Zamboanga City News January 2014

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Zamboanga City - Archived News

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
Limpapa Beach.JPG
Limpapa Beach

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

PCG commandant lauds men, BFAR for seizing endangered shells in Zambo

(PNA), CTB/RTA

MANILA, Jan. 31 (PNA) -- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena on Friday lauded his men and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for seizing some Php 100,000 worth of prohibited shells in a cargo vessel at the Port of Zamboanga City.

A joint PCG and BFAR team recovered the shells after an inspection of M/V Magnolia Liliflora upon arrival at the port of Zamboanga from the port of Jolo, Sulu last Wednesday.

An inventory made by the inspecting team revealed the 800 pieces of shells, locally known as “budyong” or smooth shells and “samong tuwad”, were placed in sacks and cartons and concealed at the middle of each packaging.

The shells were turned over to the BFAR in region 9.

No one was reported arrested during the inspection.

Zambo City all set for 77th founding anniversary celebration

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 30 (PNA) -– All is set for the celebration of the 77th Dia de Zamboanga (Zamboanga Day).

The Dia de Zamboanga, which is celebrated every February 26 of the year, marks the day when the first set of city officials headed by Mayor Nicasio Valderoza was installed into office.

City Administrator Antonio Orendain, Jr. said they have finalized the plans and programs for the Dia de Zamboanga celebration in a meeting on Monday.

Orendain said that this year’s celebration, which is anchored on the theme “Build Back Better Zamboanga,” will start February 9.

The main highlight of the celebration will be the conferment of awards to Local Achievers covering various fields of endeavors and the grand civic-military parade.

Orendain said the awarding ceremony of the Local Achievers Award is set to be held on February 25, the eve of the celebration while the grand civic- military parade will be held February 26.

Among the lined-up activities for the celebration include the following: 8th Dia di Senador Roseller T. Lim, Feb. 9; 8th Zamboanga Food Festival, Feb. 21-22; 1st Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar Bowling Cup, Feb. 21-23; Documentary of Zamboanga mayors, Feb. 24; 2nd Zamboanga International Film Festival, Feb. 28 to March 2; Cheer Dance Competition, Feb. 24; Drum and Lyre Competition (high School level), Feb. 25; and, Dia de Zamboanga Peace Concert, Feb. 26.

Orendain said that numerous other activities sponsored by private groups and organizations are also included in the calendar of activities.

Orendain said that the Birds Festival, an event organized by the Department of Tourism from February 27 to March 1, will be one of the activities also being looked forward to.

Congressional human rights committee visits Zambo City

(PNA), TPGJR/PR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 29 (PNA) -- The Congressional Committee on Human Rights has consulted Wednesday the different sectors of this city, specifically the internally displaced persons (IDPs), as they prepare for the plenary discussion on the proposed bill on IDPs.

The Committee led by Surigao second district Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. first met with Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar at City Hall Wednesday morning where they were briefed on this city’s rehabilitation efforts following the 20-day standoff.

The focus of the briefing were the various programs initiated by the city government in coordination with national government agencies and the humanitarian sectors for the recovery of the families displaced by the siege.

Accompanying Romarate during the briefing at City Hall were first district Rep. Celso Lobregat, Gabriela Partlist Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan and Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Isagani Carlos Zarate, congressional staff under the Human Rights committee, officials from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional office and officials from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) led by regional director Paizal Abutazil and city director Mohammad Taha Arakama.

Lobregat also talked about updates on the Zamboanga City Recovery, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (Z3R) plan in his capacity as consultant on rehabilitation.

Romarate said during the briefing that he is impressed with the way the Zamboanga City government implements the recovery and rehabilitation programs with the support of other agencies and humanitarian actors.

From City Hall, the group inspected the “ground zero” covering the barangays of Mariki, Rio Hondo, Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina and the resettlement area in Barangay Taluksangay.

At 1 p.m., the Committee conducted a moto propio inquiry on the human rights situation of the IDPs who were massively displaced as an aftermath of the siege last September and continuation of deliberations on House Bill Nos. 239, 2247, 3003 and 3146 (protection of IDPs).

City launches search for local achievers award

By Bong Garcia

THE City Government announced on Tuesday that the annual search for the Local Achievers Award, one of the main highlights during the celebration of Dia de Zamboanga (Zamboanga Day) in February 26 is now on.

The search, which is aimed to confer honor and prestige to Zamboangueños who have attained exceptional achievements and victories in various fields of endeavors, covers the fields on sports, culture and arts, public service, city government service, community service, investment promotion, tourism-oriented establishment and the highest award-Orgullo de Zamboanga Primiar.

The nomination forms can be secured at the City Tourism Division under the Office of the City Mayor located at the Paseo del Mar and the deadline for the submission of nominations will be on February 12, 2014. For inquiries, interested parties may call telephone numbers (062)992-3007 or (062)990-2173.

The City Government said in a statement that the awarding ceremony--the 12th since it started in 2002--is scheduled on February 25, eve of the 77th Dia de Zamboanga celebration.

It said the various fields included in the Top Achiever Awards and their criteria include Sports--individual or team for outstanding athletic performance in their respective sporting events in internationally or nationally recognized competitions; Culture and Arts (Performing and Visual Artists)--individual or group promoting Zamboanga’s culture through music, dances, paintings and literary works; Public Service--individual or group for dedication and exemplary service to the people of Zamboanga; City Government Service--an individual for extraordinary performance in the service of the city government; Community Service (Barangay/Civic groups)--for exemplary service rendered by an individual or group in the upliftment of a barangay; Investment Promotion--individual or group for promoting Zamboanga City as a sound investment area through their products; and Tourism Oriented Establishment--a tourism-oriented establishment for its major contributions to the promotion of this city through its outstanding delivery of service.

The Orgullo de Zamboanga Premiar is the highest honor and is bestowed on a single individual in recognition of his/her significant and meritorious contributions to the city.

The candidates may come from any field, including the academe, business and government. Those contributions must be documented and supported by several individuals who can personally attest to the importance of the candidate’s contribution.

Nomination of the Orgullo de Zamboanga Premiar award may be made by any individual, group, organization or institution.

DSWD, IOM hold IDP Day in Zambo City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 27 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has conducted a two-day Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Day as part of the psychosocial activity for the families displaced by the September standoff.

DSWD Regional Information Officer Narrabelle Bue said the IDP Day, which was held from Saturday until Sunday at Baliwasan Central School, was participated by some 300 IDPs.

Bue said the activity was initiated by the IOM in partnership with the DSWD and city government as part of the psychosocial support for the IDPs.

Bue said those who participated in the two-day events are those housed at the Joaquin F. Enriquez, Jr. Memorial Sports Complex.

Bue said the activities include sport events like basketball and volleyball and the winners received grocery items as prizes.

The sports complex still houses at present a total of 1,856 families comprising of 12,675 individuals.

Bue said they are looking forward to conduct similar activities for the IDPs who are still staying in evacuation centers.

Parents in Zambo urged to immunize kids against measles

(MindaNews)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/26 January) – City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos has advised parents to have their children immunized against measles to ensure protection from the disease.

Agbulos issued the advice weeks after the reported outbreak of measles in Metro Manila.

He warned that Zamboanga is highly vulnerable to diseases like measles since “we are an open city with an open port.”

He said the parents may bring their children one-year old and below to the health centers in their respective barangays for free immunization every Wednesday.

The official assured the public that they have sufficient supply of anti-measles vaccines.

Agbulos said the common signs and symptoms of measles are fever with rashes and cough and colds.

He also advised the parents to immediately bring their children to a health center or clinic for consultation if they show such symptoms for early health management.

He explained that measles is a highly contagious disease that could lead to death due to complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, and diarrhea.

He advised his personnel to closely monitor their respective places of assignments for possible occurrence of measles.

The city health office recorded no cases of measles last year, and reported a 98-percent accomplishment for measles immunization.

According to Expanded Program Immunization Coordinator Corazon Pagotaisidro, four children who were reported to have acquired rashes at the height of the standoff with the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari faction last September turned out negative for the disease.

Road network construction in standoff-affected communities starts next month

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 25 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is rushing the completion of the plan for the construction of a road network in the barangays affected by the September 2013 standoff in this city.

DPWH Regional Director Jorge Sebastian said the preparation of the plan is expected to be completed within this month and the road network construction is set to start next month.

Sebastian said the plan, once completed, will be immediately submitted to DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson for the release of the funds “so we can start the work may be by February.”

“We are given only 12 months to complete the (construction of the) road network in the affected areas,” Sebastian said.

He said they were also tasked to construct more than a kilometer boardwalk in Barangay Rio Hondo aside from the construction of the road network.

He said the boardwalk, which will be connected to the other barangays, will be utilized by the residents of the houses on stilts to be constructed by the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Barangay Rio Hondo.

The other barangays that were greatly affected by the September standoff were Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina and Kasanyangan aside from Rio Hondo.

Malacañang has allocated P3.7 billion for the rehabilitation of the areas affected by the standoff last September in this city.

Sebastian said that DPWH will utilize around P1.5 billion of the total allocation for the construction of road network and boardwalk.

USAID-ENGAGE kicks off in Zambo

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

The City of Zamboanga and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Thursday, January 23, affirming their mutual intent to support transparency, good governance, and peace and development in Mindanao, through the implementation Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE) project.

The signing of the MOU signified the commitment of Zamboanga City and four other Western Mindanao local government units (LGUs) to support the ENGAGE project, a five-year USAID/Philippines project which seeks to improve the capacities of LGUs and civil society organizations (CSOs) to build prosperity and stability in Mindanao.

Among the first 10 LGU beneficiaries identified for the first ENGAGE project cycle are Zamboanga City, Isabela City, Lamitan City, the province of Sulu, and the municipality of Jolo.

The agreement was signed by US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Luwalhati Antonio, and the representatives of the five LGU beneficiaries - City Mayor Beng Climaco for Zamboanga City, Councilor Janesa Tubungbanua representing Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar for Isabela City, Mayor Rosita Furigay for Lamitan City, Provincial Board Member Abduradzmezer Burahan representing Governor Abdusakur Tan for Sulu, and Mayor Hussin Amin for Jolo.

“We really need programs of the USAID to teach us citizen participation, stakeholder empowerment, collective and collaborative processes for our constituents to be really involved,” Climaco said as she welcomed the presence of USAID and the ENGAGE project in the City.

“What we want is government transparency and accountability of elected officials who will be at the helm of leadership, to be sure that every fund of national government would trickle down to benefit the most vulnerable citizens of our country,” she added.

The MOU signing ceremony also coincided with the first Mindanao visit of Ambassador Goldberg, who earlier paid his courtesy call to Climaco at City Hall.

U.S. Ambassador visits Zamboanga City

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/PR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 23 (PNA) -– City Hall rolled out Thursday a red carpet welcome for newly-installed United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, who was visiting Mindanao, Zamboanga City in particular for the first time.

Ambassador Goldberg together with United States Assistance for International Development (USAID)-Philippines Mission Director Gloria Steele arrived in City Hall shortly before noontime for a brief meeting with Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.

Salazar, during the meeting, has briefed the ambassador about this city’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts anchored on the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) under the Build Back Better strategy.

Salazar likewise presented to the ambassador a serigraph of City Hall created by Zamboangueño artist Rameer Tawasil.

Meanwhile, Salazar also reiterated to the new envoy some concerns she raised during the time of Ambassador Harry Thomas, which she said would greatly help in the development efforts in this city and that of the neighboring areas in Mindanao.

These included the request for assistance on the rehabilitation/asphalting of the Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) runway which is also being utilized by American aircrafts as landing site; request for assistance in calibrating airport security and closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera system; possible training of the officials of this city’s 98 Barangays for a Comprehensive Security and Disaster Response Plan; request for provision of technical expertise to fully activate the City Command Center (911 System) for emergency response and possible programs and partnerships with the city government through the USAID and other agencies of the U.S. government to sustain the livelihood of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other programs.

“Over the years, the support of your government has been an integral part of the development in Mindanao. Our administration puts premium on Security, Health and Education programs and these priorities also form part of your agenda,” Salazar said.

ZABIDA, partners renew ties to help poor, siege victims

(Peace Advocates Zamboanga/ZABIDA)

The president of Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc. (ZABIDA) has hailed the community development and peace-building organization as a “little miracle” that has produced “little flowers” during its past seven years of assisting poor residents in the city and the neighboring province of Basilan.

ZABIDA president Fr. Angel Calvo, CMF made the remarks during the four-NGO consortium’s 4th Regional Partnership Forum held on Tuesday morning, January 21, at Marcian Business Hotel.

Since 2010, ZABIDA has held the forum annually to present its recent accomplishments and to renew its partnership with various local government and non-government organizations, barangays, farmers and urban poor groups, military and police, and others. Representatives of some 60 of these attended Tuesday’s forum.

ZABIDA is made up of Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc. (NFI) based in Basilan and KatilingbanparasaKalambuan, Inc. (KKI), Reach Out to Others Foundation (ROOF), and Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) in Zamboanga.

Among the accomplishments reported during the forum, NFI disclosed that it implemented economic security, peace-building and good governance projects in 48 barangaysin Basilan. It also built three potable water system facilities that benefit schools, health centers and communities who themselves manage their water associations. NFI also implemented projects in women empowerment, culture of peace skills, health services, sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, livelihood and micro-lending and others.

On the other hand, ROOF has trained a few hundreds farmers belonging to 18 associations in six barangays in organic farming and sustainable agriculture in the past three years. The foundation is headquartered in the Bunguiao Eco-Farm Park, where it has a live-in training center.

KKI has been lending livelihood money to hundreds of local enterpreneurs through ZABIDA’S Financial Service Program, trained residents in disaster response and risk reduction and women in various life and health skills. KKI has built almost 600 low-cost housing for urban poor residents in Zamboanga.

PAZ, the fourth ZABIDA member, concentrates on interreligious solidarity-building, peace education for youths, peace advocacy through its Week of Peace and media interventions, democratic governance in barangays with emphasis on women participation, security sector reform and networking with civil society groups in support of the Mindanao peace process. In close collaboration with partners such as the Department of Education, Department of Local Government, barangay councils, local governments, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and others PAZ has served thousands in peace-building initiatives in the past three years under review.

Dr. Grace Rebollos, ZABIDA board director, presented a post-conflict needs analysis designed to guide the rehabilitation and psycho-social healing of the victims of the MNLF siege of the city last year. The analysis forms part of the official Zamboanga rehabilitation and recovery program of the national government.

Responses were given by the farmers federation president Joseph Ledesma, urban poor association president Juanita Cabugatan, chairman CarlitoSuela of Tairan, Basilan, the province’s provincial administrator Tahira Ismael, Interreligious Solidarity for Peace Muslim convenor Prof. Ali Yacub, and city hall executive assistant Yah-yaAbdusalam Jr. on behalf of Mayor Ma. Isabel Climaco-Salazar. All committed to continue to work with ZABIDA in pursuit of its various programs.

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs officer Wouter De Cuyper in his response said various international aid agencies are working to establish a funding program to help the victims of the city’s siege in the coming months.

In tandem with the Claret Parish, ZABIDA executive director EsperancitaHupida, who spearheaded the forum, said the consortium provided food and relief goods assistance to thousands of victims during and after the siege, from donations of different national and international charities. With Ateneo de Zamboanga University, it also undertook psycho-social healing for children and youths. With the International Labor Organization’s support, ZABIDA built and donated 500 classroom armchairs to schools where evacuees had destroyed their armchairs.

ZABIDA orchestrated the formation of a rehabilitation and healing task group called Re-Unidos that aims to continue efforts with government and non-government organizations for the speedy rehabilitation of siege victims and rebuilding of their communities.

Fr. Calvo emphasized too that ZABIDA’s unique wholistic approach concept of multi-program and intersectoral integration has been proven to be effective by the consortium’s achievements in the past seven years.

Zamboangueño SEA Games medalists given cash incentives

(PNA), LAM/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan, 21 (PNA) -- Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has commended the five Zamboangueño athletes who brought honor to this city in the field of international sports after they reaped medals at the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last month in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.

The athletes are the following: Hidilyn Diaz and Margarito Angana Jr., silver medalists in the Women’s Wrestling and Greco Roman Wrestling Men’s 55 kilogram (kg), respectively; Joseph Angana, bronze medalist in Wrestling Freestyle Category Men’s 66 kg; Jhonny Morte, bronze medalist in Wrestling Freestyle Category Men’s 60 kg; and, Iris Rañola, bronze medalist in Women’s 10-Ball Pool Single.

City Sports Development Officer Bernardito Patiño presented the athletes to Salazar during the flag raising ceremony Monday at City Hall grounds.

Patiño said the athletes are entitled to cash incentives from the city government pursuant to an ordinance granting monetary benefits to local athletes who can reap medals from local, national and international sports competitions.

Under its cash incentive ordinance, the city government will give P100,000 and P75,000 for the silver medal and bronze medal, respectively, gained from international sports competition such as the recently-concluded SEA Games.

The grant of cash incentives is part of the city government’s sports development program aimed at attracting the youths to play and excel in sports of their choice, thereby keeping them away from unproductive, let alone criminal activities.

DOLE bares livelihood, employment programs for Zambo IDPs, students, other sectors

By Dominic I. Sanchez (PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here is offering various livelihood and employment programs for Zamboanga’s internally-displaced persons (IDPs), students, and the various sectors including women, farmers, and others, shared DOLE-IX Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano in a radio interview the other day.

“Under the emergency employment program, beneficiaries, particularly the IDPs will be entitled to work for a period of one month to help them cope with the difficulties brought about by the September crisis,” Director Cano said. He explained that the DOLE will be partnering with the local government units or private companies to shoulder the beneficiaries’ minimum wages.

Another program, the Integrated Livelihood Program (ILP) will cater to different organized sectors, which is region-wide in coverage.

“The beneficiaries for this program are organized youth, women and the informal sector groups,” he said. Under the ILP, the sectors, organized into groups will be able to avail of seed funds for livelihood opportunities. The amount would depend on the project proposals that they will present to the DOLE.

“For the region, we have a P13 million allocation, and every congressional district will have P3 million for this purpose,” Director Cano explained.

The director explained that there will be no pay-back for the funds, since they are grants. “However, the DOLE will strictly monitor the progress of their livelihood project and will help ensure that there will be positive changes in their lives,” he added.

In order to be qualified for the program, interested groups should have a legal personality and registered with the DOLE.

Meanwhile, Livelihood Starter Kits not amounting more than P10 thousand will also be provided for individuals who have specialized skills. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, cosmetologists and others who were affected by the crisis in the city, who do not have the resources to purchase the equipment they need for their livelihood are the target beneficiaries, the director added.

“In addition to the programs, the beneficiaries will have to be covered with social protection,” he added, referring to their membership with the Social Security System (SSS).

Lastly, the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) has been modified to run not only during summer vacation. “The SPES is now year-round. Students who wish to work and earn during the semesters will now have this opportunity during weekends and their free time.”

Each student will be able to work from 20-52 days for a period. The DOLE will shoulder 40 percent of their minimum wage, while the other 60 percent by either the local government unit, or a private company through a memorandum of agreement.

“We hope to be able to disburse the funds within the first semester,” said Director Cano, emphasizing that hiring will begin by February.

Director Cano advised all interested parties to visit the local Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in Pettit Barracks, or the DOLE office in Veterans Avenue to inquire on the programs.

MILF stops construction of political headquarters in Zamboanga City

(Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner) – Philippine authorities stopped a group of Moro Islamic Liberation Front members from putting a political headquarters in Zamboanga City after villagers panicked from the construction and informed police and military about it.

A small group of International Monitoring Team led by a Malaysian contingent and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group also rushed to Zamboanga to defuse the tension in the area. The local mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar was also shocked to get the news about the MILF headquarters in the village of Cawit and stopped its construction.

The head of the Malaysian peace monitor Colonel Zulkipli Hashim and former rebel-turned-soldier Major Abdurasad Sirajan, of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group held a dialogue with the MILF headed by Jusali Musali and explained to him that they cannot put up a political office in Zamboanga City, which is not even included in the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement signed in October 2012.

The accord paves the way for the putting up of a new Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

Musali apologized for their action and ordered workers to stop the building of the political office. He said his action was unilateral and not sanctioned by the MILF Central Committee.

Manila is currently negotiating peace with the MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, in an effort to forge a deal that would put an end to decades of bloody fighting in the South.

Zambo City gov’t readies requirements for 2014 CNA incentives

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 18 (PNA) -- The local government is ironing out things to ensure the city government employees will receive their Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) incentives this year.

This, as the city government employees will no longer receive their CNA incentive for 2013 “because of delays.”

“The CNA which was signed last December 27 was already late. The funds that may be available have been reverted back and the books of accounts have been closed, we are sorry for our employees they will not receive the CNA incentive for 2013,” City Legal Officer Jesus Carbon explained.

Carbon said there are several requirements like performance assessment that need to be accomplished before the CNA incentive can be released.

However, Carbon said they are working out to accomplish the requirements early to ensure the city government employees will receive their CNA incentive this year.

Each of the employees is entitled to receive not exceeding P25,000 under the CAN if the city government has sufficient savings.

Each of them will receive incentive of less than P25,000 if the local government do not have enough savings.

In this city, more or less 1,000 of the over 2,000 local government personnel and department heads who are members of the Zamboanga City Government Employees Association (ZCGEA) are entitled to receive CNA incentive.

U.S. to partner with 6 LGUs for USAID’s ENGAGE project

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 17 (PNA) -– The United States government is set to partner with six local government units (LGUs) for the implementation of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE) Project here in Western Mindanao.

The U.S. Embassy said in a statement Friday that U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg and the six LGUs will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday, January 23, in this city to cement the partnership.

The six LGU signatories are the following: Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar; Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II; Jolo Municipal Mayor Hussin Amin; Isabela City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar; Maimbung Municipal Mayor Samier Tan; and Lamitan City Mayor Rosita Furigay.

Also expected to grace the event are USAID Philippines Mission Director Gloria Steele, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino and representatives from the academe.

ENGAGE is a five-year project that seeks, among others, to address governance challenges that permit continued social and economic instabilities and marginalization, and promote community empowerment as a foundation for inclusive local governance in targeted conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.

Beng’s first SOCA focuses on innovations for progress

By Vic Larato

Mayor Beng Climaco delivered her first State of the City Report before members of the City Council yesterday morning, focusing on the innovations that the city government under her administration has initiated for the past six months, those that it intends to do this year and onwards.

Among these innovations, Climaco said, is the streamlined business permit renewal system, shortening the process to 30 minutes after payment of taxes through Executive Order 28, a move that is expcted to increase the local revenues and pump prime micro and small enterprises and employment.

“Con el ayuda del diferente Chambers of Commerce, junto kita implimenta maga inovacion para progresa el ciudad,” Climaco said in her 27-minute report.

She also asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod to study the enactment of laws that will institutionalize the firecracker ban and to revisit the master plan, the tourism, investment and tax codes and all ordinances that deal with social services.

Climaco said the city government had caused the return of the 15% mobilization fee for unimplemented infrastructure projects that led to the recovery of P2.01 million from three erring construction firms.

The present administration has also initiated a health program for city government employees that includes the “Fitness Friday,” free annual medical check-up during employees’ birth month, blood pressure monitoring and random blood sugar screening every first Friday of the month.

Another innovation is the conduct of “Dia del Alcalde” during the fiesta celebration in the barangays, wherein complete government services from health care to agriculture and civil registration are given for free to all residents.

The Forced Evacuation Ordinance, which saved lives and prevented further destruction during the 23-day siege last September, was another innovation cited by the United NATIONS High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for following the international standards.

The prompt conceptualization and implementation of the Humanitarian, Recovery and Rehabilitation Coordination Structure has been cited by the UN and used as model in its interventions in Hanoi, Vietnam and other calamity-stricken areas.

Barely four months after the September siege, Climaco said the city is now in the early recovery stage. From food packs, the relief operations shifted to food and cash for work programs.

“The city gears for the rehabilitation phase following the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) with a funding of P3.5 billion that was approved by President Aquino last Dec. 22,” she said, adding that the city had also facilitated the transfer of over 200 MNLF detainees from Zamboanga to Manila.

With the “Build Back Better” concept, Climaco said the Z3R will construct a new, safer and better community within 6-18 months period. Force safety and convenience, the internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been gradually transferred to four transitory sites in Tulungatung, Taluksangay, Rio Hondo Elementary School and the bunkhouses at the grandstand. The 5th temporary shelter will soon rise in Upper Calarian, where the Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI) has allowed the free use of its one-hectare property for the IDPs.

Climaco has also expressed her gratitude for all the help the city continues to receive. As of January 8, monetary assistance for rehabilitation has reached P27.8 million, “the record of which is open to the public in line with our thrust on transparency and accountability”.

“We will work on the possibility of opening new roads to decongest our city. We support Pres. Aquino’s peace programs, we maintain the stand of the people of Zamboanga for exclusion in any and all proposed Bangsamoro entity because of the two plebiscites,” the lady chief executives declared as she urged everybody to work together and support the police and military to prevent a repeat of the September siege or similar incident.

Security, Health and Education (SHE) are the priority thrusts of the administration, and when assumed office on July 1, 2013 the first order of the day was the issuance of an executive order reconstituting the City Peace and Order Council during a meeting with stakeholders.

On the same day, the first nine Toyota Hi-lux vehicles, purchased through her previous congressional PDAF, were turned over to the police. Soon after, the Comprehensive Security Plan was formulated as earlier initiated by then Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo with Task Force Zamboanga.

It was also during this administration that the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan and the CDRRMC Investment Plan were approved, including the purchase of necessary equipment for use in times of calamity and emergency situations.

Meanwhile, Climaco said the city government will work with so much effort this year to secure the people of Zamboanga. Foremost of which is the aggressive campaign on road safety and responsibility, proper cleanup and sanitation.

The sanitary landfill system in Salaan is expected to start operation soon, while the controversial Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) in Divisoria initiated by the previous administration of now District 1 Rep. Celso Lobregat has resumed construction.

Notwithstanding the September siege, Climaco pointed out that Zamboanga remains a strategic location for trade and commerce in the region and BaSulTa areas. “Even after the siege, we are happy to have first time visitors to the city with tourist inflow in 2013 hit over 358,000 with Sta. Cruz Island recording an 87% increase in tourist visits.

DAR-Zambo Peninsula eyes 4,500-has for 2014 land acquisition and distribution program

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 15 (PNA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is targeting to acquire at least 4,500 hectares of land to be distributed to farmer-beneficiaries under the agency’s land acquisition and distribution program this city year here in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

DAR Zamboanga Peninsula Director Julita Ragandang said the program is set to benefit some 3,200 farmers in the Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay and Isabela City.

Ragandang said they will finalize the plans for the land acquisition and distribution program for this year during the planning conference to be held from January 23 to 24 at the DAR central office in Manila.

However, Ragandang stressed the lands will not be given or distributed for free since the farmer-beneficiaries will have to amortize the land within a period of 30 years.

The government through the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) will pay the owners of the land to be distributed to the farmer-beneficiaries of the land acquisition and distribution program.

In return, the LBP will collect the amortization from the farmer-beneficiaries.

Ragandang said the agency will provide the necessary support infrastructures such as farm-to-market-roads and irrigation system to ensure the productivity of the lands they distributed to the farmers through the land acquisition and distribution program.

Zambo civil registrar marks decline in birth, marriage, death registration in 2013

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 14 (PNA) -–The Civil Registrar’s Office (CRO) has recorded a decrease in the registrations for birth, marriage and death for the year 2013 in this city.

CRO head Atty. Alexander Eric Elias attributed the decline to the standoff last September citing the people have opted to stay at home or have evacuated for their safety.

Elias said the birth registration has marked a decrease of 1,275 in 2013 from 23,608 in 2012 to 22,333 last year.

Elias said that the registration for marriage went down by 237 last year to 2,271 from 2,508 that were registered in 2012.

The death registration dropped by 47 deaths from 4,847 in 2012 to 4,800 last year, according to Elias.

He said usually the number of registration increases since many people are already aware of the importance to register for birth, marriage, and death before the CRO.

Meanwhile, he said they are still conducting field birth and marriage registrations to give opportunities to the people especially those in the far flung barangays to register.

He said they also conduct information campaign to explain to the people the importance of birth, marriage and death registration.

Zambo City eyes reversion of P64-M infra funds to 2014 priority projects

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 13 (PNA) -– The City Engineer’s Office is set to recommend the reversion of more than P64 million funds allocated to projects that failed to be implemented due to some problems “so the funds can be used to other important projects this year.”

City Engineer Luis Vicente Despalo said he will meet with Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and the city government’s finance committee to discuss the reversion of funds and recommend it to the City Council for approval.

Despalo said the funds that are to be reverted had been allocated for road openings, construction of farm-to-market roads and foot bridges.

“The projects were not implemented due to site problems like donation of lots for road projects which had been lined up since 2010 and 2011,” Despalo said, citing the allocated funds could be reprogrammed to projects lined up for this year.

He said the funds to be reverted could be used on the opening of new roads within the city limits which is among the priorities of Salazar for this year.

Among the new roads to be opened this year are as follows: from Vitaliano Agan Avenue to Veterans Avenue; Veterans Avenue to Climaco Road in Barangay Talon-Talon; and, from Vitaliano Agan Avenue to Governor Ramos Avenue.

On top of the list among the three roads to be opened this year is the Veterans Avenue to Climaco road since it will also interconnect the barangays of Tetuan and Sta. Catalina.

The proposed road will be a four-lane road with a total width of 20 meters, according to Despalo.

The opening of the three roads will greatly help decongest traffic from and to the city proper, Despalo said.

Kagawad, trader face murder rap on Coast Guard man’s gun slay

By Dan Toribio Jr.

After the police identified the alleged killers of an evacuee from Rio Hondo who was shot dead in Baliwasan Tabuk, men of the Tetuan Police Station have also forwarded to the City Prosecutor Office a case of murder against a barangay kagawad and his businessman-companion, both of Rio Hondo, after they were tagged as the gunmen who shot and killed a member of the Philippine Coast Guard along Don Toribio St., Tetuan on January 5.

Facing the murder charge were Hadji Jinnul Malik, kagawad of Rio Hondo and Hadji Radzmer Omar of Canelar Moret.

Malik and Omar were tagged as the alleged gunmen who shot and killed SN2 Abdurasid Iskan, a coast guard enlisted man. His daughter Shara, 6, was wounded in the left arm in the same gun attack that took place near their temporary residence at Don Toribio St., Tetuan,around 7 p.m. Iskan and his family were residents of Rio Hondo before the September siege.

A police report disclosed that the identities of the Malik and Omar came out during a thorough investigation conducted by the police. It was learned that witnesses positively pointed to Malik and Omar as the perpetrators of the shooting.

The murder case forwarded by the police was received and administered by Atty. Gladdy Bernabe, assistant city prosecutor under IX-06-INV-14A-00012. Both suspects were still at large.

To recall, Iskan, his daughter and some family members were alighting from Toyota Fortuner vehicle in front of their temporary residence along Don Toribio St., Tetuan when a gunman appeared and opened fire on him.

Shara was hit by a stray bullet while other family members escaped unhurt.

The gunman walked towards the junction of Veterans Avenue and Don Toribio St., where his cohort was waiting aboard a motorcycle.

The suspects then sped away before the police arrived at the scene.

Zambo mayor set to deliver State of the City Address

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 11 (PNA) -- Preparations are under way for the State of the City Address (SOCA) of Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.

The preparation is being undertaken by the City Council being the one in-charge of the venue and invitation of guests.

Salazar will deliver her SOCA on January 15 before the City Council where officials from other agencies of government will also be invited.

City Hall Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias said Salazar will outline her policies, priorities and programs for 2014 aside from reporting her accomplishments for the first six months in office.

Salazar is on her first term of office as the city mayor after she was elected on May 13, 2013.

Covarrubias said Salazar will also report about the effects of the September standoff as well as the recovery and rehabilitation initiated by the city government with support from national government and humanitarian agencies.

Aside from Salazar, this city’s two Representatives-first district Rep. Celso Lobregat and second district Rep. Lilia Nuño as well as Vice-Mayor Cesar Iturralde will also report their respective accomplishments and plans for the year 2014.


Jan. 13 & 31 are holidays

By Vic Larato

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city government of Zamboanga is informing the public that January 13 and 31, 2014 are legal and special holidays, respectively.

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos regional office has announced that Jan. 13 is a legal Muslim holiday dabbed “Maulidun Nabi (s.a.w.)” or the Birthday of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

The date corresponds to Rabia-ul Awwal 12, 1435 Hijra of the Muslim Lunar Calendar and is recognized as one of the legal Muslim holidays in the Philippines, pursuant to PD 1083, otherwise known as Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines.

Under Article 170 of said decree, Muslim holidays shall be officially observed in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, and in the cities of Cotabato, Iligan, Marawi, Pagadian and Zamboanga and in such other Muslim provinces and cities as may hereafter be created. Upon proclamation by the President of the Philippines, Muslim holidays may also be officially observed in other provinces and cities.

Earlier on, Malacañang has also declared January 31 as a special non-working holiday in the country in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Business permit processing in Zambo down to 30 minutes

(Mindanews)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 9 Jan) – The processing time to renew business permits in this city has been lessened to 30 minutes as the local government has cut down the process to only three steps from the previous five.

Benjie Barredo, chief of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), said the cutting down of the process is based on Executive Order 28 issued by Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, which mandates the streamlining of internal regulatory system on the business permit and licensing process.

Basically, the process involves the submission of renewal application form at the BPLO, followed by the assessment and payment of taxes at the City Treasurer’s Office, and consequently the issuance of a temporary permit to operate (TPO) or the so-called conditional permit by Barredo.

Barredo said the TPO specifies the requirements and clearances that the business operator needs to secure within 90 calendar days.

He said that non-compliance of the requirements within the specified period would cause the automatic revocation of the TPO and eventually the issuance of notice of closure and the actual closure of the establishment.

Barredo said that EO 28 also provides that the permit signed by the mayor will be released when all requirements and clearances are complied with and the TPO shall be surrendered to the BPLO.

Barredo said that with the cutting down of the processing time, he expects an increase in the number of business registration this year compared to the last year’s 8,300.

He said that more than 500 business permits have already been processed as of Monday since the permit renewal process went full blast January 2.

He said deadline for the renewal process is January 20 and late filers will be slapped with a 25-percent surcharge per quarter and two percent additional surcharge per month.

Meanwhile, since January 2, City Hall has extended the working hours of offices involved in the business permit processing from from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Saturdays, Sundays and holidays to ensure business establishments can beat the deadline.

Zambo health official advises parents to have their children immunize against measles

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR/RGAAG/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 8 (PNA) -– The City Health Office has advised parents to have their children get anti-measles vaccines to protect them from this infection of the respiratory system caused by a virus.

City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos issued the advice following the reported measles outbreak in Metro Manila.

Agbulos said the parents whose children were not yet immunized can avail of “our measles immunization every Wednesday at the health centers and that is for free.”

The measles vaccine is given to children one year old and below.

According to Agbulos, measles is a highly contagious (easily spread) disease and can cause complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, diarrhea and even death if not treated.

He said the first symptoms of measles are like a bad cold-a high fever, a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, and a hacking cough.

“If a child has fever, cough and rashes, the best thing to do is to bring the child immediately to health center for early consultation and early management,” he said.

He said all the city’s 98 barangays has health centers manned by Barangay Health Workers.

Agbulos assured that they have sufficient supply of measles vaccines provided by the Department of Health (DOH).

He said this city is vulnerable to the disease because of its strategic location “where many people comes in and out of this city.”

“We are very prone since we are an open city. We have an open port so we are very highly vulnerable (to measles),” he said.

Agbulos has also directed his personnel to monitor their respective places of assignments for possible occurrence of measles so that appropriate actions can immediately be undertaken.

PRC to hold 30th biennial convention Jan 27-29

(PNA), LAM/TPG/RGAAGO/PJN

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 7 (PNA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is set to hold its 30th biennial national convention this month to elect new officers to compose the PRC National Board of Governors as well as to discuss other important matters.

PRC-Zamboanga City Chapter Victor Liozo, Jr. said the convention is scheduled to be held from January 27 to 29 this year in Manila.

Liozo said the convention will be attended by the administrators and board of directors of the PRC’s 98 chapters in the country.

The two-day event is anchored in the theme “A Nation of Volunteers Strengthening PRC Service on the ground through Red Cross 143,” Liozo said.

He said that PRC Chairman Richard Gordon will also present his annual report during the convention as well as accomplishment reports of the different chapters and treasurers report aside from the election of the board of governors.

The PRC-Zamboanga City chapter has 10 voting delegates for the board of governors.

LTFRB sets anti-colorum campaign in Zamboanga City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 6 (PNA) -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to launch an intensified anti-colorum campaign in this city.

Transport Development Officer Zerita Climaco of the LTFRB regional office made this announcement Monday as she bared there are some 500 units of public utility vehicles (PUVs) operating in this city without the required franchise.

Climaco said these include the taxicabs that ferry passengers from the Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) to any part of this city as well as to the other parts of the region.

She said these are vehicles whose owners insist to ply their respective routes although they did not pass the LTFRB inspection, which makes the units colorum.

Climaco said those who will be caught operating colorum PUVs will be slapped with P6,000 fines and their vehicles will be impounded.

She said they will only release the vehicles upon compliance with the requirements set by her office.

The LTFRB inspects the public utility vehicles to ensure their road worthiness before the issuance of a franchise.

Aside from this, the LTFRB also inspects the other devices of PUVs such as lights, fuel tanks, mirrors and signage.

Climaco advised the PUV owners to comply with the LTFRB requirements to avoid payment of penalty which could be used for other purpose such as buying foodstuffs for the family.

She said it is also risky for the passengers to ride on colorum vehicles because they will not be covered by insurance in case of an accident.

Extended Hours

By Nonoy Lacson

ZAMBOANGA CITY – City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco has extended the working hours of department and division personnel at the City Hall to accommodate businessmen who are applying or renewing their business licenses for this year. Climaco said the City Treasurer’s Office, City Licensing Division, the Tricycle Adjudication Board, the Computer Services Division, City Health Office, and the City Planning and Development Office, among others, will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Saturdays and Sundays. Climaco, in issuing Executive Order (EO) No. BC 28-2013, ordered the streamlining of internal regulatory system on the business permit and licensing process. The EO directs the implementation of the Business Permit Registration Process with specific guidelines. The process is expected to shorten the processing time for the release of temporary/conditional permit to operate.

Health officer favors reimplementation of firecrackers ban in Zambo

(PNA), SCS/TPG/R.G. ANTONET A. GO/PJN

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos said on Saturday he is in favor of the reimplementation of the ban on the sale, display and use of firecracker and pyrotechnic devices this year in this city.

Agbulos issued the statement after this city has registered zero injury during the New Year revelry as a result of the ban implemented last December.

Last December’s ban on the sale, display and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics was the first to be implemented here.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar cited last September’s 20-day standoff that brought untold trauma, stress and anxiety to all residents of this city as the main reason why she issued Executive Order BC-23-2013 temporarily suspending the display, sale and distribution for use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics during the Yuletide season in the city.

Due to the ban, Salazar also cancelled the holding of the city government-sponsored New Year countdown and fireworks display.

“Definitely yes, because when we talk about health aspect, we are very happy we have gained something out of the mayor’s EO,” Agbulos said when asked if he is in favor of a permanent ban on the use of firecrackers here.

Regional Surveillance Epidemiology Unit (RESU) head Dr. Norvie Jalani said there was one reported firecracker-related injury in this city, but the incident occurred last Dec. 29 and not during the New Year’s revelry.

This city has also registered zero casualty for stray bullet incident.

Agbulos noted that the New Year’s eve celebration was memorable since it was purely family gathering at home.

Security is Zambo mayor’s 2014 top priority

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 1 (PNA) -- Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has said that her administration’s top priority for the year 2014 is the security of this city.

“Our plan is to concentrate on security to prevent teachers from being kidnapped and to provide security to the 98 barangays (of the city),” she said.

Salazar said she also wants strict implementation of traffic rules and regulations to better manage Zamboanga City.

She noted that the biggest security setback this city suffered in 2013 was the "infiltration by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels last September."

She said the incident had caused huge effect to this city, its people, and economy.

Meanwhile, Salazar has high hopes that 2014 will be a better year to build back a better Zamboanga City.

“We pray that together with Bohol, and all the cities and municipalities affected by typhoon 'Yolanda,' we, together with them, will rise again and build back a better city and a better Philippines,” Salazar said.

She also expressed her support and gratitude to President Benigno S. Aquino III for pushing forward the peace process.

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