Zamboanga City News April 2014

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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.

DSWD sets validation of social pension, MCCT program beneficiaries

(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 30 (PNA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to validate in May its social pension and modified conditional cash transfer programs (MCCT) here in the region.

DSWD information for LISTAHANAN Ivan Eric Salvador said the validation for social pension will include those identified by the different local government units (LGUs).

So far, the LGUs have identified a total of 6,799 social pensioners.

The social pensioners are indigent senior citizens aged 77 years old, who do not receive any pension and do not have family members that support them.

Salvador said the enumerators will whether or not the qualified social pensioners are still living or alive.

Salvador said the validation on the beneficiaries of the MCCT is to determine whether they would qualify to be enrolled with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

He said there are 2,616 MCCT beneficiaries in the region.

The beneficiaries of the MCCT, also known as the Modified Pantawid, are poor families with children 0-14 years old and who are in need of special protection in the following categories: street children and families in pockets of poverty who are not covered by the 4Ps and are not included in the LISTAHANAN, migrant families who are Indigenous Peoples, families with children with disabilities, families of child laborers, and families that are displaced due to man-made and natural disasters.

The LISTAHANAN, which is a word combination of “Listahan” (list) and “Tahanan” (home/house), is the new name of the National Household Targeting Survey for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

DOLE-Zambo: 44,192 vacancies up for grabs in 112th Labor Day celebration jobs fair

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 29 (PNA) –- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that a total of 44,192 job vacancies both for local and overseas employment are up for grabs in the 112th Labor Day Celebration in this city.

DOLE-Zamboanga City Field Office Labor Employment Office Ian Lahi announced in a press conference Tuesday that the jobs fair is part of this year’s celebration of Labor Day.

Lahi said the jobs fair, which will be preceded by a motorcade, will be held at the covered court of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. of May 1.

Lahi said that 39,489 of the 44,192 job vacancies are for overseas employment and the remaining 4,703 are for local employment.

He said that a total of 44 private companies and government agencies as well as recruitment agencies for overseas employment will participate in the jobs fair.

He said that 22 of the 44 participating companies are overseas placement agencies while the other 22 are for local employment.

He said there will be also raffle bonanza which will be held side-by-side with the jobs fair.

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

Dia di Ma’am Caling fetes outstanding Zambo youths

By Sheila Covarrubias

Three Zamboangueno youths were feted for their outstanding academic achievements and invaluable community service Saturday night, highlighting the observance of Dia di Ma’am Caling in celebration of the 93rd birth anniversary of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat.

Dubbed as the Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat Award of Excellence (MCLLAE), the accolade is a yearly recognition to young students who reflect outstanding academic accomplishments, service and leadership.

Mayor Beng Climaco, District I Cong. Celso Lobregat, Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde and Councilor Myra Paz Abubakar spearheaded the awarding ceremony by handing over the plaques to Jomarec Banez of AMA Computer College, Adriel Early Toribio of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) and Sarah Mae Sales of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU).

The MCLLAE is regarded as a valid indicator that the students will succeed in life where the awardee uses his or her talents and skills for the improvement of the society. It believes that it can make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and in the spirit of the community and school.

This is the fourth year that the city government held the MCLL Award of Excellence which is aimed to continue Mrs. Lobregat’s legacy for the youth. Among many other things, Mrs. Lobregat, in her lifetime was a champion of youth empowerment, a frontrunner in initiating programs intended to improve the plight of the youth sector, empowering them to reach their full potential, make informed decisions and to assert their rights.

In her message, Mayor Climaco recalled moments with the late mayor, who was her godmother in baptism. “She (Mam Caling) told me I can fight like a man but always be a woman through and through. I really learned and value and treasure what leadership means and tonight, we life honor her memory as a woman who shared her very life for us”.

She described the late mayor as a “woman who has given so much of her life to us stressing that “at this very moment in the presence of our young people she also tells and encourages us to value and help Zambaonga City.”

“To honora kita el memoria y celebra el vida di Ma’am Caling, ta pidi yo con ustedes pabor contribuji con el Ciudad de Zamboanga por medio del di aton amor y contribucion para ayuda con el ciudad para puede kita levanta un mas mejor Zamboangaa,” the lady mayor added.

For his part, Cong. Lobregat, who gave a response on behalf of the Lobregat family, thanked all those who turned up for the event and for constantly remembering the memory of his late mother.

He said in these challenging times if Ma’am Caling were alive, she would issue a clarion call through the song “no te vayas de Zamboanga” which appropriately means “Don’t leave Zamboanga”.

He lamented that because of the recent siege, some Zamboangueno families have transferred to other places, sold properties, invested outside the city and or had their children study in other cities.

Lobregat urged Zamboanguenos to heed the clarion call and to have faith, trust and confidence in Zamboanga City so that the city can further progress and move forward.

The program commemorating Dia de Ma’am Caling kicked off with a mass at the Holy Trinity Parish in Pasonanca officiated by Msgr. Cris Manongas, followed by the wreathlaying and commemorative program at the Jardin Maria Clara.

The wreath laying rite was participated by the different national and local government agencies, police and military agencies, NGOs, civic groups and institutions and other sectors like the barangays, urban poor and numerous other sectors.

Other officials present during the Dia di Ma’am Caling celebration were City Administrator Antonio Orendain Jr. and other city department heads, City Police OIC Director Col. Angelito Casimiro, Task Force Zamboanga Chief Col. Andrelino Colina, Col. Edwin de Ocampo of the Regional Police Office, Dr. Nora Ponce of the ZSPC, City Schools Division OIC Supt. Pete Natividad, Southern City Colleges President Edwin Caliolio, ZCWD officials, Jomar Lobregat and numerous others.

DTI capacitates SSF cooperators on project mgt.

(Zamboanga Times)

The Department of Trade and industry (DTI)conducted a project management training for the cooperators of its shared service facility (SSF) projects on April 22-23, 2014 in Zamboanga City.

“This is to ensure that the SSF projects will be properly managed and also to assure the sustainability of the projects’ operation,” Dr. SittiAmina Jain, DTI-9 Director said.

Dr. Jain elaborated that the SSF project is a major component of the trade department’s micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development program aimed at improving the competitiveness and productivity of the country’s MSME sector through the provision of machinery, tools, and equipment in a shared system.In Region 9, according to Dr. Jain, there are to date a total of 35 SSF projects that had been approved and 17 of these were already launched or turned over to the cooperators.

Qualified cooperators or project partners, Dr. Jain said, include small farmers associations, cooperatives, and foundations especially those belonging to the priority industry clusters in Region 9 such as seaweeds, coconut, rubber, abaca, mango, and fish and fish products. But other groups like women associations, local government units, and colleges and universities may also be considered as cooperators or project partners.

She added that DTI’s responsibility extends far beyond the acquisition and delivery of the requested SSF facility to the proponent. “Regular monitoring and evaluation of the project immediately sets in after the turning over of the equipment,” Dr. Jain said.

“It would be the height of irresponsibility on our part if we just leave the MSMEs to themselves and presume they know everything on project management. There may be some who have the needed skills or competencies. But as good stewards of limited government resources, we take it upon ourselves to ensure the project is managed and operated at the optimum. This is done through technical support, consultancy, and through capability building training such as this on project management”, Dr. Jain said.

Zambo City marks Dia de Ma’am Caling

By Sheila Covarrubias

Zamboanga City pays tribute today to the many contributions of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat in a simple yet meaningful activity dubbed “Dia di Ma’am Caling” marking the latter’s 93rd birth anniversary.

Mayor Beng Climaco will lead city officials in the Dia di Ma’am Caling activities that will kick off with a mass at the Holy Trinity Parish in Pasonanca at 4pm followed by the wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative program at the Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat.

Highlight of the activity will be the conferment of the 4th Mayor Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat Award of Excellence on outstanding graduating high school students.

District I Representative Celso Lobregat, eldest son of the late mayor, will lead the family in joining the different activities.

Mrs. Lobregat, fondly called Ma’am Caling, was the city’s first woman mayor, a position she served from July 1, 1998 until her untimely demise on January 2, 2004. Born in 1921, she is the second daughter of Don Pablo Lorenzo, who himself also served as city mayor, and Luisa Rafols of Cebu.

Ma’am Caling’s political career started in 1971 when she was elected as the city’s delegate to the Constitutional Convention. In 1987, she was elected to a congressional seat, an opportunity for her to demonstrate her leadership. Impressed with her performance at the House of Representatives, the people re-elected her in 1992 and 1995. After her three terms in congress, she ran for and won the mayoral post.

‘Dia di Ma’am Caling kicks off Festival de Verano - erstwhile known as the Zamboanga Summer Festival –featuring various events that residents can engage in, to while away the summer.

Zambo City gov’t, FFCCCII donate gensets, radio to law enforcement agencies

(PNA), FPV/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 25 (PNA) -– The law enforcement agencies, including the military, got a boost in terms of power and communication from the city government and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar turned over on Thursday 11 units of two-way handheld radio to Col. Andrelino Colina, commander of the military’s Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ).

The TFZ is the maneuver force of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in this city.

The FFCCCII through the Zamboanga Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (ZFCCCI) has also donated on Thursday 17 generators sets to the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), TFZ and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

ZFCCCI president Eddie Chua has turned over 15 of the 17 generator sets to ZCPO officer-in-charge Senior Supt. Angelito Casimiro.

Casimiro said nine of the 15 generator sets will be for the ZCPO headquarters while the remaining six will be distributed to the police stations that needed most power supply.

There are 11 police stations and a public safety company under the jurisdiction of the ZCPO.

One generator set were given each to TFZ and to the NBI regional office.

Casimiro said the generator sets will be of great help to the police in providing security services to this city.

This city has been experiencing daily rotational blackout due to power supply deficiency from the Mindanao grid.

DOLE-9 readies for 112th Labor Day celebration

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 24 (PNA) -– The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is making the necessary preparations for the 112th Labor Day celebration on May 1.

DOLE Region 9 Director Sisino Cano said Thursday that this year’s Labor Day activities include a motorcade, a jobs fair and others.

Cano said the jobs fair, which will be participated in by local and overseas placement agencies, will be held at the covered court of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU).

Cano said that 5,000 jobs both for local and overseas employment are up for grabs in the jobs fair.

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

He said the Labor Day activities will be joined in by employers and employees from the private and government sectors.

He enjoins all workers both in government and private sectors “to join us in this celebration in their honor.”

Zamboanga City council orders repair of Pasonanca Tree House

(PNA), JBP/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO/EBP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 23 (PNA) -- The city council, through a resolution, has asked the City Engineer’s Office to repair the once famous Pasonanca Tree House in this city.

Councilor Mayra Paz Abubakar, who authored the resolution, said the Tree House is now dilapidated and its iron stair is already rusty.

Abubakar said the Tree House needed to be repaired since it is one of the city's landmarks visited by both local and foreign tourists.

It was called the Pasonanca Tree House since it is located just outside the Scout Limbaga Camp Site in Barangay Pasonanca.

The Tree House, which is visited by thousands of visitor yearly, is just a stone's throw away from the Pasonanca Park.

It was originally constructed as “Youth Citizenship Training Center” in April 1960 with the assistance of the city council.

City dad calls Vitali "a sleeping giant", bats for sustainable development

By Nonoy E Lacson

Calling the Vitali District of this city "a sleeping giant" due to its huge untapped mineral resources, City Councilor Charlie Mariano called for a rationale utilization of resources to achieve sustainable development.

Speaking to almost 300 participants of the Information and Advocacy Conference on the Protection of Watershed held April 24 here, the city councilor made an appeal for the people to be heard on issues affecting their lives.

The conference was conducted by the Friends of the Zamboanga Watershed Movement (FZWM) in cooperation with the Social Action Center of the Roman Catholic Vitali Parish. FZWM is organized by Fr. Sebastiano D'Ambra of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement.

Vitali has huge untapped mineral resources which could "tremendously contribute to the development of the city if we allow it to be tapped and developed responsibly", Councilor Mariano said.

"In the city council, we listen to people on issues adversely affecting them," he said, and went on to say, "the people in Vitali District must be given the chance to be heard in a conference like this" before any decision is made.

"Mining is part of our lives," Mariano declared, adding, "What is important is that we should closely monitor the mining activity if it conforms to the standards and regulations by the existing mining law of the country."

Councilor Mariano pointed to the unabated quarrying in other parts of the city and other activities by irresponsible businesses that directly affects "our land and waters yet we do not oppose it."

"It is time for Vitali to develop economically by utilizing the untapped mineral resources by which this place is so very rich, provided we do it responsibly," he stressed.

The issue, he said, is not about watershed because the proposed Vitali watershed is not declared by law.

As far as the law is concerned, the city councilor clarified, the area is open to any mining activity since it is not a declared watershed.

"We should be reminded that our government is a government of laws and not of men. That we should make decisions according to existing laws," he said in an apparent reference to Fr. D'Ambra statement.

Fr. D'Ambra earlier in the conference said, "the concept of watershed is not determined by law but by the necessity" in order to support life as he stressed the importance of watershed in nurturing life.

The Italian priest told the participants during the opening of the conference that FZWM is "committed to promote dialogue with creation" in order to maintain the integrity of creation.

He urged the participants "not only to think what you can get from an activity today but what it will also give to your children in the future." "FZWM aims to promote the preservation and conservation of the six watershed areas of the city," he said. Of the six mentioned watershed in the city, only one is declared. Proclamation No. 132 declared "the Pasonanca Watershed Forest Reserve...as National Park". The other five are only proposed watershed areas. Vitali Barangay Chairman Lito Alavar, during the open forum, said "I do not see the danger to the environment of the present mining activities in the area." "I am on the forefront of opposing mining if it destroys our environment," he declared to the applause of the participants.

"I am convinced that Atro Mining-Vitali is a responsible mining company and I don't see the need to oppose it," he added.

Atro Mining-Vitali, inc. (AMVI) is set to start production in its 2,017-hectare Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area located here. The initial phase of production will focus on a 25-hectare site in Sitio Veronica which is expected to last for at least five years.

Mr. Elson Ogario, AMVI president, allayed fears once the mining operations will commence. "Though we will be doing mining operations in the area, but our presence there would greatly help in the betterment of the area, in the restoration of the forests, in the protection of the environment, in the prevention of landslides and erosion and ultimately, in creating a better watershed, esp. when we already leave the area," Mr. Ogario said.

Presently, the area is totally denuded. Studies have shown that with the kind of soil prevalent in the area which is sedimentary, even during slow rains, erosion do happen bringing these soils into the river causing it to become brown and during heavy rain, into chocolate brown. Being denuded, flooding also do happen at Vitali Proper during heavy rain, abetted by the diversion of Mialim River.

But with AMVI's presence, it can help protect the environment, the company president assured.

Part of the operational plan, he revealed, is to put up "a siltation pond system in our mining area, proper drainage and sabo dams to help arrest the silts from flowing into the river systems. We will also commit in reforesting the un-mineralized area and do progressive rehabilitation."

On the question that AMVI's mining operations endanger the water that flows in the proposed watershed or the water source found in the area, AMVI says otherwise. The company president said, "We strongly disagree. We will just be mining iron ore and we don't use any chemicals.

Hence, whatever water that presently flows from the area into the river would just be basically the same water as the one flowing now. As we have siltation pond systems, sabo dams and proper drainage systems, the water even that will flow from our mining area would be much cleaner.

As we will be reforesting the area, we could even further enhance the watershed."

PMA holds silent drill in Zamboanga

By Nonoy E Lacson

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Monday started the scheduled three day silent drill exhibition in Zamboanga City.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesman Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela said the silent drill on Monday was held in Paseo del Mar while the silent drill scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday will be in Naval Forces Western Mindanao headquarters and at WesMinCom grandstand, respectively.

Muyuela said the drill exhibition is part of the PMA cadets’ annual Southern Cruise for this year.

“We will host the visit of PMA Class 2017 and silent drill exhibitions which will showcase the military traditions,” Muyuela added.

The silent drill exhibition will be performed by the third class cadets of PMA Class 2017 which will showcase the finest movements in military marching and formation.

She said that the main highlight of the Southern Cruise is to promote PMA in the different areas in order to recruit new applicants.

She said the upcoming military event is a continuing activity, after the successful conduct of the Southern Cruises for PMA classes 2014 and 2015 in the past two years – a revival after 20 years.

NEA dumps Zamcelco’s genset plan

(Manila Bulletin)

Zamboanga City – The National Electrification Authority (NEA) has disapproved the plan of the Zamboanga Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) to purchase a generator set (genset) worth P84-million, citing it as more expensive than the others.

NEA Deputy Administrator Edgardo Piamonte, in an order issued to Zamcelco Board of Director president Omar Sahi, and general manager George Ledesma, he said the NEA disapproved Zamcelco’s plan to purchase a 16-megawatt (MW) land-based generator after it was found out to be “very costly” for the cooperative to purchase.

But Sahi said that Zamcelco is going to appeal the decision of the NEA, and will not conduct a rebidding because there was no failure of bidding in the first place.

Sahi added that if the NEA will affirm its decision in rejecting Zamcelco’s recommendation to purchase the genset from Camec JCB, then they will not anymore buy a generator for the city.

As this developed, City Councilor Cesar “Jawo” Jimenez was surprised on the statements of the board president of Zamcelco.

“Does he mean to say that just because they did not get what they want, they will allow the people of this city to suffer from the long hours of daily brownout?” Jimenez asked.

Security tightened in Abong-Abong for Holy Week

(MindaNews)

Police and military authorities have beefed up local security to ensure the protection of Catholic faithful who are expected to flock to the Mayor Cesar Climaco Freedom Park in Abong-Abong for a Holy Week pilgrimage.

Sr. Supt. Angelito Casimiro, City police officer-in-charge, disclosed Tuesday that over 100 policemen will be deployed to the park to augment the presence there of police station 7.

Casimiro said the augmentation force will come from the Police Regional Office-9 headquarters and Regional Special Training Unit.

He said station 7 commander Supt. Concordio Apolonio, Jr. has been designated as the ground commander since the park is within the latter’s area of jurisdiction.

Abong-Abong is part of Barangay Pasonanca.

Lt. Col. Alberto Valencia, Task Force Zamboanga deputy commander, said they will deploy troops to complement the police forces providing security to pilgrims at the park.

Valencia said the troops would come from the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 and the Army’s 12th Division Reconnaissance Company.

Thousands of Catholic faithful would converge at the park during Holy Week. Many of them would spend the night of Maundy Thursday in the park and go home in the afternoon of Good Friday after the reading of the Last Seven Words.

ZAMBOANGA CITY POLICE NETTED 78 ERRING DRIVERS FOR VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC LAWS

With report from PO2 Radzben S. Jul (RPIO9)

A total of 78 traffic violators were apprehended by the Zamboanga City Public Safety Company and Zamboanga City Police Station 11 and Zamboanga City Police Station 7 including 6 Motorcycles and 1 public utility jeep impounded following intensified mobile/checkpoints implemented in their area of jurisdiction last Wednesday April 16, 2014. The operation also resulted to the impoundment of four motorcycles and for the implementation of traffic laws and city ordinances in the Zamboanga city which resulted to the confiscation of driver’s licenses for various traffic violations with Zamboanga City Public Safety Company netted 56 traffic violators including 6 motorcycles impounded, Zamboanga City Police Station 11 netted 13 traffic violators including 1 public utility jeep impounded and Zamboanga City Police Station 7 netted 9 traffic violators. All violators were issued citation tickets / temporary operator’s permit with corresponding penalties.

Zambo City grants scholarship to poor but deserving students

(PNA), SCS/TPGJR/TPGJR/NOD

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 17 (PNA) -– Poor but deserving high school graduates here who wish to avail of the city government's academic scholarship program have until April 30 to apply.

This was announced by City Human Resource and Management Officer Dr. Jane Bascar as she enumerated the requirements for interested applicants given the time frame for the start of the enrollment period for the school year 2014-2015.

Bascar said that a prospective scholar must pass the college entrance examination in a public tertiary school in the city aside from the scholastic qualification.

Bascar said he or she (or if minor, his/her parents) must be qualified voters of this city.

She said the applicant or any of his/her siblings must not be a recipient of any other scholarship or educational assistance from this city, or any government or private entity, except when such education assistance is in the form of deductions to tuition fees as a result of their exemplary academic standing.

She said the applicant must be a resident of this city for at least four years of continuous stay prior to his or her application, and must possess moral integrity and character with no criminal or derogatory record or charges of drug dependency.

Lastly, she said that his or her family’s combined income shall not exceed the poverty level as determined by the Local School Board (LSB) based on the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Enacted in 2008, City Ordinance No. 332 grants poor but deserving high school graduates who will pass the program’s stringent qualifications and requirements the opportunity to receive an educational assistance of P5,000 per semester for four years should they enroll in a public tertiary school in this city.

The entire amount of P5,000 will be deposited to the tertiary school where the scholar is enrolled in.

The balance shall be given to the scholar in cash for his or her other school needs if the educational assistance should exceed the school tuition and miscellaneous fees for the semester.

Bascar said the city government has allocated a scholarship for 100 per school year.

Bascar said the city government’s scholarship program was established to provide competent and intelligent students of this city the opportunity and means to finish their education.

Quality healthcare benefits for indigent families launched

By PR

Consistent with the government’s commitment in delivering quality healthcare for all, a multi-sector program spearheaded by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), was launched recently at the Zamboanga City Coliseum.

The “Alaga Ka” program launch was attended by some 500 indigent families which were identified through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Listahanan or National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction. Listahanan provides high quality list of the poor households nationwide and maintains its sharing of database among National Government Agencies (NGA’s) as stipulated in the Executive Order 867 series of 2010.

Through the “Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay” or simply Alaga Ka is a program implemented in 17 regions nationwide that seeks to provide the country’s 14.7 million indigent families with greater access to primary health care services. Philhealth’s strategic campaign for the ‘Alaga Ka’ aims to increase the utilization of primary care services by the enrolled indigent families, empower families with the right and accurate information about their benefits and educate them on to maximize its used emphasizing the concept that the poor are being taken cared by the government.

During the said launch, DSWD through Listahanan provided assistance to these families and those who are non-members of PhilHealth through a Validation Desk.

Philhealth’s Regional Office IX has already enrolled 1,050,048 members covering Zamboanga Peninsula. They make sure that all those covered by Listahanan (NHTS-PR) can receive the benefits they deserve from them. The National Government shoulders the Annual premium of this indigent families amounting 2,400 pesos.

Furthermore, A massive information drive was also delivered to all attendees to address the need for awareness. Among these is the Philhealth Primary Care Benefit Package (PCB)’s TSeKap (Tamang Serbisyo para Kalusugan ng Pamilya) that seeks to heighten their awareness on the benefits they gain from this programs. TSeKaP consists of essential services aimed at prevention, early detection of diseases and even interventions for healthy living. It includes series of consultation, visual inspection with acetic acid, regular blood pressure monitoring, periodical breast examination, and health promotion like education on breastfeeding, counseling on lifestyle modification and smoking cessation and diagnostic procedures, said Philhealth.

In an interview with Mr. Edgardo F. Faustino, Division Chief for Field Operations for Philhealth IX, he revealed that the implementation of these indigent programs for the indigent families became more efficient and credible through the presence of the DSWD’s Listahanan (NHTS-PR) database. He further said that through the Listahanan, Philhealth no longer need to go through the voluminous documents and laborious process of identifying its recipients as the list can be easily accessed since it is already done electronically.

Majority of the families present during the event are also Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development coming from selected barangays around the city. Philhealth Board Resolution No.1571, s.2011, states the enrollment of all indigent families under Listahanan (NHTS-PR) of the DSWD in the indigent programs while entitlement of all Pantawid beneficiaries to Philhealth benefits is in pursuant to it’s Philhealth Circular No. 024, s. 2012.

DSWD shall update its list in the 2nd Quarter of the year in the conduct of the 2nd Nationwide Household Assessment through its Listahanan Unit targeting more than 600 thousand households.

DoubleDragon to build 2 malls

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DoubleDragon Properties Inc. said Monday a unit formed a joint venture with a Mindanao-based company to construct two community malls under the brand CityMall in Zamboanga City.

DoubleDragon said in a disclosure to the stock exchange retail arm CityMall Commercial Centers Inc. signed an investment and shareholders’ agreement with Galleria Zamboanga Inc. for the construction of the two community malls.

It said under the agreement, CMCCI and GZI would form a joint venture company called Prime DDG Commercial Centers Inc. as the corporate vehicle that would own the two CityMalls in Zamboanga City.

GZI will contribute one hectare of prime property in Tetuan, Zamboanga and 1.4 hectares in Guiwan, Zamboanga, as equity in Prime DDG.

Prime DDG will be 70-percent owned by CMCCI and the 30-percent owned by GZI. CMCCI will be in charge of the management. Construction of the two malls is expected to start by end of second quarter of 2014, DoubleDragon said.

CMCCI is a holding company for the CityMall community mall projects of DoubleDragon. CityMall is envisioned to become one of the largest branded independent community mall chains in the country.

A CityMall will have an average gross floor area of 5,000 to 10,000 square meters and will be located in prime locations mostly in Visayas and Mindanao.

SM Investments Corp. of the Sy family acquired a 34-percent interest in CMCCI in February, with DoubleDragon owning the remaining 66 percent.

DoubleDragon completed the acquisition last year of a 1.2-hectare commercial property in Roxas City, which would be the site of the company’s first CityMall.

The CityMall in Roxas City, along with the two community malls in Zamboanga City will open by December this year.

Zambo mayor issues 2 EOs to ensure solemn observance of Holy Week

(PNA), JBP/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 14 (PNA) -– Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, to ensure a solemn and orderly Holy Week observance, has ordered the implementation of traffic rerouting scheme and bans the carrying of weapons and liquor at the Mayor Cesar Climaco Freedom Park in Mount Abong-Abong, Barangay Pasonanca in this city.

The Climaco Freedom Park, for the past several years now, serves as convergence place to Catholic devotees to do their Lenten devotions during Holy Week.

Salazar’s directives are contained in Executive Orders 47 and 48 issued April 10 after she convened a meeting with the local police and military authorities and other stakeholders to finalize preparations for the Holy Week observance.

The two EOs will take effect from 6 p.m. April 16 to 6 a.m. April 19.

EO 47 prohibits the bringing, sale and drinking of liquor and other intoxicating drinks, bringing of audio/video equipment and playing of loud music and the bringing of firearms, bladed weapons and other similar items within the Climaco Freedom Park.

The local police are directed to confiscate as well as dispose immediately all prohibited items and the violators are to be invited to the police station for investigation and filing of appropriate charges or imposition of fines.

EO 48 orders a temporary re-routing scheme on roads leading to the Climaco Freedom Park and declaring the place as a walk-in park for the duration of the Holy Week.

LTO to release 5,000 new plate numbers

By Allen Abastillaa

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will soon release 5,000 new plate numbers for motor vehicles nationwide.

According to LTO-9 Director Aminola P. Abaton, the 5,000 new plate numbers are intended only for newly acquired motor vehicles.

Abaton said he does not know yet how many plate numbers that will be issued for Zamboanga Peninsula. Motor vehicles with expiring registration and with existing plate number will renew their registration and will not be issued new plate numbers, according to Director Abaton.

“We are still waiting for new directives from the LTOCentral Office as to the date the new plate numbers will be issued for renewed units. There will be an assessment of renewal units or renewed motorvehicle registration because they still have existing plate numbers,” Abaton said.

He said the new plate number have security features that once it is installed on a registered motorvehicle, it cannot be transferred to another motorvehicle because once it is removed from the original unit, it will be broken and destroyed.

Another feature of the new plate number is that those for public utility jeepney and public utility have different bar codes. Bar codes of public transportation and private motorvehicles have different barcoding of the new plate numbers, Abaton said.

LTFRB to issue special permit to PUJs serving Holy Week pilgrims in Zambo

(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO/PJN

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 12 (PNA) -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has advised operators of Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) to secure special permits to be able to ply the route to Mount Abong-Abong during the observance of the Holy Week.

LTFRB Records Officer Linda Mohammad issued the advice as she warned that penalties will be slapped against those who would ply the route to Mount Abong-Abong without the required special permit.

The penalty for out of line violation is a fine of P2,000.

Mohammad said that yearly they issue special permits but limited in number to avoid traffic congestion at the Climaco Freedom Park in Mount Abong-Abong during the observance of the Holy Week. Priority is being given to PUJ operators servicing the route from city proper to Barangay Pasonanca.

The Mount Abong-Abong, although within the political jurisdiction of Barangay Pasonanca, is being served by PUJs with franchise routes from city proper to Abong-Abong.

However, there are only about 10 PUJs servicing the route from city proper to Abong-Abong which is not sufficient to serve the number of people going to Climaco Freedom Park in Mount Abong-Abong during Holy Week.

Multitude of catholic faithful converge at the Park during Holy Week for the Way of the Cross at the Station of the Cross.

Mohammad said the special permit will be valid for three days from April 17 to 19.

Mohammad said the requirements in applying for a special permit are the following: unexpired franchise; Official Receipt, Certificate of Registration; and, P250 special permit fee.

Mount Abong-Abong climbers reminded of Holy Week pilgrimage

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 11 (PNA) -– Archdiocesan Administrator Monsignor Crisologo Manongas has reminded the public especially the Catholic faithful that going to Mount Abong-Abong during the Holy Week must be for sacrifice or penitence and not for a picnic.

Manongas issued the reminder as he noticed that most of those who climb Mount Abong-Abong nowadays are for an overnight picnic instead of doing the Way of the Cross at the foot of Pulong Bato.

The Station of the Cross was part of the pet project of legendary Mayor Cesar Climaco when he initiated the establishment of the Abong-Abong Park in the early '80s during his term as the mayor of this city.

The Abong-Abong Park was later named as Mayor Cesar Climaco Freedom Park after he was felled by an assassin’s bullet while inspecting a fire scene on November 14, 1984 along Gov. Alvarez Street, this city.

“The first intention of the late (Mayor) Cesar Climaco of building that place (Abong-Abong Park) was to make it a place of pilgrimage. It is not a tour (area) but it is for a sacrifice prayer, an act of sacrifice in going there, not for a picnic,” Manongas said.

Manongas said the people must do their religious duty of praying the Via Cruses and reflecting on the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind when they go the Mount Abong-Abong this Holy Week.

The Climaco Freedom Park in Mount Abong-Abong serves as the gathering place of Catholic devotees during the Holy Week observance.

Zambo bankers assures sufficient cash in ATMs during Holy Week

By R.G. Antonet A. Go [(PNA),CTB/TPGJR/RGAAG/UTB]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 10 (PNA) -– The Zamboanga City Bankers and Financiers Association (ZCBFA) has assured the public that the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) of its member-banks are operational and loaded with sufficient cash during the Holy Week.

ZCBFA president Ruby Ann Bangalando said all the banks are mandated to ensure their respective ATMs are working properly in order for their clients to transact without hitches.

Bangalando urged the bank clients, especially holders of passbooks, to transact business early with their respective banks.

Bangalando said the last banking day next week will be April 16 and will resume April 21.

She also advise ATM card holders to take precautions while transacting business during the Holy Week holidays and to avoid making transaction at night time.

The ZCBFA has 67 member-banks to include their respective branches.

Zambo City joins commemoration of “Araw ng Kagitingan”

(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 9 (PNA) -– The city government joined the entire country in paying homage to the veterans of World War II (WWII) at the commemoration of the 72nd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in simple yet fitting ceremonies held at city hall grounds at 7 a.m. Wednesday.

The activity, which is anchored on the theme, 'Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago,” was simultaneously held nationwide.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, district 1 Rep. Celso Lobregat and district 2 Rep. Lilia Nuño led the activities that kick off with the flag-raising ceremony at the Rizal Shrines in front of City Hall.

Western Mindanao Command chief, Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero and Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander Rear Admiral Jesus Milan also graced the event.

It was followed by the floral offering at the Rizal Shrine.

From the Rizal Shrine, the activities shifted to the Freedom Fighters Memorial Shrine on Rizal Street where a program was held, highlighted by the presentation of WWII Veterans, surviving spouses and post commanders.

The activity was organized by the Veterans Federation of the Philippines-Zamboanga City Veterans District headed by Raul Roldan.

The Araw ng Kagitingan highlights the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers during WWII when the Japanese Imperial Army conquered the Philippines on April 9,1942 -- the fall of Bataan.

April 9 was first declared as Bataan Day in 1961 after Congress passed Republic Act 3022.

It was renamed to “Araw ng Kagitingan or Bataan and Corregidor Day” after 26 years.

LGUs urged to adopt modern technologies vs disaster

By Franklin P. Gumapon

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Participants to the two-day forum cum workshop on climate change and disaster preparedness are now preparing for a series of workshops aimed at strengthening disaster response capacities of all stakeholders more particularly the local government units (LGUs) in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Dubbed “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities,” the activity gathered the different city and municipal officials, national government agencies (NGAs), media practitioners and other stakeholders to apprise the participants of the different hazards as well as some mitigating measures to reduce vulnerability to disasters such as earthquake, typhoons, flooding, landslide and the like.

City Councilor James Cyril O. Ruiz of Dipolog City found the activity very informative, as "it focused on the technological and technical aspects on disaster preparedness.”

Ruiz also serves as action officer of the City Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

It can be recalled that in yesterday’s session, Regional Director Paisal Abutazil of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9 emphasized the important role of the LGUs in disaster management, saying “the recent calamities are a reminder for us to be constantly proactive.”

In a similar note, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar stressed before the participants that the LGUs play an important role in "disaster risk management and disaster preparedness.”

As the 2012 world report showed that the Philippines is the third most disaster-prone country, all the LGUs have to come up with their respective disaster preparedness plan to readily respond to any calamities.

DOST launches “Iba na ang panahon”

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 launches today “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for safer communities-” early warning, early action,” a two day activity being held April 7 to 8 in one of the local hotels here.

Thelma Diego of DOST said 300 or more participants are expected to participate in the activity.

“Iba na ang panahon” is a nationwide information, education campaign (IEC) of the department aimed at arming the LGUs with knowledge and science-based technologies for community preparedness against disasters especially in the face of climate change.

Diego said DOST is set to conduct “Iba na ang Panahon” seminar-workshop in all the 17 regions of the country from March to May of this year and Zamboanga City is the 7th area to benefit from this project.

“Iba na ang Panahon” is a joint project of DOST, DILG , LGUs and the Office of Civil Defense.

Nescafe aids Zamboanga coffee farmers

By Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - To protect its coffee supply chain in the Philippines, the manufacturer of Nescafé instant coffee has tied up with the government for the intercropping of coffee with coconut trees in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Nestlé Philippines, Inc. would provide high-yielding robusta coffee seedlings to the towns of Buug in Zamboanga Sibugay and Dumalinao in Zamboanga del Sur through the Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) Coconut-Coffee-Based Enterprise Development (Cocobed).

The government is encouraging farmers to plant high value crops under coconut trees to increase their income.

Nestlé agronomists would also provide technical assistance to the recipients of the seedlings.

“Nestlé is proud to support the government’s efforts to provide better livelihood for coconut farmers by providing opportunities to increase productivity by diversifying into coffee production,” Art Baria, Nestlé Philippines assistant vice president and Agri-Services Department Head said.

Nestlé Philippines’ engagement with the PCA is part of the global implementation of the Nescafe Plan, the initiative of the international firm to optimize its coffee supply chain.

Under the Nescafé Plan, Nestlé would distribute 220 million high-yield plantlets to farmers in various countries by 2020 to revive plantations.

Other than the Philippines, Nestlé has forged partnerships with private and public institutions in Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand and Colombia.

Nestlé is also expanding its technical assistance programs on farming and post harvest practices under the program.

Other global firms engaged in the processing of farm produce in the country have been providing direct assistance to farmers of high value crops to protect their supply chain.

Increased demand for instant coffee is expected to push demand for green coffee beans by five percent annually.

The Philippines currently produces only an average of 25,000 metric tons of coffee, while traders and manufacturers import around 75,000 MT from Vietnam and Indonesia to address the supply gap.

The importation of green coffee beans costs local manufacturers around P5 billion to P7 billion annually.

PCG tightens security during Holy Week observance

By R.G. Antonet A. Go [(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/RGAAGO/PJN]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 5 (PNA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is strengthening security measures in all ports here to ensure the safety of travelers during the observance of the Holy Week.

Zamboanga Coast Guard Station (ZCGS) commander Lieutenant Junior Grade (Lt.JG) Jomark Angue disclosed that part of the security measures is the deployment of sea marshals.

Angue said they expect an increase in the volume of passengers this coming Holy Week since many people will be going home to their respective provinces for a vacation.

Angue, who is also the spokesman of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, said they will put up help desks in the different ports to assist the passengers during their travel.

He also said they will not tolerate the overloading of passengers to ensure safe travel at sea from the point of origin to the point of destination.

Angue advised ship owners to ensure that their boat is on tip-top condition and must have the complete equipment such as life jackets and life boats.

He said they should also rehearse their crew to ensure good service to the passengers while sailing.

Meanwhile, he also urged the traveling public to immediately report to authorities the presence of people acting suspiciously including and unattended baggage aboard vessels.

President Aquino allocates P6.6M for community-based training programs in Zambo City

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 4 (PNA) -– President Benigno Simeon Aquino, III, through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), has allocated P6.6 million for community-based training programs in this city.

TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said the funding for this city is part of the P1.022 billion funds President Aquino has allotted for the community-based trainings of the agency.

Villanueva, who was here Thursday, said that the community-based training program is for out-of-school youths (OSYs) who are interested in learning skills.

Villanueva said that among the skills trainings that will be conducted for OSYs are welding, computer, language and others.

He said the P6.6-million allocations will be divided into the two congressional districts in this city.

The first district comprises of 37 barangays and the second district is 61 barangays.

Villanueva said that the OSYs, upon completion of the training, will receive National Certificate and will be provided with livelihood starter kits.

Zambo City to receive technical aid on disaster resiliency from Singapore

(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 3 (PNA) -- Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar announced that this city is set to receive technical assistance from the Lee Kwan Yew (LKY) School of Public Policy of Singapore for building a disaster resilient city.

Salazar said this city has been chosen as one of the 20 emerging Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) secondary cities to be granted technical assistance by the LKY School of Public Policy.

Salazar said the selection came about after the September 2013 siege experience and with Oxfam’s presence in this city helping the thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Salazar said this city, based on the selection process, is categorized as “vulnerable due to the many political, economic as well as environmental and socio-cultural challenges.”

In line with this, Salazar together with mayors of other Philippine Cities participated in a two-day conference on “Asia Development Dialogue: Building Resilience and Effective Governance of Emerging Cities in ASEAN” at the LKY School of Public Policy.

The confab, which was held from March 31 to April 1, was jointly organized by the LKY and Oxfam International.

The other mayors who attended the confab were from Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Iloilo and Naga.

ZCWD celebrates 40 years of service

By Hader Glang

The Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) is celebrating 40 years in service this month with the theme “Serviendo Por 40 Años y Mas.”

The original water system in Zamboanga City was built by the United States colonial government in 1911 for the purpose of serving the needs of US forces in the city at the time. It consisted of an intake box, a grit removal basis, a three- kilometer reinforced concrete aqueduct, a reservoir and a distribution system. This was expanded in 1930.

Zamboanga City took over the management of the water system in 1948.

The water system was subsequently named as Zamboanga City Waterworks and Sewerage System (ZCWSS).

The city government, through a P2-million financing loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines, funded the repair and improvement of the water system.

In September 1973, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential Decree 198 otherwise known as the Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973. This Act authorized the formation of water districts to operate local waterworks system.

Consequently, the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) was created pursuant to Resolution No. 446 (amended by Resolution No. 77, dated March 6, 1974) that was passed by the Zamboanga City Council on November 8, 1973.

The Zamboanga City Water District took over the operation of the Zamboanga Waterworks and Sewerage System on April 1, 1974.

Two years after, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) granted the ZCWD a P1.2- million loan package for the construction of three deepwells, a laboratory, and the purchase and installation of 5,000 water meters.

In 1978, the following projects were implemented under the Comprehensive Water Supply Improvement Program (CWSIP) that was fundedby a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) thru the LWUA:

  • Construction of a 35,000-cubic meter water treatment plant;
  • Construction of diversion dam and intake facilities on the Tumaga River;
  • Laying of a 4.1-kilometer raw water transmission pipeline and 33 kilometers of main distribution and pipeline network; and
  • Installation of fire hydrants and transfer of service connections.

The Zamboanga City Water District operated as a “quasi-public corporation performing public service and supplying public wants “ until the Supreme Court decided on the case of Davao City Water District et. al. vs. CSC et. al. on September 13, 1991 that water districts are government- owned and controlled corporations .

As a government owned and controlled corporation, the Zamboanga City Water District took over the operation of the Zamboanga Waterworks and Sewerage System on April 1, 1974.

Two years after, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) granted the ZCWD a PhP1.2 million loan package for the construction of three deepwells, a laboratory, and the purchase and installation of 5,000 water meters. In 1978, the following projects were implemented under the Comprehensive Water Supply Improvement Program that was funded by a loan from the Asian Development Bank thru the LWUA:

  • Construction of a 35,000 cubic meters water treatment plant;
  • Construction of diversion dam and intake facilities on the Tumaga River;
  • Laying of 4.1 kilometer raw water transmission pipeline and 33 kilometers of main distribution and pipeline network; and
  • Installation of fire hydrants and transfer of service connections.

The franchise coverage of Zamboanga City water District covers the entire area of the city, which is composed of 98 barangays. Its present service area is the forty-four barangays within the seven kilometer radius. Other independent water systems owned and operated by the water district are those in Vitali, Sangali, Pasobolong, and Labuan.

In its editorial column published on its official magazine The Reservoir, the ZCWD is celebrating another glorious year.

“For decades of providing quality and unceasing service to the people.

Continuous infrastructure projects and more civil and civic works to be done by the dynamic pool of ZCWD. True to its adherence ‘Agua es Vida’ (Water is Life), Zamboanga City Water District once again proves its life giving water to the people of Zamboanga.”

Incumbent ZCWD General Manager Leonardo Rey D. Vasquez said: “The year 2013 was a trying and challenging chapter for the city of Zamboanga at large. “Two successive catastrophes befell the City, the September siege and the October flooding, which tested the character, strength and unity of the Zamboangueños.”

For her part, ZCWD Board of Directors Chair Nelida F. Atilano said “The year 2013 saw many events which led to both tribulations and opportunities - the crisis along with the flooding brought by torrential rains in Zamboanga City proved the unity of Zamboangueños regardless of race, religion and culture, it is also with the support of our fellow water districts that we were able to deliver our services to the victims of the crisis in various evacuation centers.”

With the chain of events, Atilano said it did not diminish ZCWD’s desire to serve the public. “Various projects on water facilities and sanitation were completed promoting the importance of good health and community involvement.”

She expressed thanks and congratulated the brave men and women of ZCWD and all those who stood with them at whatever cost in the name of public service.

According to Mr. Vasquez, amid the crisis, the ZCWD Board of Director and Management saw to it that the Office actively participated in the humanitarian efforts introduced by the government.

“The team under the helm of AGM Rojas Jr. was at the forefront in delivering water to the different evacuation centers that temporarily housed the affected residents. Food and bottled water were likewise supplied for the government forces through the initiative of the Board of Directors,” he said.

“Looking back this past semester, I feel an overwhelming sense of fulfillment that the ZCWD has been of service to our fellow Zamboangueños during difficult time. But more than that, I’m extremely grateful to all those who have risked their lives and paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we will be safe in delivering our services to the public,” Vasques concluded.

Zamboangueños mass up to save the Earth in ‘Hora de Planeta’

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Most people recognize this as a quote from the Spider-Man movie that starred Tobey Maguire. Peter Parker’s (Maguire) Uncle Ben had told him this shortly before he died, explaining that everyone who has the power to do something has to exercise that power with responsibility.

This year’s Earth Hour theme is “Be a Superhero for the Planet: Use your power”, which is exactly what Uncle Ben had meant in the global environmental context. Spider-Man is Earth Hour’s superhero ambassador.

In Zamboanga City last Saturday (March 29), hundreds of residents composed of government and non-government workers, police personnel, students and night-outers who regularly flock at the Paseo del Mar for a weekend night out exercised such power and joined in the forming of a giant number “60+”, signifying their support to “El Hora de Planeta”, and sending a message to do everything to save the world.

As the lights were turned off at 8:30, candles were lit, illuminating the large human formation – showing the world that Zamboangueños are one with the world in its message of mitigating climate change and global warming.

“We are here to show that we really care, that we want to get involved,” told Engr. Reynaldo Gonzales of the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) to the mass of people gathered. “Every one of us can do something to save our planet,” he said.

According to Gonzales, Zamboanga has been supporting the Earth Hour for the last seven years, since 2008, when it was first introduced by the World Wide Fund (WWF). “We have always been united with the whole world for the Earth Hour, and we want to send a very strong message for action to address climate change in the planet.”

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde urged residents to do their part in saving the environment by going beyond the sixty minutes. “We cannot save the world overnight, much less in one hour. As individuals, we can contribute in the global movement to fight for our future and children’s future,” he said. “The simple acts we do like saving electricity, recycling, and others go a long way.”

During the Earth Hour, cities from all over the world show their support to combat climate change by switching off non-essential lights for one hour or more. It is a yearly advocacy aimed at sending a very strong message to policy-makers that it is time to make a change, and that everything we do should be contributory to saving the environment and the planet – the only home that we have.

The advocacies include donations to fund environmental projects, the promotion of environment-friendly legislation, and an awareness campaign on what each of us can do to save the planet.

Earth Hour, according to the WWF is the world’s biggest environmental campaign. It was first launched in Sydney, Australia in 2007, with about 2 million locals participating. It has grown to involve 7,000 cities today, with millions of individual supporters from all over the world.

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