Zamboanga City News January 2017

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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.

Alsons sets EPC contract selection on Zambo project

By Myrna M. Velasco

Power group Alsons Consolidated Resources, Inc. (ACR) begun the process of selection for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract of its next 105-megawatt San Ramon coal-fired power project in Zamboanga City.

Tomas I. Alcantara, ACR chairman and president said there are already offers from Chinese and South Korean prospective turnkey contractors.

Alcantara also said those involved in the EPC of their 210MW Sarangani coal-fired power project – Japanese firm JGC Corp. and Korean firm Daelim Industrial Co. Ltd. – also indicate interests. “There are several EPC contractors that manifested interests here…there is a Chinese and another Korean, but we are not prepared to disclose,” Alcantara told reporters.

The project, he said, still straddles that phase of cornering the bilateral contracts on the off-take of its eventual generated capacity. “We are just working on the principal cooperative that would be the principal off-taker for the plant,” Alcantara said.

He further qualified that the company has also been “perfecting the PSAs (power supply agreements) that we have,” with the corresponding rates approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

P22-M training center construction starts February

(PR)

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey, who represented PSC Chairman William Ramirez, said the construction of the P22-million Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) regional training center in Zamboanga City will start in February.

Ramirez and PSI National Training Director Marc Edward Velasco were not able to join Maxey to the trip due to other earlier scheduled engagements.

Maxey said the P22 million was sourced out by Zamboanga City Representative Celso Lobregat.

“Nag-report si Congressman Lobregat og na-mention ang pagtukod sa training center to start February (Loregat announced that the training center will be built starting February),” the Dabawenyo commissioner said.

He said the two-storey building will be located inside the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex which is also undergoing rehabilitation. Maxey said, “Training center sa taas tapos dorm sa ubos.

Once constructed, mao ang training center for PSI on weightlifting (The training center will be on the second floor while athletes' dormitory will be on the ground floor.

It will serve as the PSI training center for weightlifting).” He added PSC, through the PSI, will provide the equipment for the training center that was a long-time dream of Rio Olympics 2016 weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, a native of Mampang village in Zamboanga City.

Diaz also failed to make it the trip as her schedule was tight with her classes at College of Saint Benilde and her training for upcoming international tournaments.

She had been vocal about putting up a weightlifting training center in Zamboanga City and with the help of Lobregat, the Zamboanga City Government, PSC and the PSI, her dream for her young kababayans will soon be a reality.

Zamboanga City will have weightlifting as its focus sport, among others, considering the success of Diaz and the popularity of the sport in Asia's Latin City.

Zambo village to open nature-based recreation park

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 27 (PNA) -- A recreational park is set to open on Saturday, January 28, in one of the barangays in the west coast area of this city.

The park, known as the Bog Lake Recreation Park, is located in Barangay San Roque.

Its opening is expected to provide a nature-based recreation park for the residents of this city.

San Roque Barangay Chairman Joselito Macrohon said that they have allocated PHP 1 million to improve the park.

Macrohon said the park will serve as an economic enterprise of San Roque. It will be managed by the San Roque barangay council.

The amenities of the park include the following: zip line; boating; mini zoo; tree house; play ground; zorb ball; water walking ball; cottages; horse riding; fishing; fish feeding; and floating cottage.

A drone is also available for rent for visitors who want to document their visit at the park.

Macrohon said entry and use of amenities in the park on Saturday is free of charge on Saturday since it is the opening day.

He said that initially, the park would be opened to the public from Friday to Sunday.

Later on, the park would be opened from Monday to Sunday.

Macrohon said they have come up with the project to provide the opportunity to the people to enjoy nature while bonding with family members.

Zambo health office launches campaign on use of iodized salt

(PNA), LAP/NYP/TPGJR/RGAAG/

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 26 (PNA) -- The City Health Office (CHO) has embarked on an information campaign to instill public awareness on the nutritional value of iodized salt.

Virgie Sagrado, CHO nutrition division chief, on Thursday said that the campaign is to motivate the residents, including eatery owners, to use iodized salt.

Sagrado said there is a need to impel the residents to attend the training since recent survey showed that only 60 percent of the salts sold in the market are iodized.

Sagrado said the information campaign include the conduct of forum at the markets and the posting of posters and tarpaulins in public places on the use of iodized salt.

“The campaign on the use of iodized salt will be continuous to let the people know the importance of iodized salt,” she added.

She said the use of iodized salt eliminates, if not lessens, the Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) among children and adults. It also prevents goiter.

She said lack of iodine causes low intelligence quotient (IQ) and mental retardation among children and may cause harm on pregnant women.

She said they would reactivate the Bantay Asin Task Force to inspect and ensure that salts sold in the market are iodized.

The task force will also monitor local eateries to ensure they use iodized salt in food preparations.

The use of iodized salt is mandated under Republic Act 8172 otherwise known as the Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN).

DOH embarks on cancer, goiter prevention and control advocacy in Region 9

(PNA), LAP/NYP/TPGJR/

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) Region 9 has embarked on an advocacy to instill public awareness on the prevention and control of cancer, goiter and other Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) here.

The advocacy is in line with the National Cancer Consciousness Week and Goiter Awareness Week, which is being observed on the third and fourth week of January, respectively.

The DOH said the aim of the annual observance of the National Cancer Consciousness Week is to provide the general public with important and relevant information about cancer.

The DOH said that it is necessary to continue to conduct awareness initiatives as studies show a steady increase in cancer incidence in the country.

Part of the advocacy is the conduct of a forum on Tuesday for the members of the Zamboanga media, whose assistance has been tapped to assist the DOH for wider information dissemination on the prevention and control of cancer and goiter and IDD.

Dr. Agnes Mabolo, DOH regional cluster head for non-communicable disease, disclosed during the forum that latest statistics gathered by the health agency showed cancer as the number four killer disease in the Philippines.

Mabolo, without citing specifics, noted that lung cancer has the highest mortality among men while it is breast cancer among women.

Mabolo, who is a breast cancer survivor, said that early detection is the best protection against cancer.

She was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in July 2016.

“Remember, prevention is better than cure,” Mabolo added.

She said the warning signs of cancer included the following: change in blood bowel or bladder habits; a sore that does not heal; unusual bleeding or discharge; thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere; indigestion or difficulty in swallowing; obvious changes in wart or mole; nagging cough or hoarseness; unexplained anemia; and, sudden unexplained weight loss.

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. These abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells or tumor cells that can infiltrate normal body tissues.

The incidence of cancer and cancer types are influenced by many factors such as age, gender, race, local environmental factors, diet, and genetics.

Virginia Sagrado, DOH-9 nutritionist, disclosed there is a need to strengthen advocacy against goiter and other IDD since Region 9 has 41.1 prevalence rate, the highest in the country.

Sagrado said this is brought about by the low awareness, the second in the entire country, on the use of iodized salt.

Sagrado disclosed the latest national nutrition survey showed that Region 9 has 54.5 percent awareness on the nutritional value of iodized salt consumption.

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has the lowest awareness on the use of iodized salt at 33 percent.

Goiter is the enlargement of thyroid gland which could be due to a deficiency in iodine or other causes such as autoimmune disease, inflammation and other medical conditions.

Goiter due to iodine deficiency can be prevented by eating foods rich in iodine such as salt water fishes, shellfishes and seaweeds and by the regular use of adequately iodized salt in the daily diet.

Goiter due to other causes can be treated medically or surgically.

DepEd readies for early registration of school children in Zamboanga City

(PNA), LAP/NYP/TPGJR/RGAAG

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 9 has scheduled the conduct of early registration of school children in public elementary and high schools on January 28 for the school year 2017-2018.

DepEd Assistant Regional Director Pedro Melchor Natividad on Monday said that the early registration aims to ascertain the number of enrollees for the coming school year.

Natividad said the increase in the number of enrollees would guide them in the preparations of the school facility, books and human resources.

Among those expected to be registered on January 28 are children who will enroll in kindergarten and Grade 7 for Junior High School (JHS).

Natividad said the requirement to enroll in kindergarten is birth certificate showing the child is five years old.

For the JHS level, the requirements are birth certificate, certificate of good moral character and diploma.

“I call on the parents to support us by way of registering their children early,” Natividad said.

There are 171 public elementary and 37 high schools in this city.

Zamboanga's pink sand beach in National Geographic's list of best beaches

By Azer N. Parrocha [(PNA), RMA/ANP]

MANILA, Jan. 23 (PNA) -- US magazine National Geographic has listed the pink sand beach in the Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga as among the best beaches in the world.

“Hardly lacking in gorgeous beaches, the Philippines claims a pink-sand variety, too,” an article by National Geographic writer Kimberley Lovato read.

Lovato cited how the beach claimed to fame for its “blush color” which “comes from billions of pieces of crushed red organ-pipe coral, seen in every handful of sand.”

She also pointed out that the number of visitors to the island is regulated, and suggested readers who want to see the island for themselves that they should make advanced arrangements through the tourist office in Zamboanga.

Last December, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo visited the island to see the pink sand beach for herself and assure tourists that tourism in the Zamboanga Peninsula is safe regardless of the old stigma attached to its name.

“I personally came here because I want people to know that because ‘the Secretary of Tourism was here’, the more they should come here. I would like to show the world that Zamboanga is safe,” Teo said.

Teo, meanwhile, vowed to spearhead efforts to develop the island seeking funding from an agency that used to handle operate it—Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The island is a 3,425-hectare marine reserve which is believed to be bigger than the country’s 24/7 party island, Boracay. It used to be operated by the TIEZA until it was turned over to the Zamboanga City government in 2011.

Other islands on National Geographic’s best beaches in the world list include:

Playa del Amor in Marieta Islands, Mexico

Cathedrals Beach, Ribadeo, Spain

Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

One Foot Island, Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Sunset Beach, Brunswick Islands, North Carolina

Lazy Beach, Koh Rong Island, Cambodia

Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Island, Florida

Shell Beach, Shark Bay, Western Australia

Lyme Regis, England

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Carmel City Beach, Carme-by-the-Sea, California

Noordwjk Beach, The Netherlands

Papakolea Beach, Hawaii

Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

Pink Beach, Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga, Philippines

Pelican Beach, South Water Caye, Belize

Blue Bay, Mauritius

Cas Abao Beach, Curacao

Sleeping Bear Point, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

Piscinas Beach, Arbus, Sardinia

Corniche Beach, La Teste-De-Buch, France

Employees’ Compensation Commission hits airwaves in Mindanao

By Alma L. Tingcang

ZAMBOANGA CITY January 2017 (PIA) --- To increase awareness on the Employees Compensation Commission’s (ECC) programs and services and to reach the workforce in Mindanao, ECC has launched a radio program for heightened information dissemination using the conventional media.

On January 5, 2017, the ECC Regional Extension Unit 9 in Zamboanga City officially aired its regular radio program Tambayan sa ECC in partnership with Peace Radio 88.3. Tambayan sa ECC will be aired live every Thursday at 9:00-10:00 am hosted by Cerna Iyang Ahmad and Jerrick Gerard Go.

Peace Radio 88.3 is the official radio station operated by Western Mindanao Command through its 4th Civil Relations Group headed by Maj Jerome V. Cabigon (Inf) Philippine Army group commander.

Meanwhile, ECC Information Officer Albert Bantan of ECC Regional Extension Unit 11 in Davao City will start to broadcast its program Serbisyo sa Radyo Rapido this January every Monday at 3:00-4:00pm with DXRR 1017.

ECC Information Officer Christopher Gamboa of ECC Regional Extension Unit 12 in Koronadal City has been in the airwaves already since 2015. Gamboa is in partnership with 639 kHz Radyo Mo Nationwide (RMN). This year, Gamboa will be on all Sundays of March from 9:00-11:00am of DOLE is More Than Jobs program.

ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis explained that the said radio stations provide the ECC with free airtime, recognizing that the EC Program should reach as many employers and workers as possible.

“Through our radio programs, the ECC is hopeful that more Filipino workers will become aware of the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) for immediate or for future needs. The ECC invites all Mindanaoans to tune in to learn more about the ECP benefits and services,” the ECC head said.

Banawis added that to increase EC Program awareness, the ECC has been very active on Facebook and will produce a TV commercial this year.

She also encourages employers and employees to practice good occupational safety and health by complying with Occupational Safety and Health Standards to ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

“I would like to emphasize that prevention is better than compensation and rehabilitation. The ECC provides benefits for work-related incidents but good practices in OSH provide a better and healthier community,” explained Banawis.

The ECC is an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment mandated by law to provide meaningful and appropriate compensation to workers in the event of work-related sickness, injuries or death.

DOH earmarks Php 667.57-M to boost Zambo hospital's services

(PNA), RMA/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 21 (PNA) – The national government, through the Department of Health (DOH), is set to implement this year Php 667.57 million projects to boost the services of the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC).

The projects will include a cancer center, Php 343 million; emergency and critical care center, Php 90 million; and, central block five-storey Tower 1, Php 234.57 million.

First district Rep. Celso Lobregat, vice chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, told the Philippines News Agency that the establishment of a cancer center had been the dream of local government and health officials.

“Once established, cancer patients will no longer have to go to Manila, Cebu or Davao for treatment,” Lobregat added.

Lobregat said the building that would house the Emergency and Critical Care Center was already bid out and awarded while the needed equipment were up for bidding.

He said the construction of the building of the center would cost Php 50 million while the equipment Php 40 million.

The center will also house the laboratory, x-ray, operating room for trauma cases, women and child protection unit, pharmacy and beds for critical care.

Lobregat said the central block five-storey Tower 1 had been bid out and awarded for construction.

The tower will house the surgery departments, Pediatrics, surgical and Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit, Pediatrics Cancer, Burnt Unit, Geriatrics Unit, 20 private rooms, chapel and conference room.

Lobregat said the completion of the projects would further improve the services of the ZCMC, the biggest government hospital here in Region 9.

The ZCMC caters to patients not only from this city and the region but also those coming from the nearby regions and the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Deadline for business taxes payment extended

By Bong Garcia (BG /SunStar Philippines)

THE Zamboanga City Council, through an ordinance, has extended the period for the payment of business taxes from January 20 to January 31.

City Hall information officer Belen Sheila Covarrubias said the ordinance granting an extension was approved in a special session held Thursday, January 19.

Covarrubias said the approval of the ordinance is to accommodate all applications for business registrations and renewals submitted during the operations of the Business One-Stop Shop (Boss) which ran from January 3-20.

Payments and applications made and completed on or before January 31 will not be fined for late fees.

As of January 20, Covarrubias said the Boss has processed a total of 8,062 business registration and renewal applications.

The Boss will remain open at Centro Latino to process all submitted applications for registrations and renewals.

It will operate on regular hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

Zamboanga City inaugurates second phase of sanitary landfill

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

OPERATIONS for the sanitary landfill in Salaan are set to improve with the completion of additional infrastructure projects under the facility’s P7.9 million Phase II project.

The sanitary landfill is located in the village of Salaan, Zamboanga City. Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, assisted by Vice Mayor Iturralde, and Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) Chief Rey Gonzales, led the inauguration and turnover of the completed Phase II facilities Wednesday, January 18.

The Phase II project comprised of additional roads, streetlights, drainages, and fences.

Gonzales said the completion of the Phase II project will improve the facilities of the Sanitary Landfill for better performance and operational standards. The OCENR has been successfully operating the Sanitary Landfill’s first phase which began operations on March 2015.

The P75-million landfill facility has a total area of 10.6 hectares to accommodate Zamboanga City’s solid waste disposal for a 10-year period.

CDRRMO installs warning signages in Zambo villages

(PNA), NYP/TPGJR/RGAAG/

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 18 (PNA) -- The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has installed warning signages to instill public awareness on hazard - prone areas here.

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, CDRRMO chief, said the signages were installed based on the geohazard map of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

The geohazard map indicates the areas of a particular city which are susceptible or vulnerable to various geological hazards, or geohazards.

Apolinario said the warning signages they installed included the following: landslide prone; tsunami prone; flood prone; among others.

He said the signages were installed in the villages of Limpapa, Sinunuc, San Jose Gusu and Pasonanca.

Apolinario noted that an additional of 50 signages would be installed in the other barangays that are susceptible to geohazards.

“The installation of the signages is a way of raising awareness so that the people will informed of the situation in their locality,” he said.

PSA Awards: Diaz leads top achievers

(The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz headlines a crack roster of athletes who shone in their respective fields in the year just passed as the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) holds the annual Awards Night presented by Milo and San Miguel on Feb. 13 at the Le Pavilion in Pasay.

Diaz, who ended the country’s 20-year medal drought in the Rio Games with a silver medal feat in weightlifting, looms as the leading choice for the coveted Athlete of the Year award during the formal affair co-presented by Cignal/Hyper TV.

Last year pro boxers Nonito Donaire Jr., and Donnie Nietes along with golfer Miguel Tabuena were the joint recipients of the highest honor bestowed by the Philippines’ oldest media organization composed of editors and sportswriters from both the print and online portals.

President Duterte has been invited to be the guest speaker. Close Ad X

President’s Award, Lifetime Achievement honor, Executive of the Year, National Sports Association of the Year, Mr. Basketball, Mr. Golf, Mr. Football, and Ms. Volleyball will also be handed out as part of the two-hour program backed by Smart, Foton, Mighty Sports, Philippine Basketball Association, Accel, Gold Toe, SM Prime Holdings Inc., GlobalPort, Rain or Shine, ICTSI, and MVPSF.

Athletes who earned Olympic berths through qualifying tournaments are likewise to be cited, among them tracksters Eric Cray, Marestella Torres, and Mary Joy Tabal, weightlifter Nestor Colonia, Ian Lariba, boxers Roger Ladon and Charly Suarez, taekwondo jin Kirstie Alora and Tabuena.

The PSA will also recognized major awardees in different sports and citations to various personalities and entities in the annual rite backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and Federal Land.

Not to be missed out are the organizations recognition to young promising achievers such as the Tony Siddayao Awards and the Milo Male and Female Junior Athletes of the Year, as well as posthumous awards to those dearly departed friends of the local sportswriting community.

Licensing office processes 4,500 business permits

By Bong Garcia (BG/SunStar Philippines)

THE Business One Stop Shop (Boss) has already processed a total of 4,500 applications for business permits and registration as of last Friday, January 13, on its 11th day of operation.

City Licensing Officer Benjie Barredo said that of the total applications they processed, 149 are new while 4,351 are renewal.

Barredo said that a total of 2,782 are with payment and issued with business permits.

Earlier, he said they expect to renew more than 9,000 business permits and issue some 2,000 new permits.

Boss brings together all offices involved in the business registration and renewal process from January 3 to 20 and operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Mondays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Boss clients coming from different sectors have lauded the innovation citing convenience and comfort, efficiency and accessibility.

The Boss is located at the Centro Latino Convention Hall, which has a spacious area, centralized air conditioning units, television sets, and free wifi connection.

Boss is based on the business permit and licensing system (BPLS) reform standards to further streamline the business registration and renewal process in compliance with the new set of service criterions in processing business permits and licensing, which were introduced with technical support from the United States Agency for International Development.

Barredo said there will be no extension for the registration and renewal of business licenses, with the Boss set to cease its operations on January 20.

He said the no extension provision is stipulated not only under an ordinance but also in the local government code, thus, no extension can be granted.

Zambo health office to upgrade medical facilities

(PNA), NYP/TPGJR/RGAAG

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- The City Health Office (CHO) is set to upgrade this year the medical facilities under its supervision to provide better health care to the residents of this city.

Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, city health officer, that among the medical facilities to be upgraded includes the Cristino Paragas Memorial Hospital in Barangay Quiniput and the lying-in clinics in the barangays of Ayala, Sangali and Vitali.

Agbulos said the Cristino Parangas Memorial Hospital will be upgraded from infirmary to Level 1 Hospital while the lying-in clinics to infirmary hospital.

Agbulos said the upgrading will include the hiring of additional personnel and purchase of new equipment aside from the expansion of the edifice.

“We will upgrade the facilities in order to serve better the residents,” Agbulos added.

He said at least PhP 20 - million funding was alloted for the upgrading of the four medical facilities.

Agbulos said he will tap the support of the city government, two congressional office and Department of Health (DOH) to realize the upgrading project soon.

Meanwhile, he said that PhP 4 - M has been allocated to renovate the out-patient department of the City Health Office.

He said the renovation is aimed to provide bigger space and comfort to the patients who are mostly from the low - income bracket of society.

Philippine Red Cross expands service in Zamboanga City

(PNA), NYP/TPGJR/RGAAG/

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Zamboanga Chapter is expanding the reach of its service to better serve the public in this city.

Joseline Fernandez, PRC-Zamboanga chapter OIC-administrator, said they would open another PRC unit inside the Zamboanga Ecozone area to serve the residents in the west coast of this city.

Fernandez said the opening of the additional PRC unit is timely to cope with the increasing population and traffic situation, which affects the response time to emergencies.

Zamboanga City, which comprises 68 barangays, has a total population of 861,799 as of the 2015 census. It is the sixth most populous and third largest city by land area in the country.

Fernandez said the additional PRC unit would enable them to serve the populace of the entire city not only to those within the seven-kilometer radius.

The opening of the PRC unit at the Zamboanga Ecozone area is the second in less than a month period.

Early on, the local chapter of the PRC has opened a PRC unit in Barangay Mercedes to serve the residence in the east coast of this city.

Fernandez said that each of the PRC unit is equipped with an ambulance and corresponding personnel.

The PRC - Zamboanga City chapter will have a total of three PRC units in this city once the unit in the Zamboanga Ecozone area is opened.

The two existing PRC units are located along Rizal Street, Barangay Zone IV and in Barangay Mercedes.

The PRC unit in Barangay Zone IV serves the residents of the central area of this city.

USAID Be Secure holds validation workshop for Zambo hydrological maps

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 13 (PIA) - The Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently conducted a validation workshop for the city’s hydrological maps.

Ms. Imelda Abarquez, climate change resiliency coordinator of the Be Secure project said it is a continuation of the first workshop conducted in November last year.

“It is part of the project’s undertaking to assess and analyze trends of specific risks resulting from hydrological hazards such as flooding, rain-induced landslides, damage-causing turbulent winds, storm surge, and drought conditions identified in the previous scientific studies,” she said.

Also included in the activity was the presentation of baseline maps including the risk maps developed from the outputs of the first workshop and secondary information from stakeholders.

“We also presented the revised risk register inclusive of the baseline and updated risk levels, and even validated the updated risk levels on the risk register and associated risk maps,” said Abarquez.

The activity was attended by some government agencies, academe, police, barangay officials, local water district representatives, among others. The same group also participated in the previous workshop.

DOT set to launch cleanliness, beautification project in Zamboanga City

(PNA), NYP/TPGJR/

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 12 (PNA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to launch cleanliness and beautification project to bring back this city’s old glory as one of the cleanest and beautiful places in the country.

The project “Mi Ciudad: Limpio y Floriao (My City: Clean and Blooming)” will initially cover eight of this city’s 98 barangays that are within the city limits.

The eight barangays are the following: Baliwasan; Canelar; San Jose-Cawa-Cawa; Zone I; Zone IV; Sta. Maria; Pasonanca; and Camino Nuevo.

DOT Regional Director Antonio Fernando Blanco on Thursday said they thought of coming up with the project as visitors who have seen this city at its former state have longed to restore its brimming colorful lushes that earned its erstwhile title of “City of Flowers.”

However, Blanco said the rationale of the project is not about gaining back the title or reverting to this city’s former brand name as the “City of Flowers.”

“It is rather re-evoking the feeling of warmth and garden city ambience of the old Zamboanga to complement its remarkable historical as the oldest city of Mindanao with its Hispanic influence remaining steadfast through the years,” Blanco said.

“Undeniably, it is the historic side of Zamboanga that makes it uniquely alluring to visitors and not just its business landscape,” he added.

Former DOT Regional Director Ricardo San Juan, who was tapped by Blanco to help him in the project, said its objective is beautify and re-bloom this city with bougainvillea along the city streets of the eight identified barangays.

San Juan said the project is also aimed to educate the youth on the values of protecting the environment and maintaining cleanliness and to provide possible employment opportunities to people in the identified barangays to encourage community participation.

The first phase of the project is from January to March this year and second phase is from April onwards until it would be expanded to the other villages of this city.

The project would be in partnership with the local government, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Agriculture, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Zamboanga Ecozone and Freeport Authority, Balikbayan Associations, Plant Lovers Club, Rotary Clubs and other civic clubs, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Zamboanga, Tourism Council, and Tourism Press Corps.

Meanwhile, Blanco, with the assistance of the Zamboanga Press Club, Inc, has revived the local Tourism Press Corps just after they presented the rationale and objectives of the project.

An election was held and the elected officers were the following: President - Teofilo Garcia, Jr., PNA; Vice President-Mirasol Montesa, RMN; Secretary-R.G. Antonet Go, Zamboanga Times; Treasurer-Marilyn Delos Santos, Bombo Radyo Philippines; Auditor-Eugene Lasprilla, Zamboanga Today; and, Business Manager-Ronnie Lledo, GBPI-TV-11.

The initial members of the group are: Jayvee Francisco, GMA-7; Mark Tia, GMA-7; Roel Pareño, Philippine Star; Elsie Molina, Radyo ng Bayan; Jonathan Jalon, E-Media; and, Ulysses John Almocera, blogger, Do it yourself (DIY) travel guide.

DSWD lines up activities for anniversary celebration in Region 9

(PNA), NYP/TPGJR/RGAAG/

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 11 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 9 has lined up activities to mark the observance of the 66th anniversary celebration of the agency here.

The annual DSWD anniversary celebration at the national level starts on January 24 and usually lasts for a week.

Ivan Eric Salvador, DSWD regional information officer, said that the anniversary celebration at the regional level starts on January 16.

Salvador said the celebration will kick-off with the opening of a “tiangge” and garage sale.

Salvador said that products of the beneficiaries of the DSWD’s sustainable livelihood program such as food delicacies, handicrafts and others would be sold in the “tiangge” while employees’ personal items in the garage sale.

He added that a certain percentage of the garage sale would go to charity.

Other activities would include Zumba dance exercise, sports events, Mr. and Ms. DSWD 2017, Macho Gay 2017 and DSWD Broadway Gala Night.

Salvador said the activities they lined up is aimed to promote camaraderie among the employees of the DSWD.

This year’s DSWD's anniversary celebration has for its theme “Sama-samang Paglilingkod na may Malasakit.”


Zamboanga City marks PhP37-M increase in business tax collection in 2016

(PNA), NYP/TPGJR/

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 10 (PNA) -- Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar here announced that Zamboanga City has registered a 12 percent increase in the collection of business taxes for the year 2016.

Salazar reported on Tuesday in her State of the City Address (SOCA) that such increase represents the amount of PhP 37 - million in business taxes collection from PhP 304 - M in 2015 to PhP 341 - M in 2016.

Salazar said this came about as local business establishments has grown to 12,324 in 2016 from 10,348 in 2015 with the opening of 1,976 new businesses, including some big players.

Salazar added that the opening of the close to 2,000 new business establishments translated to 8,042 new jobs.

“In 2016, we have made significant progress and we stirred our economy. When big players came in, we saw how our consumers were able to bolster their purchasing power over the emergence of a variety of brands, products and services,” she said.

“Almost every year since the beginning of our first term, we witnessed new business sprouting up,” she added.

She said the entry of the big players “makes possible for local businesses to break all the barriers to development” as the two local supermarkets -- Budgetwise Express and LB Supermarket -- opened their new branches in 2016.

The mayor said she believes that more new business are coming to invest in this city.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s SOCA broke the tradition of the previous years as only the mayor has reported the local government accomplishments.

In previous years, the representatives of this city's first and second districts were allowed to deliver their accomplishment reports.

“Section 455 of the Local Government Code states that the city mayor shall present the program of government and proposed policies and projects for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) at the opening of the regular session of the SP every calendar year,” she explained.

First District Representative Celso Lobregat said “to set the records straight” he will address the people of this city and publicly deliver his report next week.

BJMP sets emergency drill at Zamboanga detention facility

(PNA), CVL/TPGJR/RGAAG

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 9 (PNA) -- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is set to conduct an emergency drill to test the response readiness of its personnel at the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC).

Chief Insp. Ervin Diaz, ZCRC warden, said the drill, to be conducted on Jan. 16, will include scenarios on hostage taking, jail takeover by inmates, and inmates’ escape.

Diaz told the Philippine News Agency that the conduct of the emergency drill would enable them to examine and update the security and contingency plans of the jail facility.

Diaz said the existing ZCRC contingency plan includes how to secure the jail facility in case of disasters, such as fire, earthquake and flooding.

He said the conduct of the drill is for the BJMP personnel at the ZCRC to put into practice their contingency plan “so that the personnel will know what to do in case of emergencies”.

He said the Zamboanga City Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Task Force Zamboanga will also participate in the forthcoming emergency drill.

He said the three agencies' participation will determine how fast they can respond to a call for assistance from the ZCRC in case of emergency.

He said they have further strengthened the security at the ZCRC to prevent incidents similar to the Jan. 4 jailbreak at the North Cotabato District Jail in Kidapawan City.

He said the ZCRC houses some arrested members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who are classified as high-risk inmates.

ZamPen native chicken gives lifeline to inmates

By Lilian B. dela Cruz (DOST-STII)

Zamboanga City – ZamPen native chicken is a lifeline not just to farmers and micro entrepreneurs of the Zamboanga Peninsula but also to San Ramon Penal colony inmates who anticipate productive reintegration after serving prison terms.

This is the promising future that this subsector of poultry and livestock industry is offering.

Raising ZamPen native chicken as a science-based countryside alternative livelihood resulted from the collaboration of the Western Mindanao Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC) and project funding agency Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

In celebration of its 29th anniversary, WESMAARDEC held November 22-23 the ZamPen Native Chicken FIESTA 2016 themed “Manok ZamPen: Livelihood Option for every Juan in the Region.”

Dr. Teresita Narvaez, WESMAARRDEC director, said the event aimed to showcase and promote ZamPen native chicken in Region IX (Western Mindanao) on the concept of Farms and Industry Encounters through Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA).

Promoting ZamPen native chicken was a package of technology transfer initiatives from production (breeding, handling, care, and management techniques) to commercialization (financing, processing, and marketing).

Dr. Narvaez expressed optimism that the ZamPen native chicken will be profitable for farmers and entrepreneurs because of its gourmet qualities of unique taste and texture; Plus, its health benefits will make it a fine choice for consumers, which leads to increase in market demand.

WESMAARRDEC’s Native Chicken FIESTA featured a techno-business forum at the KCC Mall of Zamboanga.

Farmers, entrepreneurs, students and other interested individuals attended to learn the native chicken’s breeding and management technologies from PCAARRD and WMSU scientists and researchers.

Mr. Julian H. Payne, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, shared relevant entrepreneurial strategies in his presentation “Best Practices and Sharing of Plans on Native Chicken for Adoption and Commercialization.”

A direct beneficiary of the ZamPen native chicken project is this City’s San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm inmates.

In February this year, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) representing WESMAARRDEC, DOST-PCAARRD, and Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR) through the San Ramon penal farm for a research team to study the profitability and sustainability of the ZamPen native chicken as source of livelihood in rural communities.

An offshoot of the study was WMSU’s training for San Ramon inmates on ZamPen native chicken technology and marketing options. The BUCOR reminded that inmates to the project are expected to develop a sustainable livelihood once they leave prison and re-integrate into the community.

The inmates started raising ZamPen chicken in the San Ramon farms with WMSU providing breeders and grower stocks, as well as inputs such as feeds, vaccines, and other medications.

They were also provided technical assistance and other support services in the operation of the project, and in the marketing of live, dressed, and other native chicken products. WMSU also conducts a monthly evaluation on the status of the project.

On Day 3 of WESMAARDEC FIESTA, media and other interested individuals and groups toured the ZamPen native chicken farm site in San Ramon, observed developments of the project, and interviewed inmate-farmers.

One inmate lined up for release soon said he will step out of prison with renewed hope since he already has something to start a new life with – potential income from ZamPen native chicken.

PhilHealth Region 9 bares release of PhP2.819-B insurance claims in 2016

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 7 (PNA) -- The Philippines Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Region 9 here has released PhP 2.819 - billion worth of insurance claims to its members last year.

Bryan Jabay, PhilHealth regional information officer, said that most of their members have availed medication in this city since local hospitals are fully equipped than those in other areas in the region.

Jabay said there are a total of 1,828,867 registered PhilHealth members in the region.

More than half or 964,594 of the PhilHealth members are residents of this city.

Jabay said the PhilHealth packages its members have availed included new born care; acute gastroenteritis; routine obstetric care; community acquired pneumonia; urinary tract infection; routine obstetric care; hemodialysis; acute gastritis; bronchial asthma; and, dengue.

He said the worth of insurance claims they released last year could be higher than P2.819 billion since they have yet to collate the data for the month of December.

He said the 2016’s 11-month insurance claims of PhP2.819 billion is higher by P100,000 than that they released in 2015 of PhP2.707 billion.

Zamboanga City Gov’t turns over speedboat to task force

By Bong Garcia (Sunnex)

ZAMBOANGA City Government turned over 200-horse power speedboat to the Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) to ensure the protection of the coastline of the city.

Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar Thursday, January 5, provided the equipment worth 1.5 million to boost to the military’s TFZ in terms of mobilization.

Salazar said the speedboat is intended to help the TFZ patrol and monitor the coastline of Zamboanga City to prevent potential incidents of terrorism and seajacking.

The TFZ, a composite unit, is the military’s maneuver and security force for the city.

The task force, which is based in Camp General Arturo Enrile, Malagutay, Zamboanga City, is under the operational control of the Army’s First Infantry Division.

Salazar said the provision of the speedboat is part of the local government’s continued support to its security forces.

PCSO extend PhP 1.278-B financial aid in 2016 for Zamboanga, BASULTA area

(PNA), NYP/TPGJR/RGAAG/

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 5 (PNA) -- The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) here on Thursday announced they have provided PhP1.278 billion financial assistance to indigents in 11 months last year in the region and the adjacent Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi area.

The island-provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi, otherwise known as the BASULTA area, all belong under the jurisdiction of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Raul Regondola, PCSO Region 9 OIC-manager, said that so far a total of 3,805 patients have benefited from the financial assistance of the agency.

Regondola said the patients were financially assisted for the payment of medicine, hospital bills, dialysis and chemotherapy for cancer patients.

The data released by the PCSO - Zamboanga branch covers only from January until November of 2016 since Regondola said they have yet to collate the data for the month of December.

He said the requirements for a patient to be able avail of the financial assistance are the following: application form; medical abstract; prescription; endorsement from dialysis center; and, a valid identification card.

He said the source of funds of the financial assistance they provided to the patients came from the PCSO lottery operations.

He said 30 percent of every PhP 10 bet in the lottery goes to charity.

Diaz to rehire coach, expects a busy 2017

By Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan

RIO Olympics 2016 weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz braces for a busy 2017 when she resumes serious training with Antonio Agustin, Jr., who she wants to rehire.

Diaz, 25, who is still vacationing at her Mampang home in Zamboanga City, said coach Agustin will talk to Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) national training director Marc Velasco when she returns to Manila after the holidays.

"Gusto ko talagang i-rehire ang coach ko pero kakausapin pa niya si Sir Marc pagbalik ko sa Manila (I really want to rehire my coach but coach [Agustin] will have to speak with sir Mark when I return to Manila)," she said in a Facebook chat interview with SunStar Davao.

She aims to compete in the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games on September 17 to 27 in Ashgiabat, Turkmenistan, and in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in Anaheim, USA slated November 28 to December 5.

She might also see action in the Fisu Universiade on August 20 to 25 in Chinese Taipei as she will avail of the college scholarship grant that the College of Saint Benilde, where she plans to take Business Management, offered her.

Diaz also said that she will conduct seminars during weekends to promote awareness on weightlifting in some cities of Metro Manila and in other neighboring provinces.

"I will have a major competition in weightlifting here in Philippines.

I want to have more competition for weightlifters that will run every year with the help of PLDT (Philippine Long Distance and Telephone Company) and the Crossfit family," she said.

The gym that she plans to build in Mampang is also scheduled to be built this year.

She already has a copy of the gym's design.

She also reminisced how blessed she was in 2016, sharing that in December 2015 she only dreamt of competing in the Rio Olympics 2016 and building a gym for the Mampang Weightlifting Club.

"At that time I had my shoulder injury, I lost hope during the process.

It was really a painful and memorable journey towards my Rio stint.

I had to push myself every time I trained although my shoulder was hurting."

End of April last year, she won a silver in the Asian Senior Championships to earn her a spot in the Olympics. She went on saying that, "It was only a dream but it became a reality."

She competed in the world's premier sporting spectacle despite the trials and challenges she faced along the way en-route to clinching a silver for the country, ending a 20-year Olympic medal drought.

Diaz added that she only expected a bronze and use the incentive to buy a lot beside her Mampang home to build a small but decent gym so that kids will be able to train well. "But God gave more than what I expected.

Truly, he is powerful and there is nothing impossible if you stick to him," the first Filipina and Mindanaoan Olympic medalist said.

She was thankful that when she returned from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Filipinos recognized her feat including President Rodrigo Duterte, who gave her a P2 million bonus aside from the mandatory P5 million cash incentive she received from the National Government.

She also met with Representatives and Senators, actors and actresses, and some prominent people in the society, among others.


She also recalled times she talked to different members of the tri-media and held weightlifting seminars.

"Winning in Rio, give me a lot of opportunities in life - financially, houses and opportunity to build more sports and weightlifting clubs in the country," she said.

Companies and establishments also recognized her effort including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Air Force, Bank of the Philippine Islands, PLDT, Ayala, Air Asia, Universidad de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City and other cities and municipalities. Some children also sent her messages on her Facebook and Messenger accounts.

She added, "I want to thank them sincerely although I can't message them one by one but my heart is flattered and overwhelmed by their love. Please include me in your prayer hopefully I will survive my jounrey to Tokyo 2020."

Diaz spent Christmas Day and New Year's Day with her family and friends in Zamboanga City.

NFA tells rice, corn retailers to renew license on time

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) has advised rice and corn retailers here to renew their grains license with the agency on time to avoid payment of penalty and surcharge.

Nieves Toca, NFA provincial manager, said that grains retailers in this city’s first district have until January 31 from January 3 to renew their license.

Toca said the renewal of license for the second district starts February 1, with the deadline set on February 28.

The boundary of the NFA districts are patterned after the two congressional districts--first and second--of this city.

The first district covers 37 of this city’s 98 barangays while the remaining 61 barangays fall within the jurisdiction of the second district.

Toca said the fee for renewal as well as for the new applicants of grains retailers’ license is PhP 550 depending on the business capital.

Toca said those required to secure grains license from NFA are businessman who sell rice and corn.

They are also required to submit certified true copy of business permit and two copies of 2x2 photographs when they apply or renew their license.

He said there are more than 300 businessmen who are engaged in grains business in this city based on the records of NFA.

Zamboanga City marks zero firecracker-related injuries

By Bong Garcia (Sunnex)

THE Zamboanga City Health Office reported they recorded zero firecracker-related injuries and incidents during the New Year’s revelry.

City Health Officer Rodelin Agbulos made the announcement citing not one incident related to firecrackers was recorded in any of the local hospitals since the start of the Christmas season.

Agbulos said it is a clear manifestation that the majority of the residents obliged with the firecracker ban instituted by the local government through Ordinance 431.

Ordinance 431, which was enacted on September 30, 2014, institutionalized the ban on the use, sale, possession, distribution, manufacture, and storage of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in this city.

The passage of the ordinance is aimed to permanently eliminate the unnecessary injuries, loss of lives, and damages to properties resulting from the negligent handling of the said devices. The enactment of the ordinance is in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

Last year, Zamboanga City, likewise, recorded zero firecracker-related injuries as a result of the strict enforcement of Ordinance 431.

The local police have confiscated 116 “boga” and assorted firecrackers as there were still some people who insisted on using firecrackers as noisemaker during the New Year revelry despite the enactment of Ordinance 431.

The “boga” is Polyvinyl Chloride pipe cannon, which is a popular noisemaker during New Year revelry.

The National Government has banned its use since 2006.

Zambo City adopts BOSS to ease business registration

(PNA), NYP/TPGJR/

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- The Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) intended to ease business registration process would be in full swing starting January 3, 2017.

City Licensing Officer Benjie Barredo said BOSS would be located at the Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar from January 3 - 20 next year.

Barredo said the one stop shop will be opened from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Barredo said the agencies involved in the process conducted a dry run Wednesday to determine kinks and bottlenecks.

Mandated under Executive Order 225-2016, Barredo said the BOSS would be based on the business permit and licensing system (BPLS) reform standards to further streamline the business registration and renewal process in compliance with the new set of service criteria in processing business permits and licenses.

He said they expect to renew more than 9,000 business permits and issue some 2,000 new permits.

Barredo said they would adopt the two-step process in the forthcoming business registration period to effectively reduce the processing time to at least two hours for renewal of business permit and at least within the day for new business application.

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