“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.

Dipolog City conducts simultaneous earthquake, fire drill

By: Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here has conducted a citywide simultaneous earthquake and fire drill on Friday, July 29, 2016 toculminate the National Disaster Consciousness Month celebration.

The drill started with a loud siren from the Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative (ZANECO) and ringing of bells of the Roman Catholic Church to warn the public against impending danger.

In a created scenario, the city experienced a 7.2 magnitude earthquake due to the movement of the Western Mindanao External Fault Line causing the destruction of buildings and edifice, fire, death and injuries.

The said drill has tested the Emergency Team Responders (ETR) in their quick response capabilities and efficiency in handling cases during emergency and public confusion.

Moreover, it will help the people and the community to be prepared and remain alert during such situations.

The victims were brought to evacuation sites and were given first aid before being brought to the temporary treatment area at Plaza Magsaysay where the Incident Command Post (ICP) is also situated.

The drills were simultaneously conducted at Dipolog City Hall, Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School, Saint Mary’s Academy, Saint Vincent’s College, Estaka Central School, Dipolog City Public Market, Banco Dipolog includingJollibee and Lee Plaza City Central.

It was participated by the Office of Civil Defense, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Red Cross, and other private organizations.

Tabak Division hosts Regional Youth Leadership Summit

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Some 56 youth leaders from the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte,  Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental participated in the Regional Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) held at Farmers’ Haven, Barangay Dao, this city on July 29-31.

Major Richard Enciso, newly-installed Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief said the event was organized by the 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army which aims to promote a culture of peace, enhance leadership qualities, and strengthen nationalism among the participants.

The army official said during the 3-day activity, series of workshops and lectures on leadership skills, values, spiritual enlightenment, team building and other topics that support the commitment of the AFP in youth development were discussed.

He said the YLS is a priority program of the AFP designed to shape the future of our youth and at the same time, to instill in their minds and hearts the spirit of patriotism, nationalism, and social responsibility.

“Ang 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division sa pangunguna ni MGen. Gerardo F. Barrientos ay nagpapatupad sa programa ng AFP sa mga kabataan dahil sila ay magiging pinuno natin sa hinaharap,” Enciso said.

(The 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division under the leadership of MGen. Gerardo F. Barrientos implemented this program for the youth because they are our future leaders).

During the summit, Enciso said the Tabak division have teamed up with the  1^st Field Artillery Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment and 1^st Cavalry Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army. Troopers performed capability demonstration and provided static display of equipment to the participants for them to explore, familiarize and have a glance of the unit facilities and resources.

BIMS success story shared in Italy

by: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN) has invited the local government unit (LGU) of Ipilfor its 32^nd Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) which was held on July 11-15 in Italy, Rome.

The LGU is currently engaged with Rare Philippines Inc., an international environmental NGO based in Arlington, Virginia, USA,  in the implementation of a global fisheries management program called Fish Forever. It is fortunate enough to be the lone LGU in the Philippines invited to the event.

Having received the award as “2015 Best Managed Marine Protected Area (MPA), the Buluan Island Marine Sanctuary (BIMS) has a lot to share in the international stage in terms of how it was able to implement a successful community-initiated fishery conservation effort.

It is a flagship food security, poverty alleviation and climate change adaptation program of then mayor and now Zamboanga Sibugay Vice-Governor Eldwin M. Alibutdan, being sustained by the incumbent Mayor Anamel C. Olegario.  BIMS is an exceptional success story that Rare is lobbying to the FAO to be emulated by global coastal communities which are predominantly small-scale based fisheries.

Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Mr. Felix T. Badon attended the session and shared the BIMS story torepresentatives from the countries of Mozambique, Brazil, Indonesia, Germany and USA together with FAO.

This event has put the local government of Ipil in the international map as model LGU on small–scale fisheries implementation. It has paved the way to seek potential additional funding for fisheries management as it established linkages with donor partners.

The marine sanctuary is located in the picturesque white sand island of Buluan and is being maintained by MENRO with the support of its partner institutions: Rare Philippines Incorporated; Rare Arlington, Virginia, USAandXavier Agriculture Extension Service Foundation Inc. (XAESFI).

“The main objectives of the 32^nd session of the COFI focused towards combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; securing sustainable small-scale fisheries; monitoring state of world fisheries and aquaculture and progress in the implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible fisheries and related instrument; catching documentation schemes; monitoring climate change and other environmental matters,”Badon explained.

Every two years, member states of the FAO-UN COFI regularly meet to discuss and ratify global fisheries agreements and treaties, set management programs, share approaches, tools, lessons learned and information with regard to improving the global fisheries and aquaculture, among others.

Having BIMS as a “Sense of Pride”, Badon aims to upgrade knowledge, information, and strategies to sustain fisheries development efforts.

Essay Writing, Poster Making Contest caps NDCM celebration

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Office of Civil Defense-IX (OCD)   culminated the celebration of the National Disaster  Consciousness Month with an Essay Writing and Poster Making Contest held at Casa Mea Hotel and Restaurant on July 28.

Ms. Emilia V. Julhajan, OCD OIC regional director welcomed the participants from 11 public secondary schools in the province to include Zamboanga Sibugay National High School (NHS); Sta. Clara NHS; Kabasalan NHS, Diplahan NHS, Francisco Ramos NHS; Kabasalan Science and Technology High School; Titay NHS; Siay NHS; Buug NHS, Simbol NHS and Ipil NHS.

Science Education Program Supervisor of the Department of Education, Zamboanga Sibugay Division Dr. Jenny T. Dosil said the competition will help the students develop their skills and abilities by providing them an experience worth remembering.

“This provides an opportunity for them to increase Disaster Risk Reduction Management awareness through friendly competition towards attaining common goals,” Dr. Dosil explained.

She added that we cannot control natural calamities but we can mitigate its impact before they come. In this way, we will be able toreduce loss of lives, property and destruction of theenvironment. “Preparedness starts from ourselves, our family,” she stated.

We can also reduce the effectsof disasters through science and technology with the Early Warning Devices (EWDs) installed by the Department of Science and Technology. To date, there are 93 EWDs established in strategic locations in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region including automated weather stations, automated rain gauges and water level monitoring system.

Emerging as winners of the Essay Writing were Jayson G. Fernandez from Francisco Ramos NHS – first; Khea D. Labiano, Titay NHS – second; and Kyle Adrian H. Tesoro, Zamboanga Sibugay NHS – 3^rd.

Meanwhile, Poster Making contest winners were Joshua Ryan Caermare – Kabasalan NHS - first; Joenald S. Abalde of  Kabasalan NHS came second and Jonathan G. Macasaysay from Simbol NHS bagged the third prize.

First prize winners received a trophy and P5,000 cash; 2^nd prize – P3,000 and 3^rd prize winner received P2,000. For the non-winners, each received a consolation prize of P500 while the coaches received P1,000  from OCD.

DOH, DepEd ready for ‘School-based Immunization Program’

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – After the conduct of the national deworming day last month, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are now ready for the month-long school-based immunization program starting Aug. 1-31.

Ms. Ma. Victoria B. Arquiza, coordinator for Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), DOH-9, said in a media forum held here earlier that the school-based immunization program is a follow-up to the Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV) immunization of under five years old children aged 9-59 months, aimed at interrupting measles transmission in the older population.

All grade 1 children will be given MCV and tetanus and diphtheria (Td) while grade 7 children will be immunized against measles and rubella (MR) and Td.

Arquiza explained “the immunity wanes as the years go by, hence this ‘catch-up immunization’ will be administered to schoolchildren to provide them with booster immunity against those diseases.”

Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine will also be given to all grade 4 female students in the 20 priority poorest provinces in the country, namely, Apayao, Ifugao, Pangasinan, Masbate, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Lanao del Sur, Davao Oriental, North Cotabato and Sarangani.

All vaccines are given free of charge.

DOH-9 aims to cover 90 percent , more or less, of the target schoolchildren in the region. 

Zambo. Sur entry for ‘2015 Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya’ adjudged regional winner

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Libre family, the pride of Zamboanga del Sur!

Having bested other families from all over the region, the Libre family of this city was adjudged regional winner in the recently concluded search for “2015 Huwarang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino” sponsored by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The search is an annual activity of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which aims to recognize the family beneficiaries that have religiously followed the conditions of the program and have been active and serve as model families in their respective communities.

Four families from the different provinces in the region competed for the title but the family of Mr. and Mrs. Roberto Libre Sr. of Barangay Santiago in the city beat them all.

The family a cash prize of P8 thousand and a certificate of recognition and plaque in an awarding ceremony held at the City Mall in Zamboanga City last July 27.

Other winners were Ponce family of Barangay Olingan,Dipolog City, 1st runner-up; Tampipi family of Barangay Lipacan, Malangas, ZamboangaSibugay, 2^nd runner-up; and Misuez family of barangay Buenavista, Zamboanga City, 3^rd runner-up. They all received cash prizes and certificate of recognition.

All the entries underwent desk validation and extensive interview by the board of judges.

Project Development Officer Maricel Aragon, the city link here said the winners were selected based on the different presentations of how they interact with the family members, their relationship and contribution in the community and how they manage to face the challenges and difficulties in life.

Atty. Araceli Solamillo, DSWD-9 regional director, personally handed the awards to the winners. “Dako kaayo ang among kalipay nga ang among pamilya ang napili sa board of judges nga midaug sa regional level. Wala mi magdahum nga modaug tungod kay ang among mga kaatbang pulos mga maayo ug modelo nga mga pamilya. Ang among katuyuan dili lamang makig-indigay kon dili makigsandurot usab sa among mga kaubang modelong pamilya,” the elder Libre said.

(We are very happy that my family was chosen by the board of judges as the winner in the regional level. We did not expect to win because our contenders are all good and model families. Our intention is not only to compete but to interact with the rest of model families.)

Libre family will represent region 9 in the national level to be held in Manila next month.

Isabela anti-drug council drafts plan to help drug users, dependents

by Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The overwhelming number of alleged drug personalities who turned themselves in to authorities has prompted the Isabela City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) to draft plans to help them recover and become productive citizens of the country.

A technical working group (TWG) composed of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Isabela City Schools Division, City Social Welfare and Development, the City Health Office, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Isabela City Police Office, and the Office of the City Mayor was created to draft the programs and activities aimed at providing support mechanisms for the “TokHang” Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign of the national government.

The Isabela city police reported that about 900 drug personalities have turned themselves in as of July 26.

Police Senior Inspector (PSI) Jerome Afuyog Jr, Isabela City Police Chief said that those who surrendered to the police were eventually released right after documentation procedures and signing of a concurrence of undertaking and waiver since there were no facilities where to put them for rehabilitation.

The overwhelming outcome of the campaign created the need for the local police to seek for assistance from the local government unit to deal with those who surrendered since no rehabilitation centers exist in the locality. 

With this dilemma, the TWG drafted alternative programs and plans for the LGU to consider implementation.

The TWG laid out some plans for Mayor Al-Qaid Akbar’s approval. They include immediate medical assistance for alleged drug users and dependents to determine their mental and physical health, an awareness session on the ill-effects of substance abuse on persons and communities, life skills and livelihood training, and physical fitness programs, among others.

With the demand for resources, the TWG and the CADAC have resolved to seek the help of various institutions and groups to establish convergence programs and activities.

In a series of meetings, CADAC hopes to finalize the plans and implement the programs by August this year.

OCD-9 spearheads ICT Bayanihan training in Zambo

By:Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-9 spearheaded recently a two-day Emergency Telecommunications Cluster Summit dubbed “ICT Bayanihan” at the Grand Astoria Hotel here.

It was attended by the regional and local disaster risk reduction and management council (DRRMC)-member agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Philippine Information Agency, among others.

Acting Regional Director Emilia Julhajan of OCD-9 said the activity aimed to establish and institutionalize a rapid emergency telecommunications team (RETT) in the region and strengthen each of the key players capacity in disaster preparedness and response particularly on the field of information, communications and technology (ICT).

She said “the activity looks into the elements that are necessary to achieve greater information sharing, tasks division, operational planning, creation of unified efforts and the institutionalization of the most important element of disaster management cycle, which is the ICT in the disaster management program.”

“Aside from showcasing your respective ability, it is an opportunity to link ourselves with each other through communication so that we be able to react effectively and efficiently in case of a disaster,” she added.

OCD Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, who graced the second day of the event said “it is unique. It is not just a training but a training with commitment. It does not end here but continues as we faced disasters. I hope we will continue to work together for the benefit of the many.”

The RETT will be implemented through a conglomeration of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) that will be regularly in contact with each other and promote convergence, unified actions and provide better working relationships. 

July 30 is last day of SK registration, says NYC

By:Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The National Youth Commission (NYC) announces that the last day of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) or the Youth Council voters registration will be until Saturday, July 30, only.

Those who want to register must be at least 15 but not older than 30 years old on the day of elections, which will be on October 31, and a resident of the barangay for at least six months prior to the election day.

Registration has started last July 15.

Youths who will be registering may visit their local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office from 8 a.m. to 5p.m.

Ms. Karenne Añover of NYC-9 said COMELEC offices are open daily including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

“They must bring with them any of the identification cards such as office ID, postal ID, PWD discount ID, driver’s, SSS/GSIS ID, student ID, passport or a clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI),” she said referring to the requirements needed in the registration.

“Or they can bring any valid document indicating their date of birth and current address.”

Añover said those who have already registered and voted during the May 9, 2016 national and local elections are automatic registrants for the SK elections.

She also emphasized that SK registration is free.