Zamboanga City News June 2014

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Zamboanga City - Archived News

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
Limpapa Beach.JPG
Limpapa Beach

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

OCD lines up activities for National Disaster Consciousness Month

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 30 (PNA) –- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has lined up several activities in line with the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) starting tomorrow, July 1.

OCD Regional Officer-in-Charge Jose Eric Castillo said in a press conference Monday that the NDCM will kick-off with a thanksgiving mass at 7 a.m. and will be followed by a motorcade in this city.

Castillo said the motorcade will pass through this city’s main thoroughfares and will end at the Paseo del Mar, where a short program will follow.

Castillo said this year’s NDCM observance is anchored on the theme “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran.”

He said they will also conduct a series of trainings and emergency drills to first responders and students in the different parts of the region.

He said the trainings include the Water Search and Rescue (WaSAR) Training from July 1-5 in Zamboanga Sibugay, and Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA).

He said there will be earthquake drills on July 2 at 8 a.m. at the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School and at 10 a.m. at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University high school department in this city.

A similar drill will also be held on July 11 in Dipolog City.

Other activities include rescue Olympics and friendly basketball and volleyball tournament.

Zamboecozone registers three new locators for P100-M investments

(MindaNews)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/29 June) – The Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport (Zamboecozone) has registered three new business locators, including a government bank, since January this year.

Christopher Lawrence Arnuco, Zamboecozone Chair and Administrator, said the three new investors are expected to pour in P100 million investments: Zambo Eco Water, Vicente Lao Construction and the government-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

The Zambo Eco Water, which is into bottled water business, and the Vicente Lao Construction, a firm involved in manufacturing construction materials, are set to move in by August this year, Arnuco said.

He said the DBP is just awaiting the approval of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to be able to open up a branch inside the ecozone.

He said the bank will serve other business locators inside the ecozone as well as nearby business establishments.

Arnuco noted that the entry of the new business locators was made possible through the support of the local government. He cited the city’s good business climate and business potentials.

Arnuco also announced that preparations are now being undertaken for the privatization of Zamboecozone’s income-generating facilities such as the swimming pools, zipline, condotels, bowling and other recreational facilities.

He said the facilities will be opened for bidding to interested parties soon and the privatization will be implemented before the end of the year.

Zambo City pursues implementation of various infra projects

By Teofilo P. Garcia Jr. [(PNA), CTB/TPGJR/RSM]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 28 (PNA) -- The city government pursues the implementation of various infrastructure projects as efforts to improve the different public infrastructures and utilities continue in the city.

City Hall Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias said that works on three government infrastructure projects, specifically the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT), the main public market, and the City Disaster Reduction Management Center (DRRMC) are currently ongoing, and are on various stages of completion.

Covarrubias said the P175 million IBT project is 59.3 percent physically completed as of June 15 based on the updates from the city engineer’s office.

She said that majority of the workload on the IBT is currently concentrated on land preparation and development, the construction of physical structures, and the setting up of service utilities such as water and electricity.

She said initial work for the expansion of the national highway in front of the IBT, as well as the construction of the pedestrian overpass and drainage facilities, have also started.

The makeover initiatives for the main public market are also ongoing and is 86.72 percent completed, while construction of the drainage system is pass the 70 percent completion mark. The two projects have an estimated cost of approximately P43 million.

Covarrubias said the DRRMC is nearing completion, although work on the project is temporarily suspended due to pending change orders which the city engineer’s office is currently working out.

However, the P27 million project is ahead of schedule and is 88.36 percent completed despite the temporary stoppage of work, Covarrubias said.

The DRRMC is a two-storey building which will serve as the main agency which will receive all calamity-related reports, and direct and dispatch response teams during disasters.

The implementation of the projects are under the supervision of the city engineer’s office headed by Eng’r. Luis Vicente Despalo.

RPMC IX Introduces Project Information System

By Jordan B. Sali (NEDA 9)

The Technical Secretariat of Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) IX has developed the Project Information System (PIS), which is designed to track project implementation and serve as a database for projects in Region IX. With the latest technology and with the use of a wide array of system languages, the PIS is aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of project monitoring.

The PIS is a LAN-web-based system that uses geographical information for tracking ongoing and completed projects. Data for ongoing projects are validated through actual field visits. The system uses location-based digital technology like GIS, GPS and Geotagging, resulting to the viewing of projects in their actual location via online map. This feature is able to provide real-time information on the project’s development, and is accessible to the public and its implementing agencies.

An orientation was conducted on May 23, 2014 in Zamboanga City to introduce the PIS to RPMC IX members, monitoring partners and stakeholders. Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of NEDA Region IX and concurrently RPMC IX Chairperson commended the Secretariat for this achievement that has made RPMC IX one of the RPMCs nationwide which has developed such technology. The members of RPMC IX believe that the system is a powerful tool which can provide reliable database of all projects monitored in Region IX. More importantly, the system serves as an instrument in addressing issues encountered during monitoring without delay.

DOST opens scholarship programs for school year 2015-2016

(PNA), CTBTPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 26 (PNA) –- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Science Education Institute (SEI), announced the opening of the Science and Technology (S&T) scholarships for School Year 2015-2016.

DOST Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said Thursday that the applications for the 2015 Science and Technology Scholarship Program are now available to graduating senior high school students here who intend to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Manzano said the DOST-SEI offers two scholarship programs, which are the Republic Act 7687 otherwise known as the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994 and the Merit Scholarship Program.

The R.A. 7687 is open to poor, talented and deserving students while the Merit Scholarships Program is for qualified applicants whose families’ socio-economic status exceeds the indicator.

Manzano said the applicants to the scholarship program must be senior high school students belonging to the upper five percent of the graduating class and natural-born Filipino citizens of good moral character and must not be applying for resident or immigration status in any country.

She said the application forms and scholarship brochures can be obtained at the DOST regional office at Pettit Barracks, this city; and Provincial Science and Technology Centers in Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Upper Turno, Dipolog City; and, Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City.

Online application is available through http://science-scholarships.ph/ and the deadline for filing of application is on August 22, this year. Examination date is on September 21, 2014.

Manzano said qualified applicants are provided opportunities to pursue four-or five-year baccalaureate degrees in priority science and technology fields in agriculture, geology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, statistics, computer science, food technology, robotics, mechanical engineering, and other.

Manzano said qualified students would be selected on the basis of their performance in the national scholarship examination.

She said scholarship awardees must seek admission and enroll in any of the institutions identified by DOST-SEI.

She said that aside from maintaining the grade requirements, awardees should comply with the terms of the scholarship agreement that include, among others, serving in the country on full-time basis along the field of training for a minimum period equivalent to the length of time the scholarship was enjoyed upon completion of the course.

Among the privileges that DOST scholars will be receiving are free tuition and school fees subsidy up to P10,000 per semester, P5,000 textbook allowance, physical education uniform allowance, free transportation for one economy-class round trip fare between permanent residence and the place of study on reimbursement basis (for those studying outside their place of permanent residence), monthly living allowance, group health and accident insurance, additional privileges during summer, if required by the curriculum, and post-graduation clothing allowance.

DSWD provides P9.7-M livelihood funds to Zambo IDPs

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 25 (PNA) -– The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has recently released P9.7 million to 42 Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) associations comprising of close to 1,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in this city.

The SEA-K is a capability building program of the DSWD and local government units (LGUs) which aims to enhance the socio-economic skills of poor families through the organization of community-based associations for entrepreneurial development.

DSWD Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo said Wednesday that 30 of the 42 SEA-K beneficiary-associations comprise of IDPs who are presently housed in the different transitory sites while the remaining 10 groups are home-based IDPs.

The transitory sites serve as temporarily shelters for families displaced by the September 2013 siege while the home-based IDPs are those who sought refuge with their relatives.

Arevalo said SEA-K associations in the transitory sites are as follows: Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Incorporated (PTSI) transitory site in Barangay Upper Calarian, three; Rio Hondo transitory site, eight; Tulungatung transitory site, nine; and, Taluksangay transitory site, 10.

The 12 home-based IDPs are from the barangays of Rio Hondo, Mariki, Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina.

Arevalo said the 42 SEA-K associations they have formed from the different transitory sites and home-based have a total of 970 IDP-members.

Arevalo said each of them received P10,000 financial assistance, which is payable in one year with zero interest.

She said the financial assistance, which was released last Friday, is to be used to jump start livelihood programs to enable the IDPs to earn a living.

She said the IDP-members of the 42 SEA-K associations have undergone six-month Community Driven Enterprise Development (CDED) process “where all of them were trained on Financial Literacy, Time Management and Basic Budget Management during Social Preparation and Capability Building Training phases.”

“This compliance will ensure the effective delivery and readiness on the livelihood activities they have chosen,” she added.

She advised the IDP-beneficiaries to be responsible enough in managing their livelihood undertaking they have chosen “as this can be replicated for the rest of the IDPs who also intend to avail of the same assistance.”

PAGASA to install Doppler radar in Zamboanga City

By R.G. Antonet A. Go [(PNA), LAM/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO/UTB]

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 24 (PNA) –- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is constructing an edifice for the installation of a Doppler radar of the agency in this city.

PAGASA-Zamboanga Station chief Meteorologist Maribel Hasanah-Enriquez said Tuesday the edifice will be constructed inside Camp Basilio Navarro that houses the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in Barangay Upper Calarian, west of this city.

Enriquez said a notice to proceed was already issued to the RCDG Construction Corporation to start the construction of the building that is expected to be completed in seven months.

Enriquez said the construction of the building and the installation of the Doppler Radar is a P100 million project PAGASA will be implemented here.

The Doppler Radar is use to measure the amount of rainfall, intensity of the rain, and others which could cover 50 kilometer radius.

Specifically, Enriquez said the Doppler Radar that will be installed in this city will cover the western section of the country.

SSS-Zamboanga registers 790 domestic workers this year in its ‘Batas Kasambahay’ campaign

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 23 (PNA) -– The Social Security System (SSS) has registered 790 household workers in its “Batas Kasambahay” campaign from January until May this year in this city, an SSS official said Monday.

SSS-Zamboanga City Branch Head Elizabeth Cabatingan said some of the household workers have registered at the SSS office while the others during their barangay visitations.

Cabatingan said they have tapped the assistance of the barangay officials for the full implementation of Republic Act 10361 otherwise known as the “Domestic Workers Act” or “Batas Kasambahay.”

R.A. 10361, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 78 and House Bill No. 6144, was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on November 27, 2012 and November 26, 2012, respectively.

President Benigno Simeon Aquino, III signed into law R.A. 10361 on January 18, 2013.

Cabatingan urged the employers to enroll with the SSS their respective household workers “so that they will be protected and will receive pension in the future.”

The household helpers will be also entitled to receive other benefits like disability pay, death and accident insurance aside from pension once enrolled with the SSS.

Cabatingan said the employer, under R.A. 10361, is obligated to pay P230 monthly contribution if their household worker’s salary is P2,000 a month.

She said the P230 monthly contribution will be jointly shouldered at P115 each by the employer and employee if the household worker’s salary is P5,000 monthly.

The “Batas Kasambahay” is jointly being implemented by the SSS, Philippine Health Insurance, Incorporated (PhilHealth) and Pag-Ibig.

Zamboanga Peninsula in need of firemen

By Bong Garcia

THE Bureau of Fire Protection is recruiting new personnel for Zamboanga Peninsula, a top official BFP announced.

Superintendent Dominador Zabala Jr., fire marshal of the Zamboanga City Fire District (ZCFD), said they are recruiting 21 new personnel for Bureau of Fire Protection in Zamboanga Peninsula (BFP-9).

Zabala said those who will be qualified to join the BFP will have the rank of Fire Officer 1 (FO1).

They will be assigned in any of the fire stations here in the region.

Zabala said those interested to join the BFP service are advised to visit the administrative division at the BFP regional office.

He said the deadline for the submission of pertinent requirements is on July 4, this year.

Zambo City to celebrate 3rd Chabacano Foundation Day June 23

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 21 (PNA) -- The City Tourism Office announced that everything is set for the celebration of the 3rd Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano (3rd Chabacano Foundation Day) on Monday, June 23.

City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez said the celebration will kick off with commemorative ceremony at the Plaza Rizal in front of City Hall.

Invited to attend the ceremony are officials and personnel from the local and national government agencies, barangay officials, school officials, and other organizations.

The celebration is an initiative of the local government to commemorate and celebrate the Chabacano language.

The 23rd of June, by virtue of City Ordinance 374, is officially recognized as the Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano and celebrates the founding of the Chabacano language, one of the foundations of the Zamboangueño culture.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar will keynote the celebration while Councilor Vincent Paul Elago, author of Ordinance 374, will deliver an inspirational message.

The Chabacano language traces its roots to the laying of the first cornerstone of the Fort Pilar on June 23, 1635.

Chabacano was borne out of necessity of an admixture of tribes, races and culture and out of it evolved a distinct language that is 60 percent Spanish in origin and 40 percent native words and survived to this very day.

The 3rd Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano will conclude with the Concurso de Banda (Battle of the Bands) at 7 p.m. at the Paseo del Mar grounds.

Meanwhile, Elago said the city government is initiating measures to promote the Chabacano language.

3rd Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano events finalized

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

The City Tourism Office has finalized the activities for the 3rd Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano, an initiative spearheaded by the City Government of Zamboanga to commemorate and celebrate the Chabacano language.

A commemorative ceremony at the Plaza Rizal will officially kick off the Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano on Monday, June 23, and will bring together local and national government agencies, City officials and department heads, barangays, schools, and other organizations.

The ceremonies will be keynoted by Mayor Beng Climaco who, along with Councilor VP Elago, author of Ordinance 374, will be delivering an inspirational message. Meanwhile, City Administrator Jun Orendain Jr will lead the local officials and City Hall employees in the Juramiento de Un Empleado de Govierno.

Concluding the Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano celebrations will be the much-anticipated Concurso de Banda. At 7PM, the Paseo del Mar grounds will be the venue for local bands to belt out their original Chabacano compositions in a bid to covet the top spot in the open band competition.

The Concurso de Banda is one of the highlights of the annual Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano. It seeks to promote the Chabacano language as well as support aspiring local talents.

By virtue of Ordinance 374, the 23rd of June is officially recognized as the Dia de Fundacion de Chabacano in Zamboanga City, and celebrates the founding of the Chabacano language, one of the foundations of the Zamboangueño culture.

The Chabacano language traces its roots to the laying of the first cornerstone of the Fort Pilar on June 23, 1635. Chabacano 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% Espanol and 40% native words and survived to this very day.”

Zambo City observes 153rd Rizal bday anniv

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

Zamboanga City joins today, June 19, the nationwide commemoration of the 153rd birth anniversary of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Spearheaded by the local government in partnership with the Order of Knights of Rizal – Zamboanga City Chapter, the commemorative celebration will officially kick off with a flag-raising ceremony at the Plaza Rizal at 8am.

This will be followed by a flower offering rite to be led by City Mayor Beng Climaco along with officials from local and national offices, military commands, school heads, and barangay officials.

A highlight of the ceremony will be the declamation of one of the poems penned by the national hero, “A La Juventud Filipina”. The poem, which Rizal wrote while he was 18 years old and studying at the University of Santo Tomas, is dedicated to the Filipino youth whom he urged to make use of their education, and “prodigious genius” to build the future.

Themed “Rizalism: Conservation of Ecology and Natural Resources”, the celebration seeks to recognize the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal. Born on June 19, 1861, Rizal was a nationalist, novelist, physician, a poet, and a prominent advocate for reforms during the Spanish colonial era.

He is also considered as one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines.

He was executed on December 30, 1896, and his martyrdom is commemorated as a national holiday.

DTI conducts Diskwento Ramadhan

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

The Department of Trade and Industry Zamboanga City Office (DTI-ZCO), announces the conduct of the “DTI Diskwento Ramadhan 2014” on June 26-27, 2014 at Plaza Pershing, this city. This is to show solidarity with the Muslims as they celebrate the beginning of Ramadhan.

The main purpose of the activity is to ease the burden of high prices of basic commodities on consumers’ purchasing power by way of making such goods accessible through the mobilization of retailers and wholesalers selling basic necessities and prime commodities at discounted prices and making these items more accessible to the consumers. The goods to be sold are only those that are certified as Halal.

The DTI invites residents of Zamboanga City to take advantage of this Diskwento Caravan and avail of the benefits that this project delivers most especially the Muslims who will be celebrating the Ramadhan on June 28 or 29, 2014.

Zambo City to host BSP Centennial Jamboree

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – “Did you know that the scouting movement in the country started in the City of Zamboanga?” Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco Salazar blurted during the recently held Independence Day celebration.

The Boys Scouts will be coming back where it started 100 years ago, as the city will host the Centennial Jamboree come Nov. 9-13 inside Zamboanga Ecozone in Barangay Talisayan, west of the city.

“Zamboanga will be playing an important role as she will host the Philippines Scouting Centennial Jamboree from Nov. 9-13,” Climaco-Salazar declared.

Mayor Climaco-Salazar said it was during the American occupation in 1914 that Mrs. Caroline Spencer took care of 26 Muslim boys who were wandering aimlessly. With the assistance of Lt. Sherman L. Kiser, they organized the boys into a troop called the Lorillard Spencer Troop that gave birth to the scouting movement in the Republic of the Philippines.

“Let us show our visitors and let us prepare for this very big event in our history, and let us all together build back a better Zamboanga,” the lady chief executive said.

BSP-Zamboanga City Scout Executive Arthur Griño said at least 5,000 scouts from all over the country are expected to come to the city for the jamboree. No less than Vice President Jejomar Binay, the BSP National President, will be the guest of honor.

Zambo veterans, modern heroes honored in Independence Day rites

By Dominic Ilagan Sanchez (FPG/DIS/PIA9-ZBST)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 16 (PIA) - World War II veterans and modern heroes were given recognition during the Independence Day ceremonies held Thursday at the City hall.

“You are the true heroes of the city,” said Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar to about 50 war veterans present.

“But we also have modern day heroes, those who stood by us,” referring to the military, government and non-government agencies, international donors and humanitarian partners who are still rendering aid to those who were displaced in last September’s siege. “Thank you for continuing to help us in building back a better Zamboanga.”

Over 500 joined in this morning’s celebration, which include employees of government agencies and institutions, the military, police, and the academe. Several foreign tourists also witnessed the ceremonies.

Following the singing of the national anthem, flower wreaths were offered. A Philippine Air Force chopper showered flower petals during the ceremonies.

Mayor Climaco-Salazar also acknowledged the efforts of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) in helping build Zamboanga. The BSP has its roots in the city during the American occupation in 1914 when a group of boys here were brought together and organized as scouts.

Towards the end of the program the new set officers of the BSP-Executive Council of Zamboanga took their oath before the mayor.

‘Cocosilap’ under close watch in Zambo City

By RGAAG

City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat has ordered his field technicians to inspect and keep close watch on the coconut farms in their respective areas to ensure the coconuts are free from scale insects or cocolisap infestation.

This as Palacat has advised local coconut farmers to adopt the intercropping system to prevent if not mitigate cocolisap infestation.

Intercropping means farmers should plant other crops like banana, cassava and others in between rows of coconuts.

Palacat explained that the coclisap will first attack the other crops in intercrop farming instead of directly invading the coconut trees, thus, preventing if not mitigating cocolisap infestation.

This city has a total of 35,000 hectares of coconut farms spread all over the six agricultural districts that covers the 98 barangays.

Palacat confirmed that cocolisap have already infested some farms in this city’s west coast.

However, he said affected in the infestation are fruit-bearing trees like lanzones.

He also told farmers that cocolisap could be eliminated through spraying water mixed with detergent.

Meanwhile, Palacat has also ordered his field technicians to keep watch against all other types of insects to include the army worms.

HPG-9 team chiefs undergo E-learning study

By Allen Abastillas

The Highway Patrol Group Provincial Team chiefs in the region and some chosen HPG operatives underwent an electronic learning study at Camp Batalla during the HPG-9 Second Quarter conference yesterday morning.

Sr. Supt. Severino B. Agustin, HPG-9 chief, said the E- learning study is one of the programs of the Philippine National Police that where policemen learn to familiarize with and operate computers for police operations.

According to Agustin, HPG operatives must know how to use computers most especially in connecting and surfing the Land Transportation Office website, especially the HPG Motor Vehicle Information Management System ( MVISM ) because it is where all carnapped or stolen motorvehicles are listed.

MVISM is interlinked with all HPG commands nationwide.

Using MVISM in every operation in recognizing a suspected carnapped or stolen motorvehicle is very essential for the recovery of carnapped units, Agustin.

He directed the team Leaders to be extra vigilant and alert in their areas of jurisdiction as motorcycles are the easy target of carnappers or thieves most especially those units parked in schools, colleges and universities and downtown area.

PCCI favors transfer of Zambo airport to new location

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 13 (PNA) –- The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Western Mindanao Governor Pedro Rufo Soliven said Friday it is high time the Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) is transferred to a new location.

Soliven’s statement came after it was announced that the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has opened the proposed construction of another airport in Barangay Mercedes for Private-Public Partnership (PPP).

The present location of ZIA is just within the two-kilometer distance from the city proper while the Barangay Mercedes, which has been identified as a secondary growth center and host of the proposed New International Airport under the Master Development Plan, is 12.75 kilometers east of this city.

“It has been long overdue, it is about time that we have to use other ways creatively to bring in funds to fast track this project because that is very relevant in the anticipation of the ASEAN integration,” Soliven said.

“Zamboanga City will play a very vital and strategic role from being the backdoor of the Philippines to the front door to ASEAN,” Soliven added.

He said there will be dispersal of commercial establishments and traffic will be unclogged once the airport is transferred to Barangay Mercedes.

He said there will be also faster movement of goods and “it will be easier for businessmen because there will be more flights.”

However, he said that it must be clarified whether the operations of the new airport will be through PPP or build-operate and transfer (BOT) scheme.

He said the present ZIA property can be converted into a new commercial business district.

Zambo City joins 116th Independence Day celebration

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/MEC

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 12 (PNA) -- The City of Zamboanga joined the entire nation in the celebration of the 116th Independence Day Thursday.

June 12 marked the day when independence was proclaimed in Kawit, Cavite at the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo that saw the unfurling of the Philippine flag and singing of the national anthem.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar led the simple yet meaningful ceremonies at 8 a.m. at the Rizal Park in front of City Hall.

The activity kicked-off with the flag raising ceremony at 8 a.m. with Salazar hoisting the Philippine flag.

The Western Mindanao Command’s (Westmincom) band lead the singing of the national anthem.

Salazar led the wreath-laying rite at the Rizal monument simultaneously with helicopter flower drop courtesy of the 3rd Air Division.

The celebration here was joined by the national and local government agencies including non-government organizations, police and military as well as other spectral groups.

City Council cites Zamboangueño Youth ambassador for Junior NBA

By Monch L. Follosco

The City Council, in its regular session yesterday, commended a 13-year-old Zamboangueño who has been adjudged as Youth Ambassador for the Junior NBA District 2 Councilor Roel “Elong” Natividad, chairman of the Council’s Committee on Youth and Sports and proponent of the resolution, said that Rhayyan Amsali, a resident of Villa, Sta. Maria, this city is the latest Zamboangueño basketball player who will bring honor and glory to the city. Rhayyan was recently adjudged as Alaska’s Sports Youth Ambassador for the Junior National Basketball Association (NBA) during the awarding ceremonies at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Concert Hall in Manila last April 27, 2014. Amsali was one of the 10,000 participants from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao who attended the 3-day Regional Finals at the PICC, Manila from April 23 to 26, 2014. The 13-year-old Zamboangueño stands at 6’1” and emerged as one of the Top 10 All Star players. He was adjudged by the organizer as the only Alaska Sports Youth Ambassador for the Junior NBA. Rhayyan’s father Rizalon Amsali said the top ten youth players are expected to leave for the United States for a sports showdown with other NBA Junior star players in October, this year. Rhayyan is also the newest endorser of Alaska Milk. He paid a courtesy visit on Mayor Ma. Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Salazar the other day.


Zambo mining firm bares reforestation accomplishment

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 10 (PNA) -- The Atro Mining-Vitali, Inc. (AMVI) has planted more than 52,000 seedlings of assorted tree species in and around the Vitali District since 2012, creating green and lush environs to the once balding mountains in the area.

The reforestation program of the AMVI also showed that the planted seedlings have 85 percent survival rate--higher than the 70 percent benchmark of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“We were able to plant at least 52,000 Acacia Mangium, Narra, and Mahogany in and outside the mining claim since the company established its pilot nursery in February 2012,” AMVI Community Relations Officer Francis Malones said in a statement Tuesday.

Malones, who is also the AMVI Pollution Control Officer, said their reforestation campaign covered some 130 hectares land area with a ratio of 400 seedlings per hectare.

Malones said the numbers of trees planted overshoot the target set by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), which was to plant assorted seedlings in 20 hectares land area.

AMVI's Reforestation Program is also in line with the government's National Greening Program (NGP), according to Malones.

He pointed out that the accomplishment was made possible through the establishment of the company's in-house nursery, which nurtures seedlings to be planted in none mineralize zones.

He said the nursery at present houses various seedling species such as: Acacia Mangium, 5,000; rubber seedlings, 2,000; Mahogany, 1,000; and, Narra 500.

He said among the areas they have already reforested were the riverbanks of Campo Uno, Camp Swimming, Tamion, Vitali, Camalig, and SPDA, among others.

He said they had also conducted trees planting activities by the roadsides of Merloquet Falls, and donated seedling to the different schools in Vitali District.

He said more tree planting activities are being scheduled for the month of June to commemorate the Environment Month Celebration in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 237.

“This month we will be planting more trees along the riverbank and we will be raising another batch of fruit trees, rubber, bamboo, and forest species in our nursery area,” he said.

The AMVI is an iron ore mining company, which has an Exclusive Mines Operating Agreement with Hard Rock Mineral Trading, Inc. (HRMTI) that grants exclusive rights to conduct mining operations within the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area.

The MPSA area has a total area of 2,077.3084 hectares located in Upper Tagpangi, Barangay Vitali, east of this city.

San Ramon penitentiary eyed as int'l seaport

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 9 (PNA) -– An international seaport is being eyed to be constructed at the present site of the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm once the detention facility will be transferred to another place.

This was announced by Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport (Zamboecozone) chairman and administrator Christopher Lawrence Arnuco following a move by the Regional Development Council-9 (RDC-9) to transfer the detention facility.

The RDC-9, through a resolution approved during its 147th meeting, has requested to justice department to transfer the prison facility from Sitio San Ramon, Barangay Talisayan, 26 kilometers west of this city, to Barangay Curuan, 50 kilometers east of Zamboanga City.

The transfer is aimed to attract more investors to the Zamboecozone, which is located near the penitentiary.

Arnuco said he is happy to note the RDC-9 is initiating the transfer of the prison facility since it is not good to see the detention center near the Zamboecozone, which is an investment hub.

He said the construction of an international port will hasten the shipment of products of the locators at the Zamboecozone.

The Zamboecozone has 15 locators at present.

At present, locators ship their products through the port of Zamboanga, which is 26 kilometers away from the Zamboecozone.

PAF’s 3RD Air Division joins Brigada Eskwela

(Zamboanga Times)

In line with the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan of the Armed Forces of Philippines, the 3rd Air Division, PAF together with its subordinate units namely: 530th Air Base Wing; 722nd Special Operations Squadron and 206th Tactical Helicopter Squadron all located at Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB), Zamboanga City under the stewardship of Maj. Gen. Nicanor M. Vivar participated in the Department of Education (DEPED) 11th Annual National Schools Maintenance Week more popularly known as “Brigada Eskwela” last 19-24 May 2014.

This year’s theme for Brigada Eskwela “Disaster Risk Reduction, Preparedness and Safety in Schools” aims to create awareness in the school communities about climate change and the hazards it brings, to develop necessary system and protocols to be followed in case of calamities and emergencies as DEPED engaged partnership with the different government agencies and organizations such as Philippine Air Force and Philippine National Police (PNP) to make the activity a success.

Cleaning-up of the school immediate surroundings, repainting of tables and chairs and mowing of tall grasses were among the services being rendered during the said activity.

Thirteen schools were the beneficiaries of the said activity specifically the Canelar Elementary School, Sta. Maria Elementary Central School, EAAB Elementary School; Regional Science High School, Dulian Elementary School, Capisan Elementary School, Capisan High School, Baliwasan Elementary School, Tumaga Elementary School, Boalan Elementary School, Don Pablo Lorenzo Elementary School, Camp Socorro Elementary School and Pasonanca Elementary School.

The participation of the3rd Air Division in this endeavor only proves that the Philippine Air Force is making its way to “SOAR HIGH PAF for Peace, Freedom and Development.”

Zambo gears for 23rd MinBizCon roadshow

(Zamboanga Times)

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Western Mindanao Region invites businessmen, government officials, members of the academe, and the local media to participate in the upcoming roadshow for the 23rd Mindanao Business Conference (MINBIZCON).

The roadshow bears the theme Gearing Up For AEC 2015 and will be conducted at the Badjao Function Hall of the Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City, on Tuesday, June 10, 2014.

The roadshow is being conducted in all the six regions of Mindanao as a pre-conference activity of the MINBIZCON. Its aim is to inform and to consult the stakeholders in Mindanao on the ASEAN economic integration and the anticipated establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

The consultative aspect of the roadshow is deemed vital in the formulation of policy resolutions which will then serve as basis and guide in the crafting of relevant programs and strategies to be pursued by the government as well as the private sector in relation to the AEC.

The roadshow is being spearheaded by the PCCI in partnership with the Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (ZCCCFI), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Registration is at 8:00 am. The programme proper will start at 8:30 am and will end at 2:45 pm to be followed immediately with a press conference at 3:00pm.

Please contact Mr. Joey Iris Sumayang at (6362) 991.7080 / 0905.848.8856 or Ms. Marjorie Pascual at (6362) 991.3238 / 955.3237 for queries/reservation/confirmation of attendance.

DOH turns over P2.3-M lying-in health center in Zamboanga City

(PNA), LAM/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 6 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) has turned over a P2.3 million newly-constructed health facility to the local government.

City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos said Friday that the lying-in health center was constructed in Barangay Guiwan, east of this city.

Agbulos said the health facility was turned over Thursday by DOH Assistant Regional Director Dr. Luella Estanver and was received by Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.

Agbulos said that Estanver also turned over P214,000 worth of assorted medical instruments to be used at the health center in Barangay Guiwan.

He said that the lying-in health center will also serve the residents of the nearby barangays of Putik, Divisoria and Boalan.

He said among the services that will be rendered at the Guiwan lying-in center are maternal care and delivery for free to PhilHealth members.

Cong Lilia identifies 965 scholars under ‘Tulong Dunong Program’

By Nonong Santiago

Congresswoman Lilia Nuño identified 965 poor college students who will be scholars under the “Tulong Dunong Scholarship Program” of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Nuño said from the total number of scholars, at least 50 students from District 1 have also been accommodated by her office.

“I cannot just say no to students from the other district if they come to my office seeking for assistance,” Nuño said.

She said the scholarship program of her office is being handled by her chief of staff, Ramon Matias.

Matias, on the other hand, said that to be scholar, a student should possess high grades and can enroll in other courses except for criminology, HRM and nursing.

He said the Zamboanga Polytechnic College has also provided 200 scholarship slots to Nuño who will identify the indigent students based from the criteria given by the school.

According to Matias, the congresswoman will also meet with Technical Education Skills Development Authority regional director Lorenzo Macapili with regards to the TESDA scholarships.

At present, he said, there are 350 TESDA scholars under the congresswoman who are taking up various skills training such as carpentry, welding, plumbing, electrical course and many others.

“There are also 379 slots available which will be distributed to at least 67 barangays under District 2. But these are under TESDA,” Matias said.

At present the scholarship program had already been closed since May 14, 2014, Matias said.

With regards to the complaint made by one student that he was not attended to by his office, Matias debunked that claim saying the student who came to his office for the scholarship program was on a Saturday.

“Our office is only open from Monday to Friday and there is no truth that he was not attended,” Matias emphasized.

PRC-Zamboanga gets tanker for water distribution to IDPs

(PNA), LAM/TPGJR/RGAAGO/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 4 (PNA) -– The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Zamboanga City Chapter got a boost from the PRC national headquarters in terms of providing potable water to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in this city.

PRC-Zamboanga City Chapter Administrator Victor Liozo, Jr. they recently received a newly-purchased 5,000-liter water tanker from PRC Chairman Richard Gordon to use in the distribution of potable water to the IDPs.

Liozo said they will use the tanker in the distribution of potable water to the transitory site in Taluksangay, 19 kilometers east of this city.

The Taluksangay transitory site houses 369 families comprising of 1,792 individuals.

The transitory site serves as temporary shelter of families displaced by the September 2013 siege while rehabilitation of the affected areas is underway.

The PRC-Zamboanga City Chpater in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also installed water bladders in other transitory sites and evacuation centers.

Zamboanga City marks 2.7% increase in students’ enrollment

(PNA), FPV/TPGJR/UTB

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 3 (PNA) -- The Department of Education’s (DepEd) City Schools Division expects a 2.7 percent increase in enrolment rate both in the elementary and secondary levels for school year 2014-2015, citing the trend for the past three years in this city.

City Schools Division officer-in-charge Superintendent Pedro Melchor Natividad said he expects that the number of enrollees for this school year to climb to 202,542 from last school year’s record of 197,217 students.

Natividad said that the number of enrollees from kinder to secondary in private schools is expected to reach 20,685 this year which is higher from last year’s record of 20,155 students.

“We expect more or less 202,542 students for public schools and 20,685 for private schools or above learners from kinder to high school, with an average enrolment growth rate of 2.7 percent for the past 3 years,” Natividad said.

Classes in public schools both elementary and secondary in the entire country opened Monday, but registration continues based on DepEd’s policy not to turn down enrollment of students.

Natividad’s office covers a total of 133 elementary schools and 34 secondary schools spread out in this city’s 98 barangays.

The City Schools Division has a teaching staff population of 5,168 in both levels.

Natividad said that 3,475 of the 5,168 teachers are teaching in the elementary level while the 1,693 in the secondary level.

Natividad visited Monday the different schools in this city when classes opened for school year 2014-2015 in public schools.

Learn-to-play-a-sport program draws 2,337

By Monch L. Follosco

A total of 2,337 youths were present during the closing program of the 19th Basic Summer Camp 2014 dubbed as “Learn-to-Play-a-Sport” program held at the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School (DPLMHS) last Saturday.

The participants to the summer program received a certificate of participation in the 26 different sport discipline which include arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball, baseball, body building, boxing, chess, dancesport, football, gymnastics, judo, karate-do, muay thai, pencak silat, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and wushu.

Councilor Roel “Elong” Natividad, chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Youth and Sports, who represented Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar, inspired the participants and thanked the parents, technical officials and barangay officials for their support to the program.

“Next year much has to be improved in different sports as a long-term sports development program to hone the skills and abilities of our athletes,” Natividad said before a crowd of young sport lovers.

Natividad also acknowledged Nestor Colonia and Hidilyn Diaz who qualified for the September, 2014 Asean Games which will be held in South Korea.

Colonia from Barangay Mercedes and Diaz from Barangay Mampang received medals equivalent to Asean Games during the recently concluded Philippine National Games ’14 held in Marikina, Manila.

The 19th Basic Summer Camp 2014 is part of the City Government’s priority program on sports develoment activities every year for the youth.

City Hall convenes meeting on ‘motorcab’operation

By Jasmine Mohammadsali

ZAMBOANGA City–Representatives from the City Legal Office and transportation regulation agencies met with motorcab operators Wednesday afternoon, May 28, to clarify issues and concerns regarding the operations of the motorcab as a mode of transportation in different barangays in the City.

Spearheaded by City Legal Officer Atty. Jesus Carbon and the Tricycle Adjudication Board (TAB), the meeting discussed among other things, the legalities surrounding the franchising of public transportation, public safety issues, and the request of operators from barangay Quiniput, Curuan, and Buenavista to legalize motorcab operations.

A motorcab, also called a kuliglig, is a three-wheeled vehicle which closely resembles a tricycle. It is composed of a motorcycle and an attached sidecar which ply routes in rural communities and barangays.

Motorcab operations are considered illegal by transportation regulation agencies as these vehicles are registered as private vehicles, and not as public transportation utilities or a franchise.

According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO), it will take a new law or ordinance to allow the franchise and legalization of the motorcab. Moreover, to date no new applications for franchise to operate motorized tricycle have been accepted or processed, by virtue of Ordinance 185, or the Motorized Tricycle Franchising Ordinance.

At the end of the meeting, the barangay officials and motorcab operators decided to put forward a formal request to legalize motorcab operations for the consideration of the City Government, the LTO, the LTFRB, and other transportation agencies concerned.

Present during the meeting were around 50 motorcab operators and the barangay heads of Quiniput, Curuan, and Buenavista, Atty. Ed Fronda of the CLO, the LTO, LTFRB, and the TAB.

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