Dipolog City DRRMC conducts earthquake drill

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY,DEC.11 (PIA) - - The Dipolog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has recently conducted an earthquake drill in Barangay Sicayab, this city.

The earthquake drill, conducted inside the Sicayab National High School campus was participated in by an estimated 800 students of the said school.

Dipolog City Councilor Atty. Cyril Ruiz, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Adviser said, the earthquake drill was in compliance with the memorandum of National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Benito Ramos, who is also the Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense calling for the simultaneous earthquake drill for the fourth quarter of 2012.

The performance of the participants of the drill was evaluated by the members of the Evaluation Team coming from the various agencies like Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs); Philippine National Police; Bureau of Fire Protection; CDRRMO; media and Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

During the drill, the students were tested on how they would react and what they would do during emergency situation especially during the occurrence of an earthquake when they are inside the building.

Mr. Victor Bernedo, Civil Defense Officer, Zamboanga del Norte Coordinator  said Sicayab National High School will be the city’s entry to the regional competition on disaster preparedness.

The school was chosen to be the city’s representative to the regional competition on disaster preparedness after an initial evaluation on the school’s capability to respond to emergency situations, like earthquake and tsunami.

Ms. Josefina Tan, the school Principal was elated that her school was chosen to be the city’s representative to the regional competition as she vowed to equip Sicayab National High School with the needed equipment and gadgets that maybe needed in times of disaster.

She assured that her administration will gradually equip their school with the equipment needed during disaster, most especially that majority of their students are residing along the shoreline. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

PHL Navy rescues 117 endangered “pawikans” in Palawan

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Dec 10 (PIA) – Joint fleet-marine operations of Naval Forces West and other national government agencies rescued some 117 endangered sea turtles in Balabac, Palawan.

In a press release, NFW Public Affairs Officer Lt. Noel Joseph Cadigal PN disclosed that a rescue operation was conducted last November 27 to save the turtles in the shorelines of Sitio Dunglog, Barangay Caguisan, Balabac.

Cadigal said that after a tip-off from a concerned citizen in Balabac, elements of the fleet-marine team of Naval Station Narciso del Rosario and Marine Battalion Landing Team 12, together with personnel from Kilusang Sagip Kalikasan, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Department of the Environment and Natural Resources-Balabac and the Philippine National Police-Balabac immediately proceeded to Sitio Dunglog where four submerged cages concealed in the mangroves were found.  In the cages were 117 live and six sea turtles dead, weighing about 50 to 60 kilograms each.

The turtles were turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for proper disposition.

The rescued sea turtles were considered endangered species. Sea turtles, popularly known in the Philippines as pawikan, belong to the sub-order Cryptodira, and to the families Dermochelyidae and Cheloniidae.

According to studies, there are more than 220 species of turtles in the world, but only seven are considered marine (saltwater). Five of these species are present in the Philippines. These are the Green (Chelonia mydas). Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and the Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea).

Scientists refer to sea turtles as the only living remnants of the dinosaur age, but maybe not for long. Unless sincere efforts are undertaken, sea turtles might follow dinosaurs into extinction. 

Turtles are the only reptiles with shells. Scientists claim that turtles have been here for more than 150 million years now, surviving the age of dinosaurs. Using their shells as protectors, they have adapted well to all types of weather, surviving the most rigid climatic changes.

A typical Philippine Sea Turtle weighs between 180 to 210 kilograms and, unlike land turtles, cannot retract its head and limbs under its streamlined shell. It has large upper eyelids that protect its eyes, but has no external ear opening. Awkward on land, it is more active and graceful in the water, traveling as fast as 32 kilometers per hour using its long paddle-like fore and hind flippers.

Sea turtles vary in color—olive-green, yellow, greenish-brown, or black. The most common species in the Philippines is the Green Sea Turtle, which is also found in all tropical and sub-tropical seas. Its most distinct feature is a more blunt and wider head than that of the Hawksbill Turtle. It grows up to 1.5 meters long and weighs up to 185 kilograms. (RVC/NFW/PIA9-ZBST)

Finding the “we” among the “I’s”, the Gus Dur way

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Dec 11 (PIA) – An open and tolerant Islam has made Indonesia what it is today, “a non-Islamic State that is home to most Muslims of the world” that enjoys peace and progress amidst diversity.

This was the gist of the message of Alissa Wahid, daughter of the first elected president of Indonesia Abdurarahman Wahid also known as Gus Dur who visited Zamboanga and Isabela Cities recently to promote the legacy of her father, the GusDurian way of finding the “we” among the “I’s.”

Respect for multiculturalism and the desire of the tribes to unite for one Indonesia was the key to the prosperity and peace that Indonesia enjoys today, which she hoped the people of Mindanao could draw inspiration from.

Through the GusDurian Network, she said that she is able to share the dream and ideals of her father who said in 2005 that “our goal must be to illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity, and offer a compelling alternate vision of Islam, one that banishes the fanatical ideology of hatred to the darkness from which it emerged.”

The GusDurian Network was established by the Wahid family to honor the former president and keep fresh his legacy of values and personal philosophy for the development of Indonesia and the promotion of an open and tolerant Islam.

Wahid explained the name “GusDurian Network”, saying that Gus is an honorific name used in her country to refer to a young Ustadz and Dur is a nickname derived from the second syllable of her father’s name. Gus Dur was also a Ramon Magsaysay awardee.

On November 20, Alissa visited Isabela City and met with some religious personalities, mostly Muslims, and shared how Indonesia came to be as she challenged them to find the appropriate Muslim role in society.

She said that Indonesia became a state as a result of the decision of its very diverse tribes to become one country.

“The present 235 million population of the country live in several islands that make up the archipelago, speak some 300 different languages, and follow different religions. The majority of the population however, some 85%, are Muslims. Against this background, it was very important to promote respect for multi-culturalism if an Indonesian ‘nation’ is to prevail,” she stressed.

This was a dream of her father, who besides having been a president of the country, was educated to be a Muslim cleric. He was president of the Muslim group Nadhlatul Ulama which counted some 40 million members. “Islam is about inclusion, tolerance, community” he once said.

“My father promoted solidarity among Muslim, solidarity among Indonesians and solidarity among humanity. It is good to note that the word INDONESIA has nine letters and the second group of 3 letters spelled ONE. The values espoused by Gus Dur were to promote one country in spite of its diverse religious and cultural differences,” she said.

The Silsilah Dialogue Movement with the Interfaith Council of Leaders in Isabela City has made it possible for the GusDurian Network to visit Basilan.

Aminda E. Saño, Silsilah Dialogue Movement President said that the visit is “timely that we in Mindanao learn about the values of Gus Dur since we are still forging a Mindanao that seems at times being pulled in different directions.” She noted that Indonesia is the biggest Muslim country in the world and although it is not homogenous in everything it has been lucky that once upon a time there was a president schooled as a Muslim cleric who believed firmly in an inclusive, tolerant Islam and who dedicated his life to this personal philosophy.

In its demographics Indonesia is 85% Muslim and 15% other religions. In Mindanao the numbers are the opposite. For Silsilah, however, the numbers do not matter, saying that “what matters is how we look at each other and what our vision is of living together in one country.”

Mindanao is thought to be the promise land, and for many it still is. And it needs a compelling vision that will truly unite the people in Mindanao. And perhaps, Gus Dur’s way of finding the “we” among the “Is” will generate a vision that is truly one Mindanao. (RVC/PIA9-ZBST)

GSIS grants emergency loan to members hit by ‘Pablo’ in Visayas and Mindanao

MANILA, December 10 - - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has announced the grant of emergency loan for more than 345,000 GSIS members in Visayas and Mindanao who were adversely affected by typhoon Pablo.

Emergency loan will be made available to GSIS members living or working  in  the following areas in Mindanao and Visayas:  Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Siargao, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Province, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Samal Island, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, North Cotabato, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao, Bohol, Siquijor, Southern Cebu, Southern Negros Oriental, Southern Negros Occidental, Southern Leyte, Antique, Iloilo, Camotes Island.

Under the GSIS emergency loan program, each eligible member may borrow Php20,000, payable in three years in equal monthly instalment. The initial payment for the loan will start three months after the loan drawdown.

Eligible members who may file for emergency loan include bona fide employees of the agency located in the declared calamity area or are resident of the declared calamity area; in active service and not on leave of absence without pay; have no pending criminal or administrative charges; have no arrears in the payment of mandatory social insurance contributions; and have no loan that has been declared in default.

Members may apply for the loan from December 7, 2012 to January 5, 2013, through the GWAPS kiosk using either the eCard or UMID eCard.   Those with temporary eCards may apply over-the-counter in any GSIS office.

Meanwhile, members who have existing emergency loans may be allowed to renew their emergency loan after payment of 12 monthly repayments but not later than the anniversary date of the previous loan.

In August, the GSIS gave a supplemental budget of Php10 billion for the Loan Program.

For any inquiry about the program, members may call the hotline number at 847.4747. (GSIS/PIA9/alt)

Brgys Talisayan, Labuan get over P8M projects

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, 7 Dec. 7 (PIA) - - Far off barangays Labuan and Talisayan get “development upgrade”  as city government headed by Mayor Celso Lobregat recently turned over and inaugurated over P8 million worth of infrastructure projects in these areas.

 “ The city recently inaugurated and turned over four infrastructure projects worth P8.1 million—three of which are located in barangay Labuan and one in Talisayan, “ informed Sheila Covarrubias, City Information Officer (IO) in a press statement.

“Barangay Talisayan got a newly rehabilitated day care center worth P627,243.55 while Labuan now boasts of a government complex where barangay folks can transact business and avail of the services from the government,” Covarrubias said.

“The government complex is an area acquired by the City Government for the construction of the 3 important infrastructures—the 2-storey barangay hall worth P4.2 million; the center for elderly worth P1.27 million and the fire station worth P2.06 million,” Covarrubias was quoted as saying.

The lady IO said the infra projects were turned over to Labuan barangay council headed by Chairman Roland Maravillas. 

Covarrubias also enumerated other projects being undertaken in Labuan such as the rehabilitation/ improvement of 2-storey 4 classroom building at the Ramon Enriquez High School, construction of 2-storey 8 classroom builidng at the Ramon Enriquez High School and the rehabilitation/ improvement of the HE building at the Labuan Central School. 

“Up for bidding are two projects pertaining to the rehabilitation/ improvement of covered court at Labuan and the construction of river wall at Purok 2,” she ended. (JPA/PIA 9)

Teen Pregnancy Endangers Young Mom, Baby

By Eva A. Goyena

Manila, Dec. 7 (PIA) - - Estimates from the 2008 National Demographic and Health Statistics (NDHS) of the National Statistics office (NSO) revealed that about one in every four or 26 percent of women 15-24 years old have begun childbearing.

Of the 26 percent of young mothers, nineteen percent of the births delivered have multiple medical risks due to a combination of the mother’s age, birth interval and birth order, the NDHS further revealed.

A related survey conducted in 2011 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) among 1,650 Filipino pregnant women showed that about 40 percent of pregnant teenagers below 15 years old and 36 percent of pregnant teenagers 15-19 years old are nutritionally-at-risk due to their gestational age.

The percentage of nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women was twice higher among those who are less than 20 years old at 36.0 percent than among the 20 years old and up at 23.0 percent, the survey added.

Underutrition among pregnant teens is a significant problem because 43.4 percent of them had low weight gain during pregnancy and more likely to have babies with low birthweight and experience short lactation, the FNRI survey also disclosed.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stillbirths and death in the first week of life are 50.0 percent higher among babies born to mothers younger than 20 years old than among babies born to mothers 20–29 years old.

In addition, rates of premature birth, low birth weight and asphyxia or difficulty of breathing are higher among babies of adolescents, all of which increase the chance of early death and future health problems, the WHO also noted.

The Population Commission (POPCOM) likewise documented in 2001 that poor nutrition aggravated by multiple pregnancies and closely-spaced births make younger moms more susceptible to infectious diseases as well as health complications that may result to maternal or infant deaths and low birth weight babies.

Maternal depletion or deficiency has adverse effects on the nutrient composition of breastmilk, particularly on vitamin A, iodine, and B complex, thereby increasing the risk of early undernutrition among infants, the POPCOM underscored.

For more information about food and nutrition,contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of  Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City.Email: mvc@ fnri,dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; Tel/Fax: 837-2934, 837-3164, 837-2071 local 2296; or visit our website at : http\\www.fnri.gov.ph. (JPA/EAG/FNRI-DOST/PIA9)

DENR-LGUs ink MOA on “Adopt-a-Mojon” project

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY 07 Dec (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 9 in partnership with the local government units (LGUs) inked anew a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Philippine Reference System (PRS92) “Adopt-a-Mojon” project on Wednesday, December 06, 2012 at Anastacia Pension House, this city.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Dr. Adelaida Borja in her opening message during the MOA signing said, PRS92 aims to modernize the countries surveying methods thru the use of homogeneous national network  of geodetic control points (GCPs) which marked by survey monuments or mojons that have been established using the Global Positioning System (GPS).

“Technology has gain significant support from our LGUs who have barely manifested their intentions to support and participate in the project. Hence, our partnership in the implementation, supervision and most of all ensure safeguard and protection of these survey monuments or mojons,” she said.

“Today, as we formalize our partnership through the signing of the MOA, we pray and hope that it will be the beginning of our lasting partnership that will ensure the safety and protection of our mojons for the betterment of our service to the general public,” Borja added.

The MOA signing was entered into between DENR-9 Regional Executive Director (RED) Arleigh J. Adorable and San Pablo Mayor Belma B.Mantos represented by Vice Mayor Danilo Taucan and Lapuyan Mayor Daylinda P. Sulong. Unfortunately Mayor Sulong was not able to make it during the formal signing.

RED Adorable in his message advised the chief executives saying “mojons in your municipality are very important landmark. These mojons will be the official reference points of all survey that will be conducted in your respective municipalities.”

Adorable also urged the chief executives to enact an ordinance that will somehow mandate the barangay officials and its constituents to help safeguard and protect the mojons.

Meanwhile, the municipalities of Siayan, Godod and La Libertad in the province of Zamboanga del Norte will also sign the same agreement on Friday, December 7, 2012.

It can be recalled last June 22, 2012 five LGUs also signified their intentions to support this project. They were the municipalities of Kumalarang, Lakewood and Dumalinao all of Zamboanga del Sur, Alicia and Payao of Zamboanga Sibugay. (JPA/CAL/PIA9)

DTI, PCCIFI to sponsor First Bayong Fair on December 7-8

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, December 6 - - Heeding the global call to help mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce toxic wastes in our environment, the Department of Trade and Industry, in cooperation with the Pagadian-Zamboanga del Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (PCCIFI) will host the  First Provincial Bayong Fair on December 7-8 at the City Commercial Center (C3).

DTI Provincial Director Ma. Socorro M. Atay said the fair will showcase the different creations of bayong from various groups and entrepreneurs who are into bayong making in the province. It aims to create awareness and appreciation of Zamboanga del Sur’s potential and capability on bayong making and other handicrafts.

There are eleven (11) association and SMEs who are presently engaged in bayong making in the province. The bayong ang handicrafts industry have become  income-earners  for  local producers with the  intervention of different government institutions.

From  the  humble basket of our forefathers destined only for the wet market, the bayong has evolved into a fashionable and contemporary creation for the modern Filipino.

Zamboanga del Sur has taken its share in developing our traditional wet market bayong into fashionable creative designs. These are woven out of the most common raw materials available in the province such as pandan, seagrass, abaca, rattan and other indigenous materials. The bayong has indeed come a long way, found its track in the market and has now gone international.

With the growing interest and demand for bayong in the country, it has truly expanded beyond its reputation as just a wet market bag. (DTI/ALT-PIA9/ZamboSur)

DENR warns public of land titling fixers

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

PAGADIAN CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) - - Environment office here warns the public to shun from land titling fixers or people  who would offer to facilitate the processing and issuance of land titles for a certain amount.

Roservirico Tan, Chief, Information Division, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that there are reports of some employees of DENR acting as fixers.

“The DENR Management will act accordingly, will penalize and will file appropriate charges against its officials and employees who will be caught or found to be involved in any unlawful transactions such as  fixing,” Tan informed.

Tan also explained, it’s not only the fixers who will be penalized, but the giver of the bribe as well.

“Any individual who will bribe DENR employees will also face criminal charges in addition to the cancellation of fraudulent or fake land titles,” the active information chief clarified.

Tan reminded the public that a minimal of Fifty Pesos ( P50.00) only will be collected for each application for  free patent, residential patent and all other land applications and that payment shall be made after all documentary requirements have been submitted.

Tan however clarified that there are also other (minimal) fees that will have to be paid separately directly to the Local Government Units concerned for other documentary requirements.

“We also advise the applicants to deal directly with private geodetic engineers for the survey of their lands,” he said.

‘We request the people to cooperate with us and report any suspicious or anomalous offer relative to land titling,’ Tan called on the public.

Tan said this undertaking is part of the anti-graft and corruption effort of DENR. (JPA/PIA 9)

Multi-sec groups join Mindanao week of peace celebration

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, December 5 (PIA) –- An estimated 2,000 people converged on Thursday at Plaza Luz to join the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) celebration.

The celebration which carries the theme: “ Love of God and Love of Neighbor, A challenge for Mindanao,’’ kicked off with a motorcade dubbed “ride for peace” which started from Pagadian to Labangan and ended at Plaza Luz with an opening  program.

Multi-stakeholders from the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace (IFSP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, academe actively supported the activity.

IFPS Catholic convenor Rev. Father Felix Tigoy in his message said we are celebrating week of peace because peace is still elusive.  “We did not yet fully experienced true peace in us,” Tigoy declared.

Tigoy said we need to establish peace and continue to strive attaining true and lasting peace.

“We need to work for it daily and we make sure that our efforts are anchored on the social order imposed by God” saying that real peace is something to do with harmony, integrity, wholeness, and wellness.

“Peace is built daily in pursuit of God’s order.  It is not merely the absence of war and cessation of hospitalities but the presence of justice,” Tigoy added.

Meanwhile, Civil Military Operations officer Lt. Col. Cornelio Arboleda, who represented Tabak commander MajGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III said the 1^st infantry (TABAK) division is strongly supporting the “week of peace” celebration.  “AFP’s peace advocacy which was embodied in the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) dubbed “Bayanihan” campaign is true and sincere manifestation of our support to the government’s peace initiatives,” Arboleda announced.

Various activities were also lined up in the weeklong (Nov.29-Dec.5) celebration to include press conference, ride for peace and tri-people women’s rights forum, to name a few.

The celebration is pursuant to Proclamation Order 127 issued on November 26, 2001 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declaring the last Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December of every year thereafter as Mindanao Week of Peace. (JPA/GCC/PIA,Pagadian City) 

Dipolog media men celebrate press week

By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) - - A motorcade around the major thoroughfares here was held Sunday to mark the start of the observance of press week which culminates on Dec. 8.

Some 30 media practitioners from the different print and radio outfits attended the motorcade that preceded a short program at the Dipolog Boulevard.

Speaking at the opening program, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy encouraged the press to take an active role in supporting all initiatives/efforts that aim to protect the environment and/or mitigate the effects of climate change.

Uy told the media men that the city government has intensified its campaign for proper waste disposal throughout the city.

She even recalled that the place where the boulevard now stands was once occupied by squatters who indiscriminately threw their wastes into the sea, polluting the shorelines in the area.

The boulevard is now the favorite hangout for those who want to watch the sunset and savor the cool sea breeze.

Mayor Uy has issued last Nov. 19 an executive order declaring Dec. 2-8, 2012 as press week in the city “in recognition of the important role played by the fourth estate in a democratic society.”

The weeklong celebration was spearheaded by the Zamboanga del Norte Press Club with the theme, The Press: Democracy in Action. (JPA/FPG/PIA9)