Zamboanga City News June 2016

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Zamboanga City - Archived News

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

Zamboanga water firm set to lift rationing

By Bong Garcia

AN OFFICIAL of the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) announced that the rationing scheme is set to be lifted soon.

Engineer Teotimo Reyes, Jr., ZCWD department production manager, made this announcement Monday citing that the water levels at the diversion dam have held at 74.24 meters due to the continuous rainfall experienced by the city in the past week.

The normal elevation at the diversion dam is at 74.20 meters.

Reyes said the formal announcement lifting the water restrictions will be made after discussions and the approval of the ZCWD management anytime this week.

Reyes said they have slowly eased up the water rationing schedule in many of its service areas.

He said the run-off water is still very small and the recent rainfalls did not have a very big effect on the river flow.

However, he said this is expected to change in the coming days as the ground is already saturated.

The ZCWD implemented the water rationing starting January 8 as the water elevation at its dam declined below the normal level due to the prolonged dry spell brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.

The ZCWD divided its distribution pipelines into three sectors to enable them to supply water for 12 hours daily in each of the sector.

From the initial of 12 hours daily, the rationing scheme was shortened to eight, then to seven, and lately to 10 hours but on every other day schedule.

Maribel Enriquez, chief meteorological officer of the local Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) station, said the city had almost normal rainfall from June 1 to 26 at 104.0 millimeter.

Enriquez also reported light to moderate coastal waters and winds for the month of June.

DTI sets 2-day Ramadan Diskwento Caravan in Zamboanga City

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 29 (PNA) -– In line with the observance of the Islamic month of Ramadan, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in coordination with the local government, has scheduled the conduct of a two-day Ramadan Diskwento Caravan in this city.

The caravan opens tomorrow, June 30 and ends on Friday, July 1. It will be held at Plaza Pershing, this city.

Engr. Rolando Acuña, DTI provincial director, on Wednesday said the Diskwento Caravan is DTI’s way of making basic and prime commodities more affordable and accessible to low income earners.

Acuña said that 15 stores and distributors were invited to participate and sell basic necessities and prime commodities at discounted prices in this year’s Ramada Diskwento Caravan.

Acuña said at least 10 percent discount will be given by participating stores and distributors.

He said this year’s Ramadan Diskwento Caravan differs from the previous years, which were held before the onset of Ramadan.

He explained the reason for the change is to give the Muslim constituents of this city the opportunity to avail of discounted basic and prime commodities specifically grocery items in time for their celebration of Eid’l Fitr.

“This Ramadan Diskwento Caravan aims to help the Muslim constituents of Zamboanga City meet their needs and expenses in time for their celebration of Eid’l Fitr. We are therefore inviting everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims, to take advantage of this opportunity to avail of discounted goods,” he said.

Zambo City to construct centralize evacuation center

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 28 (PNA) -– The city government is eyeing to construct a centralize evacuation center that will house evacuees during disaster in this city.

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, city disaster risk reduction and management office (CDRRMO) chief, told the Philippines News Agency the evacuation center will be built at the 6,430 square meters lot of the city government in Barangay Cabatangan.

Apolinario said Barangay Cabatangan is the ideal site as it is safe from landslide and tsunami.

Apolinario said the evacuation will be a dome-type structure that can accommodate 1,500 families at one time.

He said the evacuation center, which will cost the city government millions of pesos, will have a road network, perimeter fence, water tank and will be equipped with a power generator.

He said the City Engineer’s Office has already conducted site inspection in preparation for the drafting of the plans and estimates of the project.

He said Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar is fully supporting the construction of the evacuation center.

He said the National Risk Reduction and Management Council is also interested to help the city government realize the project.

He said covered courts and school buildings will no longer be used as evacuation centers in times of calamity.

He said it is important to have an evacuation center since the use of coverts and classrooms hampers the conduct of classes.

Earlier, the city government announced the plan to construct evacuation centers for the central, western and eastern areas of this city.

DTI holds entrepreneurship symposium in Zambo City

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 27 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is spearheading the conduct of a Barangay Entrepreneurship Symposium (BES) Monday as part of its continuing advocacy to promote entrepreneurial mindset at the grassroots level.

Engr. Rolando Acuña, DTI provincial director, said the BES aims to advocate entrepreneurial mindset among the Zamboangueños as well as promote savings consciousness and financial competency through basic know-how in investing in financial instruments and through sound financial management.

Acuña said that at least 490 participants from each barangay of this city and recommended by their respective barangay chairpersons are attending the symposium.

“Being that entrepreneurship is a viable solution to address the twin problem of unemployment and poverty, BES aims to inspire, teach, and change mindsets in the grassroots level to enable our fellow Zamboangueños to develop and implement their own entrepreneurship programs in their own communities,” Acuña said.

He said the symposium is being handled by Victor R. Madlangbayan from the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, who will discuss topics such as mind setting, socio-entrepreneurship, product development, and business planning. Esnaen Catong will likewise lecture on financial literacy, while retired Chief Supt. Angelo H. Sunglao, the CEO of AHS Agri-Aqua Venture, will make a presentation on business opportunities.

“Through this symposium, we hope to inculcate in the participants the value of managing their household income and to inspire them to engage in small business in order to augment family income and uplift their socio-economic status,” he added.

104 OWWA scholars, OFW dependents get financial literacy training

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez (FPG/JPA/PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) -- To keep up with the hustle and bustle of the business world today, the Overses Workers Welfare Administartion (OWWA)-9 is continously working to give financial education and improve the capacity not only of the OFWs but their dependents as well.

Recently, 104 scholars and dependents of OFWs were educated on Basic Financial Strategy on saving , investing and spending wisely during the whole day Scholars Conference held in a local hotel here. They were also oriented on the various services of OWWA.

OWWA-9 Labor Communications Officer Karen Grafia said the day long activity was geared towards the financial literacy of the participants , organizational development and IT skills, which are valuable training for the young ones.

“Aside from these trainings, the scholars were also oriented on rules and regulations of their scholarship under OWWA,” Grafia said.

Study shows that micro-entrepreneurs often lack the financial literacy required to make important financial decisions and that financial education is a necessary antidote to the increasing complexity of consumers' financial decisions over the last generation.

Scholars who attended the activity were under the OWWA scholarship programs of OFW-Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP), Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP Education).

Values formation development was also discussed during the activity to further improve the scholars’ knowledge on information technology, and training on basic IT modules.

Participants were also given the oportunity to air their concerns and queries regarding OWWA’s programs and services during the open forum

“OWWA-9 commits to aid scholarship beneficiaries not only financially but also through training that would enable them to discover and hone their skills and talents for them to serve their community better with education as a means,” Grafia concluded.

Zamboanga’s IDPs find hope through tech-voc training

(PNA), BNB/MCCA

MANILA (PNA) -- Through technical-vocational education, hope abounds in the hearts of internally displaced persons (IDPs) like Misal Saipuddin Mistul of Zamboanga City, who has found his calling through new skills.

A resident of Tigtabun Island, the 29-year-old Misal was one of the thousands who were forced to flee their homes because of the fighting in 2013.

While in a transitory site, he heard about a program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and took a course in food processing. After finishing the course, passing the assessment and getting certified, Misal is now working and is helping to provide for his family’s needs.

“I only finished elementary. I had very little hopes of getting anywhere,” he said.

He continued, “The training gave me hope. Now, I have work and I get paid. I can buy the things that my family needs."

To help the IDPs in temporary shelters get by, TESDA-Region IX and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) earlier offered skills training, which will tap the potentials of the people and make this key to their employment in companies or enable them to start their own livelihood, TESDA Director General Irene Isaac cited.

“Away from their homes and their farms, which is usually their source of livelihood, the lives of IDPs are difficult,” Isaac said.

She noted that while the government, non-government organization and international groups help provide for their needs, arming them with the skills that will help them get back on their feet will have a long-term impact.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) defines internal displacement as the movement of individuals seeking sanctuary within the confines of their own home countries.

Last May, TESDA-Region IX and DSWD entered into an agreement with Century Pacific Food Inc. (CPFI) aimed at providing skills training and potential employment in the canning industry for the IDPs who are currently living in the transitory sites provided for the victims of the 2013 Zamboanga siege.

The DSWD identified and selected 200 participants for the training program. TESDA-IX provided the trainers, starter kits and meals, while CPFI will prioritize the hiring of at least 100 IDPs trained by TESDA and endorsed by DSWD.

The IDPs underwent training in two batches. Misal was included in the first batch of trainees.

The qualifications included Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Food and Processing NC II, and Cookery NC II.

The training facilities of the Regional Training Center in Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City serve as the venue of the said program. The project is funded by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

“I am grateful for this opportunity. Sometimes, it’s just what we need to recover from a miserable situation,” Misal highlighted.

“With the training and the job I have right now, I can help send my siblings to school and I can dream again,” he said.

Zamboanga City receives Manuel L. Quezon award

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 24 (PNA) --The Department of Health (DOH) has awarded this city the Manuel L. Quezon Award for the exemplary implementation of the national Tuberculosis (TB) control program.

Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, city health officer, told the Philippines News Agency (PNA) on Friday that Zamboanga City received the award as this city outsmarted all other highly urbanized cities in the implementation of the program.

Agbulos, without citing specific figures, said Zamboanga City won the award since it surpassed the target rate set by the DOH for TB detection and cure.

He said this city has attained high rating also because of the active participation of the Zamboanga Hermosa TB Council’s member agencies.

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, assisted by DOH Secretary Janet Garin, handed over the award to Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and Agbulos in an awarding ceremony Thursday night in Manila.

The awarding ceremony was held in line with the celebration of the 118th anniversary of the health department.

Zamboanga City readies for Arbor Day celebration

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 23 (PNA) -– The city government is undertaking the necessary preparations for the annual celebration of “Arbor Day na (in) Zamboanga” on Saturday, June 25.

City Hall Information Officer Belen Sheila Covarrubias said the Arbor Day activity this year will be held in Barangay Talon-Talon where participants from all sectors will plant mangrove propagules.

The Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) has identified the areas to be planted with mangrove propagules as part of its environmental protection, preservation, and conservation efforts.

The celebration of the Arbor Day na (in) Zamboanga is pursuant to the provisions of City Ordinance 281.

Arbor Day is a nationwide activity pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 396 which “enjoins the active participation of all government agencies, private sector, schools, civil society groups and citizenry in the planting activity, and declares June 25 of every year as “Philippine Arbor Day.”

Moreover, Covarrubias said that 10 trees are also set to be declared as heritage icons during the Arbor Day celebration.

The OCENR has identified for recognition six century trees and four heritage trees, pursuant to Ordinance 341, otherwise known as the Century and Heritage Trees ordinance of 2008.

DOH gives PhP3.9-M dental health bus to Zambo City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) --The Department of Health (DOH) has turned over PhP3.9 million dental health bus to the city government for the use of the dental unit of the City Health Office.

Dr. Rowel Lubian, dental health unit head of the City Health Office, received the bus on behalf of the city government in a ceremony held Tuesday at the DOH Central Office.

Lubian on Friday told the Philippines News Agency that the dental health bus will be used in the conduct of free clinics and medical outreach activities of the City Health Office.

Lubian said the facility will greatly help in the dental health care program of the local health office, which usually serves 30 patients daily.

He said the bus is equipped with two dental chairs, dental equipment, and power inverter that enables it to operate in powerless communities.

He said it will be manned by the three dentists of the City Health Office.

Zambo hospital, med school qualify for DOST 2016 Research Conference

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- Physicians from the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) and Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine (ADZU-SM) emerged as Regional Qualifiers for the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) Philippine National Health Research Week (PNHRS) Professional and Student Categories.

Brenda Nazareth-Manzano, DOST regional director, on Monday said the qualifiers are Dr. Alex Yongco-Pang Jr. and Dr. Adamier Abdulla of ZCMC and Dr. Lester Jay Corsame and Dr. Yrl Phares Agbayani of the ADZU-SM.

Pang, as one of the regional qualifiers for the professional category with his research entitled Clinical and Metabolic Profile of Male-to-Female (MtF) Transgenders Based in the region, sought to determine the clinical and metabolic profile of MtF transgenders in on self-prescribed and unsupervised cross-sex hormone therapy and describe any cardiovascular complications among MtF transgender currently or previously on unsupervised cross-sex hormone therapy.

Abdulla emerges as regional qualifier for professional category.

In his paper entitled Multi-drug Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis at ZCMC, Abdulla determined the association between Diabetes mellitus and rate of sputum culture conversion among patients with Multi-Drug Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Corsame and Agbayani surfaced as qualifiers for the student category with their research entitled An iodine Intervention Study among Children (six-12 years old) Living in Areas with Low Iodine Intake (iodine deficiency) and Sanitation Practices and Water Quality of Selected Water Refilling Stations in Providing Safe Drinking Water Supply in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay respectively.

Corsame sought to determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency among children ages six-12 years old.

During post-intervention, Corsame noted that there was a decrease in the number of children with iodine deficiency.

His paper helped parents recognize the current nutritional iodine status of their children and the harmful effects of iodine deficiency.

Agbayani looked into the sanitation practices of Water Refilling Station (WRS) in providing safedrinking water supply.

In his study, 15 out of 21 refilling stations used as sampling sites, received only a satisfactory rating with six having a below satisfactory rating.

Nazareth said the PNHRS Week Celebration is a yearly gathering of the health research community every second week of August.

Nazareth said the convergence of all health researchers from here and abroad takes this opportunity to keep themselves informed of the current trends in health, innovation, and research.

This year’s Conference theme is “Innovations and Development for Health and the Environment.”

It will be held at the Citystate Asturias Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from August 10-12.

Earthquake, tsunami contingency planning set for Zambo barangays

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 20 (PNA) -– The local government through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is holding a series of contingency planning for earthquake and tsunami for the barangays in this city.

Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, CDRRMO chief, on Monday said the first of a series of contingency planning for earthquake and tsunami will be held from Wednesday until Thursday at the Astoria Hotel’s Royce Convention Center.

Apolinario said they have initially identified 30 coastal barangays as first batch of recipients of the program aimed to prepare them for disaster mitigation and response.

Apolinario said priority had been given to the coastal barangays since they are the most vulnerable to storm surge and tsunami that usually occurs after an earthquake.

Apolinario said the two-day activity will be facilitated by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in partnership with his office.

“This (contingency planning) will be just the first part and then we will have two more similar activities. We will do it first to coastal barangays,” he said.

He said the contingency planning schedule for the rest of the barangays will have yet to be arranged.

This city, which has a population of more than 800,000, comprises of 98 barangays including eight island villages.

Zambo City readies for Chavacano festival

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – Preparations by the city government are underway for the conduct of the 2016 Cine Chavacano festival from June 20 to 23.

Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez, city tourism officer, told the Philippines News Agency that the festival would feature Chavacano film shows for free to the public, especially for the students.

The film showing will be held at the Centro Latino of the Paseo del Mar.

Hernandez said the festival is aimed to promote and preserve the dialect as well as in line with the commemoration of the 4th Dia de Fundasyon de Chavacano.

City Ordinance No. 374 declares every June 23 of each year as the Dia de Fundacion de Chavacano.

Hernandez encouraged the residents of this city as well as all radio stations to speak and play Chavacano songs for the duration of the festival.

Zambo City joins the nation in the commemoration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s 155th birth anniversary

(PNA), ZST/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 18 (PNA) --The city government, in partnership with the local chapter of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, will spearhead the commemoration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s 155th birth anniversary on Sunday, June 19.

The activity will kick off at 8 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony to be followed by the floral offering at the Rizal Monument in front of City Hall.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar will lead the city and national government officials, non-government organizations, academe and police and military sector during the commemoration rites.

The June 19 event seeks to recognize the life and works of Rizal, the national hero.

Born on June 19, 1861, Rizal was a nationalist, novelist, physician, a poet, and a prominent advocate for reforms during the Spanish colonial era.

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

The activity on Sunday is anchored on the theme “Rizalism: The Emergence of Peace, Solidarity and Good Governance.”

DSWD, Zamboanga City implement skills training program for IDPs

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 17 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the city government have forged an agreement for the implementation of a Skills Training Program with Employment Facilitation Services for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in this city.

Based on the program, 550 people affected by the 21-day September 2013 siege will undergo skills training on various fields with guaranteed employment opportunities after a 25-day training at the Our Lady of Triumph Institute in Ozamis City.

The DSWD, based on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), will provide the funding for the six-month program (June to December), the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will identify and assess the beneficiaries while the Lady of Triumph Institute will be the training agency and facilitate employment either locally or overseas.

The DSWD has allocated PhP35,000 for each beneficiary for fare, accommodation and daily allowance.

The funding allocation is downloaded to the training center on a staggered basis, depending on the number of trainees per batch.

Socorro Rojas, CSWDO chief, said 75 IDPs comprising the first batch of beneficiaries left for Ozamis City on Thursday to undergo training on masonry and carpentry for males and housekeeping for females.

Rojas said an assessment will be done for possible employment of the trainees after the training.

She said the IDP-beneficiaries of the program come from the different transitory sites or temporary shelters. They also include home-based IDPs.

The home-based IDPs are those residing with their relatives or renting houses outside temporary shelters.

Rojas said the beneficiaries of the Skills Training Program were identified through series of meetings, assessment and social preparations spearheaded by her office.

NEA allocates PHP14.9-M to energize 5 sitios, 1 island in Zambo City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 16 (PNA) -- The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has allocated PHP14.9 million to energize the Great Sta. Cruz Island and five remote sitios in this city.

The Great Sta. Cruz Island, which is located four kilometers south of City Hall, is a favorite destination of foreign and local tourists as it is the only place in the Philippines with pink sand beach.

Eng’r. Edgardo Ancheta, Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) general manager, on Thursday said the Great Sta. Cruz Island and five sitios in Barangay Limaong are to be energized starting this year.

Ancheta said the energization of the Great Sta. Cruz Island will cost PHP1.9 million. The project will be implemented through the Barangay Line Enhancement Program (BLEP) of NEA.

The funding allocation includes the purchase of a 50-kilowatt land-based power generator that has the capacity to supply electricity to the island’s 56 households as well as the beach.

The Great Sta. Cruz Island, which falls under the political jurisdiction of Barangay Sta. Barbara, is accessible by small boat ride from this city’s mainland.

Ancheta said the five sitios in Barangay Limaong, 83 kilometers east of City Hall, will be energized through NEA’s Sitio Electrification Program (SEP).

He said the sitios to be energized and the corresponding worth of the projects are as follows: Malanta, PHP2.1 million; Matiti Diutay, PHP2.4 million; Matiti Grande, PHP2.9 million; Look, PHP1.9 million; and, Siboctoc, PHP3.4 million.

Ancheta said the projects to energize the Great Sta. Cruz Island and all other sitios in this city is through the initiative of first District Rep. Celso Lobregat, who sourced out funds for its implementation.

Lobregat said the implementation of the projects is in coordination with Second District Rep. Lilia Nuño, who also sees the need to energize all sitios in this city.

Biology students from ADZU qualify for DOST-PCHRD Gruppo Medica Award

By Alma L. Tingcang (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay/with report from DOST-9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 15 (PIA) -- Three groups of BS Biology students from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) qualify for the National Search for Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis in Herbal Medicine, the Department of Science and Technology-IX (DOST-IX) announced.

The entries were: 1) “Phytochemical screening and study on the antibacterial property of Kalachuchi” by Ms. Fatima Fersayda Ukkoh and Ms. Fatima Ezra Viray; 2) “Synergetic antibacterial effects of Piper betle L. (piper leaf vine) and Areca catechu (areca nut) extracts against common dermal and gastrointestinal tract pathogens” by Mr. Abdelaziz Maldisa and Mr. Cooper Nikko Chavez; and 3) “Cytotoxic and antibacterial activities of the crude secondary metabolites of two mangrove species, Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophorastylosa, from the Great Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City” by Mr. Mark Phillip Ycaza and Ms. Monique Praico.

The DOST-PCHRD Gruppo Medica Award is an annual recognition given to relevant and innovative research work on herbal medicine undertaken by undergraduate students and highlights research that can lead to practical and/or commercial applications. It expects to provide the motivation for students with the technical guidance of their faculty advisers, to view undergraduate thesis not merely as an academic exercise, but as an excellent opportunity to contribute to national interest.

The award is open to all undergraduate students from the Colleges of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing, and Arts and Sciences who have completed theses project on medicinal plants. The projects must have been completed within the current school year.

Winning entries will receive Php60,000, 40,000, and 20,000 respectively to be announced during the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week Celebration on August 10-12, 2016 in City State Asturias Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Zambo City activates Task Force on Safe Water

(PNA), LDV/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- A task force has been activated to ensure the good quality and safety of water in this city.

The creation of the body, known as Task Force on Safe Water, is pursuant to Executive Order BC-181-2016 Mayor Ma Isabelle Climaco-Salazar issued last week.

The powers and functions of the task force include monitoring of water quality; recommend emergency response, activities and logistics; take active participation in all efforts concerning water quality protection and rehabilitation; and to coordinate with other government agencies and civil society and the concerned sectors in the implementation of measures to prevent and control water and food contamination.

Salazar said the creation of the task force came as a result of the increasing number of diarrhea cases admitted in different local hospitals from March 28 to present that resulted to the declaration of gastroenteritis outbreak in this city last April 25.

Salazar said there is an urgent need and compelling reason to address the situation as the number of cases continues to rise and rapidly spread to other barangays.

The Department of Health’s Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) said rotavirus was the main cause in the recent surge of diarrhea cases in this city and that the main contaminant was the drinking water.

The task force is composed of the City Mayor’s Office as chairperson with members coming from the offices of the City Health, General Services, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and City Planning and Development Coordinator, Department of Health, Department of Science and Technology, USAID-Be Secure, Zamboanga City Medical Center, Zamboanga City Water District and the Liga ng mga Barangay.

DepEd: Opening of classes in Zamboanga City generally peaceful and orderly

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 13 (PNA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) deployed personnel to different schools in this city to monitor all issues and concerns related to the opening of classes today, Monday.

Vinnie Gerard Elicano, DepEd Education Program Specialist II and Special Education (SPED) Coordinator, said the monitoring activity covers the areas on number of classes, teachers, materials used, resources available, enrolment head count, seating facilities, classrooms, classroom program, extent of Brigada Eskwela Program, Alternative Learning System (ALS), other special programs and most especially safety and security of children.

Elicano said the first day of classes was generally peaceful and orderly except for perennial issues such as lack of chairs.

Traffic was heavy in some intersections but the presence of police and traffic personnel helped ease the situation.

Elicano said they have yet to validate the number of returning students but initially, 146,056 students are expected for the elementary level; 55,167 for junior high school level and 11,757 for senior high school level.

Meanwhile, Elicano disclosed that the Oplan Balik Eskwela Information Education Center where the public can air their school-related complaints remains operational and “is ready to entertain all issues and concerns."

DepEd registers 9,665 Grade 11 enrollees in Zambo City

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that 9,665 students representing 85 percent of the 11,928 Junior High School completers (Grade 10) have already enrolled in Senior High School (Grade 11) in time for the opening of classes on Monday, June 13.

The 11,928 Junior High School completers for school year 2015-2016 are graduates of both public and private schools in this city.

Mildred Dayao, Division of City Schools’ curriculum implementation chief, told the Philippines News Agency that 5,803 of the 9,665 students have enrolled in private schools, including universities and colleges, while the remaining 3,862 enrolled in public schools offering Senior High School.

Dayao, without citing specific figures, said that most of the 9,665 enrolled students selected the General Academic Strand (GAS).

Dayao said the others had enrolled in other tracks available for Senior High School such as Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM), Accountancy Business and Management (ABM), and Humanities Social Science (HUMSS).

She said that some of the students had enrolled in technical-vocational tracks that include Home Economics, Information Communication Technology, Industrial Arts, and Agri-Fisheries.

She said the sports and arts and design tracks were being offered in some private schools but not yet being offered in public schools since they lack the needed facilities.

She said students who applied to avail of the DepEd voucher system and had enrolled in private schools offering Senior High School would receive Php20,000 subsidy while Php 10,000 for those who enrolled in State Colleges and Universities.

They will compose of the first batch of students to be enrolled in Senior High School under the K to 12 education program.

Zamboanga City joins Independence Day celebration

(PNA), RMA/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 11 (PNA) - The city government will join the nationwide celebration of the country’s 118th Independence Day on Sunday, June 12.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar will lead the Independence Day ceremony at Plaza Rizal, in front of City Hall.

Belen Sheila Covarrubias, City Hall information officer, said the ceremony would kick off at 8 a.m. with a wreath laying ceremony, followed by the hoisting of the flag, and the Independence Day message of Salazar.

Expected to attend the simple commemorative rites are the different local and national government agencies, civil society groups, the academe, the security forces, and non-government organizations.

This year’s Independence Day celebration is anchored on the theme “Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambangan, Pagsulong.”

DTI sets Negosyo Forum in Zamboanga City

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is conducting a forum aimed to promote and enhance awareness among the micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs) about the Go Negosyo Act and the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) Law.

Jamir Omar Abubakar, business development division chief of the DTI provincial office, on Thursday said the activity dubbed as Negosyo Forum will be held on June 20 in one of the local convention centers.

Republic Act No. 10644 otherwise known as the “Go Negosyo Act” created the Negosyo Centers which aim to promote ease of doing business and facilitate access to services for MSMEs such as: business name registration assistance; business advisory and consultancy services; business information and advocacy; as well as monitoring and evaluation.

Republic Act No. 9178 otherwise known as the BMBE Act of 2002 seeks to encourage the establishment and growth of barangay micro business enterprises through granting of tax incentives and other benefits.

“The Negosyo Forum aims to educate our MSMEs on how they can avail of the Negosyo Center services and the incentives under the BMBE Law. Since BMBE registration is now transferred to the DTI Provincial Offices through the Negosyo Centers, we seek to encourage the establishment of more barangay micro business enterprises by educating them on the tax incentives and other benefits granted under the BMBE Law,” Abubakar said.

Abubakar said there will also be a one-on-one consultation relating to marketing, finance, product development, BMBE registration, and other services aside from the lectures on DTI programs, Negosyo Center services, and BMBE Law.

“The Forum will also provide venue for DTI to individually determine the issues and concerns of the MSME participants and the corresponding actions to be taken,” he added.

He said that registration for the Negosyo Forum is open to all MSMEs and interested participants may visit DTI provincial for registration or call (062)310-3705; (062)991-2704 to 05 and look for Kathy Jusay and Garry Micubo.

Zambo City releases salaries of SPES beneficiaries

(PNA), BNB/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 9 (PNA) – The city government has started releasing on Wednesday the salaries of the first batch of students employed under this year’s Summer Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) right in time for the enrolment period.

Socorro Roxas, city social welfare and development officer, said the first batch consisted of 1,400 college students who worked for 20 days from April 11 - May 6.

Roxas said they can claim their salaries at the City Treasurer’s Office during office hours. They are required to present identification cards and certificated of identification in claiming salaries.

Roxas said each of the students receive PHP280 salary or for a total of PHP5,600 for the 20-day work period.

She said 60 percent or PHP168 of the PHP280 daily pay come from the local government while the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will pay the remaining 40 percent or PHP112 in the form of payment vouchers.

The city government has allocated PHP9.27 million for this year’s SPES program benefitting 2,760 college and high school students.

The SPES is pursuant to Republic Act 7323, series of 1999 as amended by R.A. 9547 which seeks to encourage employment during summer, through incentives granted by the local government units and DOLE on a 60-40 percent sharing.

The program intends to help poor but deserving students through their employment during summer.

Meanwhile, Rojas said the next to receive their salaries are the second batch of SPES beneficiaries consisting of 1,360 high school students.

Fire drill set at Zambo port on Thursday

By KAREN KAY O. RIVERO

The Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office of Zamboanga, will be conducting a fire drill on June 9, Thursday, at 9 a.m. to determine the preparedness of the port community in handling a contingent event such as fire breakout in the facility.

The drill is being carried out in collaboration with government agencies including the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Customs, Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, Office of Civil Defense, Task Force Zamboanga, Philippine Coast Guard, and PNP Maritime Group. Along with these institutions, port stakeholders such as various shipping line operators; the sole cargo handling operator, ZCIPSI; and other port ancillary services providers will be participating in the drill. The vessel, M/V Trisha Kerstin I skippered by Capt. Esparaguera of Aleson Shipping Lines, Incorporated, will be utilized as part of the drill. The vessel plies the Zamboanga-Lamitan route.

This activity is one of PPA, PMO-Zamboanga’s major commitments in its Office Performance Commitment, based on its mandate to continually improve Baseport services, especially in the areas of Port Safety, Health and Environment. Conducted annually, the fire drill serves as a test and an evaluation of the port community’s competency in managing a crisis. A fire breakout is only one among many contingent scenarios that the port facility may be confronted with. Other contingent events include natural calamities such as typhoon and flooding, earthquake and tsunami, as well as man-made disasters that include bombing, fire breakouts, and hostage situations, among many others. Two other types of drills on earthquake and tsunami are scheduled for the year, with PPA’s Chief Safety Officer Engr. Aishar Hadjirul and Port Manager, Engr. Liberto C. Dela Rosa on the forefront. Hadjirul emphasizes the need for preparedness in government installations such as the port saying that, “It is absolutely imperative that vital facilities such as the port be prepared in managing contingent events. The port community relies on its government leaders, and PPA is doing its best to be responsive to its demands.” Meanwhile, Engr. Dela Rosa stressed the importance in changing the public’s perception of safety, health and environment stability. He says, “We must internalize the culture and values pertaining to safety, health and environmental well-being not only in public institutions but in our homes, in ourselves. These concerns should no longer be left only to major institutions but must be personal, so that together, we understand the risks and we could manage the crisis, if it occurs.”

The public is advised to refrain from reacting with alarm and panic on the appointed hour as the drill is well-planned and therefore within the control of PPA and its partner agencies.

DTI-initiated Mobile Diskwento Caravan kicks off; 187 Zambo families benefited

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 7 (PNA) -– A total of 187 families have availed of the discounted basic commodities and school supplies on the first day of the 2016 Mobile Diskwento Caravan that kicked off on Monday in Barangay Vitali, 83.99 kilometers east of City Hall.

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional director, said that parents and their children troops to the venue to take advantage of cheaper school supplies and basic commodities in preparation for the opening of classes next week.

Rovelyn Araneta, a housewife, went to the venue as early as she can to avoid over-crowding as expected in such activities.

“As soon as I learned of the caravan, I immediately proceeded here. With so many people buying, it just pays to be early to avoid all the hassles. I have not yet eaten breakfast,” Araneta said.

The caravan was a huge blessing for them in the area, according to Araneta.

“For us parents, this program means savings for us. It’s a blessing especially with the classes opening next week. The prices here are a lot cheaper compared to the stores,” she said.

“We can buy some items here half the price compared to our local stores,” Janet Tatoy echoed Araneta’s statement, referring to some items sold two for the price of one.

“We really hope that such program will be conducted again here, if possible, a couple of days. Some, especially the 4Ps beneficiaries, would have wanted to avail of the discounted price but are yet to receive their allowance within this week. We just hope that this program will continue,” she added.

Jain said they will do everything to extended services to the low income earners in the far-flung areas.

“We want to reach out to our brethren in far-flung areas by delivering services right in their area. Savings is a big thing for them. This program saves them not just money, but also time and effort in going to their central market. We want them to know that the government cares for them,” Jain said.

The second leg of the caravan will be on Wednesday, June 8, in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay; Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, June 9; and, Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte, June 11.

The DTI-initiated MDC is in partnership with the local business establishments and distributors.

DepEd reiterates ‘no collection’ policy

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 6 (PNA) -- The Division of City Schools has reiterated the Department of Education (DepEd) circular emphasizing on the “no collection” policy in line with enrollments from Kinder 1 to Grade 12 for school year 2016-2017 in public schools.

Dr. Rosalio Conturno Jr., education supervisor for school governance and operations division chief, said school administrators and principals should comply with the agency’s standing policy based on DepEd order 41 series of 2012 issued by Education Secretary Armin Luistro.

Conturno said schools can only begin collections of authorized school fees by August “but then again, collections and fees remain voluntary and not compulsory.”

Conturno said the authorized fees, but not compulsory include Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts membership fees, Philippine Red Cross, Anti-TB fund, school publication fee and Parent-Teacher Association fee among others.

He said the Division of City Schools has set up a Balik Eskwela Action Center at its office in Barangay Baliwasan, this city, to cater to complaints, reports and all other issues and concerns related to school year 2016-2017 particularly the opening of classes on June 13.

He said the action center was set up on May 28 and will remain in operation until July 18.

The DepEd is expecting that at least 300,000 students will be enrolled for school year 2016-2017 in this city.

Dr. Pedro Melchor Natividad, DepEd assistant regional director, said that 240,000 of them are expected to enrol in public and private grade schools.

Natividad said that 50,000 are expected to enrol in Junior High School and 10,000 in Senior High School.

Zambo City allots PHP40.8-M for road widening projects

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -- The local government has allotted PHP40.8 million for widening of roads in a bid to ease the flow of vehicular traffic especially within the city proper.

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, OIC-city administrator, said among the roads to be widened are the intersections at the Sta. Commercial Complex and Barangay Lunzuran as well as the Gov. Camins Avenue.

Apolinario said the widening of the intersection at the Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex will cost PHP10.1 million.

The intersection serves as the main entry point of vehicles into the city proper coming from the east coast.

Apolinario, who is also the city disaster risk reduction and management officer, said the widening of the intersection will include concreting of the 3,347-square meter (sq. m.) road in the amount of PHP7.4 million, sidewalk (579.16 sq.m) of PHP694,992 and a 252.31 sq.m fence at PHP2 million.

Apolinario said the widening of the intersection in Barangay Lunzuran will cost of PHP5.2 million, which includes a slope protection worth PHP3.8 million and embankment at PHP690,709.50.

He said that PHP25.4 million has been allocated for the widening of the Gov. Camins Avenue, of which PHP5.4 million is budgeted for concreting, PHP782,665 for drainage system, PHP930,960 for fence and PHP18.4 million for construction of a bridge.

He said the widening of the two intersections and road would lessen traffic jams in downtown areas.

Zambo medical society to embark on health promotional activities

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

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) -– The Zamboanga City Medical Society (ZCMS) is embarking on health promotional activities to instill public awareness on how to maintain good health.

Dr. Jerome Barrera made this announcement after he was inducted on Monday as the new president of the ZCMS, the organization of the physicians in this city.

Barrera said they will adopt one barangay to become the pilot area of the health promotional activities. It will be in partnership with the Zamboanga City Medical Center and Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

“We will continue our health promotional activities in schools, radio, and television,” he told the Philippines News Agency in an interview.

He said medical outreach missions will be coupled with educational information activities to impart knowledge to the people on disease prevention.

He said that giving free medicines during medical outreach mission without information activities is not the effective way to deliver best health services.

He said among his plans include the establishment of local data of diseases and the conduct of valuable researches.

He said he will also strengthen the ZCMS, which at present has 626 registered members that represents only 44 percent of the medical practitioners in this city.

Aside from Barrera, also inducted as the new officers of the ZCMS are the following: Dr. Jaybee Bazan, vice president; Dr. Nurhada Israel, secretary; Dr. Norvie Jalani-Taruc, treasurer; Dr. Jennifer Doroja-Araneta, auditor; and, Dr. Muktader Kalbi, public information officer.

The Board of Directors are as follows: Dr. Nelson Ladja; Dr. Pascualito Concepcion; Dr. Jenivic Yao Romo; Dr. Fatima Concepcion Fabian; and, Dr. Erwin Barrios.

The ZCMS is a component society of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).

Zamboanga economic enterprises earn P18.9M from January to April

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 3 (PNA) -– The city government has earned PhP18.9 million in revenues from the operations of its economic enterprises as well as implementation of city ordinances for the first four months of this year.

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, OIC city administrator, said the big chunk of the revenues they collected from January to April this year came from the operation of the main public market that reached PhP8.9 million.

Apolinario said the second highest earner economic enterprise is the Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex with PhP5.5 million.

The other economic enterprises of this city and its revenue collections from January to April are as follows: Paseo del Mar complex, PhP2.1 million; Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT), PhP1.3 million; abattoir, PhP652,217.60; and, implementation of city ordinances and traffic laws, PhP52,200.

Apolinario said the bulk of revenue collection at the Paseo del Mar complex came from stall rental amounting to PhP1.2 million.

He said the rest of the collection from the complex came from the following: comfort room fees: PhP454,670; parking fees, PhP394,075; entrance fee at the musically gyrating fountain, PhP15,495; and rental at the Centro Latino convention hall, PhP25,000.

He said the IBT earnings came from the terminal and parking fees as well as stall rental.

The IBT, which is the newest economic enterprise of this city, had served 79,503 passengers, 2,531 buses and 506 vans from January to April, this year.

The city government started to operate the IBT in January this year after its construction was completed in December last year.

DSWD holds 2-day social welfare and development forum in Zambo City

(PNA), FFC/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 2 (PNA) -– The municipal and city social welfare and development officers have been reminded to involve the other stakeholders in reducing poverty in their respective areas.

Atty. Araceli Solamillo, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional director, issued the reminder during the Social Welfare and Development Forum from May 31 to June 1 in this city.

The forum was attended by 72 municipal and city social welfare and development officers from across the region.

Solamillo emphasized that the mandate of reducing poverty is not monopolized by DSWD, but should be a collective effort by multiple stakeholders.

“DSWD considers social protection and poverty reduction as a shared responsibility. It requires our collaboration and joint efforts with the local government units and other social protection program implementers to muster the resources, vitalities and intellectual capacities to produce an optimum result,” Solamillo said.

She said the forum highlighted the updates on the core poverty reduction programs such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Kalahi-CIDSS and Sustainable Livelihood program.

She said it also created an avenue for participants to raise their issues and concerns in line with the implementation of DSWD’s devolved programs such as Supplementary Feeding and Social Pension.

Zamboanga City completes summer sports program

(PNA), LAP/TPGJR

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 1 (PNA) –- A total of 2,715 young athletes have completed a month-long training in the summer sports program of the city government that culminated on Tuesday.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, in her message, lauded the growth of the young athletes, and their commitment to their sports discipline.

Salazar also extolled the program for instilling in the youth the values of sportsmanship and discipline, values which she said are essential in developing well-balanced and productive lives.

The Basic Sports Summer Camp Summer Learn-to-Play a Sport program is an initiative of the local government, through the City Sports Office, held every summer with the intention of training and building up this city’s pool of young athletes in various sports disciplines.

The program also serves as a venue for trainers to scout and train potential athletes for national and global sport events.

Among the notable graduates of the Summer Learn-to-Play a Sport program are weightlifters Nestor Colona, and Hidilyn Diaz, who will be among the delegates of the Philippines to the upcoming Rio Olympics.

For 2016, the program featured 26 sport disciplines: archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, body building, bowling, boxing, chess, dance sports, football, gymnastics, judo, karatedo, muay thai, pencak silat, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwando, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and wushu.

A closing program, held Tuesday at the Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum, capped the month-long activity, and featured the presentation of certificates of recognition to the 2,715 athletes, and the 246 trainers of the 26 sport disciplines featured in this year’s program.

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