Zamboanga City News December 2015

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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.

Zambo City commemorates 119th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal

(PNA), JMC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) –- Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde on Wednesday said the youths should emulate the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero.

Iturralde issued the statement as he highlighted Rizal’s life and works in a simple but meaningful ceremony, as this city joined the entire nation in observing the martyrdom of the national hero.

The fitting ceremony was held at the Rizal Shrine in front of City Hall.

“It is very important for the youths to know and follow on the belief of Rizal for the good of our country,” he added.

The Rizal Day activity here began with the flag raising ceremony at 7 a.m., followed by the floral offering.

The event marked the day when Rizal was killed by Spanish soldiers in Bagumbayan, now Luneta Park, 119 years ago.

Rizal was executed on Dec. 30, 1896 after the military court found him 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.

This year’s Rizal Day commemoration is anchored on the theme “Rizalism: The Key to Global Peace, Solidarity and Prosperity.”

The activity in this city was jointly organized by the city government and the Knights of Rizal and was participated by the local multi-sectoral groups.

Zambo City supports DOH campaign against use of firecrackers

(PNA), ZST/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- The city government is strongly supporting the campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) against the use of firecrackers in welcoming the New Year.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar made this announcement citing it is aimed to ensure that this city is environment friendly and “the people are safe and secured, especially the children during the New Year’s Eve revelry.”

Earlier, Salazar reminded the residents of an existing ordinance enacted in 2014 that bans the sale and use of firecrackers in this city.

Salazar ordered the local police in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to strictly implement City Ordinance 431 and all laws regulating the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in this city.

City Ordinance 431, which was enacted on September 30, 2014, institutionalizes the ban on the use, sale, possession, distribution, manufacture and storage of firecracker and pyrotechnic devices in this city to permanently eliminate unnecessary injuries, loss of lives, and damages to properties resulting from the negligent handling of the said devices.

Any person or business establishment found to be violating the law shall be penalized with a fine of not less than Php1,000 nor more than Php5,000, or imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than one year or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court in addition to the cancellation of the license or permit issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the business permit issued by the city and the confiscation by the city of his inventory or stock.

Administrative fines include Php1,000 for first offense; Php3,000 for second offense and Php5,000 for third offense.

The enactment of the ordinance is in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

Rotary - East turns 41

(RC-East PR)

The Rotary Club of Zamboanga City -East celebrates today its 41st year Anniversary. Highlighting the celebration will bethe Awards of Excellence ceremony with three of its members recieving the distinguished service award and the lifetime achievement award.

Former Zamboanga City Mayor Jose Vicente F.Atilano II (past president of the club and Paul Harris Fellow) will be honored the highest award , the lifetime ACHIEVEMENT award.

Distinguished service awardees are former vice mayor and mayor Efren Arañez also past president of the club and Businessman Lope Iringan who served twice as president of the club and a multiple paul harris fellow.

The awards of excellence which happens for the first time in the history of the club was conceived to honor the club’s members who have dedicated their lives to share the ideals of Rotary International “Service above Self”.

Invited to join in the celebration today will be Rotarians who were instrumental in the creation of the club,Zamboangueño Rotary District 3850 past district governors, current rotary district officials and presidents of the other rotary clubs in the city.

BSP to public: Familiarize with the New Generation Currency

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has advised the public to familiarize themselves with the New Generation Currency (NGC) to avoid becoming victims of counterfeiting especially this Yuletide season.

Vicente Celestial, BSP-Zamboanga acting branch head, issued the advice as 90 percent of the currencies in circulation at present are already NGC.

Celestial said the security features of the NGC included the following: water mark; security thread; security fiber; see-through mark; concealed value; embossed prints; serial number; optically variable device and optically variable ink.

“Be familiar with it through touch since by merely touching you can determine if the money is counterfeit or genuine,” Celestial said.

He said the security thread of counterfeit money could be easily removed and its paper as well as the printing is of ordinary quality.

He said they have scheduled the conduct of information drive in banks, schools and offices “so that more people will be aware of the NGC security features.”

Zamboanga City police: ‘Misa de Gallo’ peaceful

By Bong Garcia

AN OFFICIAL of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) announced that the nine-day “Misa de Gallo (Early Morning Mass)” in the city culminated peacefully.

The 4 a.m. mass traditionally begins December 16 and ends December 24.

Chief Inspector Joel Tuttuh, ZCPO spokesman, said there was no untoward incident that took place during the “Misa de Gallo.”

The mass was held in all the parishes in the city's different villages aside from the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Tuttuh said the assistance of village watchmen and militiamen was a big help to the police.

Zamboanga City hires services of world renowned urban planner

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 24 (PNA) -– The local government has hired the services of Architect Felino Palafox Jr., a world renowned urban planner, to draw this city’s Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), City Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Zoning Ordinance.

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, assistant city administrator, said Palafox and his team will redesign this city through an updated Master Development Plan.

Apolinario said Palafox is a prominent Filipino architect, urban planner and an environmentalist. He is the principal architect-urban planner and founder of Palafox Associates and the master urban planner of Dubai.

“With the services of an urban development planner, everything will be considered and placed in proper places,” Apolinario said, citing one problem of a progressing urban city, like Zamboanga, is vehicular traffic.

He said the redesign of the CLUP, Zoning Ordinance and CDP will be in accordance with climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction complaint.

He said the hiring of Palafox and Associates was sealed through the signing of an agreement on Tuesday between Palafox and Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.

Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde and Karima Patricia Palafox, managing partner of Palafox Associates, stood as witnesses to the agreement in the signing event.

Apolinario said the consultancy services cost PhP10 million for a period of six months.

Rehab of development, crisis centers in Zambo pushed

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 23 (PNA) -– City Councilor Myra Paz Abubakar is pushing for the immediate rehabilitation of the Social Development Center (SDC) and Women Crisis Center (WCC) here.

Abubakar’s move came after she saw the sorry state of the SDC and WCC facilities, which are operated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

The SDC houses 76 orphans and street children--59 males and 17 females--while the WCC houses abused and trafficked women and children.

At present, there are two women and 10 children staying at the WCC.

Both the SDC and WCC are located in one government compound in Barangay Sta. Barbara, this city.

Abubakar noted that only one of the two SDC dormitories is being used since the other had been padlocked to prevent the escape of the occupant-children. All the comfort rooms and bathrooms of the center are unusable.

Abubakar, who chairs the City Council’s Committee on Women, Children and Family, also noted that garbage littered all over the compound of the SDC and WCC.

“The children and other occupants are living in filthy and unsanitary conditions,” she added.

Like the SDC, the facilities at the WCC are also in non-functional.

“Definitely this is not the way we should treat our women and children,” Abubakar said.

She further noted that bullet holes are still visible since the SDC and WCC were affected by the 21-day September 2013 siege.

Abubakar brought to the attention of the City Council the condition of the SDC and WCC facilities through a privilege speech during the special session on Tuesday.

Abubakar was at the SDC and WCC on Sunday during the Christmas gift-giving activity spearheaded by first district Rep. Celso Lobregat.

BFAR tells fishing boat operators to register their watercraft

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 22 (PNA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has urged owners of fishing vessels and motorboats to register their watercrafts to avoid stiffer penalties.

Divina Ignacio, BFAR regional fishery regulatory officer, on Tuesday told the Philippines News Agency the fine for operating unlicensed fishing vessel is PHP100,000 and above “depending on the size of the watercraft.”

Ignacio said the annual registration fee is PHP700 for a three gross tons fishing vessel.

Ignacio said they will conduct mobile registration in partnership with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to encourage fishing vessel owners to register their watercraft.

“We want them to register their watercraft to legally fish,” Ignacio said, citing appropriate legal actions will be enforced against violators.

She said they will also conduct intensified campaign against the operation of unlicensed fishing vessel and motorboats to ensure compliance of Republic Act 10654 otherwise known as the amended Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

R.A. 10654 was enacted into a law on February 27, 2015 and took effect on March 23, 2015.

R.A 10654 increases the fines and adopts a wide array of accompanying administrative penalties for serious violation to ensure that sanctions are dissuasive and have deterrent effect.

It also empowers BFAR to enforce administrative and criminal sanctions against violators aside from the enforcement of regulatory measures.

‘Zamboanga can be the next Dubai’

By Nonoy E. Lacson

Zamboanga City – A world renowned urban developer and architect yesterday stated that this city, with its natural resources, location, topography and other key factors, has great potential to be like Dubai, the bustling commercial, industrial and tourism hub of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Felino Palafox Jr., who was among those involved in the urban development planning of Dubai in 1977, was in the city, Wednesday and presented to the local government officials his proposed development plan for Zamboanga.

Palafox said Zamboanga City was way ahead of Dubai in terms of development potential in the 1970s when they started to plan and develop what is now known as the global city of the UAE.

“I see a lot of development potential for Zamboanga, from its topography to flora and fauna and natural resources that are best for eco-tourism, agri-tourism and even cultural heritage tourism,” said Palafox, who also recalled pleasant memories of Zamboanga when he came to the city for the first time at the age of 20.

Given all its potentials and at the rate the city is growing, Palafox said Zamboanga could be the country’s version of Dubai if his short-term planning proposals were to be followed.

Like Dubai, he said, Zamboanga is a port-driven city and is blessed with natural resources which Dubai did not have 38 years ago.

“Dubai is fabricating what could be natural resources like beaches but in this city everything you can find in the development of a beach, pristine and untapped for development,” he said.

“You have history on your side,” he said. “Zamboanga could become the next global city like Dubai.”

As this developed, the city government has forged a memorandum of agreement (MOA), Tuesday with the consultancy firm of Palafox for the preparation of the City Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), Zoning Ordinance and the City Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP).

City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco, who represented the city government, signed the agreement with Architect Palafox Jr.

Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde and Karima Patricia Palafox, Managing Partner of Palafox Associates stood as witnesses to the MOA signing event.

The redesign of the CLUP, Zoning Ordinance and CDP will be in accordance with climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction goals and policies.


Zamboanga City to honor 3 Zamboangueño athletes

By Bong Garcia

THE City Government will hold a special recognition ceremony for the Zamboanga City athletes who excelled in the recently concluded international competitions.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar will spearhead the ceremony after the flag ceremony Monday in front of City Hall.

To be afforded recognition are Zamboangueña pool star Chezka Centeno and weightlifting title holders Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia.

City Sports Director Dr. Cecille Atilano said Centeno became the youngest Filipino World Champion after besting equally competent billiard players from all over the globe in the World Juniors Championship held in Shanghai, China, from November 14 to 17, 2015.

Atilano said the 16-year-old pride of Zamboanga City won over a strong cast of China bets Xia Yuying, who landed second place, Dou Xue who clinched third place, and Jiang Teng Chian, who got fourth place.

Atilano said Centeno’s win in the 2015 World Juniors Championship distinguishes the Zamboanguena billiard player as the first Filipino to be a World Junior Champion in the World Pool Billiard Association (WPA).

Diaz and Colonia reaped medals in the recently concluded International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Weightlifting Championship in Houston, Texas, held from November 20 to 28, this year.

Diaz earned three bronze medals in the snatch, clean and jerk and total events in the Women’s 53-kilogram (kg) category while Colonia hauled a bronze medal in Men’s 56 kg category.

Diaz also won gold in the 3rd Qatar International Weightlifting Championships held from December 8 to 9, this year.

Salazar will award certificates of recognition to the three athletes as well as to Professor Elbert Atilano Sr. and Alfonsito Aldente, team manager and head coach of the Philippine Weightlifting Team, respectively.

4 LTO-9 offices receive top CSC performance rating

By Allen Abastillas

The Civil Service Commission has given an excellent mark rating performance to four offices of the Land Transportation Office-9 in its survey on Republic Act 9481 otherwise known as the Anti- Red Tape Act – Report Card Survey- CSC.

The four LTO 9 offices were found out to have delivered quality time management and efficient services to its clients, .

Civil Service Commission rated the four offices in their performance as : 92.98 percent to Pagadian City District Office under Johan Macaumbos; 91.71 for Driver License Renewal Center in Yubengco Mall in Barangay Putik Zamboanga City under Hapsa Taha- Aspi; 91.69 percent for Molave Extension Office and 91 percent for Ipil District in Zamboanga Sibugay under Yusoh Moh. Lamping.

LTO-9 Director Aminola P. Abaton directed the district offices to continue serving the people with its mandate and for the satisfaction of the people.

Aminola expressed optimism the four offices will make it because there is still a final conduct survey of the Civil Service Commission.

Meanwhile , Abaton presided a last quarter conference with his Transportation Officers on Thursday.

The LTO-9 director said that the current Officer in Charge of LTO Central Office is Executive Director Jiovanni Gonzales as the former Assistant Secretary Alfonso Tan resigned recently.

Pinay weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz cops gold in Qatar

(Philippine News Agency)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The winning streak of Zamboangueña weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz continues, this time, in an international competition held in the Middle East.

Dr. Cecile Atilano, city sports development officer, said Thursday that Diaz won the gold medal in the 3rd Qatar International Weightlifting Championships held from December 8-9.

Atilano said Diaz won the gold as she bested the other participants from other nations by scoring 90-115.

Atilano said the participant from Korea followed second while Tunisia came in third.

Diaz is set to represent the Philippines in the Rio 2016 Olympics as she won bronze medal in the snatch and jerk and total events in the women’s 53-kilogram division at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Weightlifting Championship in Houston, Texas last November 22.

Earlier, she also brought home the gold medal she won in all three events in the 53-kg category of the 2015 Asian Weightlifting Championships held September in Phuket, Thailand.

Zambo City releases CNA incentives to its employees

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 17 (PNA) -– The city government on Wednesday has started releasing the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) incentives for this year to the 1,934 employees.

City Budget Officer Virginia Gara told the Philippines News Agency on Thursday that each of the employees, both regulars and casuals, are entitled to receive PHP25,000 CNA incentives.

A casual employees must have worked at least for a period of four months to enable them to receive CNA incentives.

Gara said they are targeting to be able to completely release the CNA incentives to all of the city government employees by tomorrow, Friday.

Gara said the city government has allocated PHP48.5 million to pay this year’s CNA incentives. The allocation was taken from the savings of the local government’s 19 offices that amounted to PHP61.4 million.

She said the savings were from the traveling expenses, communication expenses, repairs and maintenance, transportation and delivery expenses, supplies and materials, and utility.

She said that a local government unit is qualified to grant CNA incentives to its employees if it has completed at least 70 percent of its target programs, activities and projects for the current year.

She said the city government performance this year has reached 72.77 percent.

This year’s payment of CNA incentives is the second for the local government to receive. The first was last year.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climado-Salazar has advised the city government employees to spend their money wisely.

Zambo City set to issue new business plates

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 16 (PNA) -– The city government is set to issue new plates to local business establishments starting January 2016.

Benjie Barredo, city permits and licensing division chief, told the Philippines News Agency on Wednesday they have printed 12,000 news business plates to be distributed to the different business establishments here.

Barredo said the new business plates, which cost the city government PHP1.2 million, has serial numbers as well as the photograph of City Hall.

However, Barredo said the new business plates do not have the photograph of the city mayor unlike the previous ones.

He said the new plates will be released upon renewal of the business permits by businessmen.

He said the businessmen will have to pay PHP250 for the new business plates. Those who have the old one will just be replaced.

He said the business plates is required to be displayed in a conspicuous area of the business establishment.

Zambo businessmen told to renew license early

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 15 (PNA) – The local government through the City Permits and Licensing Division (CPLD) has advised businessmen here to process the renewal of license early to avoid paying penalty.

Benjie Barredo, CPLD chief, said Tuesday, businessmen can now get the application form for renewal and start processing the requirements for 2016.

Barredo said among the clearances they should process early to avoid the rush are the health certificate and clearance from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

However, Barredo said the payment of business taxes will have to be made on the first working day of January 2016.

He said the deadline for the renewal of business permit is on January 20. A 25 percent penalty will be imposed on delayed payments per quarter.

He said they expect around 9,144 businessmen to renew their business permits for the year 2016.

Mindanao peace summit slated in Zambo City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 14 (PNA) -– Officials and representatives of the tri-peoples--Christians, Muslims and Lumads--of Mindanao will converge Tuesday for a peace summit in this city.

The gathering dubbed as Mindanao Peace Summit 2015 is sponsored by the World Philosophical Forum (WPF) and the International Movement for Peace and Reconciliation (IMPR).

Shariff Ibrahim Albani, lead convenor and IMPR chairman, said Monday the summit is to promote religious harmony, respect, cooperation and understanding.

Albani said the summit is also aimed to identify causes of problems in the different sectors of the society which are often economic or political in nature rather than religious issues; to harness mutual cooperation and good social relations among the tri-peoples; to build trust and confidence; and, to break the barriers and stereotype, which lead to distrust, suspicion and bigotry.

Albani said the summit will be attended by multi-sectoral and cause-oriented groups from Mindanao and the NCR as well as other stakeholders and inhabitants to reach out a wide spectrum of society and build a broad-based popular movement for peace, unity and progress.

He said one way to promote peace and development is to encourage inter-community dialogue and cross-cultural interaction.

“We believe that the solemn and keen understanding of religion, culture and tradition as well building mutual respect and cooperation can be formidable instrument in the pursuit of harmony and peace,” he said.

He said the summit will culminate with the signing of manifesto of support, commitment and cooperation to peace and unity.

Zamboanga City chosen as site of SE Asia’s largest solar power plant

By Nonoy E. Lacson

Zamboanga City – A group of Filipino and French investors has chosen Zamboanga City to be the location of Southeast Asia’s largest solar energy plant with a power generation capacity of 100 megawatts. It is expected to be completed in March, 2016.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco said the solar power farm will be set up at the Zamboanga Economic Zone property in Barangay Talisayan. Construction is expected to begin soon to meet the scheduled completion target.

Ecoglobal, Inc., a group of Filipino and French investors, will finance, manage, and operate the solar power plant. Heading the group is Jean-Philippine Henry, chief executive officer (CEO).

After completing the solar energy plant, the group is already eyeing the development of a wind farm after wind mapping studies disclosed that energy from wind can increase the total power of the solar plant to 300 mw.

The coming of a clean energy source is seen as the final solution to the power crisis in the province which has been experiencing eight-hour rotational brownouts every day for over a year now, the mayor said during the Christmas party which she hosted for the barangay officials last Wednesday.

Earlier, Zamboanga Economic Zone Authority (ZamboEcoZone) Chairman Christopher Lawrence Arnuco and members of the Board, met with Mayor Climaco to finalize plans for the multimillion-peso solar power farm investment aimed to end the power outages in Zamboanga.

Henry said the solar power farm will start generating 30mw, gradually increasing its capacity to 100mw, then peaking to 300mw with added power from wind energy.

Wind mapping that had been conducted in the area found that the wind coming into the city offers another source of energy which can generate more than enough source of energy for the city’s requirement, Henry said. That will be the company’s next project after the completion of the solar farm, he said.

ZABIDA forges support deal with eight marginalized groups in Zambo, Basilan

(ZABIDA)

Eight basic and generally marginalized sectors in Zamboanga City and Basilan Province will receive sustained support from the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc. (ZABIDA) and its collaborating organizations to promote their human rights in the next four years.

Leaders of the sectors, namely those of persons with disability, women, farmers and fisherfolks, youth, internally displaced persons, indigenous peoples, informal settlers/urban poor, and children, signed a memorandum of agreement with ZABIDA and the collaborating agencies of Commission of Human Rights (CHR) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) during the “Sectoral Rights Advocacy Campaign Launching Program” last Thursday, December 10. The day is observed worldwide as International Human Rights Day, marking the issuance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948.

In his message at the launching program held at Marcian Garden Hotel, ZABIDA president Fr. Angel Calvo, CMF said ZABIDA will assist the selected sectors to discover and evaluate their various human rights problems, issues and concerns, which will then be translated into action plans. The action plans will be the basis for further programs that bring in support and assistance from government and non-government institutions intended to meet the human rights and developmental needs of the participating sectors, he said.

Through this partnership, Fr. Calvo said, we shall establish a support roadmap based on the real needs and aspirations of the sectors, within the framework of their socio-cultural conditions.

Over 200 representatives of the sectors attended the event, including some delegates of civil society peace-building multi-network called Mindanao Peace Weavers from the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawisubregion that a day earlier participated in a one-day forum on the Mindanao peace process also sponsored by ZABIDA.

Speaking on behalf of the group, VandrezelBirowa told the assembly that the sectors’ “issues are our (Mindanao Peace Weavers’) issues, too, as we are taught that our core values should anchor on respect, love and to live in harmony. One of the issues we discussed is the rights of the indigenous peoples, (recognizing) the importance of addressing and preventing human rights violations through the mechanisms of the peace process.”

The city government of Zamboanga will play an enabling role in the agreement since it earlier entered into an accord with ZABIDA to implement the various projects of the latter’s Convenio II mother program. The program will be funded by the Spanish government through its Agencia Espanola de CooperacionInternacionalparaDesarollo (AECID) in the next four years starting on 2016. Aside from the local governments of Zamboanga and selected towns in Basilan province, the human rights component will be assisted by CHR and DILG. DILG city director Prof. MohTahaArakama and CHR’s Atty. Juvelyn Macapili signed the MOA on behalf of their agencies.

The eight assisted sectors will be located and mobilized under 34 barangays. The main actions will be along formalized planning, advocacy, impact assessment, and special support activities.Among these will be the institutionalization of the Barangay Human Rights Action Centers.

Christmas concert series, lantern tilt set next week

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

As part of the Yuletide celebrations, the City Government of Zamboanga will spearhead two Christmas events next week for families to enjoy.

Starting December 14, Monday, City Hall will be holding the “Canciones de Pascua,” a week-long concert series featuring live performances of different choir groups.

The Christmas-themed concerts, which will be open to the public for free, will be conducted at the City Hall grounds at 7 p.m. and will run from December 14 to 18.

Meanwhile, the Open Christmas Lantern Competition continues to accept entries from interested participants until December 11.

The competition is open to any organization, barangay, office, or individual with lantern entries being circular or star-shaped measuring at least 4 ft high and 4 ft wide from both extremities.

This year’s lantern competition will follow the Candyland Theme of the “Pascua na Zamboanga 2015.”

Entry forms and sketches must be submitted on or before 5 PM on December 11 at City Hall.

Lanterns will be displayed at the R.T. Lim Boulevard and will be judged on December 14. Winners will be announced and awarded on the last night of the Canciones de Pascua on December 18.

Zamboanga PNA Bureau, stringer receive award from DSWD

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 10 (PNA) -– The Philippines News Agency-Zamboanga Bureau and one of its stringers have received award from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the bureau’s support to the agency through coverage and publishing DSWD-related stories.

The Certificate of Appreciation was handed over Thursday by DSWD officials to PNA-Zamboanga Bureau Chief Teofilo Garcia Jr. during the Gawad Ulat Awarding Ceremony held together with the year-end press conference of the DSWD.

The PNA-Zamboanga stringer awardee is R.G. Antonet A. Go, who regularly covers the activities of the DSWD regional office in this city and in other parts of the region.

Go’s latest coverage was the conduct of the PaskoJuan 2015 held by the DSWD last December 6 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Go also received a Certificate of Appreciation from DSWD Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo.

The PNA-Zamboanga Bureau and Go received awards from the DSWD for being “Kaya ko ang Pagbabago” advocate that has championed the DSWD’s key message to share to the public the positive changes in the lives of the beneficiaries through publishing DSWD-related stories for the year 2015.

Zambo City opens integrated bus terminal

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- The city government is eyeing to earn PHP20 million annually from the operations of the newly-completed Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT).

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, OIC-city administrator, made this announcement as the city government on Tuesday afternoon inaugurated and started operating the IBT.

The IBT is located in Barangay Divisoria, 6.40 kilometers east of City Hall. It will cater to five bus firms serving this city to the nearby provinces and as far as Cagayan de Oro City.

Apolinario said the IBT, which is one of this city’s economic enterprises, will earn revenues through collections of terminal fee, parking fee and rentals of food concessionaires.

He said the terminal fee is PHP15 for adult and PHP10 for child. The parking fee is PHP75 for big buses and PHP50 for small buses.

The rental of food concessionaires ranges from PHP5,000 to PHP6,000 monthly. Soon, the 1.5-hectare vacant lot at the IBT will be leased out.

The other amenities of the IBT include the following five comfort stations; a breastfeeding room; a clinic; an administration office with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras; a scanner machine for security purposes; and, 19 stalls occupied by business concessionaires to cater to the needs of passengers.

Joy Viernes, a departing passenger, told the Philippines News Agency said its okay with her to pay terminal fee since they feel comfortable.

“Sulit yung bayad kasi may mga upuan and the accommodation is good,” Viernes said as she noted the the IBT is clean and well-organized.

Hazel Ajuran, another departing passenger, said they feel secured noting the terminal is equipped with walk-through metal detector.

Meanwhile, Apolinario said the disembarkation point of arriving passengers is still at the old terminal in Barangay Guiwan until Sunday.

He said the disembarkation of arriving passengers at the IBT will start by Monday, December 14.

DTI sets 2-day Noche Buena Diskwento Caravan in Zambo City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) –- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is conducting a two-day Noche Buena Diskwento Caravan in time for the forthcoming Yuletide Season.

Engr. Isidro Eijansantos Jr., DTI consumer protection division officer-in-charge, told the Philippines News Agency the caravan will be held from Tuesday (Dec. 8) until Wednesday (Dec. 9) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the covered court of Barangay Guiwan.

Eijansantos said the participating business establishments will sell during the caravan all Noche Buena products at discounted prices which could reach as high as 15 percent.

The Noche Buena products include sandwich spread, cheese, fruit cocktail, ham, pasta, elbow macaroni, spaghetti sauce and keso de bola.

At least 10 local business establishments will participate, he said.

The caravan is a yearly DTI-initiated activity to give the consumers the opportunity to buy Noche Buena products at discounted prices.

Meanwhile, Eijansantos advised the consumers to refrain from buying repacked Noche Buena products and to check proper labeling, expiry date and price tag.

PWD training on disaster preparedness, response set in Zambo City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 7 (PNA) -– The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is conducting Tuesday a one-day training on disaster preparedness and response for people with disabilities (PWDs).

The training, which is in line with the CDRRMO’s information and education campaign, will be held at the city government-owned convention center at Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar.

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, CDRRMO chief, said the training will be attended by PWDs coming from different barangays. It will be held in observance of the International Day of People with Disability.

Apolinario said the training aims to provide PWDs the proper survival skills and response during disasters, increase public awareness and education on how to respond during disasters, evaluate the need to identify as someone who requires assistance during emergencies, reduce the impact of disaster as well as strengthen and protect the physical, moral and social well-being of differently-abled individuals.

Apolinario said the topics that will be tackled include Living with Disability and Response; How to Make Disaster Response Sensitive to PWDs; and, Making Search, Rescue and Evacuation Disability inclusive.

He said the training will include brainstorming and reflection where participants will be asked to share their experiences and insights on the topic and a workshop on basic life support, disaster preparedness and response and emergency medical services.

He said the training will kick off with a motorcade at 8 a.m. from City Hall to in Paseo del Mar.

The training is anchored on the theme: “Inclusion matters access and empowerment of people of all abilities.”

DOST develops two kinds of emergency foods

(PNA), RMA/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) has developed two kinds of emergency foods that can be used relief foods in times of calamities.

Dr. Anthony Sales, Mindanao DOST cluster chairman, told the Philippines News Agency in an interview at the sideline of the 2015 Mindanao Science and Technology (S&T) Fair that one of the two kinds of emergency foods is ready for mass production while the other is undergoing storage stability study.

The 2015 Mindanao S&T Fair showcased the various innovative technologies the DOST has developed. It reeled off Thursday and ended Saturday.

Sales said the first kind of emergency food was the high energy “polvoron bar,” which is fondly known as “Filipino crack.”

Sales said the polvoron bar was already being produced by a small and medium enterprise (SMEs) in Luzon while they were eyeing the food innovation center of the Philippines Women’s College to produce it for the Mindanao area.

Sales said the second kind of emergency food ITDIdeveloped was the ready-to-eat rice porridge (arroz caldo), which is undergoing storage stability study and analysis.

He said the rice porridge, like the polvoron bar, would be mass produced once the storage stability study is completed.

He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) could stock the emergency foods, which can be distributed as relief foods to disaster victims in times of calamity.

He said the production of the emergency foods would be helpful for the DSWD in addressing the needs, especially food, of disaster victims.

“Once the emergency foods are ready, we can immediately distribute it to the people affected by disasters in times of calamities,” he added.

Biggest mall opens on Thursday in Zambo City

(PNA), RMA/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – The KCC Mall, the biggest and most complete commercial complex in this city, held its blessing ceremony Friday with around 1,500 guests in attendance.

Archbishop Romulo Dela Cruz spearheaded the blessing ceremony together with Tan Suy Lim, owner of the KCC Mall, as well as government officials and notable businessmen.

The other invited guests included suppliers, retailers from this city and several Mindanao areas, military and police officials and members of the local media.

Lim said they invested here because this city had a bright business prospect despite the negative perception on the prevailing peace and order situation.

“The problem on peace and order is temporary. Zamboanga City has a (bright) future, this is a good city,” Lim said in an interview at the sideline of the blessing ceremony.

However, Lim did not reveal how much they invested but some members of the local business community believed it was “huge” --several millions of pesos.

The KCC Mall, which sits in a four-hectare property, features fully air-conditioned mall with the widest array of products and services to serve every segment of the Zamboangueño market.

KCC Marketing head Ivy Orpia said in a statement that the mall has more than 100 stores featuring food, clothing and other products and services with at least 60 percent to start operations during the opening day on Dec. 10.

Orpia said among the stores to open on Dec. 10 included Jollibee, National Book Store, CD-R King, Japan Home Store, Shakey’s Pizza, Cotton On Apparel and Payless Shoe Store.

She said more stores such as J-Co Donuts, Burger King, and Swiss Gear are expected to open early part of next year.

The complex also has this city’s favorite local shops and restaurants right inside the mall.

Orpia said the mall also features one of the biggest supermarkets in the country with 100 check-out counters.

She said there are fully air-conditioned fresh market offering the best and the freshest meat, poultry, seafood and vegetable produce.

She said KCC’s department store, touted as the biggest in Mindanao, features the latest brands of clothing, shoes, cosmetics and housewares.

The KCC Mall also boasts of six state-of-the-art cinemas, three of which feature movies in 3D.

The mall also has free underground parking for more than 1,000 vehicles and a separate free parking area for motorcycles in front of the complex at the Centro Pastoral property.

The mall started construction in 2013, a few months before the 21-day September 2013 siege.

Orpia however said that despite the incident which initially scared some of their suppliers and retailers, the KCC management decided to move ahead and put their trust in the Zamboangueño market.

“This is our way of serving Zamboanga City,” Orpia said in a statement.

KCC Malls is a chain of shopping malls originated in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. It is owned by Koronadal Commercial Corp. based in General Santos City.

Zambo City Integrated Bus Terminal opens Tuesday

(PNA), FPV/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 4 (PNA) – Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar announced that the preparations are in full swing for the opening of the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) on Tuesday.

Salazar said she instructed Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, OIC-city administrator, to finalize the preparations for next week’s opening citing the volume of travellers during the Christmas season.

Salazar foresees the IBT, which is located in Barangay Divisoria, 6.40 kilometers east of City Hall, will help ensure ease and comfort to travellers to and from the nearby provinces.

She said the IBT, which will cater to five bus firms including vans plying the provinces, will operate 24 hours a day with a manpower component of 34 personnel excluding the security and janitorial staff.

The bus firms include the following: Rural Transit of Mindanao, Inc. (RTMI); Liza Mae Transit; Ceres Transit; SSG Company; and, Dindo Company.

The RTMI plies from this city to as far as Cagayan de Oro City while the other four firms ply the Zamboanga City-Siocon-Sirawai and Ipil, routes.

The IBT is expected to be one of the most modern and spacious terminals in the region and in Mindanao. It has departure and arrival buildings--both with holding areas and parking bays.

The other amenities of the IBT include the following five comfort stations; a breastfeeding room; a clinic; an administration office with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras; a scanner machine for security purposes; and, 19 stalls occupied by business concessionaires to cater to the needs of passengers.

Meanwhile, the public utility jeepneys plying the Divisoria-city proper route will be temporarily mobilized to transport passengers from and to the IBT pending the issuance of franchises by the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

2015 Mindanao Science and Technology Fair reels off in Zambo City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 3 (PNA) -– The three-day 2015 Mindanao Science and Technology (S&T) Fair of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reeled-off Thursday in this city.

Brenda Nazareth-Manzano, DOST regional director, said the huge event brings together people from all walks of life, particularly scientists, researchers, engineers, businessmen, students, professionals, non-government organizations, national government agencies, local government units, media practitioners and other partner-stakeholders.

Manzano said the S&T Fair will showcase the eight S&T Based Outcomes that serve as the legacy of DOST under the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.

Manzano said the DOST outcomes will help push the country towards national development and competitive advantage in the global economic scenario.

Specifically, the eight outcomes are: science-based know-how and tools that enable the agriculture sector to raise productivity to world-class standards; innovative, cost-effective and appropriate technologies that enable micro, small and medium enterprises to develop and produce competitive products that meet world-class standards; state of the art facilities and capabilities that enable local industries to move up the value chain and attain global competitiveness; Philippines, a global leader in Information Technology-Business Process Management Services generating direct employment of 1.3 million (520,000 of which in the countryside; Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-based transformation of governance broadening access to government services (i.e. health and education) for those in the countryside (PH in the top 50 global ranking of e-government by 2016); improved quality healthcare and quality life through science, technology and innovation; highly skilled and globally competitive S&T programs (Philippine Science High School to be the leading science high school in ASEAN by 2015 and every town to have at least one DOST scholar by 2016; and, science-based weather information and climate change scenarios with associated impact assessments that enable concerned agencies to develop appropriate mitigation strategies for a disaster and climate change resilient Philippines.

Apart from the exhibits, other special events lined-up are Campus Science Journalism Seminar-Workshop; Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) Consultative Dialogue; Forum on “In the Specific Case of Research, are Colleges and Universities Relevant?”; Forum on Developing an Innovation Ecosystem through Science and Technology; and, sit-visit to coral restoration project in Sta. Cruz Island.

Manzano said the ultimate goal of the cluster fair is to introduce the different technologies and innovations to its intended end-users--the industries, academic institutions and local government units.

She said the DOST aims that these technologies be adopted by its intended users so they could fully benefit from the government’s efforts to uplift the quality of life of the Filipino people.

City Hall by night — Christmas lights on

By Vic Larato

The historic City Hall of Zamboanga is once again a sight to behold this Yuletide season.

Following this year’s “Candyland” theme, the entire façade of the century-old City Hall is bedecked with dancing Christmas lights, unleashing decors of different shapes and colors akin to a kingdom of goodies from marshmallow to lollipops, cupcakes and candies—the all-time favorites for children.

To formally kickoff the joyous season of the year, the more than 2,000 employees and officials of the city government headed by Mayor Beng Climaco gathered in front of City Hall at 6 p.m. yesterday for the traditional switch-on of the Christmas trees and decors of City.

After the switch-on, the city government employees and officials in colorful t-shirts marched towards the Paseo del Mar complex for their Christmas party.

Early on, employees and officials from each department had their group photo with Mayor Climaco in front of City Hall.

Continuing the festive tradition of the yuletide season celebration, the City Government has released the Pascua na Zamboanga 2015 Calendar of Activities which feature a diverse line-up of activities spearheaded by the local government and various sectors in the City.

Among the activities slated for December are: the Zamboanga Grand Christmas Bazaar which will open its stalls to the public from December 6 to 12 at Paseo del Mar; the Canciones de Pascua chorale competition from December 14-18; the Open Christmas Lantern competition on December 14; and the 119th Death Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30.

Other upcoming yuletide activities will also include Christmas charity concerts, and holiday shopping sales and fairs.

Hope for conflict-affected families

(Manila Times)

ZAMBOANGA City is buzzing with life again, two years after armed conflicts disrupted many lives, according to International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Around 120,000 people were displaced by clashes in Zamboanga in September 2013. Thousands of structures, including many houses, were damaged or destroyed, making life extremely difficult for the affected communities.

Though most displaced people have since moved on with their lives, recovery is progressing slowly for about 17,000 of them living in 12 transition sites. Although these sites offer slightly better conditions than evacuation centers, access to clean water, sanitation, and livelihood opportunities remain a concern.

ICRC Zamboanga head Marcel Goyeneche said the committee together with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) have extended support to speed up the recovery of the affected population since January to October 2015.

She cited the daily trucking of 36,000 liters of water to four transition sites, as well as helped in providing water storage to displaced people in Masepla 1, 2, and 3 and in Rio Hondo through the installation of six 10,000-liter stainless steel tanks. Upon the request of city authorities, the ICRC also installed a 10,000-liter bladder in Lupa-lupa.

In Taluksangay, the ICRC installed a permanent water supply system to serve both the displaced and resident populations. Water started flowing in September, and eventually the project was handed over to the community’s water association.

To improve sanitation, the 102 latrines built in the Joaquin Enriquez stadium and in the Rio Hondo site were regularly emptied until August.

With livelihoods disrupted by the conflict, helping displaced people stand on their own feet was part of the ICRC’s efforts. From January to October 2015, cash-for-work activities not only generated income for at least 820 of them but also benefited 14 community projects.

Conditional cash grants, meanwhile, have also helped displaced families to achieve a more sustainable form of livelihood. Some 840 families in seven transition sites received P10,000 grants each that were used to restock sari-sari stores, build boats, buy fishing gear and inputs for planting seaweed, procure sewing machines and tricycles, among others.

In Layag Layag, a 50-member cooperative benefited from a cash grant and training to help them plant and sell seaweeds.

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