4SF ‘Seed the Future’ project harvests hope for peace, dev’t in Basilan

by Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Grow a seed and you’ll not grow hungry. Teach people to fish so they can stand and feed their young. More than armed confrontation, the military here believes in this model of peace and development.

For conflict-ridden island province, government relief goods could only last a day or two, but when people know how ‘catch fish’, they can rebuild their lives and survive.

Hardly, many folks in Basilan could venture on sustainable farming with the sporadic armed conflict and confrontations experienced mostly by the people in farm-rich communities and hinterlands. Basilan has one of the best soils for agriculture, evident by multi-national companies then that established the rubber and coconut industries.

As the armed conflict escalated with the dreaded Abu Sayyaf bandits, many farmers shied away from tilling the lands. By then, Basilan grew dependent of vegetables and goods from outside its shores.

But the three-week long Zamboanga Siege in 2013 has taught Basilan with lessons the hard way. The island-Province was cut off from the mainland after government forces blocked sea routes to prevent rogue MNLF elements from destabilizing Zamboanga City. Nothing goes in or out of the Province – including food items.

Since then, food security has become a political agenda. Local Government officials has been boosting of the great potentials in developing agriculture in Basilan.

But it is with the knowledge and commitment of its men and women, the 4^th Special Forces (SF) Battalion of the Philippine Army takes the lead in reintroducing the local populace in the art of farming.

The 4^th SF Battalion launched the ‘Seed the Future’ project about three months ago in Basilan where they encourage Basilan folks to venture into farming and agriculture to boost socio-economic activity and food security in the island province.

1LT Ron Villarosa, Public Affairs Officer, 4^th Special Force (SF) Battalion said that the Seed the Future project starting out as a community-based project, which was conceptualized to catalyze the advancement of the local agriculture industry through the resource integration of different government agencies, non-government organization and other stakeholders to facilitate learning, skills development and application of crop production technology to achieve a self-sufficient and sustainable local agricultural industry. “Sustaining Food Security – Transforming Communities” is the project’s tagline.

Recently, the unit opened its doors to “affordably” fresh vegetables last week where loads of yield was harvested in its one hectare model farm, with consumers from nearby towns of Lantawan, Maluso, and even as far out as Sumisip, lining up for the fresh products.

“We have seen these methods being introduced by many agricultural authorities. However promising, theories being discussed to farmers are yet to be practiced in Basilan, until now,” LTC Andrew B Bacala Jr, Commanding Officer of the 4^th Special Forces Battalion said.

1. The model farm for vegetable production is spearheaded by the 4^th Special Forces Battalion in its camp yard. It is done in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries–ARMM (DAF-ARMM), Bureau of Plant Indusrty (BPI), United Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (UWARBMC), the Isabela City Water District (ISAWAD) and Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. The activity forms part of the unit’s peace, security and development initiatives under the Seed the Future Project.

“A hectare of cultivated land could easily employ ten farmers, which translates to ten families being fed with enough appropriations to send their kids to school. Imagine how many people could benefit from the program and its implications to the improvement of Basilan in ten years – all that may well start from this project,” LTC Bacala added who is himself a practicing farmer and came from a farmer-family in the highlands of Mountain Province.

Bacala said that by providing socio-economic opportunities, “we hope to transform their communities from fighters to farmers. Beyond fighting, the Special Forces are here to build communities. We are here to make a difference.”

#PartnerForChange

DU30@50FirstDays: Leadership by fear or political will?

by Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Drug users, pushers scamper to turn themselves in to the barangay chairman then to the police authorities. One after another, in groups, hundreds, and now thousands have been documented by the local police of Isabela City.

Police authorities were also pressured to be on their feet all the time as President Rodrigo R. Duterte gave a marching order to eradicate the drug menace in their area of responsibility, otherwise…?...hmmm…some may end up dead or locked up in jail.

The impact of the President’s leadership in fighting criminalities and illegal drugs is immediately felt by the public. And many praised him, and the leadership of his police chief, whose nickname is as solid as a rock.

The President is indeed tough. And we need this kind of leadership at this time when drugs as the silent killer of society are evolving into its terminal cancer stage. The symptoms have revealed itself with the overwhelming turnout of drug personalities who surrendered to authorities. Many were stunned by the turnout. In Region 9 alone, the police reported that around 38,000 personalities have already surrendered, investigated, and documented.

The tough-talking President and his equally hardliner and spirited PNP chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has gained local and international attention for their rough leadership styles that made everyone wet on their pants. For the locals, this leadership by fear may have seemed to work even as critics against impunity and extrajudicial killings were all over the news.

It seems that most ordinary people support the strong pronouncement of the President against criminals, especially for drug pushers and the president’s ultimatum against the Abu Sayyaf. I feel that even the local government officials and the people of Basilan are one with the President to once and for all put an end to the atrocities of the Abu Sayyaf and the drug menace.

For Basileños who wanted to put an end to terrorism brought about by self-proclaimed ISIS supporter Abu Sayyaf, the tough stand and leadership of the president is the POLITICAL WILL that the people had been waiting for. The people have grown tired and weary due to years of neglect and complacency of national and local government in addressing the problem of terrorism and drugs in the island province of Basilan.

Tough yet loved by the people in Basilan, the President received a warm welcome and even hugs from the local people during his recent visit.

I remembered a Jedi of Star Wars who said that “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear is to anger, anger is to hate, hate is to suffering…”, when Yoda spoke to the young Sky Walker in one of his training as a Jedi warrior. There is a reason for criminals, drug pushers and addicts, and the terrorist Abu Sayyaf to fear now with the tough leadership. And they will continue to live in fear and eventually suffer if they will not heed the call to change.

People here believe that change is not coming. Change has come.

Civilians laud Pres. Duterte’s war against drugs

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Ordinary citizens lauded President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration in implementing reforms after his landslide victory in the May 2016 elections.

Jean Rubia,  carinderia owner and resident of Sta. Maria District said there is a big change that is happening in our country under Duterte’s administration.

“You will really notice the change that is happening in our country under the administration of President Duterte. Because of his strict implementation of the campaign against illegal drugs, thousands of self-confessed drug users/dealers have surrendered to authorities,” Rubia said in the local dialect.

Another good thing happening, according to her is the strict implementation of the nationwide curfew. Her two children, who used to go home late after playing computer games at internet cafes are now home early.

Meanwhile, Fimar Narciso, a truck man from Calingayan, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur said with President Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs, he is optimistic that the Philippines will become a drug-free country.  

“Sa umaabot nga panahon, safe ug secure na ang mga tawo tungod kay wala nay mga drug addict ug pusher nga nagpuyo sa atong nasud,” Narciso said.

(In the future, every person will be safe and secure because there will be no more drug addicts/pushers in our country.)

“I am glad that President Duterte fulfilled his campaign promise to eradicate  the drug menace, criminality, and corruption in the country in 3-6 months,” Narciso concluded.

Hidilyn Diaz: The Pinay Olympian

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – At the young age of 9, Hidilyn was already lifting weights. The weights she carried  were firewood and she was doing this in their backyard back home in Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City. 

The fourth of five siblings, Hidilyn had been observing two of her cousins who are trained weightlifters and seemed to be inspired to try the sport out. She progressed from lifting firewood to “barra” (a heavy tool used to dig holes in the soil), and eventually lifted plates – the ones used by Catalino and Allen, her cousins. Catalino eventually became her coach. Little by little, Hidilyn was able to lift more than 15 kilos.

Emelita, Hidilyn’s mother at first was not convinced in sending Hidilyn to be a weightlifter, and would have preferred for her to finish college. “Hidilyn is a good girl, she helps me with the chores, but she seems to enjoy practicing weightlifting with her cousins even when she was still small.”

Hidilyn had only two years of college education, taking up Computer Science at  Universidad de Zamboanga.

“I asked her why she decided to stop (school), and it was clear that she was very dedicated to be an athlete,” Emelita said.

The little weight-lifter

Emelita remembers Hidilyn’s first win. “It was in Palawan, I remember, in a competition called ‘Batang Pinoy’,” Emelita recounted. “That was the start. It was her first gold medal.”

Since then, Emelita said Hidilyn never went home empty-handed. She had been joining competitions locally and internationally, including the 2008 Summer Olympics as the youngest competitor in the women’s 58 kg category, and the 2007 SEA Games in Thailand, where she won the bronze medal at 16 years old.

She would train rigorously even in her pre-teen years. “She always finds time to practice,” Emelita said. “The gym is far from our home, but she would find a way to hitch a ride to get there, since we did not have pamasahe for her.”

According to Emelita, Hidilyn’s determination to succeed in the sport was very evident even in her early years.

Mommy’s silver birthday gift

“At around 2 in the morning Monday (August 8), we were already up. I lighted some candles at the altar and prayed the rosary for Hidilyn,” shares Emelita. “In the middle of the rosary, our relatives exclaimed that Hidilyn got the bronze. Right then, I was already overjoyed.”

Shortly after, the same relatives announced that Hidilyn actually got the silver medal for the women’s 53-kg weightlifting category in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. “We never got to finish the rosary, but we really thanked and praised God for the glory.”

Hidilyn won the silver medal on August 8, which is coincidentally Emelita’s birthday.

“It is indeed a victory not only for us, but for our country,” Emelita exclaimed.

A millionaire in the family

Hidilyn is ensured with at least Php5-million for her win from the Philippine Government, to include scholarship entitlement and retirement benefits. The local government of Zamboanga City will also be providing a Php500,000 incentive for her. Numerous other rewards await the Zamboangueña Olympian upon her return.

Emelita and family members are still clueless to the benefits Hidilyn will receive, and how she will spend it. “It’s all up to her,” she said. Emelita remembers Hidilyn’s interest to go back to school and enjoy the benefits of the scholarship, although there are no details as to which university is provided.

Hidilyn has been supporting her cousins’ education with her earnings from the competitions. Her father is a tricycle driver.

A hero’s welcome

Hidilyn is expected to arrive in Manila on August 11 and will meet with President Rodrigo Duterte, who is also a Mindanaoan in Malacañang. She will be arriving in Zamboanga City on August 14.

She is the first athlete in 20 years to be able to reap a medal in the Olympics, after Onyok Velasco’s silver win in the light flyweight boxing competition in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics.

#PartnerForChange: TitayPNP supports Duterte

by: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay – It cannot be denied that illegal drugs is one of the root causes of criminality.

When President Rodrigo Dutertetook over the presidency, the Philippine National Policelaunched an intensive campaign against illegal drugs called Project Double Barrel aimed to eliminate the drug menace in the country.

The community became aware and the Barangay Anti-Drugs Abuse Councils (BADACs)were revitalized through the intensive conduct of OplanTokhang in Titay town. PNP personnel conducted its operation and netted about 1,120 personalities involved in illegal drugs who voluntarily surrendered, including 28 pushers and 97 minors.

“Criminals are starting to be reluctant in conducting nefarious activities as observed in the decreasing crime incidents in the area. President Duterte’s serious campaign against drugs has brought a big impact in society. The roots of the poisonous trees are being cut in order for its branches and leaves to grow no more” opined Police Chief Inspector Mickel B. Argus,Titay chief of police.

The PNP is presently conducting surveillance of targets, securing search warrant and conducting buy bust operations. On the other hand, the police-community relations (PCR) focuses on awareness and information dissemination regarding Project Double Barrel and continues to seek support and cooperation from barangay captains and the community.

Based on the drug watchlist, among those who surrendered were five (5) of top drug personalities in Titay while another two (2) were arrested through a buy-bust operation.

“Aside from our mandate to serve and protect the citizenry, being the chief of police, I will give my all-out support to the present administration by religiously monitoring the implementation of the illegal drugs campaign. With my team, I will conduct checking of all personalities allegedly involved in illegal drugs, including PNP personnel,” added Argus.

“We will maximize our effort as it is our duty to combat criminality and maintain peace and order in our area. The hope of Titay, our province and the whole nation does not rest upon the PNP’s shoulders only, but upon us all in coordination with the rest of the agencies. We need to work hand in hand and double our efforts because the president has already promised to double our salaries,” Argus concluded with wit and humor.

#PartnerForChange: Zambo anti-drug advocates revitalized by gov’t leadership

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Sonny Boy Jalani has been in crusade against drugs for more than ten years, together with his fellow Crime Watch Volunteers in the city, but it is only recently that he felt the fight is winning the war under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

“We started our organization in November of 2006, we have been fighting illegal drugs through advocacy for ten years now,” said Jalani, “and at times then, it was a lonely fight.”

Jalani shared that there was minimal to no support from other stakeholders including the government before the Duterte administration. “But we took it as a challenge since we cannot just sit down and do nothing knowing that something is terribly wrong.”

Jalani is very thankful to President Duterte, whose firm stance against illegal drugs has made waves and “magnified” the volunteers’ efforts.

“It has been an eye-opener, we did not realize the magnitude of those who are affected by drugs,” Jalani said. “Duterte’s leadership has magnified our efforts.”

According to Jalani, Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) although having been organized, urgently needs “revitalization.” “If the members of these councils do not know their powers, function, duties and responsibilities, then it is a problem.”

Crime Watch Volunteers visit and assist barangays in addressing crimes, especially the illegal drugs problem.

“We cannot just sit in a corner and do nothing,” Jalani appealed. “This is not the sole fight of President Duterte and law enforcement agencies. This fight needs all of us. After all, our children and our families are at risk.”

Overrunning ASG camps key to curb terrorism in Basilan

by Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – When enemies of State occupy territories and establish camps, this creates opportunities for terror to expand and misery to thrive.

Since the 1990s, the notorious Abu Sayyfas had been terrorizing the people of Basilan and stretched its evil hands out to its neighboring provinces and cities. They have even pledged allegiance to ISIS to boost its intention to create widespread fear and uncertainties not only in Basilan, but in the entire country as well.

When President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his recent visit in Basilan, ordered the complete eradication of the Abu Sayyafs until the last bandit, the military’s relentless pursuit operation at the hinterlands of the island took off unwaveringly.

President Duterte’s strong pronouncements versus terrorism have echoed to the hearts of the soldiers that boosted their morale to help the people of Basilan to attain peace now.

The president’s firm resolve has gained results. On Aug 15, elements from the 104^TH Brigade led by the 4^TH Special Forces Battalion finally seized the enemy’s stronghold at Barangay Silangkum, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan Province. The hill is the ASG’s last stronghold after the terrorists went on the run from the relentless military operation that started in July.

Last Sunday (Aug 14), Special Forces troops from the 4^TH Special Forces Battalion, 2^ND  Special Forces Battalion and SF Combat Qualification Course (SFCQC) students were able to simultaneously seize and control Barangay Baguindan Proper, Tipo-Tipo and Hill 440 (Kawilan Hill), a strategic stronghold of the ASGs.

1LT Ron Villarosa, Public Affairs Officer, 4TH Special Force Battalion said that the decisive terrain serves to secure the enemy’s vital mobility and supply corridor and also stands as a monument to intimidate nearby communities. The combined arms assault from the Special Forces, other elite counter terrorism units and Light Armor Cavalry Troops with support from massive artillery fires forced the enemy to abandon their stronghold.

Villarosa said that forging alliance with locals and key peace stakeholders like the MNLF has helped a lot in the successful takeover of ASG strongholds by government troops.

For him, such is just a glimpse of the Elite Special Forces’ ability to wage an unseen war within the hearts and the minds of the populace. Living up as silent professionals, the 4^TH Special Forces Battalion is in the forefront on the “war on terror” in Basilan Province - silently doing their share of such critical task - without fanfare or trumpet’s blare. #50FirstDays #PartnerForChange

Criminality dips under Pres. Rody, says Dipolog broadcaster

By Franklin P.  Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY – Usually media practitioners are the ones shooting the questions and taking responses from their news sources: political leaders, government officials, religious and civic organizations, government agencies and other personages or groups that influence public opinion.

This time, it’s the other way around. Here is a lady media practitioner who holds a radio program dubbed “Kapihan sa Dipolog,” which is aired live every Sunday at 9-11:00 a.m. over RMN-dxDR.

Her program tackles the hottest issues of the day. In her latest edition of  “Kapihan sa Dipolog,” the topic centered on the government’s fight against illegal drugs with officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as guests.

This lady is known as Editha Pagente-Tomong, a former president of the Zamboanga del Norte Press Club (ZNPC). She is one of the local media practitioners who can bring to her program personalities from various political groups in town. Thus, following her program gives her listeners more balanced views on certain issues raised by opposing political camps.

Taking the bull by the horn, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) was able to draw from Ms. Tomong her honest-to-goodness observation on the changes that are taking place when President Rodrigo Duterte took the reins of the presidency.

This, she said: “One notable change engendered by the Duterte administration is that the rate of criminalities has been drastically reduced due to his all-out war against illegal drugs.”

She, however, appealed to the law enforcers to spare the innocent civilians in purging the society of drug pushers and criminals, and the alleged senseless killings must end.

Pres. Duterte: The man who has it all

By: Mary May A. Abellon

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is the 16^th President of the Republic of the Philippines elected by the Filipino people, receiving 16,601,997 votes in the last national elections.

The people have seen him as a catalyst for change, providing leadership for the country.  Indeed, Pres. Duterte did not disappoint the Filipinos that even just days from his presidency, more than majority of the people have seen the changes they all wanted.

Mary Faye Jane R. Guillena, 31, entrepreneur and a resident of Barangay Estaka, Dipolog City was full of praises for Pres. Duterte.

“Ok kaayo ang pagdumala ni Pres. Duterte sa atong nasud tungod kay daghang milikay na ug gamit sa illegal drugs,” she stressed during the interview in her little store and carenderia.

(I am very contented with Pres. Duterte’s governance in our country because many have now avoided using illegal drugs.)

She added that the children were no longer roaming and wandering around the city every night because parents became more responsible and strict of not letting their children go out at night.

Moreover, she was ecstatic in narrating that her neighbors were no longer drinking alcoholic beverages in sidewalks and no more singing in “videokes” from 10 p.m. onwards.

Absolutely, change has come and Pres. Duterte becomes the living instrument of that transformation the people wanted.

Raul Tindog, 57 years old, master cutter of a small tailoring shop in Dipolog City was at first reluctant to speak when this writer approached him with camera and microphone.

But as we told him that we will be asking about his views on Pres. Duterte’s first 50 days of presidency, he smiled gleefully and expressed his thoughts out.

“Sa tinood lang wala ko mibutar niya, pero para nako okay kaayo si Duterte pagka president. Dako kayo ug kausaban ang akong nakita sama sa pagpakgang sa drugs. Kuntentong kuntento kaayo ko, siguro padulong nata sa kauswagan. Mitoo ko nga maubos na ang krimen. Nagmahay ko nganong wala nako siya gibotaran sa eleksiyon,” Mang Raul said.

(Honestly, I did not vote for him but for me Duterte is very acceptable as president. I’ve seen a big difference in the way he fights illegal drugs. I am very much contented, I think we are now headed for progress and development. I believe that crime rate decreases. I regret I did not vote for him last election.)

In Zamboanga del Norte, the people hoped that the President will succeed in having the people follow his policies especially those that are difficult to enforce.

Hidilyn gets hero’s welcome in Zambo City

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Hidilyn Diaz received a hero’s welcome Friday (August 12) in her hometown, and was greeted by thousands of residents and new fans in this city.

Diaz arrived at around 2 in the afternoon and was received by local officials headed by Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar. Upon arriving at the Zamboanga airport, a motorcade brought her to the City Hall. Residents caught a glimpse of the 25-year-old Olympic silver medalist who took pictures and selfies with her.

Mayor Climaco-Salazar expressed her pride with the win of Diaz, who, in 20 years became the first Filipino to take home a medal in the Olympics.

The City Hall siren was blasted, and confetti was showered to honor Diaz, a native of barangay Mampang.

During a short program, Diaz shared her struggles as an athlete, from her humble beginnings when she begun weightlifting.

Diaz was accompanied by fellow Zamboangueño Olympian Nestor Colonia and  coach Alfonsito Aldanete.

Diaz won the silver on August 8 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which coincided with her mother’s birthday. She is set to receive at least Php7-million from the government, as well as scholarships and other rewards.

DAR-ZN marks 7th CARPER anniversary

By May May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Zamboanga del Nortecelebrated the7^thanniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Bamboo Garden, this city.

With the theme “Kabukiranatingpagyamanin para sabawatmamamayan,”the celebration kicked off thru a press conference with Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO-II) Mohammad Dassan J. Adju, PARPO I Rizzel B. Villanueva, DAR Employees Association Vice President Anne AndresitaAgura, other DAR officials and the local media.

CARPER was created pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 9700 amending RA 6657 signed by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2009 with the aim of an equitable distribution and ownership of land, with due regard to the rights of landowners to just compensation, retention rights and ecological needs of the nation.

“The Department of Agrarian Reform does not only implement CARP, but we also have other programs and functions towards sound rural development,” Adju said during the presscon.

He added that their department has adopted two approaches: the area-focus and people approach in terms of their implementation of programs and projects.

DAR emphasized that there’s a paradigm shift of rural development in the countryside.

“Our focusnow is more on agri-enterprise development unlike before we concentrated on infrastructure. Because after all,how will the roads and bridges help the community if there’s no economic activity in such area and the people will remain poor,” Villanueva stressed.

Meanwhile, DAR-ZN said that the new DAR Secretary Rafael V. Mariano is supporting the enactment of House Bill 555 known as Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB) determined to defend and assert the rights of farmers which will enable them to acquire lands for free or at a lesser cost.

This bill aims to institutionalize a systematic program of state support and subsidy to land reform beneficiaries in all the important aspects of agricultural production, including the promotion of cooperatives.

PIA execs start round of regional visits

By Gideon C. Corgue

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A few days after they assumed their posts as director-general and deputy director general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the two young executives made their first regional visit in Zamboanga City recently.

DG Harold Clavite,  39 years-old and a former digital communications officer of UNDP in New York, USA and  DDG Angelo Villar, 29, former political affairs officer of the Senate of the Philippines visited the city upon the invitation of the Mindanao Communicators’ Network (MCN).

Clavite and Villar were invited as guests during the re-launching of the Kapihan program dubbed “Frontera Noticias – Kapihan na Garden Orchid” organized by PIA9, local press and MCN on August 3 at the Garden Orchid Hotel here.

DG Clavite said they made a visit to the region to have a complete understanding of the organization and its people.

“This is our first regional visit and we gather information by getting a glimpse of what is going down here and if the heart of the staff are in the right place,” Clavite announced.

The information centers (ICs) from the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan and Zamboanga City presented a 2-minute video on the best practices of the ICs especially the advocacy campaigns of the agency.

“It’s amazing to see the videos from the different ICs. We are glad to work  with experts on the ground despite your manpower predicament. I commend you for the hard work, commitment and dedication that you’ve been pooling into PIA,” Clavite proudly said.

He vowed to strengthen the regional and provincial offices through trainings to upgrade their skills, adding that workers are the pillars of the organization.

“I am impressed that PIA exists in all provinces in region 9 to better serve the people,” DDG Villar said.

“We are very optimistic and excited as to where we can bring the agency since we rely mostly on the support of the people,” Villar added.

Meanwhile, Clavite said he vows to implement a very important project which is to improve the website of the agency.

“Our goal is to improve the website of PIA where people can have an easy access to information and find everything they need to know in a single portal,” Clavite concluded.

“Oplan Tokhang” nets over 38,000 drug users, pushers in ZamPen

By Gideon C. Corgue

ZAMBOANGA CITY – “We are overwhelmed by the huge number of drug users and pushers—at least 38,255, who surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP).”

Thus disclosed Chief Supt. Billy B. Beltran, PNP-9 regional director during the official launching of the Kapihan sa Garden Orchid Hotel at the Lobby Bar.

Kapihan sa Garden Orchid is a 1-hour weekly tri-media public affairs talk show on issues and public information hosted by the Philippine Information Agency in partnership with the local press.

Beltran said Operation Tokhang or “Oplan Tokhang,” a contraction of the Visayan words “Toktok” (knock) and “Hangyo” (request) .has stirred up a massive wave of drug pushers and users surrendering to authorities nationwide.

Under the program which was launched nationwide on July 1, the police, local government units and barangay officials visit the houses of drug users and pushers, and convince them to surrender for rehabilitation. 

As of July 31, Beltran said a total of 38,255 drug personalities in Zamboanga Peninsula have surrendered to police and local authorities under the intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign of the PNP.

Beltran said Zamboanga del Sur has the highest number of drug users and pushers who surrendered to authorities with 13,955 surrenderees; followed by Zamboanga del Norte with 10,000; Zamboanga Sibugay - 8,700, and Zamboanga City - 5,600.

“With these huge number of surrenderees, 15 died because they chose to fight  it out with the police,” Beltran reported.

PRO9 is one of the leading regions of the PNP with highest number of drug personalities who surrendered as far as full implementation of Oplan Tokang is concerned.

Meanwhile, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA9) acting regional director Levi Ortiz said the Oplan Tokhang, President Rodrigo Duterte’s blueprint for its war on drugs has a big impact on drug personalities.

“With more than 38,000 drug personalities who surrendered to the authorities, it lightened up our workload,” Ortiz said saying that some drug users, pushers and drug lords are hiding for fear of being arrested or killed.

“The supply and demand of illegal drugs in region 9 significantly reduced  because the PDEA and PNP have tightened security measures in the Zamboanga Peninsula to prevent the entry of illegal drugs,” Ortiz concluded.

“OplanBroadcastreeing” slated on August 6

By Grace Montallana

DIPOLOG CITY – The Kapisanan ng mgaBrodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)  Dipolog City -Zamboanga Del Norte Chapter will hold its annual tree planting activity dubbed “OplanBroadcastreeing” on August 6, 2016 at Dicayo Bridge, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte.

The OplanBroadcastreeing is a simultaneous and nationwide tree planting activity led by KBP to address the country’s environmental degradation and to counter the adverse effects of global warming and climate change.

The activity also supports the government’s National Greening Program (NGP), which aims to  plant 1.5 billion tress by 2016.

KBP ZN chairman Jett Opilac said, “the participants will plant 300 narra seedlings this year, whichthe Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) have committed to provide.”

Members of the KBP, Jesus is Lord Fellowship, Zamboanga Del Norte Media Group, government and non-government  organizationsand academe are expected to join the tree planting.

Meanwhile, Opilac encouraged the public to join the tree planting activity. He said a vehicle going to Dicayo Bridge will be providedon August 6.It will be stationed at the Andres Bonifacio College rotunda which is scheduled to leave at 6:30 a.m.

The activity was previously done in Sanao,Katipunan in 2012, Sangkol, Dipolog in 2013, Sta. Filomena, Dipolog in 2014, and Katipunan in 2015.

“OplanBroadcastreeing” is now on its fifth year, implemented inpartnership with the DENR-CENRO.

Zambo economy vibrant despite El Nino, power outages - PSA

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – In spite of the El Nino phenomenon and sporadic power outages since last year, the economy in the city and in the region has been vibrant, and gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth rate is steadily increasing for the past three years, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported last week.

Mewchun Pamaran, PSA regional director shared that the GRDP for 2015 was Php157-billion, compared to 2014’s Php146-billion. “For the last three years, there has been an upward trend.”

She explained that although the fishing and agricultural sector were affected by El Nino or the dry spell, the economy was saved by the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Zamboanga City was found out to be the biggest contributor to the GRDP, due to the presence of the sardine industry here. But more than that, the recent sprouting of new malls and commercial centers have contributed to the increase in GRDP, as well as provided new jobs to locals.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Teresita Socorro Ramos, said “employment improved very much”, adding that for 2015, it has registered 96 percent growth.

“Investments also grew, amounting to over 1-billion pesos, more than our targets,” Ramos said.

The vibrant economy, said Ramos cannot be equated to poverty reduction, but “indeed it is a big factor that contributes to poverty reduction.”

Meanwhile, Ramos called on other LGUs to replicate the economic vibrance of Zamboanga City, warning of the dangers if ever Zamboanga City “asks for autonomy.” Ramos said “at present, the RGDP is largely dependent on the economy of the city, and if this is replicated in the other cities and towns, the regional economy will even be stronger.”

“Our challenge,” said Ramos “is to have a Zamboanga City in other areas of the region.”

In 2015, Zamboanga City has been beset with numerous problems such as very slow internet connectivity, sporadic power outages, and surge in population. Yet, according to the PSA, as the figures show, there has been no significant impact to the economic growth here.

“If now we have these problems and still experience a good economy, what more if we have better services,” said Ramos.