Zamboanga City News April 2018

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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.

Once Islas frontliners,guides complete training

(Ciudad Zamboanga)

Thirty-four (34) residents nominated by the Barangays of Panubigan and Dita finished the three-day community guiding orientation conducted by the City Tourism Office at the Panubigan Barangay Hal/l from April 24 to 26.

The community guides completed the training about basic reception and community guiding in line with the implementation of Ordinance 2018-16, otherwise known as the Once Islas Ordinance.

It also includes practices on environmental protection and conservation, historical facts and basic information about the barangays of Panubigan and Dita and the islands of Baung-Baung, Bisaya-Bisaya, Buh-Buh and Sirommon.

The three-day orientation included a one-on-one assessment, a written examination and mock tour held during the last day of the activity.

The scores of the participants were summed up and ranked as only the participants included among the top 20 will be included in the priority list for actual assignment of community guiding once the islands are open to the public.

The mock tour, conducted by each of the participants, was an initial simulation of an actual tour involving a large group of guests.

The training was welcomed and accepted by the locals and gave them a whole new perspective about community guiding and the natural wealth possessed by the barangays.

City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian said that the opening of the Once Islas opens a window of opportunities to the residents of Panubigan and Dita in terms of community empowerment, tribal cooperation and increasing their economic productivity.

Mayor Beng Climaco- Salazar conferred certificates of attendance to participants and awarded three promising community guides, namely Ibrahim Hapi, Aloisa Rojas and Yunus Samson during the last day of the three-day event.

City, USAID hold Sta. Cruz island clean-up

By RG Antonet Go

The USAID Protect Wildlife spearheaded an island cleanup at the Great Sta. Cruz Island yesterday in line with the observance of earth month.

Volunteers from the city government and partners under USAID Protect Wildlife picked trash left in the island which were placed in several sacks. Trash were composed of residual waste such as coffee sachets, biscuit wrappers, and mineral water bottles.

Reynaldo Navacilla, Zamboanga City Field Site Manager- USAID Protect Wildlife, said that massive information dissemination is still needed for people to stop the generation of trash.

He also said that coastal barangays should be monitored to see that people do not dump garbage into the open sea.

The consciousness of segregating and disposing waste properly should also be inculcated in the minds of the public. added Navacilla.

USAID is helping the city government address threats to the environment, particularly biodiversity loss and wildlife trafficking under Protect Wildlife, a five -year project implemented together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The group is also helping the Protected Area Management Unit (PAMU) to enhance the management plan for Sta Cruz island, ensuring protection of wildlife, and promoting positive behavior for tourists visiting the island.

House panel to probe housing projects

By Roel Pareño, Jess Diaz (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — A day after falling into murky water while inspecting a resettlement site in Zamboanga City, the chairman of the House committee on housing and urban development vowed to look into all projects undertaken by the National Housing Authority (NHA).

Negros Occidental Rep. Albee Benitez, Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat and Mayor Isabelle Climaco, two NHA officials and their staff fell when the wooden footbridge they were standing on collapsed.

“We will check housing units not only in Zamboanga City but in all NHA housing sites for substandard materials and construction and other irregularities,” Benitez said.

”A congressional hearing will be held.... It happened to me, Congressman Celso and Mayor Beng. It’s probably an eye-opener that we need to investigate this project,” he said.

Benitez said he asked his staff to gather all documents about the relocation project in Zamboanga City, including the cost and contractor of the footbridge.

“How much was spent for the footbridge? Who designed it? Who approved the design? Who was the contractor? These are some of the questions we want answered,” Benitez said.

The housing project is intended for victims of the Zamboanga siege.

Benitez said he would like to know how many housing units have been built and occupied since the incident in 2013.

He said the collapse of the footbridge highlights the dangers beneficiaries of substandard housing projects face.

“They have become victims of man-made disasters twice. We became victims ourselves,” Benitez said.

He said the houses on stilts in the resettlement site should be redesigned.

Benitez also called on beneficiaries of other government housing projects to send their complaints to his office.

P4.3-M traffic lights in Tumaga start operation

By RG Antonet Go

The Zamboanga local government has started operation of the P4.3-million traffic lights along the Tumaga-Governor Ramos Avenue intersection as part of its effort to ease traffic congestion in the city.

“Ta observa kame, ese lugar ta man traffic gayot especialmente si nohay traffic enforcers,” said Engr. Rene Dela Cruz, City General Services Officer.

Dela Cruz identified the traffic light contractor as KIV Marketing from Manila.

The project for the traffic light installation was started last January.

The traffic light is the 6th signalized traffic system installed along major thoroughfares and intersections in the city.

Similar traffic lights with timers were installed along Mayor Jaldon Street, Governor Camins Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Veterans Avenue, and Governor Lim.

The traffic lights were installed amid discussions earlier this year at the City Council on the use of signalized traffic lights in city streets.

Local lawmakers argue that the practice by traffic enforcers of manually operating the signallized lights and not using the timer result to more traffic congestion.

Councilors passed a resolution for enforcers to use the timer that comes with the signallized traffic lights which cost the city millions of pesos.

More than 3,000 candidates file for Barangay/ SK posts

By RG Antonet Go

More than 3,000 candidates have filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) last week for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections scheduled this May.

Commission on Election (Comelec) records show that a total of 3,676 barangay aspirants and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) aspirants have already filed their COCs with the Comelec Zamboanga City district offices.

A total of 257 aspirants have filed for barangay captain, 97 of who filed under district 1 and 160 under district 2.

A total of 2,144 persons have filed for Barangay Kagawad. Of this number, 874 have filed under district 1 while 1,270 have filed under district 2.

For Sangguniang Kabataan aspirants, a total of 254 have filed for SK Chairman. Of this figure, 102 have filed under district 1 while 152 have filed under district 2.

A total of 1,021 have filed for Sangguniang Kabataan Kagawad, 442 aspirants have filed under district 1 and 579 for district 2.

The filing of COC for the barangay and SK elections started last April 14 and was expected to end on April 20 but was extended to April 21.

The elections are scheduled on May 14 this year.

Comelec Zamboanga City District 1 Election Officer Atty. Stephen Roy Cañete personally brought the COCs to Comelec Manila last Tuesday where these will be evaluated by the Comelec Manila Law Department.

He is expecting the numbers to still go down after being reviewed by the legal department.

The final list of candidates is expected to come out by the first week of May.

Cañete advised the candidates not to conduct early campaigning and for incumbents not to use government property for their campaign.

He also advised voters to check their precinct numbers as early as possible to avoid delays in voting during election day.

DOLE sets 2-day Labor Day job fair in Zamboanga

By R. G. Antonet Go (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that 23,158 job vacancies are up for grabs in the two-day DOLE 2018 Labor Day jobs fair here.

The two-day fair is scheduled to be held from April 30 to May 1 at the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone (Zamboecozone) in Sitio San Ramon, Barangay Talisayan, this city.

Karen Grafia, DOLE regional information officer, told the Philippine News Agency that 18,311 of the 23,158 vacancies are for overseas placement while the remaining 4,847 are for local employment.

Grafia said 21 local firms and 17 overseas placement companies have confirmed to participate in the job fair.

Grafia said jobseekers will be provided with free bus ride from 6 a.m. to 12 noon with embarkation point at the Philippine Red Cross grounds along Rizal Street or locally known as Pettit Barracks.

She said the D’ Biel Bus company will also grant 50 percent fare discount to jobseekers from and to Zambo ecozone during the two-day job fair.

She said the applicants are advised to pre-register online at www.dole9.org.

They will receive confirmation through Short Message Service (SMS) or text after filing up the form.

Grafia said among the documents the jobseekers should prepare are resume, birth certificate, diploma, transcript of records, clearances, training certificates, and others.

“It’s important for them to prepare their resume. Their resume should reflect who they are, what they are good at, and what their ideal job is,” Grafia said.

She added jobseekers should also be dressed in business attire and be ready for interview.

City tourism eyes 11 Islands as world class eco-cultural tourism destination

By R.G. A A. Go

The City Tourism Office sees the 11 Islands or Onse Islas as a world class eco-cultural tourism destination especially now that the ordinance for the islands was officially passed.

“We envision this (referring to the 11 islands) as a world class eco-cultural tourist destination,” City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian Hernandez said in an interview.

She said that with the support of the local government, barangay, and the community she sees no reason why they will not succeed in developing the islands.

City Ordinance No. 2018-06 or the 11 Islands Ordinance was authored by District II Councilor Benjamin B. Guingona IV.

The ordinance envisions to operationalize the 11 islands for eco-cultural tourism, allowing the imposition of certain fees charges imposing penalties for violation thereof, appropriating funds for its operation, and for other related purposes was passed on third reading during the City Council regular session last Tuesday.

Of the 11 islands, only four islands will be opened for tourist and these are the Bisaya- Bisaya, Baong- Baong, Buhbuh, and Siromon. Some islands will not be opened due to cultural reasons, however, the visitors can still do the island tour to see the whole 11 islands.

Pier will be constructed to include comfort room, watch towers, picnic huts, and other environmental friendly infrastructures.

The ordinance also includes rates such as: P100 each for entrance fee and environmental fee. Other things included in the ordinance are the jump off area which is at Barangay Panubigan, transport system, uniform design of vessels, and the carrying capacity of the island which is a maximum of 200.

Activities which can be done in the island are swimming, trekking, diving, snorkeling, kayak, paddle boarding, and island tour. Siromon will be positioned by the city as a diving site.

More than 20 personnel’s from the city tourism will be needed to assist in manning the operation of the island. This will include emergency team, life guards, and the necessary personnel to man the island.

11 islands are composed of Bisaya-bisaya, Kabugan, Siromon, Baong-Baong, Buhbuh, Simadang, Salangan, Lambang-Lambang, Bagias, Lampinigan, and Sibana Islands.

BFP issues 5k Fire Safety Certificates

By Bhong Simbajon

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has issued more than 5,000 Fire Safety Inspection Certificates (FSIC) for the first three months of the year.

The figure obtained for the first quarter surpasses the certificates issued for the entire year in 2017.

Based on BFP records, the Zamboanga City Fire District issued 5,227 FSICs from January to March this year.

In 2017, the City Fire Department issued a total of 4,166 FSICs to business applicants.

City Fire Marshall F/Supt. Jhufel Brañanola said that they will try their best to process more FSICs to complete the documents of 10,633 business owners who filed their business applications in January this year.

Brañanola believes that they can process the applications of the projected 8,273 applicants who may still file their business applications within the year.

“Compared to last year, we are way ahead of schedule. We have adopted new strategies to fast track the issuance of FSICs and there is no truth to the alleged reports that we are the cause of the delay in the issuance of business permits in the city.” Brañanola said.

Zamboanga City turns over lot to Owwa

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Zamboanga City government has formally turned over to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) the documents certifying that the local government has made available a portion of Lot 60 in Cabatangan for the use of the agency.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar personally handed over to Owwa Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac the lot title, sketch plan, certification and other pertinent documents on Tuesday, April 17, at the City Hall.

An Owwa building, among others, will rise on a 1,500-square-meter portion of Lot 60. The area is covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-184-702.

The turnover was witnessed by regional officials of Owwa and the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).

Cacdac thanked Salazar and the city government for the generosity. He said it will be a big boost to Owwa’s delivery of services to its clients.

Tau Gamma Phi conducts feeding program

(PR)

SOME 200 children and adults have benefited from the feeding program initiated by the “Lenten Batch” of the Triskelion Alumni Organization.

The beneficiaries of the feeding program, which was held on Saturday, were residents of Sitio Mariki in the village of Zambowood, Zamboanga City.

The conduct of the feeding program is part Triskelion Alumni Organization’s continued commitment and socio-civic activities for the benefit of the communities.

The Triskelion Alumni Organization is also undertaking humanitarian projects giving priority to underdeveloped areas.

The feeding program is a side activity of the Tau Gamma Phi’s ongoing basketball tournament seeing action the different chapters of the Triskelion.

The tournament is aimed to promote sportsmanship and to further strengthen camaraderie among members of the brotherhood organization.

They also shared “boodle fight” meal during lunch break. The tournament resumed in the afternoon.

The 10-new brothers of the Triskelion comprising the “Lenten Batch” were warmly welcomed into the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity after they were properly recognized.

Series of orientation on anti-smoking set

By Sheila Covarrubias

The newly-created Task Force on Anti-Smoking on Monday began the series of orientation on Ordinance 469 targeting the different sectors in the city to ensure wider dissemination of the law.

This, as the City Government formally launched the Anti-smoking campaign with the swearing in of the Task Force and the unveiling of the no-smoking billboard in front of City Hall on Monday morning.

Participants to Monday’s orientation on the provisions of Ordinance 469, the law that regulates smoking in the city were members of the traffic enforcement team and policemen. For April 17, participants will be operators of establishment within the business district; April 18- tricycle operators and April 19- Public Utility vehicle operators.

The information campaign will cover a period of 30 days where information, education and communication materials will be distributed. Tarpaulins/ billboards will also be installed in strategic places to inform the public about the implementation of the ordinance.

Ordinance 469, approved January 2018 and authored by Councilor Myra Abubakar, amends certain provisions of Ordinance 413, series of 2013 entitled an ordinance regulating smoking in the city of Zamboanga and providing penalties for violation thereof. It is intended to safeguard public health and ensure physical well-being of the constituents.

Mayor Beng Climaco chairs the Task Force Anti-Smoking with City Administrator Apple Go and City Health Office OIC Dr. Dulce Miravite as vice chairpersons.

The ordinance bans smoking in all enclosed public places, workplaces, accommodation and entertainment establishments and all forms of public conveyances including vehicles owned by the government. Exception to the rule are designated smoking areas.

Violators of the ordinance shall be administratively fined as follows: first offense- P1,000 or immediate community service of cleaning the public place as determined by the apprehending authority for 2 hours at the area where violation was committed; 2nd offense – P3,000 or 3 hours community service; 3rd and subsequent offense- P5,000 or 5 hours community. Establishments that tolerates smoking in no smoking areas will also be fined – P3,000 for first offense, P4,000- second offense, P5,000 – third offense and 4th offense - P5,000 and revocation or permanent cancellation of business permit.

Zamboanga-Based MEMPCO Invests in the Future with Oradian’s Cloud Technology

(Tempo Online)

Another entity in a hard-to- reach community in the Philippines will soon benefit from the technological services offered by Oradian, a global company that provides a cloud-based toolset for financial institutions that are looking at growing and reaching a wider customer base.

This comes after the Micro-Entrepreneur’s Multi-Purpose Coop (MEMPCO) engaged Oradian’s Software as a Service (SaaS) Model during a contract signing held recently at the Oradian headquarters in Makati. Present during the signing were Oradian’s Business Development Manager YardenBilovich, MEMPCO’s General Manager Ms. Eleonor Santiago-Dillena and Board Chairwoman Ms. Melecita T. Sajili.

MEMPCO is a savings and credit cooperative based in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur which started operations in 2002.

Bilovich welcomed MEMPCO to their growing roster of clientele saying that Oradian simply wants to empower cooperatives, as well as rural banks and micro-finance institutions, so they can keep up with the demands of digital transformation. Dillena, meanwhile, is hopeful that with Oradian’s expertise in cloud technology, they will be able to thrive more and assist their members better, faster and safer- without the burden of incremental costs.

Zambo City designated as environmental planners testing center

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

ZAMBOANGA City has been designated as a testing center for the June 2018 Environmental Planner Licensure Examination.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar had requested the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to designate the city as a testing center, citing its ideal and convenient location for a compelling number of environmental planner aspirants from Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte.

The Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) Zampen - Basulta Chapter, headed by City Planning Officer Rodrigo Sicat, passed a chapter resolution requesting the local chief executive to make the appeal.

In its resolution, the PIEP said interested examinees from the areas mentioned have expressed their preference to take the exam in Zamboanga City due to its proximity and accessibility.

1,400 SPES beneficiaries start work in Zamboanga

(PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A total of 1,400 college students hired by the city government through the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) have started working on Monday.

Socorro Rojas, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) chief, said the first batch started working at 9 a.m. Monday in the barangays and selected government offices after they had undergone orientation.

In total, Rojas said the city government hired 2,766 students -- 1,400 college and 1,366 high school -- through the SPES program this year.

Rojas, also the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) chief, said the work period for each batch is 20 days.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar spearheaded the conduct of the orientation held at the Vitaliano Agan coliseum.

Salazar exhorted the students to make the most out of the privilege granted to them by the local government through the SPES and help build back a better Zamboanga City.

The SPES is an annual joint undertaking of the city government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at 60-40 percent sharing.

Rojas said the city government has allocated P15 million for the program this year that caused the increase in salaries of the beneficiaries.

She said each student will have a daily salary rate of P477.73 or a total of P9,554 for the 20-day period.

She added that the 60 percent salary counterpart of the city is P286.60 daily while the 40 percent will come from the DOLE.

In previous years, each of the students received a daily salary based on the minimum wage law, which was P296.

Rojas said the second batch, which are high school students, will be employed sometime in May, this year.

Fresh grads invited to Labor Day Jobs Fair in Zambo Ecozone

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) -- About 5,000 fresh graduates in this city are expected to look for jobs, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has identified industries in the city and overseas where they can most probably secure jobs the soonest.

Leading occupations that the graduates can apply for include those in retail/service industries, security and defense, construction and engineering and business process outsourcing such as call centers.

DOLE and is inviting the graduates to apply in for jobs in the Labor Day Jobs Fair at the Zamboanga Ecozone and Freeport Authority (ZamboEcozone) on April 30 to May 1.

Local and overseas companies including government offices will be hiring during the jobs fair. Most companies in the fair will hire applicants on the spot.

Pre-registration which is a requirement to join the fair is now entirely online. Jobseekers are advised to log-on to dole9.org and register as early as possible before the jobs fair. Registrants’ application will be confirmed thru text, and this will serve as their pass to enter the jobs fair premises. The DOLE advises that only those who have pre-registered online will be accommodated.

Applicants must bring the following to the jobs fair: bio-date or resume, NSO birth certificate, high school or college diploma, transcript of records, NBI/Police/Barangay clearance, medical certificate, training certificates, national certificates, professional license, and civil service eligibility (for those applying in government). (JDP/DIS-PIA9-Zamboanga City)

Zamboanga City hires 2,766 studes under summer job program

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The city government has hired a total of 2,766 students under the Summer Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) this year.

Socorro Rojas, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) chief, said that of the figure, 1,400 are college students while the remaining 1,366 are high school students.

Rojas said under the program, the students are to work for a period of 20 days with a daily salary rate each of P477.73 or for a total of P9,554.60.

The program is a joint undertaking of the local government and national government, through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The city government, being the employer, will pay 60 percent of the salary of each SPES beneficiary. DOLE pays the remaining 40 percent.

Rojas said the college students, who comprised the first batch, will start working on April 12 until May 10, while the second batch from May 11 to June 2.

The student-beneficiaries of SPES will be assigned to the different barangays to undertake clean and green project and in offices to do clerical works.

Rojas, who also heads the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), said the city government has allocated P15 million for the SPES representing the local government’s 60 percent counterpart in the program.

The SPES is an employment bridging program during summer or Chirstmas break that aims to augment income of the family of poor but deserving students, out-of-school-youth (OSY) or dependents of displaced workers who intend to finish their education.

The SPES is commonly known as the summer job program. (PNA) who intend to finish their education.

The SPES is commonly known as the summer job program.

PH, Australia complete 2nd maritime security engagement

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Philippine Navy (PN) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) have completed the conduct of the 21-day 2nd Combined Maritime Security Engagement (MSE) in Mindanao, a top Navy official said Wednesday.

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) commander, said the closing ceremony was held at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in this city on Monday.

Medina said the MSE, held from March 13 to April 2, involved the deployment of vessels from the navies of both countries.

He said Navforwem’s Naval Task Force 61 had utilized the BRP-Gregorio del Pilar (FF15); BRP-General Mariano Alvarez (PS-38); BRP Felix Apolinario (PC-395), BRP Filipino Flojo (PC-386); and BRP-Florencio Inigo (PC-393), while the water assets from the RAN were the HMAS Broome (ACPB-90) and HMAS Launcestaun (ACPB-94).

The vessels patrolled the Area of Operations of Joint Task Forces Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Basilan during the 21-day MSE, said Medina.

The MSE, he said, is part of the government’s anti-piracy and anti-terrorism campaign to help curb the security threats affecting the islands of Mindanao.

The joint engagements were seen as one of the major factors in the decreasing number of kidnapping incidents in Western Mindanao, the Navy official said.

Last year, not a single kidnapping was recorded within the Navforwem area of responsibility through the effort of both local and international agencies.

For their part, RAN officials appreciated the professionalism and skills shown by their Filipino counterparts. They also emphasized that the engagement help develop operational concepts and enhanced interoperability in handling threats faced by both countries in the maritime sphere.

The closing ceremony on Monday was attended by Lt. Col. Judd Finger, the Commander of Joint Task Group 629 as the keynote speaker, and Capt. Joe Anthony Orbe, Naval Task Force 61 acting commander, who represented Medina.

The PN and RAN successfully held their 1st Combined PN-RAN Maritime Security Engagement from Nov. 10 until Dec. 1 last year. The focus of the patrol was the Sulu Sea.

Medina said the activity has enhanced the Maritime Cooperation with other regional navies and continues to secure the maritime domain of the Sulu Sea.

TESDA holds 2-day jobs bridging, enrolment program

(PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is conducting a two-day special national Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET) jobs bridging and enrollment program in this city.

The two-day activity started Thursday and ends Friday. In this city, it is being held in one of the shopping malls.

Nelly Macapili, TESDA 9 senior specialist, told the Philippine News Agency that the two-day event is focused on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and construction - in response to the Build, Build, Build Program of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Macapili said those who will avail of the ICT program will be trained on animation, technical drafting, English proficiency, call center, medical transcription and others.

She said open for construction, the trainings are for masonry, electrical, heavy equipment operation, plumbing, and welding.

TESDA will also assist them in finding jobs after the training.

Hundreds of students have also enrolled in the different TVET programs while Senior High School graduates joined the Jobs Fair.

The two-day activity is in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the city government.

Macapili said that the program is also being simultaneously conducted nationwide.

Summer job program starts next week

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Summer Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) will officially kick off next week with the first batch of hired students to start working.

Socorro Rojas, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) chief, on Thursday said there are 2,766 beneficiaries of SPES for this year.

Rojas said the first batch, consisting 1,400 college students, will work from April 12 until May 10.

Rojas said the second batch, which comprises of 1,366 high school students, will work from May 11 until June 2.

Under the SPES, the students are to work for a period of 20 days with a daily salary rate of P477.73 or a total of P9.554.

The implementation of SPES is a joint undertaking of the local government and Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).

The city government shoulders 60 percent or P286.60 of the salary of SPES beneficiaries’ while the 40 percent by Dole.

Rojas said the city has allocated P15 million for the SPES representing the City Government’s 60 percent counterpart in the program.

SPES is commonly known as the summer job program.

Zamboanga City opens center for street urchins

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Processing Center of the Zamboanga City Government for mendicants and psychotic vagrants is now operational.

Socorro Rojas, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) chief, made the announcement after the center was launched on Tuesday, April 3. Fr. Joefie Handugan officiating the blessing rites.

The center, which is operated and managed by the CSWDO is located at the former Magbasa Kita Foundation building along R.T. Lim Boulevard.

Rojas said the center was established in line with the strict implementation of the anti-mendicancy law by the City Government.

Rojas said the center will be a temporary shelter for mendicants pending assessment and while the CSWDO is locating their relatives and places of origin.

Due to funding constraints, the center is not yet fully furnished but the CSWDO is grateful to some good Samaritans who shared some stuff to ensure the comfort and convenience of the clients.

Zamboanga City police receives communication equipment

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

SENIOR Superintendent Vicent Neri Ignacio, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, has vowed to further strengthen peace and security efforts in the city.

Ignacio issued the statement after Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar on Monday afternoon turned over to him 24 units of two-way handheld radios with complete accessories as part of the city government’s continuing assistance to the security sector.

The communication equipment is expected to help the ZCPO in the mobility and deployment of troops during emergencies and in the course of performing its mandated tasks.

Ignacio acknowledged the fact that the City Government under the leadership of Salazar is firm in its commitment to help the local police perform better in maintaining peace and order in this city.

He said police tasks would be challenging without the assistance and support of the local government unit.

The assistance provided to the security sector by the administration of Salazar has reached over P800 million since 2014 to present.

The support comes in numerous forms -- transportation facilities complete with fuel and maintenance services, firearms, allowances for policemen, office supplies, communication facilities and numerous others.

Pencak Silat medalists get formal recognition

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Zamboanga City Government on Monday formally recognized the four Zamboagueño athletes who won silver medals in the 9th UPSI International Pencak Silat Championship 2018 held last month in Malaysia.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and Dr. Cecilia Atilano, city sports director, led the recognition of the four athletes held at City Hall.

Awarded with Certificates of Recognition were Mutmainna Asmad, Tyrone Bernardo, Harold Raph Ungaya and Jerome Negapatan and their coaches Beveryly Mahusay, April Joy Alarcon and Herold Padi.

Salazar said their feat in Malaysia has brought honor and fame not only to Zamboanga City but the entire country.

Councilor Joselito Macrohon, former San Roque village chair witnessed the recognition, as he was instrumental in the training and eventual victory of the athletes being residents of the village.

The medalists are also products of this city's Summer Learn to Play a Sports program.

The Pencak Silat Championship was held from March 18 to 26 in Perak, Malaysia.

Salazar hoped the athletes all the best as they will be representing the country anew in the Junior World Pencak Silat Championship 2018 slated in Senggal, Thailand from April 23 to 29.

DICT starts P33-M network project

(RGAAGo)

The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) is embarking on a P33.9-million program to connect government agencies and offices in Zamboanga City.

Juanito Calingacion Jr., GovNet focal person, said that 33 kilometers of fiber optic lines will be used to connect eighty-eight (88) national and local government agencies and offices.

The network includes 71 national government agencies, 5 schools, 2 hospitals, 10 offices of the local government unit.

Completion rate is currently at 20 percent.

Three companies in Manila have been tasked to lay down the cables to connect the offices.

Calingacion said that they are targeting to complete the project by August this year.

Upon completion, each agency will receive 20 mbps which will serve as a dedicated line for its users.

The office is envisioning a digitally empowered and integrated government that provides responsive and transparent online citizen-centered services for a globally competitive Filipino nation, according to a DICT statement.

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