“Abot-Alam” advocacy forum held in Dipolog

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Dipolog City schools division’s Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS) has recently conducted an advocacy and social mobilization on the Abot Alam program at the Bamboo Garden Restaurant here recently.

Joining the activity were representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and the barangay officials in the city.

ALS supervisor Catalina Barinaga said the Abot Alam program is a national convergence program of various national and local government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs) and other institutions with the vision of helping the out-of-school youth (OSY) through the opportunities for education, entrepreneurship and employment.

It is also a national strategy to organize efforts in integrating programs for out-of-school youth (OSY) who are 15 to 30 years old and have not completed the basic/higher education or who are unemployed.

The objective of the program is to create a database of OSYs throughout the country by organizing the barangay targeting system; unify the efforts and resources of all agencies and organizations directed to solving the OSY problems, and ensure that all OSYs have access to programs and projects of the different organization.

One of the components of the program is data gathering in which all barangays will be surveyed to determine the interventions to be undertaken by the concerned agencies.

These interventions include the livelihood and skills training of the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA); scholarship program through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); employment program of the Dept. of Labor and OSY programs of the Local Government Units(LGUs); employment program of the Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) skills training for Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs); Community e-centers and product development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the literacy program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development DSWD) in the 4Ps communities.

Other government agencies involved in the program are the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

PIA-9 bares 2014 CCAC accomplishments

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – In keeping with the government’s goal of protecting the public against the adverse effects of climate change, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 in drumming up people’s awareness on the new weather phenomenon brought about by global warming.

Right after the formal launch of the Climate Change Advocacy Campaign (CCAC) on July 18, 2014, PIA-9 went full swing in its campaign through press releases, school and barangay forums, training-workshops, radio programs, online posting of situation reports and airing of “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago” radio and TV plugs.

Some 73 CCAC forums were conducted in identified flood-prone areas in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan Province including the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog, Isabela and Zamboanga.

PIA-9 has also organized 13 youth groups called “I am Climate Change Resilient-Youth” comprising high school students throughout the region to initiate/undertake programs supportive of the CCAC campaign.

More or less 80 news and feature articles on climate change were written and published in regional papers, PIA web page, blogspot and 1Mindanao e-magazine.

To popularize climate change advocacy among indigenous peoples (IP) in the region, five journalistic writing workshops were conducted with IP college students as participants.

PIA-9 personnel also actively joined and provided full media coverage to the three tree planting activities conducted by the different units of the Philippine Army (PA) at barangays Navala and Tinotungan in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur and Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Moreover, PIA-9 in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 conducted two media tours in three of the 13 Convergence Initiative Program for Poverty Alleviation (CIPPR) areas in Zamboanga del Norte that were implementing the National Greening Program (NGP) with Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (4Ps) recipients as target beneficiaries.

To drum up public awareness on climate change issues, PIA-9 also caused the airing of “Nagbabago na ang Panahon. Panahon na Para Magbago radio and TV plugs all over the region. As monitored, the said plugs were aired 718 times over local radio/TV stations.

For this year, 2015, PIA-9 is preparing for another round of partnership with DENR-9 in climate change advocacy campaign. 

Zambo. Norte PNPA alumni to conduct “love run” in Dipolog

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Incorporated (PNPAAAI) of Zamboanga del Norte will conduct a fun run on Feb. 7 at the city boulevard here.

Dubbed “Love Run” or “Valentines Run,” the activity is divided into two categories: the 3-kilometer and 5-kilometer run.

PNPAAAI is inviting the public to participate in the said activity, which aims to raise funds to support selected charitable institutions in the province. A registration fee of P50 will be collected and the Love-Run T-shirts are sold at P250 each.

Meanwhile, the PNAAAI has expressed its desire to take part in the promotion of the city’s campaign to become a “Sport Events Center of the South by 2020.”

It was also learned that cash prizes and medals await the winners and special awards will be given to couple participants.

Interested participants are advised to visit the Dipolog Police Station or at the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office at Camp Hamac, Sicayab, Dipolog City and get registered on or before Jan.30.

GSIS opens service desk for 3 days in Zamboanga Sibugay

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - As part of the Government Service Insurance System’s efforts to bring its services closer to members and pensioners, the service desk has been extended from 2 to 3 days.

“Beginning this year, we have extended the stay of our service desk people here from 2 days to 3 days, that is, from January 26 – 28, 2014 and the schedule is every 3^rd week of the month,” Engr. Leoncito S. Manuel, GSIS Pagadian branch manager said in an interview with PIA.

He said the service desk is situated at LGU Ipil particularly at the Human Resource department. “The service desk is like a small office which caters to the needs of members and pensioners. They can ask about our latest programs and policies, status of their pending transactions, submit applications  and other concerns relative to the state-run pension fund,” Manuel opined.

“The LGU of Ipil has requested for the deployment of another kiosk to better serve GSIS members and pensioners. We are also set to install a kiosk at the City Commercial Center (C3) in Pagadian City. We hope to deploy these kiosks very soon,” he said.

At present, there are 2 kiosks installed in Zamboanga Sibugay, one at the Provincial Capitol which is some distance away from the town proper. Drivers collect from P40-50/passenger while the other one is at the  Department of Education with drivers charging P20-25 for each passenger. With the deployment of a kiosk at Ipil LGU, it will be more accessible to GSIS clients.

“This year,  we are going to conduct a Pensioners’ Day on February 21, 2016.” Manuel said this would have been conducted last year but because of very tight schedule, it did not push through. The Pensioners’ Day coincides with the monthly meeting of Ipil Pensioners Confederation, covering the 16 municipalities of the province.

According to Engr. Manuel, the Pensioners’ Day celebration will be an opportunity for GSIS to inform pensioners of the latest policies and updates on the state pension fund.

It can be recalled that since 2013, all pensioners have been receiving no less than P5,000 every month. There is no single pensioner receiving below P5,000 monthly pension to date.

The Pensioners’ Day will also be a time for them to receive free medical services, blood sugar screening, vitamins and medicines, including free haircut. This is in coordination with the Department of Health 9 through Regional Director Dr. Nimfa B. Torrizo.

Another upcoming GSIS activity is the Public Sector Union (PSU) forum which will be conducted in Ipil sometime in May with 100 participants from Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur.

“I wish all GSIS members and pensioners of Zamboanga Sibugay, more than 7,000 of them, a happy and blessed new year!” Engr. Manuel said in closing.

ALS helps fulfill one’s dream

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS) has transformed the once meaningless life of a young parent into a productive member of the society.

Maritess Amadeo Delos Reyes, 31, single parent, and a resident of Lower Dicayas, Dipolog City is now a professional teacher after she graduated from a Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) degree at the Jose Rizal State University, Dipolog City campus in 2014.

From Davao to Dipolog

Maritess or Tess, as fondly called by her friends, is a native of Digos City, Davao del Sur, but grew up and finished her elementary education in Sawata, Davao del Norte. Because of poverty, Maritess was not able to proceed to high school. Instead she had to work as housemaid in Davao City right after finishing her elementary education to help her parents.

At age 16, she met a partner and blessed with a baby boy. Like other young couples, their union did not work and they parted ways. In trying to forget her sad love story, she migrated and tried her luck in Dipolog, City leaving her son to her mother-in-law.

Hope in ALS

Maritess, who seemed to forget the meaning and value of education, has revived her interest in education when she met a certain Tony Recososa who prodded her her younger sister, Marlyn, to enroll in ALS and to take the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) test.

To cut the story short, Marlyn took and passed the A&E test. She then took uo cosmetology, a TESDA-accredited course, at the Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City. As a skilled manicurist, Marlyn was able to find employment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Inspired by her sister

“My younger sister’s success through the ALS inspired me to follow in her footsteps,” Maritess said. “I decided to enroll in ALS and took the A & E test in 2009.”

Her strong determination enabled her to pass the A&E test, making her eleigible to enroll in college with Marlyn, her younger sister, supporting her studies at the Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Dipolog City campus. She took up Bachelor of Elementary Education and graduated in 2014. She then took the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in Pagadian City on Aug. 17, 2014. When the LET result was released, Maritess hurdled the test.

Volunteer-teacher

Right now Maritess has been hired by the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS) of the Dipolog City Schools Division as a volunteer-teacher for ALS’ newest program, the “Abot Alam Program,” which caters to the educational needs of the out-of-school youth aged 15-30 years old who have not finished their studies and/or unemployed.

Tess considers her entry to ALS as the fulfillment of her dream to help other people who have abandoned their studies and lost their desire of going to school for various reasons.

“Now that the government has come up with these programs, we must grab it. One has only to open up his mind to realize that our government has not abandoned us. Let us show that we want also to improve. With ALS, the government wants everyone to earn education regardless of age. That there is no such thing as late or “gulang naman ko” (am old enough).  The government is so good, because it offers a program for those who have not gone to formal education. Who would ever think that after having been away from school for so long, I could still finish a course after enrolling in ALS and passing the A & E test,” Maritess shared.

Maritess is one of the many who benefited the ALS program of DepEd. 

Zambo studes undergo journalism training for DepEd reg’l presscon

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – In preparation for today’s (Jan. 28) Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) in Dao, Pagadian City, elementary and high school students here underwent a journalism enhancement training last Jan. 24 at the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School this city.

The students, numbering to approximately 40 were the qualifiers of Department of Education Zamboanga City Division for the regional journalism contest. Those who will emerge as winners during the RSPC will be sent to represent the region for the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) that will be held sometime in April.

Delegates to the RSPC will vie for the different competitions such as collaborative journalism and radio broadcasting.

To prepare for the event, a simulation drill was done with the students, having them participate in an actual mini-press conference with Dr. Hilda Frando, DepEd-Zamboanga City Division’s focal person for the RSPC.

Afterwards, they were given about four hours to write their news and publish it on a newsletter through desktop publishing software. The students were also given short re-orientation on desktop publishing and radio broadcasting.

Dr. Frando encouraged the students to give their best during the contest, as it will give recognition not only to themselves, but also to the city, citing that Zamboanga City Division was the champion several times in the past. “You have what it takes to win, and I encourage you to really practice and give it your best shot,” Frando told the students.

Anna Nicole Enriquez, one of the elementary pupils participating in the broadcasting contest is optimistic that they will be this year’s winners. “We really want to win the contest, and I believe we can,” she said.

The conduct of the contest is pursuant to Republic Act 7079, the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, which aims to demonstrate the understanding of the importance of journalism, sustain an advocacy on social consciousness among others.

This year’s theme is “Empowering Resilient Communities through Campus Journalism.” 

Tabak cites TDPC’s contribution to IPSP promotion

By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division commander Colonel Aminkandra  Undog on Saturday expressed his gratitude to the Tabak Defense Press Corps (TDPC) for its enormous contribution to the promotion of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Speaking during TDPC general assembly and fellowship night held at the Officer’s Club House, Kuta Major Ceasar Sang-an, Barangay Pulacan in this town, Undog said the AFP recognized TPDC’s indispensable role as its partner in ensuring a peaceful, secure and developed country. He also admitted that addressing all internal peace and security concerns cannot be done by the AFP alone.

The TDPC, which is composed of media practitioners from print, broadcast, television, and social media outfits, is helping the Tabak in disseminating its programs, project, accomplishments and pronouncements to the public.

Officers and members of TDPC from Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga Sur met and rubbed elbows Saturday in a party tendered by the 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division.

Though the AFP has acknowledged TDPC’s vital role in disseminating bits of information to the public, it also encourages the group to be always fair and impartial in its reporting.

Undog said media is an important asset in disseminating important news and watchdog of our democracy. “They should always act with impartiality,

“In reporting news, the media should verify first the authenticity of the news before publication, telecasting and airing so that it would not create doubts in the minds of readers, listeners and viewers,” Undog said.

“News story should be clear and fair … because any story without confirmation and affirmation from the sources will not only create panic in the public but also in the security forces of the country,” he added.

He cited an instance where a media practitioner lost his conscious effort in reporting an ambush incident where a military man was a victim. “Because he failed to get important facts and details about the incident, he misled the family of the victim,” shared the Tabak commander.

Undog narrated a story of farmer who had a dog named “Kittie” that the life of his infant baby from a snake attack by throwing her out of harm’s way. Thinking that the dog killed her daughter because of the blood and meat in its mouth, he stabbed the dog to death without any apparent reason. But when he checked his daughter in her room, she was alive.

“The story taught us a very important lesson. We need to verify first the authenticity of the story before it will be aired and published,” Undog emphasized.    

In the same occasion, TDPC President Ellen Ajijul rendered her accomplishment report for calendar year 2014.  

1st CAV new commander vows to sustain gains of predecessors

By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola Jr., the new commander of the 1^st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron has expressed his thanks to MGen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz, commander of the 1^st Infantry Mechanized Division, for the trust and confidence given him to lead the unit.

In his message during the change of command ceremony held here over the weekend, Batayola said “as the new commander of the 1^st Cavalry Squadron, is a greatest challenge for me for my predecessor has performed his job exceptionally well in his more than two-year stint in the unit.

Batayola is a graduate the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class 1992 and formerly the assistant chief of staff for personnel, G1 of Mechanized Division at Camp O’Donnel, Capas, Tarlac.

“I am very thankful that you have accorded me your full trust and confidence in leading this unit which is near to your heart,” Batayola said to Dela Cruz.

Batayola assured the mechanized division commander that he will keep in his heart as his bible the command guidance, the higher headquarters’ directives and the Army Transformation Roadmap for him to manage the affairs of the unit in an efficient and effective manner based on reform agenda espoused by the leaders of the 1st Cavalry Squadron.  

He promised to exert his best efforts as he always does in his previous assignments in order to sustain the gains of his predecessors in the unit. “I will take care of my men. I will preserve the good partnership that this unit has with the local governments, civil societies and people of this region.”

Batayola expressed optimism that with the help of men and women of the unit he can continue to contribute substantially to the fulfillment of their organizational transformation and the improvement of the unit’s services to the stakeholders.

“I will encourage my subordinate commanders to draw the line all the time and we will serve as models for the troops and our people, Batayola said.

Meanwile, Lt. Col. Antonio John Divinagracia, the outgoing commander assured the 1^st Cavalry tankers that the unit will have a better commander to lead.

“I assure you that the unit will have a better commander to lead because he is a very good and talented commander. He always excels in our schooling,” Divinagracia said referring to Batayola. 

“Sinulog Festival” in Malangas town: A time of faith, unity, joy

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

Before the procession began, the townsfolk set up tables in front of their houses laden with sumptuous snacks prepared for the street dancers and spectators, who were all smiles awaiting the start of the festival.

Everyone looked eager and excited while the performers in costumes and body paints lined themselves preparing to showcase their month-long street dancing practice.

And as the sound of trumpets and drum filed the air, the whole of Malangas town proceeded to the morning parade for the 59^th Parish Fiesta in honor of their Patron Saint Señor Sto. Niño.

One in faith

Hundreds of devotees and believers coming from the different barangays and neighboring towns flocked to the town streets to witness the street dancing and beauties in their colorful gowns.

The occasion may not be at par with the grand Cebu City Sinulog Festival, but the dedication and commitment shown by the faithful proved to be of the same level.

According to Rev. Fr. Julito A. Cabatuan, parish priest, the festivity represents the steadfast conviction of the Malangueños toward their patron saint, Señor Sto. Niño or the child Jesus Christ, for whom the patron symbolizes.

“Señor Sto. Niño unites the people of Malangas as one in faith and belief,” said the priest.

The theme of the occasion was anchored on “Aktibong Pagsalmot sa mga Kabos sa Ebanghelisasyon ug Katilingbanong Kausbawan” (active participation of the marginalized sector in evangelization and community development).

Christianity and the early beginnings of Malangas town

Most places in the Philippines are named uniquely. It is not unusual for our ancestors to name a place after an animal, tree, or anything they find easy to remember. The early Filipinos were simple, adopting a name they could easily remember.

For one, the town of Malangas got its name from a small “noisy” waterfall.

Way back in the 1900s or even earlier, Malangas town was inhabited by Subanen people whose women - with alluring beauties - were housed in towers.

The town then was not called Malangas, but “Kulaka,” a Subanen term for paddling which signifies the location of the place.

On the other hand, Malangas, which means “noisy brook,” is the name of a small waterfall about two kilometers away from the town proper.

As the years had passed, the name Kulaka turned into Malangas, and was changed again to Malangas Gamay.

It was believed that after the town got its name “Malangas Gamay,” the place became popular to merchants. Thus, when Shariff Mohammad Kabungsuan arrived in Kulaka, the first Muslims in the area were baptized.

Christianity came to the Malangueños when the Chavacanos from Zamboanga City set foot in Malangas Gamay. They were attracted to migrate to the place because of the fertile lands in the Sibuguey Valley, the rich fishing ground of Dumanquillas Bay and the vast coal deposits that promised good wealth.

News of Malangas spread wide and reached as far as Visayas and Luzon.

Around 1950s “Malangas” officially got its name. It was made to avoid confusion and since the name was more popular and preferred by most residents.

Believers in all walks of life

Tribal and cultural dances regale the spectators with the Sinulog Festival. In various performances, the diverse culture and ethnic origin of the Filipinos are depicted.

It is ubiquitous in every dance presentation the icon of the Señor Sto. Niño carried by the lead dancer, swaying to the rhythm of the drums.

But what made the Malangas Sinulog Festival different from the others are the many outfits worn by the Señor Sto. Niño icon. From a fireman suit, fisherman, soldier, police, farmer, to a common folk clothes are worn by the Sto. Niño image.

“This variety of costumes symbolizes the devotees of various professions,” said Fr. Cabatuan.

The priest explained that Sto. Niño is not just a patron and religious figure to the Malangas folks but a replica of compassion, contentment and devotion to Christ Jesus.

Prayers of abundance and peace

“This year, we celebrate not only the anniversary of our parish and the fiesta of our Patron Señor Sto. Niño. We are looking at how far our faith had brought us, and our municipality had developed over the years,” said Malangas Mayor Alfredo A. Atilano in his message.

The mayor reminded everyone that the occasion is an opportunity of renewal and change for all believers toward the better good and a healthy spiritual life.

“We are all followers of Christ, and it is a challenge to us to improve our ways of life and be better citizens of our community,” he furthered.

Atilano said the recent visit of Pope Francis is a good example of humility, a virtue every Christian should live up to.

“My prayers are of abundance in grace and peace to all of us. I hope that we be strong in our faith, humble at all times, and spirited in our participation in church and the community,” the mayor concluded.