Zamboanga City News April 2013

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Zamboanga City - Archived News

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.
Limpapa Beach.JPG
Limpapa Beach

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.

DTI sets 3-day regional trade fair in Zambo City

(PNA), FPV/TEOFILO P. GARCIA, JR./UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has scheduled a three-day regional trade fair to make this year’s Fiesta Pilar celebration in October more fun.

This was announced on Monday by DTI Regional Director Nazrullah Manzur, the head of the steering committee for the staging regional trade fair from October 10-13, this year.

The feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, the most revered saint of this city, is being celebrated October 12 every year.

“The event will be similar to the highly successful OTOP (one-town one-product) Fair in 2009 which showcased the best products and services of Zamboanga Peninsula as well as from other regions of Mindanao,” Manzur said.

Back to back with the regional trade fair is the conduct of an investment conference focusing on the region’s six champion products namely: rubber, coconut mango, seaweed, abaca, and processed fish.

“We have prepared an updated VCA or value chain analysis of these products. We are also preparing investment briefs on various investment opportunities along the products’ value chain which will be presented to potential investors during the conference,” Manzur said.

“We are also proposing for the conduct of side events simultaneous with the above activities such as the Garden Show and Livelihood Techno Demo which will be held in coordination with our partner agencies,” Manzur disclosed.

At present, Manzur said that they are in the thick of preparations to ensure the smooth implementation of the events in October.

“Our field personnel are now busy following up with the recipients of our product development assistance last year because we want to make sure that the products of our assisted micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will be highlighted in the regional trade fair,” Manzur added.

DOLE: All set for Labor Day celebration in Zamboanga

(PNA), LAM/TPG/SSC/EGC

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 29 (PNA) -– All is set for the conduct of the Labor Day Job and Livelihood Fairs in this southern port city.

DOLE Regional Director Sisinio Cano said that some 17,457 job vacancies will be up for grabs for qualified individuals during the 111th Labor Day celebration.

This year’s Labor Day celebration is anchored on the theme “Manggagawang Pilipino: Handa sa Hamon ng Makabagong Panahon.”

Some 16,388 of the total 17,457 job vacancies are for overseas employment while the remaining 1,069 are for local employment, Cano said.

The job vacancies both for overseas and local employment are for the positions of managerial, professional, technical, skilled and unskilled workers, he added.

At least 20 overseas and 30 local recruitment agencies have confirmed their participation to the Labor Day Job and Livelihood Fairs, he said.

He announced that they will also turn over Starter Kits and Livelihood Grants to intended beneficiaries aside from the conduct of the jobs fair.

They will be also conduct Diskwento Fair as well as raffle bonanza aimed at celebrating “our Filipino workers’ economic and social achievements.”

Similar activities will also be held on Labor Day in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur and in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Cano said.

Meanwhile, Cano said they have lined up several other activities to be held next month in the different parts of the region.

These are Jog/walk for industrial peace and labor education in Isabela City on May 1; Diskwento Fair in Isabela city, May 10; Summer Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) got talent in Dipolog City, May 23; SPES Fest Year II in Isabela City, May 23; Talentado night in Dipolog City, May 25; construction safety training for small scale contractors and sub-contractors in Pagadian City, May 27-31; Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) training in Zamboanga City, May 20-24; and, awarding of search winners in Dipolog City, May 30.

Zambo tennis bet captures lone gold in Palarong Pambansa 2013

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

Abduquoahar P. Allian, a 15-year-old high school student of Western Mindanao State Universty (WMSU) captured the lone gold medal for Zamboanga Peninsula in the lawn tennis event (singles ) in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa 2013 in Dumaguete City.

Allian, a native of Sulu is ranked in the top 10 of the 18 years old and under national junior ranking and a member of the Phlippine Team which represented the country in the 4th ASEAN School Games in Surabaya, indonesa held last June 28-July 6, 2012.

Allian defeated Ferdinand Domingo of Region 3 with a lopsided score of 8-0 in the first round. He disposed of Qhudzree Taulani of ARMM 8-2 in the second round and Ferds Billy Agustin of NCR 8-1 n the third.

In the quarterfinals, the Zamboanga lad continued his winning ways with an 8-1 drubbing of Andre Alagao of Region 4-b. The semifnals was no different when Allian outplayed John Jeric Accion of Region 11 with a final score of 8-2.

In the finals, Allan faced tough competition against Harvey Vincent Alanis of Region V, but the Zamboanga ace had more firepower and ultimately prevailed with an 8-5 victory.

Allian is a member of the Zamboanga city Lawn Tennis Association (ZCLTA), and a member of HEAD Tennis Elite Team. Allian started playing Tennis at the tender age of 10.

1 hour & 45 min reduction on rotational brownout

By R.G. A A. Go

The daily rotational brownouts in the city will now be reduced from 8 hours to 6 hours, officials said.

Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) OIC General Manager Sherwin Mañada together with the SRPI, and the City Government announced that a 1 hour 45 minute reduction on rotational brownout will be implemented effective May 3.

This due to the accelerated rehabilitation of the Mapalad Power Corporation.

“Regarding the initial entry of the 7 MW of Mapalad, rough estimate will be 1hour 45minute reduction on rotational blackout. Regarding the rate there will be an increase because the rates will be influence by the weighted average of all the sources Napocor, Therma Marine Incorporated and Mapalad Power Corporation,” said Zamcelco OIC General Manager Sherwin Mañada.

According to Mañada, with the additional 7 MW, when it will be used for one month period the additional increase will be around 90 centavos per KWH.

OIC of the SRPI Project, Achimedes Donato, also said: “The issuance of the provisional authority by ERC paves the way for power supply to Zamcelco coming from the Iligan Plant of Mapalad Power Corporation as stipulated in our PSA between Zamcelco and Mapalad. The delivery of the power coming from Iligan plant would have started on May 13 for 2MW but in recognition of the Zamboanga’s urgent request to accelerate the supply of power we have also exerted all efforts to accelerate the rehabilitation of Iligan plant as a result we will be able to advance the supply of power from Iligan plant by 10 days this will start May 3 we will be able to deliver to Zamcelco 7MW.”

Because of this accelerated rehabilitation of the Mapalad Power Corporation, by the 1st week of August the rehabilitation of the plant will be completed.

Aside from this, Donato said they are also eying supply coming from the other power sources like industrial plants.

He said “This will not need separate Power Supply Agreement (PSA) because in our PSA between Mapalad and Zamcelco there is a provision for replacement power that allows us to draw to source power from other sources and to supply that to Zamcelco.”

The provisional authority was granted by the ERC to Zamcelco dated yesterday signed by Atty. Zenaida G. Cruz-Ducut states that the cooperative may draw power from Mapalad Power Corporation prior to the approval of the PSA provided that the rates to be implemented shall be subject to the ERC’s final decision. The hearing on the said Power Supply Agreement was scheduled on May 14.

Meanwhile, a source from the City Hall said they have been requesting for approval for Zamcelco to draw power even before the PSA and also asking due to the location of the Western Mindanao Power Corporation in Sangali and considering that SRPI will be located in San Ramon, Zamboanga.

“We’re writing to concerned agency and urging to exhaust all possible means in order for you to prioritized and fast track the delivery of 18MW committed to Zamboanga as soon as possible. We cannot wait till September for the full draw down of the 18MW as schedule as you know Zamboanga is experiencing outages lasting up to 9 hours a day,” a letter said.

During peak hours Zamcelco consumes 87 MW and up to now, the city is still experiencing eight to nine hours rotational blackout everyday which affects business, residents, and vital installations.

‘El Museo de Zamboanga’ opens new exhibit

(PNA), HBC/TEOFILO P. GARCIA, JR./UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 26 (PNA) –- The El Museo De Zamboanga (Zamboanga Museum) gives the public a chance to look at how this city came to be with its latest exhibit at the Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat in Barangay Pasonanca.

The exhibit, unveiled Friday, documents and features the historical development of Zamboanga City through the years.

Architect Ildefonso Torres, El Museo de Zamboanga curator, said the exhibit is set to be one of the main features of the museum.

Torres hopes to improve the exhibit as the city continues to move forward.

The museum also unveiled another featured display-- a semi-permanent exhibit of five Zamboanga City mayors who held national offices in government.

The opening of the museum exhibits highlighted the 7th Dia Di Ma’am Caling, a commemorative event marking the 92nd birth anniversary of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, the city’s first and only woman mayor.

The late mayor is fondly called as “Ma’am Caling” or “Caling.”

The El Museo de Zamboanga was established by virtue of City Ordinance 378 and was officially unveiled last 2012 as part of the local government’s thrusts to preserve this city’s rich culture and history.

The museum will house valuable artifacts, items, collections and memorabilia that have historical, social, and cultural significance of Zamboanga.

The Dia di Ma’am Caling celebration Friday kicked off with a mass at the Holy Trinity Church in Pasonanca, followed by the wreath laying and program at the Jardin Maria Clara.

The awarding of the three Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat Award for Excellence also highlighted the celebration.

In the morning, the City Health Office, in cooperation with the Jaycees International conducted a free circumcision activity benefiting over 100 young boys.

Zambo health official warns candidates, public against heat stroke

(PNA), PDS/TEOFILO P. GARCIA, JR./UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 25 (PNA) -– Zamboanga City health officer on Thursday reminded the political candidates to always keep themselves hydrated as they campaign under the scourging heat of the sun.

Dr. Rodelin Agbulos issued the reminder following observations that there were already candidates who were hospitalized or had died due to heat stroke.

Among those reported to have been hospitalized due to heat stroke and overfatigue is San Juan City Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada, who is running for senator.

Agbulos noted that a candidate for councilor in Binalonan, Pangasinan, Rafael Legaspi Sr., even died of heat stroke.

He said the candidates should ensure they always bring bottled water to keep themselves always hydrated.

They should also wear protective gears like hats and umbrellas while on a campaign trail, he said.

The public too should be cautious and avoid direct exposure to sunlight to avoid heat stroke citing “it could affect everyone,” he said.

He said heat stroke is common among children since their body mass is small and for the elderly it may also affect including their blood pressure “then all of a sudden a stroke occur.”

He said among the signs and symptoms of heat stroke are severe headache, fever, restlessness and weakness.

Mobile app, game dev't training start April 29 in Zamboanga

(PNA), HBC/FMS/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 24 (PNA) -– The Department of Science and Technology – Information and Communication Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) will host a one-month training for computer mobile applications and game development in an “effort to create local pool of talents with skills required by the Information and Communications Technology – Business Process Outsourcing (ICT-BPO).”

The training, conducted through the Game Developers Association of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Zamboanga ICT Council, is titled the 1st raining Course on Mobile Application and Game Development and will be held from April 29 to May 24, 2013 at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City.

DOST Information Officer Thelma Diego said “a total of 30 IT graduates / professionals in Zamboanga City were selected to participate in the one (1) month training (free-of-charge).

The training will be handled by the Job and Esther (J & E) Technologies in Manila, a member of GDAP and Philippine Software Industry Associations.

She said “the participants were selected based on the assessment examination and interview conducted by J & E Technologies held last March 22 and April 2, 2013 at STI-Zamboanga City.”

The tests were conducted to assess the current capabilities of the examinees, including their strengths, weaknesses and potential.

The training course involves object oriented programming and mobile application development for Android devices.

Maureen F. Bello, ZICT Secretary and Project Leader, will conduct a brief Orientation on the course on April 26, 2013 (3pm) at the DOST IX Conference Room.

GDAP President Alvin Juban said that the mobile application and game development industry in the Philippines is ripe with projects and needs support teams for rapidly scaling projects and multiple small to medium scale projects.

Juban emphasized that the academic organizations, especially in the countryside, as represented by local ICT Councils are talent laden, but need to bridge and align their capabilities with new technologies as required by the industry.

Moreover, majority of the students cannot afford specialized trainings and only a few students are able to get industry-based skills training from universities.

The majority of the students are left behind because teachers themselves lack the required skills or experiences.

Diego noted that during the ICT Roadshow sponsored by the DOST-ICTO on September 25, 2012 in Zamboanga City, it was evident that the city has produced a good number of ICT graduates, but most have already moved to bigger cities to get employment since there were very limited job opportunities available locally.

ZICT President Louell Saavedra said the training aims to create the initial group of talents in Zamboanga City who can immediately engage in mobile application and gaming development projects with GDAP; build a competent pool of IT teachers / professionals who can prepare and equip students on the demands of the mobile application industry; build the ICT industry in Zamboanga City; and employ graduates locally.

Zamboanga island brgys receive pump boats from city gov’t

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Eight island barangays of Zamboanga City recently received motorized pump boats from the city government to help improve mobility from the island to the mainland.

City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias in a press statement said the pumpboats will not only enhance mobility but can also “be used during emergency situations, for patrol purposes or even to ferry teachers to and from the islands.”

Covarrubias said the pump boats given to the eight island villages were in addition to the multi-cab vehicles already given to the same barangays early this year.

“Costing P146,000 each, the motorized pump boat has twin engines with 16 horse power and made of Honda Mega brand,” the city spokesperson said.

Covarrubias disclosed that Mayor Celso Lobregat himself led the turnover of said pump boats to concerned island-barangay beneficiaries, held recently at the Paseo Del Mar.

“Lobregat during the turnover asked the barangay chairmen to make proper use as well as to take good care of the watercrafts,” she said.

VP Binay, UNA senatorial bets in Zambo tomorrow

(KS)

Vice President Jejomar Binay will arrive here tomorrow along with the senatorial candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) to personally lead the grand proclamation rally of the local UNA candidates at Plaza Pershing, this city.

Sources from Zamboangueños for the Transformation of Zamboanga (ZTZ) headquarters said UNA regional chair former Zamboanga del Norte Congressman Nonong Jalosjos completed its preparations to receive Binay and the UNA senatorial candidates.

Before the rally at 5:30 p.m. at Plaza Pershing, all UNA candidates will join a motorcade around the city’s main thoroughfares along with their throng of supporters from both districts.

The nine senatorial candidates who will arrive with the vice president are Jackie Enrile, JV Ejercito Estrada, Ernesto Maceda, Migz Zubiri, Gringo Honasan, Dick Gordon, Mitos Magsaysay, Tingting Cojuangco and Binay’s eldest daughter Nancy.

Before coming to Zamboanga, Vice President Binay had joined UNA candidates in the second half of a grueling, five-day campaign in the vote-rich province of northern Luzon.

He considered this leg of the campaign so important that he skipped the 76th birthday celebration in Manila of former President Joseph Estrada, one of the UNA stalwarts.

After campaigning for two days in Pangasinan, UNA candidates held a motorcade in La Union then a grand rally at the San Fernando plaza in the evening.

Their next stops were Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte on Sunday before coming to Zamboanga City.

Binay and two other UNA leaders, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former Sen. Ernesto Maceda, are from the provinces of northern Luzon.

The vice president is very optimistic that the UNA bets will garner more votes not only in this city but the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur where Jalosjos is considered as the leader and person in-charge.

GUNMAN KILLS ZAMBOANGA GASOLINE TRADER

By AL JACINTO (Manila Times - Regions in Brief #1)

Zamboanga City: A gunman shot dead a local trader in Zamboanga, police said Saturday. Authorities said that the victim, Samuel Ramones, whose business included selling gasoline, was shot by one of two gunmen, who pretended

to buy fuel, in their house in the village of Vitali. Ramones was shot several times in the body and killed instantly. The attackers escaped on a motorcycle and police said the investigation into the killing is going on. No individual claimed responsibility for the attack and the motive of the murder is still unknown.


Zambo police beef up forces

By Dan Toribio Jr.

With the objective to maintain the peace and order in the city, the local police under Sr. Supt. Edwin De Ocampo will implement additional sector stations and policemen on the street.

De Ocampo disclosed that with the present five sector stations located in barangays under the central police station, nine more sectors with police personnel and with respective chiefs will be put up within the areas of responsibility of the city police office.

Aside from the additional number of sector stations, beat policemen and cops on motorcycles will be deployed in the different strategic areas.

De Ocampo said he will issue complete transceiver radio sets and firearms to all sector stations and beat cops so that they will easily transmit messages in case of eventualities and they can respond to emergency calls quickly.

De Ocampo said that beat cops will be “buddy-buddy system” and they will be assigned in the different areas especially in crowded areas.

The police director said the police will utilize all the equipment from the city government including transceiver radios and firearms that were given to them earlier.

With the new additional sector stations and policemen in the field, De Ocampo is confident that the local police force under him can attain improvement in the city’s peace and order.

Public to brace for longer brownout next month, says Zamcelco

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao [(FPG/MVC/PIA9-ZBST)]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- Residents of the city should brace for longer brownouts next month according to Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco).

In a presentation made during the first quarter meeting of ConsumerNET-9 last week, it showed that Mindanao grid will experience the biggest shortfall next month against the average consumer demand.

“Unless Zamcelco’s power supply is augmented, a longer power interruption will be experienced in the city,” said the presentation.

The power woes in the city have worsened particularly this month with an average brownout of 6-8 hours per day, affecting all sectors. The business sector, for one, is asking the local government to help Zamcelco look for other power supplier to at least lessen the power interruption in the city.

The Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCCII), thru its President Mr. Cholo Soliven, also asked President Noynoy Aquino to declare a “state of emergency” in Mindanao with the worsening power crisis.

Zamboanga City has experienced the worst power interruption in 2010 and early part of 2011 where brownouts reached an average of eight to 10 hours per day. In Zamcelco’s presentation, this may happen again next month if no alternative power source is found.

Zamcelco, however, assured that the current power situation will be stable by 2015 when more power plants, now under construction, become operational.

“Hopefully, by 2016, our problems in the city will have been solved after the completion and commissioning of the 100 MW San Ramon coal-fired power plant,” Zamcelco official said.

Zamcelco waits ERC nod on PSA to shorten daily blackout

(PNA), PDS/TPG/PJN

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 18 (PNA) -- The more than 100,000 consumers of the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) will still have to contend with the six- to eight-hour daily rotational blackout.

Zamcelco newly-elected president Omar Sahi revealed this on Thursday citing they are still waiting for the approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on the Power Sharing Agreement (PSA) entered into by Zamcelco and the Mapalad Power Corporation (MPC).

Sahi said the PSA with MPC, which was signed last March 8 by his predecessor, Elbert Atilano, on behalf of Zamcelco involved the purchase of 18 megawatts by the cooperative.

Atilano resigned as Zamcelco president since he is running for a council seat in the first district under the banner of the Liberal Party (LP).

“The implementation of the PSA will shorten the blackout to two to three hours daily,” Atilano said at the sideline of his campaign trail.

However, the ERC needs to issue a provisional authority in order for the MPC to start the delivery of the 18 MW supply to Zamcelco, according to Atilano.

Sahi urged the local government officials “to assist us in following up with the ERC for the prompt approval of the PSA.”

Meanwhile, Sahi disclosed that they are also negotiating with the Bukidnon-based Crystal Power Corporation for the purchase at least three to five MW to further shorten the hours of blackout in this southern port city.

Cedula - soon a thing of the past?

By Felino M Santos [(PNA), PDS/FMS/EBP]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 16 (PNA) -- The "cedula"- a vestige of the near 400 years Spanish colonization of the Philippines may soon be a thing of the past.

We come across the word “cedula” in history books where we read the story of the “Cry of Pugad Lawin” also referred to the "Cry of Balintawak," signifying the beginning of the Spanish Revolution against Spain.

The word is of Spanish origin which means “document." The word is not even imprinted in the Community Tax Certificate, although by force of habit, people used the word to refer to this certificate or CTC.

The fate of the "cedula" these days could be decided by the Internet and information technology revolution that is spreading throughout the world and rendering mute and academic some identification practices of old.

In retrospect, in that incident in August 1896, the Katipuneros led by Andres Bonificaio tore up their “cedulas personales” or what is now referred to as community tax certificates, to mark their separation from Spain.

Former Justice Secretary and Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong has labeled the "cedula" as a “stigma of colonization” and should be abolished.

Pads of community tax certificates (cedulas) are secured by local government units (LGUs) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) but the fate of these pads of "cedulas" cannot actually be traced to these days.

Granting that half of the 94 million Filipinos secure "cedulas" every year, the BIR said that it is a lot of money not properly accounted for to this day.

BIR Regional Director Alert Alocilja admitted that something must be done to straighten up matters regarding the "cedula" simply because the exigency of the times, technology and taxation practices demands so.

The "cedula" has become a source of “unexplainable income and expenses” for the LGUs, said Revenue Regional Director Alocilja.

The BIR director said that millions of pesos collected for the Community Residence Certificates nationwide remain unaccounted for or not properly reported to the Department of Budget, the BIR and that there is no proper reporting of these funds.

In short, Director Alocilja said “there is no proper accounting of funds collected from the issuance of cedulas by local government units, such as provinces, cities, towns and even barangays.”Alocilja explained that “There is no clear rule on how cedula sales are remitted to the BIR.”

“There is also no way of checking revenues generated and there is no clear cut way of reporting collection.”

He said “we don’t know how 'cedula' income is remitted to the government”.

A barangay official who declined to be identified , summed up the suspicions on the status of "cedula" collections nationwide; “If we abolish the cedula, the barangays will be losing one main source of income for projects in our communities.”

Government funds are supposed to be properly sourced, its expenditures approved by law and properly accounted for.

Apart from that, Alocilja said the "cedula" has become outmoded as an identification system.

Anybody can buy a "cedula" at city hall or at barangay halls. There is no way to check if the entries about salaries are accurate because the ones issuing the "cedula" appear more concerned in collecting the fee than in ensuring the accuracy of what is written there.

He said that in the absence of failure to check on the income reported, the amount paid for a "cedula" varies, depending again on the collection agent in the barangay which happens to be the barangay treasurer.

The BIR official also said the "cedula" is not a reliable document to identify the holder because there are no provisions for a photograph to be attached to the piece of paper which can be easily folded and placed inside a wallet.

He said that as an identification document, people will rely more on driver's license, Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) or company identification cards rather than the piece of paper measuring 4.5 and six inches called "cedula" - inherited from the Spanish regime.

Close to 2000 students hired for 1st batch of SPES program in Zamboanga City

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Close to 2,000 college students were recently hired by the City Government for the first batch for 2013 summer job program or the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

Sheila Covarrubias, City Information Officer, said the SPES beneficiaries had their orientation and oath taking last week where Mayor Celso Lobregat called on the beneficiaries “to put to heart the oath of office they swore to follow as City Government employees specifically on the aspect of working hours and the delivery of quality public service.”

Covarrubias said Lobregat appealed to the students “to utilize the program to help their parents confront the financial challenges as well as to learn about the value of work and money.”

The active lady information officer informed that the first batch of SPES beneficiaries will work for 20 days (April 10 to May 8) and will receive a salary of P200 per day while the second batch will be reporting to work the from May 8 to May 31.

“The hired students were mobilized to the different barangays and various offices to help in the clean and green program, beautification and cleanliness activities and in various offices to do clerical works,” Covarrubias said.

She revealed that the program is a 60-40 percent sharing in wages for the student-beneficiaries by the City Government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), respectively.

“The City has allocated P9 million while the DOLE has earmarked P5.8 million for the program in the city,” Covarrubias confirmed.

She, however, clarified that SPES is not a scholarship program but rather a 20-day work period intended to help students earn money for their educational needs in the coming school year.

SPES is jointly undertaken by the city government and DOLE pursuant to Republic Act 7323, otherwise known as an Act to help poor but deserving students pursue their studies by providing them employment during summer vacation.

Power problem hits Zambo business sector

(PNA), PDS/TEOFILO P. GARCIA, JR./EBP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 15 (PNA) -- Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (ZCCIFI) president Pedro Rufo Soliven on Monday said the power crisis greatly affects the business sector in this southern port city.

Soliven said the unscheduled rotational blackout “is wreaking our business community in terms of additional cost to fire up our own generator sets, its fuel, operation and maintenance.”

The more than 100,000 electric consumers of Zamboanga City had been experiencing six to eight hours blackout daily since March this year.

This came about as the state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) corporation and the Therma Marine, Inc (TMI), an Independent Power Producer (IPP), could only supply a total of 60 megawatts (MW) and this city’s peak load demand is 82-MW, according to Edmond Moscoso of the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative’s (Zamcelco) complaint section.

Soliven said the blackout also caused low productivity of the business sector’s workforce as well as inconvenience to both the employees and customers.

“We cannot scale for now due to the gravity of the ill effects of this power crisis,” Soliven said referring to the added costs the blackout causes in business operations.

Earlier, Zamboanga City Bankers and Financiers Association president Alma Paculanan said the blackout brings an added cost to their day-to-day operations citing they spent P900 daily for fuel alone.

The association has 61 member banks and three lending institutions based in the city.

Meanwhile, he said the local government should have taken steps like what the city government of Davao had done.

“Our LGU (Local Government Unit) should have taken its cue from Davao, where it provided the city its own Gen Set (Generator Set) in preparation for the inevitable. They have foresight and they proactively plan ahead, keeping in mind the growing power needs of the constituents and the city as a whole and they also factoring the ill effects of climate change with Mindanao power supply, of which 60 percent dependent on hydro power and that no new base load plants that will provide additional dependable capacity for the growing demand of Mindanao due to rapid industrialization and urbanization,” he said.

“Our LGU should have prepared for this (power crisis), since we have experience the same situation in 2010 and 2012. What have they done so we will not experience the same situation? Who is to blame for our misery? Where does the buck stops?” he added.

CIDG-9 files cases vs traffickers

By Allen Abastillas

The 9th Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDG-9) has filed separate cases against nine persons for violation of Republic Act 9208 otherwise known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 in large scale and syndicated illegal recruitment in relation to R.A 8442 also known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995 ).

The filing of the cases against the nine persons took place from January up to this month.

CIDG-9 Chief Sr. Supt. Edgar Cabrera Danao disclosed that the names of the persons involved were withheld as the cases were already filed in court after the series of operations were carried out to arrest illegal recruiters and the rescue of the victims in different places in Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao City, and Tawi-Tawi.

CIDG-9 conducted operations under the Zamboanga City Based Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force with Philippine Center on Transnational Crimes Mindanao Field Office, Department of Social Welfare and Development 9 and ARMM, Naval Intelligence Group and in coordination with law enforcers in Tawi-Tawi.

From the different series of arrests, almost 100 victims of human trafficking were rescued by government forces with concerted efforts of of different law enforcers.

The victims were given moral support and advices at the Bahay Silongan of DSWD-9 and Visayan Forum. They were given assistance before they were sent home to different places in the country.

Energy conservation tips pushed amid power crisis

By Ekeena O. Lim (WMSU-Public Affairs Office)

The Department of Energy (DOE), in coordination with the Philippine Energy Efficiency Project, is urging the public to practice energy conservation in the midst of power shortage in Mindanao, including Zamboanga City.

DOE sought to disseminate energy conservation methods to inform stakeholders about the favorable effects of the energy-saving measures in the abatement of the energy crisis currently being experienced in the different parts of the country.

The conservation methods were presented during a seminar dubbed as Energy Efficiency and Conservation held at a local hotel in Zamboanga City last Thursday. It was attended by Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) officials, consumers and officers of various agencies,

Topics of the seminar highlighted conservation tips which address energy consumption especially in the household. Household energy saving concepts and tips were given, it involved tips on everyday activities such as cooking, laundry, ironing, cooling and ventilation. The event also aimed to educate the participants to be more conscious with regards to the efficiency of their electrical devices.

In connection with the practical conservation methods tackled, the Department of Energy discourages the consumers to patronize “energy-saving devices”, which are being sold widely in the market. The said devices afford no actual use to minimize one’s electricity consumption and accordingly it may even pose hazards to the user.

Moreover, the tips given were not only focused on the electrical bill-saving methods but the lecture also covered conservation means of alternative sources of energy such as the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

DOE Mindanao Field Office-Senior Science Research Specialist (SRS), Nenita C. Uy cautioned the participants to vigilantly check their LPG hoses for possible leaks and to change the hose every two years to ensure its efficiency.

DOE Senior SRS for Calibration/Instrumentation and Control, Renante M. Sevilla discussed the importance of energy appliance labeling in the afternoon session of the seminar. Energy standards and energy labeling are recognized strategies to promote the use of energy efficient household electrical products. These strategies contemplate the testing of product samples to verify claims on energy ratings such as energy consumption and energy efficiency.

The last lecture covered the topic of Transport Energy Saving Concepts and Tips including advisories on efficient driving, carpooling and efficient transportation alternatives. The topic which points out practices of fuel wastage was undertaken by Mr. Alexander C. Pueblos.

Attendees to the seminar from WMSU were Vice President for Academic Affairs-Dr. Carmelita M. Felisilda and WMSU Director for Administration Dr. Joselito D. Madroñal.

DENR prepares for Cave Summit in Zamboanga

(PNA), LAP/FMS/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 12 (PNA) -– The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will host a Cave Summit in this city sometime next month to press for the preservation of natural caves and promote eco-tourism in this city.

Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Carlito Tuballa said participants to the summit will include barangay officials of barangays where caves are located, officials of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and City Council Tourism Chairman Councilor Rogelio Valesco.

Tuballa said that Valesco has already singled out these 20 caves for immediate attention because of threats to these natural land formations posed by sand and gravel contractors and treasure hunters in this city.

The CENRO said the summit will study and discuss the state of 20 caves located in the city’s barangays that need immediate attention from the authorities.

Tuballa said there is a need to protect these caves for the generations to come.

He considers barangays with these natural caves to be “lucky communities” because these sites can be promoted for tourism purposes and generate income for the people in these areas.

Councilor Valesco has so far compiled a list of 149 caves in Zamboanga City from a total of 257 that he came upon or was informed.

He told the Philippines News Agency that these caves are all potentials for community-based eco-tourim activities.

One such cave at Latuan Barangay, some 57 kilometers from the city proper, had been a favorite excursion site for hundreds of students of a local university in pre-martial law days.

Trips to this Latuan Cavern were stopped with the outbreak of fighting with Moro rebels in the community in the 1970s, forcing residents to evacuate and leave the community.

This cavern which is actually a hallowed limestone mountain measures about a kilometer from one end to the other.

A small river flows through the cavern from the western side of the mountain and out the eastern side where it flows toward the sea.

Thousands of bats also inhabit its interiors along with swallows with their “nido nests” – a favorite target of people probing its interiors.

The cavern has giants stalactites and stalagmites in rooms that can accommodate four-storey high buildings with enough room to spare.

With the onset of peace in Zamboanga in the 1990s, roads to Latuan were concreted and the community is now provided with electricity.

Valesco said treasure hunters regularly probe the interiors of this cave and all other caves in this city.

He added that unless the government takes concerted actions to protect and develop these sites, the eco-tourism sites will lost their value to earn income for the communities where these are located.

ConsumerNet-9 pushes for heightened campaign against unlicensed food peddlers

(PNA), FPV/TEOFILO P. GARCIA, JR./UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 11 (PNA) -– The inter-agency ConsumerNet-9 is pushing for heightened enforcement against unlicensed food peddlers and vendors in schools and along major thoroughfares in this southern port city.

The ConsumerNet-9, through a unanimously approved resolution, has requested the Department of Health’s (DOH) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create a task force to strictly enforce state policies against illegal vending of food and beverages that could endanger the health and well-being of the buying public.

The campaign would be enforced in coordination with the local law enforcement agencies and health officials, the ConsumerNet-9 stated in its resolution unanimously approved on Monday.

At the same time, the ConsumerNet-9 also urged the public not to patronize food peddled along the streets and sidewalks as these are often contaminated with dusts, smoke and fumes that could compromise the consumers’ immune system.

In a related issue, the FDA has called on the public to desist from buying drugs and medicines from unlicensed or unauthorized outlets such as sari-sari stores and groceries.

“You could end up buying fake or adulterated drugs and meds that could worsen, instead of alleviating your condition,” Luisa Gonzaga of FDA-9 said.

Gonzaga said that prescription drugs and antibiotics are particularly prohibited from being dispensed without a doctor’s prescription or advice.

“That is why we have a proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria because of antibiotics abuse,” Gonzaga added.

She also disclosed a long list of cosmetics, mostly China-made that have very high mercury content.

Some of these products are sold by some Chinese pharmacies and barter trade stalls in this city, she said.

Mercury is highly toxic to the body and should be avoided, she stressed.


DOE conducts first leg of IMEM public consultation in Zambo City

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) recently conducted here in the city its first leg (of a series) of public consultations on the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM) Rules. Recognizing the urgent need to address the current power supply shortage in Mindanao, DOE directed the PEMC to develop and implement an interim electricity market design, specific to Mindanao.

DOE Assistant Secretary Daniel Ariaso Sr. during the public consultation said “the consultation is a requisite, to inform the public of the rules and regulations that will govern the IMEM and at the same time solicit comments from concerned stakeholders prior the finalization of the IMEM Rules.”

“We are here to reach out to all industry and at the same time solicit comments valuable in making IMEM Rules more fitting to your situation,” Asec. Ariaso stressed.

He said the government is continuously developing ways and means on how to solve the power supply situation in Mindanao and one immediate solution is the proposed IMEM.

IMEM is a medium term and interim solution developed by DOE meant to address the deficiency of the supply in Mindanao.

It is a venue for transparent and efficient utilization of all available capacities in Mindanao grid to meet the supply deficiency. It intends to draw out all generation capacities including embedded generators in the grid to contribute to the supply in Mindanao.

IMEM also intends to draw out voluntary load customer who is willing to curtail their load to lower the demand in the system.

In attendance to the public consultation were officials, representatives of electric cooperatives from all over the Zamboanga Peninsula Region, generating facilities, government agencies, small coconut farmers association, canning factories, industrial group and academe.

BIR official reminds public to pay right amount of taxes

(PNA), LAP/TEOFILO P. GARCIA, JR./UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 9 (PNA) -– Bureau of International Revenue (BIR) Regional Director Alert Alocilja has advised the public to pay the right taxes as the deadline for the filing of Income Tax Returns (ITRs) nears.

The BIR has set April 15 as the last day of filing of ITR for individuals and corporations on calendar year basis.

Alocilja said the April 15 deadline is non-extendable unless it will be extended by the BIR commissioner.

He said the tax payers can pay their income tax at accredited banks aside from the BIR office.

Alocilja said they have accredited 10 local banks to accept payment of taxes to be able to accommodate all of the tax payers on or before the April 15 deadline.

He said they have also established help desks to assist taxpayers in the computation of right amount of taxes to be paid to the government.

A 25-percent surcharge on tax due will be imposed on individuals and corporations for late payment of taxes, he said.

Zambo City asks Comelec exemption for P2.34-B projects

(PNA), PDS/TEOFILO P. GARCIA, JR./EBP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 8 (PNA) -- The city government has submitted the list of 787 projects worth P2.34 billion to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and requested the poll body for an exemption from the election ban on government projects.

Mayor Celso Lobregat in his request stated that 314 of the 787 projects worth P1.57 billion are ongoing, 320 projects worth P534.937 million are completed but not yet accepted or fully paid for while 153 projects worth P239.275 million have been awarded and contracted before the election ban took effect last March 29.

Lobregat said preliminary requirements of the projects submitted for exemption have been complied with and that the submission of the list was done through the City Legal Office days before the election ban.

The breakdown of the list of projects--both ongoing, completed but not yet accepted or fully paid and awarded and contracted is as follows: 152 Roads which include concreting, farm-to-market roads and asphalt overlay worth P421.595 million; 163 flood control projects to include drainage, riprap, slope protection worth P264 million; 37 bridges to include hanging bridge, footbridge and box culvert worth P203.61 million; 166 school buildings to include construction, rehabilitation, school fence, gate and stage worth P508.227 million; 83 barangay halls, day care centers, health centers and hospital worth P201.772 million; 10 office buildings, police stations, fire stations/jail worth P62.482 million; 18 development of parks and gardens/tourism-related projects worth P87.171 million; 39 water system projects to include water systems, artesian/deep well/water tank/irrigation structures worth P115.732 million; 21 covered court/shed/ basketball court/waiting shed/pathway worth P30.484 million and 98 site development and other structures worth P449.703 million.

The prohibition covers the construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works and similar acts effective last March 29.

Police arrest woman pusher

By Dan Toribio Jr. (ABS-CBN News Zamboanga)

Another female drug pusher was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Sta. Catalina last Thursday night.

Arrested was Armalyn Baha y Ibrahim, 26, married, of Sta. Catalina. She was nabbed by men of the Zamboanga City Public Safety Company under Supt. William Gadayan.

In his report to City Police Director Sr. Supt. Edwin De Ocampo, Gadayan disclosed that he and his men conducted the buy-bust operation around 8 p.m. beside Don Gems Elementary School.

A police undercover agent met Baha and agreed to a drug deal in which the latter handed over a sachet of shabu to the former in exchange of P300 marked money. At this point, a police back-up team surrounded and arrested Baha.

Police recovered another medium size sachet of shabu from Baha’s possession. She was detained at the central police station while the seized items were forwarded to the 9th PNP Crime Laboratory for examination.

400 volunteers in Zamboanga brace for upcoming polls

By Jewel Reyes (ABS-CBN News Zamboanga)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -- At least 400 volunteers coming from different civic organizations and schools gathered in Centro Pastoral, Zamboanga City Saturday to prepare for their role in the upcoming May 13 elections.

College student Al Jahami said this is his second time to volunteer for the elections.

Last May 2010, he said he witnessed vote buying in a polling precinct. But because he felt afraid, he failed to report and document the incident.

Jahami said he then realized the importance of volunteers during the elections.

United Front for Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections (UF HOPE) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) said the objective of the assembly is to prepare the volunteers for the polls.

PPCRV Zamboanga coordinator Darren Torres said this is only the first leg of volunteers.

PCOS machines 'off limits' to cops

By Roel Pareño (philstar.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Policemen and military troops should not get near the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines, a police official said Friday.

Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño, police regional chief and vice chairman of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC), said soldiers and policemen might be accused of participating in election fraud if they make physical contact to the PCOS machines.

“They (police and military personnel) will be providing the security, but they will not hold or touch any of those machines. They will not operate or cannot even touch that. It’s only the Comelec (Commission on election),” Vaño stressed.

The police and the military have been previously accused of being partisan in previous elections.

The police, military and the Comelec have been meeting as an RJSCC body to iron out the preparation for the election, including the security for the deployment of the PCOS machines.

The first batch of the voting machines that have arrived in Western Mindanao were brought to a highly secured warehouse.

“The military and police cannot tinker with the PCOS machines. They are off limits. Their concern is for them to provide security that the PCOS machines reach in the destination safely,” Vaño said.

The police official said that in the case of the region they are eyeing to cluster the shipments of the PCOS machines to avoid delay and strain the security preparations.

DOT-9 to conduct Tour Guiding Seminar –Workshop on May 2-31

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Do you want to be an accredited tour guide?

Here’s a good news for all tour guides, tour guide “wannabes” and primary tourism enterprises, as the Department of Tourism (DOT)- 9 is set to conduct “Tour Guiding Seminar-Workshop” on May 2-31 in one of the local hotels here in the city.

Senior Tourism Operations Officer Ludy Silorio of DOT said in an interview the training is open to all interested individuals who want to pursue tour guiding as a career.

“This is one huge opportunity for everyone, the last time we had this kind of training was 12 years ago,” Silorio said, as she encourages interested parties, individuals to take this big break.

“Please don’t wait for another 12 years; take the leap now, take the challenge and attend this training,” the active tourism operations officer emphasized.

The 30-day training is practically free of charge, as the DOT will be spending some P20 thousand per individual/participant for the entire training duration. “We are targeting some 40 participants from all over the Zamboanga Peninsula region,” Silorio declared.

However, a minimal fee of P3 thousand per participant will be collected to defray expenses for training kits, lunch and snacks during the 30-day training period.

“It’s just a small amount compared to what DOT will be spending for the training,” Silorio said.

The tourism department has allocated some P700 thousand for the said training.

Silorio said a tour guiding-pre screening which will include aptitude test and interview will be conducted on the following dates: April 5 – Dipolog City; April 23 – Pagadian City; April 29 – Zamboanga City. Walk-in applicants are accepted.

Applicants who passed the pre-screening will proceed to the 30-day rigid training and workshop on tour guiding and will be given accreditation by DOT at the end of the workshop.

Interested applicants must comply with the following requirements: (a) at least two years in college and (b) fluent in English. Conversational skill in other languages other than Filipino is a plus factor.

Applicants must submit their resume with photo and duly filled out application form downloadable through the link found on DOT’s Facebook page (DOT Zamboanga Peninsula) before the scheduled pre-training interviews. Email the requirements at dotr9@yahoo.com.

It can be recalled that Republic Act 9593, otherwise known as Tourism Act of 2009 requires mandatory accreditation of primary tourism enterprises such as hotels, tour operators, tour guides and other similar entities.

For application inquiries and concerns, contact Department of Tourism – Region IX at (+6362) 993-0030 / 955-2477 or 09177105219 and look for Ludy Silorio.

PPRCV to hire 2,000 poll watch volunteers in Zambo

(PNA), FFC/TPG/EBP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 3 (PNA) -- The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) said they will recruit 2,000 poll watch volunteers to serve during the May 13 elections in this southern port city.

Local PPCRV head Daren Torres said the poll watch volunteers will cover all the polling precincts in this city’s 98 barangays.

Of the 98 barangays, 61 are in the second district while 37 are in the first district.

Torres said those who wish or interested to serve as poll watchdogs in the May 13 mid-term elections may register in their respective parish church.

The PPCRV had been serving as poll watchdog for the past several elections to ensure clean and honest electoral exercise.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has authorized the PPCRV to conduct voters’ education campaign, poll watching, and parallel count, Torres said.

The PPCRV volunteers will also assist in locating the voters’ names and polling precincts where to cast their votes in the day of the election.

DOST OKs scholarships for 109 HS graduates in Zampen

(PNA), PDS/FMS/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 2 (PNA) -– The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has released the list of 109 high school graduates who hurdled the highly competitive DOST S&T Scholarship Examination–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) given in November 2012.

DOST-IX Regional Director Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano, said that of the 109 passers, six qualified under the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program while 106 qualified under the RA 7687 Scholarship Program.

She said the two-fold increase in the number of passers compared to last year’s statistics was due to the various interventions provided by DOST-IX.

The interventions include ensuring 100% distribution of scholarship forms to all schools in the region; reaching out to schools in municipalities without applicants and qualifiers for the last three years; conduct of S&T Scholarship Roadshow; conduct short review sessions based on the Test Battery for S&T courses, among others.

The scholars are entitled to a monthly stipend in addition to tuition subsidy and miscellaneous expenses of not more than P6,000 per semester.

The program will also provide uniform and transportation allowances to the grantees.

In return, the scholars have to enroll in science and technology courses such as engineering, natural and physical sciences or other disciplines identified as priority courses under the program. Scholars are also expected to maintain the highest standards of scholastic achievement and behavior while in school.

Dir. Nazareth-Manzano said the scholars will be properly notified for the orientation schedule and signing of the Scholarship Agreement.

UNDERSTAND THE GAME: ABC summer camp

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

Ateneo Basketball Camp (ABC) will stage its 3rd FUNdamental summer camp for boys and girls 6-16 years old starting tomorrow, April 2 to April 7.

The camp will be held from 8 to 11:30 a.m.and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ateneo covered courts, La Purisima St.

A breakaway from the usual, ABC will make it a fun-filled summer experience for itsncampers.

A P3,000 fee includes a jersey, a mini tournament and a proven program from UAAP’s 2012 5-peat champs, Ateneo de Manila-Blue Eagles guest coaches coming over once again.

Partners that fuel the vision of ABC are: Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Hydrite, Anchor Milk,Mogu-Mogu snack drink, Hacienda Palmeras. Aristocrat chinese restaurant, Coolsports, Ang Lechon Manok ni Sr. Pedro and Coach Goldwyn of Adamson juniors.

Sign up now! call or text Bobidick at 09177246488; Coach Tony at 09272901470 and Mr. Ace Pierra at 09166478614.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Zamboanga_City_News_April_2013&oldid=626591"