Zamboanga City News June 2012

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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.

Deped, PDEA holds training on 'Barkada Kontra Droga'

By R.G. A A. Go

The Department of Education (DepEd) Division Office of Zamboanga City together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency recently conducted an Echo Training on Barkada Kontra Droga Program at Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School.

PDEA IX, Supervisor, PECID/Compliance PO2 Ruby L. Diaz said the participants were composed of high school teachers from different schools. During the activity, the teachers were briefed on the illegal drugs situation in the Philippines, the ill effects of illegal drugs, RA 9165, and an orientation on Barkada Kontra Droga.

PO2 Diaz said in the Barkada Kontra Droga program, representatives of the Dangerous Drugs Board and the Health & Nutrition Center from Manila will come to this city to train NDEP coordinators. The NDEP Coordinators will re-echo what they learned to the different district supervisors of schools. The district supervisors will then re-echo the information to selected teachers while the teachers will re-echo to the students.

Barkada Kontra Droga Movement members, especially the students, will help the teachers and school in drug abuse prevention. The DepEd and PDEA will conduct similar program in all government elementary and high schools.

In this city, there are 35 public high schools and 171 public elementary schools.

Hermosa concert vows to wow audience once more

(PR)

The Zamboanga Hermosa Choral and Ateneo de Zamboanga Concert band vowed to showcase the same caliber of performances for the Matinee Show today, 4:00 PM ( June 29,2012 )at the City Coliseum.

Seasoned choirmaster Virginia Constantinopla and orchestra band conductor Apolonio Enriquez assured the spectators with the same power performances that captivated the audience during the Gran Concierto last June 223 at the Convention Center ,Garden Orchid Hotel. The Gran Concierto was a success and every performance was well applauded and met with much appreciation from Zamboangueños and out-of-town visitors, including officials of the Municipality of San Mateo Rizal.

The Matinee Show, later this afternoon, is expected to repeat the breathtaking musical experience that had rendered the audience of the first concert craving for more.

For the Hermosa Chorale, the Matinee show is the last of the two concerts set to raise funds for their representation as the Philippine bet in the 7th world Choir Games on July 10-15 in Cincinnati, USA.

The two concerts became an avenue of unity among Zamboangueños here and abroad to support local talents in the international competition dubbed as the “Olympics of Choir competition.”

Among the major supporters and sponsors include Mayor Celso L. Lobregat, District I Representative Isabelle Climaco-Salazar,District II Representative Erico Basilio Fabian, Ms. Cory Navarro of the King’s Group of Companies, Department of Tourism IX Regional Director Mary June Bugante, Smart Communications, San Miguel Brewery, Freedom Printers , Sure Audio, Amistad Media Productions, Councilor Lilia Nuño, Councilor Abdurahman Nuño,Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga Times, Zamboanga Today, Garden Orchid Hotel, Archdiocese of Zamboanga, the Next Step Fireworks, Nature’s Spring, Pepsi, Coke, Globe, Landco, Bistro, Nature’s Spring , Mano-Mano, 3Z Graphicz Design, Ms. Julie Patino Redecker , Mr. Joey Tugung, Alavar’s Seafoods Restaurant, Mindanao Pearl Center , Mr. Edwin Coliolio, Mr. Ric Villanueva, Gerry’s grill, Samboangan Lodge 310, Mt. Apo lodge 45, Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc., Fr. Bill Kreutz, Ms. Lulu Perez, Ricki Lim Studio, Zamboanga Hermosa Organization in Northern and Southern California, Nuevo Zamboanga College, Southern City College and Mr. Armand Nocum.

Tickets for the Matinee Show are available at the Garden orchid Hotel and Zamboanga City Music and Arts Learning Center and sold at P100 for the lower box and P50 for the bleachers.

For ticket reservations, interested parties may contact above outlets at 992-4462.

Shipyard as Zambo's major industry seen

By Frank Buenaventura

"We'll make shipyard as one major industry of Zamboanga City!" This is how mayoralty aspirant Romeo "Nonong" Jalosjos viewed Zamboanga City to be as he vowed to make shipyard as a major industry here to boost its economy and tourism potentials.

Jalosjos, who is considered as a visionary and development-oriented person, said Zamboanga City's shipyard business, referring to the Varadero de Recodo, should be bolstered and supported by the local government as this is one area where the city can grow economically. "If Zamboanga City is branded as the shipyard center of the country, boat owners will come here and this means more jobs for the Zamboanguenos," Jolosjos pointed out.

Jalosjos, founder of the Zamboanguenos for the Transformation of Zamboanga (ZTZ), said enhancing the shipyard industry is one of the 25-point agenda earlier announced by ZTZ.

At present the Varadero de Recodo and Varadero de Cawit are operating on their own. The former Zamboanga del Norte Congressman said the local government should help these businessmen like promoting the shipyard industry so that even foreigners can come and have their boats made or repaired here.

Earlier, Jalosjos said he also envisions Zamboanga City to be a tourism zone in Mindanao and the "little Singapore" of the Philippines. He said he doesn't need to brag as he already transformed Dapitan City as the most sought-after tourist destination of the country today after establishing the world-class Dakak Resort and Fantasyland, which is considered to be the Disneyland of the Philippines.

Education investment of Zambo City reaches P940.24-M

(PNA), LAP/TPG/utb

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 27 (PNA) – The city government’s education investment has reached P940.24 million from 2007 to May 31, 2012, proof that the present administration is committed and steadfast in its resolve to help the education sector.

Through Mayor Celso Lobregat’s initiative, the city government considers education a high priority as the Department of Education (DepEd) cannot sufficiently provide for the maintenance and operation expenditures specifically the school building program of the different schools in the country.

“As we all know, the priority responsibility of public education is lodged with the Department of Education which receives the biggest budget from the national government. Yet, almost 90 percent of that budget goes to the payment of teachers’ salaries, allowances, benefits and the like,” Lobregat elaborated.

With very little left for maintenance and operation expenditures, most public schools in the country face acute shortage of classrooms, school desks, teachers and books, according to Lobregat.

“And if we will wait for DepEd, the problem will get worse and we will be waiting forever for almost nothing,” he added.

The city’s investment covers the construction and repair of school buildings, fences, comfort rooms, stage facilities, covered courts and other education-related projects in public schools in the city.

“This is why, our administration, because of sound fiscal management, is taking the cudgels to ensure quality education for our young people,” Lobregat explained.

Very prominent in the city’s education projects is the enormous school buildings constructed or repaired to tackle the classroom shortage issue.

Since 2007, scores of buildings have been undertaken and due to space limitation in huge school campuses, the school building program has gone much bigger and higher.

Lobregat said that not only public elementary and secondary schools benefit from the city’s massive school building program but also higher institutions.

Lobregat said the city government will unveil and turn over tomorrow, Wednesday, a 17-door apartment-type dormitory complex at the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST).

Bidding for a modern multi-purpose building to replace the old and dilapidated gymnasium at the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College is also under process, Lobregat said.

Aside from the school building and other infrastructure program, the city government also helps the education sector in other forms such as the opening of new schools to make education accessible to all children; hiring of teachers through the Local School Board; granting of allowances to teachers; donation of computer units, chairs and desks and even the conduct of literacy and skills trainings and the production of chabacano workbooks to assist in DepEd’s mother-tongue program and at the same time to pursue the city’s advocacy to preserve and propagate the chabacano language.

Lobregat shared the city’s best practices in education during a focus group discussion on Education for All Assessment and Catch Up Plan organized by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO-INNOTECH) for educators in Zamboanga Peninsula and the Autonomous Region recently.

He said the city’s education investment will reach over P1 billion by 2013.

16 century, heritage trees tagged on Arbor Day

by Sheila Covarrubias

Mayor Celso Lobregat yesterday led city government officials in the tagging of century and heritage trees located mostly at the R.T. Lim Boulevard area in celebration of Arbor Day na Ciudad de Zamboanga.

The tagging of trees is based on Ordinance 341 which declares trees that are more than 100years old as century trees and those that are considered ecologically, historically or culturally valuable or belonging to a rare specie or are adjacent or near a water source, spring or well and whose cutting or destruction will disrupt or destroy the water source as heritage trees.

Special programs with matching drum and lyre and honor guards were organized by the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College led by Dr. Nora Ponce and the Brent Hospital and Colleges Inc. administration Dr. Raymond Sator ushering in the tagging of the century and heritage trees with metal plates.

Mayor Lobregat said Ordinance 341 prohibits subjecting such trees to “any cutting or any form of destruction, except for medical, public emergency, public safety and botanical reasons.”

Assisting the mayor in tagging the trees were department heads— City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Engr. Rey Gonzales, City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Rodrigo Sicat and City Assessor and Ponce and Sator.

The city government this year has declared 16 trees for preservation—8 acacia trees declared as century trees and 8 others various types of trees declared as heritage trees. Of the total 16 trees—6 are located at the ZCSPC, 3 at the vicinity of the Brent Hospital and Colleges, Inc.; 3 inside the Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus; one at vicinity of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; 1 at the 9th Maritime Mobile Group Station and 2 at the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm area.

Mayor Lobregat stressed that environmental protection does not only call for the planting of new trees but also entails the preservation and protection of all trees.

From 2009 to 2011, the city government has declared as preserved a total of 82 trees—46 of which are century trees and 36 are heritage trees.

Red Cross prepares for blood donors month

By R.G.A A. Go

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Zamboanga City Chapter is gearing up for the celebration of Blood Donors Month next month.

PRC Zamboanga City Chapter Administrator Victor Liozo Jr., said the activity gives recognition to all blood donors, sponsors, and PRC supporters.

The blood donors month is celebrated by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 1021 dated June 09, 1997 and the implementing Rules and Regulation of the National Blood Service Act of 1994.

The theme for this year’s Blood Donors Month celebration is “Every Blood Donor is a Hero”.

The objective of the celebration is to increase awareness about the benefits of voluntary blood donation and to strengthen partnership among implementing agencies.

The activity will kick-off on July 2 with a mass at Pasonanca Church followed by a motorcade along the city’s major streets going to the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) multipurpose hall for the program and blood donation.

This event will be joined by other agencies like the Department of Health, PRC, Hospitals, and other agencies.

The office is targeting to collect 300 to 400 units of blood for the entire month of July. Liozo is expecting an increase of blood supply after the celebration.

Liozo again stressed that donating blood is good for the health.

Aside from the Blood Donors Month, Science Month, Nutrition Month, and Disaster Conciousness Month are also being celebrated in the month of July.

No crawling to class anymore

By Julie Alipala (Inquirer Mindanao)

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Two things would immediately attract your attention when you see Roque Tapales, a 20-year-old student of Zamboanga City High School.

First, he goes to class in a modified wheelchair that he pedals using his hands. Second, he always arrives in class with his uniform dirty after crawling from where he parks his wheelchair to his classroom.

He was born without limbs but with what could be the strongest resolve yet seen in a student to finish school.

At the opening of the current school year on June 24, one thing changed for Tapales.

He still went to school in his wheelchair but didn’t have to crawl to his room anymore.

He received prosthetic legs donated by Tzu Chi Foundation.

Dr. Anton Lim, of the foundation, said Tapales’ limbs failed to develop normally after he was born.

“His fingers were not developed, including his legs. He has no right eye,” said Lim.

What drew the foundation to the young man was not pity. It was the visible determination of Tapales not to give up on life despite his condition.

Tapales admitted he sometimes thought of quitting school, recalling how he had to pad his elbows with slippers as he crawled his way to class.

He didn’t mind being taunted. “They called me names, such as turtle, but I tried to show them that I am good in academics,” he said. “Gradually, I earned their respect,” he said.

Tapales also had to deal with parents who could not live together. He stays one day with his mother and the next day with his father.

Members of the Tzu Chi Foundation one day saw him crawling on the Ma. Clara Lobregat Highway on his way to school.

The foundation first gave him a wheelchair which his father remodeled so Tapales could use his hands to pedal it.

“He installed a pedal and brake lever on top so I can use my hands to make my trip to school a bit faster,” Tapales said.

His perseverance paid off when he graduated from elementary school with honors.

Tapales said he nearly lost interest in education “when I had a crush and the girl ignored me because of my physical appearance.”

He said he envied normal teenagers. “How I wished I had their arms, their legs and their eyes,” he said.

With his new artificial legs, however, Tapales started to dream of other things, like being able to dance at his school’s juniors-seniors prom.

“I am ready for more challenges,” Tapales said.

Zambo City, San Mateo, Rizal forge sisterhood pact By Teofilo P. Garcia

(PNA), /CTB/TPG/utb

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 23 (PNA) – The City of Zamboanga is forging Saturday, a sisterhood agreement with the municipality of San Mateo, Rizal in celebration of Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano.

The formal signing will take place 11 a.m. at the City Hall conference room with Mayor Celso Lobregat and San Mateo Mayor Jose Rafael Diaz leading the signing rite.

The sisterhood pact, supported by an approved resolution authored by Zamboanga City Councilor Rodolfo Lim and San Mateo Sangguniang Bayan Resolution 50 sponsored by Councilor Mark Ian Buenviaje, O.D., is aimed to encourage and develop various fields of endeavour that are beneficial to both parties, promote mutual understanding and ultimately enhancing socio-cultural growth among its people.

Vice-Mayor Cesar Iturralde and his San Mateo counterpart Vice-Mayor Bartolomeo Rivera, Jr. and the members of their respective Councils will stand witnesses during the signing ceremony.

The San Mateo municipal officials first came to Zamboanga last February 26 to join in the celebration of Dia de Ciudad de Zamboanga where the idea of entering into a sisterhood agreement with the city of Zamboanga came about.

Several members of the Zamboanga City Council also visited San Mateo on several occasions, one of which was to observe the municipality’s successful land fill program.

San Mateo is a first class urban municipality of Rizal Province.

The municipality is approximately 24 kilometers from Manila and 11 kilometers south of Pasig City and has a total land area of 4,825 hectares broken down into 15 barangays.

The sisterhood pact with the municipality of San Mateo is the fourth twinning agreement that the Zamboanga City Government under the administration of Lobregat entered into.

The three other sisterhood agreements are with the city of Dagupan formalized in 2005; Zaragozza, Spain forged on June 30, 2008; and, Trece Martires City of Cavite signed on February 25, 2009.

Based on the sisterhood agreement, the people of both the Zamboanga and San Mateo local government units “agree to collaborate for the mutual benefit of their communities by exploring educational, economic and cultural opportunities and by sharing technology in the fields of commerce and industry.

Both parties likewise agree to “support and encourage opportunities for mutually beneficial and practical exchanges in the fields of business, arts and culture, health, science, education, sports, tourism and local governance.

The two LGUs also agree to exchange constructive ideas and best practices in local governance to increase both LGUs’ knowledge and understanding in effectively managing various facets of city governance” and “agree to encourage and foster goodwill and friendship, inter-LGU visits of city officials and executives, associations and residents of the City of Zamboanga and Municipality of San Mateo.”

The signing of the sisterhood agreement highlights the celebration of Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano which marks the day of the laying of the cornerstone of Fuerza de San Jose on June 23, 1635, which was renamed to Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragozza (Fort Pilar) in 1719.

Lobregat said chabacano language was “borne out of necessity of an admixture of tribes, races and culture” and out of it evolved a distinct language that is predominantly Spanish in origin with at least 60 percent Espanol and 40 percent native words and survived to this very day.

And in celebration of the Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano, Lobregat issued Executive Order CL-459-2012 enjoining the speaking of chabacano in all schools and colleges, government offices and private establishments in the city, in the days to come.

He stressed that “the chabacano language is indeed a true reflection of our rich culture and a testimony of our heritage and our link to the meaningful and colorful past.

This is precisely what sets Zamboangueños apart from the rest of the Filipino people, living in a paradise branded as “Asia’s Latin City,” he said.

City gov’t backs Hermosa Chorale

(PR)

The Zamboanga Hermosa Chorale enjoys the all-out-support of the City government of Zamboanga , as they prepare for a bid to take home the crown in the World Choir of Games on July 4-14, 2012 in Cincinnati, USA.

The local government is very supportive to the group way back before even they emerged victorious last year in the 1st Vietnam International Choir Festival and Competition in Quang Nam, Hoi An, Vietnam, which served as their ticket to the upcoming global competition dubbed as the “Olympics of Choir groups.”

Local government’s support to the group represents the City’s appreciation and promotion of local talents to the international arena of choral events. So far, Zamboanga Hermosa Chorale is the only Zamboangueño Choral Group that reached this level of competition where 379 choir entries from all over the world will be competing in various categories.

The group is the sole representative of the entire Mindanao for the mentioned competition, which historically puts them as the pioneering chorale group from Zamboanga City to battle it out for the Philippines in the international competition of musical synchrony and prowess. However, before they will bring the good name of our city in the global scene, the choir will be having two concerts together with the Ateneo de Zamboanga Concert Band on June 22 and 29 as fund-raising campaigns to finance their travel to the USA.

The first concert is dubbed Gran Concierto where the best of the chorale and orchestra band can be witnessed at the Garden Orchid Convention Center, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Tickets are available at the Garden Orchid Hotel and Zamboanga Music and Arts Learning Center at a fair price of P1000 (with dinner), P700 and P500. The second concert, tagged as the Gran Concierto Matinee Show will be conducted at the City’s Coliseum on June 29 where tickets are priced at P50.00 and 100.00 only.

The City Government supports these concerts as a way of promoting the city’s pride of Chavacano music and the international caliber of Zamboangueño talents.

UK Embassy holds day of sport for peace as Olympics draw closer

(AMD, GMA News)

With the Olympic Games drawing closer, the British Embassy in Manila organized a football invitational tournament in Zamboanga to drive home the message of peace.

Dubbed “Time Out for Football,” the event was held last Tuesday, June 19, at the Joaquin Enriquez Sports Complex in Zamboanga City as part of Olympic Truce events taking place worldwide.

“I firmly believe that today’s games show how sport can bring people together, and that it can teach people the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect. With excellence, friendship and respect, we can transcend discord, disunity and animosity,” said British Ambassador Stephen Lillie, in a news release posted on the UK Embassy website Wednesday.

Lillie also voiced hopes the event would be "only the first of many more occasions where sport is used to promote an inclusive and lasting peace in the country.”

The UK is among the countries aiding the ongoing peace efforts between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“I am optimistic that a peace agreement that truly represents the interests of the Bangsamoro and the wider community in Mindanao and across the Philippines is within sight. The time is right for a lasting and just peace, that will benefit the development of the whole country. I know that ordinary people in Mindanao and Sulu are also willing to do their part to achieve peace, despite the difficulties involved," Lillie said.

"I see NGOs and local communities positively engaged in building understanding through inter-faith dialogue. I see local and national policy makers voicing their views and working hard to find solutions to the difficult issues that will spell the difference in achieving a truly lasting peace in the southern Philippines,” he added.

At the event, 120 players representing stakeholders of lasting peace demonstrated the power of sport as a tool for peace.

Members of civil society, government, the security sector and the diplomatic community played in the symbolic match.

The match dovetailed with a football clinic hosted by the British Embassy and the Zamboanga City Government in cooperation with the Zamboanga Football Association.

Some 100 school children also participated in the activity.

"They come from different backgrounds - a mix of different faiths, cultures and ethnicity - to reflect diversity and inclusion, values at the heart of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games," the UK embassy said.

Football exhibition games were between mixed teams from:

- Armed Forces of the Philippines - Philippine National Police - International Monitoring Team - Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities - Zamboanga City government - non-governmental organizations engaged in peace-building - student athletes - the Embassies of Australia, Norway, U delegation, Malaysia and the US.

The young athletes were from public and private Catholic and Islamic schools in Zamboanga City, the embassy added.

Nat’l Computer Center trains gov’t workers on computer apps

(NCC/JPA-PIA9 ZBST)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 20 (PIA) -- The National Computer Center (NCC) has conducted free whole day training on the latest computer and office applications training to government workers from various agencies.

NCC-Field Operations Office (FOO) held the training into two parts, the morning and the afternoon session at the NCC-FOO Computer Laboratory.

The first session, focused on Microsoft Excel, its advanced features, functions and formulas, was held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. A total of 25 government employees attended the session, aiming to improve their ability in creating, processing and analyzing reports using MS Excel.

The second session was held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Another set of 25 participants attended the session, focused on Open Office Calc.

The afternoon session was geared at assisting participants coming from offices that do not have the budget to purchase licensed software but still requires the use of spreadsheet software for their reports as Calc is an office application which can be downloaded for free.

Calc is similar to Microsoft Excel with a thoroughly equivalent range of features and is capable of opening and saving most spreadsheets in Excel format. It provides a number of features present in Excel including a system that automatically defines series for graphing based on the layout of the user’s data and is also capable of writing spreadsheets directly as Portable Document Format (PDF) files.

Microsoft Excel is a commercial spreadsheet and productivity tool developed by Microsoft Corporation which enables us to calculate data and present them through graphs and charts.

The information and communications technology (ICT) training is one of the activities of the NCC-9’s month-long celebration of the “2012 National ICT Month” this June.

July is Nutrition Month

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (JPA/NNC-PIA9 ZBST)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 19 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council (NNC) office here will spearhead the 38th Nutrition Month celebration this July with this year’s theme: “Pagkain ng gulay ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain!”

NNC Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Maria Del Pilar Pamela R. Tarroza, in a press statement said, this year’s celebration is aimed at increasing vegetable consumption as part of a healthy diet to address micronutrient deficiencies and non-communicable diseases; promote vegetable gardening as a source of additional food and income; and increase the demand for vegetables to help local vegetable farmers.

Tarroza added that this 2012’s nutrition month celebration focuses on vegetables for several reasons and one is that Filipinos are eating less and less vegetables.

“Based on food consumption surveys, Filipinos on average are eating less and less vegetables per day in the last three decades. From 145 grams per day of vegetables in 1978, consumption has decreased to 110 grams per day in 2008," she said.

Tarroza said, in 2005, the NNC commissioned the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) to determine the reasons why Filipinos are eating very little vegetables.

And the results of the study showed the following reasons: influence of family members who do not eat vegetables; dislike for vegetables because of taste and texture; preference for meat than vegetables; cultural beliefs about vegetables (e.g. eating squash can cause leprosy); vegetables are expensive; fear of chemicals and pesticides; vegetables require more time to prepare; preference for fast foods and instant foods; lack of supply; and lack of knowledge on nutritional and health benefits of vegetables.

Tarroza said some of the possible activities that the Regional Health Training Center will be doing in celebration of the nutrition month include simultaneous vegetable gardening in various communities and schools set on July 2; distribution of vegetable seeds, seedlings, planting materials and gardening tools to concerned beneficiaries; and lectures, seminars, and demonstrations on vegetable production, processing and cooking will also be carried out by NNC representatives.

She added that there will also be vegetable trade fair to showcase various vegetables in the locality; poster-making contests on the importance of vegetables in the diet; parades or motorcades; and a vegetable cooking contest.

Gawad KALASAG Zambo peninsula selection committee convenes

(PNA), FPV/FMS/mec

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 18 (PNA) -- The Regional Selection Committee (RSC) for the annual search for excellence in disaster risk management and humanitarian assistance, popularly known as the “Gawad KALASAG” in the Zamboanga Peninsula convened last week in Pagadian City to discuss its new guidelines and criteria.

KALASAG,the acronym for KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan,waas conceived to encourage participation of various stakeholders in crafting and implementing Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) programs aimed at protecting or shielding high risk communities against hazards.

Office of the Civil Defense (OCD 9) Director Adriano Fuego, chairman of RSC said the search aims to recognize the outstanding performance of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), private and volunteer organizations.

The search will also include non-government organizations (NGOs), and other service providers being major stakeholders in promoting and implementing significant Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Climate Change Act (DRRM-CCA) programs and innovations.

Moreover, it also aims to recognize individuals, groups or institutions that have shown extra ordinary courage, heroism and self-sacrifice against all odds in times of emergencies, be it natural or human-induced disasters, Director Fuego added.

Gawad KALASAG for best LDRRMCs covers all provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays, civil society organizations (CSOs), peoples organizations (POs), NGOs, private organizations, volunteer organizations, government emergency response management, schools, hospitals, heroic act of individuals or groups and special recognition awards to donors and media.

In the Zamboanga peninsula region, the project will cover the cities of Zamboanga, Dipolog, Dapitan and Isabela in Basilan and the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte.

The RSC is composed of the regional directors of OCD as chairman; Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as vice chairman; Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Services and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) chapter administrator, two civil society organization (CSOs) and a representative from the private sector with OCD as secretariat.

City gears for Rizal’s 151st birth anniversary

By Bong Garcia

THE City Government of Zamboanga is preparing for the 151st birth anniversary of National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal on Tuesday, June 19, with the theme “Rizalism: The Key to National Peace, Truth and Justice.”

Mayor Celso Lobregat said the program will be held at Plaza Rizal from City Hall at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Born on June 19, 1861 and was martyred on December 30, 1896, Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was a polymath, patriot and the most prominent advocate for reform in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era.

Rizal was born to a rich family in Calamba, Laguna and was the seventh of 11 children.

Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, earning a Bachelor of Arts, and enrolled in medicine at the University of Sto. Tomas.

He continued his studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid in Madrid, Spain, earning the degree of Licentiate in Medicine.

Rizal, who was a polyglot conversant in 22 langueges, also attended the University of Paris and earned a second doctorate at the University of Hiedelberg.

He was a prolific poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, and novelist whose most famous works were his two novels, “Noli me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.”

These social commentaries on Spanish rule formed the nucleus of literature that inspired peaceful reformists and armed revolutionaries alike.

As a political figure, according to historical accounts, José Rizal was the founder of La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that subsequently gave birth to the Katipunan led by Andres Bonofacio and Emilio Aguinaldo.

He was a proponent of achieving Philippine self-government peacefully through institutional reform rather than through violent revolution, although he would support "violent means" as a last resort.

Rizal believed that the only justification for national liberation and self-government is the restoration of the dignity of the people.

He was quoted having said, "Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?" The general consensus among Rizal scholars was that his execution by the Spanish helped bring about the Philippine revolution.

Anti-dengue drive expected to yield good results

By Bong Garcia

MAYOR Celso Lobregat hoped that dengue cases will slide down and return to normal level in the days to come following the conduct of massive and simultaneous clean-up drives and other anti-dengue efforts in the past weeks in Zamboanga City.

The City Government together with other concerned agencies spearheaded intensified clean up drives and other initiatives to search and destroy breeding grounds of dengue-carrying mosquitoes since the declaration of a dengue outbreak in Zamboanga City last May 10.

“The effect of the search and destroy efforts will not be felt the same week it was launched but it will take several weeks,” Lobregat stressed, as he urged all sectors anew to unite in the effort to fight against dengue disease.

For the entire month of May, cases of dengue soared to 461 which is double the number of cases registered in April.

From June 1 to 12, the number of cases registered is 99.

Since January 1 to June 12, the death toll is 14 – one of which died in January, two in February, three in March, three in April and five in May.

The fatalities were children below 12 years old and were residents of Manicahan, Putik, Maasin, Recodo, San Roque, Governor Ramos, Putik, Tugbungan, Mampang, Limpapa and Tumaga.

“We expect an effect for the efforts in June but we cannot be complacent,” Lobregat emphasized.

He reiterated that the campaign to rid the surroundings of dengue–carrying mosquitoes is for each and every individual household to do their part in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation.

He emphasized that the city government, village officials and other concerned agencies can only spearhead or guide in the conduct of the different strategies but the sustained implementation of the same remains to be the responsibility and obligation of the individual households.

The declaration of dengue outbreak in Zamboanga City is provided in Executive Order CL 452-2012 mandating the implementation of appropriate measures against the disease.

Lobregat in his executive order cited the urgent need to undertake immediate interventions to control and prevent the spread of dengue fever in the city by implementing the 4 “S” strategy of the health department but not limited to the following: search and destroy breeding sites of dengue-carrying mosquitoes, self protection (using mosquito nets, repellent, protecting clothing), seek early consultation and management, and say no to indiscriminate fogging.

DOLE-9 holds 1st Intermediaries Summit

by DOLE-9/RVC/PIA9-ZBST

As part of the social entrepreneurship program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Zamboanga Peninsula Region, the 1st DOLE 9Intermediaries Council Summit was conducted on June 6-7 at the Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority in Zamboanga City.

In attendance were around 150 participantsrepresenting the Public Employment Service Offices, Guidance CounselorsNetworks, Family Welfare Committees, Occupational Safety and Health Network,Tripartite Industrial Peace Councils, Industry Tripartite Councils, UnionOfficers Club, ZamPen Productivity and Competitiveness Council, Association ofZamboanga City Recruitment Agencies, and DOLE-9.

In her message , DOLE Undersecretary LourdesMelicor-Trasmonte said that “the creation of the DOLE-9 Intermediaries Councilis a testament to the DOLE’s commitment to promote public-private partnershipas part of the Citizen’s Charter and the mandate of the Efficiency andIntegrity Board.”

“This is aligned with the objectives of the22-point Labor and Employment Reform Agenda of the Aquino administrationfocused on Employment Facilitation, Labor Relations, Workers Welfare and SocialProtection, and Governance on Internal Affairs,” she added.

DOLE-9 Regional Director Sisinio B. Canostressed that the event involved learning sessions on Public-PrivatePartnership Plus and Public Administration and Management, review andratification of the council’s terms of reference (TOR), health and wellnessprogram, and team building activities.

Further, the summit featured the signing of theVoluntary Code in the Construction Industry, signing of a Memorandum ofAgreement between the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and DOLE on careeradvocacy and coaching, and the awarding of certificates of accreditation to thesafety practitioners.

City gov't honors WWII vets

by Nonong Santiago

The city government of Zamboanga led by Mayor Celso Lobregat and Congressman Erbie Fabian awarded plaque of recognition to five World War II veterans during fitting celebration of the 114th Independence Day (June 12, 2012) at the Rizal Monument fronting City Hall.

Fabian commended Lobregat for taking cognizance of the efforts and sacrifices of the war veterans in their fight against oppression to set the Filipinos free from bondage.

The congressman said it was the personal sacrifices of the veterans in shedding their blood to protect the people that led to the Philippine independence in 1898.

Councilor Luis Biel III also thanked the mayor for recognizing the five veterans one of whom is his 88-year old father Luis Biel Sr. The alderman said it was a great honor the city government bestowed the war heroes. “My father was one of those who fought hard to gain our liberty as an independent nation.”

Lobregat, on the other hand, expressed elation despite the bad weather a multitude of people joined the city government in the celebration. The mayor thanked the military, police, teachers, government enforcers, employees and other participants for their presence in the affair. He said the world war veterans fought with fervor and patriotism to save the country from oppression.

Aside from Biel Sr. the other veterans who received plaques of recognition were Sergio Dalguntas, Medardo Jamiro, Federico Braulio and Bonifacio Cagawan.

Museum for the late Zambo Mayor Cesar Climaco eyed

(PNA), RMA/Teofilo P. Garcia/utb

ZAMBOANGA CITY — House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, along with relatives and supporters, envision to include the establishment of Cesar C. Climaco museum in the ongoing rehabilitation of the Climaco Freedom Park in Mount Abong-Abong, Barangay Pasonanca, seven kilometers north of this city.

All the memorabilia of the late Mayor Cesar C. Climaco, who was known to be among the hard-hitting critics of then President Ferdinand Marcos, would be on displayed in the museum.

The late mayor is the uncle of Salazar, whose father has also served as vice mayor of this city.

Salazar, who is this city’s first district congresswoman, together with Fundacion Climaco, families of the late mayor, members of different sectors, architects and engineers have met last week to lay down the groundwork and plan inclusions of what could make a “CCC” museum.

The meeting was spearheaded by Fr. Rene Javellana of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), a renowned art historian and curator who lectured on Museum Planning and Curatorship.

The CCC museum is envisioned to serve as representative of the late Mayor Climaco’s life advocacy that shall lure every Zamboangueño, especially the youth, in appreciating his legacies.

“We made sure that there’s a multisectoral representation to this endeavor because we know that Uncle Cesar belongs to the people of Zamboanga. We want that the sense of ownership of this museum is shared by the people from conceptualization until its implementation,” Salazar said.

Through constant lobbying of Salazar, the 54-hectare Climaco Freedom Park, a memorial park dedicated to the late Mayor Climaco in Mount Abong-abong, is being rehabilitated as a way of reliving and revitalizing the spirit of heroism and leadership of the late chief executive.

The Freedom Park was named after Climaco as it was among his pet projects in this southern port city.

Climaco was gunned down by a lone gunman on Nov. 14, 1984 while inspecting a fire scene along Governor Alvarez Avenue, this city.

The periodic rehabilitation, which began over a year ago, is expected to cost some P50 million and with funds coming from the national government through the initiative of Senator Edgardo Angara.

“Our hope is to keep important parts of Zamboanga’s history intact which is uniquely ours. This is one way of keeping history alive. Together with our local officials, we see this rehabilitation as a way of preserving a legacy for our youth,” Salazar said.

“This will also be a good opportunity for the people in Barangay Pasonanca to likewise make the place a tourist destination,” Salazar said.

Zamboanga youth plant mangrove to support NGP

(PNA), LAP/LAM/FMS/utb

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 12 (PNA) - The Regional Advisory Council (RAC) of the National Youth Commission (NYC) will conduct a mangrove planting activity together with some youth organizations here on Friday.

The group will assemble outside Land Bank of the Philippines, Pettit Barracks at 6:30 a.m. on Friday and will proceed to Barangay Mampang, a coastal barangay about nine kilometers east of the city.

NYC regional head Raymond Domingo said RAC member-agencies agreed to conduct the mangrove planting in support of the National Greening Program (NGP) and the celebration of Environment Month this June.

The NGP is a government priority program which intends to pursue sustainable development for poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

NGP aims to plant some 1.5 billion trees covering some 1.5 million hectares from 2011-2016 in the following areas of public domain: forest lands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservations, urban areas under the greening plan of the local government units (LGUS), inactive and abandoned mine sites and other suitable areas.

In another development, City Councilor Lilia Nuno will lead in the planting of neem trees in selected schools here on Arbor Day, June 25.

The leaves of the neem tree are said to be effective as an insect repellent, including mosquitoes.

She considers the planting of neem tree as part of the city’s campaign against dengue fever that reached epidemic proportions here last April.

There are now over 2,000 registered dengue cases and 14 deaths in Zamboanga since January this year.

Zambo City ready for 114th Independence Day rites

(PNA) scs/TPG/rsm)

ZAMBOANGA CITY,(PNA) -– A simple but meaningful celebration commemorating the 114th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence is set to be held on Tuesday at 8 a.m. at Plaza Rizal in this southern port city.

The city government will spearhead the local observance with the participation of national and local agencies, non-government organizations, private institutions, and multisectoral groups in this city.

The ceremony will kick off with the flag-raising rite to be led by Mayor Celso Lobregat and followed by the wreath- laying at the foot of the Rizal monument. A commemorative program will follow.

Lobregat has urged all agencies and establishments, including households, to display the Philippine flag or flaglets in their homes, offices and even cars or utility vehicles to show patriotism and love of country.

The city government along with the Knights of Columbus Caballeros de Colon last May 28 commemorated National Flag Day, a celebration enjoining the display of flags in all establishments, including private homes, from May 28 to June 12.


DOLE 9 Efficiency and Integrity Board to tap Triparite council

By Claro A. Lanipa (JPA/EBT/DOLE9/CAL-PIA9)

Pagadian City (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-9) Efficiency and Integrity Board (EIB), headed by Director Sisinio Cano, agreed to tap the assistance of the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) in the monitoring of DOLE implemented livelihood projects in Zamboanga Peninsula.

This was the off-shoot of the EIB meeting held recently at DOLE-9 conference room in Zamboanga City.

EIB is a tripartite body created by virtue of Department Order No. 109 issued by Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz.

It is tasked primarily to serve as watchdog in monitoring cases involving violations of anti-graft and corruption practices and promotion of efficiency and integrity in the regional office and its provincial and field offices, among others.

The idea of tapping the services of TIPC came about during the EIB review of DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) with the active participation of its members that include heads of DOLE Family of Agencies and private sector representatives. The review showed that based on initial findings, lack of monitoring is one major concern that contributes to the deviation, non-implementation and lack of sustainability of some DOLE-funded projects.

The tripartite approach is an innovative way to improve the implementation of DILP that involves millions of pesos annually and benefits hundreds of unemployed as an alternative to wage employment. With the help of private sector partners, the identified gaps can be filled in and better policy can be suggested for corrective measures, said Engr. George Ledesma, the management sector representative and concurred by Jose Suan, the labor sector representative.

DOLE 9 EIB chairman, Director Cano, tasked the provincial/field office heads to present the suggestion to their respective TIPCs and come up with mechanisms on how to make it operational

City Government applies for ECC for Sanitary Landfill

By R.G. Antonet Go

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) IX has confirmed that the City Government through the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) has already applied for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) last week for the City’s Sanitary Landfill.

DENR EMB IX Regional Director Sixto E. Tolentino Jr. said in an interview “Yan apply sila ECC last week. We will be getting mga experts, we have to form first the review committee then the public hearing which might be next week na Salaan.”

The experts according to Tolentino will be composed of an engineer, forester, and environmentalist. They will be answering questions and gathering feedbacks from the participants in the public hearing.

The OCENR have already submitted all the information regarding the project, a public hearing will follow, then the assessment from the experts, should there be no problem, the ECC will already be signed by the DENR, EMB IX Regional Director.

According to Tolentino, the design and the mitigating measures for the sanitary landfill must be looked into. “What the office is looking for is for an environmentally acceptable, economically feasible, technically feasible, and a socially acceptable project. Be vigilant citizens and see if the project is being implemented as planned.” Tolentino said.

The Sanitary Landfill project will be funded by the City Government of Zamboanga worth P300 Million for 10.6 hectares of land. Two hundred tons of waste is being collected from the city everyday and at present, it is being dumped at the Lumbangan dumpsite. R.A. 9003 or the Ecological Waste Management mandates all LGU’s to have a sanitary landfill.

“Assuming the evaluation of the experts reveals that they comply with the requirements and what they proposed are very viable, I don’t find any reason not to approve. Being a Zamboangueño, we will be very proud that we have a system in managing our waste.” Tolentino said.

Swiss gov't eyes importation of sardines from Zamboanga

by Nonong Santiago

Zamboanga City is considered as the Sardines capital of the country, the reason why the Swiss government is eyeing the importation of sardines from this city to their country.

In a brief meeting yesterday with Mayor Celso Lobregat at City Hall’s conference room, Ivo Sieber, Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipontentiary, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation said the sardines coming from this city are widely known all over the world, thus the reason why Swiss investors are looking forward to purchase and import the food commodity for consumption.

Sieber who came along with his wife, also disclosed that he is meeting with other Philippine government officials and the private and business sectors to dialogue on business and trade relations, mutual interest and other investment opportunities.

The Swiss ambassador also stressed his closeness to Zamboanga City because John Spirig, who established the John Spirig Elementary School in Suterville, was his grandfather.

“When I will go home to Switzerland, I will trace my grandfather’s roots. I am very happy that I have relatives in this city,” Sieber said. Lobregat briefed the ambassador of the many Swiss products the Zamboanguenos are patronizing in business establishments. “We have an array of products from Switzerland that we patronize such as the famous Swiss watches like Rolex, Swiss knives, chocolates and many more,” Lobregat said.

Meanwhile, Sieber expressed hope the Philippine government will be able to fasttrack its negotiation with terrorists who are still holding captive a Swiss national in Sulu.

The victim was kidnapped months back in Tawi-Tawi along with another foreigner while photographing birds species which are said to abound only in that province.

“I don’t want to talk about that because it is a sensitive issue. I know our government and the Philippine government are doing everything to bring liberty to the victims,” Sieber said,

Sadain calls for hoisting of Zambo flag with PH flag

by Nonong Santiago

The City Council on its regular session yesterday approved a resolution requesting Mayor Celso Lobregat to study the possibility of hoisting the Zamboanga City banner alongside the Philippine flag during flag raising ceremony and flag retreat.

Councilor Mel Sadain, proponent of the resolution said presently, government officials and employees are requested to sing the Zamboanga Hermosa song after the National Anthem.

The councilor said he finds it prudent to also hoist the Zamboanga City banner under the national flag since “we are directed to sing the Zamboanga Hermosa song.”

Sadain thanked the members of the august body for supporting the proposed measure. According to Sadain, the symbolic gesture could also be replicated in different schools in the city once settled and firmed up. The councilor said the raising of the flag and banner will be done every Monday and the lowering of the flag and banner will be every Friday. Members of the august body who were present in the session, unanimously supported the resolution.

PRC to celebrate Blood Donors Day

by R.G. A A. Go

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is set to celebrate the World Blood Donors Day on June 14, at the compound of the Red Cross at Pettit Barracks.

The theme for this year’s World Blood Donors Day Celebration is “Every Blood Donor is a Hero.”

PNRC Zamboanga City Chapter Administrator Victor Liozo Jr. said that “This celebration gives importance to the blood donors, diila se diya.”

The occasion will start with a motorcade around the main though affair of the city, then a short program will follow at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Gym and a blood donation.

At WMSU, a forum on the importance of blood will be conducted where the speaker will be the Blood Center Manager Dr. Kelly Geronimo.

The PRC’s Pledge 25, galloners, and walk in blood donors are also expected to donate blood.

For those who are willing to donate their blood may go to the office of the Red Cross Zamboanga City Chapter located at Petit Baracks.

The advantages of donating blood are its like change oil because of blood donation the bone marrow is simulated to produce new red blood cells, which will make our blood forming organs function more effectively, for personal health free check up of blood type, blood pressure and physical examination by the doctor.

Qualified to donate blood are those 18 to 65 years old, weighing 50 kilogram with normal blood pressure, and hemoglobin count not less than 125 gm/ml.

The PRC and the Zamboanga City Medical Center are the only authorized blood banks here in this city. However, the people mostly depend on the PRC for their blood needs.

One of the PRC’s six major services includes blood program, Red Cross Youth, community health and nursing services, disaster management services, safety services and social services.

Zamboanga Port on a Wind of Change

by Peryasser S. Lahaman

June 01, 2012 was PPA PMO-Zamboanga’s big birthday. It celebrated its 35th anniversary. At six o’clock early evening of June 01, PPA rank and file employees trooped to the Garden Orchid Hotel Subanen Function Hall for the Jade Anniversary Celebration honoring its imperial gems. A short program was held tendered recognition to PPA employees who served for twenty five and thirty five years, respectively.

The Port District Manager for Southern Mindanao, Atty. Christian “BUTCH” Santillan, an old friend, was the guest of honor. He came over all the way from Davao City on time just to be with the stout-hearted PPA Port of Zamboanga employees led by its enigmatic Port Manager Leonilo E. Miole. This humble columnist was extended an invitation being a former employee to join the group of retirees. Heartfelt thanks to Port Manager Leonilo E. Miole for remembering me sending the invitation to attend ran important occasion. It was such a delightful and fascinating affair worth remembering to meet old friends and co-retirees to name few, Mr. FLORO SUFICIENCIA and Mr. ERNIE CAÑETE both served as Terminal Port Manager of Malangas respectively. Likewise, met an old pal a retiree Mr. ASPAR BIRAL who was also around exchanged pleasantries akin to the lifestyles of a PPA retiree.

Missed the camaraderie of some old friends who were employed in 1977 by PPA. They are now residing in the United States: Ms. LAVERNA TUMULAK SEBASTIAN, then Administrative Officer and Ms. THELMA E. MATA, Finance Officer and also Mr. Felixberto Maico, the Statistician. Many of the present rank rank and file employees who are still below the fifty years old bracket would be in due time fortunate to feel the joy and ecstasy, God-willing see the Golden Anniversary Celebration of PPA-Zamboanga in 2027 fifteen years from here on.

It is my fervent prayer; hopefully, they are still around in 2027 kicking and alive. Here’s my wish for them: Good Luck, Good Health and God Bless them all. If these 50-years old bracket present PPA employees have a good life plan to stay healthy and strong, am certain they would reach the year 2027.

Seemingly, a wind of change has started to blow over right here at the Port of Zamboanga. Some of the guests I met during the PPA 35th Anniversary affair last Friday night are the new stakeholders, a certain Mr. Simon and Mr. Romero. Both are cargo-handling executives in their own right. The duo in due time will take over the cargo-handling management and operation at the government port in the city.

There’s a plan to include in the operational plan the takeover of the cargo-handling at the Port of Basilan. The government port in the island-province is not on the same frequency with the Port of Zamboanga. It has unique culture and characteristics taking into account the idiosyncrasies and parameter of the port workers and the cargo-handling executives.

It requires tact and sensible approach to the prevailing volatile situation of the port. A sarcastic treatment may bring about conflict and serious setback on the plan of PPA to give the Port of Basilan to private entrepreneurs who may lack the knowledge and understanding or even skills in dealing with the port workers and stakeholders at the waterfront in the city of Isabela, Basilan.

The observation being pointed out is based on the empirical experience having been assigned to the Port of Basilan for nearly two decades so very much familiar with its intricacies and problems in the past.

One aspect PPA hierarchy should bear in mind is the present abnormal peace and order situation in the island-province. A new management and operation by a newly-organized private investors to take over the government port from the present cargo-handlers may result to problem that PPA would face. This reminds me a scenario in 1978 wherein PPA could hardly settled the conflicts. Hopefully, it would not happen again.

SCOOP: How true is the feedback that the 2013 mayoralty race in the infant city of Lamitan would be a thrilla between close kins, a brother against a sister-in-law, or a nephew against aunt-in-law. Or probably, a triangular fight among close friends. ABANGAN NATIN, we’ll know it by October this year, after the filing of certificates of candidacy.

NGCP prepares transmission lines for rainy seasons

by R.G. A A. Go

The regional office of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is currently preparing its transmission lines for the rainy season to ensure reliable, stable, and safe power highway.

Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, NGCP spokesperson, said said that the NGCP has a year round disaster action plan.

Aside from these, she said the office has ready standby patrol with the use of air, motorcycle, and ready equipments.

The NGCP is preparing the lines for the rainy season to avoid inconvenience and make sure the transmission lines are ready.

The office is constantly checking on the transmission lines and repairing what is needed to be repaired eventhough the city is not being affected by typhoons.

The office is maintaining 13, 69KV lines and seven 138KV lines being maintained by eight personnel to include a chief engineer.

NGCP is serving both the East and West Coast of Zamboanga City and their main transmission lines are located in this City.

The NGCP is responsible for the transmission of power through their transmission lines to the electric cooperatives that will bring electricity to every household.

"Aside from this, it is also responsible in the maintenance and repairs of transmission lines," Alabanza said.

Zambo City gov’t unveils P16-M school building projects

(PNA) , scs/TPG/utb

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The city government unveiled and turned over two school buildings - comprising of two-storey, eight classrooms each - to the Talon-Talon National High School Friday afternoon, in time for the opening of classes on Monday.

Mayor Celso Lobregat and Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde led in the turnover of the newly-constructed school buildings worth P16.59 million.

The new schools are reflective of the city government’s continuing commitment to help improve the quality of education and ultimately ensure better future for the city's young generation.

City Division of Schools Superintendent Pedro Melchor Natividad, Talon-Talon National High School Principal Arlindela Ramirez and Talon-Talon Barangay Chairman Munib Yusop received the city government’s donations on behalf of the students and the residents.

The inauguration of the two school buildings came five months after Lobregat turned over to the same school a P2.49-million covered court along with a P1.2-million Community Police Action Center.

The new school buildings are expected to improve the student-classroom ratio at the Talon-Talon National High School, which is considered as one of the fastest-growing public secondary schools in the city in terms of student population since its establishment in 2006.

Dr. Ong favors ZCMC conversion to GOCC

By R.G. Antonet Go

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has urged the public to help protect transmission lines for an efficient power transmission to the consumers.

In a media briefing held recently here, NGCP consultant Guillermo Redoblado said transmission lines should be free from obstructions and most importantly, protected from robbery.

“As much as possible, our lines should be free from contacts with other objects. These really affect the smooth transmission of our power to the cooperatives and all the more to our consumers. But most important is we have to protect our lines and towers from thieves.

If our towers are destroyed due to pilfering, it will greatly affect the stability of our towers and will be susceptible to damage especially during calamities,” Redoblado said.

NGCP spokesperson Atty. Cynthia Alabanza added that anything that touches the transmission lines causes tripping, thus interrupting the flow of power.

“Even a branch of tree touching our lines can really affect the quality of power transmitted to the public. This results in power loss, which unfortunately, consumers pay for,” she said.

Alabanza has also warned that pilfering is punishable by law as mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 7832 or the “Act Penalizing the Pilferage of Electricity and Theft of Electric Power Transmission Lines and Materials.”

“We have RA No. 7832, which imposes punishment to pilferers. This does not only apply to thieves but also to those who buy parts of our towers like junk shop owners among others,” Alabanza explained.

Under the law, violators face up to 20 years in prison and a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000. NGCP-Mindanao Communications Officer Milfrance Capulong said pilferage is their biggest problem in the region, especially here in Zamboanga City. “Zamboanga City actually has the highest cases of pilferage in Mindanao, particularly the Sangali-Recodo line. Unfortunately, we really can’t file cases against most of the culprits as they are minors. That is why we have augmented security in that area”, Capulong said. She asked the media to help educate the public to curb pilferage in the city.

As reminders, NGCP officials urged the public to avoid kite-flying near transmission lines, and also climbing transmission towers as this may cause electrocution. The public should not also build fire and plant trees near or under transmission structures, avoid anything to come in contact with the lines, and report any incident of leaning posts or towers, or sagging lines. As much as possible, people should stay away from power lines and towers to avoid accidents and also ensure uninterrupted power transmission, NGCP officials said.

NGCP urges public to protect transmission lines

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has urged the public to help protect transmission lines for an efficient power transmission to the consumers.

In a media briefing held recently here, NGCP consultant Guillermo Redoblado said transmission lines should be free from obstructions and most importantly, protected from robbery.

“As much as possible, our lines should be free from contacts with other objects. These really affect the smooth transmission of our power to the cooperatives and all the more to our consumers. But most important is we have to protect our lines and towers from thieves.

If our towers are destroyed due to pilfering, it will greatly affect the stability of our towers and will be susceptible to damage especially during calamities,” Redoblado said.

NGCP spokesperson Atty. Cynthia Alabanza added that anything that touches the transmission lines causes tripping, thus interrupting the flow of power.

“Even a branch of tree touching our lines can really affect the quality of power transmitted to the public. This results in power loss, which unfortunately, consumers pay for,” she said.

Alabanza has also warned that pilfering is punishable by law as mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 7832 or the “Act Penalizing the Pilferage of Electricity and Theft of Electric Power Transmission Lines and Materials.”

“We have RA No. 7832, which imposes punishment to pilferers. This does not only apply to thieves but also to those who buy parts of our towers like junk shop owners among others,” Alabanza explained.

Under the law, violators face up to 20 years in prison and a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000. NGCP-Mindanao Communications Officer Milfrance Capulong said pilferage is their biggest problem in the region, especially here in Zamboanga City. “Zamboanga City actually has the highest cases of pilferage in Mindanao, particularly the Sangali-Recodo line. Unfortunately, we really can’t file cases against most of the culprits as they are minors. That is why we have augmented security in that area”, Capulong said. She asked the media to help educate the public to curb pilferage in the city.

As reminders, NGCP officials urged the public to avoid kite-flying near transmission lines, and also climbing transmission towers as this may cause electrocution. The public should not also build fire and plant trees near or under transmission structures, avoid anything to come in contact with the lines, and report any incident of leaning posts or towers, or sagging lines. As much as possible, people should stay away from power lines and towers to avoid accidents and also ensure uninterrupted power transmission, NGCP officials said.

NGCP urges public to protect transmission lines

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has urged the public to help protect transmission lines for an efficient power transmission to the consumers.

In a media briefing held recently here, NGCP consultant Guillermo Redoblado said transmission lines should be free from obstructions and most importantly, protected from robbery.

“As much as possible, our lines should be free from contacts with other objects. These really affect the smooth transmission of our power to the cooperatives and all the more to our consumers. But most important is we have to protect our lines and towers from thieves.

If our towers are destroyed due to pilfering, it will greatly affect the stability of our towers and will be susceptible to damage especially during calamities,” Redoblado said.

NGCP spokesperson Atty. Cynthia Alabanza added that anything that touches the transmission lines causes tripping, thus interrupting the flow of power.

“Even a branch of tree touching our lines can really affect the quality of power transmitted to the public. This results in power loss, which unfortunately, consumers pay for,” she said.

Alabanza has also warned that pilfering is punishable by law as mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 7832 or the “Act Penalizing the Pilferage of Electricity and Theft of Electric Power Transmission Lines and Materials.”

“We have RA No. 7832, which imposes punishment to pilferers. This does not only apply to thieves but also to those who buy parts of our towers like junk shop owners among others,” Alabanza explained.

Under the law, violators face up to 20 years in prison and a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000. NGCP-Mindanao Communications Officer Milfrance Capulong said pilferage is their biggest problem in the region, especially here in Zamboanga City. “Zamboanga City actually has the highest cases of pilferage in Mindanao, particularly the Sangali-Recodo line. Unfortunately, we really can’t file cases against most of the culprits as they are minors. That is why we have augmented security in that area”, Capulong said. She asked the media to help educate the public to curb pilferage in the city.

As reminders, NGCP officials urged the public to avoid kite-flying near transmission lines, and also climbing transmission towers as this may cause electrocution. The public should not also build fire and plant trees near or under transmission structures, avoid anything to come in contact with the lines, and report any incident of leaning posts or towers, or sagging lines. As much as possible, people should stay away from power lines and towers to avoid accidents and also ensure uninterrupted power transmission, NGCP officials said.

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