Zamboanga City News January 2016

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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.

NFA tells grains businessmen to renew license on time

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -– The National Food Authority (NFA) has urged grains businessmen to renew their license on time to avoid payment of penalties and surcharges.

Camilo Magtrayo, NFA regional director, made the call, citing those who will fail to meet the deadline will be slapped with a surcharge fee equivalent to 25 percent of the total license cost and another 25 percent for every month thereafter.

Magtrayo said there are over 2,000 businessmen who are holders of NFA-issued business permits in the entire region.

In this city, Magtrayo said they have scheduled the whole month of January for the renewal of license for grain businessmen under the first district including the main public market and the Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex.

He said grains businessmen within the second district have until February to renew their license.

He said they include businessmen engaged in line of activities such as retailing, wholesaling, milling, warehousing, transporting, manufacturing, threshing, corn shelling, mechanical drying, packaging, poultry and hog raising, and importing.

DOST encourages public to avail services at SciTech Info Center

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 encourages the public to visit and avail its various Science and Technology (S&T)-based services available at the SciTech Information Center (STIC).

Thelma Diego of DOST-9 said the department’s STIC offers free use of computers and Internet among other services.

“This is the department’s effort of reaching out and empowering local communities through the use of Information and Communication Technologies for the development of our constituents,” Diego said.

She informed that the STIC is hosting hands-on Computer Literacy Training for individuals or groups. “The Computer Literacy Training include basic computer and Internet applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, power point presentation, emails, social media platforms, among others,”

There are 10 computer units available for public use.

“We have also training on online access and filing of government documents / clearances like NBI, NSO, SSS, PhilHealth, among others; Non-Formal Education – access to Alternative Learning System (ALS), TESDA skills training, Rotary eLibrary, Values and Character Formation intended for out-of-school youths and civil society group,” Diego said .

Undeniably the advent of science and technology has brought leap of development in the life of today, while it is true that our forefathers lived their lives and enjoyed well when there was no technology but technophiles argued that the emergence of S&T has made practically everything better, be it in education, banking, agriculture, marketing, transportation, employment generation and information.

Take for instance in education, before the introduction of technological advancement, education was typically difficult to access and comprehend. Today, anyone can get educated even right at their fingertips without literally or physically going in a structured building called school. Internet and Distant Learning have made this possible.

Other S&T services available for the public include Technology & Livelihood Resources – materials on many business prospects and opportunities are available for aspiring or prospective entrepreneurs who want to transform their ideas into real business and profits; Philippine’s 1st Digital Science Library - Science and Technology Academic Research Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station (STARBOOKS) which contains thousands of collections of library materials such as books, journals, researches and investigatory studies, livelihood videos, among others; Print and Non-Print Materials such as books, journals and other references; and S & T Film Showing. “Any interested groups can schedule for screening of S&T films on various topic,” Diego concluded.

Zambo City mulls ways to assist El Niño-hit farmers

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- The Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA) is exploring options to provide assistance to farmers affected by the prolonged drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat said one of the options is the proposal of the Cagayan de Oro-based German company that expressed willingness to donate solar water pumps to the affected farmers.

Palacat said he has also submitted the necessary documents to facilitate the emergency procurement of support and operations to address the effects of El Niño.

Palacat reported that the El Niño phenomenon has already damaged 14,903.84 metric tons of agricultural products, including rice, corn, and assorted vegetables worth PHP12.98 million.

He said the damage covers 716.07 hectares of agricultural crops with an estimated 43.79 hectares are expected to have a chance of recovery.

He said a total of 779 farmers were affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

Meanwhile, he advised the farmers for the meantime to plant drought-resistant crops.

8,889 businessmen in Zambo renew business permits

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 28 (PNA) –- The City Permits and Licensing Division (CPLD) announced that 8,889 businessmen have renewed their business permits on or before the January 20 deadline.

Benjie Barredo, CPLD chief, told the Philippines News Agency that the 8,889 were among the 9,392 businessmen who were issued business permits in 2015, which means 503 of them have expired permits as of this time.

Barredo said that a 25 percent surcharge per quarter will be slapped against the 503 businessmen who failed to meet the January 20 deadline.

Barredo said that 1,625 of the 8,889 businessmen have been issued with permanent business permits since they have already accomplished all the requirements as of January 25.

He said his office issues temporary business permits to businessmen once they will apply for renewal to enable them to continue the business operations unhampered.

However, they are required to accomplish all the requirements so that they will be issued with a permanent business permit.

He said they have set a schedule to conduct inspection to ensure those with temporary business permits will comply with the needed requirements.

He said that 91 percent of the businesses in this city are micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs).

National climate change confab set in Zamboanga City

(PNA), LAP/ZST/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 27 (PNA) -- Stakeholders, including international aid agencies, will gather in a two-day national confab on climate change in this city.

The two-day event is to be held from February 3 to 4 and will be hosted by the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) through the Ateneo Research Center (ARC).

The primary goal of the two-day conference is to provide a venue for the sharing of research findings and best practices from different fields and industries in terms of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation to hazards brought about by the climate change.

“I can no longer be denied. We are experiencing drastic environmental changes today--from extreme flash floods to critical water supply level that has lead the local government to put our city under a state of calamity,” ARC Director Teresita Montano said in a statement on Wednesday.

“That is why it is important for us to address these impeding situations and act on them,” Montano added.

Dr. Enrico Paringit will address the role of research and the local government in disaster risk reduction and management.

Paringit is the program leader of the University of the Philippines’ Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation (DREAM) Program.

The other plenary speakers include, from government institutions: Director Romeo Fajardo, civil defense deputy administrator; Dr. Oscar Victor Lizardo, chief science research specialist, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (Project-NOAH); and, Engineer Sarah Jane Samalburo, chief science research specialist on data processing of DREAM program.

From the academe, Dr. Rosa Perez of the Manila Observatory in Ateneo de Manila University, will speak on climate change-related hazards and their implications on water and food security; Engineer Guada Calalang of Xavier University, an expert on soil reference system for food security; Engineer Dexter Lo who will relate the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) experience of Xavier of University in Cagayan de Oro City; and, from local government, Dr. Elmeir Apolinario who will share Zamboanga City’s challenges and response to disaster.

This national event is organized by ADZU’s ARC, in coordination with the local government, and the Region IX offices of the DOST, Office of the Civil Defense, Department of Tourism, and the Commission in Higher Education, which also endorsed the conference together with the Department of Education and City Division Office and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

The two-day event climate change confab is anchored on the theme “Research in Changing Times: A National Conference on the Role of Research and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.”

Apl.de.Ap Foundation turns-over 2-storey classroom building to Talon-Talon Elementary School

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy (ALT/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 26 (PIA) – A two-storey building with 14 classrooms was turned-over yesterday by the Apl.de.Ap Foundation to Talon-Talon Elementary School, this city.

Allan Pineda, better known as Apl de Ap of the Grammy Award-winning group Black Eyed Peas and founder of Apl.de.Ap Foundation together with some of its partners attended the event.

Pineda’s foundation is committed to improving the quality of life of Filipino children through education, technology and music.

Pineda said education is “the only ticket to a better life”. He encouraged the pupils of Talon-Talon Elementary School to use the classrooms for learning and building of their dreams.

“Learn. Dream big and believe in yourselves. You have the power to change your lives and change other people’s lives,” he urged.

More than 600 pupils of Talon-Talon Elementary School will benefit from the school building project. The program was launched last 2013 through the "Macaroons for a Cause" advocacy of Red Ribbon Bakeshop that hopes to address classroom shortage in the provinces of Zamboanga Peninsula region.

Vice Mayor Cesar S. Iturralde, who represented Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar in the turn-over ceremony expressed the city’s gratitude for the educational assistance extended by the Apl.de.Ap Foundation and furthered that it was in line with the mayor’s flagship program on education.

The project is a collaborative effort of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation, Red Ribbon Bakeshop, Habitat for Humanity Philippines and Franklin Baker Philippines.

Nine inmates complete 2-day ICT training in Zambo jail

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – Nine inmates at the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC) have completed a two-day information communication technology (ICT) training in preparation for the launching of the eCenter at the detention facility.

Maria Teresa Camba, Mindanao cluster head of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST)-Information Communication Technology Office, said Saturday the training was conducted from Thursday until Friday at the ZCRC.

Camba said the inmates were trained on Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ed) platform for center managers to enable them to assist in the day-to-day operation of the eCenter, which will be established soon.

The platform serves as the portal to various contents for education and livelihood, among others.

“These trained selected inmates will help run the eCenter in the ZCRC on a day-to-day basis where they will assist the Center Manager who is a jail guard,” Camba added.

The conduct of the training is a joint project of the DOST-ICT office, Rotary Club of Zamboanga City-west and the ZCRC.

Australia offers local graduate studies scholarship for Mindanaoans

By Emmanuel Dalman Taghoy (ALT/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Australian government through the Philippines-Australia Human Resource and Organisational Development Facility (PAHRODF) is now accepting applications for the In-Country Scholarship Program (ICSP)-2.

The scholarship is open to all Mindanaoans who are interested to pursue their graduate studies and is committed to work for the development of the Bangsamoro.

Eligible applicants should have at least two years of work experience; have not been the subject of any disciplinary actions that warranted suspension or expulsion from employers. This requires a certification of no pending administrative case from employer.

Moreover, the applicant should not be a beneficiary of any scholarship or other education assistance program at the time of application or during the duration of the scholarship; and lastly, the applicant must pass the program entry requirements of the academic institution where he intends to enrol.

Over 15 graduate programs are up for grabs available in various academic institutions in the Philippines, such as Public Administration (public policy, analysis, governance, finance, procurement); Peace and Development Studies; Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; Climate Change Adaptation; Human Resource Management and Development; Organisational Development; Development Communications; Program Management; Entrepreneurship; Micro-Finance; Engineering (civil and mechanical); Public Health; Social Welfare and Protection; Gender and Development; Educational Studies (teaching strategies, early childhood, assessment); School Management; TechVoc for Senior High School; Agricultural Development/Rural Development; and Local Economic Development.

The ICSP hopes to help strengthen select Philippine institutions or individuals in priority fields relevant to current development trends. It complements the Australia Awards Scholarships that provides partners with options for long term study.

Its pilot scholarship offering was launched last 2012 with a total of 99 awardees from Mindanao, based particularly in conflict and post-conflict affected areas.

Submission of applications is due on February 15, 2016.

For more information, interested applicants may visit their website at: www.pahrodf.org.ph/icsp.

Zambo civil registrar office tells public to register life cycle events on time

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 23 (PNA) – The local Civil Registrar’s Office has called on the residents to register their family life cycle events on time to avoid payment of penalty.

The family life cycle events include birth, marriage and death, which are required to be registered before the Civil Registrar’s Office.

Atty. Alexander Eric Elias, civil registrar officer, made the call as they envisioned to increase the timely registration of birth, marriage and death.

Elias said his office has recorded a decline of 854 in delayed birth registration from 9,053 in 2014 to 8,199 in 2015.

Elias said there was a decline of 65 delayed marriage registration from 104 in 2014 to 39 in 2015 while a decline of 21 in death registration from 188 in 2014 to 167 in 2015.

He said under the law, a child must be registered within 30 days after he or she was born while marriage within 15 days and death within 30 days. On time registration is free.

The penalty for delayed registration are as follows: delayed birth registration, Php 50 and additional Php 80 fee for certification of no record; delayed marriage registration, Php50 and Php80 for certification of no record; and, delayed death registration, Php50 and additional Php 80 for certification of no record.

The payment for birth registration, if the parents are unmarried, is Php100 acknowledgement fee.

Elias said it was important to register the life cycle events on time as government entities usually require pertinent papers such as birth, marriage, and death certificates in its transactions.

Meanwhile, Elias said there was an increase of 651 in timely birth registration from 16,325 in 2014 to 16,976 in 2015.

For marriage, there was a decrease of 129 in timely registration from 1,840 in 2014 to 1,711 in 2015 and an increase of 162 in death timely registration from 4,784 in 2014 to 4,946 in 2015.

Gov't to build training center for farmers

By Bong Garcia

THE Zamboanga City Government has allocated P3 million to construct a training center for farmers in this city.

The training center will be constructed inside the campus of the College of Agriculture campus of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) at Sitio San Ramon in the village of Talisayan.

The construction of the training center will be done in two phases.

WMSU president Milabel Ho said the first phase of the project will start this month and is scheduled to be completed within 140 calendar days while the second phase next year.

Ho said the farmers can be trained using the latest technology and empower them in the area of agriculture with the center in place.

They can also be trained to venture into agribusiness, according to Ho.

She said the training center will also benefit the students taking up college of agriculture.

Terry Narvaez of WMSU College of Agriculture said the first phase of the project will include the construction of the office and the training center.

He said the second phase will include the construction of dormitory, dining area and kitchen.

US experts, ZCWD execs, other officials tour Primewater site

By EdBanos (CREAS/ZCWD)

Two groups of officials looking to extend help in improving water production facilities in the city toured yesterday the 50 million-liters-day Prime water bulk production facility in Pamucutan, in the city’s west coast.

The tour apprised the visiting officials of the progress of work in the Villar Group financed project which is envisioned to come on stream middle of this year.

One group headed by ZCWD General Manager Leonardo Rey Vasquez comprised of experts from the Florida Water facility, who are tied up on a mentoring program with the local water firm and members of the Be Secure Project of the USAID.

The group consisted of Chris Pettit and Maurice Tobon, experts from Florida, Yolly Gomez of Water Links, Cagayan de Oro Water District Director Joel Baldelovar and some members of the UNICEF group.

Other sites visited by the group of Vasquez included the filtration plants and the ZCWD intake, the STP ( Sewer and Septage) facility, Pumping station in Gov. Camins and the collection center in Putik.

ZCWD is currently engaged with USAID in securing financing and technical expertise to help address the persistent water shortfall of the water firm in the city.

The other group was led by Technical Service group (TSG) Assistant General Manager Arnulfo Alfonso and principally composed of Board Chairman Engr. Efren Aranez, Vice Chair Edwin Caliolio, and board members Dra. Mila Fernandez, Jose Vicente Atilano III and Esther Orendain.

Also with the group were other ZCWD officials Rudy Vega, David Capopes, and Erlyn Godinez.

Meanwhile, Assistant General Manager Arnulfo Alfonso announced that the Primewater Plant will start testing the facility by March, and could come on stream as early as April this year, a good six month from its original schedule of September this year.

Depending on the progress of work by Ecosystem in the pipe-laying project, water could start flowing down to Ayala by then to ease the projected severe water shortage in the area.

Zamboanga City Water District is currently engaged in four major infrastructure projects worth 1.7 million pesos.

These combined is expected to improve potable water delivery to 56 barangays service areas with over 55 thousand active connections.

Farmers’ training center to rise in Zambo City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 20 (PNA) -– The national government has allocated PHP3 million to construct a training center for farmers in this city.

The training center will be constructed inside the campus of the Western Mindanao State University’s (WMSU) College of Agriculture in Sitio San Ramon, Barangay Talisayan, 26 kilometer west of City Hall.

The first phase of the project will start this month and is scheduled to be completed within 140 calendar days. The second phase might be implemented next year.

“With the center, the farmers can be trained using the latest technology and empower them in the area of agriculture. This is also for them to engage in agribusiness,” Dr. Milabel Ho, WMSU president, said.

Ho said the training center will also benefit the students taking up college of agriculture.

Terry Narvaez of WMSU College of Agriculture said the first phase of the project will include the construction of the office and the training center.

He said the second phase will include the construction of dormitory, dining area and kitchen.

“We really need the facility to train the farmers on technology transfer,” he said.

Police install new chief in Zambo City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- Chief Supt. Miguel Antonio, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, has directed Senior Supt. Luisito Magnaye to "double" the accomplishments of his predecessor at the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO).

Antonio issued the directive as he installed Magnaye on Thursday as the new ZCPO director vice Senior Supt. Angelito Casimiro, the outgoing local police director.

"Just do what your are suppose to do," Antonio told Magnaye during the turnover of command ceremony at the ZCPO headquarters.

Magnaye acknowledged that he is facing a great challenge as the new ZCPO director

Magnaye, as the ZCPO director, has jurisdiction over 11 police stations and one public safety company.

He encouraged all the chiefs of the 11 police stations to diligently do their respective tasks.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said that, as the chief executive, she will continue to support the ZCPO for the betterment of this city in terms of peace and order.

"I will not be at your back but I will walk with you because I want you to succeed in your tasks," Salazar said.

She wished Casimiro "the best of luck" in his next assignment.

Casimiro has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the police, military, and government officials as well as from the other sectors who on one way or the other have supported him during his stint as the ZCPO director.

Casimiro has served as the ZCPO director for one year, nine months and 16 days.

Antonio awarded Casimiro as Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal).

Zamboanga City hires skilled, unskilled workers

By Bong Garcia

THE Public Employment Service Office (Peso) is facilitating the hiring of some 600 skilled and unskilled workers to undertake housing projects under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R).

Belen Sheila Covarrubias, city information officer, said on Friday that the applicants could either be internally-displaced persons (IDP) or non-IDPs from the city’s 98 villages.

Covarrubias said the hiring is from January 8 to 30, and is done in the villages where there are interested applicants.

After hiring, Covarrubias said the laborers will undergo a learners’ training to be implemented by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) through the “Earning While Training” Program.

She said the 14-day training is intended to help laborers upgrade their skills and eventually advance their positions and ensure increase in pay rates.

The Z3R is the reconstruction plan implemented in the areas affected by the 21-day September 2013 siege.

DOT encourages Zambo folks to venture into farm tourism

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) has encouraged local folks to venture into farm tourism business.

Mary June Bugante, DOT regional director, said on Saturday that farm tourism attracts people, especially nature lovers, to visit a particular place.

Bugante said this city has the potentials to venture into farm tourism as there are areas that can be developed.

Bugante said these include flower farm in Barangay La Paz; durian farm in Barangay Patalon; and, dragon fruit farm in Barangay Cacao. There are also aquaculture sites that could be developed.

“Farm tourism is a good way of attracting people to visit the place and when well managed, farm tourism has a bright future in Zamboanga,” Bugante said.

She said a well managed farm would entice tourist to experience farm life and “personally experience harvesting fruits or vegetables themselves.”

In the region, she said that so far the municipality of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur has already taken steps to develop farm tourism.

Meanwhile, the City Tourism Office said the NJB farm in Barangay Ayala can served as a model for those interested to venture into farm tourism.

The NJB farm processed and bottled cow’s milk and maintains different kinds of farm animals. They have also mango orchard, mini forest and natural swimming pool.

Zambo DOST hikes SETUP budget to Php 55 M

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 16 (PNA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has increased the budget of its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) by Php14.25 million to Php55 million this year from Php40.75 million last year.

Martine Wee, DOST assistant regional director for administrative support and technical service, said they had increased the budget allocation to be able to assist more small and medium enterprises in the region.

Wee said they would be able to assist about 48 SETUP projects this year with the increase of the budget allocation.

“The fund (allocation) is getting bigger and bigger which means the national government has seen the impact of the program,” Wee said.

“Here in the region, those who we assisted have improved their business,” he added.

SETUP is a nationwide strategy to assist manufacturing and processing enterprises under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting technological innovations to improve their operations and boost productivity and competitiveness.

SETUP focused on six priority sectors such as the following: food processing; furniture; gifts; decors and handicrafts; marine, aquatic horticulture resources; and, metal and engineering.

Wee said they were now accepting letter of intent and project proposals for evaluation.

He said qualified to apply were any small and medium scale business that fall within the six priority sectors.

The DOST first implemented SETUP in Regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and CARAGA and it now being adopted by all the other regions in the country.

Pag-IBIG-Zambo accepts mass wedding applications

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 15 (PNA) – The Home Mutual Development Fund (HDMF), or the Pag-IBIG Fund, has received 73 applications for its mass wedding this year in this city.

Mary Joanne Reyes, Pag-IBIG Fund member services branch head, told the Philippines News Agency on Friday that they have so far approved the applications of 12 of the 73 couple-applicants.

The mass wedding, dubbed as “I Do. I Do. Araw ng Pag-IBIG,” is a nationwide activity of Pag-IBIG Fund for its registered members, which will be held on Feb. 12.

Reyes said those interested to avail of the free civil wedding can submit their application papers with the Pag-IBIG-Zamboanga Office. The deadline is on Jan. 22.

Reyes said free wedding accessories and reception will also be given to the couples and their godparents. A house and lot will be raffled off to lucky couple.

She said those who wish to avail of the free civil wedding must submit the following documents: parents consent; birth certificate; certificate of no marriage; marriage contract; and, marriage license.

She said that the quota for the local Pag-IBIG office is 100 couples.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar will be the solemnizing officer of Pag-IBIG’s mass wedding in this city.

Reyes said the conduct of the mass wedding is Pag-IBIG’s way of rewarding its members.

“We want to give back to Pag-IBIG members what is due to them,” she added.

BFP installs new fire marshal in Zamboanga City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 14 (PNA) -- The public are enjoined to be fire safety conscious in order for them to help save lives and properties.

Chief Insp. Clint Cha, newly-installed fire marshal of the Zamboanga City Fire District (ZCFD), made the call on Thursday as he envisioned to increase the public's level of awareness in fire prevention.

Cha said he also envision to establish links with the barangay officials to strengthen with the campaign on fire prevention.

Cha, upon assumption as ZCFD fire marshal, has ordered all the sub-station chiefs to subject their respective fire trucks and aparatus to constant maintenance checkup.

There are 13 fire sub-stations under the ZCFD covering this city's 98 barangays.

Cha has assumed as the new ZCFD fire marshal on Monday and has replaced newly-promoted Senior Supt. Dominador Zabala Jr.

Zabala was reassigned as the new BFP assistant regional director for administration.

Cha, before his new assignment, has served as the ZCFD's deputy fire marshal and provincial fire marshal in Region 10.

Mayor Beng bares vision: “A world-class Zamboanga”

By Dominic Ilagan Sanchez (ALT/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 13 (PIA) – In her State of the City Address (SOCA) yesterday (January 12), Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco-Salazar finally shared a feasible and promising vision for the city: “A world-class Zamboanga.

“As we expand Zamboanga City, we not only look at a 3-year plan, but prepare the city for the next 30 and 50 years. We ask ourselves, where do we envision Zamboanga City to go?” said the mayor.

Among the many priority programs which were endorsed by the Regional Development Council include a world class seaport to be located at the Zamboanga Ecozone and Freeport Authority, and the long-awaited transfer of the Zamboanga International Airport, to which the mayor received much applause.

“The transfer of the airport is number one in the list, which means that the project will start within the timeframe,” Mayor Climaco-Salazar said. The said airport will be located in barangay Mercedes-Talabaan, and is projected to be completed within six years.

According to the lady chief executive, the city is due to be “redesigned” and “extended” towards Mercedes, Talabaan, Zambowood, Culianan and Boalan. Stakeholders that include representatives from both local and national government agencies, non-government organizations and civil society groups opined that these developments may well solve the congestion problem in the city, and pave new opportunities for business and economic growth outside the city proper’s 7-kilometer radius.

“We entered into a contract with Palafox and associates who will work in the updating of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Comprehensive Development Plan, and the Zoning Ordinance. Let us take the opportunity of the expertise of Architect Jun Palafox to bring into reality our vision of a world-class Zamboanga!” said Mayor Climaco-Salazar.

In her report, she pointed out radical developments in the city, in spite of falling victim to the infamous 2013 Zamboanga siege. “We have built back better,” she emphasized, saying that Zamboanga looks to be more promising and more resilient than ever.

The mayor outlined the increase in local revenues, the presence of new businesses like CityMall and KCC, the creation of thousands of new jobs, and the influx of tourists, among others.

“The sleeping giant of Mindanao has awakened,” she stressed, saying that Zamboanga City now is more than ready to be at par, or even best other cities in the country and all over the world.

The mayor also emphasized everyone’s vigilance to maintain peace and security in the region, saying that every resident has a stake in ensuring peace and order.

“Threats still remain, and we need to strengthen our defenses. Denying a safe haven for terrorists is a shared responsibility,” she said.

Mayor Climaco-Salazar said that without the support of the different sectors, the achievements would not have been possible. “We want everyone to contribute to this dream that we all aspire for.”

“Antes pensaba kita dehao kita na maga otro lugar na manada aspeto, pero ahora, ya dale kanatun el oppotunidad para keda igual o mas bueno pa kanila, tiempo ya para dale mira cay mas bueno, mas grande el potential, mas unido, mas mafuerza y mas valiente el Ciudad de Zamboanga!” (Before, we thought that we were left far behind other cities in many aspects, but now, we have been given the opportunity to be like them, or even better. It is time to show the world that it is better, there is more potential, more unity, more strength and more courage here in the city of Zamboanga!)

Congress includes Pasonanca Park, Sta. Cruz Islands in the 97 protected areas of the country

Paso treehouse1.jpg
Pasonanca Tree House
Paso boyscout center.jpg
Pasonanca Boy Scout Center
(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 12 (PNA) -- The 12,000 hectares Pasonanca watershed and the Sta. Cruz Islands are soon to be declared as among the protected areas in the country.

Second district Rep. Lilia Nuño announced this during the State of the City Address (SOCA) on Tuesday citing both the House and the Senate passed their respective versions on the proposed Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2015 (ENIPAS) which will strengthen the conservation of 97 protected areas in the country.

Nuño said the ENIPAS will be submitted for bicameral conference committee meeting when Congress resumes its session on January 18.

“I am happy to report that we were able to include the two Sta. Cruz Islands—Greater and Small—in the list of protected areas in the ENIPAS bill,” Nuño said.

“Along with other local bills in the House, my measure on the Pasonanca Park was incorporated into the ENIPAS omnibus bill,” she added.

The ENIPAS bill, once signed into a law, would convert the 12,000-hectare Pasonanca watershed into Pasonanca Natural Park.

It would be then be maintained for conservation purposes and would be developed for scientific, educational and recreational use.

“Once this bill (ENIPAS) is passed into law, the Pasonanca Natural Park and the Sta. Cruz Islands will be used to educate the public on the importance of conservation and the protection of its rich biodiversity,” she said.

The Pasonanca watershed and the Sta. Cruz Islands are home to diverse species of fauna, including the endangered species of Philippine raptor, notably the Philippine eagle.

Likewise, flora is abundant in the area and widely distributed in the different types of ecosystems.

Creating a Reservoir by building a Dam

  • By: Franklin H. Maletsky, founder of zamboanga.com
January 5, 2000

At the source of the Tumaga river which is only about 5 kilometers from the barangay of Pasonanca, the river can be dammed. It is naturally bordered by hills and mountains from 200 to 400 meters high.

By doing this the City of Zamboanga will never ever suffer from water shortages. There will be enough water supply even for the farmers. I have lived in Tumaga most of my life and this river never ran dry. The old folks much older than I am, attest to this same fact. This man-made lake may even be used for recreational purposes.

There is also a possible second benefit. That is electricity from turbines installed.

If there is pro-active planning for this construction turbines for generators can be planned into the construction of the dam. There will be enough electricity generated from these turbines to provide ample electricity for the entire City of Zamboanga (from Limpapa to Licomo).

If the city does not have the budget for this project, I am absolutely positive that private investors will be lined up to put up the dam. This will give Zamboanga City ample supply of water and electricity.

Imagine that! No more black outs and no more water rationing.

This is the proposed area of the Reservoir. Mt. Culumbato (Pulumbato) will be located to the right of the Dam. It is a natural border. The area of the reservoir (LAKE) will be approximately 4 square kilometers. That is a good sized lake that can conserve all the water during the rainy season. No more flooding incidents. No more water rationing. No more blackouts.

Zamboanga City Reservoir.png

PPA privatizes PTB operation at Zambo port

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 11 (PNA) -– The Zamboanga City Integrated Port Services, Inc. (ZCIPSI) is set to introduce improvements once it will take over the management of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) at the local port.

ZCIPSI is set to take over the management of the PTB on Saturday, January 16, after the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has decided to privatize the operations of the facility.

Samuel Simon, ZCIPSI president, told the Philippines News Agency on Monday that among the improvement they will introduce include the cooling system of the facility; new chairs; first aid station; and, other things needed for the comfort of the traveling public.

Simon disclosed they have allocated PHP12 million for the first year of operations of the PTB under the management of ZCIPSI.

“We will do our best to improve the service of the PTB,” he said.

ZCIPSI is a locally-based cargo-handling firm with an existing contract with the PPA.

Simon said the passenger terminal, which caters to more or less 3,000 passengers daily, will be handled by 60 ZCIPSI personnel to be headed Jenny Piñanola as the PTB manager.

He assured the traveling public that the terminal fee will remain at PhP11 per passenger.

“The terminal fee will remain at PHP11 for a period of two years. It is part of the contract (with PPA),” he said.

He said they can request for an increase in the payment of the terminal fee after a two year period.

Meanwhile, Eng’r. Liberto Dela Rosa, PPA port manager, said the formal turnover of the facility is scheduled to be held in Friday, January 15.

DPWH-9 seeks ISO certification

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -– The Regional Office-9 of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is undertaking the necessary process and requirements to acquire ISO 9001:2008-Quality Management Systems.

Eng’r. Jorge Sebastian Jr., DPWH regional director, told the Philippines News Agency they are targeting to acquire ISO certification by June this year.

Sebastian said among the process they have to undergo in acquiring ISO certification are periodic auditing and seminars of employees to be conducted by ISO team.

Sebastian said the move to acquire ISO certification is in line with the aspiration of DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson for all of the agency’s regional offices to be ISO certified before he will step down in June.

Singson is set to step down once a new president will be elected in the presidential and local elections in May this year.

Sebastian said Singson wanted to leave a legacy by way of making all of the 17 DPWH regional offices, including the central office, ISO certified.

The DPWH offices in Region 11 and National Capital Region (NCR) are among the two regional offices that are ISO certified at present.

An ISO certified office means it functions and render services in accordance to international standards.

City Hall nets 1,250 permits in 4 BOSS days

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

The Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) of the city government has processed as of Thursday a total of 1,250 business permits for 2016.

The figures include mostly renewals and new applications for business permits, according to City Licensing Office Benjie Barredo.

Barredo attributed the apparent fast-phase in the business permit process to the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) system take would only take less than a day for an applicant to complete the process.

As this developed, Barredo continued to appeal to the business community to renew their permits as early as possible to avoid the rush.

The renewal went full blast starting Monday, Jan. 4 to 20, as the city rolls out for the second straight year the BOSS initiative with the intention of making registration and renewal process more convenient and efficient.

Comparing data of the number of clients served on the first day of the renewal, the BPLO recorded 246 applicants in 2015 and 347 applicants in 2016 (Jan. 4-Monday). The second day, Jan. 5 had 101 applicants, and 1,250 on the fourth day (Thursday). — Vic Larato

DPWH: PHP205-M allocated to rehab Zambo sports complex

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 8 (PNA) –- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to undertake this year the rehabilitation of the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex.

Engineer Jorge Sebastian, DPWH regional director, told the Philippines News Agency that the rehabilitation project is set to be bidded out this month.

Sebastian said the national government has allocated PhP205 million for the rehabilitation of the sports complex.

Sebastian said it will take more than one year to finish the rehabilitation of the sports complex since “there are a lot to be done” to include the rubberized track oval.

The DPWH will oversee the rehabilitation of the sports complex.

The sports complex was destroyed after it has served as the biggest evacuation center for the more than 100,000 people displaced during the 21-day September 2013 siege.

Zamboanga businesses positive on ASEAN integration prospects

By Albert F. Arcilla (Correspondent) with Karel B. Mellanes

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- This city’s business sector is optimistic about the entry of investments with the economic integration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), despite continued security concerns in Western Mindanao.

Pedro Rufo N. Soliven, governor for Western Mindanao of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (PCCIFI), said the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) presents business opportunities given Zamboanga’s location, which could make it a major trading hub within the sub-regional grouping of Brunei Darussalam and parts of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

“Zamboanga City, from being the back door of the Philippines (could become) the front gate to the ASEAN Economic Community,” Mr. Soliven told BusinessWorld.

He noted that despite the constant security threats and unstable law and order situation in the city, two shopping malls opened in the last quarter of 2015.

He added, however, that being the center of trade, commerce and industry, as well as the rest and recreation destination of choice for the island-provinces, security continues to be a concern for the investors.”

Zamboanga City has been facing bomb and kidnapping threats from various groups, including the al Quaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf, based in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Last year, four bombing incidents occurred in the city, in January, April, July and September, while kidnappings of both locals and foreigners took place in various parts of the region.

“But these are kinks that are being addressed proactively,” Mr. Soliven acknowledged.

Chief Superintendent Miguel C. Antonio, Jr., director of the police regional office, told reporters here that the police has security measures in place and that they are “maintaining what they are doing.”

Ariel T. Huesca, commander of the Zamboanga City Public Safety company, the tactical unit of the Zamboanga City police, is actively implementing the city’s law-and-order program, which includes conducting surveillance operations and raising police visibility.

Mr. Huesca said the private sector has also been vigilant in terms of hiring private security.

The newly opened malls in the city are hiring their security guards after extensive background checks, he told BusinessWorld in a text message.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Meanwhile, Mr. Soliven said the challenge for the local government unit is to prepare the city for investment in developing infrastructure and support services.

He cited the need for “new roads, adequate power supply with competitive rates, as well as reliable communication facilities... also connectivity and the labor force needed for all these opportunities at hand.”

The business group also called on the city government to review previous proposals to transfer the airport outside the city center and hasten the development of an international-standard seaport and container terminal.

“The city needs to revisit and consider seriously the transfer of the international airport, so development in the city will not be stifled due to its continued presence... An international container terminal and seaport must be fast-tracked with an allied opportunity for us to explore ship building and repair,” said the PCCIFI official.

Zambo City sees robust operations of the IBT

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 6 (PNA) – The local government expects a robust operation of this city’s Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) this year.

This, as the IBT has raked in PHP1.3 million revenue for the city coffers in less than a month operations. The IBT was open on December 8, 2015.

Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, officer-in-charge of the City Administrator’s Office, said the initial income of IBT did not include yet the rental fees from its concessionaires.

The City Administrator’s Office oversees the operations of this city’s economic enterprises, which include the IBT.

The other economic enterprises are the main public market, Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex and the slaughterhouse.

Apolinario said the IBT earns revenues through the collections of terminal fee, parking fee and rental of food concessioners.

The IBT, the construction of which cost the city government PHP175.88 million, is considered as the most modern transport facility here in the region.

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

Meanwhile, Apolinario disclosed the city government spent PHP580,000 for the operations of the IBT since it started serving the public.

The operating expenses included the salaries of personnel assigned in the modern terminal facility.

Zambo City sets water rationing as supply dwindles

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 5 (PNA) – The Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) is scheduled to imposed 11-hour rationing as this city’s water level at source dropped lower than the normal elevation.

The ZCWD bulletin disclosed the water rationing is effective 6 a.m. of Friday, Jan. 8.

Eng’r. Efren Salvacion, ZCWD maintenance department manager, disclosed the water level at the diversion dam stood at 74.10 meters as of Monday. The normal level is at 74.20 meters.

Salvacion said the water elevation dropped below normal since this city has not had any major rainfall the past few months.

The ZCWD gets 80 percent of its water supply from surface water through the Tumaga River, making it vulnerable to the elements such as the extreme hot conditions currently experienced in this city.

The ZCWD also operates 21 underground production wells to augment its water supply.

Salvacion said they had divided the ZCWD distribution lines into three areas to be able to provide water for 11 hours daily to its more than 57,000 active concessionaires.

The water rationing schedule are as follows: east coast area, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.; central area, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and, west coast area, 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The imposition of the water rationing seeks to conserve the dwindling supply until rain comes in May this year.

Zambo City hastens business permits processing

(PNA), SCS/TPGJR/PR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) - For the second year, the city government rolled out on Monday the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) initiative to make registration and renewal of business permits more convenient and efficient.

Under the BOSS concept, all agencies and offices involved in the renewal of licenses of different kinds of businesses are set up at the second floor of City Hall.

These include the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Mutual Fund, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), City Veterinarian Office, City Agriculturist Office (CAO), City Health Office (CHO), Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (OCENR), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), City Engineer’s Office (CEO), and City Tourism Office.

The City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) and the Business and Permits Licensing Office (BPLO) are both located at the City Hall ground floor.

Office hours for all agencies and offices involved in the renewal and registration process will be extended from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on holidays, Saturdays and Sundays starting Jan. 4 to Jan. 20 to accommodate applicants.

The BOSS initiative was launched on Jan. 5, 2015 and was proven to be very effective as it significantly reduced the processing time.

Business renewal under the BOSS system will have four steps: first, presentation of 2015 business permit at the BPLO; second, secure clearances (different agencies at the City Hall second floor); third, assessment and payment at the CTO; and, fourth, get the 2016 permit at the BPLO.

Businessmen are advised to secure a barangay clearance before starting with Step 1. They are also advised to bring all available clearances/permits of previous year for faster processing.

For new business registration, applicants will undergo three steps: first is the application with BPLO where they will be asked to fill up and submit the application form; second, assessment and payment at the CTO; and third, get the temporary permit to operate (TPO).

With the TPO, the business operations can start but the requirements and clearances are to be complied within the prescribed 30-day period for the issuance of the actual business permit.

Pre-application requirements for new applicants are SEC registration or DTI registration (single proprietor), valid identification card, 2x2 pictures, proof of ownership/lease contract and other pertinent documents.

Deadline for the renewal of business permits is on Jan. 20.

Late filers will be meted with 25 percent surcharge per quarter and 2 percent additional surcharge per month.

Zambo City jail installs visitors tracking system

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has installed visitors tracking system at the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC), boosting security at the detention facility.

Supt. Julius Arro, ZCRC warden, told the Philippines News Agency that the device consists of a computerized magnetic door that would only allow access to inmates’ registered family members and friends into the compound of the detention facility.

The installation of the device costs the BJMP more than PhP100,000.

Arro said they started adopting the system this month where they encoded the data, including the biometrics of the inmates’ visitors.

Arro said around 1,500 visitors of the inmates have been registered with the system. There are 1,917 male inmates and 200 female detainees.

“We adopted the system to hasten and systematize the entry and exit of visitors as well as to ensure that only legitimate visitors will be granted access,” he said.

He said the system will also prevent the escape of inmates by mixing up with the visitors in going out of the compound as the door will not open since their biometrics are not registered with the computer.

The ZCRC is the first BJMP facility to use the technology in Region 9 through the initiative of Arro.

The other detention facilities that are using the same technology are Manila, Quezon City and Bicutan jails.

Arro said he thought of adopting the system following the escape attempts of the Abu Sayyaf detainees.

Zambo City eyes establishment of command center

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 2 (PNA) – The city government is putting up this year a Php 110-million command center that would serve as this city’s emergency response hub.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Saturday the establishment of the command center was to synchronize the response of the different agencies in times of emergencies.

“We want to initiate this (center) so we will be able to respond to emergency better,” Salazar added.

She said the command center would be placed at City Hall.

It will be equipped with radio communications and video system for timely and efficient emergency response.

Salazar said the putting up of a command center formed part of her administration’s priority on security.

Zamboanga City records zero firecracker-related injury

By Bong Garcia

THE residents of Zamboanga City have welcomed 2016 with joy and zero firecracker-related injuries.

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Manager Officer Elmeir Jade Apolinario announced Friday that there was no firecracker-related injury that was registered in the different hospitals in the city.

Apolinario, who is also the acting assistant city administrator, attributed the zero firecracker-related injury to the strict implementation of City Ordinance 431 that was enacted on September 30, 2014 and has remained in effect since then.

City Ordinance 431 institutionalizes the ban on the use, sale, possession, distribution, manufacture and storage of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the city to permanently eliminate unnecessary injuries, loss of lives, and damages to properties resulting from the negligent handling of the said devices.

The ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices is primarily to protect the residents from the risks these items pose on lives and properties.

Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) Director Angelito Casimiro corroborated the announcement of Apolinario citing there was no similar incident reported by all of the police stations.

There are 11 police stations under the ZCPO covering this city’s 98 barangays, including eight island villages.

As this developed, Casimiro said he favors the permanent implementation of City Ordinance 431.

People from all walks of life used safe merry-making instruments and alternative noise-makers such as party horns, vehicle horns or by playing loud music during the New Year’s revelry.

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