DSWD-9 to conduct series of consultation dialogue among social pensioners, stakeholders

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office 9 (DSWD-9) will conduct a series of re-orientation and consultation dialogue among social pensioners and stakeholders on the Social Pension Program of the government.

Social Pension Regional Coordinator Evelyn Lingatong said the dialogue will take place in Aurora, Margosatubig and Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur on June 19, 20 & 21, 2013 respectively.

The activity will focus on the review of the department’s Administrative Order No. 15 Sections 3 and 4 which states the operational procedure in the implementation of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC).

The SPISC is one of the provisions stated under Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9994 otherwise known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.”

It is an additional government assistance in the amount of P500.00 as monthly stipend to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens.

According to Section 3 of RA 9994, an indigent senior citizen is as an elderly aged 77 year old and above; frail, sickly or with disability; not receiving any other pensions and with no permanent source of income, compensation and not receiving any financial assistance from relatives to support his/her basic needs.

“To date, Zamboanga del Sur has a total 5,412 social pension beneficiaries out of 17,296 in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula Region,” Lingatong said.

Issues and concerns about the program will also be tackled during the activity after which will be the assessment and evaluation. (PIA9)

POEA asks recruitment agencies to collect right placement fees

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration IX asked recruitment agencies to collect proper amount of placement fees from applicants who want to work overseas.

Ms. Marietta Bellotindos, POEA-9 Officer-in-Charge, in an interview with local media here said, “Placement fees should only be equivalent to one month salary, plus processing fee not exceeding P10,000.”

Bellotindos said their office has already regulated the collection of placement fees and that violation of the said regulation will result in suspension, or even cancellation of recruitment agencies’ licenses.

 

POEA data show there are 34 recruitment agencies all over region 9, 24 of which are based here. Over 6,000 workers left for abroad since the start of the year to present.

Bellotindos revealed that most of these workers were deployed in Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. Other destinations are Malaysia, Singapore, Seychelles in South Africa, and Papua New Guinea. Work varies from professional jobs, to service sector like laborers, operators, sales workers, agricultural workers and clerical jobs.

Bellotindos also reminded all interested to work abroad to check with POEA for registered recruitment agencies to avoid being duped by unscrupulous people posing as recruiters, or worse, become victims of human trafficking. (PIA9)

Multi-media professionals undergo orientation on STD, HIV and AIDS stigma and discrimination

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Multi-media professionals  play a vital role in diminishing the stigma and discrimination suffered by young people who are affected with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) particularly Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS).

This was declared by Claire Jose , DOH-CHD9 regional program coordinator for blood, HIV and AIDS programs during the one-day orientation among multi-media professionals at  Hotel Guillermo over the weekend.

According to Jose, since the 1980’s, young people who are bi-sexual , gay, sex workers, and transgender mostly affected by the disease suffered denial, stigma and discrimination in the community.  “In some cases, they are rejected by their loved ones, the communities where they live, unfairly treated in the workplace, and even worst, denied access to education and other health services,” Jose added.

Jose said because of discrimination, people are afraid to disclose their condition  in  society making the management of the disease very difficult.

“They go underground and never seek for professional health service in  social hygiene clinics until their symptoms have become serious because they are afraid  their situation will be publicized,” Jose explained.  

She said the government and stakeholders should develop strategies in addressing stigma for HIV-AIDS prevention on the marginalized group. Gender issues and stigma reduction should always be in every aspect of education and policy programs.

With the help of multi-media professionals, Jose said she is confident that patients infected with HIV will no longer suffer this unpleasant experience but instead, they will cooperate with health experts.   

The activity was conducted in key cities of the Zamboanga Peninsula region. (PIA9)

Continued breastfeeding helps save the lives of children, says FNRI

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - The World Health Organization (WHO) gave emphasis on the benefits of breastfeeding to infants aged 0-6 months and when continued up to two years of age and beyond with the right complementary food, will help save the lives of an additional 1.5 million children below  five years old annually.

In a press release,  Ms. Marie T. Bugas, Science Research Specialist II of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), said among infants 0-5 months old, only 36 percent were exclusively breastfed.

“Only 37 percent were breastfed at the same time given complementary food, and as many as 27 percent of infants were given other milk and other foods based on the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the FNRI-DOST in 2008,” said Ms. Bugas.

Breastfeeding provides significant benefits to both the mother and the baby. It creates joyful bonding between the mother and her baby,  promotes cost savings, and  undeniably provides health benefits for both of them.

“Let’s work together to ensure the adoption of the breastfeeding practice by encouraging all sectors to help promote, protect and support breastfeeding,” urged Ms. Bugas. (PIA9)

Nutrition champions to convene in Zamboanga City

By Alma L. Tingcang

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office IX   together  with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) will host a media forum for Nutrition Communication Network (NUTRICOMNET) on June 20 at Marcian Garden Hotel, this city.

Information officers, health and nutrition specialists of various government agencies, and faculty members of state colleges and universities involved in food, nutrition and health promotion, to include media practitioners will gather to share and relate experiences in promoting food and nutrition information in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.

In a press statement, DOST-FNRI said the forum will be conducted in 5 major cities in the country including Zamboanga City  in partnership with San Miguel Purefoods Company (SMPC) to tackle important issues such as protein-energy, micro deficiencies and meat safety, and how to fight malnutrition with accurate data, correct information and innovative technologies.

This year’s forum promises to be both informative and exciting considering the relevant issues to be addressed as it aims to provide local media practitioners and information officers with the recent food and nutrition trends in the country. Presentations will include the nutrition situation such as protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and micronutrient deficiencies, consequences of PEM and micronutrient deficiencies, Philippine food fortification program and meat safety.

NUTRICOMNET is a network of provincial and regional media practitioners as well as information officers of various agencies and institutions involved in food, nutrition and health promotion established to create a favorable interactive promotion program between the FNRI-DOST and the local media in the region.

DOST’s partnership with various media both in government and private entities will greatly help in sustaining combined efforts in fighting malnutrition in the country. (ALT/DOST9/PIA9) 

DAR implements ARCCESS in Zamboanga del Norte

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - Three selected municipalities in the province of Zamboanga del Norte have benefited from the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program of the Department of Agrarian Reform.

Among the beneficiaries of the first batch were the Guinles Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (GUIFAMUCO) in the municipality of Polanco, San Miguel Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-purpose Cooperative (SMARBEMCO) in Mutia, and the Joaquin Macias Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-purpose Cooperative (JMARBEMCO) in Sindangan town.

ARCCESS has two major interventions: the delivery of Business Development Services (BDS) to  Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) through the deployment of Community-Based Enterprise Organizers (CBEOs), and the provision of farm equipment and machineries of Common Service facilities (CSFs) to ARBOs.

In CBEOs, the government will hire a professional to assist the business and management of cooperatives and an agricultural extension technician to assist farmers in farm production technology.

Reynaldo Manigos, ARCCESS point person in Zamboanga del Norte, said during an interview that this program was conceptualized in 2011 but it was only this year that the equipment and machineries were delivered.

“The delivery of the needed equipment and machineries to the first batch of ARBOs was made only this year,” said Manigos.

The CSFs include threshers, dryers, shellers, automatic planters, sprayers, coffee roasters, cassava granulators, tractors and hauling trucks.

These CSFs will be granted based on the readiness of ARBOs to manage and optimize the use of the equipment, as well as the necessity of the equipment to the operation of each ARBO. 

“The role of DAR is to monitor  the proper use of common service facilities while the operation of the business and cooperative rests on the farmers,” Mr. Manigos bared. (PIA9) 

No disadvantage, only benefits in donating blood, says Red Cross

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Donating blood produces fresh blood, which means better circulation, less incidents of high blood pressure and strokes, and a healthier immune system, shares Red Cross Zamboanga’s Blood Center Manager Kelly Geronimo.

“We have a lot of patients in need of blood every day. We cannot simply produce new blood and we depend on donors. There is no disadvantage, but there are plenty of benefits, one of which is to save lives,” Geronimo said.

Moreover, regular blood donation also reduces the risk of heart diseases and removes excess iron from the body.

On June 14 as the world celebrated  Blood Donors’ Day,  Zamboanga City  scored with a mass blood donation drive which was spearheaded by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). Over a hundred eager potential donors came to the PRC compound to give blood.

Vic Liozo, Red Cross Chapter Administrator was pleased by the turn-out. The volunteers were then screened for any traces of transmittable diseases such as hepatitis B and C, malaria, syphilis and HIV.

More or less 80 persons were able to share their blood, including students, government and non-government workers, personnel from the military and police, and eager walk-in donors.

Maritess Calonge, a first-time donor and a college student from Western Mindanao State University said that she was initially apprehensive to donate blood since she was afraid of needles. But upon hearing of its benefits, and  the pleasant feeling of being able to help those in need of blood was enough to motivate her.

“It was not that painful,” she said, “just like a bite from a mosquito. You just feel a little disoriented afterwards, but after that, everything’s OK.”

Meanwhile, Philippine Red Cross Governor and incumbent Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat cited the need for more eager blood donors. He said  every day, not just in the city but all over the world, a lot of people need blood transfusions. Lobregat calls for a more intensive advocacy on blood donation.

This year’s World Blood Donors’ Day theme is, “Give the gift of life: donate blood.” (PIA9)

DILG9 staff bags 6th place in LGOO training

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – Ms. Dishie Lauron, one of the participants in the recently concluded Local Government Operations Officer Training conducted by the Local Government Academy (LGA) in Koronadal City, was ranked 6^th among her batch mates.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9 Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil recognized Lauron’s feat in a recent regional conference, saying: “We salute you in putting the name of DILG-9 in the limelight from a year-long training of Local Government Operations Officers.”

Lauron was among the 337 trainees from all over the country comprising the 47^th batch that underwent one year training on local governance.

DILG-9 awarded Lauron a Plaque of Recognition which was personally handed to her by Director Abutazil and Assistant Regional Director Pedro G. Cuevas Jr.

“I really do not expect it. What I prayed is just to pass (the training) but it’s more than enough. I asked only for ‘pandesal’ (bread), but the Heavens gave me hamburger,” said Lauron with tears of joy in her eyes.

Lauron failed to attend the graduation rites at Los Baños, Laguna as she is now on the family way.

“It really came to me a great surprise,” she quipped.

She also expressed her thanks to the management for giving her the opportunity to be trained on local governance.

Her co-participants from DILG-9 were Chandiramani Obut, Philip Cuevas and Junil Cabahug. (FPG/PIA9/DILG9)

DOH-CHD ZamPen beefs up campaign vs. smoking

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Health-Center for Health and Development Zamboanga Peninsula (DOH-CHD ZP) is now intensifying its campaign on smoke-free environment in all local government units (LGUs) in the region.

DOH-CHD ZP Public Information Officer Ms. Teresita dela Cruz said “our campaign for a smoke-free environment is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which is being supported by Republic Act No. 9211, otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2013.

FCTC aims to protect the present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke by providing a framework for tobacco control measures.

“It has 168 signatories including the European communities and the Philippines. The parties are determined to give priority to the right to protect public health,” she said.

“Every country or nation has the right to protect its citizens. In the Philippines the DOH is the lead agency to implement this right,” dela Cruz explained.

“Research made by scientists on the ill effects of tobacco use had revealed that tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke would cause death. It can no longer be contested,” dela Cruz emphasized.

She also encouraged all LGUs in the region to support this cause for a smoke-free environment, as they have full jurisdiction and control over their respective provinces/cities/municipalities.

“It is now for us to do something - it may not be for us anymore - but for the next generations,” dela Cruz said. (PIA9)

WesMinCom sees significant progress of IPSP Bayanihan

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – To determine whether it is right on track with the campaign on Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan, the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) hosted a command conference on June 10 to review its progress.

Commanders from the 1^st and 6^th Infantry Divisions, 3^rd Air Division of the Philippine Air Force, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command, PNP counterparts and other senior staff attended the conference to evaluate its Internal Peace and Security Operation efforts in Western Mindanao for the first semester of 2013.

Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo,  WesMinCom chief described the 1^st Semester of 2013 as a very challenging period.

“Aside from having to accomplish the mandate on internal security, the Sabah crisis also gave the opportunity to employ AFP resources and assets of large magnitude and helped resolve and diffuse the tension which could have transformed into large-scale violence, thus preventing negative international repercussions,” Ardo said.

He added that the Command was able to successfully harness the support of all  stakeholders toward the realization of a secure, orderly and credible Elections 2013, saying that “the recently concluded national and local elections was a huge success when compared to past elections.”

Ardo also noted that after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), from a potent national security threat  is now treated as a ‘special security concern’.

“Since its signing, a significant and more improved security condition in the entire area of responsibility can be noticed. This however can be attributed to several factors such as the continued adherence and respect to the primacy of the peace process; ability to contribute and undertake confidence-building measures; and being able to put up a credible deterrence,” Ardo explained.

He said that overall, the Command made significant headway in its campaign both in addressing the local security threats, including allied threats and other maritime security concerns.

Professor Mirriam Coronel Ferrer, Chairperson of GHP-MILF Peace Process, and Prof Howard Cafugauan,  ASEC for OPAPP programs, were also present and gave updates on the GPH-MILF peace process and Sajahatra Bangsamoro programs. GPH-CCCH Chair BGen Cesar Dionisio T Sedillo also provided valuable and essential inputs.

Col. Rodrigo T. Gregorio, WesMinCom Public Information Officer said that the conference also determined the contributory factors which affect the success, delay or failure, and identify the gaps and challenges.

The conference ended with a rejoinder from Gen. Ardo to the subordinate commanders and other participants/stakeholders to pursue with even greater zeal and enthusiasm  collective efforts  in accomplishing their mission. (ALT/RVC/WESMINCOM/PIA9-ZBST)

NYC encourages youth groups to join 11th TAYO Search

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The National Youth Commission (NYC) encourages local youth groups to join the 11^th Search for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) and let the exceptional achievements of their group be recognized.

Vangie Olandag of NYC 9 said most  youth organizations spend their summer doing projects to help their communities and  this is one opportunity where they can choose their best project and submit it as entry for the 11^th TAYO search.

Started in 2002, TAYO is the only award given to group achievements among youth. It aims to discover and laud exceptional youth organizations that have contributed to the development of their communities, schools, or work places through  innovative projects.

Changing the nation one community at a time, is what TAYO Awards Foundation Inc. is doing. It encourages the replication of noteworthy and unconventional projects to solve basic problems in the communities.  

Olandag said the annual search and recognition is given to 10 outstanding Filipino organizations with at least 15 members aged 15 to 39 working towards national growth and development.

It is open to all youth organizations who have implemented projects for their communities from June 2012 up to the present. 

 Interested  applicants may get in touch with TAYO Secretariat at tayo.secretariat@gmail.com or at its Facebook Fan Page, Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations or inquire through: (0917) 898 8296 (txtTAYO); (02) 687 5917; or (02) 416 2833. 

For more information about the awards and the organizations it has recognized, you may visit www.nyc.gov.ph and www.tayoawards.net. 

(PIA9) 

DENR conducts NGP forum to barangay officials

By Bernadine Astillero Gabawan

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – In line with the National Greening Program (NGP) of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-9) conducted a forum on Tuesday at Glupa Gulian Agro-Tourism Park at Barangay Kahayagan this municipality with barangay officials as participants.

Some 60 participants coming from barangays Conacon, Dimalinao, Pulangbato, Bantal and Liba attended the forum.

Forest Specialist Romi Ansale discussed the mechanics in the implementation of the Barangay Forest Program which was immediately followed by an open-forum.

After the discussion, a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place between the officials of the five barangays and the DENR for the establishment of nurseries and seedling production in their respective barangays.

DENR will fund the program by providing P100,000 per barangay with 10,000 seedlings to be planted in a 20 hectares land.

As their counterpart, the barangay local government units (BLGUs) shall be responsible for the protection and maintenance of the areas they have developed.

Also present during the activity were Forester Jessica Casipong,Victor  Daho, Romeo Alimanza, Grace Bolano and Romeo Pagente, all of DENR-Guipos District Office together with Juliet Loriche, officer in-charge of DENR-Bayog. (FPG/BAG/CAL/PIA9)