Zamboanga City News January 2013

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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.

DOT, Zambo City for balanced development of Sta. Cruz Island

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao (FPG/MVC-PIA9, ZBST)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the city government here will be implementing low-impact developments in the pink sand island of Sta. Cruz to maintain its pristine condition while making it a first-class tourist destination.

DOT-9 Regional Director Mary June Bugante, during a media tour last week, said development should not destroy the island’s beauty.

“We want a low-impact development for the island toensure that the authentic beauty of the island is preserved. The island is also declared a protected area,” Dir. Bugante said.

According to Bugante, the first phase of development had already been approved just last December, prioritizing basic facilities.

“The Protected Area and Environment Management Board (PAEMB) approved last December phase 1 of the development plan. Our priority will be basic amenities like improvement of picnic huts, comfort rooms, water, electrification, the putting up of administration building, finger wharf, a dive shop, and limited concession area,” she pointed out.

Bugante also disclosed that cutting of endemic trees is prohibited while development is ongoing.

“Definitely, we will not allow the cutting of tree species endemic in the island, except for some ipil-ipil trees planted during previous tree-planting activities here,” she said.

The city government and DOT had sponsored a design-making contest early last year to be utilized as blueprint for development.

Among the mentioned needs, Bugante said, “Water would be of main concern.”

“Unfortunately, after some diggings, there was no potential source of fresh water found. However, the Zamboanga City Water District said a solution would the use of the sky water technology which uses condensation process,” Bugante explained.

The development plan also includes the full participation of the community, with about 70 to 80 families, in the island.

“The community is really involved in the development of Sta. Cruz Island. In fact, the tribal leader here is part of the PAEMB. We will be conducting community-based tourism training for the locals to develop livelihood so they will benefit from tourism here,” Bugante said.

As for security, tourist police will be escorting tourists going to the island. There is also a military outpost somewhere in the island to make sure that beachgoers are safe.

However, Bugante said they are looking forward to the day when there will be lesser police and military constraints in the area.

“As a tourism spot, we don’t want to scare our tourists and have the impression that it is not safe here,” explained the DOT9 chief.

HPG-9 tightens watch at Zambo port

(PNA), FFC/TPG/ABB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 30 (PNA) –- The Highway Patrol Group-9 (HPG-9), in coordination with other concerned agencies, has tightened the watch at the local port against shipment of stolen motor vehicles.

This came after a team of HPG-9 personnel led by Chief Insp. Alejandro Espiritu III have recently recovered four suspected stolen motorcycles that were about to be shipped to Jolo, Sulu.

HPG-9 director Supt. Severino Agustin said the recovery came after a man appeared last week at the HPG-9 office and applied for a motor vehicle clearance for shipment to Jolo.

Two of the four recovered motorcycles were listed on the HPG’s hold order list while the documents of the other two motorcycles were spurious, according to the clearing officer Senior Police Officer 1 (SPO1) Wilfredo Ator.

The four motorcycles were impounded at the HPG-9 headquarters while investigation is underway to determine who are the legitimate owners, Agustin said.

Agustin said they have coordinated with other agencies operating at the local port to cautiously scrutinize the papers of cargo to be shipped, especially for motor vehicles.

SRPI seeks to sell 70% of power to Zambo City

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

Officials of a power plant coming on stream in 2016, plans to sell 70 percent of its output to the city of Zamboanga to address the dire need of the city for electric power and put an end to intermittent blackouts here.

San Ramon Power Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tirso G. Santillan Jr. said talks are ongoing between SRPI and Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative on perfecting a contract agreement to sell, an integral and vital component of SRPI’s operation of its 100 megawatt coal fired power plant here.

In talks to newsmen during the Lease contract signing and ground breaking ceremony at the Ecozone site in San Ramon last Monday, the SRPI top honcho said they are looking to give Zamcelco the priority in purchasing electric power from their plant here.

He said while talks are progressing they estimate the offer to Zamcelco to be within the 60-70 megawatt outright sale to the city power cooperative.

Earlier Santillan said Sunday’s event was a milestone for SRPI as the groundbreaking of the power plant site moves all parties into the realization of the power plant operation in Zamboanga City.

Santillan added other than perfecting several contract agreements, it is all systems go for the construction of the coal fired power plant.

He took time to thank the people who help make the contract signing possible, officials of the ZamboEcozone and the city government of Zamboanga. Santillan added, SRPI will likely have two or more foreign partners who will pour in capital to finance the multi billion peso project.

Present during the signing ceremony and groundbreaking rites were top ZamboEcozone Officials headed by Chairperson Georgina Yu, the city government represented by Mayor Celso Lobregat and other invited guests.

Also on hand to witness the historic signing was 2nd District Rep. Erbie A. Fabian, a former member of the Ecozone board as Congress representative, Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde, some city councilors and members of the Zamcelco Board headed by President Elbert Atilano.

Also present were the top officials of SRPI to include Jun Contreras, Project Development Manager Archimedes Donato and consultant and former Napocor regional chief Ben Conti.

In earlier interviews, Rep. Fabian said he welcomes the entry of investors pouring funds into developing power sources to come to the city.

He added for as long as it complies with stringent DENR regulations, the coal fired power plant is a welcome addition to Zamboanga’s power generation sector.

Santillan in his earlier message said the SRPI plant will bring total generating capacity of Alcantara Group power plants will rise to 200 megawatts.

Alsons also operates Western Mindanao Power Plant, a 100-megawatt bunker fuel fired power plant located in Sangali, in the city’s east coast.

Santillan finally disclosed they are hoping a final agreement can be reached by end of next month for them to proceed to the next phase in building the plant. He added they are still on schedule to meet their timeline of putting the plant into operation by 2016.

Zambo City villagers protest coal-fired power plant's construction

By Roel Pareño (philstar.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A village chief and her constituents are protesting the operation of a 100-megawatt coal-fired power plant which was launched on Sunday inside the economic zone in the city.

Talisayan barangay chairwoman Josephine Pareja and her constituents, clad in black shirts and with raised protest banners, welcomed the signing of the 31-year lease agreement between the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority and Freeport (Zamboecozone) and the San Ramon Power, Inc. (SRPI) outside free port complex.

The signing paves the way for the establishment of a P12-billion power plant in a 33-hectare land inside the complex located at Sitio San Ramon, Barangay Talisayan.

The SRPI of the Alcantara Group of Companies, which have also secured the Environmental Certificate Compliance (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will start the construction of the plant by September this year. The plant is expected to be operational by 2016.

Pareja said that they have earlier submitted a strong petition to President Benigno Aquino III to block the construction of the coal-fired power plant citing its possible adverse effects to the environment.

She said that some of her residents have already opted to leave the village for fear of the environment hazard from the coal-fired power plant. Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

“We don’t want the coal-fired power plant. If the other officials or people want it, they can have it in their place,” Pareja said.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat, meanwhile, said in a statement that the signing was a milestone and a historic day for the city which has been plagued with power outages.

Lobregat also played down fears and apprehensions of the city residents against the coal-fire power plant.

He said that a coal-fired power plant is the most feasible solution to the city's power woes.

“This investment will reach about P12-billion and when the plant [becomes] operational, it is expected [to end] the regime of power outages and blackouts in Zamboanga city,” Lobregat said.

He added that aside from employment and power stability for the city, the Zambo Ecozone will benefit for the first five years of the plant's construction and operation.

Lawmaker wants to regulate practice of environmental engineering

(PNA), FPV/PR/PJN

MANILA, Jan. 27 (PNA) -- House Deputy Speaker and Zamboanga City Rep. Ma. Isabelle Climaco has filed a bill seeking to regulate the practice of environmental engineering to address the growing ecological problems in the country.

“To address this growing environmental problem, Philippine environmental laws must be strictly complied with and this will require the expertise of environmental engineers,” said Climaco, author of House Bill 6794.

Climaco said without environmental engineering, there will be a discharge of untreated wastewater in the different bodies of water which can cause water pollution. These water resources would be unsafe and polluted with emissions from smokestacks which cause air pollution and health problems, solid waste management problems and other environmental hazards.

The bill defines environmental engineering as the application of science and engineering principles to protect and improve the environment, including but not limited to air, water and land resources, to provide safe water, air and land for human habitation and for other organisms and to remediate polluted sites.

“Environmental engineering promotes the discharge of treated effluent from wastewater treatment facilities into receiving bodies of water, provide for air pollution control facilities, and proper waste management and disposal as well as design solutions for other environmental problems particularly those concerned with local and global environmental issues such as the effects of acid rain, ozone depletion, water pollution and air pollution from automobile exhausts and industrial sources,” Climaco said.

She said environmental engineers are responsible for planning, designing, supervising, modifying or improving waste collection, treatment and disposal facilities, water supply, source evaluation, conveyance, treatment and distribution systems, solid waste, toxic, hazardous and radioactive wastes collection, treatment and disposal systems.

“They are also responsible for supervising the operation of environmental engineering facilities or programs such as solid, toxic, hazardous and/or radioactive treatment facilities, wastewater treatment plants, air pollution control facilities and water works,” Climaco said.

Under the measure to be known as the “Environmental Engineering Law of the Philippines,” the environmental engineering board shall be created and composed of three members who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the Society of Environmental Engineers of the Philippines (SEEP).

The Board has the power to issue certificates of registration for the practice of environmental engineering and suspend or revoke the same.

No person shall practice or offer to practice environmental engineering in the country without having obtained the proper certificate of registration from the Board.

Foreign environmental engineers or experts called in by the Philippine Government for consultation for specific environmental engineering services shall be exempted from registration provided, they do not engage in private practice at their own account as environmental engineers.

The bill imposes a jail term of not more than five years and a fine of not more than P50,000, or both at the discretion of the court on any person who shall commit to engage in the practice of environmental engineering without having been registered or who shall give any false or forged evidence of any kind, impersonating any registered environmental engineer.

DOH to expand Zamboanga City hospital

(PNA), LAM/TPGARCIA/EBP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 25 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) will expand this year the facilities of the government-run Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) in this southern port city.

ZCMC chief Dr. Romeo Ong said the DOH has allocated P150 million for the construction of a four-storey building that would house the hospital’s Out-Patient Department (OPD) and other facilities.

Ong said the construction of the building is expected to commence anytime this year.

Aside from the building, Ong said the DOH is also providing four sets of operating room lights, seven operating tables, three anesthesia machines, and 200 hospital beds.

On Wednesday, Mayor Celso Lobregat also turned over to Ong a P70-million check for the acquisition of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner fulfilling the city government’s commitment to help modernize the ZCMC.

The provision of the new facilities and equipment is expected to boost the services of the ZCMC to the public, Ong said.

The ZCMC provides health services to city residents as well as those from the Zamboanga Peninsula including Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, which are part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

City shells out P70M for MRI machine at ZCMC

By Claudine Uniana

Fulfilling his commitment to help modernize the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) and accelerate delivery of health services, Mayor Celso Lobregat yesterday turned over to hospital officials a check of P70 million for the acquisition of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.

The turnover of the check to ZCMC Chief of Hospitals Dr. Romeo Ong, held at the City hall conference room, followed the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) that set guidelines for the purchase of the MRI equipment and related accessories.

Lobregat explained that the addition of an MRI machine at the ZCMC will eliminate the need for patients to go outside the city for an MRI reading.

“Moreover, not only senior citizens but all residents of the city can avail of the 20% discount on the use of the MRI,” Lobregat stressed, as he turned over the check together with Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde, Councilors Rey Candido, Luis Biel III, Lilia Nuño, Percival Ramos, Mike Alavar and Benjamin Guingona III; City Budget Officer Virginia Gara, Assistant City Accountant Felixberto Eleno. The DOH regional office was represented by Dr. Abubakar.

Under the agreement, the Department of Health would bid out the said equipment through the National Kidney and Transplant Institute which ZCMC will pay with the endowment from the city government.

Dr. Ong thanked the city government, particularly Mayor Lobregat and the City Council, for the gift, recounting how the local chief executive promised Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona to donate an MRI if the department would grant the center with much needed medical equipment.

Lobregat committed to donate the equipment to the ZCMC before his third term expires in 2013. He made the pledge last April during the inauguration of the operating room complex and radiology/oncology center, an P11-million project of Deputy House Speaker Rep. Beng Climaco-Salazar of District 1, at the ZCMC.

An MRI is a diagnostic device used in detecting structural abnormalities of the body.It uses magnetism and radio waves to produce clear pictures of human anatomy.

Also present during the MOA signing and check turnover were several barangay chairmen from the 7-kilometer radius of the city.

DTI reports P5.171-B 2012 incremental investments in Zamboanga Peninsula

(PNA), FPV/TEOFILO P. GARCIA/EBP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 23 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced that the industry sectors have registered a total of P5.171 billion in incremental investments last year here in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Registering the biggest increment at 46 percent representing P2.38 billion of the total is the processed fish sector, according to DTI Zamboanga Peninsula Director Nazrullah Manzur.

“This is a result of the expansion of existing factories and the opening of new canneries, particularly in Zamboanga City,” Manzur said.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) of which DTI is among the member-agencies has identified the processed fish sector as one of the priority industries for intensified development and promotion because of the region’s inherent comparative advantage, Manzur said.

He said the second biggest contributor is the construction and construction materials (C/CM) sector which contributed 25 percent of the total investment take.

“Although not among the 12 industries prioritized for promotion, this sizeable investment in the C/CM sector is certainly a welcome development. This is a manifestation of the renewed confidence in real estate development in the region, mirroring the construction boom in Manila, Cebu and Davao, albeit at a much lesser pace,” he said.

The other industry sectors which contributed to the total new investments are rubber, processed food, tourism, coconut, seaweeds, GDH (gifts, decors and housewares), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), he said.

He said the city of Zamboanga continues to lead in investments generation, capturing more than half of the total at P3.317 billion, followed by Zamboanga del Norte at P882.38 million, Zamboanga del Sur at P751.652 million, Zamboanga Sibugay at P208.060 million and Isabela City at P12.42 million.

Meanwhile, Manzur clarified that the P5.171B investments it reported is but a fraction of the total new investments from the public and private sectors in the region.

“What we have accounted here are only those that the office directly assisted such as through investment and financing facilitation. This is also true in the accounting of the office’s other bottom lines such as jobs created, export and domestic sales generated, and SMEs created or assisted,” Manzur added.

P2.2-M Patalon health center inaugurated

By Vic Larato

Mayor Celso Lobregat together with Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde and some members of the City Council yesterday afternoon inaugurated the newly constructed health center amounting to P2.2 million in Barangay Patalon, west of the city.

Undertaken by THETA Construction in amount of P2,166,649.08, the health center brought to P17.9 million worth of various infrastructure projects that the city government had undertaken in Barangay Patalon since 2007.

Record showed that in 2007 Patalon received P1.3 million worth of projects, mostly the construction of slope protection and road concreting. In 2008, the barangay had almost a million worth of road and slope protection projects.

In 2009, the city completed P4.3 million worth of projects in Patalon; P3.1 million in 2010, P1.07 million in 2011, P3.5 million in 2012 and about P3 million other projects soon to be completed that included the P1.5 million farm-to-market road.

The inauguration of Patalon Health Center was done after the chief executive and officials of the Zamboanga City Water District inaugurated the P4.4 million water system project of the said barangay.

The Patalon water system, which is tapped from the spring at Campo Uno in Labuan, is another joint venture of the city government and the ZCWD, spending P1.6 million for the pipes and P2.8 million for labor and other materials, respectively.

Present during the inauguration were City Health Officer Dr. Rodel Agbulos together with Councilors Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, Percival Ramos, Rudy Lim, Gerky Valesco and Noning Biel. Also there were Jomar Lobregat, former councilor Charlie Mariano, BG Guingona, Violy Alejandro, Nardz Sampang, Tito Espiritusanto, Kit Barredo and Bong Atilano.

The ZCWD officials headed by Board Chairwoman Nelida Atilano and General Manager Leonardo Rey D. Vasquez also joined the unveiling of the barangay health center.

Pasobolong gets P7.2M projects

By Sheila Covarrubias

Residents of Pasobolong Friday were jubilant and grateful as they received 4 projects totalling P7.2 million which form part of the City Government’s massive infrastructure program.

Rommel Francisco, Pasobolong barangay chairman said the enormous projects implemented in the barangays by the administration of Mayor Celso Lobregat is evidence of the city’s concern for barangay folks and fulfilment of its commitment to help spur development in the rural areas.

“El maga proyecto ta implimenta na maga barangay incluhido ya aqui na Pasobolong ay beneficia gayot con el maga constituente—joven man o de edad, rico man o pobre o maskin cosa pa di ila fe [these projects implemented in the barangays including here in Pasobolong will redound to the benefits of the constituents—young and old, rich or poor and whatever faith they belong]”, Francisco said after the ceremonial turnover spearheaded by Mayor Lobregat, Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde, Councilors Myra Paz Abubakar, Mike Alavar, VP Elago and Percival Ramos, City Engineer Luis Despalo and staff and guests Jomar Lobregat, former CSWDO Francisco Barredo, former councilor Roel Natividad, FEBARKAZA president Art Onrubia, Urban Poor Homeowners Association President Violeta Alejandro and young entrepreneur BG Guingona.

The projects turned over included the P4.2M barangay hall, P1.29M rehabilitated 3-classroom building and P250T comfort rooms at the Pasobolong Elementary School and P1.49M slope protection project at Purok 2.

Francisco promised to handle the projects with utmost care and to double efforts to further enhance delivery of service to the people.

The 2-storey Pasobolong barangay hall which incorporates the unique characteristic design that reflects the city’s rich and colorful history, is well secured with a fence constructed through the countryside development fund of Vice Mayor Iturralde. It is located in a lot that the city government acquired through donation.

Also present during the turnover ceremony were City Schools OIC Superintendent Pedro Natividad, Pasobolong Elementary School principal Merly Peralta, the District Supervisor, principals from Zambowood and Lugakit Elementary schools, barangay chairmen from Lumayang, Guisao, Salaan and Bungiao, other Pasobolong barangay officials, students and the residents.

Prior to the program at the Pasobolong barangay hall, Mayor Lobregat and party motored to the nearby Salaan Elementary School to also inaugurate a newly-constructed building.

Lobregat is expected to have a series of inauguration and turnover of projects in the days to come to emphasize on his administration’s thrust to help spur development in the barangays and ultimately improve services to the people.


DOT-9 to hold Sta. Cruz media tour

By Allen Abastillas

The Department of Tourism regional office will sponsor a “Sta. Cruz Island Media Familiarization Tour” on January 25, 2015.

The tour activities includes the Samal burial ground, Samal community, Sta. Cruz lagoon and mangroves. The event will have a surprise program.

Tourism Regional Director Mary June G. Bugante said the island familiarization tour is in support to the city government’s initiative to develop Sta. Cruz islands as a tourist destination. The activity is also intended to generate media hype for the promotion of the island.

Meanwhile, Bugante disclosed that some selected newsmen of Cagayan de Oro City will be visiting Zamboanga City on February. The visit is part of the Inter-Regional

Media Travel Exchange sponsored by Department of Tourism Regions 9 and 10and Cebu Pacific Airlines. DOT-10 is under Director Catalino “ Butch” E. Chan III

The visit of the Cagayan de Oro newsmen is an interchange travel tour promotion between the two regions. On November 27 -29,2012, newsmen from Zamboanga City toured Region Cagayan de Oro. They were Jean Taola of TV 11, Liezel Lacastesantos and Sim Romera of ABS-CBN, Jimmy Villaflores of RMN, Jayvee Francisco of DXVP, Antonette Go of Zamboanga Today and Allen Abastillas of Daily Zamboanga times. They were accompanied by two DOT-9 personnel, Precious Rebollos and Melody Berbon.

Zambo barangay receives P4.2-M project

(PNA), GHG/TPGARCIA/ABB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 19 (PNA) –- The city government has inaugurated and turned over P4.2 million worth of infrastructure project to coastal Barangay Pasobolong, 12.8 kilometers east of this city.

Mayor Celso Lobregat,joined by some local government officials, led the turn over ceremony held on Friday afternoon.

Lobregat said the construction of barangay halls was in line with his administration’s massive infrastructure program aimed to accelerate the delivery of government basic services.

The barangay hall stands on a 323.26 square meters lot which was donated by former priest Crisanto Dela Cruz, who administers the Nuevo Zamboanga College.

Giant firms commit 3,000 MW to address power woes in Mindanao

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao (FPG/MVC/PIA9-ZBST)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 21 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III brought some good news on the present power deficiency in Mindanao during his recent visit here to attend the “Top Level Forum” of Mindanao university presidents.

In his speech, President Aquino disclosed that four giant business firms committed at least 3,000 Mega Watts of power, more than enough to address the power problems in Mindanao.

“Two nights ago, I had a chance to talk with four of the biggest business firms in our economy about energy. They said we will soon have surplus of power. They committed 3,000 MW. Before we part, they said Mindanao may be experiencing power shortage right now, but soon Mindanao will be exporting power because of huge surplus,” Pres. Aquino quoted the business firms. Aquino expressed confidence that this would be fulfilled as he directly talked with the heads of these companies which the President declined to divulge for the moment.

The President said there is only 4 MW surplus here in Mindanao, but is way below the needed backup to power all grids in the region if there is routine maintenance of the power plants which will take away over 300 MW.

Presently, Zamboanga City is experiencing 2 hours rotational power interruptions every day. Power situation has improved from last year wherein the city had experienced up to 8 hours of brownouts in a day. Pres. Aquino also stressed that “for this project to be realized, the help and cooperation of the community is very vital.”

Red Cross gears up for fun run

By R.G. Antonet Go

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Zamboanga City Chapter is now gearing for the 2nd Nationwide Million Volunteer Run set on February 10, 2013 at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex.

PRC Zamboanga City Chapter Administrator Victor Liozo Jr., said the activity is being done annually to promote physical fitness.

According to Liozo, the office is expecting some 10,000 participants from all walks of life to include students, employees and employers, and other sectors.

The following fees will be collected from those who will join the fun run: Students in government schools P50.00 with insurance; for private schools and colleges P100 with insurance and certificate, for employers, P300 with whistle, insurance, and certificate; for businesses P500 with baller id, whistle, insurance, and certificate. All the participants will have to wear red t-shirt during the run.

The fun run will start at 5 in the morning from Grandstand going to San Jose then Buenavista, Mayor Cesar Climaco Street, San Jose, Alejo Alvarez, Boulevard then back to grandstand.

Liozo is encouraging the community to participate. For those who cannot run, they may sponsor a runner to join the activity.

The money collected from this event will be used to fund the six major Red Cross services including the blood program, Red Cross Youth, community health and nursing services, disaster management services, safety services and social services. Most of the money according to Liozo will be used for the blood and disaster program.

PNoy makes first presidential visit to Zamboanga City today

By Hader Glang

President Benigno Aquino III will make his first presidential visit to Zamboanga City today since he assumed his post on June 30, 2010.

The President is expected to arrive in the city at 3 o’clock this afternoon, as the guest speaker of a forum, organized by the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

Participants to the forum, with the theme “Schools Serving Society: Top Level Action Agenda of Higher Education Institutions for Mindanao Peace and Development” are university presidents and other top educators from all over Mindanao.

The three-day forum is being held at Garden Orchid Hotel from January 16 until 18. Expected topics of discussion include positioning higher education institutions in Mindanao peace and development.

The President is also expected to speak on the recent events - especially the launching of the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Authority and the Framework Agreement toward the new Bangsamoro.

Aquino, 52, a bachelor, an economics graduate, and a former Senator, commonly known as Noynoy, the Philippines’s fifteenth president, has been campaigning for an end to corruption and poverty. He vows to prosecute corrupt officials a priority.

Noynoy, the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate, received more than 15 million votes, about 5.7 million ahead of his closest opponent, Joseph Estrada who defeated him here Zamboanga City during the 2010 elections.

Fire victims get cash assistance

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, 15 January (PIA) - - Fourteen families affected by a fire in Barangay Mampang this city sometime in October, last year, recently received a total of P54,000 as the city government’s cash aide.

Vic Larato of the City Information Office, in a press statement said the distribution of cash assistance was done at the City Hall by Mayor Celso Lobregat himself.

Larato said, the victims whose houses were totally destroyed by fire received P5,000 per family while those assessed/considered as house-sharers, received P3,000 each.

A family whose house was partially damaged also received P3,000.

“The amount was too small to compensate the properties they lost to the fire but it is something at least to start on,” Larato quoted the mayor as saying.

DSWD distributes close to Php 1.5 M ESA to Lawin, Ofelia victims

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (JPA/PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here recently released Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) in the form of cash amounting to close to to P1.5M to Zamboanga City victims of typhoons Lawin and Ofelia that hit the country late last year.

The ESA, which was released in the form of cash, gave typhoon victims a bit of hope in this dark moment of their lives.

Narrabelle Bue , DSWD Regional Information Officer (RIO) , in a statement said the agency shelved out a total of Php 1.425 million as ESA.

Bue said “185 houses were partially destroyed and 50 units were totally damaged and washed out during the typhoons that dreadfully affected some of our barangays in the city.”

Typhoon victims whose houses were partially damaged received Php 5,000 cash assistance per family while families whose houses were totally damaged got d Php 10,000 cash assistance per family.

The ESA distribution was held at the covered court of Sinunuc Elementary School led Social Welfare Officer IV Ms Elizabeth Dy and was witnessed by Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat.

Bue also informed “other municipalities in Region IX were also provided with relief and rehabilitation support which totalled to P11,681,760. The augmentation support is in forms of relief goods, emergency shelter assistance and cash-for-work scheme provided to affected families."

Philippine Army commander favored in Mindanao as next AFP Chief

(Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 13, 2013) – Philippine Army chief General Emmanuel Bautista remains the strongest choice as the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces when General Jessie Dellosa retires this month.

Bautista, who belongs to Philippine Military Academy Class 81, is favored because of his impressive track records and outstanding accomplishments.

Senior commanders in Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City and Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City prefer Bautista to replace Dellosa.

“Gen. Bautista is a very good commander and hardworking and always maintain a low profile at work and despite the many accomplishments of the Philippine Army under his able leadership you will not hear or see him releasing information or holding news conferences to trumpet all these in the media.”

“He just let the higher headquarters do the talking while he works silently and effectively on the ground,” said one army colonel, who asked not to be named for fear that his statement would be taken against him personally by others who are aspiring to be the next Armed Forces chief.

He said other senior military officers share his views. But he was quick to say that the decision on who would replace Dellosa is with President Benigno Aquino. He said Defense chief Voltaire Gazmin can influence Aquino’s choice; however, the recommendation of other generals is also a deciding factor.

DOH expects drop in number of smokers

By R.G. Antonet Go

The Department of Health (DOH) expects to see decrease in the number of smokers with the passage of the sin tax law.

DOH IX Medical Specialist IV, Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator Dr. Ma. Agnes Z. Mabolo said in an interview, “We would like to see that there would be a decrease in the number of people who smokes, would start to smoke, and all of them will suddenly stop smoking. Hopefully, subido ya el presyo de kada stick de sigarilyo mas menora el pumada de sigarilyo.”

She added, “For those who are smoking, sana they will stop smoking so that we will protect not just themselves, but we will also protect the others who are not smoking because a greater population del diatun jente mas muchu el hinde ta fuma.”

According to Mabolo, the DOH is very happy with the passage of the sin tax law. “We are very relieved, very happy kasi at least finally, in spite of the fact si Presidente ta fuma, at least ya pirma le conel lay so it is a happy event for us pro tobacco control advocates.”

Aside from this, the DOH and City Health are also pushing for a local smoking ordinance so that the revenues for the penalties will go to the city.

“El rason porque tan push quita conel tobacco ordinance, si chene penalty chene cosa paga. El ginda el sen na ciudad, hinde na gobyerno national. Si sigi ta conel tobacco regulation act, si cosa chene penalty, este ginda na national government. Whereas si chene ta diatun ordinansa aki kanatun, na ciudad de Zamboanga ginda el sen. Pwede quita kel usa for the provision of health services.” Mabolo said.

She is asking the residents to convince the councilors and the government to pass the local ordinance on smoking. She stressed, “Protection se de todo, todo quita apektao na pumada de cigarilyo whether ta fuma tu o hinde, apektao tu siyempre.”

According to Mabolo, the entire body system will be affected if one is smoking. Although it will take time for the sickness to come out, such as cancer.

President Benigno Aquino III has already signed the sin tax reform bill into law last year.

The law will make liquor and cigaretes less affordable, as well as raise an additional P33.96 billion revenues in 2013, or the first year of implementation. The additional revenues will be spent on universal health programs and tobacco farmers’ livelihood.

The sin tax reform law is projected to generate a total 5-year incremental revenue of P248.490-B and targets for each year as follows: 2013 - P33.96-B, 2014 - P42.816-B, 2015 - P50.630-B, 2016 - P56.96-B, and 2017 - P64.18-B.

Because of this additional funds coming from the sin tax law, more families will be enrolled in government’s Universal Health Care Program under the Philhealth.

For cigarettes with a net retail price of less than 11.50, tax rate increases are as follows: for 2013 - P12, 2014 - P17, 2015 - P21, 2016 - P25, and 2017 - P30.

For cigarettes with a net retail price of 11.50 or more, the tax per pack are as follows: 2013 - P25, 2014 - P27, 2015 - P28, 2016 - P29, and 2017 - P30.

For fermented liquor with a net retail price of less than P50.60, tax rates are as follows: 2013 - P15, 2014 - P17, 2015 - P19, 2016 - P21, 2017 - P23.50. For fermented liquor worth P50.60 or more: 2013 - P20, 2014 - P21, 2015 - P22, 2016 - P23, 2017 - P23.5 For distilled spirits: 2013 - P20 + 15%, 2014 - P20 + 15%, 2015 - P20 + 20%, 2016 - P21.80 + 20%, and 2017 - P21.60 + 20%.

Zambo tricycle operators have until Jan. 20 to renew franchise

(PNA), DSP/TEOFILO P. GARCIA/PJN

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 11 (PNA) -- Owners of motorized tricycles in this city have until January 20 to renew their franchises.

The Tricycle Adjudication Board (TAB) advises all tricycle operators to renew their franchises on or before the deadline to avoid inconveniences and the payment of penalties and other sanctions.

The TAB office, located at the City Legal Office at the second floor of City Hall, is open Mondays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Since last week, owners of tricycles have flooded the TAB to beat the January 20 deadline set under the law

TAB records show there are over 7,000 tricycles operating in Zamboanga City and over 4,019 units have renewed franchises and paid corresponding franchise fees as of November 7.

The TAB is the body tasked to supervise motorized tricycles in the city under Ordinance 185, otherwise known as “An Ordinance prescribing the operation of Tricycles and Granting Franchise for the Operation Thereof within the Territorial Jurisdiction of the City of Zamboanga.”

The requirements in the application for certificate of public convenience to operate motorized tricycle are: certificate of registration and official receipt of payment of the registration fees for the current year; proof of financial capacity to operate; insurance policy covering third party liability; proof of payment of local and national taxes; professional driver’s license of the driver; police clearance of the operator and the driver; inspection report on road worthiness of the tricycle; pollution clearance issued by the pollution officer; health certificate and barangay clearance.

The city government has not granted new franchises but only renewing the permits issued as of 2002.

DOT Sec. Jimenez supports Zambo Chamber, IGZI call for PAL to restore flight services in Zambo City

By Albert O. Francisco III

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon Jimenez joins the call of the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Industrial Group in a letter of appeal to intervene and use his moral suasion to Influence the new PAL owners, San Miguel Corporation through its President Ramon Ang to heed the call of the Zamboanga Chamber and Industrial Group in its appeal to restore its flight services to Zamboanga City.

The letter of DOT Secretary, addressed to Mr. Ramon S. Ang President & Chief Operating Officer Philippine Air Lines, Jimenez said he understands the memorandum to all its employees launching of “Project Winter”, a project that aims to maximize the strength of both PAL and AirPhil by adopting ndustry practices of leading airlines through the rationalization of the flight schedules of PAL and AirPhil.

“The DOT understands that the Project Winter” is a business decision that Management has to undertake and we support PAL’s commitment to making travel more efficient, economical and competitive with the other airlines in the industry, however we seek reconsideration in allowing PAL to continue servicing the Manila-Zamboanga route considering the market growth, economic opportunity and increased arrivals in the said area,” DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr said in his letter, supporting the appeal of the Zamboanga business community for PAL to reconsider their decision.

To recall, in a letter dated November 12,2012 ZCCIFI President Pedro Rufo “ Pocholo” N. Soliven and Igzi, President George Ledesma jointly wrote CAAP Director General William Hotchkiss III informing as well as urging his office to intervene citing several disadvantages caused by PAL flight pull out in Zamboanga City that are prejudicial to PAL’s loyal patrons in the city as well as the BaSulTa island provinces.

ZCWD, DepEd and Barangay Vitali ink MOA for sanitary facility at Tamion Elem. School

By rmeho

The Zamboanga City Water District, Department of Education-Division Office of Zamboanga City and Barangay Vitali signed a memorandum of agreement on January 3, 2013 at ZCWD office for the construction of sanitary facility at Tamion Elementary School located at Barangay Vitali. Tamion is one of the spring sources for the Vitali Water System.

The signing was an off shoot of ZCWDs implementation of its Corporate Social Responsibility that was conceptualized and eventually adopted per Board Resolution No. 236 dated November 25, 2011. The main purpose of which is to assist communities through the implementation of projects along health and nutrition, environment, water and sanitation that help improve people’s quality of life. On top of the office’s priorities under this program is the construction of sanitary facilities at Tamion Elementary School and soon the establishment of communal faucets in areas/communities where it is most needed.

Outgoing Chairman of the Board, Dr. Milagros L. Fernandez said that the office will provide all construction materials required to complete the project amounting to almost P200,000.00. It shall also supervise the implementation of the project to ensure compliance to construction standards.

On the other hand, Barangay Vitali will provide services of unskilled laborers who will do the civil work through pintakasi system while the school, through its Parent Teacher Association, shall provide the meals of the volunteer workers during the construction and shall also be responsible for the maintenance of the sanitary facility/wash station after turn over, including the payment of water bills.

The MOA was signed by ZCWD General Manager Leonardo Rey D. Vasquez, Vitali Punong Barangay Jose P. Alavar, OIC Schools Division Superintendent Pedro Melchor M. Natividad and Education Program Supervisor Simplicio F. Bazan. The signing was witnessed by Tamion Elementary School Principal Ms. Lilian Muta, PTA President Roger Estorco, ZCWD Board of Directors and Assistant General Managers.

A simple groundbreaking activity will soon take place few days from now.

City gov’t unveils P2.4-M projects in Zambo

(PNA), FFC/TPG/EBP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 8 (PNA) -- Mayor Celso Lobregat on Tuesday led the inauguration of P2.4 million projects as the city government pursues its massive infrastructure program in this southern port city.

Inaugurated were the newly-rehabilitated six-classroom school building at the Sinunuc Elementary School and the newly-constructed slope protection project at the Paradise Urban Poor Association, also in Sinunuc, 9.4 kilometers west of this city.

The rehabilitation of the six-classroom school building costs the city government P779,000 and the slope protection project P1.7 million.

Lobregat said the inauguration of the two projects is the start of a series of inauguration of infrastructure projects this year.

According to the mayor, two more projects will be inaugurated projects in Brgys. Lumayang and Mercedes, east of this city. Another project will be unveiled in Brgy. Patalon, west of this city, he said.

The city government has so far implemented more than P3 billion worth of projects from 2009 until 2011.

Most of the accomplishments are the massive school building program aimed to address the shortage of classroom in public elementary and secondary schools in this city.

Meanwhile, Brgy. Sinunuc has so far received a total of more than P40 million worth of infrastructure projects from the city government since 2007.

Early payment of business taxes urged as Jan. 20 deadline nears

By R.G. A A. Go

The Chief of the City Permits and Licenses Division has urged businessmen to pay their respective business taxes and renew their business licenses early to avoid the rush and penalty as the deadline nears.

The Chief of the City Permits and Licenses Division Benjie S. Barredo said during an interview, “Si hinde sila pwede man renew ahora tiene sila penalties y si tan operate nohay licensiya sera ta di-ila tienda.”

The renewal of Business Permits for the year 2013 has officially started last October 2012 and the deadline for renewal is on January 20, 2013.

Because of the renewal of business permits, the office is open from Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and for Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm.

Aside from these, line agencies also have their respective tables to cater to the needs of those who will renew their business permits.

Barredo said, “Para na renewal, tan render quita overtime para dale muchu tiempo conel diatun maga vivientes para ase diila renewal del diila maga licensiya.”

The office according to Barredo is targeting 10,000 for both renewal of licenses and new licenses. “Ta mira quita el maga negocio ahora el development del city is fuerte tan expect quita era manada.” Referring to the businesses.

The service of the office will depend on how fast the applicants can process the papers. If the papers are complete, the applicants can get their business permit the next day. The office also has the necessary stickers and business plates for the purpose.

The payment of business permits will depends on the type of business and their capital for the business.

He said that after the deadline of renewal, the office will now conduct their campaign for monitoring.

There were 7,999 renewal of business permits for the year 2012 while 951 were new businesses totaling to 8,950.

He said “Tan appeal kita no mas ya espera conel deadline as early as now manda ya sila man renew diila maga licensiya para hinde kanila alkansa el crowd para man avoid sila el rush and penalty.”

Zambo Mayor urges businessmen to renew permits early

(PNA), GHG/TPGARCIA/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 6 (PNA) – Mayor Celso Lobregat called on owners and managers of business establishments to renew their permits the earliest possible time to avoid the rush and the payment of penalties and surcharges.

Lobregat made his call as he announced that the offices will open longer than its regular schedule to better serve the public during the renewal period which will end on Jan. 21.

Concerned offices are open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Jan. 21.

“We ask owners and managers of business establishments to renew their permits early and not to wait for the deadline,” Lobregat appealed.

Local businessmen have started flocking the city hall where tables and tents have been set up to accommodate more clients and to ensure their comfort and convenience.

Lobregat has also initiated the early inspection of establishments based on the Business Processing and Licensing System (BPLS), a program undertaken through the Transparent and Accountable Governance (TAG) project funded by the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID) through the Asia Foundation.

The offices involved in the renewal process are the Treasurer’s Office, Permits and Licensing Division, the Tricycle Adjudication Board, the Computer Services Division, City Health Office and City Planning and Development Office, among others.

Re-discovering Zesty Zamboanga!

By Kara Santos (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Mention Zamboanga, and images of colorful vintas immediately come to mind. The striped sails of this traditional fishing vessel are said to represent the diverse culture and history of the Muslim community.

And indeed, “Asia’s Latin city” offers other interesting facets beyond its rich heritage and culture.

If you’ve already done the religious and cultural tour to age-old favorites like Fort Pilar, the National Museum, Zamboanga City Hall and Taluksangay Mosque, here are some new experiences you might want to try:

Sail on a vinta

It is probably the first item on the itinerary of every camera-wielding tourist: Find a vinta and get their photo taken next to it. But previous visitors to Zamboanga often found to their disappointment that vintas can only be seen during the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival held every October, or as decorative items in hotels.

These days, tourists will be glad to know that Vinta Sailing is offered at Paseo del Mar during weekends. The boats docked there are managed by fishermen who, after heading out to sea in the morning for the day’s catch, unfurl the colorful sails on their boats and, weather and wind conditions permitting, offer rides around the area.

Vinta sailing is offered from Friday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fees: P50/adult, P20/student and P15/child.

Chase waterfalls

The pink sand beaches of Santa Cruz Island, just 15 minutes away from the city have been a popular attraction for day-trippers. But did you know that Zamboanga City is also home to a scenic waterfall not too far from the city?

Those who have a day to spare can spend it relaxing at Merloquet Falls. Located in the interior of Barangay Sibulao, some 78 kilometers east of the city, Merloquet Falls is a rising eco-tourism destination for nature-trippers. The lower level of the falls is not just pretty to look at, but great for relaxing too. Sitting on the mossy stones underneath the falls amidst a lush forest is the best form of hydrotherapy one could ask for.

The smaller upper level of the falls, which has a series of interesting jagged rock formations sloped diagonally, can be reached by a short, steep climb.

Entrance fee: P5 per person. Parking fees: P10 for motorcycles and P20 for cars and other vehicles.

Preserve indigenous culture

If you want to buy unique souvenirs that reflect the culture of Zamboanga City and support a good livelihood initiative, the best place to go is the Yakan Weaving Village on Upper Calarian road along the National Highway, where colorful embroidered fabrics are handwoven by members of the Yakan tribe.

Originally from the island of Basilan, many Yakan families now reside in this village and offer visitors a first-hand view of them working the weaving looms. The fabrics with the brightly hued designs and geometric patterns are sold as table runners, wallets, bags, accessories and other decorative items. Aside from fabrics, brassware and musical instruments, traditional weapons and other souvenir items are sold at some of the stores outside the village.

The best-selling souvenir items are the wallets and small coin purses made of Yakan fabric which cost from P25 to P100, while the bags range in price from P100 to P300, depending on the size and intricacy of the design.

Step back in time

On the second floor of a bank in the city, one can step back in time and feel how it was to live in the colonial era.

The BPI Museum Zamboanga contains a collection of period furniture and household wares that replicates the colonial character of the Spanish period trading house that the bank bought in the late 1920s from the heirs of Don Francisco Barrios.

The same building, which was once the official residence of Gen. John Pershing, has been occupied by the Bank of the Philippine Islands since 1912. The museum is an excellent showcase of period furniture, vintage photographs, traditional clothes, weapons and banking memorabilia.

The museum is open only during banking hours. Visits must be pre-arranged.

Savor the island flavors

The food most associated with Zamboanga City is curacha, coconut crabs that can only be found in the deep waters of Zamboanga.

The dish is served at the Alavar Seafood Restaurant, an institution here and a top destination for serious foodies in Zamboanga. Curacha is served with a delicious blend of coconut milk and spices at the restaurant located along Don Alfaro Street.

Green mango with bagon gata (a type of shrimp paste with coconut milk) and Zamboanga White, a creamy lychee shake are other house specialties.

If you’re on a budget, head for the satti places and streetside stalls that specialize in halal food. Satti is a local barbecue dish similar to the Malaysian satay. At John’s Place, you can have a filling breakfast or lunch of three satti sticks and sticky rice topped with a generous serving of thick spicy sauce for just P25.

The smallest order of curacha at Alavar Seafood Restaurant costs P850/kilo, so it’s best to dine here in a big group. You can buy frozen packs of Alavar special sauce as a take-home souvenir for P250/pack.

Soak in the night life

Very near the grand Fort Pilar are two destinations that have become favorite hangouts among the locals. Paseo del Mar is a park by the sea that was opened to the public in 2009. Paseo del Mar is reminiscent of Baywalk with its colorful lights, dancing fountain and vibrant night life. There’s a wide range of food stalls and resto-bars here where you can dine al fresco.

A branch of Alavar Seafood Restaurant here serves their best-selling grilled dishes and seafood platters (minus the curacha). Head to Bistro for pasta dishes, fusion food, affordable barkada platters and drinks. Pinoy Patio (a branch of Palmeras) also serves the most delectable Knickerbocker, a dessert of sliced fruits and gelatin topped with strawberry ice cream. More eateries and bars can also be found at Plaza del Pilar right in front of Fort Pilar, where musical events and concerts are sometimes held. •

For more travel and adventure stories, visit the author’s blog Travel Up at www.traveling-up.com.

OWWA spends over P27M for OFWs in Region-IX

By Monch L. Follosco

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Region-9 spent over P27 million for the year 2012. In its yearender report, a total of P27,799,267.85 was spent for the implementation of programs and services for the social protection of its members, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with their families and dependents.

In its 2-Billion Reintegration Program alone, which is one of the flagship programs of President Benigno Aquino, a total of P8,482,000.00 was spent mostly for beneficiaries from Zamboanga City, Isabela, Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay and Dipolog City.

For the Death & Burial Benefit, OWWA spent P8,520,000.00 with OFW families as direct recipients who availed the financial assistance.

The Skills Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), OWWA’s education and training benefits for the dependents of OFWs, a total of P5,548,737.50 was spent.

For OFW’s Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) OFWDSP, a total of P2,070,000.00 were spent for children of OFWs as beneficiaries.

A total of P1,201,680.35 went to Balik Pinay Balik Hanap Buhay Program (BPBHP). They availed of the commercial cooking, pastry making, baking starter kit, gament-making-sewing machine and other livelihood assistance.

For Education Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), a total of P930,000,00 was spent as part of education and training benefits of OWWA.

For the National Reintegration center for OFW (NRCO) 10K Livelihood Assistance, a total of P230,000.00 was spent for the immediate families and dependents of OFWs.

For Relief Assistance Program – Libya, a total of P130,000.00 was released to direct beneficiaries and a total of P170,000.00 was spent for direct recipients in Syria.

A total of P89,350.00 went to the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP). Members can avail scholarship for attendance in short-term upgrading courses for seafarers.

OWWA Regional Director Hassan Gabra Jumdain expressed thanks to his staff and profound gratitude to OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon, DOLE Secretary Rosalindo Dimapilis-Baldoz, the OWWA Board of Trustees and the Executive Management and all the DOLE-Regional Coordinating Committee for all the support extended to OWWA Region 9.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is the government welfare institution that promotes the interest of member-Overseas Filipino Workers. It develops and implements responsive programs and services for the social protection of its members.

Helmet Law enforced today

By Jimmy Villaflores

The Land Transportation Office (LTO-9), along with deputized enforcement agencies like the PNP and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) will start today its campaign on the wearing of proper protective helmets by motorcyclists and back riders as prescribed by a national law.

A conference of all the LTO directors was called by DOTC yesterday to discuss the full implementation of R.A 10054 otherwise known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act, according to LTO-9 Director Aminola Abaton over a radio interview yesterday morning.

However, Abaton said through a text message late yesterday afternoon that they are still trying to resolve some gray areas in the said law which have been described by many as “oppressive” and anti-poor.

The law mandates all motorcycle riders, including drivers and back riders, to wear standard protective motorcycle helmets at all times while driving, whether long or short drives, in any type of road and highway. Standard protective motorcycle helmets are appropriate types of helmets for motorcycle riders that comply with the specifications issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Any person who uses, sells and distributes substandard motorcycle helmets or those which do not bear the PS mark or the ICC certificate will be punished with a fine of not less than P3,000 for the first offense, and P5, 000.00 for the second offense, without prejudice to other penalties under Republic Act No. 7394 or the “Consumer Act of the Philippines.”

Should the so-called gray areas be resolved, Abaton said, the implementation pushes through today nationwide in all roads and streets including riders of Habal-Habal. However, the law exempts tricycle drivers from complying with the mandatory wearing of motorcycle helmets.

“We have done the massive information since July of last year. I think every motorist is fully aware of the implementation of the law,” Abaton said.

The DTI, through the BPS (Bureau of Product Standard), shall conduct a mandatory testing of all manufactured and imported motorcycle helmets in the Philippines. The BPS shall periodically issue a list of motorcycle helmet manufacturers and importers and the brands which pass the standards of the BPS, to be published in a newspaper of general circulation or in its website.

The law allows at least three types of protective helmet to be worn by motorists—full face helmet, open face and the J-type.

Meanwhile, the idea of passing an ordinance relative to the kind of helmet that motorcyclists should wear, of course in conformity with the national law (R.A 10054), will no longer be a priority measure of the City Council this year.

Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde said the matter will be subjected to further study after the principal author, Councilor Jaime Cabato, withdrew his proposed ordinance December of last year.

Due to security reason, the Council exerted efforts to adopt an ordinance that will somehow allow a certain types of protective helmets to be applicable to Zamboanga City.

Cabato withdrew his proposal after learning that the kind of helmet that he was trying to introduce (open face), will not serve the purpose since faces of motorcyclists could not still be easily indentified because of its visors.

Panic buying of protective helmets has been observed since December.

Jose Rizal continuing beacon of hope for all

By Ed D. Banos

“Rizal was independent minded and not easily swayed from his convictions and went to his death this day not knowing his sacrifice will galvanize a nation and its people and win the fight for freedom. He truly was a hero for all time.”

Thus was part of a message delivered by District 2 Rep. Erbie A. Fabian yesterday morning, (December 30th) on the 116th death anniversary of the martyrdom of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the foot of the Rizal shrine fronting city hall.

Fabian said if Rizal were alive today he would be angry and could have launched into his third novel following ‘Noli Me Tangere’ and ‘El Filibusterismo’ where he channels all his emotions over the sad state of his people.

“Anger if handled properly could be channeled into positive energy and have people work for the better of their lot. It also could spur ordinary men and women to become heroes just like Dr. Rizal himself,” said the second district solon.

Fabian also reminded the people of the continuing legacy of the ‘Pride of Malay Race’ on our daily lives today, his greater sacrifice has provided the nation with impetus for unity, true peace and constructive progress.

“Rizal should continue to inspire us to become better as individuals, as a people and as a community here in Zamboanga City,” Fabian stressed.

He called on the people to be grateful that “we have had amongst us someone line Rizal and may there be more like him in the future as our struggles continue ahead as we strive to become better.”

This year’s theme of the Rizal day rites was “Rizalism: The Emergence of Spanish-Filipino relations that led to Nationalism”.

Present were top officials headed by Mayor Celso Lobregat, House Deputy Speaker and District 1 Rep .Beng Climaco-Salazar, military and police officials, teachers and students and government officials and personnel.

The Rizal Day rites were sponsored anew by the Knight of Rizal Chapter headed by Domingo Falcasantos and the city government of Zamboanga.

8 hurt in New Year revelry in Zamboanga City

By Roel Pareño (philstar.com)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Three people, including a minor, were hit by stray bullet and five more were included in the list of victims injured by firecrackers during the New Year revelry in this city, authorities said.

The victims separately rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) were identified as Elvira Aurea, 45 and Robert Falsis, 21, both residents of the coastal village of Mampang; and Jonathan Bacani, 14, of Barangay Tugbungan.

Attending physicians have declared the victims are now in safe condition after the treatment of their bullet wounds.

Aurea said he was inside their house watching their neighbor’s fireworks display when suddenly something hit him and later he realized he was hit by a stray bullet in his left armpit.

Senior Superintendent Edwin de Ocampo, city police chief, said they were still investigating if the bullets that hit the victims were fired by policemen.

De Ocampo also said that there is also a strong possibility that the bullets were fired by civilians while welcoming the new year.

The local health office, meanwhile, said that at least five victims of firecrackers were recorded during the New Year revelry. The number brought to 19 the total count of firecracker-related injuries in the city since December 21.

De Ocampo said that the number was lower compared to the same period in 2011.

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