Zamboanga City News April 2016

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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.

VCMs for Zambo City arrive in batches

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 30 (PNA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that all the Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) to be used in this city on May 9 have already arrived.

The VCMs arrived in batches. The first batch consisting of 305 VCMs to be used in the second district arrived last April 19 while the second batch of 312 units for the first district arrived on Tuesday.

Atty. Lerdo Matildo Jr., first district election officer, said the VCMs were stored at the warehouse of the cargo forwarder, 2Go, and closely guarded by joint police and military forces.

The warehouse is also equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

Matildo said the 2Go, escorted by government security forces, will deliver the VCMs to the polling places during the final testing and sealing, which is scheduled from May 4 to 5.

He said the first district, which covers 37 barangays, had 312 clustered precincts and 41 polling places while second district covered 61 barangays with 305 clustered precincts and 74 polling places.

He said the other election paraphernalia such as the ballots, marking pens, scissors and other were set to arrived here next week.

Meanwhile, he said the final refresher training for the teachers, who would serve as Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) on May 9, was set to finish Sunday, May 1.

This city has total voters of 412,795--first district 213,715 and second district 199,080.

DTI-9 receives PRIME-HR Level 2 award

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 29 (PNA) -– The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has conferred the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) Level 2 to the Department of Trade and Industry-9 (DTI-9) in its quest for excellence in human resource management among government agencies.

CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala on Thursday personally awarded the certificate to DTI regional office in a ceremony attended by the different national line agencies and local government units in the region.

PRIME-HRM looks into four core human resource systems to ensure excellence in the field of Human Resource Management namely: recruitment, selection, and placement; learning and development; performance management; and, rewards and recognition.

The regional office of the CSC issued Memorandum no. 420, series of 2015, awarding DTI-9 and two other national agencies a level 2 maturity as a result of the agency’s determination and efforts to promote people excellence in the office for efficient and effective public service delivery.

Bala congratulated the DTI-9 together with the regional offices of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for being the first awardees in the region.

Accordingly, DTI-9 has shown maturity in all four core human resource systems with its stringent recruitment and selection process; adequate training of staff; improved performance of the agency through implementation of measures and processes in accordance to ISO and other international standards where PRIME-HRM indicators, according to Bala, are products of such global standards; and institutionalizing rewards system in the provincial and regional level to ensure excellence among its staff.

“I am very happy that DTI is one of the awardees because if you note, the country’s ranking in the ease of doing business have climbed to a higher degree, making business easier than before. But this is not just about DTI. To further improve our rankings, it is also about our local government units where legal documents like licenses and permits are issued. Therefore, PRIME-HRM should help us ensure that our people doing the frontline services are capacitated and able to deliver services at the highest level,” Bala said.

She emphasized that PRIME-HRM is anchored in the Constitution saying, “Section 1, Article 11 of the 1987 Constitution states the public service is a public trust. Public officers and employees must, at all times, be accountable to the people. Serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency. PRIME-HRM is one of the programs to ensure that we all abide by the law.”

Bala has encouraged the awardees to reach for the highest level.

“Go for bronze, silver, and go for the gold. For all other agencies of the government, may our awardees serve as inspiration for you to be “PRIMED.” Let’s all be “PRIMED” so that we can be assured of the best service that we can provide for our people,” she said.

DOLE sets Labor Day Mega Jobs Fair, 30,372 job vacancies up for grabs in Zambo City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 28 (PNA) -– The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that 30,372 job vacancies are up for grabs in the Mega Jobs Fair scheduled to be held on May 1, Labor Day.

The Jobs Fair is one the activities the DOLE and partner agencies have readied in line with the celebration of the 114th Labor Day on Sunday.

DOLE Regional Director Sisinio Cano said Thursday that 26,683 of the 30,372 job vacancies are for overseas employment while the remaining 3,689 for local placement.

Cano said that a total of 47 companies--16 overseas placement firms and 31 local companies--will participate in the Labor Day Jobs Fair.

The Jobs Fair will be held at the compound of the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority and Freeport (Zamboecozone) in Barangay Talisayan, 26 kilometers west of City Hall.

Buses will be stationed in front of City Hall to ferry job seekers, workers and their family members free of charge from the city proper to the Zamboecozone and vice-versa

Cano said that a motorcade from Centro Pastoral in Barangay Sta. Maria to the Zamboecozone will precede the Jobs Fair.

There will be a Diskwento Fair wherein basic commodities and school supplies will be sold at discounted rates from 10 to 25 percent off.

Eng’r. Lorenzo Macapili, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) regional director, said they will hold skills demonstration and free services.

Macapili said the skills demonstration includes food processing and electrical installation and maintenance while the free services are hair cut, reflexology, food spa and manicure and pedicure.

One stop shop services and information booth will be established by DOLE partner agencies such as the Social Security System, PhilHealth, Home Development Mutual Fund, Philippine Statistics Authority and Bureau of Internal Revenue to answers queries from the public.

The other Labor Day activities are the following: raffles, prizes and surprises for the workers and their family; games including basketball, volleyball, chess, billiards and bowling; community boodle fight ala Wow Sardinas with job seekers and stakeholders; military static display; auto cross and display; parachute drop--aerial deployment and demonstration of military forces; one zumba for all; barangay gathering with learning session on Kasambahay Law; talentadong worker--a showcase of workers ability, talent and extraordinary skill; and, Labor Day for informal sector--display and sale of DOLE livelihood projects and services.

The keynote speaker from this year’s Labor Day celebration in this city is Ramon Ang, president and chief operating officer of the San Miguel Corporation.

The 114th Labor Day celebration is anchored on the theme: “Kinabukasan Sigurado sa Disenteng Trabaho.”

All set for 21st learn-to-play a sports program

By Monch L. Follosco

All is set for the 21st Basic Sports Summer Camp 2016 dubbed as “Learn to Play a Sports” program set on April 28 at the City Coliseum.

City Sports Development Officer Dr. Cecilia Chavez-Atilano said a total of 27 sports and athletic events will see action at the different playing venues which include archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball, baseball, body building, bowling, boxing, chess, dancesport,football/futsal, gymnastics, judo, karatedo, muay thai, pencak silat, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis,taekwondo,tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and wushu.

Atilano said this is free of charge and open to all grade school children 15 years old and below.

“Aside from learning how to play, our next thrust is to teach our youth athletes the spirit of sportsmanship, fair play, the different values like self-discipline, determination, respect, learning to accept defeat and be graceful winner and most especially to become more sociable with other children,” Atilano said.

A total of 250 trainors will converge today at the City Coliseum for the refresher course and the following day will be the opening program of the summer learn-to-play-a-sports program at exactly 8 a.m. at the City Coliseum.

“There will be orientation among the participants especially the venues of the different games and games will officially start on May 3, this year,” Atilano said.

This summer sports program is being initiated by the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) under the supervision of the City Sports Development Office (CSDO) in coordination with the different Local Sports Association (LSA)intended to young Zamboangueño athlete for future selection representing the city in regional, national and even international competitions.

Zamboanga power firm prepares for May 9 polls

By Bong Garcia

THE Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) is stepping up its preparations for the upcoming elections on May 9.

Zamcelco Information Officer Ferdinand Rodriquez said they started undertaking preparations to minimize power interruptions and outages on the day of the election since there is no assurance of “zero blackout.”

Rodriguez said they have already inspected the schools and classrooms that will be used as polling stations and they are on alert to safeguard power lines.

In terms of back-up power, he said, they are working to obtain the provisionary authority to connect (PAC) from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to operationalize and put on stream Zamcelco 16 megawatts (MW) modular generators before May 9.

Currently, the entire Mindanao area has a power deficit of 215 MW with no available reserves.

For Zamboanga City, the average power allocation provided by power suppliers is 86 MW per hour versus a 97 MW hourly demand resulting in 1 to 2 hours power curtailment.

Rodriguez assured that Zamcelco troubleshooting crews will be on standby before, during, and after election.

Zambo gets TSeKaP package from DOH

By Sheila Covarrubias

Health Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin on Saturday, April 24, turned over to the City Government through the City Health Office (CHO) 18 Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya (TSeKaP) packages for the 16 health districts and 2 barangays in the city.

City health Officer Dr. Rodel Agbulos together with CHO doctors and staff including barangay health workers received the packages which are composed of 2- non-contact thermometers, 1 stethoscope, 1 glucometer set (for measurement of blood sugar), 1 dressing set (for sterile wound care), 1 digital BP apparatus and 2 nebulizers (for asthma relief) each.

The equipment packages will be allocated to the 16 health districts and barangays Putik and Tugbungan where main health centers are located.

is a nationwide program jointly implemented by the DOH and Philhealth as part of its extended primary package and its distribution aims to equip local government units with the essential medical equipment that is designed to address common health problems seen in the primary health care leading to overall objective to improve better health outcomes and increase financial risk protection.

The distribution rites held Saturday at a local hotel in Mayor Jaldon Street was also attended by Councilor VP Elago, Council committee chair on health, DOH-9 officials and provincial and city health officials from all over Zamboanga Peninsula.

Secretary Garin cited the role of the barangay health workers as the frontline healthcare force who keep a data board and spot map for health conditions. She assured that the packages distributed were of quality made and designed to provide better service to the Philhealth beneficiaries.

RIAC on Senior Citizens inks action plan 2017-2021

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy (ALT/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Regional Inter-Agency Council (RIAC) on Senior Citizens (SCs) recently inked a proposed action plan for year 2017-2021 which will serve as blueprint in addressing senior citizens’ best interests through the development and implementation of social protection programs and services.

Atty. Araceli Solamillo, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 said the five-year Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens (PPASC) has continued building on the achievements of the previous plan.

“We have established enhanced strategies and mechanisms for more responsive actions to the emerging challenges that our senior citizens face and focused on strengthening the collaboration of different stakeholders,” said Atty. Solamillo in her welcome message.

The RIAC on Senior Citizens, chaired by DSWD-9, is composed of various government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and some non-government organizations, among others.

Based on the previous action plan, DSWD-9 reported that 72 local government units composed of 67 municipalities and five cities in the Zamboanga Peninsula region have updated SC profiles; some 67 heads of different Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) were installed; and around 46,852 SCs have been registered or issued with SC identification cards; while 14,650 SCs have been issued with PhilHealth IDs.

Social Welfare Officer Ma. Socorro Macaso, who is also the focal person of the RIAC on Senior Citizens said about 47 SC Centers have been established in the region with six fully accredited while the others are for renewal.

To date, cities with SC centers are Zamboanga, Pagadian, Dipolog, Dapitan, and Isabela, in Basilan province; and in some towns of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay provinces.

10th Dia de Mam Caling on April 26 set

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

The City Government is gearing up for the commemoration of the Dia de Ma’am Caling, an annual event marking the birth anniversary of the City’s first ever lady Mayor, Maria Clara L. Lobregat, on Tuesday, April 26.

This year’s Dia de Ma’am Caling is the 10th since the enactment of Ordinance 278 in 2006 and will commemorate the late mayor’s 95th birth anniversary with a commemorative mass at the Holy Trinity Parish Church in Pasonanca at 4 PM and the wreath-laying ceremony at the Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat at 5 PM which will be attended by the Lobregat family and local city officials.

Immediately after the commemorative program will be the conduct of the Chavacano Pop Night competition at the same venue at 6PM and the awarding of two 2016 Summer Fest activities – the Mi Ciudad de Zamboanga Photo competition, and the 1st Zamboanga Chalk Art contest.

The Dia de Ma’am Caling is one of the local government’s annual activities which gives due honor to the late Mayor Maria Clara L. Lobregat for her contribution to the City and her legacy to young Zamboangueños. It is by virtue of Ordinance 278 declaring April 26 of every year as Dia de Ma’am Caling.

Ma’am Caling is the city’s first woman mayor, a position she served from July 1, 1998 until her demise on January 2, 2004.

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.

CSC to hold PRIME-HRM forum in Zamboanga City

By Claro A. Lanipa (CAL/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission IX (CSC-9) will conduct a one-day PRIME-HRM Forum with the theme “Raising the Bar of HR Practices through PRIME HRM” on April 28, 2016 at Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City.

PRIME-HRM stands for Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management, a mechanism that assesses government agency’s human resource management competencies, system and practices toward HR excellence.

It also seeks to continuously capacitate agencies in the performance of their HRM functions pursuant to CSC Memorandum Circular No. 3, s. Of 2012.

CSC Provincial Director for Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay Atty. Mario Jose T. Cunting said PRIME-HRM inculcates meritocracy and excellence in the public service human resource management through a program of reward, recognition, empowerment and continuous development.

Ms. Azucena Perez-Esleta, director of the Human Resource Policies and Standards Office (HRPSO) CSC Central Office will be the main speaker during the forum.

Meanwhile, three (3) national government agencies (NGAs) in the region will be awarded the HR Maturity Level II under the PRIME-HRM guidelines by no less than CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala.

To serve as an appropriate venue for exchange of experiences and expertise, heads of offices, managers, human resource management officers and other HR practitioners are expected to attend the forum.

OWWA 9 loads OFWs, dependents with entrepreneurship training

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (ALT/JPA/PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, 21 April (PIA) -- How can one survive and be successful in this current competitive business world as business life is getting tougher all the time? Every business, may it be big or small needs a competitive advantage to be in the mainstream of this aggressive business world and if you are one among the many Filipinos who want to be their own boss by venturing into entrepreneurship, you need to equip yourself with the needed know-how and skills for competitive business survival.

To educate, inform and fully equip business wannabes specifically the OFWs and their dependents, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) IX conducted a 3-day rigid Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) to hone their skills in developing, organizing and managing a business venture.

“It is vital for our members to undergo such seminar-workshops for them to be fully equipped in going through a business venture,” said OWWA 9 Director Dr. Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain.

“This is OWWA’s way of ensuring that our program availees have a higher percentage of success especially here in the Philippines,” he remarked.

Participants to the said training conducted last week (April 13-15) were both active and inactive OWWA members based in Zamboanga City. They were trained on crucial topics such as values formation, financial literacy, the ins and outs of business and developing a feasible business proposal.

Karen Grafia, Labor Communication Officer-OWWA, said “the training is in preparation for the participants’ availment of OWWA’s programs specifically the 2-Billion Reintegration fund for enterprise.”

Grafia informed, the 2B Reintegration Program is a loan facility in cooperation with the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines, where a member or their legal dependent can avail of Php 300,000.00 to Php 2 million. The Reintegration program is about preparing for the return of OFWs into the Philippine society.

With the completion of the EDT, the participants are sure to have a new and brighter outlook towards an improved business performance and surpass business pressures.

As one business expert said, “ At all times you should be measuring your business to survive and be successful.”

Zambo PWD athletes bag gold, silver medals in national games

By Dominic I. Sanchez (FPG/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 20 (PIA) – The city’s persons with disability (PWD) athletes have managed to win gold, silver and bronze medals during the 5th Philippine Sports Commission – Philippine Sports Association for Differently-Abled (PSC-PHILSPADA) Para National Games 2016 held in Marikina City from March 28 to April 2.

According to Henry Salac of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), “the city’s delegation was able to get 2 golds for swimming and javelin throw, 5 silvers for swimming, track and field, 100 / 200 meter dash, shot-put and discus throw, and 12 bronzes for various athletic games and the goal ball, a game exclusively for blind PWDs.”

The local team was led by PWD federation president Teddy Kahil. “We are so glad for the wins and we are proud to have brought honor to the city,” Kahil said.

The Zamboanga City team was organized through the initiative of the CSWDO, in partnership with the Southern City Colleges on April 2012. Many medals were already won by the delegation from the 2013 games in Sta. Cruz Laguna, in 2014 and finally this year in Marikina.

Zambo joins Nat’l Quake Drill April 21

By Sheila Covarrubias

Zamboanga City will join other cities and provinces in the conduct of the national simultaneous earthquake drill (NSED) set on Thursday, April 21 at 9am as part of the disaster preparedness program.

Organized by the Office of Civil Defense-9 in coordination with Phivolcs, Office of the City Mayor and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the activity in the city will be participated by local and national offices situated within the Pettit Barracks complex including the offices occupying main city hall and annex building.

The nationwide activity is pursuant to Republic Act 10121 and in compliance with a directive issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The earthquake drill aims to test agencies on their capabilities in earthquake preparedness.

Grandstand rehab starts

By Sheila Covarrubias

Rehabilitation of the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex commonly known as the grandstand in Baliwasan started two weeks ago under the auspices of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

OIC City Administrator Dr. Elmeir Apolinario said P187 million has been allocated for the reconstruction/rehabilitation effort with a project duration of less than 10 months.

The project is undertaken by a private contractor, RCDG joint venture with RU Aquino with funds coming from the DWPH-Manila.

The grandstand it is recalled was designated as the biggest evacuation center in the aftermath of the 2013 siege housing approximately 20,000 families at that time. It was officially closed as evacuation center last July 2015 with government officials headed by Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman and Mayor Beng Climaco and humanitarian agencies leading the ceremonial closure.

The reconstructed/rehabilitated grandstand is expected to be grandiose building and sports complex.

Apolinario is fielding an engineer to the grandstand to monitor the progress of the project and to submit a report to City Hall on a regular basis.

Comelec: VCMs for BaSulTa areas arrive in Zambo

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -– The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has already shipped the Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) that will be used on May 9 in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) provinces.

Atty. Stephenn Roy Cañete, second district election officer, told the Philippines News Agency that the VCMs, which was placed in five container vans, arrived on Tuesday in this city.

Cañete said the VCMs are deposited at the warehouse of the cargo forwarder--2Go--and properly guarded. The VCMs will be shipped anytime to the BaSulTa areas.

“There is no information yet on the total number of VCM’s that arrived as the 2Go will still have to conduct an inventory,” he added.

He said the Comelec has prioritized the shipment of VCMs for BaSulTa due to the distance of travel.

He said next to arrive are the VCMs for this city and Zamboanga Sibugay province.

City gov’t, DSWD inks MOA to benefit PWDs

By Bong Garcia

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the local government have forged a partnership, which is set to benefit and uplift persons with disability (PWD) in five pilot villages in Zamboanga City.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on Friday by Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and DSWD officials headed by DSWD-Zamboanga Peninsula (Western Mindanao) Regional Director Araceli Solamillo.

The MOA formalizes the partnership between the local government and the DSWD for the Community Action and Resources for Accessible, Better and Leverage Environment (CARe-ABLE) for Persons with Disability.

Under the MOA, the program will be rolled out in five pilot villages, namely: Mampang, Taluksangay, Arena Blanco, Sangali, and Labuan.

The five villages will be the recipient of monitoring as well as enhanced social protection projects and activities for PWDs.

Salazar said the local government fully supports the protection, upliftment, and inclusion of PWDs in the City.

Salazar further expressed her commitment to ensure the City’s compliance with the accessibility law.

Marilyn Moral of the DSWD’s Social Technology Bureau said the CARe-ABLE intends to make a change in the lives of PWDs.

Moral said the program is implemented in two regions -- Bicol Region and the Zamboanga Peninsula Region -- in the country.

Moral noted the selection of Zamboanga City as a beneficiary was because of the strong support exhibited by the local government and villages leaders to its PWDs and its program.

Two private hospitals in Mindanao enhance medical services with advanced technologies

By Leilani S. Junio [(PNA), SCS/LSJ/EDS]

MANILA (PNA) -- Two private hospitals in Mindanao operated by Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc. (MPHHI), the healthcare unit of conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp., have acquired advanced medical technologies to enhance disease detection and treatment in the country's southernmost region.

The two private hospitals are Davao Doctors Hospital in Davao City and West Metro Medical Center in Zamboanga City which have procured the modern medical equipment developed by GE Healthcare, provider of transformational medical technologies and services.

The acquisition of said innovative technologies is considered as an investment in the health system as well by the mentioned hospitals as they can enhance patients' comfort and answer their need for a comprehensive healthcare system.

GE’s first wide-bore MRI system in the country will be available at DDH, which is one of the largest hospitals in Davao City and considered the most modern medical facility in Mindanao.

The Optima MR450w is an innovative imaging system that provides uncompromised image quality and improved workflow and helps to maximize patient's comfort.

With a wide-bore MRI, technologists can reposition patients less often and cover more anatomy, especially for claustrophobic or larger patients.

“Our vision in Davao Doctors Hospital is to be the ‘unparalleled health institution beyond borders,’ so we keep on upgrading our technology platforms, especially in the field of radiology,” Raymund Del Val, president and CEO of DDH, said.

He added that they want to make sure that they give the best patient care and the best clinical outcome.

"Having the latest technology and equipment will allow us to perform complicated cases better and in a shorter amount of time," he said.

Meanwhile, DDH Chief Finance Officer Paul Camangian sees the partnership as a growth opportunity for both parties.P>“The planned upgrade of medical equipment affirms DDH's commitment to its vision. On the other hand, this also marks GE Healthcare's reentry in the MPHHI Group which we hope will develop into a long-term and profitable business collaboration," Camangian said.

Aside from the Optima MR450w, the 250-bed hospital will also be home to GE’s Discovery NM/CT 670 Pro in the country.

This CT technology is designed to enable physicians to perform advanced hybrid and stand-alone CT procedures, delivering excellent imaging performance at low dosage and reduced scanning times.

Wide-range of multi-modality technologies

The West Metro Medical Center in Zamboanga City will install GE’s wide-range of multi-modality equipment which includes a CT scanner, fixed and mobile X-ray, surgical C-arm, ultrasound, anesthesia machine and infant warmer.

The 110-bed health facility is one of the most recent additions to MPHHI’s chain of private hospitals in 2015.

“West Metro is quite serious about our mission of improving access to quality healthcare in Western Mindanao.This is why we are quite meticulous with how we do things, including choosing our medical equipment,” said Yen Delgado, Marketing Manager of West Metro.

“We are happy to have GE as a partner in giving people of Western Mindanao access to better healthcare services,”he added.

“Our focus at GE Healthcare is to provide technologies and solutions that will help our customers address their needs,” said Ivan Arota, Country Manager of GE Healthcare Philippines.

Arota also said that they are honored to complement the steadfast commitment of Davao Doctors Hospital and West Metro to create long-term investment which aims to improve disease detection and treatment in the Philippines’ southernmost island to create impacts that will improve patients' care in this part of the country.

NEA eyes to start bidding process for ZAMCELCO this year

(PNA), BNB/JLD

MANILA, April 14 (PNA) – The National Electrification Administration expects to start the bidding process for the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperatives Inc.’s investment and management contract this year.

”The terms of reference for ZAMCELCO's IMC is still being done by its consultant. Once formalized, the same will be submitted to NEA by the Cooperative Board for approval. Once approved, the process will begin -- we expect this to be done before the year ends,” NEA administrator Edith Bueno said in a statement.

The National Electrification Administration is an attached agency of the Energy Department, mandated to strengthen the electric cooperatives by ensuring efficiency, reliability and global competitiveness.

Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc., which has a power supply agreement with the EC, disclosed Aboitiz Power Corp. and the Manila Electric Co. is keen on bidding for the contract.

”We're getting an IMC, which is somebody else will manage. There are two interested parties Aboitiz (Power) and MERALCO, if that happens the accreditors will be confident,” ACR executive vice president and chief operating officer Tirso Santillan told reporters.

He pointed out ACR will not supply ZAMCELCO with a capacity of 85 megawatts, under their power supply agreement, if it does not reduce its 20-percent systems loss.

”The problem is ZAMCELCO – we want it fixed – we want them to improve their operations. The accreditors will not allow us to sell 85 MW to a company that runs inefficiently,” Santillan said.

ACR is planning to start the construction of a 105-MW coal fired power plant through San Ramon Power Inc. in Zamboanga by the second half of 2016.

ACR earlier said the technical and financial issues with ZAMCELCO delayed the project financing for SRPI.

The Energy Regulatory Commission approved the PSA between ZAMCELCO and ACR in 2014.

Comelec trains BOC members in Zamboanga

By Bong Garcia

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has completed the training of 196 members of Board of Canvassers (BOC) who will serve in the May 9 local and national elections, an official said.

Lawyer Lerdo Matildo, Jr., first district election officer, said those who completed the training will serve as BOCs in Zamboanga City and in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

Matildo said they were trained about the consolidated canvassing system that included the transmission of the election results and the general instruction.

Matildo said the BOC plays an important role as they will be the ones who will proclaim the winning candidates after the canvassing of votes.

The BOC usually comprise of an election officer, a prosecutor and an education officials.

Matildo said that in the case of Zamboanga City, the BOC will compose of Second District Election Officer Stephen Roy Cañete, City Prosecutor Ricardo Cabaron, and Department of Education Assistant Regional Director Pedro Melchor Natividad.

Beng honors Filipino vets

(Zamboanga Today Online)

City Mayor Beng Climaco was effusive in her praise and gratitude to the Filipino veterans who were honored during the Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration Saturday, April 9, citing their sacrifices that have led to the protection of the integrity of the Philippine flag throughout the years.

In her message, Climaco recognized the storied contribution of the Filipino veterans in the country’s history, a principle she strongly shares and uphold in the City’s battle cry of one flag, one nation, one Zamboanga.

“Thank you to all our veterans who have protected the integrity of the Philippine flag. Matunog sa puso ko ang sinasabi nating isang bansa, isang lungsod, at isang bandila lamang ang pwede nating iwagayway sa lungsod ng Zamboanga – at ipo po ay ang bandila lamang ng Pilipinas at wala ng ibang bandila,’ Climaco declared.

The chief executive said that the City of Zamboanga is ready and determined to carry on the legacy of the Filipino veterans of protecting and upholding the honor and dignity of the Filipino flag.

Climaco likewise thanked all men and women in uniform and in active duty for their commitment to their calling and for protecting the City, and assured them of the City Government’s commitment to fight for justice for all civilians and armed forces personnel who died during the infamous 2013 siege in Zamboanga City.

The Araw ng Kagitingan celebration was spearheaded by Zamboanga City Veterans District and Veterans Federation of the Philippines in cooperation with the City Government of Zamboanga. The simple commemorative rite, marked with a flag raising ceremony and floral offering, was held at Freedom Fighters Shrine in Rizal Park and was attended by local officials along with members of the various branches of the security sector and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Araw ng Kagitingan marks the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942. It highlights the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II when Japan conquered the Philippines.

City to distribute rice to farmers

By Nonong Santiago

To prevent the tragic incident that happened in Kidapawan City, the local government through the city agriculture’s office is set to distribute rice to upland farmers in both districts who are severely affected by the long drought.

City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat said Mayor Isabelle Climaco Salazar already asked him to distribute rice assistance to the cultivators to preempt a repeat of the Kidapawan incident.

It will be recalled, three farmers have been killed while a hundred others including policemen were injured during a protest dispersal in Kidapawan City.

Palacat said losses to crops and vegetables due to the El Nino has already reached P24 million.

More than 1,100 hectares of farmlands are destroyed and more than 1,200 farmers from both districts 1 and 2 are affected by the dry spell.

The city government has already purchased and procured drilling rigs and water pumps and these gadgets will be distributed to the affected farmers.

According to Palacat, personnel from his office will undergo orientation and training on how to handle and use the drilling rigs and water pumps.

Zamboanga activates command center for water crisis

By Bong Garcia

THE command center of the Zambaoanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) will be activated anew to address the water crisis caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar issued the order as she convened the El Niño Response Task Force together with the officials of the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) and discussed the prevailing issues and concerns brought about by the prolonged dry spell.

Salazar said the command center is primarily tasked to inform the public about any problems arising from the water crisis, and to keep a list of areas without water “so that immediate action can be taken.”

Salazar said the City Government will assist the ZCWD in the delivery of water to “waterless” villages.

She said the City Government is also exploring the possibility of tapping privately-owned deep wells to bring water to the people.

Engineer Alejo Rojas, Jr., ZCWD assistant general manager for operations, said they forecast a tougher month ahead as water production dropped by 50 percent.

Rojas said the water production as of Sunday midnight has declined to 44,600 cubic meters per day. The normal daily production is 90,000 cubic meters.

“We are trying to brace ourselves to meet our obligations,” Rojas said citing they are expecting the worse as April will be the hardest month.

He said they will procure and possibly rent tankers to ensure continuous delivery of water to severely affected areas.

The ZCWD has around eight tankers that deliver water to the different parts of this city especially in area severely affected by the drought.

SPES orientation set on April 11

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

Mayor Beng Climaco will lead the orientation for the first batch of college students employed under the Summer Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) on April 11 at the City Coliseum.

The first batch will be composed of 1,400 college students who will serve in various capacities in different local government and barangay offices from April 11 to May 6. The second SPES batch will be composed of 1,360 high school students, and will run from May 5 to May 28.

The orientation program, spearheaded jointly by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the City Human Resource Management Office (CHRMO), aims to prepare the SPES beneficiaries for their tasking and responsibilities.

The SPES program was created by virtue of Republic Act 7323, series of 1999 as amended by RA 9547 which seeks to encourage employment during summer, through incentives granted by the Local Government Units (LGUs) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on a 60-40% sharing.

Beneficiaries will receive P280 per day, totaling to P 5,600 for the 20-day period. For this year’s program, the local government allocated P9.27 million as its counterpart support to DOLE’s P 6.18 million.

Free internet service eyed in Zambo public places

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -– The city government is eyeing to install WiFi soon in selected public areas to provide free internet service to the residents and visitors in this city.

Alan Aizon, head of the city government’s computer services division, on Wednesday told the Philippines News Agency the project will be implemented in partnership with the Globe Telecommunications.

Aizon said the Globe Telecommunications will sponsor the equipment and internet access while the city government will secure and shoulder the cost of the electricity.

Aizon said they initially intend to install WiFi at the Jardin Maria Clara at the Pasonanca Park and at the Rizal Park in front City Hall.

He said they also intend to install free WiFi in this city’s Integrated Bus Terminal in Barangay Divisoria. The terminal caters to inter-provincial buses.

He said that free internet service will be also provided in other vital installations since this city is a recipient of the National Free WiFi program of the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO).

He said the program of the DOST-ICTO covers health centers, schools and the Paseo Del Mar, the latest park the city government has developed.

“The Memorandum of Agreement is with the Sangguniang Panlungsod and we are just waiting for its approval and authorization for the mayor to sign the agreement. After signing, the ICTO and Globe will commission the free Wi-Fi.” Aizon said.

Zambo City para-athletes haul 19 medals in 2016 Para National Games

(PNA), PGL/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 7 (PNA) -- The local team of the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently-Abled (PHILSPADA) has brought pride anew to this city as they hauled 19 medals in the recently-concluded six-day 2016 Para National Games.

Teddy Kahil, persons with disability assistance unit head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), said local PHILSPADA delegation garnered two gold, five silver, and 12 bronze medals in the competition held March 28-April 2 in Marikina City.

Kahil said this year’s Para National Games featured 10 sports events to include athletics, swimming, table tennis, powerlifting, boccia, badminton, chess, goalball, tenpin bowling, and wheelchair basketball.

The Para National Games seeks to identify a new core of athletes and serve as the basis for the selection of the Philippine team for future participation in international competitions such as the ASEAN Para Games, Asian Youth Para Games, and the World Para Games.

The national competition also aims to encourage and promote the participation of persons with disabilities in mainstream sporting activities, and ensure that children with disabilities will have equal access to play, recreation, leisure, and sport activities.

The Para National Games is spearheaded by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), through the PHILSPADA–National Paralympic Committee of the Philippines in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd).

Zambo City to showcase Great Sta. Cruz Island in travel, trade show

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 6 (PNA) -– The city government will showcase the Great Sta. Cruz Island’s pink sand beach in the three-day National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, Inc. (NAITAS) Travel and Trade show in Pasay City.

The travel and trade show is scheduled to be held starting on Friday until Sunday at the SMX Convention Center of the SM Mall of Asia.

City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian said they will showcase the most-visited summer destination in this city--Great Sta. Island--in one of the two most important and most awaited highlights of this year’s event--Summer Travel Sale.

The Great Sta. Cruz Island is this city’s banner destination and voted by CNN as one of the top 10 best beaches in the world in 2015.

The Great Sta. Cruz Island is also identified as one of the Must-Go-To destinations for 2016 by National Geographic.

The Great Sta. Cruz Island is a small inhabited island located four kilometers south of downtown. It is famous for its pink coralline sand.

Sebastian said this is the first time the city government will participate in what is considered as the Philippine’s liveliest travel, tourism promoting outbound and inbound destinations and allied products and services.

The travel and trade show is organized by the NAITAS, the country’s biggest and the largest travel association with more than 400 members and 13 chapters scattered nationwide in partnership with the Department of the Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines.

Zambo Ecozone launches West Corporate Centre

By Emmanuel Dalman Taghoy (FPG/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 5 (PIA) – The Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (Zamboecozone), the city’s industrial and commercial hub, has launched recently its West Corporate Centre to become the newest central business district here.

Part of the event was the second leg of the Zamboecozone investment forum attended by several businessmen, investors, bankers and heads of offices from various government agencies.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said “With the Zamboecozone located strategically for industrial and agricultural investments, Zamboanga City’s policy of attracting and welcoming investors would result to a more equitable distribution of wealth and a sustainable, habitable and prosperous ‘Asia’s Latin City’.”

The West Corporate Centre is designed to cater to the approximately 400 thousand residences of the west coast area ans serves as the corporate headquarters of the major canning and fishing companies in the Philippines with over 35 thousand workforce, and those of nearb towns such as Sibuco, Sirawai and Siocon of Zamboanga del Norte province.

“We aim to create profitable industries, providing employment and livelihood opportunities, harnessing economic competitiveness and diversifying products and services,” Mayor Climaco said.

Zamboecozone Chairperson and Administrator Christopher Lawrence Arnuco is inviting government agencies to put-up satellite offices in the West Corporate Centre. “It will have office-ready spaces, conference rooms and 24/7 security which will guarantee a low start-up cost to potential locators and access to government,” he said.

For more details, interested parties may contact Ms. Marilou dR. Vasquez at (062)991-3158.

Zambo City, NHA turnover permanent shelter to 2013 siege victims

(PNA), RMA/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and officials of the National Housing Authority (NHA) led the turnover on Saturday of 164 permanent shelters to victims of the 2013 siege.

The houses were constructed in the villages of Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina, two of the four hardest-hit areas during the 21-day September 2013 siege.

The other two hardest hit areas were the villages of Rio Hondo and Mariki.

Salazar said that 153 of the 164 units they turned over were built at the Christian-Muslim Urban Poor Association, Inc. (CMUPAI) Subdivision in Sta. Barbara while the remaining 11 units at the Lustre Homeowners Association Subdivision (LHOA) in Sta. Catalina.

Salazar said the 153 units built in Sta. Barbara were part of the total 259 housing units targeted for construction at the CMUPAI Subdivision with a total cost of Php 51.81 million.

Salazar said the construction of the remaining 106 units continued with May 2 as target completion date.

She said the 11 housing units turned over to the LHOA in Sta. Catalina formed part of the total 124 units targeted for construction with a total cost of Php 39.20 million.

She said the first 113 units were turned over to the beneficiaries last July 15.

The construction of the housing units form part of the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) program implemented through the NHA.

The funding for the construction of the permanent shelters came from the PhP3.9 billion allocated by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III allocated for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the siege-affected areas.

Zambo karate athlete shines in Japan competition

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – A Zamboangueño karate athlete has brought honor and fame to this city as he won two bronze medals in a recent global event held in Amagasaki, Japan.

Jose Felix Balan of Barangay Putik, this city, harvested two bronze medals during the Shito Ryu Shukokai World Cup (male kata, 16-17 years old category) held from March 24-28.

Mayor Ma Isabelle Climaco-Salazar commended Balan, his coaches and trainors for the effort and for bringing honor and fame to this city.

Salazar expressed elation that the Zamboangueño youth of today continue to shine in the different fields particularly sports not only in local but even international and worldwide competitions.

Balan was part of the Zamboanga delegation to the Philippine National Games (PNG) 2016 held from March 7-11 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

The delegation harvested a total of 119 medals composed of 44 gold, 37 silver and 38 bronze medals in the PNG.

Zambo City to join Madrid Fusion Manila 2016

(PNA), RMA/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 2 (PNA) – Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has given the City Tourism Office the go signal to join the Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM) 2016 following the success of last year’s participation to the biggest gastronomical event.

Salazar has designated City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez to lead the team of this city to participate in this year’s MFM 2016 scheduled to be held from April 7 to 9 at the SMX Convention Center of the Mall of Asia.

Salazar said this city’s participation this year was anchored on showcasing the fusion of local and international flavors of the Chabacano cuisines that had maintained its distinct taste through time.

The MFM 2016 offers more food options and an even more impressive line-up of speakers during the International Gastronomy Congress.

The congress speakers’ will include famous Filipino and internationally-acclaimed Chefs.

The MFM is the first and only Asian edition of Madrid Fusion, the most important international gastronomy congress in the world, celebrated annually in Madrid since 2003.

The MFM gathers the most acclaimed avant-garde chefs from across the globe.

The MFM 2016 is anchored on the theme “‘The Manila Galleon: East Meets West,’ expanding the gastronomic conversation further, not only between two countries but between two very different parts of the world.”

The MFM 2016 is organized by the Department of Tourism (DoT), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), along with Madrid Fusión organizers Foro de Debate and Arum Estrategias de Internacionalización.

Last year, the MFM 2015 garnered positive reviews and created an international buzz in the culinary field which included our very own Chavacano cuisines and delicacies.

DPWH okays PHP187-M repair of sports complex in Zambo City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 1 (PNA) -– The government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has given the go signal to start the repair works at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Jr. Memorial Sports Complex in this city.

Eng’r. Cayamombao Dia, DPWH assistant regional director, told the Philippines News Agency that they already issued the “notice to proceed” to the contractors to rehabilitate the sports complex.

So far two local private construction firms have been awarded to undertake the rehabilitation project.

The sports complex was dilapidated after it has served as the biggest evacuation center housing more than 100,000 people displaced during the 21-day September 2013 siege.

Dia said the contract cost of the repair works is PHP187 million and to be finished within 276 calendar days.

Covered in the rehabilitation project are the perimeter fence, gate, three bleachers, the rubberized track oval, soccer football field and others.

Dia said DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson is monitoring the rehabilitation of the sports complex.

The funding for the rehabilitation of the sports complex is taken from the PHP3.9 billion President Benigno Simeon Aquino III allocated for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the siege-affected areas.

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