DepEd readies for Oplan Balik Eskwela, bats for no collection policy

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd)-Zamboanga City Schools Division announced on Monday that all is set for the opening of classes on June 1 and it is strictly implementing the “No Collection Policy” in all public elementary and secondary schools in the city.

In a press conference, Dr. Rosalio Conturno Jr., chief education supervisor and the division’s officer-in-charge said his office had organized a monitoring committee that would respond to problems encountered during enrolment.

Doctor Cunturno emphasized the guidelines that every public school must adhere during enrolment, particularly the DepEd’s “No Collection Policy.”

“Some of the schools here started the enrollment last week up to this coming Friday. They are not allowed to collect any amount and must follow the policy,” he said.

Based on the guidelines of DepEd Order No. 41 series of 2012, no fees shall be collected from schoolchildren enrolling in pre­school up to Grade 4 during the enrolment period and at any time during the school year.

The prohibition shall not cover the authorized but voluntary contributions such as Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), Red Cross, Anti-Tuberculosis (TB) Fund and Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), among others.

Moreover, for grade and year levels beyond Grade 4, no collection of any type should be undertaken during the enrolment period and the first month of classes. Starting on the second month of every school year, contributions may be collected, but only on a voluntary basis.

“Schools will start the collection of fees that are authorized by DepEd on the month of August which are purely voluntary and not compulsory,” said Dr. Cunturno. 

(with reports from Shiela May Aquino)

DTI launches “Negosyo Center” for Zambo. Sur

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – In keeping with Republic Act 10644, otherwise known as “Go Negosyo Act”, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office has led on Monday the launching and blessing of the Negosyo Center at the DTI provincial office compound, Capitol Site this city.

DTI-9 Regional Director Sitti Amina Jain lauded Provincial Director Maria Socorro Malate-Atay and her staff for establising the said center, making Zamboanga del Sur the first  province in Zamboanga Peninsula to cmply with RA 10644.

The establishment of “Negosyo Center” in all provinces is one of the salient features of the Go Negosyo Act.

Jain said this Negosyo Center would serve as the nerve center for our assistance for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province.

“In here, aside from business name registration, all technical assistance in the form of entrepreneurship development, product development,  marketting, coaching, product design, exhibit, consultancies, handholding, mentoring the entrepreneurs will happen in this Negosyo Center,” Jain explained, as she urged all MSME’s in the province to make use of the center.

Four more Negosyo Centers will be established in the region this year, one in Zamboanga Sibugay on May 29; in Zamboanga del Norte by next month and in the cities of Zamboanga and Isabela by July, Jain said.

Go Negosyo Act was signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III on July 15, 2014 and it seeks to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to create more job opportunities in the country. 

Lapuyan town completes ICS training

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Elected municipal and barangays officials, department heads, representatives from business and religious sectors, and peoples organization of Lapuyan town completed the 3-day Basic Incident Command System (ICS) training held last May 18-21 at Four Queens Resort here.

The ICS is a standard, on-scene all hazard incident management system that enables various response groups to efficiently and effectively manage a single or multiple incidents or even a non-emergency or planned events.  It allows users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demands of any situation without being hindered by agency or jurisdictional boundaries.

Engr. Angelito Casinillo, training officer of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD9) said the training sought to provide the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) with the necessary skills in managing emergencies to ensure that disaster risks and impacts are minimized, if not prevented, including natural and human-induced disasters.

Casinillo said the training comprised lectures on the ICS, its organization and staffing, ICS facilities, organizing and managing incidents and events, and other related topics and issues.

Mayor Daylinda Sulong in her message said “ICS training is very important saying that their municipality is vulnerable to natural disaster.”

“Importante gyud kaayo nga kaming mga opisyales ug kawani mopailawom ning maong pagbansaybansay tungod kay ang among lungsod dali ra matandog sa mga  kalamidad. Adunay duha ka mga suba nga naglatas sa mga barangays. Kung walay hunong ang pag-ulan moawas ang suba ug mokatag ngadto sa ubos nga mga barangay, Sulong explained.”

(It is very important that the officials and employees will undergo this training because our municipality is vulnerable to disasters. There are two bridges that traversed the barangays. During heavy rains, the river will overflow and spread to the low-lying barangays.)

  

“We should be ready at all times because our municipality has experienced flooding, dry spell, landslides, earthquake and human-induced disasters like massacre, and piracy, and others,” Sulong added.

Sulong made sure that the concepts and principles of ICS would be applied in their barangays and the same training be cascaded to the 26 Barangay DRRMCs and other emergency responders in the municipality. 

City links trained on handling gender-based violence cases

By Dave G. Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY – To equip Pantawid Pamilya workers from the cities of Zamboanga and Isabela with knowledge and skills in handling gender-based violence (GBV) cases in their assigned communities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 has conducted recently a training for city links at the DSWD Conference Room along Gen. Vicente Alvarez this city.

DSWD’s Gender and Development (GAD) focal person Leonora Barahim said that this activity was an offshoot from barangay-based focused group discussions that brought up issues involving gender-based violence such as battered wives, child abuse, pornography and others. “We believe that the city links can do a lot to respond to these issues,” Barahim said.

The DSWD also emphasized the referral mechanisms that are in place with the city links.

Barahim said that as social workers, city links should be equipped not only to properly refer these cases, but to provide the appropriate interventions when necessary. (with reports from Shiela May Aquino)

BFAR job orders avail of e-AlkanSSSya

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – As the partnership between the Social Security System (SSS) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) here has been forged, 179 job order workers of the latter are now SSS members and qualified to avail themselves of the social protection and social security benefits.

The SSS introduced the e-AlkanSSSya program, which will enable BFAR to deduct a portion of the job order workers’ salaries monthly for this purpose.

“This is a very significant development,” said BFAR interim administration and finance chief Abubakar Abdula. “We want to give social protection to our workers especially during times of contingencies.”

SSS Western Mindanao Assistant Vice President Atty. Rodrigo Filoteo said “for a little savings, you get a lot of benefits,” citing that enrollment in the program is still completely voluntary.

According to Atty. Filoteo, the SSS had already entered into partnerships with other agencies of government like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), which have several job order and casual workers.

In addition to government agencies, SSS has been campaigning for the private sector employees who are not yet members to avail of the AlkanSSSya program. Atty. Filoteo said that the minimal contribution of P330 per month is very reasonable with the wide array of social security benefits they can avail of.

The SSS has also been campaigning the program to tricycle drivers’ associations, and even penetrated inmates of the San Ramon Penal Farm. “In the event that they finally serve their sentence and they get out, they can already avail of the SSS benefits,” Atty. Filoteo said.

Atty. Filoteo invited those who are not yet members to already enroll. “This is for your future,” he added. (with reports from Shiela May Aquino) 

Isabela City anti-drug body to engage communities vs drugs

by Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Isabela City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) will revitalize the communities’ involvment in curbing illegal drugs in the city.

In a recent CADAC meeting, the council has resolved to involve more sectors in the community and strengthen the role of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Committee in the fight against illegal drugs.

During the discussions, the council has expressed concern over the dismissed cases filed before the prosecutor’s office due to technicalities and how these have been impacting on the morale of law enforcement, particularly the agents of the Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

City Administrator Ramon T. Nuñal had expressed dismay over how the drug-related cases failed to pass Fiscal’s scrutiny.

“This is the reason why we have not called for the CADAC meeting for quite sometime due to these frustrations on how the drug-related cases are being handled by the Fiscal Office,” Nuñal said, stressing that law enforcement agents are investing time, money, and even risking peoples’ lives.

He cited also that the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force had also the same frustrations.

He also observed that the issue of illegal drugs remains to be an individual or personal level rather than a household and communal-level concern that needs communal approach in addressing the drug-abuse menace.

The council also planned to conduct community-based forum on the issue of illegal drugs to particular sectors, like the youth, women, and elected officials in the barangays in support of the efforts of the local police. The council also saw the need to create sustained advocacy initiatives given that one-shot information campaigns proved to be ineffective when not sustained. Also, the council moved to create criteria or basis that will categorize particular barangay, with the help of the PNP, in order to determine the degree of illegal drug infiltration in the communities.

Isabela City police chief Albert C. Larubis said that at least 40 percent of cases filed at Fiscal Office had been dismissed, mostly due to technicalities. He said that the Fiscal Office usually advised and or coached the police on how to strengthen its cases against illegal-drug suspects.

Larubis further suggested that the council shall institutionalize its advocacy campaign by creating advocacy team that regularly visits communities, schools, and other avenues that is funded by CADAC funds and supported by other agencies and organizations.

On May 21, CADAC met with the 45 barangay captains of Isabela City and presented the plans of the council. 

DTI spearheads Halal advocacy campaign in Dipolog

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY – A Halal advocacy caravan has been recently held here at the Top Plaza Hotel by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with various consumer groups, national government agencies (NGAs), local press as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in food servicing in attendance.

The campaign aims to educate and promote public awareness on Halal concept from Islamic perspective.

Technical Working Group Member Ustadz Hadji Gaspar Amain of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-9 said Halal is an Arabic term, which means lawful and permitted under Islamic Laws.

But in the Muslim community, it carries a much deeper meaning as Halal is considered as part of their religious duty.

According to Amain, Halal and Islam are two inseparable words. “Halal is pure, clean, good and healthy, hygienic food everyone.”

The role of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), Halal Auditing and Certification, marketing opportunities and the importance of promoting halal products were also tackled in the said activity.

In his lecture, Mr Aliazer Abdurajim stressed the importance of promoting halal products due to its huge market in the nearby Muslim countries.

Aside from Dipolog City, the Halal Advocacy Caravan 2015 was also held in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Pagadian City and Zamboanga City.

1st Cavalry Squadron joins Brigada Eskwela 2015

By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The 1^st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army actively participated in the annual school maintenance activity dubbed “Brigada Eskwela 2015” to help ensure that public secondary and elementary schools will be ready for the school opening on June 1.

The “Brigada Eskwela 2015” was conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd) on May 17-21 with the theme, “Tayo Para sa Kalinisan At Kahandaan ng ating mga Paaralan.”

1^st Cavalry Squadron commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Charlemagne Batayola Jr. said the troopers along with education stakeholders had contributed their time and effort in ensuring that public school facilities are ready for the forthcoming school opening.

As volunteers, the troopers in working clothes helped in cleaning the surroundings and classrooms of Tabak Elementary School and Upper Pulacan Elementary School, respectively.

“In Tabak Elementary School we painted the classrooms, 250 tables and chairs , repaired furniture, dug compost pits, built perimeter wall and cleaned up the school grounds while in Upper Pulacan Elementary School, we have painted 200 tables and chairs and one multi-purpose hall, repaired 15 classrooms, and provided cleanliness, orderliness, and beautification in the school grounds,” Batayola reported.

He added that the units of 1^st Cavalry Squadron in Basilan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Jolo also conducted the activity in support of DepEd’s annual Brigada Eskwela.

Batayola appealed to the school children to take care and ensure safety of the school facilities.

“Sa mga mag-aaral pananatilihin ninyo ang kalinisan ngg inyong paaralan at huwag kayong gumawa ng bandalismo sa lamesa, upuan, pader at iba pa para magamit ninyo ang pasilidad ng inyong paaralan ng matagalan,” Batayola urged.

(To the students, keep your school clean and avoid vandalism in your table, chair, wall and etc. so that you can use the facilities longer.)

Batayola encouraged the education stakeholders to continue showing their untiring dedication and support to the program for the children to attain quality education.

“Naniniwala po ako na ang dekaledad na edukasyon ay makatamtan kung mabigyan natin na magandang facilities ang mga mag-aaral ng kabataan,” Batayola concluded.

(I believe that quality education can be achieved if we can provide good facilities for our school children.) 

GOCCs hand over P36-B to PNoy

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – Government-Owned and-Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) handed over P36.86 billion worth of checks to President Benigno Aquino III during the annual ceremonial turnover of dividends.

President Aquino congratulated the GOCCs, saying, “we really should applaud each one of you who helped in the reforms, which shows what could have happened if we started earlier.”

Forty eight (48) GOCCs participated in the annual ceremony held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at Rizal Hall in Malacanang.

The Government Commission on GOCCs (GCG) said “GOCC Day” is being celebrated yearly in recognition of “GOCCs achievements and their significant contributions to the country’s national development.”

Last year’s remittances were up by more than P4.5 billion, from P32.31 billion in 2013.

A total of P131.28 billion have been remitted by GOCCs from 2010 to 2015 under the Aquino’s administration.

Meanwhile, P84.18 billion remittances were collected from 2001-2009 under the former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Of the GOCCs, the Land Bank of the Philippines had the highest dividends at P6.254 billion. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PagCor), on the other hand, posted the largest amount of remittances including dividends at P10.137 billion.

Included in the so-called Billionaires’ Club are the Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) with P3.201 billion in remittances; Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) P3.135 billion; Food Terminal Inc.- P2.305 billion; Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) –P2.1 billion.

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) remitted P1.817 billion; Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) – P1.525 billion; Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) – P1.339 billion; and the Philippine Reclamation Authority –P1.2 billion.

Under Republic Act No. 7656, GOCCs are required to remit at least 50 percent of their income as dividends to the national government. Other remittances include proceeds of sale of assets and income from various fees. 

Brigada Eskwela winds up today, gears up for Balik Eskwela next week

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2015, also known as the National Schools Maintenance Week started Monday, May 18 and will wind up tomorrow, May 23.

Mr. Felix Romy A. Triambulo, OIC Asst. Schools Division Superintendent said the week-long event gathers together parents, teachers, students, LGU officials, stakeholders and other volunteers to clean up the school, paint classrooms for the upcoming school year this June.

With the theme, “Tayo Para sa Kalinisan at Kahandaan ng Ating mga Paaralan,” this school maintenance effort engages all education stakeholders to contribute their time, effort and resources to ensure that public school facilities are prepared in time for the opening of classes in June.

“The opening of the Brigada Eskwela at the Ipil Central School was attended by Governor Wilter Yap Palma, Mayor Eldwin Alibutdan, the new commander of 102^nd “IGSOON” Brigade, Col. Andres A. Aguinaldo Jr. and other stakeholders, showing their support to the activity,” Triambulo said gratefully.

Asked if it is true that children whose parents who could not participate in the Brigada Eskwela would not be enrolled in the school, Triambulo said this is a wrong notion. They could still be enrolled since this is not a requirement, it is a voluntary act of support on the part of stakeholders.

He cited some cases wherein parents who are too busy at work in the government or private sector and could not join the Brigada Eskwela often pay workers to do the job. “But again, everything is voluntary. You are not under compulsion,” Triambulo was quoted as saying.

Next week, DepEd is slated to conduct Balik Eskwela so there would be no hitches come June 1 which marks the opening of classes. The early enrolment of schoolchildren next week will deter the influx of students as classes commence in June.

“We are also planning to conduct a Senior High School Caravan because we would like to advocate the benefits of senior high school. I know you could greatly help us, our media partners to make parents and other stakeholders understand its advantages, including the extent of government support for the students,” Triambulo explained.

Zambo youth differ in views on BBL, call for more info

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – As the amended version of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has already passed in the House ad committee early this week with an overwhelming 50-17 votes in favor, varied opinions on the bill continue to surface especially among the youth.

Several are anxious for its passage, and some are not really enthused, while some feel that more information about the bill is needed to make a personal stand.

College students from the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC) share their insights as follows:

“Yes, BBL is important because this is a way or process for having peace and understanding for people. BBL is the hope for all. This is justice for all. This is one way of having peace for both Muslims and Christians.”  - Shiejie Manuel

“What I know from BBL is that it separates Muslims from Christian. It cannot be that way. We need a united country. We cannot just agree on this without a wise and a good realization what this is for and what the good benefits are. So I think, we need more time to decide.” - Marvin Lunggakit

“Actually, BBL is positive but the thing is Mindanao will be a Moro Islamic state. There is a possibility for conflict. But on the other hand, BBL means peace for all. This may bring in an understanding and hopebetween every individual either Muslims or Christian.” - Alter Rosales

“I am not saying that I am an anti-BBL but I don’t think that the idea of passing it is good since turning it into law means cutting a big slice on our annual national budget. In a scale of 1-10, I rate the House Bill 5. I believe peace is attainable but not through this.” - Mercilyn Sadjari

“Having less idea on BBL just gives me a reason not to favor it.  I am naïve on the issue since the media and the government only give limited information about it. It shouldn’t be realized since the peace and order situation in the region must be addressed first. I understand the dream of peace that is why they filed this bill but I think this would only root more hunger for power.” - Ruiz Delos Santos

“I really don’t have an idea on BBL. But for me, passing the bill would only open the minds of other groups or tribes to seek autonomy.” - Nicole Solis

“I am not in favor in the passing of BBL because the people who would handle areas to be included in the BBL is not yet revealed. However, this might be the answer to long lasting peace. ” – Haireen

As of this time, the BBL’s future seems promising. However, certain legislators are still deliberating on its constitutionality. For one, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is calling for several amendments on the bill “or face litigation by the Supreme Court.”

Meanwhile, Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recently emphasized the need for legislators to speak directly with Mindanaoans to have a better grasp of their opinions about the bill since it is they themselves who will be most affected if the BBL is passed. Lawmakers will have more informed decisions this way, Senator Marcos said. (with reports from Rylle Darryll Estrella and Shiela May Aquino)

Mayor Beng eyes free wifi hotspots in Zambo city

By Dave G. Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The city government here is planning to roll out free Wi-Fi connection in the locality.

According to Mayor Beng Climaco in a recent news conference, there are plans for a free Wi-Fi to rise in selected areas that are heavily populated. Moreover, she pointed out that a Wi-Fi hub would be set up within Paseo Del Mar. “One private company also intended to start the same project,” she added.

Some on-the-job-trainees (OJTs) that were assigned in the different media outfits present during the press conference expressed their excitement upon the mayor’s announcement.

“I am now so happy that finally the city government is planning to put up free connection in some areas. I don’t need to pay at the internet cafes just to surf,” Alinazar Lahid, one of the OJTs said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Climaco announced the formal signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the National Library, The Information and Communications Technology Office under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the City Government and City Library last May 8.

The mayor said that the City Library is the country’s pilot facility for the Technology for Education (TechForEd) program. The said project will provide access points for individuals and community in bridging the digital and education divide in information. (with reports from Rylle Darryll Estrella)