NSDD round 2 draws more awareness and support

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, Jan. 28 (PIA) – The massive one-day deworming activity of the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Department of Interior and Local Government was successfully held yesterday, January 27, in all public elementary schools nationwide.

The first round of the National School Deworming Day for school year 2015-2016 was conducted on July 29, 2015. Despite the negative issues and text scare that went around, Zamboanga Sibugay fared well in its accomplishment.

Ms. Marilou B. Chio, principal of Ipil Central Elementary School (ICES) said considering the learnings that we had during the first implementation of NSDD, more efforts have been made with the support of all stakeholders such as the local government, health workers, parents, teachers, and media, for the proper advocacy on deworming including its common side effects.

Prior to the drug administration, parents had to sign a consent form allowing their children to take the drugs. However, children with fever, experiencing abdominal pain, dizziness, diarrhea, or previously suffered hypersensitivity to the drug should not be given deworming pills.

Parents and teachers prepared “arroz caldo” and “champorado” before recess so that the children can fill their hungry tummy before intake of the deworming pill Albendazole, which should be taken on a full stomach. ICES has an enrolment of 2,000 pupils.

Accordingly, the NSDD aims to increase the number of dewormed school children to ensure that more children will be spared from helminthiasis or parasitism for better health and school performance.

Meanwhile, at Ipil Special Education (SPED) Center under Mr. Ariel  M. Eraldo which has a population of 400 pupils, parents came early with their kids to make sure that they eat before taking Albendazole.

“For the lower grades, teachers had to pulverize the pills to facilitate easy intake of the children,” Eraldo said.

A study of the World Health Organization states that in low income countries, worm infection can make school-age children lose 3.75 IQ points. They also cause poor physical growth, poor intellectual development and impaired cognitive function in children resulting to anemia and malnutrition.

Worm infections are highest among children 1 to 12 years old at a prevalence of 65 percent, with all 81 provinces of the Philippines affected. 

Parents’ support to NSDD noted in Pagadian City

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 29 (PIA) – The preparations made by health and education personnel for the conduct of the National School Deworming Day (NSDD) last Wednesday have paid off.

Learning from the July 29, 2015 school deworming debacle that some 200 students from the different parts of Zamboanga Peninsula were rushed to the hospitals and health centers for dizziness and vomiting after taking the deworming tablets, the Department of Health (DOH) together with the Department of Education (DepEd) has ensured that proper information about deworming and its adverse reactions on children be properly disseminated to the parents and students.

DOH-9 personnel also conducted a series of media forums on the NSDD in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and ZamboangaSibugay weeks before the scheduled deworming day.

School Principal Jocelyn Perez of the Pagadian Pilot School said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the schools had also conducted parents’ orientation on the NSDD with emphasis on its benefits to their children.

Perez also disclosed that the schools had required the schoolchildren to have a full breakfast to avoid any adverse reaction after taking the deworming tablet.

“All schools started with a mass feeding before giving the children the deworming pills, Dr. Agnes Fernando, provincial head of the Zamboanga del Sur DOH office said.

Fernando also encouraged the parents whose children have not yet been dewormed to visit the health centers to avail of free deworming tablets.

“We would like to achieve 85 percent of our accomplishment [in the NSDD] or more than that,” Fernando maintained.

For his part, Romeo Cirilo, president of Parents and Teachers Association at Tomas Sagun Elementary School in this city also expressed his gratitude to the DOH for spearheading a deworming program.

NSDD is an annual deworming activity conducted by the DOH in all public schools for pupils from kinder to grade six every last Wednesday of January and July. 

NSDD’s success attributed to massive info dissemination, says DepEd official

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) – Exactly seven (7) months after the first round of the National School Deworming Day (NSDD) in all public elementary schools nationwide, the second round was conducted on Wednesday to keep 16-M Filipino kids free from parasites.

Medical Officer Dr. Mirriam Indin, regional health coordinator of the Department of Education (DepEd)-9 said the Department of Health’s (DOH) mass deworming dubbed “Oplan Goobye Bulate” was successfully conducted in 1,169 public elementary schools in the region.

Indin said there were no reports on students experiencing nausea, vomiting and abdominal pains after chewing or ingesting the deworming pill Albendazole.

It can be recalled that on the first round of the NSDD on July 29, 2015, a report about the supposed death of 10 children after the deworming in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur had reached the office of Dr. Joshua Brillantes, chief of the local health support division of DOH-Western Mindanao which caused mass hysteria.  However, when health personnel checked and validated the report, it turned out to be false information,” Brillantes was quoted as saying.

The report said only complaints on vomiting, abdominal pain and dizziness as common side effects of Abendazole were reported to the DOH.

Meanwhile, Indin said the successful conduct of the second round of NSDD was attributed to the active support of all stakeholders—the municipal health officers, nurses, principals, teachers, parents, barangays officials, and media.

Indin said prior to the activity, the DOH and DepEd have intensified their information campaign within six (6) months to make sure that all stakeholders will be properly oriented on the effects of the deworming tablets and other vital information.

Indin said the DOH and DepEd posted “Oplan Goobye Bulate” posters in all participating schools, conducted massive advocacy campaign to head of schools and teachers, parents and guardians, barangay officials.

“We tapped the services of radio, TV, print and social media to air and print our public service announcement, uploaded relevant information at DOH websites and Facebook, hung posters in health centers, barangays, public markets, conducted press conference/briefing, media placement, TV and radio guestings.

Indin said the DOH is confident that with the good results of the activity, we have achieved our main objective - to eliminate the source of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) infections and make schoolchildren healthy, active and intelligent. 

ZNFEPA conducts stakeholders confab

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA)—The Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents Association (ZNFEPA), which is working with the Childfund, held a stakeholders review meeting at Ariana Hotel here recently to assess its accomplishment from July to December 2015.

In a press statement issued to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), ZNFEPA Manager Mark Yaba said the gathering also aimed to gather ideas, support and recommendations from the stakeholders to strengthen their involvement in ZNFEPA’s programs in the province.

Yaba reported that ZNFEPA succeeded in extending assistance to 96 percent or 483 out of 500 children with ages 0-5 years old by providing for their needs and enabling their families to find livelihood opportunities.

It was also learned during the assessment meeting that ZNFEPA was able to cover 88 percent or 5,574 out of 6,344 children aged 10-14 years old, both in school and out-of-school, in its capacity/capability training programs.

Moreover, 80 percent of 1,443 youth with ages 15-24 years old had also benefited from ZNFEPA’s capacity trainings, which help them develop their communication skills, interpersonal relations, problem solving and decision-making skills. Coping with emotions and stress management have also been taught to them to develop   a positive behavior/attitude in life.

For their part, the stakeholders lauded ZNFEPA’s efforts in helping the government carry out the programs and projects aimed at transforming the lives of the children into productive citizens in the community.

The participants were also toured to the gallery which features the different activities undertaken by ZNFEPA in collaboration with concerned local government units in the province.

ZNFEPA, which was established on April 16, 2008, is a non-profit, non-sectarian and non-government organization based in Dipolog City. It serves as an umbrella organization of the Bantay-Dagat in Dipolog City, Kasilingan Parent’s Assocation in Toxas town, and Sto. Niño Bayanihan Parent’s Association in Sindangan municipality with more or less 4,500 family-members. 

101^st Bde holds security meeting

By Alfonso T. Ruda

PIÑAN, Zamboanga del Norte, Jan. 29 (PIA) – To ensure orderly and peaceful conduct of the May 9, 2016 national and local elections in its area of jurisdiction, the 101^st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, based in Barangay Del Pilar in this municipality has called on Monday a joint security control meeting with personnel from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) from region 9 and 10 as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and military units from the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Misamis Occidental.

Municipal Election Officers from the different towns of Zamboanga del Norte also came to attend the said meeting.

Atty. Wilfred Jay Balisado, COMELEC-9 regional director appealed to the public to respect the checkpoints established along the national highways by the COMELEC.

He also called on the candidates to campaign professionally, as he urged the voters to use their best judgement this coming election to elect the most credible and qualified person for the position.

It was suggested in the meeting that certain activities would be undertaken to drum up support for peaceful and credible elections like forging a peace covenant between and among opposing candidates to be facilitated by any religious organizations and/or any non-partisan organization.

For his part, Col.Jesus Manangquil Jr., 101^st brigade commander, assured the public of the availability and  presence of the military units under his command to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the May 9, 2016 balloting.

Managquil said the said meeting was just one of the many meetings to be initiated by the brigade with the various stakeholders to keep the public abreast with the military’s efforts at making the national and ocal elections peaceful and credible. 

Water rationing now down to 8 hours

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) - - Due to the continuous drop in the water inflow to the system that led to reduced water production, the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) has cut back by four hours water rationing to households in the city.

Effective January 27, water rationing will be sheared down to 8 hours from its present 12 hours. This drastic cut back move is due to the continuous drop of water inflow, which is pegged at 74.04 meters. Normal water level is 74.20 meters.

ZCWD imposed water rationing this January 6, and barely three weeks after, the water district issued a new rationing schedule.

The prevailing El Niño weather phenomenon is prime culprit to the desiccating water level as the city is highly dependent on rainfall. The city has not had any major rainfall the past few months on which the rivers and tributaries are heavily dependent on for replenishment.

The city gets 80 percent of its water supply from surface water via the Tumaga River making it vulnerable to elements such as extreme hot conditions currently experienced in the city which is expected to persist until June as per advisory from the state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration(PAGASA).

ZCWD Officer-in-charge and Operations AGM Alejo Rojas Jr. said  “ the current situation makes it imperative for Zamboanga City Water District to seek coordinative assistance from other concerned agencies to immediately work on mitigating measures to soften the impact of the prevailing weather condition.”

The water district is set to meet with the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office to discuss immediate measures to arrest this concern on dwindling water supply.

OFW finds new hope in OWWA’s Balik Pinas, Balik Hanap Buhay Program

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 27 (PIA)  -  Four months into the job as a house help in foreign land Qatar without salaries and deprived of medical assistance, Vanessa Alcantara can still vividly recall her dreadful plight when she ran away from her former employer and sought shelter at the Philippine embassy.

Alcantara was no neophyte as an OFW. She first worked as a domestic helper in the State of Kuwait in 2008 to 2010. After finishing her two-year contract, she went back to the Philippines.

In 2014, this single mom who hails from Isabela City, Basilan Province and a mother to four children, again worked as household help, this time, in Qatar where she has to stand working without salaries.

Vanessa recounted, her former employer withheld her salaries for four agonizing months for reasons she did not know and even denied her of medical benefits. She had to pay for her own food and other basic necessities. This situation prompted her to run away from her employer and braved her way to the Philippine embassy where she found solace from her misery.

When in the embassy, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) took care of her and helped her get back to the Philippines. Vanessa was grateful for OWWA’s assistance from the time she was at the embassy until her return in Zamboanga City.

New Hope thru Balik Pinas, Balik Hanap Buhay Program

Left with four children to take care of, Vanessa sought the help of OWWA IX by availing the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BP-BH) Program, a livelihood assistance for displaced/distressed OFWs .

In November 2015, Vanessa was granted her starter kit to help her start anew. She was among the 30 OFWs who were granted P10,000 worth of starter kits.

Karen Claire Q. Grafia, Labor Communication Officer-OWWA proudly shared Vanesa’s success story saying  “Vanessa initiated her chosen enterprise. As she had prior training and knowledge on baking pastries and meat products, Vanessa began her small-scale business by selling home-made chorizo and cakes.”

“She earns her income by accepting orders from her customers in nearby barangays of Isabela City and Zamboanga City. Through this, she is now able to support her children’s education and daily needs without having to go back abroad.”

Vanessa also took part in the training conducted by OWWA on Financial Literacy Course. This is to educate her and the rest of the beneficiaries  on the proper management of money, ways and means to earn and invest as well as donate it to help others.

What is Balik Pinas, Balik Hanap Buhay Program?

“Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay!” Program is one-time-availment, non-cash, livelihood assistance intended to provide immediate relief to returning OFWs who were displaced from their jobs due to wars/political conflicts in their host countries, or were maltreated, or victimized by human trafficking or other distressful situations. 

It is a package of livelihood assistance amounting to P10 thousand consisting of techno-skills and/or entrepreneurship trainings, starter kits/goods and/or such other services that will enable beneficiaries to quickly start a livelihood undertaking.

The program aims to enable the beneficiaries to be multi-skilled through access to training services by training institutions like TESDA, DTI, and NGOs.

 It also equips the beneficiaries with skills that are highly in demand in the local labor market and enables them to plan, set-up, start and operate a livelihood undertaking by providing them with ready-to-go rollout self-employment package of services, consisting of short-duration trainings, start-up kits/goods business counseling and technical and marketing assistance.

OWWA members with finished employment contracts shall not be entitled to this Program. The Program can be availed only once by eligible beneficiaries and within one year after return to the country. 

Sibugay ICT Council hosts Rural Impact Sourcing Roadshow

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, Jan. 27 (PIA) – The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Council in Zamboanga Sibugay, in collaboration with the ICT Office recently conducted a Rural Impact Sourcing Roadshow at Sibugay Technical Institute Inc. (STII) with the theme, “Online Jobs for Juan and All.”

Board Member Eufemio D. Javier Jr., ICT Council Chairman expressed his gratitude for the interest and participation of the academe, national government agencies and the support of the local government units, as well as the ICT Office headed by OIC Director, Ms. Ma. Teresa M. Camba.

“The ICT sector is at the core. The impact of ICT and various technological advancement has greatly contributed in improving the life of every Filipino,” BM Javier said.

The lawmaker cited that last year, he passed the creation of the ICT Council to have a head start in technology and economic development of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Rural Impact Sourcing is one of the initiatives under the digitalPH program of the DOST-ICT Office which aims to develop the Information Technology- Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry in the Philippines.

“We are doing this for our people. There is no formula to address poverty but we can still do something. The Rural Impact Sourcing is a way we can upgrade ourselves, and upgrade our lives,” Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan told the students, adding that no one should be left out in economic development.

Ms. Camba lauded the mayor for allocating funds for the establishment of a Tech4ED Center in Ipil that aims to harness ICT to bridge the digital gap and alleviate poverty in both urban and rural areas.

STII President Ms. Bella C. Javier expressed her support to have a similar Tech4Ed Center to be set up in the school to help students  achieve their dreams so that they do not need to go to big cities to earn a decent job. They do not have to leave their families and just work online through the RIS.

“The Philippines is now a global leader when it comes to BPM. This is a growing industry in our country, and at such fast pace. We are no. 1 in voice services, and no. 2 in non-voice, next to India,” Camba informed.

Jhonny Paul H. Lagura, RIS Philippines founder and councilor of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte said, “We were able to position Kapatagan in the ICT map of the country. We  made history as the first municipal-based ICT council in the Philippines.”

“Kapatagan’s economy is agri-based so we depend on farming. But with the advent of IT, we started to realize that we can mix agri-based economy with RIS,” Lagura explained.

“With the advent of RIS, we will encourage the young workforce to stay in Ipil. You don’t need to go to big cities to work as call center agents… that is the spirit of RIS,” he encouraged.

The roadshow ended with a testimonial of Junnel Bonachita, online freelancer and web developer who started small but is now earning a sizeable income from his online job. 

Zambo City pays tribute to slain SAF 44

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 27 (PIA) – As a tribute to the 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Forces (SAF) who were slain in an encounter with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during the Mamasapano massacre in Maguindanao a year ago, the City Hall here had flown its flag at half-mast Monday, January 25.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Zamboanga City will always be grateful to the Special Action Forces (SAF) for their bravery and heroism especially during the 2013 Zamboanga siege.

“The hearts of the Zamboangueños likewise go out to the next of kin of the slain SAF members, who offered their lives for the protection of their fellow Filipinos when they went out to accomplish their mission in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last year,” she said.

Moreover, various activities were held in the city to commemorate the first anniversary of the Mamasapano clash.

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) and other organizations also held commemorative activities as a tribute to the 44 SAF commandos, aside from the tribute done by the individual families of the SAF members who were laid to rest in the city.

The 55th Special Action Force Company under the 5th Special Action Battalion also offered a mass followed by a wreath-laying and commemorative program at its headquarters in Barangay Mercedes. In the morning, the SAF forces held a forced march. 

Parents still wary on mass deworming, DOH assures pills are “very safe”

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) – There are still parents here who are hesitant to have their children dewormed during the Department of Health’s (DOH) nationwide simultaneous schools deworming day yesterday, but health officials are urging them to avail themselves of the free “safe and effective” drugs.

“We have already informed the parents well [on the deworming], but still many parents did not give the consent for their children to be dewormed,” Mr. Ronald Aba-a, principal of Tetuan Central School said during the deworming session yesterday.

Aba-a revealed that for out of some 4,000 pupils from kinder to grade 6, only 1,009 pupils were given consent by their parents to be dewormed.

Days prior to the mass deworming, school officials had been informing parents on its benefits and reminded them to have their children eat their breakfast before taking the drug to avoid any side effects like stomachache, dizziness, etc.

According to Parents Teachers Association (PTA) president Mannix Dalipe, the most probable reason for the non-consent was the “psychological effect” borne out of an incident in Zamboanga del Norte during the last mass deworming in July last year. False news had spread that the DOH had administered expired Albendazole drugs. However, despite the efforts to promote deworming, many parents still refused.

The DOH has teamed up with the Department of Education (DepEd) and came up with a mass feeding of arroz caldo prior to the deworming.

“We are hoping that more parents would have their children dewormed,” said Aba-a.

Meanwhile, Dr. Agnes Mabalo, division chief of the DOH here expressed optimism that the 85 percent target of schoolchildren woud be achieved at the end of the day. “Last year, we accomplished 81 percent, hopefully now, we will have better numbers,” she said.

Dr. Mabalo stressed that the “medicine is safe, not expired and just arrived from the central office.” She explained that there are normal side effects especially to those who already have parasitic infections. Like last year in Zamboanga del Norte, a mass of pupils vomited and complained of stomachache, which, according to health officials, were due to the presence of worms.

“There is no need to worry, especially if your children have already eaten,” she said.

She explained that the presence of worms inside the children would cause poor nutrition and poor performance in schools. Deworming would ensure that the children are purged of worms.

DOH officials yesterday together with DepEd were closely monitoring the deworming activities all over the region.

Dr. Mabalo advised the parents of children who are not yet dewormed to avail of the free chewable Albendazole tablets at the health centers. 

Harsh jungle life pushes Abu Sayyaf family to return to the fold of the law

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Jan 26 (PIA) – They were notorious; thought to be fearless, brutal, and careless, but never exempted to human life and sufferings, especially for an outlaw.

The harsh jungle life, running for one’s life, evading the pursuit of government soldiers and a life of hiding and uncertainty for the future made this family realize that it is enough. Putting one’s life at risk every moment, every day is no different from the risk of returning to the fold of the law.

Sulaiman Sagindingan Kasaran alias Abujaid was quite tense as he narrated how he, as the head of the family decided to surrender. They have been battling the government forces in Al-barka town; especially the 18^th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army for over five years and a number of his family has died.

“Pareho kaming talo dahil buhay ang ibinuwis namin (We all lose because lives were lost),” he said.

According to Kasaran, many army commanders had come and go to Al-barka but it is only under the leadership of LtCol Enerito D. Lebeco that the head of the Kasaran family saw the sincerity and goodness of a soldier with genuine intent to help them go back to the fold of law without killing them.

“He (Lebeco) came to our land. I did not recognize him at first. I did not know he was an army commander because he was wearing shorts and without any escort, he came to us,” Kasaran said in Filipino.

The sight of a man, unafraid and in humility had reached out for the outlaws was a life-changing experience for the Kasaran family patriarch. At this moment, he knew he could trust this man.

Six other Abu Sayyaf members of the Kasaran family surrendered with him, namely Marwin Asan Kasaran (alias Hajie), Derwin Asan Kasaran (alias Dikki), Halid Asan Kasaran (alias Nasirin Awwalin), Hadzmin Kuluman Kasaran (alias Ammin), Faisal Laudmin Kasaran (alias Issa/Ballie), and Salman Najallon Kasaran (alias Sat/Mhadz).

Sulaiman also thanked the local government units of Al-barka and the provincial government for the support given to the family in its desire to live a normal life. He, however, recognized that threats are still around but he said that he is not afraid to stay in their area because he knows the government will do everything in its power to protect them as civilians.

In a separate interview, Sulaiman revealed that he was an ex-army who went on AWOL (absence without leave) and that he got sick, later tried to return to service but was not granted. He did not, however, reveal why he and his family joined the ASGs except for economic reasons.

He said that their family is not engaged in brutality and beheadings. He does not allow his children and family to do such thing. He said they only do ‘pintakasi’, such as reinforcing the ASGs in its encounter with government forces. But this kind of life was not what he dreamt of for him and his family. Somehow, circumstances forced them to be part of the ASG.

Col. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, Joint Task Group Basilan Commander said that this so far the first time in military history that an ASG family voluntarily surrendered and decided to return to the fold of the law.

“Negotiations started in October until December 21 with a rido settlement. During this time the Kasaran family expressed the desire to surrender and return to normal life.

Col. Bautista said that this is part of the concerted efforts of Task Force Kasanyangan, headed by Basilan Gov Jum Akbar and ARMM Gov Mujiv Hataman with all local chief executives as members. The objective here is for them to lead the promotion of peace in Basilan.

“This proves that we can attain peace even without the use of firearms. We hope this event will encourage others to follow the Kasaran family in their desire for peace and security for the community,” he said.

The ASG members yielded three M16 rifles, one Cal .30 Garrand rifle, one M79 Gerenade Launcher and one Cal .45 Pistol, which were also surrendered to the army. The family also initially underwent custodial debriefing. Later, they will be endorsed to the ARMM Regional Governor for rehabilitation and integration into mainstream society.

The 104^th Brigade Commander said that the ASG members realized that fighting the government and enduring hard life in the mountains is a lost cause. He said that the surrender was made possible through the help of the populace and local government of Ungkaya Pukan.

“The sincere coordination and passion of the government in delivering the message for peace and reconciliation on the ground made the pivotal role to convince the other ASG members to return to the fold of the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, MGen Gerardo F. Barrientos Jr, 1^st Infantry “Tabak” Division Commander, PA and concurrent commander of Joint Task Group ZAMBASULTA lauded the efforts of the troops for a job well done. Further, he said that “surrender” is a clear victory for the people of Basilan who yearn for peace and desire to live lawfully and peacefully. 

BFP9 spearheads training on LDRRM in Sibugay

by Rhea Grace A. La Plana

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, January 26 (PIA) – The Special Rescue Unit – Bureau of Fire Protection R9 recently conducted a 3-day training on Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management (LDRRM) focused on Basic Life Support, Rope Rescue Techniques and Water Search and Rescue at the municipal covered court here.

There were 50 participants from PNP-Ipil, LGU-Health Rescue Team, LDRRM Team and barangay volunteers who eagerly went through the rigid yet exhilarating training.

Ipil town Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan expressed his all-out support to the activity which honedthe skills of the participants to make them disaster-ready.

Mr. Felix T. Badon Jr., municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer was also thankful for the opportunity to learn valuable knowledge on disaster preparedness.

BFP9 emphasized that one should stay focused and be brave enough to handle his own personal problems to avoid misdemeanour during disaster.

Topics discussed were: Basic Fire Fighting Concepts, Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue, Basic Concepts in Conflagration, Proper Usage of Fire Extinguisher,Role of the PNP forces during disaster, Disaster Incident Management, and Impacts of Disaster.

The 3-day training was intensive yet exciting. Water Search and Rescue Techniques were taught at the Capitol Tropical Resort in Capitol Hills. Rope Rescue Techniques, High Angle Rescue, Knot Tying and Evacuation Techniques were demonstrated at the Capitol Building.

Participants were trained to think and respond appropriately during and after the occurrence of any calamity and emergency and well-equipped about the command system to be adopted in any given scenarios.

The training aimed to help stir up the consciousness of every participant in disaster response, to develop their capabilities and skill in rendering public service and essential life-saving skills, and to secure properties in times of calamities.

Foremost, to encourage them to be tough enough to shape their minds that fear on disasters should not hit them. Instead, they must be strong, ready and prepared all the time to think right and act right.

Apl.de.Ap Foundation turns-over 2-storey classroom building to Talon-Talon Elementary School

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 26 (PIA) – A two-storey building with 14 classrooms was turned-over yesterday by the Apl.de.Ap Foundation to Talon-Talon Elementary School, this city.

Allan Pineda, better known as Apl de Ap of the Grammy Award-winning group Black Eyed Peas and founder of Apl.de.Ap Foundation together with some of its partners attended the event.

Pineda’s foundation is committed to improving the quality of life of Filipino children through education, technology and music.

Pineda said education is “the only ticket to a better life”. He encouraged the pupils of Talon-Talon Elementary School to use the classrooms for learning and building of their dreams.

“Learn. Dream big and believe in yourselves. You have the power to change your lives and change other people’s lives,” he urged.

More than 600 pupils of Talon-Talon Elementary School will benefit from the school building project. The program was launched last 2013 through the "Macaroons for a Cause" advocacy of Red Ribbon Bakeshop that hopes to address classroom shortage in the provinces of Zamboanga Peninsula region.

Vice Mayor Cesar S. Iturralde, who represented Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar in the turn-over ceremony expressed the city’s gratitude for the educational assistance extended by the Apl.de.Ap Foundation and furthered that it was in line with the mayor’s flagship program on education.

The project is a collaborative effort of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation, Red Ribbon Bakeshop, Habitat for Humanity Philippines and Franklin Baker Philippines. 

Determination is key to a world-class AFP, says Gen. Dela Cruz

By Felipo David G. Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) – During his New Year’s call with the officers and visitors of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) last Wednesday, newly-installed commander Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz said that they key to having a world-class armed forces is every soldiers’ steel determination in doing everything to protect the interest of the Filipinos.

“Sa amin, di masusukat ang pagiging world-class sa gamit lamang (being world-class cannot be sole measured by equipment alone),” Gen. Dela Cruz told his men adding “dapat buo ang loob natin (we have to have strong will).”

The Wesmincom commander cited the national government for the procurement of new equipment such as jets, choppers, boats and weapons, but also emphasized that if being world-class is not measured alone by said modern equipment.

“We cannot say that we are as modern as other countries, but we compensate (it) with our determination (to serve and protect),” he stressed.

Gen. Dela Cruz said that while many other nations have more modern equipment, there are instances when these equipment eventually fall into the enemies’ hands. “There are instances when, given these new equipment, you do not even know how to use them. Worst, the enemy gets hold of the equipment, and it may seem that you modernize the enemy.”

He also stressed that “whatever happens, we will not let the enemy get hold of our equipment, if possible, we should be the ones to take away their equipment.”

He put out a word to soldiers who have been through years of schooling. “All of us have gone to schooling at some point, while the enemy is just learning at the sidelines,” he said, adding that this should be enough motivation for the soldiers to succeed in their operations.

“Mas matindi ang motivation natin kaysa sa kanila (we have stronger motivation than the enemy),” he said. “Millions of people depend on us, while the enemy’s motivation is only his own personal interest. This is what should drive us.” 

Dipolog celebrates 20^th autism consciousness week

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) – The city government here through its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has joined the nation in a weeklong celebration of the 20^th Autism Consciousness Week with a theme, “Onwards to an Austism- OK Philippines” starting Jan. 17-23.

The celebration started with a motorcade along the city main streets followed by an opening program at the school gymnasium of Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School (DPDS) and Special Education (SPED) with children from the SPED Center and the Center for Children with Special Needs of CSWDO as participants.

This weeklong activity primarily aims to intensify awareness on the rights of persons with autism in the country. It advocates for their integration into the mainstream of society geared towards their empowerment.

“The city government has provided medical services through free check-up to children with special needs,” Mayor Evelyn T. Uy said during the opening program.

The lady mayor stressed that these children are not different from other kids who needed love and care from their families, adding “autism is not a word to be feared but a child to be loved.”

Academic competition, family day, sporty angels, field trip, angel’s walk, autizumba and family outing also highlight the said celebration.

This observance was in pursuance of Proclamation No. 711 of 1996, declaring the third week of January as “Autism Consciousness Week (ACW),” with a purpose at promoting awareness and supportive environment among communities to enable autistic persons to live with dignity, function independently, and to contribute productively to society.