SSS launches e-alkanSSSya program in Margosatubig town

By Claro A. Lanipa

MARGOSATUBIG, Zamboanga del Sur – To extend social security protection coverage to all contractual and job order employees of the Margosatubig Regional Hospital, the Social Security System (SSS) has launched here yesterday, March 26, the e-alkanSSSya program.

“All contractual and job order employees of the said hospital who are excluded from the mandatory coverage of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) are expected to avail themselves of the program,” said James Buckly, branch head, SSS-Pagadian City.

To ensure sustainability of the coverage, SSS represented by its Assistant Vice President for Western Mindanao Atty. Rodrigo Filoteo and James Buckly have inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the hospital management represented by the chief of hospital Dr. Richard Sison, who agreed to support the program.

The e-alkanSSSya scheme employs automatic deduction of the personnel’s contribution to the SSS from their salaries. The hospital management will facilitate the collection through payroll deduction and remittance of the monthly contribution to SSS.

The minimum monthly contribution under the program is P330 or based on the actual monthly income compensation that the employees receive, but not exceeding the maximum salary credit under the contribution of its members, Buckly said.

In the same occasion, a ceremonial turnover of alkanSSSya key from SSS officials to the hospital management was held with Mayor Roy Encallado. 

Ipil SPED Center moms trained on banana chips making, buko juice processing

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – In keeping with the women’s month celebration, the mothers from Ipil Special Education (SPED) Center have undergone banana chips making and buko juice processing conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at the SPED Center in Barangay Poblacion here recently.

“The project is conceptualized not only to provide service or donate materials but also designed to empower and encourage our women to take pride in their work, to be self-sufficient and to provide for themselves,” said Ms. Francis Melanie T. Temonio, science research specialist of DOST-Sibugay.

Dubbed “livelihood assistance to support women in building their skills and capabilities for self-employment,” the two-day training was attended by some 22 mothers, who were all members of the Ipil SPED Parents Association.

“The activity is a project aimed at curbing malnutrition and poverty, as one of the few deep-seated problems in most depressed and poor communities,” said Temonio.

She explained that very low-income families were forced to sacrifice their daily food intake with cheaper alternatives and low nutritional values that often leads to malnutrition and, in extreme cases, to severe sickness and even death.

“Income made from sales represents a significant sum for these women who have no other source of income and enable them to purchase additional needed food for their children.”

Ms. Temonio furthered that having contributed to the household income; the program would improve the women’s self-esteem and realize their potential in business.

According to Ms. Temonio, raw materials used during the training were provided by DOST including the meals and snacks for the two-day activity. 

Bizwomen to fellow women: Take lead role in business like male counterparts

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Successful businesswomen from different cities in the region encouraged other women to start up their own business and take lead roles like the male counterparts.

Five women-entrepreneurs were on Tuesday (March 24) gathered by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the Garden Orchid Hotel here to share with the media, and with the public their experiences as businesswomen and how they were able to succeed in their fields.

“Women are now in the same footing as men, and this opens up more opportunities for us to achieve,” shared Jocelyn Gaso, a bottled sardines manufacturer and exporter from Dipolog City. “We should not allow ourselves to always remain behind the shadow of the men.”

Gaso has been supplying “Spanish” sardines in 17 Robinsons branches nationwide and has been a recipient of many trainings. “I’m a nurse by profession and I knew nothing of sardines manufacturing,” she said. “However, I encouraged myself to learn.” She is confident that if ever the time comes when her employees would leave, she would still be able to continue the business.

The other women attending the said gathering were Mercedes Lourdes Quisumbing, president of the Pagadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., Ma. Theresa Alano of Basilan Estates, Inc., Angelita Ilul of Angie’s Yakan Cloth-Zamboanga City and Maricel De Leon, a real estate developer in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Ilul, on the other hand, said that she is grateful for the trainings conducted by DTI. Ilul has been attending free DTI trade fairs yearly to promote her Yakan products, and more and more customers have been enticed by the beauty of the products especially those coming from the hotel and interior design industries.

Like Ilul, Gaso also shared her gratitude to DTI for helping her promote her business. “Whenever they invite me for a training, I find no reason to pass,” she said, adding that she owes much of her success to said trainings and trade fairs.

Gaso emphasized that women should see themselves as men’s equal. For her part, she and her husband have continuously and successfully manage their business together. “We are equal,” she said.

Basilan Estate’s Ma. Theresa Alano likewise said she did not see men as threat in business, but rather as partners. Alano has been a successful dealer of mango and copra products.

Alano shared that she observes many women are still exploited. “We have the laws, but the challenge is ensuring that these laws are implemented,” she said. 

1st Cavalry supports Women’s Month celebration

By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The 1^st Cavalry Squadron (Tagpanguna) Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Division joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the nation in observing the women’s month.

Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola Jr. said in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA9) the unit conducted a seminar on Gender Awareness and Development (GAD) and Violence against Women and Children in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to increase awareness among 1^st Cavalry personnel on the rights of women, giving them knowledge to integrate women issues into their work.

Batayola said the same seminar was also conducted in the line units in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan and Sulu provinces.

“In the camp, we are extra careful with our words for we may commit verbal abuse with women. We are treating them with utmost respect,” Batayola declared.  

Currently, there are three women soldiers in the unit - a lady officer and two enlisted women, he added.

Before, Batayola said, Filipino women were denied of their rights hindering their full participation in society. “But with the Republic Act 9710 or Magna Carta of Women, it encouraged them to actively participate in almost all activities for national development,” he pointed out.

The said law promotes the full participation and equitable representation of women in all spheres of society particularly in the decision-making and policy-making processes in government and private entities in order to fully realize their role as agents and beneficiaries of development.

The Philippines has been observing the month of March as the national Women’s Month for 25 years now since 1990. 

Tabak observes Philippine Army’s 118th anniversary

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Static display of military capabilities, film showing, photo display, musical entertainment and distribution of information materials have highlighted the Philippine Army’s (PA) 118^th founding anniversary held on March 22 at the Gaisano Capital Mall in this city.

Lt. Col. Aude Mongao, commanding officer of the 1^st Civil-Military Operations battalion said the division under the leadership of BGen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr. brought two units of armored personnel carrier (APC) to the mall’s parking lot together with its capability demonstration squad.

The public was also allowed to take pictures inside and outside the APC or with the squad.

Members of the Tabak Brass Band also showcased their musical talents to the charm and delight of the spectators.

 

At the mall’s lobby, a photo gallery was displayed and a film showing featuring various programs, projects and activities of the division was conducted.

  

A mini-concert was held in the evening with the 1^st Tabak Combo and 5^th Infantry Battalion’s combo at the Plaza Luz Stage, a showdown of vocalists composed of enlisted women in military uniform.

According to Mongao, the said activities had given the civilians opportunity to watch and participate in “to let them feel they are genuinely welcome.”

“We demonstrate our intentions of bringing services closer to the people consistent with the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) OR “Bayanhan Campaign,” Mongao said.

From the activities conducted, Mongao observed that the civilians are getting closer to the Philippine Army as evidenced by their presence and doing interpersonal communications.  

Mongao also thanked the management of Gaisano Capital Mall for allowing Tabak troopers to conduct their activities here.

Rep. Leni Robredo keynotes women’s forum in Dipolog

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – A lady lawmaker from the third district of Camarines Sur flew all the way here to speak on women’s empowerment in a recently held provincial women’s forum at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center (ZNCSC) this city.

In her message,  Congresswoman Ma. Leonor “Leni” Gerona-Robredo emphasized the importance of women empowerment and economic independence especially at homes nowadays.

“When I was an active member of a non-government organization (NGO) dealing with the protection of rights of women against abuse, I found out that even if women were abused by their husbands or partners they would just go back because they didn’t have their own means of living,” Rep. Robredo, a lawyer, stressed.

Her NGO helped set up women’s desk and translate some laws relating to women’s rights into the dialect.

“We also trained women who can be paralegals and we often rescued those who were abused by their husbands and live-in partners,” she added.

The provincial women’s forum is part of this year’s women’s month celebration with the theme, “Juana, desisyon mo ay mahalaga sa kinabukasan ng bawat isa, ikaw na!”

Assistant Secretary Rolando Cusio of the Office of the Political Adviser together with Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy, Vice-Governor Senen O. Angeles, Board Member Luzviminda Torrino, Dipolog Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, barangay officials, local media, various women’s organizations, students and teachers from public and private schools, and women employees from the provincial government and the city government of Dipolog attended the said forum, which was followed by a foot parade from the ZNSC to the boulevard for a short program and ceremonial ribbon cutting of the “Saulog” booths.

“Women play an important role in the society. I encouraged you to be aware of your rights and know your responsibilities in order to prevent any form of abuse,” Robredo’s short message after the parade.

FSCAP-9 officers sworn in

By Gideon C. Corgue

DAPITAN CITY – Newly elected officers of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP)-Regional 9 Chapter took their oath office Friday before Dapitan Mayor Rosalina G. Jalosjos at the Amphitheater, City Hall Compound in this city.

Sworn into office were Sunnyboy Maghinay – President, Corazon Herico -Vice President, Avelino Sulit – Secretary, Rita Chavez-Treasurer, Moises Lagare,-Auditor, and Serafin Ramos and Margarita Mayormita-Public Information Officers.

The board of directors were Agapito Picardal, Fernando Cariaga, Leo Marzan, Dr. Proceso Benlot, Emercino Fullo, and Florentina Reambonza.

Jalosjos encouraged them to “continue being an integral part of the community and to perform duties and responsibilities faithfully.”

In his message, the lady mayor Jalosjos said “our government needs the collaboration among other sectors in our society particularly the elderly because through our concerted action, we can deal with various issues such as energy, environment, unemployment, health, poverty, and peace and order. The role of senior citizens becomes more important in tackling these issues.”

Jalosjos said her administration vowed to protect and promote the health and well being of senior adults while keeping their dignity. “We want them to be independent by providing them with social support and recreational activities, programs, and support services,” she added.

“We need to be concerned and to formulate measures for the enhancement and enrichment of quality lives for senior citizens,” Jalosjos stressed.

Immediately after the induction ceremony, the FSCAP officers conducted its first regional mobile meeting to plan out their programs and activities for this calendar year. 

WMSU law dean urges women to report men’s abuses

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) College of Law dean, Atty. Eduardo Sanson, has encouraged women who are or have been abused by their husbands or male partners to seek help and protection from authorities to avoid being “battered.”

In Dateline Teleradyo on Saturday, Atty. Sanson explained that women are given protection by the anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) law (Republic Act 9262) from all forms of abuses.

“There are three classifications of violence and abuses against women: physical, psychological, and financial,” he said. Atty. Sanson explained that physical abuses include battering the woman, or inflicting physical harm. Psychological abuses include verbal cruelty towards the woman and financial abuses include not providing for the financial needs of the woman or wife.

He added that the law not only applies to married couples, but even to common-law (live-in) partners and boyfriend-girlfriend relationships.

“Abuses are a crime and the perpetrators are criminally liable,” he emphasized citing that a man can go to prison if found guilty of violating the law.

In such cases, the women may report abuses to the barangay officials or the police. “The barangays can give a protection order,” Atty. Sanson pointed out.

Moreover, in the event a man is caught in the act beating or abusing his wife, police and barangay officials can immediately intervene.

The main problem, said Atty. Sanson is that many women in spite of being constantly abused refuse to report the incidents because of “love”. “Many of them remain silent because of a said ‘lovers’ pact’.”

The Philippines is a signatory to the international convention that protects women from all forms of violence. “As such, it has enacted laws particularly for the protection of women,” added Atty. Sanson.

“Women are given special protection by the law because it recognizes her special needs, especially because men should take care of them instead of abusing them,” he said. 

DTI turns-over Timbangan ng Bayan, price watch board to city gov’t

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Four weighing scales with steel enclosures were officially-turned over by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last March 16 to the city government through its fish section unit at Agora complex here.

Provincial Director Ma. Socorro Malate-Atay in her message said the agency provides the measuring instruments to the city government to respond to some complaints of the consumers that the products sold at the local market are being reduced.

Atay said three weighing scales would be installed at the premises of Agora complex and one would be installed at the Bagsakan center, Sta. Lucia District.

Atay said their agency bought the instruments to respond to several complaints on incorrect weights received by their office. 

“This is one of the best ways to protect the basic rights of our consumers by checking the accuracy of the weight of the products they are buying at our market,” Atay added.

Atay said a price watch board was also officially turned-over to guide  the consumers on the current prices of good in the locality.

Vice Mayor Divina Grace Yu who represented Mayor Romeo Pulmones ,in her message said she was grateful to the DTI for launching the project, as the would help protect the right of the consumers.

“Pinaagi ning mga timbangan magiyahan ang atong mga konsumante pagsusi kung ang timbang sa mga produkto nga napalit ensakto ba ug ingon man magiyahan sila sa kasamtangan nga mga presyo sa produkto nga ibaligya sa merkado,” Yu said.

(With these weighing scales, our consumers will be guided by checking if the weight of the products they are buying have correct weights and to guide them on the current prices of products being sold in the market).

Yu said with the instruments, prices of prime and basic commodities are properly monitored.

A MOA was signed between the DTI represented by Atay and the city government represented by Vice Mayor Yu. 

Zamboanga Sibugay Province Consumer Network organized

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently spearheaded the organization of Zamboanga Sibugay Province Consumer Network (ConsumerNet) on March 19, 2015 at Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel here.

Engr. Al-Zamir I. Lipae, officer-in-charge of DTI-Sibugay welcomed the participants from the national government agencies, local government units and other stakeholders to the meeting.

“In the upcoming meetings, we will be joined by other consumer groups because we will organize a ConsumerNet in the different municipalities,” Lipae announced.

He urged the participants to ask about consumerism and take advantage of the presence of Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist Ceferino J. Rubio of the Consumer Protection Division of DTI-9.

Rubio discussed the operationalization of ConsumerNet in Zamboanga Sibugay and gave a brief background information on RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines and the Price Act of the Philippines (RA 7581), an act providing protection to consumers by stabilizing the prizes of basic commodities and by prescribing measures against undue price increases during emergency situations and like occasions.

“ConsumerNet aims to institutionalize networking among consumer-oriented agencies; facilitate the flow of consumer protection information; provide speedy resolution of consumer complaints; and enhance continued support and cooperation among member agencies,” Rubio emphasized.

Engr. Samuel V. Delos Reyes of DTI-Sibugay presented a draft memorandum of agreement (MOA) to the participants which, when finalized, will be signed by all member agencies with DTI acting as secretariat.

Elected chairman of  Zamboanga Sibugay ConsumerNet was Mr. Herman B. Agpawa of ZAMSURECO II with Mr. Edgardo Balboa of LGU Kabasalan as  vice chairman.

Bantay Bayanihan in Basilan bats for grassroots communication on peace process

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GSIS-Pagadian conducts first offsite UMID enrolment in Sibugay

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)-Pagadian branch conducted its first offsite UMID card enrolment here on March 16-17, 2015.

The UMID card enrolment is part of the service desk package that the GSIS has established every 3^rd week of the month in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

The service desk, manned by Ronyl L. Reyes and  Mardy I. Bartido entertained queries, received loan applications, retirement applications, maturity benefits and  other claims such as death and funeral benefits.

Among those who availed of the offsite UMID card enrolment was Mayor Eldwin D. Alibutdan together with other LGU employees. This was made possible through coordination with the concerned LGUs and the Provincial/Municipal Human Resource Management Office.

Engr. Leoncito S. Manuel, GSIS branch manager said the offsite UMID enrolment will be replicated in other municipalities to bring government services closer to the people.

Through the establishment of the service desk in Zamboanga Sibugay, members and pensioners would just have to transact business here and be able to save money for fare and other expenses.

In a related development, Reyes turned-over a check amounting to P3,012.00 to Sangguniang Bayan Member Amaron B. Morrok of LGU Siay which was an overpayment of his consolidated loan with the GSIS.

The pension fund undertakes to regain the trust and confidence of stakeholders and promote an efficient organization that is fully-automated and member-focused.

GSIS will relentlessly pursue continual improvement in their services driven by integrity, professionalism and a culture of public service. 

BIR-RR15’s 2015 collection target set at P6.57-B

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – Tax collection target of each regional and district offices of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is increasing every year and this poses a big challenge not only to the BIR personnel but to the taxpayers as well.

Atty. Alert B. Alcocilja, regional director of BIR-Revenue Region 15 based in Zamboanga City, bared in yesterday’s launching of the “2015 Tax Campaign” that the region’s tax collection target for the current year is P6.57 billion, P1.6 billion more than last year’s collection goal.

Speaking before the representatives of the different government line agencies, local government units, businessmen, non-government organizations, professionals and others, Alcociljaadmitted that BIR-RR15 failed to meet its tax collection target last year but it recorded an increase in its actual collection of 10.31 percent as against its 2013 target.

He cited five reasons hindering the region from reaching its last year’s target such as a decrease in government projects, migration of taxpayers, carried over losses from previous years, power interruptions and high collection goal.

Another thing that is likely to affect its collection target for this year is the increase in tax exemption in bonuses of workers from P30 thousand to P82 thousand in that the government stands to lose P30 billion in taxes.

To cope with its collection goal, the BIR aims to pursue the “Oplan Kandado,” campaign drive on professional and self-employed taxpayers, Run After The Evaders (RATE) program, utilization of relief data in audit and investigation and campaign for voluntary payment of all taxpayers.

Appealing to the participants in yesterday’s kickoff program, Alcocilja said: “Please help the BIR meet its tax collection goal by paying your taxes not out of fear or compulsion but out of love of the country.”

BIR-RR15 is composed of the revenue district offices of Zamboanga City, Ipil, ZamboangaSibugay, Dipolog City, Pagadian City, Basilan Province, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Postbank opens in Dipolog

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The Philippine Postal Savings Bank, Inc. (Postbank) officially opened its new branch here recently with its President and Chief Executive Officer Cesar N. Sarino and Executive Vice President Higenio Fabian gracing the occasion.

Postbank is a government savings bank and a government-owned and controlled corporation created with the end in view of encouraging savings and providing access to financial credit to the “unbanked areas” of the country.

It is different from other government banks like the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), which is primarily created to serve the agricultural sector and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) which was created for the industry sector, said Sarino.

“We are a government bank and our prime duty is public service,” Sarino told the media men in a press conference.

“The essence of government is service. We may have a missionary task. Second, we are always smiling. We are going to areas that really need our help. And when we are offering our help, it is important that we are smiling. We are more friendly, cooperative and helpful,” he explained.

Accordingly, 37 percent of the total municipalities in the country have no bank at all. That is why Postbank desired to expand their reach to places with no bank and those places with only one rural bank.

Postbank provides services like commercial banking such as loans and deposits. It also offers microbanking services to small entrepreneurs allowing them to borrow at least P5,000.

“We are hoping that through you as members of the local media, you will spread the services we have in Postbank,” Sarino said.

Meanwhile, Postbank has 25 branches in the country and Dipolog was chosen as the center of Postbank in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Postbank will soon be implementing its new financing program in cooperation with Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Zamboanga del Norte Grains Incorporated to help the farmers in the province.

“We are encouraging everyone to open savings account with Postbank for only P500 as an initial deposit,” said Belina G. Domingo, Postbank consultant. 

PIA, press club hold women-in-media forum

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here and the Zamboanga Press Club, Incorporated (ZCPI) on Friday (March 13) held a forum for women-media practitioners.

Dr. Grace Rebollos, the guest speaker opened up an array of discussions on issues confronting women. The participants themselves shared their experiences while working in the mass media.

“The Philippines is a pioneer in women’s rights advancements,” declared Rebollos, a civic leader and a peace advocate. However, she emphasized, “There is still a long way to go to fully empower women in society.”

According to Rebollos, who was the former president of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), “gender and development has overwhelming support (from the government), but society is still male-oriented.”

Rebollos cited that this issue is best illustrated in employment. “Many employers prefer men over women,” she said.

Given the fact that the country has had already two women presidents and now two women leading the peace process, still “across the landscape, men still dominate.”

“Women will have to keep talking for a long time, to keep on drumbeating for women’s rights. When will the day come when we will stop advocating? Maybe it will never come, but we have to keep on doing it,” Rebollos explained.

Rebollos meanwhile cited the women in media for their outstanding contributions to society. “By yourselves, you can wage peace or war by the stroke of your pens,” Rebollos told the participants. She exhorted the women in media by “showing what they were made of especially during the Zamboanga siege,” and encouraged them to do more, contribute to society and be recognized as women of caliber.

Dave Malcampo, PIA Zamboanga Infocenter Manager said that March, as women’s month has to be celebrated with women’s triumphs and achievements “to encourage more women to achieve.”

On the other hand, Press Club President Jayvee Francisco recognized the women-media practitioners’ contributions to having a free, objective and fair media in the city. “Your role in media not only provides the people with information, but inspires more women to take up this challenging task in journalism,” he said.

Women’s decision crucial for children’s future, says WEM-RIC prexy

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – All women should carefully craft their decisions to ensure a bright future for their children, according to Ms. Junaflor Cerilles, federated president of the women Empowerment Movement-Rural Improvement Club (WEM-RIC) of Zamboanga del Sur.

Speaking before a recent gathering of women at the city gym here in consonance with the 2015 Women’s Month Celebration, Cerilles said “it is very crucial for women to decide freely and responsibly for the future of their children.”

This year’s women’s month celebration carries the theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”

A five-minute video clip entitled “A mother, A daughter and A pineapple,” which featured an extremely poor, uneducated and single mother selling pineapple to feed her only child, was shown on a giant screen before the participants.

The story told of a mother who taught her daughter how to peel and cut the pineapple before she would sell it in the market. The daughter was also taught certain strategies to make her pineapple saleable like making a pineapple ice cream.

The mother also advised her daughter to observe marketing techniques of fellow vendors in selling their products.

Cerilles then told the audience of the three important lessons from the story: first, the mother was setting herself as good example; second, she taught her daughter on how to be resourceful, creative and innovative; and third, she taught her child to solve her own problem.

“I hope that you will internalize the message of the video for you to replicate what the mother did for her child,” Cerilles appealed.

“As mothers, it is our decision to give education and proper nutrition to our children for them to become responsible and productive citizens of our country for whatever the future of our children be mainly depends on our decision today,” Cerilles stressed

“We need to teach them little and basic things. We will let them experience, explore and solve their own problems to gain confidence and that when we are no longer living in this world they’ll be fine,” Cerilles concluded.

Zumba dance contest and the search for Miss Local Council Woman 2015 also highlighted the said activity. 

DOST-IX turns-over P413-T to POEMCO

By Alfonso T. Ruda

POLANCO, Zamboanga del Norte - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-IX through its Zamboanga del Norte provincial office has turned-over P413 thousand check to the People’s Officials, Employees and Community–Multi-Purpose Cooperative (POEMCO) in a simple turnover ceremony on Friday at the municipal hall here.

POEMCO General Manager Roger Ladera personally received from Provincial Director Marcial Dahonan of DOST-Zamboanga del Norte the said amount, which will be used to purchase cassava-processing equipment such as flourmill, hammer mill, feed mixer and electric bag closer.

Under the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the said financial assistance is payable in three years without interest.

The DOST is supporting POEMCO’s project in order to supply the volume of cassava flour needed by the bakeshops in the province.

It was learned that there is an increasing demand for cassava flour as many bakeshops are now using it as substitute for wheat flour.

Presently, the POEMCO is maintaining a 160-hectare lot tilled by its farmer-members and planted with cassava. The produce is delivered to San Miguel Foods Inc. to be processed into animal feeds.

With DOST’s financial assistance, POEMCO hoped to produce 60 bags of flour monthly to be distributed to its six market outlets and 10 bakeries.

The check turnover was witnessed by POEMCO Chairman Mr. Lorimer Olario and DOST technical staff, Merilyn M. Cadag, and other cooperative members. 

Zumba dance tilt caps Women’s Month celebration in Dumalinao town

By Alma L. Tingcang

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur - Over a thousand women from the 30 barangays of this town gathered at Dumalinao Regional Pilot School (DRPS) gymnasium to celebrate Women’s Month on Saturday, March 14, 2015.

This year’s theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na,” recognizes the role of women in nation-building and their contribution to our economy.

The celebration started with a mass after which a parade around the town’s major streets winded up at Dumalinao Regional Pilot School gymnasium for the program.

“Every day we celebrate women’s day because they are our inspiration. They raise our children well and guide them to the right path. She is the light of every home. We find women in politics, the armed forces, banking and finance, technology and other fields which we thought only men would fit in,” Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles said in his inspirational message.

He quoted the words of former US Secretary of State  Madeleine K. Albright, who was the first woman to hold the position, “Women’s empowerment is gaining ground because so many brave women have been unwilling to accept anything less. Our collective experience has shown that when women have the power to make their own choices, good things happen.”

Receiving the loudest applause was the Zumba competition among 7 groups which was the highlight of the celebration with mothers sweating it out for the first prize of P5,000 bagged by Barangay Sumadat ; second prize went to Barangay Pag-asa - P3,000; and 3^rd prize – Barangay Sebucao winning P2,000. A consolation prize of P500 each was also given to participating barangays.

Capping the celebration was the free medical check-up and feeding for children by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, a forum on women’s rights, health and other issues.

Prizes were given to lucky participants such as: 24” LED TV, sofa bed, cherry mobile phone, 1 sack of rice and 20 packs of 10 kilos rice. The Juanas could not contain their excitement and fun during the whole day activity.

In closing, Ms. Junaflor S. Cerilles, the town first lady and president of the Women Empowerment Movement-Rural Improvement Club (WEM-RIC) Zamboanga del Sur Federated president said, “To all Juanas, let us continue to be counted upon in nation-building and economic growth. We have a great responsibility on our shoulders. Let us live up to the highest ideals because our children look up to us as role models.”

Post-Mamasapano unveils peace process is ‘alien’ to most Filipinos, says Prof. Ferrer

By Rene V. Carbayas

MANILA – The bloody Mamasapano incident has brought about public interest and public discussions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, but this has also unveiled that many Filipinos are ‘alien’ to the peace process.

Government of the Philippines (GRP) Peace Panel Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer was saddened that the January 25 Mamasapano incident had revealed that many Filipinos do not understand the peace process.

“What that single [Mamasapano] incident had revealed to us is basically how few people understand the complexities, the dynamics, and the mechanisms of the peace process,” Coronel-Ferrer said at the multi-stakeholders forum held last March 5 at Dusit Thani Manila on the “Implications of Mamasapano on the Peace Process: Moving Forward.”

The government peace negotiator said that it is easy for some sectors to say that the peace panel has not done consultations on the ground.

“This news has been in the newspapers all the time beginning in 1986. Since we overthrew the Marcos dictatorship the agenda of finding peace, seeking political settlement of the different armed conflicts has always been part of the national agenda,” Ferrer said.

For some observers, the public seems to have selective memories and occasionally talks about the peace process. But for the GPH panel this single Mamasapano incident has jarred people’s mind and reminded them once again that there is this peace process that has been going on for the longest time.

Ferrer said “there is this kind of difficulty for the public to appreciate the complexities of the very nature of the political negotiation. For instance, understanding the concept of transforming the MILF from an armed revolutionary group to a political group, in the hope of finding their legitimate space in the political construct of the body we call the Philippines.”

She noted that people seemed to forget that when government entered into formal talks with the MILF and the subsequent signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, there have been less and less or no armed confrontations between the government and the MILF forces, until the unfortunate Mamasapano incident.

Ferrer identified some implications of the Mamasapano incident like how parochial Filipinos are in terms of national issues and concerns and there is a need for the nation to “go back to the basics such as understanding the Mindanao’s history and the struggle of the Moro people and their right to self-determination towards understanding the nature of BBL.”

She said that since the incident, the government has also been engaging in “firefights” of the top two trending lies: the issue on the Bangsamoro police and the P75 Billion for the MILF. With the delay in the passing of the BBL, the peace panel hopes that Congress could pass the law by June this year.

Other speakers of the panel discussion include Congressman Rodolfo G. Biazon; Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga of the Bangsamoro Islamic Studies; and Gen. Emmanuel Bautista (Ret), for AFP Chief of Staff, Executive Director, Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice and Peace.

The forum was a multi-stakeholders initiative of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), Local Government Development Foundation (LOGODEF), Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID), Zamboanga Basilan Integrated Development Alliance (ZABIDA), Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), Senate-Muslim Advocates for Peace and Progress and the Kennedy School of Government Alumni Association with support from the Australian Government, Konrad Adanauer Stiftung and UNICEF to help reinforce support to the peace process post the Mamasapano incident.

Our mother is the light of our home, says Dumalinao mayor

By Gideon C. Corgue

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur – Mayor Ace William Cerilles has joined the nation in recognizing the women’s contribution to the society.

In his message during the National Women’s Month Celebration at Dumalinao Sports Complex on Friday, Cerilles said his administration recognizes the Filipino women who have become the catalysts for change displayed exceptional courage, strength, care and love for their families, adding “ our respect for women is embedded in our culture.”

Our mothers are women who nurtured us and gave us their absolute love and support throughout our lives,” Cerilles said

“Ang atong inahan sila ang iwag sa atong panimalay. Sila ang naghatag kanato ug inspirasyon aron nga kita ang mahimo nga maayong tawo,” Cerilles proudly said.

(Our mother is the light of our home. They are the persons who inspired us to become good citizens.)

“Traditionally women were not equal with men in law and that men were the heads of the households as well as in politics,” stressed Mayor Cerilles.

Cerilles said with the advent of Republic Act No. 9710 otherwise known as the “Magna Carta of Women,” they are now empowered, as the law is giving themequal opportunities with men includingaccess  to resources.

“Tungod sa maong mahinungdanong balaod aduna kita’y ubay-ubay nga mga babaye nga nagpakita sa ilang kusog ug liderato.  Gani ang uban kanila napili pagka-Presidente sa nasud, Senador, Kongresista ug uban pa,”Cerilles opined.

(Because of this landmark legislation, we now have many women leaders. In fact, some of them were elected as President of the country, senators, congresswomen, and others).

The mayor’s mother, Aurora, was then elected provincial governor and now the representative of the province’s second district.

Cerilles said the Philippines is now looking at more opportunities for gender equality and empowerment and for broadening advocacy for the promotion and protection of women’s rights.

He then ended his message by quoting British Prime Minister Madeleine Albright’s who said: "Women’s empowerment is gaining ground because so many brave women have been unwilling to accept anything less."