Mayor Pulmones: Unity and solidarity key to ZamPen’s development

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – “The spirit of regional unity and solidarity is the most important and powerful ingredient for the development of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region,” Mayor Romeo Pulmones said on Wednesday in his welcome message during the opening program of the Zamboanga Peninsula Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet 2015 at the city’s sports complex here.

“We have to consolidate and unite under one spirit so we will remember our tradition, our memories, our legacies and our respect for human dignity in this most disturbing time of our political history,” he said.

The chief executive reminded the athletes that “it is not a matter of winning, but how you play the game in the true spirit of sportsmanship and fair play that counts most.”

Meanwhile, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles in his keynote message challenged the athletes, coaches and technical officials to do their best, as he lamented that in last year’s Palarong Pambansa in Laguna, region came home with no gold medal in all the events it participated.

“This is a challenge for all of us, from nothing to something,” Cerilles said, reminding the sports and technical officials to be fair in order to select “the best among the best among the athletes in the region.”

Anchored on the theme, “ZAMPEN: Go in Unity and Solidarity for Excellence,” eight athletic delegations from the five cities of Isabela, Dapitan, Dipolog, Zamboanga and Pagadian, and the three provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur with almost six thousand athletes, coaches, chaperons and other officials came to participate in this year’s regional athletic competitions.

Dr. Malcolm S. Garma, OIC-regional director of the Department of Education (DepED)-9 officially declared Wednesday the ZPRAA Meet 2015 open. 

Pagadian to host 2015 ZPRAA meet

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – Anchored on the theme “ZamPen: Go in Unity and Solidarity for Excellence,” this city will play host to this year’s Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association Meet starting Feb. 25-28, 2015.

Five city schools divisions and three provincial schools divisions in the region with over 4,000 elementary and high school athletes are expected to participate in the different sports and athletic competitions.

The participating city schools divisions are the cities Isabela, Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian and Zamboanga while the provincial schools divisions are the Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.

Prior to the official opening ceremonies on Feb. 25, a solidarity conference will be held today at 2 p.m. with the technical officials, tournament managers, coaches and chaperons.

As last year’s ZPRAA meet host, Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy and Schools Division Superintendent Victoria Perez will turn-over the ZPRAA banner to Pagadian City Mayor Romeo Pulmones and Dr. Marcom Borongan, OIC-Schools Division Superintendent during the opening program with Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles as keynote speaker.

A street dancing/ritual competition will also be held during the opening ceremonies to give more color to this year’s ZPRAA meet.

As a gesture of hospitality to visiting athletes, coaches, chaperons, tournament managers and other guests, the city government here will tender a welcome night at the Executive Function Hall at the city hall complex. 

DAR-ARMM IOs, techies undergo intensive training on journalism, website development

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Information officers (IOs) and information technology officers (ITOs) of the five provinces under the Department of Agrarian Reform-ARMM underwent intensive training on journalism and website development for better communications work ahead. Techies

Ma. Corazon A. Dans, newly appointed head of DAR-ARMM communications group said that the freshly organized team would be facing some challenges ahead in terms of making communication work more effective and efficient to DAR’s beneficiaries.

She said that most of the IOs and ITOs were just appointed in January this year and she felt the need to prepare the team for greater tasks ahead.

In partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Zamboanga City and Basilan and the Office of the ARMM Regional Governor (ORG), DAR-ARMM hosted the seminar on newswriting and website development for IOs and ITOs from February 16 to 21 at Cecille’s Catering and Pension House, Tumaga Porcentro, Zamboanga City.

The first three days were devoted to journalism where PIA personnel introduced participants to write straight news and feature stories, photojournalism, creating infographics and basic newsletter production. Speakers include Information Center Manager Dave Malcampo and Dominick Sanchez of Zamboanga City Information Center and Rene V. Carbayas, information center manager of PIA-Basilan.

The next three days were devoted to website development workshops in which the participants walked through the creation of local website, hooked at DAR-ARMM regional website. Speakers were Melvin L. Ellarina, administrative assistant of the Information Communications Technology Office-ORG and its staff Charlie Magne A. Martinez.

The workshop also includes interactive discussions and extensive hands-on activities on newsletter production and layout and participants were expected to produce local office’s newsletter, infographics, and website.

The activity is in support of DAR-ARMM Regional Secretary Amihilda J. Sangcopan’s thrust to redeem, revitalize and re-engineer the department.

“This activity is being conducted to train and enhance the skills of our Information Officers and Information Technology Officers. These IOs and ITOs that we have now are young and very much willing to learn.  So, we are expecting that after this workshop, new ideas and new innovations will be applied,” Secretary Sangcopan said.

The participants were coming from the ARMM provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-tawi.

Dans hoped that the seminar workshop would further strengthen the recently created regional communications group of the said office. 

Dipolog CDRRMC conducts earthquake drill in Barra

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Dipolog City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) in collaboration with various concerned agencies    has conducted an earthquake recently at Barra Elementary School, Barangay Barra this city.

City DRRMC head Felipe Mangila said the activity aimed to promote awareness among schoolchildren to be able to respond appropriately during disasters.

Mangila pointed out the need to prepare the kids against earthquake and tsunami, as the school is situated in a coastal barangay.

Supporting the CDRRMC’s disaster preparedness initiative are the Bureau of Fire Protection(BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development(DSWD), Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs), Dipolog City Information Office (DCIO) and the Philippine Information Agency(PIA).

Zamboanga del Norte Philvolcs provincial head, Engr. Florenette Garcia, reminded the faculty of the said school to put emphasis on the drill more particularly on the preparation and reaction during any eventuality to augment their disaster response capabilities.

Earlier, similar undertakings had been conducted at Miputak East and Miputak West Elementary Schools.

Similar training will be conducted whole-year round in all schools in the city to ensure minimum casualty during emergencies.

12 towns in Sibugay province pass ‘Good Financial Housekeeping’

By Franklin P. Gumapon

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – For religiously implementing the “full disclosure policy” in their respective local government units (LGUs), 12 towns and the provincial government of Zamboanga Sibugay have passed the 2014 Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH), a component of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

From the list recently released by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the GFH has been conferred to the municipalities of Alicia, Buug, Diplahan, Imelda, Ipil, Kabasalan, Mabuhay, Payao, Siay, Talusan, Titay and Tungawan.

Aside from complying with the full disclosure policy, these LGUs have not received “unqualified and qualified” opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA).

On the other hand, the four other towns of Malangas, Naga, Olutanga and Roseller T. Lim did not make it due to “conditional compliance” with the full disclosure policy.

Acting Provincial Director Arnel F. Gudio of DILG-Sibugay also disclosed that the GFH certification would be the basis for accessing funds to the agency’s program windows such as Bottom Up Budgeting Program (BUB), Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig (SaLinTubig) and Payapa at Masaganang Pamyanan (PAMANA). He, however, clarified that said certification could neither be used to facilitate the approval of any loan nor eligibility for the Seal of Good Local Governance and Performance Challenge Fund.

Director Gudio has also encouraged the LGUs to comply with the department’s directives especially the full disclosure policy, which requires local officials to fully disclose the particular financial transactions of their respective LGUs in three conspicuous places and in the portal of the city/municipal halls including provincial capitols.

“If the failure is due to FDP, LGUs have the opportunity to comply with the FDP and avail of the ‘ After Assessment Compliance” pursuant to DILG memorandum No. 2014-13 dated February 6,2014 to secure a GFH Certification without waiting for the next assessment period,” Gudio explained.

Based on the 2014 GFH assessment, a total of 1,307 LGUs or 78 percent passed the GFH out of the 1,676 provincial, city, and municipal governments. Some 369 local governments failed to meet the GFH criteria - 77 fell short due to the 2013 COA opinion, 254 flunked due to non-compliance with the full disclosure policy and 38 failed in both criteria. (with reports from Lemuel Mejares)

Integrity pledge signing caps 24th PNP foundation day in Zambo Norte

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – In pursuance of the Phlippine National Police (PNP) Command Memorandum Circular (CMC) issued by Police Deputy Director-general Leonardo A. Espina, a ceremonial signing of the PNP integrity pledge highlighted the 24^th PNP foundation day last Feb. 16 at Camp Hamac in Barangay Sicayab this city.

The said activity was part of the PNP’s Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and Upholding the Rule of Law known as P.A.T.R.O.L Plan 2030, which is PNP's overall strategy for real and lasting transformation toward a highly capable, effective, and credible police service.

It calls for the total commitment of every PNP personnel to live according to the highest standards for public officials and employees set forth in Republic Act No. 6713, known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for all public officials and employees.

In the same event, the police officials have been reminded of their fundamental roles in leading by example and follow the principle of “command responsibility” by ensuring that their respective personnel strictly abide with the provisions of RA 6713, promote strict observation on the ethical practices and good governance on the established PNP Ethical Doctrine at all times in dispensation of their respective duties and responsibilities.

The said celebration was attended by Governor Roberto Y. Uy with ZNPPO OIC Provincial Director P/Supt. Redentor L. Retusto, officers and members of Provincial Advisory Council (PAC), chiefs of police from the different local police stations in the province, religious leaders and members of the local media.

Meanwhile, certain police stations were also recognized during the PNP day for their exemplary performance in carrying out their duties and responsibilities as protectors of the people and community. These were the police stations of Dipolog City, Polanco, Roxas, Sindangan, Manukan and Jose Dalman. 

Tabak division to turn-over plastics to ‘Eat Bulaga’

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – A five feet tall of eight customized “maong” bags containing empty bottles and containers will be turned-over by the1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army to GMA7’s noontime show “Eat Bulaga” on March 3 at Broadway Centrum, Quezon City.

Lt. Col. Aude Monggao, commander of the 1^st Civil Military Operations (1CMO) battalion told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that Tabak commander BGen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr. would lead the turnover of said items to the general manager of “Eat Bulaga.”

Monggao said the bags,which were transported by the 1CMO personnel on Sunday via Philippine Air Force’s C-130 plane at Pagadian City airport,were collected by the 1^st Infantry Division from 104th Infantry Brigade in Basilan province and Task Force Zamboanga in Zamboanga City respectively.

This project dubbed “Plastic ng Tabak Para Kay Juan” was initiated by the 1

1CMO in support of the AFP’s environmental protection program.

“The Tabak division is helping environment by collecting empty plastic bottles and containers which are considered non-biogradable and therefore hazardous to the environment if not recycled,” Monggao explained.

“We instill in the heart and mind of every military and civilian personnel the importance of waste segregation and recycling as a way of showing our love and care for the environment in the light of climate change and global warmingproblems,” he added.

Monggao said the bags containing 80 kilos of empty plastic bottleswerearesult of the 60-day collection effort by the troopers since Dec. 17, 2014.

“This is the first batch of plastic bottles to be shipped out and more bags of plastics will be collected from other three brigades,” he added.

“Slowly, we involve other units like the 102^nd Brigade in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay , 103^rd Brigade in Campo Ranaw, Marawi City, and the Mechanized Infantry (Kalasag)Battalion in Iligan City to make this project successful,” stressed Monggao.

He further revealed that the “Eat Bulaga” management hadallocated 25 seats for the delegation during the show as gesture of gratitude for the support extended by the Tabak division to Eat Bulaga’s project: “Plastic Para Kay Juan.”

“Kasalan ng Bayan” benefit 89 couples in Pagadian

By Leah D. Agonoy

PAGADIAN CITY - Mayor Romeo Pulmones officiated this year’s Kasalan ng Bayan with 89 couples saying “I Do” to their partners last Feb. 14 at the Executive Function Hall, City Hall Complex here.

In his message, Pulmones thanked the couples in behalf of the officials of Pagadian City for availing the ‘Kasalan ng Bayan’ saying that securing their own marriage certificate is not only an advantage for them as a couple but is most importantly for their children.

“Marriage is very important especially to your children so they could be called as legitimate children,” the Mayor said.

“When your children want to join sports activities like the division meet, regional meet or “Palarong Pambansa,” and if coaches and sports officials doubt the real age of your children because they look older than their age, they would be asked to present security paper (SECPA) from the NSO as well as marriage certificate of their parents,” Pumones explained

Pulomes said the marriage certificate is part of the requirements of the agencies hiring employees abroad.

“There are requirements that need your names in the document that is why marriage certificates is also needed….”

“We are grateful that we have leaders in the city who are supportive of the program. We have noticed that there are many would-be couples would like to avail of the program and have seen the importance of the wedding,” Pulmones said adding they are expecting more couples to avail of the Kasalan ng Bayan next year.    

Meanwhile, City Civil Registrar Officer Leonardo Acorda related that in Pagadian City, the Kasalan ng Bayan started in 1999 and was conducted through clustered barangays.

Acorda added that “every February we celebrate the Civil Registration Month” pursuant to a memorandum issued by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) enjoining all local civil registrars to initiate a program like the “Kasalan ng Bayan.”   

He added that the wedding would benefit most the couples’ children, as it would be more advantageous for them to be born to legally married parents.

After the ceremony, Pulmones distributed awards to pregnant bride who is nearest her delivery period, youngest pair and oldest pair.

Mayor Pulmones also gave awards to seven couples from the city’s farthest barangay, Lison Valley. 

Zambo passengers of Saudia airlines have no trace of MERS-CoV – City Health Office

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The four of the five co-passengers of the pregnant Filipina nurse diagnosed with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) who flew to Zamboanga City have no traces of the disease so far, said City Health Officer Rodelin Agbulos in a press conference here Monday.

Dr. Agbulos told the press that upon arrival in the city, the four passengers were diagnosed with no symptoms of MERS-CoV.

“The passengers are asymptomatic, meaning they had no signs of the symptoms of the virus,” Dr. Agbulos explained. He added that the City Health Office is continuously monitoring the passengers for any symptoms.

“The fifth was not monitored since the passenger immediately proceeded to Jolo province, said Agbulos. But the passenger was already reported to the Department of Health (DOH) to be monitored in the province.

Last Sunday (February 15), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma bared that two more co-passengers of the Filipina nurse were monitored to have been exhibiting symptoms, and are already under isolation.

“The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Makati is monitoring the two patients, and providing them with medical care,” Coloma said over Radyo ng Bayan.

On February 1, Saudia Airlines flight 860 arrived in Manila with 225 passengers on board, including the confirmed MERS-COV patient, and the five who had already reached Zamboanga City.

Meanwhile, the DOH has been reminding the passengers to immediately seek medical assistance or contact the local DOH if they experience symptoms such as fever, body pain, or difficulty in breathing. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also other possible symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) as of February, 358 people have already died from the virus worldwide. Medical scientists from all over the world are still uncertain as to how the virus originated, although they generally believe that it came from an animal source. To date, medical authorities believe that MERS-CoV is spread due to close contact with an infected person, although health agencies now are still trying to determine the specifics of its spread.

The WHO continuously advises governments to monitor acute respiratory infections and to “carefully review unusual patterns.” 

DAR-ZN turns-over SRI equipment, mallard ducks to DPIA

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Zamboanga del Norte has recently turned-over System of Rice Intensification (SRI) equipment and 980 mallard ducks to the Dipolog-Polanco Irrigators Association (DPIA) at Upper Turno this city.

DAR allocated P993,715 for the SRI subproject through its ARCP2, which is funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB), inclusive of training for farmer-beneficiaries from Dec. 9, 2014 to March 24, 2015.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Moh. Dassan J. Adju disclosed that Zamboanga del Norte had received the biggest allocation among provinces because “they have seen our efforts and cooperation from the local government units (LGUs), farmers and the community.”

Meanwhile, City Agriculturist Jose Kerr Porlas said that the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte and the city government of Dipolog would give the DPIA additional 600 and 2,000 mallard ducks, respectively.

These mallard duck, locally known as “itik” are intended to control pests in the rice fields and for “balot-making” to give the farmers addidtional income.

The beneficiaries were given also five pieces of mechanical weeder and three pieces of 10-kilogram weighing scales.

For her part, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy told the farmer-beneficiaries “Dipolog will have more irrigated rice fields with the help of the national government and our counterpart funds.”

ZamPen tops calamansi, mango production in last quarter of 2014 – PSA

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – Based on the quarterly bulletin of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Zamboanga Peninsula region topped all other regions in the country in terms of calamansi and mango production in the last quarter of 2014.

PSA report reveals that Zamboanga Peninsula was the top producer of calamansi during the period, accounting for 14.2 percent of the total national output.

Though, in the fourth quarter of 2014, calamansi production at 26.53 thousand metric ton dropped by 13.8 percent as compared to the 2013 production of 30.77 thousand metric ton.

The decrease in production was attributed to the cutting of senile trees and early harvesting in third quarter in MIMAROPA and the trees had not fully recovered from the devastation of the recent typhoons in Eastern Visayas, Bicol, Ilocos, CALABARZON and Western Visayas, the report disclosed.

Meanwhile, mango production during the same period was estimated at 34.36 thousand metric tons or 5.7 percent below the 2013 output level of 36.42 thousand metric tons. The decrease in production was caused by the off season production observed in most of the provinces in Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) while some trees were toppled down by typhoons “Luis” and “Mario” in the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) and lesser production due to frequent rains in Northern Mindanao, the report said.

Zamboanga Peninsula shared the highest production at 33.8 percent to the total mango produced during the reference period while CARAGA and Northern Mindanao followed with 15.5 and 12.5 percent, respectively.

On the other hand, banana, which is one of the major fruit crops in the country was estimated at 2,256.59 thousand metric tons or 3.3 percent higher than the 2,185.16 metric ton in 2013 with Davao region recorded the highest production at 868.75 metric tons or 38.5 percent share to the total banana output of the country.

The country also produced 661.61-t metric tons of pineapple during the same period or 2 percent higher than the 648.76-t metric ton in 2013. Top producers were SOCCKSARGEN, Bicol region and CALABARZON with a combined share of 35.7 percent to the national pineapple production, the report revealed. 

1stCavalry Squadron conducts cleanup drive in Tukuran town

By Gideon C. Corgue

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day with their respective families on Saturday, the officers and men of the 1^st Cavalry Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA) conducted a cleanup drive in barangay Lower Bayao here to show love for our environment.

Civil-Military Operations Officer Capt. Mae Budlong said the event was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) or “Bayanihan”. “It also aims to engage all sectors in addressing environmental issues,” she added.

Budlong said the 1^st Cavalry Squadron under the leadership of the newly installed battalion commander Lt. Col. Charlemagne BatayolaJr. had conducted the said activityto help protect, preserve and sustain the environment byjoining and supporting environmental campaigns.

“These simple acts of community service can very well serve the residents of the barangay,” she stressed.

For her part, Barangay Captain Esnaira Chavez expressed her gratitude that the cleanup drive was held in her barangay.

“Nalipayakongakiningakalihokangihimodinhi sa among barangay arondililamangmalimpyoangpalibot sa among beach kungdili among mahimamatusabangmgasundalonganagpasiugdaningmaongkalihokan.Unakiningahigayonnganaaygruposamganagpakabanangtawonganaghimougclean up drive dinhi sa among dapit,”Chavez said.

(I am happy that this activity was held in our barangay not only to make our beach clean but mingle with the soldiers initiating it. This is the first time that a group of dedicated persons conducted a cleanup drive in our place.)

Cadet Colonel Willy Bucolsaid he participated in the cleanup activity because it is his personal commitment to help the Philippine Army in itsenvironmentalpreservation and conservation programs.

“Miapil ko sa clean up drive dilitungod kay required kini sa among ROTC Military Science subject apanakokininga commitment ngamakatabang saPhilippine Army sa ilang environmental preservation and conservation programs (I join the clean up drive not because it is required in our ROTC Military Science subject but it is my commitment to help the Philippine Army in their environmental preservation and conservation programs),” Bucol said.

Bucol led the 19 ROTC cadets in assisting the 1^st Cavalry Squadron members in the clean up drive.

The activity is in collaboration with the barangay officials, 1^st Field Artillery Battalion, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets of Western Mindanao University-External Studies Unit (WMSU-ESU). 

DTI holds consultative meeting with bakeshop operators

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Bakeshop and bakery operators, owners and managers in Zamboanga del Sur were summoned by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday, Feb. 13, at Guillermo Hotel here to discuss the possibility of bringing down the prices of bread products following the decrease in prices of flour and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the market.

Provincial Director Ma. Socorro Malate-Atay told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that there was a drop of LPG prices up to P286.51  from January 2014 to January 2015.

On Jan. 27, the Philippine Federation of Bakers Association Inc. (PFBA) agreed to lower their prices by 15 centavos or add two grams to each pandesal.

Atay said she asked them on what actions they have undertaken to give back to their customers without necessarily asking them to lower the prices of their products like “pandesal.”

It was also learned that bakery operators are giving one or two more pieces of pandesal for every 10 pieces bought by their customers due to the lowering of prices of the flour and LPG, respectively.

“Other bakery operators retained the price of pandesal of P1 or P2 each but increased the weight to two grams a piece,” Atay said.

In spite of the decrease in the prices of flour and LPG, Atay explained, the bakery operators have still encountered certain problems like scarcity of supply of baking powder, baking soda and condensed milk especially during Christmas season. “They went as far as Davao City just to buy the ingredients,” Atay said.

Meanwhile, Atay also encouraged the bakery operators to form themselves into an association to represent their group in the socirty. However,  a handful of them came and attended the meeting.

Atay urged the bakery operators to do a “coopetition” rather than competition saying “they are friends, they compete since they are in the same business but they listen and talk to each other about their problems and concerns.” 

Hundreds join Basilan walk for justice, peace in tribute to Fallen44

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Zambo media, CSOs, gov’t join hands for enhanced public safety, peace and order strategies

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – With the goal of promoting peace and order and reducing criminalities in the city, local stakeholders met over the weekend (February 13-14) to come up with a strategic communications and advocacy plan at a local hotel here.

The Strategic Communications Planning Workshop for Zamboanga City’s Public Safety Plan, an initiative by the United States Agency for International Development – Enhancing Governance Accountability and Engagement (USAID-ENGAGE) in partnership with the City Public Information Office (CPIO) was participated in by representatives from the local police office, military, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and the members of the Zamboanga Press Club.

According to Jules Benitez, Municipal and Community Engagement Officer for Engage, the output of the workshop is to “come up with a strategic communications and advocacy plan that aims to promote participation among the different sectors for enhanced public safety and reduced crime incidents.”

“This is actually the first time that we conducted such a workshop, but we are hoping that this group will be sustained to for the improvement of public safety and peace and order in the communities,” Benitez explained.

Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, assistant city administrator, on behalf of Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar said that “issues relative to peace and order currently confront the city, considering the recent spate of events here.”

On the other hand, Col. Angelito Casimiro, city police director confirmed that threats from different groups are indeed real, however, said groups are being closely monitored to avert any possible eventualities. “Community involvement through force multipliers is really a big hand, since there are just a handful of us policemen,” Casimiro emphasized.

Among the modules in the workshop include a stakeholder analysis, message development, and planning for the convergence of the agencies or groups that the participants represent in crafting the communications and advocacy action plan.

Apolinario expressed optimism that the public safety communication plan will be instrumental in enabling the different stakeholders making up the communities and the city to share responsibilities in maintaining the peace. “We hope that the workshop outputs will indeed help us address the security issues facing the city.”

Manwhile, Engage Chief of Party Barry Reed said in a statement that “it is our hope that this activity will further strengthen the resolve to find viable and long-lasting solutions to the city’s public safety concerns, as well as realize our dream of building back a better, more peaceful and progressive Zamboanga.” 

1st Cavalry Squadron holds gift giving for poor residents of Tukuran town

By Gideon C. Corgue

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Poor residents of Barangay Manlayag have received food packs, used clothing and slippers from the 1^st Cavalry Squadron, Mechanized Division, Philippine Army (PA) in a gift giving recently.

Dubbed “Love Drive Program,” the gift giving was held in coordination with the 1^st Field Artillery Battalion aimed at bringing the government closer to the people.

The 1^st Cavalry Squadron executive officer Major Francis Balan said the team with its sponsor, Nancy Sanchez of Zamboanga City, distributed 100 food packs containing 3 kilos of rice, 2 cans of sardines, 2 packs of noodles, sachets of coffee and used clothing to selected poor families.

Two hundred new pairs of slippers, candies and supplemental feeding were also given to children.

“Ang ating mga kasundaluhan at civic organization ay nagtulong-tulong na ma-share ang basic services sa mga maralitang tao upang makapagbigay sa kanila ng kaligayahan,” Balan said.

(The troopers and civic organization have extended help to the poor to make them happy.)

“Ang mga natanggap ninyo ngayon ay initial pa pa lamang yan dahil ang aking kaibigan na US philatropist ay personal po na magpunta rito sa inyo sa buwan ng Marso at magbibigay na naman ng karagdagang gifts na tiyak na ikakaligaya naman ninyo,” Sanchez told the recipients.

(What you have received now is just an initial one because my friend, a US philanthropist, will personally visit here in March and will give additional goods for you.)

Sanchez said: “Manlayag is just one of the recipient-barangays that received gifts from her friend in Mindanao and Visayas next to Iligan City and Palo, Leyte, respectively.”

Punong Barangay Cerelo Halang expressed his gratitude to the 1^st Cavalry Squadron for spearheading the gift giving activity saying, “It is the first time we have received such a program.”

Cyndi Baguio, 38, said she was thankful for receiving the food packs.

“Nagpasalamat ko ug dako nga nakadawat ko aning food packs gikan sa mga nagpasiugda. Medyo lisod gyud mi sa pagpangita sa among pagkaon tungod kay ang akong bana wala nay trabaho ug nagsalig lamang kami sa pagtanom ug kamunting kahoy,” Baguio said while holding an infant baby in her arms.

(I am very grateful to have received the food packs from the organizers. It is really hard for us to find food since my husband has no job. We just depend on planting cassava.)

“Malipayon ako nga usa sa mga nakadawat ning maong mga pagkaon gikan sa 1^st Cavalry. Nakatabang ni namo tungod kay kami na lang duha sa akong ang mga tawo nag-uban sa balay. Ang akong napulo ka mga anak pulos minyo na ug mibulag na sa amoa.  wala nay motabang mo pagpangita sa among pagkaon,” Eleuterio Luardo, 78, said after receiving the food packs.

(I am happy to receive this food pack from the 1^st Cavalry. It really helped us because only the two of us are left in our home. All our 10 children already got married and they are living separately. Nobody would help us in our food.)

The 1^st Cavalry troopers also held a comedy show during the said activity to the delight of the children.

Zambo still on alert – Col. Casimiro

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – “The city remains on high alert,” declared City Police Director Col. Angelito Casimiro in a press conference Tuesday afternoon amid text messages circulating regarding the entry of a number of groups in the city for a rally.

Col. Casimiro said that checkpoints are set up in key areas and vital installations in the city to preempt any eventualities.

Early Tuesday morning, text messages spread about a supposed peace caravan that will reach Zamboanga City, with some Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members allegedly taking part. However, said caravan led by the civil society group, Mindanao Alliance for Peace, was only able to reach the Tungawan area.

Said group was to air its support to the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law through visits here, including Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces.   

“We reiterate the no permit, no rally, no caravan policy,” said Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar yesterday afternoon. “Zamboanga City is not a part of the ARMM, or the BBL.”

Classes were not suspended

Mayor Climaco-Salazar clarified that classes were not suspended yesterday, “since the situation does not warrant for that action.” In the morning, parents hurriedly fetched their children from school upon receiving such messages. Residents have avoided the city’s main thoroughfares in fear of any eventualities.

According to the mayor, the military and police officials had a dialogue with the group and asked the rally participants to return to their places in Zamboanga Sibugay.

“Some of them were women and children, who wanted to show their support to the BBL,” said Col. Casimiro.

“In a dialogue with the coordinator, we explained that it is not the time for such an activity since the residents may become anxious considering the number of people involved. Maybe in the future,” he said.

“If they want to show support to BBL, let it be in their localities. Let us maintain the status quo,” said Mayor Climaco-Salazar.

The authorities have set up forces in barangay Licomo and other entrance and exit points for additional security. “We will continue with the full alert in the city” said Col. Casimiro.

Stronger police presence

Last Friday (Feb. 6), the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) with Mayor Beng Climaco met to discuss security concerns in the city, including the presence of threat groups like the Abu Sayyaf and other kidnap-for-ransom groups, as well as measures to maintain the security.

Col. Casimiro shared that there has been “stronger police presence and enhanced police integrated patrol system,” complementing the “strong checkpoints in entrance and exit points”. He has also been regularly conducting a “weekly intelligence infusion” from among the different units in the city police office.

Peace and order is everyone’s concern

On Monday, during the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) 24^th founding anniversary, Police Regional Director Gen. Edgar Basbas reiterated the need for intensified community involvement and cooperation with the police to avert any threats to disrupt the city’s peace and order.

“Maintenance of the peace and order is not only the concern of the PNP, it should be everybody’s concern,” Gen. Basbas said. “Let us work together and help each other to maintain the peace in our communities,” he appealed.

Meanwhile, Mayor Climaco-Salazar urged the public to stop circulating unverified text messages, but instead, send them to barangay officials, or contact the police through telephone number 166 or 117. “Please report them so that we can immediately send a team to verify such reports,” she said. 

DTI holds fish and fish products industry cluster forum in Dipolog

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – Bottled sardines manufacturers and processors as well as dried fish suppliers were gathered at the Top Plaza Hotel here Wednesday for a forum organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the fish and fish products cluster.

Assistant Regional Director Joseph Florig of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-9 presented to the participants the benefits from selling fresh fish rather than dried fish.

Florig also asked the fish industry stakeholders not to catch small white sardinella locally known as “tamban” fish explaining that the fish vendors could have more supply if they would wait for the right time.

In the same gathering, industry cluster regional coordinator Engr. Rolando G. Acuna presented the 2015 Industry Cluster Development Plan 2015.

He also said: “DTI plans to conduct personal financial literacy and management seminar workshop for the stakeholders in fish industry and that part of the development plan is the creation and administration of a facebook page in order to advertise and market their fish products.”

Moreover, the action plan also provides the stakeholders with strategies and policies as well as access to finance and market to improve productivity and efficiency, and to strengthen the business management.

“The government is here to finance your trainings and seminars, all you have to do is to sit down, absorb, internalize, adopt and put into practice what you have learned,” Acuna stressed.

Representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also attended the said forum.