Celso hopes next mayor will pursue sound fiscal mgt.

By: Vic Larato

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 27 (PIA)- - Mayor Celso Lobregat once again took pride yesterday in the sound fiscal management of his administration that resulted in a well-balanced budget of the city government even as he wished that the next mayor will not be somebody who will squander everything the city has made over the years.

“I hope and pray the next mayor will be able to continue the vision in managing the finances of the city and we hope somebody will not squander everything we have,” Lobregat told the participants of the Executive Budget Forum for Fiscal Year 2013.

“There are decisions to be made, and I hope we will not be mesmerized by their promises and do not be scared of guns and goons. This is a decision we have to make,” Lobregat further said as he pointed out that when he assumed office in 2004, there was hardly any budget for infrastructure projects.

In 2004, he said the city’s Personal Services accounted for the biggest slice of the annual budget with P418 million, while the appropriation for projects was only P159 million. “That is not even the budget of our Integrated Bus Terminal, not even within the budget for our Limaong Bridge project today,” the mayor said.

According to him, it was only in 2005 when the city’s annual budget started to take new direction with new priorities that focused on raising local tax collection and increasing appropriations for projects and social services.

“It was in 2010 when we reaped the fruits of our sound fiscal management by bringing down the General Services, which used to be the highest over the years, from 46% to a record low of 30%, while increasing the Social Services component of the budget from 29% to 40% in 2012,” Lobregat said.

On local revenues, the chief executive said the city government was only collecting P265 million in 2005, but with sound fiscal management in place it slowly yet steadily increased to P326 million in 2006, P408 million in 2007, P448 million in 2008, P485 million in 2009, P501 million in 2010, P567 million in 2011, and the projected local tax collection for 2012 is P620 million.

On top of that, he added the city’s budget has substantially increased so do the appropriations for social services, maintenance and other operating expenses, projects and capital outlay and personal services, but on a well-balanced appropriation.

Present during the budget forum were city department heads and their assistants, administrative officers and division chiefs, high school principals, and the judiciary from municipal to regional trial courts.- (JPA/VL/CIO/PIA9-ZBST)

Medically-ill undocumented OFW receives OWWA9 assistance

By Mary Jane R. Amarado

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 27  –  Bainot A. Amil, a medically-ill Overseas Filipino Worker received assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office No. 9 through airport transfer and welfare assistance to the patient who arrived at the Pagadian City airport on June 15, at 8:00 in the morning.

OFW Amil is an undocumented OFW who worked as a household service worker in Amman, Jordan. According to her, she was sent home by her employer and was off-loaded at Hong Kong International Airport. She was admitted at Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong for tuberculosis meningitis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Her hospital record shows complication of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis of the left lower limb. Since her medical condition was stabilized, she was fit for discharge and was advised to continue treatment in the Philippines.

Due to her medical condition, she was escorted by Ms. Jeanelyn B. Latosa of OWWA Repatriation Assistance Division from Manila to Pagadian City via Cebu Pacific flight 5J-771.

From the city, she was brought to their hometown in Dimataling, Zamboanga Del Sur accompanied by her brother Aladin Amil & OWWA Family Welfare Officer Anna Cristy Amorganda.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa OWWA sa tulong sa pagpapauwi sa aking kapatid na may malubhang kondisyon,” Aladin Amil said.

Regional Director Hassan Jumdain reiterated that “OWWA never waivers in its commitment to protect the interest and welfare of its regular members without ignoring the needs of undocumented migrant workers.” He said that repatriated OFWs are accorded with airport assistance, temporary shelter at the halfway home, psycho-social counseling and stress debriefing.

Director Jumdain also encouraged migrant workers to undergo legal processes in working abroad to ensure their well-being. (MJRA/OWWA9/PIA9/alt)

Bayog residents enjoys free medical, dental services

by: Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan

Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, 26 June (PIA) -- Some 650 residents of Bayog, this province were benefited from the Medical and Dental Mission held at Barangay Bobuan, this municipality last Saturday (June 23, 2012).

This mission was brought to the indigenous cultural community/indigenous peoples of the Subanen Tribe of Barangays Liba, Conacon, Bobuan, Datagan, Bantal, Canoayan and Matin-ao, as social commitment of the mining companies operating in the area such as the  Bayog 9 Metals Corporation, Alpha First Asia Mining Corporation, and Alpha Prime Pacific Mining Corporation in coordination with the Local Government Unit under the stewardship of Mayor Leonardo Babasa, Jr.

Services offered were consultations, dental, giving of free medicines, haircut and picture taking for the municipal ID System by some employees of Barangay Affairs Office of this LGU.

The medical staff is composed of Dr. Bernie Adomon, Dr. Patrick Toledo - Municipal Health Officer of the Municipality of Dumalinao, Dr. Robert Barcela – Zamboanga del Sur Dental Society, Dr. Willa Barcela – Ozamis City Health Center, Dr. Elvie Alvaira, Dr. Cora Punzalan – President, ZdS Dental Society together with the staff of the Rural Health Unit of LGU-Bayog.

A total of 540 residents who took advantage of the free consultation and medicines while 85 availed the dental services.

Residents felt blessed enough with these services. According to Hon. Virginia Entag, Barangay Chairman of Matin-ao, “Dako kaayo among pasalamat nga ang mga lumulopyo sa among barangay naka avail sa mga serbisyo nga dugay na nga gisaad niining mga mining companies.” (We express our thanks and appreciation that the residents of our barangay were able to avail the services which was promised by the mining companies since then) She added, “dako kaayo  kining mahimong tabang sa among mga panglawasnong panginahanglanon” (It’s a big help to our health needs)

On the other hand, a short program and a meeting of tribal leaders was conducted and attended by the some barangay and municipal officials represented by Hon. Celso Matias, SB Member, mining officials, officers of the mining companies,  and  the  National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP represented by  Mercilyn Hatad OIC Provincial Officer and Dr. Roberto  Barcela, Jr., Guipos District.

During the program, Matias said, the local chief executive,  acknowledged and recognized this aid especially on health and medicines.  He further said that the Mayor is very supportive to the mining firms in terms of this program because this is a big help or assistance to the IPs since  they could not afford to buy these medicines.

Romeo Fernando, chief operations officer of Bayog 9 assured the people that this is not the end, but this is just the beginning of our social commitment in the area.” (BAG/PIO-Bayog/CAL/PIA9)

7000 join Arbor Day celebration

By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 26 (PIA)- - An estimated crowd of over 7000 representing multisectoral-groups participated in the Philippine Arbor Day celebration held yesterday (June 25) at the Climaco Freedom Park in Abong-abong where they planted trees as their share of responsibility in the protection and preservation of the environment.

The participants composed of students, policemen, military men, and representatives from national government agencies, local government offices, government-owned and controlled corporations, barangays and various other sectors actively planted trees in their assigned areas at the Climaco Park in Abong-abong.

According to City Information Officer -Sheila Covarrubias, this particular Arbor Day celebration in Zamboanga is well-attended where a great number of participants, (over 7000 individuals)  gathered together as one for the common purpose of protecting and preserving the environment.

The activity dubbed as “Arbor Day na Ciudad de Zamboanga” was organized by the City Government through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (OCENR).

Pursuant to Ordinance 281, June 25 was the day officially designated as the start of the planting season in the city which also provides for active public participation in tree planting activities in observance of the Philippine Arbor Day.

The celebration of June 25 of every year as Philippine Arbor Day is based on Proclamation No. 396 as amended which enjoins “active participation of all government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, private sector, schools, civil society groups and the citizenry in tree planting activity”. 

The occasion is geared at promoting a healthier ecosystem through the rehabilitation and re-greening of the environment. (JPA/PIA9-ZBST)

16 century, heritage trees tagged on Arbor Day

By: Sheila Covarrubias

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 26 (PIA)- - City dad Mayor Celso Lobregat yesterday led the city government officials in the tagging of century and heritage trees located mostly at the R.T. Lim Boulevard area in celebration of Arbor Day na Ciudad de Zamboanga.

The tagging of trees is based on Ordinance 341 which declares trees that are more than 100years old as century trees and those that are considered ecologically, historically or culturally valuable or belonging to a rare specie or are adjacent or near a water source, spring or well and whose cutting or destruction will disrupt or destroy the water source as heritage trees.

Special programs with matching drum and lyre and honor guards were organized by the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College led by Dr. Nora Ponce and the Brent Hospital and Colleges Inc. administration Dr. Raymond Sator ushering in the tagging of the century and heritage trees with metal plates.

Mayor Lobregat said Ordinance 341 prohibits subjecting such trees to “any cutting or any form of destruction, except for medical, public emergency, public safety and botanical reasons.”

Assisting the mayor in tagging the trees were department heads— City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Engr. Rey Gonzales, City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Rodrigo Sicat and City Assessor and Ponce and Sator.

The city government this year has declared 16 trees for preservation—8 acacia trees declared as century trees and 8 others various types of trees declared as heritage trees. Of the total 16 trees—6 are located at the ZCSPC, 3 at the vicinity of the Brent Hospital and Colleges, Inc.;  3 inside the Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus; one at vicinity of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; 1 at the 9^th Maritime Mobile Group Station and 2 at the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm area.

Mayor Lobregat stressed that environmental protection does not only call for the planting of new trees but also entails the preservation and protection of all trees.

From 2009 to 2011, the city government has declared as preserved a total of 82 trees—46 of which are century trees and 36 are heritage trees.  (JPA/SC/CIO/PIA9-ZBST)

Celso to FEBARKAZA: I hope our strength, unity will continue

By: Vic Larato

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 26 (PIA)- - “I hope and pray our strength, our force and our unity will continue even after my third term.”

This was the message of Mayor Celso Lobregat to all kagawad or councilmen of the city’s 98 barangays during the 15^th General Assembly of the Federaccion de Barangay Kagawad de Zamboanga (FEBARKAZA) last Sunday, June24, at the Garden Orchid Hotel.

Citing the assembly’s theme, “El Fuerza, El Unidad El Bien del Cumunidad,” (the force, the unity for the good of the community) Lobregat recounted the political scenario in Zamboanga City on January 2, 2004 when his mother, then Mayor Maria L. Lobregat, died.

He said decisions had to be made and after series of consultations the political void created by Ma’am Caling’s death was filled up and in just a few hours before the deadline for the filing of candidacy for the May 2004 elections the party (LDP) had remained intact with him, Beng Climaco and Erbie Fabian in the forefront, and won the elections together with the majority of the councilors.

Since 1998, Lobregat said, he together with Erbie and Beng and other city officials aim for one goal and that is the strength. “Ese el fuerza del de aton team. I hope and pray this strength, this force, this unity will continue even after my third term,” Lobregat stressed.

Meanwhile, the chief executive emphasized that the plans and programs of government lie in the hands of the administration, even in the national scene. “When we talk about plans and programs of government, you cannot disassociate them from administration. That is the reality of governance.”

He said the plans and programs of government are of those who are sitting in the administration. “I am talking about reality and the reality is, we are in the administration and we are the one implementing the plans and programs of government.

Present during the FEBARKAZA assembly were House Deputy Speaker and District 1 Rep. Beng Climaco-Salazar, Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde, Councilors Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, Mike Alavar, Nonong Guingona, Eddie Saavedra, Rudy Lim and Mel Sadain.  (JPA/VL/CIO/PIA9-ZBST)

Mayor Babasa supports JHCSC

by Bernadine A. Gabawan

Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, 26, June (PIA)--  In line with JH Cerilles State College mission to provide higher professional, technical and updated instructions in various disciplines to students enrolled this school year at JHCSC-Bayog Campus, Mayor Leonardo  Babasa, Jr, who at the same time the school administrator inspires students during the orientation held at  the Municipal Gymnasium last June 21, 2012.

In his message, he expressed his gratitude to the students for the trust and confidence to the campus for them to attain their education. He said, “Today is a milestone of the JHCSC-Bayog Campus for enrollees this semester remarkably increase from 518 to 587.”

He disclosed some of LGU’s project for this semester such as the allocation of P10,000.00 for the rehabilitation of the comfort room of the school; proposed transfer of computer laboratory to a better site during this semester; to procure computer units to have enough number to maximize the learning of computer students (at least 1 computer unit per student);

And the transfer the College of Agriculture to Western Mindanao Livestock and Disposal and will procure vehicle for the transportation of the department to fetch students in the morning and afternoon.

Hence, WESMILDEC will soon be turned-over to the LGU, the JHCSC Agriculture Department will take care of the cattle in the area and will be more exposed to projects in the agro-tourism park.

Mayor Babasa also urged the students who wish to become a member of the school drum corp to signify their intension to the Dean of Students Affairs. The school offers  free tuition fee for all drum corp members from their first year to fourth year.

He assured that with JHCSC, students will have the best education and they will be able to apply and be employed in the future. (BAG/PIO-Bayog /CAL/ PIA9)

OWWA, NRCO conducts another Entrepreneurship Training in Zamboanga City

By Mary Jane R. Amarado

ZAMBOANGA CITY, 26 June  – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) of the Department of Labor and Employment is conducting another three-day Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) in this city.

The training which started yesterday until tomorrow, June 27 is intended for OFWs and their direct dependents who wanted to avail of the 2Billion Reintegration Program (2B RP), a loan facility where a member or their legal dependent can avail of P300,000 to 2 million by setting up a sustainable business.

Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain, Regional Director of OWWA 9 said that the training, aside from being one of the requirements to avail of the program, is given to OFWs for free to help them on how to prepare a business plan proposal.

Meanwhile, Director Vivian F. Tornea, head of the NRCO will be coming over from Manila to discuss the different reintegration programs under NRCO intended for migrant workers.

Engr. Al-Zamir Lipae & Ms. Rovie Manzanares, resource speakers from the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) will discuss the topics like Champion Products of Region 9; Do you want to go into Business; What it takes to be an Entrepreneur and Preparation of a simple Business Plan.

On the other hand, speakers from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) will discuss the Seaweeds production & processing and Financial requirements of the 2B RP, respectively.

The training which includes values formation and financial literacy was attended by 45 participants.

OWWA, in its commitment to provide an avenue for OFWs to develop, enhance and reinforce their capabilities continues to ensure successful business undertaking through provisions of free trainings for OFWs and their families. (Mary Jane R. Amarado/OWWA9/PIA9/alt)

ALS holds Graduation Exercises for 2011 A & E Passers

by Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, JUNE 26(PIA) --- Regular classes have just begun but the Alternative Learning System of the Dipolog City Schools Division is already holding its Graduation Exercises.

In Dipolog City, One Hundred Thirteen (113) of the 172 examinees who passed the 2011 Accreditation and Equivalency (A & E) Test accepted their Certificates of Graduation to formally end their studies under the ALS program.

It was held last June 23, 2012 at Barangay Miputak Covered Court, this city.

Ms. Catalina Barinaga, Dipolog City Schools Division, ALS Coordinator, said some of the graduates were not able to attend as others are already residing and working outside the city.

Ms. Araceli Macasa, who represented City Schools Division Supt. Ms. Victorina Perez as guest speaker, congratulated the ALS implementers for changing the lives of the young learners being the catalysts of change, as well as the graduates for availing of the ALS program of DepEd.

Mary Rose C. Diniay, an elementary level passer and Warren S. Icalina, a secondary level passer, two of the graduates who gave their impression on the program expressed their thanks and appreciation of the ALS program and its implementers for the conduct of A & E test which bring them to another chapter of their life.

“Nagpasalamat ako ug dako sa nagpatuman ug nagpaluyo sa ALS program nga pinaagi sa A & E Test nga akong napasahan, mapadayon na nako ang akong pagtungha sa high school, nga wala nako mapadayon niadtong una gumikan sa among kawad-on,” Diniay said.

Other DepEd officials present during the graduation include Zamboanga del Norte National High School (ZNNHS) principal, Dr. Lilibeth Ratificar; Ranillo Yarag, Chairman of DepEd Cooperative in Dipolog City; ALS District Coordinators, and ALS Mobile teachers.

Meanwhile, the graduation exercises for the 30 inmates who passed the A & E test is scheduled to be held at the Dipolog City Correctional and Reformatory Center, Upper Dicayas, Dipolog City on June 28, 2012.

As the program was about to end, Barinaga announced that  ALS Dipolog City Schools is now accepting registrants for the A & E Test to be conducted on October 7, 2012 in the city. She urged the graduates to convince their relatives and friends who have stop schooling to enroll in the ALS program and pursue their studies.

The ALS program aims to give opportunity to out of school children and those who have stopped schooling to continue their studies and finish a degree.

The theme for this year’s Graduation Exercises is “ALS: Making Great Difference in Life. (ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

1,752 job vacancies made available on city’s charter day celebration

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, June 26  - - The city government of Pagadian, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Tripartite Industrial Peace Council and the Pagadian Association of Recruitment Agencies, in line with its 43^rd charter day celebration sponsored a Job Fair on June 21 at the City Commercial Center.

A total of 1,752 job vacancies were made available by 18 local employers and 3 overseas employment agencies drawing a large number of job hunters to the venue, hopeful to land a decent job at the end of the day.

DOLE Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon read the message of Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz which was intended for the DOLE’s Kalayaan Job Fair on June 12, but since Pagadian City was celebrating its Charter Day on June 21,  they opted to hold it on the eventful date.

ARD Bonbon likewise turned over Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) checks amounting to P63,360 for 44 grantees in the municipality of Vincenzo Sagun, Zamboanga del Sur and P20,160 for 14 grantees in the town of Pitogo.

She also turned-over the Skills Registry (SRS) equipment to Engr. Joseph Isaias M. Quipot VI, Pagadian City’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager and National PESO Executive Vice President.

The SRS is an electronic system that captures and updates uploaded data such as workers skills, qualifications, among others, as well as the roster of establishments and vacancies in the cities, towns and barangays in a repository of 'live' register of skills accessible to reflect the relevant labor market information needed in every area in the region. It intends to address the problem of job-skills mismatch. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)

City padlocks 30 establishments for "illegal operation"

By: Felipo David G. Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 25 (PIA)- - 30 business establishments for the month of June alone are set to be “padlock” as the city government ordered for their immediate closure after finding out that these establishments have been operating “illegally.”

City Information Officer (IO) Sheila Covarrubias in a press statement said that after thorough inspections done by a task force purposely created to check on illegally-operating business establishments, 30 business enterprises to include restaurants and internet cafes located in the city proper were found out to be operating either without a business permit or a renewed business permit and other related requirements.

“Among the establishments ordered closed were a restaurant located in Nunez Street, internet cafes located near schools in the city proper and several other business stalls,” Covarrubias said.

Covarrubias however said, the “closure order” will be lifted once the necessary permits and other requirements are secured or complied by the concerned owners/operators of the said establishments.

Covarrubias emphasized that City Ordinance 92-008 otherwise known as the Revenue Ordinance mandates businessmen to secure licenses or permits before operating any business activity, therefore businessmen should strictly comply with the rules and regulations in operating business establishments since it is their duty and obligation to comply with the law.

“On the other hand, the Ordinance Regulating the Operation of Internet Cafes in the city prohibits minors as clients, setting up of cubicles and showing of pornographic materials in internet cafes,” the active lady IO informed.

The task force that did the “round ups” / check-up of illegally operating business establishments  composed of representatives from the City Legal Office, City Treasurer’s Office, City Engineer’s Office and City Permits Division under the Office of the mayor among others.  (JPA/FDM/PIA9-ZBST)

DOST gives full scholarship to 10 outstanding Molecular Medicine students

By Edmon Agron  

MANILA, June 25 - “We are proud to have the 3rd batch of scholars for the MD-PhD Program in Molecular Medicine,” said Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Fortunato de la Peña during the MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing  held recently at the Hyatt Hotel Manila.

The MD-PhD program in Molecular Medicine is a scholarship grant under the DOST Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) which aims to develop human resource capacities to meet the biomedical research and development (R&D) needs of the country.

“Through this program, the country’s global competitiveness and capability to innovate in health R&D will be improved. I commend our new batch of scholars who have chosen molecular medicine as their study course. You are exactly what the country needs right now, a doctor-scientist who will conduct biomedical research especially on emerging diseases,” said Undersecretary de la Peña in his message.

The scholars were Crizelda Jean Cruz, Sheriah Laine De Paz, Maria Isabel Idolor, Ana Joy Padua, Joyce Ann Robles, Ian Kim Tabios and Cherry Joy Tumampo from UP Diliman; Josept Mari Poblete and Jayson Trinchera of UP Manila and Angelo Sumalde of UP Los Baños.

All the scholars obtained at least 90% score in the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) which is one of the requirements to qualify for the scholarship program. Seven of the scholars graduated Suma Cum Laude, six were Magna Cum Laude and three Cum Laude.

“They are the ‘cream of the crop,’ the best in terms of academic performances, and our future scientists and researchers that will lead our scientific communities in the development of effective drugs, vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutic agents for patient management and clinical care,” Undersecretary de la Peña said. (DOST/PIA9/alt)