Mayor Uy creates Local Governance Transition team

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy has recently issued an order creating a Local Governance Transition (LGT) to handle a smooth transition of the operations of the different divisions of the city government.

Under Executive Order No. 2013-14, dated May 21, 2013, the LGT is tasked to handle the orderly and peaceful transfer of power and responsibility from the previous officials to the newly-elected city officials.

Mayor Uy’s action is in compliance with Memorandum Circular No. 2013-33 issued by Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas ordering all Provincial Governors, City and Municipal Mayors, DILG Regional Directors, ARMM Regional Governor and other concerned government agencies to ensure the orderly “Local Governance Transition” on June 30, 2013.

Uy also directed the Transition Team to make an inventory of all city government properties and prepare the copy of the 2012 State of Local Governance Performance Report; State of Local Development Report; Financial Performance Report; Commission on Audit Report; Contract and Loan Agreements, if there’s any; Comprehensive Development Plan; Local Development Investment Plan; Calendar 2013 Annual Investment Plan; Comprehensive Land Use Plan or Physical Framework Plan; Capability Development Plan; Executive-Legislative Agenda; Organizational Structure; Inventory of Personnel by Nature of Appointment; Executive Orders; and full disclosure of the policy documents of the city.

Allan Bengua of the City Information Office said the said directive aims to assure the Dipolognons of transparency of the Uy’s six-year administration with the “Swigapore 2030 vision” toward a God-centered, peaceful and self-reliant city by 2030.

The good governance initiative is also in support of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s effort to get rid of graft and corruption in the entire bureaucracy, especially among the local government units as envisioned in his campaign for “Matuwid na Daan (Straight Path).” (PIA9)

Tabak commander urges military officers to establish good rapport with media

By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR – The newly installed 1^st Infantry division commander has recently urged military officers to establish and develop good rapport with the media.

In his message in last Thursday’s fellowship with the local press at the Officers’ Club House, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, Brigadier General Daniel Lucero underscored the crucial role of media in the promotion of peace and security by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

BGen. Lucero recalled that when he was the commander of the 103rd brigade, he lost a number of good commanders for failure to establish good working relationship with media. “They failed to properly relate themselves with the media, thus they were relieved from their posts,” Lucero declared.

Lucero, who once served as AFP spokesman during the time of AFP chief Lieutenant General (LtGen.) Narciso Abaya from April 2003 to October 2004, admitted that though he has no formal education and training about media handling but he learned it in his own way.

The Tabak chief recalled that on his first day of handling media at the AFP General Headquarters, he met American Public Affairs Officers and national media practitioners.

“I received several phone calls from the media as early as 3:00 a.m. even during weekends. I have to attend to their calls because if I will not do so, they will report to my boss that I am sleeping on my duty,” Lucero said.

“I learned to smile even though I was not feeling great and that I called it as ‘media harassment’,” Lucero quipped.

Lucero, however admitted that during his stint as spokesperson in the AFP he had learned many lessons. “One good lesson that I learned was to value media relations,” he said.

He also shared with his senior and junior officers some important points in facing the media: Be ready of giving information, know their educational background and leanings, the message to send should be clear for them to absorb.     

The 1^st Infantry Division has existing Tabak Defense Press Corps that is responsible for disseminating information on the programs and activities of the AFP under its president Leah Agonoy. (PIA9)

Parents, students thank DTI for conducting “Diskwento caravan”

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Parents and students were grateful to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for conducting “Diskwento Brigada Eskwela Caravan 2013” right at its premises here on May 23-24. 

Edgar Cabilingga, 60, of barangay Banale said he thanked the DTI for holding its annual “Diskwento Caravan” which gave the poor people a chance to avail themselves of school supplies and uniforms for their children at lower prices.

“Nalipay ko kaayo nga gihimo kini nga kalihokan sa DTI aron nga kaming mga kabus nga ginikanan makapalit ug school supplies sa barato nga presyo (I am happy that the DTI conducted this activity so we, the poor parents, could buy school supplies at lower prices),” said Cabilingga.   

Cabilingga bought school supplies and uniforms for his four children: Dexter, fourth year high school student; Edgardo, a grade VII student; Irish Mae, a grade V pupil; and Chrystal Mae, grade 1 pupil.

Another parent knowns as Conchita Espinosa of barangay Balangasan said she rushed to the DTI compound upon hearing a report over the radio about the “Diskwento Brigada Eskwela Caravan” being held there.

“Human nga akong nadungog sa balita sa radyo nga pagahimoon ang ‘Diskwento Brigada Eskwela Caravan’ nagdali ako pag-anhi sa DTI aron dili ako maulahi ug dili mahutdan sa discounted nga school supplies (After hearing a report over the radio about the Diskwento Brigada Eskwela Caravan, I rushed to DTI so that I would not be late and I could avail myself of the discounted school supplies),” said Espinosa who bought one dozen of notebooks and papers for her six year-old grandchild, Justine Jake, who is now enrolled at Ballesteros Elementary School.

Store manager Claressa Baylon said they responded to the request of DTI to join the caravan to help parents and students with limited budget in buying school supplies and uniforms at lower prices.      

Meanwhile, DTI-Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Director Ma. Socorro Atay said the “Diskwento Caravan” is an annual project of the DTI aimed at giving opportunity for the poor parents and students to avail themselves of school supplies and other commodities at a lower price. “The caravan is now in its 3^rd year of giving service to the public,” she added.

Atay thanked the participating establishments for actively supporting the activity.

“ I am so thankful that the participating establishments like Crown Paper and Stationer, Deli Foodline, Edmar’s Enterprises, Julie’s Bakeshop, Luis General Mechandise , Pagadian Non-Eormal Education Beneficiaries MPC, RML Peoples Plaza, Young’s Rice Milling, and Zenco Footstep are actively supporting our activities such as this,”  Atay said. 

The caravan is set to be held tomorrow in the municipality of Molave, Zamboanga del Sur. (PIA9)

AFP, PNP, LGUs concerted efforts fastrack release of abducted DSWD worker in Basilan

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Persistent efforts from the combined team of the police, the military, and the local government units in Basilan have resulted to the immediate release of abducted worker of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Basilan.

Jenely Luna-Entera,    a social worker of the DSWD was released from her abductors at exactly 7:30 p.m. of May 23, 2013 at Barangay Marang, Sumisip, Basilan after she was abducted last May 22 at about 9:00 a.m.

A military report revealed that Jenelyn Luna-Entera was released to the Mayor of Sumisip, Basilan, Gulam Boy Hataman and Lieutenant Colonel Leonardo Dacumos, Commander of 64^th IB, First Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA).

The safe release was made possible through the collective negotiation efforts conducted initially by local government officials of Ungkaya Pukan headed by Mayors Joel and Jomar, Sumisip Mayor, Hataman and Mayor Tong Listarul, Lieutenant Colonel Leonardo Dacumos and Lieutenant Colonel Paulo Perez, the Battalion Commanders in the area and the MILF 104^th Base Command.

Immediately after the reported abduction, the troops from 18^th Infantry Battalion and 64^th Infantry Battalion conducted intensive pursuit and checkpoint operations in order to prevent the abductors from leaving the boundaries of Ungkaya Pukan and Sumisip. The 3^rd SRBN was also shifted to Ungkaya Pukan to maintain pressure and contain the area.

Subsequently, Ungkaya Pukan Crisis Committee was activated while Sumisip and Provincial Crisis Committee were also activated to support the ongoing negotiations.

ARMM Governor  Mujiv Hataman also sought the help of the MILF Central Committee and 104^th MILF Base Command for the safe release of Ms. Entera.

The successful and immediate release of the victim was made possible through the efforts of all concerned local government agencies, the police and the military and other concerned citizens.

Moreover, the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) was also immediately convened in an emergency meeting in the morning of May 23 to discuss measures to get the abducted social worker safely and quickly. Ms Luna’s parents were also present and were assured of the government’s efforts to get their daughter quickly from the hands of her abductors.

In the PPOC meeting, the council has reiterated and obliged all government agencies, especially those implementing programs in the different barangays and areas of Basilan, to always coordinate with local government units.

The council members also asked local government units to adopt measures in protecting government and development workers who are bringing programs and projects to help the poor in the area, especially in areas identified as critical. (FPG/RVC/WESMINCOM/PIA9-ZBST)

CSWD, SK hold summer youth camp 2013

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY — The City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) in partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan officials of this city successfully conducted the Summer Youth Camp 2013 last May 21-23 at the Alberto Q. Ubay Memorial Agro-Tech Science High School (AQUMATSHS) of Barangay Olingan.

Participating in said activity were youths from CSWD’s six districts such as district I comprising barangays Biasong, Estaka, and Central Barangay  with  Ms. Nenith O. Maningo as center head, district II comprising barangays Sta. Filomena, Sta. Isabel, Miputak and Barra headed by Mr. Roel R. Zorilla, district III with  barangays of Galas, Olingan, Punta and Sinaman supervised by Ms. Juvy Orilla, district IV comprising barangays of Gulayon, Turno and Lugdungan with Ms. Susan Lumanta as in charge, district V with barangays Sangkol, Cogon and San Jose headed by Ms. Leticia Sidlao, and district VI comprising barangays Sicayab, Minaog and Galas headed by Ms. Mercy Clamohoy.  

This year’s youth camp, which was anchored on the theme, “Kaya Ko ‘To ng Walang Druga,” was capped by lectures on drug abuse/awareness with Dipolog Assistant Police Community Relation Officer SPO2 Zotico E. Calago as resource speaker.

Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) of Zamboanga del Norte trough its representative also gave lectures on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and First Aid.

Dipolog City Councilor Praxides Rubia, on the other hand, lectured on values formation while the Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents Association (ZNFEPA) through its representative talked about leadership.

Sports competitions like volleyball and badminton were also conducted to promote the physical well-being of the youth and at the same time encourage camaraderie among their peers.

Mr. Jun France Atabelo and Ms. Erika Lota, both from Barangay Olingan won as Mr. and Ms. Summer Youth Camper 2013. (PIA9)

DILG-9 bares LTIA winners

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – The Regional Awards Committee (RAC) for the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA) has recently proclaimed the winning barangays for the three categories representing the highly urbanized city, component city and 1^st to 3^rd class municipalities in the region.

DILG-9 Regional Information Officer Lemuel Mejares disclosed that after evaluating the nominees for best performing lupong tagapamayapa (barangay justice), Barangay Pasonance of Zamboanga City emerged as regional winner for highly-urbanized city category while Barangay Olingan of Dipolog City and Barangay Poblacion of Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte were also proclaimed regional winners for component city and 1^st to 3^rd class municipality categories, respectively.

There was no nominee for 4^th to 6^th class municipality category.

It was also learned that the RAC had only received one nominee each for highly-urbanized city and 1^st to 3^rd class municipality categories.

Dipolog City’s Barangay Olingan, on the other hand, wrested the award over Barangay Tuburan of Pagadian City in the component city category.

These regional winners will vie for the national LTI awards before the National Awards Committee (NAC).

DILG-9 Regional Director Paisal Abutazil served as RAC chair with the regional state prosecutor as vice chair, and the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Executive Judge, a representative from the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), president of the Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) regional chapter and two representatives from region-based non-government organizations as members.

The nominees were judged according to these criteria: efficiency in operations, effectiveness in carrying out “Katarungang Pambarangay” objectives, and creativity and resourcefulness of the “Lupong Tagapamayapa.”

DILG Memorandum Circular 2008-102 dated June 17, 2008 mandated its regional offices to provide technical support and serve as secretariat to the RAC in the selection and submission to the national committee the best performing “lupons” in the region. (FPG/LM/PIA9)

NGCP warns Mindanaoans vs. bogus personnel

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has warned the public, particularly residents of the Zamboanga Peninsula region of the systemized scam concerning right-of-way (ROW) claims.

Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, NGCP spokesperson issued the warning after receiving report that an organized group claiming to be a representative of NGCP is contacting land owners who have properties or who live under the company’s transmission lines and facilities.

According to Alabanza, the group is allegedly promising land owners of payment ranging from P50,000.00 to P300,000.00 for every tower to be constructed within their properties.

The group requires land owners to provide the copy of their Certificate of Land Title or Tax Declaration to support their support claim from NGCP. In return, the group is asking for the 40 percent of their claim as the group’s commission.

Alabanza said this activity is not sanctioned by NGCP and the group has no legal personality to represent the company. “We would like to warn the public to refrain from transacting with these individuals as they are not connected with NGCP and will only take advantage of your properties,” she said.

According to NGCP, they conduct ROW negotiations with land owners whose properties are and will be traversed by transmission lines but such negotiation is done professionally with no fees being required from land owners. Alabanza pointed out that NGCP directly deals with land owners and never hire the services of a third party as its representative to the negotiation.

NGCP is a privately-owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high voltage electricity through “power super highways” that include the inter-connected system of transmission lines and towers, sub-stations and related assets.

NGCP’s regular maintenance activities and expansion projects aim to enhance reliability and delivery of quality of electricity to customers or power utility providers.(FPG/NGCP/ATR/PIA9) 

2012 A & E passers hold graduation exercises

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY – A graduation ceremony for some 267 passers of the 2012 Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) test from this city was held here last week by the city schools division at the Miputak covered court with Ms. Virginia Amiruddin, chief of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepED)-IX, as guest of honor and speaker.

In her message, Amiruddin commended the passers for having overcome the challenges and trials in life by enrolling in the ALS program that would bring them back to formal education, noting their firm resolve of getting assessed and be part of the ongoing learning.

She also expressed thanks to the passers’ parents, relative and friends for continuously giving them support and motivation.

The ALS chief also cited the important role of the lawmakers in coming up with the alternative learning accreditation equivalency program as an innovation in the education curriculum that brings back to formal training those who have stopped schooling.

“About 20 or 30 years ago, once a child, teenager or adult for some reason or another finds himself or herself out of the formal school, he or she is looked upon as a person who has stopped progressing. But with the Alternative Learning, one is given an opportunity to recover the lost years in school,” Amiruddin said.  

Vicenta Timanuno, 59, elementary level passer thanked ALS for giving her a chance to enter high school next year without going through the usual process. To her, “age doesn’t matter in education,” as she vowed to enroll in high school this school year and make a difference in her life.

Ms. Catalina Samson-Barinaga, city division’s ALS in-charge said of the 267 graduates, 244 were secondary level passers while 23 for the elementary level.

Elementary level passers are eligible to enroll in high school this school year while secondary level passers are also eligible to enroll in any four year course at any tertiary learning institution in the country.

Meanwhile, the graduation rite for the inmates who have passed the A & E Test is slated to be held on May 30, 2013 inside the Dipolog City Jail complex at Barangay Dicayas this city.

The graduation ceremony was also attended by Assistant Schools Division Supt. Dr. Marajani Jacinto, representing City Schools Division Superintendent Victorina Perez. (PIA9)

DILG-9 bares LTIA winners

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – The Regional Awards Committee (RAC) for the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA) has recently proclaimed the winning barangays for the three categories representing the highly urbanized city, component city and 1^st to 3^rd class municipalities in the region.

DILG-9 Regional Information Officer Lemuel Mejares disclosed that after evaluating the nominees for best performing lupong tagapamayapa (barangay justice), Barangay Pasonance of Zamboanga City emerged as regional winner for highly-urbanized city category while Barangay Olingan of Dipolog City and Barangay Poblacion of Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte were also proclaimed regional winners for component city and 1^st to 3^rd class municipality categories, respectively.

There was no nominee for 4^th to 6^th class municipality category.

It was also learned that the RAC had only received one nominee each for highly-urbanized city and 1^st to 3^rd class municipality categories.

Dipolog City’s Barangay Olingan, on the other hand, wrested the award over Barangay Tuburan of Pagadian City in the component city category.

These regional winners will vie for the national LTI awards before the National Awards Committee (NAC).

DILG-9 Regional Director Paisal Abutazil served as RAC chair with the regional state prosecutor as vice chair, and the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Executive Judge, a representative from the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), president of the Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) regional chapter and two representatives from region-based non-government organizations as members.

The nominees were judged according to these criteria: efficiency in operations, effectiveness in carrying out “Katarungang Pambarangay” objectives, and creativity and resourcefulness of the “Lupong Tagapamayapa.”

DILG Memorandum Circular 2008-102 dated June 17, 2008 mandated its regional offices to provide technical support and serve as secretariat to the RAC in the selection and submission to the national committee the best performing “lupons” in the region. (FPG/LM/PIA9)

Electric coop holds “Brigada Electric Check 2013”

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY - In support of Proclamation No. 193 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III declaring the month of May of every year as Electrical Safety Month, Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO-I) is presently conducting “Brigada Electric Check 2013.”

ZAMSURECO I General Manager Jose Raul Saniel said “in compliance with the said proclamation, the ZAMSURECO – I Task Force SUGPO Teams would carry out inspection of the reliability and safety of electrical connections, and rehabilitation of unsafe and substandard wiring installations of various local government unit (LGU) offices including school buildings to prevent electrocution and fire incident.”

GM Saniel said this noble endeavor aims to create electrical safety awareness and to encourage all local government and school officials to provide special attention to the importance of safety and integrity of electrical connections through regular maintenance and repair, and  to correct damaged and substandard electrical wires, outlets and electrical systems of their respective offices and buildings as well. (PIA9)

DAR 9 and FREEDOM, Inc., inked P4.9M ARCCESS Project

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - In consonance with the rural poverty reduction in agrarian reform communities, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently inked an agreement that involved a P4.9M project for the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay beneficiaries.

DAR Regional Director (RD) Julita A. Ragandang and Executive Director Antonio Peralta of the Foundation for Rural Enterprise and Ecology Development in Mindanao, Inc. (FREEDOM, Inc.) signed the contract in Zamboanga City.

The contract involved three projects for the market-oriented agri-technology and agri-extension services of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS).

ARCCESS is a support service delivery mechanism of the DAR created to contribute to the overall goal of rural poverty reduction especially in agrarian reform communities through capacity development of agrarian reform organizations (ARBOs). Its main objective is to improve the productivity of ARBs for them to have resources for consumption and surplus.

“Ragandang challenged the ARBOs to be cooperative and supportive of all the activities and services that will be provided by FREEDOM, Inc. She hopes that the partnership will be successful in making the lands of the beneficiaries productive,” DAR Information Officer Suzette Lota said.

Peralta for his part, “expressed concerned on the sustainability of the project “because successful organizations are those who depend less on the government and much on their own,” Lota added. (PIA9)

“Public-Private Partnership, key to ZamPen’s competitiveness” – Guillermo Luz

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

  

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 23 (PIA) – “The government can’t do it alone. For us to be more competitive globally, there should partnership between the government and the private sector,” said Guillermo Luz, Co-chairman of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and Director-General for APEC 2015 during the NCC Road Show.

Luz, whose resume also includes being the Executive Director of Makati Business Club from 1987 to 2006, said: “In my experience with the NCC, Public-Private collaboration is important and effective because we learn from each other.”

He said looking for solutions should be a partnership between the government and private sectors.

“One of the things I did when I first got on in NCC in 2011 was that I did not want to go to a meeting or fix a working group or committee that’s all from the private sector. My fear and I have seen this happen many times in Manila, is that it’s just a gripe session, puro complaints (all complaints),” Luz pointed out.

He said often times they go home frustrated “because we cannot do anything about it. The solution is on the other (government) side. The government has to provide the solution. They have to implement it.”

Luz stressed that having such meetings only escalate the level of frustrations among members of the public sector.

“The best we can get out of that is we have a good lunch or dinner, maybe a few good drinks, good times. But we didn’t solve any problems. We go home frustrated,” he said candidly.

Similarly, Luz said an “all public sector” meeting is as ineffective as that of an “all private sector meeting.”

“If we put a meeting that is all public sector, what happens is that there is no private sector to give them feedback. They may not appreciate the problem,” he stressed.

Luz continued that if there is no collaboration between the two, “the public sector would think that the problem is this way, but then the private sector will tell them, no, this is not what we are looking for. If we don’t meet there’s no way you’ll get the solution. You can get it but it will take a long time. So, why waste time? Speed is our Mantra in NCC.”

Luz also pointed to the preconceived limitations of the public sector as one of the reasons that hamper the countries potential to become more competitive.

“Typical excuse of the public sector that I hear every meeting is first, ‘Sir, we don’t have budget for this.’ I tell you, not everything needs a budget. It needs imagination to get it done. Second, “Sir, the law says…,’ so I ask them, ‘Is the law that specific on that particular item,’ or the law says you may, not you have to,” Luz stressed.

With these experiences Luz had, he said neither one of them can really come up with a solution to boost the region’s and the country’s competitiveness in general, in the global arena. Instead, there should be partnership between the private and public sector for the Philippines to move forward.

“If we put the two together, this public-private collaboration really works. It’s one of the reasons why we were able to make a lot of things happen in NCC. It’s so important because we learn from each other,” he emphasized. (PIA9)