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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

7 drug pushers nabbed in buy-bust ops in Zambo Sibugay

By Mindanews


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (MindaNews/26 March) – Seven alleged drug pushers were arrested in two separate buy-bust operations on March 22 and 23 as part of the “all-out war” against drug pushers in the province. Pedrito Suano, provincial director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), said four persons, including Bonfiacio Abao aka Dondon, the alleged Number 3 drug pusher in Malangas, were arrested at around 9 p.m. on March 22 in Purok 8, Barangay Ladicha in Malangas. Suano, who led the operations, said Abao’s arrest will have a significant impact in the campaign against perceived untouchable drug pushers in the municipality and the entire province. “The arrest of (Abao) will send the message to all those who believe that they are untouchable drug pushers here in Sibugay. We are already launching all-out-war against these drug pushers who deliberately destroy the future of our youth and our communities”, said Agent Suano, PDEA-Sibugay Provincial Head Suano said an agent from the PDEA posed as a buyer of shabu and contacted Abao for one heat-sealed plastic sachet containing shabu worth P500. The operation led to the arrest of the 33-year old Abao, from whom three small plastic sachets believed t be containing shabu. Also arrested were Lloyd Elisan a.k.a. ‘Nonoy’, 27, of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Diplahan town, from whom one sachet of shabu was seized; Jorlie Alimani a.k.a. ‘Jojo’, 36; and Clio Ledama a.k.a. ‘Lio’, 22, also of Diplahan. The next day, March 23, another buy-bust operation was conducted at around 4:30 p.m. in the vicinity of the Imelda Integrated Bus Terminal, in Imelda town. PDEA agents arrested Luzviminda Salinas a.ka. ‘Luz’, 38, and the Isnani brothers Daud, 28, and Gamal, 30, all of them residents of Talusan town. Confiscated from Salinas and the Isnani brothers were three plastic sachets of shabu, one from each suspect. Suano said the buy-bust operations gave them enough information that the suspects are linked with a drug syndicate operating in the island municipalities of Mabuhay, Talusan and Olutanga and Payao in the mainland. (Paulnazer T. Lontua/MindaNews)






Programs for Zam Pen's dev't tackled in RDC-9's 139th meeting

By (JPA/FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)


DIPOLOG CITY, March 24 (PIA) -- Region 9’s development council has recently met to talk about issues concerning various programs for the development of Zamboanga Peninsula.


Around 50 members of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-9 were here yesterday for their 139th meeting tackling issues and concerns involving the implementation of infrastructure, agriculture, education and health programs in Zamboanga Peninsula.


Regional directors and representatives of the different national line agencies, provincial governments of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay, city governments of Dipolog, Pagadian and Zamboanga, Ipil municipality of Zamboanga Sibugay and private sector representatives came and attended said conference.


In a related development, RDC-9 has favorably endorsed the recommendation to increase the travel allowance of government officials and employees from the current P800 per day to P1,900 per day to cope with the rising costs of meals and hotel accommodation.


In yesterday’s meeting, RDC-IX chair Mayor Evelyn T. Uy also awarded plaques of recognition to Ms. Velia Santos Ebol, 71, a volunteer affiliated with the Zamboanga Peninsula Women’s Solidarity Foundation, Inc., and the Youth Solidarity for Peace (YSP)-Zamboanga City.


Ebol was one of the three national awardees of the 2011 Search for Outstanding Volunteers-Individual Category while the YSP was one of the winners in a nationwide search for the 10 Accomplished Youth Organizations for 2011.


“The best resource of the government is human capital and let us consider the dignity of government employees by giving some comfort during official travels,” said a private sector representative.


The meeting ended with some updates of the National Greening Program by Director Arleigh Adorable of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-IX. Adorable said DENR-IX was able to surpass its 2011 target having covered more than 1,400 hectares planted with forest, fruit and rubber trees around the region.

Jalosjos to invade Cerilles domain

By FRANK E. DOSDOS, JR.


In what appears to be an intimidating show of force, the mighty Jalosjos political machinery declared last Sunday, March 18, that it is going to enter the Zamboanga del Sur political Landscape in 2013. The Zamboanga del Norte Congressman and political kingpin Romeo Jalosjos made the announcement in his message during the induction of new members of the Liberal Party-Alliance of Parties for Progress (LP-APP) in Zamboanga del Sur at Mardel Hotel in the booming capital city of Pagadian.

Cong. Jalosjos was with Zamboanga-Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos, Zamboanga Sibugay Congressman Romeo Jalosjos Jr., Mayor Dominador Jalosjos of Dapitan City and Region 9 ABC President Marjorie Jalosjos. Jalosjos said that they have come to Zamboanga del Sur due to the clamor of the people for their intervention to help change the political climate in the province now under the grip of Governor Antonio Cerilles and District 2 Congresswoman Aurora Cerilles. It was said that the couple had been taking turns as congressman and governor of the province for decades while the people and the Land remain impoverished and under-developed.

The LP-APP in Zamboanga del Sur was led by Vice Governor Roseller Ariosa, Atty. Tresindo Poloyapoy, Romeo Vera Cruz, and the only LP Mayors Wilson Nandang of Labangan and Enrique Cabahug, Jr. of Aurora. Cabahug was reportedly punished for staying with the Liberal Party thereby delaying his infrastructure projects through suits fi led by Councilors allied with Cerilles. Nandang, for steadfastly holding on to his membership with the Liberal Party, reportedly suffered two preventive suspensions based on allegedly trumped up charges. Nandang was then reinstated by the Malacanang. Jalosjos said the Cerilleses were already frightened asking several times during the past weeks if it were true that they would come into the province. He said that there used to be only one Zamboanga in the peninsula before the province was divided.

He added that when the people of Zamboanga del Sur came asking for their help they immediately responded so the peninsula must grow and develop together. It was learned that Zamboanga del Norte, especially the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, have been growing phenomenally with the latter becoming an international tourist destination. "Zamboanga City has also been sending overtures for us to come and if they insist, we are willing to serve," Congressman Jalosjos said.

He also announced that they will be supporting candidates in the second district of Misamis Occidental in 2013. Last 2010, his daughter Lana was elected Mayor of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental through a small margin over his rival former Vice Mayor Angnie Yap. Observers say that there is logic in the expansionist moves of the Jalosjos political clan for geographically the Zamboanga provinces and Mi sami s Oc c idental appear to be a part of the Zamboanga peninsula. At press time, Governor Antonio Cer i l les has not been contacted for comment.

Palace hopes for release of other kidnap victims in Mindanao

By . (SDR/Sunnex)


MALACANANG is hoping Thursday that the other kidnapped victims, including an Australian and two Europeans, will be released soon through the facilitation of the local officials in southern Philippines.

In his regular press briefing, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo informed Malacañang regarding the release of Roselyn Kiram Wednesday afternoon in Maligay village, Patikul, Sulu.

Armed men seized Kiram, a health worker, on Monday in Liang village, also in Patikul.

"We would like to inform you that as per my discussion with Secretary Jesse Robredo, the health worker...was released yesterday through the mediation of the local government officials and also the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government)," Lacierda said.

"So we are hoping also that the others who are still in captive will be also released with the same effort, amount of mediation involved. We hope to see that they will be released soon," he added.

The suspected Abu Sayyaf members were allegedly holding Australian Warren Richard Rodwell, who was abducted in early December in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; and Swiss national Lorenzo Vinciguerra, and Dutchman Ewold Horn, who were kidnapped by armed men while on a birdwatching expedition in Tawi-Tawi province early February.

Philippine terrorists escape Basilan with Australian captive - Zamboanga Today Online

By Mindanao Examiner


An Australian man kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in the southern Philippines was spirited out of Basilan province where security forces have been battling the terrorist group tied to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, officials said Saturday.Officials said Warren Rodwell, 52, has been moved by his captors to Zamboanga Peninsula on the restive region of Mindanao, where the former Australian army soldier was kidnapped in December.“We have reports that Rodwell was taken by his kidnappers to Zamboanga Peninsula because of the intense military operation against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan,” Colonel Ricardo Visaya, the provincial army commander, told the Mindanao Examiner.He did not give details about the escape, but said the operation against the terrorists will continue in Basilan. “We will not stop until these terrorists are neutralized,” he said.Another security official has confirmed the report and said Rodwell was taken to Zamboanga Sibugay or Zamboanga del Sur.Visaya said they have captured an Abu Sayyaf base in the town of Sumisip following a fierce firefight on Thursday that killed one army soldier and wounded three more.The bomb-making base is being used as by terrorist leaders Puruji Indama and Khair Mundos whose group is said to be holding Rodwell, who married a Filipina, Miraflor Gutang, 27, lasy year in Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay province where the prolific traveller was kidnapped.Both Indama and Mundos, blamed by authorities for the spate of terrorism and kidnappings for ransoms, escaped the military offensive.The Abu Sayyaf demanded $2 million ransoms for Rodwell's safe release, but his wife said they cannot afford to pay and appealed to the terrorists to free the foreigner.

Police activate task force to solve abduction case

By Bong Garcia


THE Zamboanga Peninsula Police Office (ZPPO) has activated a task force to solve the recent abduction of a village official's son in Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Zamboanga Sibugay Police Director Ruben Cariaga heads the Task Force Auditor, named after the family name of the victim, Meljohn Auditor.

ZPPO Director Napoleon Estilles said Thursday they already have an idea where the victim was taken by the armed abductors.

But Estilles did not give details as efforts continue to recover the hostage.

Auditor, 20, was with some fishermen attending their fish trap two kilometers off shore Barangay Magdaup, Ipil town, the capital of Zamboanga Sibugay province, when he was seized by six unidentified gunmen last Sunday.

Auditor is the son of Barangay Magdaup councilman Gabriel Auditor, whose family is into fish trading.

Estilles said the pump boat used by the suspects was already recovered.

He said the motive of abduction could be turf dispute involving the establishment of fishpen but they have not yet ruled out the involvement of kidnap-for-ransom-group.

Fish pen owner son seized

By Al Jacinto


ZAMBOANGA CITY: Unidentified gunmen seized the son of a fish pen owner who is also a village official in Zamboanga Sibugay, military and police reports said on Tuesday.


It said the assailants, armed with automatic rifles and pistols, abducted Meljhan Auditor, 20, who was only visiting the fish pen over the weekend.

No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, but Muslim rebels and criminal gangs with links to the militant group Abu Sayyaf are actively operating in the province, just 100 kilometers east of Zamboanga City.

The motive of the abduction is still unknown, but the military said it could be the handiwork of small criminal group extorting money from fish pen operators.

The military put up additional checkpoints in the town and doubled its patrol to help the local police track down the perpetrators.

It was the second abduction in the town since December last year when militants seized Warren Rodwell, a 52-year old Australian national married to a Filipina in Ipil.

Rodwell was taken from his seaside home by gunmen disguised as policemen and dragged him to a waiting boat and brought to nearby Basilan province, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.

Son of fish pen owner seized in Zamboanga Sibugay

By (Mindanao Examiner)


ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 13, 2012) – Unidentified gunmen seized the son of a fish pen owner who is also a village official in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga Sibugay, military and police reports said on Tuesday.

It said the assailants, armed with automatic rifles and pistols, abducted Meljhan Auditor, 20, who was only visiting the fish pen over the weekend.

No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, but Muslim rebels and criminal gangs with links to the militant group Abu Sayyaf is actively operating in the province, just 100 kilometers east of Zamboanga City.

The motive of the abduction is still unknown, but the military said it could be the handiwork of small criminal group extorting money from fish pen operators.

The military put up additional checkpoints in the town and doubled its patrol to help the local police track down the perpetrators.

It was the second abduction in the town since December last year when militants seized Warren Rodwell, a 52-year old Australian national married to a Filipina in Ipil.

Rodwell was taken from his seaside home by gunmen disguised as policemen and dragged him to a waiting boat and brought to nearby Basilan province, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.

Zamboanga Sibugay gets more ‘PAMANA’ projects

By Ely Dumaboc


ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 10, 2012) – Zamboanga Sibugay province in the southern Philippines has become the latest recipient of government’s PAMANA stimulus fund that will benefits tens of thousands of families in different towns.

PAMANA is the acronym for “Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) program of President Benigno Aquino III.

Through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) headed by Secretary Teresita Deles, the government handed additional P30 million PAMANA funds for the municipalities of Olutanga, Talusan, Titay and Tungawan. The funds will cover various projects such as road rehabilitation, water supply system and seaweed production among others.

The province recently celebrated its 11th Araw ng Sibugay which was attended by OPAPP Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo, Congressman Romeo Jalosjos Jr., Tungawan Mayor Randy Climaco, Payao Mayor Joeper Mendoza and Titay Mayor Maria Esperanza Corazon Rillera. And also PAMANA-Mindanao area manager Vic Borgonia and other local government officials led by Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos who led the festivities.

“Ang Zamboanga Sibugay ay patuloy na makakatangap ng tulong sa PAMANA. Inaasahan naming magiging modelo ito for peace and development. Nagpapasalamat kami dahil ang maliit na pondo para sa mga maraming proyekto ay napupunan at nadadagdagan ng inyong local government. (Zamboanga Sibugay will continue to receive assistance from PAMANA. We expect it to be a model community for peace and development. We are thankful that the local government provides counterpart funds which further add to the limited funds for various projects.),” Montalbo said.

He praised the strong commitment to peace and development by the provincial and municipal governments.

Apart from the P30 million provided by the national government, the Zamboanga Sibugay provincial government committed to give an additional P7 million to demonstrate its support for the projects and enhance the peace condition in the area.

Last year, Zamboanga Sibugay received financial aid for road rehabilitation projects in three of its municipalities, namely Tungawan, Payao and Mabuhay. It was the first financial intervention from the current national administration to the province.

“Through PAMANA, we were able to implement road rehabilitation in 12 barangays. We aim to continue building a concrete pathway to peace and development,” Jalosjos said, adding “peace is a legacy which both PAMANA and my administration wish to give to Zamboanga Sibugay. Dili tayo pinabayaan ng national government, lahat nakaka-benefit sa mga proyekto ng PAMANA. The key to progress and development is peace and order (The national government didn’t forget us. We all benefit from the projects they deliver).”

PAMANA is the national government’s program and framework for peace and development for conflict-affected areas such as Zamboanga Sibugay. It aims to reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities through projects that boost peace and development.

DAR holds web-based legal case monitoring system seminar in Zam Pen

By Adolfo Lopez, Jr.


IPIL,A Zamboanga Sibugay Mar 9 (PIA) – To ensure faster resolution and close monitoring of agrarian-related cases, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Office, recently conducted an orientation seminar on web-based Legal Case Monitoring System (LCMS) among Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers (PARO), DAR legal officers and DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB) staff of Region IX at Dakak Park and Beach Resort, Taguilon, Dapitan City.

Participants from Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur attended the seminar headed by PAROs Rizzel Villanueva, Virgilio Alcomendras, and Engr. Raymundo Bernardo of the respective provinces. Legal Assistance Division from the said provinces were in full force with the presence of the division chiefs Atty. Alan Tolorio, Atty. Avito Zamora and Atty. Judith Patriarca, bringing along with them their paralegal officers and LCMS focal persons.

Also present were officers from DARAB spearheaded by Regional Agrarian Reform Adjudicator (RARAD) Atty. Jesric Enriquez and Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudicator Atty. Jessica Tilos – Agagon. DAR IX Regional Office also showed its support to the seminar as Regional Director Julita Ragandang graced the event along with Engr. Agnes Y. Maata, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Atty. Tettywangsa T. Husin Regional Office Legal Division Chief and other DAR IX regional employees.

Facilitated by the Management Information Service (MIS) of DAR Central Office, the participants were oriented on how to use the web-based LCMS and were also asked for suggestions for the improvement of the system.

Under LCMS, all agrarian-related cases whether filed at the DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB) or at the Legal Division in all DAR offices nationwide would be entered into this web-based system for easy monitoring and tracking on the development of these cases. The LCMS will enable DAR officers to track the progress of legal cases pending with the DAR. The said system was pilot-tested in selected regions and provinces and will be fully operational within this year.

DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Anthony Parungao also graced the said event and expressed his optimism for the actual and successful operation of the monitoring system which would be a great help to the department in the speedy resolution of cases affecting land acquisition and distribution and other related cases.

USec. Parungao also said that the web-based LCMS is just one of the various reforms and strategies initiated by the DAR Central Office to pick up the pace of land acquisition and distribution in the country. He also mentioned about the web-based DAR Legal Information System (LIS) which was launched last November 2011. This will enable field personnel, agrarian reform advocates and researchers to access information related to agrarian reform (laws, issuances, court decisions, etc.) through the Internet. Templates for Agrarian Law Implementation (ALI) and cancellation cases were also prepared for DAR lawyers and legal officers to speed up and improve the quality of decisions which were made available by just visiting the DAR website.(JPA/DAR9/ATL/PIA(/CAL)

740 kilos of blasted fish seized in market

By panaynewsphilippines.com


CEBU City — The Cebu City Bantay Dagat Commission (CCBDC), along with personnel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 7 (BFAR-7), confiscated 740 kilos of dynamited fish at Phase 2 of the Pasil Fish Market recently. CCBDC project director Ranulfo Sebusa said the seized assorted fish were from Ypil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Sebusa said its consignee, Marcelina Surigao, was told to come to their office on Friday for further investigation and documentation. He said they still have a grace period of one month to file a case against Surigao or she will be asked to pay the fine, considering she is a first time offender. Sebusa said the illegally caught fish, with an estimated value of P74,000, were confiscated after a week of surveillance. The seized fish included “mamsa” (jack fish), “kitong” (spade fish) and “solid sa lawod” (rainbow runner). Sebusa said dynamite fishing is prohibited under Section 12 of Republic Act 4003, or the Fisheries Act of the Philippines. Fish caught through cyanide and fine-mesh nets, among others, are also considered illegal catch. The CCBDC project director said the confiscated “hot fish” were distributed to at least seven charitable institutions in the city. Sebusa said the confiscation was the first for the CCBDC this year, although they conducted regular market operations for the last two months. He said the City Council’s disapproval of their proposed P9.3-million budget for this year did not hinder them from exercising their duties, proof of which was the recent operation. Last year, the CCBDC in coordination with BFAR, confiscated a total of 4,730 kilos of illegally caught fish with an estimated value of P537,000. The CCBDC also filed cases in court against five persons who were apprehended for allegedly violating the Fisheries Code of the Philippines. “We won’t stop because that is our mandate; as long as we are here, we will continue to operate and protect our marine resources,” Sebusa said. (PNA)

Zamboanga women group ventures into bottled sardines production

By (PNA) DCT/LAM/TPG/jsd


ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 5 -– A women association in Barangay Sta. Maria in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte has ventured into the production of bottled sardines through the assistance given them by the TVI Resource Development, Inc. (TVIRD). The TVIRD is the Philippine affiliate of TVI Pacific Inc., a publicly-listed Canadian mining company, which is into copper and zinc mining in Sitio Canatuan, Barangay Tabayo, Siocon. TVIRD Director for Public Affairs Ron Jabal said the group, known as the Sta. Maria Women Association (SMWA), has started production of bottled sardines last week just as the closed season for commercial fishing was lifted. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has lifted closed season for commercial fishing last Thursday, March 1. The closed season that was implemented starting last December was aimed to pave way for the fishes, especially "tamban," which is the primary raw material for sardines production, to spawn or reproduce. The sardines production project of the SMWA is aimed to jump start an alternative livelihood projects for the women of Siocon municipality. Joel Alasco, manager of the TVIRD Community Relations and Development Office (CREDO), said the sardines-making project is under TVIRD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program and funded by the Social Development Management Plan (SDMP). The production of the bottled sardines was the offshoot of a training program attended by 12 officers and members of SMWA at the Dipolog School of Fisheries in Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte province. The TVIRD has provided P100,000 for the training and cooking materials and for the improvement of the area where the sardines are being prepared by the SMWA. The SMWA's small sardine factory is located in Sitio Busicong in Barangay Sta Maria, Siocon municipality. The factory was established in Sitio Busicong due to its proximity to the sea where “tamban-tuloy” — the fish used for the sardines — are abundant and where there is ample supply of water — which is another project sponsored by TVIRD. So far, Jabal said the bottled sardines produced by the SMWA are being bought by the Exploration Department of TVIRD and Eng. Jun Antipolo who wants to have a monthly supply of the sardines to be delivered in Ipil, the capital town of Zamboanga Sibugay province. Jabal said the SMWA, which is aggressively looking for other buyers to make the project more sustainable, processes a minimum of 158 bottles per batch of production and each bottle costs P55. The bottled sardines that are being produced by the association are labeled “mananam”, a vernacular word which means delicious. SMWA president Manuela Canonayon said the sardines production project help augment “our income and prepare us for the future.” Canonayon and her 11 members vowed to manage well the project and to make it sustainable. “We are fortunate that TVIRD gave us the chance to learn the technology and gave us the capital to start the production. For this, we are very grateful to TVIRD,” Canonayon added. She said they are already planning to recruit and train more members to increase the association's bottled sardines production.






Mindanao aqua food producers expand global reach through Asia trade shows

By USAID-GEM


SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE IN ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – The Kahugpungan sang mga Gagmayong Mangingisda sa Concepcion (KGMC), a fisherfolk association, is establishing a grouper nursery in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, with assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development, through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program. The KGMC nursery will complement the operations of the High-Value Multi-species Hatchery in Tawi-Tawi, which aims to improve the availability of fingerlings among aquaculture growers in the Zamboanga Peninusula. KGMC plans to eventually provide for the fingerling requirements of about 1,000 fish farmers in the region. Grouper culture has great economic potential for Mindanao due to the increasing demand for high-value fish products in international markets such as Hong Kong and Mainland China. The USAID/GEM Program is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority.

EXPANDING IRRIGATION IN ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY To help the FRANCOBILS Irrigators’ Association

By mdb-admin


composed of 48 smallhold grain growers in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay—expand its irrigation system, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) improved 865 meters of the existing communal irrigation system through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program. By lining the irrigation canal with concrete which reduces water loss, the association was able to double the irrigated area from 120 to 160 hectares. The municipal government and the irrigators association covered approximately 33 percent of the total cost of the irrigation system upgrade in Tungawan. In partnership with municipal governments, USAID has completed 18 irrigation system upgrades to date, improving or rehabilitating a total of about 10 kilometers of irrigation canals to benefit more than 5,000 farmers in Mindanao. The Program is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).Photo: USAID






Expanding Irrigation in Zamboanga Sibugay

By news.mindanao


To help the FRANCOBILS Irrigators’ Association—composed of 48 smallhold grain growers in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay—expand its irrigation system, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) improved 865 meters of the existing communal irrigation system through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program. By lining the irrigation canal with concrete which reduces water loss, the association was able to double the irrigated area from 120 to 160 hectares. The municipal government and the irrigators association covered approximately 33 percent of the total cost of the irrigation system upgrade in Tungawan. In partnership with municipal governments, USAID has completed 18 irrigation system upgrades to date, improving or rehabilitating a total of about 10 kilometers of irrigation canals to benefit more than 5,000 farmers in Mindanao. The Program is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).






PAMANA helps Zamboanga Sibugay folks rise from poverty and conflict

By opapp.gov.ph


Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Feb. 23 – The last weeks of October 2011, were among the darkest for the residents of Alicia, Kabasalan and Payao towns in this province. The bloody clashes that happened resulted not only to casualties among combatants, but also the displacement of thousands from their homes to places of safety, away from bombings and gunfights.

Now, four months after the horrifying tragedy, 11,593 Sibugaynons left shaken from the ordeal of violent conflict, are slowly picking up the pieces of their lives; hopeful, like the rest of the country, that their young province would have a chance at peace and development.

Aiding them in their dreams for a new beginning are government projects that will pave way for better roads, more income sources, and an improved water system.

Through the national government’s PAMANA or Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) program, the people of Zamboanga Sibugay will benefit from the implementation of projects, such us road rehabilitation, construction of water system, and seaweed production.

The current administration’s program and framework for peace and development, PAMANA seeks to reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities affected by conflict, as well as areas covered by existing peace agreements.

PAMANA projects in this province will be launched on February 24, in time for the “11th Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay.” Attending the event from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) are Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo and PAMANA-Mindanao Director Enrico dela Torre. The event will likewise be graced by Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos, as well as municipal mayors and barangay captains from this province.

The inauguration will begin in Tungawan where a ribbon cutting of projects for three barangays will be led by the officials.

This will be followed by a launching at the provincial capitol of additional PAMANA projects worth P 30-million, and the Department of Health and DILG’s “Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat” program with financial aid amounting to P 40-million.

PAMANA hopes it will become a vestige of hope for the Sibugaynons. A reminder that tragedy and grisly conflicts may have troubled their towns in the past, but living without fear and leading a prosperous life is not an impossibility.






Bike thief nabbed in Ipil

By pia.gov.ph


Men of the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office’s Special Operations Group led by Chief Insp. Ariel T. Huesca Jr. and Highway Patrol Group-9 Zamboanga Sibugay unit led by SPO4 Nestor Bandigan arrested last Monday night a suspected motorcycle thief and recovered a stolen motorcycle

In a report to HPG Regional Chief Sr. Supt. Romeo R. Uy, Bandigan said the suspected thief was spotted by police toopers pushing a black and white Rusi motorcycle with plate number NR 3902-JI. along Barangay Tirso Babifra in Ipil

When the suspect identified as V. M. Botingaw of Ipil Heights was questioned, it was found out that he does not own the motorcycle. He cannot produce any document of ownership . Thereafter, the police brought him to the police station.

Further investigation disclosed that Botingaw is a member of a gang called Radsmon Group composed of nine persons and engaging in motorcycle stealing in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zambopanga Sibugay.

The suspect was detained at the police station. A case of carnapping is now readied against him. — Allen Abastillas





TARBEMCO pays loan, redeems land title

By Adolfo Lopez Jr.


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, 21 Feb (PIA) -- Showing what a hardworking and resourceful cooperative could achieve, Tambanan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TARBEMCO), a rubber-based cooperative in Naga, this province received on February 15, 2012 its land title covering 869 hectares of an awarded land through the implementation of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, and certificates of registration of two six-wheeler hauling trucks which were made as collaterals of a loan it availed from the Department of Agrarian Reform – Development Bank of the Philippines (DAR-DBP) Window III Financing Program.

In a short but meaningful ceremony held at the DAR Provincial Office, Ipil Heights, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Rizzel Villanueva, turned over the land title and the vehicle registration certificates to TARBEMCO through its Board of Directors Chairman Oliver Dolera.

Representatives from the DAR Central Office – Project Development Management Service (PDMS) Maria Theresa Baul and Rose de la Torre witnessed and attended the ceremony. Also present were Naga Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer Flordie B. Bagundol and Atty. Judith P. Patriarca, Legal Division Chief of DAR Zamboanga del Sur, who both played significant roles in the financial assistance granted to TARBEMCO.

TARBEMCO received assistance from the DAR-DBP Window III Financing Program in the form of loan in the amount of Php 5.4 million way back in 1992 which was used as the initial operating capital on the cooperative’s rubber replanting program. On August 18, 2011, the coop made its final payment amounting to Php. 41,528.04, thus freeing itself from the said loan obligation.

TARBEMCO made an over-all payment amounting to ₱ 9, 000, 000.00. After a series of processing of papers and documents by the DAR, TARBEMCO finally took back its land title and motor vehicles’ registration certificates which they now own free from encumbrances and liens.

The event was a glorious milestone in the history of TARBEMCO which, like many rubber-cooperatives, went through a struggle in its journey in rubber farming plantation. Only a few Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) cooperatives throughout the region have paid their loan obligations which they incurred during the previous years when they suffered financial crisis. The achievement of TARBEMCO also brought joy to DAR Zamboanga Sibugay which is continuously supporting rubber-based cooperatives in Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and in Isabela City, Basilan.

TARBEMCO has already paid its land amortization for the awarded property to LBP back in May 2011 in the amount Php 19,334,602.43 pursuant to the provision in the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL). Under the CARL, landowners are given just compensation to be advanced by the government, while farmer beneficiaries who were awarded with the CARP-covered agricultural land will have to pay amortization to LBP. Thru determination and hard work, TARBEMCO has really achieved its vision, setting a real paradigm to other ARBs and to other cooperatives. (JPA/CAL/ALJ/DAR/PIA-Zamboange del Sur)






3rd batch of RN HEALS nurses to be deployed in March

By R.G. Antonet Go


The Department of Health (DOH) IX is now preparing to deploy the third Batch of Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service or RN Heals by the month of March.

DOH IX Regional Director, Dr. Aristides Tan said the DOH will hire a total of 511 RN Heals for the third batch. Of the 511, 220 will be hired from Zamboanga del Sur, 205 from Zamboanga del Norte, 72 for Zamboanga Sibugay, eight for Zamboanga City and six for Isabela.

Aside from this, the office will also hire a total of 180 Midwives. Of the 180, 76 will be hired from Zamboanga del Sur, 61 from Zamboanga del Norte, 41 for Zamboanga Sibugay, one for Zamboanga City and one for Isabela. A panel interview will be conducted by the DOH training staff, City Health Office Representative, and Department of Social Welfare and Development. After the interview, a two day orientation will follow before deployment. According to Tan, the work of the RN Heals will be in the community for one year, “Man follow up sila el health needs of the barangays and validate the poor for the enrollment to the Philippine Health Insurance.” He is urging the LGU’s to give the RN Heal nurses allowance of P2,000 as counterpart, check on their security and proper accommodation.

The nurses will receive P8,000 stipend per month and if the LGU will add P2,000, the stipend of the nurses will now amount to P10,000. The areas where these nurses will serve will be determined by the DOH and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). One of the target areas is where most of the beneficiaries of the conditional cash grants or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) are located and where Basic Emergency Maternal Obstetric Neonatal Care centers is located. The nurses who will become part of the RN Heals will help the DOH in achieving the Millennium Development Goals to lessen maternal and child mortality.

The first batch of RN Heals were deployed for six months in the government hospitals and six months in the community, the second batch were deployed solely in government hospitals.






Aquino declares Feb. 24 as special non-working day in Zamboanga Sibugay

By PEOPLE/EVENTS


MANILA, Feb. 18 – President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared February 24, 2012 as a special non-working day in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay in commemoration of its 11th Charter anniversary.


In Proclamation No. 330 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on February 7, President Aquino issued the declaration to give the people of the province the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with fitting ceremonies.

Zamboanga Sibugay is located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. It was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 8973 on February 24, 2001.

Zamboanga Sibugay will hold the Sibug-Sibug Festival to celebrate its Charter Day. The festivity is marked by colorful ethnic street dancing that depicts good harvest, wedding, and healing ritual.

The festival also promotes the province's primary produce, the "talaba" or oyster. (PNA)

scs/PCOO/js/utb






Zamboanga Sibugay holiday on Feb. 24

By (SDR/Sunnex)


PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III declared February 24, 2012, which falls on a Friday, a special non-working day in Zamboanga Sibugay in commemoration of its 11th Charter anniversary.

In Proclamation No. 330 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on February 7, Aquino issued the declaration to give the province the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with fitting ceremonies.

Zamboanga Sibugay is a province located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao.

The province was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 8973 on February 24, 2001.

Zamboanga Sibugay will hold Sibug-Sibug Festival to celebrate the Charter Day of the province.

The festivity is marked by colorful ethnic street dancing that depicts good harvest, wedding, and healing ritual.

The festival also promotes the province's primary produce, the oyster or talaba.






Philippine troops searching for kidnapped Aussie man clashed with Sayyaf militants

By (Mindanao Examiner)


ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 15, 2012) – Philippine troops searching for a kidnapped Australian adventurer clashed with Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern province of Basilan, officials said. Officials said the fighting erupted in the town of Sumisip, an area where Warren Rodwell, 52, is believed being held captive by the al-Qaeda-linked terror group blamed for the spate of kidnappings-for-ransom and attacks in the troubled region. Rodwell was kidnapped by five gunmen disguised as policemen in December from his home in the seaside town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province and brought by boat to Basilan. There were no reports of casualties in the 20-minute fighting, but troops recovered bomb materials, binocular and a motorcycle left behind by fleeing Abu Sayyaf gunmen led by Ustadz Muads, an expert bomber maker, according to Army Colonel Ricardo Visaya, commander of military forces in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. “There is an ongoing operation against the Abu Sayyaf and we are tracking down the terrorists,” Visaya told the Mindanao Examiner by phone from Basilan. Rodwell’s fate is still unknown, but the kidnappers demanded $2 million ransom from his Filipino wife Miraflor Gutang, 27, but the woman said they cannot afford to pay. Both the Philippines and Australia also rejected the ransom demand. The former Australian army soldier married the Filipina only in June last year in Ipil town. It was not immediately known whether the militants are among those holding the foreigner, but the military commander said the gang was also tagged as behind attacks on construction sites in the province, just several nautical miles south of Zamboanga City. The governor of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rommel Jalosjos, who is said to be negotiating with the kidnappers for Rodwell’s freedom, has imposed a news blackout. Military authorities said Rodwell is being held by the group of a notorious terrorist commander Puruji Indama, who is also blamed for the July 2011 kidnappings of a US woman and her son, including a Filipino nephew, in Zamboanga City. They were freed separately last year after Lunsmann’s husband paid a huge ransom to the kidnappers. Abu Sayyaf militants are still holding a kidnapped Japanese man, an Indian national and two Malaysians and several Filipinos in southern Philippines. Rodwell, a prolific world traveler and English teacher in China, has appealed for his safe release in a video sent by his captors to his wife in December. “To my family please do whatever to raise the two million US dollars they are asking for my release as soon as possible. To the government, to the Filipino government especially the government of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rommel, I’m appealing to you please help me to coordinate with my family to raise to whatever money is being asked.” “To the Australian embassy here in the Philippines, this is your constituent appealing for his life and safety. Please help facilitate to give the group the demand. Yes, I was former army of my country but it is differently particularly the terrain. The only solution to ensure my safety is to go with whatever they need. If I’m given my last wish, my last wish is to please help me out of here alive please Madame Ambassador,” the distressed Rodwell said.






Troops clash with Sayyaf militants

By Al Jacinto


ZAMBOANGA CITY: TROOPS searching for a kidnapped Australian adventurer clashed with Abu Sayyaf militants on Wednesday in the hinterlands of Basilan province, officials said. Officials said the fighting erupted in the town of Sumisip, an area where Warren Rodwell, 52, was believed being held captive by the al-Qaeda-linked terror group blamed for the spate of kidnappings and attacks in the region. Rodwell was abducted by five gunmen disguised as policemen in December from his home in the coastal town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province and brought by boat to Basilan. There were no reports of casualties in the 20-minute firefight but troops recovered bombs, a binocular and a motorcycle left behind by fleeing gunmen led by Ustadz Muads, an expert bomber maker, according to Army Colonel Ricardo Visaya, commander of military forces in Basilan. “There is an ongoing operation against the Abu Sayyaf and we are tracking down the terrorists,” Visaya told The Times by phone. Rodwell’s fate is still unknown, but the kidnappers demanded $2 million ransom from his Filipino wife Miraflor Gutang, 27, but the woman said they cannot afford to pay. Both the Philippines and Australia also rejected the ransom demand. The former Australian army soldier married the Filipina only in June last year in Ipil town. It was not immediately known whether the militants are among those holding the foreigner, but the military commander said the gang was also tagged as behind attacks on construction sites in the province, just several nautical miles south of Zamboanga City. The governor of Zamboanga Sibugay, Rommel Jalosjos, who is said to be negotiating with the kidnappers for Rodwell’s freedom, has imposed a news blackout. Military authorities said Rodwell is being held by the group of a notorious terrorist commander Puruji Indama, who was also blamed for the July 2011 kidnapping of a US woman and her son, including a Filipino nephew, in Zamboanga City.






Zamboanga Sibugay ex-governor gets bail

By Leila Salaverria


The Sandiganbayan 5th Division has allowed former Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. George Hofer and his co-accused to post bail while undergoing trial for graft and malversation. The court set their bail at P250,000 for each case. Hofer and provincial employees Editha Quinte and Lucia Palang were earlier charged with the alleged misuse of funds to help the poor. They allegedly made it appear that money was given to needy beneficiaries when in fact these beneficiaries were nonexistent and no payments were made. The accused were earlier denied bail for two counts of malversation, but their recommended bail for each of the two graft charges was set at P40,000. In its resolution granting them bail, the Sandiganbayan noted that there were inconsistencies in the evidence presented by the prosecution. It said that in the malversation cases, there was a need to establish that a public officer has custody or control of public funds.






Sports Project

By Tony Pe. Rimando


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Education (DepEd) has chosen the Zamboanga Sibugay National High School (ZSNHS) in Barangay Pangi, this capital town, as the agency’s regional pilot institution for Special Program in Sports (SPS) for Western Mindanao.

Acting provincial schools division superintendent Amelia Pulmano-Torralba said the selection of the ZSNHS was announced by Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro through DepEd Order No. 71, Series of 2011 that disclosed that the region’s SPS pilot school, which boasts of a spacious school ground, will receive P500,000 for use in the effective delivery of service for students who excel in sports activities.






DAR exec visits rubber coops in Sibugay Province

By JPA/CAL/AL/DAR/PIA9-ZDS/ZBST


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - With the theme “PADAYON…GOMA PALAMBU-ON”, Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio R. de los Reyes recently led the ceremonial cutting of ribbon and tapping of rubber trees in celebration of Rubber Harvest Festival at Goodyear Agrarian Reform Multi-PurposeCooperative (GARBEMCO), Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The idea of urging the top ranking official of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to visit Zamboanga Sibugay was initiated by the Regional and Provincial Offices of DAR spearheaded by Regional Director Julita Ragandang and OIC-PARO II Rizzel Villanueva, CESE which was finally carried out by joining forces with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) .The joint endeavor of the LBP and DAR was primarily aimed to spur rural development among rubber-based cooperatives of the agrarian reform beneficiaries of the province.

The highlight of the secretary’s visit was the granting of financial assistance to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-purpose Cooperative (ARBEMCO) in the amount of Php22, 900, 000.00, thru Credit Assistance Program-Program Beneficiaries Development (CAP-PBD) Window II.

During the event, chairmen from different rubber-based cooperatives, which included Isabela City as part of DAR Sibugay, gave their testimonials of their experiences during the rough time when they went through the ordeal and sacrifices as newly-organized cooperatives. The said chairmen also paid tribute to the Department of Agrarian Reform for their help in regaining back their economic stability thru the assistance extended by the DAR adjunct by its financial arm, the LBP and the inseparable support of other line agencies.

De los Reyes emphasized that CARP is distinctively different under the present administration as it mainly considers the importance of strengthening the organizations of the agrarian reform beneficiaries. He said that, “Ang isang malaking bagay na panibago sa pamumuno ni President Noynoy ay yung pagkapatatag ng mga organisasyon ng ating agrarian reform beneficiary.”

He reiterated that strengthening ARB organization enhances its bargaining power to access inputs and financial assistance not only in CAP-PBD. The secretary also stressed the importance of Agrarian Reform Community and Economic Support Services (ARCESS) being an innovative program of the government to strengthen ARB organizations/cooperatives by providing professional services in terms of management and farm equipments.

De los Reyes also said, “The second important mandate is to strengthen collaboration among the three government agencies of the DAR, DA and DENR with the LGUs in the delivery of basic services to our ARBs and the ARCESS program.”

“Collaboration among concerned government entities is essential to implement the program as its primordial mandate,” he added.

The agrarian reform secretary likewise foresaw the necessity to discuss with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) regarding the treatment of collective CLOA of the coops as he recognized that most ARBs of the coops are already in their advanced age.

“Kailangan po nating sagutin at harapin ang mga isyu tungkol sa paglilipat ng coop shares o yung lupa o yung mga karapatan n’yo sa kooperatiba,’’ the secretary said in his conversation with DAR officials and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries.

Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Governor Hon. Rommel Apolinario Jalosjos also graced the occasion and expressed his commitment to support development in the province especially in rubber industry in its ultimate aim of alleviating economic standard of its constituents.

Local government officials in the province were also present in the occasion to show their support to the program of the government in strengthening rubber-based cooperatives.

DAR-Sibugay also thanked Congressman Romeo “Janjan” Jalosjos for his valuable support in all the activities and projects involving rubber-based cooperatives in the 2nd district of Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Also in attendance during the event were dignitaries from the Land Bank of the Philippines, Dir. Crispin T. Aguelo and Dir. Tomas T. De Leon, Jr. and directors from other line agencies.

After a festive lunch, Secretary de los Reyes made an effort to visit the Land Bank ACCESS Project supporting the ARB rubber plantation cooperatives at Philippine Pioneer Rubber Product Corporation (PPRPC), a rubber processing plant located in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Accompanied by OIC-PARO Villanueva and officials from the DAR Regional and Provincial Offices, Secretary de los Reyes personally witnessed the processing of raw rubber to his delight and satisfaction.

Before going to Zamboanga City to catch his flight for Manila, Secretary de los Reyes expressed his gratitude for the warm accommodation he received during his visit and parted ways with the local officials with great hope and expectations for future projects and developments involving the rubber industry in the province.





Military, peace monitors review ceasefire mechanisms

By Joey Sem G. Dalumpines


DAVAO CITY, Feb. 6 — The military and ceasefire monitors led by the Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC) is continuously reviewing the ceasefire mechanisms between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to maintain ceasefire as both parties contemplate on coming up with a peace agreement this year. Speaking during the evaluation of the 10-year peace talks with MILF from 2002 to 2012 at the Lispher Inn here Monday, Brig. General Ariel Bernardo, chair of the government’s coordinating committee on the cessation of hostilities, said a review of the ceasefire mechanisms is important to prevent the recurrence of the Al-Barka, Basilan incident where 19 soldiers were killed following a clash between the government troops and members of the MILF. “It is a continuing effort to improve and enhance the ceasefire mechanism by drawing lessons from the past by involving former ceasefire committee chairs and other officers involved,” he said. He said the Al-Barka, Basilan and Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay incidents presented gray areas despite the ceasefire mechanism that had been working since 1997. Bernardo said the gray areas include the definition of so-called MILF communities, defensive action by the MILF and the identification of MILF leaders, or persons with authority to talk to on the other side. He said other irritants on the ceasefire include the “rido” (clan war), in-fighting of MILF leaders, and criminality like extortion and bombings which may not be attributed to the MILF. Bernardo disclosed that there were a total of eight encounters between soldiers and MILF members since August last year. “This year, we are targeting zero engagement in order to pave the way for signing of a peace agreement,” he said. Bernardo assessed that soldiers are observing the primary of the peace process while the MILF are showing effort on firm command and control over their forces. He revealed that the government and the MILF are going towards substantive talks already, where tentative consensus points are identified. “The commitment of both sides is to sign a peace agreement this year is clear, fast-tracking the desire of President Aquino and MILF chair Murad by coming up with a roadmap,” Bernardo said. Atty. Mary Ann Arnado, convenor of MPC, said the ongoing ceasefire assessment is the last leg of the seven sessions conducted for both the government and the MILF. She said a separate evaluation was also conducted by the MPC with the MILF in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao in December last year. (PNA) DCT/LAM/JSGD/ldp





DAR exec visits rubber coops in Sibugay Province

by Adolfo Lopez, Jr.


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, Feb 6 (PIA) -- With the theme “PADAYON…GOMA PALAMBU-ON”, Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio R. de los Reyes recently led the ceremonial cutting of ribbon and tapping of rubber trees in celebration of Rubber Harvest Festival at Goodyear Agrarian Reform Multi-PurposeCooperative (GARBEMCO), Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.


The idea of urging the top ranking official of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to visit Zamboanga Sibugay was initiated by the Regional and Provincial Offices of DAR spearheaded by Regional Director Julita Ragandang and OIC-PARO II Rizzel Villanueva, CESE which was finally carried out by joining forces with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) .The joint endeavor of the LBP and DAR was primarily aimed to spur rural development among rubber-based cooperatives of the agrarian reform beneficiaries of the province. The highlight of the secretary’s visit was the granting of financial assistance to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-purpose Cooperative (ARBEMCO) in the amount of Php22, 900, 000.00, thru Credit Assistance Program-Program Beneficiaries Development (CAP-PBD) Window II. During the event, chairmen from different rubber-based cooperatives, which included Isabela City as part of DAR Sibugay, gave their testimonials of their experiences during the rough time when they went through the ordeal and sacrifices as newly-organized cooperatives. The said chairmen also paid tribute to the Department of Agrarian Reform for their help in regaining back their economic stability thru the assistance extended by the DAR adjunct by its financial arm, the LBP and the inseparable support of other line agencies. De los Reyes emphasized that CARP is distinctively different under the present administration as it mainly considers the importance of strengthening the organizations of the agrarian reform beneficiaries. He said that, “Ang isang malaking bagay na panibago sa pamumuno ni President Noynoy ay yung pagkapatatag ng mga organisasyon ng ating agrarian reform beneficiary.”

He reiterated that strengthening ARB organization enhances its bargaining power to access inputs and financial assistance not only in CAP-PBD. The secretary also stressed the importance of Agrarian Reform Community and Economic Support Services (ARCESS) being an innovative program of the government to strengthen ARB organizations/cooperatives by providing professional services in terms of management and farm equipments. De los Reyes also said, “The second important mandate is to strengthen collaboration among the three government agencies of the DAR, DA and DENR with the LGUs in the delivery of basic services to our ARBs and the ARCESS program.” “Collaboration among concerned government entities is essential to implement the program as its primordial mandate,” he added. The agrarian reform secretary likewise foresaw the necessity to discuss with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) regarding the treatment of collective CLOA of the coops as he recognized that most ARBs of the coops are already in their advanced age. “Kailangan po nating sagutin at harapin ang mga isyu tungkol sa paglilipat ng coop shares o yung lupa o yung mga karapatan n’yo sa kooperatiba,’’ the secretary said in his conversation with DAR officials and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries. Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Governor Hon. Rommel Apolinario Jalosjos also graced the occasion and expressed his commitment to support development in the province especially in rubber industry in its ultimate aim of alleviating economic standard of its constituents. Local government officials in the province were also present in the occasion to show their support to the program of the government in strengthening rubber-based cooperatives. DAR-Sibugay also thanked Congressman Romeo “Janjan” Jalosjos for his valuable support in all the activities and projects involving rubber-based cooperatives in the 2nd district of Zamboanga Sibugay province. Also in attendance during the event were dignitaries from the Land Bank of the Philippines, Dir. Crispin T. Aguelo and Dir. Tomas T. De Leon, Jr. and directors from other line agencies. After a festive lunch, Secretary de los Reyes made an effort to visit the Land Bank ACCESS Project supporting the ARB rubber plantation cooperatives at Philippine Pioneer Rubber Product Corporation (PPRPC), a rubber processing plant located in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay. Accompanied by OIC-PARO Villanueva and officials from the DAR Regional and Provincial Offices, Secretary de los Reyes personally witnessed the processing of raw rubber to his delight and satisfaction. Before going to Zamboanga City to catch his flight for Manila, Secretary de los Reyes expressed his gratitude for the warm accommodation he received during his visit and parted ways with the local officials with great hope and expectations for future projects and developments involving the rubber industry in the province. (JPA/CAL/AL/DAR/PIA Zamboanga del Sur)


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