Team Basilan holds healing session for MNLF dependents in Parangbasak

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Basilan Peace and Development Coordinating Committee, also known as Team Basilan, visited the wife and children of MNLF-Misuari faction in Parangbasak, whose men were involved in the Zamboanga City standoff.

Bringing with them relief goods and other assistance, the members of the Team Basilan met with the women last Dec. 5 in small groups for a dialogue and debriefing session with the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI), the Basilan Women’s Initiative Foundation, and other groups while their children engaged in play activities with the Child Fund Philippines.

Miriam Suacito, Executive Director of NFI said that Team Basilan was concerned with the plight of the women and children affected by the conflict in Zamboanga City last September. She said that the observance of the Mindanao Week of Peace is an opportunity for Team Basilan to reach out to the MNLF families affected, as the head of these families were arrested or have surrendered to authorities for their alleged involvement in the Zamboanga siege.

For her part, Provincial Administrator Tahira Ismael appealed to the families not to be afraid of the presence of the police and the military in the area.

Speaking in local dialect, she stressed that “we are here to check on your condition and situation as we know that you have also fallen victims of the situation, despite the fact that your husbands and men of your family were implicated in the crisis in Zamboanga City.”

Likewise, military officials also appealed and expressed their sincerity and commitment to work for peace and protect the civilians.

Col. Carlito G. Galvez, 104^th Infantry Brigade Commander PA said that the visit hopes to appease the families hoping that the next generation will understand what happened.

“The Zamboanga stand-off is an unfortunate event and nobody wants it to happen. We hope that we stop blaming one another,” he said.

In an interview, LTC Fernando M. Reyeg of the Special Forces Scout Ranger in Basilan disclosed that “the Parangbasak community was uncomfortable with our presence especially after the conflict in Colonia barangay following the attack in Zamboanga.”

“But we have assured them of our commitment to peace, especially with the IPSP Bayanihan. We were told that some of them were deceived to join the Zamboanga siege in exchange for money, salary, and livelihood from the higher ranks of MNLF-Misuari Group,” he said.

During the dialogue, some 78 women dependents sought the help of Team Basilan in the case of their men. Most of them expressed concern over their livelihood and education of their children, as most of them rely chiefly on their heads of families.

The dependents were also worried about the condition of their husbands and men at the detention centers in Zamboanga City, as they received reports of maltreatment and harassment of fellow inmates inside jails.

The visit was part of the observance of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2013 with its theme, “Dialogue and Hope: Our Key to Peace, Heal our Land.”

Team Basilan also gave relief goods and other supplies to barangay Colonia after visiting Parangbasak in Lamitan City. The military was able to block intruding armed groups believed to be combined elements of MNLF-MG supporters and Abu Sayyaf at Colonia on Sept. 12 following the attack in Zamboanga. (PIA9)

GSIS to disburse P2.1-B Christmas cash gift for pensioners

PAGADIAN CITY - A total of 238,490 pensioners of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will receive their annual Christmas cash gift through their eCard accounts by Dec. 10, 2013.   

In a press statement, GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara said “The Board of Trustees and Management of GSIS realize that our pensioners look forward to receiving their cash gift every year as part of the Christmas season,” adding “the Board wants to release it as soon as possible.”

The P2.1 billion allocation for the cash gift, according to PGM Vergara, is 16.7 percent higher than last year’s allocation of P1.8 billion.

GSIS Pagadian City branch head Engr. Leoncito S. Manuel said qualified to receive the cash gift are old-age/retirement and disability pensioners who have been receiving their monthly pension for at least five years as of Dec. 15, 2012. 

Meanwhile, pensioners living abroad and in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) who are on suspended status at the time of the grant of the Christmas cash gift will be ineligible to receive it, but may still qualify if they activate their status not later than April 30, 2014.

Vergara said that pensioners who will receive their cash gift for the first time will be granted an amount equivalent to a month’s pension but not to exceed P10,000. While pensioners who have been previously receiving a cash gift of more than P10,000 will get one month’s pension up to a maximum of P12,600.

In addition, pensioners who resumed their regular monthly pensions after December 2012 (or the five-year guaranteed period) will receive an amount equivalent to a month’s pension up to a maximum of P10,000. 

However, certain pensioners will be ineligible to receive the cash gift. These include survivorship and dependent pensioners, retirees who received in advance their guaranteed pensions in the form of lump sum and who will be receiving their regular monthly pensions after Dec. 31, 2013, and new retirees from 2009 to  2013 who will be entitled to the Christmas cash gift five years after their retirement date.

Pensioners who will activate their status by April 30, 2014 will receive their cash gift not later than May 31, 2014.

For questions on the grant of cash gift, pensioners may call the GSIS contact center at 847.4747. (FPG/GSIS PR/PIA9/alt)

Do not let our negative voice be louder than our positive voice – Asec. Boncato

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Arturo P. Boncato Jr. urged all tourism stakeholders in Zamboanga Peninsula not to let negative things hurt the industry.

This was the gist of his message during the 1^st Regional Tourism Summit held here yesterday, as he pushed for positive information dissemination to counter the negative information about the place.

“Do not let our negative voice be louder than our positive voice. Let our positive voice ring loudest so that when they hear something negative it will be very, very negligible,” Asec. Boncato said.

Boncato said this attitude may just be the right solution to Mindanao’s negative image among tourists.

“Let’ us focus on the things that we have that the world doesn’t know yet. It’s all about positive branding,” he asserted.

Asec. Art, as he prefers to be called, hinted that a very big opportunity for tourism boom is being presented to Mindanao and that Mindanaoans must stand together and deliver a strong message to the market.

“Our country is now on a massive recovery and rehabilitation efforts due to the natural calamities that hit Visayas. Mindanao could be one of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines, and I can declare right now that Mindanao should be the last frontier of Philippine tourism as it is not developed yet,” the youthful official from Davao City said.

He said tourism industry is in one of the better times in the country as national economy remains resilient.

“Things are doing very well for the tourism industry. We are happy to say that tourism has contributed to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) around 5 or 5.5 percent of our GDP. And it is still the top four dollar earning industry in the country today,” Boncato pointed out.

Boncato revealed that as of September this year, over 3 million foreign tourists have already visited the country, and he is optimistic that the country will meet its target of 5.5 million tourist arrivals this year. (PIA9)

DOLE celebrates 80 years of valued service thru environmental preservation

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - To celebrate its 80th anniversary, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Zamboanga del Sur Field Office conducted a cleanup drive along the shoreline of Barangay White Beach, this city last Dec. 6.

Ms. Lourdes B. Amores, DOLE provincial head led the cleanup activity in coordination with Punong Barangay Rey R. Rabanos with the full support of DOLE employees, barangay officials and residents.

“Commemorating 80 years of program implementation and employment facilitation, our theme this year is ‘Walumpung Taong Pag-unlad, Walumpung Taong Paglilingkod’,” said Ms. Amores. 

Meanwhile, DOLE Sibugay also conducted a similar environmental undertaking through a tree planting activity and orientation on Green Productivity.

Mr. Elamsalih E. Ungad, DOLE chief of Zamboanga Sibugay said partner agencies were the Zamboanga Sibugay Federation of Family Welfare Committees, Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-9, DENR-Sibugay and Goodyear Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GARBEMCO).

The tree planting activity was held along the riverbanks of Banker in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay Province. (PIA9)

ZNNHS researchers bag 2013 RICE awards

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – Student-researchers from the Zamboanga del Norte National High School (ZNNHS) here won 3^rd place in the 2013 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) for the Sibol High School category held recently at the Gaisano Mall, Pagadian City.

The research team, which was composed of fourth year high school students enrolled in the Department of Science and Technology-Engineering and Science Educational Program (DOST-ESEP) program, embarked on a research titled “Quality Plywood from Nipa (Nypa Fruticans) stalks with Noel G. Solis as research adviser.

The team, which is composed of Joshua Gemperoso, Jessa Christine Abellon and Kate Anne Ramos, brought home a cash prize of P5,000.

The board of judges composed of Mr. Alvin Ang, Engr. Rolando Andaya and Mr. Ramon L. Rivera got impressed with their quality, sturdy but cheap plywood, which is made of Nipa, a palm that grows in wetlands and mangroves.

The other two research teams that qualified for the said competition were Steffanie Campondag, Chris Jera, Lara and Jaze Ontolan with their  titled “Lethal Effect of Caffeine Against Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea Cannaniculata), and the “Baby Wipes Mosquito Repellent” by Damsel Bangcal, Michelle Duller and Mariale Mich Solatorio.

Noel Beira with his invention of “Palwood” emerged as winner for the utility model category and his “Pallwood Poles” for the Likha category.

On the other hand, Emma Diamante’s “Chicken Feeder Gadget” ranked second in the Likha award.

This year’s RICE was participated in by 76 researches and inventions from state universities and colleges, science high schools, public and private institutions in the region. (PIA9)

2 kidnap victims rescued in Sulu

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The combined elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Barangay authorities in Patikul, Sulu have rescued two kidnap victims recently.

In a press release, OIC Sulu Information Officer Sonny Y. Abing III revealed that the victims were rescued at around 6:45 a.m. last Nov. 29 in Sitio Buh, Barangay Sucuban, Omar, Sulu.

The victims were identified as Itih B. Patusa, 59, of Canelar Tambucho and Lindo Estrada, 50, of Sta. Catalina both from Zamboanga City.

The report said Patusa and Estrada, construction workers for a private contracting firm, were abducted last Sept. 23 in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi at around 10:30 p.m. while resting in their barracks.

"Kinuha kami sa aming barracks at sinakay sa bangka nagbiyahe kami ng isa at kalahating araw (we were taken from our barracks and sailed in a banca for about one and a half day)," Estrada told the authorities.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur A. Tan II commended Mayor Ferhana Mohammad of Omar municipality, Barangay Sucuban Chairman Antis A. Sabaddin, Barangay Tangkuan Chairman Rajaun Abun , Barangay Angilan Chairman Nundin Jana and Omar Police Chief Samidin Aldrin, whose  combined efforts led to the rescue of Patusa and Estrada.

"Ito ay isang malaking tagumpay para sa probinsiya. Isa itong magandang resulta kung tayong lahat ay nagkakaisa (This is a great victory for the province. This is the result when people are united)," Tan said during a meeting with rescued victims at the provincial capitol.

Col. Jose Joh Riel Cenabre, commander, 2nd Marine Brigade, said that this is the outcome of our Provincial Peace and Order Council meetings and the cooperation of the barangay leaders. 

The report further revealed that the victims were rescued through a blockade set up by authorities at Barangay Sucuban, Omar, Sulu. According to Estrada, their captors abandoned them when authorities are closing in on their position. 

"Nagpapasalamat po kami sa mga nagligtas sa amin, masaya kami at nailigtas kami (We are grateful to our rescuers, we are happy that we are safe)," a grateful Estrada and Patusa told their rescuers.

Panamao Mayor Gafur Abdurajak, Regional Reconciliation and Unification Council (RRUC) Commissioner Abdul Najar Abdul Jalal and other provincial, police and military officials expressed support to the ongoing involvement of communities in the campaign against criminality, looking forward to the same community cooperation in the future. 

Rescued victims were turned-over to the PNP for medical checkup and debriefing, afterwards they will be sent home to their respective families. (FPG/RVC/Sulu-PIO/PIA9-ZBST)

“For a peaceful community, we should raise a lot of fish”

By Alma L. Tingcang

What started out as a high school hobby for this young man has become a thriving industry when he engaged in the koi breeding business. Having a father who was an agriculturist paved the way for his penchant for keeping fishes and his interest in them became more intense when he realized that he could gain much from it.

Raising ornamental fish, including Koi is the No. 2 hobby in the world, providing high profit, but second only to photography. In the ornamental fish business, anyone can make a six figure income, not even requiring a university degree to do it.

How it started?

Mr. Velly Marcial Naciongayo, 36 years old, is a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) graduate who hails from Sebucao, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur. His inspiration comes from the love of his life, Ardilyn and their two kids, Dimple, 8 years old and Billgord,5.

“I started with only 6 breeders which I bought from Laguna in 1996. Koi being an ornamental fish cannot be eaten so I also raised tilapia in the same pond for our consumption,” he recounted.

Little by little, Velly started to develop his backyard pond to accommodate more koi and tilapia. One advantage he saw was that mosquitoes started to vanish in the place, where there used to be plenty since fishes eat mosquitoes.

“Farming helped me and my family so much. Life was quite hard at that time and we could not sustain our everyday needs. Food was scarce and I could barely provide a decent life for my family,” Velly tearfully recalled.

However, things changed a few years after. “In 3 months, we harvest the koi and we also have tilapia which I sell in my store at P120/kilo. Sometimes the harvest could reach up to 400 kilos, more than enough for our needs,” he said. Koi is sold at P10 a piece where a box containing 2,000 koi is sold at P20,000, while the big ones are priced at P1,000 each.

Winning the prestigious award

Little did he know that he would reach a milestone in his life when he joined the Search for the 2013 Most Outstanding Farmer in the Philippines organized by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines together with the Department of Agriculture and the Universal Harvester Inc., which he handily won. He received his award on Nov. 15, 2013 at Makati Shangri-La.

“I am thankful to God for all these blessings, the sponsors, JCI Phils., DA and Universal Harvester Inc. for recognizing my efforts in koi farming, to Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles for giving much attention to agriculture and our municipal agriculturist, Mr. Ponciano Edano who always visits and monitors my progress, giving valuable advices,” Velly said.

LGU support

“There are 12 categories of the yearly award and this is the first time that Dumalinao bagged the title. This is once in a lifetime award. “To you Velly, you make every Dumalinaoan proud so carry on the good deeds and continue helping others,” said the young mayor.

“Basically an agricultural hub, our program in Dumalinao is geared on farming, applying the latest technology so that farmers will have maximum benefit,” the good mayor explained.

Future venture

Sebucao farmers are also beneficiaries of the DA and Nestle Philippines joint venture of 100 hectares coffee plantation launched last Nov. 25 through the efforts of Mayor Cerilles.

Velly is now promoting aquatic farming, having organized the Backyard Aquatic Gardeners Association (BAGA) with 20 members. Aside from its financial benefits, you will surely enjoy raising fish and derive health benefits, he says.

Health benefits

“Raising fish is therapeutic, like a healing balm. It takes away fatigue and problems giving you peace of mind. This is also one way to control mosquitoes,” he cited.

BAGA plans to embark on bigger activities and, at the same time, giving back life to depleted rivers by sowing fish fingerlings in them.

Very soon, a banana plantation project will also start to be integrated with coffee. With banana, coffee, and fish in town, we will soon be expecting an abundant harvest, bringing peace and prosperity to Dumalinao. As Velly said, “For a peaceful community, we should raise a lot of fish.” (PIA9)

Polanco town kicks off Christmas symbols tilt

By Franklin P. Gumapon

POLANCO, Zamboanga del Norte – Christmas symbols competitions highlighted the 62nd founding anniversary of this municipality yesterday, bringing joy and fun to the townspeople here.

Using indigenous materials, the Christmas symbols erected at the town plaza were the nativity of Jesus Christ, Sta. Claus and gift-loaded carousel, Christmas candles, and Christmas comet.

Aside from the Christmas symbols competitions, singing and dance contests were also held.

In her anniversary message, Vice Mayor Faith C. Penados said the new administration’s goals are two-pronged: the welfare of the people and the growth of the municipality.

Penados, who represented Mayor Roberto Uy Jr. as the latter is now under medication for his sprained hands, disclosed that the new administration would concentrate on giving both livelihood and infrastructure projects to improve the living condition of its constituents.

The town’s 62nd founding anniversary has for its theme, “On the way to its vision of a poverty-free municipality by 2030.”

Christmas candles by Polanco National High School annexes won first place in the Christmas symbols competitions, followed by the Sta. Claus and gift-loaded carousel of Department of Education (DepED)-Polanco II district, and third place went to the Christmas comet by Polanco National High School-main campus.

The fun-filled activities here will last until next week, as the municipality will be hosting for the third time the annual provincial athletic meet, which will be participated in by the different elementary and secondary athletic delegations from all over the province. (PIA9)

ZNNHS researchers bag 2013 RICE awards

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – Student-researchers from the Zamboanga del Norte National High School (ZNNHS) here won 3^rd place in the 2013 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) for the Sibol High School category held recently at the Gaisano Mall, Pagadian City.

The research team, which was composed of fourth year high school students enrolled in the Department of Science and Technology-Engineering and Science Educational Program (DOST-ESEP) program, embarked on a research titled “Quality Plywood from Nipa (Nypa Fruticans) stalks with Noel G. Solis as research adviser.

The team, which is composed of Joshua Gemperoso, Jessa Christine Abellon and Kate Anne Ramos, brought home a cash prize of P5,000.

The board of judges composed of Mr. Alvin Ang, Engr. Rolando Andaya and Mr. Ramon L. Rivera got impressed with their quality, sturdy but cheap plywood, which is made of Nipa, a palm that grows in wetlands and mangroves.

The other two research teams that qualified for the said competition were Steffanie Campondag, Chris Jera, Lara and Jaze Ontolan with their  titled “Lethal Effect of Caffeine Against Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea Cannaniculata), and the “Baby Wipes Mosquito Repellent” by Damsel Bangcal, Michelle Duller and Mariale Mich Solatorio.

Noel Beira with his invention of “Palwood” emerged as winner for the utility model category and his “Pallwood Poles” for the Likha category.

On the other hand, Emma Diamante’s “Chicken Feeder Gadget” ranked second in the Likha award.

This year’s RICE was participated in by 76 researches and inventions from state universities and colleges, science high schools, public and private institutions in the region. (PIA9)

Zambo bans sale of pyrotechnics

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

  

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The use of 
firecrackers is not 
allowed this Christmas season in the city, the city government reminded the public and businessmen.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar issued Executive Order BC 23-2013 prohibiting the sale and display of any kinds of pyrotechnics following the 23-day MNLF siege last September.

“The incident brought untold trauma, stress and anxiety to all residents,” the lady mayor was quoted as saying.

Mayor Climaco stressed that with the harrowing incident still fresh in the minds of the public any explosion may still affect the residents of Zamboanga and cause panic.

Police Regional Office 9 spokesperson and FESAGS head Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca said they would be strictly implementing the firecracker ban as ordered by Mayor Climaco. He explained that violators will be charged with violation of Republic Act 7183, an act regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, approved on January 30, 1992.

Huesca said they will be tapping different barangay officials to help for monitor and enaure that the ban is implemented.

The Executive Order also bodes well with the national government’s campaign against the use of firecrackers.

The Department of Health (DOH) has been campaigning for the “Iwas Paputok” for years now to ensure a safe and hazard-free celebration of Christmas and New Year. Instead of firecrackers, DOH is encouraging the use of alternative and safe noise-making toys or devices during the festivities. (PIA9)

We are blessed to be a blessing to others, say Zambo. Sur donors for Yolanda victims

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - The outpouring of support from local and international communities for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda may be tremendous, but people who have generous hearts always find a way to share their material blessings.

Thus, relief efforts were initiated by the management and staff of Caritas Health Shield, Ramona Fishing Corporation/Ramona Construction, Zamboanga Motors Supply and the office of Zamboanga del Sur First district Congressman Victor J. Yu.

“We are doing this to help the victims. Actually, the idea came from Fritzie and Ivy and we were also very willing and happy to contribute and share, so all of us agreed to help,” says Michelle Quimada of Ramona Fishing Corp.

To date, donations have reached 17 sacks of rice, canned goods, bottled water, biscuits, Milo, noodles, shampoo,soap, toothbrush and toothpaste.

Ms. Fritzie S. Piape, together with Ms. Evelyn Tumulak initiated this charitable project because they were so touched by the heartbreaking sight of Yolanda’s aftermath. “It pains to see people who have nothing to eat, needing food and water. While we are enjoying abundant supply of God’s blessings, there are those wanting in the basic necessities of life,” Ms. Piape said.

“It’s heartwarming to know that you are able to help in your own little way to alleviate their plight. So it is just right to share God’s blessings to others in need,” she added.

“We only solicited relief goods from those offices occupying the Zamboanga Motors building but there were also sister companies who donated and gave wholeheartedly, and we are so grateful for their involvement,” explained Ms. Tumulak.

They have already packed the relief goods and will be sending them out soon to the victims in Tacloban.

Donations are still being accepted at Caritas Health Shield office located at the 2nd floor of Zamboanga Motors Building, Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City. (PIA9)

Davao Norte governor recognizes role of gov’t info officers in disaster preparedness

By Gideon C. Corgue

TAGUM CITY – “Your roles as information officers are very important especially in the crucial hours when people need information,” Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario told the participants to the 2013 Mindanao Communicators’ Network in yesterday’s opening program.

Speaking before some 200 information officers gathered at the Big 8 Corporate Hotel here, Governor del Rosario said “ it is trough the information officers that the public is informed of the LGU (local government unit) activities.

“More than reporting the activities of your institutions, most of you have become weather men and women reporting the hour-to-hour weather situation in your localities,” the governor said adding “it is through you that your local chief executives could reach their constituents via airwaves and social media.”

Del Rosario also pointed out that disaster management information shall be delivered timely and effectively.   

“We are called upon by time to level up our development perspectives. Our government sees this modern perspective through its disaster management plans. But what is the use of having these plans if these are not communicated?” De Rosario explained.

“I urge you to trumpet disaster management plans in this changing phenomena in order to bring about behavior change among our people,” del Rosario concluded.

Among those who were present were Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional directors Noemi B. Edaga of region 9, Abner Caga of CARAGA, Olivia Sudaria of region 12, and Efren Elbanbuena of region 11 who is also the current MindaComnet president.  (PIA9)