Zamboanga City News June 2011

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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.

Centrist Democratic Movement - ZamPen conducts 4th orientation seminar

Thirty young professionals attended the 4th Basic Orientation Seminar (BOS) of the Centrist Democratic Movement – Zamboanga Peninsula (CDM-ZamPen) on June 28 at the Lantaka Hotel. The orientation seminar is part of the current efforts of CDM-ZamPen to expand its membership within the region.

“We need crew members who will help steer the Philippines,” said Jerico Bustamante, CDM-ZamPen interim vice president. Driven mostly by young professionals, CDM-ZamPen believes in the capability of the Filipino youth to play instrumental roles in nation building.

The orientation seminar included the discussion on the core tenets that define CDM and the reform it seeks to initiate – subsidiarity, human dignity and solidarity.

The BOS is a necessary requirement prior to membership to CDM, a nationwide conglomerate of young professionals that seek to effect national reform. Established on January 2010, the movement is composed of young professionals from various fields.

The CDM-ZamPen heads all the CDM-related efforts in the Zamboanga Peninsula. It is currently engaging in efforts to strengthen its organization from within. CDM-ZamPen is inviting young professionals in the city to join the nationwide effort to uphold the principles of democratic participation and the dignity of every Filipino.

For information and inquiries, those interested may contact Ronnie Natividad, CDM-ZamPen interim secretary general at ronnie.natividad@gmail.com..


USAID explores possible project grants in Zambo

by Sheila Covarrubias

Representatives from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are in Zamboanga City to look into possibilities of giving grants for the various programs being undertaken by the city government of Zamboanga.

Mayor Celso Lobregat together with selected city department heads and other concerned officials met with the USAID team headed by Control Officer Daniel Miller noontime yesterday to present the priority programs implemented by the city concerning health, environment, agriculture, peace and security, social welfare and other sectors.

The 11-man team was personally sent by US Ambassador Harry Thomas in view of his desire to provide concrete projects for Zamboanga City which is one of the key cities in Mindanao that is fully supporting the joint RP-US military exercises.

Ambassador Thomas last Friday, June 24, paid a courtesy visit on Mayor Lobregat in City Hall where they exchanged views on various issues concerning the city and the US governments. That private meeting that lasted for almost 3 hours was personally sought by the envoy and was the first since Amb. Thomas assumed his post April 2010.

During the meeting with the USAID team yesterday, City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos discussed about the relentless programs on anti-HIV-AIDS, anti-TB and maternal health care; City Social Welfare Officer Francisco Barredo tackled the city’s unwavering campaign against human trafficking and street children; City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat talked about the agri-fishery program; City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rey Gonzales tackled about the reforestation program as well as the impending take over of the Sta. Cruz Islands by the city government while City Administrator Antonio Orendain Jr. discussed about peace and security.

Port Manager Leonilo Miole also made a presentation concerning the port security while Civil Aviation Authority Manager Celso Bayabos talked about the airport security details.

Aside from Miller, other USAID representatives present during the meeting were Ray Morton, Karen Smith, Jenna Tajchman, Robert Burch, Gerardo Porta, Aivan Amit, Enrique Gallardo, Consuelo Anonuevo and US Embassy Political Assistant Precious Fontanares and Capt. Wayne Walker from the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines.

Also present were City Planning and Development Officer Melinda Cabato, General Services Officer Rene De la Cruz and City Housing and Homesite Regulation Officer Rodrigo Pagotaisidro.


BAP basketball tourney to start on 3rd week of July at UZ Summit

by Hader Glang

The Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) will stage a 3-month basketball tournament starting third week of next month.

Dubbed as "Battle of the Stars 2011," the basketball tournament will be held at the Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) Summit Center.

The tournament is open to biddy (16 years old below), junior (19 years old below), senior (commercial) and manager's team.

Former councilor Roel "Elong" Natividad, BAP regional director for Region 9, said the event's official partners are Zamboanga Today, UZ and Skycable.

Natividad said basketball tournament is part of his sports development program since his stint as Tetuan barangay chairman and councilor.

"The holistic development of residents will continue if they engage in sports activities," he added.

The BAP regional director said the upcoming basketball tournament will also serve as a community gathering for the participants.

"Social and sporting events are important in making the city lively and well-rounded," said Natividad.

For more information regarding the basketball tournament and registration of your team, please call Elong Natividad at telephone # 9260789 or at globe cellular phone # 09272391945.

Xavier University College of Law opens in Zamboanga City

by:Jonalyn Mendoza

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University has formally launched Saturday its Xavier University College of Law – Zamboanga.

Father Antonio Moreno, President of Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and lawyer Rosendo Castillo, Associate Dean of the Xavier University College of Law, presided earlier in a news conference to announce the opening of the College of Law in Zamboanga City.

“As a Jesuit professional school, the College of Law strives for professional competence, developing men and women trained in the theory and practice of law. The College aims to instill into the students a Christian outlook as to be worthy members of the legal profession and the community, particularly in the pursuit of truth and the promotion of justice. T also desires to foster a high ethical standard in the legal profession under a regime of liberty and democracy.”

“It aspires to train the students for leadership and seeks to develop a social conscience within the context of the mission of Xavier University in knowledge, value, and service to God, to the people, the community, and the country,” Ateneo de Zamboanga said in a statement.

Castillo said it was Moreno’s dream to put up a College of Law in Zamboanga.

“The birth of the Xavier University College of Law-Zamboanga, is a realization of the dream of Fr. Tony Moreno. Thanks to his determination and perseverance, Zamboanga City’s education landscape has been further enriched. Fr. Moreno’s and the Jesuit community’s dream is to offer in this city and this region the same high standards of education in the field of law that the Ateneo schools are renowned for,” he said.

Prominent lawyer Raul Villanueva is the Dean of the College of Law.


Zamboanga Lizard

A house lizard caught in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines. Filipino authorities have warned citizens against catching geckos or trading the lizard because it is a violation of the Republic Act 9147, also known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act” signed into law on July 30, 2001. Those who are caught violating the law shall be imprisoned for 10 days to one month and /or pay a fine of P2,000 up to P20,000.

DOT IX says will be easier for city gov't to manage Sta. Cruz island

The Department of Tourism IX (DOT) thinks that it will be easier for the City Government of Zamboanga to manage the Sta. Cruz Island because the city has sufficient funds for the matter.

DOT IX Acting Regional Director Mary June Bugante said that “it is easier for them to develop and manage the place because they have the funds and ta pwede sila mira conel situasyon.”

Bugante made the statement after the City Government and the Department of Tourism signed a memorandum of agreement on the management and administration of the Sta. Cruz Island recently.

The MoA specifically aims to develop, operate, manage, maintain, protect and preserve the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape in Zamboanga City as eco-tourism destination and protected areas.

Bugante believes that the island has great tourism potentials. She suggested that what must be done with the island is a massive clean up and the control of the people living at the mentioned place.

According to Bugante, huts, stores and comfort rooms might be placed in the island and it can be turned into a day land or beach resort.

She also encourages residents to see or visit Sta. Cruz Island. She is expecting that many will visit the island as soon as the city government starts its improvement on Sta Cruz.

Council Oks Alavar's resolution to place signage, tourism markers

The City Council has unanimously passed the proposed resolution of District 2 Councilor Miguel C. Alavar III to put up directional signage and tourism markers so that tourists and visitors will know where to go.

During last Wednesday's regular session, Councilor Alavar said he sponsored the resolution with the aim to help boost the city's tourism industry which is one of the thrust of the City Government.

"This has the effect of increase in employment," he said.

Although there will still be a meeting together with the City Tourism Office with regards to the implementation of the said resolution, the alderman said he is hoping that the City will allocate funds for the markers.

According to Alavar, he is doing this in coordination with District 1 Councilor Gerky Valesco who is the Chairman on the Committee on Tourism and Arts in the City Council.

He wanted signage placed in tourism spots like Pasonanca Park, Paseo del Mar, Abong-Abong Park, Fort Pilar, and City Hall. "What will be placed are uniform and visible directional signs which contain how many meters to the said place and other important information."

The councilor noticed that local and foreign visitors do not know where the tourist spots are located, because the city lacks directional markers and not all can afford a tourist guide.

Alavar said he is hoping that the said resolution will be implemented in time for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival in October where many local and foreign tourist are coming to visit the City.

All set for PhilHealth Sabado Part 2 in Western Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The PhilHealth Regional Office in Western Mindanao is all set for the second part of the Nationwide PhilHealth Registration Day on Saturday in four different registration sites.

Dubbed as “PhilHealth Sabado. Magseguro. Magparehistro,” the whole day event aims to increase public awareness on PhilHealth member’s benefits, rights and responsibilities and to facilitate the registration and membership of those who are not yet covered by the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), especially the poorest of the poor sector of the country.

The PhilHealth Sabado Part 2 will be held at the following venues in the region - Tumaga Elementary School in Zamboanga City; Balangasan Elementary School in Pagadian City; Roxas Central School in Zamboanga del Norte; and Ipil Central School in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Those who are not yet PhilHealth members but who have the financial means to pay for their premium contributions are enjoined to register on June 25 under the Individually Paying Program. Prospective registrants under this program must bring along birth certificate or any valid ID card and P300.00 as initial one – quarter premium payment.

The Department of Health will spearhead the activity in partnership with PhilHealth, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development , Department of Interior and Local Government and League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Provinces of the Philippines and League of Municipalities of the Philippines as members.

PhilHealth Service Offices in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula will also be opened for the event to facilitate verification, updating and printing of Member Data Record, verification and printing of premium contributions history as well as collections of PhilHealth premiums.

As a continuing thrust of NPRD, the Corporation has been training Advocates and Knowledge Officers from different public schools to organize orientation – seminars on PhilHealth member’s benefits, rights and responsibilities through general assemblies, PTA meetings, school fairs and similar events which are attended by the students’ parents.

AKOs are also expected to assist the Corporation in establishing PhilHealth desks in public schools.

PhilHealth Regional Vice President Romeo Alberto said public schools have been targeted as registration sites for the PhilHealth Sabado Part 2 to emphasize the roles of AKOs in these institutions.

Zamboanga City to celebrate disability prevention week

ZAMBOANGA City Government's Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit (PDAU) has been preparing for a series of activities in line with the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week Celebration.

The NDPR is slated from July 17 until July 23.

Win US $500 cash in Sun.Star’s music video contest

The PDAU is a component unit of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) Francisco Barredo, which is tasked to look into the affairs of the physically challenged sector in the city pursuant to City Ordinance 354 such as overseeing the activities to be carried out in relevant celebration and observance like the NDPR.

Barredo said this year’s celebration themed “Making the Rights for Filipinos with Disabilities,” aims to stimulate awareness on disability issues and concerns that will strengthen the involvement of government and non-government organizations including self-help organizations or persons with disabilities, academe, professional groups and societies, local government units (LGUs), business sector, media and other entities of the society.

Barredo said the celebration also aimed to serve as the vehicle of information of programs implemented by government and non-government organizations that adhere to the promotion of the inherent rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs); to encourage the Filipino citizens to take active responsibility on the upliftment of the economic and social conditions of the persons with disabilities and to develop and strengthen cooperation and partnership between and among various sectors of the society for understanding issues and concerns on disability.

Zamboanga is the first city in the Zamboanga Peninsula to have established the PDAU, according to Barredo.

Since the administration of Mayor Ma. Maria Clara Lobregat, the City Government have been very supportive to the PWDs in the city, which are organized through a group called “Katipunan ng may Kapansanan sa Zamboanga” with Moises Carreon, as its founder.

In the same development, the Department of Interior and Local Government issued a memorandum addressing all local government executives to observe said celebration thru but not limited to: hanging of streamers in conspicuous places relative to the event, Holy Mass celebration, jobs fair, cultural show, poster making contest for PWDs, family fun day for PWDs, medical/dental mission, livelihood exhibits and access to local radio & television programs.

In the national setting, this year’s celebration will be capped by the First Philippine Music Festival for Persons with Disabilities on July 23, the same date that marks the birth of the Filipino political philosopher and architect of the Philippine revolution Apolinario Mabini better known as the “Sublime Paralytic.”

City’s take over of Sta. Cruz Island will help boosts eco-tourism prospect

District 1 Councilor Rogelio Gerky Valesco said yesterday that the city's management of the Sta. Cruz Island will have several advantages which will help boost the prospect of eco-tourism in the city.

In an interview, Valesco told Zamboanga Today that the Zamboangueños can now fully enjoy Sta Cruz Island once the amenities will be introduced by the administration of Mayor Celso Lobregat.

"Plain pleasure visit to the island will definitely set in economic activities, as we will give livelihood and employment to the local residents, thereby surging up business confidence."

Valesco made the statement after the City Government and the Department of Tourism last Friday signed a memorandum of agreement on the management and administration of the Sta. Cruz Island.

Mayor Lobregat and Tourism Secretary Albert Lim led in the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) at the DOT office in Ermita, Manila. other signatories were Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) chief operating officer Mark Lapid and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-9 Regional Executive Director Arleigh Adorable.

Valesco together with other councilors were present during the signing ceremony to include House deputy speaker for Mindanao and Congresswoman Beng Climaco of District 1 and Congressman Erbie Fabian of District 2.

The MoA, specifically aims “to develop, operate, manage, maintain, protect and preserve the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape in Zamboanga City as eco-tourism destination and protected areas.”

The city government is also prepared to take over the development and operation of the Sta. cruz island, as it has sufficient funds to do so.

Valesco stressed that “Sta. Cruz Island is for the Zamboangueños to enjoy. My admiration to Mayor Lobregat for his dedication and determination to manage Sta. Cruz, my appreciation to Representatives Climaco and Fabian, Vice Mayor and the councilors, the media, City Administrator, Legal and Tourism Office and the people of Zamboanga for the encouragement to do our best and shared efforts.”

The councilor also thanked all government agencies and others who made the signing of the MoA possible.

The council resolution 35 and 489 was authored by Councilor Valesco were the attached documents of the MOA signed. “Im very happy that the humble anticipation of the Zamboangueños of making Sta Cruz Island into a premier tourist destination is now realized.”

Valesco who since 2008 authored series of resolutions to develop Sta Cruz Island. “Since my first term as elected city councilor, we have consistently pushed for its development,” he said referring to Sta. Cruz Island.

Ethnic tribesman in Zamboanga is world smallest, says Guinness

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 12, 2011) – An ethnic Subanen man that stands bare 24 inches was named as the world’s smallest by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The 18-year old Junrey Balawing, who lives in the coastal town of Sindangan, was officially included in the record book on Sunday, which coincided with his birthday that fell on the anniversary of the Philippines 113 Independence Day.

The man stood just a little over her sister’s knees and almost the size of the family rooster, but his new found fame brought extra media attention after several teams from Guinness went all the way to the province to confirm the record.

His neighbors were also surprised by the attention Junrey was getting from local and foreign press since they knew little or none at all about the Guinness Book of World Records.

And with fame, the man’s family hoped to get medical attention for Junrey, who according to local doctors could be suffering from endocrine imbalance and lack of growth hormone.

Junrey could hardly walk because of his condition and never went to school, and like other normal children in the neighborhood, would like to spend some time vacationing, but the family is poor and his father Reynaldo works as a freelance carpenter, while his wife looks after their children.

But for Junrey’s father, the son is their king – his name taken from the month in June that he was born, and Rey, the Spanish word for King – that will bring new hope that his eldest son would find happiness in his life despite his being the smallest man in the world. (Mindanao Examiner)

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