude. “In dealing with garbage, for example, we tend to just transfer our trash to a vacant lot so that our own lots will be clean,” he said. “This shows how apathetic we are, and most of us only care about our own selves.”

“What is needed in this fight against climate change is for everyone to have passion and do their share,” Gadon emphasized.

He explained that everyone, in his own simple ways, can contribute for the betterment of the environment. “Proper waste disposal is one of these, and there are more. These are just little things that we can do, but most of the time we forget their importance and significance.”

Gadon lamented that Zamboanga City is very dirty. “We have the laws, but not everyone follows them, just look at the streets. The creeks, rivers, beaches have become garbage dumps and cleanup drives have to be done just to clean them.”

One example that shows the irresponsibility of people, said Gadon is by one of the local schools located near a river. “The school canteen itself would throw their trash on the river,” he said. “They clean their own surroundings, but they just transfer their waste to another place.”

Gadon cited that students, when made aware of the dangers of environmental apathy, can be effective advocates of becoming more responsible. “Our schools can influence the students, and in turn, the students can influence their families and their communities.”

Meanwhile, UZ Chief Operating Officer Abram Eustaquio shared that their university social responsibility mandates them to put in place voluntary programs to help save the environment. “We have waste management programs, chemical micro-scaling and we take part in the National Greening Program,” Eustaquio said.

“We are doing this because this is our responsibility,” he said, adding that they have already planted 20,000 trees in barangay Pasonanca. In 2018, Eustaquio said that the school targets a total of 70,000 trees planted.

The UZ is a national finalist during 2011’s search for sustainable and eco-friendly schools. 

Climate change forum held at Sta. Lucia National High School

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - About 45 students and teachers of Sta. Lucia National High School  (SLNHS) attended the climate change advocacy forum on adaptation and mitigation held on Dec. 3.

Ms. Alna Lasala, head teacher of SLNHS, speaking in behalf of the principal, Mr. Ronald Uy, who was on official business in Zamboanga City said most of the students live near the sea. The school is also situated near the shoreline and prone to storm surge, tsunami and flooding.

She expressed her gratefulness to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for sharing timely and valuable information on climate change, and the ways to adapt and mitigate its impact.

Information Center Manager Claro Lanipa said the forum calls for the cooperation and participation of students, the community and all sectors of society  in the campaign for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Serena Cabrera said: “Disasters happen because we have taken so much from Mother Earth and we are not giving anything back. But now we are aware of what is happening. Together we can do something great if we work hand in hand.”

CENRO Cabrera admitted that the task is enormous and the DENR cannot do it alone. This calls for a collective effort of national government agencies, local government units, peoples’ organizations, civil society groups and other concerned sectors of the community.

DENR also vowed to extend its support to whatever project the group would embark on most especially tree planting, cleanup drive, adopt-an-estero and the National Greening Program (NGP).

The students accepted the challenge by starting to practice the 3 Rs - Reuse, Reduce and Recycle - and proper waste management not only in school but especially in their homes.

Elected officers of “I am a Climate Change-Resilient Youth” group are: President – Elleonar Dubduban; Vice President – Jestoni Oculam; Secretary – Mary Jessa R. Empleo; Treasurer – Catherine Sario Fat; Auditor- Alfie M. Postanes; PIO – Ivy Dinopol; and Catherine C. Bali-os – Business Manager.

The newly elected officers took their oath of office before CENRO Serena Cabrera. 

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.