NGCP supports DepED’s alternative learning program

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – Complementing the implementation of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) by the Department of Education (DepED), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP)-Mindanao District I has adopted two barangays in the municipalities of Molave and Mahayag all in Zamboanga del Sur.

Literacy classes for adult learners will be conducted in these barangays with the NGCP and the Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO)-I providing for the teachers’ pay and the learning modules.

In his message during the recent project launch held at Aurora Substation in Cabilinan, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, NGCP’s Corporate Affairs Department head Nelson F. Cabangon bared that the ALS project for Barangay Alicia in Molave and Barangay San Isidro in Mahayag “is the first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) undertaking” of the company in the area.

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help in a way of giving a project with lasting imprint among the recipients,” Cabangon said adding “our CSR program covers four key areas: education, health, culture and environment.”

The recipient barangays will each have 30 adult learners who are mostly indigenous people belonging to Subanen tribe.

Acting Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Marcom F. Borongan of the Zamboanga del Sur Schools Division expressed his gratitude to the NGCP for “sharing its resources with the less fortunate ones.”

With the NGCP paying for the teacher’s pay, Borongan considered it “a big contribution to the DepED in particular and to the government in general.”

Borongan concluded his message with the saying: “Education makes people easy govern, but difficult to enslave.” (PIA9)

PIA-IX’s media forum showcases government’s programs, projects

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – In keeping with its mandate of providing a free flow of timely, accurate, relevant information to the public, the regional office of Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-IX has been holding a weekly media forum featuring government programs, projects, services, policies, pronouncements, and accomplishments.

As an avenue for the the national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges, local government units (LGUs), and other government entities to disseminate their respective programs and services, the media forum facilitates no-holds-barred discussions of government programs between government agencies and local media practitioners.

Brainchild of lady PIA-IX director

The forum, which is a one and a half hour-activity held every Tuesday at Daniel Hall, New Roxan Hotel, Pagadian City, has been the brainchild of PIA-IX Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga. It is regularly attended by broadcast, print and online media practitioners who are all members of the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club, Inc.

Edaga finds it wise to organize a weekly media forum, as “the government has various development programs that need to be disseminated to the public especially the poor sectors of the society by the private media as partners in advocacy to have these programs trickle down to the grassroots.”

Operating without budget

At first, the lady director was hesitant to proceed with the activity since the agency has no budget to fund the same more especially the payment for the venue and snacks for the guests and participants. But, PIA-IX’s healthy relations with the private media and the line agencies enabled the agency to spearhead the program at no cost.  The media forum, which was officially launched on July 16, 2010, is now on its third year.

  

NGAs, LGU participation

Since its launch in 2010, a number of NGAs, LGUs and even non-government organizations (NGOs) had already participated in the media forum. To name some, they are the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Education (DepED), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Commission for the Culture and Arts (NCCA),  National Housing Authority (NHA), National Statistics Office (NSO), Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Health  Skills and Development Authority (PHSDA), Pagadian City government, Office Civil Defense (OCD), Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative-I, and others.

A great help

OCD-IX Regional Director Adriano Fuego said the media forum greatly help in disseminating the programs and activities of his agency especially the implementation of Republic Act No. 10121 otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

Fuego further said through the forum “the implementing rules and regulations of the said law have been well disseminated to the public with the help of the print, broadcast, TV and online media.” He also expressed his thanks for having been invited to the program.

“As far as I can remember, I’ve been in the forum for three times already, giving and discussing the salient features of RA 10121 with the media,” he added.

The OCD chief recalled that a media forum was held by PIA-IX in 2012 at Marian College in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay where the OCD was conducting an earthquake drill to the teaching staff and students.

“Every time we have major activities and important announcement especially on disaster preparedness, we usually tap PIA for a possible guesting in its media forum to promptly disseminate the information to the public,” Fuego stressed.

  

Strengthening government-media relations

Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club, Inc. (ZPPI) president and “Hardline” news editor Vic Del Pilar lauded the efforts of PIA-IX, saying “the forum helps strengthen the relationship between the NGAs, NGOs and media practitioners in disseminating vital information to the public.

The ZPPI president regularly attends the forum and writes news articles about the topics discussed in said activity. 

Lualhati “Waway” Belen, broadcaster of RMN-dxPR and a regular panelist in the forum said she was happy that PIA-IX had launched the project for she has been able to gather more pieces of information about the government services/projects from the program.

“Nalipay ko nga ang media forum gihimo sa PIA9 tungod kay daghan nga mga kasayuran nga among makuha gikan sa mga nagkadaiyang ahensya sa kagamhanan. Nahatagan usab kami ug kahigayonan nga makahimamat ang mga kadagkoan opisyal sa kagamhanan, ug akong makahimamat usab kanunay ang akong mga kauban sa inidustiyra sa media (I am elated that the media forum was launched by PIA9 because we can gather various information from the different national government agencies.  We are also given an opportunity to meet government officials and my colleagues in media industry),” Belen said.     

Belen, who is handling a daily public affairs program, said she  found it difficult before to conduct an interview with some government officials because they are often out-of-town attending conferences and meetings. “But with the forum, we have now direct access to interview them,” Belen added.(PIA9)

Poor fishermen in Katipunan to benefit from Bayani Challenge House Build 2013

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Five indigent families of Barangay San Antonio, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte will soon have decent homes that they can call “their own.”

Barangay San Antonio is one of the two recipient-barangays in Katipunan town of the Gawad Kalinga’s (GK) Bayani Challenge 2013, which was simultaneously launched nationwide last March 23-27.

With the theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan,” GK’s Bayani Challenge was simultaneously launched with “Pilipinas Natin” under the Presidential Communications Operation Office(PCOO) in 35 provinces all over the country.

The first five families of San Antonio to benefit from the program are Joven Alpeche, Celestino Sumugat, Elna Tejano and Junrie Aleta. 

The houses, with an area of five by seven meters, will be built in a 1.5 hectare near the shoreline of the said barangay whose residents’ main source of income is fishing.

San Antonio, which is around three kilometers from the town proper, is a coastal barangay with 549 households and a population of 2,617.

The “House Build” beneficiaries together with volunteers from the municipal government, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office (ZNPPO), Katipunan Bikers Association and Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) shall undertake the construction of the first five houses under the supervision of the municipal engineering office.

Celestino Sumugat, one of the “House Build” program beneficiaries thanked Gawad Kalinga and Pilipinas Natin for coming up with such a project and he vowed to take good care of his house.

San Antonio Barangay Chairman Gervacio Jaictin also welcomed the program and urged his constituents to support the anti-poverty initiatives of the national government.

During the Bayani Challenge launch, the organizers also held medical mission, school refurbishing, information campaign on climate change mitigation and many others.(PIA9)

Parolees, probationers undergo fire prevention seminar

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – As part of the Parole and Probation Administration’s  (PPA) rehabilitation program, a seminar on fire prevention was conducted recently for parolees and probationers at Balangasan gym here.

Supervising Parole and Probation Officer Jocelyn Bael said almost 50 parolees and probationers had attended the seminar which aimed to provide them with the knowledge and skills on fire prevention.

Bael said the agency has included the seminar in its regular programs for the parolees and probationers to become productive and socially responsible members of the community.

The PPA chief said: “Since we Filipinos used to observe fire prevention every month of March, we would like our clients to be actively involved in community service.”

“With the lesson they learned during the seminar, they would know exactly on what to do especially in helping firemen on how to prevent the occurrence of fire in their respective communities,” Bael pointed out.

Since everyone is not spared from fire, Bael said, her clients should be ready at all times to render service to the community.

Bael invited speakers from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to give lecture on fire safety.

Fire Officer 3 Perlito Bustamante lectured on the behavior, characteristics and types of fire and fire prevention tips while Fire Officer 3 Nellby Racho gave tips on how to operate fire extinguishers.

Bael also disclosed that aside from the fire prevention seminar, PPA also conducted a forum on women which was attended by its clients and mothers.

In said forum, Bael gave lecture on the promotion and protection of women’s rights. The activity was also a part of the agency’s rehabilitation program.(PIA9)

AFP assists 128 displaced Filipinos from Sabah

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has continued to assist hundreds of displaced Filipinos from Sabah who are fleeing from the ongoing tension there.

Col Rodrigo T. Gregorio GSC (INF), Commander PIO of Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) disclosed in a press release that on March 29, 2013, another set of displaced persons from Sabah arrived in Zamboanga City aboard a Philippine Navy vessel, BRP Apolinario Mabini.

With direct instruction from WesMinCom, the said vessel picked up the 128 DPS (displaced persons from Sabah) at Taganak, Tawi-Tawi last March 28 and proceeded to Jolo Pier in Sulu to drop the 55 of the 128 DPS who came from the said province.

Then from Jolo Pier, BRP Apolinario Mabini set out towards Zamboanga City to ferry the remaining 73 DPS and at around 12:40 p.m. of the same day the Apolinario Mabini arrived at Ensign Majini Pier, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Lower Calarian, Zamboanga City.

Gregorio said upon the arrival of the DPS at Ensign Majini Pier, personnel from the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) BASULTA (Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi) were already in the area. The DPS were then transported to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Processing Center at Bargangay Talon-Talon in this city where they would be documented for proper identification.

Since the tension started in Sabah, hundreds of Filipinos fled and arrived in Zamboanga in batches. The displaced Filipinos are mostly from Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. These provinces have also set up crisis management teams to receive, document, and assist returning Filipinos.

The AFP through the WesMinCom has been ready to provide necessary assistance to those who have been affected by the Sabah crisis, exhausting all its resources, from transportation to manpower to ensure that proper assistance is being provided to DPS.

Team Basilan has also been leading the reception and assistance of returning Basileños. The provincial and local governments, together with the local social welfare personnel and the 104^th Sultan” Brigade have provided meals, relief goods, and transportation to the displaced persons. A staff from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is also around to encourage displaced Filipinos to enroll in its livelihood skills training program. (PIA9)

LGU Dipolog, PNP personnel visit Balay Dalangpanan

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - Personnel from the city government here and Philippine National Police (PNP) of Dipolog, Polanco and Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) have recently distributed foodstuff and gifts to abused/battered women and children at Balay Dalangpanan (house of refuge) in Anastacio, Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte. 

This was a joint undertaking of the PPSC , PNP-Dipolog, Polanco-Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the city government of Dipolog led by Mayor Evelyn T. Uy.

During their visit to Balay Dalangpanan, PI Edison Alviar of Polanco MPS, PI Krysthyl Agda-Hernandez of PNP-Dipolog, and PI Ryan Hernadez, PI Aleksi Palisoc and PI Gregorio Bungulan of the PPSC have given lectures on the rights and protection of women and children.

The city government has tied up with the PNP in pursuing programs aimed at providing assistance and support to women and children who were victims of domestic violence and other forms of abuses. 

Balay Dalangpanan is under the supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which provides counseling, temporary shelter, protection and guidance of abused children to restore their self esteem and promote their well-being. 

Balay Dalangpanan staff and wards through Ms. Jocelyn Enderez, the center head, have expressed their gratitude to Supt. Maclang and Mayor Uy for extending their support and assistance to the center. (PIA9)

Dipolog opens scholarship to poor but deserving students

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - The city government here has granted scholarship to 833 indigent students coming from the city and other municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte.

With funding from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), this scholarship program is in line with the city government’s “SWIGAPORE 2030” vision that aims to make Dipolog as green as Switzerland and as progressive as Singapore. 

The scholars will each receive a financial aid of P 5 thousand per semester and should enroll only at the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), as the scholarship funds shall be automatically downloaded at said school.

JRMSU is the only state-run university in the province with campuses in the cities of Dapitan and Dipolog and the municipalities of Katipunan, Siocon and Tampilisan.

Radmoran Brylle Gonzales of Sicayab, Dipolog City and Cindy Jane Advincula of Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte have expressed gratitude for having been chosen as “Swigapore” scholars. 

“Although the financial assistance would not be enough, this is of great help for us to continue our studies,” they said.

Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, on the other hand, reminded the scholars make good with their studies and “not waste this opportunity because what they will learn will be their weapon to success.”

It was also learned that more slots are coming for the second batch of said scholarship program. (PIA9)

Mindanao power problem may end by 2015, says NGCP spokesperson

By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY – Mindanao may become power-sufficient by 2015, according to Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza, spokesperson and adviser for external affairs of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

In a recent media briefing and press conference with the local press here, Atty. Alabanza said the NGCP has nothing to do with the rotating brownout plaguing Mindanao nowadays because the problem lies mainly in the power supply. She, however, told the media practitioners that the power problem in the island is now being addressed and it is expected to be over by 2015 with the completion of new power plants.

Presently, the power consumers in this part of the country have to bear with rotating brownouts ranging from four to six hours each day except for the service area of the Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative (ZANECO).

ZANECO has been able to tap other power source to cushion the impact of power rationing by the National Power Corporation (NPC) due to limited supply.

Other NGCP officials attending the media briefing were Engr. Eric Vincent Cariaga, operations and maintenance head for District 1 in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, Mr. Guillermo R. Redoblado, technical adviser to the NGCP President and CEO and Ms. Elizabeth Ladaga of NGCP’s Public Affairs Division.

The media practitioners present in said activity were Zamboanga del Norte Press Club president Rosemarie P. Miranda, “Kapihan sa Dipolog” program hosts Editha P. Tomong, Edgar Sorronda and Paul James Jauculan, Tingog Peninsula Editor-Publisher Eduardo de la Cerna, Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Zamboanga del Norte head Alfonso T. Ruda, RMN-dxDR manager Richard Villaronte, dxAA Manager Jett Opilac and other radio reporters. (PIA9)

Zambo City observes Earth Hour

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city joined the rest of the world in the recent observance of Earth Hour, a worldwide movement to reduce the impact of global warming.

More than a hundred participants, mostly city hall employees, gathered at the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) covered court for the Earth Hour observance which was marked by a ceremonial switch-off of lights at 8:30 in the evening.

Sheila Covarrubias, Public Information Officer (PIO), said “Mayor Celso Lobregat issued Executive Order 499-2013 expressing the city government’s support and commitment to the observance of the said event, which is a call to action for energy efficiency, conservation and to address climate change.”

“At exactly 8:30pm, lights were turned off, sending a strong message that something can be done to minimize the impact of global warming,” Covarrubias said.

During the one hour “switch off,” employees of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) performed a fire dance to entertain the participants.

The lady PIO said the city has been supportive and has been joining the observance for the past 6 years now.

Covarrubias informed that the “Earth Hour has been spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE) and Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) in collaboration with the Green Army and the SWITCH Movement.” (PIA9)

Tungawan poor folks to own house thru Bayanihan Challenge

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – At long last poor residents of Tungawan town can have their own houses.

This was declared by Tungawan Mayor Randy A. Climaco during the launching of Brigada Challenge 2013 in Poblacion, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay recently.    

“Bayanihan Challenge” is an initiative of Pilipinas Natin, a nationwide movement that calls for an active involvement of the citizens, cultivating the Filipino culture of caring, sharing and “bayanihan” (cooperation).

 

In his message, Climaco said “the launching of Brigada Challenge is a great help in the development of the municipality especially in building community through a spirit of volunteerism.”

“As a manifestation of our active and strong support to the Bayanihan Challenge, the LGU will donate 20 units of houses to start the implementation of the project and to effectively address poverty in our municipality,” Climaco said

Climaco said “the municipality is lucky because it is one of the identified ‘conflict areas’ in Mindanao, hence, it was chosen as one of the pilot areas for the project.”

“For the first time in our province, the Bayanihan Challenge project has been launched here and this is a welcome development to us,” Climaco stressed.

Tungawan is said to have 65% of its population living below poverty line.

With the launching of the project, the mayor said, he was optimistic that the negative impression of some people about his town would be erased.

“Before, our town was tagged as dangerous place because of the presence of lawless elements and many people were scared to visit, but with the implementation of the project, the negative impression will be erased,” Climaco said. 

The stakeholders also expressed their support to the project saying that the project would benefit the poor sectors of society and help sustain peace in the area. (PIA9)

Zambo. Norte candidates sign poll peace pact

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The provincial office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Zamboanga del Norte, Commission on Election (COMELEC), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have successfully facilitated the signing of the peace covenant among local candidates vying for various political positions in Zamboanga del Norte.

The peace covenant signing, which was held recently at Camila Hotel II in this city, aimed to draw commitment from each candidate to abide by the guidelines set by COMELEC governing the conduct of the May 2013 midterm elections.

In his opening statement, DILG-Zamboanga del Norte OIC-Provincial Director Arnel F. Gudio, lauded the candidates’ support to the covenant signing and he looked forward to a peaceful political exercise on May 13, 2013 in the province.

First Infantry Tabak Division Head, Brigadier General Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, on the other hand, assured the public of the readiness of the military in the area to extend the needed support to ensure the conduct of a peaceful and orderly election.

Zamboanga del Norte is now manned by the 10^th Infantry Battalion led by Col. Leonel Nicolas with more than 2,000 camp detachments strategically stationed in various locations in the province.

Nicolas replaced Col. Tarahudin Ampatuan who is currently assigned at the division in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

“We’ll do everything to avoid any election-related violence. And we are ready to augment our force here if necessary. Maasahan ninyo ang tulong ng Philippine Army (You count on the help of the Army),” Cruz said.

The candidates who turned up during the covenant signing were former Dipolog City Mayor Roberto Uy, who runs for governor under the Liberal Party, his running mate, Dipolog City Vice Mayor Atty. Senen Angeles, third district congressman Cesar Jalosjos of the Nacionalista Party (NP), candidate for Governor, and his running mate, incumbent Dapitan City Vice Mayor Patri B. Chan, and first district congressman Seth Frederick Pal Jalosjos who is running for his second term.

Absent during the covenant signing were Atty. Edgar Vicente Balisado - LP congressional candidate for the first district, incumbent second district congressman Rosendo S. Labad-labad of LP and his rival, incumbent governor Rolando E. Yebes of NP, third district congressional candidate Atty. Isagani S. Amatong of LP and his rival incumbent board member Johanna Jalosjos-Parreno of NP.

Nonetheless, Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Tomas Valera said those who failed to attend the covenant signing can still affix their signatures on the document at the COMELEC provincial office.(PIA9)

PIA chief asks Basilan youths to bet on time, ‘heart’ in nation-building

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY – Philippine Information Agency Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena has asked some 130 young people of Basilan to bet on time and  be a “heart” in order to contribute to nation-building.

The PIA chief spoke before the youth on separate occasions Sunday at a forum held late morning and during the Kalinga Night, the second day of the nationwide Bayani Challenge 2013 in Basilan.

He explained the need for every Filipino to offer time, talent, and passion to change lives without fear.

“Let us not compromise our dreams because of fear,” he stressed, saying that nothing can happen if one is enveloped with fear.

Oquiñena also challenged the youth to accept that one is a Filipino and one’s being a Filipino. He is saddened by the fact that young people assume personalities and races like imitating the looks and ways of Koreans and Americans other than themselves.

“We need to appreciate who we are and what we are, the beauty and the talents that we possess as Filipinos,” he said.

He added that aside from life and money, “sometimes we also bet on forgiveness and let go of the past.” He also urged the youth to inspire their fellow youth to do something like what they are doing now, volunteering for Bayani Challenge.

In the afternoon DG Oquinena led the ceremonial groundbreaking at Pamucalin build site in Lantawan Municipality, together with Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar, 104^th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito Galvez (PA), Provincial Board member Yusop Alano, Provincial Administrator Tahira Sansawi-Ismael, Gawad Kalinga Area Coordinator Dan Bercasio, and some local government executives and officials.

In her message, Gov. Akbar expressed her deepest appreciation and gratitude to Gawad Kalinga and the volunteers for the chance to be gifted with the project.

“I see how our young people are interested and willing to help and participate in this project. Because I saw the moon shining already at sunset, there is a big hope that our dreams will come true,” she said.

Akbar said that this is one story that young people of today can share to future generations. She assured GK and the donors of the projects that the people of Basilan will take care of the gifts given them and prayed that more houses will be built in the days ahead.

For his part DG Oquiñena bared that Basilan has a special place in President Aquino’s administration as manifested by the presence of the President’s exclusive radio-television Malacañang crew who would document the events to show to the entire country of the unique Bayanihan spirit here.

He asked the volunteers and local government officials to tell those who will benefit from the project to take care of the houses that will be given to them because so many people have invested their hearts and passion to build the houses.

He said the 30 houses were the first of the many more houses to be built in Basilan. He did not cite figures, however.

“Am not promising how many more, but in my experience, when the first houses were done right, more projects are possible. But when done wrongly, nothing could follow,” he said.

“But I feel, what we have done here, because of the convergence, everything would be more than right,” he pointed out.

He hoped that the “people of Manila will be educated that Basilan is the most beautiful province in the country.” (PIA9)