Military, DILG help solve transmission line problem in Mindanao

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - As an extension of their service to the country, members of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade (MIB) of the Philippine Army (PA) in Iligan City rendered their assistance to solve Right-of-Way (ROW) issues concerning the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) transmission lines in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.

The military unit, through the directive of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10, coordinated with more than 20 owners of the land traversed by the Agus 2 – Kibawe 138 kilovolt (kV) line of NGCP. Through this effort, the military aimed to convince the owners to allow NGCP to trim the trees that are breaching or about to breach the ROW clearances set by the system operator.

As reinforcement, the 2nd MIB also conducted information dissemination among the members of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) of Balo-i on the ROW problems and how these adversely affect the service delivery of NGCP.

Earlier this year, NGCP found it difficult in maintaining the said transmission line due to the intentional planting of trees under the facilities which caused 20 outages in Lanao as of May.

“NGCP is thankful that the DILG and the military are helping curb ROW violations in Lanao Del Norte. We hope that this would be the start of a smoother operation and better community relations for us in the area,” NGCP Spokesperson Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza said.

The Balo-i Substation and lines connected to it, including the Agus 2 – Kibawe 138 kV line, are crucial to the Mindanao grid because they carry the bulk of electricity produced by the government-owned generator Agus Complex. The said hydro power plant supplies 500 megawatts or around 60% of Mindanao’s power demand and 200 MW passing through NGCP’s Balo-i Substation and lines emanating from it.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. NGCP transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines and towers, substations and related assets. NGCP’s regular maintenance activities and expansion projects aim to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity delivered to customers. (NGCP/PIA9)

Handicrafts firm receives P700-T assistance from DOST-9

By Alma L. Tingcang

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Science and Technology IX has  released  P700 thousand for the newly approved project of the Sulo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (SARBEMCO) in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

In a press release, DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology and Upgrading Program (SETUP) approved the project “Upgrading of Abaca Processing Facility of SARBEMCO,” for them to acquire five units of Abaca spindle stripping machines to service the abaca plantation of the cooperative.

The fund assistance targets to increase the fiber production efficiency of the farmers-strippers, from 15 kilograms to 50 kilograms per day, to showcase the production of quality abaca fibers and to increase the farm productivity of the cooperative.

With only 75 hectares fully planted with abaca out of the 500 hectares targeted parcel, the cooperative initiated intercrop production of rubber latex and abaca fibers and specializes in handicrafts and horticulture. With their desire to expand the abaca plantation, SETUP procured 5 units of stripping machine to support abaca fiber production.

DOST-IX will also conduct procedures to improve the cooperative’s system and production process, and develop the manpower through skills training as part of the technological interventions..

SETUP is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in implementing technological innovations and improvements in their operations to boost their productivity and competitiveness.

For more information, interested parties may visit or call DOST-Regional Office IX, Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 991-1024; the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Upper Turno, Dipolog City, telephone numbers (065) 212-2244; Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City with telephone number (062) 925-1152; and the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) at 2/F Faundo Bldg., National Highway, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay with telephone numbers (062) 333-2793; or you may visit the DOST-IX website at www.region9.dost.gov.ph. (DOST9/PIA9)

AFP employing different approaches to achieve peaceful, honest elections in Mindanao, says Tabak commander

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Probationers, parolees join Brigada Eskwela in Roxas

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY – Thirty four probationers, parolees and volunteers from five municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte have participated in the “Brigada Eskwela” at Roxas Central School in Barangay Langatian, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte.

Jose Allan Santillana, Chief Parole and Probation Officer, said the activity is part of the community-based rehabilitation treatment program for the clients of the Zamboanga del Norte Parole and Probation Office (PPO) from the municipalities of Roxas, Sergio Osmeña, Katipunan, Manukan and Jose Dalman.

The volunteers’ participation in this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” was realized after the clients underwent a “conferencing,” a restorative justice process of the PPO.

Santillana pointed out “that through this activity, the parolees and probationers hoped to repay the damage they had done against their community and hasten their normal return to the society where they once belonged.”

“This activity aims to help instill in the clients the feeling of self-worth and belongingness to the community and restore the confidence in them,” he said.

The Parole and Probation Officer hoped that this activity would also awaken the community of the reality that these offenders are also human being and that when properly guided, instead of being admonished, can still become assets and productive members of the society.

Aside from guiding the offenders back to their normal life, Santillana said, their involvement in the Brigada Eskwela also served as the agency’s contribution to DepEd’s preparation for the opening of classes this school year 2013-2014.

Santillana attributed the successful conduct of the activity to the collaborative effort of Roxas Volunteer Probation Aide Association and the Faculty of Roxas Central School, as he also expressed his gratitude to RVPA President Mr. Jesus Bagaipo for giving the probationers and the parolees an opportunity to render community work service through the Brigada Eskwela, a nationwide yearly school preparation activity of the Department of Education (DepED) two weeks before the opening of classes. (PIA9)

Dipolog’s 15th P’gsalabuk festival wows viewers

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY — Local and foreign audiences were awestruck as they witnessed the P’gsalabuk street dancing and showdown presentation held at the Dipolog Boulevard last May 17.

Photo by Ruel D. Tabada/DDCC

The 15^th P’gsalabuk Festival, which officially began last April 30 until May 31, would be participated in by city government employees, business groups and students from the different schools in the city.

P’gsalabuk is a Subano term which means “togetherness.” It is popularized by a catchphrase, “Unity amidst diversity,” showcasing the myriad interplay of cultures among Mindanao tri-people:  Christians, Moro and Lumads.

Other than promoting tourism in the city, the festivity also seeks to promote mutual respect, peace and harmony in the area through appreciation of the tri-people’s rich ethno-history, culture, arts, crafts, traditions, practices, customs, music, rituals and many others.

Aside from the grandiose dance showdown presentation, this year’s festival also features visual art exhibition, cultural shows, sports events and special games which are open to the public.

Last May 18-19, the Triathlon Centennial Championship was successfully conducted in Dipolog with local and foreign sports enthusiasts as participants.

Moreover, the P’gsalabuk off-road competition will kick-off on May 25-26, which is free of charge for viewers who want to experience the thrill and adrenaline rush. (PIA9)

DILG 9 to conduct BuB assessment workshop in Zamboanga City

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – To evaluate the project implementation of Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) for fiscal year 2013, an assessment workshop by the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team-Technical Working Group (RPRAT-TWG) is slated to be held on May 22-23, 2013 at the Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City.

Spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9 through its Local Government Capacity & Development Division (LGCDD), the two-day activity will be attended by some 32 participants from the national government agencies (NGAs) such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepED), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Representatives from DILG central office will also be joining the workshop.

The activity aims that the participants shall be able to identify the factors that can facilitate or affect BuB FY 2013 project implementation, come up with recommendations to facilitate project implementation for BuB FY 2013, and draw appropriate steps from the lessons/experiences to effect smooth implementation of projects for 2014 and 2015.

Workshop outputs will be presented for critiquing and approval to the regional directors of the participating agencies who will convene for the purpose in the afternoon of the second day.

RPRAT outputs are indispensable in the appraisal of the inter-agency collaboration among the thirteen participating agencies on May 31, 2013. (FPG/LM/PIA9)

NGCP de-activates Task Force for the 2013 Elections

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has recently deactivated the operations of its 2013 Power Task Force Election (PTFE) .

Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, NGCP spokesperson said the deactivation of the Task force took effect last May 17, 2013.

The NGCP PTFE, which operated 24 hours a day since May 10 at NGCP’s Over-all Disaster Command Center in Diliman, Quezon City, was created to monitor the system condition, restoration activities, and reports from the Regional Command Centers and submitted the same to the Department of Energy and other external agencies, as well as ensure its readiness to respond to emergency situations during the election period.

The NGCP has suspended all its preventive maintenance operations one week before and one week after the election to ensure continuity in power distribution and further ensure that its technical people and linemen were pre-positioned in areas where they would be most needed during emergency situation.

Alabanza pointed out that NGCP is ready to organize a similar task force to ensure reliable power transmission services during crucial national events such as elections.

The corporation will continue to conduct regular maintenance activities and expansion projects to enhance the quality of electricity delivered to customers and the public. Announcements on these planned activities, as well as unplanned grid disturbances and other matters of importance will continue to be posted on NGCP’s website at www.ngcp.ph, or though Facebook (www.facebook.com/NGCP1) and Twitter (@NGCP_ALERT). (NGCP)

WESMINCOM welcomes new deputy chief

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – In a time-honored change of office ceremony, Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) welcomed the new Deputy Commander last April 27 inside Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City.

Brigadier General (BGen.)Orlando E De Leon replaced BGen. Eugenio Clemen who just retired from the military service.

The ceremony was officiated by no less than Lieutenant General Rey C Ardo, Commander of Western Mindanao Command and attended by commanders from the different units, civilian employees and personnel.

Prior to his designation as deputy commander of WESMINCOM, BGen De Leon was the commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade in the Province of Sulu who was instrumental in the transformation of the Marines.

“Ang Marines ngayon as hindi na kinatatakutan bagkus nirerespeto. Ito ay dahil sa malaking contribusyon nila in ‘winning the peace’ in the said province which is the battle cry of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Internal Peace and Security ‘Bayanihan’ (The marines today are not feared anymore but are respected because of their contribution in winning the peace in Sulu, which is the battle cry of the AFP’s IPSP),” De Leon said.

De Leon was born on September 7, 1959 in Tabaco City, Albay. He is happily married to Dahlia M. De Leon and blessed with four children namely: Therese Josephine, Orlando Jr., Strawberry Marie and Lucky Angel. 

He finished both his elementary and secondary education at Aquinas University of Legazpi, Legazpi City where he graduated with First Honorable Mention.

He was accepted into the Philippine Military Academy in 1977 and graduated in 1982.

His ascent in military service gave him the opportunity to undergo career and specialization courses for advancement both local and abroad. Among his career courses are Basic Airborne Course, Naval Intelligence Officers Course, Basic and Advance Career Courses and the Command and General Staff Course (GGSC). 

His outstanding achievement in the military service is highlighted by the numerous awards and recognitions he received both from military and civilian sectors. Among others, he is a recipient of Most Outstanding and AFP Officer of the Year award in 2000 (PAOCTF), Distinguished Service Star, Bronze Cross Medals, Silver Wing Medal and several Military Merit Medals both for combat and administration and Military commendations from Military and other institutions.

A battle-tested soldier, BGen de Leon has served in Mindanao for most of his career. Among the positions he had held include: Platoon Commander and Commanding Officer of the 31st Marine Company and 5th Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) between 1984-1988 Intelligence Officer of the MBLT 3, Intelligence Officer of 3rd Marine Brigade in 1995-1996, Deputy for Intelligence of the then Southcom between 1999-2001, Executive Officer at MBLT 5 in 1997-1999, Chief of Staff of the Philippine Marine Corps, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade all between 2004-2006. (WESMINCOM)

Brigada Eskwela starts today

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – Zamboanga del Sur Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Arturo Bayocot disclosed that starting today, May 20, until May 24, all public elementary and secondary schools are having the School Maintenance Week better known as “Brigada Eskwela.”

In an interview, Dr. Bayocot encouraged all stakeholders (internal and external) such as parents, local government units and barangays officials to actively participate and cooperate with the yearly activity initiated by the schools in their respective communities.

“I appeal to all of you to help your  respective schools in your communities in preparation for the opening of classes come June 3. We have discouraged the old practices where children during their first days in schools are engaged in cleaning their respective rooms and school premises,” Bayocot said.

“This is the main reason why DepEd has designated the whole week of May 20-24 as school maintenance week in preparation for the school opening,” Bayocot added.

Bayocot further said: “starting June 3, regular classes will start, that is why it is really important that we have to help in the preparation of our schools prior to the start of regular classes.”

There are several activities to be undertaken during the whole week such as minor repairs of jalousy windows, defective chairs, paintings, or additional chairs if needed.

“Teachers are also required to prepare a structuring in their respective classrooms within the week, so that when classes start everything will be in place,” Bayocot added.

“I encouraged the parents, members of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), the School Governing Council (SGC) and the LGUs to help our Brigada Eskwela,” the schools superintendent reiterated. (PIA9)

OSPC major players convened to address plight of displaced persons

By Alma L. Tingcang

ZAMBOANGA CITY - A special orientation on the government’s programs for displaced persons (DPs) and deportees from Sabah was recently conducted at Dan Mar Beach Resort in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi spearheaded by the  Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in ZamPen Region.

Labor Communications Officer

Mary Jane R. Amarado of OWWA9 said the orientation gave all major players of the One-Stop Processing Center (OSPC) for Sabah repatriates, a broader understanding on the Sabah standoff, overall national framework, vis-à-vis agency mandate and roles to better address the needs of the deportees and the DPs in accordance with Administrative Order No. 116, Series of 2005.

OWWA9 Regional Director Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain, head of the OSPC Special Operations in Sulu & Tawi-Tawi said that the orientation aimed to provide a holistic understanding of roles of the duty bearers in meeting a recurring problem like the Sabah displaced persons.

Jumdain also noted that per A.O. No. 116, the OSPC should be led by DOLE-ARMM with the support of DOLE-9, working in accordance with the parameters of the agency mandate.

Member-agencies such as the local government unit, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development , National Statistics Office, Local Civil Registrar, Philippine Red Cross, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Philippine National Police, Task Force 62 and other concerned agencies attended the orientation. 

Amarado said the orientation targeted to fast track assistance to DPs and deportees needing passports and workers assistance.

Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman, chairman of the Crisis Management Committee, along with Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul A. Sahali of the provincial CMC thanked the Region IX and ARMM agencies for coming up with the orientation and recognized their role in addressing the problem.

In attendance were Sharifa Pearlisa A. Dans, Assistant Secretary of DILG-ARMM and chair of the CMC-Coordination Center, DOLE-9 Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon representing Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano, and DOLE-ARMM Secretary Muslimin Jann A. Jakilan, who enjoined all the member-agencies to harmonize efforts to provide assistance to our Filipino workers from Sabah.

Also present were Provincial Social Welfare Office representative Ms. Carmen U. Colinares, Naval Task Force Deputy Commander Col. Enrico Ramones, Department of Foreign Affairs Director Ricky Aragon, who came all the way from Manila and explained DFA’s plan to send a seven-member team to Bongao for passport issuance in coordination with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for transmittal of collections.

An open forum was held tackling the nuances on passport, immigration, travel and certification requirements. Highlighting the activity was the signing of memorandum of agreement by member-agencies and duty-bearers with the commitment to perform their respective duties by extending necessary systematic welfare assistance to the Sabah deportees and DPs at the OSPC in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. (FPG/ALT/PIA9/With report from Mary Jane R. Amarado/OWWA9)

Western Mindanao police chief lauds cops for Monday’s peaceful balloting

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – “It is my great pride and honor to commend you for a job well done during the recently held 2013 midterm elections.

This was the message of Western Mindanao police director, Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño Jr. to all policemen in the region, as he expressed satisfaction over the overall performance of the entire police force in helping make the midterm elections orderly and peaceful.

In a press release issued by the regional office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) 9, Vaño attributed the successful balloting to the men and women in uniform “who sincerely performed their election duties.”

“Your efforts have immensely contributed to making the elections successful and relatively peaceful, manifesting sincere and dedicated performance of your election duties,” he said.

“Despite criticisms from some sectors, we did our share in making (the elections in) Zamboanga Peninsula particularly Zamboanga City peaceful. I think we performed tremendously well,” Vaño pointed out adding, “our will and determination must be stronger as we cannot afford to sit on our laurels and setbacks and let our guards down.”

He promised to support his men if they do their job properly and, at the same time, warned those who might “cause dishonor and humiliation to the police organization” of punitive actions against them.

Vaño also assured the public that he would use “all assets under him” to attain and maintain peace in the region more especially in Zamboanga City by making the police always responsive to any emergencies and needs of the community.

“Any criticism leveled against the police for certain lapses will be regarded as a challenge to strive for a better police service,” Vaño concluded.(PIA9)

12-0 win in favor of LP candidates happens for third time in Dipolog

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY—Dipolognons have finally spoken who among the candidates running for local posts in the city to entrust the reins of the city government.

Incumbent city mayor, Evelyn Tang-Uy of the Liberal Party (LP) got fresh mandate from her constituents after garnering 36,617 votes over her rival, former Piñan town mayor Cecilia Jalosjos-Carreon who got only 22,487 votes in the recently concluded midterm elections.

A 12-0 victory for LP candidates has for the third time happened in the city since the first term of Mayor Uy in 2007. The lady mayor is now on its third term.

Sitting councilor, Dr. Horacio Velasco won overwhelmingly the vice mayoral post, garnering 34,634 votes against incumbent Zamboanga del Norte Vice Governor Francis H. Olvis who got 21,518 votes only.

All ten candidates for councilor under LP also won, beating their opponents from the Alliance for Peace and Progress (APP), a local political party affiliated with the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Atty. Jasmin Pinsoy, daughterof sitting councilor Marvelita Pinsoy, emerged as number one with 32, 328 votes. Topping the race for city councilor amazed the voters here as she is a neophyte in the political arena.

Other elected councilors are  Dante Bagarinao receiving  with 32, 299 votes, Atty. Peter Co - 31, 466 votes, Atty. Raul Barbaso - 30, 446 votes, Atty. James Verduguez - 30, 163 votes,  Atty. James Cyril Ruiz - 30, 036 votes, Praxy Rubia - 29, 400 votes,  Kenny Ong - 28,797 votes, Atty. Ruben Legorio - 27, 865 votes and Atty. Jonald Napigquit -27, 789 votes.

The winning candidates were proclaimed yesterday by the City Board of Canvassers led by Acting City Election Officer Melpre A. Mercadera. (PIA9)