INFORMATION BLITZ: Paalala sa mga OFW-members ng PhilHealth: Ang PhilHealth membership and contribution ay MANDATORY ayon sa batas kaya magpamiyembro at magbayad ng kontribusyon bago umalis ng bansa. Seguraduhin ang proteksyon ng kalusugan ng iyong sarili at pamilya.

Monday, March 31, 2014

Women who hope in the face of poverty

By Dominic I. Sanchez
Evelyn Atis, a yema (a local variety of candy) peddler remembers the time when she and her husband were collecting spare lumber from the outskirts of a small community in Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur, to start building a new home.

“We used to live in a nipa hut, but the landowner drove us away,” Evelyn recalls. “We desperately needed a roof over our heads, especially the children, especially when it rains.”

Evelyn’s husband used to earn a little in farming. But not even completing their humble shelter, he developed an eye disease. 
She did everything she could. It was just too much. But Evelyn never stopped hoping.

A Waray from Leyte

Young and innocent-looking Enever Verino is a Waray from Leyte, in the Visayas. At age 21, she met Albert in Caloocan City where she was then working. They fell in love and had two children.

“Life was very difficult in Manila, that is why we opted to return to the province,” Enever shared. But little did they know of the trials that loomed ahead.

Albert’s hometown in Carupay, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte is a hard-to-reach community, which is to say the least. 

Enever was never used to this kind of isolation, being a girl from the city. But given that, money was utterly scarce – the income from Albert’s driving a habal-habal was too little to respond to the family’s needs. 

She remembered the time when even table salt was way out of reach. Enever had cried a lot. She had felt so helpless. But she never fails to hope.

Johanna’s story

About two years ago, Johanna Lerona of Salug, Zamboanga del Norte was a college student. She was 36 years old then – old enough to be her classmates’ mother. She herself is a mother to three grown-ups.

Johanna has a very simple dream. In spite of poverty and despite her age, she still wanted to become a teacher. But as bad luck would have it, the school closed down. She still needed two more years.

She let it go, but she never stops dreaming. Johanna got back to her usual early morning routing, chanting “kruuuk! Kruuuuk!,” beckoning for her chickens to feed. Her sacrifices have successfully sent her children through school.

This poultry business, although reaping very minimal income before, had grown immensely through a P10,000 loan grant from one of the programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). She now also raises hogs.

“Every time my son needs money for a school project and for the tuition, new eggs would hatch, as if the hens know whenever I’m in a tight situation,” Johanna beams.

Her eldest son, Jerome has recently graduated from a criminology degree, all set for a training to join the Philippine Army. An additional consolation is, through her pushing, a senior citizen has just finished high school in his 70s – Tatay Eduardo, her father.

Johanna still has two more children to put through college, but she is highly optimistic. After the two would graduate, her turn will finally come.

Enever’s cries were soon replaced with a determination to leave the past behind. Soon, through an aid from the DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilya which now supported their children’s education needs, their minimal earnings could already be allocated to small investments and other necessities.

Eventually, they were able to start a small business in that remote community. Enever would buy red pepper from a local, and peddle these at the Poblacion market and buy a wide assortment of commodities that she would sell at their store back in Carupay. They saved up, and now they own a motorcycle, which doubles as Albert’s habal-habal and as goods delivery service.  

Enever has grown out of crying, self-pitying and looking back with regrets. Salt is not a scarce commodity anymore, because now, she is a trader of it.

When all hope seem to have lost, Evelyn chose not to falter. When the family, being recipients of Pantawid Pamilya started receiving the cash grants, Evelyn wasted no time in saving up for additional investments. Soon they were able to buy a plow which helped in efficiently producing more farm produce. Not long after, she establish a small sari-sari store adjacent to their home, a work still in progress.

Soon after receiving a loan through the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Evelyn worked her way into establishing a small canteen inside the local school.

“From then on, I didn’t have to carry a table with me every day for the yema,” she quipped. A refrigerator was soon purchased, hence she also now sells ice candy.

She now makes more than enough to feed her family, get medicines for her husband, and send her children to school.

Evelyn, Johanna and Enever are women of strength. In spite of difficulties they experience every single day, they find hope to get back on their feet when situation demands it. Mothers, wives, and providers are just some of the roles that they take on. No time is wasted to take their families closer to a better way of life, to move away from the clutches of poverty.

The three women, whose stories are featured in Pagbangon, the DSWD’s anthology of success stories from their beneficiaries, represent the lives that millions of Filipino women live. But in spite of their challenges, one thing is true. They represent hope. 

Zambo conducts training for parents of “special children”

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANA CITY - Recognizing the “special needs” of “special children”, the city government’s Gender and Development (GAD) focal point recently conducted a training for members of the Zamboanga City Federation of Parents of Children with Special Needs (ZCFPCSN) at the Centro Pastoral, Paseo del Mar, this city.

Public Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias said the activity was aimed at ensuring protection, rights and privileges of children with special needs. 

“Children with special needs, like any other children, have the right to live freely through quality education with the support and guidance of their parents and relatives.” 

During the training, topics discussed include Republic Act 9442 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and LTO provisions for PWDs specifically the allocation of a special reservation space for PWDs in every public utility vehicle in the city and throughout Zamboanga Peninsula.

Speakers were Commission on Human Rights (CHR) -9 PWD focal person Atty. Cristina Jimenez and Abdelshan Amilassan, acting chief of the Operations Division, Land Transportation Office (LTO)-9.

The training was successfully carried out in collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) through the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit (PDAU).  

BFAR lifts shellfish ban in Sibuguey Bay area

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - Here’s good news for Zamboanga Sibugay!

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has lifted the shellfish ban in Sibuguey Bay area in the latest shellfish bulletin issued on March 19, 2014.

Based on the latest laboratory results of BFAR and local government units, shellfishes collected  at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Bataan coastal waters including Mariveles, Limay, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal as well as the coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda in Pangasinan remain positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

According to the bulletin which was signed by Atty. Benjamin F. S. Tabios Jr., BFAR Assistant Director, all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the above-mentioned areas are not safe for human consumption.

Fish, squid, shrimps and crabs are safe to eat provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking. 

Friday, March 28, 2014

Basilan Bishop urges Bangsamoro stakeholders to uphold respect for religion

By Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Basilan Bishop Martin S. Jumoad, DD appealed to Bangsamoro stakeholders to uphold the respect for religion and other cultures in Basilan.

The Basilan Bishop made the appeal as the government was about to forge the final peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in Malacañang palace yesterday.

“We welcome the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. But the Bangsamoro stakeholders, especially those who will implement the agreement must remember the basic concepts of the agreement, i.e. it must be inclusive and that there is respect for religion, including the Christians,” the Bishop stressed.

He said that respect for one another, respect for other faiths and diversity of peoples in this part of Mindanao should be of utmost value for the stakeholders and the implementers of the agreement.

“The peace agreement is laudable. But without respect for religion, there will be no peace,” he said.

He hopes that those who will lead to implement the realization of the Bangsamoro, their leaders must shun corruption, exclusivity, and divisiveness.

When asked about the sentiments of Catholic Christians in Basilan, the Bishop said that based on his conversations with the faithful, “most of them would always refer to the two previous plebiscites where Isabela City rejected to be part of such political entity.”

Meanwhile, 104th Brigade Commander Col Carlito Galvez said that the military is in full alert status for the signing of the CAB, keeping watch of possible “spoilers” in the peace agreement.

“We don’t discount the possibility of some sectors who would attempt to create atrocities. We have also doubled our security, not only because of the historic signing of the CAB but because the day is also full for graduation ceremonies in various public schools in Isabela City,” Col. Galvez explained.

He disclosed that the MILF and its supporters from civil society groups will hold a quick peace caravan motorcade in Lamitan and Isabela cities when permitted by the local chief executives. He said that on the military side, the MILFs will only be allowed inside these cities when they are in civilian clothes and without firearms, and with the final permit from the local chief executives.

Col. Galvez noted that the military fully supports the peace process and the commitment of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s for lasting peace in Mindanao. 

Zambo. Sur civil society organizations buck rotational brownouts

By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – Members of the civil society organizations have denounced the six-hour rotational brownouts besetting Zamboanga del Sur in a protest rally held here last Saturday in front of the City commercial Center (C3). 

Religious, business, transport, non-government organizations, and other sectors turned up to protest the daily brownouts and high electricity rates in the province.

The protest was held in the wake of daily rotational brownouts lasting up to six hours.

Business sector representative Nestor Comendador said the member-consumers are very much tired of the power outages, which have greatly affected the local businesses and all electricity consumers.

Comendador said the power outages have plagued the consumers since 2010 and it became worst on Feb. 27 this year, where rotational brownouts occurred in every two hours, three times a day - one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and another one in the evening.

In a series of fora and press conferences earlier conducted by the National Grid Corporation (NGCP) and Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO-I), both declared that the shortage of power supply was the culprit of frequent brownouts in Mindanao.

Comendador, who is managing a hotel and restaurant, said the power outage has reduced the productivity and efficiency of hotel and restaurant industry, adding that they are forced to reduce the number of their workers due to poor revenues.

“We have lost six hours a day but we were surprised because we were still paying huge amount for electricity. We expected a decrease in electricity consumption,” Comendador complained.   

Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace Muslim convenor Sultan Abdulmaguid Maruhom said he is supporting the initiative of the civil society organizations saying that the protest rally is a venue to air their complaints against the rotational brownouts.       

“I am both hurt and angry at the rotational brownouts because it causes severe inconvenience to many consumers especially the poor,” said Maruhom said whose standby power generator was damaged due to the power outage. 

Maruhom expressed optimism that after this protest rally by the civil society, the Department of Energy will act swiftly on the power problem in the island.  

United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) Minister June Candia, who represented the religious sector, appealed for the government’s immediate intervention in restoring electricity services saying that constant electricity supply in the area is very vital.

RIDMD-PRO9 holds UCPER seminar

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay The Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division-Police Regional Office (RIDMD-PRO)-9 conducted on Tuesday a seminar-workshop on Unit Crime Periodic Evaluation Report (UCPER) at the Provincial Capitol, this municipality.

The seminar, which was attended by chiefs of police, chief investigatoers, case trackers and crime registrars from the province’s 16 municipalities as well as some personnel of the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Office (ZSPPO), covered topics involving police opoerations such as guiding principles and policies, procedures, tasks and administrative sanctions, anti-carnapping/anti-hijacking, police blotter and establishment of case tracker.

Police Superintendent Julius S. Muñez, RIDMD-PRO9 chief told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in an interview that the main objective of the seminar is to have a clear picture of the crime statistics in the country.

“The Philippine National Police (PNP) is the primary law enforcement agency gathering data on crime statistics,” he said.

He emphasized that with the leadership of PNP chief Alan La Madrid Purisima, UCPER seminar is being conducted to gather data on crime incidents not only from the police blotter but also from the barangays and other law enforcement agencies.

“Through accurate crime statistics, we can analyze it well and come up with a strategy to lessen or reduce crime volume and to increase the crime solution efficiency of every police station throughout the country.”

Muñez also said UCPER seminar would be conducted all around the region to comply with the new laws on crime statistics.

Anti drugs, gambling drives gain momentum-- Casimiro

By Vic Larato

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The police operations against the illegal drugs and gambling are gaining ground following the arrest of suspected drug pushers and gamblers, according to Sr. Supt. Angelito Casimiro, officer-in-charge of the Zamboanga City Police Office.

Supt. Casimiro told the weekly news conference in City Hall Monday that for the period March 17-22 elements of the ZCPO had conducted six operations against illegal drugs, which resulted in the arrest of 11 persons and confiscation of P1,500 drug money.

He identified those arrested as Bryan B. Perez of Lunzuran, Jan Francis Villanueva Y Sarmiento , Reynante C. Alvarez alias Tatah, Reynante Q. Alvarez alias Onyok, Geasamin Gonzales, Carmie Matulak, Ammad Askali y Butlangan, Nasser Tan y Mohammad, John Mark Magdayo, Christopher  D. Sayson and John Zeno A. Carpio.

For the same period, the police also carried out 15 operations against illegal gambling that resulted in the confiscation of 16 slot machines, seven fighting cocks and a motorcycle believed used during the cockfighting locally known as “tarian” in Lunzuran.

Meanwhile, Casimiro said the police have recovered three stolen motorcycles, one of which a Honda Wave with plate No. 2122 JK was recovered from the suspect identified as Ryan Midel Y Sanchez in Recodo. A vase has been filed against him in court.

In the fight against human trafficking, Casimiro said elements of Police Station 5 in Divisoria swooped down on a house in at Morning Glory in Barangay Putik and rescue 11 trafficked persons last March 22.

Casimiro also reported the arrest of suspected kidnap for ransom group leader Mamay Aburi and four others in Parañaque City last March 19 by virtue of arrest warrant for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. No bail was recommended.

A report disclosed that Aburi had led a notorious group responsible for the series of kidnapping and extortion activities in Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga City in coordination with the Abu Sayyaf Group based in Basilan.

Information gathered during debriefing on captured members of the Aburi group revealed that the suspects planned and executed the kidnapping of Randel Talania, Cynthia Cabuberder, 5 years old, Alexa Dela Cruz Pulbos and the recently released kidnap victim teacher Cathy Casipong.

Furthermore, they were also responsible for the massacre of the ten Badjao fishermen on Dec. 26, 2013 off Pandalosan Island, Olutangga, Zamboanga Sibugay Province. They were also involved in the kidnapping of Australian national Warren Rodwell.

Aburi and his cohorts were brought to CIDG, PNP Camp Crame for detention, Casimiro said.

Dipolog implements P103-M infra projects

By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here has completed P103-million worth of infrastructure projects in 2013, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy reported Monday in her State of the City Address.

These infrastructure projects include roads and bridges, school buildings, drainage and irrigation systems and others with funding from the national government, the 20% economic development fund and local sources. 

Mayor Uy also expressed her gratitude to President Benigno Simeon S. Aquino, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Governor Roberto Y. Uy and Congressman Rosendo S. Labadlabad of the province’s second district for helping the city government realize these projects.

Moreover, Mayor Uy disclosed that the city had also received some P150 million worth of infrastructure projects from Congressman Labadlabad such as P2 million for the completion of the Dipolog Sports Center in Barangay Olingan, P100 million for the Polanco-Dipolog Irrigators Association’s irrigation project, P22 million for a small irrigation project in Barangay Diwan, and P21 million for other development projects.

“Aside from these, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), implemented projects in Dipolog City worth more than P137 million for construction of roads, school buildings and facilities,” the lady mayor added.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), on the other hand, has allotted P50 million for the expansion of the Dipolog Boulevard. Its length now is almost two kilometers.

In a related development, Mayor Uy stated that the city’s dependency on external income sources decreased by 9% last year and its locally sourced revenues now represent 42% of the total income. 

“Comparing with other third class cities in the country, Dipolog’s local revenue is 39% higher than the average of its counterparts,” stressed Mayor Uy.

She also attributed all these achievements to good governance as espoused by President Aquino. 

102nd Brigade celebrates 117th Philippine Army Day

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The 102nd Infantry “Igsoon” Brigade of the Philippine Army successfully celebrated the 117th Philippine Army Day on March 22 with bloodletting, boodle fight and static display activities held at its headquarters in Barangay Sanito this municipality.

With the theme, “Serving the people, securing the land,” military personnel, Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA), reservists, ROTC cadets of Kabasalan Institute of Technology and Dr. Aurelio Mendoza Memorial College-Ipil, Inc., Ipil Taebo Enthusiasts Organization (ITEO), representatives from the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital joined the celebration.

There was a simultaneous flag raising ceremony by all military headquarters around the country, according to Army Captain Marcel S. Jumawan, S7 of the 102nd IB.

The bloodletting activity, made more meaningful with an audio-visual presentation of “Bayanihan Para sa Kapayapaan” was able to acquire 27 bags of blood from the 56 military personnel.

Meanwhile, the Infantry Squad Demonstration and Static Display of armor and artillery assets were conducted in the afternoon. “It is meant to showcase the capabilities of the unit and the Philippine Army as a whole,” said Captain Jumawan.

DSWD turns-over P13.5-M PAMANA livelihood assistance to Isabela City

By Rene V. Carbayas


ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 turned-over some P13.5-million worth of PAMANA livelihood assistance to recipient-people’s organizations in Isabela City recently.

In a symbolic turnover ceremony held here early this month, Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar, together with SLP PAMANA Regional Project Coordinator Elizabeth L. Saavedra led in the distribution of symbolic checks to some 45 beneficiary-Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations.

Each beneficiary-association received P300 thousand as seed capital for its livelihood.

Mayor Akbar expressed her gratitude to the DSWD and the Office of the President for the livelihood project that is being implemented through the PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

“This is not anymore a dream because the money is already here. The PAMANA livelihood project is already being implemented here. And we need to comply with all the needed documents in order for you (beneficiaries) to be able to use the available funds already deposited in your accounts,” the mayor said.

The mayor recounted that starting with the project was very challenging. She said there were lots of problems encountered and many issues and complaints surfaced at the start of the project. She did not elaborate, however.

“We are thankful that we are able to address the many concerns in implementing the project. With the help of the PAMANA workers, who guided the different beneficiary-associations, the project is finally here,” the mayor said.

The mayor reminded the beneficiaries and other stakeholders, like the Barangay officials that the funds is intended solely for livelihood and that every member of the organization has a stake in the control and decision making processes of the organizations.

“With the difficulty in life, only the government can provide us with the needed capital to start a livelihood or business, which involves a lot of procedure and requirements in order to acquire the needed funds,” the mayor said, as she asked the beneficiaries to take care of the resources given by the government and to use the funds responsibly.

“You are accountable to the funds,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth L. Saavedra told the participants that the project was made possible through the joint efforts of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the DSWD, and the local government units (LGUs).

Saavedra challenged the beneficiaries to prove to the government that they are worthy of its support and assistance. She affirmed the mayor’s statement saying that the funds are subject to auditing regulations and scrutiny.

The DSWD said that the objective of PAMANA-SLP is to strengthen community resilience to conflict by improving the socio-economic capacity of the community-beneficiaries. With this, the DSWD forged a partnership with OPAPP to implement PAMANA, the government’s peace and development program that shall respond and strengthen peace-building, reconstruction and development in conflict affected and vulnerable areas under the core principle of inclusivity and participatory, anchored on the community-driven enterprise development approach. 

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Free surgical services cap Sulu Guv’s birthday bash

By Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan Sulu Gov. Abdusakur “Totoh" A. Tan II sponsored free surgical services for patients in Sulu to celebrate his birthday, his first as public servant. 

In a press release, Sonny Y. Abing III, acting chief of the Provincial Information Office (PIO), said that Gov. Toto Tan led provincial officials on March 17 to welcome and recognize the invaluable service of a team of specialist from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) to the people of Sulu.

The province welcomed the medical team in simple ceremonies at IPHO-Sulu who arrived last March 16 from Manila via C130 military transport plane, carrying with them surgical equipment , medicines and medical supplies.

"Though my wife and children are not here, it gives me complete happiness in spending this day with the people, and knowing that we are able to do something to help ease those Tausugs who have medical ailments that need surgery without any financial burden. I consider this service as the greatest gift that I ever received," Gov. Totoh emphasized in his speech. 

He also expressed gratitude to the AFP, IPHO-SULU and all those who made this service possible.

"I see a lot of improvements in Sulu, since the last time I came," Dr. Mike Alvarez, a member of the UP-PGH told the participants as he received the token of appreciation from the provincial government on behalf of his colleagues. 

Meanwhile, Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur M. Tan commended the members of the surgical team for their selfless service to the people.

Abing said it was in 2008 that UP-PGH team first came to Sulu and provided free surgical services to the people.

Based on the report of IPHO-Sulu Chief, Dr. Fahra Tan-Omar, the free surgical services resulted to 10 patients who underwent Thyroidectomy, one patient on Parathyroidectomy, nine patients for cleft lip and palate, and 5 cases for gyne-surgical procedures. Additional surgical procedures performed were herniorrhaphy, parotidectomy and cysts removal procedures. 

Dr. Tan-Omar also revealed that they are now augmenting services and resources of the surgical team to render a more comprehensive service and better treatment of surgical patients.

She also said that the surgical team had no hesitations in coming to Sulu. 

"They are not worried on matters that pertain to security. The team is confident on this issue; its focus is to render the medical services needed by the people," Tan-Omar explained.

The free surgical mission for the People of Sulu started March 16 and lasted until March 21, 2014 at the Sulu Provincial Hospital. Medicines, supplies and other expenditures were taken care of by the Sulu provincial government. 

DOLE chief orders full support to OFWs

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz has asked all regional directors of umbrella agency, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), to give full support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), both active and inactive.

In her statement during the launching of the regional programs and projects last week, Secretary Baldoz said, “OWWA regional offices should have a profile of all active and inactive members for livelihood assistance and cash for work and it should be available if the members need it.”

Baldoz said there are funds that are intended for OFW support both from the national government and the employers’ contribution that go to the OWWA Trust fund.

Aside from the OWWA trust fund, the national government is also setting aside P50 million for our OFWs under the National Reintegration Fund. This is for the victims of maltreatment abroad who have come home and decided to work here permanently.

“They should be given alternative employment and livelihood here,” the secretary emphasized.

Baldoz added that the program also includes scholarships for the children of OFWs. She, however, said that active OFWs can also avail themselves of work-related insurance.

“Active and non-active OFWs can avail of all our programs except that only active members can avail of insurance since insurance is connected with their being active workers,” she explained.

Baldoz has also asked OWWA-9 Regional Director Hassan Gabra Jumdain to submit a separate report if there are OWWA members that are victims of the September 2013 MNLF-Misuari Group attack in the city.

“I want a separate report if there are members who are victims of the recent crisis in Zamboanga City and what are the assistance extended to them,” she stressed. 

Kan-anan sa Balsa, a refreshing stopover by the roadside

 By Alma L. Tingcang
Tired from a long journey, why not drop by and savor the refreshing atmosphere of this nice “resto” with an array of mouth-watering dishes and fresh fish cooked to perfection? Quench your thirst with the fresh juice of Thai buko that abounds in the vast expanse of Sayao Farms.

“Kan-anan sa Balsa” located in Barangay Sayao, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur is just 45 minutes away from Pagadian City. The place is frequented by commuters travelling to and from Zamboanga City, exhausted from the grueling trip.

The dish is superb, satisfying your hungry but choosy palate at very affordable prices. Meals are served in bamboo cottages mounted on rafts that float over the fishpond. 

How it started?

Mercedes Lourdes “Merlou” S. Quisumbing was born in a business family, with parents who started their own business through hard work and perseverance. She relates how everything started. “Sayao Farms was established in 1982 and we were into raising crabs, prawns and bangus, which had a huge demand in the market during that time,” she recounted. Her husband, Rey Quisumbing personally manages the farm.  

But by the year 2000, prawn production all over the country dipped and so they ventured into tilapia culture, adopting a technology of producing “all male” tilapia to hasten the growth of the fishes.

This was also the time that they started planting mango trees, rambutan, durian, mangosteen, including the longkong variety of lanzones from Thailand which is the most expensive fruit in the world today.

Kan-anan sa Balsa

“In 2008, we put up the Kan-anan sa Balsa as a way to help the family of our laborers and provide extra income for the wives, children and other dependents  of our workers,” Merlou explained.

She attributes the success of the restaurant to good and nutritious fresh foods, confidence on the skills and honesty of their workers, and above all, her trust and dependence in the Lord. 

On a lazy weekend or making a long trip, the place is perfect for the whole family to enjoy and relax away from pollution, where only the sound of crickets and the cool breeze of fresh air fanning your face. The smell of rice fields and still waters of the pond, gently rippling with the movement of the  fishes, golden tilapia and African catfish, going frenzy over food bits thrown in the water.

Organic farming

For the last three years when the mango industry went down and because of the unpredictable weather, they started planting vegetables such as ampalaya, cucumber, bell pepper, eggplant and corn. “We planted corn so we don’t have to buy commercial feeds of our native chickens. We also feed them with left-over foods from the restaurant,” Merlou stated.

Honestly, Merlou said she couldn’t personally be at the business 24/7 because of her commitment with the work at the Pagadian-ZDS Chamber of Commerce & Industry Foundation as president since 2006. 

Formidable task

The Pagadian-Zamboanga del Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (PZCCIFI), the voice of the business sector was established in 1993 and reorganized in 2006 by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). “Fortunately, or should I say unfortunately, I was elected president,” she said in jest. 

Being president of an inactive organization was a huge challenge for this lady, finding it difficult to bounce back without any funds available to support its operations.

However, after 2 years she was able to establish a connection with the United States Agency for International Development- Growth with Equity in Mindanao (USAID-GEM) for office equipment and staff support.

Quisumbing also spearheaded such advocacies as “No to Child Labor, No to Plastic, Yes to Responsible Mining” and the complete implementation of the Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) to speed up processing of business permits.

Pagadian City played host during the Mindanao Business Conference in 2011 with no less than US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas and other national and international dignitaries attending the event.

PZCCIFI reached a milestone in its existence under the sterling leadership of Merlou when they garnered the most prestigious award as the “Most Outstanding Chamber of Mindanao” and the  “Most Outstanding Chamber  of the Philippines” award in 2012.

This lady entrepreneur who is the epitome of hard work and determination is not in competition with her husband but simply complementing his endeavors to succeed in life. She hopes that this could inspire and influence women to lead in business, organizations and other institutions and uphold women power, aptly depicting the theme for this year’s Women’s Month, “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong.” 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Sulu creates Metro Jolo Task Force to curb criminality, lawlessness

By Rene V. Carbayas
JOLO, Sulu – A task force aimed to address security concerns in the province of Sulu will be deployed in Jolo, Indanan and Patikul (JIP) or Metro Jolo, the provincial information chief said.

In a press release, Sonny Y. Abing III, OIC Provincial Information Officer said that the Philippine National Police-PRO ARMM made the announcement after a recent meeting with Sulu Gov. Abdusakur “Totoh” A. Tan II at the Provincial Capitol.

During the  meeting, PCSupt Robert O. Kiunisala, PNP Deputy Regional Director for Admin stressed that Metro Jolo Task Force’s main concern is to secure the area covering the JIP, improve the security situation and assure residents of their safety against lawless elements.

The report mentioned some security measures that the task force will implement like the integrated police patrol plan, the conduct of regular inspection and physical accounting of police personnel to ensure police presence and visibility in areas of assignment.

Metro Jolo Task Force JIP is a composite team from the Sulu PNP, RPSB and the Philippine Marines with PSSupt Allan Parreno, PNP Deputy Regional Director for Operations  heading the Task Force. One Company from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) just arrived to reinforce manpower and capability. The 87-man unit is headed by PSSupt Roberto Buyuccan, Batallion Commander (RPSB). 

PSSupt Abraham O. Orbita, Sulu PPO Chief expressed confidence that with the additional support unit and a clear security plan of action, improvements on the peace and security situation is expected.

Sulu Gov. Abdusakur "Totoh" A. Tan II made specific instructions to set up detachments where known drug activities are pervasive and conduct regular raids on lairs of known drug pushers. 

"This simultaneous approach is very appropriate since drug addicts are the most likely suspects in the series of kidnappings,"  said the governor.

The security plan was cRrafted upon the instruction of PNP ARMM Regional Director PCSupt Noel O. Delos Reyes after series of consultations with civil service society groups, Governor Tan, Provincial Peace and Order Council, local Police officials and various stakeholders in recent months.

The report also revealed that the Central Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will also be coming to Sulu to enhance the capability of local investigators. 

Meanwhile, newly appointed Jolo Municipal Police Station OIC, PCINSP Junpikar Sitin vowed to do his best to protect Jolo citizens and arrest those who will disturb the peace. 

"We will do what is mandated and required, to maintain peace and order in Jolo," Sitin said.

102nd IB to conduct surgical operations

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The 102nd Infantry (Igsoon) Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) will sponsor free surgical operations in partnership with the Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. for indigent patients with cleft lip and palate deformities in the province.

Captain Marcel S. Jumawan, S7 of 102 IB, told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in an interview that only those patients who are 1 year old and above are eligible to undergo surgical operation.

“There are 30 slots available and as of this time, we have already listed 28 patients,” he said.

Capt. Jumawan disclosed that the brigade has yet to set the final schedule for the surgical operations.

He also said in case the number of patients would exceed the allotted slots, the medical team will still accommodate all of them.

As of this writing, the 102nd IB is calling on the public for the last two slots to be filled out so that the free surgical operation can commence. 

“We still don’t have the schedule and the venue. We will coordinate and finalize everything once the two remaining slots will be filled out,” Capt. Jumawan said in a text message.

For those who are interested, you may visit the 102nd IB Headquarters and look for Capt. Marcel S. Jumawan, the brigade’s civil military operations officer.

For inquiries, you may also contact 0917-311-2835. 

Monday, March 24, 2014

Earthquake drill held in Dipolog

By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY - The Dipolog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has recently conducted an earthquake drill at the Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School (DPDS), one of the most densely populated public elementary schools here.  

Teachers and pupils of said school converged Wednesday morning to participate in the said activity.

 Atty. Cyril Ruiz, city councilor and CDRRMO action officer said the undertaking was in compliance with the memorandum issued by National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council(NDRRMC) directing all disaster councils throughout the country to conduct the 2014 first quarter national simultaneous earthquake drill.

Ruiz said “the earthquake drill aimed to instill awareness and preparedness among the pupils and faculty staff of the school to appropriately react in times of the occurrence of earthquake and other disaster.”

During the post-drill evaluation, Ruiz stressed the need of every school to have an emergency plan not only for earthquake but for all kinds of calamity. The participants have also agreed to hold an in-depth planning on disaster preparation. 

Joining CDRRMO in the conduct of the drill are the national government agencies based in the city like Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) headed by Engr. Florenette Garcia, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Dipolog led by Lerma Campaner, City Fire Marshall Richard Timosa, SPO4 Sotico Calago of Dipolog City Police Office, DPDS Principal Gina Regencia, Dipolog SPED Center Principal Georgina Cielo, teachers and CDRRMO personnel. 

DOLE-Zambo. Sur turns-over IT equipment in Sominot town

By Gideon C. Corgue
SOMINOT, Zamboanga del Sur – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Zamboanga del Sur Field Office on Friday turned over one set of information technology equipment to the municipal government here.

Senior Labor Employment Officer Lourdes Amores personally handed the equipment to Mayor Stephen Acosta in a simple ceremony held at the mayor’s office. 

In her message, Amores said the equipment is part of the department’s Computerized National Manpower Registry of Skills (CNMRS), a repository of computerized information on available workers and their corresponding skills. “The CNMRS is one of the major sources of inputs to enhance the lifetime employability and competitiveness of Filipino workers,” Amores explained.    

Amores said Sominot is very lucky because not all local government units (LGUs) can avail of the said equipment. 

 “There were only 15 LGUs in Zamboanga del Sur that manifested their support to the program and they were all given the equipment for free,” Amores announced.

Amores said the IT equipment issued to Sominot belonged to the fourth batch of equipment issued to the LGUs under the said program.  

The first batch was given to Pagadian City followed by Dumingag and Molave towns for the second batch, then Bayog, Ramon Magsaysay, Margosatubig, and Tukuran towns for the third batch, and the fourth batch was given to the municipalities of Dinas, Dumalinao, Kumalarang, Sominot, Tambulig, Tigbao, Vencenzu Sagun, and Tabina.

Mayor Acosta said the equipment is a great help to the residents especially as this would help prospective employers scout workers with appropriate skills as registered in the database.

“With the equipment that we are having now, we are confident that unemployment problem will be properly addressed and the different skills of our unemployed youths can be easily tapped,” Acosta said. 

Acosta expressed his thanks to the DOLE for continuously providing assistance to their municipality. In 2013 his town received free starter kits for the farmers from said office.

The IT equipment was also turned-over by Mayor Acosta to Public Service Employment Office (PESO) manager Maritess Bonggolan, witnessed by Vice Mayor Johnriel Melo and 18 barangay chairmen as witnesses. 

Pagadian bags PANATA award

By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – Sincerity and hard work by the Day Care workers have earned the city government of Pagadian the PANATA (Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon Ng Bayan) award of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

On the occasion of DSWD’s 63rd founding anniversary this year, Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman personally handed the PANATA award consisting of a plaque and P25 thousand cash to Councilor Bienvenido Culve at DSWD office in Quezon City.

Councilor Culve, who chairs the city council’s committee on education, represented Mayor Romeo Pulmones in said awarding ceremony. 

Besting other cities

“We are very glad that Pagadian emerged as winner of the PANATA award-LGU category, besting 127 cities all over the country,” Culve proudly said.

“With the city government’s continuous implementation of day care services, the city earned a nod from the evaluators and it was even considered the best implementer of day care services and programs,” the city councilor added.

The day care services are fully institutionalized in the city with the day care workers strictly following the guidelines set by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

City Social Welfare and Development Officer Teresita Roldan said she did not expect that Pagadian would be chosen by the national evaluating team considering that “the city is not yet well-known in the country.”

“This is the first time that the city government through the CSWD won a national award. Ever since we haven’t received any prestigious award like this,” Roldan stated. 

Faithful compliance

The faithful compliance of the Day Care Centers with the criteria set by the evaluators made the city government win the award, the city social welfare officer disclosed.

She said the bases of the evaluators’ assessment for the PANATA award are as follows: 1) At least 75% of Day Care Centers are duly accredited and the Day Care workers are duly licensed by the CSWD office, 2) the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) is functional, and 3) the Day Care workers’ honorarium is fair.

The city has a total of 54 accredited Day Care centers and 66 licensed Day Care workers. “Some barangays have more than one Day Care workers,” Roldan reported. 

The BCPCs are also operating in the city’s 54 barangays.

Roldan said the Day Care center in Purok Makiangayon of barangay Balangasan was used by the DSWD evaluators as pilot area for the assessment. This is also where Ms. Josie Romarate, president of the Federated Day Care Workers Association, is based.

Committed and dedicated workers

Roldan said the Day Care workers are very active, committed and dedicated to their works despite the meager honoraria they are receiving from the barangay and city government. The satisfaction of having served the little children in their communities is more than the honoraria they get every month.

For her part, Romarate felt proud and happy that Pagadian City bagged the award.

“Malipayon kaayo kami nga mga Day Care Workers sa dakbayan nga gihatagan sa gobyerno ug pagtagad ang among mga kahago. Sa katapusan, nabayran ang among mga sakripisyo ug paningkamot,” the teary-eyed Romarate said.

(We, the Day Care workers are very happy that the government recognized our efforts. Finally, our sacrifices and efforts paid off.)   
  
The award has inspired the Day Care workers to work very hard and continue to mold the preschoolers by giving them values education, Romarate declared.

 5-star accreditation 

Romarate said the Balangasan Day Care Center and Day Care workers successfully met the standards set for accreditation by the CSWD.

“Among na-maintain ang 5-star accreditation sa ikatulo nga higayon (We were able to maintain the 5-star accreditation for the third time),” Romarate proudly said. 

She also thanked the city government, CSWDO, and Balangasan Barangay Council for actively supporting the ECCD program. 

Appeal for granting of additional benefits

Having demonstrated their commitment and dedication to their work, the Day Care workers through their president, Josie Romarate, have appealed to the city government to continue giving them additional monetary incentives more especially that some of them will be retiring soon.

“We would be very happy if we are given some incentives by the city government for our livelihood activities when we retire or reach our ripe age,” Romarate suggested. 

As molders of values and character of preschool children, the Day Care workers are looking forward to receiving the incentives they deserve from the city leadership in recognition of their priceless devotion to their work.  

Friday, March 21, 2014

TFZ chief: IDPs can no longer stay in mangrove, danger areas

By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Internally-displaced persons (IDPs) who have lost their homes in the mangrove areas of Leha-Leha, Layag-Layag, Sumariki and Sumatra during the height of the September 2013 siege will not be able to go back and stay there t anymore.

Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) commander Col. Andrelino Colina has made this clear during an information caravan held at the Talon-Talon Elementary School on March 15.

“No-build zones ang mga areas na ito (These areas are no-build zones),” he emphasized.

However, IDPs who tend to their seaweed livelihood can come during the daytime. “Pero hindi puwedeng mag-overnight (But you cannot stay overnight),” Col. Colina added.

The TFZ chief explained that security in those identified areas is still of paramount concern. “Siguro ang sabi ninyo, ‘ang tagal na namin doon’ at sanay na kayo doon sa mga lugar at gusto niyo pa ring bumalik, pero hindi na po tayo maghihintay na may mangyayari pa,” he clarified.

(You could say that you’ve been living there for so long and you really want to go back, but we cannot risk your security in those places anymore.)

Yet, another reason why these four areas were identified as no-build zones is that they are hazard-prone, as per Republic Act 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act. Instead of being a resettlement area, the government will be developing them as an aquaculture zone, where the affected families with livelihood there will be beneficiaries of. The IDPs then will be relocated to permanent shelters of different modes, but still within the nearby areas.

“Ang pinakamahalaga po para sa amin ay ang inyong siguridad. Ang mga tropa natin halos 24 oras ang pag-papatrolya, at gagawin po namin ang lahat upang siguraduhin na ligtas kayo sa lahat ng oras,” assured the colonel.

 (The most important thing for us is to ensure your security. Our troops are on patrol 24 hours, and we will do everything we can to ensure that you are safe all the time.)

However, Col. Colina had an appeal for the IDPs and for all residents in general. “Ginagawa po namin ang aming trabaho, pero ang hinihingi lang po naming sa inyo ay ang inyong tulong at kooperasyon. Sana wag po kayong maging walang pakialam. Kailangan ay lahat po tayo ay magtulungan upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan sa Zamboanga at tuluyang uunlad ito,” he urged.

(We will continuously be doing our job, but what we ask is for your concern and cooperation, and not apathy. We need to work together to maintain peace in Zamboanga and promote development.)

Under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Reconstruction and Recovery, or the Z3R, new homes that will be built over the devastated communities will have to be resilient to calamities, whether natural, or man-made. The plan outlines the security and development of all the affected persons during the Zamboanga siege to ensure that no such mass displacement would ever happen again. 

PRC-Zambo. Norte opens “2014 Summer Safety Institute”

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)- Zamboanga del Norte Chapter has recently announced the opening of the 2014 Summer Safety Institute for high school and college students on April 21-25, 2014.

This weeklong training aims to teach and prepare the students to respond to any disaster, calamities and emergency situations. It covers topics such as leadership, first-aid, disaster preparedness, Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS-CPR), basic swimming, personal water safety and survival, basic rope technique and rapelling, and basic firefighting. 

Interested individuals may visit the PRC office to register. Registration fee is P999.

A maximum of 30 trainees will accommodated per batch. The next batch of trainees will have their workshops in the middle of April or early May. 

DENR, PLGU spearheads ICM planning workshop

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Zamboanga Sibugay (DENR-Sibugay) together with the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) spearheaded the conduct of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) planning workshop last March 10-14 at Roderic’s Resort this municipality.

Some 80 participants from the 13 coastal municipalities in the province attended the event. 

Participants include Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDCs), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officers (MENROs), municipal police chiefs, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) staff, Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices of Ipil and Buug towns,  Coastal and Marine Management Section (CMMS), and representatives from non-government organizations (NGOs).

The five-day workshop, which was supervised by DENR’s Coastal and Marine Management Division (CMMD), discussed measures on how to effectively manage each municipal coastal zone based on the department’s Integrated Coastal Management Program. Success stories and other experiences were also shared during the workshop.

Ms. Neneth T. Ordoño, chief of DENR-9’s Protected Area Wildlife Coastal Zone Management Service said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the activity was conducted so that each coastal municipality will come up with its own ICM plan.

“This ICM plan will serve as a guide to our local chief executives and our local officials in the implementation of several programs concerning the conservation and protection of our coastal resources,” she explained.

She also said that issues and concerns from watershed areas as well as on riverbanks down to the coastal areas were also given attention and would be included in the plan.

“The provincial and municipal government shall make a draft which they will present to all stakeholders and multi-sectoral groups for their comments. After which, the technical working group will work on it,” she concluded.