Zamboanga del Sur News May 2014

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Province of Zamboanga del Sur - Archived News of Zamboanga del Sur
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Seal of Zamboanga del Sur Province
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Zamboanga del Sur
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Zamboanga del Sur Map Locator
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Municipalities within Zamboanga del Sur
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Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Sur
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Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Sur, Santo Niño, Pagadian city

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.

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Lapuyan Falls: The favorite haunt of the fair Subanen maidens of Sitio Baga and all its neighboring areas, usual meeting place with many a young country swain in some secluded cavern beneath the rocky forest lane.
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Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
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Village of Pedagan

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.
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Lintugop, Aurora
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Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
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Provincial human resource management office of santo niño pagadian city
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Civil Service Commision office in santo niño pagadian city

Housewife survives gun attack

By Bong Garcia

A HOUSEWIFE escaped unscathed in a gun attack in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, the police reported Saturday.

The police meanwhile have launched a manhunt to arrest the suspect who fled and went into hiding.

The Zamboanga del Sur Police Office reported that the incident took place around 9:35 p.m. Friday in downtown of Mahayag.

The police identified the would-be victim as Anna Jane Garcines, 24.

She identified her attacker as James Elemento also known as “Robin-Robin,” the police said.

Investigation showed that Garcines was standing beside her videoke machine at the terrace of her residence when Elemento arrived and and without any apparent reason shot her once.

The police said Elemento missed his target prompting Garcina to run for cover.

The suspect chased her and fired twice but against he missed his target, the police said.

The suspect, after he missed his target thrice, fled and is the subject of a police manhunt launched by the Mahayag policemen, the police said.

Climate change advocacy campaign in full swing in region 9

By Franklin P. Gumapon (FPG/PIA9)

PAGADIAN CITY, May 30 (PIA) – Climate change is certainly not new to many people, but most of them remain apathetic to it.

This was the gist of the presentation made by Director Noemi B. Edaga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 during the regional orientation on climate change advocacy campaign for information officers on Wednesday at Four Queens Resort, Pagadian City.

Director Edaga underscored the importance of intensifying a no-nonsense information campaign about climate change, as “it is the new normal.”

“Climate change is not about protecting the environment; it is about protecting ourselves,” Edaga stressed.

Attending the said gathering were information officers of the different Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs), Provincial Environment Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) as well as Provincial Information Center Managers all over the region.

The participants were also briefed about the climate change advocacy communication plan for the region, which aims to weaken people’s apathy to climate change and other environmental issues.

To ensure effective implementation of the communication plan, the provincial information centers have been directed to identify vulnerable areas to flooding, storm surge and landslides based on the geo-hazard map and other published references and studies.

In a related development, the members of the Regional Task Force on Climate Change (RTFCC) also met last Wednesday to reactivate the said task force with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 as chair.

Although Zamboanga Peninsula has not yet experienced the Yolanda-type typhoon, its low-lying areas are usually inundated during heavy rains and its coastal areas are susceptible to big waves.

Pagadian City IPs hopes DILG action against City Council on IPMR issue

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 29, MPF-News) – The Indigenous Peoples in Pagadian City were showing hope and justice will be given to them by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) favorable action on the Indigenous Mandatory Representation (IPMR) issue against the City Council of Pagadian.

Subanen Tribal leader Timuay Langhap Rio Olimpio Lingating said in an exclusive interview Sunday the action done by the 11th City Council of exclusion his position as IPMR in the City Council of Pagadian is a clear and simple discrimination and injustice against the IPs.

Lingating said the Subanen Tribes still in high hopes that justice will be given to them through the favorable action by DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Austere A. Panadero action against the 11th City Council decision unfounded and has no legal basis.

Lingating also said that the Pagadian City Council statement through Vice Mayor Divina Grace Yu letter to the DILG Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil and to the DILG National dated March 26, 2014 as a reply explain relative to his exclusion as IPMR cited four reasons are clearly misplaced.

Among the reasons for exclusion stated as a reply to the request of DILG were the following:

1. That the 10th and 11th City Council failed to legislate a law creating the Office of the IP representative as Ex-Officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Pagadian including the budgetary allocation for the salary of the IPMR and the personnel and for the operation of the said office;

2. Has not gone through a proper decorum and was not referred to the concerned committee for proper deliberation and evaluation;

3. The endorsement as IP representative was not proper due to the absence of supporting documents prior to the issuance of the NCIP Certificate of Affirmation;

4. With the insistent objection of the members of the 11th City Council, during its second regular session the motion to recognize anew as member of the City Council was declared defeated by a majority vote.

Obviously, the reasons cited by the SP of Pagadian in excluding the undersigned had already long been settled and is not in any way be a valid basis for my exclusion following Section 16 of Republic Act No. 8371 created by itself the seat for IPMRs when it mandated the mandatory representation of IPs in local legislative bodies, the Subanen Tribal Leader said.

He said pursuant to the said law, the City Council should have amended their Rules of Procedure to accommodate what is required by the National Law, the IPRA, not to illegally exclude me instead that resulted to undue injury to me and the subanen community of Pagadian City.

He added that Local legislation creating the Office of IP Representative as Ex-Officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod is not necessary as it (IP Representative seat) is already created by the National legislation.

It is absurd, if not sweeping statement, to question the procedure on how I was recognized by the 10th City Council considering that some of the members of the said Council are also members of the present 11th City Council. The DILG had already issued to me a Certificate of Recognition, he explained.

“When I was issued with the Certificate of Affirmation by the NCIP Regional Office and subsequently with the Certificate of Recognition by the DILG carries with it the presumption that I had gone through the required process and had complied with the requirements as provided under the IPRA and it Implementing Rules and Regulation; Questions and issues regarding my representation should be settled before the proper forum and proper procedure and by the real party in interest, he said.

Clearly, my exclusion from the City Council is predicated by political vendetta as I am branded as Liberal Party supporter, he also said.

To this, Lingating desires earnestly to follow up the final verdict to the office of DIG undersecretary Panadero in his letter Friday May 23 as to the merit of his request for intercession against the action of the City Council of Pagadian with the high hopes that justice will prevail for the IPs.

Barangay chieftain shot dead by NPA rebels in Zambo Sur

By Eugene A. Lasprilla

A barangay chairman in Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur was gunned down by armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) while going to the town proper Monday dawn.

An initial Police Regional Office 9 (PRO9) report said that prior to the incident, victim Jomer Cadino, village chieftain of Barangay Nangannagan, was on his way to municipal proper when he was waylaid and shot by gunmen in Barangay Nangannagan in the said town.

The incumbent village chief was shot with an M16 automatic rifle, according to the police report.

The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds on the different parts of his body which caused his instantaneous death.

Further information disclosed that the victim was very active in intelligence work and very supportive on the program and activities of the government forces in his barangay.

Tigbao Municipal Police Station conducted a follow-up investigation to establish the identity of the assailants and the possible motive of the incident.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). It is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department and as a terrorist group by the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.

The Government of the Philippines, however, has delisted the NPA as a terrorist organization in 2011 and has resumed preliminary peace talks pending formal negotiations with the NPA’s parent political organization, the CPP.

There have been reports of the Chinese government shipping arms to the NPA. Peace negotiations have recently reached an impasse.

PIA, DENR to hold regional orientation on climate change advocacy for information officers

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 will hold a regional orientation on climate change advocacy campaign for information officers tomorrow (May 28) at Four Queens Resort, this city.

Some 30 information officers representing the different Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) together with the Provincial Information Center Managers of PIA from all over the region are expected to attend the said activity.

Prior to the orientation proper, DENR-9 Regional Director Arleigh J. Adorable and PIA-9 Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga will deliver their respective messages in the opening program.

Mr. Rosevirico Tan, chief of the DENR-9’s Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO) will present the Climate Change Advocacy (Perspective Change), while Mr. Cidur S. Julsadjiri, chief of the Protected Areas & Wildlife Division (PAWD) and PIA Director Noemi B. Edaga will present and Regional Communication Plan and Regional IEC Implementation Plan on Climate Change, respectively.

To give the participants a glimpse on the impact of global warming, a one-hour documentary film entitled “Chasing Ice” will also be shown during the session.

On the other hand, the Regional Development Council (RDC)-9 Task Force on Climate Change chaired by the DENR will also convene in the afternoon of the same day to reactivate and discuss the duties and functions of the different task groups organized two years ago.

Subanen tribesmen protest removal of council rep

With a report from Jong Cadion (Solar News Online)

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur –Subanen tribesmen are protesting the recent decision of the 11th City Council here removing their leader Timuay Langhap Rio Olimpio Lingating as the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR).

Lingating said in an exclusive interview on Sunday that his exclusion as IPMR by the City Council of Pagadian is a clear act of discrimination and injustice against the Indigenous Peoples (IP).

He also said the Subanen Tribe is hopeful that DILG Undersecretary Austere A. Panadero will revoke the City Council's decision, saying that his removal was politically motivated and has no legal basis.

Lingating explained that the Pagadian City Council, through Vice Mayor Divina Grace Yu, wrote a letter to the DILG explaining the reasons for his removal as IPMR.

In the letter, the Pagadian City Council stated that Lingating was removed as IPMR due to the failure of the 10th and 11th City Council to pass a law which will make the IPMR as an ex-officio member of the City Council.

The letter also mentioned that Lingating didn't undergo proper deliberation and evaluation, and cited the lack of supporting documents properly endorsing Lingating as the city's IPMR.

Lingating said that a local legislation that will make the IPMR as an ex-officio member of the City Council is not necessary due to the provisions of Republic Act No. 8371 or The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, which mandated the inclusion of IPMR's in local legislative bodies.

He said that pursuant to the said law, the City Council should have amended their Rules of Procedure to accommodate what is required by RA 8371, and not just remove him from his position.

"It is absurd, if not sweeping statement, to question the procedure on how I was recognized by the 10th City Council considering that some of the members of the said Council are also members of the present 11th City Council. The DILG had already issued a Certificate of Recognition," he explained.

"Clearly, my exclusion from the City Council is predicated by political vendetta as I am branded as Liberal Party supporter."

Lingating said that he will wait for the decision of DILG Undersecretary Panadero regarding the issue, hoping that justice will be served to them.

ZDS to Qualify the Seal of Good Local Governance

By Zeny V. Bermudo (Provincial Press Bureau)

With the aim of the Department of Interior and Local Government to sustain local government units (LGUs) the practice of accountability and transparency, to prepare for the challenges created by disasters and to address the needs of the marginalized sectors, the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) was initiated.

SGLG was introduced to provide greater challenge to our local government units to continue good governance practices while providing better services.

To become an SGLG recipient, the LGU needs to pass the three core assessment areas namely: Good Financial Housekeeping, Social Protection and Disaster Preparedness. Part and parcel of it are Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order, and Environmental Management to LGUs.

The LGU that complied with the criteria laid down by the DILG will not be only conferred with the SGLG but is also entitled to an incentive such as the Performance Challenge Fund or PCF. The PCF program provides a subsidy of P1 million for municipalities, P3 million for cities, and P7 million for provinces. Provided however, that projects to be funded by the PCF must contribute to the attainment of the local economic development, disaster risk reduction management, solid waste management, and tourism as well.

The implementation of SGLG commenced early of this year and covers all provinces, cities and municipalities. The DILG in coordination with other organization will be the one who will select for the qualified LGUs starting this month and the awarding will be this coming October 2014. The monitoring runs from May 20 to June 20, however, orientation to municipal and local officials is still ongoing to ensure that documentation is ready for the scheduled assessment. Moreover, SGLG is a third party assessment to ensure that every LGU has complied with the provisions of the Local Government Code or Republic Act 7160 specifically on the “General Welfare Clause”.

As of now, Zamboanga del Sur from the provincial level down to the barangay level with the earnest effort not only by local government officials but with the strong support of all Zambosurians as well, is now ready for the schedeuled assessment of the SGLG evaluating team in order to receive for the Seal of Good Local Governance.

It can be recalled that among the 26 municipalities and 1 city comprising the province of Zamboanga del Sur, only Labangan is non compliant of the full disclosure policy of the department of Interior and Local Government.

In an interview, DILG Provincial Director Verner Virgilio Jayme pointed out that Zambusur is one of the big contributor in raising up the percentage of full disclosure policy in the whole region 9 because of its complaint to the policy set by the DILG.

1,000 board feet illegally cut lumbers confiscated

With report from PO2 Jonas D. Macasa Jr. (RPIO9)

A total of more or less one thousand board feet composed of fifty six (56) flitches of different dimensions were confiscated by the joint elements of Provincial Public Safety Company, Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office, Local Environment and Natural Resources Office and 547 Engineering Construction Battalion, Philippine Army during the conduct of operation against illegal logging. The said operation was conducted at Purok Gabi, Barangay Lumad, Pagadian City. The owner of the said flitches was Espiridion Espender and a resident of the said place. He failed to present proper documents to transport and cutting the said lumbers. Confiscated lumbers were brought were brought to Provincial Engineer’s Office Compound located at Barangay Dao, Pagadian City for proper disposition. DENR-LENRO of Zamboanga del Sur will file appropriate charges against the owner of the confiscated lumbers.

DOJ files illegal mining raps vs. 8 Chinese nationals, 3 Filipinos in Pagadian City

By Hirohito D. Cadion [(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/HDC/UTB]

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 23 (PNA) -– The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed on Thursday a case for violation of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 against eight Chinese nationals and three of four Filipinos who were arrested for illegal mining in this city.

The accused Chinese nationals were identified as Liu Gi Yi, 29; Chung Yong De, 27; Zhang Shu Kei, 24; Duan Guang Zong, 55; Lui Chang Yin, 50; Xiao Min, 36; Tang Zihan, 25; and a certain Dongdong, 39.

Local police commander Supt. Glenn Dulawan earlier said the Chinese nationals, who arrived here in March, are holders of passports and tourist visas.

The Filipinos charged together with the Chinese were identified as: Roy Damondamon and Jose Sabroso, backhoe operators; and, Rene Bersales, who is at large and is allegedly the group’s “boss.”

Another Filipino identified as Jennelyn Ramirez, who was arrested together with the accused was not included in the case for insufficiency of evidence.

Ramirez, 25, was the group’s chief cook.

They were arrested by combined police and personnel from the Provincial Environment Office in an anti-mining operation on Monday at Labangan River in Barangay Lower Sibatang, this city.

The DOJ has set aside the charge for violation of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 pending results of the laboratory analysis on the water samples taken from Labangan River.

The arresting team confiscated two backhoes and several doormats being used to filters the gold ores being extracted from the river.

The case filed against the accused was raffled to the Sala of Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) Branch 2 Judge Pablito Pielago.

Pielago said in an interview that he set the arraignment of the accused on May 29 and 30.

The recommended bail bond for the accused Chinese nationals is set at P60,000 each while P30,000 each for three Filipinos.

The accused, on orders of the Court, were turned over to the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Police launch mural painting contest in Pagadian City

(PNA), SCS/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION/UTB

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 22 (PNA) -– A total of P22,000 cash prize is at stake at the mural painting contest launched Thursday by the police provincial command in this city.

Of the total amount, the first prize winner will receive P10,000 cash prize while P7,000 and P5,000 cash prizes will be given to the second and third place winners, respectively.

Provincial police director Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre said there are a total of 12 groups comprising a maximum of three members that are participating in the mural painting contest.

Ecaldre said the participants have until Friday to complete their paintings that will portray the message of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Transformation Roadmap.

Ecaldre said that the competition is open to all professional artists.

The criteria of the competition are as follows: theme relevance, 40 percent; artistry, 30 percent; visual impact, 10 percent; and, speed, 10 percent.

Bayog town supports Brigada Eskwela

By Claro A. Lanipa (FPG/CAL/ with reports from Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan/PIO-Bayog/PIA9)

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, May 21 (PIA) – In support of the “Search for Brigada Eskwela Best Implementing Schools,” the municipal officials and employees here participated on Monday in the Brigada Eskwela.

In pursuance of Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum No. 41, series of 2014, the Brigada Eskwela is held nationwide starting May 19-23.

After a short opening program, Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa Jr. led the group in cleaning the areas assigned to the different offices at the Bayog National High School (BNHS) and Bayog Central Elementary School (BCES).

Some 1,000 participants joined the yearly activity comprising 125 DOLE scholars, personnel of the Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine National Police (PNP), officials of barangays Poblacion and Kahayagan together with their respective Barangay Defense System, parents and students.

DepEd-Bayog District Supervisor Manuel Almadin and BNHS Principal Danilo Ungang have expressed their gratidtude to Mayor Babasa for supporting the annual activity. Both schools aim to get the award as the best Brigada Eskwela implementing schools, not only in the region but in the entire country as well.

Representatives from the DepEd Zamboanga del Sur division, namely, ALS Supervisor Mr. Ernesto Tardo, Sports Coordinator Noel Sanguines, GAD Coordinator Sarah Lumabo, and Kindergarten Coordinator Gay Apduhan monitored the conduct of the activity.

Since 2004 the DepEd has been recognizing Brigada Eskwela best implementing elementary and secondary schools.

Ex-soldier shot in Pagadian City

(Mindanao Examiner)

PAGADIAN CITY (Mindanao Examiner / May 20, 2014) – Motorcycle gunmen shot and seriously wounded a former army soldier in a daring attack in Pagadian City in the southern Filipino province of Zamboanga del Sur, police said Tuesday.

Police said Orlando Tomboc was driving his motorcycle when one of two gunmen shot him in the face at the Agora market in downtown Pagadian. The gunmen fled after the shooting.

Tomboc, a resident of Labangan town in Zamboanga del Sur, was rushed to the hospital.

Police said the motive of the attack is still unknown and no individual or group claimed responsibility for the shooting.

Zamboanga Sur SP confirms appointment of new legal officer

(PNA), SCS/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION/JSD

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 19 (PNA) – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), through a resolution, has confirmed the appointment of Atty. Felix Escalante Jr. as the new legal officer of this province.

Provincial Information Officer Marivic Jongco said on Monday the SP approved the resolution in its regular session after 2nd District Board Member Migueluito Ocapan favorably endorsed Escacalante’s appointment upon the written request of Gov. Antonio Cerilles.

Jongco said the resolution was unanimously approved since they found the latter as the right person to serve as the new provincial legal officer.

Jongco said Escalante replaced former Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Mark Anthony Padayhag, who opted to return to private practice.

Escalante extended his deepest gratitude to the members of the SP for the confirmation of his appointment.

He also promised to support the SP members on legal matters “so that they will be more responsive to their respective duties.”

Vice Gov. Juan Regala said the appointment of Escalante is of great help in the formulation of resolutions and ordinances.

NPA rebel in policeman’s fatal ambush captured

By Bong Garcia

PAGADIAN CITY — police and military forces have captured one of the six New People’s Army (NPA) rebels responsible for the ambush slay attempt of a policeman in this province, a top police official announced Friday.

Captured was Efren Binigay, 25, a resident of Sitio Gatian, Barangay Timolan in Tigbao, Zamboanga Del Sur, according to provincial police director, Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre.

Ecaldre said that Binigay was captured Thursday by the combined police and Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion forces in a pursuit operation in the hinterlands of Tigbao town.

The pursuit operations was launched after six NPA rebels ambushed Senior Police Officer 4 (SPO4) Eleazar C. Carcallas on Wednesday in Barangay Tigbao, Tigabao town.

Although wounded, Carcallas was able to put up a fight until reinforcement arrived, forcing the rebels to fled.

Carcallas was on the way home from duty at the time he was ambushed.

Ecaldre said that Binigay is now detained at the provincial headquarters while appropriate charges are set to be filed against him.

The pursuing forces have seized high-powered firearms when they captured Binigay, Ecaldre said.

Drug pusher nabbed in drug buy-bust in Pagadian

By Bong Garcia

A CARPENTER, whose illicit drug trade was uncovered, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, the police said Saturday.

Arrested was Endrico Divino, 46, a resident of Purok Makabibihag, Barangay Sta. Lucia in Pagadian City, the police said.

Divino was arrested in a buy-bust operation around 11:45 a.m. Friday in the Sta. Lucia village, the police said.

The suspect was arrested after he handed a sachet of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) to an undercover policeman in exchange for P500, the police said.

The arresting team has confiscated from the suspect’s possession 14 sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of P8,500 and prohibited drug paraphernalia as well as P500 “marked money,” the police said.

The suspect was detained while appropriate charges are set to be filed against him, the police added.

DENR envisions community-based ecotourism program in Zamboanga del Sur

(PNA), FPV/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION/UTB

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 16 (PNA) -– Government and community leaders have signed a pledge of commitment to support the ecotourism program the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has envisioned for the Mount Timolan Protected Landscape (MTPL) in the nearby town of Tigbao.

The signing of a pledge of commitment was held at the end of the one-day Information and Education Campaign (IEC) on Community-Based Ecotourism Program on Wednesday in Barangay Limas, Tigbao town.

DENR Regional Public Affairs Officer Rosevirico Tan said Friday the whole day event was aimed to instill awareness of the different stakeholders on the management of the MTPL as an ecotourism site; their respective roles in the proposed community-based ecotourism program; and, the importance of a protected area for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and as possible investment site that could provide alternative livelihood to the host communities.

Tan said the IEC was spearheaded by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Adelaida Borja, Protected Area Superintendent Mario Ronulo and personnel from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD).

Tan said that the IEC was attended by municipal and barangay officials as well as some residents of Tigbao, a fifth class municipality comprising of 18 barangays.

He said the MTPL, which was formerly known as the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Park, is one of the natural monuments of this province being the second highest peak with a crater lake known as Lake Maragang.

The MTPL was declared as a protected area pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 354 dated August 14, 2000.

Tan said the MTPL has an area of 2,691,189 hectares covering six barangays in Tigbao town and one each in Guipos and San Miguel towns.

Ronulo said that the IEC is part of the initial preparation for the opening of MTPL for ecotourism destination.

Meanwhile, Tigbao Mayor Danilo Dalid has urged those who attended the IEC to find ways to generate income through ecotourism and practice organic agricultural farming to preserve the biodiversity of MTPL towards a progressive life.

“The promotion of MTPL as an ecotourism site is a visible indicator of my dream comes true,” Dalid said.

Tabak conducts cleanup drive in Pagadian

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Public and private partnership was evident in the recently concluded cleanup drive spearheaded by the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army (PA) at Barangay White Beach here.

Armed with brooms, empty sacks, and baskets, Tabak personnel and barangay residents worked together to promote environmental sanitation and cleanliness.

The cleanup drive is part of the month-long activities lined up for the 78th founding anniversary of 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, which ran from April 7 –May 7.

Tabak commander MGen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr., in his message, said “it is very important for the residents to maintain environmental sanitation and cleanliness for a healthy environment.”

Trinidad said foreign and domestic tourists are the first people to notice the surrounding of White Beach upon landing at the airport since the barangay is very near the airport.

“Kung malinis ang paligid nito, hindi lang ito nakikipagbigay kalusugan ng mga tao kundi marami rin mga turistang mahihikayat na magpunta at eventually, ito ay maka-generate ng income sa inyong barangay (If your surrounding is clean, it will not only provide good health to the people but many tourists would be enticed to visit the place, giving additional income to your barangay),” Trinidad explained.

“Kahit ang activity na ito ay maliit lamang na bagay pero sa kabuuan ay malaki ang maidulot na ginhawa para sa atin ang cleanliness. Ika nga, ‘ang malaking bagay ay nag-uumpisa sa maliit na bagay’. At kahit maliit na kontribusyon ang nagawa ng mga sundalo ito ay nakapagbibigay ng kaginhawaan ng mga mamamayan (Although this activity is a very small thing but eventually we shall reap the benefits of cleanliness.

As the saying goes, ‘big thing starts with a small thing’. Though the contribution made by the soldiers is small, it redounds to the welfare of the people),” Trinidad added.

For his part, Barangay Captain Rey Rabanos was grateful that the cleanup drive was held at their barangay, saying “Nalipay kao pag-ayo sa dakong pagpakabana nga gihimo sa mga sundalo nga mitabang sa among mga mulupyo paglimpyo sa palibot sa among barangay. Dili matukib ang kalipay nga among gibati sa ilang serbisyo nga gihatag atol sa gipahigayon nga clean up drive.

(I am very happy about the great concern shown by the soldiers who helped our residents in cleaning our surroundings. We cannot fathom our happiness for the services you have rendered during the cleanup drive.) More than a hundred of tons of garbage had been collected by the Tabak troopers and the residents during the activity.

Tabak troopers are putting people’s welfare first, says AFP official

By Alma L. Tingcang

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Lt.Gen. Alan R. Luga, vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said soldiers are duty-bound to protect our countrymen and keep them free from fear and anxiety.

This, he said, during the 78th founding anniversary of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division (1ID), Philippine Army on May 7 at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an at Barangay Pulacan in this town.

“This is why our soldiers are continuously being molded so that our dependable military does not stop from just being an excellent defender of the nation, but also become an institution that people trust,” Luga stressed.

He lauded the Tabak troopers for upholding their mandate as defenders of the country, for being professional and disciplined and for putting the welfare of people first before their own.

“The 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division is the fightingest division of the Philippine Army, standing strong amidst the challenges and adversities of 2013 such as the Zamboanga siege and promptly responding to ensure the swift delivery of relief goods to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda,” encouraged Luga.

Meanwhile, MGen Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad, commander of the 1ID, PA said being the premier division in the Philippine Army, Tabak remains steadfast in the performance of its mandated mission, adhering to democratic ideals and guided by the principle of good governance.

“The midterm and barangay elections were the most peaceful and orderly elections in recent history,” Trinidad said. He also cited that there was never a violation of the ceasefire agreement by his troops, gaining the trust and confidence of the people.

On the occasion of its 78th Founding Anniversary, the 11D also distributed Tabak Ventures Educational Certificates to 15 dependents at P10,000 each for their tuition and other school fees.

Plaques of appreciation were also given to partner agencies which have made immense contribution and invaluable support to the humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, of which PIA was one of the awardees.

DOLE’s GIP program benefits 216 fresh college graduates in Zamboanga del Sur

By Gideon C. Corgue (FPG/GCC-PIA-Pagadian City)

PAGADIAN CITY, May 13 (PIA) – A total of 216 fresh college graduates have availed themselves of the Government Internship Program (GIP) implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Zamboanga del Sur field office.

Chief Labor Employment Officer Lourdes Amores disclosed in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA9) that of the total 300 applicants, only 216 qualified and got hired.

Amores said the GIP is in line with the provision of Executive Order No. 139, series of 1993, implementing the GIP as component of Kabataan 2000, to provide opportunities to young workers who serve the general public in government agencies/entities, projects and programs at the national and local level.

“Under the program, fresh and young graduates are employed by the department to assist in the implementation and monitoring of DOLE programs and projects related to employment facilitation,” said Amores.

The program also affords the beneficiaries opportunities to demonstrate their skills and talents while undergoing internship to fully prepare them for their future employment. They will be paid by DOLE at P210 per day or 75 percent of the existing minimum wage approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages Board (RTWB) of the region.

Amores said the GIP was implemented in two batches: the first batch was on April 15, and second on May 5, 2014. “The GIP beneficiaries who were dispatched on April 15 will work until October and those deployed on May 5 until November this year,” the DOLE official said.

Amores said she is very optimistic that with the program, unemployment problem in the province would be reduced.

Amores, however, urged the GIP beneficiaries to perform very well during their internship in the national government offices and LGUs to compensate the opportunity extended to them by these offices and, at the same time, the efficiency and competence shown by them during their internship would serve as basis for recommending them for future employment.

More than 88,000 Zambo Sur voters without biometric

With a report from Jong Cadion (Solar News Online)

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – Zamboanga del Sur has a total of 88,115 out of 607,998 total registered voters without biometric, provincial COMELEC official said on Monday (May 12).

Provincial Election Assistant Pilar D. Tindoc said 15 percent of Zambo Sur’s total registered voters don’t have biometric registration based on their records as of October 28, 2013 Barangay Election from the 26 municipalities and the City of Pagadian.

Tindoc said during the first day of registration last May 6 that only 277 had filed their biometric registration with the overall total of 867 since Sunday (May 11).

In Pagadian City, City Election Officer Atty. Dinah Sapong said a total of 20,000 out of 126,686 total registered voters have no biometric.

Atty. Sapong said the turn-out of the registration since May 6 up to May 11 has only 357 registered from 54 barangays.

Sapong appealed to all Barangay Officials to help the COMELEC inform the community to register for the 2016 elections.

The COMELEC office here is open from Sunday to Friday to accommodate students and employees who can’t register during weekdays.

DepED holds mass training for Grade 9 teachers

By ABELARDO T. BRUTAS JR.

In line with the progressive implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program, the Department of Education through the Bureau of Secondary Education conducted the National Training of Trainers (NTOT) for Grade 9 Teachers on April 21-26 at Cebu City and Quezon City.

As this developed, a Mass Training for Grade 9 Teachers focused on the learning areas in English, Filipino, Araling Panlipunan, Edukasyon sa Pagpakatao, Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH), Mathematics and Science was conducted on different venue. For region 9, the mass training was held on May 3-10 in Zamboanga City which was participated in by the schools division of Dapitan City, Dipolog City, Isabela City, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Sibugey, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Norte and Zamboanga City.

The mass training was aimed at equipping grade 9 teachers the national competency based teacher standard for enhance basic education curriculum for school year 2014-2015.


3 NPA rebels surrender in Zamboanga Del Sur

(PNA)

ZAMBOANGA del Sur — Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA), tired of the incessant fighting, has voluntarily surrendered to troopers of the 5th Infantry Battalion in Purok 5, Sitio Limamawan, Barangay Sigacad, Bayog, Zamboanga Del Sur Saturday night.

The latter is a sub-unit of the 1st Infantry Division.

Capt. Jefferson Mamamuag, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, said these rebels are all members of the NPA under Secom Feliciano Alpha, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

The voluntarily surrender of the three took place around 8:45 p.m.

Mamauag identified them as Jenjen Noay, 18; Denden Noay, 20; and Bryan Noay, 25, all residents of Purok 5, Sitio Limamawan, Barangay Sigacad in Bayog, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The former rebels also surrendered one Springfield rifle, a 7.62-mm single shot homemade rifle and one fragmentation grenade.

Abante Bayog COMPAS seen to boost disaster advocacy, preparedness

By Alma L. Tingcang (ALT-PIA9)

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – The blessing and inauguration of the Abante Bayog Community Public Address System (COMPAS), an FM radio station of the local government unit, is expected to heighten advocacy efforts of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) in this town.

Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa said the establishment and activation of the COMPAS, which had been initially installed in Barangay Lamare, would be very vital in the promotion of local government programs, as well as an effective venue to strengthen advocacy efforts and to provide townfolks with knowledge on how to prepare for disasters.

“It was primarily set up for the MDRRMC to use in times of calamity to give warning and update on real scenario, providing local residents with timely and accurate information in a disaster or whatever threats to life and property,” Mayor Babasa explained.

He added that the department heads and national government agencies such as DepEd, DA, DAR and other offices will be given 30-minutes each to present their programs and provide vital information to the people. Abante Bayog COMPAS operates from Monday to Sunday with a frequency of 102.1 MHz.

This will enable local folks to better appreciate what the government is doing for them. Further, it will provide continuous source of information in times of calamities to save lives and property.

Bayog town celebrates 47th Founding Anniversary

By Alma L. Tingcang (FPG/ALT-PIA9)

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, May 8 (PIA) - The municipality of Bayog marks its 47th Founding Anniversary today with the 3rd Palad-Palad Festival highlighting the celebration.

Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa said twenty-eight barangays, grouped in 6 clusters, will compete after a short program at the municipal quadrangle with Governor Antonio H. Cerilles as the guest of honor and speaker.

Palad-Palad is a Subanen term for thanksgiving, as local folks acknowledge the countless blessings bestowed by God upon their fertile land. It is also an apparent portrayal of the unity of its tri-people - the Lumads, Christians and Muslims.

The blessing and inauguration of the ground floor extension of the municipal hall and the Abante Bayog Community Public Address System will also be held today.

Bayog was created into a municipality on May 8, 1967 by virtue of RA 4872 authored by then Representative Vincenzo Sagun of the lone district of Zamboanga del Sur.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 personnel provided live media coverage to the 47th Araw ng Bayog activities showcasing the myriad activities of the town, the hustle and bustle making the celebration a resounding success.

Bayog town to hold “3rd Palad-palad” festival

By Gideon C. Corgue (FPG/GCC-PIA-Pagadian City)

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, May 7 (PIA) – In its desire to provide entertainment to visitors and public showcasing the rich, beautiful Subanen culture, the municipal government here will hold its 3rd “Palad-Palad” festival on May 8 at the municipal government quadrangle.

Mayor Jun Babasa said “the festival is the highlight of the 47th founding anniversary of the municipality with the theme: “Abante na ta Bayog” (Move forward Bayog).

Babasa said the festival would feature street dance competitions to be participated in by all the 28 barangays taht are grouped in six clusters.

The performers are mostly composed of high school students from public and private schools and barangay officials.

The festival was Mayor Babasa’s brainchild in 2011 after winning the 2011 local elections.

Babasa noticed that since his childhood the municipality is abundant not only in natural resources but in culture and traditions as well. Thus, he wanted to promote its rich culture and traditions through dances.

He also bared that the prizes for the street dance competitions are as follows: first prize –P60 thousand, second – P40 thousand, third –P20 thousand and a consolation prize of P10 thousand for the non-winners.

A festival queen will also be chosen from among the 6 clusters and will receive a cash prize of P5 thousand.

Babasa said invited judges are from the academe and national government agencies in Pagadian City to avoid favoritism and to preserve the integrity of the competition.

The festival commenced with the opening of agro-industrial trade fair and business night last May 3.

60 YEAR OLD MAN ARRESTED FOR THE CRIME OF RAPE

With report from PO2 Jonas D. Macasa Jr. (RPIO9)

Intelligence operatives of Molave Municipal Police Station, Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office, arrested a sixty year old man on Sunday afternoon at Barangay Madasigon, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur. Arrested suspect was identified as Policarpio Aribal, married. He is a resident of the said barangay and was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest for the crime of Rape, docketed under criminal case number 2014-10-2810, issued by Hon. Judge Jaime Caberte, Regional Trial Court, Branch 23, 9th Judicial Region, Molave, Zamboanga Del Sur. Accused detained at Molave Police Station detention cell and will be turned-over to the court concerned.

Fun run held in Pagadian

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Close to 1,000 Tabak troopers, members of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as civilians and other stakeholders joined on Saturday a fun run held at the Plaza Luz in this city.

Organized by the Philippine Army’s (PA) 1ST Tabak division, the fun run was one of the activities lined up for the month-long celebration in commemoration of Tabak’s 78th founding anniversary, which commenced on April 7 until May 7 with the theme: “Kahusayan sa Tungkulin at Disiplina Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” (Excellence in Performance and Discipline towards Peace and Progress).

Clad in their sports attire, the participants had to join either in the 3k, 5k or 7k race.

Speaking before the participants, MGen. Filicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr., Tabak commander said “the event demonstrates troopers’ excellent performance.”

Trinidad further said that in all his speaking engagements, his favorite line is: “Excellence in performance shall be the hallmark of Tabak troopers”.

He encouraged the troopers that “in whatever they will do shall bear the hallmark of excellence.” Trinidad also reminded his men that for them to excel in their undertakings, they should possess the skill, attitude, knowledge, discipline and perseverance.

Trinidad noticed that even if there was no definite route in the fun run, still the participants gave their utmost best.

He also displayed his physical agility and proved to the spectators that he could still compete with young participants by joining the 5-kilometer run.

The 54 year-old commanding general was also joined by Sr. Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, the provincial director of Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office (ZSPPO), who also joined the 5k run.

Meanwhile, chief of staff Col. Agapito Carmilo Nagrampa Jr. said “the event is in fulfillment of division’s work philosophy: excellence in performance.”

“Ang excellence ay kailangan sa larangan ng ating kalusugan. Sa pag-maintain ng ating katawan at palaging handa ay malaking bahagi ng ating tungkulin upang tayo’y makapagtugon sa mga hamon ng ating trabaho (Excellence is needed in our health. In maintaining our good health and to be always prepared is a big part of our duty for us to meet the challenges of our work),” Nagrampa concluded.

Peace rally in Pagadian set today

(HDC)

PAGADIAN CITY — At least 5,000 people from different sectors are expected to join today. May 4, a peace rally here in support of the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP) and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) will lead the peace rally that will start at 8 a.m. at Plaza Luz located in front of City Hall.

CBCS Chairman Guiamel Alin said Saturday the peace rally dubbed as “People’s popular ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law” will be participated in by the Bangsamoro people.

Alin said the participants will come from the nearby provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur aside from those from this province’ 26 municipalities and one city.

Alin said the peace rally will be held simultaneously with that in other Mindanao areas particularly in the proposed Bangsamoro Region and in neighboring provinces outside the proposed region “to show our support to the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).”

“We strongly endorse the adoption of the proposed BBL by the Congress; It reflects the century-old dreams and aspiration of the Bangsamoro people for meaningful autonomy and self-determination,” he said.

Bangsamoro Transition Commission member Atty. Raissa Jajurie said the proposed BBL was the product of the series of consultations and recommendations of the different sectors of the society from the proposed Bangsamoro Region as agreed in the Comprehensive Agreement of Bangsamoro (CAB).

Jajurie said the proposed BBL was already submitted to President Benigno Simeon Aquino, III for review and for the Chief Executive to certify it as an urgent bill before submission to the Congress for ratification.

Jajurie was the resource speaker Saturday during the information education campaign on CAB and proposed BBL held in this city.

The activity was attended by the different moro-community leaders of this province and that of the nearby Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Infomercials highlight Labor Day celebration in Pagadian

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA9- Pagadian City)

PAGADIAN CITY, May 3 (PIA) – Information commercials (infomercials) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is one of the highlights of activities during the 112th Labor Day celebration on Thursday at the Covered Court of Plaza Luz, this city.

The infomercials, which presented brief video clips of programs and services of the department is under the Labor Education and Employment Services (LEES).

Labor employment office (LEO) chief Lourdes Amores said the usual jobs fair held every Labor Day celebration was not pushed thru this year. Instead, they are promoting infomercials because it includes livelihood programs of the department which can be availed by the people especially the marginalized sector.

“The department however, has scheduled the jobs fair and mobile passporting during the Independence Day celebration on June 12,” Amores assured.

Amores encouraged the unemployed sector not to depend largely on wage employment saying that employment opportunities now are scarce. She advised them to venture into self-employment undertakings.

Amores said in the livelihood programs, DOLE’s partner-agencies are: Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and Guidance Counselors Network and other agencies.

These agencies of government also provide them with appropriate skills training, start-up capital, and equipments thru starter kits for them to become skilled and productive citizens of our country.

Mayor Romeo Pulmones, Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) chairman, in his message delivered by City Councilor Bienvenido Culve, said it is a moral and social obligation of government to give honor and recognition to Filipino workers by giving them a special day every 1st of May.

“We recognize and salute our Filipino workers especially the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), our unsung heroes for their diligence, perseverance and intelligence. They sacrificed a lot by working abroad to provide a better life for their families in the Philippines,” Pulmones added.

Pulmones said this year’s theme, “Sa Sipag at Tiyaga, Talino Buong Mundo Saludo sa Manggagawang Pilipino,” is very fitting and best describes the ingenuity of the Filipino worker.

Meanwhile, Amores thanked the Tripartite Peace and Industrial Council (TIPC), businessmen establishments, and labor associations for actively joining the motorcade, program, friendship and harmony games thereby making the “Araw ng Paggawa” celebration successful.

Zambo Sur, Zambo Norte hold simple Labor Day celebration

(PNA)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) held a simple program here Thursday afternoon in line with the 112th Labor Day celebration in this city.

The celebration kicked-off at 1:30 p.m. Thursday with a motorcade that ended at this city’s covered court where a simple program followed with Mayor Romeo Pulmones as the guest speaker.

The motorcade was participated by the labor sector and the private business community that supported the implementation of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

This year’s Labor Day celebration is anchored on the theme: “Sa Sipag, Tiyaga, at Talino Buong Mundo Saludo sa Manggagawang Pilipino.”

Provincial Labor and Employment Officer Lourdes Amores said they have set-up a public assistance center to answer inquiries concerning the agency’s services in this city and in the province.

In nearby Zamboanga del Norte, Labor and Employment Officer Henry Tainero said they have also lined up simple activities to celebrate this year’s Labor Day.

The activities include “Dance for your Health,” held in coordination with Dipolog City Taebo Association and the Labor Day sale through offering of discounts by business establishment dubbed as “handog pasasalamat sa ating manggagawang Pilipino.”

DTI earmarks P11M for GPB projects in Region 9

(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/JSD

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 1 (PNA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has earmarked P 11 million for the implementation of 10 projects here in Region 9 under the grassroots participatory budgeting (GPB) scheme.

DTI Regional Officer-in-Charge Sitti Amina Jain said the projects to be implemented have been approved by the National Poverty Reduction Action Team (NPRAT).

Jain said the projects are to be implemented in the municipalities of Ramon Magsaysay and Kumalarang in Zamboanga del Sur; Salug, Sindangan; Piñan in Zamboanga del Norte; and Malangas in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Jain said the aforementioned are the local government units (LGUs) that submitted project proposals to the DTI in 2013 which were subsequently approved by NPRAT for funding and implementation under the DTI’s menu of GPB programs and projects this year.

He said the projects are as follows: bamboocraft development, mini-oil mill, handicraft production, and one-town one-product store (OTOP in Ramon Magsaysay; handicraft production and mat weaving in Kumalarang; mini-oil mill in Salug; computerization of business permits and licensing system (BPLS) in Sindangan and Piñan; and, livelihood training on soap making in Malangas.

Jain said that the DTI’s menu of GPB-eligible programs include shared service facility (SSF), local regional economic development (LRED), YamanPinoy, rural micro-enterprise development program (RuMEPP), OTOP store express, industry clustering program, and Philippine traceability for revitalized agricultural competitiveness enhancement (P-Trace) project.

“We strongly advocate for our LGUs to avail of these menu of DTI programs and services for GPB funding. We urge our local chief executives to send their GPB focal persons to any of our field offices in the provinces, especially those who did not attend the orientations we made on this. Our staff are more than willing to help them in availing of DTI’s services, if only they take the time to call or drop by for a more thorough discussion of these programs,” Jain said.

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