Zamboanga City News December 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.

Cops distribute anti-kidnapping flyers

By Bong Garcia

THE cops of Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) have distributed anti-kidnapping flyers to establishments and individuals in the city, an official said.

Superintendent Ariel Huesca, the ZCPO spokesman, said the distribution of the flyers is intended to raise the public’s awareness on kidnapping incidents; however, Huesca did not say whether lawless elements have threatened to kidnap local businessmen.

Huesca said they have not also received report from businessmen about extortion activities by any lawless groups, but added: “The threat is always there. With regards to extortion, as of now we did not receive report.”

He said they do not discount the possibility that some of the local businessmen have received extortion letters “but don’t report to the police.”

The anti-kidnapping flyers came after the Abu Sayyaf rebels released businesswoman Michelle Panes, who was kidnapped last August 18 in Barangay Labuan in Zamboanga City.

Panes was freed on Christmas Eve at Barangay Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu.

Manila Water to undertake project in Zamboanga

(ABS-CBNnews.com)

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Water Company will be working with the Zamboanga City Water District for a project to reduce non-revenue water in the city.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, Manila Water said it was awarded the joint venture for non-revenue water reduction activities by the Zamboanga City Water District.

The project will be implemented through a joint venture company to be formed between the ZCWD for a period of 10 years.

"Manila Water and ZCWD shall execute a joint venture agreement to govern their relationship as joint venture partners. Thereafter a service agreement shall be executed by and between the joint venture company and ZCWD," the company said.

City sets 118th Rizal Day activity

By Sheila Covarrubias

Zamboanga City will join the entire nation in observing the martyrdom of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in a simple but meaningful ceremony to be led by Mayor Beng Climaco at the Rizal Shrine tomorrow, December 30.

Now on its 118th year, the activity marks the day when Rizal was killed by Spanish soldiers in Bagumbayan, now Luneta Park for The activity, to be participated by the multi-sectoral groups in the city will start at 7am at the Rizal Shrine fronting City Hall.

The event will begin with the flag raising ceremony to be followed by the floral offering. Mayor Climaco will later give her commemorative message.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued memorandum circular 2014-150 enjoining all local government units to conduct activities to commemorate the 118th martyrdom of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

In Manila, President Noynoy Aquino will spearhead the commemoration rites at the Rizal National Monument, Rizal Park also at 7am tomorrow with a flag raising and floral offering ceremony.

Jose Rizal was executed on Dec. 29, 1896 after he was found by the military court guilty of rebellion, sedition and conspiracy. The Spanish authorities believed that his writings “fatally and necessarily” incited rebellion that led to a revolution in 1896.

Bus terminal security tightened

By Bong Garcia

THE Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) strengthened the security at the bus terminal to ensure the safety of travelers in going home in time for the New Year.

ZCPO director Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro said they have deployed ample number of policemen to the bus terminal.

Casimiro’s order came as the volume of arriving and departing passengers have increased.

Casimiro said the policemen are to assist the security guard hired by the bus firm in the inspection of baggage as well as to maintain orderliness at the terminal.

The local bus terminal is mainly being used by the Rural Transit Mindanao, Incorporated (RTMI), which maintains fleet of buses servicing the route from this city to as far as the cities of Iligan, Ozamis and Cagayan de Oro.

The other users of the bus terminal are passenger vans and mini-buses that ply shorter routes such as from this city to Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

The schedule of trips is up to 10 p.m. daily except on December 31.

Casimiro said he also deployed policemen to conduct roving patrol along the highway.

ZPCI holds ‘share a gift’ program

By Bong Garcia (Sunnex)

THE Zamboanga Press Club Incorporated (ZPCI) conducted on Saturday its “share a gift” program that benefitted 64 poor people in Zamboanga City.

Twenty of the 64 identified beneficiaries are senior citizens who were among those displaced by the 21-day September 2013 siege.

The siege started September 9, 2013 when hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members loyal to founding-chair Nur Misuari infiltrated at least five coastal villages in the city.

The senior citizens-beneficiaries are among the 536 internally-displaced persons (IDPs) that are presently housed at the Philippine Tuberculosis Society Incorporated (PTSI) property in the village of Upper Calarian.

The other 44 beneficiaries are elderly inmates, who, for years now are no longer visited by their relatives or friends at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-administered Zamboanga City Reformation Center (ZCRC).

Each of them identified received pairs of used clothes, toiletries and packed lunch.

ZCRC Warden Julius Arro lauded the ZPCI for its “share a gift” project.

‘Hechos de Zambo’ showcases local goods

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

Various exhibitors showcased the best of the locally produced goods of Zamboanga City in the recently concluded Doce Dias de Hechos de Zamboanga 2014 trade fair, an initiative spearheaded by the local government through its Trade and Investment division.

In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Zamboanga City Office, Office of the City Agriculture, the Office of the City General Services, and the El Museo de Zamboanga, the Hechos featured the products and goods of at least 23 local exhibitors.

Supporting the initiative as co-presenters were Zamboanga Ecozone, KCC Mall de Zamboanga, and Toyota – Cagayan de Oro.

The objective of the Hechos, an exhibit cum trade fair, was to bring additional holiday cheer to consumers while helping producers market their products under the One Barangay, One Product (OBOP) initiative, said City Investment Officer Apple Go.

A portion of the proceeds of the Hechos was also donated to the victims of Typhoon Ruby, said Go.

Two legs of the Hechos fair were at the Zamboanga Ecozone from December 12-13, and at the Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat Complex from December 15-21 to allow consumers from both East and West coasts to fully participate in the activity.

The Doce Dias de Hechos was one of the Christmas activities spearheaded by the local government for the Pascua na Zamboanga 2014 celebrations.

Go expressed her gratitude to the sponsors, participants, and exhibitors of the Hechos, which included Safety Enterprises, Piaggio Ape Zamboanga, Nature’s Spring Bottled Water, Pepsi Cola Bottlers’ Philippines, Globe Telecommunication, Coca Cola Bottlers’ Philippine, Inc., San Miguel Brewery, Inc., and e-Media, as well as the residents who flocked to the venues nightly for making the initiative a huge success.

Participants to the Hechos included: Curves Dance and Fitness Studio and Kitzar Fitness Gym, Zamboanga City State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College, Universidad de Zamboanga, PRO-9 Band, WESMINCOM Band, and EAAB Band.

Among the local exhibitors who displayed their goods for sale were: Chuchay’s Eatery, Raijoshi Food Center, Dunkin Donuts, Purefoods Hormel Co., Potato Corner, Kingland Hopia Factory, Koollie Fruitty, Savanna Dairy Products, Normingring Motorbikes, Jinbei Auto Zamboanga, Mitzubishi Zamboanga, KGC Infinite Fashion, Fashion Select, Joy delas Peñas, Grace Lim Online Business Products, Jenevive Araneta, Ellaine’s Fashion Wear, Farlin Camins, Fely Lumata, Myrna Tiking, Ayudahan Livelihood Association, Nur-Ina Rivera, and Ederlyn Mendoza.

ZamboEcoZone registers $694-M investments

By Nonoy E. Lacson

San Ramon, Zamboanga City – The Zamboanga City Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (ZamboEcoZone) has registered a new high in export performance and investment during the first 11 months of this year.

Alfonso Basilio A. Marquez, information officer of ZamboEcoZone said that the zone has recorded US$ 4,793,282.81 in export value from January to November of 2014, as compared to US$3,567,255.92 during the same period last year, or a 34.37 percent increase.

Marquez said that records from the zone Enterprise Services Section also indicated that investment in the zone has increased from US$685,000,000.00 last year to US$694,674,878.24 this year.

Christopher Lawrence S. Arnuco, ZamboEcoZone Chair and administrator (CA) said the locators in the zone are now enjoying an uptrend in their export performance.

Jose J. Suan, ZamboEcoZone Director said the zone is now moving forward, as export value index showed a significant increase during the first 11 months of 2014 as compared to the figures of 2013 covering the same period.

Suan said that there are now more than 3,000 workers engaged by a Japanese firm producing wigs for export to Japan and other countries, San Miguel Corporation-BMEGS that produces feeds for livestocks, Oriental Tin Can that supplies cans to canning factories, and CTK Rubber Corporation exporting to South Korea.

Suan said the Japanese firm producing wigs has almost 1,000 laborers. “Wigs are very expensive. It costs like P30,000 each or depending on the style, quality and order by the buyers,” he said.

ZamboEcoZone is also helping the city government in generating income for the city and in providing livelihood to improve the quality of life of residents in the area.

The continuous rise in export value figures is being attributed to the excellent performances of two of the biggest exporting enterprises in the zone–Seachamp International Export Corporation (SEIC) and CTK Asia Rubber Corporation (CTK).

SEIC, a Filipino-owned export-oriented company is engaged in the processing, manufacturing and export of processed marine products, specifically Octopus and Silage Fish. SEIC exports its products to the USA, Thailand and Mexico.

The Korean owned CTK Rubber Corporation is engaged in the processing, manufacturing and export of technically specified natural rubber exclusively to South Korea. The processed rubber is primarily used in the production of rubber tires in Korea which, in turn, are being exported around the world.

Public reminded of firecracker ban

By Bong Garcia

ZAMBAONGA CITY - Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has warned the public of the existing ban on the use and sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices pursuant to City Ordinance 431.

The reminder is in light of the Christmas and New Year revelries when fireworks displays have become a tradition.

Salazar issued the warning after the police arrested a businesswoman and her niece in an entrapment for illegally selling firecrackers and pyrotechnic products.

The businesswoman and her niece posted bail after they were formally charged in court last Friday.

Salazar said the police authorities are strictly implementing City Ordinance No. 431 banning the use, sale, possession, distribution, storage and manufacture of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in this city.

City Ordinance 431 was enacted on September 30, 2014 as an urgent measure and takes effect immediately in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

Salazar said the Ordinance is aimed to permanently eliminate unnecessary injuries, loss of lives, and damages to properties resulting from the negligent handling of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

20 cops receive award

By Bong Garcia

PLAQUES and certificates were awarded to 20 policemen on Tuesday by the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) for assisting them in pursuing cases against people involved in water meter theft in this city.

ZCWD General Manager Leonardo Rey Vasquez said the awarding of plaques and certificates is a gesture of gratitude to the awardees for helping in the campaign against water meter theft.

Fifteen of the 20 awardees are from the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Zamboanga City Police Office, three from ZCPO’s Intelligence Branch and two from the Police Station 7.

The awardees from the SIU are Superintendent Felixberto Martinez, SIU chief; Inspector Daniel Taub; Senior Police Officer 3 (SPO3) Oliver Paraguya; SPO1 Mario Lafuente, Jr.; PO3 Miguel Acejas, Jr.; PO3 Anselmo Lerios, Jr.; PO3 Bienvenido Aquilina, Jr.; PO3 Omar Graciano; PO3 Rolando Enriquez; PO2 Arnel Ferrer; PO2 Oscar Fajardo; PO2 Gregorio Bernardo; PO2 Alexander Delos Reyes; PO2 Romeo Quindo; and, PO1 Had Marwan Edding.

The Intelligence Branch awardees are Chief Inspector Roberto Marcos; SPO3 Adonis Untoy; and, SPO3 Glen Binarao.

Police Station 7 awardees are SPO3 Adzhar Omar; and, PO3 Geronimo Rabor.

Engineer Efren Arañez, ZCWD Board of Director, said the water meter theft as a never-ending problem of the water firm.

Stolen water meters, which has a market prices of P1,600 each, are being bought by junkshop owners at P240 each.

“They are after the copper content of the water meter,” Vasquez added.

Attorney Lovell Abad, ZCWD legal department head, said the filing of the cases will sent a strong message that they are serious against water meter theft campaign.

DTI focuses on SMEs development in Region IX (Yearender)

By Teofilo P. Garcia, Jr. [(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/EDS]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 22 (PNA) -– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has provided assistance to a total of 3,101 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) maximizing the resources of government for the development of SMEs here in Region IX.

Consisting the bulk of DTI’s mandate, President Benigno Simeon Aquino, III has a standing order to develop the SME sector to help generate local jobs and alleviate poverty in the country.

The Shared Service Facility (SSF), a proposal-based assistance and one of DTI’s big ticket projects, banners the agency’s initiatives for SME development, providing SMEs the necessary equipment to develop, sustain, and improve their businesses from food to non-food sectors.

The DTI has allotted P27 million last year for SSF with 33 approved projects implemented this year; nine more are expected to be established by the end of this year awaiting necessary requirements from the beneficiaries.

This year’s SSF budget allocation is P46 million or higher by P19 million than the allotment of last year. Of the total allocation, P44 million have already been obligated to 101 projects proposed.

“We already received and approved 101 project proposals worth P44 million. We are now in the process of evaluating additional proposals for the remaining P2 million,” Lowell Vallecer, DTI Regional Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Division chief, said.

Aside from SSF, the DTI has also conducted Small and Medium Enterprise Roving Caravans (SMERAs) where it includes assistance for product development; linking SMEs to financial institutions for additional funding or business capital; business matching; advocacy campaigns on rubber quality improvement; the Philippine Traceability Project (PTRACE); and the ASEAN Economic Community Forum to prepare the SMEs for the ASEAN market.

“As of October, we have conducted 67 SMERAs to help our SMEs in all the process of their business development. By the end of this year, we are well over our target of 70 SMERAs. We are constantly monitoring them to make sure that they succeed in their endeavor,” Vallecer added.

The DTI has also held the first-ever Zamboanga Peninsula Trade Exposition (ZAMPEX) last October in a bid to promote Region 9’s best SMEs products and to promote the region as a viable investment hub.

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, has stressed that ZAMPEX “will now be a yearly” trade exposition of the region that will serve as link for SMEs and the market.

“ZAMPEX will henceforth, be our region’s primary marketing platform to launch innovative products and services of our micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs and find a niche in the domestic and international markets,” Jain said.

Jain has assigned all DTI provincial offices to further strengthen and develop their respective SMEs in preparation for a bigger market.

“We need to prepare our SMEs for the ASEAN integration. It’s a big market and our SMEs should take this as an opportunity for them to grow,” she said.

She is also planning to hold future ZAMPEX, perhaps in 2017, outside the region to “bring our products and SMEs to Manila.”

However, she stressed that they have to ensure the region’s SMEs “are ready to meet the market’s demand by that time, thus, the need to further develop them.”

Turn-over of bunkhouses with facilities and core shelters for the IDPs

By Allen Abastillas

Cabatangan, Zamboanga City – The 545th Engineer Construction Battalion, 52ndEBde, PA,in coordination with the DSWD Field Office IX, WMC, AFP and the City Government of Zamboanga held a formal and official turn-over ceremony of the 40 bunkhouses on stilt with facilities and 32 Single Detached Core Shelters for the IDPs affected by the Zamboanga siege. The activity was held around 2 p.m. on December 16, 2014 at Masepla, Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City.

Both projects were constructed by the 545th Engineer Construction Battalion, 52E, PA at Masepla, Mampang except for the first 18 Single Detached Core Shelters which were constructed at Paniran, Sta. Catalina.

DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” J. Soliman was the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Other prominent guests attended the occasion are as follows: Hon. Maria Isabelle “Beng”Climaco-Salazar, Mayor of Zamboanga City; LTGEN RUSTICO O GUERRERO AFP, Commander, WMC, AFP; COL ANDRELINO G COLINA INF (GSC) PA, Commander, Joint Task Force-Zamboanga; S/SUPT ANGELITO ABELLERA CASIMIRO, Director, Zamboanga City Police Office and Director Zenaida L Arevalo, CESO III, DSWD Field Office IX, Zamboanga City.

LTC ARNEL F FERNANDEZ CE (GSC) PA, CO, 545th Engineer Construction Battalion, 52E, PA formally welcomed Sec Soliman and all the other guests. In his welcome remarks, LTC FERNANDEZ emphasized in passing the invaluable efforts and contributions of the organic Muslim personnel of this unit - who are former MNLF-Integrees but are now regular members of the AFP- in the construction of bunkhouses and other projects of the unit. Likewise, same gave a preview of the unit’s direct involvement in the implementation of various DSWD infrastructure projects for IDPs affected by theZamboanga siege.

LTGEN RUSTICO O GUERRERO AFP formally turned-over theSymbolic Key to Sec Corazon “Dinky” Soliman assisted by LTC ARNEL F FERNANDEZ CE (GSC) PA, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and Dir.Zenaida L Arevalo.

Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar said she is very thankful for the support provided by the Army engineers and the AFP in general tothe City Government of Zamboangaparticularly in the rehabilitation program for the IDPs after the Zamboanga siege. She likewise, enjoined some IDPs present during the occasion to show appreciation for the untiring efforts of the Officers and men of the 545ECB, 52E, PA in the speedy construction of several bunkhouses and other facilities for them.

And finally, Secretary Soliman gave her inspiring message, graciously expressing her profound gratitude to all, whom in one way or another supported the efforts of the government, through the DSWD and the LGU ofZamboanga, in the rehabilitation of IDPs affected during the Zamboanga Siege. She likewise, assured all the IDPs that very soon each one of them will be returning back to their respective barangays where they were staying before the crises erupted. Said pronouncement was met with a loud applause from the IDPs.

Right after the turn-over program, the group proceeded to the project site for the cutting of ribbon and for the conduct of ocular inspection of the turned-over projects.

The “Quarter to Six Band” of this unit provided the entertainment aspect of the activity by performing live songs during the occasion, to the delight of more or less 150 IDPs and other local residents in the area who attended and witnessed the aforesaid event.


LTO-9 revenue collection for 2014 to breach P400M

By Allen Abastillas

Land Trasportation Office-9 Director Aminola P. Abaton is optimistic that his office’s revenue collection for 2014 will breach P400 million.

Abaton said so far LTO-9 collected more or less P396 from January to November this year which is higher compared to the same period last year which was only P372 million.

According to Abaton, the increase in the collection of revenues can be attributed to the prompness by all district offices in the computing and processing of data. Likewise, each LTO district office has a generator to provide electricity in case of blackout which had caused delays in the past in the processing of motorvehicle registrationand renewal including application and renewal of licenses.

“This is a way of ensuring and providing an efficient government delivery of services to clientele which is the public”, Abaton said.

Abaton added that the LTO central office will procure an impounding area for motorvehicles for each regional office intended for violators of the Traffic Code and other laws related to transportation.

DSWD-9 readies for NTHS

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is making the necessary preparations for the conduct of the National Targeting Housing Survey (NTHS) next year.

DSWD Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo said on Thursday they will hire next month at least 2,000 enumerators who will undertake the survey in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Arevalo said the DSWD central office has allocated PhP72 million for the salary of the enumerators and other expenses such as the printing of the survey forms, transportation and communications needs.

The survey questionnaires include the following: How many members are there in the family? How many children? Are they studying?

Arevalo said the NTHS is aimed to identify the non-poor, near poor and poor families in the country.

DSWD NHTS Regional Focal Person Hasan Alfaro said the target number of families to be surveyed in the region is 700,000.

Alfaro said the 284,000 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will also be included in the survey “to know their status.”

The survey results will also be used as the basis on who will be the government programs’ beneficiaries such as the 4Ps and social pension.

Agrarian community gets P500,000 project

By Bong Garcia (Sunnex)

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has allocated P500,000 for the implementation of a project that would provide a boost to the livelihood of an Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in a west coast village in Zamboanga City.

DAR Regional Director Julita Ragandang said the project known as the Village Level Processing Center and Enhancement Project (VLPCEP) form's part of DAR's support services to ARCs.

Ragandang said the project's ARC-beneficiary is the Malandi-Patalon Zamboanga City Agrarian Reform Association (Mapzacara) of the village of Patalon.

Ragandang led on Tuesday the groundbreaking of the project, which is set to be completed within 45 days.

Once completed, Ragandang said the processing center will help boost the livelihood of Mapzacara since it will redound to the improvement of products of the beneficiaries.

The Mapzacara is producing coconut sugar, banana chips and vinegar.

Ragandang said with improved product quality, the Mapzacara can increase the price of their products, thereby increasing the group's income.

The VLPCEP aims to develop market competitive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) products and enhance enterprise and livelihood activities at the community level in selected agrarian reform areas through assistance in product value-adding, improvement of facilities, and assistance in documentation and license application.

Meanwhile, Ragandang said the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are also helping them in providing assistance to the Mapzacara.

She said the assistance provided by the DOST, PCA and DTI is by way of technical training.

Westmincom launches Bamboo Reforestation Project

(PNA), RMA/TPGJR/TPGJR/JSD

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 17 (PNA) – At least 200 bamboos were planted Wednesday at Camp Don Basilio Navarro that houses the headquarters of the military’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in this city.

This came about as Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero led the launching of the Bamboo Reforestation Project (BRP) here.

Guerrero said the launching of the BRP was in line with the 79th Founding Anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday and the National Greening Program (NGP).

The NGP is a massive forest rehabilitation program of the government established by virtue of Executive Order No. 26 issued on Feb. 24, 2011 by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.

The program seeks to grow 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares nationwide within a period of six years, from 2011 to 2016.

“Considering all the environmental benefits of bamboos, the BRP is a priority project of the AFP to mitigate the effects of climate change and contribute to disaster management,” Guerrero said.

He said the bamboo planting was simultaneously conducted in all military camps in the country.

First day of ‘Misa de Gallo’ peaceful

By Bong Garcia

THE Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) reported that the first day of the “Misa de Gallo” was peaceful and orderly.

ZCPO Director Angelito Casimiro said Tuesday that no untoward incident was reported to his office. Each of the police stations has parish church in their respective area of responsibility.

The ZCPO, in coordination with the military’ Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) and village officials, adopted security measures to ensure the protection of the churchgoers during the nine-day Misa de Gallo.

The Misa de Gallo, known to Filipinos as the “Simbang Gabi,” starts every 16th of December until Christmas Eve.

“So far, peaceful with the help of TFZ and force multipliers,” Casimiro said of the first day of the Misa de Gallo.

The force multipliers refer to the village watchmen and Civilian Volunteer Organization members.

The provision of security in churches during the nine-day Simbang Gabi is in line with the Command Memorandum Circular-Kapaskohan issued by Casimiro.

Zambo bags 29 gold medals in Batang Pinoy

By Sheila Covarrubias

The Zamboanga City delegation to the Batang Pinoy National Championships held in Bacolod City from December 9-31 harvested a total of 29 gold medals.

The team also bagged 10 silver medals and 35 bronze medals.

City Sports Director Cecille Atilano, who led the Zamboanga delegation said the different sports events where Zamboanga harvested medals included archery- 1 gold, 1 silver and 6 bronze; boxing – 2 bronze medals; Karatedo- 5 gold, 2 silver, 6 bronze medals; Muay Thai- 4 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medals and Pencak Silat- 4 gold and 3 bronze medals.

1 bronze medal was also garnered in swimming; 7 gold, 5 silver and 7 bronze medals were hauled in weightlifting; 6 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals were contributed by the athletes in wrestling and 2 gold and 5 bronze medals were bagged during the wushu finals.

The national finals is a program of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education and the local government units.

Thousands of participants aged 15 and below participated in the 5-day event, the opening of which was graced by PSC Chairman Richie Garcia and Commissioner Salvador Andrada.

The Zamboanga delegation arrived Zamboanga last night.

LTO to revise licensing policy

By Bong Garcia

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to revise its existing policy to strengthen the procedure of the issuance of driver's license in the country.

LTO-Zamboanga Peninsula Director Aminola Abaton said the LTO Central Office is studying provisions that need to be revised to ensure that licenses will only be issued to deserving individuals.

Abaton said there will be changes in the conduct of examination for new driver's license applicants, starting in the first quarter of 2015.

He said the LTO will soon require the applicants to enroll in LTO-accredited driving schools before they will be issued a license.

All changes will be implemented for student, non-professional and professional permits, Abaton added.

30 victims of human trafficking rescued in Zambo City

By Zaida delos Reyes-Palanca

THIRTY persons who were reportedly victims of human trafficking were rescued while three illegal recruiters were arrested by authorities during their operation the other day in Zamboanga City.

Reports from Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 showed that the victims were rescued at around 7:30 p.m. in a safehouse in Barangay Cabatangan in said city after authorities raided the suspect’s hideout.

Twenty-five of those arrested were from Zamboanga Sibugay, three others were from Zamboanga del Norte and two others were from the City.

Some of the victims were identified as Roseller Cagas, 28, Nestor Cagas, 54; Roel Elcame, 48; Jecel Solis, Jhunrey Banua, 19; Merienissa Estrada, 23; Jessie Umput, 29; Jose Basaliil, 31; Panchito Sumali, Ruben Estrada and Liezel Maquintura.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of three suspected illegal recruiters identified as Ryan Benson, caretaker of the safehouse; Gaga Sahis, owner of a ferry boat M/L Rosmina and Ronel Maquintora.

It was learned that the victims were recruited by the suspects and were promised jobs in Malaysia in exchange for huge amounts of money as placement fees.

The operation was conducted in response to the report of a civilian volunteer regarding the presence of a group of people in the said residential area.

The rescued persons were turned over to the custody of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for proper disposition.

‘12 Dias de Hechos’ show debuts at Ecozone today

By Vic Larato

A wide array of locally produced products ranging from native delicacies to handicrafts is on display for sale starting today, Dec. 12, up to Dec. 21, in three different venues.

Dubbed as “12 Dias de Hechos,” the activity officially kicks off at 2 o’clock this afternoon at the Zamboanga Ecozone in San Ramon, where it will stay until tomorrow, Dec. 13. It features a car show and a nightly market.

A free ride to and from the ecozone is available to everybody for two days (Dec. 12 & 13). There will be three trips to the venue; first trip is 9 a.m., next is at 12 noon, then last at 3 p.m. interested patrons are requested to assemble at City Hall (fronting PNB) earlier than the departure time.

The activity will feature auto/ motorcycle/ bike show, autocross display and show, night dry market with live entertainment sponsored by the City Government.

Entrance to the ecozone and use of swimming pool are absolutely free of charge.

After ecozone, the 12-day exhibit with a variety show will transfer venue, this time at Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca for seven days from Dec. 15 to 21. Again, there will be free rides every day (afternoon only) from City Hall at 4 p.m, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

On Dec. 15, first day of the exhibit at Jardin Maria Clara, there will be a Zumba Dance Party for all; awarding ceremonies on Dec. 16 for winners of the Lantern and Canciones de Pascua competitions; and a car show on Dec 20.

From Dec. 15 to 21, the “12 Dias de Hechos” will move for its final week to the church premises in Barangay Mercedes.

For inquiries and other details about the exhibit, please refer to the Investment and Promotion Services headed by Angelique Go of the City Mayor’s Office in City Hall.

An activity under the “Pascua na Zamboanga” festivity, the exhibit is in line with City Ordinance 424, mandating the organization and management of One Barangay One Product (OBOP) in the city, patterned after the “One Town One Product (OTOP)” of Japan and adopted by the national government.

It is organized by the city government through the Investment Promotion Services, City Tourism Office, Public Information Office, all of the City Mayor’s Office; City General Services Office, City Agriculturist Office in coordination with the Zamboanga Ecozone, Barangay Ayala, Department of Trade and Industry- Zamboanga City Office, Barangay Mercedes, Philippine National Police and Task Force Zamboanga.

Congresspersons Celso Lobregat and Lilia Nuño of Districts 1 and 2, respectively, are among the principal sponsors together with Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils., Inc., Pepsi Cola Bottling Co., and San Miguel Brewery Inc.

Under the OBOP Program, the city government shall approve for public sales only products and services that are selected by the respective Barangay Council, which are economically beneficial to the barangays, and not detrimental to the health of the prospective consumers and further not hazardous to the environment.

It hopes to promote the OBOP and harness the economic potential of each barangay, keep the city’s old investors, keep the confidence of investors and constituents that doing business in Zamboanga is smart and wise, promote micro small and medium entrepreneurs thru outside selling, develop the capability of existing entrepreneurship activities and uplift the Christmas spirit of Zamboangueños thru outdoor events like the night market.

DOT launches 'Visit the Philippines Year 2015' in Zamboanga City

By R.G. Antonet A. Go (PNA), CTB/TPGJR/RGAAG/EDS

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 11 (PNA) -– The Department of Tourism (DOT) has officially launched "Visit the Philippines Year 2015 (VPY 2015)" in this city.

DOT Regional Director Mary June Bugante spearheaded the launching of the VPY 2015 in a ceremony held Wednesday night here.

Bugante said the VPY 2015 is a year-long events-driven nationwide campaign where interested parties can register their events at www.visitph2015.com, the official website which aims to attract domestic and foreign tourists to participate in the events.

“Registering in the said website will bring year-round exposure and to encourage public-private partnership as well as community participation,” Bugante said.

“It is an opportunity for LGU’s (Local Government Units) to make their events known worldwide and get free promotion for the events,” Bugante added.

In the case of this city, Bugante said the local government can register the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival that highlights the feat of Our Lady of the Pillar, the most revered saint of this city.

She said VPY aims to have one major occasion every quarter that would attract not only domestic but also international tourists to visit the country.

Those who attended the launching of VPY 2015 were stakeholders of tourism in the entire region.


ZCWD continues to build water infra projects

By Montee E. Domingo(ZCWD,OIC-CREAS)

In line with the agency’s mandate to provide sustainable water supply, project expansion and rehabilitation of dilapidated pipelines, development of new water sources as well as laying of additional pipes are part of Zamboanga City Water District’s continuing program to improve its services.

Twelve spring boxes in Tolosa was completed in February this year. This is primarily to ensure protection of these water sources from possible intrusion of foreign elements. The project benefits the barangays of Tolosa, Lanzones, Guisao, Cabaluay, and soon Cacao and Lapakan. Because of the increasing demand for potable water, ZCWD will augment its water supply in the area by developingnext year another source in Cahumban.

During the second quarter, replacement of the 100mm diameter PVCbridge crossing at Morning Glory, Barangay Putikand the 200mm diameter PVC pipe along the creek at Gov. Camins and Barangay Sta. Maria Park were also accomplished. This is part of ZCWD’s initiative to make all exposed pipelines compliant to industry standards.Total cost of these two projects amountedPhP308,831.00.

By the third quarter, the following capital improvement projects with a combined cost of close to PhP20 million were put in place:

• Pasobolong – CuliananWater System. This project, though not yet fully energized, will be interconnected to the existing pipeline in Tolosa. It will become fully operational once the Cahumban water source is completed next year. The projectinvolves the laying of 3.9kilometers of 100mm diameter PVC pipeline, installation of 4units each of 75mm diameter fire hydrants, 4-unit blow-off assembly, 4units air release assembly and other appurtenances. Since 2005, the number of service connections in Pasobolong increased by 111 or almost 170 percent.To date, Pasobolong has 272 water service connections, and still counting.

• The Mampang-Arena Blanco Pipeline Construction/Rehabilitation/Improvement Project which was started in April 2013 was also completed during the quarter. This PhP8.7 millionpipeline project will convey water from the Talon-Talon Booster Station to Mampang and Arena Blanco.

• The ACP Pipeline at Johnston Subdivision in Baliwasan with a total cost of PhP4.5 million was likewise replaced.

The largest and most complex of these projects is the Dumalon-Zambales-Baluno-Capisan-Malagutay-San Roque-Calarian-Cawit-Sinunuc-Maasin Water System Project. To date, Flamingo area in Upper Calarian, San Roque, Cawit, Recodo and Maasin are already benefitting from the project. It will also augment water supply in Tulugnatung, Ayala, and Dulian including Carmen Valley in Pasonanca. This is one of the LGU-identified water system projects that were implemented by the ZCWD.

DOLE: 90 hired on the spot in Zamboanga City jobs fair

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that 90 of the hundreds of job seekers were hired on the spot during the jobs fair initiated by the agency in this city.

The jobs fair, which is in line with the 81st anniversary of DOLE, was held Monday at the Centro Latino Convention Hall in Paseo del Mar, this city.

Josephine Crudo, DOLE’s Public Employment Service Office focal person, said Tuesday that 68 of the 90 were hired for local employment while the remaining 22 for overseas employment.

Crudo said the jobs fair was participated by 14 local companies and seven Manila-based overseas placement agencies.

The holding of the jobs fair is part of the activities lined up in connection with the 81st anniversary celebration of DOLE.

This year’s anniversary is anchored on the theme: “Higit pa sa Tagumpay at Reporma, ang DOLE mas Makabuluhan, mas Nadarama.”

Tesda sets food handling training

By Bong Garcia (Sunnex)

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is scheduled to conduct a week-long food handling training in Zamboanga City.

Tesda Regional Director Lorenzo Macapili announced the week-long training is aimed to capacitate selected internally displaced persons (IDPs) on food handling.

The IDPs were among those displaced during the 21-day September 2013 siege when hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members infiltrated several villages in the city.

Macapili said the training will be conducted from December 10-16 in partnership also with one of the locally-based canning firms aside from the DSWD.

Macapili said the food handling training is aimed to produce the needed workforce of the locally-based canning factories.

He said after the training, the participants will be employed by the canning firms.

Zamboanga City is home to 12 canning factories that produce 70 percent of the sardine products of the country.

The 12 canning firms employ some 30,000 workers. Macapili said 80 percent of the employees are from the nearby provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur and some from Northern Mindanao.

Macapili said the food handling training is a pilot project of Tesda and DSWD aimed to provide job opportunities to the local residents.

Dole sets jobs fair

By Bong Garcia

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) announced that 20,635 job vacancies are up for grabs in the one-day livelihood fair on Monday in Zamboanga City.

The conduct of the jobs fair is part of the activities of Dole as it marks its 81st founding anniversary Monday.

Dole Assistant Regional Director Albert Gutib said that 17,704 of the 20,635 job vacancies are for overseas employment while the remaining 2,931 vacancies are for local employment.

Gutib said the one-day event will be participated by 14 local companies and seven Manila-based overseas placement agencies.

Gutib said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is also joining the jobs fair since BIR is set to hire some 510 personnel in 2015.

He said the soon-to-open shopping mall of the Koronadal Commercial Corporation (KCC) Mall is hiring at least 200 sales workers.

The other activities includes the following: skills demonstration; awarding of livelihood projects; awarding of Certificates of Accreditation as Occupational Safety and Health Practitioners; and, Zumba dance fitness for the employees of Dole line agencies.

Gutib said this year’s anniversary of Dole is anchored on the theme “Higit pa sa Tagumpay at Reporma, ang Dole mas Makabuluhan, mas Nadarama.”

UNFPA commits continuous help for Zamboanga IDPs

(FPG/DIS/PIA9-ZBST)

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reiterated its commitment to continue to help the internally-displaced persons (IDPs) here, citing that many of them especially women and children need assistance.

“We remain committed to help Zamboanga and the IDPs,” said UNFPA country representative Klaus Beck during his visit here Tuesday.

Beck emphasized that he recognized the efforts done by the local government and national government agencies, however, “the conditions of 25,000 evacuees still living in evacuation centers and transitory sites require durable solutions.”

Among the concerns Beck enumerated include health concerns, “especially for the Badjaos whose poor health seeking behavior and health practices lead to maternal and child mortality and morbidity.”

Aside from health issues, Beck said that protection issues for girls and women in evacuation centers, especially in the Grandstand remain.

“We must join hands in addressing these issues,” he said.

Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development regional director Zenaida Arevalo said that “the local and national government as well as humanitarian partners have been exhausting all possible means to help the IDPs”, however “in spite of these efforts, we may not be able to provide for all their needs.”

On Tuesday, the UNFPA turned over several birthing equipment to be used in the health stations established in the conflict-affected barangays. Women-Friendly Spaces (WFS), which is seen to be a one-stop show for women needing special services related to prevention and management of cases of gender-based violence were also inaugurated in Masepla and Buggoc transit sites as well as in Arena Blanco. The WFS will also serve as a venue to raise awareness on women’s issues.

A Violence Against Women (VAW) desk was also turned over to Sta. Catalina. Barangay chairman Jimmy Villaflores said that the desk will be very helpful in dealing with gender-based violence cases in the community since he has noted that many women are victims.

Meanwhile, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said that there are many cases of abuses done to women and children, especially those who are in the evacuation centers and transitory sites. “There have been cases of child abuse and even incest, and prostitution. We need all the help we can get.”

‘Diskwento Caravan’ reels off

By Bong Garcia

THE two-day "Diskwento Caravan" initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Zamboanga City reeled off Thursday with the participation of 21 product distributors and exhibitors.

Dubbed as the "Noche Buena Diskwento Caravan," the two-day event, which ends Friday, is being held at the historic Plaza Pershing downtown.

DTI-Zamboanga City Consumer Protection Division chief Ceferino Rubio said the caravan aims to ensure that those with tight budget would still enjoy their Christmas and New Year celebration.

"Our purpose for conducting this activity is to help our consumers meet their needs and expenses for their celebration of Christmas and New Year," Rubio said.

He said big discounts on the prices of Noche Buena items sold by the participating distributors and exhibitors range from 10 percent up to 50 percent.

Basic commodities and selected appliances are also on sale.

Rubio encouraged the public, especially the low income earners, to take advantage whenever such activities are conducted by DTI.

"We urge the public to grab this kind of opportunity especially our low income earners as this is designed for them. We want to alleviate their plight in terms of provision of basic goods," he said.

The diskwento caravan is also seen as a means to help decongest the stores from buyers especially this Christmas season.

City Hall lights up anew for Pascua na Zambo

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

And then there was light...

The dazzling light display of the City Hall was the highlight of the Pascua de Zamboanga 2014 celebrations, the annual Christmas festivity whose kickoff yesterday, December 1, officially marked the opening of the yuletide season in the City.

“Como un pamilya Zamboangueño, dale kita gracias y alabansa con el Dios Emmanuel que ta dale canaton Paz,” said Mayor Beng Climaco as she underscored this year’s Christmas celebration theme – Paz.

Led by Climaco and local city officials, a mix of over 2,000 local government employees and Zamboangueños from all walks of life converged in front of City Hall to witness the switch-on ceremony, a practice which is fast becoming a yuletide tradition for families.

Aside from the light display, the City Hall Christmas décor also has a traditional belen display which, on the night of the kickoff, featured farm animals for children to pet.

The lighting ceremony was immediately followed by the Christmas parade which made its way from the City Hall grounds to the Paseo del Mar where the entire force of the local government family celebrated the opening of the Pascua na Zamboanga 2014, and its early Christmas party with the lighting of the Paseo ground decorations and a show choir competition.

“The real meaning of Christmas is family,” emphasized Climaco as she enjoined employees to welcome the advent of the yuletide season with hope and joy.

Among the activities lined up for this year’s Christmas activities are : Christmas Landmark Competition (December 10-12), Noche Navidades (December 12-14), Open Lantern Competition (December 15), Canciones de Pascua (December 16), Doce Dias de Hechos de Zamboanga (December 12-13 at Ecozone, December 15-21 at Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat Complex, December 20-21 at Mercedes Church premises), Noche de Alcaldeza (December 19-21), and the 2014 Christmas Holiday Fashion Extravaganze (December 22).

City observes World AIDS day

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

The City Government, through the City Health Office, will spearhead the observance of World AIDS Day today, Dec. 2 with a walk from Paseo del Mar to Cawa-cawa Boulevard.

City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos said the walk will start at 4pm and will be participated by the different sectors and stakeholders.

Spearheaded each year on December 1 in partnership with the multi-sectoral Zamboanga AIDS Council, the AIDS Walk seeks to raise awareness on the prevention and control of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The City’s HIV Registry has documented a total of 113 HIV cases in Zamboanga City from the period of 1995 to October 2014.

Of this number, 23 deaths have been recorded.

Majority of the HIV cases are predominantly found in the 25-34 age bracket, at 39%, followed by the 15-24 group and the 35-44 group at 36% and 22%, respectively. In terms of cases by sex, 99, or 88%, are male patients.

Agbulos noted that the mode of transmission of the known HIV cases is through sexual transmission although there are also cases where it was spread through blood donation. He added that 77 of the 113 cases are from Zamboanga City, while 36 are transient cases with affected individuals hailing from the different regions in Zamboanga Peninsula and the ARMM.

The CHO is also stringently monitoring the entry of transient travelers in the City, especially Malaysia, the health officer said, as 20 of the HIV cases documented have been traced to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Malaysia.

The observance of the World AIDS Day and the AIDS Walk are just some of the activities to be spearheaded this December by the CHO, along with the Ear, Nose, and Throat Consciousness Week (December 3-9), National Health Emergency and Preparedness Day, Head and Neck Consciousness Week, and the National Youth Health Day.

The City will also be observing the Firecracker Injury Prevention Month this December.

WMSU joins celebration of National Book Week, launches new database

By AJ Dalugdug (PAO, WMSU)

The University Library actively took part in this year’s celebration of the National Book Week, themed “Philippine Libraries: Future Possibilities” which lasted from November 24 to 28 at the WMSU Library.

The celebration of the National Book Week is pursuant to former President Manuel L. Quezon’s proclamation no. 109 in 1936 which duly recognizes every third week of November as the National Book Week.

During the kickoff program of the week-long celebration, Dr. Roberto B. Torres, Vice President for Research, Extension Services and External Linkages (RESEL) mentioned how the library is the center for resources for knowledge and advanced study.

Mr. Benhur Asid, University Librarian, in his welcome remark inspired the university officials, faculty, students, teacher-librarians from External Studies Units of WMSU and other library stakeholders to get involved in the celebration of the availability of knowledge found in books. The Library prides itself of its contribution to the development of the university, especially in the recent evaluations of accrediting agencies that have assessed the programs and services of the university in the past months.

With the full force of the staff of the University Library, activities lined up for the book week pushed through successfully.

November 24, Monday saw the launching of the new E-Library database, maintained by Mr. Roy Vincent Geonzon, system administrator of the library website. According to Mr. Geonzon, the website shall cater to students and faculty of the university. It features online services such as book reservations, announcements, OPAC, 24/7 service information from selected contact library personnel, and guidelines and policies of the library. Further, a list of the newly acquired books is also made available for the public (www.wmsu.edu.ph/library).

Other activities were the Kapihan sa Bibliotheca where the main library staff and ESU librarians sat down and discussed some issues and concerns surfacing in libraries of WMSU; book exhibit where the library opened its doors to students, faculty and guests who were welcomed to read newly acquired books of different fields and genre; forum for library personnel and ESU teacher-librarians with topics ranging from “Revisiting Library Standards and Policies in Organizing Library Resources” by Mr. Asid to “Records Management in Libraries” by Mrs. Ethel A. Villanueva, Head, Technical Services; film viewing; and a logo making contest.

The celebration concluded with a program held on Thursday, November 27, where awards and recognition were given to the top library users, for the faculty, administration and student categories. The winners for the logo making contest were also announced during the program. Further, the University Library has also conducted a raffle draw whereby regular library goers and book borrowers dropped off coupons they got from borrowing books from the library prior to the week-long celebration. Prizes were given to the lucky winners.

The top library users for 2014 were Mrs. Rodita Silva from the College of Liberal Arts (Faculty Category), Mrs. Fini Joy P. Buenafe, Director of the Career and Placement Office (Administration Category) and seven students to wit: Mark Ian Aurestila, John Ernest Doronio, Bernardo Geyte, Riz Khan Tahil and Nurhamin Tangkaan from the College of Engineering and Technology; and Spencer Bello and Anie Palalon from the College of Liberal Arts.

For the logo making contest, the following were the winners and their corresponding ranks: Mark Chelon Dumasig (BSCS, ESU Molave), 1st place; Aldrin Vallespin (BSCS, ESU Molave), 2nd place; Jhunel G. Amantiao (BS Psychology, CLA), 3rd place; Danny Medallo (Engineering, CET), 4th place; and Arellano Laping, Jr. (AB Asian Studies, CAIS), 5th place.

All these endeavors of the University Library is aimed at encouraging all researchers, students, faculty and all members of the WMSU family to go back into reading and continue supporting the library as it is the source of information and knowledge that can bring about innovations and development for the university—innovations that the library is starting to adapt with, especially in the fast-pacing change in information and technology.

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