Mayor Beng bares vision: “A world-class Zamboanga”

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 13 (PIA) – In her State of the City Address (SOCA) yesterday (January 12), Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco-Salazar finally shared a feasible and promising vision for the city: “A world-class Zamboanga.”

“As we expand Zamboanga City, we not only look at a 3-year plan, but prepare the city for the next 30 and 50 years. We ask ourselves, where do we envision Zamboanga City to go?” said the mayor.

Among the many priority programs which were endorsed by the Regional Development Council include a world class seaport to be located at the Zamboanga Ecozone and Freeport Authority, and the long-awaited transfer of the Zamboanga International Airport, to which the mayor received much applause.

“The transfer of the airport is number one in the list, which means that the project will start within the timeframe,” Mayor Climaco-Salazar said. The said airport will be located in barangay Mercedes-Talabaan, and is projected to be completed within six years.

According to the lady chief executive, the city is due to be “redesigned” and “extended” towards Mercedes, Talabaan, Zambowood, Culianan and Boalan. Stakeholders that include representatives from both local and national government agencies, non-government organizations and civil society groups opined that these developments may well solve the congestion problem in the city, and pave new opportunities for business and economic growth outside the city proper’s 7-kilometer radius.

“We entered into a contract with Palafox and associates who will work in the updating of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Comprehensive Development Plan, and the Zoning Ordinance. Let us take the opportunity of the expertise of Architect Jun Palafox to bring into reality our vision of a world-class Zamboanga!” said Mayor Climaco-Salazar.

In her report, she pointed out radical developments in the city, in spite of falling victim to the infamous 2013 Zamboanga siege. “We have built back better,” she emphasized, saying that Zamboanga looks to be more promising and more resilient than ever.

The mayor outlined the increase in local revenues, the presence of new businesses like CityMall and KCC, the creation of thousands of new jobs, and the influx of tourists, among others.

“The sleeping giant of Mindanao has awakened,” she stressed, saying that Zamboanga City now is more than ready to be at par, or even best other cities in the country and all over the world.

The mayor also emphasized everyone’s vigilance to maintain peace and security in the region, saying that every resident has a stake in ensuring peace and order.

“Threats still remain, and we need to strengthen our defenses. Denying a safe haven for terrorists is a shared responsibility,” she said.

Mayor Climaco-Salazar said that without the support of the different sectors, the achievements would not have been possible. “We want everyone to contribute to this dream that we all aspire for.”

“Antes pensaba kita dehao kita na maga otro lugar na manada aspeto, pero ahora, ya dale kanatun el oppotunidad para keda igual o mas bueno pa kanila, tiempo ya para dale mira cay mas bueno, mas grande el potential, mas unido, mas mafuerza y mas valiente el Ciudad de Zamboanga!” (Before, we thought that we were left far behind other cities in many aspects, but now, we have been given the opportunity to be like them, or even better. It is time to show the world that it is better, there is more potential, more unity, more strength and more courage here in the city of Zamboanga!)

DSWD-9, partner agencies launch YDS in ZamPen

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Youth Development Sessions (YDS) program of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 was launched here recently at the Zamboanga City National High School (ZCNHS)-main campus in collaboration with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

More than 800 high school students, who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) underwent various sessions of the YDS.

YDS is a parallel intervention of DSWD to the Family Development Sessions (FDS) targeted for high school student-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya.

DSWD-9 Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo said the program is a modular session that aims to motivate the adolescents in attending and finishing their education.

“The YDS shall help the adolescents be equipped with appropriate knowledge, attitude, and skills to developmental challenges, see available opportunities, and overcome possible risks to aid them in achieving optimal and holistic development,” she explained.

The intended topics for the YDS include adolescent dynamics, sexuality, career, life, and skills, among others. According to Arevalo, these topics are envisioned to address the challenges faced by Filipino adolescents such as teen pregnancy, reproductive health, decision-making, peer-pressure, dangerous drugs, pornography and other issues.

Director Arevalo said the YDS will be implemented nationwide in all Pantawid Pamilya areas, to all high school beneficiaries monitored by the program.

After the launching, the YDS will be rolled out with NYC until January 2016. It will be conducted in a school-based setting during weekdays within class hours.

Mr. Jesus Solon, secondary school principal of ZCNHS-main expressed his gratitude to DSWD-9 and the rest of the partner agencies for choosing the school as the venue for the launch. “I am optimistic that the YDS program will provide better motivation for the students to finish their studies and reach their goals,” he said.

The YDS regional launching is anchored on the theme, “Pangarap ko, kaya ko!”

Tobacco Control Network calls for strict compliance of RA9211

By Jocelyn P Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Despite health awareness on the dire consequences of tobacco/cigarette smoking, still, many men and women, young and old alike, can’t resist but puff the addictive stuff.

As a matter of fact, 17.3 million Filipino adults age 15 years and older are current tobacco smokers according to the results of the 2009 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Smoking damages just about every organ of the body and trail blaze to the general deterioration of health of the smoker.  It is associated with the big C- cancer;respiratory disease,cardiovascular disease and its effects are widespread that include damage to skin, eyes and mouth.

There is no mantra that enumerates “responsible smoking”, because in the first place, smoking is never responsible.If it were, one would not start smoking. In one way or the other, smoking is somewhatbeing unfair to your health and to the second hand smokers.

Health studies said exposure to secondhand smoke is believed to cause lung cancer or heart disease deaths of about 49,000 non-smokers every year. Nonsmokers who are exposed tosecondhand smoke have a 25 to 30 percent increase in their heart disease risk and a 20 to 30 percent increase in their lung cancer risk.

Children whose parents or caregivers smoke have an increased risk of asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, coughing, wheezing, and ear infections. Babies of smokers have a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.

It’s time to put the cigarette butt out!

RTCN  reiterates call for RA9211 implementation

The Regional Tobacco Control Network (RTCN) headed by the Department of Heath reiterated its call for the observance and strict implementation of RA9211 or the "Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003," during its meeting held October 15 in one of the local hotels here.

“It’s long overdue that each of us do our own share of responsibility,” said Teresita De La Cruz of DOH 9.

RA 9211 isthe law that regulates the packaging, use, sale, distribution and advertisement of tobacco products. RA 9211 protects the people from hazardous tobacco smoke, promotes the right of the people to health and instills health consciousness.

De La Cruz said RA 9211 assigns places where smoking is absolutely banned or prohibited. “When you say absolutely prohibited, meaning the place cannot have designated smoking areas or DSAs,” she explained.

Places included in the smoking ban

Places or areas included in the smoking ban include:a. centers of youth activity such as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels, and recreational facilities for persons under 18 years old.

Elevators and stairwells are also areas included in the ban; gas stations and storage areas for flammable liquids, gas explosives or combustible materials; within the building and premises of: public and private hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, optical clinics, health centers, nursing homes, dispensaries, laboratories; public conveyance like jeepneys, buses , taxis and tricycles and food preparation areas .

“Government offices included in the smoking ban under RA 9211 are Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd) and other offices that offer social services,” De La Cruz enumerated

The sale or distribution of tobacco products is prohibited within 100 meters from any point of perimeter of the school, playground or any other facility frequented by minors, that is about the length of 3 basketball courts.

DTI spearheads13thConsumer Welfare Month celebration

By Rhea Grace A. La Plana

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Anchored on the theme “Consumer Protection in the ASEAN Economic Community,” the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the National Consumers Affairs Council (NCAC) spearheaded the Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) celebration here.

As part of the month-long activities, DTI and NCAC in coordination with DepEd organized and conducted a Quiz Bee on October 16 at Ipil Central Elementary School Conference Hall.

Grade VI pupils from Ipil SPED, Ipil Central Elementary School, Ipil Heights Elementary School, Pangi Elementary School, Sanito Elementary School and Upper Pangi Elementary School participated in the Quiz Bee.

The Quiz Bee was an appropriate undertaking by which pupils wereessentially taught this earlyregarding product quality and consumer protection.

Ms. CyraTaguinod of Ipil SPED won the 1^st place; Aiza Kate Hofer, Ipil Heights ES – 2^nd place; and Kisha D. Obedencio of Pangi Elementary School bagged the 3^rd place of the Quiz Bee.

DTI Provincial Director Engr. Al-Zamir I. Lipaereiterated their commitment in strengthening the department’s services and programs to address to address the various concerns of consumers in terms of safety and protection.

Encouraging dialogue and cooperation among consumers, business and government sectors in advancing and protecting the interests of consumers are initial steps for an active and conscious society.

DOH-9 steps up drive vs. filariasis, schistosomiasis

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – To eliminate the so-called neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Zamboanga Peninsula, a team from the Department of Health (DOH)-9 has conducted a media forum on filariasis, schistosomiasis, capillariasis including intestinal worms at the Guillermo Hotel here recently.

In her message, Dr. Agnes Fernando, DOH-Zamboanga del Sur chief, emphasized the important role played by the press in giving the communities correct information on these tropical diseases that are treatable.

Fernando disclosed that there are cases of filariasis recorded in Zamboanga del Sur particularly in the municipalities of Bayog, Kumalarang and Guipos.

Filariasis, which is a parasitic diseases caused by an infection with roundworm of the Filarioidea type, is spread by blood feeding black flies and mosquitoes. It results in the thickening of the skin and underlying tissues.

She also reported that schistosomiasis in Zamboanga del Sur has not yet been fully eliminated. “The prevalence of schistosomiasis in the province is high,” she said.

Schistosomiasis is caused by a parasitic blood fluke that infects mammals including humans through skin penetration when in contact with fresh water contminated with larval forms (cercariae) known as schistosomes.

Moreover, the different types of intestinal worms/parasites were also discussed in the same forum with emphasis on the deworming program pursued by the government for school age children.

Intestinal parasites may cause anemia, stunted growth and even death among children if not treated by giving an anthelmintic drug to humans. 

1FAB accomplishments hailed

By Gideon C. Corgue 

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The Army Artillery Regiment (AAR), Philippine Army (PA) recently lauded the 1^st Field Artillery Battalion (1FAB) for the remarkable accomplishments rendered to the stakeholders.

In his message, Col. Agane C. Adriatico, AAR deputy regiment commander, said during the 1FAB’s 29^th founding anniversary on Wednesday at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an here that the 1^st FAB had accomplished so much during the past years.

Adriatico was impressed with the high standard of dedication that the 1FAB troopers have shown particularly in providing the needed artillery fire support to the different units of the Philippine Army’s 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division.

Adriatico also appreciated the disaster rescue and relief operations conducted by the 1FAB troopers during the typhoons in the different parts of Zamboanga Peninsula and Mindanao.

“We are happy to know that you have also conducted 125 various civil –military operations, such as: medical and dental civic action program (MEDCAP), blood donations, Brigada Eskwela, tree planting activities and clean up drive and static display of artillery weapons to promote the artillery’s capability,” Adriatico said.

Adriatico encouraged the troopers to live everyday the work that they give for the success of their mission. “It is the contribution of all our efforts that makes life of a soldier and public servant meaningful.”

Meanwhile, 1FAB commanding officer Lt. Col. Sonny M. Sales said the troops are now pursuing the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) or the “Bayanihan” campaign by providing social services to the people.

Sales also said the “1FAB is always ready to meet the challenges at all cost to support peace together with the different army units in the area and civilian sector to pave way for development in this part of the region.”

Sales said the “Beat ‘Em” team is always focused, ready and capable of performing its mission to support the 1^st Infantry Division mission to promote peace and order in the area and advocate development.

“Bilang inyong pinuno lubos kong ipagmamalaki ang tagumpay na samasama natin nakamit at bukod sa lahat nais ko ring bigyang diin ang katapatan ng ipinamalas ng bawat isa na naaayon sa ating saligang-batas,” Sales said.

(As your leader, I am very proud of the victory that we collectively achieved and above all, I want to respect the rights enjoyed by everyone as stipulated in our Constitution.)

Certain individuals who have contributed to the successful implementation of the “Bayanihan” program and the troopers who have made remarkable accomplishments for the battalion were given plaques of recognition and medals of valor, respectively.

12 Filipino women die of cervical cancer daily, says DOH

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – “Statistics show that 12 Filipino women die every day because of cervical cancer,” Dr. Guadalupe T. Ramiso reported on Tuesday, in a stakeholders meeting on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) held at Mardale Hotel here.

Dr. Ramiso further disclosed that 6,000 Filipino women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually and 4,395 of them die from the disease. In a recent survey, this disease ranks second as the most frequent cancer affecting women 15-44 years old.Breast cancer ranks first.

“Practically all cervical cancers are caused by some type of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection,” she said.

The United States Centers for Diseases Control (US CDC) reports that  women will get at least one HPV infection in their lifetime and 75 percent of  invasive cervical cancers are attributed to the so-called HPVs 16 or 18 types that accounts for more than 10 percent of cervical cancers worldwide.

Asked who may be affected by cervical cancer, Ramiso said this ailment affects women in their 40s-50s and rarely in women under 30 years of age.

On the other hand, the Young Adult Fertility and  Sexuality Survey of 2013 reveals  that 1 of 3 Filipino youth engage in premarital sex and majority are males than females. Females as young as 15 years old have begun childbearing, the survey further showed.

Since cervical cancer remains a public health concern that threatens the welfare and well-being of women and the population as well,the Department of Health (DOH) will administer the conduct of HPV vaccination this month of October until November, 2015, to all grade 4 pupils (girls only) aged 9-10 years old in all priority provinces nationwide which include Zamboanga del Sur in Region 9.

HPV vaccination is most effective when given during childhood or adolescence or before sexual debut, when HPV infection is nil or at its lowest. This is also ideal because the immune system is at its strongest and, therefore, will mount a robust response tothe vaccine.

HPV vaccine will be administered incity/municipal health centers and will be given in two doses.The second dose will be given six months after the first dose.

Tawi-Tawi COMNET elects new set of officers

By Felipo David G. Malcampo

BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi – The Tawi-Tawi Communicators’ Network, an inter-organization composed of government and non-government information officers based in the province has elected its new set of officers for 2015-2016.

The following officers were elected: President – Ma. Velma Gaticales (LGU-Bongao), Vice President – Diana Amilasan (Radyo Natin), Secretary – Sali Jamasali (Radyo ng Bayan), Auditor – Lydia Arsad (National Food Authority), Business Managers – Alkhaizer Ibrahim (Mahardika Institute of Technology), Irum Muallil (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources), and Board of Directors – Sitti Rahma Gutierrez (Tawi-Tawi Electric Cooperative), Bahaya Rayas (Department of Agriculture), Felimon Romero (Mindanao State University), Rosendo Reyes (Drivers’ Association), Gamar Aukasa (DXGD), Nasher Tahang (Provincial PIO), Sr. Ritaflor Servidad (Tawi-Tawi Family Life Foundation), Jun Dail (Smart Radio Club) and Lourdes Lalaine Marabillo (Department of Trade and Industry).

During the meeting held recently at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall, the COMNET discussed possible project tie-ups, particularly with the NFA’s “I am a Food Guardian Campaign.”

The officers took their oath before  Bongao Mayor Jasper Que.

The Tawi-Tawi COMNET is tapped by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to serve as sources of essential information from government and other service providers to the public in the province. It seeks to provide updates particularly on government programs, as well as important announcements to the people. 

LGU Kabasalan supports 100 scholars

By Rhea Grace A. La Plana

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The local government unit (LGU) of Kabasalan has provided assistance to 100“Iskolar ng Kabasalan”  from Kabasalan National High School (KNHS).

Dr. Ma. Coleen L. Emoricha, KNHS principal said the scholarship program given to poor but deserving students is a great help to parents who have difficulty in sending their children to school.

The educational assistance amounting to P75,000.00was granted to the scholars in a simple ceremony recently whichwas attended by Kabasalan town Mayor George C. Cainglet and Sangguniang Bayan Education Committee Chair, Ms. Elma Bragado.

In her speech, Ms. Bragado warned the students against having a romantic affair this early, encouraged them to finish their studies and dream of bigger things in life.

Each scholar will receive the amount of P750.00 to pay for DepEd approved fees such as: school paper, student government fees, PTA contributions and other school expenses.

Prior to the scholarship grant, the scholars were interviewed and screened, and their life stories were documented by their respective advisers.

They were very grateful for the assistance received and motivated to strive harder in their studies. The scholars also expressed their heartfelt thanks to local officials for the concern and for putting prime value on education.

Mayor Cainglet said that he has many plans for KNHS and cited two projects underway which are: covered court for the school and additional scholars for the next schoolyear.

According to KNHS guidance counselor, Mrs. Melinda Joy M. Javier, such scholarship program is the mainstream of BUILD4KNHS, Inc., an NGO which stands for “Building Initiatives to Lower Drop-out For KNHS.”

Moreover, Mrs. Javier said that the school-owned NGO has four main purposes: to lower drop-outs, improve students’ school performance, synergize community and school activities and help students to help themselves.

Crime volume in ZamPen dips

By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY – A decrease in crime volume has been noted in Zamboanga Peninsula, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-9.

In a special meeting held here recently by the members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-9, PSSupt. Jose Chiquito M. Malayo of PRO-9 reported that the crime volume in the region for January to September 2015 had accounted for 12,995 from 15,591 of the same period last year.

Malayo also disclosed that the crime solution efficiency (CSE) in the region had increased to 20.19 percent and the crime clearance efficiency (CCE) to 21.87 percent.

CSE refers to the crimes solved with the suspects arrested while CCE means the suspects have been identified but not arrested.

Moreover, Malayo also reported that four bombing incidents happened in the region from January to September this year and all these occurred in Zamboanga City.

Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy, RPOC-9 chair, called for a special meeting following the kidnapping of an Italian national, Rolando del Torchio, in Dipolog City last Oct. 7.

The victim, who runs a pizza parlor, was forcibly taken by the suspects who allegedly belong to the kidnap-for-ransom group operating in the area.

Hot pursuit operations against the suspects to rescue the victim are still going on. 

Mayor Uy appeals for news blackout on del Torchio abduction

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The family of the victim who was abducted last October 7, 2015 here sought the help of the city government for the local media to refrain from broadcasting or publishing further details on the abduction issue.

In a press conference held at the mayor’s conference room on Monday, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy issued an official statement appealing to the local media for a news blackout on the abduction of former Italian priest Rolando del Torchio.

Mayor Uy said the immediate family requested news blackout on the kidnapping to give full leverage to the hot pursuit operation launched by the police. Unconfirmed reporting might potentially jeopardize the operation and endanger the life of the victim.

According to Atty. Antonio, the family’s legal counsel, they have still to receive communication from the group who is holding the victim. She also appealed to the members of the media for cooperation and be responsible in their reporting.

He assured that any major development on the abduction will be immediately relayed to the media for dissemination.

The Italian businessman was abducted on October 7 by 11 by armed men inside his business establishment at the Andres Bonifacio College Complex, Dipolog City and  taken  aboard a silver-metallic L-300 van with place no. TMY-490.

The get-away vehicle was recovered by police authorities at Purok Bularan, Miputak, Dipolog City.

DOLE Sibugay conducts SRS provincial validation and assessment

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – With the unemployment and underemployment problems that beset our country, the national government through the Department of Labor and Employment embarked on the establishment of a National Skills Registry System (SRS).

The SRS is a continuing nationwide manpower skills registration to capture most, if not all the manpower supply available in every local government unit (LGU) for potential employment locally and abroad.

It also facilitates employability and contributes to the overall development and improvement of the quality of the Philippine labor force to be more globally competitive.

DOLE is committed to organize, develop and maximize utilization of the country’s manpower resources through the SRS.

To further improve the SRS project, the National Skills Registry System provincial validation and assessment exercises attended by Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers was recently held at Tamayo Beach Resort in Malintuboan, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte.

Mr. Elamsalih E. Ungad,  Supervising LEO and OIC  of DOLE Sibugay explained to the  PESO managers the importance of NSRS in terms of employment facilitation which is the core function of the PESO.

“The database can help the LGU, potential employers and other stakeholders to locate the skills they want or upgrade their skills through community-based training, minimizing the job mismatch problem and helping the community alleviate theireconomic status. This will also encourage investors to put up business activities due to realistic summary of skills,” the labor chief quoted.

The program capitalizes on the partnership of DOLE and LGU in employment facilitation through the PESO to deliver quality employment services to its constituents. Already on its fifth wave of implementation, the SRS project started in 2010.

Aside from the validation and assessment exercises, other relevant topics were also discussed such as: the K-12 Orientation presented by Dr. Monalisa M. Babiera putting emphasis on the important role of Public Employment Service Officer (PESO) managers in career counseling for senior high school and Stress Management: Reducing its Intensity through Managing Your Reaction, expounded  by Ms. Mary Sanedna A. Ambi, a registered guidance counselor.

Ungad said ongoing programs include DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program funded through Bottom-up Budgeting (DILEEP-BUB), the Government Internship Program (GIP), Labor Law Compliance System (LLCS) and  Single Entry Approach (SEnA), a 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation services for labor and management.