Zamboanga City News July 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.

OCD-9 spearheads ICT Bayanihan training in Zambo

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-9 spearheaded recently a two-day Emergency Telecommunications Cluster Summit dubbed “ICT Bayanihan” at the Grand Astoria Hotel here.

It was attended by the regional and local disaster risk reduction and management council (DRRMC)-member agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Philippine Information Agency, among others.

Acting Regional Director Emilia Julhajan of OCD-9 said the activity aimed to establish and institutionalize a rapid emergency telecommunications team (RETT) in the region and strengthen each of the key players capacity in disaster preparedness and response particularly on the field of information, communications and technology (ICT).

She said “the activity looks into the elements that are necessary to achieve greater information sharing, tasks division, operational planning, creation of unified efforts and the institutionalization of the most important element of disaster management cycle, which is the ICT in the disaster management program.”

“Aside from showcasing your respective ability, it is an opportunity to link ourselves with each other through communication so that we be able to react effectively and efficiently in case of a disaster,” she added.

OCD Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, who graced the second day of the event said “it is unique. It is not just a training but a training with commitment. It does not end here but continues as we faced disasters. I hope we will continue to work together for the benefit of the many.”

The RETT will be implemented through a conglomeration of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) that will be regularly in contact with each other and promote convergence, unified actions and provide better working relationships.

Zambo City Gov’t sets Hermosa Festival schedule

By Bong Garcia

THE City Government, at this early, already released the calendar of activities for the month-long 2016 Zamboanga Hermosa Festival in October.

City Hall Information Officer Belen Sheila Covarrubias said the festival will kick-off on October 1 with the inter-barangay Bandoreal Competition.

The Bandoreal competition will start at 3 p.m. from the local fire station along Mayor Jaldon Street proceeding to Paseo del Mar.

From October 1 to 11, Covarrubias said the Smoke Out Zamboanga, featuring the grilled food fiesta, will delight Zamboangueños and visitors alike along R.T. Lim Boulevard, which is known as the Cawa-Cawa Boulevard.

She said the Cosechas de (Harvest of) Zamboanga will put on display and for sale a wide array of fisheries and agricultural products, including native delicacies at the Historic Plaza Pershing from October 1 to 15.

The Hermosa festival or locally known as the Fiesta Pilar is a month-long festival held in honor of the La Virgen del Pilar, Zamboanga City’s patroness, whose feast falls on October 12.

Zamboanga Peninsula’s economy further accelerates as all major industries expand

(PNA), PGL/TPGJR/PSA-PR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 29 (PNA) -- Zamboanga Peninsula’s economy accelerated from 6.6 percent in 2014 to 7.2 percent in 2015.

This was brought about by the expanded growths in all major industries of the region.

Services remained to account for the largest share of the region’s economy although its share decreased from 43.1 percent in 2014 to 42.4 percent in 2015. Meanwhile, the shares of Industry and Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF) to the local domestic output were 37.8 percent and 19.8 percent, respectively.

Services grew from 5.6 percent in 2014 to 5.7 percent in 2015. This was largely due to the higher growth in Financial Intermediation (FI), Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities (RERBA) and Other Services (OS). FI accelerated from 5.9 percent to 7.2 percent, RERBA from 5.1 percent to 5.8 percent, and OS from 3.2 percent to 4.5 percent. On the other hand, slower growth rates in 2015 as compared to 2014 were recorded on Trade and Repair, from 6.8 percent to 6.4 percent; and Public Administration and Defense (PAD), from 5.1 percent to 2.0 percent. Meanwhile, Transportation, Storage and Communication’s (TSC) growth remained at 8.0 percent.

Industry accelerated from 10.3 percent in 2014 to 12.1 percent in 2015 due to the higher growth in Construction. Accounting 10.3 percent of the region’s total economy, Construction accelerated from 19.6 percent in 2014 to 47.7 percent in 2015. Likewise, Electricity, Gas and Water Supply (EGWS) accelerated from 3.8 percent in 2014 to 5.9 percent in 2015.

Meanwhile, Manufacturing slowed down from 9.8 percent in 2014 to 3.1 percent in 2015. Mining and Quarantine (MAQ) improved but still negative from negative 36.4 percent in 2014 to negative 18.9 percent in 2015.

Growth in the AHFF decelerated from 2.9 percent in 2014 to 2.0 percent in 2015. Agriculture and Forestry, which accounted for 13.3 percent of the region’s domestic output, decelerated from 3.0 percent in 2014 to 2.2 percent in 2015. Moreover, Fishing decelerated from 2.6 percent in 2014 to 1.5 percent in 2015.

Industry contributed the largest to Zamboanga Peninsula’s 7.2 percent economic growth in 2015 with 4.4 percentage points. Service contributed 2.5 percentage points while AHFF contributed 0.4 percentage point to the region’s total economic growth.

DPWH completes construction of PHP20-M school building in Zamboanga City

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 28 (PNA) – First district Rep. Celso Lobregat and officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will lead the inauguration on Friday of the PHP20 million three-storey 15 classroom school building in a west coast barangay of this city.

The school building project was constructed for the central school in Barangay Ayala, 16.50 kilometers west of City Hall. It was built by a private construction firm under the supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Engr. Cholie Roble, DPWH district engineer, said the construction of the project was funded through DepEd’s Basic Education and Facilities Batch 3, which was appropriated for the first district through the initiative of Lobregat.

The new school building would be a huge contributory factor for the decongestion of the influx of students, which has increased in number this school year in Ayala Central School.

The new school building is the fifth major infrastructure projects in Ayala Central School that comprises a total of 64 classrooms constructed under the initiative of Lobregat, which started in 2007 since he was then the city mayor.

The other four school buildings that were built in Ayala Central School are the following: two-storey six-classroom, 2007; two-storey eight-classroom, 2008; two-storey eight-classroom, 2009; and, three-storey 27-classroom, 2014. The projects totaled to PHP67.8 million.

There were also school related projects constructed in Ayala Central School through the initiative of Lobregat like the construction of stage, construction of covered walks and the construction of the soccer football field.

“As I always say, I will be consistent in the delivery of services to our people, education is a priority which should be considered, especially in terms of infrastructure facilities which is very necessary for conducive learning,” Lobregat said.

City Hall readies Zambo Hermosa 2016 festivities

By Vic Larato

This early, the city government has already released the calendar of activities for the month-long Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2016, which will kick off on Oct. 1 with the inter-barangay Bandoreal Competition at 3 p.m.

The Bandoreal competition will start from the City Fire Station at Mayor Jaldon St. proceeding to Paseo del Mar.

On same date, Oct. 1 to 11, the Smoke Out Zamboanga, featuring the grilled food fiesta will delight Zamboangueños and visitors alike at R.T. Lim Boulevard.

On Oct. 1 to 15, Cosechas de Zamboanga will put on display and for sale a wide array of fisheries and agricultural products, including native delicacies at the Historic Plaza Pershing.

The Zamboanga Hermosa Sports Festival will run from Oct. 2-16 in multiple venues, while the Zamboanga Hermosa Fil Festival Red Carpet Night will take place on Oct. 3 at a place to be announced later.

The Mindanao Youth Arts for Peace Forum Workshop will be held from Oct. 3-5 at Centro Latino Main Hall.

The Zamboanga Art Exhibit dubbed “Exposition de las Culturas y Artes de Zamboanga” will unfold on the second floor of Centro Latino on Oct. 3-7.

Other activities include:

Oct. 4-7—Zamboanga Hermosa Film Festival Public Screening

Oct. 4 at 4 p.m.—Pet Parade and Blessing at Jardin de Maria Clara in Pasonanca

Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.—Original Chavacano Video Music Competition Festival

Oct. 6-7 at 8 a.m.—3rd Conferencia de Cultura, Artes Y Historia at Centro Latino

Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.—Zamboanga Dancesports Competition at City Colesium

Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.—MindaSilang-Theater Concert for Peace at Paseo del Mar’s Open Stage

The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Queen 2016 pageant is set on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at Astoria Plaza, while the 24th Hotsands Ceremonials will be underway on Oct. 6-8 at Lutong Pinoy Resort in Tugbungan.

The Noche de Bailes y Canciones is scheduled for Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. at the Open Stage of Paseo del Mar.

The Mascota de Zamboanga Competition, a fashion show of locally produced gowns will be held on Oct. 7 at 7.m. The venue has yet to be arranged.

Another beauty pageant, the Miss Zamboanga 2016, will be held on Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. at Astoria Regency Convention Center in Pasonanca.

More activities, which have already been calendared, will be announced in the succeeding issues of this newspaper.

City gov’t convenes ‘Task Force Cambio’

By Bong Garcia

THE city government has convened “Task Force Cambio Vida (change lives)” to address issues and concerns arising from the influx of drug surrenderees in the southern port city of Zamboanga.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the task force is a multi-agency group that will devise ways on how to implement anti-illegal drugs programs in the city amidst the heavy turnout of surrenderees since the start of the all-out anti-drug campaign of the government.

The members included the Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, City Health Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Legal office and other concerned stakeholders.

The police reported that 3,771 “drug personalities” have surrendered as of July 13 in Zamboanga City following the implementation of the anti-drug campaign dubbed as “Oplan Tokhang” (Operation Toktok Hangayo or knock and plead).

The campaign is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s program to make the country a drug-free Philippines.

The police authorities refer “drug personalities” to either pushers or users.

Salazar said the task force will also look into the possibility of providing livelihood or job opportunities for drug personalities who voluntarily surrendered to the authorities as a result of the “Oplan Tokhang” campaign.

Earlier, she disclosed that the local government has P2 million funding allocation for its anti-drug programs.

She added that the funds will be used to implement programs for the drug personality-surrenderees.

The task force will oversee the implementation of the programs.

City honors Zamboangueño athletes

By Bong Garcia

THE Zamboanga City Government recognized Monday, July 25, the achievements of 10 athletes who brought honor and fame not only to this city but to the entire country as well.

City Hall Information Officer Belen Sheila Covarrubias said the Zamboanga delegates won three golds, six silvers, and three bronze medals during the 10th World Taekwondo Culture Expo held from July 14 to 19 in Muju, South Korea.

The Zamboanga Taekwondo team members are the following: Micah Torres, Algenne Amiruddin, and Mary Lleanne Amiruddin of the Ateneo del Zamboanga University, and Don Mustapha Loong II and Saeed Faris Loong of the Ferndale Integrated School.

The Taekwondo team of Zamboanga City is coached by Cesar Basilio.

Covarrubias said the Zamboanga team also won one gold, three silvers, and two bronze medals in the World Archery Philippines-National Open Archery Tournament held in Koronadal City from July 16 to 17.

The local archery team is composed of Yvonne Marypfel Gimena, John Ross de Sosa, Von Rigor Macasa with coach Steve de Soza.

Covarrubias said City Legal Officer Jesus Carbon together with City Sports Director Cecil Atilano presented certificates of commendation to the athletes after Monday’s flag ceremony in front of City Hall.

PRO-9 Public Safety Battalion on outreach mission in Sta. Cruz Isle

By Allen Abastillas

The Police Regional Office-9 Regional Public Safety Battalion is set to conduct today a dental-medical outreach program in big Sta. Cruz island.

The outreach program is in relation to the Police Community Relation (PCR) Month celebration. It is the project of Sr. Supt. Bayani Jose L. Gucela being supported by Supt. Abita Mates, chief of the medical team of the Regional Health Service 9, Zamboanga City Health Office, Zamboanga City Social Welfare and Development, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 9, and the Dept. of Education-9.

Supt. Mates said her office will conduct Operation Tuli, dental and medical examination to the target beneficiaries with the Zamboanga City Health Office headed by Dr. Rodelyn Agbulos.

On the part of BFAR 9, it will lead the planting of mangrove propagules and the installation of rain water collector in the area.

DepED 9 will distribute books and notebooks to the school in the island. The ZCSWD will teach and lecture people in the area on livelihood program.

NIA completes Php3-M irrigation project in Zambo City

(PNA), PGL/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 23 (PNA) -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has inaugurated on Friday a Php3 million communal irrigation system project in Barangay Talisayan, 26 kilometers west of City Hall.

Engineer Maritess Soria of NIA said the project involved the concreting of the canal with a width of 40 centimeters and a depth of 50 centimeters. It has a length of over 900 meters.

Soria said the project is aimed to boost the crop production of the beneficiary-farmers to three times a year.

“This (project) will increase the harvest and productivity of the land and in turn increase the income of the farmers,” she said.

She said the project will benefit the farmers in the barangays of Pamucutan and Talisayan.

They belong to the Talisayan Irrigators Association and Pamucutan CAMACOP Farmers Association who are cultivating an area of 100 hectares.

Meanwhile, first district Rep. Celso Lobregat told farmers to officially request the NIA after he was informed they want to expand the project by at least an additional of 600 meters.

Lobregat has facilitated the implementation of the irrigation project that would help boost the livelihood of the farmers in the area.

Among those who witnessed the inauguration of the project aside from Soria and Lobregat were Councilor Miguel Alavar IV, Lenie Enriquez of NIA, Ludweig Look of the City Agriculturist Office and officers and members of the farmers’ association.

Zamboanga health officer cites need for responsible parenthood

By Bong Garcia

ZAMBOANGA City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos cited Thursday the urgent need for responsible parenthood amid the rising cases of teenage pregnancy in the city nowadays.

“Our office provides family planning methods, but we do not just give any methods left and right. Responsible parenthood should really come in. There really is a need for parents to guide their children,” Agbulos said.

Agbulos admitted though the cases of teenage pregnancy in Zamboanga City are increasing but not as high as those in other cities like Cebu and Metro Manila.

According to the United Nations Population Fund, among six major economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies.

“It (Philippines) is the only country where the rate is increasing,” Agbulos disclosed.

A UN study further showed that one in 10 young Filipino women ages 15 to 19 is already a mother, he added.

Duterte meets military, police officials in Basilan, Zamboanga City

By Ruth Abbey Gita (Sunnex)

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte met with the officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippines National Police (PNP) on Thursday to start his tour of military bases in Mindanao.

Duterte arrived at Edwin Andrews Airbase in Zamboanga City at past noon and immediately headed to Basilan.


Maayong pag abot President Duterte! Bienvenidos a Ciudad de Zamboanga! -- Posted by Beng Climaco on Wednesday, July 20, 2016


The President also met with local executives in Isabela, Basilan.

After the meeting, Duterte will return to Zamboanga City to hold another appointment with AFP and PNP officials, as well as the Western Mindanao Command.

Duterte will then go to his home province Davao City after the scheduled meeting.

DA-9 allots PHP27-M contingency funds for La Niña

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 20 (PNA) -- The Department of Agriculture-9 (DA-9) has allotted PHP27 million as contingency funds for the impending La Niña to hit the country.

DA Regional Director Constancio Alama on Wednesday told the Philippines News Agency that the bulk of the funds will be used to provide assistance to farmers, whose crops will be damaged by floods spawned by the La Niña.

Alama said the assistance will be in the form of rice, corn and vegetables seeds to be distributed to the affected farmers.

Aside from floods, Alama said that the other problem may arise during La Niña is crop infestation by army worms, rats and others.

Meanwhile, he said they are conducting information caravan in coordination with the local government units (LGUs) to instill awareness to the farmers on the possible effects of La Niña.

“Every year, with or without La Niña, may information caravan kami para handa tayo (for any eventuality),” he said.

He said the farmers are also taught of good agricultural practices during the information caravan.

He said they also advised farmers to plant early-maturing rice variety, root crops and vegetables during rainy season.

Comelec: 2,059 youths, regular voters register in Zambo City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 19 (PNA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that 2,059 youths and regular voters have registered in this city since the registration of voters started last July 15.

Atty. Lerdo Matildo Jr., second district election officer, told the Philippines News Agency that 1,110 of the 2,059 registrants are from the first district while the remaining 949 registered in his district.

The first district consist of 37 barangays and the second district comprises of 61 barangays, including eight island villages.

Lerdo encouraged the public to register to be able to exercise their right of suffrage when election time comes.

Lerdo noted that there are few registrants for the youth sector especially for those aged 15-17.

He said maybe they are not interested to register since only those youths aged 18 to 24 can be a candidate for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) representatives. Those 15 to 17 years old can only vote.

The registration of voters started July 15 and ends on July 30.

Those who are interested to register must personally submit their applications with the Comelec from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. once voter’s registration opens.

They must bring with them pertinent documents such as birth certificate, identified cards, or school records.

The registrants for barangay polls must be at least 18 years old by the time of the elections while 15 years old for SK. They must be a resident of the Philippines for at least one year.

The registration is open to individuals who will register for the first-time both in regular and SK elections as well as reactivation of voter’s registration.

Meanwhile, the filing of the certificate of candidacy (COC) for barangay and SK elections is scheduled from October 3-5. The election is on October 21.

284 Zambo siege victim-families receive permanent shelters

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 18 (PNA) -- A total of 284 families displaced by the 21-day September 2013 siege have returned to their places of origin in Barangay Mariki, this city.

This was after Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and National Housing Authority (NHA) officials spearheaded the turnover of the permanent houses in simple ceremonies held on Saturday at the Mariki barangay hall.

Salazar said the long-awaited return of the displaced families to their permanent houses took place after the NHA completed the installation of Kotech septic tanks that will serve as the temporary sewage facility.

Salazar said that all the 643 housing facilities constructed by the NHA under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) for Barangay Mariki are now occupied with the turnover of the 284 units in Saturday.

The first turnover of houses on stilts in Mariki was held last year composed of 127 families while the second batch also last year consisted of 232 families.

The houses on stilts were constructed by a private construction firm contracted by the NHA.

Salazar cited during the turnover cited the need for the beneficiaries to properly maintain the houses, as she thanked former President Benigno Aquino III and newly-installed President Rodrigo Duterte for helping the siege-affected families return to their permanent houses.

Salazar said the next turnover of houses will be part of the condominium-type of shelters in Sitio Aplaya, Barangay Rio Hondo Z3R project based on the timeline the NHA has set.

The barangays of Mariki and Rio Hondo, which are adjacent from one another, are among the hardest hit areas during the 21-day September 2013 siege.

The siege started on Sept. 9, 2013 when hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members loyal to MNLF chieftain Nur Misuari infiltrated and laid siege in at least five coastal barangays of this city.

DTI accepts village micro-business registration

By Bong Garcia

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that the Barangay Micro-Business Enterprises (BMBEs) can now register their businesses, free of charge, through DTI’s Negosyo Center.

“We reiterate our invitation to micro enterprises to register their businesses and avail of the incentives under the BMBE Law,” said Engineer Rolando Acuña, DTI provincial director.

Acuña said registered BMBEs can avail themselves of government incentives that include income tax payment exemption for income arising from the operation of the enterprise, exemption from the coverage of the minimum wage law, special credit window of government financing institutions that will service the needs of BMBEs, as well as technology transfer, production, management training and marketing assistance.

Acuña said that a BMBE is referred to under Republic Act 9178, otherwise known as the BMBEs Act of 2002, as any business entity or enterprises engaged in the production, processing or manufacturing of products or commodities, including agro-processing, trading, and services whose total assets, excluding land, shall not be more than P3 million.

He said that such assets shall include those arising from loans but not the land on which the plant and equipment are located.

He said the DTI issued Department Administrative Order (DAO) 16-01 on April 22, 2016 that provides guidelines on registering BMBEs at Negosyo Centers.

He said that under DAO 16-01, the DTI is the sole agency that shall issue a Certificate of Authority (CA) to registered BMBEs at Negosyo Centers or at DTI offices where Negosyo Centers have not been set up.

Prior to the issuance of the DAO, BMBEs located in Zamboanga City register at the Office of the City Treasurer.

Acuña said they conducted a Negosyo Forum last June 20 to raise awareness on the incentives and benefits under the BMBE Act, as well as to provide in-depth discussion on the new guidelines relative to BMBE registration.

He said the BMBE Act of 2002 recognizes the role of BMBEs as an essential driving force for the country’s economic development.

Accordingly, BMBEs are “seedbeds of Filipino entrepreneurial talents” and strengthening them would generate much needed employment and alleviate poverty.

Westmincom holds Youth Leader Summit

By Bong Garcia

OVER 50 promising young leaders from Zamboanga City and the nearby provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi have converged in an event dubbed as Youth Leadership Summit (YLS).

The summit which kicked off Saturday, July 16, is being held at Camp Navarro that houses the military’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom). The activity ends Monday, July 18.

Lieutenant General Mayoralgo Dela Cruz, Westmincom chief, spearheads the conduct of the summit in partnership with the 4th Civil Relations Group of the Civil Relations Service and other stakeholders.

Major Filemon Tan, Jr., Westmincom spokesperson, said the summit is aimed to develop and empower the youth in order to reach their full potentials by engaging and implementing peace and development programs geared towards nation building.

Tan said the activity will not only provide a venue for convergence but will also provide capacity building through skills development.

Tan said the summit would also develop avenues for youth leaders purposely to help them put their aspirations and hopes into action, with the end goal of fostering a more peaceful and productive community.

He said the YLS 2016 Western Mindanao Leg shall also serve as a venue where deserving participants from Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) will be selected to join the National Youth Congress to be held in Cebu City in November this year.

He said the participants will undergo series of lecture-workshops during the summit with invited resource persons from non-government agencies such as Environmental Talk Sibugay, Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), and other partner agencies like the Philippine National Police.

He said Westmincom believes that the three-day event will open more opportunities for youth leaders to empower them to become productive members of the society.

“This (summit) will also help them acknowledge their potentials when performing their duties and responsibilities as youth leaders,” he said.

Tan said the summit will open more opportunities for the participants to be empowered and become productive members of the society especially when interacting with various religious and cultural groups.

ZCWD: Water rationing likely to be re-imposed this week

(ALT/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) will likely to re-impose the water rationing this week after the continuous receding of water level in the Pasonanca diversion dam.

The water utility recorded a drop of the dam level to 74.06 meters as of 3pm on July 10, way below the normal level of 74.20 meters needed water production level to sustain the water demand of the city without rationing.

According to the data of ZCWD, it was on July 1 at 11am that a normal dam level was last recorded before it steadily decreased. There has been little to no rain experienced at the watershed area recently to increase the dam level.

ZCWD management had lifted the water rationing last July 4 since the dam level had slowly stabilized due to the constant rain in the months of May to June brought about by the Southwest Monsoon or “Habagat.”

However, the production department has stopped its operation of the old reservoir because of insufficient water passing through the 24” valve and the channel no longer supplies water as of 12MN of July 10 for processing.

Based from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) projections, Luzon and Visayas will experience below-normal to way-below-normal rainfall conditions while significant portions of Mindanao are expected to have near-normal to above rainfall conditions towards the second half of the year. But this was not felt in the city.

ZCWD is continually monitoring the situation and will announce within the week if water rationing will be re-imposed and the rationing schedule that will be in effect.

In case the water rationing will be re-imposed, ZCWD strongly urges the public to store water properly to avoid contamination and continue to practice good hygiene and sanitation to minimize health hazards.

To report any violation or for any concern, please call ZCWD Customer Care Division @ 955 – 1007 to 1008; WTP 991 – 1553 to 1554 loc. 108 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Customers may also visit the ZCWD’s website at http://www.zcwd.gov.ph and FB page at http://www.facebook.com/ZamboangaCityWaterDistrict for updates.

DTI Negosyo Centers conduct series of trainings to assist MSMEs in Zambo

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Negosyo Center is conducting series of free trainings in keeping with its mandate to provide assistance to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the availment of technology transfer, production, and management training programs.

So far, the DTI has already completed the conduct of five trainings that started last week. These are: BEST Game Workshop, July 8; entrepreneurial development seminar, July 11; how to start a business and barangay micro-business enterprise (BMBE) Law, July 11; and, seminar on business plan and writeshop, July 12).

The other seminars that are to be conducted include the following: ISO 9001 orientation, July 19; personal financial literacy, July 21; customer quality service, July 22; pricing and costing, July 25; simple bookkeeping for non-accountant, July 25; and, 5S--Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardized, Sustain, July 28.

“We urged potential and existing MSMEs to take advantage of the opportunity to avail of free trainings in order to learn new skills and upgrade old ones as this will aid in the continued growth and development of their businesses,” Eng’r. Rolando Acuña, DTI provincial director, said.

Acuña said that registration for the training programs of the Negosyo Center is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Negosyo Center in this city, which was launched on July 30, 2015, was created through Republic Act No. 10644 otherwise known as the “Go Negosyo Act.”

The center is responsible for promoting ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for MSMEs within its jurisdiction, such as: business name registration assistance, business advisory and consultancy services, business information and advocacy, as well as monitoring and evaluation.

USAID invites Beng to address Int’l confab on urban dev’t

By Sheila Covarrubias

Mayor Beng Climaco on Tuesday addressed the international community in a forum on Gender and Urbanization held in Manila organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID through its Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) Project.

Held from July 12-13, the 2016 International Conference on Urban Development: Accelerating Resilience and Inclusive Growth, the activity is attended by over 1,200 experts, business leaders, change makers in government, representatives from donor agencies, professional organizations, civil society organizations and students of urban development. The participants engage with mayors of Philippine cities and representatives from international sister cities as well as thought leaders from the USA, United Kingdom, the Nertherlands, India and Mexico.

Zamboanga City is also given an opportunity to showcase its promotional materials.

The conference, according to USAID-SURGE is the country’s biggest international conference on urban development geared towards addressing the urbanization challenges of emerging secondary cities.

Zamboanga City, it is recalled is one of the 6 cities in the country identified as recipients of the Cities Development Initiative program that seeks to develop cities as engines of growth that is inclusive and environmentally sustainable and resilient.

Zamboanga City's infra projects near completion

By Bong Garcia

SEVERAL projects geared towards mitigating the impact of incoming La Niña in Zamboanga City is near completion.

The report was announced by Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief, who reported the progress of infrastructure projects in preparation for La Niña season.

According to the report of Apolinario, 11 infrastructure projects of the local government are in various stages of completion and are expected to be turned-over on or before the end of this month.

Apolinario added these include slope protection projects in the villages of Lamisahan, Cabatangan, Bunguiao, Lumbangan, Sinunuc, Lunzuran, Cabaluay, Salaan, and Dulian-Upper Bunguiao.

On the other hand, the shoreline protection projects are located in the villages of Manicahan and Labuan.

This set of projects was different from the slope protection projects recently approved by the City Council.

Spurring the City’s efforts to prepare for La Niña, a technical working group was convened to formulate the contingency plan for La Niña, which will culminate in a workshop-writeshop on July 20 to 21, Apolinario said.

Zamboanga City to join 2 tourism events

By Bong Garcia

THE Zamboanga City Government through the City Tourism Office is participating in two national tourism events this month in line with the city’s intensive tourism promotions and marketing campaign.

City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez said the first event is the 4th Farm Tourism Conference in Tagaytay City on July 14 to 16 organized by the International Sustainable School of Tourism.

The second event is the International Travel Festival (ITF) on July 15 to 17 organized by the MyEventology.Co in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board at the Ayala Center in Cebu.

Hernandez said the Farm Tourism Confab will be this city’s second participation to the Farm Tourism Summit following its successful involvement last year which consequently led to the formulation and launch of the newest tourism product in Zamboanga-Farm Tour.

She said the ITF meanwhile is the second participation of the local tourism in an international event following the equally successful involvement of the city in the Madrid Fusion Manila 2016 in April this year.

DSWD accepts social pension application

By Bong Garcia

INDIGENT senior citizen aged 60 and above may now avail of the Social Pension Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), an official from the agency announced.

DSWD Regional Information Officer Lei Madeline Espiritusanto said eligible to apply are the following: indigent senior citizens 60 years old and above, and senior citizens without pension from the Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Applicants must bring with them their senior citizen identification card and certificate of indigency upon the application of the program.

Espiritusanto said the applicants will be assessed by the social workers and will be endorsed to the DSWD regional office for final approval.

They are entitled to receive P1,500 social pension per quarter.

However, Espiritusanto said the qualified applicants are not expected to immediately receive pension since they will be included in the pensioners’ waitlist, first.

“They will wait until such time there will be replacement which happens by death or delisting of senior citizen pensioners,” she said.

The funds of the DSWD intended for Social Pension Program have already been apportioned to the program’s existing social pensioners aged 65 and above.

She said there were a total of 81,251 social pensioners aged 65 and above here in Region 9.

The application documents can be submitted through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) or at the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca).

PDEA backs establishment of gov't rehab centers in Region 9

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is in favor of establishing a government-run drug rehabilitation center in every province here in Region 9.

Joseph Ladip, PDEA regional director, told the Philippine News Agency that a government-owned drug rehab center was important as children of poor families who got hooked on drugs would be able to undergo rehabilitation.

Ladip issued the statement after it was announced that the national government has identified this city as one of the cities where to construct a government-owned drug rehabilitation center.

“The poor are mostly affected by the drug menace and many of them do not have the money to have themselves rehabilitated,” Ladip said.

Ladip said rehabilitation of drug users usually takes more or less six months and it is very expensive to be admitted at a private-owned treatment center.

He said drug pushers should be arrested and prosecuted while the users treated and rehabilitated to deny the drug dealers of customers.

He said the court can order a person, who was found to be a drug dependent by a government credited physician, to undergo treatment and rehabilitation as stipulated under Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the National Youth Commission had identified this city as one of the cities where a government-run drug rehab center would be built. At present, a private drug rehabilitation center is operating in this city.

Home-based IDPs profiling set Jul 12-22

By Sheila Covarrubias

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will spearhead the profiling of home-based internally displaced persons residing in areas within the Baliwasan and Tetuan districts.

The profiling is set from July 12-22 and will be held at the CSWDO-Field Office 2 in Sta. Barbara for the Baliwasan District and the Tetuan barangay hall for the Tetuan district. Barangays under CSWDO-FO 2 (Baliwasan District) are Baliwasan, Zone III, Zone IV, Campo Islam, Kasanyangan, Mariki, Rio Hondo, San Jose Cawa-cawa, San Jose Gusu (to include Suterville), Upper Calarian (to include Southcom Village), Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina. CSWDO-FO 4 (Tetuan District) barangays include Tetuan, Tugbungan, Arena Blanco, Divisoria, Putik, Mampang, Lumbangan, Lunsuran, Guiwan, Boalan and Talon-talon.

During profiling activities, the CSWDO will also set up a registration table for home-based IDPs who wish to avail of a skills training program co-sponsored by the DSWDO and CSWDO at the Our Lady of Triumph in Ozamis City where the trainees are assured of employment either locally or abroad.

Barangay officials and enumerators have set mobile announcements to drum up awareness on the conduct of the 10-day profiling activity.

Home-based IDPs are required to bring any of the following document for smooth profiling activity- pink family access card, tagging form/number and or certificate from the CSWDO field office. Home-based IDPs are families displaced by the 2013 siege and are temporarily residing with their families or friends or renting private houses outside the transitory sites.

Generally, the profiling activity seeks to obtain solid information of HB-IDPs that would help government inform and decide on the most vulnerable group needing permanent shelter assistance.

Zambo barangays reminded to formulate disaster risk reduction plans

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -– The city government, with the onset of the rainy season, has reminded some of the officials of this city’s 98 barangays to formulate and activate their own disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) plans.

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) chief, issued the reminder saying that only about 60 of the 98 barangays have so far activated their respective Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (BDRRMCs).

“We have been communicating with the barangay officials concerned to already activate their BDRRMCs. There is a process for that and we will help them out,” Apolinario said.

Apolinario said that this city, after the long dry spell, is now experiencing rainfalls and even preparing for the “La Niña” phenomenon.

The CDRRMO through the Public Information Division of the City Mayor’s Office has been issuing public advisories, urging barangay folks to stay alert and take necessary precautions amid the heavy downpour in this city this week.

Last week, the CDRRMO has conducted contingency planning for the 30 coastal barangays aimed to prepare them for disaster mitigation and response.

Apolinario said priority had been given to the coastal barangays since they are the most vulnerable to storm surge and other natural calamity.

Similar program will be held in the coming days for the rest of the barangays of this city.

The local station of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported light to moderate coastal waters and winds for June.

Apolinario said the prevailing situation calls for all barangays to already come up with the DRRM plans, given the fact they are always aware of the emergency that may occur in their barangay.

DTI sets entrepreneurship seminar for retiring teachers in Zambo City

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 5 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will conduct an Entrepreneurship Development Seminar for the soon to retire teachers in this city.

Engr. Rolando Acuña, DTI provincial director, said the seminar, which is scheduled to be held on Thursday, aims to advocate entrepreneurial mindset amongst the participants as well as promote savings consciousness and financial competency through basic know-how in investing in financial instruments and through sound financial management.

“Retirement is a time for new adventure. As the best innovators and problem solvers are often found in the classroom, we believe that teachers can make the best entrepreneurs. Teaching is very similar to owning and operating a small business. Instead of students, they will now be dealing with products. Instead of lesson plan, they will be devising business plan. Instead of classrooms, the marketplace is the new venue. Instead of exams, sales is now the measure of success,” Acuña said on Tuesday highlighting the potential of teachers in entrepreneurship.

Acuña said the seminar will be handled by Carlo Edmund Calimon of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, who is also the president of Let’s Go Foundation.

The foundation is a non-profit organization, which aims to lead the way to the upliftment of the economy and the quality of life of each individual through entrepreneurship education.

Calimon will discuss topics such as mind setting, socio-entrepreneurship, product development, and business planning.

Acuña said Jamir Omar Abubakar of DTI provincial office will likewise lecture on financial literacy.

“Through this seminar, we hope to equip soon to retire teachers with competencies on entrepreneurship, investing, and financial management. The insights that they will acquire will hopefully enable them to develop their own enterprise and be key contributors to the city’s economic growth,” he added.

RCDA gears up for Disability Prevention Week 2016

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Regional Council for Disability Affairs (RCDA) has lined up several activities to commemorate the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week to be held on July 17-23.

According to Teddy Kahil, Persons with Disability (PWD) Federation President, the activities aim to raise public awareness on issues confronting the PWDs in the nation, and more importantly, to promote their rights.

“The RCDA has been meeting to finalize the plans for this year’s celebration, and as much as possible, we want the public to know about PWD rights, and how they can help promote these rights,” Kahil said.

The activities include information-dissemination through the media, a motorcade in the city proper, opening program to be held on Monday (July 18), disaster resilience trainings for PWDs, contests for children with special needs, jobs matching, livelihood trainings and others.

“One of our highlights include the recognition of local business establishments in Zamboanga City that have contributed to the welfare of the PWDs by making them part of the work force,” Kahil added.

This year’s theme is “Karapatan ng May Kapansanan, Isakatuparan… Now Na!”

Health office, Unicef distribute hygiene kits

By Bong Garcia

THE Zamboanga City Health office, in partnership with the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (Unicef), distributed hygiene supplies to 11 elementary schools located in villages recorded to have the highest number of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases.

Among the recipients of the hygiene kits were the elementary schools in Mercedes, Boalan, Divisoria, Guiwan, Tetuan, San Roque, Southcom ES in Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City Central School in Zone III, Sta. Barbara and Sta. Maria, among others.

Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, City Health Office chief, said the distribution was done from June 20 until 29.

Agbulos said the school children were also given demonstrations on proper hand washing, re-emphasizing on the need to observe proper hygiene and cleanliness and sanitation to rid of diseases and other ailments.

Agbulos added that the activity forms part of the relentless campaign of his office on the prevention and control of AGE, which has reached the outbreak level starting March 28 to early late May this year.

He said recent records showed a decrease in the number of admissions, prompting him to recommend to the mayor the lifting of the AGE outbreak declaration on April 25.

Wage board approves salary increase for workers in Region 9

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 2 (PNA) -– The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) has approved a daily salary increase of Php16 for workers and Php500 monthly for household employees or “Kasambahay” here in Region 9.

Sisinio Cano, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional director, told the Philippines News Agency that the RTWPB unanimously approved the increase of the minimum wage and adjusts the household workers’ monthly pay in a meeting held on Thursday.

Cano, who sits as the chairperson of the RTWPB being the DOLE regional director, said the board is set to issue soon Wage Order No. 18 to implement the salary increase.

Cano said the decision to provide salary increase was based on the series of consultation the RTWPB has undertaken as well as based on the consumers’ price index, inflation rate, and purchasing power.

Cano said the new wage increase will take effect after a technical review by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Once the new wage order is in effect, the salary of the workers in the non-agricultural sector will increase to Php296 daily from Php280 a day.

The non-agricultural sector includes private hospitals, educational institutions, security agencies, janitorial and retail/service establishments with 30 workers and above.

The salary of the other sectors are as follows: plantation agricultural enterprises, Php271 from Php255; non-plantation agricultural enterprises, Php251 from Php235; and, retail service establishment, Php276 from Php260.

However, Cano said the salary for the workers in plantation agricultural enterprises, non-plantation enterprises, and for retail service establishment will be leveled to Php283 daily by October 31, 2017. The increase will be implemented on staggered basis.

He said the minimum monthly pay for household workers in cities and first class municipalities will be increased to Php2,500 from Php2,000 and in other municipalities to Pp2,000 from Php1,500 a month.

“Hopefully the employers will understand, they will cooperate with us, and implement the provisions of the new wage order,” Cano said

The last time the board has implemented salary increase through Wage Order No. 18 in the region was on June 10, 2013.

The RTWPB is composed of Edgar Lim and Robert Valerio, employers sector representatives; Jose Suan and Rey Anthony Trio, labor sector representatives; National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) regional director Teresita Socorro Ramos and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional director Sitti Amina Jain, vice chairpersons; and Cano as the DOLE regional director, chairperson.

Zamboanga joins disaster consciousness month

By Bong Garcia

ZAMBOANGA City joined the nationwide observance of the 2016 Disaster Consciousness Month slated for the entire month of July.

The month-long observance kicked off with a motorcade and a launching program on Friday, July 1, at Paseo del Mar.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) has prepared a line-up of activities supporting the advocacies of the Disaster Consciousness Month.

City Hall Information Officer Belen Sheila Covarrubias said among the activities slated for July are: formulation of the La Niña Contingency Plan, July 1, bloodletting activity, July 15, and seminar workshop on flood contingency plan, July 28 to 29.

Covarrubias said the CDRRMO will also be participating in the Gawad Kalasag Awarding from July 13 to 15 after being adjudged as the best performing CDRRMO in Region 9.

Spearheaded by the Office of the Civil Defense in partnership with Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils all over the country, the National Disaster Consciousness Month is an initiative held each year to heighten the public’s awareness on hazards and other threats, pursuant to Executive Order 136 of 1999.

This year’s NDCM observance is anchored on the theme: “Kahandaan at Patugon sa Sakuna, Tungkulin ng Bawat Isa.”

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