Zamboanga City News July 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.

2 Zamboanga City markets up for rehabilitation

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Zamboanga City Government has earmarked P44.92 million to the rehabilitation and improvement of the main public market and the Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex.

For the main market, the local government earmarked P23.6 million for construction, rehabilitation, and improvement works for the main market, with an additional P5 million apiece going in to the improvement of buildings G and F of the main public market.

The rehabilitation and improvement of the Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex will have a budget of P11.32 million.

City Administrator Apple Go said the budget will be used to improve Building 5 (Fish and Meat section) as well as the roof repair and repainting of Buildings 1 to 5 of the Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex.

Assistant City Administrator for Operations Cesar Raz said the rehabilitation seeks to address the issues and concerns at the main market, specifically on sanitation, ventilation, and lighting.

Rehabilitation works will begin sometime on November this year.

Zambo taekwondo team reaps 33 medals in world tilt

By Sheila Covarrubias (PR)

The Zamboanga delegation that participated in the 2017 World Taekwondo Culture Exposition held in Jeunju City, South Korea from July 13-18 reaped a total of 33 medals, another feat that places Zamboanga City in the sports map.

Of the 33 medals- 16 were gold, 11 silver and 6 bronze. The event was participated by 24 countries with over 1,300 participants.

Based on records provided by City Sports Director Dr. Cecil Atilano, medalists from Zamboanga City were Namshur Y. Pingli, 14 years old; Micah Angelica Torres, 16 and Obama Gandhi Loong, 16- all of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) who won a gold poomsae and gold kyorugi each.

Brandon Recinto, 17 of ADZU; Angelmina Rehamma Loong, 13 of Regional Science High School; Carla Jasmine Villanueva, 13 of ADZU; Elizabeth Talisha Chan, 16, UST and Don Mustapha Loong II, 11 of Ferndale International School won a silver poomsae and gold kyorugi each.

Jaime Canayon, 15 years old of ADZU harvested a gold poomsae and silver kyorugi.

Saeed Faris Loong, 7 of ADZU and Aaron Josh Dee, 9 of ADZU won a bronze poomsae and gold kyorugi each; Algenne Marhee Amiruddin, 17 of ADZU won a silver poomsae and bronze kyorugi;

Michael Torres, 12 of ADZU won silver poomsa and silver kyorugi; Paolo Miguel Pagteilan, 9 of ADZU bagged a bronze poomsae and bronze kyorugi – 9 adzu; Nathali Chan, 14 of ADZU garnered a bronze poomsae and silver kyorugi; Titina Loong won a gold poomsae and Cesar Oliver Basilio harvested a silver poomsae and gold kyorugi.

Meanwhile, Cesar Oliver Basilio also won a gold in another competition, the 2017 Chosun Presidential International Poomsae Taekwondo Championships held in Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea last July 22.

Zamboanga City unveils P5.3-M projects

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Zamboanga City Government has unveiled on Tuesday, July 25, two infrastructure projects worth P5.3 million as part of its continuous infrastructure program and support to the village sector.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the beneficiary of the projects are the village of Lamisahan, 30 kilometers east of the city.

The projects included a newly-constructed P3.93 million covered court at the Lamisahan Elementary School and P1.36 million 27 linear meter hanging bridge located near the school.

Salazar spearheaded the inauguration and turnover of the facilities during ceremonies coinciding with the conduct of the Dia del Alcalde (Mayor’s Day), the city’s free-service caravan in the villages.

The students of the Lamisahan Elementary School have expressed gratitude to the local government through Salazar for the infrastructure projects and for other assistance granted to their school and the community.

Meanwhile, some 300 families benefited from the free services provided by the offices of the City Health, City Veterinarian, City Civil Registrar, City Agriculturist and Mayor’s Office as well as the Task Force Zamboanga and a private eye care center during the Dia del Alcalde program in Lamisahan.

The residents were very grateful for the Dia del Alcalde program describing it as one rare opportunity to have access to various services in one venue in their village.

City allocates P10M to rehab Zambo park

(RGAAG/PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 26 -- The city government has allocated P10 million for the rehabilitation of the Paseo del Mar, a recreational park located at the back of the century-old Fort Pilar.

City Administrator Marie Angelique Go on Wednesday said the rehabilitation forms part of the five-yer business plan of Paseo del Mar.

Go said included in the plan is to open more spaces and upgrade of the existing facilities geared to improve its services to the public.

The Paseo del Mar serves as the main venue for events and programs of the city government as well as the recreational area for many residents of this city.

Among the facilities at the Paseo del Mar is the Gyrating Musical Dancing Fountain, Centro Latino Convention Hall, long walkway along the shoreline or break water, restaurants and jetty landing for small boats ferrying visitors from and to the Greater Sta. Cruz Island, which is known for its pink sand beach.

The park is a place where families go at night to dine and unwind.

PNP holds ‘Imbestigatour 2017’ in Zamboanga City

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

OVER a hundred investigators from the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) have completed a three-day seminar in Zamboanga City.

The seminar, conducted by the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), dubbed as “Imbestigatour 2017” was held in Camp Romeo Abendan from Wednesday, July 19, until Friday, July 21.

Chief Superintendent Eric Serafin Reyes, PNP’s DIDM deputy director, said the seminar is aimed at encouraging more policemen to do their best in the investigation, follow-up, and tracking of cases.

Reyes said the three-day activity is also aimed to improve the competency of police officers in the field of investigation.

The seminar was attended by Chiefs of Police and Investigators from the Zamboanga City Police Office, Zamboanga Del Sur Police Provincial Office, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office, Zamboanga Del Norte Police Provincial Office, Isabela City Police Station and Police Regional Office-Armm.

The highlights of the activity is the conduct of refresher workshop on Report Encoding, Event Reporting commonly known as E-Blotter, Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System and Tutorial on Quantum Geographic Information System, E-Rouge and Overview on E-Subpoena.

Reyes has awarded Senior Police Officer 2 Abdulhakim Harun of Sulu Provincial Police Office and Police Office 3 Raymond Diaz of Zamboanga City Police’ Station 11 as Certified Field Investigators after meeting the standard required by the DIDM.

P100-M PAGASA weather radar now operational

By RG ANTONET A. GO

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has started using the new multimillion Doppler Weather Surveillance Radar Station in Zamboanga city for weather forecasting.

The agency spent a total of P100-million for the construction of a 7-storey building and the radar, said to be purchased by the PAGASA central office in Helsinki, Finland.

The building is located inside the Camp Basilio Navarro in Upper Calarian.

Maribel Hasanah Enriquez, PAGASA Zamboanga Station Chief Meteorological Officer, said that they started using the equipment after a dry run last June 25.

“Advantage este cay more localized ya el warning, specific. Hende ya entero Mindanao pwede ya sabe si onde parte por ejemplo el ulan,” said Enriquez.

The PAGASA office is waiting for the VSAT, a satellite communication equipment, next month to be able to send images to the PAGASA central office.

The radar will be used to measure the amount of rainfall, rain intensity, thunderstorm, lightning, wind direction, typhoon direction and other weather situations.

The equipment covers the areas of Region 9 and the island provinces of Basilan,Sulu and Tawi Tawi.

PAGASA has two other Doppler radar stations in Mindanao.

One is located at Tampakan, South Cotabato which covers the central portion of Mindanao; and the other one at Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur which covers the eastern portion of Mindanao.

The Zamboanga radar will cover Mindanao’s western portion. (RGAAGo)

Zamboanga City holds Mass Casualty Incidents summit

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

Disaster preparedness is very crucial for all stakeholders as disasters, man-made or natural, may strike anytime and anywhere, said Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.

Salazar made the statement before the participants of the five-day Summit and Training Exercise Simulating Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs).

The MCIs is set to culminate on Friday, July 21. It was organized by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) in line with the city’s disaster preparedness program.

Salazar said the best way to mitigate the potential impact of a mass casualty incident is to be ready, resilient and prepared.

She said the City Government paves the way to help all agencies and offices–-government and non-government--to prepare for overwhelming situations as a result of the number of victims and the severity of the casualties involved in the incident.

The mayor encouraged all stakeholders to have their own plan and be prepared for a mass casualty incident.

DICT recognize Zambo as one of top e-Ready LGUs

By Sheila Covarrubias (PR)

Zamboanga City has emerged as one of the top Local Government Units (LGUs) in the country based on the 2016 e-Readiness survey conducted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima informed Mayor Beng Climaco about the good news in a letter dated July 5, as he invited the latter to attend the e-Readiness Leadership Awarding Ceremony set to be held July 18 in Manila as a highlight to the Electronic Business Permits and Licensing System (Ebpls) Summit.

“We are very delighted to inform you that your city has emerged as one of the top LGUs recognized for their e-Readiness,” Salalima said in his letter.

Utilizing the electronic system, the City Government through the Business Permits and Licensing Division and with support from the USAID-SURGE project, adopted the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) system for business registration and renewal last January.

The BOSS system resulted to a marked increase in the number of business registration and renewals that consequently hiked business tax collections. The system was also proven to be very effective and efficient as clients coming from different sectors have lauded the BOSS innovation citing convenience and comfort, efficiency and accessibility.

BOSS was 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 USAID.

ASEAN forum - an exercise of war against apathy, indifference, says ADZU official

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA-Pagadian City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Forum is an exercise of war against apathy and indifference.

Thus disclosed Dr. Robert Panaguiton, dean of the College of Liberal Arts of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) in a forum held recently attended by 200 youth leaders from 10 colleges and universities.

“If there is a war against drugs, this could also be a war against apathy, a war against indifference among the youth. We are gathered here because we wat to fight against apathy and indifference, ” Panagution declared.

“Let us start learning from each other, empowering ourselves, knowing things outside from us so that we will become more engaged citizens of the Philippines,” Dr. Panaguiton persuaded.

The forum is an event where the youth can gain a lot of information regarding ASEAN and what is happening even beyond the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Bryan Bango, international studies coordinator said there are tremendous opportunities among the ten member-states who are cooperating and at the same time, engaging in a friendly competition.

Bango said when we go to the airport and travel within ASEAN country, we have the privilege to go to the ASEAN lane.

“The ASEAN lane is the faster and more efficient lane where we surrender our passport so that we will be allowed entry in any ASEAN country. It bridges our way thru immigration without any hassle,” Bango informed.

He encouraged the participants to be aggressive in learning about ASEAN and be inspired by the many things that the ASEAN is doing

“Share what you have learned from the forum and whatever learning you have about ASEAN because ASEAN will work for us as we work for ASEAN,” he concluded.

Zambo PWDs join 39th NDPR Week fete

By Henry Salac / Rosanna Villanueva / PR

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Zamboanga City will converge at the Centro Latino for a series of activities, as they join the entire nation in the observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week July 17-23.

Mayor Beng Climaco is expected to grace the 9am opening program with the theme “Karapatan ng Pribiliheyo ng Maykapansanan: Isakatuparan at Ipaglaban!” A motorcade will kick off the activity at 7am from Pettit Barracks towards the main thoroughfares ending at the Centro Latino.

Highlighting the opening program will be the awarding of PWD friendly establishments and distribution of starter kits by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The Regional

On Tuesday, July 18, will be the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) Day at City Mall in Tetuan from 9am to 3pm that will feature and showcase PWD talents, a wellness day and a photo exhibit dubbed PWD in Action.

Barangays Boalan and Sta. Maria will have film viewing for PWDs and the distribution of free slippers for PWDs by the Philippine National Police and Sta. Maria Barangay Council for the PWD organization in Sta. Maria.

Other highlights include July 19 Mini-OLYMPICS that will include Domino, Table Tennis, Goal ball, Dart and Bocce at the Zamboanga City Coliseum; July 20 Fieldtrip for PWD from 9 am – 12:00nn at Buuk Lake Barangay San Roque organized by the Barangay Council and PWD Organization; July 21 a Training on Basic Business Management Skills for PWD at the Garden Orchid Hotel by the Gender and Development (GAD) and CSWDO-PDAU. The culminating activity will be a mass for PWDs at 10am at the St. Ignatius Church in Tetuan on July 23 organized by the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA).

Zamboanga City gov’t to increase allowance of teachers

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

The Zamboanga City Government is increasing next year the monthly allowance of the 5,833 public school teachers in this city.

This was announced on Friday, July 14, during the Schools Division Leadership and Managers Conference by Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar citing the City Government has allocated funds in its 2018 budget to cover the increase in the teachers’ monthly allowance.

Salazar said the teachers allowance budget for next year has been pegged at P69 million or P21 million more than this year’s P48 million.

The mayor said the allowance of public elementary and secondary school teachers will then be increased from P700 to P1,000 a month each starting next year.

“We hope this will be realized starting January of 2018 because you have for long been asking for this increase. If the police are receiving P1,000 each monthly, so must the teachers as well,” Salazar said.

She reminded the teachers to maintain a high level of vigilance in terms of security in their respective schools and communities by coordinating with the police and military authorities.

Disability prevention week's activities lined up

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Regional Committee on Disability Affairs, in coordination with the Zamboanga City Social Welfare and Development Office, is finalizing preparations for the observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week.

The NDPR will kick off on July 17 with a motorcade around the city's thoroughfares. The motorcade will end at Centro Latino where the opening program will be held.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar is the guest speaker of the program.

The social welfare office organized Friday, July 14, a training on the new provisions of Republic Act 10754, otherwise known as "An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges for the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)" as part of the celebration.

The other activities will include the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center III Day at City Mall and a whole day mini-olympics for PWDs at Tebby and Sean on July 19.

The villages of Sta. Maria, San Roque and Boalan will also have their NDPR activities.

This year's celebration has a theme: "Karapatan ng Pribiliheyo ng Maykapansanan: Isakatuparan at Ipaglaban!"

Zamboanga City joins ‘One Planet City Challenge’

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE City of Zamboanga has qualified to join the 2017-2018 edition of the “One Planet City Challenge (OPCC)” of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

This was announced by Attorney Angela Consuelo Ibay, head of the WWF-Philippines’ climate and energy programme, during a courtesy call at City Hall on Tuesday afternoon to Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.

The competition is a global challenge that recognized cities for initiatives that lead to global transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.

Formerly known as the "Earth Hour City Challenge," the OPCC is a biennial global challenge that recognizes cities for developing infrastructure, housing, transport, and mobility solutions to power global transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

Salazar said that Zamboanga City is one of the 10 cities in the country that qualified to join the OPCC.

The other nine city-qualifiers are Makati, Parañaque, Naga, San Carlos, Pasig, Batangas, Catbalogan, Davao, and Tagum.

FEATURE: ASEAN Youth Forum: Engaging future leaders to be partners for change

By Alma L. Tingcang (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) -- The Philippines plays chair and host to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits and activities as it marks its 50th Anniversary this year with the theme, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”

Along this line, the Philippine Information Agency has embarked on awareness and information dissemination campaign in key cities and towns with the support of stakeholders including national government agencies.

Spearheaded by PIA in partnership with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), at least 200 youth leaders from 10 colleges and universities here joined the ASEAN Youth Forum held at Edmund Campion Hall, Ateneo de Zamboanga University on Wednesday, July 5.

The forum, aimed to bring significant ASEAN information to the youth from different colleges and universities, is expected to benefit the youth in terms of government, non-government programs and services such as but not limited to scholarships, educational tours, career and business opportunities, and cultural interaction, among others.

"Welcome to this very important and significant event, the first in Zamboanga City. This is the first I've known that youth from various schools gathered for something like this. This exercise is a war against apathy, against indifference," said Dr. Robert Panaguiton, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, ADZU who welcomed the participants.

Each participating school chose 2 ASEAN youth ambassadors who wore traditional attire of their assigned countries, representing the 10 ASEAN member states, namely: Brent College- Myanmar; Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School (ICAS) - Thailand; Pilar College - Cambodia; Southern City Colleges - Singapore; STI College - Indonesia; Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) – Laos PDR; Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) - Vietnam; Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College - Malaysia; Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology - Brunei Darussalam; and Ateneo de Zamboanga University – Philippines.

Southern City Colleges bagged the “Best Dressed Ambassadors” representing Singapore, which highlighted the ASEAN forum.

Roderic Trio, Mark Saavedra and Joseph Lou Sta. Teresa, alumni of the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) shared their challenging learning experiences and told participants to take courage in applying for a slot considering that the number of applicants for Zamboanga City has been dwindling in the past year.


Joseph Lou Sta. Teresa encouraged participants to apply for the SSEAYP. “Don’t be intimidated with the requirements. Once you accomplish it, madali na yan. The process is fun. During the interview, just be yourself. Be honest with all your answers,” he advised.

”Representing the country is both an honor and a responsibility. We have to be inspired to make the Philippines at par with its ASEAN neighbors,” said Mark Saavedra.

“Join us in the community of knowing further what ASEAN is all about, and you’re going to appreciate your being a Filipino,” Roderic Trio urged the youth, as he challenged them to take the opportunities available in the ASEAN while they are still eligible to do so.

Raymond Domingo of the National Youth Commission and Dr. Rody Garcia of CHED shared the programs, projects and other ASEAN benefits for the students/youth in terms of education, as the panelists all joined in the interactive talk show.

“We are gathered here because we want to fight apathy, indifference, yung pagiging walang pakialam. let us start learning from each other, empowering ourselves, knowing things outside from us so that we will become more engaged citizens of the Philippines,” Dr. Panaguiton persuaded.

ZCMC Cancer Center up for completion

By Dexter Yap

“The dream and aspiration to have a Cancer Center in Zamboanga City is becoming a REALITY”.

Thus, said House of Representatives Vice-Chairman of Committee on Appropriations and Congressman Celso Lobregat who pushed in obtaining the substantial budget requirement from the Department of Health (DOH) for the completion of the ZCMC Cancer Center here in Zamboanga City.

The most modern ZCMC Cancer Center costs P63-Million in infrastructure and P280-Million in equipment which is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Congressman Lobregat and ZCMC officials spearheaded by Hospital Director Dr. Romeo Ong recently inspected the ongoing construction of the said building which is almost completed awaiting the bringing in of the Linear Accelerator the 32 Slice SPECT CT with Hot Lab and BONE DEXA DENSITOMETER.

“The Laboratory area and bunker cannot be completed as early as the contractor wanted it to be because the Linear Accelerator (LINAC) bunker will be designed according to the size of the (LINAC) equipment, it is imported and is arriving the city soon,” Lobregat said.

Congressman Lobregat thanked former DOH Secretary Enrique Ona, Secretary Jannette Garin and now Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial for supporting this laudable project.

The most modern Cancer Center will have a complete cancer facilities like the Digital Mammography with Stereotactic Biopsy and 3D Tomosynthesis, SPECT CT, Bone Densitometer, Digital C-Arm, 16 Slice CT Scan, Oxygen Plant, Cryotherapy and Laparoscopic Tower.

Dr. Ong said that this will be a breakthrough for ZCMC having such kind of modern laboratory which will make the lives of cancer patients easier than before.

“In behalf of ZCMC, I would like to thank Congressman Lobregat for making all things possible for this national government-operated hospital, DOH is very supportive to our plans plus the back-up of our solons,” Dr.Ong said.

For his part, Congressman Lobregat also said that he will be working closely with the DOH officials in Manila to facilitate all other facilities needed by ZCMC to be of service to the less-fortunate constituents of Zamboanga City.

“Former Congresswoman Lilia Nuño and I have been working together for this dream and aspiration to be funded and become a reality. Once established, cancer patients will no longer have to go to Manila, Cebu or Davao for treatment,” Lobregat said.

Zamboangueños shine in 1st Hidilyn Diaz weightlifting tourney

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Zamboangueño weightlifters hauled 11 medals in the just concluded two-day weightlifting competition held in Metro Manila.

The competition, dubbed as the 1st Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Open Championship, was held from July 8 to 9 at the Meralco Fitness Center in Ortigas.

The 11 medals the Zamboangueño weightlifters won included six gold, four silver and one bronze.

The gold medalists are: Maryflor Diaz, women's 48-Kilogram (kg) category, Maria Dessa de los Santos, women's 58-kg category, Margaret Colonia, women's 69-kg category, Kristel Macrohon, women's 75-kg category, Joshua Dinglasa, men's 69-kg category, and Nestor Colonia, men's 62-kg category.

Colonia was also adjudged as best lifter of the two-day competition.

The silver medalists are: Rosejie Ramos, women’s 48-kg category, Jane Linete Hipolito, women's 58-kg category, Rowel Garcia, men's 56-kg category, and Eduardo Diaz, Jr., men's 69-kg category.

The Bronze medalist is Elbert Atilano, Jr., men's 62-kg category.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar congratulated the athletes and urged them to continue the legacy of Hidilyn Diaz.

She also thanked Councilor Elbert Atilano, Sr., Philippine Weightlifting Association vice president and Dr. Cecil Atilano, city sports director for their support and efforts in continuously honing the talents and skills of the athletes.

The two-day weightlifting competition, named after Olympian silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, is an open event and was participated by different cities and provinces in the country.

Atilano (Elbert) said the competition was sponsored by the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation in line with the search of the next Diaz.

PPA-Zambo to open P13-M Travellers' Hub

By RG ANTONET GO

The Philippine Ports Authority Zamboanga office will open a new passenger terminal building, dubbed as Travellers Hub, on July 17 this year.

Engr. Liberto dela Rosa, PPA Zamboanga Manager, said that the Travellers Hub will be used by passengers bound for Sandakan.

The PPA will collect a terminal fee of P25 for the use of the P13-million facility.

The facility is equipped with an x-ray machine, air conditioning unit, a public address system, wifi, a prayer room, a water fountain and closed circuit television (CCTV.)

The hub will be manned by ten PPA personnel.

“Matagal na natin plano yan na kailangan separate ang domestic and foreign passengers at kailangan din nila dumaan ng immigration. Sinusunod natin yun standard operation ng passenger terminal just like sa airport, separate ang international and domestic passengers,” Dela Rosa explained.

The Travellers Hub can accommodate a total of 400 passengers, said to be the number of passengers currently going to Sandakan at a single time.

Construction for the facility, which started last March 19, 2014 and was completed last year, was handled by Al-Raf Construction while RR&B Construction handled site development.

Archbishop dela Cruz: All Systems Go for National Youth Day

(Daily Zamboanga Times)

The Archbishop of Zamboanga, Most Rev. Romulo T. Dela Cruz, DD, together with the City Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco, and other key partners including the security sector convened an Executive Meeting at the Sacred Heart Center, R.T. Lim Boulevard on July 1, 2017, declaring that Zamboanga City is “all systems go” for the celebration of the National Youth Day 2017 happening on November 6-10 this year.

In a statement released by Archbishop Dela Cruz, he assures that security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all the delegates of the NYD 2017. He urges everyone to continue to pray for the success of the said national gathering.

Given the many speculations of fear, terror, and fright in Zamboanga City, the City remains ready for the upcoming celebration of the NYD 2017. According to Mayor Climaco, the security preparations and contingencies remain responsive in any cases of incident happening in the peripheries and this does not distract the City’s focus on the preparations of the event.

Zamboanga City is a place for everyone to explore and visit. In fact, Zamboanga is a place where different people with different walks of life share and respect the diverse culture and tradition that the city has. It is a call for the young leaders of the Roman Catholic Church in the country to set their sails to the South and transform oneself through this animating encounter with Christ in its center. As young leaders of the Church, this is a call to embrace and share what the city has in store for the national gathering that despite the many hesitations about going to the city, we continue to persevere and believe that the gathering will be a success. As the host archdiocese, the City is looking forward to give everyone its Zamboangueño welcome for the celebration of the NYD 2017 with the unshakable spirit and dynamism of the young people.

Popcom sets 2-day management congress

(TPGJR/PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 6 -- The Commission on Population (Popcom) is spearheading the two-day 2017 Regional Population Management (RPM) Congress in this city.

Popcom regional director Reynaldo Wong on Thursday said the two-day event is scheduled to be held from July 11 to 12 in one of the local hotels.

Wong said the event aims to intensify the implementation of the Regional Population Management Program 2017-2022 by gathering program partners as well as other stakeholders to discuss implementation issues and highlight their respective roles as implementers of the RPMP in the region.

He said the congress likewise provides the participants an opportunity to recognize good practices and strategies that significantly helped achieve the goals of the RPMP in the region.

The theme of this year’s RPM Congress is “Family Planning: Empowering families, developing communities.”

Wong said the theme emphasizes that access to safe, voluntary family planning is a human right, central to gender equality and is a key factor in reducing poverty.

200 youth leaders ready to participate in ASEAN forum

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – At least 200 youth leaders from the 10 colleges/universities in the city will join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) forum at St. Edmund Campion Hall, Ateneo de Zamboanga University on Wednesday with the theme, “UNIDO: One Vision, One Identity, One Community, One ASEAN.”

The forum will be spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in partnership with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

“Each school will have 2 ASEAN Youth Ambassadors who will wear traditional attire of their assigned ASEAN country,” information center manager Felipo David G. Malcampo announced.

Participating schools which will represent the 10 ASEAN member states are: Brent College- Myanmar; Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School (ICAS) - Thailand; Pilar College - Cambodia; Southern City Colleges - Singapore; STI College - Indonesia; Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) – Laos PDR; Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) - Vietnam; Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College - Malaysia; Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology - Brunei Darussalam; and Ateneo de Zamboanga University – Philippines.

The activity is one of several youth-related activities for the ASEAN campaign which seeks to inform the youth on the opportunities they can avail of that includes scholarships and student exchange programs, easy job placement and others.

ADZU President Fr. Karel San Juan will deliver the welcome address while Rody P. Garcia, CHED assistant chief and NYC head Raymond Domingo will present the benefits and opportunities of the youth in the ASEAN.

Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) alumni Mark Saavedra and Joseph Lou Sta. Teresa will also share their ASEAN experiences.

The program will culminate with the signing of a commitment pledge by the participants to roll-out the information in their respective schools.

CDRRMO assures disaster preparation

By RG ANTONET GO

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Office (CDRRMO) assured dresidents of a sound disaster plan in case of natural and man made incidents in Zamboanga.

Dr. Elmier Apolinario, CDRRMO Head, said that the city has plans prepared for human induced violence, terrorism, bombing, kidnapping, fire and other such incidents.

Apolinario said that the office has also been coordinating with agencies such as the police, military, health and others involved in disaster response and mitigation.

“We have prepared several contingency plans but we hope that we will not implement,” Apolinario said.

Apolinario made the statement during a press conference where Zamboanga officials addressed ongoing speculations regarding its security situation.

During the press conference, Apolinario appealed to residents not to send or post messages that may cause alarm and instead forward these to their office for verification.

DOH distributes TV sets to strengthen health promotion

By Bong Garcia (SunStar Philippines)

THE Department of Health (DOH) has distributed television sets to the Barangay Health Stations (BHS) to strengthen the health promotion campaign here in the region.

DOH Regional Director Aristides Tan said they have so far received six television sets from the central office for distribution to the BHS in the region.

Of the total, 10 sets were distributed on Friday, June 30, during the second day of the two-day regional summit of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in Zamboanga City.

The BHS-beneficiary of the 10 TV sets are the following: Balangasan Main Health Center, San Pedro Health Center, and Santa Lucia Health Center in Pagadian City, Tungawan and Imelda Regional health Units (RHUs) in Zamboanga Sibugay, Labason and Manukan RHUs in Zamboanga del Norte, and Ayala, Canelar and Calarian Health Centers in Zamboanga City.

Tan said the rest of the 60 TV sets were already distributed to the BHS.

“While the patients are waiting for (health) services, they can be informed through the health program and tips that are being shown in the TV,” he said.

He said that presently they needed 92 TV sets to be distributed to the 67 towns and 25 cities in Zamboanga Peninsula (Western Mindanao).

But he said they will procure more TV sets “for expansion sites” throughout the region.

“Our target is to provide one TV set for each Barangay Health Station,” he added citing there will be around 400 sites.

He said the TV sets were purchased by the DOH-central office and distributed by the different regional offices in the country.

Zambo to upgrade health facilities

(RGAAGo)

City Health Officer Dr Rodel Agbulos has revealed plans to upgrade some health facilities in the city.

Plans include an upgrade of the Cristino Paragas Memorial Hospital and the construction of infirmaries in barangays Ayala, Sangali and Vitali.

A total of P14-million was allocated by the government to upgrade the Cristino Paragas Memorial Hospital.

The Memorial Hospital is currently classified as an infirmary having a 10 to 15 bed capacity and being ran by four doctors and nine nurses on a twenty four hour basis.

Plans include the conversion of the infirmary into a primary hospital with a full complement of specialists.

“If we will convert it into a primary hospital, then maybe we can admit lots of patients coming from the east coast,” said Agbulos.

Meanwhile, the city government is allocating P9-million for the construction of each of the infirmaries, as included in the 2018 Executive Budget.

Agbulos explained that plans to improve the city’s health facilities are expected to decongest the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC.)

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